cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Getting research to the policy table: a qualitative study with public health researchers on engaging with policy makers.

Introduction Little attention has been given to how researchers can best provide evidence to policy makers so that it informs policy making. The objectives of this study were to increase understanding about the current state of public health nutrition and obesity researcher practices, beliefs, barriers, and facilitators to communicating and engaging with policy makers, and to identify best practices and suggest improvements. Methods Eighteen semistructured interviews were conducted from 2011 to 2013 with public health nutrition and obesity researchers who were highly involved in communicating research to policy makers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed to identify common themes. Results Study participants described wide variation in practices for communicating and engaging with policy makers and had mixed beliefs about whether and when researchers should engage. Besides a lack of formal policy communication training, barriers noted were promotion and tenure processes and a professional culture that does not value communicating and engaging with policy makers. Study participants cited facilitators to engaging with policy makers as ranging from the individual level (eg, desire to make a difference, relationships with collaborators) to the institutional level (eg, training/mentorship support, institutional recognition). Other facilitators identified were research- and funding-driven. Promising strategies suggested to improve policy engagement were more formal training, better use of intermediaries, and learning how to cultivate relationships with policy makers. Conclusion Study findings provide insights into the challenges that will need to be overcome and the strategies that might be tried to improve communication and engagement between public health researchers and policy makers.
Evaluation of Interfacial Properties of Fiber‐Reinforced Ceramic Composites Using a Mechanical Properties Microprobe

The application of a mechanical properties microprobe to evaluate the interfacial properties of fiber-reinforced ceramic composites is addressed. The stress-displacement relation of the embedded fiber, which is subjected to an axial loading-unloading cycle, is analyzed. The interfacial bonding, Coulomb friction at the debonded interface, Poisson’s effect of the loaded fiber, and residual stresses are included in the analysis, and closed-form analytical solutions are obtained. Based on the analytical solutions, a methodology is established to extract the interfacial properties from experimental stress-displacement curves. The roles of interfacial bonding, Poisson’s effect, and residual axial stresses on the residual fiber displacement after complete unloading are also addressed in the present study. I. Introduction HE mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced ceramic T composites is intimately related to their interfacial properties, which include the debond stress, the residual stress and the frictional stress.’.* Mechanical properties microprobes (e.g., nanoindenters), which have load and displacement resolutions of 2.4 p,N and 0.4 nm re~pectively,~ can be used to evaluate these interfacial properties.”8 An indenter is used to push on the exposed end of an embedded fiber along the axial direction of the fiber (Fig. l(a)), and forward sliding occurs at the fiber/ matrix interface. The compressive loading stress, u, increases during loading to a desired peak value, (T*, and then decreases during unloading. Sliding occurs in a reverse sense during unloading. The stress-displacement, (T-u, relation at the exposed end of the fiber is recorded during the loadingunloading cycle (Fig. l(b)). The interfacial properties can then be evaluated by analyzing the u-u relati~n.~-~ By assuming an unbonded interface and a constant interfacial shear stress (i.e., ignoring Poisson’s effect) along the sliding length, a simple analytical u-u relation has been obtained, and the fiber displacement (at the exposed end) after complete unloading (i.e., u, in Fig. l(b)) is half of that at peak loading fie., u* in Fig. l(b))! However, the experimental results of Sic (Nicalon) fiber-reinforced lithium aluminosilicate glassceramic (LAS) matrix show that u, is less than half of u*; i.e., the relative residual fiber displacement, u,/u*, is less than 0.5.4 The factors contributing to uo/u* deviating from 0.5 have been studied, and three have been proposed: (1) interfacial bonding,-,’ (2) Poisson’s effect:,’ and (3) residual axial stresses.” To fully characterize the interfacial properties by using a mechanical properties microprobe, a complete analysis including the above three factors is imperative. However, this is notoriously difficult, which results mainly from the consideration of Poisson’s effect.
Training the Practitioner-Scientist Bridging Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Intervention

This article describes didactic material linking assessment, case conceptualization, and analysis of intervention effects. Basic principles were drawn from the areas of theory development and model building, construct explication, psychometric principles, behavioral assessment, time series analysis, correlation, and qualitative analysis. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted with data provided by 131 students who completed a counseling process course where this material was taught. Results indicated that students increased their self-efficacy for conceptualization and assessment tasks yet still evidenced a broad range of skill levels. Further research should compare this approach to other teaching and supervision methods as well as determine its effects on client outcomes.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma: Impact of multileaf collimator leaf width and pencil beam size on planning quality and delivery efficiency

Purpose: To compare treatment plans for multileaf collimators (MLCs) with different leaf widths and different finite pencil beam (FPB) sizes, to determine the planning quality and delivery efficiency of segmented MLC (SMLC) delivery of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Methods and Materials: Computerized tomography images of 10 right-side MPM patients were used for this planning study on a CORVUS treatment-planning system (NOMOS Corporation, Sewickley, PA) for a Varian Millennium 120-MLC (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Three beam models were used. The first model forced two 0.5-cm MLC leaves to move in tandem to simulate a 1-cm leaf-width MLC and a FPB size of 1 × 1 cm 2 . The second model used 0.5-cm leaves with a FPB size of 0.5 × 1 cm 2 (1 cm in the direction of leaf movement). The third model used 0.5-cm leaves, with a FPB size of 0.5 × 0.5 cm 2 . For optimization, the same dose constraints and beam parameters were used for each data set. Tissue heterogeneity corrections were used during optimization and dose calculation. Plans were optimized such that the clinical target volume received 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Dose distributions to the target and normal structures were evaluated. The number of monitor units, the number of segments, and delivery times were used to evaluate delivery efficiency. Results: All three beam models could be used for IMRT planning for MPM. The doses to clinical target volume, spinal cord, lung, liver, heart, and contralateral kidney were acceptable with all three beam models. The 0.5 × 0.5-cm 2 beam model used the most monitor units (6883 ± 974 vs. 3332 ± 406 and 3407 ± 443 for the 1 × 1-cm 2 and 0.5 × 1-cm 2 models, respectively) and treated the most segments (4297 ± 802 vs. 1357 ± 156 and 1767 ± 212 for the 1 × 1-cm 2 and 0.5 × 1-cm 2 models, respectively). The plan generated with the 1 × 1-cm 2 model required the least amount of time to deliver. Conclusions: The quality of the MPM IMRT plans generated with the three beam models presented here was similar; however, the 1 × 1-cm 2 model provided the most efficient delivery of MPM IMRT with the CORVUS planning system.
Self‐reported depressive symptomatology, mood ratings, and treatment outcome in sleep disorders patients

Based on self-rating questionnaire evaluation of symptoms of major affective disorder, 67% of patients who presented to a major sleep disorders center reported an episode of depression within the previous 5 years, and 26% described themselves as depressed at presentation. Furthermore, patients with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or sleep-related periodic leg movements all averaged high rates of self-reported depressive symptomatology, which suggests that sleep disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of affective disorders, and vice versa. Change scores on the Profile of Mood States were obtained for four subgroups of patients who were undergoing conventional treatment. Significant improvement in scores was observed in obstructive sleep apneics treated surgically and in patients with sleep-related periodic leg movements placed on clonazepam, but not in narcoleptics placed on a stimulant or in insomniacs with chronic use of sedative-hypnotic drugs who were withdrawn from sleep medications. Differential improvement in POMS scores after treatment for different sleep disorders could mean that the relationship to mood disturbance differs for different sleep disorders.
Spatially restricted expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 during Xenopus development

The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play a role in Xenopus laevis embryonic development, particularly in the induction of ventral-type mesoderm. We have isolated a full-length cDNA from Xenopus that we have designated Xenopus fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (XFGFR-2), with significant amino acid sequence similarity to the previously described bek gene (FGFR-2). We expressed the XFGFR-2 cDNA in COS1 cells and showed that it functions as an FGF receptor by binding radiolabeled FGF-2. RNA gel blot analysis demonstrates that unlike Xenopus fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (XFGFR-1), XFGFR-2 mRNA expression begins during gastrulation and continues through early tadpole stages. Whole-mount in situ hybridization demonstrates that XFGFR-2 mRNA is localized to the anterior neural plate in early neurula stage embryos. Later in development, XFGFR-2 expression is found in the eye anlagen, midbrain-hindbrain boundary and the otic vesicle. In addition, XFGFR-2 transcripts are expressed in animal caps in a manner that is independent of mesoderm-inducing factors. These results indicate that XFGFR-2 may have a role in development that is distinct from that of XFGFR-1.
Catching up with the real world: requirements for next-generation test instruments

This paper provides an overview of the key problems of open-architecture test in general, and digital test in particular. It then proposes some instrument features that would allow the test engineer to specify operation in terms more closely aligned with the test specification (UUT-centric test) rather than in terms more closely aligned with the instrument capabilities (instrument-centric test). These instrument features include: 1) Including pre-programmed functions based on common use, 2) Acknowledgement of the bus-structured trend in interfaces, 3) Close association of the protocol and functions with the instrument, 4) "Set and forget" protocol definition
A VIEW OF SUR/KIR6.X, KATP CHANNELS

ATP-sensitive potassium channels, termed KATP channels, link the electrical activity of cell membranes to cellular metabolism. These channels are heteromultimers of sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) and KIR6.X subunits associated with a 1:1 stoichiometry as a tetramer (SUR/KIR6.X forms the pores, whereas SUR regulates their activity. Changes in [ATP]i and [ADP]i gate the channel. The diversity of KATP channels results from the assembly of SUR and KIR6.X subtypes KIR6.1-based channels differ from KIR6.2 channels mainly by their smaller unitary conductance. SUR1- and SUR2-based channels are distinguished by their differential sensitivity to sulfonylureas, whereas SUR2A-based channels are distinguished from SUR2B channels by their differential sensitivity to diazoxide. Mutations that result in the loss of KATP channels in pancreatic beta-cells have been identified in SUR1 and KIR6.2. These mutations lead to familial hyperinsulinism. Understanding the mutations in SUR and KIR6.X is allowing insight into how these channels respond to nucleotides, sulfonylureas, and potassium channel openers, KCOs.
Crystallization and Microstructure of Nepheline Glass‐Ceramics

Abstract : The crystallization behavior and resultant microstructures of nepheline glass-ceramics prepared by nonconventional final crystallization heat treatment were studied using DTA (differential thermal analysis), X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. Heat treatments employed various nucleation holds followed by a rapid increase in temperature to effect final crystallization. Comparisons were drawn between the crystallization sequence and microstructures observed in the present study with those obtained by conventional processing of the same parent glass.
Insect Succession and Decomposition of Wildlife Carcasses During Fall and Winter in Louisiana

Fourteen fresh animal carcasses were monitored throughout decomposition in a mixed flatwood forest in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, from 5 October to 7 December 1999 (fall) and from 18 January to 30 March 2000 (winter). Species composition and residency patterns of necrophilous insects were documented for four animal species per seasonal experiment: one Louisiana black bear (threatened species), two white-tailed deer, two alligators, and two swine (experimental reference). Results suggested variation in species composition associated with temperature (fall versus winter conditions) and carcass type. In total, 89 species from 39 families and three classes were manually collected from the seven fall carcasses. Ninety-five species from 38 families and three classes were collected at the seven winter carcasses. Overall arthropod diversity was greatest for fall deer and winter swine carrion. Fall alligator carcasses were associated with fewer taxa than the three mammal species during both seasons. The hairy maggot blow fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), was the dominant species of the fall study, impacting developmental rates and overall carrion community structure. The winter study was characterized by prolonged carcass decomposition and reduced insect activity due to fluctuating ambient temperatures.
Determination of nifurtimox in dog plasma by stable-isotope dilution LC-MS/MS.

Background: Nifurtimox is a 5-nitrofuran derived antiprotozoal drug used to treat diseases caused by trypanosomes including Chagas’ disease and sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis). Available methods for the determination of nifurtimox in plasma are tedious and of low sensitivity. For the first time, an isotope dilution HPLC/MS/MS method for the sensitive quantitation of nifurtimox down to 10.0 μg/l in plasma is described. Results: Protein precipitation was used for sample preparation. Samples were analyzed on a standard triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. The validated concentration range covers 10.0 μg/l (LLOQ) to 5000 μg/l. Interassay accuracy and precision (%CV) ranged from 98.4 to 101%, and 2.61 to 10.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The method consists of very simple sample preparation and provides unmatched sensitivity, high reproducibility and robustness enabling analysis of large sample numbers. Method performance met current guidelines on bioanalytical method validation.
Networks in Place

The paradigmatic focus on global and individual networks in communication has suppressed the Chicago tradition of understanding the city as a network of places. But the social ecology of the city continues to structure all aspects of urban communication networks including personal, institutional, and civic life. This article critically examines four major theorists of networked urban communication—Castells, Wellman, Fischer, and Sampson—and argues that the field of urban communication should return to a revitalized ecological tradition, while taking full account of the networked transformation of social life and social structure.
Forum for Chromatographers: Testing Gas Chromatographic Instruments

Questions-reponses concernant les tests de l'injecteur, du four de colonne, du detecteur a ionisation de flamme
Complex segregation analysis of Gerbera flower colour.

The distribution of hue (CIELAB colour notation) classes among flowers of the Davis population of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii H. Bolus ex Hooker) appears bimodal. This suggests that the genetic control of hue is determined by the segregation of a gene with large effect modified by additional genes with smaller effects. Complex segregation analysis (CSA), routinely employed in human genetic epidemiology, was used to study both qualitative and quantitative variation. CSA applies pedigree analysis through the consideration of transmission probabilities to optimize likelihood functions of various genetic models. Applying this technique to study flower hue of a sample representing generations 14, 15 and 16 of the Davis population, allowed identification of a putative dominant major gene with genotypic values for the dominant homozygote, heterozygote and recessive homozygote of 32, 32 and 71 degrees, respectively. This corresponds to the modes of the hue frequency distribution for the population. The putative major gene represents 0.66 of the total variation. The residual parent-offspring correlation (ρpo = 0.2) measures the genetic contribution to the remainder of the variance.
Body Weight by Breeds of Birds that Qualified for R.O.P. in 1945

Abstract The American Standard of Perfection specifies standard weights for the various breeds, but it is widely recognized that both show and utility specimens often fail to reach these weights. While anyone consulting the “standard” will find the ideal weights for a breed, they fail to gain a true concept of the average size of the breed as it is commonly found in the field. Moreover, poultry textbooks quote the “standard” weights as an indication of the size of breeds and thus give the student a false idea of their true size. For instance, the “standard” indicates that the Barred Rock hen is one pound heavier than the Rhode Island Red hen, although it is difficult to recognize any difference in size between the two breeds as found on commercial poultry farms. Data on R.O.P. candidates for the trap-nest year 43–44 have been published-by Godfrey (1946). These data show a . . .
Study on determination of 6 kinds of phthalate esters( PAEs) in beverage by high performance liquid chromatography( HPLC)

Objective To establish a method for determination of 6 kinds of phthalate esters in beverage by HPLC.Methods Phthalate esters( PAEs,including DMP,DEP,DBP,DAP,DEHP,DOP) were extracted by ultrasonic solvent extraction,separated by C18 reversed phase column. The mobile phase is methanol \ water and the signal was collected by Diode Array Detector( DAD). Results The recoveries ratio of sample is more than 90% by ultrasonic solvent extraction. The mobile phase( CH3OH \ H2O) can separated the 6 kinds of PAEs in sample. The correlation coefficient of regression equations( r) can be up to 0. 999 and relative standard deviation is within 5%. Conclusion The method is accurate and reproducible,which can be applicable to determine PAEs in beverage.
Statistical Analysis of Goodness-of-Fit Based on Real Sea Clutter Data

Different distribution models of sea clutter are of practical significance to the target detection method and performance evaluation in a clutter background,so the great importance of parameter estimation of the suited statistical model and the analysis of the goodness-of-fit are highlighted.This paper introduces several conventional methods for goodness-of-fit analysis,such as Chi-square,K-S,MSD,MMSD,then proposes the segmented mean square difference(SMSD).By this method,the statistical distribution model of sea clutter amplitude is divided into several function intervals.It's easier for us to get partial optimal estimation by applying MSD to the range of some object function intervals,which establishes a foundation for choosing detection method.
Lineage Analysis of Inner Ear Cells Using Genomic Tags for Clonal Identification

To understand the mechanisms of development of the inner ear, it is important to know the lineal relationships among the different cell types and the migrational boundaries of individual clones within the inner ear. This chapter details the basic methods for performing lineage analysis of the inner ear using replication-defective retroviral vectors in chicken embryos. Protocols are provided for generating avian retroviruses pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) envelopes to improve infectivity in early embryos. Moreover, we include the pioneering methods of the Cepko laboratory, whereby a library of DNA tags was developed to allow clonal relationships to be confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the tag in dispersed clonal progeny. By varying the site and time of viral delivery, these methods are appropriate to study cell lineages in other tissues of the developing chicken.
Richter transformation of CLL

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Richter transformation (RT) represents an aggressive transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), most commonly into diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). It occurs in around 5% of patients with CLL.Area covered: This review will focus on the biology and treatment of RT. We also address the management of RT in the era of targeted therapies. Based on clonal relationship of large cell component to CLL, 2 distinct subtypes could be identified: clonally-related RT which carries a worse outcome, and clonally-unrelated RT where the outcomes are similar to de novo DLBCL. Aberrations of TP53, CDKN2A, MYC, and NOTCH1 are common in RT, many of which are acquired at the time of transformation. PET scan remains the imaging modality of choice for patients with suspected RT. It is important to perform a biopsy rather than fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the suspicious lesions, as FNA can lead to false negative results. Chemoimmunotherapy remains the treatment of choice, though the outcom...
An experimentum crucis in salt sensitivity

> “Instead of a multitude of things, try only the Experimentum Crucis : for it is not number of experiments, but weight to be regarded.” > > –Letters of Sir Isaac Newton on Various Subjects in Natural Philosophy. Theory of Light and Colours. In: Isaaci Newtoni Opera Quae Exstant Omnia ,
Lysosomal enhancement as a treatment for the multi-proteinopathy of Alzheimer?s disease and other protein accumulation disorders

A disease is an impending epidemic with a critical need for preventative approaches. Alzheimer-type pathogenesis is due to suspected imbalances between protein production and protein clearance, and we have identified a lysosomal regulation pathway that can be manipulated to prevent age-related deficits in proteolytic clearance linked to dementia. Deficits in the removal of misfolded or aggregating proteins constitute risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and with age lysosomes become less effective at clearing the toxic accumulations. Reducing protein accumulations is essential for preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and to prevent the disorder’s progression. Lysosomes and their degradative enzymes (cathepsins) are functionally enhanced by a new class of compounds. Development of the first-in-class lysosomal modulators has led to studies showing improved clearance of different proteins (including Aβ peptide, PHF-tau, and α-synuclein), recovered synaptic integrity, and corresponding cognitive improvement in two distinct transgenic mouse models. The amelioration of synaptic and behavioral deficits indicates that lysosomal enhancement prevents disease progression when induced during the initial or severe phase of protein accumulation pathology. This work provides a novel approach to prevent and/or manage the multi-proteinopathy of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders including FTD and Parkinson’s disease.
Biomaterials-based biologic burst release builds better bone

Trauma results in over 6 million bone fractures per year. Although most can be repaired through bone setting with internal or external fixation, 5 to 13% fail to regenerate, leading to nonunions. Grafts comprised of a patient’s own bone tissue (autografts) or cadaver tissue (allografts) are the gold standard therapies used to repair nonunions, but they have significant drawbacks, including donor site morbidity and potential disease transmission, respectively. Synthetic and biological–based materials that release bioactive molecules hold tremendous promise for improving regenerative outcomes without the drawbacks of current gold standard graft technology. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known to modify bone homeostasis and is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved biologic therapeutic for the systemic treatment of osteoporosis. Interestingly, PTH must be delivered in a pulsatile fashion to enhance bone deposition, since continuous delivery can lead to bone resorption. The current PTH treatment regimen for osteoporosis requires daily injections; although helpful for facilitating systemic bone deposition, this strategy is likely not optimal for site-specific bone regeneration. In a recent study, Dang et al. developed a multilayered biomaterial that produced localized burst release of PTH and showed significantly enhanced bone regeneration in a calvarial defect model in mice. The biodegradable biomaterial was comprised of a three-dimensional (3D) porous nanofibrous poly(L-lactic acid) scaffold coupled with a poly(caprolactone) shell with internal alternating layers of surface-eroding polyanhydride and alginate/PTH. The authors showed that this construct achieved pulsatile release of PTH for a few hours each day for up to 21 days. The biomaterial was implanted into a calvarial defect in mice and compared with animals given a similar device that delivered bioinactive bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein control, a continuous-release PTH scaffold, or daily injections of PTH. The results showed that localized pulsatile delivery of PTH effectively regenerated bone tissue, whereas daily injections of PTH, continuous BSA release, and continuous PTH release showed partial, minimal, and no regeneration, respectively. As expected, localized PTH delivery also obviated some of the off-target effects associated with systemic PTH delivery, as demonstrated by the minimal mineralization seen in the tibia. Additional studies need to be conducted to investigate whether these effects can be recapitulated in long bones like the ulna or the femur because the calvarial defect model utilizes a 2D fracture plane rather than the 3D region present in the majority of nonunion fractures. Nevertheless, the work by Dang et al . provides strong support for the utility of their pulsatile PTH delivery system for localized bone regeneration. M. Dang et al. , Local pulsatile PTH delivery regenerates bone defects via enhanced bone remodeling in a cell-free scaffold. Biomaterials 114 , 1–9 (2017). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961216305993
A handheld MEMS-based line-scanned dual-axis confocal microscope for early cancer detection and surgical guidance (Conference Presentation)

Considerable efforts have been recently undertaken to develop miniature optical-sectioning microscopes for in vivo microendoscopy and point-of-care pathology. These devices enable in vivo interrogation of disease as a real-time and noninvasive alternative to gold-standard histopathology, and therefore could have a transformative impact for the early detection of cancer as well as for guiding tumor-resection procedures. Regardless of the specific modality, various trade-offs in size, speed, field of view, resolution, contrast, and sensitivity are necessary to optimize a device for a particular application. Here, a miniature MEMS-based line-scanned dual-axis confocal (LS-DAC) microscope, with a 12-mm diameter distal tip, has been developed for point-of-care pathology. The dual-axis architecture has demonstrated superior rejection of out-of-focus and multiply scattered photons compared to a conventional single-axis confocal configuration. The use of line scanning enables fast frame rates (≥15 frames/sec), which mitigates motion artifacts of a handheld device during clinical use. We have developed a method to actively align the illumination and collection beams in this miniature LS-DAC microscope through the use of a pair of rotatable alignment mirrors. Incorporation of a custom objective lens, with a small form factor for in vivo application, enables the device to achieve an axial and lateral resolution of 2.0 and 1.1 microns, respectively. Validation measurements with reflective targets, as well as in vivo and ex vivo images of tissues, demonstrate that this high-speed LS-DAC microscope can achieve high-contrast imaging of fluorescently labeled tissues with sufficient sensitivity for applications such as oral cancer detection and guiding brain-tumor resections.
Monotone trends in inventory-price control under time-consistent coherent risk measure

We use the concept of time-consistent coherent risk measure to study a risk-averse firms inventory and price control activities. Structural characterization for an optimal inventory policy reminiscent of the risk-neutral counterpart is easy to achieve. More interestingly, monotone properties can be derived for the pricing policy when the risk possesses certain order-theoretic structures. We also introduce the concept of optimism. Two risk measures thus ranked produce inventory and pricing decisions that can be ranked themselves. The involved coherent risk measure can be a mixture of the ordinary expectation and the conditional value at risk.
A simplified proof of a conjecture for the perturbed Gelfand equation from combustion theory

Abstract For the perturbed Gelfand's equation on the unit ball in two dimensions, Y. Du and Y. Lou [5] proved that the curve of positive solutions is exactly S-shaped, for sufficiently small values of the secondary parameter. We present a simplified proof and some extensions. This problem is prominent in combustion theory, see e.g., the book of J. Bebernes and D. Eberly [1] .
Geometric registration and rectification of spaceborne SAR imagery

This paper describes the development of automated location and geometric rectification techniques for digitally processed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. A software package has been developed that is capable of determining the absolute location of an image pixel to within 60 m using only the spacecraft ephemeris data and the characteristics of the SAR data collection and processing system. Based on this location capability algorithms have been developed that geometrically rectify the imagery, register it to a common coordinate system and mosaic multiple frames to form extended digital SAR maps. These algorithms have been optimized using parallel processing techniques to minimize the operating time. Test results are given using Seasat SAR data.
Electrical properties of multilayer (DLC-TiC) films produced by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract In this work, pulsed laser deposition was used to produce a multilayer diamond like carbon (ML (DLC-TiC)) thin film. The ML (DLC-TiC) films were deposited on Si (100) and glass substrates at various substrate temperatures in the range of 20–450 °C. Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy were utilized to characterize the prepared films. Raman analysis revealed that as the substrate temperature increased, the G-peak position shifted to a higher raman shift and the full width at half maximum of the G and D bands decreased. XPS analysis indicated a decrease in sp 3 /sp 2 ratio and an increase in Ti-C bond intensity when the substrate temperature was increased. Additionally, the surface roughness of ML (DLC-TiC) filmswas affected by the type and temperature of the substrate. The electrical measurement results indicated that the electrical resistivity of the ML (DLC-TiC) film deposited on Si and glass substrates showed the same behavior—the resistivity decreased when substrate temperature increased. Furthermore, the ML (DLC-TiC) films deposited on silicon showed lower electrical resistivity, dropping from 8.39E–4 Ω-cm to 5.00E–4 Ω-cm, and, similarly, the films on the glass substrate displayed a drop in electrical resistivity from 1.8E–2 Ω-cm to 1.2E–3 Ω-cm. These enhanced electrical properties indicate that the ML (DLC-TiC) films have widespread potential as transducers for biosensors in biological research; electrochemical electrodes, because these films can be chemically modified; biocompatible coatings for medicals tools; and more.
The new political importance of the old hurricane risk: a contextual approach to understanding contemporary struggles with hurricane risk and insurance

AbstractIn the United States, policy-makers struggle to resolve conflict between public demands for affordable insurance costs covering hurricanes and market demands for risk-based insurance pricing. Given the socially constructed nature of risk, a risk-based pricing approach prioritizes insurer values and business practices over all societal value goals expressly limiting democratic inclusion in decision-making about risk. As a step towards the more democratically inclusive approach of risk governance, this article uses the state of Florida as a case study to provide a narrative of the social and political context for the evolution of the idea of U.S. hurricane risk. I argue that today’s hurricane risk is a product of long-standing shared efforts to build prosperity. However, it is no longer a simple risk for society to overcome on its way to economic well-being. Contemporary hurricane risk is systemic and serves as a nexus for political battles over American values.
Nation-states, Nationalism, and Gender

After outlining the concepts of the state and the nation, and how the latter differs from the idea of the ethnic group, the author moves to consider the new scholarship on gender and nationalism. While women's reproductive rights and roles are regulated by nation-states, so the state often also strives to control cultural reproduction and internal stratification. In addition, women are linked to symbols of national boundaries and identity. The relationship between this symbolism and that of violence and war is discussed. The article also touches on labor force participation, anticolonial and nationalist movements, and citizenship.
Prolonged Cecal Insertion Time Is Not Associated with Decreased Adenoma Detection When a Longer Withdrawal Time Is Achieved.

The association between withdrawal time and adenoma detection has been established; however, the effect of cecal insertion time on adenoma detection remains unclear. To determine the association between cecal insertion time and adenoma detection. This study completed a retrospective analysis of data collected in 4 prospective randomized-controlled trials related to screening and surveillance colonoscopy at a single tertiary care from 2010 to 2016. The primary outcome was cecal insertion time and its association with mean number of adenomas per patient and adenoma detection rate (ADR). 1303 patients met inclusion criteria (average age 59.7 ± 8.7 years; 759 females (58.3%), and 763 Caucasians (58.6%). Mean cecal insertion time was significantly longer in patients who were female (p 0.05), which was also true on Poisson regression analysis. Adenomas and advanced adenomas per patient were found to decrease when cecal insertion to withdrawal time ratios were greater than 1 (p < 0.001). Prolonged cecal insertion time was not associated with a decrease in ADR, mean number of adenomas or advanced adenomas per patient. When withdrawal times were longer than cecal insertion times, the number of adenomas and advanced adenomas detected per patient was significantly improved.
Notch2 and Proteomic Signatures in Mouse Neointimal Lesion Formation

Objective— Vascular remodeling is associated with complex molecular changes, including increased Notch2, which promotes quiescence in human smooth muscle cells. We used unbiased protein profiling t...
Anisotropic Elastic Constants of a Fiber-Reinforced Boron-Aluminum Composite

Elastic constants, both the Cij’s and the Sij’s, were measured and calculated for a laminated, uniaxially fiber-reinforced boron-aluminum composite. Three theoretical models were considered: square-array, hexagonal-array, and random-distribution. By combining several existing theoretical studies on randomly distributed fibers, a full set of elastic constants can be predicted for this model. The random-distribution model agrees best with observation, especially for off-diagonal elastic constants. Considering all nine elastic constants, observation and theory differ on the average by six percent.
Talk About School Between Mothers and Children With or Without ADHD

Twenty mother-child dyads including a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and 20 mother-child dyads containing a child without ADHD recorded a conversation about the children's school experiences. Mothers' ratings of their children's school-related performance were also assessed. Mothers of children with ADHD rated their children's behavioral conduct lower than did other mothers, and dyads including children with ADHD discussed behavioral conduct more and academics and interpersonal relationships less than did the other group of dyads. For ADHD dyads, less elaboration about children's interpersonal relationships was related to lower maternal ratings about children's school-related performance. The results are discussed in relation to potentially poorer developmental outcomes for many children with ADHD.
Future Capabilities in Space Servicing and Assembly: Opportunities for the Most Ambitious Space Astrophysics Missions (Conference Presentation)

Concepts for the largest future space observatories have reached the limit of the most capable launch vehicles likely to be available over the next two decades. Moreover, unless there is a paradigm change in how future “flagships” are designed, developed, and deployed, it will be a major challenge to afford them. At the same time, significant advances are taking place in the coming decades that have the potential to enable high-priority major space observatories, including (1) significant cost reduction in medium-lift vehicles; (2) continuing advances in capabilities for robotic/telerobotic servicing and assembly; (3) deployment in cis-lunar space of a human habitation and operations facility; and (4) advances in the capabilities of scientific instruments. Taken together, these developments offer in the relative near term opportunities for creative designs for future major observatories to allow sophisticated on-orbit upgrade, as well as eventual space assembly. This talk will summarize work to date on servicing and space assembly, including HST, ISS, and robotic programs, as well as near-future developments that may be the only path to the most ambitious space observatories. Finally, although at present relatively little work has been undertaken on the topic, I will note some ways in which space servicing and assembly might enable lower-cost “flagship” missions.
Examining Self-Perceptions of Identity Change in Person, Role, and Social Identities

Recent work in the literature on identity has begun to examine differences in the operation of person, role, and social identities, and how each base of identity links to specific outcomes of the self. In this study we employ a cross-sectional research design and examine how individuals perceive that they have changed as a type of person, role player, and group member, and how these perceived changes link to specific outcomes of the self. An online survey was administered to 854 study participants to measure the magnitude and direction of change they perceived occurred in twelve discrete identities in a six-month period prior to completing the survey. The results show that in reflecting on their past experience, study participants perceived that they experienced more change in their role identities compared to their person and social identities. The results also show that the magnitude of perceived change in any type of identity relates to negative emotions, and when individuals perceive that their identity change is progressive in nature it relates to greater authenticity, self-efficacy, self-worth, and positive emotions. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Estimating within‐cluster spillover effects using a cluster randomization with application to knowledge diffusion in rural India

Spillover effects within randomized clusters pose a challenge for identifying impacts of an individualized treatment. The paper proposes a solution. Longitudinal and intra‐household observations are combined in estimating the direct knowledge gain from watching an info‐movie in rural India, while randomized village assignment identifies knowledge sharing. Simulations on synthetic data and econometric tests provide support for the estimation method. We find evidence of information sharing, but far less so for disadvantaged groups, such as illiterate and lower‐caste individuals; these groups rely more on actually seeing the movie. Our results are consistent with sizeable biases in ordinary least squares, matching or instrumental variable impact estimators that ignore within‐cluster spillovers.
A Laboratory Testbed for Self-Contained Navigation

Presented a customizable laboratory testbed for the sensor fusion of multiple Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) and SOund Navigation And Ranging sensors (SONAR), for self-contained navigation experiments. We described the architecture and communication interfaces for the simultaneous collection of data from two IMUs and two SONARs, however, parallel acquisition from a larger variety of sensors is also feasible. Representative human gait patterns are experimentally acquired to demonstrate the functionality of the testbed.
Enhanced algorithms for clock selection in a packet based synchronization method

Clock selection algorithms plays an important role in selecting the best clock sources from the available pool of candidate clock sources based on many factors. Improper selection of the clock source in the network can have a detrimental impact in the network which could affect services that enables various applications in today’s next generation networks. Though the selection algorithms available as per various standard recommendations, it is important to fine tune and design a prominent method that could be adopted in packet based synchronization method. This paper addresses a new proposal for clock selection algorithms for packet based synchronization method by which the algorithm select the best clock from the candidate clocks to establish most reliable and efficient synchronization mechanism for the real-time deployments that comprises of either SyncE or 1588v2 with physical layer frequency assist as the synchronization transport. This method comprises of selecting a best clock based on the actual clock whose frequency expressed in parts per billion (ppb) seen by the Digital Phase Locked Loop (DPLL) at its inputs instead of selecting the clock based on the traditional clock selection algorithms. This method has a potential benefit of establishing a good frequency clock path throughout the network so that more efficient and reliable clock delivery is achieved within or external to the network. This paper therefore takes care of the potential delivery of bad frequency clock on legacy clock selection algorithm. Analysis and measurement results shows that the proposed method eliminate all the existing issues by conforming all the standard recommendations.
Painting Their Way Out: Profiles of Adolescent Art Practice at the Harlem Hospital Horizon Art Studio

This article addresses a need of increasing importance: adolescents with disabilities have few opportunities to come to terms with illness and the isolation it often brings. This need is particularly urgent for children in America's inner cities, where poverty and lack of resources further exacerbates illness and isolation. The article describes how the Harlem Horizon Art Studio (HHAS) addresses these needs with an approach to painting with young people that falls between art education and art therapy. The purpose of this article is to help art educators reach this population more effectively by examining how adolescents find solutions to both artistic and physical problems with minimal intervention. Two case studies are offered as examples of what youngsters at HHAS experience as significant change as they challenge their daily obstacles by making art. The more personal and introspective an artwork is, the more universal it becomes. Artists go into the inner world-the world of the imagination-to discover not only themselves but the unchanging essences of humanity. (T. Berlant cited in Clothier, 1991, p. 113)
Fooling Ourselves: Intravenous Fentanyl Creates the Illusion of a Successful Epidural

In his first few days on the OB Anesthesia rotation, the anesthesia resident is urgently called to do an epidural for a healthy patient with severe labor pain, and the anesthesia attending accompanies him to the patient’s room, where she is screaming in pain. It is her first baby; she is at four centimeters of cervical dilation and says she has to push. The nurses are afraid she will push and that the baby’s head will tear her cervix, and they have been encouraging her to get an epidural for several hours, but she has refused until now. Now the patient’s husband is very upset and impatient for his wife to get pain relief. The mood in the room is almost desperate.
National Geographical Variation in Sinus Balloon Dilation

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to describe national variations in sinus balloon dilation (SBD), examine the relationship between endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and SBD prevalence patter...
A Topological Data Analysis Approach on Predicting Phenotypes from Gene Expression Data

The goal of this study was to investigate if gene expression measured from RNA sequencing contains enough signal to separate healthy and afflicted individuals in the context of phenotype prediction. We observed that standard machine learning methods alone performed somewhat poorly on the disease phenotype prediction task; therefore we devised an approach augmenting machine learning with topological data analysis.
Nonviolence in Context: César Chávez, the Chican@ Movement, and a Poetics of Deferral

In this essay I argue that Cesar Chavez’s 1968 “Speech Breaking the Fast” put on display the concrete effects of a poetics of deferral, a form of rhetorical agency capable of negotiating the tensio...
Remembrance of things to come: Nicole Vedrès, Paris 1900 and the post-war French essay film

For decades after its release, Nicole Vedres’s Paris 1900 only received fitful critical attention. This article argues that Paris 1900 warrants systematic reappraisal as a pivotal and influential p...