cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A complete physics-based channel parameter simulation for wave propagation in a forest environment

At HF through UHF frequencies, wave propagation in a forest environment is mainly attributed to a lateral wave which propagates at the canopy-air interface. Due to the existence of tree trunks, significant multiple scattering also occurs which is the dominant source of field fluctuations. Basically, the current induced in the tree trunks by the source and the lateral wave reradiate and generate higher order lateral waves and direct scattered waves. Using a full-wave analysis based on the method of moments in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulations, the effect of multiple scattering among a very large number of tree trunks is studied. It is shown that only scatterers near the source and the observation points contribute to the field fluctuations significantly. This result drastically simplifies the numerical complexity of the problem. Keeping about 200 tree trunks in the vicinity of the transmitter dipole and the receiver point, a Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the statistics of the spatial and spectral behavior of the field at the receiver. Using a wide-band simulation, the temporal behavior (impulse response) is also studied as is performance of antenna arrays and the effects of different spatial diversity combining schemes in such a multipath environment.
Software development process standards: challenges for process assurance

During 1992-94 the Cellular Infrastructure Group (CIG) organization of Motorola implemented a set of common software development process specifications using the IEEE Std 1074 as a process architecture guideline and the SEI Capability Maturity Model (CMM) for process requirements. In late 1993 the Software Quality Assurance group implemented a process assurance program of auditing against these process specifications for process compliance and process improvement. The IEEE Std 1028 was chosen as the basic standard for development of the audit program. In June 1996, the Cellular Infrastructure Group became ISO 9001 certified. This paper discusses challenges and lessons learned from working with these three major quality system and software development process standards from a process assurance perspective.
Models for Taxol Biosynthesis: SeO2 Oxidation of Taxadiene

Abstract Together with the expected mono‐oxidized taxa‐4(20),11(12)‐diene‐5‐ol (1) and taxa‐4(5),11,20‐diene‐20‐ol (2), a new taxane skeleton, 3,12‐cyclotaxane (3), was obtained from chemical oxidation of taxadiene by selenium dioxide/t‐butylhydroperoxide.
Multiquantum State-to-State Transitions in Hypersonic Blunt Body Flows

An approximate FHO model for multiquantum transitions1 was extended, evaluated and coupled to a hypersonic flow code with the objective of predicting nonequilibrium behavior in high temperature flows. The extension to an approximate model addresses efficiency and accuracy which further allows us to assess the role of multiquantum transitions in low as well as high temperature hypersonic flows. Numerical simulations are presented of steady state, hypersonic blunt body flows and the influence of multiquantum vibrational energy exchange assessed for vibrational heating conditions. As a first step in understanding the role of multiquantum transitions, only vibrational transitions were considered at the high temperatures and dissociation and ionization were not included. The nonequilibrium vibrational energy distributions were modeled by the master kinetic equation and the population distributions in the quantum energy states of the diatomic molecule evaluated under multiquantum vibrational-translational (VT) transitions. At high temperatures, results indicate that multiquantum transitions have a large influence on the macroscopic parameters of the gas flow behind the shock, especially on the vibrational distributions on the upper energy levels. The findings have a significant impact on the development of state-to-state kinetic dissociation models at high temperatures, to be developed in future studies.
Closed-loop state and input observer for systems with unknown inputs

A closed-loop observer that can identify states and inputs simultaneously is developed for linear time-invariant systems with unknown inputs. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the observer are derived and proved. Parameter identification of a system with a few unknown or time-varying parameters is investigated by applying the observer technique developed in this paper. Potential usage in machine monitoring (machine diagnostics) appears promising.
Decreasing the risk of implantation of cancer cells intraoperatively.

Maneuvers are suggested to decrease the likelihood of disseminating and implanting cancer cells in wounds during head and neck oncologic surgery, and thereby the risk of local-regional recurrence. These include occlusive covering of fresh tracheotomy sites and areas of skin ulceration, excising the primary tumor before performing neck dissection(s) to avoid contamination of uninvolved tissue planes, irrigation of the field with hypotonic solution after removal of the primary tumor, and using clean instruments and apparel when moving between anatomical sites (e.g., donor flaps/grafts, skull base extensions, percutaneous or standard gastrostomies, etc.).
Estimation from Zero-Failure Data

When performing quantitative (or probabilistic) risk assessments, it is often the case that data for many of the potential events in question are sparse or nonexistent. Some of these events may be well-represented by the binomial probability distribution. In this paper, a model for predicting the binomial failure probability, P, from data that include no failures is examined. A review of the literature indicates that the use of this model is currently limited to risk analysis of energetic initiation in the explosives testing field. The basis for the model is discussed, and the behavior of the model relative to other models developed for the same purpose is investigated. It is found that the qualitative behavior of the model is very similar to that of the other models, and for larger values of n (the number of trials), the predicted P values varied by a factor of about eight among the five models examined. Analysis revealed that the estimator is nearly identical to the median of a Bayesian posterior distribution, derived using a uniform prior. An explanation of the application of the estimator in explosives testing is provided, and comments are offered regarding the use of the estimator versus other possible techniques.
Utility computing SLA management based upon business objectives

It has become increasingly desirable for companies worldwide to outsource their complex e-business infrastructure under the utility computing paradigm by means of service level agreements (SLAs). A successful utility computing provider must be able not only to satisfy its customers' demand for high service-quality standards, but also to fulfill its service-quality commitments based upon business objectives (e.g., cost-effectively minimizing the exposed business impact of service level violations). This paper presents the design rationale of a business-objectives-based utility computing SLA management system, called SAM, along with implementation experiences.
Spine problems in emergency department patients: Does every patient need an x-ray?

Abstract Two hundred adults with spine problems were evaluated by one examiner in a community hospital emergency department. A patient was considered to have a spine problem requiring evaluation if presenting with pain in the neck or back not obviously caused by a process outside of the spine (eg, back pain in a patient with renal colic); if there was known or suspected trauma to the neck or back; or if the clinical setting suggested spinal tumor, infection, metabolic bone disease, or ankylosing spondylitis. Of the 200 patients, 143 were studied by x-ray films. Six patients (6 of 143, or 4%) had x-ray abnormalities that mandated specific treatment. Fifty-two of the 57 patients not receiving x-ray studies were followed up at 2 months. Thirty-three of these patients (63%) had no x-ray studies interim and had improved greatly. Nineteen (37%) had been studied radiographically in the interim, but no abnormality requiring specific treatment was found in any patient. Emergency physicians should be aware that x-ray studies of the spine have low utility for patients whose histories and examinations are benign, that especially for women lumbosacral x-ray studies involve high gonadal radiation exposure, and that selected patients can be managed without x-ray studies and still be satisfied recipients of adequate medical care.
KILNS, FURNACES, BODIES, AND GLAZES FOR SMALL COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION AND EDUCATIONAL WORK1

Drawings and specifications for two small commercial kilns, one small test kiln, and a frit furnace are shown. Glazes suitable for use in the kilns are described. Shales and No. 2 fire clays are suggested for use. Reference is made to ware of commercial quality now being made in kilns of the kind indicated. Two sorts of copper red glazes are discussed and reference is made to the use of salt in effecting changes in the character of glazes. Fritted mat glazes are discussed and endorsed as superior to the raw sort, because of greater flexibility. A kiln atmosphere charged with vapors of common salt effects interesting changes in both the character of glazes and the usual colors produced by the commonly used oxides. A normally glossy, bright, and clear glaze becomes a vellumlike mat when fired in the presence of NaCl under certain conditions. A positive method of producing low-fired copper reds and lusters is described.
Dietary intake and dietary quality of low-income adults in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aims to alleviate hunger among its beneficiaries by providing benefits to purchase nutritious foods. Objective: We conducted a comprehensive dietary analysis of low-income adults and examined differences in dietary intake between SNAP participants and nonparticipants. Design: The study population comprised 3835 nonelderly adults with a household income ≤130% of the federal poverty level from the 1999–2008 NHANES. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate the distributions of usual intake for dietary outcomes. Relative differences in dietary intake by SNAP participation were estimated with adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and household food security. Results: Few low-income adults consumed recommended amounts of whole grains, fruit, vegetables, fish, and nuts/seeds/legumes. Conversely, many low-income adults exceeded recommended limits for processed meats, sweets, and bakery desserts and sugar-sweetened beverages. Approximately 13–22% of low-income adults did not meet any food and nutrient guidelines; virtually no adults met all of the guidelines. Compared with nonparticipants, SNAP participants consumed 39% fewer whole grains (95% CI: −57%, −15%), 44% more 100% fruit juice (95% CI: 0%, 107%), 56% more potatoes (95% CI: 18%, 106%), 46% more red meat (95% CI: 4%, 106%), and, in women, 61% more sugar-sweetened beverages (95% CI: 3%, 152%). SNAP participants also had lower dietary quality scores than did nonparticipants, as measured by a modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index. Conclusion: Although the diets of all low-income adults need major improvement, SNAP participants in particular had lower-quality diets than did income-eligible nonparticipants.
Regulation of Protease Expression in Porphyromonas gingivalis

Although the strong protease activity of Porphyromonas gingivalis appears to be an important virulence property of these organisms, little information is currently available regarding the regulation of expression of the multiple protease genes. Utilizing the lacZ reporter gene strategy, the environmental factors which regulate the expression of the Arg-gingipain gene rgpA and the prtT protease gene were investigated. These two genes are reciprocally regulated since factors which retarded growth (iron depletion and nutrient limitation) appeared to upregulate rgpA expression while down-regulating prtT expression. However, inactivation of the major rgpA gene resulted in increased transcription of the prtT and tpr protease genes while decreasing expression of the Lys-gingipain kgp gene as detected by Northern blot analysis. By contrast, inactivation of the prtT gene did not significantly affect kgp expression but moderately decreased rgpA mRNA levels. These results indicate that the protease genes of P. gingivalis are not coordinately regulated and suggest that some of these enzymes play specific roles in the physiology and/or virulence of these organisms.
Behavioral Ecology and the Archaeological Consequences of Central Place Foraging among the Meriam

Archaeology is ultimately concerned with explaining variability in the patterns of past human behavior. This chapter illustrates how archaeologically falsifiable hypotheses derived from the neo-Darwinian framework of behavioral ecology can serve this goal. Most archaeological applications of this approach have focused on explaining differences in the material consequences of subsistence practices with reference to the general predictions of the encounter contingent prey-choice model. I examine how testing hypotheses grounded in this model illuminate its relevant assumptions and direct our attention toward new questions about human subsistence strategies, especially where patterns in subsistence remains are likely to be influenced by the processing and transport decisions of central place foragers. The argument developed here is that the same neo-Darwinian logic that provides predictions about prey choice also provides appropriate tools for generating testable explanations of variability in central place foraging strategies, resource transport, and patch choice. I illustrate the advantages of this approach with an analysis of shellfishing efficiency and shell deposition among contemporary Meriam shellfishers in the Torres Strait Islands. The results of this investigation demonstrate that Meriam processing decisions and the archaeological products of intertidal gathering are consistent with an hypothesized goal of maximizing resource delivery rate. This finding has ramifications well beyond the context of shellfishing, with implications for arguments about early hominid subsistence and settlement patterns drawn from interpretations of variability in large mammal remains.
Clustering points in nD space through hierarchical structures

This article presents a technique for clustering points in nD space based on the concepts of irregular pyramids and minimum-distance classification. The structure we present consists of a number of levels. Each level consists of a number of clusters and each cluster contains one or more point nodes. The base of the structure is the set of input points (or feature vectors). The apex is a set of roots where every root is distant from every other root according to some proximity criteria.
Relational and Contextual Reasoning: Philosophical and Logical Aspects

This essay is a commentary on Helmut Reich's recently published book on relational and contextual reasoning (RCR). Reich's ideas are relevant in contexts of conflict, and they enable us to consider the notion of objectivity differently. He makes us see the constraints in individual perspectives. His book also can enable people to formulate problems of human concern in a wider and richer framework, which may lead to solutions not obtainable on the basis of binary logic.
Visualizing the First Steps of Human Double-Strand Break Repair on a Crowded DNA Track

Homologous recombination (HR) is a universally conserved and accurate DNA double strand break (DSB) repair pathway. In humans, HR is initiated by the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 (MRN) complex, which rapidly localized to the DSB and recruits nucleases that process the free DNA ends for downstream recombination. This process must occur on chromatin, but little is known about the first steps of HR on a nucleosome coated DNA. Here, we use high-throughput DNA curtains to visualize the first steps of human HR. We show that MRN scans DNA via one-dimensional facilitated diffusion. Remarkably, MRN uses its many DNA-binding modes to bypass nucleosomes and other roadblocks as it searches for DSBs. Next, MRN recruits Exonuclease 1 (Exo1), which uses its 5’→3’ nuclease activity to process the free DNA ends. Exo1 is a processive enzyme that can digest thousands of base pairs of DNA in a single resection event. However, RPA and other single-stranded DNA binding proteins (SSBs) inhibit Exo1 by stripping the nuclease from DNA. RPA inhibition is not species-specific, and requires at least three of its many DNA-binding domains. Strikingly, SOSS1—a recently identified mammalian SSB that is required for DSB repair in human cells—supports long-range Exo1 nuclease activity. Our results provide an integrated model for how DSB repair is initiated on a crowded DNA track and how single-stranded DNA-binding proteins regulate the first steps of human DSB repair.
Investigation on aluminum contamination of cooked wheaten food in Shuangliu County

Objective:Make a comprehensive understanding on aluminum contamination situation of cooked wheaten food in shuangliu county,to provide food safety supervision a scientific basis.Methods:Cooked wheaten food of aluminum in shuangliu county use the improved determination of Chromazurol-S colorimetric to detect and analyzed the results,and the national standard(Limits of contaminants in food,GB2762-2005) to determine,in which the limits of aluminum in cooked wheaten food was ≤100 mg/kg.Results:Sampling of 32 Cooked wheaten food,the pass rate was 68.8%,the pass rate of friedbreadstick was only 25.0%,and that of steamed bun was 63.6%.the maximum detectable quantity of aluminum in friedbreadstick was up to 991.7 mg/kg,it is approximately 10 times Beyond the limits of standard.Conclusion:Aluminum contamination of Cooked wheaten food in shuangliu county is in a serious condition.In order to ensure the people's health,the relevant departments should pay close attention to strengthen the supervision of food safety.
Evaluation on effect of exhaust hood on hazard substance control in painting operation

[Objective]To evaluate the effect of exhaust hood on hazard substance control in painting operation in fishing gear manufacturing enterprises of Xinghua city.[Methods]Two fishing gear manufacturing enterprises which had the similar scale,work intensity and work places were randomly divided into the intervention object and the control object.The 40 cm×50 cm×50 cm exhaust hood was installed in painting workplace of intervention enterprise.The concentrations of benzene,toluene and dimethylbenzene in workshop air and wind velocity of exhaust outlet were monitored and evaluated.[Results]There was no significant difference in average wind velocity of exhaust outlet between two enterprises.The concentrations of benzene,toluene and dimethylbenzene in workshop air of intervention enterprise were lower than those of control enterprise,and the differences in concentrations of toluene and dimethylbenzene were significant(P0.05,P0.01).The concentrations of hazard substances in workshop air met the national standards.[Conclusion]The exhaust hood in painting workplace of fishing gear manufacturing enterprises has obvious effect on controlling the concentrations of hazard substances,which is worth popularizing in other enterprises.
The Biology of Some Food Organisms

Man’s ability to feed himself determines his survival. The ability of groups of people to form a viable community depends on their collective ability to provide food for themselves. The growth of civilizations depends primarily on their food supplies. So irrespective of level of social organization, survival of the human race is absolutely dependent on a continuing supply of food organisms. But what organisms? Of all of the hundreds of thousands of species of biological organisms on the earth relatively few are consumed by man and still fewer make up the major portion of his present-day food supply.
A Review of Anticipatory Pleasure in Schizophrenia

Anhedonia, traditionally defined as a diminished capacity to experience pleasure, has long been considered a core symptom of schizophrenia. However, recent research calls into question whether individuals with schizophrenia are truly anhedonic, suggesting intact subjective and neurophysiological response to rewarding stimuli in-the-moment. Despite a presumably intact capacity to experience pleasure, people with schizophrenia still engage in fewer reward-seeking behaviors. This discrepancy has been explained as a dissociation between “liking” and “wanting,” with dopaminergic and prefrontal influences on incentive salience leading hedonic responses to not effectively translate into motivated behavior. In the current review, the literature on a key aspect of the wanting deficit is reviewed, anticipatory pleasure. Results provide consistent evidence for impairment in some aspects of anticipatory pleasure (e.g., prospection, associative learning between reward predictive cues and outcomes) and inconsistent evidence for others (e.g., anticipatory affect and affective forecasting). Mechanisms underlying anticipatory pleasure abnormalities in schizophrenia are discussed, and a new model of anticipatory pleasure deficits is proposed. Findings suggest that anticipatory pleasure may be a critical component of impairments in wanting that impact motivated behavior in schizophrenia.
Assessing Satisfaction and Academic Locus of Control of Dropout Students in online Learning Courses

Although studies have been conducted related to dropouts from oncampus and distance education courses, none provide a clear definition of dropout from academic courses. It is the main purpose of this study to propose a clear definition of dropout from e-learning courses. Additionally, literature suggests that students attending e-learning courses dropout at substantially higher rates than their counterparts in on-campus courses. Little attention has been given to the key factors associated with such substantial difference. This study explores two main constructs: 1) academic locus of control; and, 2) students’ satisfaction with e-learning. Results show that students’ satisfaction with e-learning is a key indicator in students’ decision to dropout from e-learning courses. Moreover, dropout students (non-completers) reported to have significantly lower satisfaction with e-learning than students who successfully completed (completers) the same e-learning courses. Additionally, results of this study show that the academic locus of control appears to have no impact on students’ decision to drop from e-learning courses.
To Err Is Human: Building an Automatic Error Generator System

This paper introduces Human Error Generator (HEG), an erroneous human performance simulator which considers that the errors emerge from human-computer interaction. HEG, in its current version, has two implemented modules: one that designs the interface in which the simulated user performs a task; and an automatic human error generator module. The system is linked to the cognitive architecture ACT-R and is able to simulate the following errors during the user performance: perceptual confusion, omission, inversion, repetition and intentionality reduction. Furthermore, HEG generates a report with the error-affected human performance showing the information related to the cognitive process involved in the simulated task as output. This paper aims to contribute to the field of human-computer interaction regarding the development of systems that anticipate human error.
Acceptance of Self-driving Cars: An Examination of Idealized versus Realistic Portrayals with a Self- driving Car Acceptance Scale

Despite enthusiastic speculation about the potential benefits of self-driving cars, to date little is known about the factors that will affect drivers’ acceptance or rejection of this emerging tech...
Bacterial components are the major contributors to the macrophage stimulating activity exhibited by extracts of common edible mushrooms

Recent studies have indicated that a major contributor to the innate immune enhancing properties of some medicinal plants is derived from the cell wall components of bacteria colonizing these plants. The purpose of the current study was to assess if the bacteria present within edible and medicinal mushrooms substantially contribute to the innate immune stimulating potential of these mushrooms. Whole mushrooms from thirteen types of edible fungi and individual parts from Agaricus bisporus were analyzed for in vitro macrophage activation as well as bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) content, cell load, and community composition. Substantial variation between samples was observed in macrophage activation (over 500-fold), total bacterial load (over 200-fold), and LPS content (over 10 million-fold). Both LPS content (ρ = 0.832, p < 0.0001) and total bacterial load (ρ = 0.701, p < 0.0001) correlated significantly with macrophage activation in the whole mushroom extracts. Extract activity was negated by treatment with NaOH, conditions that inactivate LPS and other bacterial components. Significant correlations between macrophage activation and total bacterial load (ρ = 0.723, p = 0.0001) and LPS content (ρ = 0.951, p < 0.0001) were also observed between different tissues of Agaricus bisporus. Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium were the most prevalent genera identified in the different tissue parts and these taxa were significantly correlated with in vitro macrophage activation (ρ = 0.697, p < 0.0001 and ρ = 0.659, p = 0.0001, respectively). These results indicate that components derived from mushroom associated bacteria contribute substantially to the innate immune enhancing activity exhibited by mushrooms and may result in similar therapeutic actions as reported for ingestion of bacterial preparations such as probiotics.
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy: A ten-year analysis of trends and immediate postoperative outcomes

Abstract The landscape of breast reconstruction has changed significantly. This study assesses trends in type of reconstruction performed after mastectomy and impact on immediate postoperative complications. Methods Data for 67,450 patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer were analyzed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for years 2005-2014. Primary outcomes were wound, nonwound related infections, and bleeding complications. Data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results The percentage of patients that underwent reconstruction after breast cancer increased from 26.94% in 2005 to 43.30% in 2014 (p Conclusion More women are undergoing reconstruction as utilization of TE increases drastically. Immediate implant placement has only seen moderate increase likely due to surgeon preference.
Considering Learning Ability in Language Rehabilitation Plans

While aphasia is characterized by deficits in language, an increasing body of work is examining the presence of nonlinguistic cognitive deficits in aphasia. Among these cognitive processes is learn...
Neurophysiological Monitoring in Thoracic Spine Surgery

Indications for spinal deformity surgery in the thoracic spine are similar to those in the cervical or lumbar spine. The major differences in the procedure include the special considerations needed to accommodate the anatomical variations in the orientation of the facet joints and pedicles, as well as the anterior approach to the spine. These surgeries have evolved to include approaches both through the chest cavity, as well as from posterior. Further, as clinical understanding of spinal sagittal plane deformity has progressed and surgical techniques evolved, procedures involving shortening, lengthening, and/or angular correction through the thoracic spinal column are being performed.
Public Service and Good Governance vs. Corruption and Self-Promotion: MPA Programs in Mexico

The article looks at Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs in Mexico and identifies four basic themes that compose Mexican public administration. Public service, justice, transparency, and...
General and Special Educators' Perceptions of Preassessment Team Operating Procedures

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' perceptions of preassessment operating procedures in a midwestern state. This was accomplished through the distribution of a survey to randomly selected, state-certified general and special educators. Results of the study revealed that general and special educators served on these teams and generally found their roles as team members to be fairly productive. They reported that approximately 11% of students were referred to the teams for review and that interventions were implemented for less than 1 month, with subjective criteria used to determine the success of preassessment team modifications. Future implications for team efficacy are discussed.
Modeling of Two-Dimensional Cellular Solids with Two Types of Imperfections

The Voronoi tessellation technique and the finite element method are utilized to investigate the microstructure-property relations of two-dimensional cellular solids having irregular cell shapes and non-uniform cell wall thickness. Twenty finite element models are constructed for honeycomb samples (specimens) to obtain the mean values and standard deviations of the effective elastic properties. Spatially periodic boundary conditions are applied to each specimen. The simulation results indicate that the Young's moduli increase as cell shapes become more irregular, but decrease as cell wall thickness gets less uniform. The Poisson's ratios are insignificantly affected by the presence of these imperfections. The effect of the interaction between the two types of imperfections appears to be weak. In addition, it is found that such imperfect honeycombs can be regarded as isotropic.
PARTICLE SHAPE FACTORS, CRYSTALLITE ORIENTATION, AND GRINDABILITY OF PETROLEUM COKES

The shape factors of twelve calcined cokes of 50 × 70 mesh particle size were measured. The shape factors of the nine delayed petroleum cokes were all higher than those for the fluid coke, coal-tar pitch coke, and gilsonite coke. Heating a delayed petroleum coke between 1000 and 2750°C prior to grinding had a minor effect on the shape factor of the 40 × 70 mesh material. The relative crystallite orientation in the calcined cokes (as measured by four different X-ray diffraction criteria) varied markedly. Heat treatment up to 2750°C of a delayed petroleum coke produced a substantial increase in relative crystallite orientation, but the orientation fell far short of that found in Ceylon natural graphite. The relative grindability of the calcined cokes varied markedly, with the cokes of best crystallite alignment generally being the easiest to grind. On the other hand, the ease of grindability decreased sharply following heat treatment of a delayed petroleum coke between 1000 and 2000°C; the grindability was essentially constant for higher heat treatment temperatures.
Observing Economics: The Rhetoric of Data, Models, and Statistics

In this chapter I apply rhetoric as a mode of inquiry to the field of economics and science and look at the rhetoric of models, data, and statistics. In this chapter I rely on the work of Harro Maas and Mary Morgan in regards to modeling, Daniel Rosenberg and Jacques Derrida regarding data as an archive, and Alain Desrosieres and Benoit Godin when I cover the rhetoric of statistics.
Tlacaelel Remembered: Mastermind of the Aztec Empire. By Susan Schroeder. (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2016. Pp. vii, 218. $29.95.)

When thinking about Aztec history, the names “Montezuma” or “Hernando Cortes” are mainstays. Yet hardly anyone is familiar with the name “Tlacaelel.” In this impressive work, Susan Schroeder—author...
The Diversity of Deviance: How It Can Hurt (and Help) Families and Family Firms

Dysfunctional and deviant behavior may have different antecedents and effects based on diversity of the family system and the family firm. This chapter describes deviant behavior at varying levels of analysis and discusses how deviance can diminish, as well as enhance, family firm functioning and performance. Utilizing multiple theories of family science, we develop a framework contrasting and classifying different types of deviance as dysfunctional, functional, and strategic and apply these types to family firms. We also examine the impact of culture, familial imprinting, and differences among families to address when deviant behavior is likely to result in positive or negative implications for the family firm. We then suggest avenues for future research that examine the potential for deviant behavior to improve or detract from family firm performance.
Conflict of Interest Provisions in State Laws Governing Medical and Adult Use Cannabis

Although the acceleration of cannabis legalization in the United States has spurred innovations in public administration and policymaking, there have been news accounts of public employees engaged in cannabis licensure or enforcement that constitute conflicts of interest (COIs). After conducting 3 surveys in 50 states (including Washington, DC as a state), we found that COI provisions pertaining to cannabis-related public employment fell into 2 categories: subject matter general and cannabis specific. Only 20% (6/30) of the states that legalized medical cannabis had COI provisions in their medical cannabis codes, whereas the remaining 80% rely on subject matter general provisions relating to all areas of regulated subject matter, highlighting the need for thoughtful creation of COI rules in future policymaking. By contrast, 88% (7/8) of states that have legalized adult use cannabis put their COI provisions directly in their cannabis codes or regulations. Governments should enact cannabis-specific COI policies applicable to broadly defined categories of public employees that are responsive to the unique context of bringing cannabis from the black market into the regulated market.
Clinical and neuropathologic findings in two long-term survivors of Krabbe disease with and without umbilical cord blood transplantation

Background:Krabbe disease or Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme Galactocerebrosidase. The early onset form is characterized by irritability, abnormal tone, developmental delay and feeding difficulties that start before 12 months and leads to premature death. Pathognomonic findings of classic infantile Krabbe disease are globoid cells, astrogliosis and axonal loss. Umbilical blood cord transplantation has shown to alter the disease progression, by providing enzyme to the brain tissue. There are no neuropathological studies comparing the natural progression of the disease with the brain of a treated patient. The purpose of this study is to examine the neuropathological differences between the treated and untreated patient that shared the same mutation known to cause the early onset form of the disease. Methods: Clinical characteristics, neurodevelopment and neuropathological findings were analyzed and compared in a patient with Krabbe disease that received UBCT as a newborn and an untreated patient. Patients shared the same disease-causing mutation. Results: Developmental trajectories of treated and untreated patients differ significantly. The transplanted patient had no evidence of active demyelination, however, there were myelination abnormalities due to incomplete remyelination partially related to axon loss, and there was absence of globoid cells. The untreated patient had severe leukoencephalopathy with near-complete white matter rarefaction. Conclusions: This is the first reported pathology study in a transplanted patient with Krabbe disease compared with an untreated patient with similar characteristics. Umbilical cord blood transplantation has positive results in the CNS demonstrated by developmental assessments and neuropathological examination. There is evidence of successful engraftment of myeloid cells in the brain, clearance of globoid cells and prevention of new globoid cell formation and prevention of progressive demyelination. Umbilical cord blood transplantation failed to halt disease progression in the peripheral nervous system.
Differences in gene expression in human monocytes and macrophages from healthy and asthmatic donors in response to IL-4

The lungs from asthmatics are in a state of Th2-driven inflammation with a shift in macrophage polarization toward an M2 profile induced by IL-4 and IL-13. The number of M2 macrophages in the lung correlates with asthma severity. Women have more lung M2 cells than men and are more likely to have asthma than men. We hypothesized that sex differences affect macrophage polarization in humans. First, we determined that M2-related gene expression was different between healthy and asthmatic donors in response to IL-4 and IL-13. Monocytes from asthmatics expressed more CCL17 in response to IL-4, while CCL22 and MMP12 expression was similar. We found that CD200R was highly expressed in response to IL-4 in monocyte derived-macrophages (MDM) from asthmatics compared with those of healthy donors. Furthermore, this increase was greater in MDM from women compared to men. Moreover, MMP12 and CCL22 expression were not different between the sexes. Interestingly, some genes (TGM2) were only up-regulated in MDM from asthmatics. Second, we analyzed the effect of male and female sex steroid hormones on the IL-4 signaling pathway. In the presence of IL-4, we found that both estrogen (E2) and dihydrotestosterone(active metabolite of testosterone) can induce changes in phosphorylation of Akt but not in STAT6 in MDM. Similar effects on signaling were results were obtained in U937, a human monocytic cell line. The stronger M2 response in female cells could be due to increased expression of estrogen receptors. We found that monocytes from women displayed greater expression of ERa isoforms. These results indicate a potential role for both intrinsic sex differences and E2 as inducers of M2 polarization in macrophages in asthma, leading to worse lung inflammation in women.
CysLT1 receptor antagonists pranlukast and zafirlukast inhibit LRRC8-mediated volume regulated anion channels independently of the receptor

Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) encoded by the leucine-rich repeat containing 8 (LRRC8) gene family play critical roles in myriad cellular processes and might represent druggable targets. T...
A quantitative method for evaluating alternatives

When faced with choosing between alternatives, people tend to use a number of criteria (often subjective, rather than objective) to decide which is the best alternative for them given their unique situation. The subjectivity inherent in the decision-making process can be reduced by the definition and use of a quantitative method for evaluating alternatives. This type of method can help decision makers achieve degree of uniformity and completeness in the evaluation process, as well as an increased sensitivity to the factors involved. Additional side-effects are better documentation and visibility of the rationale behind the resulting decisions. General guidelines for defining a quantitative method are presented and a particular method (called 'hierarchical weighted average') is defined and applied to the evaluation of design alternatives for a hypothetical computer system capability.
Converse piezoelectric behavior of three-dimensionally printed polymer and comparison of the in-plane and out-of-plane behavior

Abstract The converse piezoelectric effect (out-of-plane and in-plane directions) is reported in 3D-printed polymer without filler or poling, consistent with previously reported direct piezoelectric effect (out-of-plane direction only). Resin 1 (acrylate ester, viscosity 95 cP) and Resin 2 (methacrylate, viscosity 2950 cP) are used in the printing by stereolithography. Both direct and converse effects stem from the 2D shear stress during printing causing 2D in-plane molecular alignment. Due to its higher viscosity, Resin 2 gives more molecular alignment and hence higher piezoelectric coupling coefficient d (0.4 vs. 0.2 pC/N). The out-of-plane d is similar for the direct and converse effects in the linear regime, which occurs below 30 kPa compressive stress in the direct effect and below 1 V/m in the converse effect. Both converse and direct effects are reversible, whether in the linear regime or not. The higher is the applied electric field, the lower is d, due to strain saturation.
Improved Paths to Stability for the Stable Marriage Problem.

The stable marriage problem requires one to find a marriage with no blocking pair. Given a matching that is not stable, Roth and Vande Vate have shown that there exists a sequence of matchings that leads to a stable matching in which each successive matching is obtained by satisfying a blocking pair. The sequence produced by Roth and Vande Vate's algorithm is of length $O(n^3)$ where $n$ is the number of men (and women). In this paper, we present an algorithm that achieves stability in a sequence of matchings of length $O(n^2)$. We also give an efficient algorithm to find the stable matching closest to the given initial matching under an appropriate distance function between matchings.
An Examination of U.S. State Pensions by Total State Expenditures, State Budget Deficit, and Red v. Blue State

Pensions are important to government employees. In the United States, some states fund almost 100 percent of the present value of future pension obligations; while in other states, the funding is substantially lacking. Results of this study show that states with lower state expenditures per capita, relative to states with higher expenditures, have provided better funding of their state pensions. States with lower budget deficits, relative to states with higher budget deficits, paid a significantly higher percent of annual required contributions. This suggests that states that are more fiscally conservative (lower budget deficit) do a better job of making required annual contributions to their state pensions. The red (Republican) states paid a higher proportion of required annual contributions than blue (Democrat) states, 90 versus 84 percent, respectively; but this difference was not significant. All states have an ethical responsibility to meet the pension obligations owed to their state government employees.
Caring for the Physician Affected by Substance Use Disorder

Studies have suggested that the prevalence of SUDs among physicians is 10% to 15%, similar to the general population 1 Alcohol use disorder is the most common type of SUD in physicians, and a national survey of U S physicians for all specialties found that female physicians reported alcohol use disorder at a higher rate than male physicians 2 In addition, some medical specialists, such as anesthesiologists, may experience higher rates of nonalcohol SUD because of occupational exposure and access to medications in the workplace 3 There are limited published data on this topic, and reporting bias is likely because of the sensitivity around an SUD diagnosis for practicing physicians;therefore, the true prevalence of SUD among physicians is unknown Physician Health Programs Physician health programs are available in most states to assist all licensed health care professionals, including physicians and trainees, with potentially impairing SUDs and psychiatric conditions 9 State physician health programs are confidential and offer assistance in identifying impairment and implementing a comprehensive model of support, including longitudinal monitoring and a confidential introduction to peer support communities of other recovering health care professionals Retrospective studies have shown excellent outcomes from physician health program participation, with 70% to 80% of physicians remaining abstinent from mood-altering substances during their time in programs 10 Medications for Addiction Treatment Physician health programs create individualized treatment plans that may include medications for addiction treatment 11 Medications for evidence-based treatment of opioid use disorder (buprenorphine/naloxone, methadone, and extended-release naltrexone [Vivitrol]) reduce mortality 12 Family physicians, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of addiction medicine clinicians, can play a critical role in supporting health care professionals in treatment for SUD by becoming familiar with the physician health program model and obtaining the Drug Addiction Treatment Act 2020 (DATA 2000) waiver to prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of opioid use disorder 13,14 Medications approved by the U S Food and Drug Administration for treatment of alcohol use disorder include acamprosate (Campral), oral naltrexone (Revia), and extended-release naltrexone and do not require any additional training or waiver process [ ]lack of treatment can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of licensure, severe home life dysfunction, and physician suicide 16 The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may precipitate or exacerbate mental health conditions, including SUDs, in health care professionals 17 All physicians should be familiar with mechanisms to identify illness and impairment in colleagues and be aware of pathways to assist without disciplinary action wherever possible
Chemoreceptors, Breathing, and Sleep

Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) chemoreception is highly relevant to multiple areas of sleep medicine. Patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) may experience hypoxia during sleep, often nightly in an episodic pattern called “chronic intermittent hypoxia” (CIH), which in turn may lead to major cardiovascular complications. Some patients with SDB hypoventilate during sleep and develop hypercapnia. Hypoxemia and hypercapnia mediate, in part, arousal responses to abnormal breathing during sleep. In this chapter, we review the role of O2 and CO2 chemoreceptors in breathing control, the basic physiology of O2 and CO2 sensing, and the role of chemoreceptors in sleep-related breathing disorders, all in a developmental context. This chapter also discusses a variety of disorders associated with sleep problems, from congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) to Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), which are associated with abnormal chemoreceptor function.
The microstructure and magneto-optical properties of pulsed laser deposited Magnetite films

In this paper, the microstructure and magneto-optical properties of pulsed laser deposited magnetite films were investigated. The films crystalline structure is identified to be magnetite by XRD and EBSD. Hysteresis loop of the film was measured by vibrating sample magnetometer.
Level conversion for dual-supply systems [low power logic IC design]

Dual-supply voltage design using a clustered voltage scaling (CVS) scheme is an effective approach to reduce chip power. The optimal CVS design relies on a level converter (LC) implemented in a flip-flop to minimize energy, delay, and area penalties due to level conversion. Novel flip-flops presented in this paper incorporate a half-latch LC and a precharged LC. These flip-flops are optimized in the energy-delay design space to achieve over 30% reduction of energy-delay product and about 10% savings of total power in a CVS design as compared to the conventional flipflop. These benefits are accompanied by 24% robustness improvement and 18% layout area reduction.