cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ceramic Technoindgy and Problems of Social Evolution in Southwestern Iran

The use of the technology of manufacture of a class of artifacts as data to address questions of culture process {social evolution} is fraught with pitfalls. This is especially true with ceramic technology. The study of this type of artifact begins with a basic circularity for most prehistoric periods in most areas of the world. Many prehistoric chronologies are based on the most abundant and durable artifact, ceramics. Periods or phases are, to a large extent, defined by similarities in form, style, and production methods of these ceramics. Therefore using more refined assessments of the technology of production to assess changes occurring between periods or phases and to infer cultural change is merely reaffirming the cornequences, and reinforcing an image of abrupt step wise progression. This image is of little help in understanding the inner causes and dynamics of social or technological evolution. The use of more refined ceramic technological data to test the validity of a chronology based on ceramic data must be used with great caution.
Nursing home work environment characteristics: associated outcomes in psychosocial care

Little is known about how work environment characteristics influence social services professionals' ability to deliver effective psychosocial services in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and how such influence translates into resident-centered outcomes. This study combines data from a survey of facility social services directors in Washington State with State inspection outcomes from the Online Survey Certification Reporting database. Logistic regression is used to examine how facility structure and facility culture impact receipt of a survey inspection deficiency in medically-related social services. Results indicate that non-metropolitan location and larger caseload size are the strongest predictors of receiving such a deficiency
Diagnosing multiple sclerosis at a later age: more than just progressive myelopathy.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is usually considered a ‘young persons’ disease’, typically presenting between the ages of 20 and 40. In this study we review our experience with patients diagno...
Hizballah and Its Mission in Latin America

The activities of Hizballah in Latin America generally have been viewed by governmental authorities in the region as a security concern primarily because of its importance in bilateral relations wi...
Estimation of Microprocessor Instantaneous Load Current

The inability to accurately determine the die level current draw of microprocessors is a significant gap in the analysis and design of microprocessor power delivery networks (PDNs). Although low frequency methods of direct measurement are available, the large number of power and ground connections on a package makes high frequency measurements extremely difficult. This paper successfully demonstrates that the instantaneous load current can be accurately estimated to over 500 MHz with only a wide bandwidth measurement of the voltage at the die. The current estimate is obtained by using the measured output impedance to create a band-limited inverse filter to solve the linear deconvolution problem. The accuracy of the algorithm is verified by correctly estimating known loads drawn by a functioning microprocessor. Two separate methods are then used to estimate the instantaneous load current of a microprocessor executing instructions, and wide bandwidth io (t) results are presented and discussed.
Trapping and Photoacoustic Detection of CTCs at the Single Cell per Milliliter Level with Magneto‐Optical Coupled Nanoparticles

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been reported to correlate most closely with cancer development, and can serve as an important marker for metastatic malignancy, tumor recurrence, and prediction of prognosis and therapeutic effi cacy. Detecting and quantifying CTCs, however, have proven to be challenging due to their low abundance in blood. Based on magneto-optical coupled nanoprobes (made of gold nanorod and iron oxide nanoparticles) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging, we report the development of an enabling technology that can detect CTCs at single cell/mL level. Remarkably, at this low cell concentration, approximately 67% of circulating tumor cells can be captured and imaged with just one pass through the magnetic trapping zone. Compared to the conventional in vitro assays, this technology offers signifi cantly improved sensitivity, because it is inherently compatible with large sample volumes. Compared to more advanced in vivo CTC detection methods, this technology can solve the low throughput problem of optical imaging, and streamline the photoacoustic imaging process by combining magnetic enrichment and digital readout into a single step. Most cancer deaths are caused by metastasis, a process
Thin-film semiconductor NO x sensor

A thin-film semiconductor NO x sensor has been fabricated by reactive RF sputtering from a tin target. The gas detection is based on monitoring the sensor resistance change caused by NO x chemisorption on the sensor surface. The sensor is highly sensitive and selective toward detecting NO x in air. The chemical composition of the film was investigated by AES and ESCA. A simple chemisorption model is presented to explain the observed phenomena.
Genetic analyses of the federally endangered Echinacea laevigata using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP)—Inferences in population genetic structure and mating system

Echinacea laevigata (Boynton and Beadle) Blake is a federally endangered flowering plant species restricted to four states in the southeastern United States. To determine the population structure and outcrossing rate across the range of the species, we conducted AFLP analysis using four primer combinations for 22 populations. The genetic diversity of this species was high based on the level of polymorphic loci (200 of 210 loci; 95.24%) and Nei’s gene diversity (ranging from 0.1398 to 0.2606; overall 0.2611). There was significant population genetic differentiation (GST = 0.294; ӨII = 0.218 from the Bayesian f = 0 model). Results from the AMOVA analysis suggest that a majority of the genetic variance is attributed to variation within populations (70.26%), which is also evident from the PCoA. However, 82% of individuals were assigned back to the original population based on the results of the assignment test. An isolation by distance analysis indicated that genetic differentiation among populations was a function of geographic distance, although long-distance gene dispersal between some populations was suggested from an analysis of relatedness between populations using the neighbor-joining method. An estimate of the outcrossing rate based on genotypes of progenies from six of the 22 populations using the multilocus method from the program MLTR ranged from 0.780 to 0.912, suggesting that the species is predominantly outcrossing. These results are encouraging for conservation, signifying that populations may persist due to continued genetic exchange sustained by the outcrossing mating system of the species.
Thermal effects of continental collisions: Thickening a variable viscosity lithosphere

Abstract Based on data that indicate that the lithosphere and the crust are anomalously hot in some convergence zones, simple calculations of the thermal effect of crustal thickening are presented. The results indicate that post-tectonic melting of the lower crust requires high levels of mantle heat flux. It has been suggested that this high heat flux can be explained by the convective removal of thermal boundary layers thickened by convergence. To test this hypothesis a series of numerical experiments were carried out on the removal of thickened thermal boundary layers whose viscosity depends on temperature and pressure. It is found that the boundary layers can be removed quickly (10 m.y. in some cases). However, these layers are too thin to greatly alter the thickness of the lithosphere or the heat flux at the top of the mantle. A set of calculations was done with internal heat sources which give equilibrium lithospheric thicknesses half that of the thickened lithospheres. These indicate that the time scale for convective thinning by one half is extremely long (at least 100 m.y.) for initial lithospheric thicknesses of 100 km. Therefore, the lithosphere must be anomalously hot and thin before deformation for extensive crustal melting to occur after thickening in observed times (40 m.y. for Tibet). Finally, it is suggested that subduction-induced convection may raise the general mantle temperatures over a broad region behind a convergence zone. This effect can inhibit the cooling of the lithosphere for more than 50 m.y. after the subduction induced convection has ceased.
Cervical lymphadenitis caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria in immunocompetent children: clinical and therapeutic experience

Background Cervical lymphadenitis is a frequent manifestation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in immunocompetent children. Surgical excision, the treatment of choice, is often incomplete and may be difficult. A medical approach could reduce treatment morbidity. Methods Systemic antibiotic therapy was administered to seven children for at least 6 months as treatment for cervical lymphadenitis due to NTM: rifabutin and clarithromycin in 4 cases; rifabutin, clarithromicyn, and ethambutol in 2 cases; rifabutin, amikacin, and cycloserine in 1 case. Results All patients, six followed for a mean of 3 years and one for 6 months, were initially seen with regression of local signs of infection without relapse. Toxicity, likely due to rifabutin, was represented by neutropenia in three patients and yellow skin pigmentation in one patient. Conclusions Systemic antibiotic therapy was safe and effective in children with lymphadenitis due to NTM. This approach could represent a sound alternative or adjunct to surgery. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 20:245–249, 1998.
A novel wind-power generating system using field orientation controlled doubly-excited brushless reluctance machine

A novel variable-speed constant-frequency wind power generating system using a doubly-excited brushless reluctance machine is proposed. A field orientation control method is proposed to track the optimal torque-speed profile of the wind turbine and to realize flexible reactive power control. The proposed wind power generating system has the potentials of high efficiency, good flexibility, and low cost. >
Survival in Patients Operated on for Pathologic Fracture: Implications for End-of-Life Orthopedic Care

Purpose Life expectancy is routinely used as part of the decision-making process in deciding the value of surgery for the treatment of bone metastases. We sought to investigate the validity of frequently used indices in the prognostication of survival in patients with metastatic bone disease. Methods The study prospectively assessed 191 patients who underwent surgery for metastatic bone disease. Diagnostic, staging, nutritional, and hematologic parameters cited to be related to life expectancy were evaluated. Preoperatively, the surgeon recorded an estimate of projected life expectancy for each patient. The time until death was recorded. Results Kaplan-Meier survival analyses indicated that the survival estimate, primary diagnosis, use of systemic therapy, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, number of bone metastases, presence of visceral metastases, and serum hemoglobin, albumin, and lymphocyte counts were significant for predicting survival (P < .004). Cox regression analysis i...
Cultural Property Internationalism

Cultural property internationalism is shorthand for the proposition that everyone has an interest in the preservation and enjoyment of cultural property, wherever it is situated, from whatever cultural or geographic source it derives. This article describes its historical development and its expression in the international law of war, in the work of UNESCO, and in the international trade in cultural objects and assesses the ways in which cultural-property world actors support or resist the implications of cultural property internationalism.
West Nile Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 Inhibits TLR3 Signal Transduction

The innate immune response is the first line of defense against foreign pathogens. The recognition of virus-associated molecular patterns, including double- and single-stranded RNA, by pattern recognition receptors initiates a cascade of signaling reactions. These result in the transcriptional upregulation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines that induce an antiviral state. Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to antagonize these responses in order to help them establish a productive infection. We have previously shown that West Nile virus (WNV) is able to inhibit Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-mediated activation of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) (F. Scholle and P. W. Mason, Virology 342:77-87, 2005). In the present study, the WNV nonstructural (NS) proteins were analyzed individually for their ability to antagonize signal transduction mediated by TLR3. We report that expression of WNV NS1 inhibits TLR3-induced transcriptional activation of the IFN-beta promoter and of an NF-kappaB-responsive promoter. This inhibition was due to a failure of the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C) to induce nuclear translocation of IRF3 and NF-kappaB. Furthermore, NS1 expression also inhibited TLR3-dependent production of interleukin-6 and the establishment of an antiviral state. The function of NS1 in flavivirus infection is not well understood. NS1 is required for viral RNA replication and is also secreted from mammalian cells but not from insect cells. Here, we identify a previously unrecognized role for NS1 in the modulation of signaling pathways of the innate immune response to WNV infection.
Explicit Batching for Distributed Objects

Although distributed object systems, including RMI and CORBA, enable object-oriented programs to be easily dis- tributed across a network, achieving acceptable performance usually requires client-specific optimization of server inter- faces, making such systems difficult to maintain and evolve. Automatic optimization techniques, including Batched Fu- tures and Communication Restructuring, do not work as well as hand optimization. This paper presents Batched Remote Method Invocation (BRMI), a language-level technique for clients to specify explicit batches of operations on remote objects. We have implemented BRMI for Java as an extension of RMI, with support for batches with array cursors, custom exception handling, conditionals and loops. BRMI allows common design patterns, including Data Transfer Objects and Remote Object Facade, to be constructed on the fly by clients. The performance benefits of batching operations are well known; our evaluation focuses on the usability of explicit batches, but we also confirm that BRMI outperforms RMI and scales significantly better when clients make multi- ple remote calls. The applicability of BRMI is demonstrated by rewriting third-party RMI client applications to use BRMI.
Postoptimality analysis in integer programming by implicit enumeration: The mixed integer case

This paper develops a method for doing postoptimality analysis on the mixed integer programming problem. The proposed procedures form a natural adjunct to enumerative I.P. algorithms that are linear programming based, and they are designed, in effect, to capitalize on insights generated as the problem is initially solved to do subsequent analysis upon it. In particular, limited ranging analysis is possible on selected parameters, as is the efficient resolving of the problem following parameter changes.
Virtual Reality Graded Exposure Therapy as Treatment for Pain-Related Fear and Disability in Chronic Pain

Pain-related fear and concomitant avoidance behavior have been identified as major contributors to development and maintenance of chronic musculoskeletal pain and disability. While graded exposure therapy (GEXP) is advocated as one of the most effective strategies for reducing pain-related fear and disability, its practical utility and large-scale dissemination have been limited. The current chapter describes a novel virtual reality (VR) methodology to optimize exposure-based treatment for individuals with chronic pain, focusing specifically on chronic low back pain (CLBP). Virtual Reality Graded Exposure Therapy (VRGET) promises to address several major limitations characterizing traditional GEXP approaches and to incorporate cutting-edge disability-relevant assessment and intervention. Specifically, VRGET is able to mitigate costs traditionally associated with GEXP treatment, enhance participant engagement with treatment, provide real-time assessment of important metrics such as affective response and kinematic adaptation, and promote generalizability of rehabilitation gains across clinic and home environments.
Saving Admiral Byng: imperial debates, military governance and popular politics at the outbreak of the Seven Years' War

This article argues that eighteenth-century Britain was a nation divided between several competing visions of its empire and its domestic political society. Using the example of the 1757 court martial of Admiral John Byng and the hysteria surrounding it, the article examines the diverse roles the navy was imagined to play in those various future scenarios. It additionally explains why the most emphatic supporters of the Seven Years' War were, counter-intuitively, the most vociferous defenders of Admiral Byng, at that stage the war's biggest villain. In both 1727 and 1739, merchants and traders to the American colonies had pushed for a war which would assure Britain's economic dominance there; on both occasions they were thwarted by the political administration. In the 1750s, they believed they had been offered another opportunity. Yet when Admiral Byng was blamed for the loss of Minorca, some feared it was a sign that the navy was not up to the task. Those with rival continental interests took it as a cha...
Dependency extension and the family life cycle squeeze in Peru.

Several studies have documented periods of deficit financing and recovery associated with the balance between earnings and expenditures at various points of family existence (Loomis and Hamilton, 1936; Loomis, 1936; Lansing and Kish, 1957; Lorimer, 1967; Oppenheimer, 1974). Generally this occurs because the resource and consumption curves, while similarly shaped, typically do not coincide throughout the life cycle (Gove, et al., 1973). Wilensky has termed the period during which the family resource curve is lower than the consumption profile the "life cycle squeeze" (cf. Gove, et al., 1973 and Oppenheimer, 1974). The duration and intensity of the "life cycle squeeze" is influenced by socio-economic as well as demographic characteristics of households such as the number, timing and spacing of children, the presence of extended relatives, the absence of a parent, and the socioeconomic status of the heads. In general, the likelihood that families will experience a deficit income period is higher when dependents are present.
Rip-off: playing the cooperative negotiation game

We propose "Rip-off", a new multi-player bargaining game based on the well-studied weighted voting game (WVG) model from cooperative game theory. Many different solution concepts, such as the Core and the Shapley value have been proposed to analyze models such as WVGs. However, there is little work on analyzing how humans actually play in such settings. We conducted several experiments where we let humans play "Rip-off". Our analysis reveals that although solutions of games played by humans do suffer from certain biases, a player's average payoff over several games is roughly reflected by the Shapley value.
Neurologic Complications of Influenza a Infection

Eight children aged 5 months to 9 years with neurologic complications associated with influenza A were identified by a review of records of patients admitted to Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, during an early and severe outbreak in October and November 2003.
Potent inhibition of the aortic smooth muscle maxi-K channel by clinical doses of ethanol

We investigated the effects of clinically relevant ethanol concentrations (5–20 mM) on the single-channel kinetics of bovine aortic smooth muscle maxi-K channels reconstituted in lipid bilayers (1:...
Electrical properties of oil and oil-impregnated pressboard at temperatures up to 200 C

As shown in Figure 3, the 60 Hz permittivity of the blend of naphthenic base oils used in this investigation decreased almost linearly with increasing temperature. Using available density /temperature data for a comparable oil as the basis for analysis, good correlation is obtained in relating the change in permittivity to change in density of the oil.
Vision status among students in Yumin Middle School of Pudong New Area in Shanghai from 2008-2011

[Objective]To understand the status of poor eyesight in Yumin Middle School of Pudong New Area in Shanghai,provide a reasonable basis for further the prevention and control of poor eyesight in students.[Methods]The data of eyesight test among students in Yumin Middle School from 2008-2011 were collected by cluster sampling,and were analyzed.[Results]The incidence rate of poor eyesight in Yumin Middle School from 2008-2011 was 60.25%,and there was significant difference in incidence rate of poor eyesight among different grades(χ2 = 137.593,P 0.01).The incidence rate of boys and girls was 60.23% and 60.27% respectively,and the difference was significant(χ2 = 0.001,P 0.05).The incidence rate of poor eyesight in Yumin Middle School was lower than that of sentinel middle schools in Pudong New Area(13.30%),and the difference was significant(χ2 = 366.206,P 0.01).[Conclusion]The related departments should strengthen cooperation,design a useful learning schedule,improve the school building and learning environment,strengthen education,enhance the self prevention ability of parents and students,and correct bad habits and eye using behaviours as soon as possible,so as to effectively control the occurrence and development of myopia.
Research on The Garment Measurements for MTM

MTM is one of the developing directions in fashion field and has the widest foreground. The subsection measurements of garment type are analyzed according to national standard and the new ones are concluded. Then the relation between body measurements and garment measurements is discussed, and the garment measurements confirming is given some advance in the paper.
Production and Characterization of Chemically Inactivated Genetically Engineered Clostridium difficile Toxoids

Abstract A recombinant Clostridium difficile expression system was used to produce genetically engineered toxoids A and B as immunogens for a prophylactic vaccine against C. difficile– associated disease. Although all known enzymatic activities responsible for cytotoxicity were genetically abrogated, the toxoids exhibited residual cytotoxic activity as measured in an in vitro cell-based cytotoxicity assay. The residual cytotoxicity was eliminated by treating the toxoids with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide. Mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis of the EDC-inactivated toxoids identified crosslinks, glycine adducts, and β-alanine adducts. Surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrated that modifications resulting from the chemical treatment did not appreciably affect recognition of epitopes by both toxin A- and B-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. Compared to formaldehyde-inactivated toxoids, the EDC/N-hydroxysuccinimide–inactivated toxoids exhibited superior stability in solution with respect to reversion of cytotoxic activity.
Principals on the path to excellence: Longitudinal, multisite cluster-randomized controlled trials of the National Institute for School Leadership’s Executive Development Program

Abstract This paper presents a research protocol for three longitudinal, multisite cluster-randomized controlled trials of the National Institute for School Leadership’s Executive Development Program. This program is a comprehensive professional development initiative designed to improve leadership knowledge and skills of school principals across the United States. Through classroom instruction, simulations, interactive online sharing of ideas, and other resources, this program provides for a yearlong, cohort-based professional development program. To measure the effects of the program and coaching, longitudinal, multisite cluster-randomized trials (MSCRT) will be conducted in three states involving 270 schools to estimate the impact of principal access to the program and coaching on such relevant outcomes as student achievement, principal leadership skills, school climate, and teaching conditions.
Rethinking the urban and rural divide in Latino labor, recreation, and activism in West Michigan, 1940s–1970s

AbstractDuring the 1940s–1970s, Latino labor experiences could not be confined to either urban and industrial or rural and agricultural settings. Unlike large metropolises, Grand Rapids, Michigan is a mid-sized, Midwest city wherein the urban center and industrial labor opportunities are located within thirty miles of agricultural areas. I argue that Latinos in West Michigan used both rural and urban areas for labor to meet their economic and social needs. Due to the gendered realities of labor from the 1940s to the 1970s, women played an instrumental role in planning and executing the movement of their families between spaces. In turn, this community’s activism was not limited to the boundaries of urban or rural space. This research shows how Latinos etched out an economic and social survival in places wherein they are not the majority or have a plethora of resources. As the Latino diaspora spreads into areas in the southern United States, we can look to how Latinos in Grand Rapids and the Midwest lived ...
Tertiary Education System for Genetic Technologists, Counselors and Specialists

In the United States, genetic and genomic medicine is operated by physicians who specialize in clinical genetics and its related entities and laboratory directors who specialize in cytogenetics, molecular genetics and biochemical genetics. Allied health professions, including genetic technologists that perform genetic testing in diagnostic laboratories and genetics counselors that interpret genetic testing results to patients, play important and integral roles. To provide an overview on the structure of the medical genetics education system and its contribution to a well-trained workforce for genetic and genomic medicine, this report presents the requirements, curriculum and certifications from two representative programs for Bachelor’s and Master’s level genetic technologists and Master’s level counselors and outlines training resources for M.D. and Ph.D, genetics specialists. This tertiary education system has built up a professionally trained workforce of approximately 1,500 clinical geneticists, an equal amount of laboratory genetic specialists, as well as over 3,000 genetic counselors, 3,700 cytogenetic technologists and 2,500 molecular genetic technologists in the United States. This system is effective for undergraduate, graduate and medical students seeking a career in medical genetics and genomics. It also serves as a good model for genetic educators working on developing and improving medical genetics education in other countries.
Effect of 2-octylcyanoacrylate on placenta derived mesenchymal stromal cells on extracellular matrix.

Abstract Purpose Determine the effect of 2-octylcyanoacrylate on placenta derived mesenchymal stromal cells (PMSCs) seeded onto extracellular matrix (ECM) in order to assess its biocompatibility as a potential adhesive for in-vivo fetal cell delivery. Methods PMSCs isolated from chorionic villus tissue were seeded onto ECM. A MTS proliferation assay assessed cellular metabolic activity at various time points in PMSC-ECM with direct, indirect, and no glue contact. Conditioned media collected prior to and 24 hours after glue exposure was analyzed for secretion of human brain-derived neurotrophic factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Results Direct and indirect contact with 2-octylcyanoacrylate results in progressively decreased cellular metabolic activity over 24 hours compared to no glue controls. Cells with direct contact are less metabolically active than cells with indirect contact. 24 hours of glue exposure resulted in suppression of growth factor secretion that is near complete with direct contact. Discussion Exposure to 2-octylcyanoacrylate results in decreased metabolic activity and decreased measurable secretion of growth factors by PMSCs seeded onto ECM. Thus, the application of 2-octylcyanoacrylate glue should be limited when working with cell-engineered scaffolds as its inhibitory effects on cell growth and secretory function can limit the therapeutic potential of cell-based interventions.
Diplopia With Dural Fibrotic Thickening

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare disorder of diffuse thickening of the cranial or spinal dura mater without an identifiable cause. Most common in adult males, idiopathic HP typically presents with headache with or without varied associated focal neurologic deficits and findings of dural enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging in a linear, nodular, or combined pattern. As it is felt to be an autoimmune disorder, treatment with high-dose corticosteroids is typically recommended, and without intervention, the course is usually progressive. The disease can commonly progress with a relapsing remitting course requiring other immune modulators such as methotrexate, azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide for control. Here, we describe a unique case of idiopathic HP as it presented in a pediatric patient and resolved without immunomodulatory therapy.
Distinguishing plant population and variety with UAV-derived vegetation indices

Variety selection and seeding rate are two important choice that a peanut grower must make. High yielding varieties can increase profit with no additional input costs, while seeding rate often determines input cost a grower will incur from seed costs. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the effect that seeding rate has on different peanut varieties. With the advent of new UAV technology, we now have the possibility to use indices collected with the UAV to measure emergence, seeding rate, growth rate, and perhaps make yield predictions. This information could enable growers to make management decisions early in the season based on low plant populations due to poor emergence, and could be a useful tool for growers to use to estimate plant population and growth rate in order to help achieve desired crop stands. Red-Green-Blue (RGB) and near-infrared (NIR) images were collected from a UAV platform starting two weeks after planting and continued weekly for the next six weeks. Ground NDVI was also collected each time aerial images were collected. Vegetation indices were derived from both the RGB and NIR images. Greener area (GGA- the proportion of green pixels with a hue angle from 80° to 120°) and a* (the average red/green color of the image) were derived from the RGB images while Normalized Differential Vegetative Index (NDVI) was derived from NIR images. Aerial indices were successful in distinguishing seeding rates and determining emergence during the first few weeks after planting, but not later in the season. Meanwhile, these aerial indices are not an adequate predictor of yield in peanut at this point.
Why Everything You Think You Know About Growth is Probably Wrong

Appropriate for courses in business strategy at the MBA and executive education levels. By searching the disciplines of biology, economics, strategy, finance, and organizational design and behavior, Professor Hess in this technical note decides that the U.S. Growth Model has no theoretical or empirical support. Six keys to organic growth are offered, and the characteristics of companies with above-average growth are examined. Excerpt UVA-S-0172 WHY EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT GROWTH IS PROBABLY WRONG Most U.S. business leaders believe that: (1) businesses either grow or die; (2) all growth is good; (3) growing bigger is always better; and (4) public companies should grow in a linear, continuous manner as evidenced by ever-increasing quarterly earnings. For our purposes, we will call these beliefs the U.S. Growth Model. Grow or Die has been a key business axiom for at least half a century, recognized as such by Time magazine in 1954 and repeatedly since. Goggling the phrase “businesses grow or die” produces more than four million hits. Countless books and articles have been written about the imperative to continuously grow. The U.S. Growth Model Surprisingly, the U.S. Growth Model has been embraced without rigorous analysis about how well it describes the growth of robust businesses or its benefits or risks to businesses as an objective. Nonetheless, it is the foundation of the short-term business mentality dominant in many C-suites, boardrooms, and Wall Street firms, which expect quarterly reporting of the ever increasing growth. . . .
Does CSR Reporting Really Impact FERCs

ABSTRACT: As part of a study on the value of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting for market participants, Dhaliwal, Radhakrishnan, Tsang, and Yang (2012) document a positive future earnings response coefficient (FERC) related to CSR report issuance. They argue the reports allow investors to better identify companies' social and environmental performance and thus better predict their future earnings. Our concern is that they fail to consider that CSR reports are likely issued for reasons other than informing investors, and we further argue that the low average quality of CSR reports makes it unlikely that companies use them for informing investors of actual social and environmental performance. Focusing on only first-time issuances of CSR reports by U.S. firms, we find, in contrast to Dhaliwal et al. (2012), no significant impacts on FERCs. Our results are robust to consideration of report quality and potentially differing impacts for firms operating in industries facing higher levels of social...
Coordinate System and Hamiltonian for a Circular Accelerator

In this chapter, we derive the Hamiltonian for a particle moving in a circular accelerator. Our derivation uses several simplifying assumptions. First, we assume that there is no electrostatic field, \(\phi = 0\), and the magnetic field does not vary with time. Second, the magnetic field is arranged in such a way that there is a closed reference (or nominal) orbit for a particle with a nominal momentum \(p_0\)—this is achieved by a proper design of the magnetic lattice of the ring. We will also assume that this reference orbit is a plane curve lying in the horizontal plane. Our goal is to describe the motion in the vicinity of this reference orbit of particles having energies (or, equivalently, momenta) that can slightly deviate from the nominal one.
Theory of Ultrasonic Backscatter From Multiphase Polycrystalline Solids

Ultrasound scatters from the microscopic single crystals that constitute polycrystalline solids. The scattering originates from crystallite-crystallite variations in the density and elastic constants. For single-phase materials, each crystallite has the same density and the same crystalline symmetry. Hence, in single-phase materials scattering arises from the variation in velocity, which in turn is due to the anisotropy of the elastic constants and the more or less random orientation of the crystallites [1,2]. The situation is considerably more complicated in multiphase alloys where the density, the crystal symmetry and the elastic constants vary from crystallite to crystallite.
An In Vitro Submitochondrial Bioassay for Predicting Acute Toxicity in Fish

A new, rapid, and reliable bioassay for monitoring the acute toxicity of aquatic samples has been developed. The method is based on metabolic changes in preparations made from isolated animal mitochondria which affect theratio of reduced to oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH/NAD) as measured in a spectrophotometer. Stable submitochondrial electron-transfer particles (SMP), made by sonic disruption of the cristae membranes of bovine heart mitochondria, afford the most practical biological test material because these vesicles can be stored indefinitely prior to use as frozen or freeze-dried preparations with full retention of biological activity. Under appropriate conditions, SMP can be programed to reduce exogenous NAD + by coupled reverse electron transfer (RET) or to oxidize NADH by the conventional electron transfer pathway (ETR). Exposure to toxicants inhibits one or both redox activities by an amount proportional to the toxicant concentration. Hence, bioassay procedures can be based on RET and ETR tests which are often complementary. Reliable data can be obtained in 2 to 18 min without interference caused by "hard water" conditions. The toxicities of 64 industrial chemicals, inorganics, and pesticides to SMP correlate closely with the results from tests with the fathead minnow (r 2 = 83%). The correlation was substantially poorer between fish toxicity and available data for the same toxicants from another short-term bioassay utilizing the Microtox procedure. In the new bioassay, the biological materials of the SMP test are handled like a chemical reagent. The test requires only small sample volumes, has good reproducibility, and promises to be relatively inexpensive, rapid, and simple. Bioassay variants and potential enhancements of the SMP test system are discussed.
Segmented Filamentous Bacteria – Metabolism Meets Immunity

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are a group of host-adapted, commensal organisms that attach to the ileal epithelium of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. A genetic relative of the genus Clostridium, these morphologically unique bacteria display a replication and differentiation lifecycle initiated by epithelial tissue binding and filamentation. SFB intimately bind to the surface of absorptive intestinal epithelium without inducing an inflammatory response. Rather, their presence impacts the generation of innate and differentiation of acquired immunity, which impact the clearance of extracellular bacterial or fungal pathogens in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. SFB have recently garnered attention due to their role in promoting adaptive and innate immunity in mice and rats through the differentiation and maturation of Th17 cells in the intestinal tract and production of immunoglobulin A (IgA). SFB are the first commensal bacteria identified that impact the maturation and development of Th17 cells in mice. Recently, microbiome studies have revealed the presence of Candidatus Arthromitus (occasionally designated as Candidatus Savagella), a proposed candidate species of SFB, in higher proportions in higher-performing flocks as compared to matched lower-performing flocks, suggesting that SFB may serve to establish a healthy gut and protect commercial turkeys from pathogens resulting in morbidity and decreased performance. In this review we seek to describe the life cycle, host specificity, and genetic capabilities of SFB, such as bacterial metabolism, and how these factors influence the host immunity and microbiome. Although the role of SFB to induce antigen-specific Th17 cells in poultry is unknown, they may play an important role in modulating the immune response in the intestinal tract to promote resistance against some infectious diseases and promote food-safety. This review demonstrates the importance of studying and further characterizing commensal, host-specific bacteria in food-producing animals and their importance to animal health.
The Relationship of the Self of the Therapist to Therapy Process and Outcome: are Some Questions Better Left Unanswered?

Gurman (1987) has challenged the field of marital and family therapy to answer questions concerning the relationship of the therapist to outcome. An examination of conceptual and empirical literature regarding the relationship of the self of the therapist to process and outcome in marital and family therapy discloses that empirical evidence for such relationship is not persuasive. The author constructs a crucible for the field of marital and family therapy.
Institutionalizing healthcare hackathons to promote diversity in collaboration in medicine.

Medical students and healthcare professionals can benefit from exposure to cross-disciplinary teamwork and core concepts of medical innovation. Indeed, to address complex challenges in patient care, diversity in collaboration across medicine, engineering, business, and design is critical. However, a limited number of academic institutions have established cross-disciplinary opportunities for students and young professionals within these domains to work collaboratively towards diverse healthcare needs. Drawing upon best practices from computer science and engineering, healthcare hackathons bring together interdisciplinary teams of students and professionals to collaborate, brainstorm, and build solutions to unmet clinical needs. Over the course of six months, a committee of 20 undergraduates, medical students, and physician advisors organized Stanford University’s first healthcare hackathon (November 2016). Demographic data from initial applications were supplemented with responses from a post-hackathon survey gauging themes of diversity in collaboration, professional development, interest in medical innovation, and educational value. In designing and evaluating the event, the committee focused on measurable outcomes of diversity across participants (skillset, age, gender, academic degree), ideas (clinical needs), and innovations (projects). Demographic data (n = 587 applicants, n = 257 participants) reveal participants across diverse academic backgrounds, age groups, and domains of expertise were in attendance. From 50 clinical needs presented representing 19 academic fields, 40 teams ultimately formed and submitted projects spanning web (n = 13) and mobile applications (n = 13), artificial intelligence-based tools (n = 6), and medical devices (n = 3), among others. In post-hackathon survey responses (n = 111), medical students and healthcare professionals alike noted a positive impact on their ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, learn from individuals of different backgrounds, and address complex healthcare challenges. Healthcare hackathons can encourage diversity across individuals, ideas, and projects to address clinical challenges. By providing an outline of Stanford’s inaugural event, we hope more universities can adopt the healthcare hackathon model to promote diversity in collaboration in medicine.
Turing patterns on radially growing domains: experiments and simulations

We study Turing pattern formation in a system undergoing radial growth in two dimensions. The photosensitive chlorine dioxide–iodine–malonic acid reaction is illuminated to inhibit patterning, with a growing non-illuminated circular domain in which the pattern develops. We examine the relationship between the linear radial growth rate and the resulting pattern morphology. Faster growth causes the pattern to form parallel to the growing boundary as concentric rings, while slower growth leads to pattern formation perpendicular to the growing boundary. We observe three distinct growth modes for the Turing patterns, which also depend on the radial growth rate. The experimental results are qualitatively reproduced in numerical simulations using the Lengyel–Epstein model with an additional term to account for the photosensitivity of the reaction. These results may provide new insight into how patterns form in growing biological systems.
Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy: Transperitoneal Approach

Radical nephrectomy, as described by Robson et al. in 1963, is the traditional gold standard approach to the management of renal tumors (1). This procedure has an established success rate but is associated with significant postoperative pain and prolonged convalescence, stemming from the flank, subcostal, Chevron or thoraco-abdominal incisions typically used. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, as introduced by Clayman and associates in 1991, has become a suitable alternative to open radical nephrectomy over the 16 years since this first reported case (2). It is equally efficacious for small- to medium-sized tumors which are deemed not amenable to partial nephrectomy and also for larger tumors, in some cases as large as 25 cm (authors’ experience) (3,4). Cases with renal vein and limited subhepatic inferior vena caval thrombus can also be managed laparoscopically in high volume centers with extensive experience (5–9).
The Lived Experiences of GLB College Students Who Feel Supported by their Parents

Gay and lesbian individuals often wait until moving away to college before they come out to their parents. Individuals who are rejected by their parents often report mental health concerns, whereas...
Physician Deception and Telling the Truth About Medical “Bad News”: History, Ethical Perspectives, and Cultural Issues

Searight and Meredith review the ethical, clinical, legal, and cultural aspects of deliberate non-disclosure of medical “bad news.” The chapter explains how US norms for physicians’ communication of life-threatening illness to patients have changed over the past 60 years. The authors also discuss how cultural dimensions play a significant role in the disclosure of serious medical conditions. Further, the chapter examines historical examples of physicians writing for the general public and defending non-disclosure, thereby misleading patients that such practices are compassionate and a medical virtue. Searight and Meredith trace the gradual evolution of the norm of patient informed consent from the 1930s to the present and argue that withholding medical “bad news” continues to be a value in some collectivist cultures.
Reconstructing the mass and thermal ecology of North American Pleistocene tortoises

Researchers often interpret the presence of tortoises in Pleistocene assemblages as evidence of an interglacial age, based on an assumption that these fossils indicate thermic climates, as modern giant tortoises require. Since the Paleocene, tortoises have been common components of terrestrial fossil assemblages and have repeatedly evolved species of giant size. Whereas extant giant tortoises are found only on islands off the coasts of South America and Africa, at least two species persisted in North America until the terminal Pleistocene. These tortoises, Hesperotestudo crassiscutata and Gopherus “hexagonatus,” both of which reached carapace lengths of >1 m, were distributed across the southern United States. This study provides new metrics to derive quantitative weight estimates from measurements of the tortoise shell. The linear measurements of 69 anatomical features of the shells of 108 live tortoises indicate that the regression between straight carapace length and weight is most significant, with a maximum r2 > 0.99. This regression is useful for tortoises that weigh between 1.8 and 339 kg. This mass estimate, coupled with a heat dissipation rate derived from thermoregulation modeling, provides estimates of how long tortoises can maintain a viable body temperature at low ambient temperatures. Depending on size, a tortoise can survive a maximum of 2.3 to 33 hours of freezing temperatures, which corresponds to a mean annual temperature ≥22°C and a mean winter low temperature ≥7.5°C. This analysis infers warmer temperatures at Pleistocene sites with fossil tortoise occurrences than previous qualitative estimates.