cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation of MRI features of Sturge-Weber syndrome in infants

Objective To evaluate the MRI features of the brain in infants with Sturge-Weber syndrome(SWS).Methods Seven infants with SWS were examined with routine CT,routine and enhanced MRI,and their clinical and image data were retrospectively analyzed.Results The lesion was unilateral in six cases,and bilateral in 1case,involving one or multiple lobar.In CT,the parenchymal density increased,which combined with ground glass calcifications.In MRI,the lesions showed iso-hyperintensity on T1 WI,hypointensity on T2 WI and FLAIR,as well as line hyperintensity of gyrus edge on FLAIR.Meninges obviously enhanced after contrast enhancement,and contrast T2 FLAIR was better to display the lesions than contrast T1 WI.Conclusion MRI is preferred to diagnosis of SWS for the characteristic features in infants.
Assessing the Degree of Integrated Learner-Centered Instruction on Student Outcomes in a Large Non-Major Environmental Science Course

The decision to employ learner-centered teaching methods, teacher-centered teaching methods, or whether to integrate the two within large lecture halls in higher education continues to be heavily researched and hotly debated. All, in one form or another, have been shown effective at varying levels, throughout a myriad of disciplines and across diverse cultures. Yet there are fewer quantitative studies assessing the effects of implementing varying degrees of integrated learner-centered methods within large classroom environments. To that end, this study compared two sections of an undergraduate non-major environmental science large lecture course. One section received a minimal degree of learner-centered (MLC) instruction ( 75% class time). Pre-test and post-test measures along with end-of-course grades were used to determine how student scores were affected by the degree of learner-centered instruction provided. Additionally, student evaluations were compared for attitudinal information. Statistical tests did not demonstrate significant differences in student scores or in student evaluations between the two groups. Yet this in itself is intriguing because: 1) the two classes were provided with different methods of post-testing; 2) the HLC class was provided with problem-based assignments while the MLC class was provided with multiple-choice Clicker questions; and 3) in contrast to much of the literature, this study found students’ evaluations of the MLC class were comparable to those of the HLC class; potentially demonstrating a greater level of comfort/acceptance on the part of the students to higher degrees of learner-centered instruction. This work elaborates on the findings described here and the potential implication of such findings on the evolution of best practices for large lecture classrooms.
Detecting changes in a Poisson process monitored at random time intervals

ABSTRACTWe look at a Poisson process where the arrival rate changes at some unknown time point. We monitor this process only at certain time points. At each time point, we count the number of arrivals that happened in that time interval. In previous work, it was assumed that the time intervals were fixed in advance. We relax this assumption to assume that the time intervals in which the process are monitored is also random. For a loss function consisting of the cost of late detection and a penalty for early stopping, we develop, using dynamic programming, the one- and two-step look-ahead Bayesian stopping rules. We then compare various observation schemes to determine the best model. We provide some numerical results to illustrate the effectiveness of the detection procedures.
Vacuum radiation pressure fluctuations and barrier penetration

We apply recent results on the probability distribution for quantum stress tensor fluctuations to the problem of barrier penetration by quantum particles. The probability for large stress tensor fluctuations decreases relatively slowly with increasing magnitude of the fluctuation, especially when the quantum stress tensor operator has been averaged over a finite time interval. This can lead to large vacuum radiation pressure fluctuations on charged or polarizable particles, which can in turn push the particle over a potential barrier. The rate for this effect depends sensitively upon the details of the time averaging of the stress tensor operator, which might be determined by factors such as the shape of the potential. We make some estimates for the rate of barrier penetration by this mechanism and argue that in some cases this rate can exceed the rate for quantum tunneling through the barrier. The possibility of observation of this effect is discussed.
A Novel Dynamic Filter Switching Algorithm to Track People Using Acoustic Sensors

We present a new dynamic filter switching algorithm to track people that randomly enter, exit, move and stop in a region of interest using a network of uniformly spaced, stationary acoustic sensors. The existence of a new target is determined by jointly weighting the particles of a track-before-detect particle filter and an interacting multiple model particle filter which is used to track confirmed targets. The algorithm detects new targets as well as tracks targets with intermittent motion, as is shown by Monte Carlo simulations.
How the Imaging Appearance of Edema and Hemorrhage Change Over Time on CT, MR, and US: Dynamic (Acute) Dating

This chapter focuses on the changes that occur in a region of infarction and edema over the first 2 weeks from the time of occurrence, on MR, CT, and US, presenting the different locations of possible hemorrhage and the changing appearance of recent hemorrhage on MR, CT, and US.
The Militarization of the Russian Elite under Putin

This article reviews the vast literature on Russia’s transformation into a “militocracy”—a state in which individuals with career experience in Russia’s various force structures occupy important positions throughout the polity and economy—during the reign of former KGB lieutenant colonel Vladimir Putin. We show that (1) elite militarization has been extensively utilized both to describe and explain core features of Russian foreign and domestic policy; and (2) notwithstanding its widespread usage, the militocracy framework rests on a rather thin, and in some cases flawed, body of empirical research. We close by discussing the remaining research agenda on this subject and listing several alternative theoretical frameworks to which journalists and policymakers arguably should pay equal or greater attention.
Application of Computer Algebra System and the Mean-Value Theory for Evaluating Electrostatic Potential and Its Associated Field for Nontrivial Configurations

Evaluation of electrostatic potential at an arbitrary point within a two dimensional region free of electric charge containing geometrically dispersed nontrivial configurations electrified to constant potentials applying the standard classic approach, i.e. Laplace equation is challenging. The challenge stems from the fact that the solution of the Laplace equation needs to be adjusted to the boundary conditions imposed with the configurations. Numeric solution of the latter is challenging as it lacks generalities. There exist an alternative numeric method which is based on the application of The Mean-Value Theory. The latter is a pure numeric approach; although the output of its iterated refined version is successful, it is cumbersome. In this investigation utilizing the powerful features of Computer Algebra Systems, specifically Mathematica by a way of example we show an innovative approach. Our approach is based on a combination of numeric aspect of The Mean-Value Theory on one hand and Mathematica features on the other hand. This semi numeric-symbolic approach not only provides the desired output, but it also generates information beyond the scope of the standard classic method. By way of example we present the intricacies of our approach, showing (1) how the potential is evaluated and (2) how corollary essential information not addressed in classic cases such as electric field is calculated as well. Our method is applied to a two-dimensional case; its three dimensional version may easily be applied to cases of interest.
A lowest-order composite finite element exact sequence on pyramids

Abstract Composite basis functions for pyramidal elements on the spaces H 1 ( Ω ) , H ( curl , Ω ) , H ( div , Ω ) and L 2 ( Ω ) are presented. In particular, we construct the lowest-order composite pyramidal elements and show that they respect the de Rham diagram, i.e. we have an exact sequence and satisfy the commuting property. Moreover, the finite elements are fully compatible with the standard finite elements for the lowest-order Raviart–Thomas–Nedelec sequence on tetrahedral and hexahedral elements. That is to say, the new elements have the same degrees of freedom on the shared interface with the neighbouring hexahedral or tetrahedra elements, and the basis functions are conforming in the sense that they maintain the required level of continuity (full, tangential component, normal component, etc.) across the interface. Furthermore, we study the approximation properties of the spaces as an initial partition consisting of tetrahedra, hexahedra and pyramid elements are successively subdivided and show that the spaces result in the same (optimal) order of approximation in terms of the mesh size h as one would obtain using purely hexahedral or purely tetrahedral partitions.
A Case Study of White Teacher Candidates’ Conceptions of Racial Profiling in Educational Contexts:

Few studies have investigated how current events surrounding issues of racial profiling are understood by preservice teachers or how they affect their understandings and conceptions of race and rac...
The creep and fracture behaviour of tempered martensitic steels

AbstractCreep strength enhanced ferritic steels contain 9 to 12% Cr and were developed to exhibit excellent high temperature properties. These should be achieved when the microstructure exhibits a tempered martensitic matrix containing a substructure with a high dislocation density and a uniform dispersion of fine, second phase precipitates. It is interesting to note that when properly processed the typical alloy compositions for these steels provide reasonable strength but can exhibit brittle creep behaviour. The levels of ductility required in engineering applications necessitate proper control of composition (including trace elements), steel making and processing and all heat treatments. The properties needed for modern design methods can only be obtained using validated procedures for both uniaxial and multiaxial testing and documentation to establish the mechanisms controlling deformation and fracture for relevant stress states.
American federalism and racial formation in contemporary immigration policy: a processual analysis of Alabama’s HB56

Racialization scholarship identifies the state as a primary site of racial formation. Most of this research envisions the state as a uniform entity, with race-making occurring at a single level of ...
Do direct market farms use fewer agricultural chemicals? Evidence from the US census of agriculture

Are strong local food systems better for the environment than conventional food systems where relatively close proximity between points of production and consumption is not a defining characteristic? Despite growing support for efforts to strengthen local food systems, surprisingly little is known about the relationship of local food to environmental sustainability. In particular, the relationship of local food systems to the use of agricultural chemicals to manage pests, weeds and disease has not been a subject of systematic research. In this paper, I use longitudinal data from the US Census of Agriculture to explore whether growth in local food systems is associated with decreased on-farm use of agricultural chemicals. Drawing on county-level data from 1997 to 2012, I find that an increase in the strength of local food systems—whether measured as the number of farms that market products directly to consumers, or as the total value of direct market products—has been broadly associated with a decrease in spending on agricultural chemicals in the USA as a whole. But the magnitude of the relationship between direct marketing to consumers and changes in agricultural chemical use has dwindled over time, to the point where it is not clear whether contemporary local food systems are still incentivizing farmers to reduce their use of pesticides. Overall, this study lends new credence to the idea that robust local food systems can benefit the environment. But even where just one dimension of agriculture's impact on the environment is concerned, the characteristics of local food systems appear to have varied over time—a qualification that argues strongly for further research into the relationship of local food to agricultural practice.
Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy for the Control of Spasticity

Abstract Intrathecal baclofen therapy (IBT) is a potent method to manage spastic hypertonia and related features of the upper motor neuron syndrome. IBT infusion exerts its therapeutic effect by delivering baclofen directly into the cerebrospinal fluid with rapid distribution to gamma aminobutyric acid (B)-rich neurons in lamina II of the spinal cord. Intrathecal administration is accomplished through the use of an externally surgically implanted programmable pump that delivers the drug at precise flow rates via a catheter introduced into the spinal canal. Studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of IBT in reducing hypertonia in patients with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and acquired brain injury due to stroke, trauma, or hypoxia. While most of the information presented here is derived from studies of adults treated with IBT for severe spasticity, discussion of clinical experience with patient populations is included. This chapter reviews important aspects of IBT in the treatment of patients with regional or generalized dysfunctional spasticity.
A game theoretic model of computer network exploitation campaigns

Increasingly, cyberspace is the battlefield of choice for twenty first century criminal activity and foreign conflict. This suggests that traditional modeling and simulation approaches have stalled in the information security domain. We propose a game theoretic model based on a multistage model of computer network exploitation (CNE) campaigns comprising reconnaissance, tooling, implant, lateral movement, exfiltration and cleanup stages. In each round of the game, the attacker chooses whether to proceed with the next stage of the campaign, nature decides whether the defender is cognizant of the campaign's progression, and the defender chooses to respond in an active or passive fashion. We propose a dynamic, asymmetric, complete-information, general-sum game to model CNE campaigns and techniques to estimate this game's parameters. Researchers can extend this work to other threat models, and practitioners can use this work for decision support.
Renal Disorders and Maxillofacial Surgery

The kidneys are designed to perform several essential physiologic functions. Renal dysfunction in any form results in significant systemic manifestations in the human body. Patient with kidney dysfunction undergoing any surgical procedure presents unique challenges. Proper understanding of basic pathophysiology of renal disease, appropriate clinical evaluation prior to the surgery, and proper monitoring and care during the intraoperative and postoperative period are integral to achieving good surgical outcomes. This chapter addresses the basic concepts that should guide a surgeon when dealing with a patient with abnormal kidney function. A multidisciplinary approach to care is recommended when managing a patient with any form of kidney dysfunction during the perioperative phase. This involves appropriate consultation with patient’s primary care provider, nephrologist, and pharmacist as indicated.
Single-Unicast Secure Network Coding and Network Error Correction are as Hard as Multiple-Unicast Network Coding

This paper reduces multiple-unicast network coding to single-unicast secure network coding and single-unicast network error correction. Specifically, we present reductions that map an arbitrary multiple-unicast network coding instance to a unicast secure network coding instance in which at most one link is eavesdropped, or a unicast network error correction instance in which at most one link is erroneous, such that a rate tuple is achievable in the multiple-unicast network coding instance if and only if a corresponding rate is achievable in the unicast secure network coding instance, or in the unicast network error correction instance. Conversely, we show that an arbitrary unicast secure network coding instance in which at most one link is eavesdropped can be reduced back to a multiple-unicast network coding instance. In addition, we show that the capacity of a unicast network error correction instance in general is not (exactly) achievable.
Mitochondrial Disorders: Metabolic and Genetic Basis

This article provides a brief overview of components of oxidative mitochondrial metabolism of alternative fuels, including specific and common pathways (the tricarboxylic acid cycle, electron transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation) and their genetic determinants. This provides a framework for diagnostic investigation of suspected mitochondrial disorders.
Management of End-Stage Liver Disease and the Role of Liver Transplantation in HIV-Infected Patients

Liver disease is the second most frequent cause of death in HIV patients after AIDS, accounting for a greater proportion of deaths than cardiovascular disease or non-AIDS-related cancers [1]. The major contributor to end-stage liver disease (ESLD) in HIV-infected patients is the high rate of coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV), estimated at 30% and 10%, respectively [2]. Rates of both coinfections vary in the population depending upon the route and timing of transmission.
Service Experience Varies: Exploring the Association between Military Service and Prison Misconduct among State Inmates

Military service is a life event that has the ability to shape veterans’ criminal trajectories. Institutional behavior has implications for community adjustment and can provide insight into offendi...
Ethnography and Participant Observation

Ethnographers routinely engage in important practices of research openness. For instance, ethnographers often describe how they accessed field sites or research interlocutors and what roadblocks prevented other potential research paths. Ethnographers consider the ways in which their subject position – for example, one’s gender, racial, or ethnic background, class position, or nationality – and enmeshment in webs of power may shape the kinds of insights they produce. They may discuss their prior theoretical assumptions and discuss how the experience of field work changed these assumptions. They may describe the emotional strains, challenges, or dangers they or their interlocutors experienced during research. They will typically discuss why and how they went about protecting research participants, potentially including choices for anonymization, data protection practices, data destruction after a certain period, and reasons why data may not be available for sharing. Yet even as ethnographers do engage in certain practices of research openness, as we discuss in greater depth below, such practices are rarely framed in terms of transparency. This is because the concept of transparency, as it is typically elaborated in positivist research traditions, often sits awkwardly against the practice of ethnography, which tends to require heavy amounts of improvisation in the field and usually privileges ethics protections for human subjects. Emblematic of this mismatch in our efforts to elicit a broad discussion among ethnographers about questions relating to transparency as a general concept, we were met with much resistance as to whether such a conversation should even take place. Some expressed that they were unwilling to participate in this process because “transparency” is not a meaningful concept for ethnography, at least not in the sense it is used in much positivist and quantitative research. Many also felt that participating in this conversation, and particularly engaging the terms of the DA-RT debate, would legitimize a set of critiques that are not only irrelevant to ethnographers, but also potentially destructive to the kind of work ethnographers do. Thus this statement aims to capture the full range of views on the issue, building from the open online discussions but including concerns and reservations expressed to us privately.
Endless Forms: Within-Host Variation in the Structure of the West Nile Virus RNA Genome during Serial Passage in Bird Hosts

ABSTRACT RNA viruses are infamous for their high rates of mutation, which produce swarms of genetic variants within individual hosts. To date, analyses of intrahost genetic diversity have focused on the primary genome sequence. However, virus phenotypes are shaped not only by primary sequence but also by the secondary structures into which this sequence folds. Such structures enable viral replication, translation, and binding of small RNAs, yet within-host variation at the structural level has not been adequately explored. We characterized the structural diversity of the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of populations of West Nile virus (WNV) that had been subject to five serial passages in triplicate in each of three bird species. Viral genomes were sampled from host serum samples at each passage (n = 45 populations) and subjected to next-generation sequencing. For populations derived from passages 1, 3, and 5 (n = 9 populations), we predicted the impact of each mutation occurring at a frequency of ≥1% on the secondary structure of the 5′ UTR. As expected, mutations in double-stranded (DS) regions of the 5′ UTR stem structures caused structural changes of significantly greater magnitude than did mutations in single-stranded (SS) regions. Despite the greater impact of mutations in DS regions, mutations in DS and SS regions occurred at similar frequencies, with no evidence of enhanced selection against mutation in DS regions. In contrast, mutations in two regions that mediate genome cyclization and thereby regulate replication and translation, the 5′ cyclization sequence and the UAR flanking stem (UFS), were suppressed in all three hosts. IMPORTANCE The enzymes that copy RNA genomes lack proofreading, and viruses that possess RNA genomes, such as West Nile virus, rapidly diversify into swarms of mutant lineages within a host. Intrahost variation of the primary genomic sequence of RNA viruses has been studied extensively because the extent of this variation shapes key virus phenotypes. However, RNA genomes also form complex secondary structures based on within-genome nucleotide complementarity, which are critical regulators of the cyclization of the virus genome that is necessary for efficient replication and translation. We sought to characterize variation in these secondary structures within populations of West Nile virus during serial passage in three bird species. Our study indicates that the intrahost population of West Nile virus is a diverse assortment of RNA secondary structures that should be considered in future analyses of intrahost viral diversity, but some regions that are critical for genome cyclization are conserved within hosts. Besides potential impacts on viral replication, structural diversity can influence the efficacy of small RNA antiviral therapies.
Dramatic effect of oxide on measured liquid metal rheology

Liquid metals have long been treated as Newtonian liquids, but several researchers have recently indicated that some metals may shear thin. While apparent shear thinning can be caused by surface oxidation, the reports of shear-thinning metals were investigated using cup and bob type rheometers, which are expected to only be weakly impacted by the surface contamination effects. We show here that even small amounts of oxide on the surface of liquid metals can cause dramatic changes to the measured viscosity of the sample. Using a Searle-type rotational rheometer, we measured the viscosity of eutectic gallium indium and tin in a low-oxygen environment. When either metal is slightly oxidized, the measured viscosity increases by orders of magnitude and the liquid displays erroneous shear-thinning behavior. When the oxide is removed via an active flux, the measured viscosity is Newtonian. The results outlined here provide insight into the difficulties of measuring the viscosity of easily oxidized liquids and confirm that liquid metals are likely best described as Newtonian liquids at all measured shear rates.
The role of breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge in second language listening comprehension

Abstract The purpose of the current study was to examine the extent by which second language breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge (BVK and DVK, respectively) were predictors of successful listening comprehension. To this end, along with a standardized test of listening comprehension ability, aural measures of both BVK and DVK were administered to 262 English learners within a wide range of proficiency level. The data were subjected to structural equation modeling, and the results showed that BVK and DVK were not measured in a psychometrically distinct way in the current study. This did not allow any conclusions about the relative contribution of BVK and DVK to listening ability at the construct level. However, at the measured-variable level, the findings showed that the DVK test scores were better predictors of success in listening comprehension than the ones from the BVK test.
Plasmonics: Electromagnetic Energy Transfer and Switching in Nanoparticle Chain-Arrays Below the Diffraction Limit

A model is given for the transport of electromagnetic energy through structures that consist of chains of closely spaced metal nanoparticles. This transport relies on the near-field electrodynamic interaction between metal particles that sets up coupled plasmon modes. The model predicts that the propagation is coherent and the group velocities can exceed typical saturation velocities of electrons in semiconductors (≈ 105 m/s). Furthermore, it is shown that in these structures propagation of energy around sharp corners (bending radius << the wavelength of visible light) is possible at high efficiency. This efficiency is a strong function of the frequency and polarization direction of the plasmon mode. The operation of a plasmon switch is modeled, in which plasmon waves can be switched or modulated. Finally, suggestions are given for the choice of metal particle and host material.
Liver Mechanics and the Profibrotic Response at the Cellular Level

Liver stiffness is now well established as a measure of liver fibrosis and a prognostic indicator for complications of liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma. What is less well established is why stiffness matters in the liver—specifically, how it impacts the cells of the liver and the mechanisms by which it does so in fibrosis. This chapter reviews the literature showing that liver stiffness directly and dynamically regulates myofibroblast activation, highlighting relevant mechanotransduction pathways and the mechanical and biochemical features of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that are relevant to myofibroblast mechanosensing.
Diel Oxygen Changes in Closed Ecological Systems: Predictive of Lake Metabolism?

The net oxygen change over a 24-hour day/night cycle in a laboratory study showed strong consistent patterns of (1) gain, when nutrients and light were available; (2) maintain, with daytime gains being matched by nighttime losses; and (3) loss, over brief periods of time during intense zooplankton grazing on previously grown phytoplankton or over long durations without an external source of nutrients. These were simplified aquatic communities closed to the atmosphere, Closed Ecological Systems (CES). Natural lakes are much more complex. While temperate lakes, having a winter accumulation of nutrients followed by sequential algal and zooplankton blooms, may show similar patterns, tropical and flood lakes may exhibit different patterns. Examination of archived lake metabolic studies could yield new insights while looking for these patterns by examining net ecosystem production (NEP), often measured as changes in oxygen concentrations.
A standardized head-fixation system for performing large-scale, in vivo physiological recordings in mice.

Abstract Background The Allen Institute recently built a set of high-throughput experimental pipelines to collect comprehensive in vivo surveys of physiological activity in the visual cortex of awake, head-fixed mice. Developing these large-scale, industrial-like pipelines posed many scientific, operational, and engineering challenges. New method Our strategies for creating a cross-platform reference space to which all pipeline datasets were mapped required development of 1) a robust headframe, 2) a reproducible clamping system, and 3) data-collection systems that are built, and maintained, around precise alignment with a reference artifact. Results When paired with our pipeline clamping system, our headframe exceeded deflection and reproducibility requirements. By leveraging our headframe and clamping system we were able to create a cross-platform reference space to which multi-modal imaging datasets could be mapped. Comparison with existing methods Together, the Allen Brain Observatory headframe, surgical tooling, clamping system, and system registration strategy create a unique system for collecting large amounts of standardized in vivo datasets over long periods of time. Moreover, the integrated approach to cross-platform registration allows for multi-modal datasets to be collected within a shared reference space. Conclusions Here we report the engineering strategies that we implemented when creating the Allen Brain Observatory physiology pipelines. All of the documentation related to headframe, surgical tooling, and clamp design has been made freely available and can be readily manufactured or procured. The engineering strategy, or components of the strategy, described in this report can be tailored and applied by external researchers to improve data standardization and stability.
Factors associated with access to rheumatologists for Medicare patients.

Abstract Objective Despite looming rheumatologist shortages and a growing number of patients with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, nationwide estimates of access to rheumatology care have never been reported. We aimed to measure travel times as a proxy to access to care and to determine the individual and area-level factors associated with long travel times to rheumatologists in the U.S. Methods We used Medicare Part B claims for the 2009 Medicare Chronic Condition Warehouse 5% rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis cohort. Using Google Maps we estimated driving time from the center of a beneficiary's home ZIP code to the center of their rheumatologist's office ZIP code. We examined predictors of travel time ≥90min in a series of generalized linear mixed models adjusting for rheumatologist supply, rurality, and individual patient characteristics including age, race, gender, and income. Results We included 41,693 Medicare beneficiaries with 1 or more visits to a rheumatologist in 2009. The median estimated beneficiary travel time to a rheumatologist was 22min [interquartile range (IQR): 12–40min]. Overall, 7% of beneficiaries traveled 90min or longer to visit a rheumatologist. Even after adjusting for covariates, independent predictors of long travel times included living in areas with no or low supply of rheumatologists and living in the Mountain region of the U.S. Conclusions A small but significant proportion of patients in the U.S. traveled very long distances to visit a rheumatologist, and most of these individuals resided in areas with no or low supplies of rheumatologists. These data suggest that addressing shortages in rheumatology care for patients in low-supply areas is a key target for improving access to rheumatologists.
Sensing the solar-wind termination shock from Earth's orbit

The solar-wind termination shock is inaccessible for repeated in situ investigation. We examine, therefore, the possibility of remote sensing the entire heliopause from Earth's orbit using the energetic neutral atoms (ENA) produced by charge exchange between energetic ions and the neutral atoms of the interstellar medium at and beyond the termination shock. We estimate the ENA fluxes at Earth's orbit coming from the thermalized solar-wind ions and the shock-accelerated anomalous cosmic rays (ACR) at the heliospheric boundary.
Product Design and Manufacturing Processes for Sustainability

Sustainability requirements are based on the utilization of available, and the generation of new, resources for the needs of future generations. A relatively less-known and significantly impacting element of sustainability is sustainable manufacture, which includes sustainable products, processes, and systems in its core. This integral role of sustainable manufacture, with its three major functional elements (innovative product development; value design, and manufacturing processes; and value creation and value recovery), all contributing to the sustained growth through economic sustainability component, has been discussed. The application of basic sustainability principles in product design and manufacture serves as a catalyst for sustainable products to emerge in the marketplace. This chapter presents a case study, which provides a description of how sustainability measures can be selected along with an approximate method for modeling these measures for optimizing machining processes for maximum sustainability. The machining processes are considered as a generic case for manufacturing processes. Keywords: economic sustainability component; innovative product development; machining processes; sustainable manufacturing process; sustainable product design
Reduced parts three-phase series-parallel UPS system with active filter capabilities

In this paper, a new three-phase series-parallel line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) topology is presented. The new topology has less number of power electronic devices as well as control functions. Most of the power is supplied directly from the AC line to the load. Therefore, the overall efficiency is higher than that of on-line UPS. Different operating modes of the system and series and parallel converters are investigated as well. Simulation and experimental results are presented, which show the viability of the proposed topology.
Hybrid silicon and lithium niobate racetrack modulator with large spurious free dynamic range

We present a hybrid silicon and LiNbO 3 racetrack modulator with spurious free dynamic range of 98.1 dB·Hz2/3 at 1 GHz, which is comparable to a packaged LiNbO 3 Mach-Zehnder modulator biased at quadrature.
Evaluating the potential for remote bathymetric mapping of a turbid, sand‐bed river: 1. Field spectroscopy and radiative transfer modeling

(1) Remote sensing offers an efcient means of mapping bathymetry in river systems, but this approach has been applied primarily to clear-owing, gravel bed streams. This study usedeld spectroscopy and radiative transfer modeling to assess the feasibility of spectrally based depth retrieval in a sand-bed river with a higher suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and greater water turbidity. Attenuation of light within the water column was characterized by measuring the amount of downwelling radiant energy at different depths and calculating a diffuse attenuation coefcient, Kd. Attenuation was strongest in blue and near-infrared bands due to scattering by suspended sediment and absorption by water, respectively. Even for red wavelengths with the lowest values of Kd, only a small fraction of the incident light propagated to the bed, restricting the range of depths amenable to remote sensing. Spectra recorded above the water surface were used to establish a strong, linear relationship (R 2 ¼ 0.949) between ow depth and a simple band ratio; even under moderately turbid conditions, depth remained the primary control on reectance. Constraints on depth retrieval were examined via numerical modeling of radiative transfer within the atmosphere and water column. SSC and sensor radiometric resolution limited both the maximum detectable depth and the precision of image-derived depth estimates. Thus, althougheld spectra indicated that the bathymetry of turbid channels could be remotely mapped, model results implied that depth retrieval in sediment-laden rivers would be limited to shallow depths (on the order of 0.5 m) and subject to a signicant degree of uncertainty.
The Influence of Cognitive Dissonance on Retail Product Returns

Given the significant costs and customer service ramifications associated with the return of retail merchandise it is important to understand the underlying reasons for product returns. One such underlying reason is cognitive dissonance. Customers who experience cognitive dissonance may seek to undo the effects of a regretted choice by returning the product in question. This research examines the influence of two forms of cognitive dissonance (emotional dissonance and product dissonance) on the frequency of product returns. Three antecedents (consideration of liberal return policies, customer opportunism, and switching barriers) are examined in terms of their influence on cognitive dissonance and product returns. In addition, the moderating role of gender and store brand is reported. The research is based on a survey of Wal-Mart and Target customers who engaged in product returns. Structural equation modeling is used to verify and test these relationships. Emotional dissonance and product dissonance were found to be positively related to product returns frequency. It was found that consideration of liberal return policies reduces both emotional and product dissonance, while customer opportunism and switching barriers increase both dimensions of cognitive dissonance. Both gender and store brand were found to be significant moderators of the relationships between cognitive dissonance and two antecedents (consideration of liberal return policies and customer opportunism). In addition, gender and store brand moderated the linkage between product dissonance and emotional dissonance, and the linkage between emotional dissonance and return frequency.
From demo to practice the MEXAR path to space operations

This paper describes a software tool that synthesizes commands for data downlink from the on-board memory of the Mars Express spacecraft to the ground station. Some features of the tool are depicted, showing how AI techniques for planning, scheduling, domain modeling and intelligent interaction have been put into context in a challenging application environment. The system is the result of a two steps effort: a first study which produced a demonstration prototype able to capture the main aspects of the problem, and a second effort that has developed a fielded application completely integrated in operations environment. The tool is in daily use by the mission planning team of Mars Express at the European Space Agency since February 2005.
The enzymatic cleavage of phosphate termini from polynucleotides.

1. After infection of Escherichia coli B with T-even bacteriophages, a novel 3'-deoxynucleotidase activity appears. The induction is blocked by the presence of chloramphenicol and is not observed after infection with T-odd bacteriophages. This enzyme has been purified approximately 2000-fold from extracts of E. coli B infected with T4 am 82. In addition to its attack on 3'-deoxymononucleotides, the enzyme also catalyzes the selective removal of 3'-phosphoryl groups from DNA. The enzyme preparations are without effect on 3'-ribomononucleotides, 3'-phosphoryl groups of RNA, or any 5'-phosphate esters. 2. A survey of various strains of E. coli revealed strain C to be a rich source of 3'-nucleotidase activity. This activity was purified approximately 1300-fold and the final preparation was found to possess the following specificity. The enzymatic activity is nonspecific at the mononucleotide level, catalyzing the cleavage of 2',3'- and 5'-substituted ribomononucleotides as well as 3'- or 5'-deoxymononucleotides. The enzyme also cleaves 3',5'-nucleoside diphosphates. In its attack on pTp, the enzyme appears to remove first the 3'-phosphate group before cleaving the 5'-phosphoester bond. This apparent preference for the cleavage of the 3'-phosphate group in the presence of a 5'-phosphate substitution is supported by observations on the specificity of the enzyme with the use of polynucleotides as substrates. Thus, with polynucleotides, only the 2'- or 3'-terminal phosphate groups are removed, while the 5'-phosphoryl termini are not attacked at all. Thus, the purified E. coli C acid phosphatase can be used to measure specifically the 2'- or 3'-phosphate ends of RNA and DNA. 3. After infection of E. coli B with T4 am 82, an enzyme activity which attacks the 5'-phosphate group of RNA and DNA appears. The increase of activity upon infection is prevented if the infection process is carried out in the presence of chloramphenicol. This activity has been purified approximately 3000-fold. The final preparation shows a high degree of specificity in the cleavage of 5'-phosphoryl groups from polynucleotides and is without effect on 5'-mononucleotides. The products formed after the action of the 5'-polynucleotide phosphatase have been identified as inorganic phosphate and 5'-hydroxyl-terminated polynucleotides. The latter were identified by their ability to be phosphorylated in the 5'-hydroxylpolynucleotide kinase reaction. The final preparation of 5'-polynucleotide phosphatase is contaminated with 3'-deoxynucleotidase.
State Responsibility for Human-Induced Environmental Disasters

The transboundary nature of our most pressing environmental problems, like climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity underscore the international dimensions of environmental problems. It also highlights a serious gap in international law – the current inability of international law to reach private conduct causing environmental harm. This article suggests that State responsibility might be a critical component of international environmental governance. In particular, it articulates a vision of State responsibility that encompasses the failure to regulate private conduct within a State’s borders. Such an interpretation of State responsibility can help break us out of dilemmas created by an outdated vision of sovereignty. If so, State responsibility may offer some exciting new possibilities for resolving thorny environmental puzzles.
Poster abstract: Physical stigmergy for decentralized constrained optimization: An intelligent lighting example

Conventional distributed solutions for optimization problems with inseparable constraints require significant coordination between agents. Here, a novel numerical approach is described that achieves coordination via stigmergy - agents communicate indirectly through modifications of the environment. This approach is designed for optimal resource allocation problems where every solution exists on a constraint boundary; these boundaries provide the environmental cues that guide the collective motion of the distributed actuators without formal communication between them. Theoretical and experimental results validate this approach for an intelligent lighting example; despite the lack of direct coordination, Pareto-optimal allocations are stabilized. The general approach of using physical stigmergic memory may be useful in many other cyber-physical systems.
Structural tuning and anisotropy in PuCoGa5

Abstract PuCoGa 5 is an 18 K superconductor that crystallizes in the same structure as the CeMIn 5 family of unconventional, heavy fermion superconductors. Structural similarities between these compounds are discussed, as are recent attempts to measure anisotropy of the upper critical field of PuCoGa 5 .
Model Predictive Control for Underwater Robots in Ocean Waves

Underwater robots beneath ocean waves can benefit from feedforward control to reduce position error. This letter proposes a method using model predictive control (MPC) to predict and counteract future disturbances from an ocean wave field. The MPC state estimator employs a linear wave theory (LWT) solver to approximate the component fluid dynamics under a wave field. Wave data from deployed ocean buoys are used to construct the simulated wave field. The MPC state estimator is used to optimize a set of control actions by gradient descent along a prediction horizon. The optimized control input minimizes a global cost function, the squared distance from the target state. The robot then carries out the optimized trajectory with an emphasis on real-time execution. Several prediction horizons are compared, with a horizon of 0.8 s selected as having a good balance of low error and fast computation. The controller with the chosen prediction horizon is simulated and found to show a 74% reduction in position error over traditional feedback control. Additional simulations are run where the MPC takes in noisy measurements of the wave field parameters. The MPC algorithm is shown to be resistant to sensor noise, showing a mean position error 44% lower than the noise-free feedback control case.
The Fiduciary Study: A Triumph of Substance Over Form?

In the months preceding the enactment of the Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, public interest groups and financial planners lobbied Congress to impose a fiduciary duty on broker-dealers that provide investment advice. Congress deflected this issue to the Securities and Exchange Commission, however. The Act requires the Commission to conduct a six-month study of the regulation of investment advisers and broker-dealers and grants it rulemaking authority to act on the study’s findings. Although the issue of broker-dealers’ fiduciary duties has long been framed as a problem of different standards of conduct applying to advisers and broker-dealers with respect to their investment advisory activities, this essay argues that this should not be the guiding principle for the SEC’s study. Rather, the focus of the study should be the efficacy of principles‐based regulation as to broker-dealers’ investment advisory activities. Furthermore, the Commission should consider the broker-dealer fiduciary duty in the context of other traditional models of legal analysis, including: public versus private rights of action, allocation of regulatory oversight authority, comparative dispute resolution mechanisms, federalism, procedural rules, and separation of powers.
Success rates in the United States drug development system

Drug development in the United States has been characterized by: (1) high attrition and correspondingly low success rates of drug candidates passing through the development sys(2) a steady decline in new chemical entities (NCEs) entering clinical r e~ea rch ,~ -~ and (3) increasingly lengthy and more costly periods required for clinical and regulatory review.3 These characteristics have raised the concern that the number~f NCEs reaching the market in the future might remain low or decline even further unless compensatory increases in NCE success rates s
Removal of migrated metallic prostatic stent by holmium laser

A 90-year-old male with prostatic hyperplasia with a history of ischemic heart disease and right-sided hemiplegia had undergone a Urolume stent placement because of acute urinary retention 9 months earliar. The stent had migrated into the bladder causing dysuria and a poor stream of urine. We fragmented the prostatic stent by Holmium (HO: YAG) laser followed by a laser prostatectomy. After the procedure, the patient voided satisfactorily.