cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a theory of free-lunch privacy in cyber-physical systems

Emerging cyber-physical systems (CPS) often require collecting end users' data to support data-informed decision making processes. There has been a long-standing argument as to the tradeoff between privacy and data utility. In this paper, we adopt a multiparametric programming approach to rigorously study conditions under which data utility has to be sacrificed to protect privacy and situations where free-lunch privacy can be achieved, i.e., data can be concealed without hurting the optimality of the decision making underlying the CPS. We formalize the concept of free-lunch privacy, and establish various results on its existence, geometry, as well as efficient computation methods. We propose the free-lunch privacy mechanism, which is a pragmatic mechanism that exploits free-lunch privacy if it exists with the constant guarantee of optimal usage of data. We study the resilience of this mechanism against attacks that attempt to infer the parameter of a user's data generating process. We close the paper by a case study on occupancy-adaptive smart home temperature control to demonstrate the efficacy of the mechanism.
Scalable Cloning on Large-Scale GPU Platforms with Application to Time-Stepped Simulations on Grids

Cloning is a technique to efficiently simulate a tree of multiple what-if scenarios that are unraveled during the course of a base simulation. However, cloned execution is highly challenging to realize on large, distributed memory computing platforms, due to the dynamic nature of the computational load across clones, and due to the complex dependencies spanning the clone tree. We present the conceptual simulation framework, algorithmic foundations, and runtime interface of CloneX, a new system we designed for scalable simulation cloning. It efficiently and dynamically creates whole logical copies of a dynamic tree of simulations across a large parallel system without full physical duplication of computation and memory. The performance of a prototype implementation executed on up to 1,024 graphical processing units of a supercomputing system has been evaluated with three benchmarks—heat diffusion, forest fire, and disease propagation models—delivering a speed up of over two orders of magnitude compared to replicated runs. The results demonstrate a significantly faster and scalable way to execute many what-if scenario ensembles of large simulations via cloning using the CloneX interface.
Defect inspection using a time-domain mode decomposition technique

In this paper, we propose a technique called time-varying frequency scanning (TVFS) to meet the challenges in killer defect inspection. The proposed technique enables the dynamic monitoring of defects by checking the hopping in the instantaneous frequency data and the classification of defect types by comparing the difference in frequencies. The TVFS technique utilizes the bidimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) method to separate the defect information from the sea of system errors. This significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and moreover, it potentially enables reference-free defect inspection.
High throughput single cell sequencing of both T-cell-receptor-beta alleles

Allelic exclusion is a vital mechanism for the generation of monospecificity to foreign antigens in B- and T-lymphocytes. Here we developed a high-throughput barcoded method to simultaneously analyze the VDJ recombination status of both T cell receptor beta alleles in hundreds of single cells using Next Generation Sequencing.
Establishing verbal repertoires: Toward the application of general case analysis and programming

A great deal of clinical and experimental work in past decades has focused on establishing functional verbal repertoires that are used across various settings and situations by persons with moderate and severe disabilities. Such work has not always involved a careful analysis and programming approach for structuring training to achieve the desired range of stimulus control relationships. General case analysis and programming procedures, which are based on behavior analytic and Direct Instruction principles and techniques, have proven effective in recent years for teaching a variety of community-based skills to learners with moderate and severe disabilities. This paper outlines the general case process and discusses its application to establish verbal repertoires.
Aging, Frailty, and the Compression of Morbidity: Definite Progress

Frailty, the loss of physiologic organ reserve with age, and chronic illness, which may accelerate the development of frailty in one or more than one body system, become the dominant determinants of ill-health in those who escape the hazards of early and mid-life. The Compression of Morbidity paradigm holds that if the average age at first infirmity, disability, or other morbidity is postponed, and if this postponement is greater than increases in life expectancy, then average cumulative lifetime morbidity will decrease, squeezed between a later onset and the time of death. The National Long-Term Care Survey, the National Health Interview Survey, and other data from the United States and some other developed countries now document declining disability trends beginning around 1982 and accelerating more recently. The decline in disability is about 2% per year, contrasted with a decline in mortality rates of about 1% a year, documenting compression of morbidity in the United States at the population level. Longitudinal studies now link good health risk status with long-term reductions in cumulative lifetime disability; those with few behavioral health risks have only one-fourth the disability of those who have more risk factors, and the onset of disability in those with good health habits is postponed from 7 to 12 years, far more than any increases in longevity. Randomized controlled trials of health enhancement programs in senior populations have shown a reduction in health risks, improved health status, and decreased medical care utilization. Health policy initiatives now being undertaken have the promise of increasing and consolidating health gains for seniors under the umbrella paradigm of the Compression of Morbidity.
Functional anatomy and physiology of the female breast

As mammals, we define our biologic class by the function of the breast in nourishing our young. As obstetricians, we seek to enhance or diminish function; as gynecologists, the appearance of inappropriate lactation (galactorrhea) may signify serious disease. In this article, development, differentiation, and functional anatomy of the breast is discussed. The hormonal interactions responsible for these events and the physiologic function of this vital reproductive organ during the life cycle of the woman is emphasized.
Queer Listening as a Framework for Teaching Men and Masculinities

This chapter uses the theoretical resources of queer theory and rhetoric to argue in favor of the pedagogy of “queer listening” as the best way to advance a transformative feminist agenda within the context of teaching a critical masculinity studies course. As an approach to pedagogical practice, the idea of queer listening begins with the intention to dislocate the familiar and the hegemonic through critical reading practices that characterize “superordinate studies.” However, queer listening deepens and expands that intention through a course orientation that places queer texts at the center of knowledge-making about masculinities, thus further encouraging the practice of rhetorical listening.
Higher self-stigma is related to lower likelihood of disclosing military sexual trauma during screening in female veterans.

Objective Recent prevalence estimates indicate 38% of female service members/veterans (SM/Vs) report military sexual trauma (MST). This estimate is higher than Veterans Affairs estimates, which suggest 28% report MST during screening. The discrepant estimate suggests possible barriers to disclosing MST, which are not well-identified in the literature. The current study examined whether being assaulted by a fellow unit member and stigma for seeking help to treat the sequelae of MST from self, unit leader/command, and romantic partners were correlates of MST nondisclosure among 209 female SM/Vs. Method Participants completed a self-report questionnaire assessing MST nondisclosure, MST assailant characteristics, and stigma from the aforementioned sources as well as demographic, military, and mental health characteristics. Logistic regression analyses adjusting for military rank, MST severity, age, marital status and satisfaction, and probable mental health diagnoses determined whether being assaulted by a fellow unit member (yes/no) or stigma from various sources were associated with MST nondisclosure. Results Thirty-seven (17.70%) participants did not disclose MST during a previous screening. At the bivariate level, participants who did not disclose MST reported higher self-stigma and anticipated enacted stigma from unit leader/command and romantic partner. After adjusting for covariates, only higher self-stigma was associated with MST nondisclosure. Conclusions Female veterans who report higher self-stigma were less likely to disclose their MST during screening. Such findings are consistent with previous literature demonstrating that self-stigma, relative to other forms of stigma, relates to lower help-seeking behaviors. Efforts to increase the disclosure of MST during screening should focus on reducing self-stigma. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
The Rise of Latino Americanism: Deterritorialization and Postnational Imagination in New Latino American Writers

This essay explores the intersection between global neoliberalism and the production of literary texts in Spanish from the United States. The essay suggests the notion of “new Latino Americanism” as a synthetic methodological tool that both problematizes and maps the US relocation of neoliberal Latin American literary byproducts. The essay concludes by suggesting that both deterritorialization and postnational imagination are literary tropes of the new Latino American literatures written in Spanish from the United States.
Use of Software Process in Research Software Development: A Survey

Background: Developers face challenges in building high-quality research software due to its inherent complexity. These challenges can reduce the confidence users have in the quality of the result produced by the software. Use of a defined software development process, which divides the development into distinct phases, results in improved design, more trustworthy results, and better project management. Aims: This paper focuses on gaining a better understanding of the use of software development process for research software. Method: We surveyed research software developers to collect information about their use of software development processes. We analyze whether and demographic factors influence the respondents' use of and perceived value in defined process. Results: Based on 98 responses, research software developers appear to follow a defined software development process at least some of the time. The respondents also have a strong positive perception about the value of following processes. Conclusions: To produce high-quality and reliable research software, which is critical for many research domains, research software developers must follow a proper software development process. The results indicate a positive perception of value about using defined development processes that should lead to both short-term benefits through improved results and long-term benefits through more maintainable software.
Minilateralism and informality in international monetary cooperation

The 1970s marked the beginnings of a transition to a variegated system of international monetary governance that featured a mixture of multilateral and minilateral forums with both formal and infor...
Refueling-station costs for metal hydride storage tanks on board hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

Abstract Refueling costs account for much of the fuel cost for light-duty hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. We estimate cost savings for hydrogen dispensing if metal hydride (MH) storage tanks are used on board instead of 700-bar tanks. We consider a low-temperature, low-enthalpy scenario and a high-temperature, high-enthalpy scenario to bracket the design space. The refueling costs are insensitive to most uncertainties. Uncertainties associated with the cooling duty, coolant pump pressure, heat exchanger (HX) fan, and HX operating time have little effect on cost. The largest sensitivities are to tank pressure and station labor. The cost of a full-service attendant, if the refueling interconnect were to prevent self-service, is the single largest cost uncertainty. MH scenarios achieve $0.71–$0.75/kg-H2 savings by reducing compressor costs without incurring the cryogenics costs associated with cold-storage alternatives. Practical refueling station considerations are likely to affect the choice of the MH and tank design.
Servant Leadership as a Pathway to a Sustainable Future

Servant leadership is a much-examined leadership style wherein leaders lead followers by serving them, providing a pathway for leaders to look beyond themselves and their organization, by serving the common, greater good of humanity. Civilization currently faces environmental and social challenges which can only be managed through sustainable actions. Many of these actions will require individuals, groups, and organizations consider the common good ahead of their own good. Therefore, servant leadership presents a viable avenue for leaders to influence humankind to evolve beyond the short-term thinking that created current unsustainable conditions on Earth. This chapter will examine servant leadership as a pathway to a sustainable future. Readers will be invited to reflect on the relevance of this leadership style through review of the servant leadership and sustainability literature. Because leadership for sustainability requires a new form of leadership based on how individuals desire to be treated, motivated, and led, servant leadership will be examined and modeled as a necessary leadership style for the achievement of a sustainable future. Examples of sustainability leaders who embrace the ethos of servant leadership are included and reviewed.
Invention Is the Mother of Necessity

The Catholic philosopher Ivan Illich is the foremost heterodox voice in energy studies. This chapter explores his idea that modern energy services only liberate us up to a certain point. After that threshold, we become shackled with more needs as energy slaves become our masters. The chapter relates this insight to psychological research on shifting baseline syndrome and the hedonic treadmill, as well as empirical social studies of energy that show happiness reaches a saturation point beyond which more energy brings, at best, diminishing marginal returns. A concluding section considers the relationships between energy and equity.
Plasmablastic lymphoma in an HIV-negative patient: a case report and review of the literature

Plasmablastic lymphoma is an HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma primarily affecting the oral cavity and jaws. The purpose of this study is to report a case of plasmablastic lymphoma occurring in a 49-year-old HIV-negative African-American male. The patient presented with pain and swelling of the right mandible of 2 weeks duration, with a single enlarged lymph node. A computerized tomography scan revealed a destructive mass centered on the right posterior mandible. Histopathologic examination of an incisional biopsy revealed a dense diffuse lymphocytic infiltrate of noncohesive large lymphocytes with plasmacytoid features. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for the B-cell marker CD79a, Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein (LMP), and lambda light chain restriction; in contrast, the neoplastic cells were negative for leukocyte common antigen, CD20, CD3, CD10, Bcl-2, desmin, actin, EMA, S-100, HMB45, and cytokeratins. The final diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma was made with a recommendation for HIV testing, which was negative. There are 6 previously reported cases of plasmablastic lymphoma in HIV-negative patients, including 3 immunosuppressed, 2 immunocompetent, and 1 of unknown immune status. The present case represents the first reported oral plasmablastic lymphoma in an HIV-negative as well as nonimmunocompromised individual. The features of this rare disease are summarized based on a comprehensive review of the epidemiologic, clinical and immunohistochemical findings of previously reported cases.
Lessons from the study of plant mating systems for exploring the causes and consequences of inbreeding in marine invertebrates

Many benthic marine invertebrates resemble plants in being modular and either sessile or sedentary, and by relying on an external vector to disperse their gametes. These shared features, along with recent evidence of inbreeding in these taxa, suggest that theory and practice bearing on the evolutionary costs and benefits of inbreeding for plants could advance our understanding of the ecology and evolution of invertebrate animals. We describe how the theory for the evolution of inbreeding and outbreeding could apply to benthic invertebrates, identify and compare techniques used to quantify inbreeding in plants and animals, translate relevant botanical concepts and empirical patterns to their zoological equivalents, and articulate predictions for how inbreeding might be associated with major axes of variation in sessile and sedentary marine invertebrates. The theory of inbreeding and outbreeding provides critical insight into major patterns of life-history variation in plants and holds similar promise as a complementary perspective on the evolution of reproductive traits, lifespan, ecological strategies, and dispersal in marine invertebrates. Extending what we have learned from plants to marine invertebrates promises to broaden the general study of mating systems.
Gamma secretase modulators.

Notes The authors declare no competing financial interest. Title: Gamma Secretase Modulators Application Number: WO 2013066740A1 Publication date: 10 May 2013 Priority Application: 61/553,384 Priority date: 31 October 2011 Inventors: W. Greenlee, D. Pissarnitski, Z. Zhao, Z. Zhu Assignee Company: Merck Sharpe & Dohme Disease Area: Neurodegeneration Biological Target: Gamma secretase Summary: Gamma secretase is an aspartic protease complex involved in the biosynthesis of Aβ peptide, a potential neurotoxic contributor in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Direct inhibition of enzymatic activity introduces potential selectivity issues associated with other biological functions of gamma secretase including Notch and Eph processing. As an alternative approach to gamma secretase inhibition, modulation of enzyme activity using, e.g., NSAIDs is a potentially druggable concept. This patent describes the synthesis and evaluation of a novel chemical series that demonstrates inhibition of gamma secretase activity in vitro and reduction of Aβ42 CSF levels following oral administration of a standard dose of 30 mg/kg. Primary Markush:
Gender, Health, and Society in Contemporary Latin America and the Caribbean, by Ronnie Shepard & Shir Lerman Ginzburg (eds.)

(Cloth US$90.00) Gender, Health, and Society in Contemporary Latin America and the Caribbean brings together scholars and practitioners heralding from cultural and medical anthropology, social work, sociology, social psychology, public health, and other related disciplines, in a collection that exemplifies the combined insights of intersectionality theory and engaged ethnography. Sham Estelle Brown shows how parents of children with sickle cell disease in Guadeloupe do not attend a major fundraiser on World Sickle Cell Day because "people in Guadeloupe are concerned about being seen and labeled as 'the parent with the sick kid'" (p. 93). [...]the gendered conceptualization of sickle cell disease underscores the ways in which "power, class, race, gender, and culture" (p. 99)-shaped by the island's history of colonialism and slavery- impact peoples' understandings of who gets sick and why.
Two-phase flow pressure drop in PEM fuel cell flow channel bends

Abstract During the operation of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell water is produced as a byproduct of electrochemical reactions. As the produced water passes through the porous structure of the electrodes and enters the flow channels, liquid–gas two-phase flow forms within the flow channels. If a reliable model that can accurately predict the pressure drop is available, then the two-phase flow pressure drop can be used as an in-situ diagnostic tool to quantify the water content within the flow channels. While the two-phase flow pressure drop is investigated for straight sections of PEM fuel cell flow channels, few attention has been paid to evaluate the pressure drop across flow channel bends. In this study, liquid–gas two-phase flow across a flow channel bend is investigated with an ex-situ approach. A 90 ∘ flow channel bend was fabricated across a channel with a hydraulic diameter of 1 mm. Experiments were conducted by supplying air and hydrogen as the gas phase and injecting liquid water into the flow channel in order to represent the two-phase flow condition in the cathode and anode flow channels, respectively. The two-phase flow across the bend was visualized with a CCD camera and the pressure drop values were measured for the PEM fuel cell flow conditions. A comparison between the experimental data and predictions from some of the existing models prompted the need for a model that can accurately predict the two-phase flow pressure drop across PEM fuel cell flow channel bends. In this study, a new model to predict the frictional two-phase flow pressure drop across flow channel bends was developed based on the separated flow model. Because the two-phase flow in PEM fuel cell flow channels is dominated by the gas phase, the new model incorporated the gas minor loss which was defined as the pressure drop caused by the flow channel bend. In order to predict the gas minor loss, a correlation for the loss coefficient was obtained based on the gas single-phase pressure drop. In addition, a correlation was proposed for the C parameter as the two-phase flow across the flow channel bend featured an enhanced interaction between the two phases of liquid and gas. Results indicated that the proposed two-phase flow pressure drop model along with the proposed C correlation were able to predict the pressure drop with mean absolute error values of 7.74% for air–water runs and 10.77% for hydrogen–water runs.
Contemplative Pedagogy: Creating Mindful Educators and Classrooms

Purpose: This tutorial introduces communication sciences and disorders (CSD) educators to contemplative pedagogy (sometimes called mindfulness in the classroom). While contemplative pedagogy has co...
NDE for Characterizing Oxidation Damage in Reinforced Carbon-Carbon

In this study, coated reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) samples of similar structure and composition as that from the NASA space shuttle orbiter s thermal protection system were fabricated with slots in their coating simulating craze cracks. These specimens were used to study oxidation damage detection and characterization using NDE methods. These specimens were heat treated in air at 1143 and 1200 C to create cavities in the carbon substrate underneath the coating as oxygen reacted with the carbon and resulted in its consumption. The cavities varied in diameter from approximately 1 to 3 mm. Single-sided NDE methods were used since they might be practical for on-wing inspection, while x-ray micro-computed tomography (CT) was used to measure cavity sizes in order to validate oxidation models under development for carbon-carbon materials. An RCC sample having a naturally-cracked coating and subsequent oxidation damage was also studied with x-ray micro-CT. This effort is a follow-on study to one that characterized NDE methods for assessing oxidation damage in an RCC sample with drilled holes in the coating. The results of that study are briefly reviewed in this article as well. Additionally, a short discussion on the future role of simulation to aid in these studies is provided.
Dynamic latchup study using transmission line pulses and picosecond imaging circuit analysis [CMOS IC latchup]

In this work, we present a methodology based on the combination of transmission line pulse (TLP) stimulation and picosecond imaging circuit analysis (PICA) for studying the dynamic onset of latchup. A mathematical model, based on carrier recombination equations, is also discussed and is shown to be in very good agreement with experimental data.
Conceptual clustering and categorization: bridging the gap between induction and causal models

Abstract Categorization processes are central to many human capabilities; e.g., language, reasoning, problem solving. The concept of categorization is also at the base of many kinds of phenomenon which AI researchers have attempted to model; e.g., induction, analogy, and the use of causal models. Most approaches to induction can be characterized on a single dimension such as model driven, “top-down” to data driven, “bottom-up.” At the one end a large amount of preconstructed information (knowledge rich) is used while on the other end the featural similarity is analyzed of a given set of objects or events in the absence of other knowledge structures. These two kinds of approaches, represented recently by explanation-based learning (EBL) and similarity-based learning (SBL), conflict in terms of the proper approach to categorization and construction of causal theories. One view central to the present approach is that featural information is instrumental in formation of knowledge structures. Knowledge structures can be more general than objects and can possess more complex information than features (e.g., abstract concepts, actions, relations). Such knowledge structures are hypothesized to be both created and further manipulated by the SBL mechanism that learned them in the first place. The present approach is related to the discovery of category structure and the use of feature intercorrelations and their interaction with generalization, inheritance, retrieval, and memory organization.
NGO Representation and Accountability: A Skeptical View

Who do NGOs represent, and to whom should they be accountable? In this brief essay, I argue that most NGOs represent only themselves, if the term is defined according to its ordinary meaning in democratic politics. But that fact should not prevent NGOs from involvement in international security issues or world politics more broadly. They play important roles both as service providers and as advocates. Given this view, NGO accountability is less of a problem than often believed, and attempts to increase accountability should be implemented cautiously, particularly for advocacy NGOs.
Service-Learning in Supply Chain Management: Benefits, Challenges and Best Practices.

Service-learning (SL) is a pedagogical approach in which students are assigned a course-related project in a not-for-profit organization, and are tasked to apply course content to execute the project. While the benefits are multifarious, only recently have supply chain management (SCM) courses adapted this innovative teaching methodology. The present article aims to popularize this pedagogical concept by providing a detailed overview of the background, development, implementation, and success of an SL project in an undergraduate SCM course; this serves as a “how to” guide for instructors interested in implementing the approach. Compelling evidence for the value of SL is provided by data assessing the students’ learning experiences, and benefits for participating organizations are demonstrated. Caveats and challenges are noted, and ensuing best practices for SL are presented.
Impact of Rural Residence on Survival of Male Veterans Affairs Patients After Age 65

Objectives: More than 1 in 5 Veterans Affairs (VA) users lives in a rural setting. Rural veterans face different barriers to health care than their urban counterparts, but their risk of death relative to their urban counterparts is unknown. The objective of our study was to compare survival between rural and urban VA users. Methods: We linked the Large Health Survey of Veteran Enrollees conducted in 1999 to the Veterans Administration vital status registry. We used timeto-event regression models controlling for patient race, education, ZIP-code median income, and marital and smoking status. Findings: Of the 372,463 male veterans of age 65 or greater, 80,931 lived in rural settings. Age-adjusted mortality was 5.9% higher (95% CI, 4.5%-7.2%) in rural residents compared to urban residents. After adjusting for age, education, and ZIP-code median income, rural residents had 3.0% lower mortality (95% CI, 1.5%-4.4%). Compared to urban and suburban VA users, rural VA users’ mortality at age 65 was 12% lower, but this advantage gradually diminished by age 75. Conclusion: Mortality after the age of 65 for male VA users is higher in rural dwellers than in urban dwellers. However, among veterans of the same socioeconomic characteristics, rural-dwelling veterans have up to 15% better mortality than urban-dwelling veterans until the age of 75.
Semidispersing billiards with an infinite cusp. II

In Lenci (2002) the following class of billiards was studied: For f:[0,+∞)→(0,+∞) convex, sufficiently smooth, and vanishing at infinity, let the billiard table be defined by Q, the planar domain delimited by the positive x semiaxis, the positive y semiaxis, and the graph of f. For a large class of f we proved that the billiard map was hyperbolic. Furthermore we gave an example of a family of f that makes this map ergodic. Here we extend the latter result to a much wider class of functions.
Automated malfunction diagnosis of a plasma etcher

The authors present a prototype tool for real-time diagnosis of equipment malfunctions in IC fabrication processes. The approach taken focuses on integrating quantitative empirical models with qualitative knowledge-based methods. The diagnostic system uses evidential reasoning techniques to identify malfunctions by combining various sources of noisy information which originates chronologically from three primary sources: before processing (maintenance diagnosis), during processing (on-line diagnosis), and after processing (in-line diagnosis). The system has been implemented on the Lam Research Autoetch 490 automated plasma etcher located in the Berkeley Microfabrication Laboratory. >
Web Canary: A Virtualized Web Browser to Support Large-Scale Silent Collaboration in Detecting Malicious Web Sites

Malicious Web content poses a serious threat to the Internet, organizations and users. Current approaches to detecting malicious Web content employ high-powered honey clients to scan the Web for potentially malicious pages. These approaches, while effective at detecting malicious content, have the drawbacks of being few and far between, presenting a single snapshot in time of very dynamic phenomena, and having artificial test data. To address these problems, we developed a virtualized Web browser that uses large-scale collaboration to identify URLs that host malicious content on a continuing basis by building in an elective reporting system. The system, which we call a Web canary, runs a standard Web browser in a known, pristine OS every time the browser starts. Users not only report malicious URLs but also benefit from protection against malicious content. Experimental results show that it can detect the malicious Web pages effectively with acceptable overhead.
THE VALUE OF MARKETING FOR CHERRY IN TURKEY

Cherry production, like other fruits such as apples, apricots, hazelnuts has been increasing significantly in Turkey. Cherry production in Turkey was 270.000 tons in 2006. Cherry production in Turkey is about 14% of the total cherry production of the World. The cherry marketing also like production has been increasing rapidly in Turkey. The value of marketing for cherry in Turkey was examined in this study. Some important marketing problems of cheery in Turkey and best practices of marketing in EU were determined.
New polarizing optical fibers

This paper reviews recent progress and experiment and modeled results on dual air hole-assisted polarizing fibers which can act as either Single Polarization (SP) fiber or Polarization Maintaining (PM) fiber. Dual air hole-assisted fiber design provides both SP and PM characteristics for the same fiber at different wavelength range. SP operating windows centered at wavelength from 980 nm to 1550 nm with bandwidth ranging from 24 nm to 63 nm are demonstrated. Various properties of the fibers are studied. We explored bend and length dependence of SP window which enables fining tuning in actual device application. We also investigated SP and PM characteristics over wide range of temperature, such as fundamental cutoff wavelength, extinction ratio and birefringence. It was found that hole-assisted polarizing fiber provides less temperature sensitivity compared to stress member-assisted polarizing fiber. Lastly, Ytterbium (Yb) doped SP fiber, which combines gain medium and polarizer into single element was realized. Significant benefits can be achieved by using Yb-doped SP fiber in application such as fiber laser or amplifier, which requires linearly polarized output.
Investigation of significant interface parameters involved in the electromechanical transfer of tactile information

The authors describe work toward the implementation of a tactile vision information system (TVIS). The prototype system consists of a video camera for image acquisition, a microcomputer for image processing, and a 16*16 vibro-tactile array for image transfer to the skin. The characteristics of the TVIS are discussed and proposed modifications are analyzed to determine the optimum configuration. The mechanical impedance of both vibrator and selected skin sites are discussed and related to the image-transfer process. This is combined with the published properties of the tactile sensors to determine the overall transfer function of electromechanical-physiological interface. >
The Profit Orientation of Microfinance Institutions and Effective Interest Rates

Summary With the rise in the number of for-profit microfinance institutions (MFIs), commentators are asking whether the sector benefits by MFIs having stronger profit orientations. We address this question by analyzing the relationship between interest rates and adopting the for-profit legal form, appointing private sector representation and traditional banking experience to advisory boards, and participating in more extensive for-profit networks. The results consistently indicate that a stronger for-profit orientation corresponds with higher interest rates for MFI clients. However, this does not contribute to greater profitability and therefore sustainability because the stronger profit orientation is also associated with higher MFI costs.
DYNAMICAL BEHAVIOR OF X-RAY ABSORPTION AND SCATTERING AT THE L EDGE OF TITANIUM COMPOUNDS : EXPERIMENT AND THEORY

Detailed experimental results and model caclulations for the evolution of the x-ray fluorescence in the vicinity of the {ital L} absorption edge of titanium in metallic Ti and TiO and insulating TiO{sub 2} and BaTiO{sub 3} are presented. Behavior characteristic of x-ray Raman scattering was found in all samples. We develop a model that describes the valence band emission below the L{sub 3} absorption threshold in terms of the calculated partial density of states and the Kramers-Heisenberg x-ray scattering formalism. Linear muffin-tin orbital band structure calculations were used for the projected density of states in the model. In the region below the L{sub 3} absorption edge very good agreement between experiment and the model was found for all compounds. We propose a mechanism for the energy shift of the emission spectra for TiO{sub 2} and BaTiO{sub 3}. An explanation of the Raman energy loss in terms of the excitation of a valence electron into localized states of {ital d} symmetry in the conduction band is also provided. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Conservative management of breast cancer in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

Breast-conserving therapy is widely embraced for the majority of women with early-stage breast cancer, but its appropriateness in patients with germline mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 remains controversial. These breast cancer susceptibility genes are associated with a progressive risk of second cancers, although the prognosis of BRCA-associated breast cancer is similar to that in patients with sporadic disease. The BRCA1/2 genes are involved in the cellular response to DNA damage, but their molecular functions are not fully understood. Preclinical evidence of radiation sensitivity has led to concerns regarding radiation-induced complications in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. The published literature on conservative management of patients with BRCA1/2 mutations is reviewed in this article. Several studies report no adverse sequelae and recurrence rates and overall survival comparable to those in sporadic disease controls. With longer followup, the literature suggests an increase in late second primary breast cancers, highlighting the need for preventive strategies. The potential role of tamoxifen and oophorectomy in modifying the rate of second events is discussed.
The business case for high performance green buildings: Sustainability and its financial impact

This paper endeavours to present building owners, managers, architects and design/builders with a compelling business case for considering a green building for their new construction projects. A green building, for the purposes of this paper, refers to any building that meets the high standards set forth in the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™, the pre‐eminent metric system by which new buildings are judged to be environmentally conscious. The financial benefits of green buildings are many. They include reduced energy consumption and their associated costs, increased occupant productivity and worker retention, increased market values, and reduced health liability risks due to better indoor air quality. Individual building measures are presented through a tertiary examination of two LEED Certified buildings. These individual benefits are examined further as an integrated building whole, indicating that buildings constructed to LEED standards can save more than 250 per cent of its up‐front costs over the course of its 40‐year useable life cycle.
Time-dependent dynamics of a determinantal state

Abstract The time-dependent variational principle (TDVP) is employed to derive the dynamical equations that govern the time evolution of a determinantal state. Coherent state properties of the determinant yield an effective parametrization identical to that of the Thouless representation. The results indicate distinct possibilities for new ways of studying electronic structure.
HETEROGENEITY IN A CURRENCY UNION WITH SOCIAL MARKET OBJECTIVES

In this paper, we explore whether heterogeneity among union members could threaten the stability of the European Monetary Union. The types of heterogeneity we consider are (1) asymmetries in the transmission of monetary and fiscal policies, and (2) differences in national preferences for price stability, output growth, and income redistribution. Our results show that the costs of membership can be significant for countries whose transmissions, structure, or preferences deviate from those underlying the common monetary policy. In part, these costs arise because monetary policy imposed by an independent central bank automatically constrains the use of fiscal policy by national governments.
An efficient run-time router for connecting modules in FPGAS

It is often desirable to change the logic and/or the connections within an FPGA design on-the-fly without the benefit of a workstation or vendor CAD software. This paper presents a dynamic router for Xilinx FPGAs, designed to run on stand-alone embedded systems. With information obtained from Xilinxpsilas XDL tool, a compact routing database for the Virtex-II/IIP/4 devices is built which only requires 96 KB of storage. A channel routing algorithm is used because of its deterministic execution time and because all routing resources in the channel are available. Sample channels are routed with the router and compared with the Xilinx PAR tool. Improvements in both execution time and in memory usage of several orders of magnitude are observed.
Recovery of overlapped spectral harmonics in multiplex Fabry-Pérot interferometry

We propose an algorithm for recovering the overlapped harmonic components of a multiplex Fabry-Perot interferometer (MFPI) spectrum. A potential solution that utilizes the multiresolution properties of the MFPI spectrum is presented. The corrupted harmonic components are detected by comparing consecutive harmonic pairs at the same sampling rate and window length. The overlapped spectral components are adjusted with correction terms that have been determined from the detection stage.
Integrated systems for DNA sample preparation and detection in environmental samples

Field-portable sensor system are currently needed for the detection and characterization of biological pathogens in the environment. Nucleic acid analysis is frequently the method of choice for discriminating between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria in environmental samples, however standard protocols are difficult to automate and current microfluidic devices are not configured to analyze environmental samples. In this paper, we describe an automated DNA sample processing system and demonstrate its use for the extraction of bacterial DNA form water and sediment samples. Two challenges in environmental sample analysis are the need to process relatively large sample volumes in order to obtain detectable quantities of DNA present at low concentrations, and the need to purify DNA form a complex sample matrix for downstream detection. These problems are addressed by using sequential injection fluid handling techniques for precise manipulation of the required volumes, and renewable separation columns for automatically trapping and releasing microparticles that are used for sample purification. The renewable microcolumns are used for both bacterial cell concentration and DNA purification. The purified bacterial DNA is then amplified using an on-line PCR module in order to produce detectable quantities of the target DNA.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Saudi Sands, SCUDS, and Survival

SCUD attacks were one of many challenges this pediatric nurse practitioner (NP) and Air Force Reserve flight nurse faced daily during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Providing nursing care to sick and injured patients on board a C141 transport plane en route from Saudi Arabia to Germany was her primary responsibility. Additionally, many hours were spent filling sandbags, attending in-service classes, and practicing putting on a gas mask and protective suit. Although the war has been over for almost 3 years, the effects are long lasting. The author was able to use her wartime experience positively to gain insight into survival in today's violent society. As violence increases, NPs must reshape their focus and educate their clients about survival.
Meta-data, same-sex marriage and the making of ‘terrorists’

This essay takes up Jasbir Puar's convincing contention that scholars who work to prevent some forms of violence render other forms of violence (against differently racialised, gendered, sexed, and class- and nation-marked populations) more likely. Complicity with the militarism, securitisation and secularism that make up the ‘strategies, and logistics of our contemporary war machines’, as Jasbir Puar describes it (2007. Terrorist Assemblages: Homonationalism in Queer Times. Durham, NC: Duke University Press), is not a new issue within religious studies. However, Puar's methodological turn to ‘assemblages’ over ‘identities’ may help scholars create analyses not as subject to instrumentalisation within such sectors. Despite these strengths, Puar's conception of fundamentalism and its relationship to what she calls ‘queer secularity’ requires rethinking.
Parasternal leads in tricuspid insufficiency.

Abstract Two cases are presented with clinical and x-ray findings of hypertrophy and dilatation of the right ventricle and right auricle, associated with tricuspid insufficiency. The electrocardiograms show large, diphasic P waves in Lead CF 1 such as are normally obtained from esophageal leads and experimentally in direct leads from exposed auricles. It is probable that the proximity of the enlarged right auricle to the anterior chest wall is largely responsible for an auricular wave of this type. Further observations may show that, in tricuspid insufficiency and right auricular enlargement, this characteristic auricular complex in parasternal leads is a significant diagnostic sign.
Electron beam induced damage in ITO coated Kapton

Data for the stability of thin conductive indium tin oxide films on 0.003 inch thick Kapton substrates during exposure of the surface to electron beams are reported. The electron beam energy was 3 keV and the diameter was about 0.8 mm. Thermal effects and surface modifications are considered. For primary current greater than 0.6 microamperes, an obvious dark discoloration with diameter approximately that of the beam was produced. The structure of the discolored region was studied with the scanning electron microscope, and the findings are stated. Surface modifications were explored by AES, obtaining spectra and secondary emission coefficient as a function of time for different beam intensities. In all cases beam exposure results in a decrease of the secondary yield but because of thermal effects this change, as well as composition changes, cannot be directly interpreted in terms of electron beam dosage.
Annual per Capita Apparent Consumption of Tobacco Products in the United States: 1900–1990

Abstract Background. Analyses of secular trends in tobacco consumption can provide evidence of potential tobacco-disease relationships and have utility in terms of public health projections and policy. The purpose of this project was to provide a unique set of continuous apparent tobacco product consumption estimates for the United States over the period spanning 1900 through 1990. Methods. Two U.S. Department of Agriculture data sources provide information on long-term apparent tobacco consumption in the United States; however, differences exist between these data sets. The consumption estimates in these reports were adjusted to a common population base. A 9-year overlap of the data sets was then used to calibrate one data series to the other using inverse regression. Predicted tobacco consumption estimates for the years 1900 through 1944 were then combined with the adjusted 1945–1990 data. Results. Inverse regression showed a strong linear relationship between the two U.S. Department of Agriculture summaries for each tobacco product during the 9-year overlap period. A continuous set of annual per capita tobacco consumption estimates is reported by product for the United States. Conclusions. The two U.S. Department of Agriculture reports can be combined to provide a history of tobacco product consumption in the United States over the period 1900–1990.