cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why the Market for New Passenger Cars Generally Undervalues Fuel Economy

Passenger vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and prodigious consumers of petroleum, making their fuel economy an important focus of energy policy. Whether or not the market for fuel economy functions efficiently has important implications for both the type and intensity of energy and environmental policies for motor vehicles. There are undoubtedly imperfections in the market for fuel economy but their consequences are difficult to quantify. The evidence from econometric studies, mostly from the US, is reviewed and shown to vary widely, providing evidence for both significant under- and over-valuation and everything in between. Market research is scarce, but indicates that the rational economic model, in general, does not appear to be used by consumers when comparing the fuel economy of new vehicles. Some recent studies have stressed the role of uncertainty and risk or loss aversion in consumers’ decision making. Uncertainty plus loss aversion appears to be a reasonable theoretical model of consumers’ evaluation of fuel economy, with profound implications for manufacturers’ technology and design decisions. The theory implies that markets will substantially undervalue fuel economy relative to its expected present value. It also has potentially important implications for welfare analysis of alternative policy instruments.
Gene therapy to restore electrophysiological function in heart failure.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health epidemic and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Existing treatments for patients with HF are often associated with pro-arrhythmic activity and risk of sudden cardiac death. Therefore, development of novel, effective and safe therapeutic options for HF patients is a critical area of unmet need.Areas covered: In this article, we review recent advances in the emerging field of cardiac gene therapy for the treatment of tachy- and bradyarrhythmias in HF. We provide an overview of gene-based approaches that modulate myocardial conduction, repolarization, calcium cycling and adrenergic signaling to restore heart rate and rhythm.Expert opinion: We highlight major advantages of gene therapy for arrhythmias, including the ability to selectively target specific cell populations and to limit the therapeutic effect to the region that requires modification. We illustrate how advances in our fundamental understanding of the mo...
High level-application analysis techniques & architectures - to explore design possibilities for reduced reconfiguration area overheads in FPGAs executing compute intensive applications

This paper proposes a novel common subgraph extraction algorithm which aims to minimize the total number of gates (reconfiguration area overhead) involved in implementing compute-intensive scientific and media applications using reconfigurable architectures. Motivation behind the proposed research is illustrated using an example from Biochemical Algorithms Library (BALL). The design of novel context adaptable architectures to implement common subgraphs is also proposed with an example from the video warping functions of the MPEG-4 standard. Three different models of mapping such architectures onto hybrid/ pure FPGA systems are proposed. Estimates obtained by applying these techniques and architectures for various media and scientific functions are shown.
Local baroclinic instability of flow over variable topography

Local baroclinic instability is studied in a two-layer quasi-geostrophic model. Variable meridional bottom slope controls the local supercriticality of a uniform zonal flow. Solutions are found by matching pressure, velocity, and upper-layer vorticity across longitudes where the bottom slope changes abruptly so as to destabilize the flow in a central interval of limited zonal extent. In contrast to previous results from heuristic models, an infinite number of modes exist for arbitrarily short intervals. For long intervals, modal growth rates and frequencies approach the numerical and WKB results for the most unstable mode. For intervals of length comparable to and smaller than the wavelengths of unstable waves in the homogeneous problem, the WKB results lose accuracy. The modes retain large growth rates (about half maximum) for intervals as short as the internal deformation radius. Evidently, the deformation radius and not the homogeneous instability determines the fundamental scale for local instability. Maximum amplitudes occur near the downstream edge of the unstable interval. Lower-layer amplitudes decay downstream more rapidly than upper-layer amplitudes. For short intervals, the instability couples motions with widely disparate horizontal scales in the upper and lower layers. Heat flux is more strictly confined than amplitude. Growth rates increase linearly with weak supercriticality .
Chemical Plume Source Localization

This paper addresses the problem of estimating a likelihood map for the location of the source of a chemical plume using an autonomous vehicle as a sensor probe in a fluid flow. The fluid flow is assumed to have a high Reynolds number. Therefore, the dispersion of the chemical is dominated by turbulence, resulting in an intermittent chemical signal. The vehicle is capable of detecting above-threshold chemical concentration and sensing the fluid flow velocity at the vehicle location. This paper reviews instances of biological plume tracing and reviews previous strategies for a vehicle-based plume tracing. The main contribution is a new source-likelihood mapping approach based on Bayesian inference methods. Using this Bayesian methodology, the source-likelihood map is propagated through time and updated in response to both detection and nondetection events. Examples are included that use data from in-water testing to compare the mapping approach derived herein with the map derived using a previously existing technique
Optimal rates for k-NN density and mode estimation

We present two related contributions of independent interest: (1) high-probability finite sample rates for k-NN density estimation, and (2) practical mode estimators - based on k-NN - which attain minimax-optimal rates under surprisingly general distributional conditions.
Gravity sensitivity of a resistojet water vaporizer

A laboratory model of a water vaporizer for resistojet applications was designed, fabricated, and steady and transient characteristics were measured. Vaporizer operation was not impacted by rotation about a horizontal axis normal to its own. The vaporizer was operated under low and high accelerations aboard a jet aircraft for periods up to 25 s at flow rates ranging from 159(10)(exp -6) to 230(10)(exp -6) kg/s. Slight changes in inlet and outlet pressures and some heat exchanger temperatures were observed during the low-gravity tests. However, the results of these tests indicated probable compatibility of the vaporizer design tested with a low-gravity environment.
TAIWANESE FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND TRADE WITH THAILAND

Thailand has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and an important factor contributing to this phenomenal growth is foreign direct investment (FDI). Taiwan's investment in Thailand, led by small and medium sized companies in labour intensive and relatively low technology industries, has increased dramatically since 1986. While Western multinational companies have been interested in using FDI to expand their markets in the host country, Taiwanese FDI — in a pattern similar to Japanese FDI of the 1970s — has been taking place in selected developing countries to lower production costs and export manufactured products to third country markets. Taiwan's exports to Thailand have also shown a marked increase since the Taiwanese government allowed large scale FDI in 1986. Although small at the global scale, Taiwanese investment in Thailand has contributed to an increasingly integrated East Asian economy.
Statistical Principles for Climate Change Studies

Abstract Statistical principles underlying “fingerprint” methods for detecting a climate change signal above natural climate variations and attributing the potential signal to specific anthropogenic forcings are discussed. The climate change problem is introduced through an exposition of statistical issues in modeling the climate signal and natural climate variability. The fingerprint approach is shown to be analogous to optimal hypothesis testing procedures from the classical statistics literature. The statistical formulation of the fingerprint scheme suggests new insights into the implementation of the techniques for climate change studies. In particular, the statistical testing ideas are exploited to introduce alternative procedures within the fingerprint model for attribution of climate change and to shed light on practical issues in applying the fingerprint detection strategies.
Block-oriented network simulator (BONeS)

Provides an overview of the BONeS network modelling philosophy and structure. BONeS can be viewed as an integrated system that provides a complete graphical environment for the description and simulation of communications networks. The integrated environment of BONeS includes the capability to describe protocol functions, layers of the ISO Open Systems Interconnection model, and network transmission effects in a hierarchical fashion using block diagrams; configure and execute a discrete-event simulation of the network; perform design iterations; and analyze the system performance. Each of these capabilities is provided through a consistent user interface that relies on the extensive use of graphics, windows, and consistency checking to provide a visual environment for describing networks and their protocols. >
Teaching NeuroImages: A case of hearing loss in a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with anti-Hu antibody

A 67-year-old woman was evaluated for subacute 4-limb paresthesias, deteriorating balance, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). She was diagnosed with multiple lymph node metastasis from an occult small cell lung carcinoma. Neurophysiologic testing revealed sensory neuronopathy. CSF
Neonatal hemodynamics in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

The neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome presents a challenge for clinical diagnosis and management. Three diagnostic goals must be met. First, it is necessary to make an etiologic cardiac diagnosis so as to rule out any genetic abnormality. Second, the anatomic cardiac diagnosis is made by segmental echocardiographic analysis, including details of the atrial arrangement, venous return, the patency of the arterial duct, atrial anatomy, and the arrangement of the aortic arch. Finally, the physiologic cardiac diagnosis is made by Doppler evaluation. In some patients, the diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome is not synonymous with functionally univentricular physiology, and a bi-ventricular repair can be achieved. 1
Surface parameterization using Riemann surface structure

We propose a general method that parameterizes general surfaces with complex (possible branching) topology using Riemann surface structure. Rather than evolve the surface geometry to a plane or sphere, we instead use the fact that all orientable surfaces are Riemann surfaces and admit conformal structures, which induce special curvilinear coordinate systems on the surfaces. We can then automatically partition the surface using a critical graph that connects zero points in the global conformal structure on the surface. The trajectories of iso-parametric curves canonically partition a surface into patches. Each of these patches is either a topological disk or a cylinder and can be conformally mapped to a parallelogram by integrating a holomorphic I-form defined on the surface. The resulting surface subdivision and the parameterizations of the components are intrinsic and stable. For surfaces with similar topology and geometry, we show that the parameterization results are consistent and the subdivided surfaces can be matched to each other using constrained harmonic maps. The surface similarity can be measured by direct computation of distance between each pair of corresponding points on two surfaces. To illustrate the technique, we computed conformal structures for anatomical surfaces in MRI scans of the brain and human face surfaces. We found that the resulting parameterizations were consistent across subjects, even for branching structures such as the ventricles, which are otherwise difficult to parameterize. Our method provides a surface-based framework for statistical comparison of surfaces and for generating grids on surfaces for PDE-based signal processing
The Perfect Storm: Severe Penicillin Reaction 3 Weeks After Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis

Childbearing Poster Presentation Background Because of the devastation of early onset group B streptococcal (GBS) infection in the neonate, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) has been recommended since 1996 for colonized women. Administration of at least two doses of intravenous penicillin before birth has significantly reduced the incidence of neonatal GBS disease. Penicillin is a common drug that sometimes causes adverse effects and allergic responses. Risk factors for developing drug allergies include age, gender, route of administration, frequent administration of antibiotics, and presence of other allergies. Women who receive IAP may be at risk of developing penicillin allergy. Case A multipara (gravida 4 para 3) woman received IAP after testing positive for GBS on routine late‐term screening. She also received IAP as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines during her previous three labors. She had a normal physiological labor and birth for her fourth child, a healthy girl, and initiated breastfeeding immediately after giving birth. Three weeks later, she developed mastitis and was prescribed oral dicloxacillin. She experienced significant urticaria, pruritus, and angioedema 7 days after starting this drug. She had swelling of the lips and face but did not experience respiratory distress. In the emergency room, she was given a dose of oral prednisone and discharged. She discontinued the dicloxacillin as instructed by the emergency care provider. Within 18 hours she reported back to the emergency room with increased severity of symptoms. At this time, she was started on high doses of steroids, hydroxyzine, and antihistamines and referred to an immunologist. Conclusion Though IAP has been effective in reducing early onset GBS disease in the neonate, infusion of penicillin in healthy childbearing women may increase their risk of penicillin allergy, especially when penicillin or a related drug is administered shortly thereafter. Several consequences of this newly acquired allergy have nursing implications. Careful history is necessary when women report drug allergies because most people who state having a drug allergy do not when tested. This underscores the importance of a good history and accurate patient records. Nurses were important in providing the patient with education about allergic reactions, giving comfort measures for her symptoms, and assisting her with pumping because she had to discard the milk that was laden with drugs. Assisting the woman to find a formula and nipple that her completely breastfed infant tolerated and ensuring that the woman understood SAFE (Seek help, Allergen identification, Follow‐up care, and Epinephrine for emergencies) care was important nursing care.
Separating the Decisions of Lottery Expenditures and Participation: a Truncated Tobit Approach

This study uses a sample of lottery players from three states to estimate the probability of lottery play and expenditures on lottery products using a different methodology than is used in previous studies. The authors reject the parameter restrictions implied by the standard Tobit and estimate the decisions of whether. to purchase lottery products and how much players spend using a probit and truncated Tobit, respectively. Overall, an interesting demographic profile of the players, which was not apparent from the results obtained by estimating the standard Tobit, emerged as a result of separating the decisions. The more general model provides new information for lottery administrators interested in designing programs that specifi cally increase market share versus programs that increase spending for those who already play regularly. This study calculates the expected value of lottery expendi tures to estimate the tax incidence associated with different lottery products. Pre vious studies calculating lott...
Improved process for high yield 3D inclined SU-8 structures on soda lime substrate towards applications in optogenetic studies

We report an improved process for backside inclined lithography. The specific improvement is the combination of backside inclined exposure and glycerol medium index matching with a Parylene adhesion layer. This method allows for high aspect ratio SU-8 inclined structures with large surface contact areas on soda lime substrates for optical applications in optogenetic studies. Improved yields over the entire wafer were achieved with improved SU-8 substrate adhesion and perfect gapless contact between the masked substrate and SU-8. The surface roughness of the SU-8 structures is less than 8 nanometers, smooth enough for use as mirrors.
Explaining the Risk/Return Mismatch of the MSCI China Index: A Systematic Risk Analysis

This study examines a risk/return mismatch of the MSCI China Index, which has offered investors low returns and high volatility, yet remains a favorite within the global investors' portfolio. The paper suggests several insights, both from behavioral and traditional finance perspectives, to explain this mismatch. An international risk decomposition model is applied to separate the total risk of China's index return into global systematic risks, regional systematic risks and country specific risks. It suggests the index's lower than average systematic risk might be one of the explanations for its risk/return mismatch. The study also finds that the China Index's systematic risks, both global and regional, have been increasing, but more so at the global level.
Current status of stress echocardiography for the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia and viability

Stress echocardiography is now accepted as a routine technique for the investigation of coronary disease. The interpretation of stress echocardiograms for clinical purposes is currently performed using qualitative interpretation. Training on the part of the observer is very important from this standpoint. The accuracy of exercise echocardiography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is in the range of 85 %, and for non exercise stress, it appears to be comparable, although patients who can exercise shoud do so, because exercise is a more vigorous form of stress than the pharmacological alternatives. Exercise echocardiography is more accurate than the exercise electrocardiogram, particularly in women and in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. It appears to have a comparable accuracy to myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, being somewhat less sensitive than the latter although more specific. In addition to its diagnostic use stress echocardiography has been found to be useful for prognostic assessment of patients undergoing vascular surgery, patients following myocardial infarction, and those with chronic stable coronary disease. Finally, this technique has found attractive and interesting new uses in the evaluation of patients with possible viable myocardium, and patients with valvular heart disease.
Modal Pushover-Based Scaling of Two Components of Ground Motion Records for Nonlinear RHA of Structures

The modal-pushover-based-scaling (MPS) procedure, currently restricted to scale one component of ground motion records, is extended herein to scale two horizontal components. The accuracy and effic...
Bone marrow cellularity MRI calculation and correlation with bone marrow biopsy

Abstract Purpose To calculate bone marrow cellularity from MRI and correlate with bone marrow biopsy. Methods Twenty-seven lymphoma patients with staging bone marrow biopsies and lumbar MRI were reviewed. Cellularity was calculated from T1 signal intensity measurements=100 – {[(marrow – CSF)/(subcutaneous fat – CSF)] X 100}. Results The histologic cellularities demonstrated significant correlation with iliac bone MRI cellularity ( r =0.59, P =.001). Cellularities increased from T11 to S1. Cellularity decreased with age=67.6 – (age X 0.36). Conclusions Marrow cellularity from MRI shows statistically significant correlation with biopsy and significant differences between vertebral levels and changes with age.
Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of the YbTe-YbSb System

The syntheses of YbTe1−x Sb x (x = 0, 0.05, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1) were investigated by solid state reactions and formed into dense pellets by spark plasma sintering. X-ray powder diffraction and microprobe analysis indicated no solubility of Sb in YbTe, and these phases are better described as composite phases (YbTe)1−x (YbSb) x (x = 0, 0.05, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1). Thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and Seebeck coefficients were acquired for the larger values of x (x = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1) from room temperature to 773 K, and the figure of merit was calculated. Thermal conductivities for x = 0, 0.05 are also reported; however, measurements of Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivity were not possible due to large resistivity. The figure of merit for all samples was low, and the maximum zT measured was zT 791K = 0.018 for YbSb. Low figures of merit were primarily the result of very high resistivity in YbTe rich samples, and high thermal conductivity, and a small Seebeck coefficient in all samples.
Congressional Intervention in State Taxation: A Normative Analysis of Three Proposals

The authors analyze proposals in Congress that concern a moratorium on Internet access taxes, sales tax streamlining, and business activity taxes. They also provide an overview of congressional intervention in state tax matters.
Franchising, Knowledge Transfer, and Development in Emerging Markets

Recent global events have made it clear that the well-being of developed economies is intricately connected with the wellbeing of the citizens from the rest of the world, especially emerging and underdeveloped economies. Developed economies must do more to enhance the well-being of the emerging and underdeveloped economies, than just offer charity, else, the growth of developed economies will be exploitative and unsustainable. However, emerging and underdeveloped economies (EUDEs) differ from developed economies on several dimensions, e.g., social, cultural, economic, legal and regulatory environment; knowledge bases as well as absorptive capacity; and the number and quality of key economic player (Arikan 2010; Burgess and Steenkamp 2006; Cohen and Levinthal 1990; Paswan and Trang 2012). These economies also suffer from an unfavorable gap in the demand and supply of resources such as basic needs related resources, skilled human resource, and knowledge resources. This is where developed economies can help, not by providing charity, but by providing a catalyst which empowers the citizens to help themselves. Based on the literature on entrepreneurship in emerging economies (Paswan and Trang 2012), we propose that entrepreneurship at the grass roots level in the form of small and medium private enterprises may be the answer, and franchising could be the catalysts to jump start this process by providing the right knowledge (which does not necessarily mean opening more McDonalds or KFCs in emerging economies).
Cervical Scoliosis: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes

Study Design Retrospective study. Objective Cervical scoliosis is a rare condition that can arise from various etiologies. Few reports on the surgical management of cervical scoliosis exist. Our objective was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes following surgical management of cervical scoliosis. Methods We evaluated our cervical spine surgical database for patients with cervical scoliosis (Cobb angle > 10 degrees) from 2005 to 2010. Demographic data including age, gender, diagnoses, and primary versus revision surgery was collected. Surgical data including procedure (anterior versus posterior), estimated blood loss (EBL), length of surgery, length of hospitalization, and complications was recorded. Preoperative and postoperative Cobb angle measurements and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were recorded. Results Cervical scoliosis was identified in 18 patients. We excluded 5, leaving 5 men and 8 women with an average age of 50.7 (median 52, range 25 to 65). The average follow-up was 40 months (median 36.5, range 5 to 87). An anterior-only approach was used in 6 cases (average 4 levels fused), 5 cases were posterior-only approach (average 8.7 levels fused), and 2 cases were combined anterior-posterior approach. The EBL was an average of 286 mL (median 150, range 50 to 900), the average surgical time was 266 minutes (median 239, range 136 to 508), and the average hospital stay was 2.7 days (median 2, range 1 to 7). Complications occurred in 7 patients, and 2 developed adjacent segment pathology. The average coronal Cobb angle preoperatively was 35.1 degrees (median 31, range 13 to 63) and corrected was 15.7 degrees (median 10.5, range 2 to 59) postoperatively ( p p Conclusion Surgical management of cervical scoliosis can result in deformity correction and improvement in patient outcomes. Higher rates of complications may be encountered.
Oviposition, Development, and Host Preference of the Cross-Striped Cabbageworm (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The cross-striped cabbageworm, Evergestis rimosalis (Guenee), is a potentially destructive pest of Brassica crops. Because little is known about its biology, we determined its development on broccoli, Brassica oleracea variety italica Plenck, at 5 temperatures ranging from 15 to 35°C. Development from egg to death of adult was 114.8, 61.2, 47.6, 31.4, and 18.2 d at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C, respectively. Oviposition increased from 7.4 eggs at 15°C to a maximum of 80.9 eggs at 30°C, but decreased to 9.8 eggs per female at 35°C. Eggs were laid in small overlapping masses with number of eggs per mass ranging from 3.7 at 15°C to 17.4 at 30°C. Egg hatch between 20 and 30°C exceeded 90%, but was lower at 15°C (53.8%) and at 35°C (11.2%). There were 4 instars with head capsule widths of 0.34, 0.56, 1.04, and 1.66 mm, respectively. Significant differences were not found in pupa size, adult wing expanse, or body length between sexes. The cross-striped cabbageworm had 4 population density peaks during 1992 and 1993, the 2 in the summer being greater than the 2 in the fall. Host preference field tests with 8 Brassica cultivars showed that Brussels sprouts and collards were the most preferred and cabbage and kale were the least preferred. The population density of a gregarious braconid endoparasitoid of E. rimosalis, Cotesia orobenae Forbes, peaked several weeks after the host.
Nanoparticle Emission Characterization and Management in Nanocoating Material Spray Operation

Nanoparticle emission occurs during nanomaterial manufacturing, application, and the use phase of the end product. Nanopaint is a very promising type of nanocoating material, in which nanoparticles are added into the resin of the paint. During paint spray, a certain fraction of paint unable to land on the surface of substrate will enter the environment. The nanoparticles contained in tiny paint droplets are thus emitted, which will fly in the air for a certain period of time, and then either land on the wall of the spray booth or follow the ventilation air flow to a drainage water system. To minimize the adverse environmental and health impact and to improve nanopaint transfer efficiency, the nanoparticle emission must be minimized and managed. In this paper, we introduce a CFD-based modeling and simulation approach to characterize nanoparticle transport dynamics and quantify nanoparticle emission. The models are incorporated into a comprehensive system model set that includes a process energy efficiency ...
Salivary protein levels as a predictor of perceived astringency in model systems and solid foods

Salivary protein difference value (SP D-value) is a quantitative measure of salivary protein replenishment, which reportedly relates to individual differences in perceived astringency. This in vitro measure is calculated as the difference in total salivary protein before (S1) and after (S2) stimulation with tannic acid, with a greater absolute value (S2-S1) indicating less protein replenishment. Others report that this measure predicts perceived astringency and liking of liquid model systems and beverages containing added polyphenols. Whether this relationship generalizes to astringent compounds other than polyphenols, or to solid foods is unknown. Here, the associations between SP D-values and perceived astringency and overall liking/disliking for alum and tannic acid (experiment 1) as well as solid chocolate-flavored compound coating with added tannic acid or grape seed extract (GSE) (experiment 2) were examined. In both experiments, participants (n=84 and 81, respectively) indicated perceived intensity of astringency, bitterness, sweetness, and sourness, and degree of liking of either aqueous solutions, or solid chocolate-flavored compound coating with added astringents. Data were analyzed via linear regression, and as discrete groups for comparison to prior work. Three discrete groups were formed based on first and third quartile splits of the SP D-value distribution: low (LR), medium (MR), and high responding (HR) individuals. In experiment 1, significantly higher mean astringency ratings were observed for the HR as compared to the LR/MR groups for alum and tannic acid, confirming and extending prior work. In experiment 2, significantly higher mean astringency ratings were also observed for HR as compared to LR groups in solid chocolate-flavored compound containing added tannic acid or GSE. Significant differences in liking were found between HR and LR groups for alum and tannic acid in water, but no significant differences in liking were observed for chocolate-flavored compound samples. A significant linear relationship between SP D-values and perceived astringency was observed for both alum and tannic acid (p's<0.001), although the variance explained was relatively low (R(2)=0.33 and 0.29, respectively). In the solid chocolate-flavored compound spiked with either tannic acid or GSE, the relationship was not significant (p=0.17 and 0.30; R(2)=0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Due to the weak associations overall, and the lack of significant differences in perception of astringency between the MR and LR groups, we conclude that SP D-values are not a strong predictor of astringency, especially in solid, high-fat foods. Additional research investigating alternative methods for quantifying individual differences in astringency, as well as exploring the underlying complexities of this percept appears warranted.
Optimal Opt-In Residential Time-of-Use Contract Based on Principal-Agent Theory

Installation of smart meters is increasing world-wide, opening the possibility to implement time-of-use (TOU) tariffs to moderate peak loads. This study is focused on the design of an optimal opt-in residential TOU tariff. Residential consumers are assumed to act in their private interests and maximize utility in response to tariffs. The regulated utility has a broader interest in maximizing societal welfare. However, the regulated utility cannot impose household behavior and cannot directly observe household type. Instead, the regulated utility must offer contract options including both a TOU tariff and current pricing to allow households to self-select the plan best suited to their interests. This paper proposes a simple flexible household utility function that can be calibrated with minimal data to describe diverse household behaviors and reveal household responses to different prices. An optimal pricing model is designed for the regulated utility, taking account of asymmetric information and potential household opportunistic behavior. Using economic constructs from principal-agent theory, the pricing model ensures participation among households most aligned with the regulated utility's desire. The pricing model can also be extended for competitive markets. A case study is performed to demonstrate the benefit the optional TOU tariff can realize.
An evaluation of comprehensive medical quality by a TOPSIS method combined with a RSR method

Objective A TOPSIS method combined with a RSR method were used to assess the comprehensive medical quality of hospitals and discussed the characteristics of TOPSIS method as well. Methods Seven medical quality indexes of ten hospitals were selected to evaluate their comprehensive medical quality, ranked and clustered with TOPSIS method and RSR method. Results After ranking, hospitals C, A and B were the best; hospitals F, H, J and I were better; and hospitals E, D and G were relatively lower. Conclusion TOPSIS method is simple and easy for explaining in evaluating comprehensive medical quality of hospital.
Entre nostalgie et dystopie ? La vision écologique de Michel Deguy

ABSTRACTThis article describes Michel Deguy's attitude toward change manifested in his ecological vision. From his sober consideration of Baudelaire's unfulfilled prophecy that the world will end, to his own realization of the drastic mutations in his own world, Deguy acknowledges the inevitability of historical change. During more than two decades, he shared his vision with the artist Bertrand Dorny. Many of his ideas on this topic were first expressed in the artists’ books they created together. In his recent volumes, La Fin dans le monde and Ecologiques, he continues to elaborate his personal definition of ecology, and his distinct version of ecological criticism which goes beyond notions of nostalgia and dystopia.
Civilian Trauma Systems

A history of civilian trauma systems is reviewed, as well as modern evidence supporting improved outcomes. Various trauma systems in place globally are compared for similarities and differences. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma certification standards are reviewed in detail, specifically as they relate to Anesthesiology departments, operating room, and recovery room requirements.
Investing in Our Future: The Role of Intentional Mentorship

Mentors play a critical role in our professional journeys as they help us understand what it means to be, as well as how to actually become, outstanding scholars, teachers, and contributing members of the profession. Being intentional in our roles as mentors enables us to serve our mentees, and the profession, in ways that impact our own future, the futures of our mentees, as well as the future of the profession.
Ultraviolet-B radiation enhancement does not affect marine trophic levels during a winter-spring bloom

Abstract:Elevated UV-B radiation levels (~100% above ambient) generally failed to produce significantly different effects at different trophic levels in well-mixed mesocosms during the winter spring bloom period. Although not significantly different, several consistent trends were noted. Phytoplankton abundance, measured as total cell counts, and biomass, measured as in vivo fluorescence, tended to be reduced in UV-B enhanced treatments. Effects were significantly different for fluorescence (p < 0.05) during the bloom event but not abundance (p = 0.29) and not over the entire experiment. There was a tendency for the ratio of nanoplankton to microplankton biomass to be lower in UV-B enhanced systems (p = 0.16). Total copepod abundance (adults, copepodites and nauplii) and abundance of the dominant species, Acartia hudsonica (Giesbrecht), also tended to be lower in the treatment mesocosms. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in copepod abundance between controls and treatments were observed in the adult stag...
Cryotherapy: A viable tool to remove broncholiths under flexible bronchoscopy

Broncholithiasis is the presence of calcific material within the tracheobronchial tree. Asymptomatic patients can be managed with observation only, whereas symptomatic disease requires surgery, rigid or flexible bronchoscopic removal. Recent reports have shown that flexible bronchoscopy can be a safe and effective option for removal of loose in addition to partially imbedded broncholiths. We present a case of a 65-yearold man with chronic cough that underwent successful cryotherapy assisted bronchoscopic removal of an imbedded broncholith. We will also review current literature regarding the management broncholithiasis.
Effect of substrate in optical trapping of metallic nanoparticle on nano apertures and engravings

The localized plasmon mode of the trapped metal nanoparticle shifts as it draws closer to the metallic substrate. This dynamically modifies its interaction energy with the trap and the trap force at the operating wavelength.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonisation, risk factors and risk for infection among hospitalised paediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract The objective of this study was to estimate the rate and significance of colonisation with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) among hospitalised children. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were systematically searched (last accessed on 29 May 2016) to identify studies evaluating VRE colonisation of the gastrointestinal tract of hospitalised children in non-outbreak periods. Of 945 non-duplicate citations, 19 studies enrolling 20 234 children were included. The overall and paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) rate of VRE colonisation were both 5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3–8% overall and 95% CI 2–9% in the PICU] but was 23% in haematology/oncology units (95% CI 18–29%). Studies that were exclusively performed in haematology/oncology units reported significantly higher rates compared with all other studies in the univariate and multivariate analyses ( P = 0.001). Previous vancomycin [risk ratio (RR) = 4.34, 95% CI 2.77–6.82] or ceftazidime (RR = 4.15, 95% CI 2.69–6.40) use was a risk factor for VRE colonisation. Importantly, VRE colonisation increased the risk of subsequent VRE infection (RR = 8.75, 95% CI 3.19–23.97). In conclusion, a high rate of VRE colonisation was found among hospitalised children in institutions that performed targeted screening. Importantly, colonised children were almost 9 times more likely to develop subsequent VRE infection. Judicious use of specific antibiotics along with intensification of infection control measures should be considered in high-prevalence institutions. Also, the high incidence of VRE colonisation among children with haematological/oncological diseases identifies a high-risk population.
Overview of treatment related complications in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignant neoplasm of the pleura related to asbestos exposure. Despite recent advances in therapy for MPM, the prognosis remains poor, with considerable treatment associated morbidity. Radiological assessment plays a central role in the timely identification and subsequent management of treatment related complications in MPM. This review highlights common and uncommon complications associated with and encountered in the post treatment phase.
Demo Abstract: Conflict Detection in Online Textual Health Advice

Textual health advice generated from different online sources (e.g., health apps and websites) can be conflicting. Conflicts can occur due to lexical features, (such as, negation, antonyms, or numerical mismatch) or can be conditioned upon time and/or physiological status. Detecting conflicts from textual health advice poses several challenges, including, large structural variation between text and hypothesis pairs, finding conceptual overlap between pairs of advice, and inference of the semantics of an advice (i.e., what to do, why, and how). In this demonstration, we present a semantic rule-based system to detect different types of conflicts in online textual health advice statements in a context-aware and interpretable manner.
Parent Training for Families of Children with ADHD.

Parent training is often recommended as a treatment for children with ADHD. This review outlines and discusses three well-known programs from the current clinical literature, those formulated by Ba...
Leben und Anerkennen: Michael Thompsons praktischer Naturalismus

Eine Ethik wird kaum ohne den Begriff des Lebens auskommen. Schlieslich sollen ihre Regeln fur unser Leben gelten. Dies lasst jedoch die Frage offen, welche Rolle der Begriff des Lebens in der Ethik spielt. Eine vertraute Antwort lautet: Die Moral gilt fur den Menschen, aber ihr Geltungsgrund ist nicht der Mensch betrachtet als Naturwesen. Der Begriff jener biologischen Art, Spezies oder Lebensform zweibeiniger Tiere, die wir sind, ist demnach empirisch, nicht praktisch oder ethisch. Die besonderen materiellen Bedingungen unseres Lebens liefern nur das Material fur das moralische Uberlegen.
QuTE: Decentralized multiple testing on sensor networks with false discovery rate control

The field of distributed estimation, computation, testing and learning on graphs has witnessed large advances in theory and wide adoption in practice. However, there do not currently exist any methods for multiple hypothesis testing on graphs that are equipped with provable guarantees on error metrics like the false discovery rate (FDR). In this paper, we consider a novel but natural setting where distinct agents reside on the nodes of an undirected graph, and each agent possesses p-values corresponding to one or more hypotheses local to its node. Each agent must individually decide whether to reject one or more local hypotheses by only communicating with its neighbors, with the joint aim that the global FDR over the entire graph must be controlled at a predefined level. We propose a simple decentralized family of Query- Test-Exchange (QuTE) algorithms and prove that they can control FDR under independence or positive dependence of the p-values. Our algorithm reduces to the Benjamini-Hochberg algorithm when the graph is a star or a clique, and to the Bonferroni procedure when the graph has no edges. We study the power of our procedure using a simulation suite of different levels of connectivity and communication on a variety of graph structures, and also provide an illustrative real-world example.
Potentials of Smart Breathalyzer: Interventions for Excessive Drinking Among College Students

Excessive drinking among college students is a significant public health issue. Electronic Screening Brief Intervention (e-SBI) has been shown to be an effective prevention tool, and it has been implemented on personal computers, web, mobile phones and social networking platforms. In this research, we asked college students to discuss about their perception of BACtrack Mobile Pro, the FDA-approved and consumer-oriented smart breathalyzer. We recruited 15 college students who have consumed alcohol regularly, asked them to use the smart breathalyzer for two weeks, and conducted pre- and post-study surveys and interviews. We identified five barriers with design opportunities for the smart breathalyzer: (1) Support from immediate family members or close friends, (2) Personalized results, (3) Intuitive status display, (4) Accessorizing the form factor, and (5) Quicker access. Future mobile and smart wearable e-SBI interventions targeted at college students should take these design considerations into account.
Frame-Dependent Kinematics

In this chapter, we examine the kinematics of the special relativistic point particle. That is, we discuss the description of the motion of a particle without explicit reference to the causes of the motion. Because the subject here is confined to kinematics and does not include dynamics, it is possible in general to consider the motion of a single particle of the n-body system. The results in this chapter are important, however, in establishing the covariant theory on both a kinematical and dynamical level in the next two chapters.
DNA Methylation: Overview and Prospectives

“Epicytosine” or 5-methylcytosine was first noted as a component of calf thymus DNA in 1948 (Hotchkiss, 1948). The non-random distribution of 5-methylcytosine in DNA led to the suggestion that this minor base derived from post-replication modification of DNA (Romberg et al., 1959). Subsequent studies showed that DNA modification in prokaryotes is part of the host range restriction system (Arber, 1968) and is also involved in strand selection in mismatch repair of DNA (Radman and Wagner, 1984). Although DNA methylation may serve other functions in prokaryotes, attention has recently focused on DNA methylation in eukaryotic systems. Application of molecular biological techniques to analyses of eukaryotic DNA methylation has led to explosive growth of this field; almost 300 papers were published just in 1984. This paper will present an overview of only selected recent analyses of eukaryotic DNA methylation.
Use of community perceptions to evaluate and adapt coastal resource management practices in the Philippines

Abstract Coastal resource management (CRM) programs have been implemented in the Philippines since the 1980s with the specific intent to protect and rehabilitate coastal habitats and enhance the sustainability of coastal communities. However, the implementation of these programs alone does not guarantee the success of program objectives. Monitoring and evaluation of program outcomes is essential for determining if programs are effective in reaching management goals. The purpose of this research was to evaluate long-term CRM programs using community perceptions of coastal resource condition, management practices, and program outcomes. Coastal residents in Baybay City, Leyte were surveyed and asked to rank a series of questions related to resource condition and 20 previously described management performance indicators. Respondents reported a decline in coastal resource condition over the past decade, even though they perceive positive outcomes of management programs aimed at enhancing resource condition. The sustainability and efficiency of management outcomes were perceived positively, with mixed views on equity outcomes. Results suggest that lack of full inclusion, low management oversight, and threat to coastal resources are concerns of the coastal community. Socioeconomic data collected from respondents yielded a pattern indicating that gender, self-reported level of environmental knowledge, and management cluster were significant contextual variables associated with perceptions of respondents. Overall, CRM programs are perceived to have a positive impact and there is a high level of interest for participating in future management activities. This study exemplifies how perceptions and associated contextual information of the community provides invaluable insights into the effectiveness of coastal resource management and be incorporated into the adaptive management cycle.
Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers

Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers, Sixth Edition teaches the skills of script analysis using a formalist approach that examines the written part of a play to evaluate its potentials for performance and production. This new edition offers a more streamlined experience for the reader and features new and revised content, such as a fully updated chapter on postmodern drama, new sections on Associative Thinking and Ambiguous Terms in the Introduction, and revised appendices featuring The Score of a Role and expanded treatments of Functional Analysis for Designers and Further Questions for Script Analysis. Explorations of both classic and unconventional plays are combined with clear examples, end-of-chapter summaries, and stimulating questions that will allow actors, directors, and designers to immediately incorporate the concepts and processes into their theatre production work. An excellent resource for students of Acting, Script Analysis, Directing, and Playwriting courses, this book provides the tools to effectively bring a script to life on stage.