cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rivalry, Reaction, and Weapons Proliferation: A Time-Series Analysis of Global Arms Transfers

This article analyzes the competitive dynamics in global arms transfers from 1951 to 1995. I discuss the enduring forces behind the proliferation of military capability during the Cold War and other historical periods, and then consider the competitive dynamics characteristic of the superpower rivalry itself. The process of military-technological advance, along with the dynamics of enduring interstate rivalry, lead us to expect certain patterns in quantitative data representing arms-transfer levels over time. Concepts in time-series analysis—cointegration and error correction—are helpful for understanding competitive arms-transfer policies during the Cold War, and I apply the relevant analytical tools to test for the hypothesized patterns in the empirical data. American and Russian, as well as NATO and Warsaw Pact, arms transfers are examined at three levels of regional aggregation: the Third World as a whole, the Middle East security complex, and the Persian Gulf subcomplex. The evidence shows that arms transfers by the Cold War rivals moved together in patterns consistent with competitive policy making in an environment of military-technological change, and that one or both sides adjusted their supply policies to correct for deviations from a moving equilibrium. This describes an action-reaction process, but a loosely coupled one deriving from military-technological uncertainties, the complexities of regional security dynamics, and the multidimensional character of the Cold War competition.
The Legal Profession and the Structure of Administrative Law

Professor Zeppos' paper examines the relationship between the legal profession and the development of administrative law. The paper describes traditional accounts of the legal profes sion's efforts to secure its power and status in society and applies the traditional account to the rise of the administrative state. The paper then offers a critique of the traditional account. While the traditional account offers a convincing version of the profession's resistance to administrative government, it fails to address certain questions or addresses them incompletely. Moreover, missing from the literature is a fuller description for the profession's eventual acceptance of administrative law and assertion of jurisdiction over large parts of the field. This shift cannot be explained solely by the successful imposition of an adjudicative model on administrative government. Rather, the shift from a predominantly common law regime to a legal system controlled by statute and administrative law required a broader re-conceptualization of the functions that lawyers perform.
Parental Debt and Children’s Socioemotional Well-being

OBJECTIVES: We estimated associations between total amount of parental debt and of home mortgage, student loan, automobile, and unsecured debt with children’s socioemotional well-being. METHODS: We used population-based longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 Cohort and Children of the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 Cohort. Our analytic sample consisted of 29 318 child-year observations of 9011 children and their mothers observed annually or biennially from 1986 to 2008. We used the Behavioral Problems Index to measure socioemotional well-being. We used ordinary least squares regressions to estimate between-child associations of amounts and types of parental debt with socioemotional well-being, net of a host of control variables, and regressions with child-specific fixed effects to estimate within-child associations of changes in parental debt with changes in socioemotional well-being, net of all time-constant observed and unobserved confounders. RESULTS: Greater total debt was associated with poorer child socioemotional well-being. However, this association varied by type of debt. Specifically, higher levels of home mortgage and education debt were associated with greater socioemotional well-being for children, whereas higher levels of and increases in unsecured debt were associated with lower levels of and declines in child socioemotional well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Debt that allows for investment in homes (and perhaps access to better neighborhoods and schools) and parental education is associated with greater socioemotional well-being for children, whereas unsecured debt is negatively associated with socioemotional development, which may reflect limited financial resources to invest in children and/or parental financial stress. This suggests that debt is not universally harmful for children’s well-being, particularly if used to invest in a home or education.
Alterations of Serum and Placental Endoglin in Pre-Eclampsia

Serum levels of endoglin were measured in pre-eclamptic women in their third trimester and in women in their second trimester who later developed pre-eclampsia. Placental levels of endoglin at birth were also determined in pre-eclamptic women and healthy controls. Serum endoglin was significantly higher in pre-eclamptic women in the third trimester than in controls (median 35.15 versus 10.35 ng/ml, respectively) and in women with severe compared with mild pre-eclampsia (median 51.68 versus 20.99 ng/ml, respectively). Placental endoglin was also significantly higher in pre-eclamptic women than controls (median 26.24 versus 9.21 ng/mg, respectively) and in women with severe compared with mild pre-eclampsia (median 28.77 versus 13.38 ng/mg, respectively). Pregnant women in the second trimester who eventually developed pre-eclampsia had significantly higher serum endoglin than age- and gestational age-matched controls (median 5.90 versus 5.20 ng/ml, respectively). These findings suggest that endoglin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
Increased susceptibility of protozoa to poison due to treatment with alcohol

The protozoa on which the experiments were performed were from two cultures (each comprising four lines)—one of Paramecium which had been under daily observations for over nine months, and the other of Stylonychia which had been under daily observation for over two months when the experiments were begun. The daily rate of division of each of these cultures was known.From each of these cultures two secondary cultures were isolated line by line, and these were treated in identically the same way as the original or “control” cultures, except that each received daily for over a month a certain amount of alcohol in the culture medium of hay infusion. One culture received one part of alcohol to 2,500 parts of culture medium and the other received two parts of alcohol to 2,500 parts of culture medium.Then, from each of the two control cultures and from each of the four alcohol treated cultures, other cultures were isolated and treated in identically the same way as the culture from which each was respectively de...
A Case of Bilateral Unicameral Bone Cysts

Unicameral bone cysts typically occur in the metaphyseal-diaphyseal regions of long bones within the first 10 years of life. These unicameral bone cysts are considered a benign self-limiting disease that spontaneously heals after skeletal maturity. They are relatively common in the humerus, femur, and tibia; yet rarely develop in the calcaneous. Incidence of bilateral cysts is extremely rare. The case presented is of a 38-year-old female who suffered from bilateral unicameral bone cysts of the calcaneous that required surgical intervention
Challenges to Justice at Home: The Domestic Prosecution of Efrain Rios Montt

In March 2013, at the age of 89, Efrain Rios Montt became the first former head of state to ever be convicted of genocide by a national tribunal. After prior failed attempts to try him for this crime, his conviction to 80 years in prison was hailed as a victory both in Guatemala and abroad. Just ten days later, Guatemala’s Constitutional Court annulled the verdict and ordered a second trial. Having since been deemed mentally unfit to stand for trial, he will be tried in a closed quarters special proceeding in January 2016, but if found guilty, will not be sentenced. This article explains why Guatemalan national courts tried the case against Rios Montt, and discusses the historical factors that led to the trial, questioning whether they are replicable in other countries. It argues that the necessary elements for a successful implementation of that conviction were present in Guatemala, but suggests that the political climate was inadequately negotiated in order to prevent the subsequent annulment of the verdict.
A vector relational data modeling approach to Insider threat intelligence

We address the problem of detecting insider threats before they can do harm. In many cases, co-workers notice indications of suspicious activity prior to insider threat attacks. A partial solution to this problem requires an understanding of how information can better traverse the communication network between human intelligence and insider threat analysts. Our approach employs modern mobile communications technology and scale free network architecture to reduce the network distance between human sensors and analysts. In order to solve this problem, we propose a Vector Relational Data Modeling approach to integrate human “sensors,” geo-location, and existing visual analytics tools. This integration problem is known to be difficult due to quadratic increases in cost associated with complex integration solutions. A scale free network integration approach using vector relational data modeling is proposed as a method for reducing network distance without increasing cost.
Esophagectomy without thoracotomy: a dangerous operation?

Transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy has been performed in 143 patients: 43 with benign disease and 100 with carcinomas at various levels of the esophagus (31 cervicothoracic, five upper third, 33 middle third, and 31 distal third). Esophageal resection and reconstruction were performed in a single stage in 138 patients, and the esophageal substitute was positioned in the posterior mediastinum in the original esophageal bed in 134 patients. Stomach was used to replace the esophagus in 128 patients (93%) and colon in 10 patients. The operative mortality has been 8%, the causes of death being myocardial infarction (three), respiratory insufficiency (three), innominate artery rupture (two), sepsis from mediastinal or retroperitoneal abscess (two), and pulmonary embolus (one). No death was the direct result of the technique of esophagectomy. Complications included intraoperative pneumothorax (51%), transient hoarseness (37%), anastomotic leak (12%), chylothorax (3%), and tracheal laceration (1%). Average intraoperative blood loss for the entire group has been 1,150 ml, 1,800 ml for those requiring concomitant laryngectomy and 900 ml for those undergoing esophagectomy without laryngectomy. Of 63 patients surviving resection of intrathoracic esophageal carcinomas, 86% were discharged, able to swallow, within 3 weeks of operation. Distant lymph node metastases or local tumor invasion precluded a curative resection in 70% of our patients with carcinoma, and the overall average duration of survival has been only 12.5 months. However, of 15 surviving patients with intrathoracic esophageal carcinoma who had “curative” resections, 10 are alive and tumor free from 8 to 60 months (average 31 months) postoperatively. A thoracic incision is seldom required to resect the esophagus for either benign or malignant disease. Transhiatal esophagectomy without thoracotomy is a safe, well-tolerated operation, the “hazards” of which can be minimized by careful technique and experience.
The future has arrived. Are we ready

There is nothing more powerful as an idea whose time has come ….Victor Hugo Regrettably, at least according to recent history, the majority of high-impact technological advancements have been made to enable human beings to more effectively wage war against each other. The technology involving air and water travel, communications, as well as nuclear and atomic energy have all advanced during wartime. During times of peace, development of advanced technologies has centred on the entertainment industry to maximize and deepen our leisure-time experiences. But what about technology in health care? To date, the incorporation of technology in the medical field appears to lag behind, although promising advances in medical imaging have been witnessed in the fields of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emitted tomography (PET). The work published in this issue of the European Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging by Bruckheimer et al. 1 together with Realview Medical Imaging, and the Technion Department of Mechanical Engineering in Israel is innovative and refreshingly foreword thinking. This group has applied the technology of digital holography …
The Selling of Sex, Sleaze, Scuttlebutt, and other Shocking Sensations: The Evolution of New Journalism in San Francisco, 1887–1900

Abstract In 1887 William Randolph Hearst took over the San Francisco Examiner and made it a New Journalism paper, imitating the techniques of earlier New Journalism publishers in major British and US cities. Because of the competition they faced from Hearst, the other publishers of daily newspapers in San Francisco—Michael de Young and Claus Spreckles—implemented New Journalism techniques in their papers. By the end of the century, San Francisco had become the first US city of its size in which all of the daily newspapers practiced New Journalism. At that time, eight other US cities had populations similar in size to that of San Francisco, and in all of them there were at least two differing journalistic styles practiced by the daily newspapers. However, through the early decades of the twentieth century, four of those cities joined San Francisco in having all of their daily newspapers practice New Journalism.
SU‐F‐P‐42: “To Navigate, Or Not to Navigate: HDR BT in Recurrent Spine Lesions”

Purpose: We compare the accuracy of HDR catheter placement for paraspinal lesions using O-arm CBCT imaging combined with StealthStation navigation and traditional fluoroscopically guided catheter placement. Methods: CT and MRI scans were acquired pre-treatment to outline the lesions and design treatment plans (pre-plans) to meet dosimetric constrains. The pre-planned catheter trajectories were transferred into the StealthStation Navigation system prior to the surgery. The StealthStation is an infra red (IR) optical navigation system used for guidance of surgical instruments. An intraoperative CBCT scan (O-arm) was acquired with reference IR optical fiducials anchored onto the patient and registered with the preplan image study to guide surgical instruments in relation to the patients’ anatomy and to place the brachytherapy catheters along the pre-planned trajectories. The final treatment plan was generated based on a 2nd intraoperative CBCT scan reflecting achieved implant geometry. The 2nd CBCT was later registered with the initial CT scan to compare the preplanned dwell positions with actual dwell positions (catheter placements). Similar workflow was used in placement of 8 catheters (1 patient) without navigation, but under fluoroscopy guidance in an interventional radiology suite. Results: A total of 18 catheters (3 patients) were placed using navigation assisted surgery. Average displacement of 0.66 cm (STD=0.37cm) was observed between the pre-plan source positions and actual source positions in the 3 dimensional space. This translates into an average 0.38 cm positioning error in one direction including registration errors, digitization errors, and the surgeons ability to follow the planned trajectory. In comparison, average displacement of non-navigated catheters was 0.50 cm (STD=0.22cm). Conclusion: Spinal lesion HDR brachytherapy planning is a difficult task. Catheter placement has a direct impact on target coverage and dose to critical structures. While limited to a handful of patients, our experience shows navigation and fluoroscopy guided placement yield similar results.
Timing of adjuvant chemotherapy and impact on survival for resected gastric cancer.

Background Because postoperative convalescence often prolongs the interval between surgery and chemotherapy in patients undergoing treatment for advanced gastric cancer, this study assesses the survival impact of timing of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in patients undergoing curative resection for gastric cancer.
Generic lookup and update for infinitary inductive-recursive types

The class of Infinitary inductive-recursive (InfIR) types is commonly used to model type theory within itself. While it is common and convenient to provide examples of values within an InfIR model, writing functions that manipulate InfIR types is an underexplored area due to their inherent complexity. Our goal in this work is to push the boundaries of programming with InfIR types by introducing two functions operating over them. The first is a lookup function to extract sub-components from an InfIR type, and the second is an update function to replace sub-components within an InfIR type. We start by considering how to write such functions for concrete examples of InfIR types, and then show how to write generic versions of the functions for any datatype definable in the universe of InfIR types. We actually write two versions of the generic functions, one where the universe is open and another where the universe is closed.
Sacred Land: Sherwood Anderson, Midwestern Modernism, and the Sacramental Vision of Nature

Review of: "Sacred Land: Sherwood Anderson, Midwestern Modernism, and the Sacramen-tal Vision of Nature," by Mark Buechsel.
In vitro cytotoxicity assessment of a West Virginia chemical spill mixture involving 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol and propylene glycol phenyl ether

Thousands of gallons of industrial chemicals, crude 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) and propylene glycol phenyl ether (PPh), leaked from industrial tanks into the Elk River in Charleston, West Virginia, USA, on January 9, 2014. A considerable number of people were reported to exhibit symptoms of chemical exposure and an estimated 300,000 residents were advised not to use or drink tap water. At the time of the spill, the existing toxicological data of the chemicals were limited for a full evaluation of the health risks, resulting in concern among those in the impacted regions. In this preliminary study, we assessed cell viability and plasma membrane degradation following a 24-h exposure to varying concentrations (0–1000 μM) of the two compounds, alone and in combination. Evaluation of different cell lines, HEK-293 (kidney), HepG2 (liver), H9c2 (heart), and GT1-7 (brain), provided insight regarding altered cellular responses in varying organ systems. Single exposure to MCHM or PPh did not affect cell viability, except at doses much higher than the estimated exposure levels. Certain co-exposures significantly reduced metabolic activity and increased plasma membrane degradation in GT1-7, HepG2, and H9c2 cells. These findings highlight the importance of examining co-exposures to fully understand the potential toxic effects.
A theoretical model for optical oximetry at the capillary-level by optical coherence tomography (Conference Presentation)

Oxygen saturation (sO2) of RBCs in capillaries can indirectly assess local tissue oxygenation and metabolic function. For example, the altered retinal oxygenation in diabetic retinopathy and local hypoxia during tumor development in cancer are reflected by abnormal sO2 of local capillary networks. However, it is far from clear whether accurate label-free optical oximetry (i.e. measuring hemoglobin sO2) is feasible from dispersed red blood cells (RBCs) at the single-capillary level. The sO2-dependent hemoglobin absorption contrast present in optical scattering signal is complicated by geometry-dependent scattering from RBCs. Here we provide a theoretical model to calculate the backscattering spectra of single RBCs based on the first-order Born approximation, considering the orientation, size variation, and deformation of RBCs. We show that the oscillatory spectral behavior of RBC geometries is smoothed by variations in cell size and orientation, resulting in clear sO2-dependent spectral contrast. In addition, this spectral contrast persists with different deformations of RBCs, allowing the sO2 of individual RBCs in capillaries to be characterized. The theoretical model is verified by Mie theory and experiments using visible light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT). Thus, this study shows for the first time the feasibility of, and provides a theoretical model for, label-free optical oximetry at the single-capillary level by backscattering-based imaging modalities, challenging the popular view that such measurements are impossible at the single-capillary level. This is promising for in vivo backscattering-based optical oximetry at the single-capillary level, to measure local capillary sO2 for early diagnosis, progression monitoring, and treatment evaluation of diabetic retinopathy and cancer.
Flipped classroom in technology courses - impact on personal efficacy and perception based on learning style preferences

This paper reports results of a longitudinal study to investigate the impact of flipped classroom teaching strategy in college level technology courses. A within-subjects experiment design approach is used to assess self-efficacy and perception based on learning style preferences. To compare the effectiveness of flipped based (FB) classroom with that of traditional lecture based (LB) approach, selected topics were taught using the two methods. The topic of “learning with technology in special education” was taught using LB method. The FB method was used to teach four topics: Technology tools, hypermedia tools, distance teaching/learning and role of the internet and web-based learning activities on teaching. The learning materials in the flipped teaching method included videos, post-tests and surveys. These were made available online to the students using Blackboard course content. The results show that flipped classroom approach made a statistically significant difference to the self-efficacy. The data analysis also gives insights into students' perception of learning style preferences. A survey of students was conducted to assess their personal perceptions of FB method. The students overwhelmingly favored use of FB teaching strategy compared to the LB approach because it promoted collaboration and hands-on activities during class time. The findings from this study can be used to implement FB teaching approach in other college level technology and engineering courses.
Reimagining Disability and Inclusive Education Through Universal Design for Learning

In 1975, Congress enacted a law eventually known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate, public education. Since then, scholarly and popular debates about the effectiveness of inclusive education have proliferated and typically focus on the ability or inability of students with disabilities to succeed in so-called regular classrooms. These debates reflect widespread assumptions that the regular classroom is rightly the province of nondisabled students and a neutral, value-free space that students with disabilities invade and disrupt via their very presence and their costly needs for adaptation. But as many scholars in the field of Disability Studies in Education (DSE) have argued, these discussions often fail to recognize that the space of the regular classroom, far from neutral, is constructed for a nondisabled, neurotypical, white, male, middle-class "norm" that neither reflects nor accommodates the wide range of diverse learners within it, regardless of whether these learners have been diagnosed with a disability. A DSE perspective sees the educational environment, not students with disabilities, as the "problem" and calls for a Universal Design for Learning approach to education, or the design of instructional materials and activities that allows the learning goals to be achievable by individuals with wide differences in their abilities and backgrounds. Agreeing with this DSE perspective, this article uses an autoethnographic approach to reexamine inclusive education and to consider how university classrooms, pedagogy, and curricular materials can be improved in order to accommodate all students, not just those with disabilities. Ultimately, the article argues that Universal Design for Learning has the potential to radically transform the meaning of inclusive education and the very concept of disability.
The Making of Modern Chinese Medicine, 1850–1960. By Bridie Andrews. (Honolulu, HI: University of Hawaii Press, 2015. Pp. ix, 294. $30.00.)

The author of this book argues for a syncretic approach in understanding medicine in modern China, transcending the common dichotomy between “Western” and “Chinese” medicine. To Bridie Andrews, ide...
Harnessing Molecular Vibrations to Probe Triplet Dynamics During Singlet Fission.

Ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy in the mid-infrared spectral range provides the opportunity to probe the dynamics of electronic states involved in all stages of the singlet fission reaction through their unique vibrational frequencies. This capability is demonstrated using a model singlet fission chromophore, 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-Pn). The alkyne groups of the TIPS side chains are coupled to the conjugated framework of the pentacene cores, enabling direct examination of the dynamics of triplet excitons that have successfully separated from correlated triplet pair states in crystalline films of TIPS-Pn. Relaxation processes during the separation of triplet excitons and triplet–triplet annihilation after their separation result in the formation of hot ground state molecules that also exhibit unique vibrational frequencies. Because all organic molecules possess native vibrational modes, ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy offers a new approach to examine the dynamics of electro...
Attempting Electron-Excited X-Ray Microanalysis in the Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (VPSEM)

While X-ray analysis can be performed in the Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (VPSEM), it is not possible to perform uncompromised electron-excited X-ray microanalysis. The measured EDS spectrum is inevitably degraded by the effects of electron scattering with the atoms of the environmental gas in the specimen chamber before the beam reaches the specimen. The spectrum is always a composite of X-rays generated by the unscattered electrons that remain in the focused beam and strike the intended target mixed with X-rays generated by the gas-scattered electrons that land elsewhere, micrometers to millimeters from the microscopic target of interest.
Pregnancy and parturition negatively impact vaginal angle and alter expression of vaginal MMP-9.

Background Parity is the greatest risk factor for the development of pelvic organ prolapse. The normally supported vagina is pulled up and back over the levator ani. Loss of vaginal angulation has been associated with prolapse and may represent injury to the vaginal supportive tissues. Objective We proposed and examined the following hypotheses: (1) pregnancy and delivery impact vaginal support, leading to loss of vaginal angle; (2) vaginal angulation is restored postpartum; and (3) uncomplicated vaginal delivery (VD) is associated with accelerated remodeling of the vaginal fibrillar matrix. Materials and Methods We prospectively enrolled a cohort of nulliparas in the first trimester of pregnancy, and abstracted demographic and delivery data. Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity in the vagina was determined in the first and third trimesters and 1 year postpartum using a substrate activity assay. Uncomplicated VD was defined as none of the following: cesarean delivery, forceps or vacuum use, shoulder dystocia, obstetric anal sphincter laceration, or prolonged second-stage labor. Women were grouped dichotomously for comparison based on this definition. A subset of participants underwent transperineal ultrasound. Results We enrolled 173 women with mean age of 25 ± 6 years and a body mass index of 20 ± 7 kg/m2. Of the women, 67% identified as white/Caucasian, 27% black/African American, or 6% Hispanic/Latina. The mean delivery age was 39 ± 3 weeks, with 59% of participants experiencing uncomplicated VD. The MMP-9 median activity (ng/mg protein) was 242.0 (IQR, 18.7, 896.8; n = 157) in the first trimester, 130.8 (IQR, 14.6, 883.8; n = 148) in the third trimester, and 463.5 (IQR, 92.2, 900.0; n = 94) postpartum. The MMP-9 activity increased between the third trimester and 1 year postpartum (P = .006), with no significant difference between MMP-9 values in the first and third trimesters (P = .674). The vaginal angle became less acute from the first to the third trimester, and this change persisted postpartum. The vaginal angulation over the levator plate became more acute between the third trimester and postpartum in women who experienced uncomplicated VD compared to those who did not (−6.4 ± 22.1 degrees vs 17.5 ± 14.8 degrees; P = .017). Higher MMP-9 activity postpartum was associated with uncomplicated VD, with 67% of women in the third tertile achieving uncomplicated VD versus 39% in the first tertile (P = .029). Conclusion Loss of vaginal angulation occurs between trimesters, and women do not recover their baseline resting angle postpartum. MMP-9 activity increases postpartum. Women experiencing uncomplicated VD demonstrate higher postpartum MMP-9 activity and are more likely to have recovered their vaginal angle.
The Modified Appleby Procedure for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Body/Tail Cancer: How I Do It

Tumors of the body and tail account for approximately one-third of pancreatic cancers, and up to three-quarters of body and tail tumors are deemed unresectable on presentation. Unresectability is a result of liver metastases, carcinomatosis, or local invasion of major vascular structures. Although pancreatectomy in the presence of metastatic disease has not proven beneficial, resection of locally advanced pancreatic cancer to negative margins may improve survival. Treatment of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma with arterial involvement remains controversial; however, 30% of patients with locally advanced, Stage III pancreatic cancer will die without evidence of metastatic spread. As such, this group of patients is most likely to benefit from an aggressive surgical approach. Neoadjuvant therapy has allowed for more careful selection of patients that may benefit from pancreatectomy with arterial resection. In this chapter, we discuss how we perform the modified Appleby procedure and review the literature.
Regularization Theory, Radial Basis Functions and Networks

This paper consists of two parts. In the first part we consider the problem of learning from examples in the setting of the theory of the approximation of multivariate functions from sparse data. We first will show how an approach based on regularization theory leads to develop a family of approximation techniques, including Radial Basis Functions, and some tensor product and additive splines. Then we will show how this fairly classical approach has to be extended in order to cope with special features of the problem of learning of examples, such as high dimensionality and strong anisotropics. Furthermore, the same extension that leads from Radial Basis Functions (RBF) to Hyper Basis Functions (HBF) also leads from additive models to ridge approximation models, such as some forms of Projection Pursuit Regression.
Biological and Material Cultural Evolution: Are There any True Parallels?

“Evolution” in both biological and material cultural domains entails stability and modification of transmissible information. “Descent with modification” in both domains automatically generates hierarchically structured sets of genetic and material cultural information, respectively. With rare exceptions, evolutionary biological systems are arrayed in a single hierarchical system (as delineated, for example, in the Linnaean hierarchy). On the other hand, because of a different mode of inheritance entailing lateral transmission of information (“theft of idea”), the products (historical patterns) of material cultural evolutionary history are typically represented in more than one hierarchical structure, all of equal validity.
Does the Incompatibility Clause Apply to the President

These two short essays address the question whether the Incompatibility Clause of Article I, Section 6 of the Constitution will require Senator Barack Obama or Senator John McCain to resign their senate seats prior to being sworn in as President of the United States. The legal question presented is whether the presidency is an office under the United States - an arguably murky term. Seth Barrett Tillman has argued recently that the presidency is not an office under the United States, and these two essays respond to and rebut Tillman's arguments.
Health and Well-Being in Retirement

To consider the topic of retirement as a special clinical issue in this book alongside the comparatively severe Stressors of chronic pain, elder abuse, caregiving, and bereavement may seem unwarranted to some. Retirement is now a normative process for most older workers, and available pension and savings plans have greatly eased the financial burdens of retirement. Yet, for many individuals, retirement may represent the single largest lifestyle transition since early adulthood. Therefore, this period of social development and its mental and physical health implications have continued to be a subject of theoretical speculation and empirical study. Retirement may alter family dynamics and social networks, challenge one’s sense of self-worth and accomplishment, and prompt reprioritization of personal values and interests. The decision to retire may also be influenced by a complex set of variables, including physical health, occupational attitudes, personal values, and secular trends. By studying the antecedents and consequences of retirement, social scientists have sought to identify factors that contribute to a successful and healthful retirement process.
All-in-One Optofluidic Platform for Differential Diagnostics of Multiple Biomarkers with Single Molecule Sensitivity

Amplification-free and high throughput single nucleic acid detection, with minimal user input, is achieved by integrating optical waveguides with programmable valve array on a single microfluidic platform. Automated preparation and analysis of a dual protein-nucleic acid assay for Zika viral diagnostics is demonstrated.
Use of Learning Teams to Improve the Educational Environment of General Surgery Residency

Objective Recent surgical education literature has focused on means of improving structured educational experience in residency, particularly in the context of limited working hours. In addition, prior studies have illustrated a void in training regarding leadership. Learning teams have been adopted in several medical schools with an aim to improve the educational experience. We instituted resident learning teams with a goal of improving resident education. Design In the 2015 to 2016 academic year, we implemented a team-based learning (TBL) system of 5 teams each led by 1 to 2 chief residents and containing an approximately equal number of residents from postgraduate year (PGY)1-4. The learning teams competed for points based on weekly quizzes, preparation of materials for resident teaching, and American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam (ABSITE) scores. After a full year of TBL, residents were surveyed on their view of the learning teams with respect to the educational experience in the residency with a series of Likert-type questions. Median ABSITE scores of categorical interns were compared between the 3 years after the implementation of the learning teams and the 4 years prior with a Mann-Whitney U test. Setting Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Tertiary Care Center. Participants All residents from 2011 to 2018. Results After TBL implementation, median ABSITE percentile scores of PGY2-5 residents increased (35-44, p = 0.04). PGY1 scores were not significantly changed. After TBL implementation, a majority of residents agreed or strongly agreed that they studied more consistently, felt more prepared for the ABSITE, were more prepared for resident school, learned more in resident school, and that the learning teams improved the educational experience of the residency. Conclusions Learning teams subjectively improved the educational experience in our residency and engaged residents in studying and participating. In addition, PGY2-5 ABSITE scores were significantly improved. Learning teams are a program that can be easily adopted by surgical residencies elsewhere.
Lipid transport between plasma lipoproteins and cells: physicochemical regulation of lipid transfer rates and the secretion of very low density lipoproteins

The transport of fatty acid has been studied in vitro and in cultured ceils. The kinetics of transfer of fatty acids from albumin or lipid-protein complexes are dependent upon the chain length and unsaturation. The transport and metabolism of oleic and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in HepG2 cells were compared. Equivalent fatty acid uptake and triglyceride (TG) formation were observed, but the formation of phospholipids from EPA was lower. Since it is known that phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis is obligatory for TG secretion, it is proposed that the inhibition of very low density lipoprotein secretion by EPA is linked to lower PC production.
40nm Donut Scan Failed Induced by Active Drain/Source Stress Issue

40nm devices suffered donut scan bin failure and result in yield loss, and these failures are particularly occurs in devices with high-Vt nMOSFET (HVTN) cores. These failures are mainly caused by combination of two factors: HVTN manufacturing process and Active (RX) layer design. Based on studies, reduce the RX CD and introduction of N2 implant in HVTN process step help to reduce yield loss.
Tin Cans Revisited.

The spreadsheet approach uses the guess-and check strategy eachers of elementary calculus are familiar with problems requiring their students to maximize or minimize certain quantities subject to certain con straints. Representative of these problems is the problem of minimizing the surface area of a tin can that has a fixed volume. A noncalculus approach using a program written in BASIC has previously appeared in this journal (Inman and Clyde 1981). Students who can program in BASIC can adapt the process described by Inman and Clyde to solve optimization problems, and precalculus students can tackle such problems with a good graphing program or a graphics calculator. I wish to suggest an approach that uses a computer spreadsheet but requires little mathematical maturity. It is accessi ble to students in second-year algebra, and opti mization problems that usually require calculus can be solved efficiently. In this approach, columns of a spreadsheet are used to produce values of the quantity to be optimized and values of the quanti ties on which it depends. The relationships among these columns are produced by using spreadsheet formulas. Teachers who are familiar with the guess-and-check or make-a-table approaches used in teaching problem solving will recognize that the rows of the spreadsheet are produced by starting with an initial guess and changing it by some orga nized method (e.g., in this article we use incre ments of some fixed amount). In constructing the spreadsheets in this article, I shall refer to the Appleworks program. Other spreadsheets are equally appropriate, but this one may be familiar to more teachers. I shall assume that readers know how to create a new spreadsheet file on the desktop, know how to enter labels and values, and have some familiarity with the cre ation of formulas. Readers will want to teach their students the pointing technique for creating formulas. For example, in a problem, values for I, w, and h may appear in the first three columns and the teacher may wish to create a formula for the volume of a box in the fourth column. We can place the cell pointer (the highlighted cell of our spreadsheet) in column 4 and press V to begin the input of the formula. We then use the left-arrow key to point at column 1, type "*", use the left-arrow key to point at column 2, type "*", and use the left-arrow key to point at column 3. We complete the formula by pressing the return key. Students can think, "This number is the first number times the second num ber times the third number." This pointing process is an excellent way to emphasize the functional dependence of the number that is being created on the values of the other variables.
Associations of Circulating Methylmalonic Acid and Vitamin B-12 Biomarkers Are Modified by Vegan Dietary Pattern in Adult and Elderly Participants of the Adventist Health Study 2 Calibration Study.

Background Elevated plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a functional biomarker of vitamin B-12 status but limited information is available on its prevalence in US vegetarians. Objectives The study examines the prevalence of plasma MMA ≥0.27 µmol/L in those consuming vegetarian diets, its associations with vitamin B-12 intake and biomarkers, and the modifying effect of vegetarian patterns on these associations. Methods In this cross-sectional study (n = 785), concentrations of MMA, vitamin B-12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), and homocysteine (Hcy) were determined in participants of the calibration substudy of the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2). Vitamin B-12 intake from food, fortified food, and supplements was assessed by six 24-h recalls. Regression models were used to estimate ORs of having high MMA as related to vitamin B-12 status biomarkers, vitamin B-12 intake, and dietary pattern. Results The prevalence of low vitamin B-12 status defined by serum vitamin B-12 <148 pmol/L, holoTC <35 pmol/L, MMA ≥0.27 and ≥0.37 μmol/L, or Hcy ≥15 μmol/L, and the OR of having high MMA did not differ by dietary pattern, possibly due to intake from fortified food and supplements. Total daily vitamin B-12 intake in the second tertile range of 4.4-14.5 μg/d reduced the likelihood of elevated MMA by 69%; and a doubling of vitamin B-12 intake was associated with a 4.3% decrease in plasma MMA. The association between log plasma MMA and biomarkers was modified by diet, with the vegan pattern showing an ∼3-fold stronger association with log serum vitamin B-12 and Hcy than did the nonvegetarian pattern. Conclusions The prevalence of vitamin B-12 intake <2.0 μg/d was 15.2% in vegans, 10.6% in lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 6.5% in nonvegetarians. Given the irreversible neurological consequences of vitamin B-12 inadequacy, the importance of regular supplemental vitamin B-12 intake in adult and elderly individuals is stressed.
Unprecedented Charge State Control in Graphene Quantum Dots

High-quality double quantum dots in bilayer graphene are realized with controlled charge down to one electron. These devices provide a promising basis for spin-based qubits with long spin lifetimes.
Potential Sustainable Biomaterials Derived from Cover Crops

Plant-derived biopolymers are renewable and readily available, thus making viable alternatives to synthetic polymers. The present study examined properties of biopolymers from cover crops such as rye, oat, clover, vetch, and barley, which were grown organically in a greenhouse. The yields of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of the cover crops were calculated based on the dry weight. Structural variations and thermal properties of the isolated cellulose were characterized and compared with commercial cellulose using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The average yield percentages of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin were 19 to 27%, 9 to 25%, and 1.42 to 4.86%, respectively. The FTIR and Raman spectral analysis indicated that the isolated cellulose had similar peaks and patterns to commercial cellulose, and confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic constituents. The onset decomposition temperature occurred at 270 °C in all samples. Interestingly, the maximum degradation temperature beyond 370 °C in cellulose was isolated from black oat, which was higher than commercial cellulose (350 °C). The findings of this research suggest that cellulose isolated from cover crops may be a benefit to the polymer industry in the development of bio-based materials such as biofuels, bio-composites, and biomedical devices.
Mandibular odontogenic myxoma in a paediatric patient.

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) are benign, locally aggressive tumours that are rarely found in the paediatric maxillofacial region. OMs derive from mesenchymal odontogenic tissue. We describe the management of a 3-year-old girl who presented with a large right-sided mandibular lesion. Her treatment included conservative excision, curettage and peripheral ostectomy. A literature review was performed which calls into question the dogmatic practice of resection with 1 to 1.5 cm margins. Treatment approaches to the OM could potentially be altered in the paediatric patient.
Integrated crop growth and radiometric modeling to support Sentinel synthetic aperture radar observations of agricultural fields

Crop monitoring using synthetic aperture radar requires an understanding of how dynamic crop features influence radar response. We use crop parameters from the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) model, a dynamic crop growth model, as inputs to the Michigan microwave canopy scattering (MIMICS) model, a radiometric model, to simulate radar scattering from selected wheat, rice, and corn fields in Yolo County, California, during 2015. We compared DSSAT-MIMICS modeled backscatter to Sentinel-1A backscatter and conducted sensitivity analyses to examine crop features that influence backscatter. For each crop, DSSAT-MIMICS modeled VV (vertically transmitted and received) backscatter was correlated to Sentinel-1A σVV0 (mean R-value = 0.76, p < 0.05), root-mean-square error <2 dB, and a model bias between −0.23 and 0.99 dB. However, there were not sufficient Sentinel-1A VH (vertically transmitted and horizontally received) backscatter observations to robustly evaluate DSSAT-MIMICS modeled VH performance. The sensitivity analyses revealed modeled backscatter was most responsive to wheat and rice stems, and corn leaves. Using the analyses, we developed a crop growth index that normalizes Sentinel-1A backscatter to modeled backscatter and mapped corn, rice, and wheat variability, identifying high and low crop growth in fields. This research contributes to the potential application of Sentinel-1A for crop monitoring.
Augmented Reality for Teaching Data Structures in Computer Science

Data structures course is the most essential and critical course for computing-related majors. In this course, data structures, their main differences, and their usages are explained. However, for computer science students and especially students who do not have programming experiences, learning data structures can be challenging, and many students change their majors if they are not successful in this course. Given the importance of data structures, it is a pressing issue that we need to work to meet student needs and improve computer science education in this area. With technological developments, teaching strategies based on technology are also varying. The student performance is improved at various levels with these strategies. Also, accessing lower price smart devices with lower prices makes previously inaccessible technology, like Augmented Reality (AR), more readily available for students. Therefore, in this paper, we have developed a practice and learning environment for students based on AR and compared AR approach with standard and web-based animation approaches according to students’ comments. Results show that the AR approach not only helps students learn data structures better but is also found to be the most exciting approach. The results can help content-developers observe benefits of AR in computer science education.