cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Handwritten character recognition using low resolutions

Abstract This paper deals with an experimental study into the recognition of handwritten characters using representations of low resolution. For this experiment several methodologies were used, such as an attributed graph OCR method, a back-propagation neural network (BNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), and the Castor neural network (CNN). The attributed graph methodology is based on the representation (mapping) of the text characters onto a small size two-dimensional array of 12×9 cells. For the recognition process each character is considered as a composition of “main” and “secondary” features. The main features are the important parts of a character for its successful recognition. The secondary (or artistic) features are the parts of a character that contribute to its various representations. The attribute graph methodology presented in this paper attempts to prove that the recognition of a reduced-size character provides a robust approach for the recognition of handwritten text. The BNN approach is used here as a comparative recognition method, although it has some serious weaknesses at low resolution. The RNN approach for handwritten character recognition is based upon recurrent neural networks, which have a feedback mechanism. The feedback mechanism acts to integrate new values of feature vectors with their predecessors. The output is supervised according to a target function. These networks can deal with inputs and outputs that are explicit functions of time. A new way of associating shape information was used, which gives very consistent results for handwritten character recognition. In this scheme the “shadow” of each character was considered, to find the distances between the margins of the character. The distances are normalized with respect to the maximum distance in the entire shape to minimize the effect of disproportionally formed characters. In addition, the performance of Castor’s neural net was evaluated for the recognition of handwritten text characters, by using character data sets with various resolutions. For this effort the three neural networks and attributed graph approaches used a set of 5000 handwritten characters, and their results are compared.
Dynamic Inositol Trisphosphate-mediated Calcium Signals within Astrocytic Endfeet Underlie Vasodilation of Cerebral Arterioles

Active neurons communicate to intracerebral arterioles in part through an elevation of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in astrocytes, leading to the generation of vasoactive signals involved in neurovascular coupling. In particular, [Ca(2+)](i) increases in astrocytic processes ("endfeet"), which encase cerebral arterioles, have been shown to result in vasodilation of arterioles in vivo. However, the spatial and temporal properties of endfoot [Ca(2+)](i) signals have not been characterized, and information regarding the mechanism by which these signals arise is lacking. [Ca(2+)](i) signaling in astrocytic endfeet was measured with high spatiotemporal resolution in cortical brain slices, using a fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator and confocal microscopy. Increases in endfoot [Ca(2+)](i) preceded vasodilation of arterioles within cortical slices, as detected by simultaneous measurement of endfoot [Ca(2+)](i) and vascular diameter. Neuronal activity-evoked elevation of endfoot [Ca(2+)](i) was reduced by inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptor Ca(2+) release channels and almost completely abolished by inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) uptake. To probe the Ca(2+) release mechanisms present within endfeet, spatially restricted flash photolysis of caged InsP(3) was utilized to liberate InsP(3) directly within endfeet. This maneuver generated large amplitude [Ca(2+)](i) increases within endfeet that were spatially restricted to this region of the astrocyte. These InsP(3)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases were sensitive to depletion of the intracellular Ca(2+) store, but not to ryanodine, suggesting that Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release from ryanodine receptors does not contribute to the generation of endfoot [Ca(2+)](i) signals. Neuronally evoked increases in astrocytic [Ca(2+)](i) propagated through perivascular astrocytic processes and endfeet as multiple, distinct [Ca(2+)](i) waves and exhibited a high degree of spatial heterogeneity. Regenerative Ca(2+) release processes within the endfeet were evident, as were localized regions of Ca(2+) release, and treatment of slices with the vasoactive neuropeptides somatostatin and vasoactive intestinal peptide was capable of inducing endfoot [Ca(2+)](i) increases, suggesting the potential for signaling between local interneurons and astrocytic endfeet in the cortex. Furthermore, photorelease of InsP(3) within individual endfeet resulted in a local vasodilation of adjacent arterioles, supporting the concept that astrocytic endfeet function as local "vasoregulatory units" by translating information from active neurons into complex InsP(3)-mediated Ca(2+) release signals that modulate arteriolar diameter.
Improving the Multimedia Processing of Relay Nodes in Mesh Wireless Networks

The traditional home network may be a scalar sensor network to convey the measure physical phenomenon data or a single-hop wireless local area network (WLAN) binding the remote terminal unit (RTU) to access the Internet. In recent years, the growing interest in the ubiquitous multimedia services and applications for residential users has been concerned with its wireless communication range. The wireless channels generally suffer higher loss rates due to interference, attenuation, scattering or fading, this makes more difficulty on those application services. To extend the transmission range, the mesh wireless network with multiple-hop structures was proposed, but their relay nodes, which could be access point (AP) or a sensor node, are low processing power only. The processing power of the nodes must be upgraded enough for relaying the multimedia content. The performance issue of the relay node is studied in this paper by reconfiguring the relay node component architecture setting with Simple Scalar.
Measurements on a separated function shower detector with a photon beam of known and variable energy

Abstract This paper reports measurements on the behavior of a separated function shower detector for the detection of gamma rays and electrons in the 300–1600 MeV range. Detection efficiencies have been examined at the 1% level. Pulse height spectra are also presented.
XTREE: A Multivariate Graphical Icon Applicable in the Evaluation of Statistical Estimators

Abstract Both computer simulations and analytical research are often used to compare statistical estimators. A common structure (e.g., Andrews, Bickel, Hampel, Huber, Rogers, and Tukey 1972) is to compare a number of estimators for a number of distributions under a number of side conditions (i.e., various sample sizes). The investigator is faced with a substantial problem in trying to interpret voluminous results. The problem is exacerbated if there are multiple dependent variables (e.g., variance and bias). In this article we propose a graphical icon, the XTREE, which aids perception and interpretation of such results. The method is illustrated with data from three recently published studies.
Enthalpy increments relative to 298.15 K of RbCl(cr) and RbCl(I)

Abstract High-temperature drop-calorimetric measurements have been performed on rubidium chloride over the temperature range 373 to 1304 K. Enthalpy increments { H m o ( T ) − H m o (298.15 K)} relative to 298.15 K for solid RbCl between 298.15 and 995 K can be represented by the equation: {H m ° (T)−H m ° (298.15K)}/(J·mol −1 )=−15029.0+49.4599(T/ K )+1.754899 × 10 −3 (T/ K ) 2 +4.775940 × 10 −6 (T/ K ) 3 and for liquid RbCl between 995 and 1300 K by the equation: {H m ° (T)−H m ° (298.15K)}/(J·mol −1 )=−9991.5+75.6242(T/ K )−7.127909 × 10 −4 (T/ K ) 2 The molar enthalpy of fusion Δ fus H m o of RbCl at 995 K was determined to be (23.92±0.10) kJ · mol −1 . Thermodynamic properties of RbCl are tabulated to 1300 K.
Students' Need for Belonging in the School Community:

Defining sense of community as a feeling of belongingness within a group, this article reviews research about students' sense of acceptance within the school community to address three questions: Is this experience of belongingness important in an educational setting? Do students currently experience school as a community? And how do schools influence students' sense of community? Conceptually, the review reflects a social cognitive perspective on motivation. This theoretical framework maintains that individuals have psychological needs, that satisfaction of these needs affects perception and behavior, and that characteristics of the social context influence how well these needs are met. The concern here is how schools, as social organizations, address what is defined as a basic psychological need, the need to experience belongingness. The findings suggest that students' experience of acceptance influences multiple dimensions of their behavior but that schools adopt organizational practices that neglect and may actually undermine students' experience of membership in a supportive community.
Collagen type I:III ratio of the gastroesophageal junction in patients with paraesophageal hernias

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the biological environment of the esophageal hiatus through analysis of the collagen content within the gastrohepatic ligament (GHL), gastrophrenic ligament (GPL), and phrenoesophageal ligament (PEL) in patients with type I hiatal hernias (HH) and type III paraesophageal hernias (PEH).
The epidemiologic, pathologic, biomechanical, and cinematographic analysis of football-induced cervical spine trauma

Epidemiologic, pathologic, biomechanical, and cinematographic data on head and neck injuries occurring in tackle football have been compiled since 1971 by the National Football Head and Neck Injury Registry. Preliminary analysis performed in 1975 indicated that the majority of serious cervical spine football injuries were caused by axial loading. Based on this observation, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Federation of High School Athletic Associations (NFHSAA) implemented rule changes banning "spearing" and the use of the top of the helmet as the initial point of contact in striking an opponent during a tackle or block. Between 1976 and 1987, as a result of these rule changes, the Registry has documented a dramatic decrease in both the total number of cervical spine injuries and those resulting in quadriplegia at both the high school and college level. It is suggested that development and implementation of similar preventative measures based on clearly defined injury mechanisms would decrease injury rates in diving, rugby, ice hockey, trampolining, wrestling, and other high-risk sports as well.
Calogero­Moser Systems and Super Yang­Mills with Adjoint Matter

We review the construction of Lax pairs with spectral parameter for twisted and untwisted elliptic Calogero-Moser systems defined by a general simple Lie algebra G ,a nd the corresponding solution of N =2SU S YG Yang-Mills theories with a hypermultiplet in the adjoint representation of G.
Neuroimaging studies in Rett syndrome

Neuroimaging is a key instrument for determining structural and in vivo functional status of the brain, non-invasively. Multiple approaches can now determine aspects of anatomic and neurochemical changes in brain, and have been utilized effectively in Rett Syndrome patients to understand the biological basis of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Studies performed at our institute include volumetric analyses of MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), cerebral blood flow measurements with MRI, and positron emission tomography scans (PET). These studies have provided considerable insight into mechanisms underlying the clinical features of this disease. Volumetric analyses suggest that decreased brain volume in RS results from global reductions in both gray and white matter of the brain. A selective vulnerability of the frontal lobes is evidenced by the preferential reduction of blood flow, increased choline and reduced n-acetyl aspartate (NAA) by MRS, and increased glucose uptake in these same regions as shown by ((18)F)-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scans. We hypothesize that the increased glucose uptake relates to increased glutamate cycling in synapses. The resulting neuroexcitotoxic injury to the developing brain contributes to the seizures, behavioral disturbance and respiratory irregularities commonly seen in phases 1 and 2 of this disorder.
Plant protein and secondary metabolites influence diet selection in a mammalian specialist herbivore.

For herbivores, nutrient intake is limited by the relatively low nutritional quality of plants and high concentrations of potentially toxic defensive compounds (plant secondary metabolites [PSMs]) produced by many plants. In response to phytochemical challenges, some herbivores selectively forage on plants with higher nutrient and lower PSM concentrations relative to other plants. Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are dietary specialists that feed on sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) and forage on specific plants more than others within a foraging patch. We predicted that the plants with evidence of heavy foraging (browsed plants) would be of higher dietary quality than plants that were not browsed (unbrowsed). We used model selection to determine which phytochemical variables best explained the difference between browsed and unbrowsed plants. Higher crude protein increased the odds that plants would be browsed by pygmy rabbits and the opposite was the case for certain PSMs. Additionally, because pygmy rabbits can occupy foraging patches (burrows) for consecutive years, their browsing may influence the nutritional and PSM constituents of plants at the burrows. In a post hoc analysis, we did not find a significant relationship between phytochemical concentrations, browse status, and burrow occupancy length. We concluded that pygmy rabbits use nutritional and chemical cues while making foraging decisions.
Privacy as a Matter of Taste and Right

Privacy is something we all want. We seek privacy to prevent others from securing information about us that is immediately embarrassing, and so causes us pain but not material loss. We also value privacy for strategic reasons in order to prevent others from imposing material and perhaps psychic costs upon us. I use the expression “securing information” so that it covers everything from the immediate sensory data that a voyeur acquires to the financial data a rival may acquire about our businesses. In the degenerate case of the Peeping Tom's invasion of our privacy, suffering is caused just by the voyeur's having acquired the information, even if nothing is ever done with it beyond the voyeur's recalling it from time to time. In all other cases, privacy prevents others from imposing costs or harms on us in ways that require that they secure information about us.
Geometric programming relaxations for linear system reachability

One of the main obstacles in the safety analysis of continuous and hybrid systems has been the computation of the reachable set for continuous systems in high dimensions. We present a novel method that exploits the structure of linear dynamical systems, and the monotonicity of the exponential function in order to obtain safety certificates of continuous linear systems. By over-approximating the sets of initial and final states, the safety verification problem is expressed as a series of geometric programs, which can be further, transformed into linear programs. This provides the ability to verify the safety properties of high dimensional linear systems with realistic computation times. In addition, our optimization-based formulation computes time intervals over which the system is safe and unsafe.
Folate-targeted nanoparticle delivery of chemo- and radiotherapeutics for the treatment of ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis

Peritoneal metastasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer. While intraperitoneal chemotherapy and radiotherapy have shown favorable clinical results, both are limited by their non-targeted nature. We aimed to develop a biologically targeted nanoparticle therapeutic for the treatment of ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis. Folate-targeted nanoparticles encapsulating chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were engineered. Paclitaxel (Ptxl) was used as the chemotherapeutic and yittrium-90 ((90)Y) was employed as the therapeutic radioisotope. Folate was utilized as the targeting ligand as most ovarian cancers overexpress the folate receptor. Nanoparticle characterization studies showed monodispersed particles with controlled Ptxl release. Folate targeting ligand mediated the uptake of NPs into tumor cells. In vitro efficacy studies demonstrated folate-targeted NPs containing chemoradiotherapy was the most effective therapeutic compared to folate-targeted NPs containing a single therapeutic or any non-targeted NP therapeutics. In vivo efficacy studies using an ovarian peritoneal metastasis model showed that folate-targeted NP therapeutics were significantly more effective than non-targeted NP therapeutics. Among the folate-targeted therapeutics, the NP containing chemoradiotherapy appeared to be the most effective. Our results suggest that folate-targeted nanoparticles containing chemoradiotherapy have the potential as a treatment for ovarian peritoneal metastasis.
Dynamics of Nanometer SiO2 Particles and their Coalescence Characteristics

Various mechanisms of glassy transformations involving computational annealing were investigated by Molecular Dynamics simulations. Large clusters of silicon dioxide ranging from sub to nanometer size regime were considered. Silica is both a prototype ceramics and glassy material. Silica particles are fabricated in flow and flame reactors to design novel granular materials which depend strongly on the heating and cooling processes. During these processes extensive thermally driven relaxation in growing clusters allow for configurational changes from a liquid-like cluster to a glassy cluster. Crystal-like structures were investigated as well. Cooling rates comparable to experimental rates were achieved in these simulations. We find that the glass transition temperature decreases with decreasing cluster size. Calculations were performed by implementing a massively parallel particle decomposition schema of Molecular Dynamics with an excellent speedup and a significant decrease of complexity.
Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa genes inducible by respiratory mucus derived from cystic fibrosis patients

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen, is a major causative agent of mortality and morbidity in immunocompromised individuals and those with cystic fibrosis (CF). In CF patients, the secretion of abnormally high amounts of mucus into the airways contributes to their susceptibility to infection by P. aeruginosa. To identify virulence genes of P. aeruginosa that are important in infection of CF patients, an in vivo selection system (IVET) was used to identify promoters that are specifically inducible by respiratory mucus derived from CF patients. Three genetic loci that are highly inducible by the mucus were identified. One of them is a well-characterized virulence gene (fptA), encoding the receptor for pyochelin, which is a P. aeruginosa iron siderophore. Induction of the fptA gene by mucus is suppressed by the addition of exogenous iron, demonstrating that the mucus is an iron chelator and generates an iron-deficient environment in CF lungs. Therefore, as a part of the host-defence mechanism, the mucus could also be responsible for induction of iron-regulated virulence factors of bacterial pathogens. The second locus, np20, encodes a peptide that shares sequence homology to a number of transcriptional regulators. An identical locus was previously identified to be inducible in vivo during infection of mice and was shown to be important in bacterial virulence in a neutropenic-mouse infection model. The third locus, designated migA (mucus inducible gene), was sequenced and found to encode a 299-amino-acid peptide which is homologous to glycosyltransferases of other bacteria, and is involved in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharides or exopolysaccharides. Inducibilities of the np20 and migA genes are not affected by iron and the exact nature of the inducing signals in the mucus is not known. The possible implications of the migA inducibility by respiratory mucus is discussed in relation to the P. aeruginosa infection in CF.
Analyzing Email Archives to Better Understand Legal Requirements

Requirements engineers need to understand regulatory texts in order to build legally compliant software systems. Resources that expose issues concerning the how, why, and what in laws may help engineers build legally compliant systems. In this paper, we analyze the email discussion archives that focus on updating the provision 1194.21(g) in Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act. The U.S. Access Board instituted a Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC) comprised of nearly 40 members with diverse backgrounds and experience in the accessibility domain. The members used email as the primary means of communication. We analyze their discussions for provision 1194.21(g) of Section 508 using grounded theory concepts. Our analysis approach entailed three steps­­preparation for analysis, identification of statement linkages, and classification of statement linkages. We identified seven linkage categories (agreement, provisional agreement, disagreement, interrogation, response, exemplification, description) that connect the discussion statements. These categories may assist requirements engineers in reaching a better understanding of this legal domain.
Thermal effects of bioimplants

Implantable devices are well on the way to becoming small, dedicated, and highly complex embedded systems. As such, they are plagued by the same thermal management problems that afflict the computer industry: increased functionality causes increased heat generation. Herein, the effects of various parameters on the temperature increase in the human body tissue are considered, with a focus on a specific proposed implant: a dual-unit retinal prosthesis to restore partial vision to the blind . This particular example is educative since it includes most of the potential causes of thermal dissipation: a microchip that could dissipate relatively large power, a telemetry system, and a potentially large number of stimulating electrodes. The power dissipation characteristics of implanted electronic systems will have increasing importance for the design of future implantable devices. It was shown in this article that in some cases, this power dissipation can lead to temperature increases in the human tissue that are not negligible. In particular, the design of implantable stimulating devices with a large number of stimulating channels must be performed with a clear idea of the potential thermal implications of the device. Fortunately, reliable numerical and experimental methods are available to characterize the temperature increase caused by the implantable device. These methods should be used during the design phase of these devices.
Who May Be President? Constitutional Reinterpretation of Article II's 'Natural Born' Presidential Eligibility Clause

Although facially clear, the natural-born citizen provision of Article II's presidential eligibility clause has never been definitively interpreted by the courts. This paper considers whether the concept of natural-born is a self-defining concept, or whether instead it is a concept that is subject to a variety of interpretive theories. It does so by examining the traditional interpretive approach adopted by Constitutional scholars for examining the intended meaning of Article II's presidential eligibility requirements. Such an analysis finds that the traditional approach is inadequate, particularly in light of neglected aspects of English common law, the lack of congruency of the English legacy with the American political experiment, the passage of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the history of congressional regulation in this area. The paper responds to these problems within existing traditions of natural born interpretation by proposing a new approach that includes a recognition of Congress's constitutional power to extend natural born citizenship to classes of citizens beyond those born within the territorial boundaries of the United States. Discussion concludes with an examination of how application of the new interpretative approach would expand the number of American citizens who may be considered natural born for purposes of presidential eligibility; how Congress might operationalize these new understandings; and why reconceptualization of the meaning of the citizenship clause is preferable to previous interpretations of Article II.
Microscale Cell Encapsulation Materials and Fabrication Techniques for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where pancreatic beta cells, the only insulin-producing cells, are attacked and destroyed by a patient’s own immune system. Currently, insulin injection or infusion remains the only standard treatment for T1D. However, insulin does not cure this disease nor does it permit minute-to-minute regulation as pancreatic beta cells do. This can lead to various hyper/hypoglycemia-associated complications. Islet transplantation provides a potential alternative therapy and has been successfully used to treat patients. However, the severe shortage of donor organs and the life-long immunosuppression that are required by such a transplant have prevented this approach from being widely used. Recently, transplantation of encapsulated or immunoprotected islets or stem cell-derived beta-like cells has become an increasingly promising approach. In order to accomplish the encapsulation and immunoprotection, a variety of materials and microscale techniques have been developed. This chapter provides a brief overview of the different methods developed to fabricate microscale encapsulation materials and devices. We conclude that although challenging, fabrication and material innovation may one day make the cell encapsulation a clinical reality for T1D patients.
Survival, Growth, and Development of Southwestern Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Resistant and Susceptible Maize Hybrids

Susceptible and resistant maize, Zea mays L., hybrids were artificially infested at the mid-whorl stage of growth with southwestern corn borer (SWCB), Diatraea grandiosella Dyar, larvae in a 2-year study conducted in Mississippi to determine effects on survival, growth, and development of this insect. Beginning on day 7, plants from each hybrid were dissected at weekly intervals for 6 weeks; number and stage of development of insects recovered were recorded. Larvae were also weighed 7, 14, and 21 days after infestation. Significant differences in survival, weight, and length of development occurred between larvae reared on resistant and susceptible hybrids. Correlations between leaf-feeding ratings and SWCB survival and between leaf-feeding ratings and larval weights were highly significant.
The Relationship between Military Service and Childbearing for Men and Women

Using data taken from the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY-97), we examine the relationship between military service and childbearing for both men and women. Using a fixed-effects p...
Abstract 4327: Loss of the APC tumor suppressor alters breast cancer cell migration and invasion

Metastasis is responsible for the majority of deaths attributable to cancer, but the molecular events that drive the metastatic phenotype are not completely understood. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor is frequently inactivated in colorectal cancer as well as other tumor types, such as breast cancer, and has been implicated specifically in early tumor progression. However, it is not known whether APC also plays an important role in the later stages of cancer pathogenesis, including invasion and metastasis. Preliminary data indicated that transient knockdown of APC in 4T07 mouse mammary tumor cells led to marked morphological changes from mesenchymal-like to epithelial-like phenotypes, leading to the hypothesis that APC can effect the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and may alter cancer metastasis. To test this hypothesis, 4T07 cells were stably infected with lentiviral APC short-hairpin (sh)RNAs, and knockdown of APC expression was verified by quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence (IF) with an APC antibody. We found that APC depletion altered the mesenchymal morphology of these cells to a more epithelial phenotype. The localization of β-catenin at the ends of cell protrusions was dependent on APC; however, APC knockdown did not result in cytosolic or nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. Consistent with the observed morphology change, APC depletion significantly impaired the ability of 4T07 cells to migrate in wound-filling assays and invade through a Matrigel-coated membrane. Together, these results suggest that APC loss impacts the morphology, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, all key features of metastatic capacity. Current efforts are aimed at uncovering the mechanism by which APC alters these properties and translating these findings to our understanding of breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4327. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4327
Counting the Rationals

(1989). Counting the Rationals. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 96, No. 9, pp. 823-823.
The Art of Cheating in the 21st Millennium: Innovative Mechanisms and Insidious Ploys in Academic Deceit

Cheating is rampant throughout academia, with no hard evidence suggesting that such pedagogic deceit will wane. Cheating is most insidious on the college level, where such academic deceit has evolved from perhaps its basic pattern of merely peeking at another student’s examination, to planned deceit employing sophisticated subterfuges and interplay between two or more co-conspirators. Importantly, cheating per se may not necessarily be student initiated, but fostered by college/university staff for purposes of institutional or personal financial gain. Statistical studies (e.g., demographics) in complement with sociological and psychological factors associated with cheating have been previously described. This review does not attempt to embellish the plethora of earlier reviews or research on the subject, but stands unique in that specific case reports and recent findings are presented describing techniques or mechanisms used in the performance of academic deceit to by-pass university codes of ethics. The purpose of this work is to acquaint adjunct staff, tenure track, and perhaps senior faculty in the biological sciences and other disciplines to those mechanistic approaches used by students and college staff as well, in the commission of academic fraud. Suggestions are proposed to help detect and reduce academic deceit.
Kinetic Activity in Electrochemical Cells

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR ) is typically the rate-limiting reaction in electrocatalytic energy systems wherein the oxidizer is air, such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC s) or metal–air batteries. The effectiveness of these air-breathing electrochemical technologies hinges on the use of highly active electrocatalysts that can convert O2 to H2O (four-electron reaction) rather than the undesirable product H2O2 (two-electron reaction). The evaluation of new electrocatalysts in full cells is not practical due to competing contributions of mass transport and \(I^{2}R\) losses in the electrodes to measurements of kinetic activity. This chapter describes characterization of the electrocatalyst kinetic activity in electrochemical cells by rotating disk electrode (RDE ) and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE ) methodologies and describes specifically how to apply the methodology to the porous electrodes used in energy systems. When the experimental procedures are executed properly, RDE and RRDE methodologies can be used to determine electrocatalyst ORR activities as a screening tool prior to full cell testing. Detailed methods are given for the accurate determination of the ORR of two standard materials: platinum/carbon in acid for PEMFC cathode catalysts, and MnO2 in base for metal–air batteries.
The Role of Fluids in the Formation of Rare Earth Element Deposits

Abstract Fluids play an important role in the formation of many rare earth element (REE) deposits. Groundwater and hydrothermal fluids can transport these elements and with changes in fluid composition or properties, the REEs can be removed from solution by adsorption or precipitation of REE-rich minerals. Currently, REEs are primarily produced from two types of ore deposits, ion adsorption clay deposits (located in southern China) and carbonatites. Ion adsorption clay deposits in southern China form by lateritic weathering of underlying granites. Groundwater is responsible for the mobilization, transport, and deposition of the REEs in forming these ore deposits. Carbonatites are a relatively rare type of igneous rock that contain the highest concentrations of REEs of any igneous rocks. Ore-grade REE enrichment in carbonatites can result from crystallization of REE mineral phases directly from the magma or by hydrothermal processes. One carbonatite-related REE ore deposit, the Mount Weld deposit (Australia), was formed by lateritic weathering of the underlying carbonatite.
Integrated expression analysis identifies transcription networks in mouse and human gastric neoplasia.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Tff1 knockout (KO) mouse model develops gastric lesions that include low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and adenocarcinomas. In this study, we used Affymetrix microarrays gene expression platforms for analysis of molecular signatures in the mouse stomach [Tff1-KO (LGD) and Tff1 wild-type (normal)] and human gastric cancer tissues and their adjacent normal tissue samples. Combined integrated bioinformatics analysis of mouse and human datasets indicated that 172 genes were consistently deregulated in both human gastric cancer samples and Tff1-KO LGD lesions (P < .05). Using Ingenuity pathway analysis, these genes mapped to important transcription networks that include MYC, STAT3, β-catenin, RELA, NFATC2, HIF1A, and ETS1 in both human and mouse. Further analysis demonstrated activation of FOXM1 and inhibition of TP53 transcription networks in human gastric cancers but not in Tff1-KO LGD lesions. Using real-time RT-PCR, we validated the deregulated expression of several genes (VCAM1, BGN, CLDN2, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, EpCAM, IFITM1, MMP9, MMP12, MMP14, PDGFRB, PLAU, and TIMP1) that map to altered transcription networks in both mouse and human gastric neoplasia. Our study demonstrates significant similarities in deregulated transcription networks in human gastric cancer and gastric tumorigenesis in the Tff1-KO mouse model. The data also suggest that activation of MYC, STAT3, RELA, and β-catenin transcription networks could be an early molecular step in gastric carcinogenesis.
Exploring the contribution of classroom formats on teaching effectiveness and achievement in upper elementary classrooms

This study examined the contribution of classroom format on teaching effectiveness and achievement in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. Secondary data analyses of the Measures of Effecti...
Intertemporal Eco-Demographic Interactions and their Manpower Planning Implications

This paper develops a demographic extension to a dynamic input-output framework for use in the analysis of economic and demographic interactions. Analysis is then effected to identify stable demographic constructs in the labor force and to determine the degree to which the demographic (e.g., age or occupational) structure of the economically active population is responsive to adjustments in the intertemporal pattern of government expenditures and concomitant economic objectives. We conclude by drawing the inrplication of demographic invariance to manpower planning.
Chemokine receptor-7 (CCR7) deficiency leads to delayed development of joint damage and functional deficits in a murine model of osteoarthritis

Elevated chemokine receptor Ccr7 is observed in knee osteoarthritis (OA) and associated with severity of symptoms. In this study, we confirmed that CCR7 protein expression is elevated in synovial tissue from OA patients by immunohistochemical staining. We then investigated whether Ccr7 deficiency impacted structural and functional joint degeneration utilizing a murine model of OA. OA-like disease was induced in male C57BL/6 and Ccr7-deficient (Ccr7-/-) mice by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Functional deficits were measured by computer integrated monitoring of spontaneous activity every 4 weeks after DMM surgery up 16 weeks. Joint degeneration was evaluated at 6 and 19 weeks post-surgery by histopathology, and subchondral bone changes analyzed by microCT. Results showed reduction in locomotor activities in DMM-operated C57BL/6 mice by 8 weeks, while activity decreases in Ccr7-/- mice were delayed until 16 weeks. Histopathologic evaluation showed minimal protection from early cartilage degeneration (p = 0.06) and osteophytosis (p = 0.04) in Ccr7-/- mice 6 weeks post-DMM compared to C57BL/6 controls, but not at 19 weeks. However, subchondral bone mineral density (p = 0.03) and histologic sclerosis (p = 0.02) increased in response to surgery in C57BL/6 mice at 6 weeks, while Ccr7-/- mice were protected from these changes. Our results are the first to demonstrate a role for Ccr7 in early development of functional deficits and subchondral bone changes in the DMM model. Understanding the mechanism of Ccr7 receptor signaling in the initiation of joint pathology and disability will inform the development of innovative therapies to slow symptomatic OA development after injury. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Fundamentals of EMC : Current Return

• Current takes the path of least IMPEDANCE • This may not be what's labeled “GND” in the schematic • For EMC and SI purposes, it is desirable to provide the path with the least impedance possible • Consider the signal return path for critical signals as critical as the outgoing signal path!
Nanohashtag structures based on carbon nanotubes and molecular linkers

Abstract Molecular mechanics was used to study the noncovalent interactions between single-walled carbon nanotubes and molecular linkers. Groups of nanotubes have the tendency to form tight, parallel bundles ( |||| ). Molecular linkers were introduced into our models to stabilize nanostructures with carbon nanotubes held in perpendicular orientations. Molecular mechanics makes it possible to estimate the strength of noncovalent interactions holding these structures together and to calculate the overall binding energy of the structures. A set of linkers were designed and built around a 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene tether with two corannulene containing pincers that extend in opposite directions from the central cyclooctatetraene portion. Each pincer consists of a pairs of “arms.” These molecular linkers were modified so that the “hand” portions of each pair of “arms” could close together to grab and hold two carbon nanotubes in a perpendicular arrangement. To illustrate the possibility of more complicated and open perpendicular CNTs structures, our primary goal was to create a model of a nanohashtag (#) CNT conformation that is more stable than any parallel CNT arrangements with bound linker molecules forming clumps of CNTs and linkers in non-hashtag arrangements. This goal was achieved using a molecular linker (C 280 H 96 ) that utilizes van der Waals interactions to two perpendicular oriented CNTs. Hydrogen bonding was then added between linker molecules to augment the stability of the hashtag structure. In the hashtag structure with hydrogen bonding, four (5,5) CNTs of length 4.46 nm (18 rings) and four linkers (C 276 H 92 N 8 O 8 ) stabilized the hashtag so that the average binding energy per pincer was 118 kcal/mol.
The Perennial (and Stubborn) Challenge of Cost, Affordability, and Access in Legal Education: 'We Will Continue to Muddle Through'

This paper explores the long-term challenge of legal education’s financial viability and focuses on the business model that serves contemporary legal education. That model – based on a value proposition – sees long-term student loans and plentiful lawyer jobs as the way to underwrite legal education’s sustainability, even as tuition rises. Loans and jobs are inextricably connected; the idea being that student debt can be manageably repaid over some amount of time after graduating and obtaining a well-paying lawyer job. The paper is divided into three main parts. The first looks to the past in order to understand the business model – the value proposition, its development, and its logic. In doing so it will talk about the one factor that makes the value proposition viable – loans, and especially the role of the federal government with respect to loans. It also talks about the intertwined issues of cost and access to legal education, which became increasingly important in the development of the business model. The second provides an empirical context for the concerns raised by those critics. It does so by exploring data (some likely familiar, but perhaps not all) on key patterns and changes in legal education since the late 1940s. The third part treats the patterns and changes in enrollments in the wake of the Great Recession as a rough natural experiment that allows us to consider whether the critic’s fear of a day of reckoning for value proposition has now finally arrived and what it means.
Powassan Virus-A New Reemerging Tick-Borne Disease.

Powassan virus is a neurovirulent flavivirus consisting of two lineages causing meningoencephalitis. It is the only member of the tick-borne encephalitis serogroup, which is present in mainland North America. With a total number of 27 cases from 1958-1998 and 98 cases from 1999-2016, reported cases have increased by 671% over the last 18 years. Powassan infection is transmitted by different tick species in different geographical regions. Ixodes scapularis is the primary vector that transmits the virus on the East Coast of USA and Ixodes cookei in the Midwest and Canada, while Hemaphysalis longicornis is the vector in Russia. Powassan has no singular pathognomonic finding and presents with a wide spectrum of symptoms including severe neurological symptoms. The clinical challenge lies within the management of the disease as there is no standard diagnostic protocol and most cases are only diagnosed after a patient goes through an extensive workup for other infectious disease. The diagnosis is established by a combination of imaging and serologic tests. In case of Powassan meningoencephalitis, CT scan and MRI show vascular insults, which are also seen in cases of tick borne encephalitis virus, another flavivirus of medical importance. Serologic tests are the gold standard for diagnosis, although testing is not widely available and only state health departments and CDC can perform Powassan specific IgM antibody testing utilizing ELISA and IFA. Powassan is also of veterinary medical importance. Wildlife animals act as a reservoir to the pathogens, hence possessing threat to humans and domestic animals. This review highlights Powassan’s neurotropic presentation, epidemiology, diagnostic challenges and prevalence. Strong emphasis is placed on establishing diagnostic protocols, widespread Powassan specific IgM testing, role of the vector in disease presentation, and necessary preventive research.
Case 91: Endotracheal Intubation in the ICU: Watch Out

You as the attending anesthesiologist are called to the ICU at 21:30 where a 66-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis needs an emergent intubation.
Social Ties and the Incidence of Homelessness

AbstractAlthough almost all homeless people are poor, most poor people do not experience homelessness. We use a detailed national survey to explore the role of social ties—including connection to relatives, friends, and religious community—in explaining why only a subset of poor adults fall into homelessness. We find that lifetime incidence of homelessness is reduced by 60% for individuals with strong ties along each of these dimensions. Ties to relatives are most important, followed by ties to religious community, whereas ties to friends are not associated with reduced incidence of homelessness. We also find that among currently low-income individuals, social ties are not associated with income, providing evidence that our results are not explained by unobserved variation in historical depth of poverty that is potentially correlated with our measures of social ties.
Substrate Engineered Interconnected Graphene Electrodes with Ultrahigh Energy and Power Densities for Energy Storage Applications

Supercapacitors combine the advantages of electrochemical storage technologies such as high energy density batteries and high power density capacitors. At 5–10 W h kg–1, the energy densities of current supercapacitors are still significantly lower than the energy densities of lead acid (20–35 W h kg–1), Ni–metal hydride (40–100 W h kg–1), and Li-ion (120–170 W h kg–1) batteries. Recently, graphene-based supercapacitors have shown an energy density of 40–80 W h kg–1. However, their performance is mainly limited because of the reversible agglomeration and restacking of individual graphene layers caused by π–π interactions. The restacking of graphene layers leads to significant decrease of ion-accessible surface area and the low capacitance of graphene-based supercapacitors. Here, we introduce a microstructure substrate-based method to produce a fully delaminated and stable interconnected graphene structure using flash reduction of graphene oxide in a few seconds. With this structure, we achieve the highest ...
Fault Covers in Heterogeneous and General Arrays

In the arrays discussed in Chapter 2 all elements were assumed to be identical and, thus, all rows were identical and all columns were identical. Therefore, a spare row could be used to replace any row of the array and a spare column could be used to replace any column of the arrays. We will subsequently refer to this as the homogeneous array model.
Die Resultate im Blick? Kontraktsteuerung in Schweden

Men vad blir da, om man resonerar pa detta i och for sig rimliga sAtt, kvar av filosofin att bAde styra mer och styra mindre? Vari ligger sutligen den stora skillnaden mellan de mycket preciserade mal som man tydligen vill ha och de detaljerade regeler man inte vill ha? (Ruin 1985)1
Embryonic mortality in cattle from the embryo's perspective

For the embryo to successfully complete development it must be capable of executing its developmental program within a microenvironment largely established by the mother. Mortality results either because of intrinsic defects within the embryo, an inadequate maternal environment, asynchrony between embryo and mother, or failure of the mother to respond appropriately to embryonic signals. To some extent, the embryo’s fate is dictated by events before fertilization: embryos formed from incompetent oocytes have a low probability of successful development. For example, embryos have reduced developmental competence when formed from oocytes from persistent ovarian follicles or from cows during the summer in Florida. Chromosomal abnormalities, caused by incompetent gametes or other causes, and homozygous recessive genes, exacerbated by inbreeding, represent additional types of intrinsic errors responsible for embryonic loss. Alterations in the maternal environment can cause embryonic mortality, as has been shown for heat stress and feeding diets high