cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subspace-based adaptive generalized likelihood ratio detection

Subspace-based adaptive detection performance is examined for the generalized likelihood ratio detector based on Wilks' /spl Lambda/ statistic. The problem considered here is detecting the presence of one or more signals of known shape embedded in Gaussian distributed noise with unknown covariance structure. The data is mapped into a subspace prior to detection. The probability of false alarm is independent of the subspace transformation and depends only on subspace dimension. The probability of detection depends on the subspace transformation through a nonadaptive signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) parameter. Subspace processing results in an SNR loss that tends to decrease performance and a gain in statistical stability that tends to increase performance. It is shown that the statistical stability effect dominates the SNR loss for short data records, and subspace detectors can require substantially less SNR than full space detectors for equivalent performance. A method for designing the subspace transformation to minimize the SNR loss is proposed and illustrated through simulations.
Remote Explosives Detection (RED) by Infrared Photothermal Imaging

RED is a technique we have developed for stand-off detection of trace explosives using infrared (IR) photo-thermal imaging [1,2,3]. RED incorporates compact IR quantum cascade lasers tuned to strong characteristic absorption bands and may be used to illuminate explosives present as particles on a surface. An IR focal plane array is used to image the surface and detect any small increase in the thermal emission upon laser illumination. We have previously demonstrated the technique at several meters to 10’s of meters of stand-off distance indoors and in field tests [4,5], while operating the lasers below the eye-safe intensity limit (100 mWcm2) [6]. Sensitivity to traces of explosives as small as a nanogram has been demonstrated. By varying the incident wavelength slightly, we can readily show selectivity between individual explosives such as TNT and RDX. Using a sequence of lasers at different wavelengths, we increase both sensitivity and selectivity. A complete detection protocol can be performed in a sub-second time domain. More recently, RED has been used to emphasize measurements with cooled detectors in addition to examining the utility of filtering the collected thermal emission signal which is rich in analyte-specific spectroscopic information. A next generation RED system and detection algorithm is being developed to take advantage of these more powerful features. This manuscript will include an overview of the approach and recent experimental results.
Rearrangement of Immunoglobulin Genes in Shark Germ Cells

The variable (V), (diversity [D]), and joining (J) region recombinases (recombination activating genes [RAGs]) can perform like transposases and are thought to have initiated development of the adaptive immune system in early vertebrates by splitting archaic V genes with transposable elements. In cartilaginous fishes, the immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain genes are organized as multiple VJ-constant (C) clusters; some loci are capable of rearrangement while others contain fused VJ. The latter may be key to understanding the evolutionary role of RAG. Are they relics of the archaic genes, or are they results of rearrangement in germ cells? Our data suggest that some fused VJ genes are not only recently rearranged, but also resulted from RAG-like activity involving hairpin intermediates. Expression studies show that these, like some other germline-joined Ig sequences, are expressed at significant levels only early in ontogeny. We suggest that a rejoined Ig gene may not merely be a sequence restricting antibody diversity, but is potentially a novel receptor no longer tied to somatic RAG expression and rearrangement. From the combined data, we arrived at the unexpected conclusion that, in some vertebrates, RAG is still an active force in changing the genome.
Genetic and Epigenetic Factors Affecting Blastomere Fragmentation in Two-Cell Stage Mouse Embryos

We report here that mouse embryos can exhibit a significant incidence of blastomere fragmentation at the two-cell stage. The incidence of this is influenced by both the maternal and paternal genotype. Embryos from C57BL/6 mothers exhibit a very low incidence of fragmentation at the two-cell stage in crosses involving males of C57BL/6, DBA/2, AKR/J, or SJL strains but exhibit a significantly increased incidence of fragmentation in crosses involving C3H/HeJ males. Increased fragmentation is seen in embryos from C3H/HeJ females crossed with C57BL/6 males but not with C3H/HeJ males. Embryos obtained from reciprocal (C57BL/6 x C3H/HeJ) F1 hybrid females also exhibit an increased incidence of fragmentation at the two-cell stage when the hybrid females are mated to either C57BL/6 or C3H/HeJ males. Interestingly, the results differ significantly between reciprocal F1 hybrid females, indicating a parental origin effect, possibly a result of either genomic imprinting or differences in mitochondrial origin. We conclude that the incidence of blastomere fragmentation at the two-cell stage in the mouse is under the control of more than one genetic locus. We also conclude that blastomere fragmentation is affected by both parental genotypes. These results are relevant to understanding the genetic control blastomere fragmentation, which may contribute to evolutionary processes, affect the success of procedures such as cloning, and affect the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques.
Optimal Design Problems for Elastic Bodies by Use of the Maximum Principle

A class of optimal design problems for elastic bodies requires minimization of a nonconvex energy functional with respect to both kinematical variables and a design variable. Such functionals for rod, beam, sphere, and cylinder problems are special cases of a single functional. Minimization of this functional using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle to handle the nonconvexity and the inequality constraints leads to the choice of the design variable as taking on only its upper and lower bound values, agreeing with some previous results found for specific problems. A generalization to extensible beam-column problems is discussed.
How California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Research Programs Support Science and Regulatory Policy

CIRM was established in November 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act. The statewide ballot measure, which provided $3 billion in fund ing for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions, was overwhelmingly approved by voters, and called for the establishment of an entity to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research. The Proceedings of the California Stem Cell Agency is a monthly series of commentaries, articles, interviews, webinars, forums, and concise reviews on a wide range of topics in regenerative medicine.
Algebraic Superposition of LDGM Codes for Cooperative Diversity

This paper presents a technique for achieving cooperative spatial diversity using serially concatenated low density generator matrix (LDGM) codes. Specifically, we consider a scenario in which a pair of transceivers employ algebraic superposition of error control codes to effect spatial diversity at their common destination. The construction of LDGM codes from a sparse generator matrix makes them a natural fit for such a cooperative diversity scheme. The simple decoder structure for graph based codes reduces the complexity at the destination compared with previously-proposed schemes using algebraic superposition of convolutional codes and turbo-like decoding. The result is a system with low encoding and decoding complexity and improved error performance.
Regionalization Versus Competition in Complex Cancer Surgery

The empirical association between high hospital procedure volume and lower mortality rates has led to recommendations for the regionalization of complex surgical procedures. While regionalization may improve outcomes, it also reduces market competition, which has been found to lower prices and improve health care quality. This study estimates the potential net benefits of regionalizing the Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer patients. We confirm that increased hospital volume and surgeon volume are associated with lower inpatient mortality rates. We then predict the price and outcome consequences of concentrating Whipple surgery at hospitals that perform at least two, four, and six procedures respectively per year. Our consumer surplus calculations suggest that regionalization can increase consumer surplus, but potential price increases extract over half of the value of reduced deaths from regionalization. We reach three conclusions. First, regionalization can increase consumer surplus, but the benefits may be substantially less than implied by examining only the outcome side of the equation. Second, modest changes in outcomes due to regionalization may lead to decreases in consumer surplus. Third, before any regionalization policy is implemented, a deep and precise understanding of the nature of both outcome/volume and price/competition relationships is needed.
Consistent view removal in transparent schema evolution systems

We have developed the transparent schema evolution (TSE) system that, simulating schema evolution using object-oriented views, allows for the interoperability of applications with diverse and even changing requirements. TSE relieves users of the risk of making existing application programs obsolete when run against the modified schema, because the old view schema is maintained while a new view schema is generated to capture the changes desired by the user. However TSE may be generating a large number of schema versions (object-oriented view schemata) over time, resulting in an excessive build-up of classes and underlying object instances-some of which may potentially no longer be in use. We propose to solve this problem by developing techniques for effective and consistent schema removal. First, we characterize four potential problems of schema consistency that could be caused by removal of a single virtual class; and then outline our solution approach for each of these problems. Second, we demonstrate that view schema removal is sensitive to the order in which individual classes are processed. Our solution to this problem is the development of a dependency graph model for capturing the class relationships, used as a foundation for selecting among removal sequences. Designed to optimize the performance of the TSE system by effective schema version removal, the proposed techniques will enable more effective interoperability among evolving software applications.
Effects of excision repair and plasmid PKM101 on mutagenic and cytotoxic potencies of anthracycline derivatives in test strains of Salmonella typhimurium

The effects of excision repair and presence of plasmid pKM101 on the mutagenicities and cytotoxicities of the anthracycline derivatives Adriamycin, daunomycin, carminomycin, and 4-demethoxydoxorubicin were examined in strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Plasmid pKM101 has been shown to mediate inducible error-prone repair in S. typhimurium. While the test compounds were shown to produce a range of mutational responses in excision repair defective (uvrB-), pKM101-bearing strains of different his- backgrounds, proficiency in excision repair generally resulted in the elimination of mutagenic responses in all such strains except those that contain the hisG428 site. In the absence of pKM101, only hisD3052 uvrB- strain TA1538 was shown to be sensitive to anthracycline mutagenicity. A suspension (preincubation) test as well as a direct plating test showed that while proficiency in either excision repair (uvr+) or plasmid pKM101 error-prone repair afforded cellular protection against anthracycline cytotoxicity, plasmid-free uvrB- strains were most sensitive to anthracycline cytotoxicity.
The fate of ovaries preserved at the time of hysterectomy

Abstract This reports the cytologic and clinical observations of 207 patients who underwent hysterectomy with or without removal of the ovaries. The incidence of pathologic changes in the retained ovaries was low, the incidence of postoperative menopausal symptoms was higher among patients in whom both ovaries were removed at the time of hysterectomy than among patients who had ovarian tissue preserved. The age of 45 did not appear to be a realistic dividing line for the decision to remove healthy ovarian tissue because ovarian function was not found to cease at this age. Evaluation of vaginal exfoliative cytology showed ovulation occurring in one woman 21 years after hysterectomy with unilateral oophorectomy. No correlation was found between menopausal symptoms and the actual hormonal status of the patients as evaluated by vaginal cytology. A plea is made for individual evaluation of vaginal cytology rather than oversimplification of the method.
Electric shock strips as bird deterrents: does experience count?

Understanding how birds detect and react to deterrent methods which are employed to protect structures is important both for the effective control of property damage, and to ensure that human health and safety are not compromised. One such device is a shock strip that causes slight pain to birds when they use a perch. Our aims were to determine: (1) the efficacy of a shock strip to flocks of Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater), and Rock Pigeons (Columba livia); (2) the length of time to extinction of effect; (3) whether members of a flock show a behavioural response to treatment; and (4) whether the birds habituate to the treatment. When activated, shock strips were effective in displacing birds from treated areas. Birds had to experience the treatment; there was no discernible indication of flock members reacting to affected birds. When strips were deactivated after an initial period of activation, birds required more than 2 hours to return to treated areas. No habituation was observed. Because birds had to experience the shock, reduced coverage of a structure or use of sham devices to lower costs is considered inadvisable.
Regular Simplex Fingerprints and Their Optimality Properties

This paper addresses the design of additive fingerprints that are maximally resilient against linear collusion attacks on a focused correlation detector, as defined below. Let N be the length of the host vector and M les N + 1 the number of users. The focused detector performs a correlation test in order to decide whether a user of interest is among the colluders. Both the fingerprint embedder and the colluders are subject to squared-error distortion constraints. We show that simplex fingerprints maximize a geometric figure of merit for this detector. In that sense they outperform orthogonal fingerprints but the advantage vanishes as M rarr infin. They are also optimal in terms of minimizing the probability of error of the focused detector when the attack is a uniform averaging of the marked copies followed by the addition of white Gaussian noise. Reliable detection is guaranteed provided that the number of colluders K Lt radic(N). Moreover, we study the probability of error performance of simplex fingerprints for the focused correlation detector when the colluders use nonuniform averaging plus white Gaussian noise attacks.
Search for the final syllable: Cirilo Bautista

In an effort, after centuries of colonialism, to take back the burden of self‐description, Filipino nationalists have turned to the art epic. The result has been a rich fusion of folk elements with...
Heterogeneity of detergent-insoluble membranes from human intestine containing caveolin-1 and ganglioside GM1

In intestinal epithelia, cholera and related toxins elicit a cAMP-dependent chloride secretory response fundamental to the pathogenesis of toxigenic diarrhea. We recently proposed that specificity ...
Nonlinear Absorption in Multimode Waveguides

The energy-dependent absorption of multimode waveguides with strongly nonlinear cores has been studied experimentally and numerically. The presence of a discrete set of waveguide modes is found to substantially lower the nonlinear threshold.
Ascorbic Acid in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Ascorbic acid has been shown to reduce demyelination and improve muscle function in a transgenic mouse model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1A).
Design and implementation of permission management and access control system

Aiming at the traditional permission management and access control methods can not meet the growing information security assurance,the hierarchical management of user permissions and access control is realized.The separation management of user permission management and application access control is implemented and the independent of the user permission management and the access policy setting implementation is ensured by using the PKI/PMI technique.Considering the star network structure may appear single point of failure,mirror image technology is used to ensure that the wide area network failures did not affect domestic users to access local appli-cations.An experiment is conducted and the experimental results show that the system reduce the complexity of access control,decrease the overhead of permission management,enhance the flexibility of permission management and implement the security mechanism of the systems.
Optimization design of discal MR actuator

Using the controllable characteristic of magnetorheological fluid,MR technology was ap-plied to machine-electricity drive and control system.Based on working principle,the multi-target opti-mization math model of transmit moment,unit rotary inertia moment and viscous power losing was put for-ward.From the optimization analysis,it is shown that rational designing of the structure parameters will minish the power losing,increase the transmit moment and improve the dynamic character.
LC8 Motif Recognition: Insights from the LC8-Chica Complex

LC8 is a dimeric hub protein involved in a large number of interactions central to cell function. It binds short linear motifs - usually containing a Thr-Gln-Thr (TQT) triplet - in intrinsically disordered regions of its binding partners, some of which have several LC8 recognition motifs in tandem. Hallmarks of the motif are a high variability of sequence and of LC8 binding affinity. Human Chica, a spindle adaptor protein, contains a 70-residue segment with four putative recognition motifs but only three reported LC8 binding sites. Here, NMR-derived secondary chemical shifts and relaxation properties show that the Chica LC8 binding domain is essentially disordered with a dynamically restricted segment in one linker between motifs. Calorimetry of LC8 binding to synthetic motif-mimicking peptides shows that the first motif dominates LC8 recruitment. Crystal structures of LC8 bound to each of two motif peptides show highly ordered and invariant TQT-LC8 interactions and more flexible and conformationally variable non-TQT-LC8 interactions. These data add a new and complex LC8 binding partner to the LC8 knowledgebase and provide new insights into the determinants of motif specificity. We propose that LC8 recognition is based on inflexible interactions between LC8 and TQT residues that act as an anchor, coupled with inherent flexibility of interactions between LC8 and non-TQT residues. The ‘anchored flexibility’ model combines highly rigid as well as highly flexible regions of the same binding groove on the surface of LC8.
Pharmacologic Characterization of Teroxirone (Henkel Compound) in Animals and Humans

Teroxirone (T, Henkel compound) is a triepoxide antitumour agent first studied in Europe. A more soluble preparation is being evaluated in the U.S. We have studied the disposition and metabolism of T in rabbits, rats and humans. We have developed an hplc assay based on derivatisation of T with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC). T was analysed following extraction from biological fluids, derivatization with DDC, and normal phase hplc analysis. Following rapid i.v. infusion to patients, plasma disappearance is characterized by a one-compartment open model with mean values for t1/2, total body clearance and volume of distribution of 1.4min, 5.7l/min, and 13l, respectively. When T is administered by i.v. infusion (60–240min), plateau plasma concentrations are rapidly achieved, followed by rapid disappearance at the end of infusion. T is rapidly metabolised by hepatic, but not lung, microsomal preparations. Metabolism is NADPH independent and is inhibited by cyclohexene oxide. Epoxide hydrolysis products were detected in microsomal preparations and rabbit urine following administration of T. T cytotoxicity to human tumour cell lines in culture is abolished in the presence of 9,000 x g rat liver preparations, and is restored by the addition of cyclohexene oxide to incubation mixtures.
The Philosophical Foundations of Freedom, Control, and Influence

The preceding chapters have presented explications of certain concepts, taken from philosophy, social science, and common sense, that refer to human activities and their interrelations. These concepts seem to be of critical importance in understanding social and especially political affairs, and thus I have tried to clarify them to the point of more or less precise definition. These definitions have raised some very basic epistemological and ethical problems, and it remains now to give at least some suggestions regarding the manner in which they can be resolved. Although I contend that our analyses of human activities must not be forced to fit epistemological and methodological principles designed for other purposes, the new principles that these analyses imply must themselves be acceptable.
Symbolic computation: A Java based computer algebra system

To solve complex and large mathematical expression manually using pen and paper is a time taking task which in most cases ends up in an erroneous result. This is a major drawback which may lead to heavy losses to people dealing in numbers. Henceforth we have come up with a vision of Symbolic computation which provides a quick, efficient and user friendly environment to its users. Symbolic Computation is a computer algebra system which has been designed in Java. The Object oriented Programming(OOP) concept and predefined packages of the language have been used to solve expressions consisting of differentiation, integration, series and many more symbols. Moreover these features have also been brought to use to enhance the computation time and provide a better outlook to the application.
Risk of adult street vendor exposure to traffic-related air pollution in Bangkok, Thailand

ABSTRACTTraffic-related air pollution (TRAP), including particulate matter (PM) in respirable coarse and fine size fractions (PM10 and PM2.5), is known to have exposure effects on human health and environment. Real-time PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were collected from the study locations in Bangkok, Thailand, using TSI AM510 particle counters. Temperature and % relative humidity (%RH) were also collected. Data were compared to data from the closest station of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand. Real-time mean concentration varied from 86 to 1107 µg/m3 (PM10) and varied from 25 to 664 µg/m3 (PM2.5). In addition, real-time mean PM10 (223.1 µg/m3) was nearly four times greater than that measured by the PCD station, 60 µg/m3. Temperature and %RH from real-time air monitoring and PCD station were comparable. In each study location (five locations, two in morning and afternoon/evening), there were significant positive correlations between PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and significant negative cor...
SERS Biomedical Applications: Diagnostics, Forensics, and Metabolomics

Abstract This review summarizes the use of a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based platform for a number of biomedical analytic applications ranging from infectious disease diagnostics to forensic science. There is an urgent need to develop rapid, sensitive, simple, and reliable method for the identification of pathogens and to meet recognized unmet technological needs in the forensic community. The use of a SERS methodology for the rapid detection and identification of bacterial clinical isolates in urine at minimal clinical levels demonstrates how this optical approach can provide rapid (
Observation of Radiative Double Electron Capture for Fluorine Ions on Nitrogen and Neon

The capture of two electrons accompanied by the simultaneous emission of a single photon (RDEC) has been investigated for 2.11 MeV/u fluorine ions (F8+ and F9+) colliding with gaseous N2 and Ne and upper limits on the cross sections are determined. The measurements were performed at Western Michigan University using the tandem Van de Graaff accelerator. Preliminary analysis indicates that the RDEC cross sections for F9+ for both targets are very close in magnitude and comparable to previously recorded cross sections for fully-stripped ions colliding with thin-foil targets. The states of observable RDEC capture are discussed, as well as future work.
Scaffolding the Dalcroze Approach.

Individualized instruction and differentiation are fundamental concepts of the Dalcroze approach to music education. Emile Jaques-Dalcroze believed that students learn to be musical by different mo...
IBS - Review and what's new

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal motility disorder broadly characterized by abdominal pain/discomfort associated with altered bowel habits. The chronic and bothersome nature of IBS symptoms often negatively affects patient quality of life and activity level and places a substantial economic burden on patients and the healthcare system. Advances in research have led to a greater understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of IBS, particularly regarding the role serotonin plays in the gastrointestinal tract; the development of stepwise, symptom-based diagnostic strategies that allow for a diagnosis of IBS to be made without the need for extensive laboratory testing; and the development of treatment options targeting underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms that provide relief of the multiple symptoms associated with IBS. This review highlights recent advances in research and discusses how these findings can be applied to daily clinical practice.
The tensile strength of first-year sea ice

We present the results of tests done to determine the tensile behavior of first-year columnar sea ice over a range of temperatures from −20° to −3°C and strain rates of 10−5 and 10−3s−1. The temperature of a test specimen was dictated by its in-situ location within the sea-ice sheet; samples located near the top of the sea-ice sheet were tested at the lower temperatures. A tensile load was applied along the cylindrical axes of the test specimens, which were perpendicular to the growth direction of the ice. Results showed that the maximum stress reached during a test was most strongly influenced by temperature, while the failure strain and the modulus were principally affected by the loading rate. A model relating the tensile strength of the ice to its porosity based on temperature-dependent variations in the brine-pocket geometry is evaluated.
Cardiac Electrophysiological Effects of Adenosine

Adenosine, in addition to its well-established vasodilator actions, also modulates a) pacemaker activity, b) atrioventricular (AV) transmission, c) atrial contractility, and d) the myocardial actions of catecholamines. Based on pharmacological response and mechanism of action, the above cardiac effects of adenosine can be tentatively subdivided into two categories, i.e., non-cAMP-mediated effects which appear to be due to an activation of K+ channels, and cAMP-dependent effects characterized by a modulation of calcium inward current. In working ventricular myocardium, only the cAMP-dependent mechanism appears to be operative, whereas in the atrial myocardium and specialized tissues [e.g., sinoatrial (SA) and AV node], both the cAMP-independent and cAMP-dependent mechanisms are operative. In the SA node, adenosine causes sinus slowing and a shift in location of the primary pacemaker site. In atrial myocytes, adenosine depresses contractility and shortens the action potential; in the AV node, it depresses the nodal (N-cell) action potential which is accompanied by prolongation of AV conduction time. In ventricular myocardium, adenosine antagonizes the stimulatory effect of agents that stimulate adenylate cyclase activity but has no effect in their absence. In summary, adenosine can affect cardiac function at several levels by different mechanisms and may have gjreater physiological importance than previously recognized.
Can an Unconference Improve Online Pedagogy? Experiences and Expectations of Educators in the California Community College System.

ABSTRACTAn unconference foregrounds informal, collaborative, participant-generated exchanges of information. Originally associated with technology firms and startups, unconferences are increasingly being held on topics like professional development in education. This paper discusses an unconference convened at Santa Barbara City College on online pedagogy for educators in the California Community College system. A pre-conference survey showed that most participants were unfamiliar with the unconference model, though the event was well-matched with participant goals. A post-conference survey suggested high levels of participant satisfaction and the desire to participate in similar events in the future. Problematic aspects of the event included a high rate of non-attendance and a lack of consistency amongst workshop facilitators. To ameliorate these issues, it is advised that participants be charged a small registration fee and that workshop facilitators receive formal training in advance of the event. It i...
Social media social comparison and identity distress at the college transition: A dual-path model.

Abstract Introduction Social media provide a convenient platform for social comparison, an activity that should play an important role in youth's identity development at the transition to college. Yet, the identity implications of online social comparison have not been thoroughly explored. Drawing on the theories of social comparison, introspective processes, and identity distress, we examined a dual-path model. The paths from two types of social media social comparison (i.e., comparison of ability and comparison of opinion) to two introspective processes (i.e., rumination and reflection) and finally to identity distress were tested. Methods Short-term longitudinal survey data were collected from 219 college freshmen at a state university in the United States of America (Mage = 18.29, S.D. = 0.75; 74% female; 41% White, 38% Black). Results Social comparison of ability on social media had a positive association with concurrent rumination, which predicted higher identity distress. In contrast, social comparison of opinion on social media had a positive relationship with concurrent reflection, which, however, did not predict identity distress. Conclusion Results indicate that different types of online social comparison yield distinct implications for young people's identity development. Largely, the study reaffirms the recently rising call for distinguishing the competition-based social comparison of ability from the information-based social comparison of opinion. At the same time, the study expands current knowledge of why these forms of social comparison may lead to differential outcomes, namely through the type of introspection they induce.
Case Presentation: Sperm Banking in Patient Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

A 23-year-old man presented to a referring hospital emergency room with gradually worsening throat pain. He was febrile to 38.4°C and his exam was notable for very large, erythematous tonsils. His labs were notable for a white blood cell (WBC) count of 119.8 K/cu mm (3.50–10.80 K/cu mm) with 91% blasts, creatinine elevated to 1.63 mg/dL (0.70–1.30 mg/dL), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of 1122 U/L (≤250 U/L). Computed tomography (CT) of the neck was remarkable for the enlargement of tonsils and lymph nodes with a narrowing of the nasopharyngeal airway. He was started empirically on cefepime and transferred to a tertiary care intensive care unit (ICU) due to concern for impending airway compromise in the setting of likely new acute leukemia. Upon arrival, his peripheral blood smear was notable for numerous circulating blasts with a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, a moderate amount of basophilic cytoplasm, open chromatin, and prominent nucleoli suggestive of monoblastic differentiation. Flow cytometry confirmed an immunophenotype consistent with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The Administrative Role in and Accountability Network: A Developmental Conceptualization.

Americans have always viewed education as an instrument for the common good as well as for individual enhancement. Today, with chronically low student achievement scores, this view has been questioned by the populace. School leaders have come under close scrutiny concerning district and/or building operations Local citizens have not only called for teacher accountability in the classroom, but have also increased the accountability call for administration as they demand evidence of school excellence amidst increased property taxes. Although educators have received the brunt of the accountability exchanges, basically a function of increasing educational expenditures and decreasing student achievement scores, responsibility for educational success or failure does not rest solely on the shoulders of educators. Citizens need to acquire a true understanding of accountability and become part of an effective accountability network. The administration must then assume the critical role in establishing a workable a...
Teachers’ perceptions of how principals use new teacher evaluation systems

In 2009, the United States Department of Education (USDOE) incentivised states to create more rigorous teacher evaluation systems that better differentiated teacher performance as well as provided ...
Differences between experts and novices in decision-making processes

Experts and novices differ with respect to the use of intuition and deliberation in their decision-making processes, which affects the quality of decisions they make. We often ask ourselves: where does expert intuition and deliberation come from? If the progression from novice to expert is made through learning experiences, what should we provide novices during training? Identifying the discrepancies between experts and novices is essential for developing a computational learning system that simulates the human decision-making process. In this paper, we investigate the difference between individuals operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) missions, collected in a dataset called the Supervisory Control Operations User Test bed (SCOUT), by analyzing their computational models. For the computational models, deep neural networks (DNNs) and double transition models (DTMs) were employed. A set of DNNs was constructed from biometric information about eye movements, and a set of DTMs was built from event-driven data associated with actions taken by the individuals. For investigating DNNs, we examined how much improvement was obtained during training and validation, while for DTMs, we concentrated on the reward distributions of trajectories derived through inverse reinforcement learning (IRL). We classified SCOUT subjects into three levels of expertise according to their selfassessment and the maximum score achieved: novice, intermediate and expert. By analyzing these models, we identified differences between the expert and novice groups. In particular, the accuracy of the expert DNNs improved more effectively than that of novice DNNs, and the reward distributions of the expert DTMs were more closely clustered than those of novice DTMs.
Cyber-Physical Security and Resiliency Analysis Testbed for Critical Microgrids with IEEE 2030.5

The development of more resilient grids is an on-going effort that has attracted multiple participants. Within this context, Distributed Energy Resources, along with transactive energy mechanisms are being considered as the key driving technologies. Yet their under-laying communication capabilities might introduce additional cybersecurity risks that must be analysed. This paper proposes a cyber-physical microgrid testbed using OpenDSS, Mininet and IEEE 2030.5 that can be used to study the grid’s cyber-resilience under various scenarios. For critical microgrid installations, it is essential that the critical loads are served in spite of multiple contingencies. A resiliency analysis is proposed for a military microgrid to study its performance with these contingencies and the results are analyzed.
Under Threat of Fire

This auto-geographical, sense of place essay represents one approach to understanding a personal attachment to a location that has been disrupted by time and a destructive wildfire. It is written i...
Active Phase – Week 4

Week 4 of the active phase of the ACCESS program focuses on treatment issues related to the impact of ADHD on academic performance in college. During the group session, the group leader engages students in a discussion of the processes by which ADHD and its associated features impact academic performance. Next, group members receive instruction in the use of behavioral strategies to help improve academic performance, including strategies for selecting and scheduling classes, methods to sustain attention during classes, and note-taking tips. Finally, guidance in using adaptive thinking skills to manage negative thoughts related to academic performance is provided. Mentors begin their meeting with a review of the student’s ongoing use of previously learned behavioral strategies and adaptive thinking skills; suggestions for helping the student work through difficulties in implementation are provided as needed. Mentors also review and clarify information covered in group, with the goal of ensuring that students understand this information fully and provide guidance in the use of newly presented behavioral strategies targeting academic performance. Mentors similarly aid students in refining their use of adaptive thinking skills to help manage maladaptive thoughts associated with academic performance.
Influence of soil, crop residue, and sensor orientations on NDVI readings

Site-specific in-season corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) rate recommendations based on remote sensing can increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) but most approaches require the corn to be at the V8 growth stage. Success in estimating N needs during early vegetative growth has been limited due to low plant biomass and background interference. The objective of this experiment was to measure the influence of soil series, soil moisture, surface crop residues, and sensor orientation on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from soils prior to planting and corn from planting through the V6 growth stage. A controlled experiment was conducted in Virginia using four soil types commonly used for corn production. Spectral reflectance readings from the soils and four crop residues were measured using the GreenSeeker® sensor at four sensor orientations. Sensor orientation affected NDVI readings from bare soils before planting, with a difference of up to 0.16 units among orientations. The 15 cm mask generally resulted in the lowest NDVI. Wetting soils resulted in greater NDVI values from all soils with differences of up to 0.18 units between the same soil wet and dry. Values for NDVI were initially influenced by crop residue type but no differences due to type were detected once corn reached the V4 stage. Altering sensor orientation generally changed NDVI values but none resulted in NDVI that was similar across all soil and residue backgrounds. Background (soil and residue) influenced NDVI readings during early vegetative corn growth so the sensing background for the calibration reference areas should be uniform and similar to the larger field for implementation of the GreenSeeker® variable rate system.
Countercyclical Risks and Optimal Life-Cycle Profile: Theory and Evidence

I show that countercyclical earnings risk alone can cause countercyclical consumption risk and generate moderate stock holdings for young households. Moreover, countercyclical earnings risk quantitatively affects savings and portfolio choice decisions over the business cycle. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics survey, I construct an empirical measure of earnings risk and investigate how consumption risk and households' portfolio allocations and consumption change in response to earnings risk. My analysis shows that larger downside earnings risk increases consumption risk and reduces risky asset holdings and consumption, which are consistent with the model's predictions. Moreover, countercyclicality in consumption risk is more significant for stockholders than for nonstockholders. Using the flexibility of the model, I find that the elasticity of intertemporal substitution and the expected return of a stock can explain this heterogeneity between stockholders and nonstockholders.
Evidence of determinate growth in an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) based on long-term recapture and osteohistological confirmation.

Despite the general perception that crocodilians exhibit indeterminate growth, recent long-term field studies and laboratory investigations have independently suggested that growth in these animals is determinate. In this study, we had the unique opportunity to examine skeletal growth in a wild adult American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) based on change in body length measurements (snout-vent length) in the field and confirm these findings using osteohistological analyses (presence/absence of an external fundamental system [EFS]) of long bones. The alligator was captured and measured five times over 7 years and exhibited no discernable growth during that period, suggesting skeletal maturity had been attained at or prior to its first capture. Our field assessment of determinate growth in this alligator was osteohistologically confirmed by the presence of an EFS in the animal's humerus, femur, tibia, and fibula. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report determinate growth in a wild crocodilian using both field and laboratory methods, providing further evidence of this growth pattern in crocodilians.
Distribution Characteristics and Sampling Strategy Considerations for Plasma Non-Esterified Fatty Acid (NEPA) Testing in Late-Gestation Dairy Cows

Prepartum negative energy balance, as estimated by plasma NEFA concentration, is a demonstrated, positive risk factor for postpartum disease in dairy cows.1,2 Thus, determination of plasma NEFA concentration is potentially valuable for nutritional monitoring and disease risk assessment in late-gestation cows.
Tick-borne infections in children: epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and optimal management strategies.

Ticks can transmit bacterial, protozoal, and viral infections to humans. Specific therapy is available for several of these infections. Doxycycline is the antimicrobial treatment of choice for all patients, regardless of age, with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, or human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. Chloramphenicol has been used to treat these infections in children but is demonstrably inferior to doxycycline. In patients with Mediterranean spotted fever, doxycycline, chloramphenicol, and newer macrolides all appear to be effective therapies. Therapy of Lyme disease depends on the age of the child and stage of the disease. For early localized disease, amoxicillin (for those aged /=8 years) is effective. Doxycycline, penicillin V (phenoxymethylpenicillin) or penicillin G (benzylpenicillin) preparations, and erythromycin are all effective treatments for tick-borne relapsing fever. Hospitalized patients with tularemia should receive gentamicin or streptomycin. Doxycycline and ciprofloxacin have each been investigated for the treatment of tularemia in outpatients; however, these agents do not yet have established roles in the treatment of this disease in children. Combination therapy with clindamycin and quinine is preferred for children with babesiosis; the combination of azithromycin and atovaquone also appears promising. Ribavirin has been recently shown to markedly improve survival in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. The role of antiviral therapy in the treatment of other tick-borne viral infections, including other hemorrhagic fevers and tick-borne encephalitis, is not yet defined.
Signaling Through Cell Adhesion Molecules

Protein-Protein Interactions and Early Events in Integrin Signaling The Use of Chimeric Receptors in the Study of Integrin Signaling Using Synthetic Peptides to Mimic Integrins: Probing Cytoskeletal Interactions and Signaling Pathways Use of the Yeast Two-Hybrid System for the Characterization of Integrin Signal Transduction Pathways: Identification of the Integrin-Linked Kinase, p59 Focal Adhesion Kinase and its Associated Proteins Analysis of Paxillin as a Multi-Domain Scaffolding Protein p130 in Integrin Signaling Specificity of Integrin Signaling Late Events and Biological Functions of Integrin Signaling Methods for Study of Integrin Regulation of MAP Kinase Cascades Methods for Analysis of Adhesion-Dependent Cell Cycle Progression Integrin Modulation of Mitogenic Pathways Involved in Muscle Differentiation Methods for Studying Anoikis Functional Analysis of FAK and Associated Molecules in Cell Migration Integrin Signaling in Pericellular Matrix Assembly Inside-out Signaling by Integrins Studies of Integrin Signaling Through Platelet ab Tracking of Integrin-Mediated Adhesion Using Green Fluorescent Protein and Flow Cytometry Expression Cloning of Proteins That Modify Integrin Activation Regulation of Cell Contractility by RhoA: Stress Fiber and Focal Adhesion Assembly Studies of Integrin Signaling Through Platelet General Methods for Studies of Cell Adhesion Molecule-Mediated Signaling Intra-and Intercellular Localization of Proteins in Tissue in situ Optical Microscopy Studies of (Ca2) Signaling Wnt Signaling in Xenopus Embryos
The Correlation of Microstructural and Mechanical Characteristics of Silicon Carbide with Ballistic Performance

The ballistic response to tungsten long rod penetrator attack of two silicon carbide variants has been characterised. The variants, (SiC B, Cercom Inc. and SiC 100, Ceramique et Composite) which have nominally similar densities and quasi-static mechanical properties, exhibit significant differences in ballistic performance. This is shown to be a result of the different dwell response of the variants, i.e. the propensity to erode the rods on the surface without significant penetration. The paper reviews methods developed to dynamically and statically characterise the two materials to determine deviatoric strength and a measure of the damage kinetics; the former from Plate Impact experiments and the latter from Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar techniques. Microstructural and fractographic studies are employed to elucidate the relative mechanical behavioural characteristics which are in turn related to the ballistic performance.
Metastatic placental tumors: Report of three cases

THE SPREAD OF CANCER in man to distant sites is nothing new to the medical community; however, metastasis to the placenta of a gravid woman stirs the interest of most physicians. A review of the medical literature reveals only 36 such case reports which are dominated by metastatic melanoma, breast cancer, and the leukemic-Iymphoma groups. The purpose of this paper is to cite three case histories with placental metastasis encountered since 1968 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Fermi Liquid Theory for High Temperature Superconductors

In this article the Fermi liquid theory of metals is discussed starting from Luttinger’s theorem. The content of Luttinger’s Theorem and its implications for microscopic theories of high temperature superconductors are discussed. A simple quasi-2d Fermi liquid theory is introduced and some of its properties are calculated. It is argued that a number of experiments on YBa2 Cu3 O6+x, x>0.5, strongly suggest the existence of a Fermi surface and thereby a Fermi liquid normal state.