cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The application of lean management principles to fields other than manufacturing

The Toyota production system was the foundation for the development of Lean Manufacturing. The founding principles were based on identifying and eliminating waste in the value stream. Over the past twenty years many manufacturing organizations have undergone a Lean transformation. The results of the Lean transformation have had many benefits. Manufacturers have experienced increases in profitability and customer satisfaction as a result of reducing their lead times, improving product quality and eliminating waste. Benchmarking theory notes that many breakthrough improvements come from looking at similar processes performed by other businesses. This paper will examine how the success of Lean Management in the manufacturing sector has led other sectors to adopt the Lean principles. The Lean philosophy and its supporting tools and techniques are yielding great benefits to customers of many other businesses well beyond manufacturing. Specifically this paper will document the successful implementation of Lean in Healthcare, Government, IT (Information Technology) and Construction Management. The benefits these organizations have derived through their Lean activities and how others can follow their lead will be presented.
Intact T-cell regenerative capacity in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia after remission induction therapy.

Background. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a bone marrow disease. This may adversely affect the capacity of T-cells to recover from chemotherapy-induced T-cell depletion and thus contribute to the prevailing immune deficiency in ALL patients. Procedure. We tested the capacity of T-cells to regenerate in 18 ALL children in first clinical remission (median age 4.2 years) at the time of hematologic reconstitution after BFM-ALL induction therapy (treatment-free interval 22 days, median; range 12 to 52 days). All patients had experienced a period of leukopenia (white blood cell count [WBC] <0.95 x 10 9 /l, median) during the final four weeks of induction therapy. T-cells and T-cell subsets were examined by FACS. Results. At the time of investigation the WBC was near normal (3.5 x 10 9 /l, median). Surprisingly, most cases (78%) showed a complete regeneration of T-cells and its subsets including 1 ) normal total (CD3 + ) T-cells (1635/μl, median; range 756-3440/μl); 2) normal T-helper (CD4 + ) cells (697/ μl, median; range 128-1523/μl); and 3) normal T-cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8 + ) cells (686/μl, median; range 348-1540/μl). Eight patients achieved a normal CD4 + /CD8 + ratio (0.8, median). Subset analyses of T-helper cells revealed a normal proportion of CD4 + CD45RA + cells (52%, median) in all but one patient below the age of 6 years, indicating an intact residual thymic activity. No correlation was observed between age at diagnosis and a normal CD4 + count (r = 0.086) or between a normal CD4 + count and a normal proportion of CD4 + CD45RA + cells (r = 0.136). A long-term survey in four patients showed altered T-cells after reinduction and during maintenance therapy. Conclusions. The findings suggest that ALL per se does not inhibit T-cell regenerative capacity. Thus, the frequently observed long-lasting impairment of the T-cell system in ALL is attributable to the treatment rather than to the underlying disease.
Gender differences in cardiovascular disease: The effects of estrogen

Estrogen and its therapeutic application in cardiovascular disease are highly controversial. There has been a paucity of basic research on estrogen and its molecular effects, which has weakened the underpinnings of clinical trials of estrogen treatment. In the past 10 years, much has been discovered about both the genomic and nongenomic effects of estrogen. The identification of at least three distinct receptors for estrogen, as well as the development of drugs with varying binding affinities for different receptors, has created exciting therapeutic possibilities.
Least Squared Error FIR Filter Design Using Spline Transition Functions

This paper proposes that the use of transition functions and transition bands of the ideal amplitude frequency response allows the analytical design of optimal least squared error linear phase FIR lowpass digital filters with an explicit control of the transition band edges. This is in contrast to the use of window functions which only implicitly control the transition band edges and which destroy the optimality of the approximation.
Library studies at the school of information

Library and Information Studies (LIS) remains an integral part of the newly chartered School of Information at the University of Michigan. Forging student, community‐based, and foundation partnerships, LIS faculty are helping to re‐define the role of information professionals in their research, teaching and services. Faculty are defining and practicing a new integrated discipline arising from the interactions among information, technology, and human systems. In collaboration with colleagues and students from disciplines including archives and records management, human computer interaction, public policy, psychology, computer science, and economics, LIS faculty are working to design a broad‐based curriculum and a common set of foundations courses for all masters students in the program. In this article, Frost, an LIS faculty member who has been with the school for over 20 years, reflects on how teaching and research in cataloging and organization of information have been revitalized through project‐based learning, collaboration with students and faculty from computer science and the arts, and community service to broaden the reach of cultural heritage materials.
Euphorbiaceae Novae vel Criticae Colombianae, III

Croton pungens / Croton leptostachyus / Croton ferrugineus / Croton Holtonis / Croton malacophyllus / Croton dolichostachyus / Croton truxillanus / Croton meridensis / Croton sexmetralis / Plukenetia chaponensis / Sapium verum / Sapium Marmieri.
On-Chip Single Particle Spectroscopy

We demonstrate on-chip optical trapping of micron-sized dielectric spheres using supercontinuum light and silicon nitride waveguides. The broadband source enables scattering spectroscopy to be performed on single particles trapped by a high-confinement waveguide.
Overuse of fluoroscopic gastrostomy studies in a children's hospital.

Abstract Background Gastrostomy tubes are often dislodged or exchanged in children. Indications for fluoroscopic examination of gastrostomy location include concern for malposition, dislodgement, leak, or gastric outlet obstruction. We hypothesized that most of the studies obtained at our institution were not ordered for one of the aforementioned indications and do not ultimately affect patient management. Methods All fluoroscopic gastrostomy studies performed from January 2011 to December 2012 were reviewed. Transgastric jejunostomy studies were excluded. Patient demographics, indications for the study, elapsed time since placement, imaging findings, and short-term outcomes were recorded. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate relationships between categorical variables. Results During the study period, 337 patients who underwent fluoroscopic gastrostomy studies were identified; median age was 2.5 y (0.05–23.8). Sixty-two percent (208/337) of the studies were ordered in asymptomatic patients to confirm tube placement location after routine exchange or replacement. Symptomatic patients accounted for 38% of the studies. Ordering physicians were primarily nonsurgeons (72%, 242/337). Abnormal findings were observed in 4.8% (16/337) of patients, six (1.7%) of whom required an operative intervention. The 2.9% (6/208) abnormal study rate for asymptomatic patients was significantly lower than the 7.9% (10/129) rate in the patients who were evaluated for symptomatic indications (P = 0.03). Conclusions Most of the fluoroscopic gastrostomy studies ordered at a tertiary care center did not appear to alter patient care. Development of a standardized management algorithm based on clinical indications is necessary to decrease the number of extraneous gastrostomy studies.
Economics of Ground-Water Recharge

Benefits and alternatives to artificial recharge are summarized, cost components are reviewed, and costs of selected projects are presented. The value of water is reviewed and the direct and indirect benefits of recharging are considered. Institutional and financial arrangements for artificial recharge projects are studied. Particular attention is given to California's Water Replenishment District Act and to the use of the replenishment assessment as a means for financing projects. Some data on costs of water wells and pumping ground water are presented because extraction of ground water is a part of the total recharge cost. Generalized cost estimates of various items involved in recharge projects are tabulated, including costs of actual projects in California and Illinois. Because of the variability of size, purpose, and method of operation, together with a wide range in land and water costs, no concise summary of recharge costs is possible.
Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology: A Cross-Cultural Study in Mexico and the United States

This cross-cultural study examined the nature and correlates of muscle dysmorphia (MD) in Mexicans who lift weights, compared symptomatology in Mexicans to that in Americans, and investigated the roles of bodybuilding and acculturation in the presentation of MD symptoms. The sample consisted of 46 Mexicans and 67 Americans who lift weights (N = 113). Participants completed measures regarding symptoms of MD, engagement in bodybuilding, acculturation, exercise dependency, eating pathology, and steroid use. Contrary to predictions, results indicated similar occurrences of MD symptoms in both samples. MD symptoms were correlated with bodybuilding, exercise dependence and eating pathology in both Mexican and American men, as well as American women. Engagement in bodybuilding in men was similar in both samples; however, in the American sample, bodybuilding behaviors were more related to MD. Acculturation to American culture was not related to symptoms of MD. Steroid use was greater in both samples than in previous studies. Findings are discussed in terms of cross-cultural and clinical implications.
Perception of the Raison D'Ětre in Anchored Instruction: An Ecological Psychology Perspective

In this study we provide evidence that video anchors encourage students to adopt certain contrived goals over their more naturalistic goals. Well designed goals are those that increase the probability that students will detect the raison d’etre of content information as they work toward the contrived goal. In those cases where problem solvers detect the raison d’etre of the material, transfer should be enhanced. In experiment 1, participants worked with hypermedia in which either an anchor problem was posed, or they were preparing for a test. They were grouped based on their report of adopting one of four goals. Results showed 72 percent of students assigned the anchor reported their goals as “to solve a meaningful problem,” and students with such goals showed constrained navigation toward relevant information and significantly higher learning efficiency scores than students with any of the other goals. In experiment 2, results demonstrated that when an anchor encourages students to adopt goals that increase the probability that they will detect the raison d’&tre of the material, transfer is enhanced. Individuals assigned the anchor reconstructed significantly more information and detected qualitatively different information in a brief transfer video. Goals that enable the problem solver to detect the raison d’etre of information enhance learning, focus navigation within nonlinear text, and afford transfer.
A novel predictive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of repolarization prolongation derived from the effects of terfenadine, cisapride and E-4031 in the conscious chronic av node--ablated, His bundle-paced dog.

Introduction: Terfenadine, cisapride, and E-4031, three drugs that prolong ventricular repolarization, were selected to evaluate the sensitivity of the conscious chronic atrioventricular node—ablated, His bundle-paced Dog for defining drug induced cardiac repolarization prolongation. A novel predictive pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model of repolarization prolongation was generated from these data. Methods: Three male beagle dogs underwent radiofrequency AV nodal ablation, and placement of a His bundlepacing lead and programmable pacemaker under anesthesia. Each dog was restrained in a sling for a series of increasing dose infusions of each drug while maintained at a constant heart rate of 80 beats/min. RT interval, a surrogate for QT interval in His bundle-paced dogs, was recorded throughout the experiment. Results: E-4031 induced a statistically significant RT prolongation at the highest three doses. Cisapride resulted in a dose-dependent increase in RT interval, which was statistically significant at the two highest doses. Terfenadine induced a dose-dependent RT interval prolongation with a statistically significant change occurring only at the highest dose. The relationship between drug concentration and RT interval change was described by a sigmoid Emax model with an effect site. Maximum RT change (Emax), free drug concentration at half of the maximum effect (EC50), and free drug concentration associated with a 10 ms RT prolongation (EC10 ms) were estimated. A linear correlation between EC10 ms and HERG IC50 values was identified. Discussion: The conscious dog with His bundle-pacing detects delayed cardiac repolarization related to IKr inhibition, and detects repolarization change induced by drugs with activity at multiple ion channels. A clinically relevant sensitivity and a linear correlation with in vitro HERG data make the conscious His bundle-paced dog a valuable tool for detecting repolarization effect of new chemical entities.
Spectral-temporal dynamics of ultrashort Raman solitons and their role in third-harmonic generation in photonic crystal fibers

We use cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating to obtain spectral-temporal portraits of ultrashort Raman solitons in photonic crystal fibers at telecommunication wavelengths. Power-dependent Raman frequency shifts of 200 nm in 63 mm of fiber are observed accompanied by spectral broadening and 2.5-times soliton compression. Complete time-frequency dynamics at the fundamental wavelength thus visualized enables us to explain the details of the intermodally phase-matched third harmonic generation by the propagating solitons.
Toward global surface reconstruction by purposive viewpoint adjustment

The following problem is considered: how should an observer change viewpoint in order to generate a dense image sequence of an arbitrary smooth surface so that it can be incrementally reconstructed using the occluding contour and the epipolar parameterization? A collection of qualitative behaviors is presented that, when integrated appropriately, purposefully control viewpoint based on the appearance of the surface in order to provably solve this problem. >
Early Parental Attitudes, Divorce and Separation, and Young Adult Outcome: Findings of a Longitudinal Study

Effects of early parental attitudes, divorce and separation on adult adaptation are reported in 132 young adults followed anterospectively and longitudinally from early infancy (the New York Longitudinal Study). Ratings of child adjustment at home at age 3 and 5 and at school at age 5 derived from repeated interviews. A separate parent interview at age 3 provided 8 clusters of parental attitudes and environmental features. Early adult adaptation ratings were derived from direct subject interviews. Parent conflict, especially regarding child management but including other issues, predicted poor adult adaptation, but separation-divorce without this conflict did not.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for the characterization of a model peptide-DNA interaction.

To better understand the structural basis of protein–DNA interactions, the conformational changes that accompany these interactions need to be described. In order to develop a methodological approach to this problem, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with derivative resolution enhancement has been used to identify conformational changes that occur when a 29-residue synthetic peptide binds nonspecifically to heterogenous cellular DNA in aqueous solution. The peptide sequence was chosen de novo, in order to rationally design a peptide model that would allow the relationship between DNA binding and the stability of protein secondary structure to be studied. Peptide at a concentration of 100–200 μM produces 50% saturation of heterogenous phage DNA sequences as well as of short synthetic oligonucleotides. FTIR spectra reveal significant changes in peptide and DNA upon binding. Second-derivative spectra resolve the amide I band of native peptide into components located at 1627 (β-strand), 1658 (α-helix), and 1681 (turn or β-strand) cm−1, with a distinct shoulder at 1647 cm−1 (disordered structure). Assignment of the 1681 cm−1 vibration to a turn conformation is supported by uv CD studies, which indicate significant amounts of turn structure in unbound peptide. Ultraviolet CD also confirms the existence of disordered and β-strand regions in the free peptide. Upon interacting with DNA the band at 1681 cm−1 (turn) is no longer seen; a new band appears at 1675 cm−1; the 1627 cm−1 band (β-strand) is considerably reduced in intensity; the position of the α-helical (1658 cm−1) component remains unchanged; the shoulder at 1647 cm−1 (disorder) disappears. The new vibration at 1675 cm−1 is characteristic of β-strand structures. The asymmetric stretch (vAS) of the DNA phosphates shifts from 1223 (unbound) to 1229 cm−1 (bound); the relative intensities of νAS and the PO symmetric stretch (vs) are altered upon peptide binding. The data is consistent with the following conclusions: (a)DNA binding changes the secondary structure of the peptide, (b) disordered region(s) are only observed in free peptide, i.e., DNA binding stabilizes and increases order in the peptide secondary structure, (c) turn(s) change into β-strand and/or α-helical conformations(s) when peptide binds to DNA, (d) a β-strand conformation that is characterized bya 1627 cm−1 vibration is present in free and bound peptide, (e) there is a particular β-strand vibration/conformation that is only present in the bound peptide, (f) an α-helical region exists in both free and bound peptide, (g) DNA remains in a B-family conformation upon peptide binding, and (h) DNA phosphates participate in peptide binding and/or subtle changes occur in the DNA conformation upon complex formation.
Modeling the Sustainability of Lake Trout Fisheries in Eastern Wisconsin Waters of Lake Superior

Abstract Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush stocks in Lake Superior collapsed in the 1950s due to overfishing and sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus predation. Stocks were rehabilitated through stocking, sea lamprey control, and fishery regulation, but concern over lake trout population sustainability still exists because commercial and recreational fishing demand is high relative to productivity, and the currently accepted 42% total annual mortality rate has not been tested for sustainability. Our objective was to estimate the maximum sustainable (i.e., likely not to cause extirpation) fishing mortality and total annual mortality rates for lake trout in eastern Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior. We developed a dynamic, age-structured population model to predict future lake trout abundance. The simulation model included parameter uncertainty and autocorrelated process error in the stock–recruitment relationship and in sea lamprey mortality, and accounted for assessment and implementation error. We used mean abundance, mean total annual mortality rate, mean catch for the commercial and recreational fisheries, and probability of decline as performance metrics to evaluate a range of commercial and recreational fishing mortality rates and different assessment and implementation errors. Increasing assessment error led to undesirable outcomes (e.g., low mean abundance). However, varying implementation error had almost no effect on performance metrics. Increased commercial fishing had larger effects on performance metrics than recreational fishing. Combinations of commercial and recreational fishing mortality rates corresponding to total annual mortality rates of approximately 40% may be sustainable, and so the currently accepted 42% total annual mortality rate is also likely sustainable. However, we recommend that the amount of assessment error be more accurately quantified, low spawner abundance be avoided through the use of threshold management strategies, and commercial fishing quotas be closely monitored and enforced.
The psychosocial impact of lymphedema-related distress among breast cancer survivors in the WHEL Study

Objective Lymphedema is a distressing and chronic condition affecting up to 30% of breast cancer survivors. Using a cross-sectional study design, we examined the impact of self-reported lymphedema-related distress on psychosocial functioning among breast cancer survivors in the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study. The WHEL Study has a dataset that includes self-report data on lymphedema status, symptoms and distress.
ConnectBoard: Enabling Genuine Eye Contact and Accurate Gaze in Remote Collaboration

Conventional telepresence systems allow remote users to see one another and interact with shared media, but users cannot make eye contact, and gaze awareness with respect to shared media and documents is lost. In this paper, we describe a remote collaboration system based on a see-through display to create an experience where local and remote users are seemingly separated only by a vertical sheet of glass. Users can see each other and media displayed on the shared surface. Face detectors are applied on the local and remote video streams to introduce an offset in the video display so as to bring the local user's face, the local camera, and the remote user's face image into collinearity. This ensures that, when the local user looks at the remote user's image, the camera behind the see-through display captures an image with the “Mona Lisa effect,” where the eyes of an image appears to follow the viewer. Experiments show that, for one-on-one meetings, our system is capable of capturing and delivering realistic, genuine eye contact as well as accurate gaze awareness with respect to shared media.
Intraosseous pneumatocysts of the cervical spine: a report of four cases and review of literature

Pneumatocysts are benign, gas-containing lesions, most commonly observed affecting the vertebrae, sacrum, and ileum. Most often, these lesions are asymptomatic and are detected incidentally during imaging examinations. Although once believed to be a rare lesion, recent studies suggest that it is more common than previously thought. We present four cases of pneumatocysts affecting the cervical vertebrae detected as incidental findings on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Given the increased use of CBCT in dentistry to evaluate the maxillofacial structures, it is likely that dentists will encounter this lesion on CBCT scans that encompass the superior cervical spine. Recognition of the pathognomonic features of this benign, innocuous lesion is important to avoid unnecessary investigations and causing alarm to the patient. We also present a comprehensive review of the literature on the demographic characteristics and clinical presentation of this relatively unknown lesion.
Stock Option Compensation and Earnings Management Incentives

We examine whether the structure of executive compensation, specifically stock options relative to other forms of pay, is associated with opportunistic use of discretionary accruals in reported earnings. Prior research suggests that using options creates an incentive to temporarily depress the firm's stock price prior to the option award date, thereby lowering the exercise price of the options. We hypothesize, and find evidence, that relatively high option compensation is associated with income-decreasing discretionary accrual choices in periods leading up to option award dates. Furthermore, we find that this association is stronger when managers are able to publicly announce earnings prior to the option award date. Our results are consistent with the general implication from prior research that option compensation creates opportunistic incentives for managers to time the release of good and bad news to the market.
Bioactive Properties of Wild Blueberry Fruits

Bioactive extracts from wild blueberries were isolated, fractionated, and analyzed. Antioxidant activity, cardioprotective capacity, and ability to inhibit the initiation stage of chemically-induced carcinogenesis were evaluated. Many fractions had antioxidant activity, especially those rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. The ease of isolation of bioactive compounds and the ability to obtain accurate bioassays depended strongly on the source material used. Extracts from spray-dried formulations containing magnesium citrate and tri-calcium phos- phate provided easier materials for bioactivity assessment and demonstrated antioxidant, cancer preventive and cardioprotective activity. Extracts with potent antioxidant activity degraded readily, underscoring the need for rapid alternative fractionation tactics and rigorously controlled storage conditions.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Oral Medications

Objective: To review the oral and injectable pharmacologic treatment options for type 2 diabetes. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted using PubMed electronic database for studies published in English between 1993 and September 2014. Search terms included diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes, and the individual name for each antidiabetic medication reviewed. In addition, manual searches were performed for cross-references from publications. Package inserts, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site, Institute for Safe Medication Practices Web site, American Diabetes Association Web site and scientific session poster presentations, and individual drug company Web pages were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: This review focused on information elucidated over the past 10 years to assist prescribers in choosing optimal therapy based on individual patient characteristics. Studies leading to the approval of or raising safety concerns for the antidiabetic medications re...
DC boosting effect of active bias circuits and its optimization for class-AB InGaP-GaAs HBT power amplifiers

In this paper, dc sourcing capability (DSC), which is a very important consideration in design of active bias circuits for power amplifiers based on bipolar technologies, will be explained. The nonlinear effect of bias circuits on the dc sourcing characteristics has been analyzed with simplified circuits for power amplifiers using the Volterra series. The analysis shows that the second-order distortion generated by a bias buffer transistor can boost bias level of the RF transistor to compensate finite DSC available in the absence of this effect. The bias-level boosting due to RF injection can be optimized by tuning the value of a series resistor between the emitter of the buffer transistor and the base of the RF transistor. Amplifiers with different series resistors have been implemented and tested with an IS95-B code-division multiple-access signal at the cellular band (824-849 MHz). The experimental results verify that a circuit-level optimization for the second-order distortion of the bias circuits is very important for optimizing the linearity and efficiency of the HBT amplifiers.
Alteration of product specificity of Aeropyrum pernix farnesylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (Fgs) by directed evolution

Directed evolution of the C25 farnesylgeranyl diphosphate synthase of Aeropyrum pernix (Fgs) was carried out by error-prone PCR with an in vivo color complementation screen utilizing carotenoid biosynthetic pathway enzymes. Screening yielded 12 evolved clones with C20 geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase activity which were isolated and characterized in order to understand better the chain elongation mechanism of this enzyme. Analysis of these mutants revealed three different mechanisms of product chain length specificity. Two mutants (A64T and A64V) have a single mutation at the 8th amino acid upstream of a conserved first aspartate-rich motif (FARM), which is involved in the mechanism for chain elongation reaction of all prenyl diphosphate synthases. One mutant (A135T) carries a single mutation at the 7th amino acid upstream of another conserved region (141GQ142), which was recently found to be another important region controlling chain elongation of a type III C20 geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase and Escherichia coli C15 farnesyl diphosphate synthase. Finally, one mutant carrying four mutations (V84I, H88R, I177 M and M191V) is of interest. Molecular modeling, site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro assays of this mutant suggest that product chain-length distribution can be also controlled by a structural change provoked by a cooperative interaction of amino acids.
The V Kernel: A Software Base for Distributed Systems

Developed to take advantage of the facilities of today's powerful personal workstations, the V kernel provides good system performance, not just good kernel performance.
Efficient heuristics for wireless network tower placement

Over the last decade, telecommunications companies have invested nearly 100 billion dollars in the development of an impressive fiber optic backbone which is capable of transmitting data at incredible speeds. However, much of this backbone remains unused because of the data capacity bottleneck which exists at the user level. While various technologies have emerged to provide greater end-point capacity, many of these are of limited availability due to cost or technical considerations. One promising technology has been high-speed wireless service. Wireless service has the potential to provide widespread coverage, but the cost of developing the infrastructure such as antenna towers can be formidable. While models have been developed to assist in the planning for minimum cost tower placement, these models can be quite large and complex to solve. This paper explores alternate solution methods based on heuristic approaches which may allow for the solution of much larger tower placement problems.
Sociolegal change in consumer fraud: From victim-offender interactions to global networks

Advances in technology have transformed fraud against consumers from face-to-face, victim-offender interactions to a crime that now transcends international boundaries. Although consumer protection issues have been of interest to investigative journalists and literary scholars for centuries, the topic has only recently been subject to serious criminological inquiry. Employing the American consumer protection movement as an historical framework, we examine the evolution of consumer fraud. Our review documents that progressive social and legal changes in consumer protection and corporate regulation, as well as developments in criminological research, correspond to prominent literary exposes of the time. In today's technological age, such a reactive response to consumer fraud is neither efficient nor effective. Contemporary criminologists need to simultaneously address the questions of ‘how’ fraud is perpetrated and ‘why’ it occurs. Toward this end, we identify methodological strategies and data sources to promote empirical and theoretical understanding of consumer fraud, and to ultimately contribute to multi-national crime control policy.
Directed inorganic modification of bi-component polymer fibers by selective vapor reaction and atomic layer deposition

Abstract Nanocomposite organic/inorganic materials with spatially-controlled composition can be formed using vapor-phase atomic layer deposition (ALD) on bi-component polymer fibers. The ALD process promotes selective precursor infusion into the inner core of a core/shell polymer fiber, yielding nanoparticles encapsulated within the core. Likewise, choosing alternate precursors or reaction conditions yield particles or films on the outer polymer shell. In-situ infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy show that infusion yields selective dispersion of aluminum oxide in different polymer regions, forming fine nanoparticle dispersions or films. Selective inclusion of metal oxide materials during atomic layer deposition on polymers can create unique organic/inorganic composite structures for many advanced uses.
Upper crustal structure, Livermore Valley and vicinity, California coast ranges

We have interpreted two reversed seismic refraction profiles in the Livermore Valley area of California using travel times and amplitudes calculated with asymptotic ray theory. The upper crustal structure to 5 km depth is different on either side of the Greenville fault zone. The fault does not appear to extend below 5 km. The fault zone disrupts arrivals of rays which turn in the fault zone, but does not appear to affect rays that turn below 5 km. East of the Greenville fault zone, the boundary between the Cretaceous Great Valley sequence and Franciscan assemblage rocks occurs along a north-dipping interface below 4.5 km depth. West of the Greenville fault, the boundary between valley fill sediments and Franciscan rocks was not observed. Miocene sediment having a high compressional velocity, 5.0 km/sec, is present beneath Livermore Valley to at least 5 km depth. In contrast, the maximum velocity associated with adjacent Cretaceous sediments is 4.2 km/sec. The high velocity of the Livermore basin sediments seen in the refraction data is also observed on sonic logs made in exploratory wells in the basin which bottom in Miocene sediments. This last finding is important, since velocities of 4.8 to 5.0 km/sec have previously been associated with shallow Franciscan rocks. This observation calls into question the use of seismic velocities to distinguish between different Coast Range-Great Valley lithologies without other corroborating data.
Analytical Validation of a Personalized Medicine APOL1 Genotyping Assay for Nondiabetic Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Assessment

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) varies by ancestry, with African Americans (AA) having a threefold to fourfold higher rate than whites. Notably, two APOL1 alleles, termed G1 [c.(1072A>G; 1200T>G)] and G2 (c.1212_1217del6), are strongly associated with higher rates of nondiabetic CKD and an increased risk for hypertensive end-stage renal disease. This has prompted the opportunity to implement APOL1 testing to identify at-risk patients and modify other risk factors to reduce the progression of CKD to end-stage renal disease. We developed an APOL1 genotyping assay using multiplex allele-specific primer extension, and validated using 58 positive and negative controls. Genotyping results were completely concordant with Sanger sequencing, and both triplicate interrun and intrarun genotyping results were completely concordant. Multiethnic APOL1 allele frequencies were also determined by genotyping 7059 AA, Hispanic, and Asian individuals from the New York City metropolitan area. The AA, Hispanic, and Asian APOL1 G1 and G2 allele frequencies were 0.22 and 0.13, 0.037 and 0.025, and 0.013 and 0.004, respectively. Notably, approximately 14% of the AA population carried two risk alleles and are at increased risk for CKD, compared with
Change of Paradigm: From Individual to Community-Based Scholarship

The title does not refer to the application of knowledge through faculty engagement in community-based research, teaching and service – something that is usually understood as community-engaged scholarship. The change of paradigm referred to in the title should be understood within the broader framework of the general transformation of our participatory or convergence culture in the age of social and “spreadable” media (to use a terminology made current by Richard Jenkins). As the Web 2.0 evolves toward the Web 3.0, or the semantic web, community-engaged scholarship remains one of the most crucial components of this larger and more pervasive phenomenon and this also refers to the "academic community" at large. What is at stake is not only the transformation of the procedures of scholarly research and learning but also and more importantly the transformation of its goals: traditionally based (at least in the humanities) on the individual researcher and author, knowledge work, or the scholarly mode of production, is increasingly overhauled into a collective, collaborative enterprise, on a much larger scale. Moreover, the general move from discursive to graphic-algorithmic forms of data visualization and interpretation (including textual data), has eventful consequences for critical thinking: as humanists engaged with a potentially radical transformation of the community we belong to, our most daunting task is how to transpose traditional scholarly practices onto the new platform, envisioning new goals and outputs for our traditional tasks.
When - and Why - Do Hard Cases Make Bad Law? The GSP Dispute

Hard cases, Holmes famously declared, make bad law. But what makes a case hard? Do hard cases necessarily generate bad law? What strategies can courts use to minimize the likelihood of generating bad law? There is widespread agreement that India's challenge to the EC's generalized system of preferences (GSP) presented the WTO's Appellate Body with a hard case. This short essay (i) discusses why conventional legal, economic and policy analysis are of only limited utility in explaining why the GSP case was so difficult, and in evaluating the Appellate Body's decision; (ii) addresses the appropriate role of the Appellate Body in difficult cases; and (iii) advances a rather unconventional explanation for why the GSP dispute was so difficult.
Composable and Modular Anonymous Credentials: Definitions and Practical Constructions

It takes time for theoretical advances to get used in practical schemes. Anonymous credential schemes are no exception. For instance, existing schemes suited for real-world use lack formal, composable definitions, partly because they do not support straight-line extraction and rely on random oracles for their security arguments. To address this gap, we propose unlinkable redactable signatures URS, a new building block for privacy-enhancing protocols, which we use to construct the first efficient UC-secure anonymous credential system that supports multiple issuers, selective disclosure of attributes, and pseudonyms. Our scheme is one of the first such systems for which both the size of a credential and its presentation proof are independent of the number of attributes issued in a credential. Moreover, our new credential scheme does not rely on random oracles. As an important intermediary step, we address the problem of building a functionality for a complex credential system that can cover many different features. Namely, we design a core building block for a single issuer that supports credential issuance and presentation with respect to pseudonyms and then show how to construct a full-fledged credential system with multiple issuers in a modular way. We expect this definitional approach to be of independent interest.
The Impact Of Deregulation On The Character Of A Firms Board

This paper analyzes the impact of deregulation on board structure by comparing the boards of electric utilities before and after the passage of the Energy Policy Act (EPACT) using a unique hand-collected data set. The primary focus of the study is on changes to the boards' character, determined by the background and expertise of the directors. The results show that electric utilities change their board structure in response to their new operating environment. Boards are smaller and more independent in the later period. Also, even though the number of outside directors stays the same, there are two notable changes in the character of these directors. The number of executives from large firms and the number of directors with political backgrounds are both significantly greater after the passage of EPACT. Overall, the results are consistent with Williamson's hypothesis that firms will change the composition and character of their board in response to a change in the firm's operating environment.
Co-mentoring: The Iterative Process of Learning about Self and “Becoming” Leaders

AbstractTwo pre-tenured faculty members at dissimilar institutions found themselves in similar positions – both were assigned to administrative positions that they did not seek. This self-study is an investigation of their processes of becoming leaders and how they aligned and/or conflicted with their espoused beliefs. A review of the literature that guided them is also included. Throughout the process, the two served as co-mentors for each other as they navigated the unfamiliar territory of educational leadership at the university level. Together, they strove to remain committed to shared ideals of democratic practice, transparency, and collaboration. As evidenced in the data, tensions existed as they learned and performed their new roles. Administrative duties and their enactment at times conflicted with their ideals of effective leadership. Electronic journals kept throughout the process were the main data source, which they then revisited to chart their own and each other’s learning and growth while l...
Percutaneous retrieval of an intrathecal foreign body: technical note

A 58-year-old man had an intrathecal baclofen pump implanted. A guidewire used during removal of a previously placed lumbar drain catheter fractured, and a fragment was left within the thecal sac. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a loop snare device was used to retrieve the intrathecal foreign body successfully and without complication. The pump was placed without any difficulty, and the patient's hospital course was uneventful.
The use of ScS-wave data in focal mechanism determinations

abstract In this paper the S wave method of focal mechanism determination is extended to include the ScS wave. By the establishment of the quantitative relationship between the directions of vibration of the S and the ScS, ScS wave data can be reduced to a form of S wave data usable for focal mechanism determinations. The new extension has been checked by reobtaining focal mechanism solutions for four heartquakes using ScS wave data. Results were consistent with previous solutions by the S wave method or P wave method.
Neonatal Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist and Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment at United States Children's Hospitals

Objective To determine treatment frequency and duration of histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA)/proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use among infants hospitalized within US children's hospital neonatal intensive care units and evaluate diagnoses/demographic factors associated with use. Study design We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of neonatal intensive care unit infants admitted to 43 US children's hospitals within the Pediatric Health Information System database between January 2006 and March 2013 to determine H2RA/PPI treatment frequency, timing/duration of treatment, factors associated with use, percent of infants remaining on treatment at discharge, and interhospital prescribing variation. We used a modified Poisson regression to calculate the adjusted probability of infants ever receiving H2RAs/PPIs in relation to diagnosis, gestation, and sex. Results Of the 122 002 infants evaluated, 23.8% (n = 28 989) ever received an H2RA or PPI; 19.0% received H2RAs (n = 23 187), and 10.5% (n = 12 823) received PPIs. Extremely preterm infants and term infants were the most likely to receive H2RA and PPI treatment. Infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (relative risk [RR] = 3.13) and congenital heart disease (RR = 2.41) had the highest H2RA/PPI treatment probabilities followed by those with an ear, nose, and throat diagnosis (RR = 2.34; P Conclusions Despite limited evidence and increasing safety concerns, H2RAs/PPIs are frequently prescribed to extremely preterm neonates and those with congenital anomalies and continued through discharge. Our findings support the need for innovative studies to examine the comparative effectiveness and safety of H2RA/PPIs vs no treatment in these high-risk neonatal populations.
Role of Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Musculoskeletal Infections: Current Perspectives

Accurate diagnosis and prompt therapy of musculoskeletal infections are important prognostic factors. In most cases, clinical history, examination and laboratory findings help one make the diagnosis, and routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to identify the extent of the disease process. However, in many situations, a routine MRI may not be specific enough especially if the patient cannot receive contrast intravenously, thereby delaying the appropriate treatment. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can help in many such situations by providing additional information, accurate characterization and defining the extent of the disease, so that prompt treatment can be initiated. In this article, we illustrate the imaging findings of the spectrum of musculoskeletal infections, emphasizing the role of DWI in this domain. • Abscess in background cellulitis is detected on DWI. • Infectious tenosynovitis shows diffusion restriction as compared to mechanical tenosynovitis. • Pyomyositis with abscess can be differentiated from diabetic myonecrosis on DWI. • Intraosseous abscess is bright on DWI versus devitalized tissue, sequestrum and air. • DWI can be used to differentiate spine infection from simple Modic changes.
Placement of C1 Pedicle Screws Using Minimal Exposure: Radiographic, Clinical, and Literature Validation.

Background Traditional C1-2 fixation involves placement of C1 lateral mass screws. Evolving techniques have led to the placement of C1 pedicle screws to avoid exposure of the C1-C2 joint capsule. Our minimal dissection technique utilizes anatomical landmarks with isolated exposure of C2 and the inferior posterior arch of C1. We evaluate this procedure clinically and radiographically through a technical report. Methods Consecutive cases of cranial-vertebral junction surgery were reviewed for one fellowship trained spinal surgeon from 2008-2014. Information regarding sex, age, indication for surgery, private or public hospital, intra-operative complications, post-operative neurological deterioration, death, and failure of fusion was extracted. Measurement of pre-operative axial and sagittal CT scans were performed for C1 pedicle width and C1 posterior arch height respectively. Results 64 patients underwent posterior cranio-vertebral junction fixation surgery. 40 of these patients underwent occipital-cervical fusion procedures. 7/9 (77.8%) C1 instrumentation cases were from trauma with the remaining two (22.2%) from oncologic lesions. The average blood loss among isolated C1-C2 fixation was 160cc. 1/9 patients (11.1%) suffered pedicle breech requiring sub-laminar wiring at the C1 level. On radiographic measurement, the average height of the C1 posterior arch was noted at 4.3mm (range 3.8mm to 5.7mm). The average width of the C1 pedicle measured at 5.3mm (range 2.8 to 8.7mm). The patient with C1 pedicle screw failure had a pedicle width of 2.78mm on pre-operative axial CT imaging. Conclusion Our study directly adds to the literature with level four evidence supporting a minimal dissection of C1 arch in the placement of C1 pedicle screws with both radiographic and clinical validation. Clinical Relevance Justification of this technique avoids C2 nerve root manipulation or sacrifice, reduces bleeding associated with the venous plexus, and leaves the third segment of the vertebral artery unexplored. Pre-operative review of imaging is critical in the placement of C1-C2 instrumentation.
A Geospatial Analysis of the Average Selling Price for New Apartments in Hangzhou, China

This paper provides evidence on the factors that influence the average selling price of an apartment in Hangzhou, China. Geospatial mapping techniques and an unbalanced panel regression model are u...