cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Politics and paradox

The Kaiser's Chemists. By Jeffrey Allan Johnson. University of North Carolina Press: 1990. Pp.279. $39.95.
Electrohydrodynamic Instability of Dielectric Bilayers: Kinetics and Thermodynamics

We study the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of a bilayer patterning process induced by an electrohydrodynamic instability. We construct a parametric map, depending on the dielectric contrast and ratio of two film thicknesses, that describes the conditions under which hexagonally ordered pillars or holes can form when the viscosity of the upper layer is negligible. The distinct formation of arrays of pillars and holes results from the nonlinear interactions among different modes and, hence, is governed by the kinetics. The dynamic structures of pillars or holes continue to evolve to decrease the system’s free energy. During this evolution, individual pillars or holes coalesce in a coarsening process until a thermodynamically stable state is reached in the form of a localized pillar, hole, or a roll structure. The selection of the pillar or hole at the final steady state represents a thermodynamic preference that can be predicted qualitatively without solving the fully nonlinear partial differential equation.
Generalized algorithms for generating balanced modulation codes in protein-based volumetric memories

With the ever increasing volume of the digital data being generated from our day to day life there is a huge increase in the demand for much faster and denser storage technologies. Conventional two dimensional (surface) storage/memory technologies may soon be replaced with much faster and denser three dimensional volumetric (holographic) storage technologies. Photo sensitive protein Bacteriorhodopsin(BR) has been proven to have great chemical, thermal and holographic properties and is a good choice as a holographic material in volumetric memory design. Balanced modulated codes are used in volumetric memory systems to reduce the bit error rate (BER) and improve the fidelity, currently coding schemes like 6:8 balanced modulated coding are employed which limit the size of the page to 8-bits and achieve a code rate (utility) of 75%. As the volumetric storage technology matures we need efficient algorithms to produce balanced modulation codes with high code rate on bigger page sizes. In this paper we give new algorithms to generate balanced modulation codes which can achieve superior code rates compared to the existing methods to generate balanced modulated codes.
Are women aware of religious restrictions on reproductive health at Catholic hospitals? A survey of women's expectations and preferences for family planning care.

Abstract Objective To understand if women anticipate a difference in reproductive healthcare when attending a Catholic institution. Study design A convenience sample of reproductive-aged women in the Denver metro area completed an online survey. Women were randomized to hypothetical women’s health clinics at either a secular or Catholic hospital and asked about expectations for family planning care. Questions covered contraception and management of abnormal or unintended pregnancy. We subsequently assessed provider/site preferences for care. Results We analyzed 236 surveys. The majority of participants expected their gynecologist to provide all family planning services presented. The only difference based on institution was that participants randomized to the Catholic hospital were more likely to expect natural family planning advice. At least half of respondents reported they would seek care from their gynecologist for the services surveyed with the exceptions of emergency contraception and elective abortion. Conclusions Overall, this cohort of women did not anticipate differences in reproductive healthcare based on institution. If women who enroll at Catholic hospitals do not receive information related to potential healthcare restrictions, their ability to act as informed healthcare consumers may be constrained. Implications Women did not anticipate differences in reproductive healthcare based on institution type (Catholic vs. secular) and, thus, their ability to act as informed healthcare consumers may be constrained.
Attachment of the PSGL-1 cytoplasmic domain to the actin cytoskeleton is essential for leukocyte rolling on P-selectin

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand–1 (PSGL-1) serves as the leukocyte ligand for P-selectin, and many of the structural features of its ectodomain required for interactions with P-selectin have been uncovered. In contrast, the function of the highly conserved PSGL-1 cytoplasmic domain has not been explored. Stable transfectants expressing similar levels of either wild-type PSGL-1 or truncated PSGL-1 in which only 4 cytoplasmic residues were retained (designated PSGL-1Δcyto), were analyzed. Transfectants expressing full-length PSGL-1 rolled well on P-selectin. In contrast, rolling was almost completely absent in cells transfected with PSGL-1Δcyto, even at low shear. Importantly, cells expressing truncated PSGL-1 were able to bind soluble P-selectin and to bind COS cells overexpressing P-selectin, demonstrating that the P-selectin binding site on the PSGL-1Δcyto transfectants was intact and was capable of recognizing P-selectin. Impaired rolling by PSGL-1Δcyto transfectants was not due to alterations in subcellular localization because both wild-type and truncated PSGL-1 had similar surface distributions on K562 transfectants. Treatment of cells expressing native PSGL-1 with actin cytoskeletal toxins inhibited adhesion in a dose-dependent way. PSGL-1 was associated with the actin cytoskeleton, and this interaction was greatly impaired in PSGL-1Δcyto– expressing cells. The PSGL-1 cytoplasmic domain interacted selectively with the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) protein moesin, but not with other ERM proteins or several other cytoskeletal linker proteins. Pharmacologic disruption of interactions between moesin and F-actin in cells expressing PSGL-1 resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of rolling on P-selectin. Thus, attachment of PSGL-1 to the leukocyte cortical cytoskeleton is essential for leukocyte rolling on P-selectin.
Importance sampling for Markov chains: computing variance and determining optimal measures

In this paper we describe several computational algorithms useful in studying importance sampling (IS) for Markov chains. Our algorithms compute optimal IS measures and evaluate the estimate variance for a given measure. As knowledge of the optimal IS measure implies knowledge of the quantity to be estimated, our algorithms produce this quantity as a by-product. Since effective IS measures must often closely approximate the optimal measure, the use of these algorithms for small problems may produce in sights that lead to effective measures for larger problems of actual interest. We consider two classes of problems: hitting times and fixed-horizon costs.
Heat transfer in a dimpled channel: combined influences of aspect ratio, temperature ratio, Reynolds number, and flow structure

Abstract Experimental results, measured on and above a dimpled test surface placed on one wall of a channel, are given for Reynolds numbers from about 600 to about 11 000 and ratios of air inlet stagnation temperature to surface temperature ranging from 0.78 to 0.94. These include flow visualizations, and spatially resolved local Nusselt numbers. Ratios of channel height to dimple print diameter of 0.20, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 are employed. The ratio of dimple depth to dimple print diameter is 0.2. Visualized flow smoke patterns show that the vortex pairs, which are periodically shed from the dimples, becomes stronger as non-dimensional channel height H/D decreases. Such behavior is leads to local Nusselt number augmentations at these same locations, which also become larger as H/D decreases. Local Nusselt number ratios also increase substantially at same locations as Toi/Tw decreases because of buoyancy and variable property influences.
Frequency-dependent shear wave splitting and heterogeneous anisotropic structure beneath the Gulf of California region

Abstract The Gulf of California region has undergone a major evolution over the past ∼15 Ma, since subduction of the now-extinct Farallon plate ceased and transform motion began, leading to the initiation of rifting and the opening of the Gulf of California ∼5 Ma ago. The character of dynamic processes in the upper mantle beneath the region remains poorly understood, but constraints on seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle can shed light on contemporary mantle flow processes. In order to characterize more fully the anisotropic structure of the upper mantle beneath the region, I present measurements of SKS splitting at 14 broadband stations of the NARS-Baja array at periods between ∼8 and 50 s. The measured splitting parameters ( ϕ , δt ) at NARS-Baja stations exhibit a high degree of complexity, with dramatic lateral variations, significant backazimuthal variations at individual stations, and a large number of well-constrained null measurements over a range of backazimuths. The dependence of splitting parameters on frequency is evaluated by applying a series of bandpass filters to high signal-to-noise SKS arrivals. I find that while fast directions are generally insensitive to the SKS frequency content, delay times are frequency dependent at several stations. The measurements presented in this study indicate that the anisotropic structure of the upper mantle beneath the Gulf of California region is complex and exhibits a high degree of both lateral and vertical heterogeneity. The observed splitting is consistent with a scenario in which a large-scale reorganization of the mantle flow field has been inhibited by the presence of a stalled fragment of oceanic lithosphere associated with Farallon subduction. The pattern of mantle flow appears to be controlled by more localized processes, likely including small-scale buoyant upwelling associated with partial melting beneath the central part of the Gulf of California rift.
Efficient and dependable overlay networks

We describe QoSMap, a novel approach for mapping overlay networks with stringent QoS requirements. QoSMap computes high quality overlay paths by utilizing direct underlay paths that fulfill the application's topology and link-specific QoS requirements. It also improves application dependability by increasing resiliency against QoS failures under dynamic network conditions. The increased resiliency is achieved through the use of supplemental indirect paths which have a single intermediate node and which also meet application QoS requirements. For evaluation, we compared QoSMap with a simple QoS approach for overlay mapping. We compared the two approaches for fulfilling varying application requests with strict QoS requirements of latency and packet loss on PlanetLab. We observed that QoSMap yielded high quality overlays. Further, the use of indirect paths upon the QoS failure of the direct path avoided overlay reconfiguration and resulted in increased dependability and longer lifetime for the application overlays.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN QUESTIONS ASKED DURING SMALL DECISION-MAKING GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Sixty minutes each of group discussions from 18 four- to seven-member decision-making groups were audiotaped and transcribed for analysis. Results indicated that questions constituted 15.6% of total turns by group members. Probes were the most frequently occurring question type (89.2%). There was a significant gender difference in only one of the five question types: Female group members asked significantly more probing questions than did their male counterparts. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Detection of signal discontinuities from noisy fourier data

The concentration method for identifying the locations, magnitudes, and signs of jump discontinuities in analog signals from truncated Fourier series is well established in mathematical literature. Its performance in the presence of noise on the Fourier data has only recently started to receive attention, however. This paper examines the performance of the concentration method in the presence of noise from a detection-theoretic point of view. In particular, receiver operating characteristics for the elemental problem of detecting a unit step discontinuity are developed for this method. Additionally, the problem of optimally combining data obtained from multiple concentration factors is addressed.
Ontology-Based integration for relational data

Motivation. Recent years gave witness to significant progress in database integration including several commercial implementations. However, existing works make strong assumptions about mapping representations but are weak on formal semantics and reasoning. Current research and practical application calls for more formal approaches in managing semantic heterogeneity [3].
Scale based features for audiovisual speech recognition

This paper demonstrates the use of nonlinear image decomposition, in the form of a sieve, applied to the task of audiovisual speech recognition of a database of the letters A-Z for ten talkers. A scale based feature vector is formed directly from the grayscale pixels of an image containing the talkers mouth on a per frame basis. This is independent of image amplitude and position information and neither accurate tracking or special markers are required. Results are presented for audio only, visual only and for early and late integrated audiovisual cases. (7 pages)
Portable Intelligent Traffic Management System for Work Zones and Incident Management Systems: Best Practice Review

An intelligent portable traffic management system is an integrated system which consists of portable variable messages signs (PVMSs), vehicle detection systems (such as detectors, cameras and other surveillance equipment), a computer-based control center and communication systems. Based on detected traffic information, the system automatically determines messages to be displayed on the PVMSs and may also disseminate the information through highway advisory radios (HARs) and the Internet. This study involved a comprehensive review of the application of various intelligent portable traffic management systems for use in work zones and incident management and speed management technologies for use in work zones; it also identified innovative technologies that have the potential to improve highway traffic operations. Interviews were conducted with representatives from departments of transportation (DOTs) in various states and private industry regarding their experience with and knowledge of work zone and incident management deployment initiatives and innovative technologies. A summary of various systems, including their features, deployments, and evaluation results, if any, has been included in this paper. Some guidelines are developed in this study for the effective application of automated portable traffic management systems in work zones and incident areas.
Allosteric N-WASP activation by an inter-SH3 domain linker in Nck

Actin filament networks assemble on cellular membranes in response to signals that locally activate neural Wiskott–Aldrich-syndrome protein (N-WASP) and the Arp2/3 complex. An inactive conformation of N-WASP is stabilized by intramolecular contacts between the GTPase binding domain (GBD) and the C helix of the verprolin-homology, connector-helix, acidic motif (VCA) segment. Multiple SH3 domain-containing adapter proteins can bind and possibly activate N-WASP, but it remains unclear how such binding events relieve autoinhibition to unmask the VCA segment and activate the Arp2/3 complex. Here, we have used purified components to reconstitute a signaling cascade driven by membrane-localized Src homology 3 (SH3) adapters and N-WASP, resulting in the assembly of dynamic actin networks. Among six SH3 adapters tested, Nck was the most potent activator of N-WASP–driven actin assembly. We identify within Nck a previously unrecognized activation motif in a linker between the first two SH3 domains. This linker sequence, reminiscent of bacterial virulence factors, directly engages the N-WASP GBD and competes with VCA binding. Our results suggest that animals, like pathogenic bacteria, have evolved peptide motifs that allosterically activate N-WASP, leading to localized actin nucleation on cellular membranes.
Grief Responses, Coping Processes, and Social Support of Widows: Research With Roy's Model

This ex post facto descriptive correlational design study of widows during their second year of bereavement utilizes Roy's adaptation model as a guiding framework. Contextual stimuli (social support, social network, income/education, spiritual beliefs) were related to the cognator function (coping process), which was related to adaptation outcome (grief response). Significant moderate positive relationships were found between social support and coping process, and between social network and coping process. A significant relationship was also found between coping process and grief response. The path model accounted for 18% explained variance.
A mm-wave arbitrary 2 N band oscillator based on even-odd mode technique

A technique to build mm-wave arbitrary 2N band oscillators is presented. Based on even-odd mode operation, the technique breaks the fundamental tradeoff between frequency switching range and tank quality factor, Q, which exists in classical switched-capacitor and switchedinductor methods. As a result, this technique achieves multiband operation with FOMs comparable to single band oscillators. To verify the theory, a quadruple band oscillator with 4 arbitrary chosen frequencies (43, 49, 58 and 75 GHz) is implemented in 65-nm CMOS technology. The phase noise measurements taking at 1 MHz offset are −100.3, −95.3, −93.8 and −86.2 dBc/Hz, respectively. The power consumption of the oscillator core is 12mW. The presented technique would enable the development of mm-wave software-defined multi-standard radios.
D3-3: Differing Quality or Differing Expectations: Should One Adjust for Patient Race/Ethnicity when Assessing Patient Satisfaction?

Background/Aims The literature indicates Asians rate their health care experience lower than do non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). Cultural norms in rating similar experience may contribute to this, but before any adjustment, one should make sure differing ratings do not reflect true quality differences. We examined whether adjustment for the race/ethnicity (R/E) of survey respondents is warranted in assessing patient satisfaction across providers.
Increasing human-tool interaction via the web

Software tools researchers can accelerate their ability to learn by exposing tools to users via web technologies, allowing them to observe and test the interactions between humans and tools. At Microsoft Research, we have developed a web service (http://www.rise4fun.com/) for such a purpose that is available for community use.
Microwave Emissivity Measurements of Bubbles and Foam

Measurements were made in the laboratory of the emissivities of a variety of bubble and foam samples at a wavelength of 3.2 cm. The technique was an active one in which the absorptivities of the samples were determined. Both free-space and waveguide measurements were made, and emissivities were found to be near 0.6 for some single-layer bubble rafts and near 1.0 for mixed foams of 3- to 4-mm thickness. These measurements support the previously expressed belief that it should be possible to infer sea state and approximate wind speed from passive microwave measurements interpreted in percentage of foam coverage.
A Similarity between Goodman and Kruskal's Tau and Kendall's Tau, with a Partial Interpretation of the Latter

Abstract This paper deals with the population interpretations of measures of association for cross classifications. A new pair of (asymmetric) coefficients is introduced and interpreted. They are shown to be related both to Kendall's τb and to Goodman and Kruskal's τ, and their relation to Kendall's τc is discussed. Second, Goodman and Kruskal's τ is interpreted as an analogue of the correlation ratio, suitable for unordered categorical data. This interpretation rests on a certain function, designated the “ordinal analogue of the variance,” of a univariate (ordered) frequency distribution, which enters into both Kendall's τb and Goodman and Kruskal's τ.
Computational models of motivated action selection in corticostriatal circuits

Computational models of the basal ganglia have matured and received increasing attention over the last decade. This article reviews some of the theoretical advances offered by these models, focusing on motor and cognitive action selection, learning, and the interaction between multiple corticostriatal circuits in selection and learning.
Preexisting Comorbid Psychiatric Conditions and Mortality in Nonsurgical Intensive Care Patients

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of preexisting comorbid psychiatric conditions on mortality in a large cohort of patients admitted to a nonsurgical intensive care unit. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved 66,672 consecutive eligible nonsurgical patients admitted to intensive care units in 129 Veterans Health Administration hospitals during 2005 and 2006. Preexisting comorbid psychiatric conditions were identified by using diagnoses from outpatient encounters in the prior year for depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Generalized estimating equations were used to adjust the risks of in hospital and 30-day mortality for demographics, comorbid medical conditions, markers of severity, and abnormal findings on laboratory tests at admission. RESULTS: Comorbid psychiatric conditions were identified in 28% (n = 18 698) of patients. Patients with preexisting comorbid psychiatric conditions had lower (P < .001) unadjusted in hospital mortality (7.3% vs 8.7%) and 30-day mortality (10.0% vs 12.8%) than did patients without such conditions. After demographics, comorbid medical conditions, and severity were adjusted for, risk of in-hospital mortality among patients with comorbid psychiatric conditions was somewhat higher (odds ratio, 1.07, 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.14; P = .02), although differences in 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.01, 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.08; P = .70) were no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Preexisting comorbid psychiatric conditions are common among intensive care patients, but after comorbid medical conditions and severity were adjusted for, preexisting comorbid psychiatric conditions were not associated with a higher risk of 30-day mortality in a large national cohort of veterans.
Effective Optimistic-Checker Tandem Core Design through Architectural Pruning

Design complexity is rapidly becoming a limiting fac- tor in the design of modern, high-performance micro- processors. This paper introduces an optimization tech- nique to improve the efficiency of complex processors. Us- ing a new metric ( µUtilization), the designer can identify infrequently-used functionality which contributes little to performance and then systematically "prune" it from the design. For cases in which architectural pruning may affect design correctness, previously proposed techniques can be applied to guarantee forward progress. To explore the benefits of architectural pruning, we study a candidate Optimistic-Checker Tandem architecture, which combines a complex Alpha EV6-like out-of-order Op- timistic core, with some of the underutilized functionality pruned from its design, with a non-pruned EV5-like in-order Checker core. Our results show that by removing 3% of infrequently used functionality from the optimistic core an increase in frequency of 25% can be realized. Taking into account the replay overhead triggered by the removed func- tionality, the Tandem system is still able to achieve a 12% overall speedup.
Computing multisensory target probabilities on a neural map

The superior colliculus is organized topographically as a neural map. The deep layers of the colliculus detect and localize targets in the environment by integrating input from multiple sensory systems. Some deep colliculus neurons receive input of only one sensory modality (unimodal) while others receive input of multiple modalities. Multimodal deep SC neurons exhibit multisensory enhancement, in which the response to input of one modality is augmented by input of another modality. Multisensory enhancement is magnitude dependent in that combinations of smaller single-modality responses produce larger amounts of enhancement. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that deep colliculus neurons use sensory input to compute the probability that a target has appeared at their corresponding location in the environment. Multisensory enhancement and its magnitude dependence can be simulated using a model in which sensory inputs are random variables and target probability is computed using Bayes' Rule. Informational analysis of the model indicates that input of another modality can indeed increase the amount of target information received by a multimodal neuron, but only if input of the initial modality is ambiguous. Unimodal deep colliculus neurons may receive unambiguous input of one modality and have no need of input of another modality.
Oligomeric State of Purified Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-1 (TRPM1), a Protein Essential for Dim Light Vision

Transient receptor potential melastatin-1 (TRPM1) is essential for the light-induced depolarization of retinal ON bipolar cells. TRPM1 likely forms a multimeric channel complex, although almost nothing is known about the structure or subunit composition of channels formed by TRPM1 or any of its close relatives. Recombinant TRPM1 was robustly expressed in insect cells, but only a small fraction was localized to the plasma membrane. Similar intracellular localization was observed when TRPM1 was heterologously expressed in mammalian cells. TRPM1 was affinity-purified from Sf9 cells and complexed with amphipol, followed by detergent removal. In blue native gels and size exclusion chromatography, TRPM1 migrated with a mobility consistent with detergent- or amphipol-bound dimers. Cross-linking experiments were also consistent with a dimeric subunit stoichiometry, and cryoelectron microscopy and single particle analysis without symmetry imposition yielded a model with approximate 2-fold symmetrical features. Finally, electron microscopy of TRPM1-antibody complexes revealed a large particle that can accommodate TRPM1 and two antibody molecules. Taken together, these data indicate that purified TRPM1 is mostly dimeric. The three-dimensional structure of TRPM1 dimers is characterized by a small putative transmembrane domain and a larger domain with a hollow cavity. Blue native gels of solubilized mouse retina indicate that TRPM1 is present in two distinct complexes: one similar in size to the recombinant protein and one much larger. Because dimers are likely not functional ion channels, these results suggest that additional partner subunits participate in forming the transduction channel required for dim light vision and the ON pathway.
Vicarious Entrapment: Your Sunk Costs, My Escalation of Commitment

Individuals often honor their own sunk costs, increasing their commitment to failing courses of action, from financial investments to wars. Because honoring sunk costs is driven by self justification processes, a widely offered prescription for preventing escalation of commitment is to have a different, second individual make subsequent resource decisions. In contrast to this proposed remedy, three experiments explored whether creating a psychological connection between the first and second decision-maker leads the second decision-maker to invest further in the failing program orchestrated by the initial decision-maker. Across three studies, employing different escalation scenarios, we found that multiple forms of psychological-connectedness - perspective-taking and interdependence - led decision-makers to vicariously justify others’ initial decisions, escalating their commitment to the earlier investments. Overall, psychological connections between decision-makers undermined the most accepted prescription for deescalation. These results have important implications for organizations and public policy and for theories of escalation.
Differential Disruption of EWS-FLI1 Binding by DNA- Binding Agents

Fusion of the EWS gene to FLI1 produces a fusion oncoprotein that drives an aberrant gene expression program responsible for the development of Ewing sarcoma. We used a homogenous proximity assay to screen for compounds that disrupt the binding of EWS-FLI1 to its cognate DNA targets. A number of DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents were found to non-specifically disrupt protein binding to DNA. In contrast, actinomycin D was found to preferentially disrupt EWS-FLI1 binding by comparison to p53 binding to their respective cognate DNA targets in vitro. In cell-based assays, low concentrations of actinomycin D preferentially blocked EWS-FLI1 binding to chromatin, and disrupted EWS-FLI1-mediated gene expression. Higher concentrations of actinomycin D globally repressed transcription. These results demonstrate that actinomycin D preferentially disrupts EWS-FLI1 binding to DNA at selected concentrations. Although the window between this preferential effect and global suppression is too narrow to exploit in a therapeutic manner, these results suggest that base-preferences may be exploited to find DNA-binding compounds that preferentially disrupt subclasses of transcription factors.
Hypnotic Hypermnesia for Subliminally Encoded Stimuli: State-Dependent Memory for “Unmonitored” Sensations

In Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, respectively, eighty-five subjects and sixty subjects viewed nine facial caricatures for 1/150 sec per face, nine for 1/100 sec per face, and nine for 1/10 sec per face. Recognition memory for three of the 1/150, three of the 1/100, and three of the 1/10 sec faces was tested before hypnosis; memory for nine more faces was tested during hypnosis; memory for the last nine faces was tested after hypnosis. Before hypnosis, the recognition probabilities for 1/150 sec faces and 1/100 sec faces were at chance levels, and the recognition probability for 1/10 sec faces was better than chance. During hypnosis, recognition memory for 1/150 sec faces was again at the chance level. However, hypnotic recognition of 1/100 sec faces was better than chance, and hypnotic recognition of 1/10 sec faces was no better than chance. Consistent both with cognitive-state monitoring theory and with state-dependent theories of memory, these results indicate that memory for subliminally perceived tar...
Web resource selection behavior patterns of social media users in health: A comparison of Yahoo! Answers and delicious

This study aims to evaluate the shared web resources from two social media: social Q&A and social bookmarking services. Health was chosen as a topic of interest. The URLs in answers of Yahoo! Answers and bookmarks of Delicious related to health were collected. The preliminary analysis focused on the URL host distributions and patterns. Findings could be used to develop a research framework of the use of web resources and to educate users to use various sources for information seeking and sharing in social media.
Epimorphisms of Fréchet Spaces

Let S be a set of seminorms on E; S is said to be equicontinuous at the point x° of E if to every e>0 there is a neighborhood x° + U of x° (U:neighborhood of О in E) such that, for all 𝖕∈S and all x∈x° + U, $$ |\mathfrak{p}(x) - \mathfrak{p}({x^0}) \leqslant \varepsilon | $$ .
Annie Higgins 1957–2014

Annie Campbell Higgins was born and raised in the Chicago area. After receiving a BA in geography from Northwestern University, she entered the University of Chicago's Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations (NELC) in 1988 and graduated with a PhD in Islamic thought in 2001, having been awarded the prestigious Stuart Tave Award in the Humanities. During this period, she taught Arabic language and several Middle Eastern subjects at the University of Chicago, Loyola University, the University of Illinois in Chicago, the College of William and Mary, and the University of Florida. After graduation she held tenure-track positions in Arabic literature and language at Wayne State University and then at the College of Charleston. The key to Annie's academic career was her love of and commitment to the study of Arabic language and culture. Even before entering NELC, she had spent a year in Egypt (1985–86) studying Arabic and making a point of mixing with Egyptians, learning about their culture and speaking their dialect with enthusiasm.
Quarkonium Results in PbPb Collisions at CMS

We summarize the results from the study of charmonium and bottomonium via the dimuon decay channel in PbPb collisions with the CMS experiment. We discuss the observation of sequential suppression of the Υ states. We present preliminary results of prompt J/ψ and ψ' production, as well as of non-prompt J/ψ's coming from the weak decay of b-quarks. This latter measurement is sensitive to b-quark energy loss. We discuss the results and compare to model predictions.
Multi-User Virtual Environments for Education and Training? A Critical Review of Second Life

Second Life is a popular example of an immersive, three-dimensional, virtual world. Inhabitants of Second Life often describe their experiences in-world as having great social presence. Certainly there is a good deal of potential for education and training to occur in multi­ user virtual environments (MUVEs), if designed properly, especially when the goals involve role playing, simulation, and peer interaction. On the other hand, the author notes, the state-of-the-art of these virtual worlds is such that instructors should use caution, if for no other reason than the steep learning curve for students and teachers alike, in using MUVEs for education and training, when an easier to use alternative delivery system can be effective. I get frustrated hearing people talk about how Second Life isn't entertaining, or it's only useful for advertising to "freaks, furries, ageplay perverts and prank-loving adolescents." (Wagner, 2007)
Balancing, Stability, and War: The Mysterious Case of the Napoleonic International System

We seek to validate four assertions in this article: (1) The threat to the stability of the international system was surely as great during the Napoleonic imperium as it was during the period of Soviet threat, 1945–1989. (2) While actors balanced against the USSR, they did not balance against Napoleonic France, at least until the end (1813–1815). (3) The difference between the two periods cannot be accounted for in the typical manner, by regarding the post-World War II system as “bipolar” and the Napoleonic system as “multipolar”; neither system was “bipolar” in power terms; both, however, were “bipolar” in terms of threat. (4) Therefore, a new explanation is required for the presence or absence of balancing in international relations.
Clinical research of intravenous pretreatment with magnesium sulfate for inhibiting propofol-induced pain

Objective:To assess the efficacy of intravenous pretreatment with magnesium sulfate on propofol injection-induced pain.Methods:One hundred and sixty ASA Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients undergoing general anaesthesia were rando mly allocated into four groups:M,L,K and S group(forty in each group).A 20-gauge catheter was inserted into vein on the back of right hand for drug injection and anaesthesia,and with a rubber venous tourniquet 5 cm near wrist.In M,L,K and S group,patients were pretreated with i.v 20 mg/kg of magnesium sulfate(M),0.5 mg/kg of lidocaine(L),0.3 mg/kg of ketamine(K),and 5 ml normal saline(S),respectively.The occlusion was released after 1 min,2 mg/kg of propofol was injected into vein by the infusion at 0.5 ml/s.The incidence and intensity of pain was assessed by verbal rating scales(VRS).Patients′ MAP and HR were recorded at the point of before administration,tourniquet released,after induction of anesthesia and endotracheal intubation.Results:The incidence of pain in M group was 25% compared to 55% for L group,50% for K group and 95% for S group.The incidence and intensity of pain in all groups were significantly lower than in S group(P0.01).The incidence of pain in M group was significantly lower than in L group(P0.05),and was similar to K group;K group was similar to L group(P0.05).The intensity of pain in M group was significantly lower than in L,K and N group(P0.01),respectively,and there were no statistical differences in M,L and K group(P0.05).There were no significant differences in MAP and HR between all groups.Conclusions:Combined with tourniquet technique,intravenous pretreatment with magnesium sulfate,lidocaine and ketamine are effective in attenuating propofol-induced pain.However,it has been observed that pretreatment with magnesium sulfate was the most effective.
Psychological understanding and management of rhinoplasty patients.

Any operation altering the size and shape of the nose will have an impact on body image and psychic stability. Consequently, a rhinoplasty may produce a variety of psychological disturbances.
The Work of Contraction: Myosin ATPase

The fractional cell volume of sarcomeres in the myocyte is very high, ∼0.5 (it is close to 0.8 in some skeletal muscles). Sarcomeres are composed of filaments responsible for force generation and muscle shortening. The thick filaments contain primarily myosin and the thin filaments contain primarily actin and the regulatory proteins tropomyosin and troponin. Sarcomeres also contain other filaments containing large proteins such as titin and nebulin that provide scaffolding and the viscoelastic elements responsible for relaxation. During contraction of a single sarcomere, the I-bands (I for isotropic) containing the thin filaments shorten and move toward the center of the sarcomere while the A-band (A for anisotropic) essentially stays in place. Thus, during a single contraction cycle, the distance between the Z-bands shortens and then returns to normal resting length (∼2.2 nm). The Z-band also undergoes dynamic rearrangement during the contractile cycle (1). The contraction cycle is the story of protein-protein interactions and the use of the free energy of ATP hydrolysis to accomplish both subtle changes in protein conformation and movement of protein assemblies in space.
RescuePal: A smartphone-based system to discover people in emergency scenarios

In emergency scenarios such as earthquakes, fires, avalanches, or building collapses, it is necessary to discover people trapped under debris or anyway hidden from eyesight. In this paper, we propose RescuePal, an energy-efficient smartphone-based system that does not require any interaction by the victim and does not use energy-expensive GPS. RescuePal leverages a wake-up system based on sounds that activates the WiFi interface of the victim's smartphone only when the rescuer is close, to save energy. After presenting the system, we mathematically formulate an optimization problem so as to find the sound frequency and power level that minimizes WiFi false activations and yet guarantees high discovery efficiency. RescuePal has been implemented on off-the-shelf Android-based devices, and its performance has been evaluated on a realistic use-case scenario of victims inside a building. Finally, the energy consumption of RescuePal has been calculated using the Power Monitor hardware tool. Results demonstrate that RescuePal is highly effective and saves more than 60% of energy with respect to an approach based only on WiFi.
Evaluation of a CT-based coal washability analysis system under simulated on-line conditions

The appropriate software and hardware necessary to adapt an X-ray CT analyzer for the determination of coal washability was developed and successfully tested for well-characterized samples under laboratory conditions. Evaluation of the CT-based analyzer under simulated on-line conditions is also presented to verify the on-line capabilities of the newly developed X-ray CT analyzer for the control of coarse coal cleaning circuits. The investigation shows that the data obtained from CT washability analyses compare favorably with experimental sink-float data. Further, image frequency was considered to evaluate the CT-Based coal washability analyzer for simulated on-line conditions. Specifically, the number of observations (image spacing) needed for accurate sampling and the total time required to perform the calculations for a representative data set were determined.
Promise from the sea

The twenty-first century’s greatest medical challenge is degenerative disease. In the twentieth century, effective treatment and cures were developed for infections, diseases of defect, and injuries; however, our efforts with age-related degeneration have, at most, been to promote stability. Nowhere is this clearer than with neurodegenerative diseases; the current therapies improve quality of life by only a small measure. The field is calling for drugs of novel modes of action. The greatest promise is likely to come from drugs targeted to physiological pathways—natural products. A prime contender is the sea, where animal and plant diversity is greatest and least explored. In this Issue, we present leading edge articles showing the great promise of the oceans, and the need to further explore this promise.
Abstract MP76: Severe Hypoglycemia and Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults with Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: Hypoglycemia and cognitive impairment are major problems in older adults with diabetes. It is unknown whether persons with prior hypoglycemia have distinct patterns of cognitive impai...
Special Education Teachers Integrating Reading with Eighth Grade U.S. History Content

This research replicates an earlier study and extends it by shifting instructional responsibility from researchers to special education teachers, who implemented reading instruction that included multisyllabic word decoding, academic vocabulary, and three comprehension strategies (generating main ideas, comparing and contrasting people and events, and identifying cause and effect relations) with their intact eighth grade history classes, using history text as the reading material. Participants included 73 eighth grade students with disabilities (77 percent with learning disabilities, 72 percent males, and 45 percent English language learners) and four teachers. Compared to students with disabilities in typical special education history classes, students in the treatment outperformed controls on researcher-developed measures of word- and text-level reading comprehension, as well as in the history content that students in both conditions studied. Across reading strategies, implementation of “nearly all lesson components” ranged from 72 percent to 83 percent.
Thermal analysis in a triple-layered skin structure with embedded vasculature, tumor, and gold nanoshells

Abstract Obtaining accurate temperature distributions in living tissue related to hyperthermia skin cancer treatment without using an intruding sensor is a challenge. Here, we report a mathematical model that can accurately determine the temperature distribution in the tumor region and surrounding normal tissue. The model is based on a modified Pennes’ equation for the bioheat transfer in a 3-D triple-layered skin structure embedded with a vascular countercurrent network and a tumor appearing in the subcutaneous region. The vascular network is designed based on the constructal theory of multi-scale tree-shaped heat exchangers. The tumor is injected with gold nanoshells in order to be heated quickly. The proposed model is implemented numerically using a stable finite difference scheme. The method is demonstrated and tested by an example.
Patient quality of life fluctuates before and after Mohs micrographic surgery: A longitudinal assessment of the patient experience

Background Changes in patient perceptions of quality of life (QOL) after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) may benefit from different counseling or treatment. Objective To measure QOL before and after MMS and to identify risk factors associated with impaired QOL. Methods Prospective observational study of 727 patients with skin cancer who self-reported QOL via the Skin Cancer Index immediately before and at 1 to 2 weeks and 3 months after MMS. Results QOL fluctuated after MMS. At 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, overall QOL remained unchanged compared with before MMS. Patients reported reduced anxiety about skin cancer but had increased distress about social interactions and physical appearance. At 3 months after surgery, patients reported an overall improvement in QOL compared with before MMS (P = .0007). Age younger than 65 years (P = .0001), female sex (P = .0001), and tobacco use (P = .03) were associated with lower QOL scores at all assessment points. Limitations Single-site observational study. Significant loss to follow-up at both time points after MMS. Conclusion Patients with skin cancer had persistent concerns about social interactions and physical appearance 1 to 2 weeks after MMS, but all aspects of their QOL improved by 3 months after surgery. Patients who underwent MMS that were younger than 65 years, were female, or smoked were at increased risk for longitudinally impaired QOL.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and biomarkers of ovarian reserve

AbstractObjective:The aim of the study was to examine the associations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and biomarkers of ovarian reserve in a large community-based sample of women.Methods:In 2010 to 2016, women aged 30 to 44 years without any known fertility problems were recruited from the Ch
Changing Students Minds and Achievement in Mathematics: The Impact of a Free Online Student Course

This study reports on the impact of a ‘massive, open, online course’ (MOOC) designed to change students’ ideas about mathematics and their own potential and improve their mathematics achievement. Many students hold damaging fixed mindsets, believing that their intelligence is unchangeable. When students shift to a growth mindset (believing that their intelligence is malleable), their achievement increases. This study of a MOOC intervention differs from previous mindset research in three ways (1) the intervention was delivered through a free online course with the advantage of being scalable nationwide (2) the intervention infused mindset messages into mathematics, specifically targeting students’ beliefs about mathematics (3) the research was conducted with a teacher randomized controlled design to estimate its effects. Results show that the experimental group who took the MOOC reported more positive beliefs about math, engaged more deeply in math in class, and achieved at significantly higher levels on standardized mathematics assessments.
Tale of two anomalies

A recent improved determination of the fine structure constant, $\ensuremath{\alpha}=1/137.035999046(27)$, leads to a $\ensuremath{\sim}2.4\ensuremath{\sigma}$ negative discrepancy between the measured electron anomalous magnetic moment and the standard model prediction. That situation is to be compared with the muon anomalous magnetic moment where a positive $\ensuremath{\sim}3.7\ensuremath{\sigma}$ discrepancy has existed for some time. A single scalar solution to both anomalies is shown to be possible if the two-loop electron Barr-Zee diagrams dominate the scalar one-loop electron anomaly effect and the scalar couplings to the electron and two photons are relatively large. We also briefly discuss the implications of that scenario.
Smoking-related mortality in the United States.

We thank Lippi and Mattiuzzi for their letter regarding the continuing increase in mortality from lung cancer and COPD that we observed among contemporary cigarette smokers in the United States...