cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assimilation of Simulated Polarimetric Radar Data for a Convective Storm Using the Ensemble Kalman Filter. Part II: Impact of Polarimetric Data on Storm Analysis

Abstract A data assimilation system based on the ensemble square-root Kalman filter (EnSRF) is extended to include the additional capability of assimilating polarimetric radar variables. It is used to assess the impact of assimilating additional polarimetric observations on convective storm analysis in the Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) framework. The polarimetric variables considered include differential reflectivity ZDR, reflectivity difference Zdp, and specific differential phase KDP. To simulate the observational data more realistically, a new error model is introduced for characterizing the errors of the nonpolarimetric and polarimetric radar variables. The error model includes both correlated and uncorrelated error components for reflectivities at horizontal and vertical polarizations (ZH and ZV, respectively). It is shown that the storm analysis is improved when polarimetric variables are assimilated in addition to ZH or in addition to both ZH and radial velocity Vr. Positive impact ...
Energy efficient CMOS microprocessor design

Reduction of power dissipation in microprocessor design is becoming a key design constraint. This is motivated not only by portable electronics, in which battery weight and size is critical, but by heat dissipation issues in larger desktop and parallel machines as well. By identifying the major modes of computation of these processors and by proposing figures of merit for each of these modes, a power analysis methodology is developed. It allows the energy efficiency of various architectures to be quantified, and provides techniques for either individually optimizing or trading off throughput and energy consumption. The methodology is then used to qualify three important design principles for energy-efficient microprocessor design. >
The Impact of Using Randomized Homework Values on Student Learning.

Much of the recent research on homework focuses on using online, web-based, or computerized homework systems. These systems have many reported capabilities and benefits, including the ability to randomize values, which enables multiple attempts by a student or to reduce academic dishonesty. This study reports on the impact of using randomized versus static homework values on student learning as measured by student performance on similar exam questions. Results indicate randomization can have a significant practical and statistical impact on improving exam scores, can reduce the rate of cheating, and can make homework a more accurate measure of student ability as the difference between homework scores and exam scores is reduced.
Spinal Cord Coordination of Hindlimb Movements in the Turtle: Interlimb Temporal Relationships During Bilateral Scratching and Swimming

Field, Edelle C. and Paul S. G. Stein. Spinal cord coordination of hindlimb movements in the turtle: interlimb temporal relationships during bilateral scratching and swimming. J. Neurophysiol. 78: ...
Clinical Trials of Endosseous Implants: Issues in Analysis and Interpretation

Abstract The majority of contemporary endosseous dental implant systems are based on designs and materials that, over the last three decades, have proved to be predictably reliable. With proper surgical and prosthetic protocols, rates of implant loss have been held to 15% or less over a 5-year period. This information was obtained largely through longitudinal descriptive studies, primarily aimed at obtaining implant survival rates under ideal clinical conditions, with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria for admitting patients into the studies. It is important to emphasize that under conditions of routine clinical practice, where patient selection may be more relaxed than in clinical trials and clinicians attempt to stretch the limits of current technology, the survival rates may not necessarily match those reported in the literature. Since “surviving” implants may exhibit characteristics likely to lead to eventual loss of the implant, for example severe osseous defects, such implants may not necessari...
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer: a suitable alternative to routine axillary dissection in multi-institutional practice when optimal technique is used.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for nodal staging of patients with breast cancer. However, unacceptably high false-negative rates have been reported in several studies, raising doubt about the applicability of this technique in widespread surgical practice. Controversy persists regarding the optimal technique for correctly identifying the SLN. Some investigators advocate SLN biopsy using injection of a vital blue dye, others recommend radioactive colloid, and still others recommend the use of both agents together. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 806 patients were enrolled by 99 surgeons. SLN biopsy was performed by single-agent (blue dye alone or radioactive colloid alone) or dual-agent injection at the discretion of the operating surgeon. All patients underwent attempted SLN biopsy followed by completion level I/II axillary lymph node dissection to determine the false-negative rate. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (86% v 90%) i...
Preserving Substantive Unconscionability

In Wrap Contracts, Nancy Kim offers both a withering critique of contracting practices in the digital world and a blunt indictment of U.S. courts’ failure to rein those practices in. In the book’s final chapter, Kim makes a series of bold proposals for doctrinal reform. Perhaps the most radical of these is her proposal to fundamentally change the structure of the unconscionability defense in the case of wrap contracts. Kim would do away with the dual requirements of substantive and procedural unconscionability in favor of a more “holistic” approach in which — in a dramatic reversal of current doctrine — the party wishing to enforce a wrap contract would have the burden of proving the contract “conscionable.” Under Kim’s proposal, this burden could be carried in only two circumstances: where the term at issue is expressly permitted by existing legislation or where an alternative term was available to the party seeking to avoid enforcement.In this very short essay, I explain why I find Kim’s diagnosis of the problem with unconscionability doctrine persuasive, but her proposed solution wanting in important respects. Reacting to courts’ willingness to enforce one-sided terms in wrap contracts provided bare procedural requirements have been satisfied, Kim proposes to eliminate unconscionability’s substantive prong altogether, while tightening its procedural one. In my view, this represents something of an overcorrection, one which may ultimately make it easier for firms to insulate one-sided terms from being invalidated by courts. If the backstop of judicial review of the substance of wrap contract terms has become unacceptably porous, it seems that at least part of the solution should be to fill the pores, rather than simply remove the backstop.
40-MHz Micromachined PMN-PT Composite Ultrasound Array for Medical Imaging

Ultrasonography is well known as a relatively low cost and non-invasive modality for real-time imaging. In recent years, various high frequency array transducers have been developed and used for ophthalmology, dermatology, and small animal studies. This paper reports the development of a 48-element 40-MHz ultrasonic array using micromachined lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) single crystal 1–3 composite material. Array elements with a pitch of 100-micron were interconnected via a customized flexible circuit. Pulse-echo test showed an average center frequency of 40 MHz and a −6 dB fractional bandwidth of 52%. The −20 dB pulse length was evaluated as 120 ns. The electrical and acoustical separation showed the crosstalk less than - 24 dB. An image of a steel wire target phantom was acquired by stacking multiple A-lines. The results demonstrate resolutions exceeding 70 μm axially and 800 μm laterally. Those results imply the great potential of the developed array transducer for the high frequency medical imaging.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Should medicine reach out to the spirit

(2000). Should medicine reach out to the spirit? Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 108, No. 6, pp. 19-25.
Advancing enquiry for system of systems engineering: paradox, critical thinking, and critical systems enquiry

The complex nature of the system of systems engineering (SoSE) field and problems it addresses amplifies the need for effective enquiry. Enquiry serves to invoke higher level thinking that can better ground exploration of SoSE problems. Effective enquiry for SoSE practice is an essential first act in any SoSE endeavour and serves to frame all that follows. This paper explores three approaches to enquiry that can support more rigorous formulation of SoSE endeavours. First, paradox is introduced through a series of apparent contradictions for complex systems. The 'resolution' of these paradoxes invites thinking (enquiry) at a more systemic level, providing insights not achievable from more traditional modes of thinking. Second, we examine the field of critical thinking as a vehicle to invoke more rigorous thinking about complex issues in SoSE. Finally, critical systems enquiry is introduced through a set of eight critical questions to invoke deeper exploration for SoSE-based efforts. The invitation of these three different, but interrelated, enquiry streams provides a guide to elevate thinking for SoSE practitioners hoping to avoid 'thinking failures'. The paper concludes by suggesting challenges for practitioners, researchers, and the evolving SoSE field concerning development, incorporation, and prospects for more advanced systems-based enquiry.
Contemporary heterosexism on campus and psychological distress among LGBQ students: the mediating role of self-acceptance

Contemporary heterosexism includes both overt and subtle discrimination. Minority stress theory posits that heterosexism puts sexual minorities at risk for psychological distress and other negative outcomes. Research, however, tends to focus only on 1 form at a time, with minimal attention being given to subtle heterosexism. Further, little is known about the connection between minority stressors and underlying psychological mechanisms that might shape mental health outcomes. Among a convenience sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) college students (n = 299), we investigated the role of blatant victimization and LGBQ microaggressions, both together and separately, on psychological distress and the mediating role of self-acceptance. We conducted structural equation modeling to examine hypothesized relationships. Heterosexism was measured as blatant victimization, interpersonal microaggressions, and environmental microaggressions. Self-acceptance included self-esteem and internalized LGBTQ pride. Anxiety and perceived stress comprised the psychological distress factor. Our results suggest that students with greater atypical gender expression experience, greater overall heterosexism and victimization, and younger students experience more overall heterosexism, and undergraduates report more victimization. Microaggressions, particularly environmental microaggressions, are more influential on overall heterosexism than blatant victimization. Overall heterosexism and microaggressions demonstrated main effects with self-acceptance and distress, whereas victimization did not. Self-acceptance mediated the path from discrimination to distress for both overall heterosexism and microaggressions. Our findings advance minority stress theory research by providing a nuanced understanding of the nature of contemporary discrimination and its consequences, as well as illuminating the important role self-acceptance plays as a mediator in the discrimination-psychological distress relationship.
Effect of a heptapeptide angiotensin analog on aldosterone secretion in the rabbit.

Effect of a heptapeptide angiotensin analog on aldosterone secretion in the rabbit. We examined the effects of an angiotensin III (AIII) analog, isoleucine-7 AIII (Ile 7 -AIII), on the steroidogenic and pressor responses to angiotensin II (AII) and AIII. AII or AIII (25 ng/kg/min) were infused alone or superimposed on an infusion of Ile 7 -AIII (100 ng/kg/min) in conscious male New Zealand rabbits. AII and AIII induced comparable increases in plasma aldosterone concentration, but AII exhibited significantly greater pressor effect. Ile 7 -AIII infusion resulted in significant inhibition of AII- but not AIII-induced steroidogenesis. Despite inhibition of aldosterone production, Ile 7 -AIII failed to block the pressor or renin-suppressing effect of AII. Inhibition of the steroidogenic effect of AII, but not of AIII, by Ile 7 -AIII may be taken as evidence that adrenal stimulation by AII is direct and is not mediated by in vivo conversion to the heptapeptide. The ability of the heptapeptide analog to block aldosterone stimulation by the octapeptide AII suggests that adrenal receptors may, however, have a greater affinity for the heptapeptide. Effet d'un heptapeptide analogue a l'angiotensine sur la secretion d'aldosterone chez le lapin. Nous avons etudie l'effet d'un analogue de l'angiotensine III (AIII), l'isoleucine-7 AIII (Ile 7 -AIII), sur les reponses pressive et steroidogene a l'angiotensine II (AII) et l'AIII. L'AIII ou l'AIII (25 ng/kg/min) ont ete perfusees seules ou en meme temps qu'une perfusion d'-Ile 7 -AIII (100 ng/ kg/min) a des lapins males, Nouvelle Zelande, eveilles. L'AII et l'AIII determinent des augmentations comparables de l'aldosterone plasmatique, mais AU a un effet presseur significativement superieur. La perfusion d'Ile 7 -AIII a pour effet une inhibition significative de la steroidogenese dependante de l'AII mais non de celle dependante de AIII. Malgre l'inhibition de la production d'aldosterone, l'Ile 7 -AIII ne bloque pas l'effet presseur ou l'effet suppresseur de renine de l'AII L'inhibition de l'effet steroidogene de l'AII, mais non de celui de l'AIII, par l'Ile 7 -AIII peut etre consideree comme la preuve que la stimulation surrenalienne par l'AII est directe et n'a pas pour mediateur sa conversion in vivo en heptapeptide. La capacite de l'heptapeptide analogue de bloquer la stimulation d'aldosterone par l'octapeptide AU suggere que les recepteurs surrenaux peuvent, cependant, avoir une affinite plus grande pour l'heptapeptide que pour l'octapeptide.
Lessons in Lifelong Learning Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Retirement

Many older learners are choosing to return to school to meet varying learning needs; some are returning to satisfy a lifelong desire to earn a college degree. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the motivation and experiences of adults aged 65 years or older who earned a bachelor’s degree in retirement and their perceptions related to this educational experience. The findings of this study, although not generalizable, have recruitment and instructional implications for higher educators and suggest pathways to better support this special population of college students.
An Empirical Research of Language Learning Strategies from the Socio-cultural Perspective——A Case Study of Chinese Students in a German University

The socio-cultural theory by Vygotsky holds that human social culture as well as social interaction plays a crucial role in the psychological development of a person.The results of the questionnaire and interview targeted at some Chinese students in a German university reveal that these students,affected by the interaction with classroom environment,learning subject and learning partner,have changed their learning strategies to adapt themselves to a new social and cultural environment.Among those improved learning strategies,cognitive and metacognitive strategies take up the largest part.On the basis of these findings,there might emerge a new research field for foreign language researchers.
Pilot study on implementing new tuberculosis control service system in Fujian,China

Objective To analyze the effect of pilot study on implementing the new pulmonary tuberculosis(TB)control service system("three-in-one"control mode)in Fujian.Methods TB reporting patients in 10counties from 2009to 2010 were analyzed,referral,tracking,arrival and treatment cohort analysis were carried out in the region,the effectiveness and problems of new control service system were evaluated.Results The register rates of active TB in Fuzhou and Xiamen were 61.62/105 and 94.02/105 respectively,the smear positive rates were 30.81/105 and 37.68/105 respectively,the new smear positive rates were 27.88/105 and 30.79/105.The rates reached or exceed the average levels in the same period of Fujian.The patient referral rates of two cites were 97.8%and 97.6%,referral arrival rates were 15.2%and 41.2%,the overall arrival rates were 91.8%and 96.4%(the average rates of Fujian were 96.7%,42.5% and 92.7% in the same period).The cure rates of new smear positive and smear positive patients in two pilot hospitals were more than 90%.Conclusion The government support and economic compensation are very important for the implementation of new TB control service system.
Imaging of hepatobiliary neoplasms.

Imaging of soft tissue sarcomas is critically important in the management of these patients. Whether CT scanning or MR imaging is the best test remains controversial; studies to support either modality exist and are reviewed. An integrated approach using clinical algorithms and radiologic studies to preoperatively stage and follow these patients seems to provide optimal care.
High accuracy broadband measurement of anisotropic dielectric constant using a shielded planar dual mode resonator

We investigate a proposed shielded dual mode planar “RA” resonator used for measuring the uniaxial anisotropic dielectric constants of planar substrates. Prior microstrip RA resonators have been unshielded, which introduces error due to radiation, especially for thick substrates. A detailed error evaluation is performed and presented. The resonator is long, allowing evaluation of nearly 100 resonances. Each pair of resonances of the dual mode resonator is evaluated to determine two substrate dielectric constants, one for horizontal (parallel to the substrate surface) electric field and the other for vertical electric field. Broad band anisotropic dielectric constants extracted from resonator measurements from 0.2 to 10 GHz are presented.
Computer-Aided Tomographic Thermography

The use of thermography as a medical diagnostic tool has been described in Chap. 25. In contrast to x-ray and ultrasound-imaging techniques, which detect structural differences, thermography is sensitive to functional parameters, such as circulation and metabolic rate, thus providing information not obtainable with other methods.
The use of muscle “creep” as opposed to relaxation in stretching braces: a pseudoelastic device

Traditional orthoses reduce muscle contractures by constraining limbs in increasingly more extended positions in which muscles and tissues relax. This paper proposes a new approach to achieve muscle stretching by applying a quasi-constant force without constraining any particular position. This is possible by exploiting the wide deformation range and peculiar mechanical response of pseudoelastic NiTi, which was utilized to built an elbow brace (EDGES). Per-clinical tests on two hemiplegic patients showed that improvement of resting elbow angle can be achieved in a week’s application and that this type of orthosis is much more easily accepted by patients than traditional ones. Further tests will address the possibility of stabilizing elbow posture through plastic tissue remodeling.
Theoretical Perspectives from Across Psychology

In this chapter we present the first half of our thorough interdisciplinary review of the disparate prior literature on external memory and how it interacts with internal memory. Here we gather and review theoretical perspectives from across psychology. Specific theories we cover include transactive memory and exograms. Topics we cover include metacognition (metamemory), prospective memory, working memory, human factors, and cognitive rehabilitation. Along the way, we also weave in relevant insights from our own data, reported in Chapters 2, 3, and 4. This review, along with that of Chapter 6, provides solid guideposts for further work on the interplay of internal and external memory.
Clinical Use of Opportunistic Computed Tomography Screening for Osteoporosis.

Opportunistic use of computed tomography (CT) allows assessment of bone status from studies obtained for other purposes.The linear x-ray attenuation coefficient is known as the Hounsfield unit (HU).HU values can be determined for any region of interest using standard imaging software.HU values stron
The fingerprint of a flow: wrinkle patterns in nonuniform coatings on pre-stretched soft foundations

We study the wrinkle patterns obtained when applying a thin polymeric film on a uniaxially prestretched soft foundation. The film is coated onto a substrate where it drains under the action of gravity, thereby introducing a continuous variation in its thickness. We first study the fluid mechanics component of the problem and derive the coating profile as a function of the curing properties of the polymeric solution. Upon polymerization, the prestretch is released and yields the formation of wrinkles, which are arranged in organized patterns, including fractals. We study a variety of scenarios depending on the relative orientation of the gradient of film thickness and the stretching direction. In particular, we characterize and rationalize the distribution of singular events in our problem where wrinkles merge to allow a variation of the average value of the wrinkle wavelength across the sample.
Reprint of “Effects of asteroid property distributions on expected impact rates”

Abstract Assessments of the risk posed by asteroid impacts depend implicitly upon estimates of how frequently asteroids of different sizes and properties are expected to strike Earth. These impact rates are generally based upon populations of near-Earth objects as a function of absolute magnitude, which are then translated to equivalent size frequencies by assuming an average albedo. However, this simplified approach neglects the broad distribution of sizes and properties among objects of a given absolute magnitude. In this study, we use a probabilistic asteroid impact risk model to more rigorously investigate the effects of asteroid property distributions on estimated impact rates as a function of diameter, energy, mass, and blast damage radius. We also use impact damage modeling results to compare the effects of the new distribution-based results on expected casualty rates for two sample risk assessment cases. The current study focuses on mid-sized objects with diameters of 20–300 m, which could cause substantial local ground damage but are unlikely to produce larger-scale regional or global effects. Particular emphasis is placed on sizes similar to the 1908 Tunguska event, which provides a unique source of evidence for such impacts and is often used as a reference point for damage potential and impact rates in the literature. Results demonstrate that accounting for realistic distributions of asteroid properties can significantly reduce expected impact intervals for these size ranges compared to estimates based on mean albedo, density, and velocity assumptions. These lower impact intervals, in turn, result in higher expected casualty estimates in impact risk assessment applications.
Adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients with sarcomas, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers.

TPS2650Background: Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has a long history of efficacy in metastatic melanoma, and is being increasingly considered across other sol...
The Method Behind the Science: A Guide to Conducting Terror Management Theory Research

Abstract Terror management theory (TMT) argues that human awareness of the inevitability of death has a tremendous influence on people’s thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors. Based on 30 years of empirical study, this chapter discusses methodological considerations when conducting research on TMT. We do this by (1) describing the various ways in which mortality salience has been manipulated, along with a discussion of different control conditions; (2) explaining the difference between proximal and distal defenses and when to use a delay (and the different types of delays utilized in TMT research); (3) providing information about various outcome measures, including worldview defense, self-esteem, relationship striving, and death-thought accessibility; and (4) reviewing work on moderating variables found to interact with reminders of death (both situational and personality characteristics). A brief discussion on future research directions is also provided.
We Shall Overcome: The Association Between Family of Origin Adversity, Coming to Terms, and Relationship Quality in African Americans

Because adverse childhood and family of origin experiences may have implications for adult relationships, the current study was designed to understand the associations between childhood family of origin adversities, and adult romantic relationship quality for individual African Americans in relationships (N = 1286) considering the potential intermediary role of coming to terms, self-esteem and depression symptoms. A structural equation model was conducted using a selection of data from the RELATE assessment (see www.relate-institute.org ). Results revealed no direct effect between family of origin adversity and relationship quality, however there were several indirect effects carried through coming to terms, self-esteem, and depression symptoms. Results also suggested that coming to terms associated with higher self-esteem and lower levels of depressive symptoms for the African Americans in the current study sample. Clinicians may find it useful to focus on assisting African American individuals in coming to terms with childhood family of origin adversity as part of treatment for depression, self-esteem issues, and adult romantic relationship problems. Additional clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Protocols for Routine Calculations of Protein–Ligand Binding Affinities in Drug Design Projects Using AMBER GPU-TI with ff14SB/GAFF

Accurate prediction of the absolute or relative protein-ligand binding affinity is one of the major tasks in computer-aided drug design projects, especially in the stage of lead optimization. In principle, the alchemical free energy (AFE) methods such as thermodynamic integration (TI) or free-energy perturbation (FEP) can fulfill this task, but in practice, a lot of hurdles prevent them from being routinely applied in daily drug design projects, such as the demanding computing resources, slow computing processes, unavailable or inaccurate force field parameters, and difficult and unfriendly setting up and post-analysis procedures. In this study, we have exploited practical protocols of applying the CPU (central processing unit)-TI and newly developed GPU (graphic processing unit)-TI modules and other tools in the AMBER software package, combined with ff14SB/GAFF1.8 force fields, to conduct efficient and accurate AFE calculations on protein-ligand binding free energies. We have tested 134 protein-ligand complexes in total for four target proteins (BACE, CDK2, MCL1, and PTP1B) and obtained overall comparable performance with the commercial Schrodinger FEP+ program (WangJ. Am. Chem. Soc.2015, 137, 2695-2703). The achieved accuracy fits within the requirements for computations to generate effective guidance for experimental work in drug lead optimization, and the needed wall time is short enough for practical application. Our verified protocol provides a practical solution for routine AFE calculations in real drug design projects.
Binaural Pitch Fusion: Binaural Pitch Averaging in Cochlear Implant Users With Broad Binaural Fusion.

Objectives Individuals who use hearing aids (HAs) or cochlear implants (CIs) can experience broad binaural pitch fusion, such that sounds differing in pitch by as much as 3 to 4 octaves are perceptually integrated across ears. Previously, it was shown in HA users that the fused pitch is a weighted average of the two monaural pitches, ranging from equal weighting to dominance by the lower pitch. The goal of this study was to systematically measure the fused pitches in adult CI users, and determine whether CI users experience similar pitch averaging effects as observed in HA users. Design Twelve adult CI users (Cochlear Ltd, Sydney, Australia) participated in this study: six bimodal CI users, who wear a CI with a contralateral HA, and six bilateral CI users. Stimuli to HA ears were acoustic pure tones, and stimuli to CI ears were biphasic pulse trains delivered to individual electrodes. Fusion ranges, the ranges of frequencies/electrodes in the comparison ear that were fused with a single electrode (electrode 22, 18, 12, or 6) in the reference ear, were measured using simultaneous, dichotic presentation of reference and comparison stimuli in opposite ears, and varying the comparison stimulus. Once the fusion ranges were measured, the fused binaural pitch of a reference-pair stimulus combination was measured by finding a pitch match to monaural comparison stimuli presented to the paired stimulus ear. Results Fusion pitch weighting in CI users varied depending on the pitch difference of the reference-pair stimulus combination, with equal pitch averaging occurring for stimuli closer in pitch and lower pitch dominance occurring for stimuli farther apart in pitch. The averaging region was typically 0.5 to 2.3 octaves around the reference for bimodal CI users and 0.4 to 1.5 octaves for bilateral CI users. In some cases, a bias in the averaging region was observed toward the ear with greater stimulus variability. Conclusions Fusion pitch weighting effects in CI users were similar to those observed previously in HA users. However, CI users showed greater inter-subject variability in both pitch averaging ranges and bias effects. These findings suggest that binaural pitch averaging could be a common underlying mechanism in hearing-impaired listeners.
Genetic Determinants of Childhood Obesity.

Obesity represents a major health burden to both developed and developing countries. Furthermore, the incidence of obesity is increasing in children. Obesity contributes substantially to mortality in the United States by increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular-related diseases, and other comorbidities. Despite environmental changes over past decades, including increases in high-calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles, there is very clear evidence of a genetic predisposition to obesity risk. Childhood obesity cases can be categorized in one of two ways: syndromic or non-syndromic. Syndromic obesity includes disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and Alstrom syndrome. Non-syndromic cases of obesity can be further separated into rarer instances of monogenic obesity and much more common forms of polygenic obesity. The advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing has driven significant advances in our understanding of the genetic contribution to childhood obesity. Many rare and common genetic variants have been shown to contribute to the heritability in obesity, although the molecular mechanisms underlying most of these variants remain unclear. An important caveat of GWAS efforts is that they do not strictly represent gene target discoveries, rather simply the uncovering of robust genetic signals. One clear example of this is with progress in understanding the key obesity signal harbored within an intronic region of the FTO gene. It has been shown that the non-coding region in which the variant actually resides in fact influences the expression of genes distal to FTO instead, specifically IRX3 and IRX5. Such discoveries suggest that associated non-coding variants can be embedded within or next to one gene, but commonly influence the expression of other, more distal effector genes. Advances in genetics and genomics are therefore contributing to a deeper understanding of childhood obesity, allowing for development of clinical tools and therapeutic agents.
Sequence of value-added activities in the multinationalization of developing country firms

Abstract This paper studies the sequence of value-added activities in the multinationalization of firms from developing countries. Analysis of twenty Latin American multinational firms, or Multilatinas, reveals three alternative sequences: start multinationalizing with marketing subsidiaries in all countries, start multinationalizing with production subsidies in all countries, or start multinationalizing with marketing subsidiaries in some countries and production subsidiaries in others. These alternative sequences are explained through the integration and extension of arguments from the incremental model of internationalization and its discussion of difficulties, and the eclectic paradigm of foreign production and its discussion of advantages. I argue that firms that benefit from a location advantage in the country of origin are more likely to start multinationalizing using marketing subsidiaries, firms that benefit from a location advantage in the host country are more likely to start multinationalizing using production subsidiaries, and firms that face difficulties in the transfer of products across countries are more likely to start multinationalizing using production subsidiaries.
Decidable models

A modelU is decidable if Th(U,a)a∈A is recursive. Various results about decidable models are discussed. A necessary and sufficient condition for there to be a decidable saturated model is given.
Debate: Is there a true global children and young people mental health crisis? Fact or Fiction: A South African Perspective

The article seeks to discuss the complexities that prevail in South Africa in attempting to understand the debate about whether there is a true global children and young people mental health crisis in the country. In the absence of reliable and current epidemiological data and prevalence studies, assumptions can only be made about the extent of the crisis when considering the prevailing social determinants of mental disorders. The lack of investment, limited child and adolescent mental health resources, and inadequate access to treatment complicate this crisis as many children and young people go untreated. The author argues that the debate should be focused on the need to address the risk factors that perpetuate the ever-increasing mental health concerns of children and youth in South Africa.
Some Questions of a Clinical Nephrologist Concerning Nutritional Therapy and Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

This chapter poses some questions about nutritional therapy in patients with chronic renal failure.
Pharmaceutical perspectives of cancer therapeutics

1. Tumor microvasculature and microenvironment: Therapeutic targets for inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis Chikezie Madu and Yi Lu* 2. Anticancer drug development AjitNarang* and Divyakant S. Desai 3. Tumor targeted macromolecular drug delivery based on the enhanced permeability and retention effect in solid tumor Takahiro Seki, Jun Fang, and Hiroshi Maeda* 4. Multidrug-resistance in solid tumor and its reversal Ho Lun Wong*, Xiao Yu Wu, and Reina Bendayan 5. Targeting of apoptosis signaling pathways and their mediators for cancer therapy Arun K. Rishi*, Xinbo Zhang, and Anil Wali 6. Role of telomerase in cancer therapeutics Kyung H. Choi and Michel M. Ouellette* 7. Polymeric carriers for anticancer drug delivery Dongin Kim and You Han Bae* 8. Application of nanobiotechnology in cancer therapeutics Kewal K. Jain 9. Receptor-mediated delivery of proteins and peptides to tumors Christian Dohmen and Manfred Ogris* 10. Protein transduction domain-mediated delivery of anti-cancer proteins Hiroshi Harada* and Masahiro Hiraoka 11. Current therapeutic uses of monoclonal antibodies Michael Axelson and David Gerber* 12. Cancer vaccines ZsuzsannaTabi 13. RNA interference for cancer therapy Kun Cheng* and Bin Qin 14. MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets for cancer Guofeng Cheng, Michael Danquah, and Ram I Mahato* 15. Targeted therapies for malignant brain tumors Matthew A. Tyler, Adam Quasar Sugihara, Ilya V. Ulasov, and Maciej S. Lesniak* 16. The complexity of the HIF-1-dependent hypoxic response in breast cancer presents multiple avenues for therapeutic intervention Tiffany Seagroves 17. Cancer stem cells: potential mediators of therapeutic resistance and novel targets of anti-cancer treatments Hong Yan, Jichao Qin, and Dean G. Tang* 18. Image-guided photodynamic cancer therapy Zheng-Rong Lu* and AnaghaVaidya 19. Functional imaging of multidrug resistance and its applications Celia Gomes 20.Gene expression microarrays in cancer research Jian Yang and Weikuan Gu* 21.Clinical trials and translational applications in cancer therapy Dineo Khabele and Derrick Beech
A Simulation Study of Path and Speed Through Double-Lane Roundabouts

This study assessed the effects of geometric curvature and lane demarcation on drivers' selection of path and speed in double-lane roundabouts. By means of a PC-based simulator, path and speed data were collected as subjects drove twice through six roundabouts. The six roundabouts varied in terms of pavement markings and geometric curvature on the entry and exit. Seventy-five participants were tested using a fixed-base driving simulator. The results showed that drivers maintained lane position better when the roundabouts had lane demarcation than when the roundabouts had no lane demarcation. Furthermore, lane-tracking behavior for participants exposed to roundabouts with pavement markings was similar to lane-tracking behavior observed in a recent field study. Observations of speed indicated that drivers drove faster through roundabouts with a large central island radius as opposed to a roundabout with a smaller central island radius.
A Maid Looks Back, and Laughs

"A Maid Looks Back, and Laughs" is a chapter from The Mutual Friend, a novel about Charles Dickens' final years which Harper & Row will publish in March, 1978. The novel is narrated by George Dolby, Dickens' tour manager for his great public readings. As Dolby speaks, it is the year 1899-1900 and Dolby, destitute, alcoholic, and dying of lung disease, writes his memoirs of his Chief in London's Fulham Infirmary. Just as Dickens acted out his famous characters during his readings-and just as Dickens reveled particularly in imitating the bloody violence of the scene in Oliver Twist where the brigand Sikes murders Nancy, the golden hearted whore-so Dolby imitates the darker moments (and characters) in Dickens' life. In his reveries and on his heap of pages, Dolby is Dickens; and he is also Ellen Teman, the actress for whom Dickens left Kate, his wife; he is Barbara, the more or less reformed prostitute who works below stairs in Dickens'house.(and whose section appears here). The idea, of course, was to make Dolby also always be Dolby, big and bald, stuttering, worshipful and sullen at once, tough and brave and more than a match for his Chief. He has the final revenge, which he learned from Dickens to acquire: he can put his nemesis on paper, and remake him according to his own needs. Dolby's character, Barbara, also has that revenge, and in the chapter below she writes Dickens and he becomes hers.-F. B.
CHEMICAL CONTROLS ON THE FATE OF MERCURY AND LEAD CODISPOSED WITH MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE

Mercury and lead were among several toxic metals codisposed in test lysimeters with municipal solid waste. Results of analysis of leachates from these landfills during the acid phase of landfill operation have indicated that control of mercury in these systems is a consequence of reduction of divalent mercury to neutral mercury metal. This process was found to occur whether sulfide was present or not. Dissolved mercury in these leachates will exist virtually entirely as chloride complexes. Control of lead solubility was dependent on the presence or absence of sulfide. In the presence of sulfide lead would precipitate as the sulfide while in its absence, the controlling solid was the sulfate. Soluble lead speciation involved significant fractions of both chloride and sulfate complexes. While sulfide has not been detected directly in these systems, levels necessary to control lead solubility were so low as to be indetectable by available methodology and thus its involvement cannot be precluded. Since some circumstantial evidence supportive of sulfate control has been obtained, the complete elucidation of chemical control mechanisms in these systems is not possible.
On impulsive models of multiuser interference

We present a model for the interference generated by a collection of geographically-distributed, bursty transmitters. Transmitters begin transmission at random times and locations, determined by a Poisson process in space and time. As each transmitted signal propagates to the receiver; it is attenuated by a power-law path loss and shifted in phase by a random angle. We show that the combined interference of all transmitters can be represented as an integral with respect to an /spl alpha/-stable random measure. Further; these results can be adapted to include the effects of fading, delay spread, and Doppler. The tools developed here may be useful for modeling other impulsive phenomena, such as automobile ignition noise and radar clutter.
Minimal flavor violation supersymmetry: A natural theory for R-parity violation

We present an alternative approach to low-energy supersymmetry. Instead of imposing $R$-parity we apply the minimal flavor violation (MFV) hypothesis to the $R$-parity violating MSSM. In this framework, which we call MFV SUSY, squarks can be light and the proton long-lived without producing missing energy signals at the LHC. Our approach differs from that of Nikolidakis and Smith in that we impose holomorphy on the MFV spurions. The resulting model is highly constrained and $R$-parity emerges as an accidental approximate symmetry of the low-energy Lagrangian. The size of the small $R$-parity violating terms is determined by the flavor parameters, and in the absence of neutrino masses there is only one renormalizable $R$-parity violating interaction: the baryon-number violating $\overline{u}\overline{d}\overline{d}$ superpotential term. Low-energy observables (proton decay, dinucleon decay, and $n\ensuremath{-}\overline{n}$ oscillation) pose only mild constraints on the parameter space. LHC phenomenology will depend on whether the LSP is a squark, neutralino, chargino, or slepton. If the LSP is a squark it will have prompt decays, explaining the non-observation of events with missing transverse energy at the LHC.
Abstract 84: Deletion of the Type II TGF-ß Receptor in Smooth Muscle Causes Severe Aortopathy in Mice

Introduction: Prenatal deletion of the type II TGF-beta receptor (TBRII) prevents normal vascular morphogenesis, impairs smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation and matrix accumulation, and results in embryonic death in mid-gestation (~embryonic day 13-14). However, the role of TBRII in adult SMC is unknown. Clarification of the postnatal role of TBRII has important clinical implications because TBRII deletion should ablate TGF-beta signaling and blockade of TGF-beta signaling is currently envisioned as a treatment for human aortopathies. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that postnatal deletion of TBRII in SMC would impair aortic homeostasis, resulting in aortopathy. Methods: We bred mice with a tamoxifen-inducible SMC-specific Cre allele and a floxed Tgfbr2 allele. Mice (6-19 wk old) were injected with tamoxifen or vehicle, and euthanized 4-14 wk later. Aortic mRNA and protein were extracted and Tgfbr2 mRNA transcripts and TBRII protein measured. Aortas were examined grossly after a thoracoabdominal incision...
Word Scales for Degrees of Opinion

This paper describes experiments relating to the choice of words and phrases for use in questionnaires and public opinion polls. It is concerned particularly with expressions of degree or intensity of belief or opinion, and of temporal frequency.Sets of phrases were presented to groups of subjects in random order, in serial order, and in context and the subjects were asked to place each item on a nine-point scale. From the results, the mean scale position and the ambiguity of each item were calculated; these data were combined with an index of the length of each item (in words per syllable) and the frequency of its occurrence in the language generally to provide criteria for the choice of suitable word-scales. A number of recommended sets of phrases are given, together with their appropriate scale ratings, positions and ranges.
Organization of Photosystem I Polypeptides Examined by Chemical Cross-Linking

Photosystem I from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was examined using the chemical cross-linkers glutaraldehyde and N-ethyl-1-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide to investigate the organization of the polypeptide subunits. Thylakoid membranes and photosystem I, which was isolated by Triton X-100 fractionation, were treated with cross-linking reagents and were resolved using a Tricine/urea low-molecular-weight resolution gel system. Subunit-specific antibodies and western blotting analysis were used to identify the components of cross-linked species. These analyses identified glutaraldehyde-dependent cross-linking products composed of small amounts of PsaD and PsaC, PsaC and PsaE, and PsaE and PsaF. The novel cross-link between PsaE and PsaF was also observed following treatment with N-ethyl-1-3-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide. These cross-linking results suggest a structural interaction between PsaE and PsaF and predict a transmembrane topology for PsaF.
The Effect of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Interfacial Fracture

This paper describes a series of experiments and analyses that were used to examine crack growth near sapphire/epoxy interfaces. Adhesion of the epoxy to the sapphire was enhanced by coating the sapphire with mixtures of two silane coupling agents that form self-assembled monolayers. A new biaxial loading device was used to conduct a series of mixed-mode fracture experiments. Crack opening interferometry, atomic force microscopy, and angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy allowed cohesive zone sizes, fracture surface topographies, and loci of fracture to be established. The experiments were complemented by finite element analyses that accounted for the rate- and pressure-dependent yielding of the epoxy. The analyses also made use of traction-separation laws to represent the various interphases that were produced by the mixed monolayers. The intrinsic toughness (defined as the area underneath the traction-separation curve) of the bare sapphire interfaces was independent of mode-mix and lower than values from previous experiments with glass/epoxy and quartz/epoxy specimens. The increase in overall toughness with mode-mix was completely accounted for by viscoplastic dissipation in the epoxy outside the cohesive zone. The minimum toughness of the coated sapphire interfaces was about five times higher than the mode-mix independent intrinsic toughness of the uncoated specimens. The increase in overall toughness with mode-mix was almost completely accounted for by increases in the intrinsic toughness as the traction-separation law varied with mode-mix. As a result, viscoplastic dissipation outside the cohesive zone was minimal. Atomic force fractography and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the crack growth mechanisms and the loci of fracture in the coated and uncoated specimens were quite different.