cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positive Psychology Across the Lifespan

Age is a basic source of difference, conditioning what “the positive” means in human functioning. In the life-worlds of infants, children, and adolescents, the nature and conditions of optimal functioning differ in many respects. Significant differences also exist in the nature of “the positive” during emerging, young, middle, and older adulthood. Furthermore, age and the individual life periods are experienced and valued differently across cultures. In this chapter, age differences in optimal functioning are viewed through the lens of positive lifespan developmental psychology. The chapter first briefly discusses age and life period from a lifespan perspective. Subsequent sections illustrate the perspective by outlining the lifespan trajectory of three important and widely studied positive-psychology phenomena, drawn from the affective, interpersonal, and cognitive domains, respectively: well-being, romantic relationships, and wisdom.
Influence of dietary energy on follicular development, serum gonadotropins, and first postpartum ovulation in suckled beef cows.

Twenty-eight Hereford x Angus cows (4 yr of age) were used to determine the effects of pre- and postpartum dietary energy on performance and reproductive function in suckled beef cows. The experiment was designed as a 2 x 2 factorial with cows receiving either 70 (L) or 150% (H) of NRC recommended level of dietary energy before and(or) after parturition, resulting in four treatment combinations (L-L, L-H, H-L, H-H). Prepartum diets were fed for approximately 110 d, and postpartum diets were fed until either 10 d after the second postpartum ovulation or 150 d postpartum for those cows that failed to ovulate. Cows receiving low compared with high levels of energy before calving lost more (P less than .01) weight, body condition, subcutaneous fat, and longissimus muscle area before parturition and had calves with lighter (P less than .01) birth weights. Cows receiving low compared with high levels of energy postpartum lost more (P less than .01) weight, body condition, and longissimus muscle area after parturition. Low levels of energy before and after parturition decreased (P less than .01) milk production and calf weight at 70 d of age. Rates of cervical and uterine involution were unaffected by dietary energy treatments. Cows receiving high levels of energy prepartum had increased (P less than .01) mean concentrations and pulse frequency of LH in serum after parturition, and cows receiving high levels of energy postpartum had increased (P less than .05) pulse frequency of LH. Low levels of energy postpartum decreased (P less than .01) appearance rate of small (5.0 to 7.9 mm) and large (greater than or equal to 10 mm) follicles, and low levels of energy prepartum decreased (P less than .02) appearance rate of large follicles based on transrectal ultrasonography. Cows receiving high levels of energy prepartum had shorter (P less than .02) intervals from parturition to ovulation, and a higher (P less than .01) percentage of the cows that received high levels of energy postpartum ovulated by 150 d postpartum. In summary, prepartum level of dietary energy influenced birth weight and weight gain of calves, milk production, concentrations and pulse frequency of LH in serum, appearance rate of large follicles, and the interval to first ovulation. Postpartum level of dietary energy influenced milk production, weight gain of calves, pulse frequency of LH, appearance rate of small and large follicles, and the percentage of cows that ovulated after parturition.
Is evolution finished

Since speciation seems to be no longer in progress, one is compelled to conclude that sexual reproduction is incompetent as a macroevolutionary device. I propose that the reason some might insist that evolution is still in progress stems primarily from the influence of two authorities, the geologist Charles Lyell, with his doctrine of uniformitarianism and Gregor Mendel, the discoverer of sexually mediated transmission genetics. William Bateson, the father of modern genetics, clearly foresaw the failure of Mendelism to explain macroevolutionary change, a perspective with which I am in full agreement.
End-of-Life Care Patterns at a Community Hospital: The Rest of the Story:

We undertook a retrospective review of a subset of expired patients at our community hospital to evaluate end-of-life care patterns and the use of advanced care planning tools among patients who died in the hospital. These 162 expired patients fell into 1 of the 3 diagnosis-related groups of cardiac, respiratory, or infectious disease. Seventy-nine percent of patients arrived to the hospital with no requested limitations in the extent of resuscitative efforts, even though 98% of all patients had major or extreme severity of illness and risk of mortality scores. The presence of an advance directive requesting a limitation of resuscitative efforts modestly impacted resources and procedures, even though utilization in this group was high. Among the 21% of patients with preexisting limits, 21% requested more aggressive support during their course. Critical care unit utilization was seen in 69% of patients for a median of 48 hours. A request for palliative care consultation was received in 44% of patients but only occurred in 30% of all patients due to the short period between the consultation request and patient death (median 37 hours). Among this group of dying patients, engagement of the palliative care team came too late in the course of many patients, suggesting that automated tools embedded in the electronic medical record might be helpful in the identification of appropriate patients earlier.
Big Effect of Small Nanoparticles: A Shift in Paradigm for Polymer Nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are important materials that are widely used in many current technologies and potentially have broader applications in the future due to their excellent property tunability, light weight, and low cost. However, expanding the limits in property enhancement remains a fundamental scientific challenge. Here, we demonstrate that well-dispersed, small (diameter ∼1.8 nm) nanoparticles with attractive interactions lead to unexpectedly large and qualitatively different changes in PNC structural dynamics in comparison to conventional nanocomposites based on particles of diameters ∼10–50 nm. At the same time, the zero-shear viscosity at high temperatures remains comparable to that of the neat polymer, thereby retaining good processability and resolving a major challenge in PNC applications. Our results suggest that the nanoparticle mobility and relatively short lifetimes of nanoparticle-polymer associations open qualitatively different horizons in the tunability of macroscopic propertie...
The quick and ultrasensitive determination of K in NaI using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract A highly sensitive, novel and quick assay method utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of K in NaI powders and NaI(Tl) scintillator crystals for use in ultralow background applications. The determination of K ( viz. 40 K), as well as Th and U and their daughters, is important in ultralow background detector materials to ensure incorporation of materials of sufficiently high radiopurity. Through the use of improved instrumentation, cool plasma operating conditions, and meticulously clean sample preparations, detection limits of 11 fg nat K g − 1 (or 341 pBq 40 K kg −1 ) was attained for K in pure water. Detection limits in the sample matrix ( i.e. , NaI) were 0.529 ng nat K g NaI − 1 (or 16.4 μBq 40 K kg NaI − 1 ). A number of different precursor NaI powder samples and NaI(Tl) scintillator crystals were assayed for their K content. Determinations ranged from 0.757 to 31.4 ng nat K g NaI −1 . This method allows for the screening of materials to unprecedented levels in a fraction of the time compared to gamma ray counting techniques, providing a useful method for a more effective screening tool of K in ultralow background detector materials.
Infant Mortality Rate as a Measure of a Country’s Health: A Robust Method to Improve Reliability and Comparability

Researchers and policymakers often rely on the infant mortality rate as an indicator of a country's health. Despite arguments about its relevance, uniform measurement of infant mortality is necessary to guarantee its use as a valid measure of population health. Using important socioeconomic indicators, we develop a novel method to adjust country-specific reported infant mortality figures. We conclude that an augmented measure of mortality that includes both infant and late fetal deaths should be considered when assessing levels of social welfare in a country. In addition, mortality statistics that exhibit a substantially high ratio of late fetal to early neonatal deaths should be more closely scrutinized.
A Comparison of Characteristics and Cultures of Academic Disciplinary Areas in the Context of Advertising and Public Relations Education

This study examines factors such as academic preparation, socioeconomic status, faculty/student relationships and extracurricular activities in different colleges at a public research university. T...
“The Sum of All Our Feelings!”: Sentimental Analysis on Chinese Autism Sites

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder affecting 1 in 68 individuals in the US according to the latest Center for Disease Control (CDC) report. In Asia, however, the diagnosis, assessment and intervention of ASD is significantly lagging behind its western counterpart: there is no systematic prevalence study in China yet as to how many of its population has been affected by ASD. In this paper, we present our study, the first of its kind, to offer some preliminary, yet early valuable insights into the practices, knowledge and public awareness of ASD through lexical-affinity based emotion analysis on textual contents extracted from a notably well-known Chinese support site on ASD and one enormously popular social media site-Weibo. Mixed results were obtained. The ‘sum’ of our feeling is potentially positive and encouraging; yet the data obtained from Weibo are in line with previous works that public awareness of ASD is very low in China and the Asia Pacific region. Thanks to the increasing Chinese government supports and more research and development in this area, it is our ‘collective’ hope that more HCI community can engage in such efforts in China.
Generation of an immortalized mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme cell line

Palatogenesis is a complex morphogenetic process, disruptions in which result in highly prevalent birth defects in humans. In recent decades, the use of model systems such as genetically-modified mice, mouse palatal organ cultures and primary mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cultures has provided significant insight into the molecular and cellular defects underlying cleft palate. However, drawbacks in each of these systems have prevented high-throughput, large-scale studies of palatogenesis in vitro. Here, we report the generation of an immortalized MEPM cell line that maintains the morphology, migration ability, transcript expression and responsiveness to exogenous growth factors of primary MEPM cells, with increased proliferative potential over primary cultures. The immortalization method described in this study will facilitate the generation of palatal mesenchyme cells with an unlimited capacity for expansion from a single genetically-modified mouse embryo and enable mechanistic studies of palatogenesis that have not been possible using primary culture.
Impact of the NAP-1 strain on disease severity, mortality, and recurrence of healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection

Abstract Objectives Studies are conflicting regarding the association of the North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type 1 (NAP1) strain in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and outcomes. We evaluated the association of NAP1 with healthcare-associated CDI disease severity, mortality, and recurrence at our academic medical center. Methods Healthcare-associated CDI cases were identified from November 1, 2011 through January 31, 2013. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the associations of NAP1 with severe disease (based on the Hines VA severity score index), mortality, and recurrence. Results Among 5424 stool specimens submitted to the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, 292 (5.4%) were positive for C. difficile by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on or after hospital day 4; 70 (24%) of these specimens also tested positive for NAP1. During the study period, 247 (85%) patients had non-severe disease and 45 (15%) patients had severe disease. Among patients with non-severe disease, 65 (26%) had NAP1 and among patients with severe disease, 5 (11%) had NAP1. After controlling for potential confounders, NAP1 was not associated with an increased likelihood of severe disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–0.93), in-hospital mortality (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.53–1.96), or recurrence (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI, 0.36–3.77). Conclusions The NAP1 strain did not increase disease severity, mortality, or recurrence in this study, although the incidence of NAP1-positive healthcare associated-CDI was low. The role of strain typing in outcomes and treatment selection in patients with healthcare-associated CDI remains uncertain.
A comparison of live birth rates and perinatal outcomes between cryopreserved oocytes and cryopreserved embryos

Purpose Prior studies suggest that pregnancy outcomes after autologous oocyte cryopreservation are similar to fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. It is unknown whether there are differences in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes between cryopreserved oocytes and cryopreserved embryos.
Associations between the prognostic indicators rest/activity rhythm and diurnal cortisol profiles in patients with lung cancer

Two measures of host rhythmicity, rest/activity and diurnal cortisol secretion rhythms, have demonstrated prognostic significance across several cancer types. We previously reported a significant correlation between these two parameters among presurgical breast cancer patients. The association between rest/activity and cortisol rhythms has not been reported among patients with lung cancer. Patients diagnosed within the past five years collected salivary cortisol twice a day and wore actigraphy devices for 10 consecutive days. Most of the 65 patients (67%) were female, non-Hispanic white (78%), averaging 23 months post diagnosis and diagnosed with advanced (41%, n = 27) or metastatic (24%, n = 16) disease. Clinical characteristics were not associated with rhythm variables. Spearman correlations tested hypotheses. Rest/activity rhythm was associated with steeper diurnal slope (rho = −0.301, p = 0.024). Nighttime restfulness was associated with lower mean (rho = −0.312, p = 0.018) and bedtime cortisol (rho = −0.347, p = 0.008), while daytime sedentary behavior was associated with higher diurnal mean (rho = 0.368, p = 0.005) and bedtime cortisol (rho = 0.355, p = 0.007). These measures offer insight into distinct host rhythms (behavioral and endocrine). While factors contributing to the disruption of these rhythms have not been identified in human cancer studies, their significant associations imply a shared variance that may reflect endogenous circadian phase. These and other rhythm metrics may have the combined potential to robustly measure host circadian disruption and help determine if it is a cause, correlate or marker of lung cancer progression.
Aircraft Active Flutter Suppression: State of the Art and Technology Maturation Needs

Active flutter suppression, which is a part of the group of flight vehicle technologies known as active controls, is an important contributor to the effective solution of aeroelastic instability pr...
Social organization of nest emigration inLeptothorax (Hym., Form.)

The investigated species of the genusLeptothorax have small colonies and nest in fragile nest sites. Thus they depend on frequent nest emigrations, if the ecological conditions are no longer favorable. Field observations of nest sites ofL. rugatulus are reported and experiments show that even slight physical disturbances easily release nest emigrations. Six species (L. muscorum, L. rugatulus, L. longispinosus, L. curvispinosus, L. acervorum andL. crassipilis) use both tandem running and carrying behavior during nest emigration. Tandem running is strictly limited to the first phase of nest emigration, whereas carrying behavior is the predominant technique (84%). This is the first case discovered in ants where two different recruitment techniques are employed for different purposes during one recruitment task. Workers which are recruited by tandem running inspect the new nest site. If they accept it, they join the scout force and lead or carry nestmates to the new nest by themselves. Thus the recruitment of workers by tandem running serves to increase the number of active scouts and «movers» («recruitment of recruiters»). The efficiency is considerably higher in the species which use this combined technique than inL. nylanderi, a species in which tandem in only the opposite direction could be recorded. These reverse tandems do not increase the number of scouts. It is not yet proven which workers «decide» whether or not still more new recruiters are to be recruited. A hypothesis is discussed that the severity of the ecological conditions inside the old nest affects the behavioral threshold of workers to respond to the signals of a tandem calling nestmate.
Computational modeling of molecular pathways regulating cell survival and death by the SigFlux algorithm

Computational modeling has been increasingly used to model cell signaling networks in recent years. In particular, logical modeling is becoming a well-recognized necessary and valuable tool to understand the dynamical features of complex biological networks and has been proved to be particularly fruitful to model and analyze the regulatory and signaling networks [1-3].
Parameter estimates for direct, maternal, and grandmaternal genetic effects for birth weight and weaning weight in Hereford cattle.

Birth and weaning weights adjusted for age of dam from four lines of Hereford cattle were analyzed to determine the relationships among grandmaternal, maternal, and direct genetic effects. Three lines were selected for 1) weaning weight (WWL), 2) yearling weight (YWL), and 3) an index of yearling weight and muscle score (IXL). The fourth line was an unselected control line (CTL). Numbers of observations ranged from 1,699 (CTL) to 2,811 (WWL), and number of animals in the pedigree file ranged from 2,266 to 3,192. Two animal models were used to obtain estimates by REML using an average information method. Model 1 included random direct and maternal genetic, permanent maternal environmental, and residual environmental effects, and fixed sex x year effects. Model 2 additionally included random grandmaternal genetic and permanent grandmaternal environmental effects. For birth weight, Models 1 and 2 gave almost identical estimates for direct and maternal heritability, and for the fraction of variance that was due to maternal permanent environmental effects. Estimates for grandmaternal heritability could be obtained only for IXL (.03) and CTL (.01). For weaning weight, estimates for direct heritability were similar from both models. Estimates for maternal heritability from Model 1 were .18, .20, .13, and .20, and corresponding estimates from Model 2 were .34, .31, .13, and .34 for WWL, YWL, IXL, and CTL, respectively. For IXL, estimates for variances that were due to grandmaternal genetic and grandmaternal permanent environmental variances could not be obtained and were set to zero. Grandmaternal heritability estimates for WWL, YWL, and CTL were .05, .09, and .12. Estimates of correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects were -.13, -.44, -.11, and -.26 for WWL, YWL, IXL, and CTL. Estimates of correlations between direct and grandmaternal genetic effects were .21, .83, and .55, and those between maternal and grandmaternal genetic effects were -.99, -.84, and -.76 for WWL, YWL, and CTL, respectively. These results indicate that grandmaternal effects may be important for weaning weight and that maternal heritability may be underestimated if grandmaternal effects are not included in the model.
EFFECTS OF BODY GEOMETRY ON TOBEC MEASUREMENT

Publisher Summary The total lean body mass includes all of the body proteins, serving structural as well as enzymatic roles. The total body fat, on the other hand, constitutes the main form of fuel storage and represents the body's energy buffer against the environment. Disease processes affect these two fundamental body compartments in different ways. In many instances, the disease itself prevents the appropriate utilization of the fat fuel stores and forces degradation of the lean body mass for the sake of its energy content. Such a situation entails an ominous prognosis. The basis for the total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) measurement is the interaction of a time-varying magnetic field with an electrical conductor. When a conductor is placed in a time-varying magnetic field, currents are induced in it. These currents generate a reaction against the exciting field and also dissipate energy through joule heating. The interaction is a function of a number of factors, such as the strength of the field, the frequency of excitation, the geometry, and the electrical properties of the conductor. Some of these factors, in particular, the electrical conductivity, can be related to the lean mass of tissue as fat is relatively nonconducting. This chapter presents a simple model for the interaction that relates coil impedance to geometrical factors for a controlled geometry.
Cryo-EM structure of a fungal mitochondrial calcium uniporter

The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a highly selective calcium channel localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here, we describe the structure of an MCU orthologue from the fungus Neosartorya fischeri (NfMCU) determined to 3.8 A resolution by phase-plate cryo-electron microscopy. The channel is a homotetramer with two-fold symmetry in its amino-terminal domain (NTD) that adopts a similar structure to that of human MCU. The NTD assembles as a dimer of dimers to form a tetrameric ring that connects to the transmembrane domain through an elongated coiled-coil domain. The ion-conducting pore domain maintains four-fold symmetry, with the selectivity filter positioned at the start of the pore-forming TM2 helix. The aspartate and glutamate sidechains of the conserved DIME motif are oriented towards the central axis and separated by one helical turn. The structure of NfMCU offers insights into channel assembly, selective calcium permeation, and inhibitor binding.
Quantifiers are incrementally interpreted in context, more than less

Language interpretation is often assumed to be incremental. However, our studies of quantifier expressions in isolated sentences found N400 event-related brain potential (ERP) evidence for partial but not full immediate quantifier interpretation (Urbach & Kutas, 2010). Here we tested similar quantifier expressions in pragmatically supporting discourse contexts (Alex was an unusual toddler. Most/Few kids prefer sweets/vegetables…) while participants made plausibility judgments (Experiment 1) or read for comprehension (Experiment 2). Control Experiments 3A (plausibility) and 3B (comprehension) removed the discourse contexts. Quantifiers always modulated typical and/or atypical word N400 amplitudes. However, only the real-time N400 effects only in Experiment 2 mirrored offline quantifier and typicality crossover interaction effects for plausibility ratings and cloze probabilities. We conclude that quantifier expressions can be interpreted fully and immediately, though pragmatic and task variables appear to impact the speed and/or depth of quantifier interpretation.
Inclusive Public Health Preparedness Program to Promote Resilience in Rural Appalachia (2016–2018)

Emergencies range from unexpected injuries to natural disasters. Populations with access and functional needs are more likely than other populations to experience adverse health outcomes during an emergency. The three-county Appalachian District Health Department engaged a collaborative array of community partners to build an all-inclusive, all-hazards emergency plan. Tabletop and full-scale exercises demonstrated the plan's ability to meet the needs of community members with access and functional needs.
Bunion Surgery Works--Except When It Doesn't: Commentary on an article by Peter Bock, MD, et al.: "The Scarf Osteotomy with Minimally Invasive Lateral Release for Treatment of Hallux Valgus Deformity. Intermediate and Long-Term Results".

Hallux valgus remains, in many ways, the flagship condition of orthopaedic foot and ankle practice, occupying prominent early chapters in standard textbooks and continuing to fill journals at all levels of academic discourse. It also continues to be a largely soluble problem—except when it isn’t. The relatively high overall satisfaction rates reported in Level-IV follow-up studies, seemingly regardless of specific technique, render the analysis of the small number of clinical failures difficult. The challenge in all studies of the condition has transformed from that of painting a broad picture of success in the many to understanding what failed in the maddening few. The paper by Bock et al. is not revolutionary, nor is it fully generalizable beyond the Scarf osteotomy, but it does hold incremental lessons large and small toward this end. The first incremental lesson is simple. The patients undergoing the procedure perceived themselves to be better for having done so, and that perception lasted, on balance, at …
Impact of Surface Roughness and Porosity on Lattice Structures Fabricated by Additive Manufacturing- A Computational Study

Abstract Research in this article presents a computational analysis of effects of defects in 2.5D lattice structures fabricated by Additive Manufacturing (AM). Components resulting from AM often suffer from rough surfaces and porosity defects. This complicates their response which must be understood for their service deployment. The core of the methodology used in this research is a workflow for generating various defects such as surface roughness and porosity analogous to those that naturally result from AM-fabricated lattices. Surface roughness is introduced by either discretizing a sinusoidal function or fitting experimental roughness data by Fourier Transforms. Porosity defects are implemented by drawing ellipses with assigned center position, radius and aspect ratio. A plane stress Finite Element Method (FEM) model is used under a uniform displacement boundary condition. Stress-strain and stiffness of the lattices are characterized as a function of the implanted defect. This methodology enables characterization of the effect of: (i) surface roughness, (ii) porosity defect density, (iii) porosity defect size, and (iv) algorithms with which random defects can be generated in simulated specimens. Effectiveness of this workflow also provides an efficient way to generate an adequate data pool for future machine learning and other data processing work.
Phylogeographic Approaches to Characterize the Emergence of Plant Pathogens

Phylogeography combines geographic information with phylogenetic and population genomic approaches to infer the evolutionary history of a species or population in a geographic context. This approach has been instrumental in understanding the emergence, spread, and evolution of a range of plant pathogens. In particular, phylogeography can address questions about where a pathogen originated, whether it is native or introduced, and when and how often introductions occurred. We review the theory, methods, and approaches underpinning phylogeographic inference and highlight applications providing novel insights into the emergence and spread of select pathogens. We hope that this review will be useful in assessing the power, pitfalls, and opportunities presented by various phylogeographic approaches.
Marked Decrease in CA 19-9 Level Belies Rapidly Progressive Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis in a Case of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Background: The CA 19-9 tumor marker is commonly used alongside imaging to trend chemotherapy response in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Presentation: We describe an unusual clinic...
Understanding Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence: Perspectives From Group Facilitators of Parent Intervention Groups for Child Maltreatment

Physical and emotional sibling violence is a common form of family violence with negative repercussions. Research on the experiences and perceptions of practitioners regarding sibling violence is s...
Functional Traits and Trait-Mediated Interactions: Connecting Community-Level Interactions with Ecosystem Functioning

Abstract Concerted effort in ecology is focused on developing synthetic frameworks that quantify general trends between diversity of organismal functional traits and ecosystem functioning. Yet much variation about the general trend routinely remains unexplained by trait diversity alone. We argue that this arises because these approaches fail to consider flexibility in trait expression as organisms adaptively respond to different environmental contexts (e.g., changes in resource quality or consumer pressure). We present here a framework for resolving how flexibility in functional trait expression is related to ecosystem functioning. We propose an approach that considers focal species, their resources and their consumers as a modular trophic unit. The approach then examines functional trait expressions of focal species when juxtaposed between different resource species (and associated traits) and consumer species (and associated traits). In such cases, focal species not only directly respond to different resource qualities and consumer pressure, but also mediate the indirect effects of consumer pressure on resource quality, causing feedbacks that ramify through ecosystems. Using case studies, we illustrate the utility of our modular approach for understanding how functional traits determine ecosystem functioning in a variety of aboveground and belowground trophic modules within ecosystems. We offer some general principles for explaining how variation in interactions among species determines variation in ecosystem functioning through a lens of flexible functional traits expression.
Principles of Lasers and Optics: Solid state and gas laser amplifier and oscillator

Rate equation and population inversion In a material which has only two energy levels, χ ″ is always positive because ρ 11 > ρ 22 for E 1 E 2 at thermal equilibrium. Prior to the invention of lasers, there was no known method to achieve ρ 22 > ρ 11 . However, we now know that a negative χ ″ in Eq. (5.41a) (i.e. ρ 22 > ρ 11 ) can be achieved by pumping processes that are available in materials that have multiple energy levels, as described in the following. Let there be many energy levels in the material under consideration, as shown in Fig. 6.1. Let there be a mechanism in which the populations at E 1 and E 2 , i.e. N 1 = Nρ 11 and N 2 = Nρ 22 , are increased by pumping from the ground state at pump rates R 1 and R 2 . In solid state lasers, the pumping action may be provided by an intense optical radiation causing stimulated transition between the ground state and other higher energy states, where the particles in the higher energy states relax preferentially into the E 2 state. In gas lasers, the molecules in the ground state may be excited into higher energy states within a plasma discharge; particles in those higher energy states then relax preferentially to the E 2 state. Alternatively, collisions with particles of other gases may be utilized to increase the number of particles in the E 2 state. Various schemes to pump different lasers are reviewed in ref. In order to obtain amplification, it is necessary to have R 2 ≫ R 1 .
Statistical Practice as Argumentation: A Sketch of a Theory of Applied Statistics

We have theories of statistics and we use statistical methods to solve subject matter problems. One might expect that the theories would affect how the methods are used, but they do so only superficially, because all statistical theories are quite incomplete as descriptions of and prescriptions for statistical practice. This paper sketches an extension of Bayesian theory that might address this incompleteness. The extension is based on five ideas: 1. The product of a statistical analysis is an argument — not an HPD region, posterior distribution, decision, or other data summary, but the entire argument, including premises and logical steps. 2. Arguments come in several logically distinct types, with an argument’s type being defined by the form of its conclusion. The paper catalogs the types of argument and identifies the main burden of each. 3. EDA and model-building activities establish a plausible, tractable baseline argument for a given problem and dataset. 4. Diagnostics and sensitivity analyses vary the premises of the baseline argument and display the resulting variation in the conclusion (as opposed to intermediate quantities). 5. An argument is strong to the extent that: its premises are conclusions of strong arguments, or the region of premises yielding the same conclusion is large. A simple example demonstrates the mechanics of the extended theory. The example is then generalized to draw implications for statistical foundations, methods, and computing. This paper amounts to a research agenda, so it poses more problems than it solves.
Three genetic variants of human plasma apolipoprotein A-IV. apoA-IV-1(Thr347----Ser), apoA-IV-0(Lys167----Glu,Gln360----His), and apoA-IV-3(Glu165----Lys).

Human apolipoprotein (apo) A-IV is a genetically polymorphic glyco-protein of 376 residues. We have recently reported the molecular basis for the two most common isoproteins, apoA-IV-1 and apoA-IV-2(Gln360—-His), and for two rare variants, apoA-IV-0 (4-amino acid insertion) and apoA-IV-3(Glu230—-Lys). In this report, we present the genetic basis for three additional isoproteins of apoA-IV. Sequence analysis of the apoA-IV-1 allele revealed a common nucleotide substitution which converts threonine (ACT), residue 347 of the mature protein, into serine (TCT). In one out of the five subjects with the apoA-IV-1/0 phenotype we identified two point mutations: 1) replacing the positively charged lysine (AAG), amino acid 167, with a negatively charged glutamic acid (GAG), and 2) converting the neutral residue 360, glutamine (CAG), to a positively charged histidine (CAT). We have also characterized four additional heterozygotes for the apoA-IV-3 allele. One individual was found to have the previously described substitution of lysine for glutamic acid at amino acid 230. The three other subjects had the identical mutation but at a different position in the polypeptide chain, residue 165. These results indicate that one predominant allele codes for the isoproteins apoA-IV-2 and apoA-IV-0 and that at least two major allelic variants for the isoproteins apoA-IV-1 and apoA-IV-3 are present in the population analyzed.
Further observations on the inhibiting effect of fluorides on the action of lipase, together with a method for the detection of fluorides in food products

The inhibiting effect of fluoride on lipase activity is described. A method of dectecting fluorides in food products is also described, wherein lipase is used as a biochemical test for the presence of fluoride, based on the strong inhibitory effect fluorine has on the enzyme's activity.
Regulating Irrational Exuberance and Anxiety in Securities Markets

This paper analyzes the regulatory implications of irrational exuberance and anxiety in securities markets. U.S. federal securities laws mandate the disclosure of certain information, but regulate only the cognitive form and content of that information. An important and unstudied question is how to regulate securities markets where some investors respond not only cognitively to the form and content of information, but also emotionally to the form and content of information. This paper investigates that question when some investors feel exuberance or anxiety that is unjustified by cognitive processing of the available information. This paper develops the implications for mandatory securities disclosure of irrational exuberance and anxiety.
Protein‐ and energy‐mediated targeting of chloroplast outer envelope membrane proteins

While the import of nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins is relatively well studied, the targeting of proteins to the outer membrane of the chloroplast envelope is not. The insertion of most outer membrane proteins (OMP) is generally considered to occur without the utilization of energy or proteinaceous components. Recently, however, proteins have been shown to be involved in the integration of outer envelope protein 14 (OEP14), whose outer membrane insertion was previously thought to be spontaneous. Here we investigate the insertion of two proteins from Physcomitrella patens, PpOEP64-1 and PpOEP64-2 (formerly known as PpToc64-1 and PpToc64-2), into the outer membrane of chloroplasts. The association of PpOEP64-1 with chloroplasts was not affected by chloroplast pre-treatments. Its insertion into the membrane was affected, however, demonstrating the importance of measuring insertion specifically in these types of assays. We found that the insertion of PpOEP64-1, PpOEP64-2 and two other OMPs, OEP14 and digalactosyldiacylglycerol synthase 1 (DGD1), was reduced by either nucleotide depletion or proteolysis of the chloroplasts. Integration was also inhibited in the presence of an excess of an imported precursor protein. In addition, OEP14 competed with the insertion of the OEP64s and DGD1. These data demonstrate that the targeting of several OMPs involves proteins present in chloroplasts and requires nucleotides. Together with previous reports, our data suggest that OMPs in general do not insert spontaneously.
The Post-Legal Ethics of Tariq Ramadan: Persuasion and Performance in 'Radical Reform: Islamic Ethics and Liberation' (A Review Essay)

In this review I discuss what is new in Tariq Ramadan's most recent major book, and address the question of how we should read his works as exercises in persuasion, as much as argumentation, which make subtle tactical choices in when to challenge orthodox sensibilities, and when to leave those challenges implicit.
Measurement of the spontaneous polar Kerr effect in YBa2Cu3O7 and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8.

The existence of spontaneous polar Kerr rotation in ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ single crystals and ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ thin films was tested using a Sagnac interferometer. Observation of this effect would be strong evidence that the superconductivity in the cuprates is described by a theory that predicts broken time-reversal symmetry. The Kerr effect was analyzed for both a spatially fluctuating component (anticipating domains) and absolute offset. Neither effect was observed within the sensitivity of the apparatus. The drift of the apparatus sets an upper limit for the offset component at 10 \ensuremath{\mu}rad. The noise places an upper limit of 3 \ensuremath{\mu}rad on the standard deviation of the spatial fluctuation of the effect.
Elements of Hypothesis Testing

Most signal detection problems can be cast in the framework of M-ary hypothesis testing,in which we have an observation (possibly a vector or function) on the basis of which we wish to decide among M possible statistical situations describing the observations. For example, in an M-ary communications receiver we observe an electrical waveform that consists of one of M possible signals corrupted by random channel or receiver noise, and we wish to decide which of the M possible signals is present. Obviously, for any given decision problem, there are a number of possible decision strategies or rules that could be applied; however, we would like to choose a decision rule that is optimum in some sense. There are several useful definitions of optimality for such problems, and in this chapter we consider the three most common formulations—Bayes, minimax, and Neyman-Pearson—and derive the corresponding optimum solutions. In general, we consider the particular problem of binary (M = 2) hypothesis testing, although the extension of many of the results of this chapter to the general M-ary case is straightforward and will be developed in the exercises. The application of this theory to those models specific to signal detection is considered in detail in Chapters III and VI.
Directions in general-purpose computing architectures

General purpose computing devices and systems are commodity building blocks which can be adapted to solve any number of computational tasks. We adapt these general purpose devices by feeding them a series of control bits according to our computational needs. We have traditionally called these bits instructions, as they instruct the programmable silicon on how to function.
New Developments in Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is common but rarely deadly. Unfortunately, when the disease becomes refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI), few effective treatment options remain. This situation is changing, however, with the availability of multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cabozantanib and vandetanib, both recently FDA-approved for advanced or metastatic disease, have more than doubled progression-free survival in medullary thyroid cancer. New agents in the pipeline may yield even better outcomes, as discussed by Dr. Robert I. Haddad at the NCCN 18th Annual Conference.
Critical Path to Tuberculosis Drug Regimens: Global collaboration to accelerate development of novel drug regimens and rapid drug susceptibility tests for tuberculosis

The Critical Path to Tuberculosis Drug Regimens (CPTR) initiative aims to support the rational deployment of new tuberculosis (TB) therapies by speeding the development and impact of new and markedly improved drug regimens as well as rapid drug susceptibility tests. Co-founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation , the Critical Path Institute , and the TB Alliance in 2010, CPTR is a coalition comprised of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, product development sponsors, diagnostic companies, regulatory agencies, and civil society organizations which support and catalyze advances in regulatory science, the development of infrastructure, and other progress needed to accelerate the pace of development and introduction of novel regimens and rapid drug susceptibility tests. This manuscript summarizes the work of two sub groups within CPTR, the Regulatory Sciences and Rapid Drug Susceptibility Test consortia, and their efforts to drive innovation. These consortia are supported by a robust TB clinical data platform, which continues to evolve through contributions of contemporary TB clinical trial data sets as well whole genome sequence level data from isolates across the globe. Examples of innovation are described and include a recently qualified drug development tool and emerging programs to support the development of clinical trial simulation tools.
Holding the President Accountable to Constitutional Limits

As with Congress and the judiciary, presidents have access to powers expressly stated in the Constitution and those necessarily implied in those grants. In highly limited circumstances, presidents may also exercise a “prerogative” (i.e., unilateral action), but that authority is frequently misunderstood and subject to abuse. Unlike those in the other branches, presidents lay claim to a host of powers far beyond enumerated and implied powers. In seizing steel mills in 1952 to prosecute the war in Korea, President Harry Truman acted on what he called an “inherent” power that was not subject to judicial or legislative checks. Presidents Richard Nixon and George W. Bush relied on the same argument. All three presidents were rebuffed by Congress, the courts, and the general public. A lengthy list of other powers, all designed to broaden executive power beyond constitutional sources, include the “sole organ” doctrine; the “unitary executive”; and various powers called “emergency,” “plenary,” “residual,” “preclusive,” and “completion.” These vague categories need to be carefully analyzed to understand why they exceed constitutional limits and endanger self-government and the system of checks and balances.
Unions as Facilitators of Employment Rights: An Analysis of Individuals' Awareness of Parental Leave in the NLSY

This study considers the role of unions and individual characteristics as facilitators of knowledge among employees concerning labor rights. Labor policy by itself is often meaningless without mechanisms that allow implementation of such policy. Using the NLSY, individuals that are entitled to parental leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act but are ignorant of their right were identified. Using longitudinal data from 1992 until 2002, we find that union members' knowledge regarding their rights is better than that of nonunion members. Other individual and work characteristics are also associated with knowledge regarding parental leave rights.
Time-Average Power-Density Probability Distribution Below the Ocean Surface of a Beam of Collimated Optical Radiation Incident on the Surface*

The time-average power-density probability distribution below the ocean surface of a circular beam of collimated optical radiation incident on the surface is developed as a function of angle of incidence, beam diameter, and wind velocity and direction by means of geometrical optics.
MO-B-T-6C-01: Current Techniques for Image Registation and Data Fusion

Acquisition of anatomic and functional data from magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine studies is becoming increasingly common for patient management in radiation therapy. These data can help improve tumor localization and normal tissue delineation for treatment planning and may provide information about treatment efficacy during or after a course of radiotherapy. Time series data from serial and 4D CT before and during the treatment course, including CT data acquired in the treatment room at the time of treatment, is also helping to estimate motion and shape changes of relevant anatomy. In order to fully realize the benefits of these data, the different imaging studies must be registered to a single coordinate system, typically that of the treatment planningCT. The geometric transformation that is used to register the different image data can range from simple rotate‐translate to account for differences in patient orientation to 3D or 4D deformation models to account for changes in internal anatomy during and over the course of therapy. Once mapped to a common coordinate system, data derived from the various studies such as anatomic outlines and computed dose can be integrated or fused to help construct a more complete and accurate representation of the patient. A variety of interactive and automated techniques exist to carry out these steps. The general strategy for registration algorithms is to minimize a metric that measures the geometric mis‐registration between pairs of datasets. Metrics can be derived from extracted geometric structures or from the image intensities directly. Once registered, computer graphics and algebraic techniques are used to combine data and create integrated displays. This lecture will focus on the mechanics of registering and displaying data from different imaging studies using distinct modalities or a single modality over time. A taxonomy of the methods currently implemented in commercial and research treatment planning systems will be described. Methods for display and interaction with multimodality data will also be presented. The overall goal is to provide the basic knowledge required to understand what is happening “under‐the‐hood” of the different registration systems one might encounter in the clinic. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand the basic mechanics of image registration and data fusion. 2. Understand the different registration algorithms used in commercial and research treatment planning systems. 3. Understand the different techniques used to combine, display and interact with multimodality image data.