cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Cloud Diurnal Variations in the Time-Mean Energy Budget

Abstract The contribution to time-mean energetics from cloud diurnal variations is investigated. Cloud diurnal contributions to radiative fluxes follow as the differences between time-mean radiative fluxes based on diurnally varying cloud properties and those based on fixed cloud properties. Time-mean energetics under both conditions are derived from an observationally driven radiative transfer calculation in which cloud cover, temperature, and moisture are prescribed from satellite observations. Cloud diurnal contributions to time-mean energetics arise from the nonlinear dependence of radiative fluxes on diurnally varying properties. Diurnal variations of cloud fractional coverage and solar flux are the main factors of the cloud diurnal contributions to shortwave (SW) flux, although the diurnal variation of cloud type is also important. The cloud diurnal contribution to longwave (LW) flux at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) is produced by diurnal variations of cloud fractional coverage, cloud-top height, ...
Olfactory information processing in honeybee, Apis mellifera, nestmate recognition

We used nestmate recognition as a model system for testing how animals discriminate complex odour mixtures. Olfactory discrimination is important in social recognition in many animal species, yet the methods used by animals to interpret olfactory social signals are poorly understood. Our first hypothesis was that a guard honeybee would develop a new recognition template (the information used to discriminate nestmates from non-nestmates) when exposed to cue compounds. The data supported the conclusion that guard bees can adopt a new template. Our second hypothesis was that a bee's recognition cues must completely match a colony's template to identify that bee as a colony member. We found that if any one of five compounds in a template applied to a guard bee was absent on another bee, then the guard was unlikely to identify that bee as a colony member. Partial absence of the compound resulted in intermediate or low rates of colony-member identification. We next hypothesized that guard bees assess the ratios of compounds in their template (ratio hypothesis). Alternatively, bees might assess the concentration of each compound independently (concentration hypothesis). Our tests of the ratio and concentration hypotheses suggested that each component of the template is important for discrimination. Whereas the data did not fully support the ratio hypothesis, guard bees assessed the concentrations of an incoming bee's recognition cues and evaluated them, at least partially, in the context of other cues. This information was then used to make discriminations between nestmates and non-nestmates.
A Minimum Co-User Interference Approach for Multi-User MIMO Downlink Precoding

This paper proposes multi-user precoding schemes for MIMO wireless networks. We design precoders that minimize the interference power caused by a user on all other users, as opposed to forcefully nulling the interference. The resulting scheme relaxes the traditional constraint on the number of transmit and receive antennas.
Parasitemia and Early Tissue Localization of Sarcocystis neurona in Interferon Gamma Gene Knockout Mice Fed Sporocysts

Early localization and parasitemia of Sarcocystis neurona were studied in gamma interferon gene knockout (KO) mice fed S. neurona sporocysts. Mice were examined for S. neurona infection histologically and immunohistochemically and by bioassay in KO mice. For bioassay, blood and tissue homogenates were inoculated subcutaneously into KO mice. Parasitemia was demonstrated by bioassay in KO mice 1–8 days after feeding sporocysts (DAFS). Sporozoites were seen in histologic sections of all regions of the small intestine and in cells in Peyer's patches of a mouse killed 6 hr after feeding sporocysts. At 1 DAFS, organisms were present in all regions of the small intestine and were also seen in mesenteric lymph nodes. At 3 DAFS, organisms had begun to invade extraintestinal tissues. Sarcocystis neurona was demonstrated histologically in mouse brain as early as 4 DAFS.
ECONOMIC INCENTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

This paper, prepared for The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics and the Law, provides a summary of the theory and the reality of economic-incentive approaches to environmental regulation. The paper begins with a derivation of the necessary and sufficient condition for a policy instrument to be cost effective, namely that the instrument induces all sources to abate emissions at the same marginal cost. Subsequent sections introduce economic-incentive policy instruments, including emission charges and tradeable permits, and show that these instruments, in theory, meet the specified condition. Then, six U.S. applications are described: EPA's emissions trading program; the leaded gasoline phasedown; water quality permit trading; the CFC phaseout; the SO2 allowance system; and the RECLAIM program. Reasons for the limited use of incentive-based instruments are examined, including the role of interest groups; ambivalence by regulated firms; and consumers' perspectives. Reasons for the mixed record of implemented instruments are also examined: inaccurate predictions; design problems; and limitations in firms' internal structures.
Brands As Ideological Symbols: The Cola Wars

The Coca-Cola Company is the undisputed global leader in the cola industry. Despite its size and marketing savvy, the company has faced a barrage of competition from new companies in the Middle East and some parts of Europe. These companies have tried to create a niche for themselves by tapping into the anti-U.S. sentiment that prevails among a section of population in these markets. We review three such competitors, Zam Zam Cola, Mecca Cola, and Qibla Cola and their strategies for challenging the global giant.
Liquidity Premiums in a Levy Market

This paper gives a theorem for the continuous time super-replication cost of European options where the stock price follows an exponential L\'{e}vy process. Under a mild assumption on the legend transform of the trading cost function, the limit of the sequence of the discrete super-replication cost is proved to be greater than or equal to an optimal control problem. The main tool is an approximation multinomial scheme based on a discrete grid on a finite time interval [0,1] for a pure jump L\'{e}vy model. This multinomial model is constructed similar to that proposed by (Szimayer {\&} Maller, Stoch. Proce. {\&} Their Appl., 117, 1422-1447, 2007). Furthermore, it is proved that the existence of a liquidity premium for the continuous-time model under a L\'{e}vy process. This paper concentrates on the L\'{e}vy processes with infinitely many jumps in any finite time interval. The approach overcomes some difficulties that can be encountered when the L\'{e}vy process has infinite activity.
Characteristics of Ion Emission in Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Desorption ionization mass spectrometric methods, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS), are being used in numerous applications for the analysis of biomolecules [1,2]. Our work using derivatization/SIMS [3,4], in which target compounds are derivatized to make quaternary ammonium salts (preformed ions) to enhance the sensitivity of SIMS analysis, has led us to study some fundamental aspects of preformed ion emission. The objective of these studies is to gain a better understanding of the secondary ion emission process and how different factors affect the process in order to use SIMS more efficiently. This paper reports fundamental studies on the secondary ion emission of “model” tetraalkyl ammonium bromides and applications of derivatization/SIMS to the analysis of a selected drug compound.
FAILURE ANALYSIS OF A UAV FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM USING MARKOV ANALYSIS

Failure analysis of a flight control system proposed for Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was studied using Markov Analysis (MA). It was perceived that understanding of the number of failure states and the probability of being in those state are of paramount importance in order to ensure safety flight of the UAV. Thus, in this study the number of working states and the probability of being in those states for the proposed UAV flight control system was accessed using Markov Analysis (MA). Specifically, the truncated transition state diagram of the UAV flight control system considered in this study was developed and differential equations associated with the transition state diagram were also generated. Laplace transformation technique was used to solve the differential equations. From the findings of the study, the need for design improvement was established. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i1.24
Survivorship Challenges and Information Needs after Radiotherapy for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer (OC) treatment can lead to considerable functional impairment, psychological distress, and decrements in quality of life. Given that limited information and support services are available for cancer survivors, many are turning to the Internet. However, little is known about the specific information and service needs of OC survivors. We conducted a descriptive study to (1) characterize the associations between OC survivor functional problems and distress and (2) describe the Internet use of OC survivors, their satisfaction with existing sources of information/support, and their unmet information and service needs. Ninety-three oral cancer survivors completed cross-sectional surveys within 1-year of completing radiotherapy. Clinical levels of distress were 10 % for depression and 16 % for anxiety. Dental health, smell, and range of motion problems were significant (p < .05) determinants of both depression and anxiety symptoms. Eighty-three percent of survivors used the Internet; most used it to obtain health-related information or support. Unmet information needs included how to live a healthy lifestyle after treatment (87 %), strategies for dealing with eating and speaking problems (81 %), and information about what to expect in terms of side effects after treatment (76 %). Findings suggest that interventions that teach survivors coping and problem-solving skills to manage and cope with functional impairments may help to alleviate distress. Results of this study support the need for psychoeducational interventions for this population and showcase the potential of the Internet as a feasible mode for future dissemination.
Canadian Multiculturalism in the 21st Century

Official multiculturalism policy was adopted by the Canadian federal state in 1971 and was entrenched in the 1982 constitution. This policy has attracted many controversies and heated debates, not only in Canada but also in the rest of the world. Yet multiculturalism has also earned Canada a leadership role in the world’s eye in an attempt to create a nation with a higher level of inclusion.
Caddisfly Inspired Phosphorylated Poly(ester urea)-Based Degradable Bone Adhesives.

Bone and tissue adhesives are essential in surgeries for wound healing, hemostasis, tissue reconstruction, and drug delivery. However, there are very few degradable materials with high adhesion strengths that degrade into bioresorbable byproducts. Caddisfly adhesive silk is interesting due to the presence of phosphoserines, which are thought to afford adhesive properties. In this work, phosphoserine–valine poly(ester urea) copolymers with 2% and 5% phosphoserine content were synthesized to mimic caddisfly adhesive silk. Significantly, the materials are ethanol soluble and water insoluble, making them clinically relevant. Their physical properties were quantified, and the adhesion properties were studied on aluminum and bovine bone substrates before and after cross-linking with Ca2+ ions. The adhesive strength of the phosphorylated copolymer on a bone substrate after cross-linking with Ca2+ was 439 ± 203 kPa, comparable to commercially available PMMA bone cement (530 ± 133 kPa).
HDL Apoprotein Mimetic Peptides as Antiinflammatory Molecules

Abstract High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) have been shown in epidemiological studies and in animal models to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Synthetic peptides modeling the repeating amphipathic a-helices in apoA-I, the major apoprotein of HDL, were originally designed to study the lipid binding and other physical properties of the helices. The interest in apoA-I mimetic peptides was greatly stimulated by the observation that some, but not all, of the peptides significantly reduce atherosclerosis in animal models. Both monohelical and tandem helical peptides have been studied in vitro and in vivo for properties that mimic the antiatherogenic functional properties of HDL and apoA-I, particularly their ability to promote cholesterol efflux and reduce inflammation and oxidation. Mimetic peptides related to apoE, another apoprotein with repeating amphipathic helices, have also been shown to be antiatherogenic. Both peptide families likely function via common mechanisms and unique mechanisms. The understanding of how the structural properties of the various mimetic peptides relate to their mechanism of action will facilitate the development of optimal antiatherogenic therapeutic mimetic peptides.
Embedded wireless corrosion detection technology

The Department of Defense spends a substantial portion of their maintenance and sustainment budget on fault detection and repair for aircraft. The sustainment cost of corrosion repair for critical structures, mechanical systems, avionic components and wiring harnesses is in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year. The ability to detect corrosion early in the material deterioration process is a key factor in reducing the financial burden associated with corrosion damage repair. The greatest potential for addressing this problem is through implementation of wireless corrosion detection sensors that can be embedded between the substrate and protective coating, and placed in a number of different critical areas. The intent is to provide the capability to detect the on-set of corrosion/material degradation at the earliest possible time in the fault evolution with minimally intrusive sensor technology. A multidisciplinary Applied Research Laboratory and Pennsylvania State University team is developing a unique embedded wireless corrosion detection sensor that combines spray-on ultrasonic transducers and advanced passive RF wireless interrogation and/or signal transmission. This paper will discuss the development and performance of this sensors for early corrosion detection.
A machine learning model for radar rainfall estimation based on gauge observations

Rainfall estimation based on radar measurements has been addressed by using parametric algorithms such as Z-R relation. However, such empirical relations may not be sufficient to capture the space-time variability of precipitation. In this paper, we introduce a DMLP-based machine learning model for rainfall estimation by using multiple layers to capture the complex abstractions of radar reflectivity at different attitude levels. The radar data collected by the Weather Surveillance Radar - 1988 Doppler (WSR-88DP) in Melbourne, Florida (i.e., KMLB radar) are used for demonstration purposes, while the rain gauge data are used for training purposes. The rainfall product derived from the DMLP model is compared against an independent rain gauge dataset, which shows excellent performance of the new machine learning based rainfall model.
Thirty-Day Readmissions After Endovascular or Surgical Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia: Analysis of the 2013 to 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases

Background —Thirty-day readmission rates have gained increasing importance as a key quality metric. A significant number of patients are hospitalized for the management of critical limb ischemia (CLI), but limited data are available on the incidence, predictors, and causes of 30-day readmission after hospitalization for CLI. Methods —Hospitalizations for a primary diagnosis of CLI during which patients underwent endovascular or surgical therapy (revascularization and/or amputation) and were discharged alive were identified in the 2013-2014 Nationwide Readmissions Databases. Incidence, reasons, and costs of 30-day unplanned readmissions were determined. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmissions. Results —We included 60,998 (national estimate: 135,110) index CLI hospitalizations (mean age 68.9±11.9 years; 40.8% women; 24.6% for rest pain, 37.2% for ulcer, and 38.2% for gangrene). Thirty-day readmission rate was 20.4%. Presentation with ulcer or gangrene, age ≥65 years, female sex, large hospital size, teaching hospital status, known coronary artery disease, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, anemia, coagulopathy, obesity, major bleeding, acute myocardial infarction, vascular complications, and sepsis were identified as independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Mode of revascularization was not independently associated with readmissions. Infections (23.5%), persistent or recurrent manifestations of PAD (22.2%), cardiac conditions (11.4%), procedural complications (11.0%), and endocrine issues (5.7%) were the most common reasons for readmission. The inflation-adjusted aggregate costs of 30-day readmissions for CLI during the study period were $624 million. Conclusions —Approximately 1 in 5 patients hospitalized for CLI and undergoing revascularization is readmitted within 30 days. Risk of readmission is influenced by CLI presentation, patient demographics, comorbidities, and in-hospital complications, but not by the mode of revascularization.
A comprehensive genomic pan-cancer classification using The Cancer Genome Atlas gene expression data

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has generated comprehensive molecular profiles. We aim to identify a set of genes whose expression patterns can distinguish diverse tumor types. Those features may serve as biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and drug development. Using RNA-seq expression data, we undertook a pan-cancer classification of 9,096 TCGA tumor samples representing 31 tumor types. We randomly assigned 75% of samples into training and 25% into testing, proportionally allocating samples from each tumor type. We could correctly classify more than 90% of the test set samples. Accuracies were high for all but three of the 31 tumor types, in particular, for READ (rectum adenocarcinoma) which was largely indistinguishable from COAD (colon adenocarcinoma). We also carried out pan-cancer classification, separately for males and females, on 23 sex non-specific tumor types (those unrelated to reproductive organs). Results from these gender-specific analyses largely recapitulated results when gender was ignored. Remarkably, more than 80% of the 100 most discriminative genes selected from each gender separately overlapped. Genes that were differentially expressed between genders included BNC1, FAT2, FOXA1, and HOXA11. FOXA1 has been shown to play a role for sexual dimorphism in liver cancer. The differentially discriminative genes we identified might be important for the gender differences in tumor incidence and survival. We were able to identify many sets of 20 genes that could correctly classify more than 90% of the samples from 31 different tumor types using TCGA RNA-seq data. This accuracy is remarkable given the number of the tumor types and the total number of samples involved. We achieved similar results when we analyzed 23 non-sex-specific tumor types separately for males and females. We regard the frequency with which a gene appeared in those sets as measuring its importance for tumor classification. One third of the 50 most frequently appearing genes were pseudogenes; the degree of enrichment may be indicative of their importance in tumor classification. Lastly, we identified a few genes that might play a role in sexual dimorphism in certain cancers.
Mice lacking PKC-θ in skeletal muscle have reduced intramyocellular lipid accumulation and increased insulin responsiveness in skeletal muscle

Protein kinase C-θ (PKC-θ) is a lipid-sensitive molecule associated with lipid-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Rodent models have not cohesively supported that PKC-θ impairs insulin ...
The Computer and the Calculator

Some recent discussions [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] have suggested that the concept of universal stored program computer is not useful in understanding the history of computing. In particular, there is the suggestion that this idea was so well known that all of the early computing devices already incorporated this concept. Here, we argue that all or almost all of the early digital machines were based on the idea of a calculator and that the computer was a real and significant new concept. We attempt to explain the differences between calculator and computer, and try to show that our contemporary computing is based on the computer rather than the calculator, and that the calculator model is inadequate to describe our current notions of computing.
High‐quality human and rat spermatozoal RNA isolation for functional genomic studies

Sperm RNA is a sensitive monitoring endpoint for male reproductive toxicants, and a potential biomarker to assess male infertility and sperm quality. However, isolation of sperm RNA is a challenging procedure due to the heterogeneous population of cells present in the ejaculate, the low yield of RNA per spermatozoon, and the absence of 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA subunits. The unique biology of spermatozoa has created some uncertainty in the field about RNA isolation methods, indicating the need for rigorous quality control checks to ensure reproducibility of data generated from sperm RNA. Therefore, we developed a reliable and effective protocol for RNA isolation from rat and human spermatozoa that delivers highly purified and intact RNA, verified using RNA-specific electrophoretic chips and molecular biology approaches such as RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The sperm RNA isolation technique was optimized using rat spermatozoa and then adapted to human spermatozoa. Three steps in the sperm isolation procedure, epididymal fluid collection, sperm purification, and spermatozoon RNA extraction, were evaluated and assessed. The sperm RNA extraction methodology consists of collection of rat epididymal fluid with repeated needle punctures of the epididymis, somatic cell elimination using detergent-based somatic cell lysis buffer (SCLB) and the use of RNA isolation Kit. Rat sperm heads are more resistant to disruption than human spermatozoa, necessitating the addition of mechanical lysis with microbeads and heat in the rat protocol, whereas the human sperm protocol only required lysis buffer. In conclusion, this methodology results in reliable and consistent isolation of high-quality sperm RNA. Using this technique will aid in translation of data collected from animal models, and reproducibility of clinical assessment of male factor fertility using RNA molecular biomarkers.
Barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management in a primary care setting - Patient perspectives.

Abstract Background Diabetes self-management (DSM) is a key element in the overall management of type-2 diabetes (T2DM). Identifying barriers and facilitators to DSM and addressing them is a critical step in achieving improved health outcomes in this population. Objective To assess patient reported barriers and facilitators to self-management of T2DM in a primary care setting. Methods This cross sectional study combined patient survey data with electronic medical record (EMR) data. Patients (age≥18 years) with a recorded diagnosis of T2DM (ICD-9 code: 250. xx) and having ≥2 physician visits were identified from a physician group's EMR database. Patients were grouped based on their A1C levels: 9. Information on demographics, knowledge of diabetes, attitudes, health beliefs, and level of self-management was collected through survey administration. Survey responses were linked to the EMR data, and additional patient information was extracted. Results A total of 2100 surveys were administered (700 in each A1C category) of which 210 responses were received (10% response rate). Mean age was 63.7 years ( ±11.79), 108 (51.4%) were males, and 197 (93.8%) were Caucasian. Age (X2 = 15.73, p Conclusions Self-management behavior of patients with T2DM is strongly associated with glycemic stability. Interventions directed towards improving self-management in this population may result in improved clinical outcomes.
The State of the Art and the Need for Context-Grounded Practice in Conflict Resolution

This chapter reviews recent decades of theory, research, and practice on culture and conflict resolution, and frames these in the context of three waves: spreading Western innovations as universally applicable, recognizing cultural lenses and variations, and documenting specific conflict resolution cultures. It also makes the case for the need to explore how cultures interact and evolve, resulting in new conflict resolution models and new best practices. Last, it reviews the questions and analytical framework given to chapter authors, and introduces their cases.
Introduction to Neuromonitoring

Monitoring of the central nervous system is being utilized with increasing frequency during anesthesia and surgical management in patients undergoing procedures on the central nervous system (CNS). In such cases, IOM facilitates improved procedural management and patient outcome. A variety of techniques are available, each with specific uses.
Delay to Surgery Greater Than 6 Months Leads to Substantial Deformity Progression and Increased Intervention in Immature Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

A retrospective, multi-institution series of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients whose date of surgery exceeded six months from date of surgical recommendation were identified. A case-matched comparison of surgical outcomes of skeletally immature patients who delayed surgery versus a cohort of nondelayed patients. We sought to identify 1) whether patients at risk for significant curve progression when delaying surgery could be identified with available clinical and radiographic data and 2) whether patients who delay surgery have longer fusions/more complex procedures. Multiple factors can lead to a delay in treatment of AIS once surgical treatment is recommended, and larger Cobb magnitudes have been associated with a more complex surgery. 143 AIS patients who delayed surgery had deformity progression (major Cobb angle change over time) analyzed by Risser grade, triradiate cartilage (TRC) status, and menarche status. Comparison of at-risk patients with regard to surgical outcomes to a cohort of matched patients who had not delayed surgery. Risser 0 patients (n = 34) had a greater major Cobb progression than Risser 1—5 patients (n = 109): mean 1.6°/mo versus 0.4°/ mo, p < .001. Twenty-eight premenarchal patients had significantly greater increases in Cobb angle measures than their postmenarchal counterparts (n = 86) (13.2° vs. 4.3°, p < .001). An open TRC also conferred increasing rate of progression. Radiographic variables of stable vertebra and last vertebra touched by central sacral vertical line were more likely to change in immature patients, but we did not demonstrate longer fusions or higher estimated blood loss as a result when compared to nondelayed, age-matched peers. AIS patients who are premenarchal, TRC open, or Risser 0 who delay surgery greater than 6 months risk clinically significant Cobb angle progression, which is statistically greater than their more mature peers. Clinical ramifications of this remain unclear. Skeletally mature patients do not progress rapidly, allowing elective timing of surgical intervention. Level III.
DEEP: Dedicated Energy-Efficient Approximation for Dynamically Reconfigurable Architectures

Approximate computing has become a promising methodology to create energy-efficient circuits by leveraging the inherent tolerance of application to errors. At the same time, runtime reconfigurable architectures are being proposed to deal with the increase in complexity of today's circuits and high Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs (either stand-alone or embedded in SoCs). These runtime reconfigurable architectures are typical coarse grain (CGRRA) and are programmed by synthesizing a given application into a set of contexts which continuously configure the CGRRA at runtime. Applications mapped onto these architectures pose unique challenges when approximated. E.g. partitioning an application into a large number of contexts can limit the depth of the approximation to the context itself, while having a smaller number of contexts increases the overall CGRRA area (time multiplexing the application reduces the area by the multiplexing ratio), but maximizes the effect of the different approximation optimizations. Thus, this work studies the effect of different context granularities when mapping an application to be approximated onto a CGRRA, exposing the different trade-offs and proposes a method to create the context sizes of different granularities to minimize the energy under a maximum error constraint. The input of the proposed method is a behavioral description (ANSI-C or SystemC) for High-Level Synthesis (HLS). Results show that our proposed method is able to generate approximate circuits that are much more energy-efficient than other methods as well as leading to similar results compared to an exhaustive search method that leads to the optimal solution while being 25x faster.
Collegiate student-athlete sex, years of sport eligibility completed, and sport contact level influence on concussion reporting intentions and behaviours

Primary Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether sex, years of sport eligibility completed, and sport contact level influenced student-athletes’ concussion reporting intentio...
Structural designs for ratiometric temperature sensing with organic fluorophores

The need to map temperature distributions at the micrometer level in a diversity of samples is stimulating the development of thermosensitive organic fluorophores with dual emission. Their ability to provide pairs of output signals simultaneously offers the opportunity to probe temperature ratiometrically and overcome the concentration effects and optical artifacts that plague methods based on single emission. Pronounced modifications in structure with temperature are generally invoked to ensure such a ratiometric response. Indeed, conformational changes in either the excited state or the ground state can be exploited to construct thermosensitive molecular, macromolecular and supramolecular systems. Alternatively, the rapid equilibration of two fluorophores with resolved emissions can be designed around the opening and closing of heterocyclic rings to impose, once again, ratiometric response. The behavior of these thermosensitive constructs in conjunction with the fast response time, inherent sensitivity, noninvasive character and spatial resolution of fluorescence imaging permits thermometric analyses at dimensional scales that cannot be accessed with conventional thermometers.
Miniature Robotic Tubes with Rotational Tip-Joints as a Medical Delivery Platform

We present a medical-needle-sized robotic tube with multi-degrees of freedom (M-DOF) rotational hinge joints at the instrument tip, fabricated by two-axis laser micro-machining. Due to the presence of an ample working channel and direct tip controllability, this tube is a potential candidate for the precise delivery of radioactive seeds, probes and micro-forceps to regions of interest within the human body. In this paper, the advantages of the proposed hinged instrument are studied in contrast with that of flexure joints, which include-fine angle control (posability), and a shorter joint length that enables compact articulation. In addition, the joint strength both in the axial and lateral directions was experimentally investigated to demonstrate its feasibility as a robust delivery platform. Further, the intuitive nature of hinge rotation permits the use of a simple kinematic model for accurate tip motion control, under fewer simplifying assumptions than flexure joints which are impeded by material non-linearity and geometric discontinuities. An instrumented prototype was used to test this model by delivering a laser beam along a prescribed path (synonymous to simple ablation tasks). The observed RMS position error for the projected beam was $\sim$0.364 mm.
CMOS and plasmonics get close

Electro-optic transmitters with high bandwidth can be created by monolithically integrating bipolar CMOS electronics with plasmonics.
Simultaneous Presentation of Uveitic Disc Edema and Papilledema in an Adult.

Purpose To present a case of simultaneous uveitic disc edema and increased intracranial pressure (IICP) in an adult. Methods Retrospective case report. Patients. A 29-year-old woman affected by bilateral optic disc edema from bilateral posterior uveitis complicated by IICP with papilledema. Results Laboratory workup was negative for infectious and systemic inflammatory causes of uveitis. Computed Tomography scan of the chest was negative for Sarcoidosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain and orbits revealed a partially empty sella, bilateral posterior globe flattening without optic nerve sheath enhancement, masses, white matter lesions, or meningeal enhancement. Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Venography showed narrowing of the right and left transverse sinuses without thromboses. Prednisone was initiated for the uveitis which improved the vision but caused weight gain. Neurology evaluation with a lumbar puncture in the lateral decubitus position revealed elevated opening pressure and otherwise normal cerebrospinal fluid. Ocular ultrasonography was considered but not available to measure optic nerve sheath diameter. Oral acetazolamide 1000 mg twice daily was started for papilledema as prednisone was tapered. Periocular steroid and intravitreal bevacizumab injections were used for sight threatening cystoid macular edema and choroidal neovascularization, respectively. Discussion. While previously described in children, we report the first known case of bilateral uveitic disc edema and papilledema in an adult. This report will discuss recommendations for evaluation of these rarely concurrent conditions and therapy for both uveitic disc edema and papilledema.
A Theory and Calculation of Lunar Center of Mass Shift and the Crustal Thickness Difference Between Far and Near Sides of the Moon

The cause for the difference in crustal thickness between the far and near sides of the moon has been considered an open problem in astronomy since 1959 when the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 sent back the first images of the lunar farside. The problem is referred to as the lunar farside highlands problem. In this article, the author deduces the center of mass shift of the moon from its geometrical center and the difference in crustal thickness between the far and near lunar sides necessary to explain it. Although there have been other theories proposed to explain these phenomena, this theory explains them as arising naturally from the effects on lunar material due to the earth's external gravity force and the moon's synchronous rotation and revolution. The author's mathematical model results in a calculated value of 1.6 km for the center of mass shift and a crustal thickness difference of 16 km. The author's deduced values of center of mass shift and crustal thickness difference are close to within about 5 to 10% of their accepted values. One unexpected and deducible result of the author's theory is that the center of mass shift of the moon is decreasing towards moon center under lunar recession at the current rate of about 1.6 x 10-4 mm/yr.
Beneficial Effects of Growth Mindset of Intelligence and Growth Mindset of Personality on Academic Achievement in School-Aged Children

Multiple research studies revealed the benefits of adopting a growth mindset of intelligence for students of all ages. However, few studies have investigated the advantage of having a growth mindset of personality or having grit on academic performance. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of grit and implicit theories of intelligence and personality on academic performance in fifth through eighth-grade students. Our hypothesis is that a relatively higher level of grit as well as a growth mindset would result in better academic success. Students were tested in their respective classrooms using questionnaires for grit, mindset of intelligence and mindset of personality. Quarter grades and standardized scores were obtained for all students on topics such as English, reading, language, math and science. Growth mindset of intelligence and growth mindset of personality provided a selective advantage academically to students on classroom grades and on standardized testing, particularly in verbal areas such as English, reading and language. Furthermore, mindset of intelligence predicted significant change in standardized math scores. Grit did not affect academic performance. Our results suggest that educational institutions would benefit from mindset interventions promoting a growth mindset of intelligence and personality in students.
Integrating Reasoning and Learning

“The temptation to form premature theories upon insufficient data is the bane of our profession.”— The fictional character, Sherlock Holmes, in The Valley of Fear, authored by Arthur Conan Doyle
Techniques for sensory evaluation of food odors.

Publisher Summary This chapter considers what is known from actual experimentation in relation to present techniques of odor detection and discrimination. Considerable evidence has been accumulated to eliminate many theories, thereby focusing more attention on those which hold the most promise. Considerable effort has been devoted to the techniques of odor measurement. The properties of the stimulus and the uniqueness of olfactory perception have motivated numerous investigators to devise instruments, both simple and complex, for the presentation of odors. The design of the equipment may differ; the theory, however, remains the same: delivery of an odorous material to a subject and measurement of the response to intensities, differences, or affective qualities. The chapter presents a critical review of olfactometric techniques; consideration of their usefulness as analytical tools; and a discussion of these techniques as applied to measuring the odor of foods. The complex nature of the olfactory system and the subjectivity of human response have resulted in numerous studies on measurement of odorous materials by chemical and physical means. The most well-known methods are gas-liquid partition chromatography, flame ionization, and electron-capture techniques. A myriad of volatile organic constituents have been revealed in many different food products with such techniques.
Proteolipid Protein Gene

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structure and function of the proteolipid protein gene. The PLP locus exists as a single copy gene on the X chromosome. One allele is devoted to the synthesis of one of the most abundant transcripts in oligodendrocytes for a protein that constitutes half of the myelin proteins. It also discusses the molecular evolution of the PLP gene family in vertebrates and invertebrates. DM20 is part of a proteolipid protein gene family, the “lipophilin” family featuring four transmembrane domains with intracellular termini, a large extracellular loop between transmembrane domains 3 and 4 and an intracellular portion between domains 2 and 3. A phylogenetic tree picturing the relationships between the vertebrate and invertebrate lipophilins shows that all family members have a striking degree of amino acid conservation in the four transmembrane domains, while the extramembrane domains display more variety. This feature hints at a close packing or interdigitation of the four α-helical membrane-spanning domains, as has been noted in proteins that form membrane channels. Furthermore, this chapter examines the translational and posttranslational regulation of PLP and DM20, their function, and future prospectus.
The multinotch, part II: Extra precision via Δ coefficients

In [1], we presented a new digital filter architecture, the multinotch, which minimized the computational latency while preserving numerical accuracy even in the presence of severe quantization. While this method is far more accurate than discretizing polynomial filters, it can still be susceptible to problems caused by a sample rate which is significantly higher than the frequencies of the features that the filter is trying to implement. This paper presents a modification, called Δ coefficients, which preserve all the positive properties of the multinotch while dramatically increasing the numerical accuracy over a large frequency range.
Meiotic chromosomal changes and sterility produced by nitrogen mustard and procarbazine in mice

Treatment and survival of reproductive-age patients with chemotherapy raises the question of possible effects on procreative ability. An attempt has been made to establish an animal model system. The anticancer agents nitrogen mustard and procarbazine caused decreased fertility in mice of both sexes and induced meiotic chromosomal abnormalities, at least in the male. Progeny of treated mice showed similar meiotic chromosomal changes. The possibility of similar effects in human beings receiving chemotherapy must be considered.
Competitive tax theory in open economies: Constrained inefficiency and a Pigovian remedy

Abstract In an economy with multiple governments, each is constrained to raise revenue for public expenditures using distortionary taxes on a directly mobile tax base. A government is said to be competitive if the total cost of its decisions, including the excess burden, is perceived to be internalized. The competitive equilibrium allocations are not constrained efficient in general: there is another set of distortionary taxes and associated public expenditures for which all individuals in the economy are better off. It is shown that the source of the failure can be interpreted as a missing market, and the form of the best decentralized remedy is derived.
The Exploration Machine --- A Novel Method for Data Visualization

We present a novel method for structure-preserving dimensionality reduction. The Exploration Machine (Exploratory Observation Machine, XOM) computes graphical representations of high-dimensional observations by a strategy of self-organized model adaptation. Although simple and computationally efficient, XOM enjoys a surprising flexibility to simultaneously contribute to several different domains of advanced machine learning, scientific data analysis, and visualization, such as structure-preserving dimensionality reduction and data clustering.
The Case Grid: A Tool for Analogical Reasoning

This paper describes a graphical method for comparing the relevant facts and outcomes of several cases as they relate to a single legal test. I call this method the “case grid.” The case grid allows a writer to easily identify similarities and differences between several precedent cases, and between the precedent cases and the facts of the “client” case (the case being analyzed, argued, or decided). These similarities and distinctions form the basis of analogical reasoning. Analogical reasoning — the process of predicting or arguing the outcome of a client case based on its factual similarities to and differences from precedent cases — is in turn a fundamental characteristic of brief-writing and opinion-writing. Because the case grid facilitates analogical reasoning, it deserves a place in every appellate advocate’s — and appellate judge’s — writing toolbox.
Serological Markers of Cancer and Their Applications in Clinical Trials

Abstract Strategies for the prevention of cancer include those aimed at reducing the incidence of cancer (primary prevention) and cancer mortality through early detection of tumors (secondary prevention). The efficacy of prevention interventions is evaluated by clinical trials. The conduct of clinical trials is aided by the use of serological indicators of the carcinogenic process measured using plasma or red or white blood cells. The accessibility and acceptability of obtaining blood samples for the measurement of serological markers of carcinogenesis permit widespread applications in the conduct of clinical trials. Serological markers must be shown to be valid and reliable before their use. Serological markers identify a variety of stages in the process of carcinogenesis such as inherited or acquired susceptibility to cancer, environmental exposures to carcinogens, biological effects of exposures, and the presence of preinvasive or invasive cancer. Serological markers may be used in clinical trials to select high risk but disease-free individuals for participation in clinical trials based on susceptibility factors or carcinogenic exposures. Other uses of serological markers include monitoring adherence to interventions and establishing trial outcomes of intermediate cancer end points or incident invasive disease. Examples of these applications are discussed. Serological markers of carcinogenesis have widespread applications in clinical research and potentially for clinical practice. Currently, the only limitation to their widespread use is the availability of validated serological markers. Because of the ease and acceptability of their use, research into the development of serological markers should continue. Methods for quickly validating serological markers should be developed in order to aid the transition to clinical applications.
Object-Oriented Real-Time Computing

Object-oriented programming (OOP) shows great potential in several areas, including real-time (RT) systems. The primary benefits of OOP (encapsulation and reusability) are extremely useful in the RT arena. This position paper briefly describes the benefits of object-oriented (OO) real-time (OORT) computing. For a more thorough introduction, refer to (Nelson 1992) [1].
State Entrepreneurship Policies and Programs

Reports the results of a study to create an inventory of state policies and programs that support entrepreneurship in order to track changes in the policy environment, to acknowledge states' contribution to a pro-entrepreneurial environment, and to identify further research areas.The inventory was based on existing research on state policies and programs and a survey conducted by the National Governor's Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures. The survey respondents included 36 states, one territory, and 22 state legislators from 16 states. State entrepreneurial policies are reported in five categories: general perspective of entrepreneurship, tax and regulatory climate, access to capital, entrepreneurship education, and intellectual capital.The results indicate that current state efforts to support an entrepreneurial economy are mixed. States viewing entrepreneurs as a part of their economy tend to adopt policies and programs supportive of an entrepreneurial economy. States are taking a more macro-economic approach to taxation and regulation policy that provides less focus on the needs of startups. Although access to capital is critical for entrepreneurs, most state assistance is in the form of loans. States are focusing more on increasing the supply of capital than on working with entrepreneurs to address investor concerns about business planning and management. States have made progress implementing procedures for regulating marketable securities. State support for education supporting entrepreneurship is greater at the post-secondary level than at the elementary and secondary levels. States are recognizing the contribution of universities and related institutions to an economy dependent on innovation and technology. Policy recommendations based on this survey are found in "Nurturing Entrepreneurial Growth in State Economies," by Rubel and Palladino, National Governors' Association, 2000.