cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On properties of the widely linear MSE filter and its LMS implementation

Widely linear filters have been receiving much attention lately and have been proposed for many signal processing applications where the traditional circularity assumptions on the complex data do not hold. In this paper, we study the properties of the mean-square-error (MSE) widely linear filter and its least mean squares (LMS) adaptive implementation. We show that in certain cases, widely linear filter does not provide any additional advantage compared to the linear filter even with highly noncircular data. On the other hand, we show examples of cases where it can lead to important performance gains even when the input is circular. We also show that its performance can slow down significantly with highly noncircular inputs when it is implemented using an LMS type gradient descent algorithm thus making recursive least squares type adaptive implementations more desirable for an adaptive widely linear filter.
Toward the croning of feminist gerontology

Abstract This article draws on Barbara Walker's feminist history of the crone archetype, Jungian research on women's development, and two feminist texts that are crone-like in style and content to argue the need for a croning or coming-into-maturity of feminist gerontology. A first step in this move toward maturity is for feminist gerontologists to become more self-conscious about their age identities and the images of aging that underlie their own work. The article calls for critical, self-reflective methodologies that integrate cognitive, emotional, ethical, and spiritual aspects of knowledge-making. The article also suggests that feminist gerontologists begin to address the general public in their writing and work toward improving the image of old women in the larger culture.
An efficient binary image activity detector based on connected components

Activity detection on binary images can be a useful part of image processing for detecting noise, texture, printed text, or dithering. We present an image activity detector based on computing a density of selected connected components (CCs). Connectedness is a useful property because it is present in individual printed letters, lines, and edges. In contrast, salt-and-pepper noise and dithering are typically composed of a large number of disconnected patterns. By filtering the CCs based on size, we can measure different kinds of activities, and segment or filter the image accordingly. The activity detector is extremely efficient and can be run in a fraction of the time it takes to compute a run-length encoding version of the image. As an example, we built a noise removal filter based on the density of CCs, which is both faster and better than a conventional median filter.
Pituitary carcinoma: a devastating disease in need of an earlier diagnosis and of effective therapies.

P ituitary adenomas represent the third most common intracranial tumor (15) and are therefore the mainstay of our daily practice. Pituitary surgery can be extremely successul, as we are increasingly able to cure devastating disorders such s Cushing disease and acromegaly. Nonetheless, even in the ra of endoscopy, neuronavigation, and other technologies that ave advanced the boundaries of pituitary surgery, every surgeon s aware of the limits of surgical treatment: interdisciplinary ollaboration is indeed part of every center encountering pituitary athologies. The multidisciplinary approach, which includes at east the endocrinologist and radiotherapist, leads to disease ontrol in many circumstances that cannot be controlled solely by urgery. Unfortunately, however, some situations are still exremely frustrating because young patients, who harbor apparntly benign tumors, escape treatment; once the singular aggresivity of the tumor is evident, not infrequently it is also clear that ur therapeutic chances are already gone: this is the most requent case scenario of pituitary carcinomas, a rare condition, ith approximately 150 cases reported in the literature. In this ssue, Shastri et al. add another patient to the literature.
A Novel Role for Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Prevention of Thromboembolic Occlusion

Activation of plasminogen by agents such as tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), yields plasmin, lyses fibrin, and thereby restores flow to blood vessels occluded by thrombi. Because tPA binds to fibrin, as does plasminogen, at low doses, tPA-mediated generation of plasmin is localized, rendering tPA clot selective. This result, plus its short half-life (4.5 minutes), led to the hope that its use would not only enhance coronary and cerebral thrombolysis but also reduce the risk of bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage.1 At high conventionally used doses, clot selectivity is incomplete. Perhaps that is why treatment with tPA compared with a non–clot-selective agent, streptokinase, reduced mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction but did not diminish the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage.2 Article p 1442 In this issue of Circulation , Danielyan and colleagues describe a novel use of tPA, prevention rather than treatment of thrombi-occluding vessels resulting from emboli.3 Linkage of tPA to red blood cells (RBCs) prohibited its penetration into protective established thrombi, facilitated lysis of nascent thrombi induced by embolization of fibrin, and markedly prolonged the half-life of tPA in the circulation. Compared with soluble tPA, RBC-coupled tPA (RBC/tPA) more effectively lysed nascent cerebral thromboemboli and diminished hemorrhagic complications. Nascent thrombi are lysed with particular efficacy by very low concentrations of tPA probably because cross-linking of fibrin is limited in such thrombi. …
Quantifying benefits associated with land application of organic residuals in Washington State.

This study was conducted to quantify soil C storage, N concentration, available P, and water holding capacity (WHC) across a range of sites in Washington State. Composts or biosolids had been applied to each site either annually at agronomic rates or at a one-time high rate. Site ages ranged from 2 to 18 years. For all but one site sampled, addition of organic amendments resulted in significant increases in soil carbon storage. Rates of carbon storage per dry Mg of amendment ranged from 0.014 (not significant) in a long-term study of turf grass to 0.54 in a commercial orchard. Soils with the lowest initial C levels had the highest rates of amendment carbon storage (r2 = 0.37, p < 0.001). Excess C stored with use of amendments in comparison with control fields ranged from 8 to 72 Mg ha–1. For sites with data over time, C content increased or stabilized. Increases in total N were observed at all sites, with increased WHC and available P observed at a majority of sites. Using a 50 Mg ha application rate, ben...
Optical computing with laser light

Linear and nonlinear optical processing techniques (Fourier transformation, convolution and correlation, arithmetic operations - addition and subtraction with gratings, generalized orthogonal transformations; theta modulation, half-tone screen process, optical feedback) for mathematical computations are reviewed. The use of gratings and computer holograms in addition, subtraction, differentiation, and application of generalized transformations is discussed. Use of nonlinear optical elements with or without optical coherent feedback in such nonlinear operations as taking logarithms and thresholding is described. Applications in hybrid systems incorporating digital computer and optical processor with real-time interface devices, or optical threshold and logic devices for parallel processing to apply digital techniques to optical information are considered.
Adaptive service binding middleware to support mobility

To better support location-aware applications for mobile users, we introduce "adaptive service binding middleware." Though location-aware applications are highly valuable for mobile users, this very mobility presents a significant challenge for application developers. Location-based services available in one region become unavailable or irrelevant in another region, making it difficult to provide a smooth and seamless user-experience. We introduce a general-purpose application infrastructure supporting both location-awareness and mobility. The ability to dynamically rebind to new services, triggered by changes in the user's location, opens up new classes of location-aware applications. We describe the requirements that motivate such an infrastructure, and explain our architecture, implementation, and initial experience.
Phytoplankton Bloom Frequencies in a Population of Small Southeastern Impoundments

ABSTRACT Corrected chlorophyll a data were gathered for 17 small southeastern piedmont impoundments <648 ha (<1600 a) ranging in trophic state from mesotrophic to hypereutrophic. Working with the managerial concept that water-use impacts are more directly related to frequency of blooms than to mean seasonal values, regression equations were calculated to relate bloom frequency to seasonal mean chlorophyll a concentrations. The relationship between bloom frequency (chlorophyll a ≥30 μg/L) and mean chlorophyll a concentration in this study was very similar to that found for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) impoundments. Based on this bloom frequency analysis, literature values, and experience, a mean growing season limit of ≤15 (μg/L of chlorophyll a is recommended for small southeastern piedmont water supply impoundments. For other water uses, a mean growing season chlorophyll a concentration of <25 μg/L is recommended to maintain a minimal aesthetic environment for viewing pleasure, safe swimming, and g...
Reflex and humoral responses to pulmonary embolism

Abstract The pathophysiologic response to pulmonary embolism involves mechanical blockade of the pulmonary vascular bed, release of humoral agents, and reflex responses involving receptors in the lung parenchyma and airways. Although not discussed above, arterial baroreceptor and chemoreceptor responses may also occur subsequent to hemodynamic and blood gas alterations. Most of the observations of pulmonary pathophysiologic and reflex responses of pulmonary embolism have been made in experimental animal models. Although these data appear to be applicable to patients with pulmonary embolism, detailed confirmation is lacking at this time. However, the animal observations can be extrapolated to patients with pulmonary embolism in describing many of the acute responses—tachypnea, shallow breathing, elevation of the hemidiaphragm, and abnormal blood gaseous exchange.
Thermodynamics of Partially Miscible Micelles and Liquid Crystals

We have used the thermodynamic models we developed earlier to describe the mixing in aqueous solution of binary nonionic/nonionic and ionic/ionic surfactants with the same polar group and counterion. We have also derived general conditions for demixing of mixed micelles for the Redlich-Kister mixing model with one, two, and three parameters, mainly for the pseudo-phase separation model of mixed micellization. These models have been used to construct diagrams of total surfactant concentration versus the mole fraction of one surfactant in the mixture. These diagrams depict regions where one or two types of micellar pseudo-phases are present, as in mixtures of hydrocarbon surfactants with fluorocarbon surfactants. With the three-parameter model, there can be up to two two-phase regions, which were observed by Yedgar et al. (1974) for mixtures of Triton X-100 with a sphingo-lipid. The diagrams also depict lines of first mixed cmc’s, second mixed cmc’s, and of critical demicellization concentrations. We have used the same models when a mixed micellar pseudo-phase is at equilibrium with a mixed liquid crystalline phase, as in mixtures of nonionic surfactants with phospholipids and in sodium dodecylsulfate with sodium 4 - (1’ -heptylnonyl) benzenesulfonate.
Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Reproductive Organ Blood Flow in Cycling Rats

Recent characterization of luteinizing hormone++ (LH)/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptors in uterine vascular tissue, evidence that expression of these receptors is cyclic in nature, and demonstration of a correlation between hCG level and uterine vascular resistance lead us to investigate the effect of hCG administration on blood flow in reproductive organs of cycling and ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood flow (ml/min/g dry wt/cardiac output +/- SEM) was determined by microsphere spectroscopy (57Co, 113Sn, 95Nb, 141Ce). Baseline uterine (0.5842 +/- 0.1037) and cervical (0.7785 +/- 0.1199) blood flows were greater in diestrus-2 rats than in every other group. Diestrus-2 (0.4530 +/- 0.0584) and estrus (0.4692 +/- 0.0848) rats had greater baseline ovarian blood flow than proestrus rats (0.2521 +/- 0.0279). A single intraperitoneal injection of 50 IU hCG on each day of the 4-day estrus cycle decreased uterine flow by more than 30% within 20 min (P<0.05), but did not alter uterine flow in ovariectomized rats. This dose of hCG also decreased ovarian flow in diestrus-2 rats (0.5219 +/- 0.0857 to 0.4207 +/- 0.0753), decreased liver flow in diestrus-2 (0.0282 +/- 0.0060 to 0.0231 +/- 0.0051) and estrus (0.0301 +/- 0.0029 to 0.0203 +/- 0.0038 rats, and increased liver flow in ovariectomized rats (0.0279 +/- 0.0054 to 0.0325 +/- 0.0050). Injection of 0.10 IU hCG did not alter blood flow to reproductive organs in any group, but decreased liver flow in estrus rats (0.0469 +/- 0.0121 to 0.0326 +/- 0.0088). Neither dose of hCG altered cervical, kidney, or skeletal muscle flow in any group. Our results indicate an organ specific, dose-dependent blood flow response to hCG in cycling rats, which appears, in the case of uterine flow, to be attenuated by removal of the ovaries. The present findings suggest high doses of hCG given clinically may decrease uterine flow and potentially lead to implantation failure.
Shepard's Response On the possibility of universal mental laws: A reply to my critics

In psychology, as in physics, principles approach universality only if formulated at a sufficiently abstract level. Among the most fundamental principles are those of generalization and inductive inference and those of perceptual and mental transformation. With respect to their appropriate abstract representational space, the former principles are well formulated as (Bayesian) integration over suitable (e.g., connected) subsets of points in the space, and the latter as geodesic (hence, least-time) paths between points in the space. Critics sometimes insufficiently appreciate the following: (a) Generality requires such abstraction. (b) Perceptual principles are not themselves given in sensory input. (c) Principles of learning are not themselves learned. (d) Though all such principles are somehow instantiated in the brain, their ultimate, nonarbitrary source must be sought in the regularities of the world – including those reflecting abstract mathematical principles (e.g., of group theory and symmetry). New light may thus be shed on the cognitive grounds of science and ethics.
Sociometric Popularity and Peer-Perceived Popularity Two Distinct Dimensions of Peer Status

Sociometric popularity is computed based on peer liking and dislike. The relation between sociometric popularity and perceived popularity, based on peer identification of school associates considered popular, was investigated in a sample of 727 middle school students (7th and 8th grades). Most sociometrically popular students were not high on perceived popularity. Most students high on perceived popularity were not sociometrically popular Perceived popularity was correlated more highly with a measure of dominance than was sociometric popularity. Sociometrically popular students who were not high on perceived popularity were characterized by peers as kind and trustworthy but not as dominant, aggressive, or stuck-up. Students who were high on perceived popularity but not sociometrically popular were characterized as dominant, aggressive, and stuck-up but not as kind and trustworthy. Sociometrically popular students who also were high on perceived popularity were characterized as kind, trustworthy, and domin...
Religion and Science in America

Many people assume that the history of religion and science in America is one of conflict. However, this is not the case. While an examination of the relationship between religion and science in America shows a variety of ways that they have related, there are few cases of outright conflict. This article takes a historical approach to the topic of religion and science in America. It looks to how both Native Americans and colonial-era Americans fused religion and science into a single system, the reasons that this approach began to falter during the early republic and antebellum era, and the twentieth-century repercussions. It treats the history of natural theology, natural philosophy, Baconian science, fundamentalism, and the post-Einstein “new physics” of relativity and quantum science. Special attention is paid the famous Scopes Trial, as well as the contemporary Intelligent Design movement.
Neural population encoding and decoding of sound source location across sound level in the rabbit inferior colliculus

At lower levels of sensory processing, the representation of a stimulus feature in the response of a neural population can vary in complex ways across different stimulus intensities, potentially changing the amount of feature-relevant information in the response. How higher-level neural circuits could implement feature decoding computations that compensate for these intensity-dependent variations remains unclear. Here we focused on neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of unanesthetized rabbits, whose firing rates are sensitive to both the azimuthal position of a sound source and its sound level. We found that the azimuth tuning curves of an IC neuron at different sound levels tend to be linear transformations of each other. These transformations could either increase or decrease the mutual information between source azimuth and spike count with increasing level for individual neurons, yet population azimuthal information remained constant across the absolute sound levels tested (35, 50, and 65 dB SPL), as inferred from the performance of a maximum-likelihood neural population decoder. We harnessed evidence of level-dependent linear transformations to reduce the number of free parameters in the creation of an accurate cross-level population decoder of azimuth. Interestingly, this decoder predicts monotonic azimuth tuning curves, broadly sensitive to contralateral azimuths, in neurons at higher levels in the auditory pathway.
Healing Touch Controversies

Healing touch is one of the gifts of our humanity. It has been used since antiquity in many cultures around the world. Healing touch has frequently been the source of controversy, however. The controversies explored are related to the historical use and abuse of healing touch in the church, the controversy surrounding the notion of energy fields, and that surrounding therapeutic touch as a modern healing-touch therapy.
A Comparative Analsysis of Body-Rate Estimation Techniques for the NASA Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission Spacecraft

The NASA Magnetosphereic Multiscale (MMS) Mission is a constellation mission, consisting of four spin-stablized satellites flying in a tetrahedron-shaped formation, to be launched in 2014. The MMS design specifications dictate strict pointing and body rate control requirements without the use of onboard gyroscopic instruments. The authors have previously developed an observer-based attitude and nutation control scheme for the NASA MMS Mission. The Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and Sliding Mode Observer (SMO) were used to provide full state feedback to PID and Variable Structure controllers. These observer-based control algorithms were proven to meet MMS Mission requirements without the need for gyros for state feedback. In this paper, the authors extend their previous work and further analyze various estimation techniques for use in the NASA MMS Mission Attitude Control System (ACS). In addition to the EKF and SMO, the performances of other estimation techniques will be compared under the MMS Mission scenario. Additionally, the EKF and SMO will be explored further to determine a mission optimal system for attitude estimation and control. Performance criteria of transient response, steady state accuracy, speed of convergence, robustness to input and output uncertainties and modeling errors, noise sensitivity, fuel consumption and system stability will be analyzed for each observer technique. As it has already been shown that an observer-based control algorithm without the use of gyros is a feasible option for the NASA MMS Mission, this continuing work will serve to further shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of each estimation algorithm, as well as uncovering the most appropriate observer technique(s) for use on MMS spacecraft for gyroless attitude and nutation control.
The Relation of the Nervous System to Skin Potentials in the Intact Frog

ConclusionsI. Potentials across the skin in the intact frog remain remarkably constant. Manipulation of electrodes or position of the frog has little influence on potential readings. II. Destructio...
Call for Papers: Understanding Diversity Dynamics in Systems Social Equality as an Organization Change Issue

It’s been 70 years since Kurt Lewin began examining the social dynamics underlying discrimination and 50 years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act in the United States. Fifty years ago also marks the inception of National Training Laboratories (NTL) and The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science (JABS). NTL’s mission is “to advance Applied Behavioral Science in the service of social justice, oppression-free societies, and healthy individuals, groups and organizations in the world” (www.ntl. org) and JABS supports NTL’s mission through serving as a publication outlet for the exploration of group dynamics, organization development, and social change (www. jab.sagepub.com). Thus, it is fitting for JABS to house a special issue on Social Equality as it furthers NTL’s, and by extension, JABS’s, commitment to civil rights and continuing the work of Lewin on creating a more socially just society. While much has changed in terms of workplace equality in the past 50 years, with increases in numbers of women and people of color gaining access to places of power where they had formerly been excluded, much remains the same. Despite the election of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States, there are still very few women and minorities in senior leadership positions in organizations that hold power (political, government, corporations). For example, in 2014 men held 94.8% of Fortune 500 CEO positions, whereas women held only 5.2% (Catalyst, 2014). In addition, in 2014 Whites held 95% of Fortune 500 CEO positions, whereas people of color (Black, Asian, and Latino) held only 5% (Diversity Inc., 2014). Moreover, when women and people of color are in positions of authority, racial and gender dynamics often undermine leadership and derail organizational initiatives. There has been a great deal of research on understanding the causes of this persistent social inequality in organizational settings. Some of these studies focus on examining individual differences among various social identity groups (e.g., gender differences in 566493 JABXXX10.1177/0021886314566493The Journal of Applied Behavioral ScienceBlock and Noumair research-article2014
Abnormal Injury Response in Spontaneous Mild Ventriculomegaly Wistar Rat Brains: A Pathological Correlation Study of Diffusion Tensor and Magnetization Transfer Imaging in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract Spontaneous mild ventriculomegaly (MVM) was previously reported in ∼43% of Wistar rats in association with vascular anomalies without phenotypic manifestation. This mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) weight drop model study investigates whether MVM rats (n = 15) have different injury responses that could inadvertently complicate the interpretation of imaging studies compared with normal rats (n = 15). Quantitative MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetization transfer imaging (MTI), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis were used to examine the injury pattern up to 8 days post-injury in MVM and normal rats. Prior to injury, the MVM brain showed significant higher mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity, and lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in the corpus callosum than normal brain (p < 0.05). Following TBI, normal brains exhibited significant decreases of FA in the corpus callosum, whereas MVM brains demonstrated insigni...
Ethical and Clinical Dilemmas in Using Psychotropic Medications During Pregnancy

Approximately 15 percent of women experience depression while pregnant or in the year following pregnancy. While antidepressants are usually effective and considered standard treatment for depression, concerns arise that what might be good for mom could be harmful for the baby. Medical evidence demonstrates that, on balance, treating mental illness with psychotropic medication along with talk therapy is in the best interest of both mother and baby; however, women may resist treatment because they overestimate the risks of medication and underestimate the risks of untreated mental illness. Clinicians can help address this perceived ethical dilemma and provide optimum care to their pregnant patients by collaborating with their patients on a treatment plan, informing them about the risks of untreated mental illness, and providing reassurance that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and many other psychotropic medications are appropriate care even if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Review of Wetland Management Roles, Functions, and Innovations

Faced with a loss of 50% of the world's wetlands plus increasing stress on the remaining wetlands (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005), it is time to review the eight previous case studies for lessons learned and any wetland management innovations that could be applicable to other wetland systems and other regions of the world. The focus of this final chapter will be to address these issues as well as to offer any guidance for sustainable wetland management from an international perspective.
Farm Machinery Automation for Tillage, Planting Cultivation, and Harvesting

Abstract Sensor systems can be employed to help automate and guide mobile farm vehicles to improve efficiency, reduce crop damage, and enhance crop yields. This chapter discusses four different classifications of vehicle guidance systems—manual, operator-assisted, semi-autonomous, and autonomous. The chapter also discusses the technologies that can be used to provide reliable guidance systems for mobile farm vehicles.
Postoperative Imaging in the Setting of Hip Preservation Surgery

Osteoarthritis of the hip remains a prevalent disease condition that influences ever-changing treatment options. Procedures performed to correct anatomic variations, and, in turn, prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis, are aptly referred to as types of hip preservation surgery (HPS). Conditions that predispose individuals to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), including pincer- and cam-type morphology, and hip dysplasia are specifically targeted in HPS. Common surgical interventions include acetabuloplasty, osteochondroplasty, periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), and derotational femoral osteotomy (DFO). The radiologist's understanding of the surgical approach, pre- and postoperative imaging findings, and common complications of HPS are paramount to providing value to the patient and surgeon. Acetabuloplasty and osteochondroplasty are performed to address pincer- and cam-type morphology in patients with FAI. With both of these HPS techniques, the goal is to restore the normal morphology by resecting excess bone in the acetabulum or femoral head or neck. As a result, a frequently encountered complication is incomplete or excessive resection. Excessive resection can predispose the patient to dislocation in the case of acetabuloplasty and fracture in the case of osteochondroplasty. Iatrogenic injury to adjacent structures such as the ischiofemoral ligament and acetabular cartilage also may occur. Although rare, especially when an arthroscopic approach is used, avascular necrosis remains a risk. Femoral head undercoverage in hip dysplasia is corrected by using PAO, which may be performed as the sole procedure or in conjunction with DFO. Incomplete or excessive rotation during surgery can result in postprocedural complications. As with any orthopedic procedure involving osteotomy, nonhealing is a risk. Iatrogenic injury in the form of fracture or hardware failure also may be seen. ©RSNA, 2016.
Nine new lichen species and 64 new records from Sri Lanka

The lichen diversity of ten forest sites representing different geographical regions in Sri Lanka was investigated. In total, c. 1500 specimens of c. 400 species were recorded of the evaluated groups (all except the Graphidaceae and a few foliose groups). The following new species are described: Astrothelium conjugatum, Heterodermia fragmentata, Lecanactis minutissima, Megalotremis cylindrica, Porina microtriseptata, Porina monilisidiata, Psoroglaena spinosa, Pyrenula multicolorata, and Schistophoron muriforme. A further 64 species are reported for the first time from Sri Lanka, including 30 new records for the Indian subcontinent and eight new to Asia.
Multiple recurrence and finding patterns in dense sets

Szemeredi’s Theorem asserts that any positive-density subset of the integers must contain arbitrarily long arithmetic progressions. It is one of the central results of additive combinatorics. After Szemeredi’s original combinatorial proof, Furstenberg noticed the equivalence of this result to a new phenomenon in ergodic theory that he called ‘multiple recurrence’. Furstenberg then developed some quite general structural results about probabilitypreserving systems to prove the Multiple Recurrence Theorem directly. Furstenberg’s ideas have since given rise to a large body of work around multiple recurrence and the associated ‘non-conventional’ ergodic averages, and to further connections with additive combinatorics. This course is an introduction to multiple recurrence and some of the ergodic theoretic structure that lies behind it. We begin by explaining the correspondence observed by Furstenberg, and then give an introduction to the necessary background from ergodic theory. We emphasize the formulation of multiple recurrence in terms of joinings of probability-preserving systems. The next step is a proof of Roth’s Theorem (the first nontrivial case of Szemeredi’s Theorem), which illustrates the general approach. We finish with a proof of a more recent convergence theorem for some non-conventional ergodic averages, showing some of the newer ideas in use in this area. The classic introduction to this area of combinatorics and ergodic theory is Furstenberg’s book [Fur81], but the treatment below has a more modern point of view. 1.1 Szemeredi’s Theorem and its relatives In 1927, van der Waerden gave a clever combinatorial proof of the following surprising fact:
On the Ciliary Mechanisms and Interrelationships of Lamellibranches: PART VIII: Notes on Gill Musculature in the Microciliobranchia

In the gill axes of the Microciliobranchia the most important muscles are longitudinal and transverse. The longitudinal muscles are: ( a ) those extending from one extremity of the gill axis to the other, inserted on the shell anteriorly, and ( b ) those in the free posterior portion of the axis, inserted on the shell where the axis becomes attached. Together these muscles act as branchial retractors. Withdrawal of the gills prevents ( a ) their being caught and crushed by the edges of the shell when the valves are suddenly closed, and ( b ) excessive fouling with sudden intake of muddy or noxious water. The transverse muscles below the chitinous structure arching the axial food groove serve to draw the demibranchs of a gill together, while those above the arch serve to separate them. Such swaying movements of the demibranchs serve to rid them of unwanted material. In the demibranchs are:--(1) muscles of the free edges. These include ( a ) muscles responsible for movements of the walls of the food grooves, and ( b ) longitudinal muscles, which effect antero-posterior contraction and assist the longitudinal muscles of the axis in retraction of the gills; (2) vertical muscles of the demibranchs, found chiefly in the Pteriacea, and responsible for dorso-ventral contraction of the demibranchs; (3) muscles of the interlamellar junctions serving to draw the two lamellae of a demibranch together, expelling the contained water; (4) horizontal muscles of the lamellae, present in forms with plicate and heterorhabdic gills and effecting by their action changes in shape of the frontal surface of the principal filaments and movements of the plicae important in connexion with the ciliary sorting mechanism; their contraction increases the folding of the lamellae and decreases the length of the gill: and (5) fine muscle-fibres forming the intrafilamentar ‘septum’.
Theocracy: A Continuing Challenge to Post-Modernism. How Democracy Requires a Post-Modern Attitude for the Positive Evolution of Global Society

Democracy needs to defend itself from the many immediate threats - technology, imperialism, global economic powers, human passivity and reactionary religion. Reactionary religion has taken the lead worldwide in rejecting pluralism and democracy, viewing both values as gateways to secularism and decadence. Both modernism and post-modernism have failed to fully address the success of the continued political advances of the religious right worldwide. A new, postmodern politics of meaning is needed to address basic human needs currently served by the cosmology of traditional religious orthodoxy. Progressive thinkers in philosophy, religion and in critical theory must work dialectically to retain the good of religion and spirituality, the need for ultimate meaning, and the challenge of reducing negative, anti-democratic impulses. These impulses are embodied in theocracy and a fear of life. Until religion is totally reinvented or evolves to a higher level we will have to defend many democratic values from religious extremists. A live and let live political philosophy is a good defense of democracy.
Chip-scale Integration of RGB LED Pixels for Microdisplay, Lighting and Biophotonics Applications

The ability to integrate light emitters of different colors on a single chip platform is highly desirable for applications in microdisplays, lighting, biosensors, and optogenetics. Despite the remarkable efficiency, reliability, and high output brightness achievable by semiconductor LEDs, the development of chip-scale integration of multi-color emitters has been largely dominated by organic LEDs. Existing techniques for integrated RGB LED pixels include pick and place of different color emitters or phosphors on the same plane or stacking of multiple emitter planes. These approaches are limited in their manufacturability and the density of emitter pattern. In this talk, we will discuss a new approach utilizing local strain engineering in GaN materials. The strain field is locally modulated to shift the LED emission across the entire visible spectrum. The device design, fabrication and properties will be shown. Potential applications in microdisplays (including contact lens displays), LED lighting, and optogenetics will be discussed.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that differs in epidemiology, risk factors, and prognosis from other types of breast cancer. The challenge in treating TNBC lies in the lack of targeted therapies currently available. Chemotherapy remains the only treatment option presently. Current research efforts are focused on identifying targeted agents and optimizing treatment for TNBC. Identification of different molecular subtypes of TNBC may aid in further tailoring treatment for this type of breast cancer.
Muscle coactivation: definitions, mechanisms, and functions.

The phenomenon of agonist-antagonist muscle coactivation is discussed with respect to its consequences for movement mechanics (such as increasing joint apparent stiffness, facilitating faster movem...
Fibrinogen binding to human blood platelets: effect of gamma chain carboxyterminal structure and length

Recent evidence suggests that fibrinogen binding to platelets is mediated by the 12 carboxyterminal amino acid residues of the gamma chain. Because human plasma fibrinogen gamma chains differ in mol wt and carboxyterminal amino acid sequence, we examined the effect of such gamma chain heterogeneity on platelet-fibrinogen interactions, using two fibrinogens of distinct composition, separated by ion exchange chromatography. One fibrinogen possessed only gamma chains of mol wt 50,000 (F gamma 50), the predominant gamma chain species found in plasma. The other fibrinogen possessed equal amounts of gamma chains with mol wt 50,000 and 57,500 (F gamma 50,57.5), with the longer gamma chain (gamma 57.5) possessing an amino acid extension at the carboxyterminal end. The latter fibrinogen was 50% less effective than F gamma 50 in supporting ADP-induced platelet aggregation at concentrations of .01 to 2 mg/mL. Scatchard analysis revealed no difference in the binding affinities of the two fibrinogens to ADP-treated platelets, but the amount of F gamma 50,57.5 that was bound to platelets at saturation was only 50% that of F gamma 50. Fibrinogen receptors that remained unoccupied in the presence of saturating concentrations of F gamma 50,57.5, however, could be occupied by fresh F gamma 50. Excess unlabeled F gamma 50 displaced both radiolabeled fibrinogens from activated platelets, and both fibrinogens bound to the same platelet receptor, as judged by the inhibition of binding to stimulated platelets by a monoclonal antibody directed against the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa complex. Furthermore, an intact GPIIb/IIIa complex was required for these reactions, since platelets incubated with EDTA at 37 degrees C at alkaline pH failed to aggregate and bound neither fibrinogen in response to ADP following recalcification. Approximately 50% of each fibrinogen bound irreversibly to platelets after one hour and failed to dissociate in the presence of 10 mmol/L of EDTA or excess unlabeled F gamma 50. The data demonstrate that heterodimeric F gamma 50,57.5 binds less well to platelets and supports platelet aggregation only half as well as homodimeric F gamma 50. These results support prior conclusions that the carboxyterminal portion of the gamma chain is important in platelet-fibrinogen interactions, and suggest that the 20 amino acid, hydrophobic gamma chain carboxyterminal extension of F gamma 50,57.5 may sterically hinder the interaction of this fibrinogen with platelet receptors.
Learning to understand contractual situations

In the field of law, decisions in previous cases often play a significant role in the presentation and outcome of new cases. Lawyers are constantly recalling old cases to aid them in preparing their own briefs. How do lawyers remember cases? What are the features they use to organize and retrieve past decisions? How do lawyers learn which features are important? To address these Questions we are constructing a model of legal novices (i.e. first year law student) and the processes by which they learn contract law. Our model is embodied in a computer program called STARE (from the latin, stare decisis which refers to the principle of using past cases to decide current disputes). STARE will read descriptions of contractual situations and attempt to predict the decision based on its general commonsense knowledge of agreements, the previous cases stored in an episodic memory, and knowledge of some basic legal concepts.
Patient drug information handouts: Finding the source that best fits your organization's needs

Objective: To systematically compare patient drug information handout sources and make an informed decision about which handouts to give patients in a health maintenance organization. Methods: Desirable patient handout structure and content elements were identified. Known drug information sources were listed and an Internet search was performed to locate additional sources. Products were scored according to the extent that they contained the desirable elements. Results: Eight patient drug information sources were evaluated. These sources were the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, Clinical Reference Systems, First Data Bank, Gold Standard Multimedia, Lexi-comp, Micromedex, Mosby, and Multum. The maximum possible score was 75. Lexi-Comp received the highest score (67). Gold Standard Media had the second highest score (63). Conclusions: Lexi-Comp's product was found to have the best overall structure and content. The scoring system used was based on what the author deemed important and could be altered to reflect different values (eg, items could be weighted differently based on their relative importance).
Effects of 5'-ester modification on the physicochemical properties and plasma protein binding of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine.

A series of 5′-(O-acyl and O-benzoyl) derivatives of 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IDU) was synthesized by direct acylation of the parent nucleoside in a pyridine-N,N′-dimethylformamide mixture (1:1). Aqueous solubilities in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), partition coefficients in 1-octanol/phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), plasma protein binding properties, and plasma reversion kinetics of these potential prodrugs were evaluated. The esters showed an expected increase in lipophilicity with a corresponding decrease in aqueous solubility relative to the parent compound. The association constants (Ka) with albumin also exhibited a good linear correlation with the lipophilicity of the compounds. However, the reversion rate constants in plasma varied with the steric and polar nature of the acyl or benzoyl substituent.
A National Population-based Study of Adults With Coronary Artery Disease and Coarctation of the Aorta.

Adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta (CoA) suffer reduced long-term survival compared with the general population, in part due to coronary artery disease (CAD). There is conflicting evidence as to whether or not CoA is an independent risk factor for CAD. The primary aim was to determine if CoA is independently associated with premature myocardial infarction (MI) in the contemporary era. The secondary aim was to determine if CoA is independently associated with early coronary intervention. In a cross-sectional study using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2014, we compared the age at MI and the age at coronary intervention (coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention, in the absence of MI diagnosis) in patients with and without CoA using weighted linear regression. Among 5,472,416 observations with a primary diagnosis of MI, 174 had a diagnosis of CoA. Patients with CoA had MI 7.2 years younger than those without CoA, after adjusting for potential confounders (95% CI −11.3, −3.1, p = 0.001). Among 3,631,718 patients without a diagnosis of MI who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention, 279 had a diagnosis of CoA. Patients with CoA who underwent coronary intervention were 15.6 years younger than those without CoA, after adjusting for potential confounders (95% CI −18.3, −12.9, p
Inflammatory arthritis: a unique presentation of human anaplasmosis.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tickborne rickettsial disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Reported cases have increased with the highest incidence in the Northeast. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anaplasmosis associated with an inflammatory arthritis. A 64-year-old man, with a history of Crohn’s disease controlled on budesonide, presented to the emergency room in August 2017 with a week history of headache, sore throat, fever, myalgias, rash, and joint pain. There was no clinical evidence of active Crohn’s disease. He lives in Nassau County and participates in outdoor activities. His exam was notable for a maculopapular rash over the trunk, arms, and thighs as well as synovitis of several proximal interphalangeal joints. Lab tests revealed transaminitis and elevated inflammatory markers. When evaluated by rheumatology, he had marked polyarthritis of wrists and hands as well as extremely painful motion of the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles despite ibuprofen. Prednisone 20 mg daily resulted in significant improvement in his arthritis. Because of an Anaplasma phagocytophilum IgM of 1:320 (normal 1:320. He fully recovered and was able to discontinue steroids. HGA presents acutely with a spectrum of manifestations ranging from a flu-like illness to severe complications such as respiratory failure. Myalgias and arthralgias are common, but an inflammatory arthritis has not been described.
Development and Evaluation of Laboratory Bioassays to Study Powdery Mildew Pathogens of Phlox In Vitro

The genus Phlox consists of approximately 65 species that include some of the most prevalent ornamental plants in the temperate zone. These popular ornamentals are extremely susceptible to powdery mildew (PM) caused by the biotrophic fungi Golovinomyces magnicellulatus and Podosphaera sp. In this study, we used Phlox paniculata and P. glaberrima to develop a set of laboratory tools to study these pathogens in vitro, including a detached leaf and a micropropagated plantlet bioassay. We assessed pathogen growth under different experimental conditions, which included the use of four different media variations (1/2 MS medium amended with benzimidazole and tetracycline), three ages of pathogen culture (14, 18, and 22 days), three phenological stages of the host tissue (1st, 3rd, and 5th node leaves), placement of inoculum on both leaf surfaces (abaxial and adaxial), and three different inoculation techniques (single spore transfer, colony tapping, colony brushing). Detached P. paniculata leaves were successfully maintained on benzimidazole-amended 1/2 MS medium for up to 3 weeks. For both pathogens, the use of 18-day-old cultures resulted in a higher number of larger, higher sporulating colonies compared with 1-4 and 22-day-old cultures. The adaxial side of 3rd node leaves supported statistically significant more fungal growth compared with the adaxial side of 1st and 5th node leaves. Both pathogens also successfully infected micropropagated plantlets of P. glaberrima. These newly developed tools should facilitate in vitro studies on PM of Phlox and possibly be applicable to other ornamental species attacked by the same fungi.
Tough Love: The Effects of Debt Contract Design on Firms’ Performance

I investigate whether restrictive loan covenants disrupt or improve firms’ operating performance. Using an instrumental variables approach to address the endogenous relationship between covenant strictness and firms’ efficiency, I find that stricter loan covenants lead to an increase in profitability and firm value even when firms do not violate a covenant. Stricter covenants improve performance only in firms with managerial agency conflicts: those without large shareholder ownership, facing softer competition in their product market, or with weaker shareholder rights. The evidence suggests that by designing stringent contracts ex ante, creditors create positive externalities in poorly governed firms through managerial incentives. Received December 7, 2018; editorial decision May 31, 2019 by Editor Uday Rajan. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Overexpression of Strigolactone-Associated Genes Exerts Fine-Tuning Selection on Soybean Rhizosphere Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome

Strigolactones are a recently discovered class of carotenoid-derived plant hormones with a wide variety of functions, including acting as signaling molecules in the rhizosphere to promote arbuscula...