cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
UPR Activation in Cancer Cells: A Double-Edged Sword

Due to their rapid growth, tumors are frequently exposed to extracellular environments that are deficient in nutrients, low in oxygen and with sub-optimal pH. One result of this is the disruption of homeostasis in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), which leads to the activation of a largely cytoprotective signaling pathway known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here we discuss three newly characterized aspects of UPR signaling and the effect they have on normal physiology as well as in tumor growth and survival. Included in this discussion is the UPR’s contribution to angiogenesis and the mechanisms tumors can use to appropriate this process to fuel their own growth; the identification of P-glycoprotein, a member of the ABC family of transporters, as a transcriptional target of the UPR and its possible link to the decreased sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs; and finally, the UPR’s ability to decrease translation via mTOR signaling and the mechanisms that tumor cells may use to elude this translational block of critical proteins to continue their growth.
Viscosity Measurement with Laser Ultrasonics

In the previous year, results were presented in which the viscosity of calibration liquids were determined by measuring the reflection coefficient of laser generated shear waves. [1] The shear waves were launched with a pulsed Nd: YAG laser into an aluminum wedge and detected using a piezoelectric transducer. This year results are presented from a totally noncontact system, generating the shear waves with a pulsed laser and detecting the reflected shear waves with a laser interferometer. The design of the wedge was modified so that the shear waves are incident to the solid-liquid interface at nearly normal incidence. They reflect off this interface and are incident on the surface of detection at greater than the critical angle. This allows for the largest possible out-of-plane displacement, which can then be detected with the interferometer. This type of arrangement has been used with both aluminum and graphite wedges.
The Schur Representation

In this chapter we will use Redheffer products to obtain another Schur type representation for the commutant lifting theorem. We begin by presenting some elementary properties of Redheffer products. Then we will use Redheffer products to obtain the characterization of all 2 by 2 matrix contractions in Section 1V.3, solve an operator version of the classical Caratheodory interpolation problem, and obtain a layer peeling algorithm to compute the corresponding choice sequence. Then we will use Redheffer products to obtain the Schur representation for the commutant lifting theorem in Corollary XIII.3.5. The advantage of this approach is that it bypasses the use of choice sequences. From this we will easily obtain another Schur representation for the commutant lifting theorem. This will readily lead to a computational procedure for solving the operator version of the classical Hermite-Fejer interpolation problem and other interpolation problems involving *-stable contractions. A network interpretation of these results will also be given. We will also give another computational procedure for computing the set of all contractive intertwining liftings for a finite rank Hankel operator.
The Exactness of Inexact Science and the Organization of the Knowledge Construction

The essential aspects of the organization of knowledge production as a human enterprise have been discussed in the previous chapter. In these discussions, the role of the quality of the societal knowledge on the social sciences is suggested to be an important constraint on the production of other sciences whether exact or otherwise. It is argued that there are epistemological differences, similarities and unity between exact and inexact sciences as categories of knowledge sectors.
In Vivo Transillumination Biomicroscopy and Photography of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Clinical Study

Meibomian gland transillumination biomicroscopy and infrared photography were performed on 18 patients with clinically evident meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dermatologic rosacea, 22 patients having MGD without evidence of dermatologic rosacea, and 15 unaffected individuals who served as controls. All patients having clinical signs of MGD demonstrated morphologic abnormalities of their meibomian glands by transilluminated biomicroscopy. Patients without dermatologic rosacea were noted to have varying degrees of gland distortion. Moreover, infrared photography documented a loss of the normal grape-like clusters of dark spots that represent the gland, suggesting a loss of glandular acini. Patients with dermatologic rosacea had more severe alterations, including marked distortion and loss of normal gland anatomy. There were no such abnormalities in clinically unaffected individuals. These data demonstrate that transilluminated biomicroscopy and infrared photography have the ability to identify a spectrum of morphologic alterations of the meibomian glands in MGD patients. The authors suggest that these techniques could be used to classify clinical MGD based upon the presence or absence of identifiable meibomian gland abnormalities.
Are NCI-designated cancer centers websites linguistically accessible?

e18078Background: The digital divide has shifted from disparities in internet access to disparities in content and design. Technology overlooks limited English proficient (LEP) patients, resulting ...
Non-sutural basicranium-derived cells undergo a unique mineralization pathway via a cartilage intermediate in vitro .

The basicranium serves as a key interface in the mammalian skull, interacting with the calvarium, facial skeleton and vertebral column. Despite its critical function, little is known about basicranial bone formation, particularly on a cellular level. The goal of this study was therefore to cultivate a better understanding of basicranial development by isolating and characterizing the osteogenic potential of cells from the neonatal murine cranial base. Osteoblast-like basicranial cells were isolated, seeded in multicellular aggregates (designated micromasses), and cultured in osteogenic medium in the presence or absence of bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP6). A minimal osteogenic response was observed in control osteogenic medium, while BMP6 treatment induced a chondrogenic response followed by up-regulation of osteogenic markers and extensive mineralization. This response appears to be distinct from prior analyses of the calvarium and long bones, as basicranial cells did not mineralize under standard osteogenic conditions, but rather required BMP6 to stimulate mineralization, which occurred via an endochondral-like process. These findings suggest that this site may be unique compared to other cranial elements as well as the limb skeleton, and we propose that the distinct characteristics of these cells may be a function of the distinct properties of the basicranium: endochondral ossification, dual embryology, and complex loading environment.
Biotinidase deficiency should be considered in individuals thought to have multiple sclerosis and related disorders.

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis is a disorder of the central and peripheral nervous system of young and old adults that is characterized by muscle, coordination and vision abnormalities. Multiple sclerosis is likely due to numerous causes. Methods Recently, adolescents and adults with ophthalmological and or neurological findings have been diagnosed with biotinidase deficiency. These individuals have exhibited myelopathy, paresis and/or spastic diplegia/tetraplegia with or without optic neuropathy/vision loss. These older individuals with biotinidase deficiency were considered initially to have multiple sclerosis or similar disorders before they were determined to have biotinidase deficiency. Results If a symptomatic individual with biotinidase deficiency is treated with biotin early enough, the symptoms markedly improve or completely resolve, but if treatment is delayed, the symptoms may be irreversible. Conclusion Therefore, although biotinidase deficiency is rare relative to that of multiple sclerosis, the disorder should be included in the differential diagnosis of individuals thought to have multiple sclerosis or related disorders. Biotinidase deficiency should be considered in individuals thought to have multiple sclerosis or related disorders.
Outcomes After Proton Therapy for Treatment of Pediatric High-Risk Neuroblastoma.

Purpose Patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NBL) require radiation to the primary tumor site and sites of persistent metastatic disease. Proton radiation therapy (PRT) may promote organ sparing, but long-term outcomes have not been studied. Methods and Materials Sequential patients with HR-NBL received PRT: 2160 cGy (relative biological effectiveness) to primary tumor bed and persistent metastatic sites, with 3600 cGy (relative biological effectiveness) to gross residual disease. Results From September 2010 through September 2015, 45 patients with HR-NBL received PRT after systemic therapy, primary tumor resection, and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue. Median age was 46 months at the time of PRT (range, 10 months to 12 years); 23 patients (51%) were male. Primary tumors were adrenal in 40 (89%); 11 (24%) received boost. Ten metastatic sites in 8 patients were radiated. Double scattered proton beams were used for 19 (42%) patients, in combination with x-rays for 2 (5%). The remaining 26 (58%) received pencil beam scanning, available since January 2013. We observed 97% freedom from primary site recurrence at 3, 4, and 5 years. Overall survival rates were 89%, 80%, and 80% and disease-free survival rates were 77%, 70%, and 70%, at 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively. With median follow-up of 48.7 months from diagnosis (range, 11-90 months) for all patients (57.4 months for those alive), 37 (82%) patients are alive, and 32 (71%) are without evidence of disease. One patient experienced locoregional recurrence; the remaining 12 (27%) experienced relapse at distant, nonradiated sites. Acute toxicities during treatment were mainly grade 1. No patient has experienced World Health Organization grade 3 or 4 long-term renal or hepatic toxicity. Pencil beam scanning plans required less planning time and resources than double scattered plans. Conclusions We observe excellent outcomes in patients treated with PRT for HR-NBL from 2010 through 2015, with 82% of patients alive and 97% free of primary site recurrence. No patient has experienced long-term renal or liver toxicity. This treatment maximizes normal tissue preservation and is appropriate for this patient population.
Ontology’s Role in Reflection-Driven Design

The discourse on design of thriving systems has thus far focused on the foundation of theory that examines the neurological, psychological, and sociological context of design – the case for metaphor’s essential role in ideation. To assume a practitioner’s perspective, a pragmatic perspective on design, our focus shifts to the palpable steps that distinguish the reflection-driven design recipe. Indeed, as part and parcel of reflection-driven design, the design team must identify and conceptualize the fixed and mutable elements of their design space. These elements include the environment, the intensions, and the medium of construction. These elements will be understood and valued based upon a shared expectation of design quality rooted in their composite appreciative system. To demonstrate some palpable detail, this chapter presents five example design spaces each depicting a special ontology that enumerates a paradigm relevant to information systems development. Each respective ontology defines a design space as the domain of possible structural and behavioral choices available to the designer(s).
Ihsan and Good Governance

This chapter is the key chapter of the book. It is in this chapter that I try to outline a vision of transition from politics as we know to a politics of Ihsan. In this chapter, I offer an alternate way of thinking about Islam’s role in politics, especially distinct from that of Islamists and Jihadis. The book critiques the focus of Islamic political thought on structure and law and instead argues that perhaps a focus on process will yield more benefits for society. Advocates of Islam are seeking power to “implement shariah” and in the process are either leaning toward autocracy or making ethical compromises to accommodate democracy. In either case, the cause of the normative principles is lost. This chapter argues that rather than seeking power, advocates of Islam should seek to bring Ihsan into society. Muslims should focus on the process of governance, make it inclusionary one that privileges ethical and normative elements of Islam. And by permitting political criticism and activism, keep the social conscience of the soceity alive. This chapter will lay out the Islamic principles that encourage good governance and politics in pursuit of goodness. It imagines a State of Ihsan and a society of Muhsins (those who practice Ihsan).
Amending marginal sandy soils with biochar and lignocellulosic fermentation residual sustains fertility in elephantgrass bioenergy cropping systems

Perennial grasses offer potential for high lignocellulosic biomass yields on marginal land that can be used for conversion to biofuels. However, fertilizer nutrient inputs are often required to maintain high yields. This study evaluated biochar and fermentation residuals as alternative supplemental nutrient sources for elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schum.) feedstock production. Treatments were (1) 50 kg N ha−1 (E50); (2) 50 kg N ha−1 + fermentation residual (E50FR); (3) 50 kg N ha−1 + biochar (E50BC); and (4) 250 kg N ha−1 (E250). The E50 treatment was not enough to sustain elephantgrass yields over time, as E250 biomass yields were greater in years 3 and 4 compared with E50. Residual amendments had little effect on yield. Plant N concentration in E250 (7.5 g kg−1) was twofold greater compared with all other treatments along with generally greater N removal. Residuals were largely unable to supply additional N, as they did not increase tissue N concentrations or N removal compared with E50. Across years, soil P and Ca levels were 59 and 46% lower, respectively, for E50 and E250 than for E50FR and E50BC, which maintained nearly constant levels throughout the study. Application of biochar (E50BC) increased soil concentrations of Mg, B, Zn, and Mn. Supplemental nutrients are needed to sustain long-term elephantgrass productivity on marginal land of the southeastern U.S. Bioenergy residuals may fill this role when combined with low fertilizer N and possibly K inputs. Identifying optimal amendment application rates will be important to prevent excess accumulation of some elements.
Exploring Differences in Minority Students' Attitudes towards Computing after a One-Day Coding Workshop

As programming continues to be an essential 21st century skill, it is critical to focus on diversity and increasing participation of underrepresented groups in computing. To address this need, we must better understand minorities' views and attitudes towards programming, especially in their youth, as literature shows that children form ideas about their interests and careers in middle school or earlier. To explore this, we provided middle school students in the U.S. with a full day (7 hours) of programming activities to learn about their initial attitudes towards computing and how a short intervention might change these attitudes. We ran two separate one-day events, serving a total of 34 minority students (21 males and 13 females; grades 6 and 7) from a low-income, urban area. We found that students' initial attitudes towards computing were high, and that one day of learning programming increased their reported attitudes in computing even more. We also found differences in attitudes by gender and ethnicity. These findings highlight the positive attitudes minority students have towards computing, and the importance of providing resources and support to help maintain their interests in computing while recognizing demographic differences.
Analgesic Efficacy and Hematologic Effects of Robenacoxib in Mice

NSAID analgesics may confound models that require inflammation to mimic disease development in humans. This effect presents a challenge for veterinary staff and investigators, because surgery is often necessary to create mouse models of disease and NSAID are first-line analgesics used to treat postoperative pain. We evaluated robenacoxib, a NSAID highly selective for cyclooxygenase 2, in a carrageenan paw edema (CPE) assay and surgical model of venous thrombosis (VT). We generated a mouse-specific dose-response curve by using the CPE assay for robenacoxib doses of 3.2, 10, 32 and 100 mg/kg SC. Electronic von Frey assay, calipers, and novel software for measuring open-field activity revealed that all robenacoxib doses provided, identified effective analgesia at 3 and 6 h, compared with saline. In addition, the 100-mg/kg dose had measurable antiinflammatory effects but yielded adverse clinical side effects. Because the 32-mg/kg dose was the highest analgesic dose that did not decrease paw swelling, we evaluated it further by using the same nociceptive and behavioral assays in addition to a novel nest-consolidation test, and assessment of blood clotting and hematologic parameters in the surgical VT model. A single preemptive dose of either 32 mg/kg SC robenacoxib or 5 mg/kg SC carprofen protected against secondary hyperalgesia at 24 and 48 h. Neither drug altered clot formation or hematology values in the VT model. The open-field activity software and our novel nest consolidation test both identified significant postoperative discomfort but did not differentiate between saline and analgesia groups. In light of these data, a single preemptive subcutaneous dose of 32 mg/kg of robenacoxib or 5 mg/kg of carprofen did not impede this VT mode but also failed to provide sufficient postoperative analgesia.
Attention bias towards threat in African American children exposed to early life trauma.

Abstract Background Attentional bias is linked to a range of mood disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study examined attention bias patterns in African American children exposed to trauma, in order to better understand potential risk factors for PTSD. Methods 31 children (ages 8–14) completed an eye-tracking task to assess gaze bias patterns while viewing pairs of emotional and neutral faces. Trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms were assessed in a subsample of children (n = 24). Results Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) results examining attention bias indices and gender showed greater attention bias toward angry faces than happy faces (p Conclusions Trauma exposure in children is related to altered attention bias, via enhanced attention towards threatening cues. Results contribute to evidence that males and females may exhibit different attentional patterns. This study highlights the importance of additional research on attention bias patterns and prospective mental health outcomes across gender and through development.
Measuring space-group symmetry fractionalization in Z 2 spin liquids

The interplay of symmetry and topological order leads to a variety of distinct phases of matter, the symmetry enriched topological (SET) phases. Here we discuss physical observables that distinguish different SETs in the context of ${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$ quantum spin liquids with SU(2) spin rotation invariance. We focus on the cylinder geometry, and show that ground-state quantum numbers for different topological sectors are robust invariants which can be used to identify the SET phase. More generally, these invariants are related to 1D symmetry protected topological phases when viewing the cylinder geometry as a 1D spin chain. In particular, we show that the kagome spin liquid SET can be determined by measurements on one ground state, by wrapping the kagome in a few different ways on the cylinder. In addition to guiding numerical studies, this approach provides a transparent way to connect bosonic and fermionic mean-field theories of spin liquids. When fusing quasiparticles, it correctly predicts nontrivial phase factors for combining their space group quantum numbers.
Relay Protection Data Integrity Check Method Based on Big Data Association Algorithm

Relay protection big data creates good conditions for the improvement of professional applications, and data integrity is an important aspect that reflects data quality. The association of relay protection big data is intense. This paper applies Apriori algorithm to mine data relevance and generate association rules. Based on this, the integrity of relay protection data is checked, and the incomplete data is predicted. Taking the relay protection defect data as an example, the paper explores the correlation among 251 items of the six dimensions of protection relay defect data such as type of protection, the severity of the defect, whether the protection is out of operation, the defect location, the cause of the defect, and the equipment manufacturer, completing the processing of incomplete data with great application results.
Difficulties of Managing Submassive and Massive Pulmonary Embolism in the Era of COVID-19

Abstract Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening manifestation of venous thromboembolic disease. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2, a novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), has been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. We describe the therapeutic challenges of 3 patients presenting with PE and suspected or confirmed COVID-19. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)
Gut microbial diversity, inflammation, and oxidative stress are associated with tacrolimus dosing requirements early after heart transplantation

Introduction Effective tacrolimus (TAC) dosing is hampered by complex pharmacokinetics and significant patient variability. The gut microbiome, a key mediator of endotoxemia, inflammation and oxidative stress in advanced heart failure (HF) patients, is a possible contributor to interindividual variations in drug efficacy. The effect of alterations in the gut microbiome on TAC dosing requirements after heart transplant (HT) has not been explored. Methods We enrolled 24 patients (mean age = 55.8 ±2.3 years) within 3 months post-HT. Biomarkers of endotoxemia ((lipopolysaccharide (LPS)), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) and oxidative stress (8,12-iso-Isoprostane F-2alpha-VI) were measured in 16 blood samples. 22 stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. TAC dose and serum trough level were measured at the time of stool and blood collection. TAC doses were reported in mg/kg/day and as level-to-dose (L/D) ratio, and categorized as ≤ vs. > median. Results The median TAC dose was 0.1 mg/kg/day and L/D ratio was 100.01. Above the median daily weight-based TAC dose was associated with higher gut microbial alpha diversity (p = 0.03); similarly, TNF-α and 8,12-iso-Isoprostane F-2alpha-VI levels were lower and LPS levels were higher in the above median TAC group, although these findings were only marginally statistically significant and dependent on BMI adjustment. We observed n = 37 taxa to be significantly enriched among patients with > median TAC dose (all FDR<0.05), several of which are potential short-chain fatty acid producers with anti-inflammatory properties, including taxa from the family Subdoligranulum. Conclusions Our pilot study observed gut microbial alpha diversity to be increased while inflammation and oxidative stress were reduced among patients requiring higher TAC doses early after HT.
SWI/SNF complex-deficient soft tissue neoplasms: An update

The SWItch Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex is a large multi-subunit protein assembly that orchestrates chromatin compaction and accessibility for gene transcription in an ATP-dependent manner. As a key epigenetic regulator, the SWI/SNF complex coordinates gene expression, cell proliferation and differentiation, and its biologic functions, in part, antagonize the polycomb repressive complex 2. The mammalian SWI/SNF complex consists of 15 subunits encoded by 29 genes, some of which are recurrently mutated in human cancers, in the germline or sporadic setting. Most SWI/SNF-deficient tumors share common "rhabdoid" cytomorphology. SMARCB1 (INI1) is the subunit most frequently inactivated in soft tissue neoplasms. Specifically, SMARCB1 deficiency is observed as the genetic hallmark in virtually all malignant rhabdoid tumors, and most cases of epithelioid sarcoma and poorly differentiated chordoma. In addition, subsets of myoepithelial carcinoma (10-40%), extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (20%), epithelioid schwannoma (40%), and epithelioid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (70%) demonstrate SMARCB1 loss. The gene encoding the SS18 subunit is involved in the SS18-SSX rearrangement, which is pathognomonic of synovial sarcoma and indirectly inactivates SMARCB1. Finally, undifferentiated SMARCA4-deficient thoracic sarcomas are defined by SMARCA4 subunit inactivation, leading to SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 loss. Rarely, inactivation of alternate but biologically equivalent key regulators can substitute for canonical subunit deficiency, such as SMARCA4 inactivation in cases of SMARCB1-retained epithelioid sarcoma. This review briefly highlights SWI/SNF complex biologic functions and its roles in human cancer and provides a detailed update on recent advances in soft tissue neoplasms with canonical SWI/SNF complex deficiency, correlating morphologic, genomic, and immunohistochemical findings.
Learning the Best Price and Ordering Policy under Fixed Costs and Ambiguous Demand

We study joint inventory-price control in which a ﬁrm chooses among a ﬁnite number of prices to inﬂuence the demand to be realized; also, the ﬁrm’s ordering activities incur ﬁxed setup costs. While intending to settle down on an optimal price and ﬁgure out an optimal ordering policy all catering to the long-run average criterion, the ﬁrm is ambiguous about the stationary distribution of the random demand that it is to face under each price. We propose an adaptive policy in which periods are grouped into intervals, with each being associated with one single price and one single ordering policy. Pricing is based on a learning-while-doing trade-oﬀ: a price with the least number of interval visits will be chosen when this number is below a threshold associated with the total number of interval visits under all prices; otherwise, the chosen price will be one with the most promising proﬁt prospect estimated from past experiences. Interval-wise ordering relies on an (s,S) policy most suitable for the empirical distribution learned from past experiences under the chosen price. The power at which the policy’s regret grows in the horizon length T would be below (3 +√29)/10 ≃ 0.839 even when demand patterns are fairly ambiguous. When demand realizations are further conﬁned to a ﬁnite support, the bound would be reducible to √2/2 ≃ 0.707.
Emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of head and neck cancers

Introduction: The benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been demonstrated through multiple studies ...
A Cultural Hedonic Framework for Increasing the Consumption of Unfamiliar Foods: Soy Acceptance in Russia and Colombia

It is important to understand how a country's cultural influences may affect the introduction of a new or unfamiliar food. In this paper, we present a cultural hedonic framework that uses a culture's context (low versus high) and its view toward food consumption (hedonic versus utilitarian consumption) to assess the difficulty of introducing an unfamiliar food to this market. This framework is then applied to determine the most effective means to stimulate soy consumption in Russia and Colombia. General guidelines show how the cultural hedonic framework can be used to provide insights into distribution, message positioning, and marketing strategy for other foods and products in a variety of situations.
Investor and (Value Line) Analyst Underreaction to Information about Future Earnings: The Corrective Role of Non-Earnings-Surprise Information

Prior research suggests that financial analysts’ earnings forecasts and stock prices underreact to earnings news. This paper provides evidence that analysts and investors correct this underreaction in response to the next earnings announcement and to other (non-earnings-surprise) information available between earnings announcements. Our evidence also suggests that analysts and investors underreact to information reflected in analysts’ earnings forecast revisions and that non-earnings-surprise information helps correct this underreaction as well. Controlling for corrective non-earnings-surprise information significantly increases estimates of the degree to which analysts’ forecasting behavior can explain drifts in returns following both earnings announcements and analysts’ earnings forecast revisions.
Performance-Based Engineering Framework to Quantify Micrometeoroid Damage to Lunar Surface Structures

AbstractExtended-duration missions to the Moon require the construction of long-term infrastructure that protects inhabitants and protects life-support systems from the Moon’s hazardous environment...
Constructive Codes for Multi-User Communication Channels

In these notes several constructive coding schemes are presented for specific multi-user communication channels. Both the multi-access channel and the broadcast channel will be considered.
Development of a CCD-Digicon Detector System

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an introduction on the development of charge- coupled devices (CCDs)-Digicon detector system. The CCD-Digicon, an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) detector system based on the incorporation of a thinned backside-illuminated CCD as the anode of a space telescope design Digicon tube, for application to astronomical observations with stringent requirements for accuracy, rapid temporal response, low background, and high two-dimensional resolution. To investigate and optimize the important characteristics of system component design in detail before commitment to the production of a full-up system, a number of electron-bombardment imaging experiments have been performed, utilizing existing backside-illuminated CCDs in a demountable Digicon test stand. Operating in a more traditional uncentroided “analogue” CCD mode (many photoelectron events in each CCD cell), a number of images were obtained, and the system was found to perform quite well over a wide range of illumination and exposure conditions. With reduced illumination levels, the single-photoelectron statistical nature of these CCD-Digicon images is readily apparent even in real-time viewing.
Chapter 9 – Applications in Economics

This chapter discusses projects on applications in economics, such as monopoly pricing. When there is only one firm that produces a certain product, that one firm is called a monopoly. Monopolies are familiar to most consumers. Local phone service and electric power are often provided by monopolies. Monopolists have the advantage over firms that must compete since, without regulation, they might have the ability to control the price of their service by controlling the quantity produced. A product that is in short supply will fetch a high price if people are demanding that product. Some local monoplies that have received a lot of attention lately are cable TV franchises. People are dissatisfied with having to pay extra fees for special cable channels. The question of regulating the cable companies has been a matter of some concern. In this project, one is able to examine how monopolies set prices and answer for whether or not the cable companies should be regulated by the government.
The Forgotten Children: Same-Sex Partners, Their Children and Unequal Treatment

Many of today's family relationships no longer fit within the traditional one-mother, one-father model. Families created by gay and lesbian couples are on the increase and the issues relating to the legal protections of these families remain uncertain. Many state courts and legislatures have refused to legally recognize, through second-parent adoptions, the relationship of children born to a homosexual couple with their non-biological second parent. The refusal to permit secondparent adoptions denies the children of homosexual couples, as a class, many of the legal benefits and protections afforded to children of heterosexual couples. This Note argues that such classifications of children born to same-sex couples punish children for the actions of their parents and thus results in unfair treatment violative of the Equal Protection Clause.
Characterization of the standard nickel/silica catalyst EuroNi-1.II: Chemical aspects: precipitation, reduction and chemical analysis

The organizational aspects of this collaborative standard catalyst project were described in Part 1. EuroNi-1 is a 25% Ni/SiO2 catalyst, prepared by homogeneous precipitation. The background of this method and details of its application to the preparation of the standard catalyst are described. After spray drying, a light green powder results, which was distributed to participating laboratories in the unreduced condition. In addition to 25% Ni, 24% Si and the acompanying oxygen and hydrogen, the catalyst in this state also contains some ammonia and carbon dioxide. As the catalyst intended for any use must be reduced in hydrogen, background information and detailed recommendations for optimum reduction are presented. Results from temperature-programmed reduction suggest that a major part of the nickel is present as a nickel hydrosilicate. Isothermal reduction experiments show that at or below 450°C reduction generally remains incomplete, whereas near 650°C reduction reaches completion.
The ‘Othered’ Sister: Family Secrets, Relationships, and Society

Through auto-ethnography, the intersection between family culture and a hegemonic culture of normalcy is explored. One sister’s investigation of disability, as manifested through shared family secrets, acts of resistance against the public stare, segregation and isolation, and notions of incompetence, unveil evidence of historical oppressive practices.
Minimal Negation and Hereditary Harrop Formulae

Following an underrated paper by Miller [7], minimal negation is added to first-order Hereditary Harrop-formulae (fohh) at no computational cost, preserving their nature of abstract logic programming language [8]. The soundness and completeness theorem is proved with respect to natural deduction. The following relation with negation-as-failure holds: G has a SLDNF derivation from P iff G has a uniform proof from the completion of P. Moreover we show how to embed minimal, intuitionistic and classical logic into fohh: as a consequence and application of the two last results, the logic is shown to represent every partial recursive functions.
ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICES ENHANCING THE INFLUENCE OF STUDENT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION IN ACADEMIC DECISIONS

Student assessment should not be undertaken as an end in itself but as a means to educational and institutional improvement. The purpose of our study is to provide systematic empirical evidence of how postsecondary institutions support and promote the use of student assessment information in academic decision making. We use linear regression to determine which institutional variables are related to whether student assessment data is influential in academic decisions. Our conclusion is that student assessment data has only a marginal influence on academic decision making. Our data show there is slightly more influence on educationally related decisions than on faculty-related decisions, but in neither case is student assessment data very influential. Nonetheless, we did find several significant predictor variables in our model, including: the number of institutional studies relating students' performance to their interactions with the institution; conducting student assessment to improve internal institutional performance; involving student affairs personnel in student assessment; the extent of student assessment conducted; and the extent of professional development related to student assessment that is offered to faculty, staff, and administrators. These findings vary by institutional type.
African Mask-Making Workshop: Professional Development Experiences of Diverse Participants.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US KO X-NONE Diverse education professionals learned about African cultures in a workshop experience by making African masks using authentic symbolism. Analysis of reflections to evaluate the workshop for applicability to participants with and without African heritage showed that both groups expanded their cultural knowledge of traditional African ethnic groups. Those participants with African heritage noted valuing of women while those without African heritage expressed appreciation for African culture, self-evaluation of work, and the desire to investigate their own heritages. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
Beyond Respite: The Role of Adult Day Services in Supporting Dementia Caregivers

Adult day services (ADS) are the leading provider of community-based care for persons with dementia and their caregivers. While the provision of caregiver respite is well-documented, little is known about the provision of other forms of dementia caregiver support. Logistic regression analyses of ADS providers (N = 297) in the MetLife Study indicated that the number of hours of social work support was a significant predictor of case management services, while nonprofit status was a significant predictor of caregiver education and support groups. These findings have implications for practice and policy related to this growing provider of dementia services.
The managerial response to regulation of financial reporting for segments of a business enterprise

To properly assess the performance and monitor the management of industrially diversified firms, investors and other stakeholders may want companies to report separate financial data for each of their lines of business. In the mid-1970s, following a major increase in diversification of American firms, private and public regulators began requiring firms to disclose financial data for individual industry segments. Company managers, however, were given the authority to determine the degree to which data reported to outsiders was disaggregated. This article examines the managerial response to segmented financial disclosure regulations. Analysis of longitudinal data reveals that the extent of segmentation in reporting has been both low and declining, relative to the true extent of industrial diversification. In 1985, the fraction of companies with more than one reported segment was only 29.7 percent, whereas the fraction of companies operating in more than one line of business (assigned more than one SIC code by Compustat) was 83.5 percent. In 1977, about half of the included companies reported at least two industry segments, and a third reported at least three; by 1987, these fractions had declined to about one-quarter and one-seventh, respectively. A potential explanation of these findings is that managers perceive minimal disclosure of segmented information to be in their own self-interest.
Is caring a viable component of health care

The attitudes and behaviours that constitute caring affect both the quality of the patient's experience and the outcomes of medical care. They can be identified and can be nurtured or discouraged by the structures of organisation and financing within which health care is provided. They have costs, so their viability is threatened as pressures increase to make health care more economically efficient. Yet the value of caring behaviour may justify what is necessary to sustain it. This issue deserves prompt and extensive debate as health care systems undergo revision throughout the world.
Simultaneous matching of multiple templates in complex images

Complex-valued template matching is relevant to matching frequency domain templates, edge gradient images and can beextended to multispectral images as well. Here, a single filter is designed to simultaneously match a set of given complextemplates with optimal DSNR, while eliciting user-defined center responses for each template. For the simplified case of
Literary Approaches to Food Studies

In the syllabus that follows I outline a semester-long class that I taught at Pomona College in the fall of 2004. This course was cross-listed with the English Department and with the Program in Wo...
Perspectives on the Study of Groundwater Hydrology

Patrick A. Domenico presents the main ideas of groundwater hydrology within the framework of an ordered systems approach. He develops a re freshing, integrated perspective of the overall subject and introduces the reader to an impressive array of techniques and theory, making this book .‘must’ reading for every groundwater hydrologist. On the other hand, a number of difficulties will limit its intended use as a textbook for stu dents.‘with little previous experience in the subject.’
Differential effect of butyrate on lipids of human colon cancer cells

Abstract Recently, we demonstrated that treatment of LS174T cells with 2 mM butyrate for one day had a significant effect on the composition of cellular fatty acids. In an attempt to further explore this phenomenon, we investigated the effect of long‐term butyrate treatment in the presence of different fatty acids in the medium on cellular phospholipids (PLs) and triacylglycerol (TG). Cells were supplemented with 100 μM sodium salts of 18:2 (n‐6), 20:4 (n‐6), 20:5 (n‐3), or 22:6 (n‐3) as a fatty acid‐free‐albumin complex. The molar ratio of the albumin and these long‐chain fatty acids (LCFAs) was 3:1. One‐half of these cultures were supplied with 2 mM butyrate, and the pH was adjusted to 7.4. The supplementation of the LCFAs and butyrate was maintained for eight days. The present study indicates that butyrate had a differential effect on the fatty acid composition of PLs and TG of LS174T cells. This includes an increase in monounsaturates and elongation of the supplemented LCFA, and this effect was more p...
Clinical management of the complications of HIV infection.

Patients with advancing HIV infection are subject to a broad range of complications that may challenge the primary care physician. The presence of more than one complication at a time is common. Selected, common complications are discussed, including a discussion of the approach to diagnosis and management. Areas covered include pulmonary, gastrointestinal, ocular, and mucocutaneous complications, as well as lymphadenopathy, the HIV wasting syndrome, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Sexual Risk Behavior Associated with Co‐administration of Methamphetamine and Other Drugs in a Sample of HIV‐Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men

This study examined the association between sexual risk behavior and co-administration of methamphetamine with other drugs in a sample of 341 HIV-positive MSM. Those who reported methamphetamine co-administration in the past two months (65%) reported significantly more unprotected anal and oral sex and a greater number of casual, anonymous, and paid sex partners in this timeframe compared to men who used methamphetamine alone. Two primary patterns of co-administration were identified: 1) drug combinations motivated by sexual performance and enhancement (eg, methamphetamine, poppers, sildenafil); and 2) “party drug” combinations (eg, methamphetamine, GHB, ketamine). Implications for further research and possible applications to risk-reduction interventions are discussed.
The efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment : A clinical review

Topical tacrolimus ointment was approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in Japan in 1999, the United States in 2000, and Europe in 2001. The safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment was established in vehicle-controlled, randomized, 12-week clinical trials; 1-year open-label trials; and comparative studies with topical steroids. Although an extensive database exists on the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus ointment based on the global development program, clinicians desire additional information on the long-term safety and efficacy of this novel agent. In this supplement, additional studies are reported that extend the safety and efficacy profile of tacrolimus ointment in patients with atopic dermatitis, including long-term safety studies for up to 4 years. The studies presented in this supplement address important questions regarding the selection and use of tacrolimus ointment in the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis.
Electrophysiologic effects of acute myocardial infarction in man.

Abstract Six patients undergoing surgery for ischemic heart disease were studied by means of epicardial electrodes affixed to the left ventricle. One patient who underwent triple coronary arterial bypass and plication of a left ventricular aneurysm had evidence of an acute myocardlal infarction 1 day after operation. A surface electrocardiogram and a bipolar electrogram from the left ventricle were recorded before and after development of the infarction. The bipolar electrogram showed a marked toss of voltage and delay of conduction that were not present in the patients who underwent surgery but did not sustain an acute myocardlal Infarction. Thus, any acute myocardial infarction in conscious persons appears to be associated with areas of delayed epicardial action and diminution of local voltage. This observation suggests that the electrophystotogic mechanisms of infarction in man are similar to those of infarction in the dog.
Mine boundary detection using partially ordered Markov models

Detection of objects in images in an automated fashion is necessary for many applications, including automated target recognition. In this paper, we present results of an automated boundary detection procedure using a new subclass of Markov random fields (MRFs), called partially ordered Markov models (POMMs). POMMs offer computational advantages over general MRFs. We show how a POMM can model the boundaries in an image. Our algorithm for boundary detection uses a Bayesian approach to build a posterior boundary model that locates edges of objects having a closed-loop boundary. We apply our method to images of mines with very good results.
Advocacy and Political Potential at The Convergence of Hashtag Activism and Commerce

On Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, the other f-word appears to be in the middle of a resurgence. In September 2014, Emma Watson spoke at the UN and kicked off the #HeForShe campaign on social media...