cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Androgen and Estrogen Receptor Activity in Prostate Cancer by a Novel Dietary Diterpene Carnosol: Implications for Chemoprevention

Emerging data are suggesting that estrogens, in addition to androgens, may also be contributing to the development of prostate cancer (PCa). In view of this notion, agents that target estrogens, in addition to androgens, may be a novel approach for PCa chemoprevention and treatment. Thus, the identification and development of nontoxic dietary agents capable of disrupting androgen receptor (AR) in addition to estrogen receptor (ER) could be extremely useful in the management of PCa. Through molecular modeling, we found that carnosol, a dietary diterpene, fits within the ligand-binding domain of both AR and ER-α. Using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, we found that carnosol interacts with both AR and ER-α and additional experiments confirmed that it functions as a receptor antagonist with no agonist effects. LNCaP, 22Rv1, and MCF7 cells treated with carnosol (20-40 μmol/L) showed decreased protein expression of AR and ER-α. Oral administration of carnosol at 30 mg/kg 5 days weekly for 28 days to 22Rv1 PCa xenografted mice suppressed tumor growth by 36% ( P = 0.028) and was associated with a decrease in serum prostate-specific antigen by 26% ( P = 0.0042). These properties make carnosol unique to any known antiandrogen or antiestrogen investigated thus far for the simultaneous disruption of AR and ER-α. We suggest that carnosol may be developed or chemically modified through more rigorous structure-activity relationship studies for a new class of investigational agents—a dual AR/ER modulator. Cancer Prev Res; 3(9); 1112–23. ©2010 AACR.
The IEEE 802.11s Extended Service Set Mesh Networking Standard

Today, municipalities are planning to deploy metro-scale two-tier wireless mesh networks at a rapid pace. Fittingly, the IEEE 802.11s standard is being developed to allow interoperability between heterogeneous mesh network devices. In this article we describe and discuss how the initial standard addresses key factors for standardization of these networks: Efficient allocation of mesh resources at the routing and MAC layers. Protection and conservation of the network resources via security and energy efficiency. Assurance of fairness and elimination of spatial bias via mesh congestion control. We draw on examples from existing two-tier deployments, simulations, and analytical models to motivate these enhancements within the standard.
Second cohomology groups for Frobenius kernels and related structures

Abstract Let G be a simple simply connected affine algebraic group over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic p for an odd prime p . Let B be a Borel subgroup of G and U be its unipotent radical. In this paper, we determine the second cohomology groups of B and its Frobenius kernels for all simple B -modules. We also consider the standard induced modules obtained by inducing a simple B -module to G and compute all second cohomology groups of the Frobenius kernels of G for these induced modules. Also included is a calculation of the second ordinary Lie algebra cohomology group of Lie( U ) with coefficients in k .
Simulations of the Atmospheres of Synchronously Rotating Terrestrial Planets Orbiting M Dwarfs: Conditions for Atmospheric Collapse and the Implications for Habitability☆

Abstract Planets within the habitable zones of M dwarfs are likely to be synchronous rotators; in other words, one side is permanently illuminated while the other side is in perpetual darkness. We present results of three-dimensional simulations of the atmospheres of such planets, and comment on their possible habitability. Near the ground, a thermally direct longitudinal cell exists, transporting heat from the dayside to the nightside. The circulation is three-dimensional, with low-level winds returning mass to the dayside across the polar regions. Aloft, the zonally averaged winds display a pattern of strong superrotation due to these planets' finite (albeit small) rotation rate. With terrestrial values of insolation, a CO2/H2O atmosphere collapses, or condenses on the surface of the darkside, when surface pressure is approximately 30 mb, this value being much lower for a N2atmosphere. This temperature contrast is also sensitive to factors such as gravity, planetary radius, and IR optical depth τ. These results question the suitability of the concept of a habitable zone around M dwarfs that is independent of planetary parameters. If CO2partial pressure is controlled by the carbonate–silicate cycle, we find that these planets should have a minimum surface pressure of 1000–1500 mb of CO2, as this is the minimum pressure needed to support stable liquid water on the darkside at the inner edge of the habitable zone. We finally conclude that planets orbiting M stars can support atmospheres over a large range of conditions and, despite constraints such as stellar activity, are very likely to be habitable.
Reconfigurable Computing Cluster (RCC) Project: Investigating the Feasibility of FPGA-Based Petascale Computing

While medium- and large-sized computing centers have increasingly relied on clusters of commodity PC hardware to provide cost-effective capacity and capability, it is not clear that this technology will scale to the PetaFLOP range. It is expected that semiconductor technology will continue its exponential advancements over next fifteen years; however, new issues are rapidly emerging and the relative importance of current performance metrics are shifting. Future PetaFLOP architectures will require system designers to solve computer architecture problems ranging from how to house, power, and cool the machine, all the while remaining sensitive to cost. The reconfigurable computing cluster (RCC) project is a multi-institution, multi-disciplinary project investigating the use of Platform FPGAs to build cost-effective petascale computers. This paper describes the nascent project's objectives and a 64-node prototype cluster. Specifically, the aim is to provide an detailed motivation for the project, describe the design principles guiding development, and present a preliminary performance assessment. Microbenchmark results are reported to answer several pragmatic questions about key subsystems, including the system software, network performance, memory bandwidth, power consumption of nodes in the cluster. Results suggest that the approach is sound.
Comparison of Central Venous Catheter and Peripheral Vein Samples of Antibiotics in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

PURPOSE.: To determine if accurate serum antibiotic levels can be obtained from central venous catheters (CVCs) in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis. DESIGN AND METHODS.: Fifty paired CVC-peripheral vancomycin or tobramycin specimens were collected within 5 min of each other following a 5-ml flush and discard. Specimen samples were randomized by first site drawn. RESULTS.: CVC-peripheral antibiotic levels were highly correlated (r =.97, p <.001), with no statistically significant difference (t = 1.18, p =.25). Bland-Altman plot analysis revealed a bias of.47, with limits of agreement ranging from -4.20 to 6.87. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.: Accurate antibiotic concentrations can be obtained from CVCs, reducing pediatric patient trauma and stress.
Comparing Subcutaneous Fluid Infusion with Intravenous Fluid Infusion in Children

Introduction This study examined subcutaneous (SC) infusion as a parenteral alternative for children with mild to moderate illness. The purpose was to compare the difference in infusion start time of parenteral fluid between an initial SC order and an initial intravenous (IV) order. In addition, the number of needlesticks a child received for each method was evaluated. This study also sought to address the following question: If SC fluids were given and an IV attempt was made later, did the administration of SC fluids enhance the success of venous cannulation? Methods A retrospective descriptive design was used for review of medical records for 36 children from November 2008 to May 2010 who had received SC fluids only or received SC fluids after 2 or more failed IV attempts. Results The IV/SC group had significantly longer time to infusion (M = 97.33 minutes) than did the SC group (M = 20.95 minutes; U = .000; P Discussion In a child who is not seriously ill, SC infusions appear to facilitate the initiation of parenteral rehydration. SC infusions minimized the number of needlesticks a child endured. More study is needed to determine if SC fluids enhance success of subsequent venous cannulation.
Structure–activity relationships on metal-oxides: alcohol dehydration

The Lewis-acid catalyzed dehydration of simple alcohols on TiO2, ZrO2 and γ-Al2O3 oxide-catalysts has been investigated by combining ab initio theoretical calculations with temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that γ-Al2O3 is more active in catalyzing the dehydration reactions than either TiO2 or ZrO2. The dehydration reaction occurs through an E2-elimination mechanism involving either surface O and/or OH groups of the oxides. Based on relationships between the dehydration barriers and key properties of the alcohols and the oxides, a dehydration model was developed that is able to screen the dehydration performance of various alcohols on different metal oxides and provide predictions that were in good agreement with the experimental dehydration barriers. The model accounts for the effect of surface hydration and the existence of surface OH-groups. The basicity of the surface oxygens is shown to be important in eliminating beta hydrogens of the alcohols. This work highlights the importance of surface OH-groups as active centers for the elimination of beta hydrogens of alcohols in Lewis-acid catalyzed dehydration reactions, a result different from the conventional view that surface OH-groups are associated with Bronsted acidity. Most importantly, a novel methodology is introduced that develops structure–activity relationships on oxides for the conversion of biomass derived molecules to chemicals.
The influence of side chains on the structures and properties of functionalized pentacenes

We investigated substituent-induced variations in microstructure and physical properties of a family of functionalized pentacenes, materials currently of intensive interest for making organic electronic devices such as thin film transistors, to shed light on the complex relationships between functionalization, film formation, stability, and microstructure. In this study, the pentacenes were modified with alkyl acetylene or alkylsilylethynyl groups with systematic variations in the alkyl chain length. With a proper side chain, this modification can effectively disrupt the herringbone packing seen in neat pentacene, promoting face-to-face arrangements between the acene rings and providing solubility in a variety of convenient solvents. Thin films can be readily formed by solution casting from THF, bromobenzene, toluene and other organic solvents. We have investigated the structure and properties of the functionalized pentacenes using UV-vis spectroscopy, hot stage optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray and electron diffraction. The materials show regular variations in their thermal behavior, crystal packing and macroscopic properties as the chemistry of the side-group substituent changes.
Characteristics of acoustic emission signals generated by termite activity in wood

A series of experiments has been performed to determine if acoustic emission (AE) monitoring can be used to detect termite infestations in wood. Results obtained with a computer-controlled measuring system indicate that termite activities in the wood generate a significant amount of AE which has frequency components extending to above 100 kHz. These emissions can be easily detected by commercially available AE sensors (50 kHz resonant sensors were used in these measurements). Spectral analysis of noise signals (including some deliberately generated) indicate that nearly all noise signals have most of their energy below 20 kHz. Thus, it appears feasible to separate termite-generated signals from noise signals by filtering. The ultrasonic propagation characteristics of wood, especially the large and frequency dependent propagation losses, have a significant impact on the detection process. However by working below 100 kHz, termite-generated signals could be detected at least 2 m away from the site of the infestation, as long as the sensor was on the same piece of wood. A practical hand-held, battery-powered detection system has been designed, fabricated, and tested successfully in the laboratory. >
Regulationszentren visceraler Funktionen

Die Niveaus autonomer Integration im ZNS sind — wie das somatische Gegenstuck — hierarchisch angeordnet. Einfache Reflexe (z. B. die Blasenentleerung) sind im Ruckenmark (Kap. 12), komplexere Reflexe fur Atmungs- und Blutdruckregulation in der Medulla oblongata integriert, Reflexe fur Pupillenreaktion auf Licht und Akkomodation haben ihr Zentrum im Mittelhirn; die komplizierten autonomen Mechanismen fur Konstant-Erhaltung von Temperatur und innerem Milieu sind im Hypothalamus integriert. Im vorliegenden Kapitel wird die im Hirnstamm und Zwischenhirn lokalisierte zentral-viscerale Regulation besprochen; der Hypothalamus steht im ubrigen in enger Beziehung zum limbischen System (Regulation von emotionellem und Instinkt-Verhalten, Kap. 15).
Lawyering for Social Change: Pro Bono Publico, Cause Lawyering, and the Social Movement Society

Over the past few decades, large law firms have increasingly integrated social movement causes and organizations into their pro bono practices. In this article, I examine the field of pro bono representation and examine the various types of organizations and social movement causes that receive large-firm representation. I find that large firms represent a range of social movement issues and that this shift has increased over time. My findings support the "social movement society" thesis that movements have increasingly become integrated within mainstream institutions and have expanded to include new constituencies and claims. However, I also find that large firms channel their resources toward some issue domains over others, indicating uneven representation across the contemporary pro bono field.
Selective potentiation of proximal processes: neurobiological mechanisms for spread of activation.

BACKGROUND Signal detection by one sense selectively activates other relevant systems. For example, when an auditory stimulus comes from a specific location, visual sensitivity, tactile sensitivity, and motor readiness increase for stimuli or actions in that direction. This observed phenomenon provides an apparent sensory-sensory and sensory-motor coordination with evolutionary adaptive advantages. Anatomically, many of the relevant cortical sites are adjacent to each other. MATERIAL/METHODS The spread of excitation from an active processing site in the cortex to nearby functions can be seen in brain scans. Cognitive and affective functions also selectively activate each other and are activated by focal sensory stimulation based on cortical proximity. These behavioral interactions seem to offer no selective adaptability but still call for a model of possible mediation. The objective of the current paper is to consider evidence for competing mechanisms for the flow of cortical activation that are characterized by being neurobiologically feasible, showing preferential activation over short distances, and having empirical support. RESULTS These three criteria are met by blood flow, heat flow, nearest networks, electromagnetism, and inhibition. CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that several of these mechanisms work independently or synergetically to produce the known interactions among attention, affect, cognition, and behavior. An understanding of these processes and the functional cerebral space in which they operate can suggest practical applications for the manipulation of behavior.
Beginning Teachers' Use of Resources to Enact and Learn from Ambitious Instruction

ABSTRACTI investigated how five first-year teachers—all peers from the same science methods class framed around ambitious instruction—used resources to plan and learn in schools that promoted pedagogy anchored around information delivery. The participants engaged in different cycles of resource-driven learning based on the instructional framework they readily enacted. Three participants who enacted ambitious instruction created generative cycles, and two participants who engaged in delivery pedagogy limited their learning in narrowing cycles. Regardless of the learning cycles, students' science ideas became the core resource for each participant. However, the participants who readily enacted ambitious instruction used students' ideas in conjunction with other prioritized resources including “face-to-face” tools, planning tools, and high-leverage practices. The participants who engaged in delivery pedagogy used students' ideas along with resources valued in their school contexts, such as knowledge-embedded...
Localized pancreatic NF-κB activation and inflammatory response in taurocholate-induced pancreatitis

Transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is activated in cerulein pancreatitis and mediates cytokine expression. The role of transcription factor activation in other models of pancreatitis ha...
The Supreme Court`s Endorsement of A Politicized Judiciary :A Philosophical Critique

Approximately 80% of state judges in the U.S. are elected for office. In an effort to prevent the politicization of these judicial elections, many American states forbade judicial candidates from announcing their views on disputed legal or political issues during their election campaign. In 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court declared these regulations an unconstitutional abridgement of the freedom of speech. The Court rejected the claim that the restrictions were important for judicial impartiality, concluding that although states were free to abandon judicial elections altogether, they had to allow candidates to announce their controversial legal and political views it they held judicial elections. Politicized judicial elections campaigns, said the Court, do not constitute a danger to proper judicial decision -making ; in fact, judicial elections were positively aimed at allowing the public to choose the political inclinations of judges. These startling conclusions relied (impliedly) on a theory of legal interpretation having much to do with early legal positivism. Although many contemporary positivists deny that their theory has anything to say about legal interpretation, earlier positivists (including the movement’s modern patriarch, H.L.A. Hart) believed that legal interpretation was simply a matter of following linguistic conventions. Accordingly, legal positivism distinguished between two modes of judicial decision - making: the non-discretionary adherence to the literal language of authoritative legal rules, and judicial legislation - law -making by judicial opinion. Judges either follow legal rules or else write them. When examined through these conceptual lenses, politicized judicial elections are not a danger to judicial impartiality. If judicial decision -making is comprised of the non-discretionary following of the language of authoritative rules, then a judge’s ideological bias can have no proper impact on the decision ; and if judicial decision - making is comprised of judicial legislation, then politicized decision -making is presumably unavoidable - since to legislate is to make political choices. Hence, politicized judicial elections - and indeed politicized judicial decision-making-are presumably both unavoidable and in perfect harmony with the ideal of judicial impartiality. The U.S. Supreme Court is not alone in endorsing a conception of legal interpretation which legitimizes politicized judicial decision-making ; but that conception - as many modern positivists came to concede (albeit at the price of their theary’s significance) - is utterly mistaken.
Effect of Litter Treatment on Broiler Performance and Certain Litter Quality Parameters

Abstract Litter-Aid®, a product consisting primarily of ferrous sulfate but also containing propionic acid and magnesium and copper sulfate was incorporated into litter at three application rates (0, .73, and 1.46 kg/m2) to determine its effects on broiler chicken performance and various aspects of litter quality. In Trial 1, litter treatments were applied to litter used for two previous flocks with a 10-week layout period. In Trial 1, there were 10 replicate pens of 175 birds per treatment. In Trial 2, litter used in Trial 1 was retreated, after a 26-week layout period, at the same application rates as Trial 1 with five replicate pens of 175 birds per treatment. This product in Trial 1 at .73 kg/m2 and in Trial 2 at 1.46 kg/m2 significantly (P
Growth and Yield of Soybeans Following Treatment with Phorate, Carbofuran, Methomyl or Disulfoton

The effects (beneficial or detrimental) of insecticides on the morphology and physiology of crop plants are poorly understood. Plant growth has been shown to be inhibited by some insecticides (Arthur and Arant 1954) and plant yields have been increased by others (Wressell and Driscoll 1964). Wheeler and Bass (1971) reported that phorate, carbofuran, methomyl, and disulfoton, when applied to soybeans, did not affect germination, number of mature pods per plant, or yield. They did report, however, that soybean plants were taller in plots treated with methomyl and carbofuran. The following experiment was conducted in order to clarify some of the findings of Wheeler and Bass.
Electron Energy-Dependent Charging Effects of Multilayered Dielectric Materials

Measurements of the charge distribution in electron-bombarded, thin-film, and multilayer dielectric samples showed that charging of multilayered materials evolves with time and is highly dependent on incident energy; this is driven by electron penetration depth, electron emission, and material conductivity. Based on the net surface potential's dependence on beam current, electron range, electron emission, and conductivity, measurements of the surface potential, displacement current, and beam energy allow the charge distribution to be inferred. To take these measurements, a thin-film disordered SiO2 structure with a conductive middle layer was charged using 200-eV and 5-keV electron beams with regular 15-s pulses at 1-500 nA/cm2. Results show that there are two basic charging scenarios, which are consistent with simple charging models; these are analyzed using independent determinations of the material's electron range, yields, and conductivity. Large negative net surface potentials led to electrostatic breakdown and large visible arcs, which have been observed to lead to detrimental spacecraft charging effects.
Transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus in the health care setting--time for action.

One of the most important challenges of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic is the potential for transmission of the virus in the health care setting, either from the patient to the hea...
Development and Application of X-ray Radiation Separation Technology and Equipment

The definition and characteristics of the X-ray beneficiation technology were stated. Also,the history of X- ray radiation beneficiation technology and its equipment was presented. Combined with the applied example,the structure,working mechanism as well as the manipulating software were introduced. Finally,the relevant factors which might affect the separation efficiency were analyzed.
Numerical Investigation on Effects of Ignition Energy on Two-phase Detonation Wave Formation

Mechanism of deflagration to detonation transition(DDT)of liquid octane/air mixture is studied by using theory of one-dimension reacting flow,particle-trajectory model and two-step reaction model,of which the numerical formulation is described on the S αγ,β scheme of "gasdynamic" step and a second-order accurate Adams method of "chemical" step in Lagrangian mass coordination system,based on which code-CPTD is developed.Basic properties of liquid-fueled detonation structure together with the effects of ignition energy and initial temperature of detonable mixtures on detonation structure and development are investigated in our current study.Based on the results obtained numerically,it's found that the increasing of both ignition energy and initial temperature of detonable mixtures in the tube will significantly enhance transition to detonation.Detonation intensity rises with ignition energy,but decreases as initial temperature increases.Our calculations show that the numerical results are in good agreement with experimental ones,which implies that a feasible numerical method has been provided here to simulate pulse detonation engine operation processes including DDT phenomena.
Ethical aspects of prenatal diagnosis: views of U.S. medical geneticists.

This article presents data from a study of 295 qualified medical geneticists in the United States. The study's objective was to determine the degree of consensus and variation among practicing medical geneticists about the major ethical problems of prenatal diagnosis. Based on the data presented, the argument has been made that most medical geneticists share a dominant moral approach on three major problems: abortion choices, controversial indications for fetal diagnosis, and problems in disclosure of ambiguous or disputed results. Ethical problems in selective termination in high-risk twin and multiple pregnancies need more study. A preliminary evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of prevailing standards in prenatal diagnosis was also made. Three weaknesses were noted: neglect of the demands for fairness in access to and distribution of prenatal diagnosis in the United States, unpreparedness for society's growing concerns about developing trends in human genetics, and need for changes in non-directive counseling in order to appreciate the complexities that will accompany the introduction of proven new treatments for genetic disorders.
Lost in time and space: the outcome of patients transferred out from large hospitals.

The completion of anti-tuberculosis treatment is the key both to cure and to ultimately preventing tuberculosis. Many patients are diagnosed at large hospitals and initiate treatment there. Big, busy, overcrowded hospitals may at some stage refer patients to a clinic closer to the patients’ homes, which has obvious benefits for patients and their families. In reality, however, this is not always easily done. Although formalising the process eases the referral for the patients and reduces the number lost to follow-up,1 the actual outcomes of such transferred patients are often not known,2 and it has been shown that many of these are in fact lost to follow-up.3 In this issue of PHA, a paper by Jong et al. shows improved treatment outcomes in a large hospital in South Africa following the appointment of a designated person to take care of all transfer procedures in addition to other relevant tuberculosis-related tasks.4 A large setup and infrastructure such as this is not available in all settings, but use of existing tools and printed guidelines for transfer-out procedures may also help. One of the tools the focal person uses is referral letters; another may be the regular creation of a list of all transferred patients to help check whether the patients have reached the agreed clinic for continued follow-up. An updated list of all the relevant management units in the area is crucial for a focal person to succeed in these tasks, and this is already routine in some National Tuberculosis Programmes (NTPs). An online list may be easily updated but may still be difficult to access in many low-income countries. Such a list would also benefit referred patients by having the names of responsible persons to contact on arrival at the new clinic. A ‘tuberculosis focal person’ at a large hospital needs to have close contact with the district tuberculosis coordinator, and could be a link for providing information about the real treatment outcome of transfer-out patients. This person would benefit from participating as a facilitator in NTP training sessions for management issues, and could also benefit greatly from links with community health workers. Close, supportive monitoring by the NTP and improved links with the district health system will be crucial to strengthen this approach. The article by Jong et al. is a welcome step towards addressing this universal problem.
Feynman's failings

They were never successful as a textbook. So why, a half-century after their publication, do so many physicists keep Richard Feynman's three volumes within reach? Robert P Crease has a theory.
An Interposed Pad in Open-Chest Echocardiographic Porcine Scans for Mimicking Ultrasound Signal Attenuation in a Human Chest

Opening a chest in an experimental echocardiographic animal study eliminates ultrasound signal attenuation by the chest wall. We developed a scanning technique that involves the use of an attenuative pad created from a mixture of urethane and titanium dioxide. The pad was interposed within transmission gel between the transducer face and cardiac surface in open-chest scans in a porcine model. Comparative measurements of left ventricular echogenicity without and with the pad demonstrate that the pad reproducibly causes ultrasound signal attenuation that closely mimics chest attenuation in clinical transthoracic echocardiographic studies.
Role of protein kinase C in preconditioning with ischemia against lethal cell injury

The PKC hypothesis and its variants are attractive but unproved. The chief difficulty is the lack of an objective means to assess whether or not PKC has been activated in hearts preconditioned in vivo with ischemia or in hearts preconditioned by pharmacologic means. The strongest evidence is supporting the PKC hypothesis in vivo is the prevention of preconditioning with antagonists such as staurosporine. However, these data are weakened by the failure of these agents to eliminate PC in large animal hearts. Since hearts of virtually all mammalian species can be preconditioned, it seems likely that the general mechanism causing it is similar in each and should respond to a strong inhibitor. More work needs to be done.
Bridge inspection: human performance, unmanned aerial systems and automation

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) have become of considerable private and commercial interest for a variety of jobs and entertainment in the past 10 years. This paper is a literature review of the state of practice for the United States bridge inspection programs and outlines how automated and unmanned bridge inspections can be made suitable for present and future needs. At its best, current technology limits UAS use to an assistive tool for the inspector to perform a bridge inspection faster, safer, and without traffic closure. The major challenges for UASs are satisfying restrictive Federal Aviation Administration regulations, control issues in a GPS-denied environment, pilot expenses and availability, time and cost allocated to tuning, maintenance, post-processing time, and acceptance of the collected data by bridge owners. Using UASs with self-navigation abilities and improving image-processing algorithms to provide results near real-time could revolutionize the bridge inspection industry by providing accurate, multi-use, autonomous three-dimensional models and damage identification.
Light and photoreception: Physical principles

Life on earth evolved within an all-pervasive electromagnetic field (EMF) that represented not only a potential source of energy, but also a source of information about the local environment and, in fact, the universe in general. The first autotrophs developed molecular mechanisms for tapping into the energy of the EMF and evolved means for detecting the most fundamental properties of the field — energy, intensity and direction — and using these to orient, regulate exposure and tell time. Living systems responding to these field properties are said to be photosensitive. Vision, while including the basic photosensitivity functions, is concerned with extracting information about the interactions of the EMF with the surrounding media and targets within that media. Single cells and, in some cases, even subcellular organelles may be photosensitive. However, vision is a multicellular capability and required the evolution of appropriate cellular arrays and analytical channels. In this chapter we will deal first with the equations defining the EMF and how the field interacts with matter. We will then look at basic photoreceptive principles and, lastly, at the kinds of adaptations.
High-Speed Control Framework To Reduce System Awareness Delay In Microgrids: A Conceptual Approach

Microgrid is a power system that integrates distributed generators (DGs) including renewable resources and distributed energy storage (DES) devices to supply power to both critical and non-critical types of distributed loads. As for the operation, microgrid should operate in the grid-connected mode as well as in the islanded mode and should be able to switch between these two modes safely and reliably. Overall expectation is that microgrids should deliver a high-quality power efficiently and reliably, in both modes of operation. In recent years, technological development has allowed collection of data related to the operation of power delivery system at a very high speed using instruments such as Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). Therefore, microgrid control system should be capable of receiving and analyzing these high speed data and then be able to send a control signal in due time, that is before next set of data arrives for processing. Thus, the control system should be able to operate at high frequency to match the data generation speed. In a microgrid, integration of DGs and power electronic interfaces is expected to reduce the system inertia. But that may not be enough for modern day power delivery system with higher speed data collection instruments. Therefore, the control system needs to be designed with higher speed for reliable operation of the microgrid. We are working on the development of control schemes for high frequency applications through the development of model and feedback control system. In this paper, we will discuss some of the initial works including simulation results to demonstrate the need for reduced system inertia for better microgrid operation and maintenance, since higher system inertia can adversely affects the demand and/or fault response time. Therefore, to lower system inertia the system awareness delay time needs to be reduced. This is especially important to attain seamless transition between the two modes of operation, for operation in islanded mode, and to meet the demand of critical loads.
Psychometric Evaluation of the National Institutes of Health Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in a Multiracial, Multiethnic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cohort

Objective We examined psychometric performance of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures in a racially/ethnically and linguistically diverse cohort with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Data were from the California Lupus Epidemiology Study, a multiracial/multiethnic cohort of individuals with physician-confirmed SLE. The majority (n = 332) attended in-person research visits that included interviews conducted in English, Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Up to 12 PROMIS short forms were administered (depending on language availability). An additional 99 individuals completed the interview by phone only. Internal consistency was examined with Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlations. Correlations with the Short Form 36 subscales and both self-reported and physician-assessed disease activity assessed convergent validity. All analyses were repeated within each racial/ethnic group. Differences in scores by race/ethnicity were examined in bivariate analyses and by multiple regression analyses controlling for age, sex, disease duration, and disease damage and activity. Results The total sample was 30.0% white, 22.3% Hispanic, 10.9% African American, 33.7% Asian, and 3.0% other race/ethnicity. Seventy-seven percent of interviews were conducted in-person. Non-English interviews were conducted in 26.0% of the Hispanic subjects and 18.6% of the Asian subjects. Each scale demonstrated adequate reliability and validity overall and within racial/ethnic groups. Minimal floor effects were observed, but ceiling effects were noted. Missing item responses were minimal for most scales, except for items related to work. No differences were noted by mode of administration or by language of administration among Hispanics and Asians. After accounting for differences in disease status, age, and sex, few differences in mean scores between whites and other racial/ethnic groups were noted. Conclusion PROMIS measures appear reliable and valid in persons with lupus across racial/ethnic groups.
Immunity in the Time of Metastases.

Multiplexed interrogation of tumor genomic and immune features in serial patient metastases reported in a recent issue of Cell (Angelova et al., 2018) reveals a pivotal role for immune editing in shaping clonal evolution of metastases.
Toward a Fair and Just Marketplace for all Consumers: The Responsibilities of Marketing Professionals:

The author argues that certain unethical and anticonsumer business practices are accepted by some in business as part of the normal functioning of a market economy. The author argues that marketing...
Feasibility and acceptance of the CaringGuidance web-based, distress self-management, psychoeducational program initiated within 12 weeks of breast cancer diagnosis.

Objective Limited clinical resources create barriers to quality management of cancer-related distress. CaringGuidance After Breast Cancer Diagnosis is a web-based, patient-controlled, psychoeducational program of cognitive-behavioral, coping and problem-solving strategies aimed at early post-diagnosis distress reduction without clinical resources. This study evaluated the feasibility of recruiting and retaining newly diagnosed women to 12 weeks of CaringGuidance and program acceptance. Methods Women with stage 0 to II breast cancer diagnosed within the prior 3 months were recruited from clinics and communities in four states, from 2013 to 2015 and randomized to 12 weeks of CaringGuidance plus usual care (n = 57) or usual care alone (n = 43). Recruitment, retention, and program use were tracked. Using standard and study-derived measures, demographic and psychological variables were assessed at baseline and monthly and program satisfaction at 12 weeks. Results Of 139 women screened, 100 enrolled, five withdrew, and 12 were lost to follow-up (83% retention rate). Total program engagement was positively associated with greater baseline intrusive/avoidant thoughts. Intervention participants (92%) believed CaringGuidance would benefit future women and was easy to use. Sixty-six percent believed CaringGuidance helped them cope. Women used program content to change thoughts (49%) or behaviors (40%). Stress in the previous year was positively associated with reports that CaringGuidance was reassuring and helpful. Conclusions Feasibility and acceptance of CaringGuidance was demonstrated pointing to the program's potential as a cancer-distress self-management intervention. Future research will explore program feasibility and acceptability in other regions of the United States, leading to clinical implementation trials.
NETWORK IN A BOX - Automation of secure SD-WAN with Service chaining in Juniper NFX

With the increase in foot print for networking services using cloud based technologies, network service providers/manufacturers have to effectively test the cloud services with limited resources and time in cost effective manner. The Network-in-a-box offers to quickly deploy the cloud networking services and validate the solutions needed by the field. The Juniper NFX devices offer deployment of Secure SDWAN with service chaining using Juniper and other $3^{rd}$ party VNFs integrated in a single box. This provides an excellent platform to test, validate and automate the customer deployment use cases. The VNFs that can be supported by NFX includes vSRX(SDSN) and various $3^{rd}$ party VNFs. Using the REST APIs end-to-end interactions can be automated which enables the vendors to quickly validate and regress the changes. The demonstration includes creating 5 VNFs in Juniper NFX - 1xtraffic generator, 1xL2/L3 service chain, 2xVSRX and 1xCentOS(to simulate network impediments).
The impact of the Medicaid high-risk ob care management program in New York State.

OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of high-risk obstetrics (HROB) care management on infant health and Medicaid expenditures. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Medicaid administrative data and vital statistics from 2011 to 2013. In New York State, all Medicaid managed care plans provide HROB care management to their members. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study with a nonequivalent control group. Selection bias was addressed by using probit and OLS models with the Heckman correction and inverse probability weight with regression adjustment. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS While program enrollment was associated with poor infant health outcomes (low birthweight, very low birthweight, preterm delivery, and gestational age), correcting for sample selection substantially improved most of these outcomes. All infant health outcomes significantly improved as the number of weeks in the program increased. We found that a 1-week increase in program duration is associated with a 0.01 percentage point decrease in low birthweight and a 0.03 percentage point decrease in very low birthweight. Further, a 1-week increase in program duration decreases the probability of preterm delivery by 0.01 percentage points and increases gestational age by 0.14 days. Medicaid expenditures for maternity care and newborn delivery were not significantly or materially affected by program enrollment or program duration. CONCLUSIONS High-risk obstetrics care management appears to successfully identify individuals with high-risk pregnancies and improve health without substantially increasing medical expenses.
Chapter 7 – Special Sources

Publisher Summary In physical vapor deposition, atoms and molecules are obtained from a condensed source in the form of a vapor. The method used for forming the vapor defines a number of characteristics of the vapor atoms, such as their energy distribution, velocity distribution, flux of atoms, angular distribution in space, degree of ionization, and the nature of clusters or molecular fragments present. This chapter examines different types of deposition processes that emerge out of all the permutations and combinations of the sources of energy. The physical vapor deposition process consists of three essential features: a source for supplying the material, an energy supply for transporting the material from a source for substrating, and the substrate on which the film is deposited. Different techniques differ from one another in the form of energy imparted to the particles and its associated mass transfer mechanism. The primary energy source from electrons, photons, or ions is used for vaporizing the source material, for activating the atoms during their transport or for modifying the film structure during deposition. The ability to focus the incident beam provides additional capabilities for heating the source material at the point of impact.
Gazella thomsoni (Thomson’s gazelle)

The karyotypes were prepared from tissue cultures of skin biopsies kindly supplied by Dr. R. W. Cooper. The animals are at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California, USA. The animals were purchased from a dealer in Nairobi, Kenya.
Contributions théoriques sur les communications furtives

L'etude des communications furtives, aussi connues sous le nom de communications avec faible probabilite de detection, a connu un regain d'interet dans la communaute Theorie de l'Information dans les annees passees. Depuis que Bash et al. ont montre en 2012 que les communications point-a-point sous contrainte de furtivite obeissent a une loi en racine carree, le nombre de contributions dans ce domaine n'a cesse de croitre. Dans cette these, deux nouveaux problemes de communications furtives sont presentes. Premierement, les communications furtives sur les liens point-a-point sont etudiees quand l'adversaire observe uniquement une fraction des sorties de canal pour essayer de detecter la communication. Une borne de faisabilite pour une longueur finie de blocs est obtenue pour ce probleme. Deuxiemement, le probleme d'introduction d'information furtive dans un code de broadcast existant est presente. Etant donne un code de broadcast pour transmettre de l'information a deux recepteurs, le but de cette etude est de determiner le nombre maximum de bits d'information qui peuvent etre envoyes de maniere fiable a l'un des recepteurs tout en etant furtifs pour l'autre recepteur. Pour ce probleme, une borne de faisabilite et une borne d'impossibilite sont obtenues dans le regime asymptotique pour une classe particuliere de canaux, i.e., les canaux symetriques. Ces deux bornes caracterisent le nombre maximal de bits d'information qui peuvent etre introduits de maniere furtive dans le code de broadcast donne pour des canaux symetriques.
PULSAR KICKS WITH STANDARD AND STERILE NEUTRINOS AND LANDAU LEVELS

I first give an update on our study of the energy asymmetry given the proto-neutron star during the time when the neutrino sphere is near the surface of the proto-neutron star, at a time 10-20s, using the modified URCA process. With the magnetic field strong enough for a large fraction of the electrons produced with the anti-neutrinos to be in the lowest Landau level, we predict a pulsar velocity of 1.03 × 10−4(T/1010K)7km/s, which reaches 1000 km/s if T ≃ 9.96 × 1010K. Also, using the recent results of the MiniBoone study, with two sterile neutrinos, I give results for pulsar kicks during the first 10s.
Asset pricing in China's domestic stock markets: Is there a logic?

China's stock markets have grown rapidly since their inception and have become an increasingly important emerging market for international investors. However, there are few systematic studies on how asset prices are formed in Chinese domestic equity markets; popular financial media even depict the market as irrational. In this paper, we study the asset pricing mechanism in the nascent Chinese stock markets, with the objective of identifying variables that capture the cross-sectional variation in average stock returns. We focus on the effects of various market imperfections in China. We find that while the market risk (beta) is not priced, there is a significantly negative relationship between firm-specific risk and expected returns. Chinese investors are willing to pay a significant premium for more liquid stocks or for dividend-paying stocks. Furthermore, investors value local A-shares more if there are offshore counterparts (e.g., B- and H-shares) for foreigners, implying that a Chinese firm with a foreign shareholder base has a lower cost of capital, ceteris paribus. Lastly, as with U.S. and other mature markets, firm size and the book-to-market ratio are systematically related to stock returns. Given market imperfections, stocks are priced rather rationally in China, despite the widespread perception to the contrary.
Not in Kansas Anymore: Academic Freedom in Palestinian Universities: by Cary Nelson. Washington, DC: Academic Engagement Network, 2021. 184 pp., $35.00 hardcover.

Let me begin by stating outright: Not in Kansas Anymore: Academic Freedom in Palestinian Universities is the most comprehensive study of the topic ever published. In fact, there is nothing like it....