cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A VORTEX MODEL FOR WALL FLAME HEIGHT

A two-dimensional vortex model is developed to describe flames on burning walls. The flame is considered a region of intense vorticity generation and is modeled by an equivalent vortex filament. Flame height is predicted by match ing the induced airflow to stoichiometric requirements based on wall mass loss rate or energy release rate. The vortex model predicts the same two-thirds power law relationship that has been determined from other approaches. The quantitative predicted height is within the published limits of experimental certainty.
Associations among Middle School Students' Bullying Roles and Social Skills.

This study explored the relations among self-reported bully participant role behaviors (i.e., bullying, assisting, experiencing victimization, defending, and outsider behavior) and self-reported social skills (i.e., cooperation, assertion, empathy, and self-control) among boys and girls. The sample consisted of 636 middle school students (52% boys, 84% White). Results indicated several significant relations between bullying participant behaviors and social skills with some gender differences in those relations as well. Most notably, defenders have higher levels of multiple social skills. Future research should seek out additional information regarding inter- and intra-personal characteristics in order to be able to better understand bullying participant role behaviors.
The cellular basis for phenotypic plasticity of body size in Western Spadefoot toad (Spea hammondi) tadpoles : patterns of cell growth and recruitment in response to food and temperature manipulations

Body size is highly variable within and among populations, both as a result of genetic variation and as a plastic response to environmental variation. From a proximate perspective, body size depends upon cell size, cell number, and extracellular matrix, but we know little about their independent contributions to size nor how these contributions vary with environmental influences. Here, I introduce the tail muscle of anuran tadpoles as a new system for studying this issue. Body size and tail size of tadpoles is sensitive to variation in food and temperature. I show first that tail muscle size is strongly correlated with overall body size, thus making it a good tissue to study size regulation. Second, the relative role of cell size and cell number, but not extracellular matrix, shows an interaction between food and temperature treatments and across ages. For example, in young tadpoles food effects on size are due exclusively to cell size at low temperatures but both cell size and number at high temperatures. This pattern partially reverses for older tadpoles. Despite the complexity of this interaction, the two populations compared show nearly identical patterns, suggesting that the plastic response is robust.
Rapid equilibration of warfarin between rat tissue and plasma

Plasma and tissue concentrations of warfarin in the rat were measured as a function of time following a 10 mg/kg intravenous dose. The mathematical interpretation of the experimental results suggested that the data could be explained in terms of a two-compartment open model. Following equilibration, which occurred within a few minutes after injection, individual tissue levels and plasma levels of warfarin were found to be always directly proportional.
Linearly Polarized Modes of a Corrugated Metallic Waveguide

A linearly polarized (LPmn) mode basis set for oversized, corrugated, metallic waveguides is derived for the special case of quarter-wavelength-depth circumferential corrugations. The relationship between the LPmn modes and the conventional modes (HEmn, EHmn, TE0n, TM0n) of the corrugated guide is shown. The loss in a gap or equivalent miter bend in the waveguide is calculated for single-mode and multimode propagation on the line. In the latter case, it is shown that modes of the same symmetry interfere with one another, causing enhanced or reduced loss, depending on the relative phase of the modes. If two modes with azimuthal (m) indexes that differ by one propagate in the waveguide, the resultant centroid and the tilt angle of radiation at the guide end are shown to be related through a constant of the motion. These results describe the propagation of high-power linearly polarized radiation in overmoded corrugated waveguides.
Effect of Asymmetric Directional Spreading on the Total Radiation Stress

AbstractThe process of wave refraction in nearshore zones can result in an asymmetric directional distribution of spectral energy when oblique, multi-directional wave fields propagate into shallow water areas. Here the effect of this directional asymmetry on the net wave-induced radiation stresses is analyzed. The net radiation stresses are calculated for a shoaled JONSWAP frequency spectrum with both symmetric and asymmetric directional distributions and then compared with those calculated from the commonly-used monochromatic formulation (appropriate for spectra that are narrow-banded in frequency and directions). Past studies have demonstrated that the use of the monochromatic approximation in radiation stress calculations results in a significant overestimation of the radiation stress components Sxx and Sxy in broad-banded seas. The present results show that the inclusion of directional asymmetry in radiation stress calculations reduces this overestimation for Sxx but increases the overestimation for S...
Micro‐Indentation Fracture Toughness Evaluation with a Novel Microscopy

A novel microscopy is developed for evaluating the fracture toughness of thin ceramic sheets using the micro-indentation method. This microscopy overcomes the theoretical limit of measurement resolution associated with optical microscopes. Using a modified optical microscope, the crack lengths produced by micro-indentation on the surface of an as-fired ceramic sheet can now be measured. Experimental results on an 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic substrate show that the accuracy of the fracture toughness evaluation is satisfactory. This micro-indentation fracture toughness evaluation method is efficient and economical for thin ceramic substrate surfaces, either polished or as-fired.
Accidental virulence, cryptic pathogenesis, martians, lost hosts, and the pathogenicity of environmental microbes.

Why do only certain microbes have the capacity to be virulent, and why are certain microbes virulent only in certain hosts? These fundamental questions have shaped and directed the thinking of microbiologists and the field of microbial pathogenesis since the germ theory of disease was proposed in
Monitoring Atomicity in Concurrent Programs

We study the problem of monitoring concurrent program runs for atomicity violations. Unearthing fundamental results behind scheduling algorithms in database control, we build space-efficient monitoring algorithms for checking atomicity that use space polynomial in the number of active threads and entities, and independent of the length of the run monitored. Second, by interpreting the monitoring algorithm as a finite automaton, we solve the model checking problem for atomicity of finite-state concurrent models. This establishes (for the first time) that model checking finite-state concurrent models for atomicity is decidable, and remedies incorrect proofs published in the literature. Finally, we exhibit experimental evidence that our atomicity monitoring algorithm gives substantial time and space benefits on benchmark applications.
Thermochemical parameters of minerals from oxygen-buffered hydrothermal equilibrium data: Method, application to annite and almandine

Reversed univariant hydrothermal phase-equilibrium reactions, in which a redox reaction occurs and is controlled by oxygen buffers, can be used to extract thermochemical data on minerals. The dominant gaseous species present, even for relatively oxidizing buffers such as the QFM buffer, are H2O and H2; the main problem is to calculate the chemical potentials of these components in a binary mixture. The mixing of these two species in the gas phase was assumed by Eugster and Wones (1962) to be ideal; this assumption allows calculation of the chemical potentials of the two components in a binary gas mixture, using data in the literature. A simple-mixture model of nonideal mixing, such as that proposed by Shaw (1967), can also be combined with the equations of state for oxygen buffers to permit derivation of the chemical potentials of the two components. The two mixing models yield closely comparable results for the more oxidizing buffers such as the QFM buffer. For reducing buffers such as IQF, the nonideal-mixing correction can be significant and the Shaw model is better. The procedure of calculation of mineralogical thermochemical data, in reactions where hydrogen and H2O simultaneously appear, is applied to the experimental data on annite, given by Wones et al. (1971), and on almandine, given by Hsu (1968). For annite the results are: Standard entropy of formation from the elements, S f 0 (298, 1)=−283.35±2.2 gb/gf, S 0 (298, 1) =+92.5 gb/gf. G f 0 (298, 1)=−1148.2±6 kcal, and H f 0 (298, 1)=−1232.7±7 kcal. For almandine, the calculation takes into account the mutual solution of FeAl2O4 (Hc) in magnetite and of Fe3O4 (Mt) in hercynite and the temperature dependence of this solid solution, as given by Turnock and Eugster (1962); the calculations assume a regular-solution model for this binary spinel system. The standard entropy of formation of almandine, S f,A 0 (298, 1) is −272.33±3 gb/gf. The third law entropy, S 0 (298, 1) is +68.3±3 gb/gf, a value much less than the oxide-sum estimate but the deviation is nearly the same as that of grossularite, referring to a comparable set of oxide standard states. The Gibbs free energy G f,A 0 (298, 1) is −1192.36±4 kcal, and the enthalpy H f,A 0 (298, 1) is −1273.56±5 kcal.
ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLIDS (STERNORRHYNCHA: PSYLLIDAE) AND GREENING DISEASE OF CITRUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF RISK IN FLORIDA

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, was discovered in Florida in 1998. It can be one of the most serious pests of citrus if the pathogens that cause citrus greening disease (huanglongbing) are present. Citrus greening recently has been reported in Brazil by Fundecitrus, Brazil. The establishment of D. citri in Florida increases the possibility that the disease may become established. Diaphorina citri can be separated from about 13 other species of psyllids reported on citrus. The biology of D. citri makes it ideally suited to the Florida climate. Only two species, D. citri and Trioza erytreae (del Guercio), have been implicated in spread of citrus greening, a disease caused by highly fastidious phloem-inhabiting bacteria. The disease is characterized by blotchy mottle on the leaves, and misshapen, poorly colored off-tasting fruit. In areas where the disease is endemic, citrus trees may live for only 5-8 years and never bear usable fruit. The disease occurs throughout much of Asia and Africa south of the Sahara Desert, on several small islands in the Indian Ocean, and in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. Transmission of citrus greening occurs primarily via infective citrus psyllids and grafting. It is transmissible experimentally through dodder and might be transmitted by seed from infected plants and transovarially in psyllid vectors. Citrus greening disease is restricted to Citrus and close citrus relatives because of the narrow host range of the psyllid vectors. Management of citrus greening disease is difficult and requires an integrated approach including use of clean stock, elimination of inoculum via voluntary and regulatory means, use of pesticides to control psyllid vectors in the citrus crop, and biological control of psyllid vectors in non-crop reservoirs. There is no place in the world where citrus greening disease occurs that it is under completely successful management. Eradication of citrus greening disease may be possible if it is detected early. Research is needed on rapid and robust diagnosis, disease epidemiology, and psyllid vector control.
Common-mask guided image reconstruction (c-MGIR) for enhanced 4D cone-beam computed tomography.

Compared to 3D cone beam computed tomography (3D CBCT), the image quality of commercially available four-dimensional (4D) CBCT is severely impaired due to the insufficient amount of projection data available for each phase. Since the traditional Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK)-based algorithm is infeasible for reconstructing high quality 4D CBCT images with limited projections, investigators had developed several compress-sensing (CS) based algorithms to improve image quality. The aim of this study is to develop a novel algorithm which can provide better image quality than the FDK and other CS based algorithms with limited projections. We named this algorithm 'the common mask guided image reconstruction' (c-MGIR).In c-MGIR, the unknown CBCT volume is mathematically modeled as a combination of phase-specific motion vectors and phase-independent static vectors. The common-mask matrix, which is the key concept behind the c-MGIR algorithm, separates the common static part across all phase images from the possible moving part in each phase image. The moving part and the static part of the volumes were then alternatively updated by solving two sub-minimization problems iteratively. As the novel mathematical transformation allows the static volume and moving volumes to be updated (during each iteration) with global projections and 'well' solved static volume respectively, the algorithm was able to reduce the noise and under-sampling artifact (an issue faced by other algorithms) to the maximum extent. To evaluate the performance of our proposed c-MGIR, we utilized imaging data from both numerical phantoms and a lung cancer patient. The qualities of the images reconstructed with c-MGIR were compared with (1) standard FDK algorithm, (2) conventional total variation (CTV) based algorithm, (3) prior image constrained compressed sensing (PICCS) algorithm, and (4) motion-map constrained image reconstruction (MCIR) algorithm, respectively. To improve the efficiency of the algorithm, the code was implemented with a graphic processing unit for parallel processing purposes.Root mean square error (RMSE) between the ground truth and reconstructed volumes of the numerical phantom were in the descending order of FDK, CTV, PICCS, MCIR, and c-MGIR for all phases. Specifically, the means and the standard deviations of the RMSE of FDK, CTV, PICCS, MCIR and c-MGIR for all phases were 42.64 ± 6.5%, 3.63 ± 0.83%, 1.31% ± 0.09%, 0.86% ± 0.11% and 0.52 % ± 0.02%, respectively. The image quality of the patient case also indicated the superiority of c-MGIR compared to other algorithms.The results indicated that clinically viable 4D CBCT images can be reconstructed while requiring no more projection data than a typical clinical 3D CBCT scan. This makes c-MGIR a potential online reconstruction algorithm for 4D CBCT, which can provide much better image quality than other available algorithms, while requiring less dose and potentially less scanning time.
Allocation of child medical care decision-making authority: a suggested interest analysis.

L EGAL responsibility for medical care decisions about children is shared at present by parents, children, medical practitioners, and the state. The division of authority is often prescribed by largely unrelated rules in several areas of law, including the common law of battery, family law principles of intrafamilial rights and duties, child neglect statutes, public health laws, and school codes. The result is a great deal of tension and inconsistency in the overall allocational scheme. Difficulties in the rules of each area simply multiply the overall confusion. Reform has begun, primarily in the form of state legislative changes. The law of children generally is in a state of flux, and the arrival of national health insurance may provide further impetus for a rethinking of the rules allocating child medical care decisionmaking authority. This article will review the present allocational scheme and then suggest some guidelines for reform, based on an analysis of the interests and roles of each of the four principal actors in the decisionmaking process. Although this type of interest analysis is not new to legal literature, it has played surprisingly little part in the development of the present allocational rules.
Comparative study of three techniques for the detection of EV71 virus

Objective To explore the different ways in enterovirus 71(EV71) detection results compared,lay the foundation of quick diagnosis on the disease.Methods The three methods for ELISA,fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and RT-PCR were used and compared for specificity and sensitivity of EV71.Results Through comparative analysis,eighteen samples were detected positive by ELISA methods,the positive rate was 11.32%.fifty-three samples were tested positive by the fluorescence method for real-time RT-PCR,the positive rate was 33.33%.Fifty-one samples were detected positive by RT-PCR,the positive rate was 32.08%.Conclusion Fluorescent RT-PCR detection method has the performance of high sensitivity and specificity in the three methods,it can meet with the clinical needs better.
Effects of organophosphate exposure on muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype mRNA levels in the adult rat

Repeated exposure to organophosphorus (OP) insecticides results in a decrease of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (MRs) in the central nervous system. OP-induced MR down-regulation in vivo is modeled by chronic in vitro exposure to muscarinic agonists. Many studies, both in vivo and in vitro, indicate that the treatment-induced decrease in MR number is accompanied by a decrease in the mRNA levels of specific MR subtypes. In this study, the in vivo effects of OP exposure on the mRNA levels of three MR subtypes (m1, m2, and m3) were examined in brain tissue and in peripheral mononuclear cells, which express the m3 subtype. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered disulfoton (2 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, and a subset of exposed animals was allowed to recover for 28 days. This treatment caused a 28% and 81% decrease, respectively, in [3H]-QNB binding and acetylcholinesterase activity in the cortex, similar to that observed in previous studies; after recovery, these levels had returned to 99% and 90%, respectively, of controls. There was a significant decrease in m1 mRNA levels in hippocampus (23%) after disulfoton treatment, while no change was observed in the cortex, corpus striatum, medulla, or cerebellum. The m2 subtype mRNA was significantly decreased in both hippocampus (24%) and medulla (19%), but not in cortex, striatum, or cerebellum. m3 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in cortex (10%), but no change was observed in hippocampus, medulla, cerebellum, or lymphocytes. After recovery, no differences in m1 or m3 mRNA levels were observed in any tissue examined, whereas the decrease in m2 mRNA in the hippocampus remained significant (29%). These results indicate that OP exposure can differentially regulate mRNA levels for MR subtypes in different brain areas, and suggest that m2 muscarinic receptors in the hippocampus are most affected by this treatment.
Solving Complex Problems Enduring Solutions through Social Entrepreneurship, Community Action, and Social Marketing

Three distinct literatures address social change: social entrepreneurship, community action research, and social marketing. While these activities have a shared goal to create social change, each o...
Vibrational feedback control in the problem of absolute stability

It is shown that for any rational G(s)=n(s)/d(s) with d(s) Hurwitz and deg d(s)-deg n(s)=1 there exists a linear dynamic periodic controller that ensures the infinite sector of absolute stability. This implies that additional dynamics lead to improvements in stability of nonlinear closed-loop systems with memoryless uncertainties. >
Revisiting the causes of organizational discontinuance: A diffusion theory approach offers new insights

The purpose of this research was to develop a framework capable of classifying the reasons behind the discontinuance of supplier-distributor relationships. Using a sample of CEO’s who manage intra-national and multi-national firms, a study was run to test a typology of discontinuance built around diffusion theory’s source of influence construct (e.g., the origin and valence of the information that initiates a discontinuance decision). The three types are called New Day, Strike 3 and Greener Grass. Results support the proposed typology and suggest that managers indeed terminate relationships with partner firms for three aforementioned theoretically-grounded and practitioner-relevant reasons. Managers can use the framework to better understand their past and current relationships, as well as a tool for engineering future relationships. Finding a tendency toward one discontinuance type can help managers identify issues or weaknesses that if addressed, could improve the quality and longevity of such relationships.
Dichotomous Distribution of Putative Cholinergic Interneurons in Mouse Accessory Olfactory Bulb.

Sensory information processing in the olfactory bulb (OB) relies on diverse populations of bulbar interneurons. In rodents, the accessory OB (AOB) is divided into two bulbar regions, the anterior (aAOB) and posterior (pAOB), which differ substantially in their circuitry connections and associated behaviors. We previously identified and characterized a large number of morphologically diverse cholinergic interneurons in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) using transgenic mice to visualize the cell bodies of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT-expressing neurons and immunolabeling (Krosnowski et al., 2012). However, whether there are cholinergic neurons in the AOB is controversial and there is no detailed characterization of such neurons. Using the same line of ChAT(BAC)-eGFP transgenic mice, we investigated cholinergic neurons in the AOB. We found significant differences in the number and location of GFP-expressing (GFP+), putative cholinergic interneurons between the aAOB and pAOB. The highest numbers of GFP+ interneurons were found in the aAOB glomerular layer (aGL) and pAOB mitral/tufted cell layer (pMCL). We also noted a high density of GFP+ interneurons encircling the border region of the pMCL. Interestingly, a small subset of glomeruli in the middle of the GL receives strong MCL GFP+ nerve processes. These local putative cholinergic-innervated glomeruli are situated just outside the aGL, setting the boundary between the pGL and aGL. Many but not all GFP+ neurons in the AOB were weakly labeled with antibodies against ChAT and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). We further determined if these GFP+ interneurons differ from other previously characterized interneuron populations in the AOB and found that AOB GFP+ interneurons express neither GABAergic nor dopaminergic markers and most also do not express the glutamatergic marker. Similar to the cholinergic interneurons of the MOB, some AOB GFP+ interneurons express the calcium binding protein, calbindin-D28K. Moreover, exposure to either a male intruder or soiled bedding from a mating cage leads to an increase in the number of c-Fos-expressing MCL GFP+ neurons. Taken together, our data reveal a population of largely unidentified putative cholinergic neurons in the AOB. Their dichotomous distribution in the aAOB and pAOB suggests region-specific cholinergic involvement in AOB olfactory information processing.
A Motion Retargeting Method for Effective Mimicry-based Teleoperation of Robot Arms

In this paper, we introduce a novel interface that allows novice users to effectively and intuitively tele-operate robot manipulators. The premise of our method is that an interface that allows its user to direct a robot arm using the natural 6-DOF space of his/her hand would afford effective direct control of the robot; however, a direct mapping between the user's hand and the robot's end effector is impractical because the robot has different kinematic and speed capabilities than the human arm. Our key technical idea that by relaxing the constraint of the direct mapping between hand position and orientation and end effector configuration, a system can provide the user with the feel of direct control, while still achieving the practical requirements for telemanipulation, such as motion smoothness and singularity avoidance. We present methods for implementing a motion retargeting solution that achieves this relaxed control using constrained optimization and describe a system that utilizes it to provide real-time control of a robot arm. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in a user study that shows novice users can complete a range of tasks more efficiently and enjoyably using our relaxed-mimicry based interface compared to standard interfaces.
Personality and Performance in Specific Neurocognitive Domains Among Older Persons

Objective Certain Big 5 personality dimensions have been repeatedly linked to global measures of cognitive function and outcome categories. We examined whether the Big 5 or their specific components showed differential evidence of associations with specific neurocognitive domains. Methods: Participants were 179 older adults (70+) from a broader study on cognitive aging. The NEO-Five Factor Inventory and a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests were used. Results Adjusted for age, gender, and years of education, probability values, Bayes Factors, and measures effect size from linear models suggested strong evidence for associations between better delayed recall memory and higher Conscientiousness (principally the facets of Goal-Striving and Dependability) and Openness (specifically the Intellectual Interest component). Better executive function and attention showed moderate to strong evidence of associations with lower Neuroticism (especially the Self-conscious Vulnerability facet) and higher Conscientiousness (mostly the Dependability facet). Better language functioning was linked to higher Openness (specifically, the Intellectual Interests facet). Worse visual-spatial function was strongly associated with higher Neuroticism. Conclusion Different tests of neurocognitive functioning show varying degrees of evidence for associations with different personality traits. Better understanding of the patterning of neurocognitive–personality linkages may facilitate grasp of underlying mechanisms and/or refine understanding of co-occurring clinical presentation of personality traits and specific cognitive deficits.
Numerical study of smoothed particle hydrodynamics method in orthogonal cutting simulations – Effects of damage criteria and particle density

Abstract This paper conducts a numerical study of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), a mesh-free method, for orthogonal cutting simulations of both ductile and brittle materials. Finite element method (FEM) is commonly used for cutting simulations, but issues with excessive element deformation hinder its applications. SPH can be an alternative option because of the particle-based algorithm eliminating the use of volumetric elements. However, studies have reported inconsistent ways to set up damage definition and particle density. This paper instructs a method to build an SPH model and compares the results with an equivalent FEM, in terms of the effects of damage definition and particle density on chip morphology and cutting forces. The materials used for this study are aluminum, which represents a common ductile engineering material, and the cortical bone representing a brittle counterpart. The results reveal that in spite of the natural separation of SPH, proper damage criteria must be defined for the model accuracy. SPH tends to produce a lower cutting force than that of FEM. SPH and FEM have an opposite convergence trend as the particle density and mesh size reduce. SPH better simulates fragmented debris in brittle cuttings but fails to produce curled chips in ductile cuttings.
The Entrepreneurial Performance of KIE Textile and Apparel Firms

This chapter uses the AEGIS data to construct measures of entrepreneurial performance so that the second part of the Sources of Knowledge→Strategic Behavior→Entrepreneurial Performance relationship can be examined empirically. The performance measures are related to commercialization, sales growth, and employment growth.
Effects of Outsourcing on the Flexibility Dynamic of System of Systems

The requirements of various stakeholders associated with System of Systems (SoS) are constantly changing. Consequently, the shareholders priorities of return and risk continuously shift. However, their expectations of gaining value from the SoS are enhancing. One way of enhancing value from the SoS is by having the right amount of flexibility associated with it. Flexibility can be defined as the ability of a system to be able to adapt and cope with the changing environment. SoS flexibility means creating options at various levels, developing ways and means of change across the range of options. One possible way of creating enterprise flexibility is by outsourcing certain functions which would help affect the flexibility of an organization. The outsourcing done might also have an effect on each of the building blocks of SoS Flexibility. In this paper, we will look at how outsourcing could affect each of the building blocks of SoS flexibility as well as show whether it is beneficial or not for an organization to outsource depending on how it affects their flexibility. We also come up with a matrix to show the effects of insufficient as well as excessive outsourcing on the overall functioning of the SoS.
Thermoelastic properties of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite

Magnesium rich (Mg1-xFex)SiO3 perovskite is thought to be the most abundant mineral in the earth's lower mantle between 660 km and 2900 km depth. We discuss (Mg,Fe) solid,solutions and their elastic properties it lower mantle pressures. The differences of the elastic constants between the Mg-endmember and the iron bearing perovskite with x=0.25 are used to predict the compositional contribution to lateral variations of elastic wave-velocities at high pressures. These predictions are compared and discussed in the context of seismic observations.
Overcoming Technical Challenges: The Abdomen

Laparoscopic colectomy presents several challenges to the surgeon. There are many specific steps in a procedure that may be associated with difficulty and pitfalls. The goal of this chapter is to clearly define technical challenges associated with the abdominal portion of various laparoscopic colectomy procedures, outline strategies to deal with these challenges, and make the reader aware of potential pitfalls associated with these challenges. Often, these tasks will require the use of more than one described method to achieve the final goal.
Affirmative Action: Between the Oikos and the Cosmos

This essay reviews Sander & Taylor’s book, MISMATCH: HOW AFFIRMATIVE ACTION HURTS STUDENTS IT’S INTENDED TO HELP, AND WHY UNIVERSITIES WON’T ADMIT IT (MISMATCH) by situating its claims within a context. Context is supplied by examining three things: first, by reflecting on the contradictions embedded in the modern world; second, by exploring the paradoxes of Supreme Court jurisprudence; and finally, by observing the gulf between the cosmopolitan ideal predicated on appeals to Americans as citizens of the world who are provoked by reason and love of humanity and bounded only by universal moral obligations on the one hand, and a vision that sees citizens of the United States as individuals who are bounded by the primacy of their commitment to the nostos comprised by the local community of birth and the particularities of family and nation, on the other.Several reasons spark this review of MISMATCH. First, the authors contend that they have “demonstrated that the present system of racial admissions preferences has grave problems and has shown a remarkable incapacity to heal itself,” a thesis that is made all the more puzzling given their corresponding claim that the United States “Supreme Court seems to be the only hope for serious and stable reform” of our current affirmative action system. Second, William Kidder and others have raised a number of serious issues that indicate Sander & Taylor have too often relied on either questionable data or incomplete data analysis. Third, the Court’s recent decision upholding the state of Michigan’s ban on racial preferences. Fourth and finally, the possibility that diversity as practiced within leading American universities has been transmuted into racial commodification. These factors, taken together, suggest that it is a propitious time to review the authors’ scholarship.
Environment-sensitive and Enzyme-sensitive MR Contrast Agents

The majority of approved MR contrast agents belong to the class of paramagnetic chelates. These small molecules are uniquely suited to respond to changes in the microenvironment in vivo. These contrast agents can also function as substrates for several classes of enzymes. In both cases, the chelates can be designed in a way that the relaxivity - i.e., the ability of chelated paramagnetic metal cations to shorten the relaxation times of water - is directly affected by changes in the microenvironment. This chapter summarizes a variety of MR contrast agent designs that enable "sensing" of metal cations, pH and enzymatic activity.
Use of Transfection Techniques for Studying the Function of the D2 Dopamine Receptors

Publisher Summary The anterior lobe of the pituitary (adenohypophysis) secretes a number of hormones, including prolactin, thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and growth hormone (GH). Lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary are responsible for the production and secretion of prolactin. The secretion of prolactin is regulated partly in response to increasing levels of estrogen during pregnancy but can also be stimulated above basal levels in response to suckling and nipple stimulation. Hypothalamic regulation of the secretion of pituitary hormones has been the subject of intense research for years. Regulation of prolactin secretion by lactotrophs is unique among pituitary hormones because it has no specific releasing factor and is primarily under tonic negative control. Dopamine released by hypothalamic neurons into the portal blood system functions as a dominant negative modulator of prolactin release from lactotrophs. Dopamine binds to a class of dopamine receptors, D2 dopamine receptors located on the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary, which are responsible for modulating both the basal and stimulated secretion of prolactin. In addition to the negative control by dopamine, prolactin secretion is also under the positive control of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) released by the hypothalamus, though the physiological significance of this control is unclear. The D2 dopamine receptors are pleiotropic in their cellular signaling. These activated receptors are shown to signal through adenylyl cyclase, phospholipase D, and various ionic channels to transduce their signals across cell membranes.
MITF and UV responses in skin: From pigmentation to addiction

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has numerous effects on skin, including DNA damage, tanning, vitamin D synthesis, carcinogenesis, and immunomodulation. Keratinocytes containing damaged DNA secrete both α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which stimulates pigment production by melanocytes, and the opioid β-endorphin, which can trigger addiction-like responses to UVR. The pigmentation (tanning) response is an adaptation that provides some delayed protection against further DNA damage and carcinogenesis, while the opioid response may be an evolutionary adaptation for promoting sun-seeking behavior to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Here, we review the pigmentation response to UVR, driven by melanocytic microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and evidence for UVR-induced melanomagenesis and addiction. We also discuss potential applications of a novel approach to generate protective pigmentation in the absence of UVR (sunless tanning) using a topical small-molecule inhibitor of the salt-inducible kinase (SIK) family.
The New Wave of Cardiovascular Biomechanics.

![Figure][1] I welcome new words, or old words used in new ways, provided the result is more precision, added color or greater expressiveness.”—William Safire [(1)][2] ![Figure][1] The heart has a unique architectural design that allows the cardiac chambers to empty and fill with
The Heat Equation

The most frequently encountered equation of parabolic type is the heat or diffusion equation, which is the subject of this chapter. Our setting is again a region in En, but in addition a new variable t, which may be thought of as time, also appears. Consequently the type of problem to be studied is not a boundary value problem, as it was with Laplace’s equation, but an initial value problem.
Multiple globalizations: linguistic landscapes in world-cities: by Eliezer Ben-Rafael and Miriam Ben-Rafael, Leiden, Brill, 2019, xvi+222 pp., €135.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-90-04-36083-9

The field of linguistic-landscape (LL) studies has grown exponentially over the past fifteen years, with hundreds of journal articles and twelve edited volumes to date – but only a handful of monog...
Depicting Black Women, the Politics of Respectability, and HIV in Precious: (Special Issue on African American Representation in Traditional and Digital Media)

This article analyzes how Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire (2009) makes implicit the connection between Black women, welfare, and HIV when the lead character, Precious, an obese teen...
Artificial Intelligence for Social Good: A Survey

Artificial intelligence for social good (AI4SG) is a research theme that aims to use and advance artificial intelligence to address societal issues and improve the well-being of the world. AI4SG has received lots of attention from the research community in the past decade with several successful applications. Building on the most comprehensive collection of the AI4SG literature to date with over 1000 contributed papers, we provide a detailed account and analysis of the work under the theme in the following ways. (1) We quantitatively analyze the distribution and trend of the AI4SG literature in terms of application domains and AI techniques used. (2) We propose three conceptual methods to systematically group the existing literature and analyze the eight AI4SG application domains in a unified framework. (3) We distill five research topics that represent the common challenges in AI4SG across various application domains. (4) We discuss five issues that, we hope, can shed light on the future development of the AI4SG research.
Caltech/USGS Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) and Southern California Earthquake Data Center (SCEDC): Data Availability for the 2019 Ridgecrest Sequence

The 2019 M_w 6.4 and M_w 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence occurred in the eastern California shear zone (ECSZ). The mainshock ruptured the Little Lake fault zone, and aftershocks extended from the Garlock fault in the south to the southern end of the 1872 M 7.5 Owens Valley earthquake rupture in the north. We present data from the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) and partner seismic networks recorded by the SCSN in the region. These time‐series data and related products such as the SCSN earthquake picks and catalogs, available from the Southern California Earthquake Data Center, provide the most comprehensive seismic datasets for the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence.
The Nature of Information and Its Communication

If life is based within cognition, then information and communication are its requisites. It can be directly maintained that life is sustained by communication. It thereby derives that biological development and its evolution are dependent upon communication (Torday and Rehan 2012; De Loof 2014; Witzany 2016). Yet, communication is the transfer of information between “knowing” cognitive entities. Therefore, living organisms can be properly assessed as being information-dependent (Miller 2016a, 2017; Miller and Torday 2018). Further, perhaps the ultimate function of cognition is as a consistent realization of a continuum between the animate and inanimate that extends forward from the “Singularity” (Torday 2018a, b).
Sleep in the anxiety-related disorders: A meta-analysis of subjective and objective research.

Summary Although sleep disturbance is implicated in psychopathology, its role in anxiety-related disorders remains unclear. The present meta-analysis characterizes sleep disturbance in anxiety-related disorders collectively and individually. Subjective measures of total sleep time and sleep continuity were included with objective measures. Results indicate a large effect for increased subjective sleep disturbance (g = 2.16), medium effects for decreased total sleep time (g = −.40) and sleep continuity (g = −.49), and a small effect for decreased sleep depth (g = −.20) in anxiety-related disorders compared to healthy controls. Each anxiety-related disorder exhibited a distinct sleep disturbance pattern, suggesting that sleep may facilitate identification of unique biopsychological underpinnings. Effects were not moderated by comorbid depression and were similar in magnitude to those found for depression. Sleep disturbances, particularly decreased sleep continuity, may be a key pathology in the anxiety-related disorders that could highlight novel etiological mechanisms and intervention targets.
Migration Between Successor States of the Soviet Union: Long-Term Factors

Due to their citizens’ command of the Russian language and other powerful Soviet legacies, the successor states of the Soviet Union show signs of residual togetherness nearly three decades after its breakup. Therefore, most interstate migration flows still terminate within the post-Soviet area. Viewing Russia as the core of the empire and subsequently of the Soviet Union at large, migrations used to be centrifugal, that is, they emanated from Russia. In the mid-1970s, that pattern of migration began to experience a reversal, so that post-Soviet interstate migration—primarily to Russia, not from it—is a continuation of the centripetal pattern established then. Seven long-standing factors of migration to Russia are outlined. These are contrasts in quality of life; contraction of Russia’s working age population; regional conflicts; job creation relative to population growth, attitude to migrants and prospects for their naturalization; size of existing diasporas; and prospects for overall stability of the state and its popular perception. Positive net migration to Russia from other post-Soviet states is likely to persist in the foreseeable future. The only other post-Soviet country capitalizing on positive net migration has been Belarus.
The Corporate Pro Se Litigant

Corporations, partnerships, and all other business organizations cannot appear pro se in either criminal or civil proceedings. Business organizations must use a hired lawyer to defend lawsuits. This arbitrary and outdated rule has not been revisited in over 150 years. This Article is the first to lay out in detail the current state of corporate pro se rights. It then debunks the current rationales offered for the prohibition on corporate self-representation. Finally, it offers a novel argument that business organizations should be given a constitutional pro se right to litigate their own cases. In doing this, it draws upon the importance of the individual constitutional due process rights that exist to protect against government deprivations of life and liberty. Individuals in the corporate context are equally at stake of deprivations of life and liberty given corporate lawsuits. These deprivations are particularly salient for non-executive employees. As such, this Article argues that if we really care about the individual pro se right, we should grant corporations a similar due process right.
Une réparation préalable de la coiffe des rotateurs affecte-t-elle les résultats de l’arthroplastie inversée de l’épaule ? Étude cas-témoins

Abstract Background This study compares outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) in patients with prior rotator cuff repair to matched control patients without prior surgery. Patients and methods All primary RTSAs with prior surgery were retrospectively identified from a prospective research database between 2000 and 2014. RTSA patients with prior open or arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and minimum 2-year follow-up, with age- and sex-matched controls, were identified. Active range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes were evaluated. Preoperative, postoperative and improvement in outcomes were compared between groups. Results One hundred fifty RTSA patients were included, with 75 patients in each group (42 female, 33 male). Mean age of the RTSA group with prior rotator cuff repair was 69.6 years (average follow-up, 3.8 years) compared to the RTSA group without prior surgery (control) aged 70.0 years (average follow-up, 3.3 years). Preoperatively and postoperatively, RTSA patients with prior cuff repair had slightly worse overhead ROM and outcome scores compared to controls but none were statistically different. The RTSA and control groups had similar and significant improvements in all postoperative ROM and outcome scores. Complications were similar between groups. Discussion RTSA patients with prior rotator cuff repair had similar ROM, functional outcome scores, and complications compared to a matched control group without prior surgery. Level of Evidence III, Treatment Study.
The Science Behind Marine-oil Snow and MOSSFA: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrated that oil in the water column may be transported from surface waters to the sediments via marine snow. Interactions between oil droplets and mineral particles have been intensively studied since the middle of the twentieth century, but interactions between oil and organic particles, such as phytoplankton, fecal pellets, and other organic detritus, have had less attention, and the formation of bacterial-oil aggregations has been unrecognized until now. Much has been learned about marine oil snow (MOS) sedimentation and flocculent accumulation (MOSSFA) since the Deepwater Horizon blowout. This review brings together this new understanding and highlights important areas where further investigation is needed.
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: Insights from Poincaré, Waddington, and Lamarck

The past quarter-century may justly be referred to as a period analogous to the “Cambrian explosion” in the history of proteins. This period is marked by the appearance of the intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) on the scene since their discovery in the mid-1990s. Here, I first reflect on how we accidentally stumbled on these fascinating molecules. Next, I describe our research on the IDPs over the past decade and identify six areas as important for future research in this field. In addition, I draw on discoveries others in the field have made to present a more comprehensive essay. More specifically, I discuss the role of IDPs in two fundamental aspects of life: in phenotypic switching, and in multicellularity that marks one of the major evolutionary transitions. I highlight how serendipity, imagination, and an interdisciplinary approach embodying empirical evidence and theoretical insights from the works of Poincare, Waddington, and Lamarck, shaped our thinking, and how this led us to propose the MRK hypothesis, a conceptual framework addressing phenotypic switching, the emergence of new traits, and adaptive evolution via nongenetic and IDP conformation-based mechanisms. Finally, I present a perspective on the evolutionary link between phenotypic switching and the origin of multicellularity.
Closed-Loop neuromodulation for clustering neuronal populations.

Here, we present a closed-loop controller to desynchronize neurons in brain slices by inducing clusters using a single electrode using calcium imaging feedback. Phase of neurons are estimated in re...