cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of State-Feedback Optimal Strategies for the Differential Game of Active Defense

This paper is concerned with a scenario of active target defense modeled as a zero-sum differential game. The differential game theory as developed by Isaacs provides the correct framework for the analysis of pursuit-evasion conflicts and the design of optimal strategies for the players involved in the game. This paper considers an Attacker missile pursuing a Target aircraft protected by a Defender missile which aims at intercepting the Attacker before the latter reaches the Target aircraft. A differential game is formulated where the two opposing players/teams try to minimize/maximize the distance between the Target and the Attacker at the time of interception of the Attacker by the Defender and such time indicates the termination of the game. The Attacker aims to minimize the terminal distance between itself and the Target at the moment of its interception by the Defender. The opposing player/team consists of two cooperating agents: The Target and the Defender. These two agents cooperate in order to accomplish the two objectives: Guarantee interception of the Attacker by the Defender and maximize the terminal Target-Attacker separation. In this paper, we provide a complete, closed form solution of the active target defense differential game; we synthesize closed-loop state feedback optimal strategies for the agents and obtain the Value function of the game. We characterize the Target's escape set and show that the Value function is continuous and continuously differentiable over the Target's escape set, and that it satisfies the Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs equation everywhere in this set.
Issues of access and program quality

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) enrolment has increased substantially in recent years. Data are most readily available for programs serving children age 3 and older, and show that enrolment rates are highest in developed countries, such as those of North America and Europe. However, recent growth has been most rapid in countries where enrolment was lowest. In expanding ECEC programs, an important decision is whether programs will target subgroups of children or be universally available. In addition, although quality is a critical consideration, little comparative information is currently available on a worldwide scale and further study is needed.
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and headache in the U.S. population.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess whether dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is associated with lower prevalence of headache in the U.S. population. This cross-sectional study used data for a nationally representative sample of 12,317 men and women aged ≥ 20 years participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of 1999–2004. Interviewers recorded self-report of severe headache or migraine in the past three months. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were quantified from 24-hour dietary recall using the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database. Serum concentration of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation and potential mediator of PUFA's analgesic properties, was quantified by latex-enhanced nephelometry. Multivariable generalized linear models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence limits (CL) for severe headache or migraine adjusting for NHANES cycle, sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index and total energy intake. The unadjusted prevalence of severe headache or migraine was 22.0% (females 28.2%, males 15.5%). In multivariable analysis, greater intake of omega-3 PUFAs was associated with lower prevalence of severe headache or migraine: PR 0.94 (95% CL: 0.88, 0.99, p = 0.035) per log unit increase in EPA, and PR 0.94 (95% CL: 0.90, 0.99, p = 0.023) per log unit increase in DHA. The strength of association was greater for non-Mexican Hispanics than for other racial/ethnic groups but was not attenuated after adjustment for C-reactive protein. In conclusion, higher dietary intakes of EPA and DHA were associated with lower prevalence of headache supporting the hypothesis that omega-3 PUFAs may prevent or reduce headache.
Cattle Barons and Ink Stingers: How Cow Country Journalists Created a Great American Myth

This article examines the relationship between the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the press at the end of the Old West Long Drive Era (1867–1890). It considers not only the influence of Wyom...
Low risk from dogs on exempted register.

I write to thank Josh Loeb for his editorial and news article on the recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EfraCom) report regarding current ‘dangerous dog’ legislation ( VR , 20 October 2018, vol 183, pp 459, 460), and its conclusions which advise that the Dangerous Dogs …
Comparing the rates of driveline exit site infections in LVAD patients showering with different water sources.

Background Infections at the driveline exit site (DLES) is a common complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. This project examined rates of freedom from DLES infection in patients who were taught to shower following LVAD surgery. The water source the patients reported using was compared. Methods All durable LVAD patient implants at a single center from June 2011 to April 2017 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 135). Patients were instructed to shower with no dressing covering their DLES, to use antibacterial soap and then immediately apply a sterile dressing using a standard kit of supplies. Upon follow up, fourteen patients were excluded due to not surviving index hospitalization. An additional three were excluded due to incomplete information. Patients self-reported the source of their home water-well or municipal water on their home safety check list. Infections were diagnosed with positive exit site cultures. Data were analyzed using chi-square statistics. Conclusions In conclusion, patients who are provided instruction to shower have comparable rates of DLES infections despite the source of shower water. Results DLES infections were documented in 28 of 118 patients. 84% and 72% of patients who showered with well water (n = 32/38) and municipal water (58/80) were free of DLES infections respectively (p = 0.16). Comparing the rates of driveline exit site infections in LVAD patients showering with different water sources.
Plasma Treatment Effects on Nanocrystalline ZnO Thin-Film Transistors

The cutoff frequency of a nanocrystalline ZnO (nc-ZnO) thin-film transistor (TFT) can be increased by decreasing the contact resistivity of the device. Hydrogen and argon plasmas have been demonstrated to greatly increase the conductivity at the ZnO surface, decreasing the contact resistance. On the contrary, oxygen plasma can be used to undo the effects of the Ar and H plasmas by decreasing the conductivity of ZnO at the surface, which can be utilized as a method for recovering the properties of the channel in the TFT. The proposed plasma treatments integrated with a current ZnO TFT design from the Air Force Research Lab are expected to achieve the highest cutoff frequency reported for a TFT.
Behavior-Based Student Typology: A View from Student Transition from High School to College

Several recent studies have successfully identified college student typologies based on individuals’ behaviors. One limitation of past studies has been their reliance on one-time cross-sectional assessments. As a result, we are left to ponder the stability of students’ behavioral types as their academic years move forward. This study used longitudinal student data from high school to college, to investigate the stability of a behavior-based student typology. Guided by findings in behavioral consistency from personality psychology, this study explored the associations of higher education institution’s structure, and supportive elements of the environment and the transition of students’ behavior-based types. The results showed that, in high school and higher education settings, students’ behaviors in a variety of activities classified students into four types. In the higher education setting, about half of the students were of the same behavioral type while the remaining students engaged in changes as compared with their behavior-based types in high school. Students’ background characteristics and institutional environment demonstrated an association related to these shifts.
Abstract 2888: Targeting the fatal pediatric brain tumors AT/RT and DIPG with the DNA binding agent quinacrine

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) are incurable pediatric brain tumors. Developing new targets and novel therapeutics are urgently needed. We have previously shown that multiple primary brain tumors and cell lines express increased amounts of the epigenetic modifier high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2). HMGA2 is a DNA-binding oncoprotein that regulates transcription during normal embryogenesis and in cancer stem cells. Targeting HMGA2 using short hairpins significantly decreased AT/RT and glioma growth and increased survival of xenografted mice. We hypothesized that pharmacological inhibition of HMGA proteins using DNA minor-groove binding drugs like quinacrine will decrease AT/RT and DIPG growth due to displacement of HMGA proteins from the DNA. We used quinacrine in ten patient-derived cell lines: five AT/RT (BT37, CHLA-05, CHLA-06, BT-12, CHLA-266) and five DIPG (JHHDIPG1, SUDIPGXIII, JHHDIPG16A, SF7761, HSJD-007). Quinacrine has been used in millions of humans to treat malaria and parasitic infections, has a well-known safety profile and can penetrate the brain. Using quinacrine fluorescence as a surrogate, we can achieve therapeutically efficacious micromolar concentration of quinacrine in the mouse and zebrafish brain after oral administration without overt toxicity. In both tumor cell lines, quinacrine causes a dose-dependent reduction in growth (MTS) and proliferation (BrdU) compared to vehicle-treated cells (P in vivo efficacy of quinacrine using zebrafish and mouse models of AT/RT and DIPG. Future studies are aimed at investigating the mechanism of quinacrine in these devastating tumors. Citation Format: Harpreet Kaur, Huizi Guo, Peter Green, Sepehr Akhtarkhavari, Smit Shah, Charles G. Eberhart, Eric H. Raabe. Targeting the fatal pediatric brain tumors AT/RT and DIPG with the DNA binding agent quinacrine [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2888.
Cerebellar patients have intact feedback control that can be leveraged to improve reaching

It is thought that the brain does not simply react to sensory feedback, but rather uses an internal model of the body to predict the consequences of motor commands before sensory feedback arrives. Time-delayed sensory feedback can then be used to correct for the unexpected---perturbations, motor noise, or a moving target. The cerebellum has been implicated in this predictive control process. Here we show that the feedback gain in patients with cerebellar ataxia matches that of healthy subjects, but that patients exhibit substantially more phase lag. This difference is captured by a computational model incorporating a Smith predictor in healthy subjects that is missing in patients, supporting the predictive role of the cerebellum in feedback control. Lastly, we improve cerebellar patients9 movement control by altering (phase advancing) the visual feedback they receive from their own self movement in a simplified virtual reality setup.
Modeling Stepping Stone Attacks with Constraints in Cyber Infrastructure

Most cyber attacks involve an attacker launching a multi-stage attack by exploiting a sequence of hosts. This multistage attack generates a chain of "stepping stones" from the origin to target. The choice of stepping stones is a function of the degree of exploitability, the impact, attacker's capability, masking origin location, and intent. In this paper, we model and analyze scenarios wherein an attacker employs multiple strategies to choose stepping stones. The problem is modeled as an Adjacency Quadratic Shortest Path using dynamic vulnerability graphs with multi-agent dynamic system approach. Using this approach, the shortest stepping stone attack with maximum node degree and the shortest stepping stone attack with maximum impact are modeled and analyzed.
Targeting epithelium-expressed sialyl Lewis glycans improves colonic mucosal wound healing and protects against colitis

Dysregulated healing of injured mucosa is a hallmark of many pathological conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease. Mucosal injury and chronic intestinal inflammation are also associated with alterations in epithelial glycosylation. Previous studies have revealed that inflammation-induced glycan sialyl Lewis A on epithelial CD44v6 acts as a ligand for transmigrating PMNs. Here we report that robust sialylated Lewis glycan expression was induced in colonic mucosa from individuals with ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease as well as in the colonic epithelium of mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Targeting of sialylated epithelial Lewis glycans with mAb GM35 reduced disease activity and improved mucosal integrity during DSS-induced colitis in mice. Wound healing studies revealed increased epithelial proliferation and migration responses as well as improved mucosal repair after ligation of epithelial sialyl Lewis glycans. Finally, we showed that GM35-mediated increases in epithelial proliferation and migration were mediated through activation of kinases that signal downstream of CD44v6 (Src, FAK, Akt). These findings suggest that sialylated Lewis glycans on CD44v6 represent epithelial targets for improved recovery of intestinal barrier function and restitution of mucosal homeostasis after inflammation or injury.
Microscopic pairing mechanism, order parameter, and disorder sensitivity in moiré superlattices: Applications to twisted double-bilayer graphene

Starting from a continuum-model description, we develop a microscopic weak-coupling theory for superconductivity in twisted double-bilayer graphene. We study both electron-phonon and entirely electronic pairing mechanisms. In each case, the leading superconducting instability transforms under the trivial representation $A$ of the point group ${C}_{3}$ of the system, while the subleading pairing phases belong to the $E$ channel. We explicitly compute the momentum dependence of the associated order parameters and find that the leading state has no nodal points for electron-phonon pairing but exhibits six sign changes on the Fermi surface if the Coulomb interaction dominates. On top of these system-specific considerations, we also present general results relevant to other correlated graphene-based moir\'e superlattice systems. We show that, irrespective of microscopic details, triplet pairing will be stabilized if the collective electronic fluctuations breaking the enhanced $\text{SU}{(2)}_{+}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\text{SU}{(2)}_{\ensuremath{-}}$ spin symmetry of these systems are odd under time reversal, even when the main $\text{SU}{(2)}_{+}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\text{SU}{(2)}_{\ensuremath{-}}$-symmetric part of the pairing glue is provided by phonons. Furthermore, we discuss the disorder sensitivity of the candidate pairing states and demonstrate that the triplet phase is protected against disorder on the moir\'e scale.
The temporal and spatial expression of sclerostin and Wnt signaling factors during the maturation of posterolateral lumbar spine fusions

The bone healing environment in the posterolateral spine following arthrodesis surgery is one of the most challenging in all of orthopedics and our understanding of the molecular signaling pathways mediating osteogenesis during spinal fusion is limited. In this study, the spatial and temporal expression pattern of Wnt signaling factors and inhibitors during spinal fusion was assessed for the first time. Bilateral posterolateral spine arthrodesis with autologous iliac crest bone graft was performed on 21 New Zealand White rabbits. At 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-weeks, the expression of sclerostin and a variety of canonical and noncanonical Wnts signaling factors was measured by qRT-PCR from tissue separately collected from the transverse processes, the Outer and Inner Zones of the fusion mass, and the adjancent paraspinal muscle. Immunohistochemistry for sclerostin protein was also performed. Sclerostin and many Wnt factors, especially Wnt3a and Wnt5a, were found to have distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns. For example, harvesting ICBG caused a significant increase in sclerostin expression. Furthermore, the paraspinal muscle immediately adjacent to the transplanted ICBG also had significant increases in sclerostin expression at 3 weeks, suggesting new potential mechanisms for pseudarthroses following spinal arthrodesis. The presented work is the first description of the spatial and temporal expression of sclerostin and Wnt signaling factors in the developing spine fusion, filling an important knowledge gap in the basic biology of spinal fusion and potentially aiding in the development of novel biologics to increase spinal fusion rates.
The Efficiency, Efficacy, and Retention of Task Practice in Chronic Stroke:

In motor skill learning, larger doses of practice lead to greater efficacy of practice, lower efficiency of practice, and better long-term retention. Whether such learning principles apply to motor practice after stroke is unclear. Here, we developed novel mixed-effects models of the change in the perceived quality of arm movements during and following task practice. The models were fitted to data from a recent randomized controlled trial of the effect of dose of task practice in chronic stroke. Analysis of the models' learning and retention rates demonstrated an increase in efficacy of practice with greater doses, a decrease in efficiency of practice with both additional dosages and additional bouts of training, and fast initial decay following practice. Two additional effects modulated retention: a positive "self-practice" effect, and a negative effect of dose. Our results further suggest that for patients with sufficient arm use post-practice, self-practice will further improve use.
Spatio-Temporal Distributed Solar Irradiance and Temperature Forecasting

Integration of large-scale renewable energy plants to the power system is a challenge as the power generation is variable, and energy management systems require accurate prediction of weather parameters applicable to the sustainable generation of the renewable resources. Frequency control, economic dispatch and unit commitment problems in power system operations depend on forecasted renewable energy generation and power consumption as the renewable energy penetration increases. The weather measurements for this study were taken from four weather stations located on Clemson University buildings. Due to the lack of sustaining winds, wind power is not an option in the area. Therefore, solar irradiance and temperature are considered as the parameters that affect the power system operation. In this paper, computational approaches implemented in Cellular Computational Networks (CCNs) are discussed. CCN is effective in weather parameter estimation due to its capability to simultaneously capture spatial-temporal characteristics of the respective weather parameter. CCN predictions are compared against their temporal counterparts. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) based computational unit input selection is discussed.
Neoliberal influence on Latino male identity: power and resistance in a school-based mentorship program for Latino boys

A growing number of school district and community organizations are seeking to address a ‘crisis’ of Latino male education through the creation of Latino male mentorship programs. Indicative of neo...
Estimating biological capacity for grass-finished ruminant meat production in New England and New York

ABSTRACT The Northeastern United States contributes a small share to national meat production. However, increasing interest in local food production and on-going challenges posed by drought and fire on Western rangelands give reason to believe that the importance of Northeastern grass-based ruminant meat could grow in the near future. Using an integrated modeling approach, the present study quantifies current and potential biological capacity for grass-based ruminant meat production in New York and New England. We used the Cropland Data Layer (CDL) to establish the area and spatial distribution of hay and pasture, with area estimates validated against the USDA Census of Agriculture. Potential forage productivity was modeled using ordinary least squares linear regression of SSURGO non-irrigated crop yield values for pasture against NICC classes and subclasses, drainage classes, slope, air temperature, and quintiles of depth to restrictive soil layers, using ordinary least squares linear regression. Forage yield gaps were calculated by comparing potential productivity to annual crop survey data from the USDA. The potential production of grass-finished cattle based on either current or potential forage yields based on models of feed needs for spring- and fall-calving herds produced using the Large Ruminant Nutritional System. We show that more than half of agricultural land cover currently appears to be pasture, but that only some of this land is actively used for grazing, with actual yields just 54% or 47% of economic yields for hay and pasture respectively. Overall, we estimate the potential to increase the regional beef herd size by 90% to 270% by increasing yields, expanding production into unutilized grassland area, or both. We conclude that up to 3% of U.S. beef could be produced in the region, on less than 0.5% of U.S. agricultural land area, pointing to high potential for sustainable intensification of beef production in the Northeastern United States. Realizing this potential, however, requires closing of yield gaps and intensification of the use of land in agricultural cover. The amount of biophysical productivity that is economically attainable remains highly uncertain.
What we talk about when we talk about information literacy

Information literacy skills are requisite to fulfilling one’s potential and are highly connected to a good quality of life. However, the ways in which information literacy is discussed within the a...
Give a dog a bone: Spending money on pets promotes happiness

Pet owners routinely spend money on services, accessories, and gifts for their pets. The present research investigates the affective consequences of pet spending. Specifically, we propose that spen...
Uncovering morphological and physiological markers to distinguish Azolla strains

Taxonomy of Azolla was extensively studied, but still its identification based on morphological, physiological, and reproductive structure remains unclear. Hence, an attempt was made to differentiate Azolla strains based on morphological and physiological traits, keeping six known Azolla (Azolla microphylla, Azolla caroliniana, Azolla mexicana, Azolla rubra, Azolla filiculoides, and Azolla pinnata) as reference for this study. The results showed that out of 96, 21 strains were sporulated during December, 2017 to February 2018 along with two known species, i.e., A. microphylla and A. pinnata. All sporulating strains (except GSMI 1) showed morphological-resemblance with A. pinnata, whereas GSMI 1 was resembled with A. microphylla. Biplot principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on physiological data revealed that GSMI 1 was significantly resembled with A. microphylla. Moreover, the presence of rounded dorsal leaf lobe in A. caroliniana has made it unique in Euzolla sub-section and hence, differentiated from other four species (A. microphylla, A. mexicana, A. rubra, and A. filiculoides). WinRHIZO-based root-imaging technique showed the presence of thick root hairs in A. pinnata as compared to other Azolla strains, whereas efficiency of photosystem II (Fv /Fm, a chlorophyll fluorescence-imaging derived value) and relative growth rate were found higher in CRRI 4. In conclusion, the present study generated a presumptive classification key of 102 strains of Azolla for the first time, which indicates clearly that taxonomy in Azolla should be reviewed. Validation of these characters through molecular markers will give further insight about their classification.
Legislators Need to Develop a Backbone for Animals that Lack One: Including Cephalopods in the Animal Welfare Act

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the only piece of federal legislation to protect animals used in research, is insufficient to the task. It excludes rats, mice, birds, and all invertebrates — animals, many of which are capable of feeling pain and possibly even suffering. One particular class of animals completely excluded by the AWA and indeed by any kind of U.S. humane research regulation is cephalopods. But, the evidence shows cephalopods are intelligent and complex animals clearly deserving of protection. Such protection would align with public consensus and could be accomplished by including cephalopods in the protective provisions of the AWA. This paper argues for their inclusion: first, because a look at the legislative history of the AWA demonstrates that legislators enacted and amended the law in order to minimize animals’ pain and suffering; second, because the preponderance of the evidence shows that cephalopods can feel pain and may be capable of suffering; and finally because, on balance, including cephalopods in the AWA would ensure their protection to a far greater extent than does the status quo.
Conformational dynamics and allosteric modulation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects cells through binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This interaction is mediated by the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) glycoprotein. Structural and dynamic data have shown that S can adopt multiple conformations, which controls the exposure of the ACE2-binding site in the RBD. Here, using single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) imaging we report the effects of ACE2 and antibody binding on the conformational dynamics of S from the Wuhan-1 strain and the B.1 variant (D614G). We find that D614G modulates the energetics of the RBD position in a manner similar to ACE2 binding. We also find that antibodies that target diverse epitopes, including those distal to the RBD, stabilize the RBD in a position competent for ACE2 binding. Parallel solution-based binding experiments using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) indicate antibody-mediated enhancement of ACE2 binding. These findings inform on novel strategies for therapeutic antibody cocktails.
Application of cloud vertical structure from CloudSat to investigate MODIS‐derived cloud properties of cirriform, anvil, and deep convective clouds

[1] CloudSat cloud vertical structure is combined with the CALIPSO Lidar and Collection-5 Level 2 cloud data from Aqua's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) to investigate the mean properties of high/cirriform, anvil, and deep convective (DC) clouds. Cloud properties are sampled over 30°S–30°N for 1 year and compared to existing results of Collection-4 Aqua MODIS high-level cloud observations where cloud types were categorized using the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) cloud classification scheme. Results show high/cirriform sampled in this study have high biases in cloud top pressure and temperature due to CloudSat's sensitivity to thin high clouds. Mean cloud properties of DC show reasonable agreement with existing DC results notwithstanding mean cloud optical thickness which is ~23% higher due to the exclusion of thick cirrus and anvil clouds. Anvil cloud properties are a mix between high/cirriform and DC according to ISCCP cloud optical thickness thresholds whereby ~80% are associated with high/cirriform and the other 20% are associated with DC. The variability of cloud effective particle radii was also evaluated using DC with ≥5 dBZ echoes at and above 10 km. No evidence of larger cloud effective particle radii are given despite considering higher reaching echoes. Using ISCCP cloud optical thickness thresholds, ~25% of DC would be classified as cirrostratus clouds. These results provide a basis to evaluate the uncertainty of the ISCCP cloud classification scheme and MODIS-derived cloud properties using active satellite observations.
A Case of Factitious Pedophilia

Factitious disorder involves feigning, exaggerating, or self-inducing physical and/or psychological ailments with the goal of assuming the "sick" or "patient" role. In turn, the sick role entitles the factitious disorder patient to care, nurturance, and protection; it also exempts one from usual responsibilities. In this paper, we present the first reported case of factitious pedophilia. Although it seems counterintuitive, this middle-aged man has falsely claimed or exaggerated sexual desire for minors ostensibly to remain in a state hospital; indeed, he has remained in the same inpatient facility for more than 20 years as a result of his deceptions. At times, his reports have included disconfirmed claims of bizarre accidents and other physical travails. This case enlarges the literature on factitious psychological disorders and shows that some individuals may falsify paraphilic behaviors, although clearly minimization of these behaviors remains more common. Language: en
Use of Video Bioinformatics Tools in Stem Cell Toxicology

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), first derived from blastocysts in 1998 (Thomson et al., 1998), provide unique cellular models with numerous potential applications (Ho et al., 2012). Their adaptation to toxicological studies is particularly attractive as pluripotent stem cells can be used to model various stages of prenatal development (Adler et al., 2008; Kang and Trosko, 2011; Talbot and Lin, 2011a), the period of the life cycle that is most sensitive to environmental chemicals (Barouki et al., 2012; Grandjean et al., 2007). The application of stem cells to toxicological work, while potentially one of their most important uses, has lagged behind other areas of development, such as their use in regenerative medicine. However, with new and better culture media and methods for performing quantitative assays with small colonies of hESCs (Behar et al., 2012a; Lin and Talbot, 2011; Ludwig and Thomson, 2007), it is now feasible to begin development of more rigorous toxicological assays using hESCs. One assay strategy is to use live cell time-lapse imaging to observe dynamic cellular processes that are affected during experimental treatment with test chemicals. The use of video microscopy in cell biology began to flourish in the 1970s and 1980s (Inoue, 1987, 1988) and has steadily improved to the point
Thermal and Electronic Transport Properties and Two-Phase Mixtures in La 5 / 8 − x Pr x Ca 3 / 8 MnO 3

We measured thermal conductivity $\ensuremath{\kappa}$, thermoelectric power $S$, and electric conductivity $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ of ${\mathrm{La}}_{5/8\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Pr}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ca}}_{3/8}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$, showing an intricate interplay between metallic ferromagnetism (FM) and charge ordering (CO) instability. The change of $\ensuremath{\kappa}$, $S$, and $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ with temperature $(T)$ and $x$ agrees well with the effective medium theories for binary metal-insulator mixtures. This agreement clearly demonstrates that with the variation of $T$ as well as $x$, the relative volumes of FM and CO phases drastically change and percolative metal-insulator transition occurs in the mixture of FM and CO domains.
A cost-aware control scheme for efficient authentication in wireless networks

We propose a cost-aware control scheme to realize efficient authentication in wireless networks based on the user density, mobility, and traffic patterns of roaming users. First, a mechanism to establish and break a direct security association (SA) between two networks is introduced. Then, an authentication cost function is developed to measure the cost for the proposed scheme. We further investigate an optimal condition to minimize the authentication cost, which decides the optimal number of inter-domain authentication requests to establish direct SAs between networks. Finally, we analyze the optimal condition based on user density, mobility, and traffic patterns. Compared to the authentication without control scheme, the proposed scheme reduces the authentication cost greatly with the increasing number of hops, residence time of mobile users, and the arrival rate of inter-domain authentication requests.
On Not Quantifying the Non-Quantifiable

Ours is a world of numbers. One of the popular paradigms for scholarly work in the social sciences is a model whose fundamental concepts, at least in principle, are capable of measurement, and whose theoretical structures lead to numerically verifiable hypotheses expressed in terms of them. Ideas lacking the means of calibration are often discarded. The more quantitative the mathematical sophistication, the higher the esteem the investigation receives. This is certainly true in economics. Yet, it is quite clear that many of the urgent questions economists are called upon to answer concern phenomena which seemingly defy attempts to represent them numerically.
THE POLITICS OF PLEBISCITES: THE INITIATIVE PROCESS AND OKLAHOMA'S SINGLE SUBJECT RULE

This essay examines recent efforts to effect charter reform in the city of Tulsa through the lens of the single-subject rule which is a constitutional feature of thirteen states that places certain constraints on the use of direct democracy as it relates to the use of the initiative process. The essay explores the broader literature of a single-subject challenge to a citizen petition from a group known as Save Our Tulsa, and then explores the broader literature on the single-subject rule, noting that challenges of vagueness that provides incentives for judicial activism. The essay concludes with a discussion of Cooter and Gilbert's "democratic process theory" as a potential remedy, and offers a hypothetical discussion of how judges could apply and interpret the theory to single- subject challenges in the future.
On The Importance Of Outflows For Molecular Clouds and Star Formation

Energetic molecular outflows, stellar winds and jets appear to be a common consequence of the formation of stars whose masses are comparable to or greater than that of the sun. The large masses and energies of molecular outflows, in particular, suggest that such activity plays an important, if not fundamental, role in the formation and evolution of a star. Molecular outflows may also have a profound effect on the structure and evolution of molecular clouds. In this contribution I will briefly review the current observational perceptions of the natures of outflows, giant molecular clouds (GMCs), and star formation. In particular, I will describe a recent attempt to obtain an unbiased census of the level of outflow activity in a single GMC: the Mon OBI cloud. CO observations of this GMC indicate extensive outflow activity within its boundaries. One outflow was found for every 3000 M® of molecular gas. At this level of activity it would take fewer than 200 generations of outflows to accelerate the entire mass of the GMC to supersonic velocities, suggesting that outflows may be the source of supersonic turbulence and gravitational support for this cloud, and perhaps other GMCs. The utility of infrared energy distributions for understanding the nature and evolution of young stellar objects will also be discussed. I will describe recent observations that suggest that outflows are initiated by objects in the earliest observable stages of stellar development. Theoretical calculations whose synthesis with these observations leads to a physically coherent and plausible model for the formation and early evolution of low mass stars will be reviewed. In this picture outflows are the critical agent which produces the transition from protostellar to early stellar evolution.
Variable Notch Antenna Patterns

Results of antenna pattern measurements of a notch antenna are presented for variable notch lengths and different modes of notch excitation. The notch is an open slot normal to the edge of a 12° metallic wedge. Antenna patterns of the E θ component are measured in perpendicular planes with the intersection line coincident with the notch axis. The E θ component in the ϕ = 180° plane is compared with analytical expressions for a notch cut in a semi-infinite conducting sheet. The excitation modes, V(x), in the analytical notch expressions are V o , cos kx, V o sin kx, V o e ikx , and V o e −ikx . The experimental verification of the assumptions in the analytical formulations is very good.
Maxmin weighted expected utility: a simpler characterization

Chateauneuf and Faro (J Math Econ 45:535–558, 2009) axiomatize a weighted version of maxmin expected utility over acts with nonnegative utilities, where weights are represented by a confidence function. We argue that their representation is only one of many possible, and we axiomatize a more natural form of maxmin weighted expected utility. We also provide stronger uniqueness results.
Calcium permeability of the neuronal nuclear envelope: evaluation using confocal volumes and intracellular perfusion

In many calcium-imaging studies, the nuclear envelope appears to maintain a gradient of free calcium between the nucleus and cytosol. This issue was examined by loading amphibian sympathetic neurons with the calcium indicator fluo 3 via whole-cell patch clamping. Confocal optical sectioning allowed acquisition of independent calibration curves for the nucleus and cytoplasm. Cells were loaded with free calcium levels ranging from 10 nM to 50 microM, using 10 mM BAPTA to control free calcium. The nuclear fluorescence was usually about 130% brighter than the cytoplasmic fluorescence. Had the increased nuclear fluorescence been due to a calcium gradient, then, as fluo 3 was saturated with calcium in both compartments, the fluorescence gradient should have gradually disappeared. Instead, with free-calcium in the pipette set at 50 microM, about five times the level required to nearly saturate fluo 3, the nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) fluorescence ratio was not decreased but instead increased slightly. Perfusion of the patch pipette was used in conjunction with imaging to confirm that cytoplasmic fluo 3 was saturated with calcium. After loading cells with 10 nM free calcium, the patch pipette was perfused with high calcium (10 microM). Again, the N/C fluorescence ratio increased at high calcium. The effectiveness of patch-pipette perfusion in changing cellular free calcium levels was indicated by the degree of fluorescence increase--both nuclear and cytosolic compartments showed a roughly 20-fold increase in fluorescence, that is, most of the dynamic range observed in test droplets. To confirm further that cytoplasmic fluo 3 was saturated, cells were perfused with manganese, which binds with very high affinity to fluo 3. Manganese rapidly entered the cytoplasm and nucleus, causing a large increase in fluorescence, but the N/C fluorescence ratio remained relatively constant. Because free manganese in the pipette was 50,000 times the amount required to saturate fluo 3, the greater nuclear fluorescence probably results from additional fluo 3 in the nucleus rather than from calcium or manganese gradients. To gauge further the permeability of the nuclear envelope, the diffusion of calcium was visualized. Under voltage clamp, calcium channels were opened for periods ranging from 5 to 200 msec. Peak calcium levels were observed within 2 microns of the plasma membrane, and declined as calcium diffused into the cell. The nuclear fluorescence increased more than cytosolic fluorescence, but this apparent “amplification” was eliminated by correcting for autofluorescence. Use of cells cultured on glass coverslips and a high- NA microscope objective allowed a satisfactory correction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
American Needle Inc. v. NFL

In American Needle, Inc. v. National Football League, a 2010 case, the United States Supreme Court unanimously held that the National Football League (NFL) clubs’ centralized and exclusive licensing of their individual trademarks through a wholly owned league subsidiary is not immune from judicial scrutiny under §1. This landmark decision has broad implications because its rationale suggests that all collective decisions by a U.S. professional sports league’s member clubs that reduce intrabrand economic competition among themselves (e.g., joint decisions regarding the ownership, number, and geographical location of teams, restrictions on the sale of broadcasting rights, labor relations issues, etc.) are subject to §1. Before describing and analyzing American Needle, this chapter explains how U.S. major professional sports leagues are structured and governed and briefly surveys the rulings of lower courts, which generally rejected the single entity defense. It concludes by reviewing how lower courts have applied American Needle to subsequent sports antitrust litigation and scholarly commentary regarding its future application to professional sports leagues.
Positive Regulation of IκB Kinase Signaling by Protein Serine/Threonine Phosphatase 2A

Transcription factor NF-κB plays a key regulatory role in the cellular response to pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF). In the absence of TNF, NF-κB is sequestered in the cytoplasm by inhibitory IκB proteins. Phosphorylation of IκBby the β-catalytic subunit of IKK, a multicomponent IκB kinase, targets the inhibitor for proteolytic destruction and facilitates nuclear translocation of NF-κB. This pathway is initiated by TNF-dependent phosphorylation of T loop serines in IKKβ, which greatly stimulates IκB kinase activity. Prior in vitro mixing experiments indicate that protein serine/threonine phosphatase 2A (PP2A) can dephosphorylate these T loop serines and inactivate IKK, suggesting a negative regulatory role for PP2A in IKK signaling. Here we provided several in vivo lines of evidence indicating that PP2A plays a positive rather than a negative role in the regulation of IKK. First, TNF-induced degradation of IκB is attenuated in cells treated with okadaic acid or fostriecin, two potent inhibitors of PP2A. Second, PP2A forms stable complexes with IKK in untransfected mammalian cells. This interaction is critically dependent on amino acid residues 121–179 of the IKKγ regulatory subunit. Third, deletion of the PP2A-binding site in IKKγ attenuates T loop phosphorylation and catalytic activation of IKKβ in cells treated with TNF. Taken together, these data provide strong evidence that the formation of IKK·PP2A complexes is required for the proper induction of IκB kinase activity in vivo.
Cooperative-diversity slotted ALOHA

We propose a cooperative-diversity technique for ad hoc networks based on the decode-and-forward relaying strategy. We develop a MAC protocol based on slotted ALOHA that allows neighbors of a transmitter to act as relays and forward a packet toward its final destination when the transmission to the intended recipient fails. The proposed technique provides additional robustness against fading, packet collisions and radio mobility. Network simulations confirm that under heavy traffic conditions, in which every radio always has packets to send, the proposed cooperative-diversity slotted-ALOHA protocol can provide a higher one-hop and end-to-end throughput than the standard slotted-ALOHA protocol can. A similar advantage in end-to-end delay can be obtained when the traffic is light. As a result, the proposed cooperative-diversity ALOHA protocol can be used to improve these measures of Quality of Service (QoS) in ad hoc wireless networks.
Note on the applications of the Fréchet derivative

Abstract A brief review of the main concepts underlying the operation of differentiation of non-linear mappings is followed by examples of the application of the operation; two of the five examples given concern the theory of the non-linear viscoelaslicity and the theory of the non-linear non-local elasticity.
On Atheism, Pluralism and Science: A Response to Ted Peters

: In dialogue with Ted Peters this article argues that atheists can and do respect other religions; that the term “respect” itself is a slippery word that requires careful delineation; that what we call religious pluralism (“parity model”) is a form of religious relativism; and that much of the doctrine of the Trinity is not symbolic language but conceptual. These points are meant to forward the truth-claims of Christian confession in a pluralistic world.
Tropical stone lines and podzolized sand plains as paleoclimatic indicators for weathered cratons

Abstract Stone lines and podzolized (white) sand plains are characteristic features of the regolith in many low-latitude cratonic landscapes, but nevertheless often seem to be out of phase with the present pedogenic and geomorphic regimes of the humid tropics and subtropics. Consideration of contemporary environments where the genetic processes related to these features can be observed, implies several conditions for prior events in landscape evolution: (1) tropical stone lines may be interpreted as winnowed mudflows or lag deposits that reflect morphoclimatic events of brief duration (torrential rains) within an arid or semi-arid phase of pronounced global cooling; (2) within the present zone of the prevailing westerlies, stone lines may reflect periglacial activity during brief interstade fluctuations; (3) in lower latitudes the principal stone line, which commonly truncates saprolites, appears to be late Wisconsinan (Wurmian) in age coinciding more or less with the pleniglacial phase; (4) the podzolized sands represent leached residuals and, accordingly, reflect extended intervals of leaching during the Pleistocene; and (5) the nature and distribution of podzolized sand plains indicates a pedogenic history of considerable variety and no brief episodicity as implied with stone lines.
Paraganglioma of the thyroid

We present a case of paraganglioma of the thyroid. The preoperative evaluation, surgical management, and histopathology are described. Four similar cases that have been reported are summarized, and a hypothesis for the origin of a paraganglioma within the thyroid capsule is proposed.
A Developmental Analysis of Warning Signs: The Case of Familiarity and Gender

Three NO DIVING signs were placed at one middle and one high school in suburban Buffalo and one middle and one high school served as controls (no signs). A total of 864 students participated in the...