cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biased Estimation for Source Localization in Fault Tolerant Networks

This paper considers the problem of a network that seeks to locate an emitter using biased estimation under the time difference of arrival (TDOA) method. Sensor pairings vary from disjoint (independent) pairing schemes to those with a common reference sensor. When a common sensor is shared between pairs, the network’s accuracy is highly susceptible to degradation where sensor node failures or compromise by an adversary can have drastic effects on the localization accuracy. This work develops a set of biased estimators for TDOA for any sensor pairing configuration, robust to network faults and overcomes the requirement of a common reference sensor of prior work. Two biased estimators are developed under the Minimax Trace MSE (MXTM) and the Minimax Matrix MSE (MXMM) approaches. The first biased estimator developed uses a minimax trace MSE approach, which is known to obtain a smaller trace MSE than the worst case MSE of the least squares (LS) estimator. The MXTM method, however, does not make any guarantees about the component-wise error. Thus, the second estimator uses a minimax matrix MSE approach, which ensures that the component-wise MSE is less than that of the traditional LS estimator. We observe the maximum benefit of biased estimators occurs in harsh settings characterized by: (1) low SNR, (2) low quality sensor-emitter configurations, and/or (3) small scale networks.
Energy bounds in f(R, ϕ) gravity with anisotropic backgrounds

Abstract This research work discusses the energy bounds in f(R, ϕ) with anisotropic background. For this purpose, a BT-I cosmological model in f(R, ϕ) is considered. After calculating field equations, we find the exact solutions by considering field equations of the f(R, ϕ) gravity model. To investigate the cosmic expansion, we explore the model f(R, ϕ) for f ( R , ϕ ) = R ( 1 + α 2 R 2 ϕ 2 ) and f ( R , ϕ ) = ϕ ( R + α R 2 ) . We formulate the inequalities in energy constraints and use the Hubble, deceleration, jerk and snap parameters to evaluate the feasibility of the models given above. Graphical analysis shows that the NEC, WEC and DEC are satisfied with the appropriate anisotropy values and model parameters for the given above two f(R, ϕ) gravity models. In fact, for both of considered models, SEC is violated and models are found favorable for cosmic expansion.
Recent Advances in Using Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C–H Functionalization to Build Fluorescent Materials

Summary Organic fluorescent molecules have broad applications in modern technology, such as in security systems, chemosensors, bioprobes, field-effect transistors, memory devices, organic light-emitting diodes, etc. The transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond functionalization approach represents a distinct, facile, and atom-efficient tactic for the construction of organic fluorescent molecules, which are often difficult to prepare using typical synthetic methods. In this review, four types of C–H bond functionalization reactions for the preparation of fluorescent materials are discussed: (1) transition-metal-catalyzed C–H/C–X cross-coupling reactions; (2) transition-metal-catalyzed C–H/C–H cross-coupling reactions; (3) transition-metal-catalyzed C–H addition and/or annulation reactions; and (4) transition-metal-catalyzed C–H/C–M or C–H/Het-H bond functionalization. The objective of this review is to characterize the current state of the art in using transition-metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization to build fluorescent molecules as well as their application in electroluminescent materials, mechanofluorochromic materials, labels, sensors for bioimaging, etc.
Disability in Bolivia: A Feminist Global South Perspective

It is necessary to decolonize our understanding of disability in the Global South—to break away from the models which have their origins in the Global North and to build new approaches from the ground up in their specific cultural contexts. This chapter points the way toward a feminist decolonial approach to disability in Bolivia by prioritizing the grassroots experiences of disabled people and by placing Bolivian disabled women at the center of the analysis. It highlights the similarities between Bolivia and other countries in the Global South as well as emphasizing the intersections between gender violence, activism, motherhood, social movements, political participation, and disability justice.
Identification of multiple local nonlinear attachments using a single measurement case

Abstract This research focuses on the construction of representative mathematical models for the dynamics of multiple local nonlinear attachments installed on the same primary structure. Specifically, the applicability of the recently developed characteristic nonlinear system identification (CNSI) to multiple attachments and attachments tuned to modes higher than the first linear mode of the primary structure is investigated. The CNSI procedure is a data-driven approach that produces a mathematical model for the dynamics of local nonlinear attachments directly from experimental measurements with the only knowledge of the mass of the attachment and the general frequency content required. The applicability of the CNSI method for multiple attachments is demonstrated using a two-story tower with one local nonlinear attachment installed on each floor in two configurations. In the first configuration, both attachments are tuned to interact with the first mode of the tower. In the second configuration, the linear stiffness of the attachment installed on the first floor is increased, such that it interacts with the second mode instead of the first. The resulting models are numerically integrated, and the resulting displacements are directly compared with the experimental measurements. This comparison provides validation of the success and strength of the CNSI method for identifying multiple nonlinear attachments using a single measurement case. The method is particularly suitable for transient response data, and it is unlikely that the method would work with harmonic and random excitation responses. The method also might not be ideal for systems having inflexible impacts or asymmetric restoring forces.
Kinetic Alfven Waves in the Global Coupling Associated with Fast Flows

Shear Alfven waves are fundamentally important in space plasmas. Kinetic Alfven waves (KAWs) are shear Alfven waves possessing short perpendicular wavelength that is comparable to the ion gyroradius, k ⊥ ρ i ~ 1, where k ⊥ is the perpendicular wave number and ρ i is the ion Larmor radius. KAWs can develop parallel electric fields that facilitates particle heating and transport on scales where the ion motion decouples from magnetic field lines. In this study, we use the Auburn Global Hybrid Code in 3-Dimensions (ANGIE3D) to investigate the generation of kinetic Alfven waves (KAWs) in the Earth’s magnetotail. Transport of these KAWs to the ionosphere is illustrated in a comprehensive manner on the global scale. In the hybrid code, ions are treated as fully kinetic particles, while electrons are treated as a massless fluid. Our global hybrid simulation results show that KAWs are generated in magnetic reconnection in the tail plasma sheet, located around fast flows. We identify the KAWs by their dispersion relation and polarization, with a turbulent spectrum and ion beating. The resulting KAWs are compared with those generated in local-scale hybrid simulations of reconnection in slab geometry.
Internal Semantics and Algebraic Logic1

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses internal semantics and algebraic logic. Semantics is the study of the way in which language relates to its domains of discourse, and hence no full, adequate, semantical analysis can confine itself to the study of language by itself. When a given language is interpreted with respect to a given domain, the sentences of the language fall into two classes: the true and the false. When one begins to analyze the relation of a language to an external domain by mathematical means, the most basic and natural tool is that of a function. For example, there is the function that assigns, to each name-symbol of the language, the object of the domain that it denotes and to each n-placed predicate symbol its meaning as an n-ary relation over the domain. Starting from such a function, each sentence comes to take on a definite truth-value.
Exclusion and Exclusivity in Gridlock

This Essay reviews Michael Heller’s book The Gridlock Economy, focusing especially on its conceptual priors. The book assumes as true the conception that follows from Calabresi and Melamed’s Cathedral framework, whereby property consists of a right to exclude others, and invasions of the right to exclude may be remedied by a property rule. This definition departs significantly from the conception of property that informs social practice and private law, whereby property consists of a normative interest in determining exclusively the use of an external asset.These differences lead The Gridlock Economy to make several conceptual and normative errors. In some cases (Moscow storefronts and Rhenish tolls), the book criticizes legal institutions for having too much property when in fact the problematic institutions do not actually institute property relations. In other cases (cotenancy partition and airplane overflights), the book criticizes legal institutions for creating too much property when in fact existing law already scales property’s exclusivity to its tendency to encourage the free and concurrent use of the propertized asset. And in some cases (redevelopment and private eminent domain), the book favors ad hoc government administration of property disputes without being sensitive enough to the roles that socialization and respect for owner free action ordinarily play in property law.
Pilot Study of a Point-of-use Decision Support Tool for Cancer Clinical Trials Eligibility

Many adults with cancer are not enrolled in clinical trials because caregivers do not have the time to match the patient's clinical findings with varying eligibility criteria associated with multiple trials for which the patient might be eligible. The authors developed a point-of-use portable decision support tool (DS-TRIEL) to automate this matching process. The support tool consists of a hand-held computer with a programmable relational database. A two-level hierarchic decision framework was used for the identification of eligible subjects for two open breast cancer clinical trials. The hand-held computer also provides protocol consent forms and schemas to further help the busy oncologist. This decision support tool and the decision framework on which it is based could be used for multiple trials and different cancer sites.
Ethnic disparities and liver transplantation rates in hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the recent era: Results from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results registry

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. After the implementation of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease system, rates of liver transplantation (LT) for HCC patients increased. However, it is not clear whether this trend has continued into recent times. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry (1998-2010), we retrospectively analyzed trends for LT among HCC patients in 3 time periods: 1998-2003, 2004-2008, and 2009-2010. A total of 60,772 HCC patients were identified. In the more recent time periods, the proportion of localized-stage HCC increased (45.0% in 1998-2003, 50.4% in 2004-2008, and 51.7% in 2009-2010; P < 0.001). Although the proportion of HCC patients within the Milan criteria also increased with time (22.8% in 1998-2003, 31.8% in 2004-2008, and 37.1% in 2009-2010; P < 0.001), the proportion of those patients undergoing LT increased from 1998-2003 to 2004-2008 but decreased from 2004-2008 to 2009-2010. However, the actual frequencies of LT were similar in 2004-2008 (208.2 per year) and 2009-2010 (201.5 per year). A multivariate logistic regression, including sex, age, ethnicity, Milan criteria, tumor stage, tumor size and number, and time periods, demonstrated a lower likelihood of LT in 2009-2010 versus 1998-2003 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57-0.71]. Blacks (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.41-0.56), Asians (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.57-0.73), and Hispanics (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.68-0.85) were all less likely to undergo LT in comparison with non-Hispanic whites. Despite the increasing proportion of patients with HCC diagnosed at an earlier stage, LT rates declined in the most recent era. In addition, ethnic minorities were significantly less likely to undergo LT. The growing imbalance between the number of transplant-eligible HCC patients and the shortage of donor livers emphasizes the need to improve donor availability and curative alternatives to LT. Liver Transpl 20:528–535, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
The transition to a colonial economy : weavers, merchants and kings in South India, 1720-1800

List of tables Acknowledgements Note on Indian words and place names Note on money List of abbreviations Introduction 1. Weavers and merchants 1720-60 2. Agriculture and cotton textiles 3. Weaver distress 1765-1800 4. Weaver protest 5. Labourers, kings and colonialism Glossary Bibliography Index.
Illumination as a service: New paradigms for the future of lighting

Spectral tunability and high speed LED switching capability, combined with networks of advanced sensors and adaptive lighting communications and control architectures are leading to the development of sensory lighting systems that can autonomously adapt illumination to the needs of those occupying an a given space. These sensory capabilities will enable improved lighting/building system energy efficiency as well as improved human health and productivity. Future illumination systems will also likely feature both intra-system (light-to-light) optical communications and data communications that will augment RF based communications systems for scalable, secure wireless communications. In addition, digitally modulated (and structured) lighting offers novel approaches to occupancy sensing (of both animate and inanimate objects). By improving the sensory functionality of illumination systems, adaptive lighting control methods superior to the current lighting management methods in use today will be possible.
Observations on a recent increase in plagiocephaly without synostosis.

The incidence of head deformities called plagiocephaly without synostosis (PWS) that apparently are the result of the birthing process or asymmetrical positioning appear to be increasing. The timing of these rate increases appears to have coincided with recommendations about infants' sleeping positions. Researchers compared patterns of PWS referrals and referrals for another head deformity called synostotic plagiocephaly over a 16-year study period at a center specializing in head and facial deformities. There were 11 patients seen with PWS between 1979 and 1983, 101 patients between 1984 and 1991, and 157 patients between 1992 and 1994. The numbers of patients seen with synostotic plagiocephaly during the same time periods were 20, 38, and 23. All of the parents of infants with PWS seen since 1991 reported putting their infants to sleep on their backs. The American Academy of Pediatrics first published recommendations about discouraging infants from sleeping on their stomachs in 1991.
Sentencing: Demographic Factors in

Demographic characteristics of defendants are considered extralegal factors because they are not characteristics of the crime and therefore should not influence jurors' verdicts or sentencing decisions. However, ample evidence exists that jurors do consider extralegal factors when rendering verdicts and deciding on sentencing judgments for a defendant. This article reviews the literature on demographic characteristics of the defendant and how these factors influence jurors' judgments. Particularly, the impacts of race, age, and gender on jurors sentencing decisions are reviewed. This article addresses how these demographic characteristics can create biases that will influence jurors' decisions in a case. Relevant theoretical explanations are discussed to explain the findings from field studies as well as experimental studies. Keywords: demographic characteristics; defendant; sentencing; race; age; gender
Global Perspectives on Multilingualism: Unity in Diversity, edited by María E. Torres-Guzmán and Joel Gómez

The latter part of the 20th century has seen a dramatic reemergence of language policy debates in the United States, focusing centrally around issues of immigration, citizenship rights, and languag...
Magnetic resonance rotator cuff fat fraction and its relationship with tendon tear severity and subject characteristics.

Background Compared with the Goutallier classification, chemical shift-based magnetic resonance (MR) fat quantification has superior reliability and accuracy in evaluation of muscle fatty infiltration. We used this method to assess the relationship between rotator cuff (RC) muscle fat fractions, tendon disease severity, and subject characteristics. Methods In total, 182 subjects with shoulder symptoms underwent shoulder MR imaging including additional sequences for fat quantitation. Then, fat fraction maps were manually segmented, and custom software was used to compute the fat fraction. Goutallier scores were also obtained. The relationship between fat fraction and tendon tear severity and subject characteristics was assessed with descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Student t test of different subgroups, and simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Results Statistically higher supraspinatus fat fractions were observed in subgroups with tendon tears >3 cm, retraction >1 cm, age >50 years, body mass index (BMI) >30, higher Goutallier score, female gender, and longer symptom duration. A significant linear relationship was seen between RC fat fraction and tendon disease severity, age, and BMI but not symptom duration. Multiple regression models with fat fraction and tendon disease, age, BMI, and gender were significant for all 4 muscles ( P Conclusion RC fat fraction assessed by chemical shift MR demonstrated a significant linear relationship with tendon tear severity, age, BMI, and gender but not with symptom duration.
Simultaneous inversion of mantle properties and initial conditions using an adjoint of mantle convection

Through the assimilation of present-day mantle seismic structure, adjoint methods can be used to constrain the structure of the mantle at earlier times, i.e., mantle initial conditions. However, the application to geophysical problems is restricted through both the high computational expense from repeated iteration between forward and adjoint models and the need to know mantle properties (such as viscosity and the absolute magnitude of temperature or density) a priori. We propose that an optimal first guess to the initial condition can be obtained through a simple backward integration (SBI) of the governing equations, thus lessening the computational expense. Given a model with known mantle properties, we show that a solution based on an SBI-generated first guess has smaller residuals than arbitrary guesses. Mantle viscosity and the effective Rayleigh number are crucial for mantle convection models, neither of which is exactly known. We place additional constraints on these basic mantle properties when the convection-induced dynamic topography on Earth's surface is considered within an adjoint inverse method. Besides assimilating present-day seismic structure as a constraint, we use dynamic topography and its rate of change in an inverse method that allows simultaneous inversion of the absolute upper and lower mantle viscosities, scaling between seismic velocity and thermal anomalies, and initial condition. The theory is derived from the governing equations of mantle convection and validated by synthetic experiments for both one-layer viscosity and two-layer viscosity regionally bounded spherical shells. For the one-layer model, at any instant of time, the magnitude of dynamic topography is controlled by the temperature scaling while the rate of change of topography is controlled by the absolute value of viscosity. For the two-layer case, the rate of change of topography constrains upper mantle viscosity while the magnitude of dynamic topography determines the temperature scaling (lower mantle viscosity) when upper-mantle (lower-mantle) density anomaly dominates the flow field; this two-stage scheme minimizes the tradeoff between temperature and lower mantle viscosity. For both cases, we show that the theory can constrain mantle properties with errors arising through the adjoint recovery of the initial condition; for the two-layer model, this error is manifest as a tradeoff between the temperature scaling and lower mantle viscosity.
CHRONIC AORTIC REGURGITATION: Role of Medical Therapy and Optimal Timing for Surgery

Major advances in cardiac valve replacement surgery over the past two to three decades have resulted in reduced operative mortality and improved long-term postoperative survival of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for chronic aortic regurgitation. Improved patient selection has contributed to this success. Aortic valve replacement, however, continues to entail both immediate and long-term risks, and these risks are not justified in all patients with chronic aortic regurgitation. In general, aortic valve replacement is indicated when cardiac symptoms first develop. Subgroups of asymptomatic patients with evidence of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction may also benefit from early operation before the onset of symptoms. Importantly, these subgroups can be identified by noninvasive indices of LV function, which may be obtained serially in asymptomatic patients. Thus, noninvasive imaging techniques play an essential role in the evaluation of asymptomatic patients and selection of patients for surgery, and these techniques have contributed importantly to the improvements in postoperative survival and LV function. Several factors must be considered in the optimal timing of operation for aortic regurgitation. These include the survival and functional results from valve replacement and the preoperative factors that predict these results. Equally important are the natural history of asymptomatic patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation and normal LV function and the identification of high-risk subgroups who should be considered for operation before symptoms or LV dysfunction develop. Medical therapy with afterload reducing agents may also play a role in retarding the progression of LV dilation and systolic dysfunction and thus delaying the need for valve replacement. This article focuses on these interrelated components of the management decision-making process in aortic regurgitation.
Carbon dynamics of forests in Washington, USA: 21st century projections based on climate-driven changes in fire regimes

During the 21st century, climate-driven changes in fire regimes will be a key agent of change in forests of the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW). Understanding the response of forest carbon (C) dynamics to increases in fire will help quantify limits on the contribution of forest C storage to climate change mitigation and prioritize forest types for monitoring C storage and fire management to minimize C loss. In this study, we used projections of 21st century area burned to explore the consequences of changes in fire regimes on C dynamics in forests of Washington State. We used a novel empirical approach that takes advantage of chronosequences of C pools and fluxes and statistical properties of fire regimes to explore the effects of shifting age class distributions on C dynamics. Forests of the western Cascades are projected to be more sensitive to climate-driven increases in fire, and thus projected changes in C dynamics, than forests of the eastern Cascades. In the western Cascades, mean live biomass C is pr...
The initial stages of the cellular reaction

Both the nucleation process per se and the organization of nearby nuclei or precipitates formed at a given disordered grain boundary into a viable cell structure are considered. When the critical nucleus is modeled in simple fashion, based upon a rectangular parallelepiped, the rate of nucleation by the “conventional” mechanism, in which the grain boundary is essentially immobile during the nucleation process, far exceeds that by the Tu-Turnbull “pucker” mechanism, in which the grain boundary is deflected so that its plane is parallel to the habit plane of the nucleus. A more rigorous model of the critical nucleus, based upon the somewhat specialized assumption that an energy cusp facet forms at only one boundary orientation but developed without a preconceived view of the nucleus morphology, leads to this result only when the facet energy is greater than one-half the energy of a disordered grain boundary. In the reverse energetic situation, the nucleus morphology is effectively that supposed by the pucker mechanism. The initial stage of cellular growth is examined in the framework of the question: why do allotriomorphs form at disordered grain boundaries under some conditions of alloy composition and temperature and cells develop under other conditions? The conditions for the two reaction paths are established on the basis of two key ideas: the direction in which the torque term associated with a facet deflects a grain boundary meeting the edge of the facet (deduced from the considerations of Hoffman and Cahn), and the existence of a driving force for the breakaway of a grain boundary from such a junction resulting from the requirement of continuity of path to another junction located nearby.
Conjugate direction methods for helmholtz problems with complex‐valued wavenumbers

The convergence behaviour of conjugate direction methods for Helmholtz problems with complex-valued wavenumbers is studied. The model problem is a Galerkin discretization of the scalar Helmholtz equation on square arrays of 2D and 3D, C° linear elements. A series of controlled experiments is performed which use the dimensionless wavenumber and the algebraic size of the system of equations to completely characterize the iterative performance of the solvers. The effects of algebraic size are examined as functions of both mesh refinement and mesh extension within the limits of present-day workstation computing environments. A comparison is drawn between the conjugate direction methods investigated and the equivalent time-domain solution obtained through explicit time-stepping.
Changing complexity in human behavior and physiology through aging and disease.

Lipsitz and Goldberger [47] proposed that there is a loss in the complexity of physiological and behavioral systems with aging and disease. Here, we show that this unidirectional view of the change in system complexity is too narrow in its consideration of the actual changes that occur with aging and disease. An increase or decrease in the complexity of a behavioral or physiological system output can occur and the direction of change is dependent on the confluence of constraints that channel the system dynamics. It is postulated that the observed increase or decrease in complexity with aging and disease is dependent on the nature of both the intrinsic dynamics of the system and the short-term change required to realize a local task demand.
Molecular Weight Dependence of Nuclear Spin Correlations in PDMS Networks

We present experimental proton NMR data for poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) model networks in the form of a β-echo (sine correlation) function which is particularly sensitive to modulations of nuclea...
Low-energy electron-induced reactions in condensed matter

Abstract The goal of this review is to discuss post-irradiation analysis of low-energy (≤50 eV) electron-induced processes in nanoscale thin films. Because electron-induced surface reactions in monolayer adsorbates have been extensively reviewed, we will instead focus on low-energy electron-induced reactions in multilayer adsorbates. The latter studies, involving nanoscale thin films, serve to elucidate the pivotal role that the low-energy electron-induced reactions play in high-energy radiation-induced chemical reactions in condensed matter. Although electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) experiments conducted during irradiation have yielded vital information relevant to primary or initial electron-induced processes, we wish to demonstrate in this review that analyzing the products following low-energy electron irradiation can provide new insights into radiation chemistry. This review presents studies of electron-induced reactions in nanoscale films of molecular species such as oxygen, nitrogen trifluoride, water, alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, nitriles, halocarbons, alkane and phenyl thiols, thiophenes, ferrocene, amino acids, nucleotides, and DNA using post-irradiation techniques such as temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), gel electrophoresis, and microarray fluorescence. Post-irradiation temperature-programmed desorption, in particular, has been shown to be useful in identifying labile radiolysis products as demonstrated by the first identification of methoxymethanol as a reaction product of methanol radiolysis. Results of post-irradiation studies have been used not only to identify radiolysis products, but also to determine the dynamics of electron-induced reactions. For example, studies of the radiolysis yield as a function of incident electron energy have shown that dissociative electron attachment plays an important role in the electron-induced single strand breaks in DNA leading to mutagenic damage. Studies such as these not only provide insight into the fundamentals of electron–molecule interactions in the condensed phase but also may provide information valuable to (a) furthering cost-efficient destruction of hazardous chemicals, (b) understanding the electron-induced decomposition of feed gases used in the plasma processing of semiconductor devices, (c) clarifying the role, if any, of low-energy electrons, produced by cosmic rays, contributing to the formation of the ozone hole by interacting with halocarbons and producing Cl atoms, (d) illuminating the dynamics of electron-induced oligomerization and/or polymerization, and (e) explicating the astrochemistry of icy grains.
The evolving systems approach to creative work

(1988). The evolving systems approach to creative work. Creativity Research Journal: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 27-51.
‘Popping the Clutch’: Novel Mechanisms Regulating Sexual Development in Cryptococcus neoformans

Sexual reproduction in fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus provides natural selection and adaptation of the organisms to environmental conditions by allowing beneficial mutations to spread. However, successful mating in these fungi requires a time-critical induction of signaling pheromones when appropriate partners become available. Recently, it has been shown that the fungus uses the transcriptional equivalent of the racing technique: ‘popping the clutch’—pushing in the clutch pedal, putting the car in gear, revving with the gas pedal, and then dropping the clutch pedal to accelerate rapidly. In the same way, Cryptococcus during vegetative growth constitutively matches a high rate of pheromone synthesis with a high rate of degradation to produce repressed levels of transcript. Then, when mating is required, the fungus drops the degradative machinery, resulting in a rapid induction of the pheromone. Pairing with this novel regulatory cycle is a host of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, cyclic AMP-dependent, and calcium-calcineurin signaling pathways that maintain these high rates of pheromone synthesis and prime downstream pathways for an effective mating response. The intersection of a number of virulence-associated traits with sexual development such as the synthesis of an immune-disruptive laccase as well as a protective polysaccharide capsule makes these rapid regulatory strategies a formidable foe in the battle against human disease.
The US healthcare workforce and the labor market effect on healthcare spending and health outcomes.

The healthcare sector was one of the few sectors of the US economy that created new positions in spite of the recent economic downturn. Economic contractions are associated with worsening morbidity and mortality, declining private health insurance coverage, and budgetary pressure on public health programs. This study examines the causes of healthcare employment growth and workforce composition in the US and evaluates the labor market’s impact on healthcare spending and health outcomes. Data are collected for 50 states and the District of Columbia from 1999–2009. Labor market and healthcare workforce data are obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mortality and health status data are collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vital Statistics program and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Healthcare spending data are derived from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Dynamic panel data regression models, with instrumental variables, are used to examine the effect of the labor market on healthcare spending, morbidity, and mortality. Regression analysis is also performed to model the effects of healthcare spending on the healthcare workforce composition. All statistical tests are based on a two-sided $$\alpha $$ significance of $$p\,<$$ .05. Analyses are performed with STATA and SAS. The labor force participation rate shows a more robust effect on healthcare spending, morbidity, and mortality than the unemployment rate. Study results also show that declining labor force participation negatively impacts overall health status ( $$p\,<$$ .01), and mortality for males ( $$p\,<$$ .05) and females ( $$p\,<$$ .001), aged 16–64. Further, the Medicaid and Medicare spending share increases as labor force participation declines ( $$p\,<$$ .001); whereas, the private healthcare spending share decreases ( $$p\,<$$ .001). Public and private healthcare spending also has a differing effect on healthcare occupational employment per 100,000 people. Private healthcare spending positively impacts primary care physician employment ( $$p\,<$$ .001); whereas, Medicare spending drives up employment of physician assistants, registered nurses, and personal care attendants ( $$p\,<$$ .001). Medicaid and Medicare spending has a negative effect on surgeon employment ( $$p\,<$$ .05); the effect of private healthcare spending is positive but not statistically significant. Labor force participation, as opposed to unemployment, is a better proxy for measuring the effect of the economic environment on healthcare spending and health outcomes. Further, during economic contractions, Medicaid and Medicare’s share of overall healthcare spending increases with meaningful effects on the configuration of state healthcare workforces and subsequently, provision of care for populations at-risk for worsening morbidity and mortality.
Biological Stoichiometry in Human Cancer

Background A growing tumor in the body can be considered a complex ecological and evolutionary system. A new eco-evolutionary hypothesis (the “Growth Rate Hypothesis”, GRH) proposes that tumors have elevated phosphorus (P) demands due to increased allocation to P-rich nucleic acids, especially ribosomal RNA, to meet the protein synthesis demands of accelerated proliferation. Methodology/Principal Findings We determined the elemental (C, N, P) and nucleic acid contents of paired malignant and normal tissues from colon, lung, liver, or kidney for 121 patients. Consistent with the GRH, lung and colon tumors were significantly higher (by approximately two-fold) in P content (fraction of dry weight) and RNA content and lower in nitrogen (N):P ratio than paired normal tissue, and P in RNA contributed a significantly larger fraction of total biomass P in malignant relative to normal tissues. Furthermore, patient-specific differences for %P between malignant and normal tissues were positively correlated with such differences for %RNA, both for the overall data and within three of the four organ sites. However, significant differences in %P and %RNA between malignant and normal tissues were not seen in liver and kidney and, overall, RNA contributed only ∼11% of total tissue P content. Conclusions/Significance Data for lung and colon tumors provide support for the GRH in human cancer. The two-fold amplification of P content in colon and lung tumors may set the stage for potential P-limitation of their proliferation, as such differences often do for rapidly growing biota in ecosystems. However, data for kidney and liver do not support the GRH. To account for these conflicting observations, we suggest that local environments in some organs select for neoplastic cells bearing mutations increasing cell division rate (“r-selected,” as in colon and lung) while conditions elsewhere may select for reduced mortality rate (“K-selected,” as in liver and kidney).
Machining Dynamics Involving Whirling Part I: Model Development and Validation

A complex machining model describing the coupled tool—workpiece dynamics subject to nonlinear regenerative cutting forces, instantaneous depth-of-cut and workpiece whirling due to material imbalanc...
A Study of Primary Care Teaching Comparing Academic and Community‐Based Settings

OBJECTIVE: To compare teaching activity and content between academic and community-based practices used in third-year medical student primary care training.
Identification of a Second Region Upstream of the Mouse Heme Oxygenase-1 Gene That Functions as a Basal Level and Inducer-dependent Transcription Enhancer

Abstract A 161-base pair fragment (AB1) 10 kilobase pairs upstream of the transcription start site of the mouse heme oxygenase-1 gene functions as a basal level and inducer-dependent enhancer. AB1/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fusion genes stably transfected into mouse hepatoma (Hepa) cells or L929 fibroblasts were activated 7-8- or 17-22-fold, respectively, after treatment of the cells with either CdCl2 or heme. The AB1 fragment is composed largely of three tandem repeats containing two conserved core elements, A and B. Part of core element A (TCCGGAGCTGTG) resembles the consensus-binding site for transcription factor AP-4, whereas core element B (GCTGAGTCANGG) includes the consensus-binding site (TGAGTCA) for the AP-1 family of transcription factors. Nuclear proteins from Hepa cells did not bind to any of the core A elements, but bound to all three copies of the core B element. AB1 derivatives with one or two mutant AP-1-binding elements exhibited reduced but measurable inducer-dependent enhancer activity, but mutation of all three AP-1-binding sites abolished activation by CdCl2 and heme and also by mercury chloride, zinc chloride, H2O2, sodium arsenate, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Pretreatment of stably transfected L929 cells with protein kinase C inhibitors, but not with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or N-acetylcysteine, abrogated 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-dependent activation of the AB1/chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fusion gene. Induction by H2O2 was unaffected by the kinase inhibitors, but completely abolished by N-acetylcysteine. Heme-dependent induction was not significantly affected by any of these chemicals.
Surgical technique of diaphragm full-thickness resection and trans-diaphragmatic decompression of pneumothorax during cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective To describe the technique and short-term post-operative outcomes associated with diaphragm full-thickness resection (FTR) and intraoperative trans-diaphragmatic decompression of the resultant pneumothorax (TDDP). Methods All patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for primary or recurrent ovarian cancer between 8/1/98 and 7/30/09 were retrospectively identified from the tumor registry database. Patients undergoing diaphragm FTR were selected for detailed review of the operative technique and post-operative outcomes. The operative technique of TDDP using a fenestrated Robinson catheter is described. Results A total of 45 patients met study inclusion criteria. Diaphragm FTR surgery was performed exclusively by gynecologic oncologists in 73.3% of cases. The median patient age was 60years, and the majority (75.6%) of cases were performed for primary cytoreduction of Stage IIIC ( n =27) or Stage IV ( n =18) disease. The two-dimensional surface area of tumor involvement ranged from 9cm 2 to 192cm 2 . The right hemi-diaphragm alone was involved in 71.1% of cases, while both the right and left hemi-diaphragms were involved in 24.4%. TDDP was performed in 41 of the 45 patients undergoing diaphragm FTR, while 4 patients had intraoperative thoracostomy tubes placed. Among the 41 TDDP patients, post-operative days 3–4 radiographic imaging revealed that 56% had a small residual pleural effusion and 9.8% had a residual pneumothorax; however, only 2 patients (4.9%) required post-operative thoracostomy tube placement or thoracentesis. Conclusion The technique of TDDP eliminates the need of intraoperative and post-operative thoracostomy tube/thoracentesis in 95.1% of patients undergoing diaphragm FTR as a component of ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery.
Electrical conduction mechanisms in amorphous GeTe thin films

Abstract A measurement of potential distribution was carried out on amorphous GeTe thin films at various applied voltages. The potential falls steeply near the anode. The results were consistently explained with the hypothesis that the free carriers which flow away from the regions near the cathode and the anode into the inner part of the sample are not replenished by injected carriers. An estimate was made of the density of space-charge and of the free carrier concentration as a function of position. The fact that the distributions of both the potential and the free carrier concentration are nonuniform indicate that the diffusion current cannot be neglected. In the steady state, the observed current density as a function of applied field agrees well with the predictions of a theoretical model that includes both diffusion and drift currents.
Using a microcontroller to optimize the bias voltage of balanced photodiodes to minimize even-order distortion in analog fiber-optic links

Use of a microcontroller-based bias board for balanced photodiodes improves even-order distortion cancellation due to voltage dependent responsivity nonlinearities. The bias board improves the second order intermodulation distortion in balanced photodiodes by 8.3 dB.
Large pressure-dependent cooperative shifts in multicolor odd-photon resonant atomic excitation

We show that when three-photon excitation of a dipole-allowed transition is mediated by two laser beams at angular frequencies ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}1}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}2}$ that are crossed at an angle \ensuremath{\theta}, large cooperative pressure-dependent shifts occur in the line shape for resonant excitation. When excitation of the state is by a 2${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}1}$\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}2}$ process and either \ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\ll}1 or ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}1}$\ensuremath{\gg}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}2}$, the cooperative shift is large compared with the pressure-induced width of the line. For the 2${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}1}$+${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}2}$ case the shift is toward higher excitation energy, while for 2${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}1}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{L}2}$ the shift is to lower excitation energies. In cases where the resonance can be reached by more than one pathway, differing only in the directions of propagation of the photons involved in the excitation, multiple peaks are predicted in the excitation line shape.
A comparison of kernel functions for intimate mixture models

In previous work, kernel methods were introduced as a way to generalize the linear mixing model. This work led to a new set of algorithms that performed the unmixing of hyperspectral imagery in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. By processing the imagery in this space different types of unmixing could be introduced - including an approximation of intimate mixtures. Whereas previous research focused on developing the mathematical foundation for kernel unmixing, this paper focuses on the selection of the kernel function. Experiments are conducted on real-world hyperspectral data using a linear, a radial-basis function, a polynomial, and a proposed physicsbased kernel. Results show which kernels provide the best ability to perform intimate unmixing.
Adverse Event Reporting Patterns of Newly Approved Drugs in the USA in 2006: An Analysis of FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Data

Background The Weber effect states that adverse event (AE) reporting tends to increase in the first 2 years after a new drug is placed onto the market, peaks at the end of the second year, and then declines. However, since the Weber effect was originally described, there has been improvement in the communication of safety information and new policies regarding the reporting of AEs by healthcare professionals and consumers, prompting reassessment of the existence of the Weber effect in the current AE reporting scenario.
Densities of Unfilled One-Electron Levels in the Elements Vanadium and Iron through Zinc by Means of X-Ray Continuum Isochromats

X-ray continuum isochromats have been obtained at a photon energy of 530 eV from bulk samples of vanadium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc under ultrahigh-vaccum conditions. The isochromats have been partially corrected for the smearing due to the spectral window of the two-crystal potassium acid phthalate (KAP) monochromator used and for the distortion due to the nonsingular nature of the electron spectra in the samples. The corrected data may be interpreted as measures of the densities of available one-electron states in these materials.
Optimal Experimental Design for Polynomial Regression

Abstract The problem of choosing the optimal design to estimate a regression function which can be well-approximated by a polynomial is considered, and two new optimality criteria are presented and discussed. Use of these criteria is illustrated by a detailed discussion of the case that the regression function can be assumed approximately linear. These criteria, which can be considered as compromises between the incompatible goals of inference about the regression function under an assumed model and of checking the model's adequacy, are found to yield designs superior in certain respects to others which have been proposed to deal with this problem, including minimum bias designs.
Pituitary-Adrenocortical and Lymphocyte Responses to Bromocriptine-induced Hypoprolactinemia, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, and Restraint in Swine:

AbstractA study was conducted with castrated male pigs (barrows) to evaluate effects of bromocriptine-induced hypoprolactinemia (6 days) on basal and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-altered (single injection) pituitary-adrenocortical function, on lymphocyte proliferative responses, and on interleukin 2 production. In addition, the study was designed to measure the short time course of pituitary-adrenocortical and lymphocyte responses to ACTH and to a 30-min restraint stressor. Blood samples were taken via indwelling jugular catheters at −0.5, +0.5, +2, and +5 hr (with reference to time of acute treatment exposure) on Day 6 of the study. Lymphocyte responses were measured only at the 2-hr interval. Exposure (6 days) to bromocriptine (CB154) was associated with 53% reductions (P < 0.05) in plasma prolactin (1.37 ± 0.13 vs 0.60 ± 0.04 vs 0.68 ± 0.08 ng/ml) when averaged across all time intervals in control, CB154-treated, and CB154 + ACTH-treated pigs, respectively. The reductions in plasma prolactin were...