cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Crucial Test for the Howard-Sheth Model of Buyer Behavior

Since its publication in 1969, The Theory of Buyer Behavior by John A. Howard and Jagdish N. Sheth [4] has spurred the interest of marketing academicians and has now begun to foster empirical research, including that reported in a recent JMR article by John U. Farley and L. Winston Ring [2]. In this article we examine the nature of the Howard-Sheth model, explore the types of hypotheses which it can generate, evaluate Farley and Ring's test of the model, suggest an alternative model, and develop a "crucial test" for the HowardSheth theory.
Correlation of Absolute Population Estimates of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with Sweep Sampling and Yield in Bermudagrass

Regression analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) larvae per m2 (x) vs. larvae per net sweep (y) resulted in equations of y = 0.03x + 0.40 (r2 = 0.86) and y = 0.08x - 0.10 (r2 = 0.68) in 2- to 15- and >15-cm bermudagrass, respectively. Significantly ( P < 0.05) more larvae were captured by sweep-net from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. than from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Regression analysis of larvae per m2 vs. alicia bermudagrass yield in field cage tests indicated that 6th-instar larvae reduced yield by 436 mg per larva and 3rd- to 6th-instar larvae by 828 mg per larva. Under 1982 market conditions, the economic injury level for S. frugiperda in alicia bermudagrass in Louisiana was 0.67 3rd- to 6th-instar larvae per sweep in 2- to 15-cm grass sampled at 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Numerical Simulation of the Friction Resistance of a FlatPlate by Micro-bubbles

As it is not very clear why the friction resistance of a flat plate reduces by micro-bubbles,on which this paper tries to study.When micro-bubbles is injected from the plate on or below,and the effect of pressure is considered or ignored,all these instances are computed.The results show that the present computing analysis is consistent with the previous experiment in quality.
An Application ot PowerFlex700 Frequency Converter in ControlNet

Some Cold Annealing and Pickling Line is mainly made up of PowerFlex700VC/700S Frequency Converter and field- bus control system.The paper presents the network control of the PowerFlex700 AC drive by using ControUogix PLC and Con- trolNet.The configuration of the PowerFlex700 frequency converter is illustrated in detail.The paper also makes particular de- scription to the FCS of the line.Finally,the PowerFlex700VC/700S Frequency Converter can work very well in the FCS of the line.
Effect of diethylstilbestrol on bladder contractility in male rats.

Abstract The effect of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on bladder contractility was studied in vitro in 8 rats while 5 untreated animals were used as normal controls. Of the treated animals, 4 received 0.05 mg./day of DES during 8 weeks while another 4 were treated for 14 weeks with the same dose. We studied the animals by cutting consecutive rings from each bladder and testing them in a muscle chamber, under conditions of maximal electrical stimulation which had been previously determined in 3 animals. Parameters that produced maximal contractions were: 100 V, 40 Hz, and 2 msec. For each ring, we obtained full force-length relationships by stretching the rings in successive increments until length of maximal active force development was reached. For each bladder, alternate rings were tested in the muscle chambers while the remaining rings were used to determine collagen percentage with Woessner assay. In all animals, the ring with the largest diameter which was obtained from the widest portion of the bladder gave the highest contraction. The maximal active force of this ring was taken as a measure of contractility of the bladder. For controls, the maximal active force was 7.30 ± 0.3 g . After 8 weeks of DES treatment, it decreased to 5.9 ± 0.79 g and after 14 weeks, it further decreased to 2.15 ± 0.99 g . The reduction in active force from controls after 8 and 14 weeks were statistically significant. Passive force and collagen content, however, did not change after either 8 or 14 weeks. In conclusion, these data show that DES decreases bladder contractility in male rats without affecting passive forces and muscle-collagen ratio.
Normative heart rate parameters during sleep for children aged 6 to 11 years.

Sleep disorders are being evaluated with overnight polysomnographic studies at an increasingly frequent rate in children. Normative values for polysomnographic variables such as sleep architecture patterns and sleep disordered breathing are currently being developed and proposed for use in the pediatric population.1 Data currently exist for normative pediatric heart rates during wakefulness,2 but normative data for heart rate during sleep in children are limited.3 The purpose of this report is to provide a description of heart rates during sleep for 2 geographically separate cohorts of children between the ages of 6 and 11 years that include 3 diverse ethnic groups and to determine whether age, sex, ethnicity, or obesity are factors with a significant influence on childhood heart rates during sleep.
Jet-track correlations in PbPb and pp collisions at 2.76 TeV

Abstract Jet quenching is one of the established signatures of the Quark Gluon Plasma, and this phenomenon has been studied extensively in high energy heavy ion experiments over the last decade. Despite significant progress made in those studies, the specifics of the energy loss mechanisms and the details of jet-medium interactions require further quantitative understanding. Studies of two-dimensional angular correlations of charged hadrons with respect to reconstructed jets make it possible to experimentally assess the energy radiation patterns of an energetic parton traversing the medium as well as its fragmentation function. In these proceedings, we present new differential measurements of charged particle densities and energy flow about the jet direction as a function of relative azimuth and relative pseudorapidity from 2.76 TeV PbPb and pp collisions recorded by the CMS Collaboration. With a sample of back-to-back dijets, previously used to reconstruct the event-wise momentum imbalance (missing p T ), we explore modifications to correlated charged hadron distributions for both the leading and the subleading sides of the dijet. With this technique, we can individually assess the contribution of the medium-induced modifications to each side of the dijet and explore the extent of potential medium response to the jet propagation, while also extending these measurements to large angular and radial distances.
Supportive and unsupportive behaviors of friends and families as experienced by cancer patients

18625 Background: Interpersonal support can help individuals manage stressors associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study reveals cancer patients’ experiences with supportive and uns...
Hockett Comment Letter: Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Complementary Activities, Merchant Banking Activities, and Other Activities of Financial Holding Companies Related to Physical Commodities (Docket No. R-1479; RIN 7100-AE10)

In this Comment Letter submitted to the Federal Reserve Board ('FRB,' 'Board') in response to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Professor Hockett urges the Board to take three measures immediately in connection with financial holding company ('FHC') involvement in physical commodities markets: first, to require that FHCs separately disclose their physical and derivative involvements in the markets in question; second, to require that FHC's disclose both their market shares in the relevant markets and the shares of their balance sheets that commodity involvements constitute; and third, to undertake a full analysis of the impact of FHC involvement in physical commodities markets on the traditional bank-regulatory imperative known as 'the separation of banking and commerce.'
Reconstruction of a Post-Traumatic Maxillary Ridge Using a Radial Forearm Free Flap and Immediate Tissue Engineering (Bone Morphogenetic Protein, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, and Cortical-Cancellous Bone): Case Report

The purpose of this article is to describe reconstruction of the maxillary alveolar ridge by use of a microvascular free flap combined with an immediate tissue-engineered bone graft. This novel surgical technique involved the use of a radial forearm free flap and immediate allogeneic avascular bone graft augmented with bone morphogenetic protein and bone marrow aspirate concentrate. A poly-d,l-lactic acid mesh was used as a containment unit for the bone graft. The patient was successfully treated with a viable radial forearm free flap for soft tissue and regeneration of bone with adequate height and width, which allowed the placement of 3 dental implants with excellent arch coordination. We believe this is the first published case describing such a technique to reconstruct the maxillary alveolus.
CHEESE | Microflora of White-brined Cheeses

The conversion of milk into cheese and storage of the product in brine have been practiced around the world for thousands of years. These processes provide a practical means for preserving milk nutrients in a form that can be stored safely for extended periods of time at high temperatures. The microflora of the white-brined cheeses shows variations depending on the ripening conditions. This article deals with the microbiology of white-brined cheeses, including starter and nonstarter lactic acid bacteria and contaminants.
An Elegan(t) Screen for Drug-Microbe Interactions.

Microbes affect drug responses, but mechanisms remain elusive. Two papers in Cell exploit C. elegans to infer anticancer drug mechanisms. Through high-throughput screens of drug-microbe-host interactions, Garcia-Gonzalez et al. (2017) and Scott et al. (2017) determine that bacterial metabolism underpins fluoropyrimidine cytotoxicity, providing a paradigm for unraveling bacterial mechanisms in drug metabolism.
Thin-Film Optical Grating Transfer Process Using Surface Modulated Film Delamination

The development of a scalable and cost-effective method to fabricate and transfer large area periodic photonic structures on diverse material platforms can offer exciting opportunities in optical sciences. This letter describes a technique to transfer large area thin membrane-based optical diffractive elements onto different substrates. This is accomplished using a surface modificated delamination technique. Multilayer polymer-based semicircular 1-D (semicircular, 1 cm diameter) and 2-D resonant waveguide grating (RWG) were successfully integrated on planar rigid glass and silicon having nonplanar geometrical features respectively to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique. The RWG structures were fabricated on the top of silicon host substrates utilizing optimized fabrication protocols. Optical characterizations were performed on the transferred RWG structure to analyze the functionality of this approach.
Laughter Filled the Classroom: Outcomes of Professional Development in Arts Integration for Elementary Teachers in Inclusion Settings

This qualitative study examined teachers’ experiences with an arts integration curriculum. This study considered the teachers’ perceptions of arts integrations before and after being introduced to the concepts of arts integration. The teachers were provided with knowledge and tools to integrate the arts into general education curriculum and inclusion classrooms with children with learning disabilities. This study provided insight into the value of arts integration. It validated the advantages of arts integration professional development and noted that even on smaller scales it can be beneficial for students and teachers. Through examination of the literature, it was probable that arts integration curriculum could improve the academic achievement for diverse students. Not evident in literature was the direct perspectives of teachers involved in an arts integrated lesson. This study was an attempt to provide the teachers’ voices. The major means of collecting data were pre- and post-course survey. This study offers strategies to enhance educational practices for educators, arts advocates, and parents. Subscribe to LDMJ
Quantum Interference and Shape Detection

We address the problem of shape detection in settings where large shape deformations and occlusions occur with clutter noise present. We propose a quantum model for shapes by applying the quantum path integral formulation to an existing energy model for shapes (a Bayesian-derived cost function). We show that the classical statistical method derived from the quantum method, via the Wick rotation technique, is a voting scheme similar to the Hough transform. The quantum phenomenon of interference drives the quantum method for shape detection to excel, compared to the corresponding classical statistical method or the statistical Bayesian (energy optimization) method. To empirically demonstrate our approach, we focus on simple shapes: circles and ellipses.
The Journey of Christianity to India in Late Antiquity : Networks and the Movement of Culture

How did Christianity make its remarkable voyage from the Roman Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent? By examining the social networks that connected the ancient and late antique Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, central Asia, and Iran, this book contemplates the social relations that made such movement possible. It also analyzes how the narrative tradition regarding the apostle Judas Thomas, which originated in Upper Mesopotamia and accredited him with evangelizing India, traveled among the social networks of an interconnected late antique world. In this way, the book probes how the Thomas narrative shaped Mediterranean Christian beliefs regarding co-religionists in central Asia and India, impacted local Christian cultures, took shape in a variety of languages, and experienced transformation as it traveled from the Mediterranean to India, and back again.
Commentaries on Chancellor Kent

It is my distinct pleasure to be a part of this symposium on Chancellor James Kent, whose name stands securely alongside the giants of the law. [1] At this school, which bears his name, you understandably feel a special connection to Chancellor Kent. As Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of New York—our state's highest court—I too feel a special connection to him. Chancellor Kent's portrait hangs directly over my shoulder as I sit on the bench of our magnificent courtroom in Albany. [2] Every day during the Court's sessions, he looks out on attorneys presenting issues that were unimaginable 200 years ago when he took the bench, yet he unquestionably contributed greatly to their resolution. In the words of a tablet placed at the Court of Appeals in Kent's honor seventy-five years ago: "He gave to the Common Law in its new home fresh vitality and power. He moulded from feeble precedents a noble system of equity jurisprudence and marked the line of its growth for Commonwealth and Nation." [3]
Network security games: combining game theory, behavioral economics, and network measurements

Computer and information networks are a prime example of an environment where negative externalities abound, particularly when it comes to implementing security defenses. A typical example is that of denial-of-service prevention: ingress filtering, where attack traffic gets discarded by routers close to the perpetrators, is in principle an excellent remedy, as it prevents harmful traffic not only from reaching the victims, but also from burdening the network situated between attacker and target. However, with ingress filtering, the entities (at the ingress) that have to invest in additional filtering are not the ones (at the egress) who mostly benefit from the investment, and, may not have any incentive to participate in the scheme. As this example illustrates, it is important to understand the incentives of the different participants to a network, so that we can design schemes or intervention mechanisms to re-align them with a desirable outcome.
Evaluating the Use of Patient-Reported Non-Routine Events in Pediatric and Radiation Oncology: A Pilot Study:

This prospective pilot study evaluated (1) the potential for collecting structured longitudinal data on patient-reported non-routine events (PNREs) (i.e., events that deviate from expected or optim...
The age of the Dalton culture: a Bayesian analysis of the radiocarbon data

ABSTRACTSince a radiocarbon chronology of the Dalton culture in the Southeast was first proposed, several new sites have been dated. I propose a new chronology based on radiocarbon dates from sites...
Review of Experience in Clinical Trials of Specific Active Tumor-Associated Antigen Immunotherapy of Lung Cancer

The preparation of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) has been described in detail (Hollinshead 1978, 1980; Hollinshead et al. 1981, 1979, 1987, 1988, 1980; Stewart et al. 1976, 1986; Takita et al. 1985). Two categories of TAA are prepared for usage in immunotherapy (ITx) and clinical and laboratory evaluations: pure TAA, in which membranes are separated from carefully characterized tumor cells, the membranes are subjected to gentle, low frequency sonica-tion procedures, and the solubilized proteins are separated into active components, according to size, charge, affinity. After identification, characterization, and preclinical testing, selected components are used for therapy; and ultra-pure TAA, in which the above preparations are subjected to further purification, especially by isotachophoresis, and alternately by monoclonal antibody-affinity chromatography. These preparations are used in particular for characterization, initial clinical studies, for hybridomas, and epitope preparations. Both forms of TAA are biologically active and immunogenic. Some of the methods used throughout for identification and characterization are: 1. Stepwise, gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and SDS-PAGE, using well-defined control preparations of known MW determination; migration and densitometry profiles and other chemical studies are performed for usage in comparison with libraries of previously studied specimens. These standard studies are optionally followed by studies with 2D slab gel or blotting techniques.
Associations of Weekday and Weekend Sleep with Children's Reported Eating in the Absence of Hunger.

Insufficient average sleep duration has been inconsistently associated with poor diet and obesity risks in youth. Inconsistencies in findings across studies may be due to a general failure to examine associations in weekday versus weekend sleep. We hypothesized that greater variations in weekday and weekend sleep duration would be associated with more disinhibited eating behaviors, which, in turn, might be involved in the relationship between sleep and weight. We, therefore, examined, among healthy, non-treatment seeking youth, the associations of average weekly, weekend, and weekday sleep duration with eating in the absence of hunger (EAH), a disinhibited eating behavior associated with disordered eating and obesity. Sleep was assessed via actigraphy for 14 days. Participants completed a self-report measure of EAH. Adiposity was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear regressions were used to test the associations of sleep duration with EAH and the associations of sleep duration and EAH, with fat mass. Among 123 participants (8–17 years, 52.0% female, and 30.9% with overweight), there was no significant association between average weekly sleep and EAH. Further, there was no significant association among average weekly sleep duration or EAH and fat mass. However, average weekday sleep was negatively associated, and average weekend sleep was positively associated, with EAH (ps < 0.02). Weekend “catch-up” sleep (the difference between weekend and weekday sleep) was positively associated with EAH (p < 0.01). Findings indicate that shorter weekday sleep and greater weekend “catch-up” sleep are associated with EAH, which may place youth at risk for the development of excess weight gain over time.
Community banks, money and labour productivity

Does money affect productivity? We examine whether bank deposits, a measure of the money supply that excludes currency in circulation, influence labour productivity. Banks deposits are special in that they facilitate transactions and, in aggregate, add liquidity and credit availability to a region. By exploiting the distribution of community bank deposits across the states, we test the hypothesis that money is an input to the production function under a variety of panel data methods. We find evidence that bank transaction deposits and total deposits along with other production function inputs such as wages, labour and gross state product are cointegrated across the states; however, the economic contribution of money to labour productivity appears limited.
“Puttin’ on”: Expectations Versus Family Responses, the Lived Experience of Older African Americans With Chronic Pain:

The lack of family research documenting the changes that occur and the capacity of families to support individuals with chronic pain effectively is a major limitation in the application of the biopsychosocial model of pain. This study investigated the lived experience of older African Americans (N = 18) with chronic pain and explored their expectations and perceptions of familial support. A descriptive phenomenology framework revealed an existential theme: "puttin' on," a phenomenon that potentiates the power of pain to disrupt roles and relationships and discourages the family from meeting the expected needs of older African Americans. We uncovered new information into the actual support mechanisms that are missing or, when present, are not as positive and strong as would be expected in the African American culture, at least in the context of chronic pain management. Interventions should target family-based education, chronic pain destigmatization, and intergenerational empathy in the African American community.
Transdimensional plasmonic materials for tailorable nanophotonics (Conference Presentation)

The field of plasmonics has been largely focused on utilizing either conventional materials in the form of thin films, interfaces and nanoparticles, or 2D materials. Yet, the material optical properties’ evolution in the transdimensional regime between 3D and 2D has remained underexplored. In such transdimensional materials that have thickness of only a few atomic layers, the material’s optical and electronic properties are expected to show unprecedented tailorability compared to their 3D counterparts and conventional thin films. Transdimensional materials are expected to show extreme sensitivity to external optical and electrical stimuli thus forming an attractive platform for dynamically tunable nanophotonics.
Making a splash with fabrics in hydrophilic sphere entry

Abstract Splash dynamics associated with impacts of solid projectiles into aqueous pools are traditionally investigated with respect to impactor geometry, velocity, and surface roughness. Fluid surface alteration in some instances, may be more easily accomplished for the tuning of splashes. In this combined experimental and theoretical study, smooth, free-falling, hydrophilic steel spheres impact a quiescent liquid pool for Weber numbers in the range of 430 − 2700 . Spheres strike fabrics resting atop the fluid surface which are either punctured or remain intact. As spheres strike fabrics, flow separation is tripped at low speeds which would otherwise not produce air-entraining cavities. Punctured fabrics suppress splash crowns normally seen for cavity-producing impacts while intact fabrics generate deeper cavities, higher Worthington jets, and pronounced splash crowns. Some fabrics, both punctured and intact reduce drag with respect to clean surface impacts by providing the drag-reducing benefits of flow separation while not offering a high inertial penalty. Such observations augur well for interfacial fluid–structure interactions where splashes warrant control.
5α-Reductase deficiency syndrome: the impact of androgens on gender identity and gender role

Abstract 46,XY individuals with 5α-reductase-2 deficiency syndrome have ambiguous genitalia with a clitoral-like phallus, severely bifid scrotum, and pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias. As a result of this genital ambiguity, many are thought to be girls at birth and are treated as such from the time they are born. However, at puberty virilization occurs, whereupon affected individuals, with few exceptions, reveal their male gender identity and assume a male gender role. Much of the research on gender identity of individuals with 5α-reductase-2 deficiency was derived from a study of 38 males in three rural villages in the Dominican Republic. This chapter describes the clinical, biochemical, and genetic features of the syndrome; considers the impact of androgens on gender identity and gender role; and outlines treatment considerations.
Evaluating the Impact of the California 1995 Smoke-Free Workplace Law on Population Smoking Prevalence Using a Synthetic Control Method

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of the California 1995 Smoke-Free Workplace Act (SFWA) on cigarette smoking prevalence in the population. We used survey responses related to cigarette smoking from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 1990 to 2000. We utilize a synthetic control method which creates a weighted combination of control states to produce a single 'synthetic' control group to best approximate the counterfactual trend in California in the absence of the SFWA. Variables known to be associated with smoking were included to weight each state in the pre-intervention period as medians by state and included: distribution of race/ethnicity (White, Black, Asian, Hispanic), sex (Male/Female), marital status (married/unmarried), high school education (yes/no) and employment status (yes/no). We find evidence that there was a small decrease in population smoking prevalence in California in the year immediately following the SFWA, but this effect was not sustained beyond 1995. We hypothesize that one potential explanation for the lack of prolonged impact on population smoking prevalence is that there are sustained effects from the passage of 1989 California Proposition 99, which enacted an excise tax on tobacco products. Understanding how workplace smoking ban legislation affects population smoking behaviors is necessary to better inform policy development in other states and counties and to improve existing policies. Future work should consider the impact of smoking legislation impacts subgroups of the population by socioeconomic status, occupation or race/ethnicity.
Prosperity and prestige: Archaeological realities of unfree laborers under Inka imperialism

Abstract Inka imperial policies reorganized the social and labor landscapes of their subjects on a grand scale and unprecedented degree in the Americas. The two most numerous categories of resettled laborers created by these imperial policies were the mitmaqkuna and yanakuna, who together represented at least a third of the total subject population. The Inkas resettled them, often far from their homelands. They were responsible for the daily provisioning of Inka settlements and keeping the peace among conquered populations. Despite their central role in Inka state consolidation and economy, we know little about these populations outside of ethnohistorical interpretations of their privileged status relative to normal tribute-paying communities. Because ethnohistoric documents were written with Inka and Spanish state interests in mind, archaeological evidence is crucial to evaluate their lived experiences. We compare the ethnohistoric and archaeological evidence of the lives of the mitmaqkuna and yanakuna in two regions: the mitmaqkuna site of Yanawilka in the Vilcas Huaman province and the yanakuna site of Cheqoq in the rural Inka heartland of Cuzco. Archaeological comparisons yield evidence contradicting the long-held assumption that prestige is synonymous with autonomy, power, or even wealth in imperial contexts.
Distal perfusion cannulae reduce extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-related limb ischemia

BACKGROUND Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is a means of providing cardiopulmonary support that is being increasingly used in patients with acute heart failure. When ECMO cannulae are placed peripherally, their large diameters pose a risk of limb ischemia. Distal perfusion cannulae (DPC) have been proposed as means to reduce risk, but their use is not recommended by the most recent ECMO guidelines. We sought to establish their utility at our institution. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of of all patients treated with peripheral VA-ECMO at our institution from 2013-2018. During the first 2 years, DPC were not routinely placed, whereas in the final 4 years, DPC were recommended as part of the ECMO cannulation routine. RESULTS One hundred and one patients were treated with peripheral VA-ECMO, with an overall mortality of 61%. By univariate analysis, obesity (47% vs. 75%, P<0.01) and limb ischemia (57% vs. 83%, P<0.05) were associated with increased mortality. DPC were placed prophylactically in 49% of patients. Prophylactic placement of a DPC at the time of cannulation significantly reduced the incidence of limb ischemia (2% vs. 32%, P<0.05), but did not impact mortality (53% vs. 69%, P=0.0953). In patients who did not have a DPC placed during ECMO cannulation and subsequently developed limb ischemia, late DPC placement for limb salvage did not impact mortality. CONCLUSIONS Limb ischemia portends a poor outcome in VA-ECMO patients, and prophylactic DPC placement significantly reduces the risk of limb ischemia. We propose prophylactic DPC placement be considered in patients requiring peripheral VA-ECMO.
CP-SAM: Cyber-Power Security Assessment and Resiliency Analysis Tool for Distribution System

Cyber-power resiliency analysis of the distribution system is becoming critical with increase in adverse cyberevents. Distribution network operators need to assess and analyze the resiliency of the system utilizing the analytical tool with a carefully designed visualization and be driven by data and model-based analytics. This work introduces the Cyber-Physical Security Assessment Metric (CP-SAM) visualization tool to assist operators in ensuring the energy supply to critical loads during or after a cyber-attack. CP-SAM also provides decision support to operators utilizing measurement data and distribution power grid model and through well-designed visualization. The paper discusses the concepts of cyber-physical resiliency, software design considerations, open-source software components, and use cases for the tool to demonstrate the implementation and importance of the developed tool.
The Isolated Surgeon: A Scoping Review.

Abstract Background Surgeons in resource-limited environments often provide care outside the expected scope of current general surgery training. Geographically isolated patients may be unwilling or unable to travel for specialty care. These same patients also present with life-threatening emergencies beyond the typical breadth of a general surgeon's practice, in hospitals with limited professional and material support. This review characterizes the unique role of isolated surgeons, so individual surgeons and health care organizations may focus professional development resources more efficiently, with the ultimate goal of improved patient care. Methods We performed a scoping review of the isolated surgeon, reviewing 25 years of literature regarding isolated US civilian and military surgeons. We examined emerging themes regarding the definition of an isolated surgeon, the scope of surgical practice beyond current training norms, and training gaps identified by surgeons in an isolated role. Results From 904 articles identified, we included 91 for final review. No prior definition exists for the isolated surgeon, although multiple definitions describe rural surgeons, patients, or hospitals; we propose an initial definition from consistent themes in the literature. Isolated surgeons across varied practice settings consistently performed relatively large volumes of cases of, and identified training gaps in, orthopedic, obstetric and gynecologic, urologic, and vascular surgery subspecialties. Life-threatening, “rare-but-real” cases in the above and neurosurgical disciplines are uncommon, but consistent across practice settings. Conclusions This review represents the largest examination of the isolated surgeon in the current literature. Clarifying the identity, practice components, and training gaps of the isolated surgeon represent the first step in formalizing support for this small but critical group of surgeons and their patients.
Job Loss and Depression: The Role of Subjective Expectations

Although the importance of expectations is well documented in the decision-making literature, a key shortcoming of the empirical research into effects of involuntary job loss on depression is perhaps its neglect of the subjective expectations of job loss. Using data from the US Health and retirement Study surveys we examine whether the impact of job loss on mental health is influenced by an individual’s subjective expectations regarding future displacement. Our results imply that, among older workers in the age range of 55-65 year, subjective expectations are as significant predictors of depression as job loss itself, and ignoring them can bias the estimate of the impact of job loss on mental health.
Statistical Treatment of Clinical Investigations in Pediatric Cardiology

This paper describes various statistical methods used by the author during multiple studies conducted by the author. Initially, the data were scrutinized to ensure normal distribution, and expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or standard error of mean (SEM) for normally distributed variables. Medians and ranges were given for the data with skewed distribution. Two tailed, paired t tests or independent sample t tests (analysis of variance) were used for normally distributed data, while non-parametric chi-square or similar other tests were utilized for data with skewed distribution. Statistical significance was set at a p value of < 0.05. Bonferroni correction was applied when the study involves multiple comparisons. A number of other statistical methods used during these studies were also discussed. Finally, special methods used in evaluating aortic remodeling subsequent to balloon angioplasty of native aortic coarctation were reviewed.
To Pass (or Not to Pass) Through International Fuel Price Changes to Domestic Fuel Prices in Developing Countries: What are the Drivers?

While many developing countries limit the international fuel price pass through to domestic fuel prices, others do not. Against this backdrop, we examine the factors that determine whether governments allow international fuel price changes to be passed through to domestic prices in developing countries using a dataset spanning 109 developing countries from 2000 to 2014. The paper finds that the pass-through is higher when changes in international prices are moderate and less volatile. In addition, the flexibility of the pricing mechanism allows for higher pass-through while exchange rate depreciation and lower retail fuel prices in neighboring countries inhibit it. The econometric results also underscore the fact that countries with inflation tend to experience lower pass-through, whereas those with high public debt exhibit larger pass-through. Finally, no evidence is found that political variables or environmental policies matter with regard to fuel price dynamics in the short-term. These findings, which are consistent across fuel products (gasoline, diesel and kerosene), allow us to draw important policy lessons for fuel subsidy reforms.
Integrated nanooptics with bulk transition metal dichalcogenides

In this talk I will overview our ongoing theoretical and experimental work on light manipulation with bulk transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Specifically, I will show that owing to their high refractive index and strong anisotropy, structures made of bulk TMDC offer >30% stronger light confinement as compared to conventional semiconductor counterparts, paving the way to higher integration density and energy efficiency of optical devices. Several different types of classical and quantum structures made of TMDC materials, including waveguides, modulators and nanoscale cavities for quantum light emissions are discussed.
The kinetics of E-selectin- and P-selectin-induced intermediate activation of integrin αLβ2 on neutrophils

Selectins and integrins are key players in the adhesion and signaling cascade that recruits leukocytes to inflamed tissues. Selectin binding induces β2 integrin binding to slow leukocyte rolling. Here, a micropipette was used to characterize neutrophil adhesion to E-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) at room temperature. The time-dependent adhesion frequency displayed two-stage kinetics, with an E-selectin-mediated fast increase to a low plateau followed by a slow increase to a high plateau mediated by intermediate-affinity binding of integrin αLβ2 to ICAM-1. The αLβ2 activation required more than 5 s contact to E-selectin and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) activity. A multi-zone channel was used to analyze αLβ2 activation by P-selectin in separate zones of receptors or antibodies, finding an inverse relationship between the rolling velocity on ICAM-1 and P-selectin dose, and a P-selectin dose-dependent change from bent to extended conformations with a closed headpiece that was faster at 37°C than at room temperature. Activation of αLβ2 exhibited different levels of cooperativity and persistent times depending on the strength and duration of selectin stimulation. These results define the precise timing and kinetics of intermediate activation of αLβ2 by E- and P-selectins.
Characterization of Real-time Haptic Feedback from Multimodal Neural Network-based Force Estimates during Teleoperation.

Force estimation using neural networks is a promising approach to enable haptic feedback in minimally invasive surgical robots without end-effector force sensors. Various network architectures have been proposed, but none have been tested in real-time with surgical-like manipulations. Thus, questions remain about the real-time transparency and stability of force feedback from neural network-based force estimates. We characterize the real-time impedance transparency and stability of force feedback rendered on a da Vinci Research Kit teleoperated surgical robot using neural networks with vision-only, state-only, or state and vision inputs. Networks were trained on an existing dataset of teleoperated manipulations without force feedback. We measured real-time transparency without rendered force feedback by commanding the patient-side robot to perform vertical retractions and palpations on artificial silicone tissue. To measure stability and transparency during teleoperation with force feedback to the operator, we modeled a one-degree-of-freedom human and surgeon-side manipulandum that moved the patient-side robot to perform manipulations. We found that the multimodal vision and state network displayed more transparent impedance than single-modality networks under no force feedback. State-based networks displayed instabilities during manipulation with force feedback. This instability was reduced in the multimodal network when refit with additional data collected during teleoperation with force feedback.
The Anatomy of Revolution Revisited: A Comparative Analysis of England, France, and Russia

Introduction: from revolutionary theory to revolutionary historiography: England, France, and Russia 1. Anciens regimes 2. Transitions: breakthroughs to revolution 3. Revolutionary 'honeymoons'? 4. The 'revolutionizing' of the revolutions 5. Revolutionary climacterics 6. Thermidor? Conclusion: 'revolutions from below' and 'revolutions from above'.
“Now He Belongs to the Ages”: The Heroic Leadership Dynamic and Deep Narratives of Greatness

When legendary South African president Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, the world responded with an outpouring of heartache for the loss mixed with reverence for his heroic leadership. Foremost among the tributes to Mandela was a statement made by US president Barack Obama, who observed that Mandela “no longer belongs to us. He belongs to the ages” (Parnes, 2013). Obama surely was aware that his words mirrored those made a century and a half earlier by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton upon the death of President Abraham Lincoln. Of Lincoln, Stanton is said to have uttered, “Now he belongs to the ages,” although some claim that Stanton actually said, “Now he belongs to the angels” (Gopnik, 2007). Whether ages or angels, Stanton’s meaning was as clear as that of Obama. When extraordinary, transformative leaders perish, we construct rhetoric to ensure that their life legacies transcend the small time period in which they lived. Our language forges great leadership in eternity.
Visual representation of information as communicative practice

Anyone who has clarified a thought or prompted a response during a conversation by drawing a picture has exploited the potential of image making to convey information. Images are increasingly ubiquitous in daily communication due to advances in visually enabled information and communication technologies (ICT), such as information visualization applications, image retrieval systems, and virtual collaborative work tools. Although images are often used in social contexts, information science research concerned with the visual representation of information typically focuses on the image artifact and system building. To learn more about image making as a form of social interaction and as a form of information practice, a qualitative study examined face-to-face conversations involving the creation of ad hoc visualizations (i.e., “napkin drawings”). Interactional sociolinguistic concepts of conversational involvement and coordination guided multimodal analysis of video-recorded interactions that included spontaneous drawing. Findings show patterns in communicative activities associated with the visual representation of information. Furthermore, the activity of mark making contributes to the maintenance of conversational involvement in ways that are not always evident in the drawn artifact. This research has implications for the design and evaluation of visually enabled virtual collaboration environments, visual information extraction and retrieval systems, and data visualization tools.
Linguistic and Communicative Competence of Students in a Spanish/English Bilingual High School Program

Students in a high school bilingual program were administered language tests measuring linguistic competence (e.g., knowledge of grammatical forms) and communicative competence (e.g., knowledge of the functional uses of language according to the context) in English and Spanish. The BOLT instrument was used to assess linguistic competence (LC) and three tests – active communicative competence (ACC), receptive communicative competence (RCC), and sociolinguistic competence (SC) – were developed to measure different dimensions of communicative competence (CC). Pupils’ characteristics (sex, home language use, self-concept, cognitive style, and years in the U.S.) were also examined to determine their relation to LC and CC tests and academic achievement. The results indicate that CC (defined as the ability to analyze and convey information effectively) is distinct from LC. LC in English as well as CC (ACC and RCC) in English and Spanish are related to cognitive/academic learning proficiency as well as to a field...
A meta-analysis of efficacy in pre-clinical human stem cell therapies for traumatic brain injury.

Evaluate the preclinical evidence for human cell therapies for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), determine behavioral effect sizes for modified and non-modified cells, and identify variables that correlate with greater effect sizes.A literature search identified 58 animal studies of TBI using human stem cells. Each study received a Quality Index (QI) score based on existing guidelines. Effect sizes for cell therapies were determined for the most common behavioral endpoints: Morris Water Maze (MWM) latency/correct quadrant, and modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS).50 studies reported significant behavioral and/or histological improvement. The mean effect size for MWM latency was -1.08 for non-modified cells and -3.35 for modified cells. The mean effect size for MWM percent time in the correct quadrant was 1.66 for non-modified cells and 4.36 for modified cells. The mean effect size on the mNSS was -1.56 for non-modified cells and -4.46 for modified cells. No significant associations were found between methodological variables and effect sizes other than route of administration, where intra-lesional delivery resulted in larger effect sizes than i.v. or ventricular delivery. Studies with higher QI had smaller effect sizes; studies with larger effect sizes had greater standard errors. QI was not associated with journal impact factor.Although human cell therapy studies report improved behavioral outcomes in the majority of preclinical literature, the methods are too heterogeneous to facilitate direct comparisons and bias was detected. Replication and standardization are needed to identify procedural variables to yield the best results. We encourage the use of quality criteria and rigor for future studies of human cell therapy in animal models of TBI.
Sperm competition and effects of mating order on copulatory behavior in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)

The pattern of sperm competition and effects of mating order were examined in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). When males were the second to mate with a given female during an estrus, they had shorter latencies to intromission, longer latencies to ejaculation, longer mount durations, longer intromission durations, and higher mount frequencies and intromission frequencies than when mating first. Although few litters were produced, there was no suggestion of an order effect on litter composition.
InAs Quantum Dots Grown on an AlGaAsSb Strain-Relief Buffer

An In(Ga)As-based self-assembled quantum dot laser test structure grown on strain-relief Al0.5Ga0.5As1-ySby strain-relief buffer layers (0≤y ≤ 0.24) on a GaAs substrate is investigated in an effort to increase dot size and therefore extend the emission wavelength over conventional InAs quantum dots on GaAs platforms. Cross-section transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution x-ray diffraction are used to monitor the dislocation filtering process and morphology in the buffer layers. Results show that the buffer layers act as an efficient dislocation filter by drastically reducing threading dislocations, thus providing a relaxed, low dislocation, compositionally modulated Al0.5Ga0.5Sb0.24As0.76 substrate for large (500A height x 300A width) defect -free InAs quantum dots. Photoluminescence shows a ground-state emission of the InAs quantum dots at 1.45 μm.
Canonical forms for symmetric tensors

Abstract We suggest a different point of view on some aspects of classical invariant theory. A tensor is regarded as a multiply subscripted array of numbers which represents a multilinear form in a natural way. Two tensors are equivalent if they represent the same symmetric multilinear form. Canonical forms for symmetric 2×2×2 tensors are derived from this point of view and can be regarded as a generalization of Sylvester's law of inertia. In addition, some problems concerning the classification of cubic forms and cubic functionals under the action of various groups are suggested.