cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Policy Implementation: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis

Why would countries invest resources to protect the global atmosphere, a global common-pool resource? After all, this is an open-access resource with no restrictions on appropriating its benefits. Furthermore, why would they do so under the aegis of a weak global regime (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC) that has virtually no provisions for sanctioning noncompliance and when the largest contributor to the problem is not participating in the regime? This article examines why a number of countries have implemented the UNFCCC. I hypothesize that countries implement UNFCCC because they corner domestic environmental benefits, namely reduction in local pollution. In my empirical analysis of 127 countries, employing an ordinal logistic regression model, I find that local air pollution is associated with higher levels of implementation of the UNFCCC. Thus, I conclude that the incentives to implement a relatively weak global regime can be found in the domestic political economy.
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Study Identifies Significant Epigenomic Changes in Osteoarthritic Subchondral Bone and Similarity to Overlying Cartilage

Objective To perform a genome-wide DNA methylation study to identify differential DNA methylation patterns in subchondral bone underlying eroded and intact cartilage from patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and to compare these with DNA methylation patterns in overlying cartilage. Methods Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using Illumina HumanMethylation 450 arrays was performed on eroded and intact cartilage and subchondral bone from within the same joint of 12 patients undergoing hip arthroplasty. Genes with differentially methylated CpG sites were analyzed to identify shared pathways, upstream regulators, and overrepresented gene ontologies, and these patterns were compared with those of the overlying cartilage. Histopathology was graded by modified Mankin score and assessed for correlation with DNA methylation. Results We identified 7,316 differentially methylated CpG sites in subchondral bone underlying eroded cartilage, most of which (∼75%) were hypomethylated, and 1,397 sites in overlying eroded cartilage, 126 of which were shared. Samples clustered into 3 groups with distinct histopathologic scores. We observed differential DNA methylation of genes including the RNA interference-processing gene AGO2, the growth factor TGFB3, the OA suppressor NFATC1, and the epigenetic effector HDAC4. Among known susceptibility genes in OA, 32 were differentially methylated in subchondral bone, 8 were differentially methylated in cartilage, and 5 were shared. Upstream regulator analysis using differentially methylated genes in OA subchondral bone showed a strong transforming growth factor β1 signature (P = 1 × 10(-40) ) and a tumor necrosis factor family signature (P = 3.2 × 10(-28) ), among others. Conclusion Our data suggest the presence of an epigenetic phenotype associated with eroded OA subchondral bone that is similar to that of overlying eroded OA cartilage.
Administration of Medical ?No-Fault?: Goals and Achievements

This paper generated the first detailed evidence on the administrative performance of Virginia and Florida's no-fault compensation programs for children with severe, birth-related neurological injuries, during the programs' first seven years. Information came from legislative history, executive interviews, and administrative and claims data. The policy conclusions were that: No-fault is administratively feasible in medicine, notwithstanding the predictions of some no-fault opponents. Even with limited scope and small numbers of claimants, the programs achieve major gains in efficiency compared with tort. Reaching the intended population would require much more outreach and better cooperation with practitioners overseeing deliveries. The survival of tort remedies for most obstetrical injuries is an Achilles heel that may threaten no-fault's long term viability. An expanded no-fault program could be better for compensation and injury prevention, but would face even more political and legal attacks from the trial bar than already seen in these states. (Law & Contemporary Problems 1997 Spring; 60(2)71-115).
Abstract 237: Protocol-guided Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation in The Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

Background: Rates of prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) in cardiac intensive care units (CICU) have significantly increased over the past few decades. MV is associated with numerous complications including prolonged ICU length of stay as well as increased mortality. The most effective method of liberation from MV includes a daily assessment of weaning readiness, interruption of sedation, and spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs). Effective weaning protocols require multidisciplinary collaboration between physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists. Methods: We identified and implemented several quality improvement interventions to improve weaning from MV in the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) CICU. We specifically changed the time of SBTs from 4-5 AM to 8-9 AM to promote physician involvement in weaning and improve physician-nursing-respiratory therapist communication. By performing SBTs during morning rounds, we intended to optimize physician communication with nursing and respiratory therapy regarding selection of patients for SBT, evaluation of SBT success, identification of barriers to weaning, and selection of patients for extubation. We hypothesized that these interventions would decrease MV time to initial SBT, duration of MV, and ICU length of stay. Results: We reviewed the clinical data and outcomes of 172 mechanically ventilated patients in the UMHS CICU (83 prior to and 89 following our intervention). Our intervention was associated with a trend toward decreased duration of MV (mean duration 4.95 vs. 3.66 days, p=0.13) and a trend toward a shorter ICU length of stay (mean duration 9.91 vs. 8.10 days, p=0.22) (Figure). Nonsignificant reductions in MV time to initial SBT (2.31 vs. 2.09 days, p not significant) and time from initial SBT to end of MV (2.40 vs. 1.82 days, p not significant) were also observed. Conclusions: These results suggest that a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists may be effective in improving the care of mechanically ventilated patients in the CICU. Larger, multicenter studies further evaluating our protocol-guided weaning strategy are warranted to establish its efficacy in the management of these patients. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Affine invariant gradient flows

An affine invariant metric allowing one to compute affine invariant gradient descent flows is first presented in this work. This means that given an affine invariant energy, we compute based on this metric the flow that minimizes this energy as fast as possible and in an affine invariant way. Two examples are then presented. The first one shows that the affine flow minimizing the area enclosed by a planar curve is given by the affine geometric heat flow. We then extend this energy to derive affine invariant active contours for invariant image segmentation.
Applications and Limitations of Interspecies Scaling and In Vitro Extrapolation in Pharmacokinetics

The search for new drugs is an extremely time-consuming and costly endeavor. Much of the time and cost are expended on generating data that support the efficacy and safety profiles of the drug. Because of ethical constraints, relevant pharmacological and toxicological assessments must be made in laboratory animals and in in vitro systems before human testing can begin. In support of the efficacy and safety evaluation during drug development, two fundamental challenges facing industrial drug metabolism scientists are (1) how to "scale-up" the pharmacokinetic data from animals to humans and (2) how to extrapolate the in vitro data to the in vivo situation. This review examines the applications and limitations of interspecies scaling and in vitro extrapolation in pharmacokinetics.
Ankylosaurian dinosaur palaeoenvironmental associations were influenced by extirpation, sea-level fluctuation, and geodispersal

Abstract More species of nodosaurid ankylosaurians than ankylosaurid ankylosaurians have been found in marine sediments, and some previous quantitative studies of global dinosaur occurrences provide support for an association between nodosaurids and marine depositional environments. We compiled a dataset of global ankylosaurian occurrences and found that the geographic distribution of marine ankylosaurian occurrences is regionally biased with 54% of records stemming from western North America in the Cretaceous—a time of regional highstands in sea level and epicontinental flooding, coupled with differential extirpation of ankylosaurian subclades inhabiting the Western Interior Basin (WIB). Within the Western Interior Basin, we found little statistical support for an association between ankylosaurian subclades and palaeoenvironment in a chronological context. Only the Albian–Cenomanian transgressive–regressive cycle had statistical support for an overabundance of nodosaurids in marine environments compared to ankylosaurids. The apparent overabundance of nodosaurids relative to ankylosaurids in marine sediments in the Western Interior Basin overall cannot be decoupled from the extirpation of North American ankylosaurids during the Cenomanian and the subsequent absence of ankylosaurids in North America during the Turonian to early Campanian prior to the immigration of Asian ankylosaurine ankylosaurids. The North American ankylosaurian record highlights the difficulty in interpreting habitat preferences in the context of a shifting seaway, regional extinctions, and intercontinental dispersals.
Biomaterials-Based Immunomodulation of Dendritic Cells

Modulation of the immune system through the use of biomaterials provides opportunities for new applications in the field of regenerative medicine to be translated into clinical settings. Particularly, biomaterials-based immunomodulation targeting dendritic cells has gained much interest in recent years. Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells serving as the bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, and they capture, process, and present antigen to naive T cells to further dictate immune response outcomes. Current biomaterials-based technologies targeting dendritic cells have focused on inducing either inflammatory or suppressive phenotypes through the use of particulates or scaffolds, the modulation of material properties, and the delivery of proteins, nucleic acids, and small drug molecules. This chapter provides relevant immunology concepts, an overview of dendritic cells and their functions, and highlights exciting new biomaterials-based techniques employed for use in cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases, and transplant rejection.
Analysis of a C60/Twelve Solvent Survey for Red Shifting of Spectra

A survey of solvents with a wide variation of solubility for C60 and a broad variation in dielectric constant was investigated for possible red shifting of the linear absorbance spectra. Initial analysis shows that very small shifts are achieved. Molar extinction spectra were measured for C60 in each solvent in both the standard mode and with an integrating sphere. Comparison of the two methods has shown strong scattering effects. The UV-vis spectra revealed some broadening in the bands and in some cases supression of strong C60 bands. Fluorescence spectra also show broadening of bands and new fluorescence minima in some solvents indicating formation of complexes between the C60 and those solvents that contain nitrogen.
A Controlled Recognition Technique for Measuring Magazine Advertising Audiences

THE OBJECTIVE of this different recognition technique of copy testing is to determine the percentage of readers of a particular magazine issue who see and get some measurable impression of a specific advertisement. The feature of the method, known as the controlled recognition test, is the elimination-complete eliminationwe believe-of all sources of inflation of scores. An incidental feature is elimination of those inequalities of interview which give unfair advantage to one advertisement or one magazine over another. Beginning in 1937, the controlled method has been developed, tested and compared with other copy measures. From the start the test has followed accepted routines of scientific procedure. One ideal scientific method of measurement is to set up two test situations in which only one element is permitted to vary. The variable we want to measure is the effect of circulating a specific advertisement in a particular magazine issue. The first of the two tested situations is the period just before the advertisement is put into circulation-at which time the effect of circulating it is obviously zero. Current readers of a magazine are called upon and shown an advertising scrapbook containing current advertisements together with advance copy from the forthcoming issue. The readers are asked to identify the advertisements which they remember having seen. This provides advance scores on some of the test copy. Next week these advance advertisements become current and are inserted in another scrapbook. This is the second test situation for the pre-tested copy. The only significant variable is the fact that the advertisements have come into circulation in between the interview periods. Interviews are made with a new sample similar to the first. In that way current scores are obtained on the same advertisements on which advance ratings were obtained earlier. Psychological experience has consistently shown the inaccuracy of responses in recognition tests. No matter how sure a respondent may say he is of his identifications, there are likely to be some spurious responses resulting from confusion of similar things, loose guessing, careless exaggeration and outright lying. False identification is "false" only when a person has not seen the advertisement. It is apparent that this source of inflation operates equally in both the pre-test and the current test of the same advertisement. For that reason the
Delivery of Humanitarian Aid onto Active Populations

Access to food and fresh water is often restricted in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, or exposure to infectious disease or nuclear radiation, or isolation due to hostile actions. To provide aid, the U.S. Army provides water and meals distributed by ground troops. These goods can be delivered by ground supply lines or by aerial delivery, however, the distribution must always be controlled by military forces to prevent hoarding, violence, and potential injury during the delivery of the goods themselves. The logistics of creating this distribution network can be delayed or impossible due to the disaster conditions. To provide effective aid, an aerial delivery system has been designed that enables the rapid delivery of food and water while minimizing risk of injury to the affected population and maximizing dispersion of the aid items to prevent hoarding and violence.
Underwater Energy Harvesting From Base Excitation of Ionic Polymer Metal Composites Undergoing Torsional Vibrations

In this study, we investigate underwater energy harvesting from torsional vibration of a patterned ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC). The IPMC design consists of a rectangular polymer strip with patterned electrodes to split the top and bottom surfaces in two equal pairs. We focus on harmonic base excitation of an IPMC, which is modeled as a slender beam with thin cross section vibrating in a viscous fluid. Torsional vibrations with large–amplitude are described using a complex hydrodynamic function considering nonlinear hydrodynamic damping from the surrounding fluid. Along with the theoretical beam model, an electromechanical model is utilized to predict the IPMC electrical response from the torsional deformation of the beam. The integration of both models allows to predict the output voltage of the IPMC from the knowledge of the frequency and amplitude of base excitation. The theoretical predictions are validated against experiments.© 2013 ASME
Factors that explain placement decisions for students with multiple disabilities: findings from national data

The Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study data set was utilised to examine the potential influences on placement decisions for students with multiple disabilities in the US. The sample consisted of 415 students. Specifically, the study investigated whether factors including students' prior special education experiences, parental involvement, parental expectations and educational risk factors explain the placement of students in classrooms. Results indicate significant relations between the explanatory variables and the hours spent daily in general education classrooms. However, only two variables, parents' education and receipt of early childhood special education services, were significantly associated with the dichotomised outcome of whether or not a child received any academic instruction in a general education classroom. Research limitations and implications for future research, policy and practice in the international context are discussed.
Conceptual Relativism and Religious Experience

Relativism has emerged as a central and powerful element within theology in this century. Theological relativism is part of the larger fabric of the relativist orientation which has become common in such social sciences as archaeology, sociology, ethnology and psychology, in the work of philosophers of science like Thomas Kuhn, as well as in society at large. But theological relativism is not a mere patchwork of relativistic movements in other disciplines. It has its own lineage of whole cloth, traceable through H. R. Niebuhr and Ernst Troeltsch, Friedrich Schleiermacher and others, back to the sceptical attitude toward absolutist religious authority and dogma which was a legacy of the sixteenth-century Reformation. Moreover, the conditions for theological relativism are latent in the very enterprise of theology. As Paul Tillich points out, ‘Theology moves back and forth between two poles, the eternal truth of its foundation and the temporal situation in which the eternal truth must be received.’1 Theology is always compelled to address the present. But more recently this concern has been coupled with an acute historicist sense of past and present differences among the enculturated patterns of human thought to which — and out of which — theology must speak. Thus H. R. Niebuhr remarks, ‘in every work of culture, we relative men, with our relative points of view and relative evaluations, deal with relative values…’.2
Unique Biophysical Properties of an Inward Proton Current that Mediates Sour Taste Transduction

Acidic solutions that are perceived as sour are detected by a subset of taste receptor cells on the tongue and palate epithelium that express the TRP channel PKD2L1. PKD2L1 does not form the sour receptor, but it can nonetheless serve as a molecular marker for sour taste receptor cells. Using a Pkd2l1-YFP mouse, we previously showed that sour stimuli evoke an inward Zn2+-sensitive proton current in PKD2L1-expressing cells that is likely to mediate sour transduction. To establish a correlation between the proton current and sour taste, we now show that the proton current is restricted to sour taste receptor cells, and is not found in a variety of other cells, including PKD2L1-expressing acid-sensitive spinal cord neurons. Because this current has not previously been described, we undertook a careful biophysical analysis of its gating and permeation properties. We find that, as is the case for other proton channels, Zn2+ blocks the channel in a pH dependent manner. However, unlike previously identified proton channels, the proton channel in sour taste receptor cells carries only inward current and shows no evidence for voltage or pH-dependent gating. These data define a functional signature for this novel proton channel that may aid in its molecular identification.
Placental Growth Factor Is Elevated in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease and Associated with Pulmonary Hypertension, Hemolysis, Inflammation, Iron Overload, and Hepatic Dysfunction.

Abstract 1531 Poster Board I-554 Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) is a functional cytokine in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family that generally promotes angiogenesis, depending on the specific context, and can also promote atherogenesis. Produced in erythroid cells, its level in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) has been previously related to the rate of erythropoiesis. We evaluated PlGF plasma levels in SCD patients by ELISA, and related it to biomarkers of pulmonary hypertension (PH), an emerging and serious complication of SCD linked to early mortality. We find that PlGF levels are significantly higher in SCD (n=95) than healthy African American control subjects (n=19) (median 16.6 vs. 2.1 pg/mL, p We found significantly higher PlGF levels in SCD patients taking hydroxyurea compared to those not taking it (median 17.4 vs. 14.0 pg/ml, p Disclosures Tailor:Mesoscale: Employment.
Relating measurable correlations in heavy ion collisions to bulk properties of equilibrated QCD matter

To compare theoretical calculations of thermal fluctuations of conserved quantities, such as charge susceptibilities or specific heat, to experimentally measured correlations and fluctuations in heavy ion collisions, one must confront the reality of changing conditions within the collision environment and transport of conserved quantities within the finite duration of the expansion and dissolution of the reaction. In previous work, fluctuations of conserved charges from lattice calculations, where charge is allowed to fluctuate within the designated volume consistent with the grand canonical ensemble, was linked to correlations in heavy ion collisions, which accounted for the finite time with which to transport absolutely conserved quantities. In this case details of the correlations were related to the evolution of the susceptibility. In this work, this paradigm is extended to compare fluctuations of momentum or energy to transverse energy correlations that can be measured in heavy ion collisions. The sensitivity of these correlations to the equation of state, viscosity, and diffusion is illustrated by considering simple models without transverse expansion. Only correlations in relative spatial rapidity are discussed here, but the prospects for extending these ideas to realistic calculations and for making realistic connections with experiment are discussed.
Church-in-a-box: making space sacred in a non-traditional setting

ABSTRACTHow are non-traditional sacred spaces experienced and sacralized? Non-traditional sacred sites offer a unique and useful perspective for exploring notions of sacralization, the process of making space sacred. This paper explores sacralization through an investigation of Unity of Fredericksburg, a non-traditional spiritual community that meets in an executive office building, using in-depth interviews with church leaders and members. These interview findings help shed light on how the process of sacralization occurs and suggest that it is the collective, emotional engagement with space that makes it sacred. Non-traditional houses of worship, though not imbued with conventional notions of “sacredness”, serve as functionally sacred for believers and the transiency of their sacred qualities provides a useful foundation for geographers of religion to explore how the sacred is made and experienced.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Smoking: A Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies

Background: The incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) has followed a sustained increasing pattern for the last few decades. Potential factors implicated in developing an increased risk for NHL include immunosuppression, bacterial, and viral infections. The pathological heterogeneity of NHL suggests multifactorial etiologies. Several reports around the world have linked lifestyle habits to the development of NHL, but thus far, the relationship between smoking and NHL has been largely inconclusive. Objective: To perform a meta-analysis of published case-control studies to clarify the potential relationship between smoking and the development of NHL. Methods: An English literature search was conducted using Pubmed of case-control studies investigating the relationship between smoking and development of NHL. Prospective studies, case reports, editorials and letters were not included. Data were gathered including the following variables: country of origin, source of cases and controls, number of female/male cases and controls, adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for former and current smokers, divided by male/female when available, and adjustments. Effect measures were obtained trough fixed and random-effects models to assess for heterogeneity. Results: Eighteen case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 22,226 cases and 30,792 controls were finally analyzed. Based on our meta-analysis, former smokers had an OR of 1.02 (95% CI, 0.92 – 1.12) when compared to never smokers; heterogeneity between studies was evident (p < 0.001; I2 = 75.3%). Current smokers, on the other hand, had an OR of 1.06 (95% CI, 1.00 – 1.14); some degree of heterogeneity was observed (p = 0.04; I2 = 41.1%). Conclusions: Despite the limitations of this meta-analysis, current smokers seem to have small but statistically significant increase in the risk of developing NHL. Clinically speaking, smoking may be a non-negligible risk factor for developing NHL. Although a causal relationship will be hard to prove, further research is needed to clarify the potential role of smoking in lymphomagenesis.
CHEESES WITH ADDITIONS

In this paper work we show data about cheese production in world and in Serbia, different cheese sorts and different cheese addition in contexts of achieving specific season, nutritive and functional characteristics, especially from the aspects of official Statutes about quality and other requirement for milk, milk products, composite milk products and starter culture.
On a Class of Completely Join Prime J-Trivial Semigroups with Unique Involution

A finite algebra is completely join prime if whenever it belongs to the complete join of some collection of pseudovarieties, then it belongs to one of the pseudovarieties. An infinite class of completely join prime J-trivial semigroups with unique involution is introduced to demonstrate the incompatibility between the lattice of pseudovarieties of involution semigroups and the lattice of pseudovarieties of semigroups. Examples are also exhibited to show that a finite involution semigroup and its semigroup reduct need not be simultaneously completely join prime.
Private benefits of public control: Evidence of political and economic benefits of state ownership

Abstract Although governments are the majority shareholders in many of the world's largest and most important firms, we know very little about the role of the state as majority shareholder and the potential agency conflicts that exist between the state (as controlling shareholder) and the minority shareholder in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Our study provides new insights regarding the private benefits that may be captured when the state is dominant shareholder (what we refer to as the “private benefits of state control”). We define the private benefits of state control as the political, social, or personal advantages that the controlling politician may be able to extract from the SOE. We identify firm-level and institution-level factors that may impact the amount of the private benefits of state control and present evidence that the private benefits of state control affect economic decision-making.
Corrupting the DNA damage response: a critical role for Rad52 in tumor cell survival

The DNA damage response enables cells to survive, maintain genome integrity, and to safeguard the transmission of high-fidelity genetic information. Upon sensing DNA damage, cells respond by activating this multi-faceted DNA damage response leading to restoration of the cell, senescence, programmed cell death, or genomic instability if the cell survives without proper repair. However, unlike normal cells, cancer cells maintain a marked level of genomic instability. Because of this enhanced propensity to accumulate DNA damage, tumor cells rely on homologous recombination repair as a means of protection from the lethal effect of both spontaneous and therapy-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA. Thus, modulation of DNA repair pathways have important consequences for genomic instability within tumor cell biology and viability maintenance under high genotoxic stress. Efforts are underway to manipulate specific components of the DNA damage response in order to selectively induce tumor cell death by augmenting genomic instability past a viable threshold. New evidence suggests that RAD52, a component of the homologous recombination pathway, is important for the maintenance of tumor genome integrity. This review highlights recent reports indicating that reducing homologous recombination through inhibition of RAD52 may represent an important focus for cancer therapy and the specific efforts that are already demonstrating potential.
Metal-iodide cyclodextrins as model quasi-one-dimensional compounds

Abstract The synthesis and electrical and magnetic properties of two metal-iodide cyclodextrin compounds are described. Both Ba and Fe ions were added to the α-cyclodextrins to form needle-shaped single crystals. The compounds have electrical conductivities of about 10 −9 ( ω cm) −1 at room temperature. The Ba compound is diamagnetic but the Fe compound shows Curie-Weiss behavior in its susceptibility between 1.5 and 108 K, with an effective moment of 4.5 μ B and a Weiss temperature of −5.6 K. The results indicate antiferromagnetic interactions between Fe(II) ions. A discussion is given of some problems associated with synthesizing quasi-one-dimensional conductors or magnetic compounds, using the cyclodextrins as a basis.
Optimizing Contingency Management With Methamphetamine-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men☆☆☆

Among men who have sex with men (MSM), methamphetamine use is associated with multiple, overlapping syndemic conditions including increased risk for HIV seroconversion and onward HIV transmission. Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based behavioral intervention implemented to curb methamphetamine use and optimize HIV/AIDS prevention among MSM in San Francisco since 2003. We conducted a program evaluation to document the evolution of this 12-week CM program to include delivery of brief, individual counseling incorporating motivational interviewing and behavioral skills. A drop-in group delivered concurrently with CM urine-screening visits also provides peer support as well as referrals for other social and medical services. From December 2011–October 2013, a total of 131 clients enrolled in the CM program and provided a median of 22 urine samples (Interquartile Range = 10–34) that were nonreactive for methamphetamine. Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of integrating individual and group counseling with community-based CM for methamphetamine-using MSM.
Resonant phonon-electron processes in superconductors

Abstract Recent electron tunneling experiments(1, 2, 3) involving superconducting materials give evidence for structure in the tunneling characteristic which can be interpreted in terms of resonant electron–phonon processes. A theory is presented which accounts in detail for these anomalies(4). One finds that the form of the anomalies is directly related to the phonon density of states in energy so that information regarding the phonon spectrum in metals can be obtained from electron tunneling experiments. In addition van Hove type singularities are reflected in the differential tunneling conductance. A discussion of these anomalies is presented.(5) The theoretical calculations are based on the Green's function formulation of the many-body problem and do not require the quasi-particle approximation to be valid in order to obtain actual solutions for the tunneling characteristic.
Housing wealth and welfare

The relationship between housing and welfare is a complicated one. Torgersen (1987) famously referred to housing as the ‘wobbly pillar’ under the welfare state because housing both provides shelter...
A potential biomarker for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

A recent study identifies an immune cell type known as classical monocytes in the peripheral blood as a potential biomarker for response to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy in metastatic melanoma.
Measuring and Predicting Fatigue in Construction: Empirical Field Study

AbstractThe increasing commitment to safety over the last two decades has contributed to a 67% decline in recordable incident rates. The rate of fatalities, however, has recently increased. Human f...
District Leaders Engaged in School Turnaround: Identified Challenges and Espoused Responses:

School turnaround initiatives have prioritized the school principal as the change lever. Little overall consideration about the critical role district leadership plays. In this study, we analyze th...
High Resolution Radio and Near-IR Line Imaging of Active Galaxies

For a large sample of active galaxies we examine the correlation between the near-IR emission line of [FeII] and radio luminosity. High resolution radio and near-IR imaging provides an important clue to understanding this relationship.
Experimental Realization of Supersymmetric Laser

A multimode, chaotic, and broadband emission is an undesired characteristic of laser arrays which is an adverse effect of supermodes in coupled waveguides. Employing optical supersymmetry, we experimentally demonstrate single mode lasing in arrays of supersymmetric lasers where a superpatner array eliminates undesired lasing modes.
SOME FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR VARIATION IN COUNTING SOMATIC CELLS ON PRESCOTT-BREED SMEARS OF MILK1

Summary By means of direct microscopic observation of cells in stained smears and projection of a series of color transparencies, differences in criteria used by individuals for identification of c...
Simultaneous detection of neoclassical tearing mode and electron cyclotron current drive locations using electron cyclotron emission in DIII-D

Abstract Accurate real-time measurements of magnetic island and electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) locations are essential for efficient suppression of the neoclassical tearing mode (NTM). To determine these locations, many control systems rely on motional Stark effect constrained equilibria reconstruction and real-time Thomson scattering with TORBEAM current drive evaluation and therefore require time-intensive cross-calibration of at least two different diagnostics. Here we present a simpler, proof-of-concept analysis that uses only a single diagnostic (a radial array electron cyclotron emission radiometer) for the simultaneous determination of both the radial position of a magnetic island and the deposition location of ECCD. Measurements are compared with the modified Rutherford equation to demonstrate the effect of ECCD alignment on NTM suppression.
Correlation of optical coherence elastography with clinical evaluation of systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder with high mortality due to excessive accumulation of collagen in the skin and internal organs. An accurate and early diagnosis is crucial to ensure effective treatment. Currently, the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) is the gold standard for evaluating dermal thickening during SSc onset and progression. However, obtaining the mRSS can be time consuming, and the score has noticeable inter- and intraobserver variabilities. Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is an emerging technique for measuring soft tissue biomechanical properties completely noninvasively. In this work, we demonstrate the first use of OCE combined with analysis of the OCT signal slope (OCTSS) for sclerosis detection in the dorsal forearm of 12 patients. A comparison to clinical diagnoses including dermal thickness assessed by histology, mRSS, and site specific mRSS (SMRSS). Results of both optical assessments demonstrated high correlation (OCE: 0.78 and OCTSS: 0.65) with SMRSS as performed by an experienced physician. Importantly, the correlation of both proposed parameters with the dermal thickness (OCTSS: r=0.78 and OCE: r=0.74) outperformed the SMRSS assessment (r=0.57), demonstrating the effectiveness of using OCT/OCE for monitoring the disease severity of SSc.
The CMS Changes to a US ECMO Reimbursement: The Financial Impact upon ECMO Programs

Purpose Non-US (United States) countries differentiate reimbursement based on support type and indication. Historically, the US has reimbursed all ECMO cases at the same rate while most non-US countries use single payer systems. US reimbursement for ECMO has recently changed. Effective October 1st , 2018 The Center for Medicare Services (CMS) changed the ECMO associated Diagnostic Related Grouping (DRG) codes, varying reimbursement. Based almost exclusively on cannulation site, US reimbursement for ECMO cases may be lowered by 30%- 90%. The aim of this study was to investigate the financial impact from the DRG changes of US ECMO programs. Methods We reviewed adult cardiac ECMO cases performed during 2016 and 2017. Reimbursement was calculated applying the US national average dollar amount for ECMO support as done in the year 2017 (plan A). Subsequently, cases were categorized by cannulation site, and presence of Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). Reimbursement was calculated using the 2018 US CMS DRG and the associated national average dollar amount (plan B). Reimbursement amounts were compared. Results When comparing the difference in calculated reimbursement for 2016 and 2017 using plan A and B, estimated losses of 1.2 and 3.3 million dollars in reimbursement were identified respectively. Conclusion The US CMS changes to DRG codes and payment for ECMO support are largely driven by cannulation site and may result in a significant decrease in revenue for hospitals caring for these patients. Single payer systems across the globe reimburse ECMO support based on mode and indication for support, a more accurate way to determined resources spent. This impact could potentially affect ECMO programs through-out the US. Further research is needed to compare to non-US countries.
Video Streaming over the LWA Systems

In this paper, a quality-driven packet scheduling algorithm for DASH streaming is proposed for the LTE Wi-Fi Aggregation (LWA) systems. The playback buffer status on the receiver side and the network conditions for LTE and Wi-Fi are used to effectively control the video rate. To estimate the network conditions, the distributions of the packet inter-arrival times of both paths are used. The playback buffer is modeled to find the probability of the successful arrival of the assigned video packets before the playback buffer depletes. A convex optimization method is used to find the optimal packet distribution for the LTE and Wi-Fi. Simulation results based on NS-3 show that the proposed algorithm can stream the video with the best quality in terms of the utility while having less probability than other methods of re-buffering while the video is playing.
Mistakes About Conventions and Meanings

The Standard View is that, other things equal, speakers’ judgments about the meanings of sentences of their language are correct. After all, we make the meanings, so how wrong can we be about them? The Standard View underlies the Elicitation Method, a typical method in semantic fieldwork, according to which we should work out the truth-conditions of a sentence by eliciting speakers’ judgments about its truth-value in different situations. I put pressure on the Standard View and therefore on the Elicitation Method: for quite straightforward reasons, speakers can be radically mistaken about meanings. Lewis (Convention: A Philosophical Study, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1969) gave a theory of convention in a game-theoretic framework. He showed how conventions could arise from repeated coordination games, and, as a special case, how meanings could arise from repeated signaling games. I put pressure on the Standard View by building on Lewis’s framework. I construct coordination games in which the players can be wrong about their conventions, and signaling games in which the players can be wrong about their messages’ meanings. The key idea is straightforward: knowing your own strategy and payoff needn’t determine what the others do, so leaves room for false beliefs about the convention and meanings. The examples are simple, explicit, new in kind, and based on an independently plausible meta-semantic story.
Chimeria: Grayscale MOOC: Towards Critical Self-Reflection at Scale

Contemporary online learning systems are increasingly common elements of post-secondary, workplace, and lifelong education. These systems typically employ the transmission model of education to teach students, an approach ill-suited for fostering deeper learning. This paper presents our latest findings related to ongoing research developing a generalizable framework for supporting deeper learning in online learning systems. In this work, we focus on the self-debriefing component of our framework and its impact on deeper learning in online learning systems. To pursue this line of inquiry, we conducted an exploratory study evaluating the Chimeria:Grayscale MOOC, an online learning system that implements our framework. Our results suggest that self-debriefing is crucial for effectively supporting students' reflections.
A Robust Visible-Light-Harvesting Cyclometalated Ir(III) Diimine Sensitizer for Homogeneous Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

A cyclometalated Ir(III) diimine complex [Ir(NBI)2(phen)]PF6, NBI = 1,8-naphthalenebenzimidizole and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, exhibits excellent photostability as a sensitizer in a three-compone...
Management of Patient with Moyamoya Disease

A 45-year-old male patient with moyamoya disease is scheduled for a superficial temporal to middle cerebral artery bypass. He has a past medical history of hypertension and stroke with residual left arm weakness.
A Critical Review of the Practice of Equating the Reactivity of Spent Fuel to Fresh Fuel in Burnup Credit Criticality Safety Analyses for PWR Spent-Fuel Pool Storage

This research examines the practice of equating the reactivity of spent fuel to that of fresh fuel for the purpose of performing burnup credit criticality safety analyses for pressurized water reactor (PWR) spent-fuel pool (SFP) storage conditions. The investigation consists of comparing k{sub eff} estimates based on reactivity ''equivalent'' fresh fuel enrichment (REFFE) to k{sub eff} estimates using the calculated spent-fuel isotopics. Analyses of selected storage configurations common in PWR SFPs show that this practice yields nonconservative results (on the order of a few tenths of a percent) in configurations in which the spent fuel is adjacent to higher-reactivity assemblies (e.g., fresh or lower-burned assemblies) and yields conservative results in configurations in which spent fuel is adjacent to lower-reactivity assemblies (e.g., higher-burned fuel or empty cells). When the REFFE is determined based on unborated water moderation, analyses for storage conditions with soluble boron present reveal significant nonconservative results associated with the use of the REFFE. Finally, it is shown that the practice of equating the reactivity of spent fuel to fresh fuel is acceptable, provided the conditions for which the REFFE was determined remain unchanged. Determination of the REFFE for a reference configuration and subsequent use of the REFFE formore » different configurations violates the basis used for the determination of the REFFE and, thus, may lead to inaccurate, and possibly, nonconservative estimates of reactivity.A significant concentration ({approx}2000 ppm) of soluble boron is typically (but not necessarily required to be) present in PWR SFPs, of which only a portion ([less than or approximately equal]500 ppm) may be credited in safety analyses. Thus, a large subcritical margin currently exists that more than accounts for errors or uncertainties associated with the use of the REFFE. Consequently, the findings presented here do not represent a significant safety concern unless/until the subcritical margin associated with the soluble boron (that is not currently explicitly credited) is offset by the uncertainties associated with burnup credit and/or the expanded allowance of credit for the soluble boron.« less
mCloverBlaster: A tool to make markerless deletions and fusions using lambda red and I-SceI in Gram-negative bacterial genomes.

Abstract This study introduces mCloverBlaster as a genetic tool to create deletions and transcriptional and translational fusions in bacterial genomes using recombineering. The major advantage of this system is that it can be used to make deletions and fusions without leaving a selectable marker on the chromosome. mCloverBlaster has a kanamycin resistance cassette with an I-SceI restriction site flanked by fragments of the gene for the mClover3 fluorescent protein including direct repeats of mClover3 sequence on both sides of the kanamycin resistance gene. The mCloverBlaster sequence is introduced into the chromosome using lambda red recombineering, expression of I-SceI creates a double stranded break in the kanamycin resistance cassette that initiates a recombination event that can occur in the mClover3 repeats. This recombination results in the simultaneous removal of the kanamycin resistance gene and the restoration of a functional mClover3 gene that can be used as a reporter. Here, this system was used to replace the rcsB stress response gene in Serratia marcescens. The resulting strain was tested for mClover3 fluorescence as a reporter for rcsB gene expression and evaluated for pigment biosynthesis. In summary, mCloverBlaster is a molecular genetic tool to make markerless mClover3 fusions and gene deletions.
Optical Frequency Discriminator based on Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Bragg Gratings

A novel, fiber-optic optical frequency discriminator (OFD) based on polarization-maintaining fiber Bragg grating is demonstrated. Bias-free linear frequency discrimination with an efficiency of 3.248 V/nm over ∼0.2 nm range is demonstrated by employing polarization-assisted balanced detection.
Blockchains for Government: Use Cases and Challenges

Blockchain is the technology used by developers of cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, to enable exchange of financial “coins” between participants in the absence of a trusted third party to ensure the transaction, such as is typically done by governments. Blockchain has evolved to become a generic approach to store and process data in a highly decentralized and secure way. In this article, we review blockchain concepts and use cases, and discuss the challenges in using them from a governmental viewpoint. We begin with reviewing the categories of blockchains, the underlying mechanisms, and why blockchains can achieve their security goals. We then review existing known governmental use cases by regions. To show both technical and deployment details of blockchain adoption, we study a few representative use cases in the domains of healthcare and energy infrastructures. Finally, the review of both technical details and use cases helps us summarize the adoption and technical challenges of blockchains.
Not a pearl necklace: synchronous papillary carcinoma of thyroglossal duct cyst and thyroid gland

Abstract We report an unusual case of synchronous papillary carcinoma of thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) and thyroid gland. Here, the radiology findings, surgical approach and subsequent management, and pathology of an synchronous papillary carcinoma of TGDC and thyroid gland are described.