cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of solid fat content by ultrasonic reflectance in model systems and chocolate

A series of confectionery coating fat (CCF) and cocoa butter (CB) dispersions in corn oil were prepared and tempered to a range of temperatures (10, 12 and 15 °C and 26, 27.5 and 29 °C respectively) to produce samples with solid fat contents (SFC) between 0 and 9%. The ultrasonic velocity in the CCF samples increased with increasing SFC and decreased with temperature, however the CB samples were too attenuating to allow velocity measurements. The ultrasonic reflectance at the surface of both sets of dispersions decreased linearly with SFC but at the same level of solids was less for CB than CCF suggesting some dependence on other aspects of fat structure. The microstructures and thermal properties of the fat systems are compared in an attempt to understand these structural differences. Finally ultrasonic reflectance is shown to respond to changes in a chocolate melt during tempering.
Pharmacist Contributions as Members of the Multidisciplinary ICU Team

Critical care pharmacy services in the ICU have expanded from traditional dispensing responsibilities to being recognized as an essential component of multidisciplinary care for critically ill patients. Augmented by technology and resource utilization, this shift in roles has allowed pharmacists to provide valuable services in the form of assisting physicians and clinicians with pharmacotherapy decision-making, reducing medication errors, and improving medication safety systems to optimize patient outcomes. Documented improvements in the management of infections, anticoagulation therapy, sedation, and analgesia for patients receiving mechanical ventilation and in emergency response help to justify the need for clinical pharmacy services for critically ill patients. Contributions to quality improvement initiatives, scholarly and research activities, and the education and training of interdisciplinary personnel are also valued services offered by clinical pharmacists. Partnering with physician and nursing champions can garner support from hospital administrators for the addition of clinical pharmacy critical care services. The addition of a pharmacist to an interprofessional critical care team should be encouraged as health-care systems focus on improving the quality and efficiency of care delivered to improve patient outcomes.
Stable isotopes in the ostracod shell: a preliminary study

Oxygen and carbon isotope ratios of Recent ostracods from six localities are presented. The δO18 data are consistent with precipitation of the shells in isotopic equilibrium with seawater. although additional data are necessary to confirm equilibrium precipitation. No strong correlation between carbon isotope ratios and temperature or salinity were observed for ostracods.
Tears, Unity, Moose Burgers, and Fashion: A Tale of Two Candidates

Candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sarah Palin, although they did not run against each other, have been compared on many levels. This essay analyzes the storytelling process by the media, by their respective campaigns, by their supporters and opponents and argues that, in its complexity and polysemy, such process engenders mutually contradictory stories. Suggested here is the idea that stories act as fundamental meaning-making resources. Both candidates, although in the public eye at different times, encountered parallel yet contradictory story constructions; both engaged the story-making process guided by different resources and experienced different results. The following essay outlines a proposal for a taxonomy of stories that is then used to analyze the stories privileged in constructing the public image of both candidates.
Renal Morphology of Sympatric Suiforms: Implications for Competition

We assessed the ability to conserve water in collared peccaries ( Tayassu tajacu ) and feral hogs ( Sus scrofa ) by comparing renal morphology in free-ranging populations living sympatrically in southern Texas. These ecologically similar species coexist in a hot, semi-arid environment in which ability to conserve water may provide a competitive advantage. Kidneys of collared peccaries had relatively larger and thicker medullae and presumably a greater capacity to concentrate urine than feral hogs. Renal indices of peccaries were similar to values predicted by allometric functions, whereas indices of hogs were smaller than predicted. Renal mass in hogs, when scaled by (body mass)0.85, was larger than that of peccaries. Indices of renal function from this study were greater than values reported previously for these species. Geographic variation and adaptation during growth may play a role in renal morphology. Genetic constraints probably control large-scale differences, constraining feral hogs to being less suited to water-stressed environments. Results were consistent with predictions that peccaries should have a competitive advantage over hogs in xeric environments with minimal surface water because of ecophysiology. However, a suite of environmental, behavioral, and functional factors appears to control competitive interactions between native peccaries and introduced hogs.
Identification of a Met-Binding Peptide from a Phage Display Library

Purpose: Aberrant c-Met expression has been implicated in most types of human cancer. We are developing Met-directed imaging and therapeutic agents. Experimental Design: To seek peptides that bind specifically to receptor Met, the Met-expressing cell lines S114 and SK-LMS-1 were used for biopanning with a random peptide phage display library. Competition ELISA, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, an internalization assay, and a cell proliferation assay were used to characterize a Met-binding peptide in vitro. To evaluate the utility of the peptide as a diagnostic agent in vivo, 125I-labeled peptide was injected i.v. into nude mice bearing s.c. xenografts of the Met-expressing and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor–expressing SK-LMS-1/HGF, and total body scintigrams were obtained between 1 and 24 h postinjection. Results: One Met-binding peptide (YLFSVHWPPLKA), designated Met-pep1, reacts with Met on the cell surface and competes with HGF/scatter factor binding to Met in a dose-dependent manner. Met-pep1 is internalized by Met-expressing cells after receptor binding. Met-pep1 inhibits human leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1 cell proliferation in vitro. In SK-LMS-1 mouse xenografts, tumor-associated activity was imaged as early as 1 h postinjection and remained visible in some animals as late as 24 h postinjection. Conclusions: Met-pep1 specifically interacts with Met: it is internalized by Met-expressing cells and inhibits tumor cell proliferation in vitro; it is a potential diagnostic agent for tumor imaging.
Metabolizable Energy Value of Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Broiler Chicks and Laying Hens

Two experiments with broiler chicks and one experiment with laying hens were conducted to determine the MEn value of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). In Experiment 1, for 8 d, 16-d-old chicks were fed diets in which 4, 8, or 12% of CLA Source A or 4, 8, or 12% of soybean oil (SO) was substituted for glucose. Dietary MEn increased linearly (P < or = 0.001) with increments of CLA Source A or SO. Regression analysis relating increases in dietary MEn and increments of the dietary fat sources showed that the MEn values of CLA Source A and SO, when evaluated separately, were 7,419 and 8,429 kcal/kg, respectively. In Experiment 2, feed was withheld from laying hens for 38 h and then the hens were force-fed diets containing 15% glucose, 15% CLA Source A, or 15% SO (two feedings of 30 g each). Excreta samples were collected for 36 h after the last feeding. The MEn values obtained for CLA Source A and SO were 8,517 and 8,437 kcal/kg, respectively. The MEn of CLA Source B (higher in unsaturated fatty acids than CLA Source A) was determined in Experiment 3 by feeding diets containing 4, 8, or 12% CLA Source B to 14-d-old chicks. Increases in dietary MEn with increments of CLA Source B were curvilinear, with resulting MEn of 9,375 to 9,588 kcal/kg of fat when CLA Source B was fed at 4 or 8% of the diet and 7,917 kcal/kg when fed at 12% of the diet. Results of this research show that CLA sources can contribute substantial energy to diets, but the MEn value of CLA sources for young chicks varies with fatty acid composition and dietary concentration.
Low-cost attacks against packet delivery, localization and time synchronization services in under-water sensor networks

Under-Water Sensor Networking (UWSN) is a novel network paradigm that is being proposed to explore, monitor and protect the oceans. The unique characteristics of the aquatic environment, namely huge propagation delay, absence of GPS signaling, floating node mobility, and limited (acoustic) link capacity, are very different from those of ground sensor networks. Since underwater networks are mostly autonomous and very difficult to directly monitor by humans, a very important requirement is the built-in protection from automated malicious attacks. In this paper we show that the aquatic environment is particularly vulnerable to attacks and security must be integrated into the UWSN architecture to protect its localization, synchronization and packet delivery services.
Attitude stabilization of a rigid spacecraft using gas jet actuators operating in a failure mode

The authors consider the attitude stabilization of a rigid spacecraft using control torques supplied by gas jet actuators about only two of its principal axes. First, the case where the uncontrolled principal axis of the spacecraft is not an axis of symmetry is considered. In this case, the complete spacecraft dynamics are small time locally controllable. However, the spacecraft cannot be asymptotically stabilized to an equilibrium attitude using time-invariant continuous feedback. A discontinuous stabilizing feedback control strategy is constructed which stabilizes the spacecraft to an equilibrium attitude. Next, the case where the uncontrolled principal axis of the spacecraft is an axis of symmetry is considered. In this case, the complete spacecraft dynamics are not even accessible. However, the spacecraft dynamics are strongly accessible and small time locally controllable in a reduced sense. The reduced spacecraft dynamics cannot be asymptotically stabilized to an equilibrium attitude using time-invariant continuous feedback, but again a discontinuous stabilizing feedback control strategy is considered. In both cases, the discontinuous feedback controllers are constructed by switching between one of several feedback functions. >
Complementary biocontrol of aphids by the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis and the parasitoid Aphelinus asychis on greenhouse roses

We investigated whether two biocontrol agents, the parasitoid wasp Aphelinus asychis Walker and the predatory ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis Pallas, would act in concert to reduce densities of an aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas) that attacks greenhouse-grown roses (Rosa hybrida L.). We conducted three types of experiments: feeding trials in microcosms that examine predator preference for mummies versus aphids; a longer-term pairing of the two natural enemies and aphids on whole plants in large cages; and a trial release of ladybird beetles into a rose greenhouse infested with the aphid and parasitoid. In the microcosm feeding trials both larvae and adults of H. axyridis fed on aphids, but also on parasitoid mummies, raising the possibility that intraguild predation of parasitoids by H. axyridis could disrupt aphid control. In cages, ladybird beetles dampened peak aphid densities during an outbreak without altering densities of parasitoid pupae or the ratio of parasitoids to aphids. In our wholegreenhouse release, we saw no evidence that H. axyridis disrupted aphid control by resident A. asychis. Together, these results suggest that H. axyridis can complement aphid biocontrol by the parasitoid A. asychis, rather than disrupting control through intraguild predation. 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Event-related brain potential evidence for a verbal working memory deficit in multiple sclerosis

Summary Memory deficits are frequently identified in patients with multiple sclerosis. Both working (short-term) and long-term memory appear affected, particularly on free-recall tasks. The focus of our study was to examine neurophysiological correlates of working memory processes and to identify the specific components responsible for the working memory deficits reported in multiple sclerosis. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded from the scalp of mildly afflicted multiple sclerosis patients and their matched normal controls during the performance of phonological and visuo-spatial working memory tasks. Neuropsychological test, behavioural performance and ERP data all indicated that verbal working memory is especially susceptible to impairment by multiple sclerosis, while visuospatial working memory is less susceptible. The pattern of results further indicated that the verbal working memory dysfunction in multiple sclerosis is at least partially due to impairment in the phonological loop, a rehearsal mechanism for retaining verbal information in working memory.
Differential renal function estimation using computerized tomography based renal parenchymal volume measurement.

Purpose: Nuclear renal scan is currently the gold standard imaging study to determine differential renal function. We propose helical computerized tomography as a more efficient way to gain renal function information. Renal parenchymal volume is measured and percent total renal volume is used as a surrogate marker for differential renal function.Materials and Methods: Computerized tomography and diuretic enhanced nuclear renal scan were performed in 33 patients with chronic obstruction. Computerized tomography was contrast enhanced in 23 cases and nonenhanced in 10. Diagnoses included ureteropelvic junction obstruction, ureteral stricture and extrinsic compression. Using semiautomated boundary delineation with manual editing method the parenchymal volume of each kidney was measured and percent renal volume was calculated. Percent renal volume was compared with percent renal function, as determined by nuclear renal scan. Correlations between the 2 measures were evaluated using the Spearman or Pearson coeff...
Analog design automation: Where are we? Where are we going?

A high-level survey of the state of CAD (computer-aided design) for analog and mixed-signal ICs is presented, focusing on synthesis-related work (cell-level and system-level synthesis). Both circuit synthesis and layout and system synthesis and layout are considered. Experimental results from some of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tools in each niche of the analog CAD spectrum are used as concrete examples of what the author does (and does not yet) believe can be automated. It is noted that the growing presence of analog functions on chip and the market pressure to decrease design time for new mixed-signal ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) have forced industry and academia to confront a range of challenging analog design automation problems. The author offers some opinions on how well he is doing and where he appears to be heading.
Business Intelligence Successes at a Catalog and Online Retailer

The proliferation, growth, decline, and re-growth of the retailing industry during the past several decades has allowed for the creation of new applications for business intelligence. Along the way there have been many spectacular successes as well as many failures. This paper attempts to apply business intelligence using ecological theories at Fingerhut Inc. as an example noting its successes and failures.
SSRLE: Substitution and Segment-Run Length Encoding for Binary Data in XML

With the increasing use of XML as an information exchange format, there is an increasing need to embed graphics and binary data files within XML documents. This paper describes a technique called substitution and segment-run length encoding (SSRLE) for including binary data in XML documents. Traditional encodings like base 64 and ASCII 85 use a subset of the available printable characters and add considerable space overhead. Alternatives such as packaging and binary XML encodings do not preserve the portability of XML documents. SSRLE uses additional printable characters for substitutions and segment-run lengths to provide savings in terms of the space over-head, with a worst case overhead equal to that of base 64. Our experiments show that SSRLE provides significant space savings for a number of types of different files.
Social withdrawal behaviors in nonhuman primates and changes in neuroendocrine and monoamine concentrations during a separation paradigm

This study investigated relationships between withdrawal behaviors in rhesus macaques and changes in monoamine metabolite and endocrine concentrations during repeated psychosocial stress. Rhesus monkeys (N = 71) experienced maternal separation in which four separations took place during four consecutive weeks. Behavioral observations were made, as well as plasma concentrations of cortisol and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of the serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine metabolites were obtained. Animals were assigned to high, moderate, and low withdrawal groups, defined using baseline durations of withdrawal behaviors. Highly withdrawn animals showed less reduction than nonwithdrawn animals in serotonin metabolite concentrations over repeated separations. Highly withdrawn macaques also failed to significantly reduce cortisol concentrations across separation weeks. More adaptation in central serotonin functioning and cortisol concentrations was seen in nonwithdrawn primates than in highly withdrawn primates; these findings have implications for increased risk of developing anxiety disorders in highly inhibited children.
An integrated circuit shock scrambler

The construction of an inexpensive shock scrambler is described. The device uses integrated circuitry to drive switching transistors which, in turn, operate mercury relays. These relays are used to switch high voltage to the shock grids in a standard experimental chamber. The frequency at which shock can be scrambled across the grids can be varied.
Downlink MIMO Block Diagonalization in the Presence of Other-Cell Interference

Block diagonalization is one approach for linear preceding in the multiple-input multiple-output broadcast channel that sends multiple interference free data streams to different users in the same cell. Unfortunately, block diagonalization neglects other cell interference, which limits the performance of users at the edge of the cell. This paper presents an OCI-aware enhancement to block diagonalization that uses a whitening filter for interference suppression at the receiver and a novel precoder using the interference-plus-noise covariance matrix for each user at the transmitter. For complex Gaussian matrix channels, the asymptotic sum rate of the proposed system is analyzed under a large antenna assumption for isotropic inputs and compared to conventional block diagonalization.
Getting the Query Right: User Interface Design of Analysis Platforms for Crisis Research

Web-based data analysis environments are powerful platforms for exploring large data sets. To ensure that these environments meet the needs of analysts, a human-centered perspective is needed. Interfaces to these platforms should provide flexible search, support user-generated content, and enable collaboration. We report on our efforts to design and develop a web interface for a custom analytics platform--EPIC Analyze--which provides interactive search over large Twitter data sets collected during crisis events. We performed seven think-aloud sessions with researchers who regularly analyze crisis data sets and compiled their feedback. They identified a need for a "big picture" view of an event, flexible exporting capabilities, and user-defined coding schemes. Adding these features allowed EPIC Analyze to meet the needs of these analysts and enable exploratory research on crisis data.
ABA Standard 305'S Guided Reflections: A Perfect Fit for Guided Fieldwork

The ABA recently introduced some flexibility in how law schools may structure field placement programs (i.e., externship programs). Specifically, new ABA Standard 305(e)(7) provides that in addition to a seminar or tutorial, "other means of guided reflection" satisfy the academic component requirement for a field placement program. This article describes one successful method for meeting the revised ABA Standard through the use of contemporaneous online guided reflections. It does so by examining the experience of Southwestern Law School, which recently redesigned the academic component of its large externship program. This article describes Southwestern's externship program before the new Standard 305(e)(7), and then details the program's redesign with the use of online guided reflections, noting its success and the delivery of a substantially better educational experience. The article first details how the new ABA Standard provided the impetus for Southwestern to reassess the nature of its large fieldwork-focused externship program. In that reassessment, Southwestern considered: (1) the role of externships in providing a well-rounded legal education; (2) the impact of generational considerations; and (3) the insights gained from different models of success in law school and on the job. After providing a detailed background to Southwestern's fieldwork-focused approach to externships, the article describes the flexibility and creativity that online guided reflections afford. This flexibility allowed Southwestern to emphasize fieldwork, while getting more out of the academic component without the restraints of form over substance. The author hopes that Southwestern's approach, detailed in this article, will serve as a productive model for crafting innovative and effective academic components for field placements.
Variable hemodynamic response to oral hydralazine in patients with refractory congestive heart failure

Hydralazine, 200 to 400 mg daily, was administered orally to 20 consecutive patients with severe heart failure. After 24 h of continuous hydralazine therapy, an average fall in mean blood pressure of 9 mmHg (P < 0.01) was associated with an overall increase in cardiac index from 1.7 to 2.4 l/min/m2 (P < 0.001), and a reduction in pulmonary wedge pressure from 24 to 20 mmHg (P < 0.05). However, five of the 20 patients developed minimal or no changes in cardiac index while the remaining 15 demonstrated a rise in cardiac index of at least 30%. Initial systemic vascular resistance was significantly higher in patients without change in cardiac index than in those with an increase (2348 v. 1818 dyne.s.cm−5; P < 0.05), but could not be used to predict accurately the response to hydralazine therapy. Thus, hydralazine is generally beneficial in severe heart failure but the hemodynamic responses in individual subjects may vary. Hemodynamic monitoring is recommended in severely ill patients to evaluate responsiveness in anticipation of long-term maintenance therapy.
Fast Confocal Raman Imaging Using a 2-D Multifocal Array for Parallel Hyperspectral Detection

We present the development of a novel confocal hyperspectral Raman microscope capable of imaging at speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional point-scan Raman microscopy under high noise conditions. The microscope utilizes scanning galvomirrors to generate a two-dimensional (2-D) multifocal array at the sample plane, generating Raman signals simultaneously at each focus of the array pattern. The signals are combined into a single beam and delivered through a confocal pinhole before being focused through the slit of a spectrometer. To separate the signals from each row of the array, a synchronized scan mirror placed in front of the spectrometer slit positions the Raman signals onto different pixel rows of the detector. We devised an approach to deconvolve the superimposed signals and retrieve the individual spectra at each focal position within a given row. The galvomirrors were programmed to scan different focal arrays following Hadamard encoding patterns. A key feature of the Hadamard detection is ...
Acute Epididymitis and Orchitis in Children

Acute epididymitis and orchitis result in pain and swelling of the contents of the scrotal sac. The differential diagnoses include torsion of the spermatic cord, torsion of the appendix testis, hernia, hydrocele, and trauma. All providers of pediatric health care should understand the etiology and recognize the presenting signs and symptoms of epididymitis and orchitis, conditions that must be distinguished promptly in the emergency setting to avoid the risk of gonadal loss or unnecessary scrotal exploration. Epididymitis results from inflammation of the epididymis with resultant pain, swelling, and redness of the scrotal skin. Most often a specific cause cannot be identified, although it has been hypothesized that both viral and coliform bacterial infections can inflame the epididymis.
Construction of the Third Line of Defence for Smart Grid

The traditional third line of defence could not adapt to various operation modes of power grid.Based on the analysis of such traditional problems as out-of-step splitting and low-frequency and low-voltage load shedding,this paper proposes the strategy to construct the third line of defence for smart grid,"Offline backup and online optimization." Finally the configuration scheme is carefully designed for the problems of out-of-step splitting and low-frequency and low-voltage load shedding.
The Research on Open Standards Strategy of Defense Industry Based on a View of Military-Civilian Integration

With the rapid development of information technology,technical versatility between military and civilian is continuously improving;network effect in the procurement market of military products is increasingly obvious;the defense industry 's own resources is difficult to meet the demand of the development of weapon equipment.In this case,defense industry standardization has developed from closeness to openness,and gradually shown characteristics such as open,negotiable,accessible and controllable,which effectively promote military and civilian technologies to join each other.For this purpose,in policy orientation we should actively improve legal system,optimize coalition structure,breed competitive mechanism,and implement effective intervention.In measures,we should make standard cultivation of policy decision,establish standard selection and evaluation criteria,play the role of government effectively,construct open standards strategy of national defense industry,and promote the healthy development of civil-military integration.
Arousal components which differentiate the MWT from the MSLT.

Study objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the relative contribution of the instruction to maintain wakefulness versus posture change as major components determining sleep latency in the MWT as compared to the MSLT. Design and setting After adaptation, subjects spent 3 nights and the following days in the laboratory. On each day, Ss had eight sleep latency measurements including four sleep latency tests from two of the following conditions: Lay down and Sleep (MSLT); Lay down and stay Awake; Sit up and Sleep; Sit up and stay Awake (MWT); and sit in a chair in front of a Computer and stay awake. Participants Participants were 14 young adult normal sleepers. Interventions NA. Measurement and results Significant differences in sleep latency were found for each condition with respect to all of the others except that the Computer condition did not differ from the Sit-Awake condition. Means for conditions were: Lay-Sleep -11.1 minutes; Sit-Sleep -17.7 minutes; Lay-Awake - 21.7 minutes; Sit-Awake - 29.0 minutes; Computer - 30.1 minutes. Correlations between conditions declined as subjects sat up. Conclusions The MWT differs from the MSLT by taking advantage of the arousal system (motivation and posture) to maintain alertness (i.e., increase sleep latency). These arousal effects are additive. MSLT results may not always correlate well with MWT results because the MWT measures the combined effects of the sleep and arousal systems while the MSLT, in ideal situations, measures only sleepiness.
Indianerfilme and the Conquest of the American West

For a viewer familiar with the Western genre, the first East German Western, The Sons of Great Mother Bear, may not seem initially to differ from any traditional American Western.1 In the opening scene, a group of Anglo-Americans are playing cards and drinking in a saloon. There are also two Native Americans present, sitting in a remote corner. The older Native American agrees to join the Anglo-Americans, while his son refuses even to acknowledge their presence. The son is also the only person in the saloon who is not drinking. His father, it appears, must have known and trusted the leading white gambler who calls him “my red brother.” The friendship between Red Fox, an experienced Anglo-American frontiersman, the white frontiersman, and the older Indian proves to be fleeting once the frontiersman discovers a gold nugget in the hand of the Indian. Red Fox kills the Indian when the Indian refuses to tell him where gold can be found. Then the story follows the well-known pattern: as more and more gold-hungry whites arrive, the Indians must either leave their homeland or fight off the invaders. War appears imminent. Indeed, “if this were a Hollywood Western, John Wayne would fight off the ‘redskins’ single-handedly before riding off into a prairie sunset.”2 Instead, not only does Tokeiihto manage to avenge the death of his father, but he also manages to protect his tribe from extermination by leading them to a new homeland.
Association Between Multi-frequency Phase Angle and Survival in Patients With Advanced Cancer

Abstract Context The ability to predict survival accurately has implications in clinical decision making. Objectives We determined the association of phase angle obtained from multi-frequency bioelectric impedance analysis with overall survival in patients with advanced cancer. Methods We included consecutive patients with advanced cancer who had an outpatient palliative care consultation. Multi-frequency bioelectric impedance analysis assessed phase angle at three different frequencies (5/50/250 kHz) on each hemibody (right/left). Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results Among 366 patients, the median overall survival was 250 days (95% confidence interval 191–303 days). The mean phase angle for 5, 50, and 250 kHz were 2.2°, 4.4°, and 4.2° on the right and 2.0°, 4.2° and 4.1° on the left, respectively. For all six phase angles, a lower value was significantly associated with a poorer overall survival ( P P = 0.048). Conclusion Phase angle represents a novel objective prognostic factor in outpatient palliative cancer care setting, regardless of frequency and body sides.
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Urocortin Receptors

The key mediator of the innate physiological stress response has long been hypothesized to be the hypothalamic peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). This 41 amino acid peptide modulates the endocrine, autonomic, behavioral, and immune responses to stress through actions at specific receptors both in the central nervous system as well as the periphery. These seven transmembrane proteins belong to the superfamily of G protein–coupled receptors and play a role in central nervous system, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and pituitary-adrenal function. Decades of research have implied a direct relationship between stress-related disorders and CRF activity in the brain. As a result, this system has been the focus of many drug discovery programs aimed at identifying selective and specific orally active molecules that can block the pathophysiological increase in activity of this peptide. This review will summarize this system, the evidence supporting the utility of molecules that block the CRF system in human disease and the current state of the drug discovery programs that have yet to produce a viable therapeutic.
Quasiparticle self-consistent GW band structure of β-Ga2O3 and the anisotropy of the absorption onset

Quasiparticle self-consistent GW calculations are presented for the band structure of β-Ga2O3, including a lattice polarization correction of the screened Coulomb interaction W. It is found that this correction is of the order of 0.5 eV. When an estimated zero-point motion correction is also included, the direct gap is found to be 4.8 ± 0.1 eV in good agreement with experiment. The indirect gap is found to be 0.1 eV smaller. The origin of the anisotropy of the absorption edge is interpreted in terms of selection rules and the symmetry labeling of the bands at Γ.
Multiphoton microscopy and image guided light activated therapy using nanomaterials (Conference Presentation)

This talk will focus on design and applications of nanomaterials exhibiting strong multiphoton upconversion for multiphoton microscopy as well as for image-guided and light activated therapy .1-3 Such processes can occur by truly nonlinear optical interactions proceeding through virtual intermediate states or by stepwise coupled linear excitations through real intermediate states. Multiphoton processes in biocompatible multifunctional nanoparticles allow for 3D deep tissue imaging. In addition, they can produce in-situ photon conversion of deep tissue penetrating near IR light into a needed shorter wavelength light for photo-activated therapy at a targeted site, thus overcoming the limited penetration of UV or visible light into biological media. We are using near IR emitters such as silicon quantum dots which also exhibit strong multiphoton excitation for multiphoton microscopy. Another approach involves nonlinear nanocrystals such as ZnO which can produce four wave mixing, sum frequency generation as well as second harmonic generation to convert a deep tissue penetrating Near IR light at the targeted biological site to a desired shorter wavelength light suitable for bio imaging or activation of a therapy. We have utilized this approach to activate a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. Yet another type of upconversion materials is rare-earth ion doped optical nanotransformers which transform a Near IR (NIR) light from an external source by sequential single photon absorption, in situ and on demand, to a needed wavelength. Applications of these nanotransformers in multiphoton photoacoustic imaging will also be presented. An exciting direction pursued by us using these multiphoton nanoparticles, is functional imaging of brain. Simultaneously, they can effect optogenetics for regioselective stimulation of neurons for providing an effective intervention/augmentation strategy to enhance the cognitive state and lead to a foundation for futuristic vision of super human capabilities. Challenges and opportunities will be discussed.
Law and Policy Aspects of Managing the Louisiana Coastal Environment in the Face of Global Climate Change Threats: Mitigation & Adaptation Imperatives

The Louisiana coastal communities face existential threats from the negative effects of global climate change. Sadly the threats have not registered in the consciousness of the state and its citizens. The state laws, policies and way of life appear to be in denial of the science of global climate change and, in particular, of the anthropogenic factors contributing to this phenomenon. In an effort to persuade the state to change course, this article highlights the science of global climate change effects, especially sea level rise, on the state, and the weakness of the state laws, policies and practices in countering the threats. The article offers some suggestions for improvement with emphasis on the policy actions and cultural change that must assure mitigation and adaptation measures consistent with sustainable environmental stewardship. Ultimately the gateway to any meaningful interventions to save the state from climate change threats is the political will to do all it can. So far, there is no such political will.
Asymptotic Properties of a Class of Stochastic Recursive Algorithms

Abstract The subject matter discussed in this paper is on a class of stochastic approximation/optimization algorithms. The underlying problems can be stated as: Find the solution of f ( x ) = 0 provided only noise measurements are available and the design points { x n } is a sequence generated passively and randomly. Our main effort is on developing asymptotic properties of the algorithms. Decreasing step size algorithms will be studied in detail. In addition to proving the convergence of the algorithms, we derive the upper bounds on the estimation errors.
Do agglomeration economies decay over short distances? Are they stable in the face of shocks? Evidence from Manhattan

This paper analyzes agglomeration economies of four producer service industries in Manhattan applying panel regression to a sample of zip codes and years. Agglomeration economies accrue to producer...
New versus Old Politics in Podemos: Feminization and Masculinized Party Discourse:

Little research has explored the gender dimension of political actors who have emerged in response to the erosion of Western mainstream parties after the Great Recession. This article analyzes the ...
Let’s Stop Educating Closet Historians

AbstractPublic administration is inherently an interdisciplinary field, prominently incorporating theory and methods from economics, political science, and sociology. Less obviously, however, MPA curricula include historical treatments of particular policy arenas, institutions, the administrative state, and the professions of policy analyst and public management. In addition, the case method that figures prominently in MPA pedagogy and the research MPA students perform depend on doing history. Yet, history as a scholarly endeavor is rarely included in basic courses, much less instruction in research methods. This essay explores the use of history in MPA curricula and how MPA students might acquire a deeper appreciation of history and how historians ply their craft.
A worldwide program of audiovisual exchange

forum for about 80 countries; through its Education Clearing House, it has published in French and English a survey of the educational systems of the world (1, 2, 3). Further publications in specific areas of education are planned. The West European Union (or Union Europeene Occidentale as it is called in French) is another active organization in the education field. An outgrowth of the Brussels Treaty Organization, it originally consisted of the Benelux countries, France, and England, but in 1954 was joined by Germany and Italy. With
A Philosophical Perspective on Ethics in Forensic Psychiatry

Philosophy has traditionally sought to understand and explain all manner of cosmic and human phenomena. Yet to characterize philosophy in this way fails to distinguish it from scientific investigation and from other forms of humanistic inquiry. By the very nature of its activity, philosophy is a critical inquiry, seeking to provide standards for correct reasoning, for proper conduct, and for adequate evidence in support of every type of belief. In all these pursuits, different philosophical approaches—and there are many—are guided by principles. In offering standards for correct reasoning, philosophers use principles of deductive and inductive logic. In an effort to develop standards for proper conduct, philosophers have proposed moral principles, which are usually embedded in a larger ethical theory. And in asking what counts as adequate evidence in support of beliefs or claims to knowledge, philosophers employ epistemological principles that rest on a theory of knowledge: empiricism, rationalism, intuitionism, or some combination of these. Accordingly, a philosophical perspective on ethics in forensic psychiatry cannot be limited to moral concerns. It must also address modes of reasoning and standards of evidence accepted and employed by psychiatrists practicing in the forensic arena.
HIV-1 Transmission, Replication Fitness and Disease Progression:

Upon transmission, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) establishes infection of the lymphatic reservoir, leading to profound depletion of the memory CD4(+) T cell population, despite the induction of the adaptive immune response. The rapid evolution and association of viral variants having distinct characteristics with different stages of infection, the level of viral burden, and rate of disease progression suggest a role for viral variants in this process. Here, we review the literature on HIV-1 variants and disease and discuss the importance of viral fitness for transmission and disease.
Congenital Disorders of Platelet Signal Transduction and Secretion

Platelets have been recognized as bona fide members of the hematologic community only since the middle of the 19th century (1). Their critical role in hemostasis and in the pathogenesis of thrombosis and atherosclerosis is irrefutably established. Reviewed here are selected aspects of the platelet role in hemostasis and the inherited defects that lead to impaired platelet function. Recognition and delineation of the abnormal mechanisms in patients with platelet dysfunction have provided invaluable insights into several key aspects of platelet physiology, and lay the foundation for developing newer antiplatelet agents.
Galileo and the Thomists

When Antonio Favaro, the otherwise careful editor of Galileo’s Opere, came across the name “Caietanus” in Galileo’s early notebooks, he assumed that the reference was to Caietanus Thienensis,1 the Paduan calculator; apparently it did not occur to him that the young Galileo would be acquainted with the writings of the Italian Thomist, Thomas de Vio Caietanus.2 Yet a check of Galileo’s citations shows that six of the eight references ascribed by Favaro to Caietanus Thienensis in reality are references to Thomas de Vio Caietanus.3 Favaro’s error here, of course, is more excusable than his failure to identify correctly the more mature Galileo’s reliance on the authority of the celebrated Dominican in his letter to the Grand Duchess Christina.4 There it was a question of the place of the sun in the heavens when Joshua gave his famous command, “Sun, stand thou still,” and Thomas de Vio had long been recognized as a competent Scriptural commentator.5 But De Vio also held distinctive views on matters relating to physical science, as did many of the Thomists of his day, and such views were known and discussed by Galileo in his early writings. Most of these writings, contained in Vol. I of Favaro’s National Edition of Galileo’s works, show a preoccupation with Aristotle and the problems raised by his philosophy then being discussed in the schools, particularly at Pisa and other Italian universities. Of the 419 pages that go to make up this first volume, in fact, Aristotle is mentioned on 194 pages; the author cited with next greatest frequency is St. Thomas Aquinas, who gets mentioned on 32 pages, followed in order by the Aristotelian commentators Averroes and Simplicius,who are mentioned on 30 and 28 pages respectively.6
Teaching and Learning with Three-dimensional Representations

Computer-based visualizations play a profoundly important role in chemistry instruction. In this chapter, we review the role of visualization tools and possible ways in which they may influence thinking about chemistry. There are now several visualization systems available that allow students to manipulate important variables in obtain a solution to a scientific problem. We discuss the fundamental differences between these tools, and we emphasize the use of each within the context of constructivist curricula and pedagogies. We also consider the impact such tools may have on visuo-spatial thinking. We suggest that although visuo-spatial ability may be important in visualization use, its role has at times been overemphasized. We argue for a more nuanced, richer understanding of the many ways in which visuo-spatial reasoning is used in solving chemistry problems. This discussion leads to a set of design principles for the use of visualization tools in teaching chemistry. Finally, we present our work on the Kinemage Authorship Project, a program designed to assist students in understanding spatial structures in complex, biochemical molecules. The Kinemage Authorship Project allows students to construct their own molecular visualizations, and we discuss how this may lead to greater understanding of the spatial properties of molecules. This constructivist program embodies many of the design principles that we present earlier in the chapter.
Abstract 439: Elevating 2-deoxy Adenosine Triphosphate Improves Contraction in a Mouse Model of Genetic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Several studies have identified reduced tension and Ca2+ sensitivity as key regulators that precipitate dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We are developing a novel therapy to increase tension using ade...
The Spillover Effect of SEC Comment Letters through Audit Firms

This study examines the spillover effect of SEC comment letters on an auditor’s other clientele. We focus our examination on goodwill, a frequent comment letter topic that garners significant auditor attention. We find that when companies receive an SEC comment letter with goodwill-related comments, their auditors are more likely to increase their scrutiny of this audit area among their other clientele in the same office as evidenced by an increased likelihood of recording impairment charges among their clients that exhibit goodwill impairment risk. Cross sectional analyses suggest that the spillover effect is more pronounced when the comment letter recipient subsequently recognized a goodwill impairment. We observe a similar spillover effect among an auditor’s clientele in the same industry and with changes to companies’ goodwill footnote disclosures. We corroborate these findings using another frequent comment letter topic – revenue recognition – and the likelihood of revenue-recognition related changes in accounting estimates.
FPGA Architectures for Real-time Dense SLAM

Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) is an important technique used in robotics, computer vision, and virtual/augmented reality. SLAM algorithms have moved past creating sparse maps to making dense 3D reconstruction of the environment. Dense SLAM algorithms have high computational demands that require hardware acceleration to be done efficiently in real-time. FPGAs are an attractive compute platform for SLAM systems as they are low power and high performance. Unfortunately, dense SLAM algorithms are complex and FPGAs are notoriously difficult to program. In this work, we study the best techniques for accelerating 3D reconstruction on FPGA. We analyze a 3D reconstruction system, and implement modular FPGA designs for the main components of this application. We target both an FPGA SoC and a larger FPGA PCIe board, and perform a design space exploration (DSE) of our designs. We analyze the results of our DSE, characterize the design spaces to highlight important features, and we implement the best designs in an open-source and end-to-end dense SLAM system running on a FPGA SoC board. On the SoC board, using the FPGA increases the throughput of the whole application by a factor of two compared to the ARM processor, and individual algorithms are up to 38 times faster on the FPGA.
Calibration Framework for Simulation Tools to Manage Uncertain Future Conditions

In an era of emerging vehicle automation technologies and advanced traffic management strategies, traffic simulation has become an indispensable tool for giving agencies the insight they need for a...
Sociopolitical Insularity is Psychology's Achilles Heal

Academic psychology has become increasingly non-diverse politically, which skews and impeded social psychological science (as Duarte et al. argue). We should embrace viewpoint diversity, especially since the arguments favoring sociopolitical diversity are identical to those for demographic and cultural diversity. Doing so will produce a more robust, open, and creative psychological science that is informed and tested by a multiplicity of socio political paradigms.