cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis on Operation and Application of Eddy Current Vibration Displacement Transducer

The paper states the configuration,work theory and characteristic of ECVD transducer in electric power systems.It is got an attention to the classified analysis in installation and application process.It is made an explanation and discussion to improve supervision ways in the installation,examination,operation maintenance,to enhance operation reliability of the transducer.
New Genome Targeting Modification Technology Using a CRISPR-Cas System

CRISPR(clustered regulatory interspersed short palindromic repeat) sequences originate from a kind of prokaryotic adaptive immune system to protect prokaryotes against viruses or conjugative plasmids.CRISPR sequences are widely distributed in the genomes of both bacteria(60%) and archaea(90%).Host-parasite coevolution plays a central role in the diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems.There are three highly diverse types of CRISPR-Cas(type Ⅰ-Ⅲ) that display major functional and structural differences,and these three major types have been further divided into 10 subtypes.CRISPR-Cas interference machines are utilized to develop novel RNA-guided genome editing tools.The CRISPR-Cas system has been demonstrated for genome editing in human,mice,zebrafish,yeast,bacteria,Drosophila,nematode,Arabidopsis in laboratory.The review summarized the structure of typeⅡ CRISPR sequences,mechanisms of function,applications in genome editing and their advantages.
Abstract P3-01-11: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization is highly successful after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for breast cancer

Background: Recent multi-center trial results are concerning for the ability to identify SLNs after NCT. SLN localization was shown to be less successful (80%) after NCT when compared with no NCT (99%) (SENTINA), and the SLN identification rate in Z1071 in which all patients received NCT was 93%. Purpose: To examine the effect of NCT, patient and disease characteristics, imaging and surgical technique on SLN localization rates in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Retrospective, single institution study was performed on patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer from January 2008 to December 2013. All patients who underwent SLN biopsy and either adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) or NCT, were included. All patients underwent lymphoscintigraphy, and SLN biopsy was performed with the definitive breast surgery. Results: 68 patients underwent NCT, and 133 underwent ACT. Our SLN localization rate was 198/201 (98.5%) overall; 98.6% (67 of 68) with NCT and 97.7% (130/133) with ACT (p=1.0). Compared with the NCT group, the ACT patients were significantly older, white, with more ER/PR positive tumors. The NCT group had more positive nodes on preop imaging (64% v. 20%, p Conclusion: In this single institution series, SLN non-localization was a rare event and not associated with NCT. We were unable to identify any patient or disease characteristics, imaging or surgical techniques associated with SLN non-localization. The etiology of the lower SLN identification rates with NCT in multi-institutional trials remains to be elucidated. Citation Format: Sugg S, Hayes R, Gbenon A, Lizarraga I, Erdahl L, Weigel R, Liao J, Menda Y, Scott-Conner C. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization is highly successful after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-11.
The use of colloid osmotic pressure in pregnancy.

The intravascular and interstitial colloid osmotic pressure represent two important Starling forces. Pregnancy, beta-mimetic therapy, preeclampsia, and a variety of other factors can affect these forces. Although controversial, the normalization of colloid osmotic pressure in various disease states may prove beneficial to the patient.
Cost modeling for alternate routes of administration of opioids for cancer pain.

The economic considerations relative to neuraxial infusion can be looked at with different types of economic models, including cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness, and cost-benefit analyses. A theoretical predictive model
Organic cation transport by rat hepatocyte basolateral membrane vesicles.

Hepatocyte basolateral membrane possesses transport systems for mediated uptake of organic cations, the first step in the subsequent biliary excretion and/or metabolism of these compounds. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate potential mechanisms for transport of this class of solutes across this membrane by measuring 3H-labeled tetraethylammonium ([3H]TEA) transport into rat hepatocyte basolateral membrane vesicles. [3H]TEA uptake was stimulated by an outwardly directed proton gradient consistent with TEA-proton exchange. Proton gradient-stimulated [3H]TEA uptake was inhibited by quinidine and by the combination of valinomycin and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) but not by CCCP alone or by N1-methylnicotinamide (NMN). An outwardly directed TEA gradient also stimulated uptake of [3H]TEA with values at early time points exceeding those at equilibrium. This trans-stimulation or countertransport was saturable with an apparent Michaelis constant of 106 microM and maximal velocity of 434 pmol.mg-1.15 s-1. TEA countertransport was cis-inhibited by quinidine, cimetidine, and thiamine and by low temperature, but not by NMN. Thiamine was also capable of trans-stimulating [3H]TEA uptake. An outwardly directed potassium gradient enhanced and an inwardly directed potassium gradient reduced TEA countertransport but had no effect on [3H]TEA uptake occurring in the absence of other electrochemical driving forces. These studies indicate that there are at least two potential mechanisms in the hepatocyte basolateral membrane for transport of organic cations; organic cation-organic cation exchange (countertransport) and organic cation-proton exchange. Furthermore, the results are consistent with the existence of more than one transporter with different substrate affinities in each of these categories.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Archaeological Testing (Phase II) of Prehistoric Site 41BX785 for the West Salado Creek Outfall Project, Bexar County, Texas

During October and November 1988, subsurface testing (Phase II) was conducted at prehistoric site 41 BX 785, found in the West Salado Creek Outfall pipeline easement during a pedestrian survey (Phase I) of the project area. The Phase II limited testing determined that the subsurface portion of the prehistoric site is essentially intact, and at least two stratified occupation levels were identified. Although the tests did not produce diagnostic (datable) cultural materials, there is a notable amount of stone tool debit age in the central area, some unidentified biface fragments and burned rock which probably represents displaced hearth stones. We believe the site to be potentially eligible for consideration as a State Archeological Landmark and for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Because the site lies within the pipeline easement and will be impacted by the installation of the pipeline, and since it is a potentially significant cultural resource, we recommend that the site be considered for mitigation.
Relationship Between Water Activity, Salts of Lactic Acid, and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in a Meat Model System

The relationship between water activity (aw), lactate, and growth of Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A was studied in a meat model system consisting of cooked strained beef ranging in moisture content from 25 to 85% (wt/wt). Lactate (4%) depressed meat aw, and differences between aw values in control and lactate-treated samples at each moisture level increased progressively with decrease in moisture, from 0.003 (85% moisture) to 0.046 (25% moisture). Maximum cell numbers per g in control samples stored at 20°C for 7 d were about 109 (45-85% moisture, aw= 0.981-0.994) and 107 (35% moisture, aw = 0.965); there was no growth in meat with 25% moisture (aw = 0.932). Sodium lactate (4%) suppressed listerial growth at >55% and inhibited growth in samples with 25-55% moisture (a < 0.964). Lactate concentrations less than 4% were not listeristatic, but combinations of 2 or 3% lactate with 2% NaCl in samples with 55% moisture inhibited growth. Potassium and calcium lactate were as effective as the sodium salt in suppressing growth and aw.
Answers to Questions that Weren’t Asked: The Ethical Complexities of Identifying Misattributed Paternity During the Transplant Evaluation Process

Blood typing and Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) matching, while playing a vital role in improving allograft survival following organ transplantation, also have the potential to identify circumstances in which paternity or other degrees of genetic relatedness are misattributed. The decision of whether to disclose a finding of misattributed paternity is ethically complex and has been an issue of concern within the transplant community. In this chapter, we will consider the incidental identification of misattributed paternity within the broader context of incidental findings (IFs) in general. We will then review the prevailing arguments for and against disclosure of a finding of misattributed paternity during the transplant evaluation process. We will consider specific ethical complexities of such disclosure that arise within the context of pediatric organ transplantation, complexities that we feel make the disclosure of misattributed paternity ethically inappropriate within that setting. Finally, we will conclude by recommending a model policy to prevent some of these ethical challenges from arising in the clinical setting.
ReAct: A System for Recommending Actions for Rapid Resolution of IT Service Incidents

In this paper, we present a system called ReActwhich, given a problem/incident description, helps the serviceagents to easily identify set of actions and the possible actionsequence to resolve the issue mentioned in the ticket. Theframework uses unstructured text analysis on historical ticketdata to find the next best action steps and uses visualization tohelp user choose the most suitable option.
When Local Comes to Town: Governing Local Agriculture in the South Carolina Lowcountry

ABSTRACTThe South Carolina Lowcountry—the coastal region centered on Charleston—has developed a vibrant local food system over the past several decades. This article examines the role of governance institutions in cultivating local-market farmers and the broader agricultural landscape. It argues that the region’s institutions of agricultural governance produce a farmer characterized by “entrepreneurial nostalgia”—put simply, the articulation of entrepreneurial and nostalgic subjects. This farmer subjectivity in many ways fits within what is generally deemed a neoliberal mode of being, yet this article also emphasizes, contrary to much of the work on neoliberalism, the racial politics of such a subject position. Entrepreneurial nostalgia not only emphasizes individualism and the marketing of the self but it does so in a way that aligns with both colorblind and liberal-multicultural forms of racism. The article closes by reflecting on potential openings for reworking this farmer subjectivity.
Reconfigurable stacked patch antenna for satellite and terrestrial applications

Reconfigurable antennas are becoming more and more important in defense and commercial wireless applications because a single aperture can be used to support multiple functions at multiple frequency bands. This can result in significant size reduction for the antenna, less complexity in design and development, and reduction in cost. An antenna can be reconfigured using PIN diodes, transistors, or MEMs switches. We present a stacked microstrip patch antenna that can been reconfigured for operation at 2 GHz and 600 MHz. Reconfiguration is achieved by using PIN diode switches. The antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 20.7%. It generates right-hand circular polarization with a broadside beam at 2 GHz. The same structure can also operate as a planar inverted-F antenna at 600 MHz with a pattern directed toward the azimuth. The antenna is linearly polarized in the latter case and is suitable for terrestrial communication.
Leukemia-Associated Primary Granule Proteins (PGPs) Elastase-2 and Proteinase-3 Are Aberrantly Expressed in Solid Tumors: A Potential Therapeutic Target for PR1-Directed Immunotherapy

Neutrophil elastase (ELA2) and proteinase-3 (PRTN3) are the source proteins for the nonomeric HLA-A2-restricted peptide PR1 (VLQELNVTV), a recognized leukemia-associated antigen (LAA). In myeloid leukemia, high expression of ELA2 and PRTN3 has been correlated with improved clinical outcomes following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Vaccination with PR-1 peptide showed efficacy in myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, and was associated with immunologic response (≥ 2 fold increase in PR1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (PR1-CTL)) and long-lasting clinical remissions. PR1-CTLwere shown to mediate immunity elicited by PR-1 vaccine, as they preferentially recognize and kill myeloid leukemia cells. Since ELA2 and PRTN3 have been reported in breast cancer biopsies, we hypothesized that ELA2 and PRTN3 may be mislocalized in solid tumors, leading to MHC-I presentation, therefore providing a therapeutic target for PR1 vaccine. To study the subcellular localization of ELA2 and PRTN3, the cytoplasmic, nuclear, membrane, and golgi/ER fractions were obtained from inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) (MDA-IBC1 and SUM149) and melanoma (526, 624, 888 and 926) cell lines. ELA2 was preferentially expressed in the cytoplasmic fraction in the IBC cell line SUM149, while PRTN3 was expressed in the membrane and cytoskeletal fractions of the IBC cell line MDA-IBC1. In the melanoma cell lines, ELA2 was expressed in the cytoplasmic fractions, while PRTN3 was noted in the nuclear, cytoplasmic and cytoskeletal fractions. Furthermore, the HLA-A2+ melanoma cell line 888 was susceptible to lysis by PR1-CTL (approximately 30% lysis; Effector:Target ratio=1:2). Together, these results demonstrate that ELA2 and PRTN3 are aberrantly localized in non-hematopoietic cell lines, and that this can be associated with susceptibility to PR1- CTL lysis. In particular, PR1 is a potential immunotherapeutic target for patients with melanoma and breast cancer.
Sensitivity of 3D 3C synthetic seismograms to anisotropic attenuation and velocity in reservoir models

ABSTRACTAnisotropic attenuation in fluid-saturated reservoirs with high fracture density may be diagnostic for reservoir characterization. Wave-induced mesoscale fluid flow is considered to be the major cause of intrinsic attenuation at exploration seismic frequencies. We perform tests of the sensitivity, of anisotropic attenuation and velocity, to reservoir properties in fractured HTI media based on the mesoscale fluid flow attenuation mechanism. The viscoelastic T-matrix, a unified effective medium theory of global and local fluid flow mechanisms, is used to compute frequency-dependent anisotropic attenuation and velocity for ranges of reservoir properties, including fracture density, orientation, fracture aspect ratio, fluid type, and permeability. The 3D 3C staggered-grid finite-difference anisotropic viscoelastic modeling with a Crank-Nicolson scheme is used to generate seismograms using the frequency-dependent velocity and attenuation computed by the viscoelastic T-matrix. A standard linear solid mo...
Purpose and Cognition: Edward Tolman and the Transformation of American Psychology

This book discusses the development of Edward Tolman's purposive behaviourism from the 1920s to the 1950s, highlighting the tension between his references to cognitive processes and the dominant behaviourist trends. It shows how Tolman incorporated concepts from European scholars, including Egon Brunswik and the Gestalt psychologists, to justify a more purposive form of behaviourism and how the theory evolved in response to the criticisms of his contemporaries. The manuscript also discusses Tolman's political activities, culminating in his role in the California loyalty oath controversy in the 1950s. Tolman was involved in a number of progressive causes during his lifetime, activities that drew the attention of both state legislators in California and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It treats Tolman's theoretical and political activities as emanating from the same source, a desire to understand the learning process in a scientific manner and to apply these concepts to improve the human condition.
In situ control of synchronous germanide/silicide reactions with Ge/Si core/shell nanowires to monitor formation and strain evolution in abrupt 2.7 nm channel length

The metal-semiconductor interface in self-aligned contact formation can determine the overall performance of nanoscale devices. This interfacial morphology is predicted and well researched in homogenous semiconductor nanowires (NWs) but was not pursued in heterostructured core/shell nanowires. We found here that the solid-state reactions between Ni and Ge/Si core/shell nanowires resulted in a protruded and a leading NiSiy segment into the channel. A single Ni2Ge/NiSiy to Ge/Si core/shell interface was achieved by the selective shell removal near the Ni source/drain contact areas. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy, we measured the growth rate and anisotropic strain evolution in ultra-short channels. We found elevated compressive strains near the interface between the compound contact and the NW and relatively lower strains near the center of the channel which increased exponentially below the 10 nm channel length to exceed 10% strain at ∼3 nm lengths. These compressive strains are expected to ...
Anharmonic Properties Near Structural Phase Transitions: An Update

Upon preparing these two lectures, I reread the manuscript on the two subjects I presented at the NATO Spring School in Norway in 1981 [1] (sometimes referred to as I hereafter). Having done this, I concluded that the context in which they were given and the presentation made were not only “still” really valid, but that possibly I could not even do better now. However, in the two intervening years which have elapsed since that NATO School, a number of new results have been published which have helped to round off the picture given then. Therefore, I decided to write an update, that is, to briefly comment on the status as it was in 1981 on a particular subject, and then to summarize what is new since then, or was forgotten at that time. If no new results have become available either theoretically or experimentally, I shall not refer to those subjects here. In so doing, I hope to keep the length of my update to that prescribed by the organizers of the Workshop.
FPGA implementation of a support vector machine classifier for Ultrasonic flaw detection

In this work, we investigate the hardware implementation of Support Vector Machine (SVM) prediction on an FPGA platform for industrial ultrasound applications. Specifically, SVM is used as classifier for identifying ultrasonic A-scan signals as signals with flaw or signals without flaw. Hardware acceleration using FPGA is the main theme of the presented work. The architecture used to implement the SVM prediction is discussed in detail. Synthesis results indicate that Ultrasonic flaw detection using SVM algorithm is feasible for real-time applications on programmable hardware such as FPGAs.
Bone metastasis to predict treatment response rate and overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma.

e21585Background: Substantial numbers of metastatic melanoma patients (approximately 40%) develop bone metastases (M-bone), yet the impact of M-bone on response to systemic therapy and overall surv...
Effect of Heart Failure Type on Thromboembolic and Bleeding Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Oral Anticoagulation

Background Heart failure (HF) increases ischemic stroke (IS) risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Differential effect of heart failure type on thromboembolic and bleeding risk while on oral anticoagulation (OAC) is unknown. Methods We used Medicare data for beneficiaries with new AF diagnosed during 2011-13 to identify patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and no HF. The primary outcome of admission for IS was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models that controlled for patient demographics, comorbidities (including CHA2DS2-Vasc score), and OAC use. Secondary outcomes included mortality, admissions for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or HF. Results The 3 groups included 47840, 32360 and 718392 patients respectively. Patients with HFrEF and HFpEF had higher comorbidity burden, thromboembolic and bleeding risk ( Table 1 ). In multivariable analysis adjusting for patient characteristics and OAC as a time-dependent covariate, HFrEF and HFpEF were associated with higher risk of IS, HF and AMI compared to no HF ( Table 2 ). HFrEF was associated with higher all-cause mortality and HF-hospitalization risk compared with HFpEF ( Table 2 ) Conclusion In AF patients, HFrEF and HFpEF are both associated with higher risk of stroke, HF and AMI admissions, even after adjusting for OAC, compared with patients without HF.
Reorganizing Student Affairs for the Twenty-First Century:

In 1996 the student affairs division at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls underwent nothing short of a complete transformation—from twelve traditional units to three centers. The dean of stud...
Phonon spectrum and phonon focusing in coarse-grained atomistic simulations

Abstract This work investigates the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of coarse-grained (CG) atomistic methods in simulation of phonon dynamics. First, we compute and compare phonon dispersion relations in CG models with those in atomically resolved models, using the concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC). The CG atomistic models using the CAC method are shown to reproduce long-wavelength phonons with great accuracy, while capturing the dynamics of some short-wavelength phonons that are usually inaccessible to CG methods. We then present CG simulation results of the propagation of heat pulses in Si with the interaction between atoms being modelled with the Stillinger-Weber potential; the experimentally observed phonon-focusing patterns in the (1 0 0) and (1 1 1) planes of Si crystals are reproduced. The accuracy and efficiency of the CAC method in CG simulation of acoustic and optical phonon branches are quantified with respect to atomically-resolved molecular dynamics simulations. The applicability and limitations of concurrent multiscale methods in the simulation of phonon transport across atomistic-continuum interface are investigated. Possible ways to overcome the limitations are discussed.
Immune Modulation of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Patients (pts) with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in Early Chronic Phase (CP): A Randomized Trial of Frontline High-Dose (HS) Imatinib Mesylate (IM) with or without Pegylated-Interferon (PEG-IFN) and GM-CSF.

Abstract Some studies suggest that HD IM renders higher molecular response rates than standard dose IM in CP CML. Yet, most patients have MRD detectable by PCR and in vitro studies suggest the CML stem cell is insensitive to IM. The efficacy of IFN in CML has been linked to its immunomodulatory properties and preclinical studies have shown synergy with IM. IFN may be used as adjunct for the management of MRD. IFN combined with GM-CSF is a potent dendritic cell stimulator. In this phase II study we investigated whether the addition of PEG-IFN to IM improves complete molecular response (CMR) rates and prolong remission duration in pts with early CP CML. Pts received IM 800 mg daily for 6 months (mo) before randomization to either continuing HD IM as single-agent or combined with PEG-IFN 0.5 mcg/kg/week and GM-CSF 125 mg/m2 three times weekly. Pts were monitored with real-time PCR and cytogenetics (CG) every 3 mo for 12 mo and every 6 mo thereafter. Ninety-four pts were randomized between Arm A (IM alone; 49 pts) and Arm B (IM+PEG-IFN+GM; 45 pts) and 91 (97%) were followed for at least 12 mo (2 pts in Arm A and 1 in Arm B did not start therapy). Ten pts randomized to Arm B did not start PEG-IFN (4 refused, 3 off study before 6 mo, 1 melanoma, 1 heart disease, 1 financial). The primary objective was to increase by 50% the rate of major molecular response (BCR-ABL/ABL ratio Table 1 . No. / No. evaluable (%) Overall IM alone IM+PEG-IFN+GM p value Median age (range), years 48 (19-79) 46 (19-73) 51 (19-79) Sokal (% low/int/high) 72/21/6 65/24/10 80/16/4 0.96 CG response at 12 mo partial 4/82 (4) 2/45 (4) 2/37 (5) 0.50 complete 76/82 (93) 41/45 (91) 35/37 (95) 0.09 Best molecular response >0% - 40/91 (45) 23/47 (49) 17/44 (39) 0.20 undetectable 15/91 (17) 8/47 (17) 7/44 (16) 0.29 Molecular response at 12 mo >0% - 23/91 (25) 10/47 (21) 13/44 (24) 1.00 undetectable 9/91 (10) 5/47 (11) 4/44 (9) 0.29
Coupling 2D atomistic information to 3D kink-pair enthalpy models of screw dislocations in bcc metals

The kink-pair activation enthalpy is a fundamental parameter in the theory of plasticity of body-centered cubic (bcc) metals. It controls the thermally activated motion of screw dislocation at low and intermediate temperatures. While direct atomistic calculations of kink pairs on screw dislocations have reached a high degree of accuracy, they can only be practically performed using semiempirical interatomic force fields, as electronic structure methods have not yet reached the level of efficiency needed to capture the system sizes required to model kink-pair structures. In this context, an alternative approach based on standard three-dimensional elastic models, which are efficient but lack atomic-level information, coupled to a substrate potential that represents the underlying lattice, has been widely applied over the past few years. This class of methods, known as `line-on-substrate' (LOS) models, uses the substrate potential to calculate the lattice contribution to the kink-pair energies. In this work, we introduce the stress dependence of the substrate potential into LOS models to evaluate its impact on kink-pair energies. In addition, we include asymmetric dislocation core energies as an extra descriptor of the dislocation character. This asymmetry is also elevated to the continuum level by adding core energies to the general LOS formulation and used to explain potential energy differences known to exist between left and right kinks in bcc metals. More importantly, by matching the total LOS energies to previously calculated atomistic energies of kink-pair configurations, we issue a rule to establish the value of the so-called core width in nonsingular elasticity theories and reduce its arbitrariness as a mathematical construct.
Queeruptions and the Question of QTPOC Thriving in Schools - An Excavation

This essay is a reflection on ideas explored within the symposium on “queeruptions.”, the spaces and places they point us toward, and the ways they reveal our world. My remarks are multi-layered. F...
Reinforcement Learning for Optimal Adaptive Control of Time Delay Systems

This chapter presents reinforcement learning techniques for solving the optimal stabilization problem for time delay systems with unknown delays and unknown system dynamics. The class of systems that we consider are general discrete-time linear systems that are subject to multiple delays in both the state and the input. Both state and output feedback algorithms are presented. The central idea in the proposed scheme revolves around the state augmentation that brings the system into a delay-free form. In particular, we present an extended state augmentation method that utilizes only the upper bounds of the delays instead of requiring the exact knowledge of the number and lengths of the delays. This extended augmentation scheme accommodates unknown delays. The associated controllability and observability conditions of the extended augmented system are established. The model-free reinforcement learning scheme that we consider is based on iterative Q-learning, which enables the controller to learn the optimal control parameters based on the input-state or input–output data. The proposed scheme has the advantage that it is immune to the exploration bias. As a result, the need of discounted cost functions is circumvented, which in turn guarantees closed-loop stability and optimality. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Employees, Employers, and Quasi-Employers: An Analysis of Employees and Employers Who Operate in the Borderland between an Employer-and-Employee Relationship

In most cases, coverage under our nation’s employment laws boils down to the question of whether or not the individuals in question are “employees” and whether or not the entity in question is an “employer.” Significantly, however, in a growing number of cases, where employer status is found in the absence of a direct relationship to a statutory employer. This Article refers to these entities as quasi-employers because they are not employers in the traditional sense, yet they are subject to the dictates of employment law legislation. This Article reviews the following theories of quasi-employer responsibility: the Sibley Interference Theory, the Spirt Delegation Theory, the Joint Employer Theory, and the Single Employer Theory. This Article also reviews the issue of individual supervisory liability as employers under the major employment statutes. Individuals are not normally thought of as employers, but they sometimes have a great deal of influence over the terms and conditions of employees’ employment. Therefore, this Article considers them to be a type of quasi-employer.To analyze the definitional status of employers and quasi-employers, it is necessary to examine the definitional status of employees. Significantly, however, the legal definition of employee is in a complete state of disarray. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the definition of employer is also often unclear. Nevertheless, a significant body of law supports treating quasi-employers as employers. Unfortunately, there has not been much scholarship focusing on employer status and virtually no academic commentary on the status of quasi-employers.As with employee status: a clear definition of employer is necessary so that both employees and employers know what their rights and responsibilities are. The consequences of not knowing who one's employer is can be fatal to any litigation. It is also important to outline clear criteria because future generations will be looking to established case law to determine employer status in work environments that may look very different from today’s work environments.This Article seeks to bringing about certainty to, in Justice Rutledge’s words, “the borderland” between what is an employer-employee relationship and what is not.
Preparing Undergraduate Pre-service Teachers Through Direct and Video-Based Performance Feedback and Tiered Supports in Early Head Start

Video-based peer coaching and tiered supports were used to promote pre-service teachers’ developmentally appropriate adult–child interactions during a semester-long learning module focusing on education, care, and early intervention for infants and toddlers. Undergraduate majors (n = 19) in their second year of an early childhood teacher education program were enrolled in a field-based birth-to-three experience. The module under study took place during one of eight semesters of guided field based apprenticeship, with classroom teachers and early childhood faculty providing constant direct supervision and field-based instruction. Faculty collaborated with Early Head Start teachers to implement a system of tiered supports including universal, targeted, and intensive strategies and interventions derived from principles of multitiered systems of support; video-based peer coaching served as a support at each level of this framework. The field-based module took place in Early Head Start classrooms, where candidates were assessed weekly on developmentally appropriate practice using the CLASS (LaParo et al. in Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) manual, toddler. Paul H. Brookes, Baltimore, 2012). Peer coaching groups provided weekly feedback on uploaded video clips of student-led classroom activities. These supports positively influenced undergraduates’ interaction behaviors; interviews revealed dimensions of their personal and professional growth. Implications for teacher preparation and further research are discussed.
The ISS philosophy as a unifying framework for stability-like behavior

The input to state stability (ISS) paradigm is motivated as a generalization of classical linear systems concepts under coordinate changes. A summary is provided of the main theoretical results concerning ISS and related notions of input/output stability and detectability. A bibliography is also included, listing extensions, applications, and other current work.
Immobilized platelets support human colon carcinoma cell tethering, rolling, and firm adhesion under dynamic flow conditions

Accumulating evidence suggests that successful metastatic spread may depend on the ability of tumor cells to undergo extensive interactions with platelets. However, the mechanisms mediating tumor cell adhesion to platelets under conditions of flow remain largely unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to analyze the ability of 3 human colon carcinoma cell lines (LS174T, COLO205, and HCT-8) to bind to surface-anchored platelets under flow and to identify the receptors involved in these processes. Immobilized platelets support LS174T cell adhesion at wall shear stresses up to 1.4 dyn/cm(2). Our data suggest that platelets primarily recruit LS174T cells through a 2-step, sequential process of adhesive interactions that shares common features but is distinct from that elaborated for neutrophils. Platelet P-selectin mediates LS174T cell tethering and rolling in a PSGL-1- and CD24-independent manner. Moreover, platelet alpha(IIb)beta(3)-integrins appear to be capable of directly capturing LS174T cells from the fluid stream, and also convert instantaneously transient tethers initiated by P-selectin into stable adhesion. This step is at least partially mediated by von Willebrand factor, but not fibrinogen or fibronectin, that bridges platelet alpha(IIb)beta(3) with a yet unidentified receptor on the LS174T cell surface via an RGD-dependent mechanism. The sequential engagement of platelet P-selectin and alpha(IIb)beta(3) is also requisite for the optimal adhesion of COLO205. Furthermore, HCT-8 cells, which fail to interact with P-selectin, tether minimally to surface-anchored platelets under flow, despite their extensive adhesive interactions under static conditions. This cascade of events depicts an efficacious process for colon carcinoma arrest at sites of vascular injury. (Blood. 2000;96:1789-1797)
Maternal, Single-Gene Regulation of Assimilate Partitioning in Pea

Assimilate partitioning has been identified as a key process in the control of yield. Although the role of reproductive structures in this process has received intensive study, our understanding of the role of the maternal plant is limited. We suggest that the Sn gene of pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a potentially valuable genetic tool for studying maternal regulation of partitioning. In this study, nearly isogenic lines differing at the Sn locus were compared with respect to seed-filling characteristics and carbon assimilation. Lines with the Sn gene had a slower rate and shorter duration of seed growth than the line recessive for this gene, and these traits could not be ascribed to reduced carbon assimilation. Flowers of the two nearly isogenic lines were manually pollinated to control the genotype of the developing embryo independently of the maternal genotype. The final dry weight of the seed was determined by the genotype of the maternal plant and not by the genotype of the embryo, supporting the hypothesis that the Sn gene acts in the vegetative plant to regulate the partitioning of assimilates between vegetative and reproductive growth. Although the Sn gene has been noted for delaying apical senescence, it also delayed leaf senescence in this study; leaves of the Sn line continued to photosynthesize long past the time that leaves of the recessive line had senesced and after the seeds and pods were dry.
Specific DNA binding to a major histocompatibility complex enhancer sequence by a synthetic 57-residue double zinc finger peptide from a human enhancer binding protein.

Abstract Two 57-residue peptides containing one pair of "zinc fingers" from a human enhancer binding protein were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis. One peptide (MBP-DF) contained the native sequence, while the second peptide ([Abu11]MBP-DF) has an alpha-aminobutyric acid residue substituted for a nonconserved cysteine residue at position 11. The peptides were characterized by several chemical and physical methods, and their DNA binding properties were evaluated using gel retardation experiments. Spectroscopic studies demonstrated that addition of metal ions such as zinc and cobalt resulted in specific conformational changes in both peptides, indicating that cysteine-11 does not appear to be involved in metal chelation. One-dimensional 1H NMR studies indicate that a stable folded structure is formed upon addition of zinc, and the chemical shift pattern is consistent with that previously observed for one constituent single finger (Omichinski, J., Clore, G. M., Appella, E., Sakaguchi, K., and Gronenborn, A. M. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 9324-9334). Gel retardation experiments demonstrate that the peptides are capable of interacting with a 15-mer oligonucleotide comprising a portion of the major histocompatibility complex enhancer sequence and that the interaction is zinc-dependent. The dissociation constant for the [Abu11]MBP-DF peptide is 1.4 x 10(-7) M with maximal binding occurring at a zinc-to-peptide ratio of 2 to 1. The binding specificity observed with respect to related enhancer sequences exhibits the same relative order as noted previously for the whole protein. Studies with point mutants of the major histocompatibility complex enhancer binding sequence indicate that the last GC base pair in a four-guanine stretch plays a pivotal role in the interaction between the peptide and DNA.
Words and rules in the human brain

A new study of neurological patients who can analyse regular past-tense forms of verbs but not irregular ones, or vice versa, suggests that the mental dictionary and the mental grammar may be kept in different parts of the brain.
The Mechanisms of Vesicle Budding and Fusion

Genetic and biochemical analyses of the secretory pathway have produced a detailed picture of the molecular mechanisms involved in selective cargo transport between organelles. This transport occurs by means of vesicular intermediates that bud from a donor compartment and fuse with an acceptor compartment. Vesicle budding and cargo selection are mediated by protein coats, while vesicle targeting and fusion depend on a machinery that includes the SNARE proteins. Precise regulation of these two aspects of vesicular transport ensures efficient cargo transfer while preserving organelle identity.
Assessing diagnostic complexity

Computer-aided diagnosis systems can play an important role in lowering the workload of clinical radiologists and reducing costs by automatically analyzing vast amounts of image data and providing meaningful and timely insights during the decision making process. In this paper, we present strategies on how to better manage the limited time of clinical radiologists in conjunction with predictive model diagnosis. We first introduce a metric for discriminating between the different categories of diagnostic complexity (such as easy versus hard) encountered when interpreting CT scans. Second, we propose to learn the diagnostic complexity using a classification approach based on low-level image features automatically extracted from pixel data. We then show how this classification can be used to decide how to best allocate additional radiologists to interpret a case based on its diagnosis category. Using a lung nodule image dataset, we determined that, by a simple division of cases into hard and easy to diagnose, the number of interpretations can be distributed to significantly lower the cost with limited loss in prediction accuracy. Furthermore, we show that with just a few low-level image features (18% of the original set) we are able to determine the easy from hard cases for a significant subset (66%) of the lung nodule image data. Defined a metric for measuring the consensus difficulty in CT scan diagnosis.Developed a difficulty-predictive model, based solely on low-level image features.Reviewed most significant low-level image features for predicting case difficulty.Presented a radiologist assignment approach for reducing classification cost.
Human reproductive cloning: thinking about clinic-based ethics

In 2000, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Ethics Committee developed a statement on human reproductive cloning (1). Focusing on the technique that led to the birth of Dolly the lamb, the committee observed that reproductive somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) would not meet standards of ethical acceptability for human use as long as the procedure’s safety is uncertain, ethical issues are insufficiently explored, and couples have alternative methods for having children. Other groups and commissions, including the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC), have reached similar positions (2).
Market-based on demand scheduling (MBoDS) in co-operative grid environment

Computational and data scientists at universities have different job resource requirements. Most universities maintain a set of shared resources to support these computational needs. Access to these resources are often free and the access policy is First Come First Serve (FCFS). However, FCFS policies on shared resources often lead to sub-optimal value from the organization's point of view as different jobs contribute different values to the users. Furthermore, the set of resources at a single institution may fail to satisfy the diverse needs of the institutions researchers. We argue the solution is differentiated quality of service (QoS) based on the user's willingness to pay to rationalize resource usage and federation of university resources to improve both the size of the resource pool as well as the diversity of resources. The proposed XSEDE Campus Bridging (CB) Shared Virtual Compute Facility (SVCF) [22] provides both. The CB-SVCF will be deployed using existing XSEDE Execution Management Services (EMS) and the XSEDE Global Federated File System (GFFS) [13]. Before deploying the CB-SVCF it is critical to understand and demonstrate the expected benefits to stakeholders under different load, pricing, and priority scenarios. We have developed a simulator to understand these trade-offs. In this paper we present the simulation results with two qualities of service and data traces from two universities for a month. Our result shows that MBoDS outperforms both FCFS and simple priority scheduling policy for a single site both in terms of overall value and in terms of number of high priority jobs started within the predefined threshold.
Calorimetric Investigation of Tricritical Behavior in Tetragonal Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3

The order of the cubic {leftrightarrow} tetragonal phase change in ferroelectric Pb(Zr{sub x}Ti{sub 1{minus}x})O{sub 3} (PZT) was investigated by measurements of the specific heat. The specimens studied were highly crystalline powder samples carefully prepared by chemical synthesis methods to ensure chemical homogeneity. The existence of a tricritical point in the compositional range 0.30 {le} x {le} 0.40 was established. The results demonstrated a close correspondence between the effects of hydrostatic pressure and the effects of zirconium substitution on the order of the transition. A relationship between the first-order character of the transition and the ionic packing density in the cubic structure was proposed.
Discussion of shadow reports

Abstract The emergence of both country-level and regional Shadow Financial Regulatory Committees (SFRCs) at this time in history testifies to: (1) the size of the disruptions caused by the rapid integration of financial markets and institutions and (2) the social costliness of unresolved incentive conflicts that bedevil financial regulators everywhere. In almost every country in the world, these conflicts slow efficiency-creating absorptions and outside entry by supporting exit-constraining strategies of capital forbearance.
Be-tzelem Elohim—In the Image of God: Identifying Essential Jewish LGBTQ Books for Jewish Libraries

The authors take as a given that all libraries should include books on Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) issues. This article discusses the challenges of collection development in this area and the factors that necessitate LGBTQ Jewish materials' inclusion in Jewish academic, school, synagogue, and community libraries. The article makes recommendations for a range of Jewish libraries on what essential books and movies on this topic are.
Examining teachers' understanding of the mathematical learning progression through vertical articulation during Lesson Study

This study examines elementary- and middle-grade teachers’ understanding of the mathematical learning progression as they participated in a 6-month professional learning project. Teachers participated in a professional development project that consisted of a 1-week summer content-focused institute with school-based follow-up Lesson Study cycles in the fall that focused on the vertical articulation of algebraic concepts across grade levels. The following research examines how a vertical team of teachers from multiple grades designed, taught and learned from the Lesson Study cycle. The video analysis from the research lessons and the teachers’ reflections revealed teachers’ developing vertical connections and representational fluency from their planning, teaching, observation and debriefs. In addition, Lesson Study afforded teachers opportunities to deepen their understanding of the mathematical learning progression through observation and analysis of students’ thinking through a situated school-based professional development experience.
“Passing the Test” – Human Behavior and California’s Smog Check Program

We have analyzed data obtained from more than 11,000 vehicles inspected in California's random roadside surveys to assess the realworld characteristics of the in-use motor vehicle fleet and to test the effectiveness of California's inspection and maintenance (I/M) program. The low-idle emissions data from these surveys show that 10 percent of the fleet are responsible for about 60 percent of the exhaust hydrocarbons and also that 10 percent of the fleet (not necessarily the same vehicles) are responsible for about 60 percent of the carbon monoxide emissions. We also show that high emitters appear among all model years, and not just among old vehicles, as previously assumed. Old vehicles, on average, have higher idle emissions than new vehicles, but they contribute relatively little to the total idle emissions because there are so few on the road. We compare roadside survey results at I/M and non-l/M locations in California, and observe identical tampering and overall failure rates at the two types of loca...