cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical and Numerical Solution of a Sub-Riemannian Optimal Control Problem with Applications to Quantum Spin Systems

Experiments in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and NMR quantum computing require control of ensembles of quantum mechanical systems. The controlled transfer of coherence along a one-dimensional chain of spin systems plays a key role in NMR spectroscopy of proteins, and spin chains have also been proposed for NMR quantum information processing. The problem of time-optimal or energy-optimal control of these systems corresponds to finding optimal paths on Lie groups in which evolution in only certain directions on the group can be directly controlled. In this paper, we consider energy-optimal control of a three-spin system; this turns out to be a sub-Riemannian optimal control problem on SO(4). The goal of this optimal control problem is: given the initial configuration and the desired final configuration as the identity element in SO(4), design three control inputs that steer the system from the initial configuration to the identity I 2 SO(4) along an extremal trajectory. We first obtain necessary conditions for the normal extremal trajectories for both the continuous time system, and then for its discrete counterpart obtained from a discrete variational scheme. We also obtain expressions for the control inputs, and provide a numerical algorithm for the system which can be used to carry out accurate numerical simulations.
Optic Nerve Size and Constituent Components: Posterior Is More

Purpose: To divide the human optic nerve into its constituent fractions and describe the relative contributions of each as the nerve increases in diameter as it courses back from its retrobulbar origin towards the optic chiasm. Methods: Seven human optic nerves were examined via a semiautomatic, computer-assisted morphometric analysis system. Results: The cross-sectional area, the axonal area, and the axonal population of the pre-chiasmic region relative to the retrobulbar region of the nerve increased by 45.2%, 35.4%, and 17.1%, respectively (p values: 0.044, 0.049, and 0.03, respectively). The other constituents in the nerve, namely myelin and the extra-axonal matrix, showed increases of 48.6% and 44.6%, respectively (p values: 0.016 and 0.094, respectively) in the posterior portion. Conclusions: Nearly equivalent increases in the three main constituents of the human optic nerve (axons, myelin, and extra-axonal matrix) are responsible for the increase in diameter of the human optic nerve as it courses p...
Robust and Accurate Shock Capturing Method for High-Order Discontinuous Galerkin Methods

A simple yet robust and accurate approach for capturing shock waves using a high-order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method is presented. The method uses the physical viscous terms of the Navier-Stokes equations as suggested by others; however, the proposed formulation of the numerical viscosity is continuous and compact by construction, and does not require the solution of an auxiliary diffusion equation. This work also presents two analyses that guided the formulation of the numerical viscosity and certain aspects of the DG implementation. A local eigenvalue analysis of the DG discretization applied to a shock containing element is used to evaluate the robustness of several Riemann flux functions, and to evaluate algorithm choices that exist within the underlying DG discretization. A second analysis examines exact solutions to the DG discretization in a shock containing element, and identifies a "model" instability that will inevitably arise when solving the Euler equations using the DG method. This analysis identifies the minimum viscosity required for stability. The shock capturing method is demonstrated for high-speed flow over an inviscid cylinder and for an unsteady disturbance in a hypersonic boundary layer. Numerical tests are presented that evaluate several aspects of the shock detection terms. The sensitivity of the results to model parameters is examined with grid and order refinement studies.
R&D rivalry and industrial policy for high-tech industries

Abstract In this article, the narrowing of technology gaps and the resulting gains in trade between competing countries for high-technology commodities are explained with a model incorporating economies of scale, imperfect competition, technology diffusion, and institutional changes. Our analysis suggests that comparative cost advantage, taken alone, is not the only determinant of a country's competitiveness. The short-run “rents” of initial discoveries and trade advantages are eroded in time by competitors who replicate and improve upon such discoveries. Japan's competitiveness is one example of this. Some of the policy implications suggested by the model, including technology policy, are explored, and modifications are made in both theory and policy that might be dictated by the unrelenting nature of Japan's success.
Caveats on the Use of Fossil Calibrations for Molecular Dating: A Comment on Near et al.

Abstract: We reassess a study on a fossil‐calibrated molecular clock that provides a new method for evaluating the accuracy of calibration points. We address several pitfalls that molecular systematists should be aware of when calculating rates of molecular evolution based on fossil calibrations. These caveats involve the substantiation and accurate use of geologic dates, the inappropriate use of fixed calibration points, and the explicit and objective phylogenetic placement of fossil taxa. Paleontological data, like molecular data, should be treated with the utmost rigor.
Theorizing in practice: Tutor training “live, from the VAX lab”☆

Abstract Weekly participation in an e-mail discussion group by students in a tutor-training class led to productive dialogue concerning intersections between composition theory/research and writing center pedagogy. The visible, quasi-oral language of what the class dubbed their “Party Line” opened textual possibilities through which students could exchange stories, reflect on practice, and construct their authority as peer tutors. Students' work suggests the value of asynchronous conferencing as a writing-to-learn methodology particularly relevant to the collaborative processes at the heart of writing centers.
Mechanism of neutrophil-induced xanthine dehydrogenase to xanthine oxidase conversion in endothelial cells: evidence of a role for elastase.

Activated neutrophils cause conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase to its oxidase form (xanthine oxidase) in endothelial cells, the mechanism of which may be related to the cytotoxic effect of activated neutrophils. The elastase inhibitors, elastatinal, α1-antitrypsin, and MeO-Suc-(Ala)2-Pro-Val-CH2Cl, significantly inhibited xanthine dehydrogenase to oxidase conversion by phorbol myrystate acetate-stimulated neutrophils without inhibition of neutrophil adherence to the endothelial cell monolayer. The role of elastase in this enzyme conversion process was confirmed by the ability of purified elastase to cause conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase to xanthine oxidase in intact endothelial cells (or cell extracts) without causing cytotoxicity. In contrast, cathepsin G failed to cause conversion. The kinetics of conversion induced by elastase was relatively rapid, being essentially completed by 30 min. Upon removal of elastase, the effect was slowly (> 12 h) reversible and could be inhibited by cycloheximide tr...
Use of quantum dot-conjugated antibodies to study intracellular cancer biomarkers in living and fixed cells

Quantum dots have unique properties for long-term immunofluorescence imaging of molecular activities inside living cells. The key is how to deliver the quantum dot-conjugated antibodies into cells and further allow the antibodies freely move inside cells to bind target molecules. This study investigated the feasibility of using Pep-1, a cell penetration protein, to facilitate the internalization of quantum dot-conjugated antibodies for the labeling of two intracellular cervical cancer biomarkers: p16 and Mcm5. Quantum dots were directly conjugated with the antibodies to p16 and Mcm5 and, they were able to stain fixed cells and to differentiate biomarker positive and negative cells. The non-covalent binding between the conjugates and Pep-1 peptides allows the quick internalization of the quantum dot-conjugated antibodies into living cells. The internalized conjugates were concentrated in the perinuclear regions of the biomarker-positive HeLa cells. In the biomarker negative Um-Uc-3 cells, however, the conjugates concentrated in juxtaneclear region. Cells bearing with quantum dots still go through the mitosis process. Although the study indicates many questions need to be answered and many problems need to be solved, the use of cell penetration peptide is a promising method for the intracellular labeling of living cell molecules using quantum dots.
A Quantitative Assessment of the Burden and Distribution of Lisch Nodules in Adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Purpose The presence of two or more Lisch nodules (melanocytic hamartomas of the iris) is one of seven diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common monogenic disorder of dysregulated neurocutaneous growth. We investigated the hypothesis that Lisch nodules arise secondary to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from sunlight.
Copyright in the networked world: author's rights

Purpose – This column looks at which rights matter, how to retain them, and which journal publishers already cooperate.Design/methodology/approach – It uses the requirements of the Berlin Declaration on Open Access, and examines the Creative Commons licences, the SPARC addendum, the project RoMEO list publishers' copyright policies, and the Emerald Journal Article Record form.Findings – If retaining rights to works in order to provide open access is a key part of the solution to the crisis in scholarly publishing, then significant progress has taken place.Practical implications – It remains to be seen whether having authors retain the right to provide open access will, over time, bring down journal costs. Enough publishers have cooperated that an opportunity now exists for repositories to begin to show what they can (or cannot) accomplish.Originality/value – It remains to be seen whether having authors retain the right to provide open access will, over time, bring down journal costs.
Kant on religion and science : Independence or integration?

. Immanuel Kant's theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge tempt conclusion that natural science and religion are two independent discourses of a dualistic system. To be sure, knowledge is anchored in two kinds of causality. Theoretical knowledge is governed by physical causality. Practical knowledge is concerned with the human capacity to initiate a sequence of events that nature could not accomplish on its own—although in conformity with, not independent of, natural causality. Furthermore, the two realms presuppose a common totality of order not of humanity's creation. Without these presuppositions, we could not experience the world as we do, and it would never occur to us to engage in a scientific investigation of the natural world. Hence, we should first exhaust our attempts at explanation on the basis of physical causality before turning to the aid of teleology. The anomalous becomes an occasion to seek a physical law not yet known whereas the miraculous hinders search for a natural law. However, higher than knowledge of “what is” is our capacity to discern “what should be.” This is an inclusive moral capacity that establishes what it means to be human and unites all moral agents in an invisible kingdom of ends that constitutes a moral culture in the physical world uniting religion and science.
A 78-microwatt GSM phase noise-compliant pierce oscillator referenced to a 61-MHz wine-glass disk resonator

A 61-MHz Pierce oscillator referenced to a single polysilicon surface-micromachined wine-glass disk resonator has achieved phase noise marks of -119dBc/Hz at a 1-kHz offset and -139dBc/Hz at far-from-carrier offsets. When divided down to GSM's 13MHz, this corresponds to -132dBc/Hz at 1-kHz and -152dBc/Hz at far-from-carrier offsets, both of which satisfy GSM reference oscillator phase noise requirements. This Pierce oscillator achieves such performance using a single disk, not an array, while only consuming 78 microwatts of power, a reduction by a factor of ~4.5 compared with previous work. When power consumption is considered, this performance marks the best figure of merit at 1-kHz carrier offset among published on-chip oscillators to date. Such low phase noise and power consumption posted by a tiny MEMS device may soon become key enablers for low power “set-and-forget” autonomous sensor networks with substantial communication capability.
Enhancing Knowledge Transfer in Classroom Versus Online Settings: The Interplay Among Instructor, Student, Content, and Context

This article integrates management education and organizational learning theories to identify the factors that drive the differences in student outcomes between the online and classroom settings. We draw upon theory on knowledge transfer barriers in organizations to understand the interlinking relationships among presage conditions, deep learning process, and product in the 3P model of student learning. We test our model in the context of undergraduate education and find that confidence in the instructor's expertise, perceived content relevance, and the social richness of the classroom learning environment enhance student enjoyment of the course. Confidence in instructor's expertise and perceived content relevance also contribute to greater understanding of causal relationships among course concepts. Enjoyment is positively associated with learning performance in the classroom, but not online, and student ability is positively associated with learning performance in the online context, but not in the classroom. Our results have implications for course designs in the traditional classroom context and the more innovative online environment.
An Effect of the Medium in News Stories: “The Pictures in our Heads”

This study used an experimental design to test for a channel effect in news stories. Four television news stories were recorded off‐air, then the narrations were transcribed to form a print news story containing the same words; the broadcast video and the print story were the two treatment levels. Subjects received the stories in one of the treatment levels, and were asked to judge the blameworthiness or praiseworthiness of the actors named in the story. Logistic regressions could predict with substantial accuracy the medium in which subjects had received the story from these judgments, indicating a channel effect on their making of meaning. There is some evidence that viewers of television news are inclined to judge actors in the stories as members of categories or groups, while readers of print news tend to be more specific.
Electron-phonon interaction and current oscillations in GaAs-AlGaAs tunnel junctions

Abstract The current oscillations observed in GaAs-AlGaAs tunnel junctions are interpreted as a substrate space charge effect generated by the non-equilibrium L.O. phonon population. A semi phenomenological model is proposed which emphasizes the role of the boundary conditions imposed by the junction structures. The results are in good agreement with the experiment.
Advisors and Deliberation

The paper has two goals. First, it defends one type of subjectivist account of reasons for actions—deliberative accounts—against the criticism that they commit the conditional fallacy. Second, it attempts to show that another type of subjectivist account of practical reasons that has been gaining popularity—ideal advisor accounts—are liable to commit a closely related error. Further, I argue that ideal advisor accounts can avoid the error only by accepting the fundamental theoretical motivation behind deliberative accounts. I conclude that ideal advisor accounts represent neither a substantial departure from, nor a substantial improvement upon, deliberative accounts.
An Investigation of Body Appreciation, Ethnic Identity, and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Black Women:

Positive body image, such as body appreciation or acceptance, has gone largely unexamined in women of color in comparison with more pathological body attitudes. In an effort to promote and extend p...
The New Education Department and Editorial Board Members

Editor in Chief Gabriel Taubin introduces two new editorial board members, Scott Owen and Cindy Grimm. Gitta Domik introduces her new Education department, coedited with Scott Owen.
Variations in vitrinite reflectance with organic facies—Examples from Pennsylvanian cyclothems of the Midcontinent, U.S.A.

Abstract Significant variations in vitrinite reflectance (% R0) with organic facies have been demonstrated from Pennsylvanian-aged cyclothems of the Midcontinent, U.S.A. Thermal alteration index (TAI) and Rock-Eval Tmax values remain relatively constant through these thin lithologic successions, irregardless of facies, and are in reasonable agreement with R0 measurements on interbedded coal. Organic-rich black and phosphatic black-shales, which contain a significant component of liptinitic organic matter of presumed marine algal derivation, display R0 values which are suppressed relative to the coal benchmark. A distinct correlation between increased hydrogen index (HI) and liptinite content with suppressed reflectivities is apparent. More oxic facies (e.g. calcareous and fosiliferous gray shales and limestones) often display R0's that are considerably higher than for coal. Soxhlet extraction prior to maceration yielded no variation in reflectance compared to non-extracted kerogens suggesting bitumen adsorption was not the cause of the apparent suppression in the organic-rich black-shales. Lower total organic carbon (TOC)-normalized bitumen contents and Rock-Eval transformations ratios in liptinite-rich facies suggest different reaction kinetics for kerogen types, with terrestrial organic matter “maturing” at an earlier stage than hydrogen-rich marine-derived organic matter.
Analysis of mPygo2 Mutant Mice Suggests a Requirement for Mesenchymal Wnt Signaling in Pancreatic Growth and Differentiation

ARTICLE I NFO Pygopus has recently been identified in Drosophila as an essential component of the nuclear complex required for canonical Wnt signaling. Here, we have investigated the role of the mammalian pygopus ortholog, mPygo2, in pancreas development. We show that a null mutation of mPygo2 in mice causes pancreas hypoplasia due to decreased progenitor cell proliferation after embryonic day (e) 12.5. During the same time window, mPygo2-deficient embryos begin to display a reduction in endocrine progenitors and consequently a decrease in islet endocrine cell mass. Consistent with its function after e12.5, late-developing endocrine cell types, such as beta, delta and PP cells, are specifically reduced, while the earlier-forming alpha cells develop normally. We find canonical Wnt signaling to be predominantly active in the mesenchyme at the time when mPygo2 is required and demonstrate the dependence of Wnt signal transduction on mPygo2. Furthermore, conditional deletion of mPygo2 flox
Quantum criticality at the infinite complete basis set limit: A thermodynamic analog of the Yang and Lee theorem

Abstract Finite size scaling for calculations of the critical parameters of the few-body Schrodinger equation is based on taking the number of elements in a complete basis set as the size of the system. We show in an analogy with Yang and Lee theorem, which states that singularities of the free energy at phase transitions occur only in the thermodynamic limit, that singularities in the ground state energy occur only in the infinite complete basis set limit. To illustrate this analogy in the complex-parameter space, we present calculations for Yukawa type potential, and a Coulomb type potential for two-electron atoms.
When Is a Skin Cancer a Cancer: The Histopathologist's View

Non-melanoma skin cancers typically develop on a background of “sun damage” characterized by solar elastosis as well as varying degrees of epithelial atypia and architectural disorder. Molecular data from both skin and other organs suggest that these observations are manifestations of fi eld cancerization. The presence of widespread actinic keratoses (AKs) and the high incidence of multiple primary cutaneous cancers in patients with severe sun damage are the most obvious manifestations of fi eld cancerization in the skin. The fi nding of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) arising within actinic keratoses (Fig. 2.1) is evidence of multistage carcinogenesis where progressive genetic aberrations eventually result in an invasive cancer arising on a background of fi eld cancerization. This chapter examines the concept of fi eld cancerization from the dermatopathologist’s point of view as well as histologic and When Is a Skin Cancer a Cancer: The Histopathologist’s View
From Social to Political Identity: A Critical Examination of Social Identity Theory

Interest in the concept of identity has grown exponentially within both the humanities and social sciences, but the discussion of identity has had less impact than might be expected on the quantitative study of political behavior in general and on political psychology more specifically. One of the approaches that holds the most promise for political psychologists is social identity theory, as reflected in the thinking of Henri Tajfel, John Turner, and colleagues. Although the theory addresses the kinds of problems of interest to political psychologists, it has had limited impact on political psychology because of social identity theorists' disinclination to examine the sources of social identity in a real world complicated by history and culture. In this review, four key issues are examined that hinder the successful application of social identity theory to political phenomena. These key issues are the existence of identity choice, the subjective meaning of identities, gradations in identity strength, and the considerable stability of many social and political identities.
Targeted helping by a wild adolescent male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus): evidence for empathy

In a unique case where a chimpanzee infant captured by human poachers was returned by researchers to her natal group, an adolescent male helped the injured mother carry her infant on each of 2 days following the return. I explore various hypotheses to explain this behavior and suggest that the apparent recognition of both the infant’s and mother’s needs by the male supports the consideration of empathy in this case. As data accumulate, questions regarding empathy in non-humans should focus on more intricate levels as suggested by DeWaal (Annu Rev Psych 59: 279–300, 2008), rather than adhering to the assertion that empathy is uniquely human.
An Energy-Efficient Silicon Microring Resonator-Based Photonic Transmitter

Silicon microring resonator-based photonic interconnects offer an attractive substitute to conventional electrical interconnects due to the negligible frequency-dependent channel loss and high bandwidth density offered via wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). This paper presents silicon photonic transmitters employing ring modulators designed in a 130-nm SOI process wire bonded with CMOS drivers in a 1-V standard 65-nm CMOS technology. The transmitter circuits incorporate high-swing ( $2V_{pp}$ and $4V_{pp}$ ) drivers with nonlinear pre-emphasis to bypass the bandwidth limitation of the carrier-injection silicon ring modulator. The first-generation silicon ring modulator wire bonded with $4V_{pp}$ CMOS driver achieves 12.7-dB extinction ratio at 5 Gb/s with 4.04-mW power consumption, while the second-generation ring modulator wire bonded with $2V_{pp}$ CMOS driver achieves 9.2-dB extinction ratio at 9 Gb/s with 4.32 mW. Both of these measurements exclude the laser power.
Interpretive Techniques in Remote Sensing: ABSTRACT

With increasing availability of aircraft and satellite remote-sensor data the working geoscientist now has a new tool at his fingertips. He can gain much from some of these data simply by applying traditional photointerpretive techniques, but still more can be gained if he selectively employs some specialized interpretive techniques. Proper use of the new interpretive techniques requires that the user have a basic understanding of the data he is using-how it is obtained and what it represents. He also must keep in mind the limitations of the data, such as its spectral, spatial, and brightness resolution. With these considerations in mind, the geoscientist can select the type of remote sensor data that will apply best to his problem and then tailor the processing and analysis of the data to obtain the maximum amount of information with the least expense. The geoscientist may employ various forms of optical or digital image enhancement or he may choose to use the computer in helping him make his discriminations and classifications. Some enhancement techniques are employed with visual-image analysis, such as color-additive and color-subtractive viewing, stereoscopic and pseudostereoscopic photo interpretation. A few procedures can be accomplished only through computer analysis (brightness ratioing, atmospheric correction), but most are effective with either imagery or digital data. This latter group includes contrast stretching, density slicing, cluster analysis, pattern recognition, frequency analysis, and edge enhancement. Most of these procedures can be done in several ways, with the accuracy of the results and the efficiency of the peration largely dependent on the equipment used. Thus, the economics of the situation are the final consideration in the implementation of most of the more complex interpretive techniques. End_of_Article - Last_Page 909------------
Melnikov and Verdera’s Solution to the Denjoy Conjecture

The Menger curvature of a noncollinear triple of points in the complex plane is simply the curvature of the circle that passes through the three points; put in other words, it is simply the reciprocal of the radius of the circumcircle of the triangle determined by the points. A result of elementary geometry states that this circumcircle is unique and nontrivial. The Menger curvature of any noncollinear triple is thus well defined and positive. We consider any line to be a circle of infinite radius and so zero curvature. The Menger curvature of a collinear triple of points is thus appropriately defined to be zero.
Estimating Pesticide Exposure from Dietary Intake and Organic Food Choices: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BackgroundOrganophosphate pesticide (OP) exposure to the U.S. population is dominated by dietary intake. The magnitude of exposure from diet depends partly on personal decisions such as which foods...
DANTE GABRIEL AND CHRISTINA ROSSETTI: A PAIRING OF IDENTITIES

The INTEREST OF THIS ESSAY will be, as far as possible without neglecting other issues, the pairing of brother and sister - of their minds, their sensibilities, their poetry, and indeed their practice of poetry and the visual arts. Thus I shall bring into view one meaning, among others, of intertextuality: the ways in which the works of Christina and Dante Gabriel Rossetti inform, shape, quote, and reconfigure each other. As Jerome McGann aptly notes, in Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the Game that Must Be Lost, "the only adequate interpretation of a work of art is a responsive work of art" (21), and when we become aware of pairing within Christina's ouevre, and the obvious pairing within
Leveraging Context Aware Services to Transform Evolving Telecom Industry Business Model

Context aware services are the next generation of the service computing paradigm. In this Industry report we explore a case study of creating context-aware services for the telecommunications industry.
Optimizing hand/eye configuration for visual-servo systems

The authors (1994) derived a quantitative measure of the ability of a camera setup to observe the changes in image features due to relative motion. This measure of motion perceptibility has many applications in evaluating a robot hand/eye setup with respect to the ease of achieving vision-based control, and steering away from singular-configurations. Motion perceptibility can be combined with the traditional notion of manipulability, into a composite perceptibility/manipulability measure. In this paper the authors demonstrate how this composite measure may be applied to a number of different problems involving relative hand/eye positioning and control. These problems include optimal camera placement, active camera trajectory planning, robot trajectory planning, and feature selection for visual servo control. The authors consider the general formulation of each of these problems, and several others, in terms of the motion perceptibility/manipulability measure and illustrate the solution for particular hand/eye configurations.
Uncertainties in lung cancer risk estimates reported for exposure to environmental tobacco smoke

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in its recent risk assessment dealing with environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), estimated the annual number of lung cancer deaths in non-smokers (including both never-smokers and former-smokers who have quit smoking for at least five years) associated with ETS exposure to be between 2500 and 3300 in the United States. This estimate is based on a number of assumptions that are not supported by the existing data. Moreover, the range presented by EPA fails to take into account the uncertainties involved in this estimate. This paper discusses the significant assumptions that underlie any quantitation of lung cancer risks allegedly due to ETS exposure, and explores the uncertainties of each assumption and how each uncertainty affects the summary estimate. The author concludes that any range must encompass an estimate of zero deaths, and that the uncertainties are so great as to cast serious doubt on the use of any quantitative estimate.
Altered longevity-assurance activity of p53:p44 in the mouse causes memory loss, neurodegeneration and premature death

The longevity-assurance activity of the tumor suppressor p53 depends on the levels of Delta40p53 (p44), a short and naturally occurring isoform of the p53 gene. As such, increased dosage of p44 in the mouse leads to accelerated aging and short lifespan. Here we show that mice homozygous for a transgene encoding p44 (p44(+/+)) display cognitive decline and synaptic impairment early in life. The synaptic deficits are attributed to hyperactivation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling and altered metabolism of the microtubule-binding protein tau. In fact, they were rescued by either Igf1r or Mapt haploinsufficiency. When expressing a human or a 'humanized' form of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), p44(+/+) animals developed a selective degeneration of memory-forming and -retrieving areas of the brain, and died prematurely. Mechanistically, the neurodegeneration was caused by both paraptosis- and autophagy-like cell deaths. These results indicate that altered longevity-assurance activity of p53:p44 causes memory loss and neurodegeneration by affecting IGF-1R signaling. Importantly, Igf1r haploinsufficiency was also able to correct the synaptic deficits of APP(695/swe) mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease.
Analysis of Resource Increase and Decrease Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we first attempt to formally define the resource control framework that adjusts the resource provisioning at the hotspot during congestion. In an effort to find the optimal resource control under the fidelity and energy constraints, we present a resource increase and decrease algorithm called Early Increase/Early Decrease (EIED) that tries to adjust the effective channel capacity quickly to the incoming traffic volume in an energy-efficient manner, thereby increasing the fidelity (or accuracy) level observed by the application during congestion. Under the framework of energy-constrained optimization, we prove this algorithm incurs the lowest overhead of energy consumption for the given fidelity level that is required by the application.
Efficient approximate model for elastic wave scattering in plates

We present a fast approximate time-domain model for ultrasonic signal scattering in plates. This model can be a valuable tool in the inspection of holes in plates (e.g. aircraft skin). One of the common needs in aircraft inspection is the evaluation of the rivet-holes to check for the existence of cracks or other anomalies. This method is superior to brute-force techniques such as finite element since it does not require large computation time. The accuracy of this technique has been established by comparing the simulated results with the experimental data
Gerrymanders and Theories of Law Making: A Study of Legislative Redistricting in Illinois

Redistricting politics in Illinois provide a novel opportunity for testing competing theories of law making. With this in mind, we demonstrate that the post-2000 Census redistricters in Illinois, dominated by Democrats, strategically reshuffled district demographic profiles in an attempt to convert relatively liberal Republican districts to conservative Democratic districts in the state Senate while decreasing and increasing the ideological diversity of the Democrats and Republicans, respectively, in the House. Such reshufflings suggest that legislative politics in Illinois are conducted in a manner consistent with vote-buying theories of coalition formation.
Effects of 0.1 wt.% Manganese, Aluminum, and Silicon on Oxidation and Copper-rich Liquid Phase Formation in an Iron–0.3 wt.% Copper–0.15 Wt.% Nickel Alloy

This study investigated the effect of easily oxidizable impurities on the oxidation behavior of iron containing small amounts of copper and nickel. The motivation for this work stems from a cracking phenomenon in low carbon steels known as hot shortness. This type of cracking is caused by formation of a copper-rich liquid layer and is reduced in the presence of easily oxidizable impurities. This work studied iron alloys with 0.3 wt.% copper, 0.15 wt.% nickel, and 0.1 wt.% (manganese, aluminum, or silicon) oxidized in air at 1,150 °C. Parabolic oxidation rates were not affected by manganese or aluminum but were decreased with silicon additions. Manganese and aluminum additions led to internal MnO and hercynite formation. These slightly increased the amount of material entrapped into the oxide. Silicon additions led to a nearly continuous fayalite layer near the oxide/metal interface that decreased the oxidation rate and therefore the amount of copper-rich liquid.
Micro preconcentrator for handheld diagnostics of cancer biomarkers in breath

This paper introduces, for the first time, Maltese-cross pillar design implemented in a 7 mm × 7 mm × 0.35 mm cavity for high-performance microfabricated preconcentrators (μPCs). This high-aspect ratio design provides more surface area over the previously reported basic geometric shapes. Results showed that Maltese-cross provided 27% increases in performance. Moreover, reducing the pillar spacing from 100µm to 10µm and arranging the pillars in staggered fashion have resulted in 145% and 85% increase in performance, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that both surface area and flow pattern contribute significantly to the device performance. These μPCs achieved high adsorption capacity making them suitable for handheld breath analyzers to concentrate and identify trace-level (low ppm) volatile compounds (cancer biomarkers) found in human breath.
Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors and Noise Exposure of Baristas

AbstractObjective: To examine the daily noise exposure of baristas working in cafes, and to measure their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding hearing conservation and perceptions of noise in their work environment. Design: Fifteen baristas from six cafes in Portland completed the Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors questionnaire, a sound disturbance survey, and a structured interview to document perceptions of noise in the work environment. To measure daily noise exposure, a subset of eight participants wore a personal dosimeter for three different work shifts. Study sample: A total of 11 females and four males, aged between 19 and 36 years old (mean: 26.3, SD: 4.6) recruited from independently owned cafes in the Portland metro area. Results: Dosimetry measurements revealed Leq measurements between 71 and 83 dBA, with noise doses ranging from 4% to 74%, indicating that baristas are not exposed to sound levels above the regulatory criterion. Questionnaire results indicated that baristas have low a...
Title IX Athletics Claims Litigation History

This paper traces the history of Title IX, since its inception in 1972. In that time, Title IX has led to dramatic increases in athletic opportunities for women. This growth has been precipitated by the activism of Title IX proponents. Title IX survived early challenges from school boards and the NCAA. But Title IX enforcement efforts were stalled from 1984, when the Supreme Court issued its decision in Grove City College v. Bell, until 1988, when the Grove City College decision was overruled by Congress with the passage of the Civil Rights Restoration Act. Title IX athletics discrimination litigation took off at the college level in the early 1990s. The late 1990s saw a surge of Title IX athletics discrimination litigation at the high school level. In addition to litigation, Title IX proponents have filed numerous complaints with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and with individual educational institutions. Men have attempted to bring reverse discrimination claims of their own under Title IX, but none have been successful. The paper provides an appendix that lists Title IX litigation, including unpublished cases. This paper and other similar papers dealing with civil rights litigation are available through the Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse (search for case studies).
Multimodal tomography of orthotopic prostate cancer with far-red fluorescent gene reporter using an optical/PET/CT scanner

522 Objectives The bioluminescence imaging provides longitudinal monitoring of expressed luciferase gene reporter. Although gene-encoded fluorescent reporters, such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and Red Fluorescent Protein (DsRed), offer opportunities for fluorescence imaging, strong tissue autofluorescence and high tissue absorption at visible light wavelengths limit the sensitivity of fluorescence molecular imaging. The recent availability of a far red excitable gene reporter, IFP1.4 (1), promises more sensitive fluorescence imaging. In this study, we perform near-infrared fluorescence, far red fluorescence/PET/CT imaging to image orthotopic prostate cancer. Methods We developed a tri-modality (Optical/PET/CT) imaging system by integrating fluorescence imaging components into a Siemens Inveon scanner. Nude mice were orthotopically implanted with 106 PC3 cells stably expressing IFP 1.4. After 6 weeks, fluorescence/PET/CT imaging was performed using a dual-labeled ((64Cu-NODAGA)n-anti-EpCAM-(IRDye 800)m) antibody-based target agent. CT and PET scanning were conducted using standard protocols. Fluorescent distribution data at 830 and 710nm for IRDye 800 and IFP 1.4 respectively from different projections were acquired and mapped from the camera system onto the CT-derived surface using a pinhole camera model. A linear reconstruction algorithm with high-order simplified spherical harmonics approximations was developed to realize fluorescence tomography (2). Results Although there are some localization errors (~2.0mm) compared to PET images and some reconstructed artifacts on the mouse surface, this study represents the first time that orthotopic prostate cancer imaging is realized by using far-red fluorescent gene reporter to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Conclusions The results demonstrate the potential of far-red fluorescent gene reporter in imaging orthotopic prostate cancer and relevant metastasis. Research Support This work is supported by NIH R01CA135673 and U54CA136404, and a training fellowship from the Keck Center Computational Cancer Biology Training Program of the Gulf Coast Consortia (CPRIT Grant No. RP101489)
Comparative effectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation for the prevention of recurrent ventricular tachycardia in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Treatment strategies to prevent ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) include antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and catheter ablation (CA). Objective The purpose of this study was to systematically compare the efficacy of AADs and CA for the prevention of VT in patients with ICDs. Methods Major databases were searched (October 2015) for randomized trials evaluating AADs or CA vs standard medical therapy to prevent VT in ICD patients. Primary outcome was the number of VT episodes leading to appropriate ICD interventions. Results Eight trials (n = 2268, follow-up 15 ± 6 months) evaluated AADs, and 6 trials (n = 427, follow-up 14 ± 8 months) evaluated CA. A significant reduction in appropriate ICD interventions was found with both CA (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–0.71, P = .001) and AADs (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44–0.97, P = .037), with no significant difference between the 2 treatment strategies. The benefit of AADs was driven by amiodarone and not confirmed with other AADs. A reduction of inappropriate ICD interventions was found with AADs (OR 0.30, P = .001) but not with CA. Both CA and AADs were not associated with decreased mortality over follow-up. Amiodarone appeared to increase the risk of death (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.36–8.30, P = .009). Conclusion In patients with an ICD, both AADs (amiodarone) and CA reduce the risk of recurrent VT compared to control medical therapy, with no significant difference between the 2 treatments. AADs are also associated with a reduction of inappropriate ICD therapies. The significant reduction of recurrent VT episodes does not appear to result in a mortality benefit, with a potential for increased mortality with amiodarone.
A simulated weightlessness state diminishes cortical bone healing responses.

A state of chronic immobility resulting from extended spaceflight, bed rest or paralysis can present severe secondary complications for individuals confronted with long bone cortical fractures that fail to heal. These secondary complications can generally lead to a decreased quality of life and function for these individuals, and may potentially lead to a life-threatening situation. One potential cause of these failed fracture healing situations may be the prolonged state of nonweight-bearing (NWB) that chronically immobile individuals are exposed to. The research investigation of this clinical issue has been hampered to some extent by the inconsistent use of pre-clinical animal models of chronic immobility to study cortical bone fracture healing under a physiologically relevant NWB condition. In this brief report, we will provide some very recent pre-clinical findings concerning cortical bone healing in a simulated weightlessness rodent model exhibiting a physiologically relevant NWB condition in its hind limbs. Specifically, we will document that this rodent model of a NWB situation mimics the human condition of chronic immobility with respect to the high incidence of delayed or failed healing of cortical bone fractures. Further, we will provide evidence to substantiate a hypothesis that a long-term NWB condition acts to impair cortical bone healing by diminishing the number of functional bone progenitor cells at the repair site required to heal bone fractures. Data from our laboratory, and other previously published reports in the literature 1-4 , demonstrate that cortical bone healing in a rat NWB model (hind limb disuse resulting from tail suspension) mimics the diminished bone regeneration response in humans exposed to a prolonged state of NWB. Standardized bone trauma (0.2-mm wide osteotomies) was introduced into the fibulae of full weight-bearing (WB) and NWB rats (Figure 1), and the bone healing response monitored longitudinally via micro-computed tomography imaging 5 . We found that a middiaphyseal, 0.2-mm osteotomy in the fibulae of NWB rats exhibited an inferior healing response over a 5-week period as compared to full weight-bearing (WB) control animals (Figure 2). Specifically, NWB healing responses yielded poor hard callus formation that resulted in significantly decreased hard callus size, extent of bridging callus across the trauma site, and bridging callus strength as compared to full WB counterparts. Histological examination of the healing callus showed an inad
Characterization of Instabilities in a Low-Swirl Injector with Exhaust Gas Recirculation

There is an international effort to reduce greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide emissions. In terms of addressing CO2 emission from power plants, post-combustion carbon capture is viewed as a near term solution, as it does not require redesign of the entire plant. Various post-combustion carbon absorption strategies are available. In implementing this type of device, Exhaust Gas Recirculation has been proposed, because it offers cost reduction benefits for absorption hardware by reducing the total flow rate that needs to be processed, and by increasing the concentration of CO2 in the exhaust gas. However, EGR represents a change in the reactant gases, for which the effect on the combustion process needs to be understood. Changes in fuel composition may be especially have an impact on flame dynamics. Tests will be performed in a lean-premixed combustor with High and Low Swirl Injectors. Methane and Methane/Hydrogen blends will be tested with EGR simulated by dilution with nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Instabilities will be characterized by the velocity oscillation amplitude and frequency, to draw conclusions about the impact EGR has on combustor operation.
Discussion on Major Hazard Installations Classification Technology

Major hazard installation are divided into chemical major hazard installations and non-chemical major hazard installations with "on launching major hazard installations supervision and management guidance" (On the word of supervision and coordination [2004] No.56); And this paper introduces the domestic various methods of major hazard installation classification, points out advantages and disadvantages of the static and dynamic classifications, gives the methods of the dynamic classification indicators, classification stall number and classification limits, so provides theoretical basis for the specific classification and further study of major hazard installations.