cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pure SH SAW on single crystal KNbO/sub 3/ for liquid sensor applications

This paper reports on the design, fabrication, and testing of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay line on single crystal KNbO/sub 3/ Euler angles (0/spl deg/,90/spl deg/, 0/spl deg/). This particular orientation of KNbO/sub 3/ is of symmetry Type 4, which is known to support an electromechanically active shear horizontal (SH) SAW mode, and has a very large electromechanical coupling coefficient of 53%. The SH-SAW mode is especially attractive for liquid sensing applications because the SAW is not significantly attenuated by the adjacent aqueous media, unlike that of a generalized SAW (GSAW), which contains particle displacement normal to the surface. 100 MHz SH-SAW delay line devices with 20% bandwidths were fabricated. Experimental results are reported relevant to liquid sensing applications, such as the electromechanical coupling coefficient, K/sup 2/, /spl Delta/f/f/sub 0/ versus temperature, and the attenuation effect on the magnitude of the transmission coefficient, |S/sub 21/|, with and without de-ionized (DI) water loaded surface. Results show a difference of only about 2 dB in |S/sub 21/| when the surface is loaded with DI water, thus verifying the suitability of the pure SH-SHAW mode on KNbO/sub 3/ for liquid sensor applications.
Effects of Feeding Time and Frequency on Growth of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus in Closed Recirculating Raceway Systems

.– Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding time and frequency on the growth, survival, feed conversion, and body composition of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus cultured in closed recirculating raceway systems. In separate experiments, two stocking sizes (18 and 232 g/fish) of channel catfish were examined. Treatments consisted of 1) feeding catfish once daily, 3% of body weight at 0800 h; 2) feeding catfish once daily, 3% of body weight at 1200 h; 3) feeding catfish once daily, 3% of body weight at 1700 h; and 4) feeding catfish three times daily, 1% of body weight at 0800 h, 1200 h, and 1700 h. Weight gain, specific growth, feed conversion, percentage survival, and fillet proximate composition of channel catfish among treatments did not differ (P > 0.05). The percentage visceral fat of channel catfish fed the single meal at 0800 h was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than channel catfish receiving multiple feedings, but was not different than the visceral fat content of channel catfish fed at 1200 h and 1700 h. Under the conditions of this study, results indicate neither feeding time or feeding frequency significantly influences the growth, survival, and body composition of channel catfish raised in closed recirculating raceway systems.
Chemokines in innate and adaptive granuloma formation

Granulomas are cellular inflammations that vary widely in histologic appearance depending upon the inciting agent and immunologic status of the responding host. Despite their heterogeneity, granulomas are at their core an ancient innate sequestration response characterized by the accumulation of mononuclear phagocytes. In fact, this innate cellular response was first observed by Metchnikov in simple invertebrates. Among higher vertebrates, environmental pressures have resulted in the evolution of more sophisticated adaptive immune responses which can be superimposed upon and modify the character of granulomatous inflammation. Compared to immune responses that rapidly neutralize and eliminate infectious agents, the granuloma represents a less desirable “fall back” response which still has value to the host but can be co-opted by certain infectious agents and contribute to bystander organ damage. Understanding granulomas requires an analysis of the complex interplay of innate and adaptive molecular signals that govern the focal accumulation and activity of their cellular components. Among these signals, small molecular weight chemoattractant proteins known as chemokines are potentially important contributors as they participate in both directing leukocyte migration and function. This tract will discuss the contribution of chemokines to the development of innate and adaptive granuloma formation, as well as describe their relationship to more recently evolved cytokines generated during adaptive immune responses.
Observer design of critical states for air path flow regulation in a variable geometry turbocharger exhaust gas recirculation diesel engine

Modern automotive diesel engines rely on control strategies that must optimally manage the flows of fresh air and recirculated exhaust gas to achieve the best trade-off between torque demand and en...
A tilted mirror unstable resonator laser cavity

A simple unstable resonator cavity using flat optics which provides a nonannular low-divergence output beam from a large mode volume is described. The resonator uses as output the "spillover" from a walkoff mode established between a pair of tilted flat mirrors; this also allows continuous adjustability of the output coupling. An extra pass of this spillover output through the gain medium helps to provide a saturated output. Results obtained using this resonator on a CO 2 oscillator are described.
Information technology for the treatment of diabetes: improving outcomes and controlling costs.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes in particular presents an ideal opportunity for the incorporation of information technology (IT) in the provision of care. The disease is highly prevalent in managed care populations, is frequently associated with comorbid conditions, and requires multiple medications in its management. Furthermore, effective diabetes care involves the monitoring of several measures of disease control, such as hemoglobin A1c (A1c) and lipid levels, by several different levels of providers, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and dieticians. All of these factors combined make diabetes an opportune disease state for a case study of the implementation of health information technology (HIT) in managed care. OBJECTIVE: To review practical applications of HIT for improving the delivery of care in diabetes management. SUMMARY: Between 1990 and 2002, the incidence of type 2 diabetes increased by 61% in the United States. The total costs associated with diabetes have been increasing since the late 1970s as well, with a more dramatic rise over the last 10 years. In fact, the total cost of diabetes in the United States will approach $200 billion per year by the year 2020. In order to improve diabetes management efforts nation wide, the goal of glucoselowering therapy has been recommended to lower the hemoglobin A1c (A1c) to < 7% and keep it below that level long term. Other measures beyond A1c levels have also been identified as being important components to effective diabetes management and incorporated into national treatment recommendations, providing an ideal opportunity for the incorporation of HIT interventions. These interventions have been aimed at 3 different groups of stakeholders in managed care: payers, providers, and patients. CONCLUSIONS: While uncontrolled diabetes remains a major concern in managed care from both a health and a cost perspective, implementation of information technology enabled diabetes management (ITDM) has demonstrated significant potential for improving processes of care, preventing the development of diabetic complications, and generating cost savings. ITDM improves the synthesis of information, the delivery of knowledge, and the efficiency of communication, allowing for coordination of care across delivery teams. Of the existing technologies targeting providers, patients, and payers, providercentered interventions, such as diabetes registries currently show the most potential for benefit in improving outcomes and reducing costs.
Dialysis and hemoperfusion in poisoning

The treatment of serious drug or chemical poisoning relies mostly on the use of standard intensive care measures. Supplementation of intensive care with dialysis and hemoperfusion may be necessary at times to remove the intoxicant in seriously ill patients. Factors governing drug and chemical removal by dialysis and hemoperfusion are discussed, and guidelines given when to employ these techniques. Tables of drugs removed by both techniques are given for guidance. These tables will be updated regularly on the Advances in Renal Replacement Therapy website.
Strategic Management in General Electric

This paper describes how the strategic planning functions currently operate in the General Electric Company.
β-naphthoflavone induction of CYP1A in brain of juvenile lake trout(Salvelinus namaycush Walbaum)

Many environmental pollutants induce expression of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A subfamily of genes. We integrated cellular and molecular biological techniques to examine the effects of β-naphthoflavone (BNF) exposure in lake trout brain CYP1A distribution and dynamics. Over a 32-day time-course, real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) results showed that CYP1A mRNA induction in response to BNF exposure occurred rapidly and continued to rise in the BNF-treated lake trout after 4 h, with a peak at or after 2 days. Messenger RNA levels fell after 4 days, and this trend continued after 16 days of exposure. In situ hybridization indicated that CYP1A mRNA was universally elevated in the brain of BNF-exposed fish and was mainly expressed in the endothelia and occasionally in the glial cells. CYP1A immunoreactivity was induced in the olfactory bulb and valvula cerebelli of BNF-treated fish. Other brain areas showed constitutive CYP1A immunoreactivity in both control and BNF-treated fish. Some BNF-treated fish contained multifocal hemorrhages in the brain tissue, and these fish had overall depressed CYP1A immunoreactivity in the brain. The relationship between transcriptional and translational effects of BNF exposure in the brain of juvenile lake trout is discussed.
Mixed polarized constructions

We consider Plotkin-type constructions that perform a multi-step recursive decomposition of a given code into the shorter codes and are similar to polar and Reed-Muller RM codes. However, we end this decomposition process at the various short codes instead of the single information bits used as end nodes in polar design. We also employ maximum likelihood ML decoding of the end codes. Such a design can reduce the output error rates of polarised constructions on the moderate blocklengths. We also analyse the complexity-performance trade-offs in order to optimise code design.
Effect of Solvent Quality on the Friction Forces Between Polymer Brushes

We have used the surface forces apparatus to measure the structural and frictional force profiles between opposing, solvated brush layers as a function of temperature. Two different polyvinylpyridine-polystyrene [PVP-PS] diblock copolymers were used to make PS brushes. The molecular weights (in thousands) of these PVP-PS materials were [114/103]k, [30/70]k, respectively. Structural and frictional force profiles in toluene and cyclohexane were measured, and the cyclohexane experiments were conducted at temperatures ranging from the theta-point to 50 C. In toluene the PS brushes needed to be compressed to ∼1/5th of their equilibrium height before frictional forces were measured, but this onset of frictional forces was detected at a much lower level of compression in near-theta cyclohexane. In cyclohexane the structural force profiles were basically insensitive to the temperature change, but the frictional forces depended strongly on the solvent temperature. When the cyclohexane temperature was raised, the onset of frictional forces decreased toward the good-solvent onset. We also discuss the dependence of frictional force on shearing parameters.
An agent-based modeling optimization approach for understanding behavior of engineered complex adaptive systems

Abstract The objective of this study is to present a formal agent-based modeling (ABM) platform that enables managers to predict and partially control patterns of behaviors in certain engineered complex adaptive systems (ECASs). The approach integrates social networks, social science, complex systems, and diffusion theory into a consumer-based optimization and agent-based modeling (ABM) platform. Demonstrated on the U.S. electricity markets, ABM is integrated with normative and subjective decision behavior recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Furthermore, the modeling and solution methodology address shortcomings in previous ABM and Transactive Energy (TE) approaches and advances our ability to model and understand ECAS behaviors through computational intelligence. The mathematical approach is a non-convex consumer-based optimization model that is integrated with an ABM in a game environment.
Studies of heat-inducible λ mutants: II. Production of C1 Product by superinfecting λ+ in heat-inducible lysogens

Abstract When a λCI+ bacteriophage infects a lysogenic bacterium containing a heat-in -ducible λ prophage, the lysogen becomes heat resistant. Heat resistance is taken to indicate the presence of a heat-stable product of the CI+ gene. Some bacteria of a heat-sensitive culture are heat resistant 3 minutes after the addition of a CI+ phage. Twelve minutes after superinfection, most of the superinfected bacteria are heat resistant. Heat-inducible lysogens superinfected with λCI+ segregate progeny that are not induced at 43 ° although they no longer contain the CI+ gene. The persistence of heat resistance in lysogens several generations removed from the superinfected cell suggests that the λCI+ product is a stable substance. A single superinfecting λ+ genome can prevent heat induction of a lysogen that contains several heat-inducible prophages. It is proposed that the substance that prevents induction of λ is an oligomer of several molecules of CI product. One or more heat-stable subunits are assumed to prevent heat inactivation of an oligomer containing one or more subunits of heat-labile CI product.
Estimating Breast Thickness for Dual-Energy Subtraction in Contrast-Enhanced Digital Mammography: A Theoretical Model

Dual-energy contrast-enhanced digital mammography DE CE-DM images the perfusion and vasculature of the breast using an iodinated contrast agent. High-energy HE and low-energy LE images of the breast are acquired; the DE image is obtained by a weighted logarithmic subtraction of the image pair. We hypothesized that the optimal DE subtraction weighting factor, w, is dependent on three parameters: breast thickness, kV, and filter material. We simulated the attenuation of x-rays through breasts of thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 10i¾?cm using different filter and kV combinations. The glandularity of the phantom for a given thickness was varied using different combinations of adipose and glandular tissues. We calculated the logarithm of the LE and HE signal intensities. For a given kV-filter pair, the signals decrease with increasing tissue thickness and glandularity. The DE weighting factor is thickness-dependent, and it decreases with increasing energy difference between the LE-HE kV pairs. These results facilitate the subtraction of tissue in the periphery of the breast, and aid in discriminating between contrast agent uptake in glandular tissue and subtraction artefacts.
Ultra-high charge storage capacity ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate thin films for gigabit-scale DRAM's

This paper describes an investigation of thickness scaling of sol gel-derived ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films that demonstrates the highest charge storage capacity (220 fC/ mu m/sup 2/ for a 1.5 V voltage swing) ever reported, low leakage current density ( >
A.2. Die Alleinherrschaft des Demoteles auf Samos

There is now an overwhelming consensus in favor of the view that the monarchy attested for Demoteles on Samos was a tyranny. The key piece of evidence, however, is ambiguous. When interpreted one way, another solution is equally probable, and when interpreted another way, this other solution alone is possible.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of graphene chemistry: a graphene hydrogenation prototype study.

The thermodynamic and kinetic controls of graphene chemistry are studied computationally using a graphene hydrogenation reaction and polyaromatic hydrocarbons to represent the graphene surface. Hydrogen atoms are concertedly chemisorped onto the surface of graphene models of different shapes (i.e., all-zigzag, all-armchair, zigzag-armchair mixed edges) and sizes (i.e., from 16–42 carbon atoms). The second-order Z-averaged perturbation theory (ZAPT2) method combined with Pople double and triple zeta basis sets are used for all calculations. It is found that both the net enthalpy change and the barrier height of graphene hydrogenation at graphene edges are lower than at their interior surfaces. While the thermodynamic product distribution is mainly determined by the remaining π-islands of functionalized graphenes (Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2013, 15, 3725–3735), the kinetics of the reaction is primarily correlated with the localization of the electrostatic potential of the graphene surface.
Dryland Farming: Concept, Origin and Brief History

Rainfed agriculture is used to describe farming practices that rely solely on precipitation for water. Although dryland farming is a part of rainfed farming, it occurs primarily in semiarid areas where annual precipitation is generally less than 25–50 % of the potential evapotranspiration demands. Therefore, dryland farming emphasizes water conservation, sustainable crop yields, limited inputs, and wind and water conservation restraints. Because of increased environmental concerns and the threat of recent climatic abnormalities, the challenges are to increase resilience and maintain sustainability of dryland farming. There are no standard guidelines that can be applied to determine the sustainability of dryland farming regions because it largely depends on local climatic conditions as well as regulations and policies at local, regional, and national levels. However, the adoption of conservation agriculture that is based on continuous minimum mechanical soil disturbance, permanent organic soil-cover, and diversification of crop species grown in sequences and/or associations should be applied to the fullest extent feasible in all dryland farming systems.
An efficient intrusion detection scheme for cluster based AMI networks

Advanced Metering Infrastructure; it is an imperative component of the smart grid and a responsible ingredient to collecting, measuring and analyzing energy usage data which is transmitted to concentrator and control centre on utility side. The security of advanced metering infrastructure is one of the most concerning issue in smart grid implementation. Advanced Metering Infrastructure exhibits different types of security threats — like the privacy violations; altering pricing values; injecting false readings; denial of service and other kinds of malicious attacks. Such attacks always put down performance of smart grid system along with fiscal loss; causing failures; suspension of operations and create distrust between users and utilities. In this paper, state estimation based clustered framework is proposed for advanced metering infrastructure that is composed of smart meters, cluster head and vice cluster head. A Cluster head is responsible to collect data of smart meters from cluster and forward it to control centre, where trust value is evaluated by using state estimation method. Based on trust values, cluster of smart meter is declared by cluster head while malicious meters are kicked out. Meanwhile, vice cluster head concept is used to monitor the communication behavior of cluster head. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed security scheme could prevent and detect malicious meter with high probability and success.
CHARACTERISTICS, RISK FACTORS & OUTCOMES OF EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION USE IN THE PEDIATRIC CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Background: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is used to support pediatric patients with medical and surgical cardiac disease. We aimed to characterize ECMO use across a multicenter cohort. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4) clinical
Do patient-reported quality-of-life responses in melanoma patients vary by stage?

e20007 Background: Quality of life (QOL) has been shown to predict treatment response, health-related expenditures, work productivity, and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine difference...
First case of vaccine-strain varicella infection as manifestation of HIV in healthcare worker: a case report and review of the literature

Live-attenuated varicella vaccination is safe in non-immunocompromised populations and is associated with rare non-serious adverse events. A healthcare worker (HCW) developed varicella infection, and exposure investigation led to immunization against varicella in an exposed non-immune HCW. Subsequently, vaccine-strain-induced disseminated varicella and progressive outer retinal necrosis in the exposed HCW resulted in identification of undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection. This article reviews serious adverse events from varicella vaccination, and extreme caution is advised prior to live vaccination of HCWs.
Thermal Stability of Nanocrystalline Ti6Al4V Produced by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment

A pollution-free nanocrystalline layer was prepared on the surface of Ti6Al4V by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The nanocrystalline samples were vacuum annealed at various temperatures and for different periods of time. The microstructure and thermal stability were characterized by X-ray (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the nanocrystalline Ti6Al4V presented a satisfactory thermal stability with the annealed temperature below 650°C. The critical growth temperature for nanocrystalline Ti6Al4V is 100°C higher than that for pure titanium.
The Time Estimation Skills of Students with Emotional Handicaps: A Comparison.

A nonexperimental comparison of the time estimation skills of 16 seventh grade male students with emotional handicaps with those of their nonhandicapped peers was conducted. Results indicate that students with emotional handicaps exhibit significantly poorer time estimation skills than do their nonhandicapped peers. Implications for future research needs and educational practice are presented. The acquisition of general time-telling skills, like most other cognitive processes, proceeds in a logical developmental sequence (Barabasz, 1973; Bateman, 1968; Levin, 1979; Levin & Gilat, 1983; Levin, Israeli, & Darom, 1978). When considering estimation of time skills, how ever, some investigators have reported variations in the time sequences exhibited by mem bers of different cultures (Anderson, Burd, Dodd, & Kelker, 1980; Burd, Dodd, & Grassel, 1981; Demsey, 1971) and socioeconomic classes (Pollack, Ochberg, & Meyer, 1969). For example, Anderson et al. (1980) compared American Indians and Caucasians and found significant differences in their abilities to estimate time sequences. Researchers have compared the time estimation skills of elementary-aged nonhandi capped children with those of children with learning disabilities (Burd, Dodd, & Fisher, 1984; Dodd, Griswold, Smith, & Burd, 1985; Forer & Keogh, 1971; Hayes, Hynd, & Wisenbaker, 1986; Lorsback & Gray, 1985), children who exhibit hyperactivity (Cappella, Gentile, & Juliano, 1977), and children with emotional handicaps (Francis, 1988). Francis reported that elementary-aged children with emotional handicaps scored significantly lower on a measure of time estimation skills compared to those of nonhandicapped children. This finding was consistent with the findings of studies involving students with learning disabilities and stu dents who exhibit hyperactivity. The results of these studies suggest that some children with mild handicaps may have poorer time estimation skills than nonhandicapped children. Researchers, however, have failed to further their investigations of children's time esti mation skills to that of adolescents with learning disabilities or emotional handicaps. This in formation, when combined with the findings from research with younger children, would help to clarify whether or not some students with mild handicaps exhibit poor time estimation skills. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to compare the time estimation skills of adolescents with emotional handicaps with those of nonhandicapped adolescents using the Functional Time Estimation Questionnaire (Dodd, Burd, & Cook, 1990).
Prehabilitation for the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Patient

Abstract Background: Prehabilitation proposes that broad health interventions at the time of decision for surgery will improve the patient's starting functional status and therefore recovery. Methods: The impact of preoperative exercise, preoperative nutrition, smoking cessation, alcohol cessation, anemia, and psychological support were reviewed. Results: Interventions to improve the patient's underlying health typically improve recovery, although the duration and intensity necessary for meaningful surgical recovery benefit need further study. Conclusions: Preoperative health interventions may improve recovery in the postoperative period and patient health years later.
Library Improvement Through Data Analytics, by S. J. Farmer and Alan M. Safer: Chicago: Neal-Schuman, 2016, 174 pp., ISBN:978-0-8389-1425-0, $75.00.

Libraries are awash in data. In Library Improvement Through Data Analytics, Dr. Lesley Farmer and Dr. Alan Safer, both renowned researchers and authors, provide a useable rubric for successfully co...
Principles and Practice of Anesthetic Management in the Gravid Patient Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

The gravid patient undergoing surgery for an abdominal procedure presents several unique challenges with regard to anesthetic management. To properly care for the parturient and her fetus, it is imperative that the practitioner has a detailed understanding of how the physiological alterations of pregnancy alter anesthetic management, and how anesthetics can affect the fetus. Recommendations will be provided for the provision of safe anesthetic care to the parturient and her fetus during the perioperative period.
Conjuring Three Queens and an Empress: The Philosophy of Enchantment in Margaret Cavendish’s Blazing World

Carole Levin’s influential book, The Heart and Stomach of a King: Elizabeth I and the Politics of Sex and Power, broke new ground for better understanding the Tudor period on the topic of queenship and gender. The compelling argument of that volume and its subsequent popularity helped point other scholars toward the enduring cultural reverberations of Queen Elizabeth’s influence on subsequent seventeenth-century writers. The Tudor monarch’s continued sway is certainly discernable in the literary endeavors of Margaret Lucas Cavendish (ca. 1623–1673), an extraordinarily prolific English poet and natural philosopher. This essay explores how Cavendish crafted elements of Elizabeth I’s Golden and Tilbury speeches to dramatize and advance key aspects of her theory of Nature.
Lawyers, Marijuana, and Ethics

As state marijuana lawyers have dramatically changed in recent years, more and more lawyers have asked state ethics authorities for guidance about how these changes in the legal landscape impact the ethical obligations of and limitations on lawyers. May lawyers in a state that has decriminalized marijuana, for example, advise and assist clients engaged in marijuana-related businesses such as growing, distribution, or selling marijuana in conformity with state law? Some state supreme courts have amended their ethics rules specifically to answer such questions. In other states, ethics authorities such as the state bar have issued opinions addressing them. In still other states, ethics authorities have yet to provide any guidance at all. We review the guidance state ethics authorities have offered so far to their lawyers about how to practice ethically under the new marijuana regimes found now in more than half of the American states.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Affects Tibiofemoral Joint Congruency During Dynamic Functional Movement.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been shown to alter kinematics, which may influence dynamic tibiofemoral joint congruency (a measure of how well the bone surfaces fit together). This may lead to abnormal loading of cartilage and joint degeneration. However, joint congruency after ACLR has never been investigated.Hypotheses:The ACLR knee will be more congruent than the contralateral uninjured knee, and dynamic congruency will increase over time after ACLR. Side-to-side differences (SSD) in dynamic congruency will be related to cartilage contact location/area and subchondral bone curvatures.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:The authors examined 43 patients who underwent unilateral ACLR. At 6 months and 24 months after ACLR, patients performed downhill running on a treadmill while synchronized biplane radiographs were acquired at 150 images per second. Dynamic tibiofemoral kinematic values were determined by use of a validated volumetric model-based tracking pr...
Statistical Power for the Comparative Regression Discontinuity Design With a Pretest No-Treatment Control Function: Theory and Evidence From the National Head Start Impact Study

The basic regression discontinuity design (RDD) has less statistical power than a randomized control trial (RCT) with the same sample size. Adding a no-treatment comparison function to the basic RDD creates a comparative RDD (CRD); and when this function comes from the pretest value of the study outcome, a CRD-Pre design results. We use a within-study comparison (WSC) to examine the power of CRD-Pre relative to both basic RDD and RCT. We first build the theoretical foundation for power in CRD-Pre, then derive the relevant variance formulae, and finally compare them to the theoretical RCT variance. We conclude from this theoretical part of this article that (1) CRD-Pre's power gain depends on the partial correlation between the pretest and posttest measures after conditioning on the assignment variable, (2) CRD-Pre is less responsive than basic RDD to how the assignment variable is distributed and where the cutoff is located, and (3) under a variety of conditions, the efficiency of CRD-Pre is very close to that of the RCT. Data from the National Head Start Impact Study are then used to construct RCT, RDD, and CRD-Pre designs and to compare their power. The empirical results indicate (1) a high level of correspondence between the predicted and obtained power results for RDD and CRD-Pre relative to the RCT, and (2) power levels in CRD-Pre and RCT that are very close. The study is unique among WSCs for its focus on the correspondence between RCT and observational study standard errors rather than means.
A Formula of Gauss-Kummer and the Trace of Certain Intertwining Operators

In our opinion one of the most interesting aspects of the orbit method is the occurrence of “independence of polarization”. From the perspective of geometric quantization, given two transverse polarizations, one may set up a formal kernel operator which then intertwines the two corresponding quantizations. This has been referred to as the BKS kernel. See e.g. [Sn], § 5. For the case of real polarizations of a coadjoint orbit of a nilpotent Lie group this more or less comes down to the Fourier transform. However for hyperbolic coadjoint orbits of a semisimple Lie group one may easily relax the condition of transversality and then the transforms become the well-known and well-studied intertwining operators associated to the spherical principal series. As one knows these operators are parameterized by elements of the Weyl group. The particular case when the polarizations are transverse corresponds to the long element of the Weyl group. In this paper we find that an analytic continuation of this operator is traceable and an expression for the trace relates to a known formula of Gauss-Kummer for hyper geometric series.
The Geography of 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has existed since the 1980s. Since then, the innovation has spread and many companies are working on new applications or new 3D printing machines. In some ways, 3D printing is flexible because the machines can produce items in almost any location, this has been considered an advantage that can reduce logistics cost. Linked to this, one might also expect that 3D printers can be developed in different environments. This study is focused on the geography of 3D printing by examining the location of 3D printing companies. The analysis focuses on the main industrial 3D printing companies and examines where companies are located and whether some countries have a higher concentration of companies. It is found that the main companies that produce industrial 3D printers are located in only 12 countries, that the majority of companies is relatively young, and that about 20% were academic spin-offs.
Brownian bubble router: enabling deadlock freedom via guaranteed forward progress

Deadlocks are a bane for network designers, be it a Network on Chip (NoC) in a multi-core or a large scale HPC/datacenter network. A routing deadlock occurs when there is a cyclic dependence between the buffers of network routers. Most modern systems avoid deadlocks by placing routing restrictions or adding extra virtual channels, in turn hurting performance and adding overhead respectively. In this work, we demonstrate that instead of placing such restrictions, we can, in fact, design routers to themselves guarantee deadlock-freedom, by (i) ensuring that every router always has at least one bubble (i.e., free buffer slot) at any input port, and (ii) this bubble pro-actively moves between input ports. We call this a Brownian Bubble Router (BBR). A BBR guarantees forward progress in any network topology, without requiring any routing restrictions or additional virtual channels. With our BBR design we provide 4× better throughput over state of art deadlock recovery schemes and 40% better throughput over traditional deadlock avoidance schemes in a 8×8 Mesh at negligible area and power overheads.
Chapter 10 – Advanced Max-Min Problems

This chapter discusses projects with advanced max-min problems, such as geometric optimization projects. The distance between lines, between curves, between a curve and a surface is a multidimensional minimization problem. “The distance” means the shortest distance as the points vary over both objects. Most calculus books do not treat this topic because the solution of the equations resulting in the critical point step is too hard to do by hand. The computer can help solve these deep geometrical problems. The linear cases of these distance problems can usually be solved with vector geometry and justified by Pythagorean Theorem, but it is worthwhile seeing the calculus solutions even in these cases.
Automatic detection of graticule isocenter and scale from kV and MV images

Purpose To automate the detection of isocenter and scale of the mechanical graticule on kilo-voltage (kV) or mega-voltage (MV) films or electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images. Methods We developed a robust image processing approach to automatically detect isocenter and scale of mechanical graticule from digitized kV or MV films and EPID images. After a series of preprocessing steps applied to the digital images, a combination of Hough transform and Radon transform was performed to detect the graticule axes and isocenter. The magnification of the graticule was automatically detected by solving an optimization problem using golden section search and parabolic interpolation algorithm. Tick marks of the graticule were then determined by extending from isocenter along the graticule axes with multiples of the magnification value. This approach was validated using 23 kV films, 26 MV films, and 91 EPID images in different anatomical sites (head-and-neck, thorax, and pelvis). Accuracy was measured by comparing computer detected results with manually selected results. Results The proposed approach was robust for kV and MV films of varying image quality. The isocenter was detected within 1 mm for 98% of the images. The exceptions were three kV films where the graticule was not actually visible. Of all images with correct isocenter detection, 99% had a magnification detection error less than 1% and tick mark detection error less than 1 mm, with the exception of 1 kV film (magnification error: 3.17%; tick mark error: 1.29 mm) and 1 MV film (magnification error: 0.45%; tick mark error: 1.11 mm). Conclusion We developed an approach to robustly and automatically detect graticule isocenter and scale from two-dimensionla (2D) kV and MV films. This is a first step toward automated treatment planning based on 2D x-ray images.
Personality and Self

The article seeks to integrate personality and social psychology in a manner that enriches both, particularly with reference to the self and its processes. It is suggested that the typical approach to personality assessment must somewhat necessarily be assessing variations in people's self-concepts and that the beliefs assessed are likely to be generalized (i.e., not very contextual) in nature. Such generalized views of the self will have predictive value, but also predictive limitations. It is further suggested that social psychological views of how personality traits operate may have considerable merit, although there are several ways in which the personality trait literature counters or at least qualifies assumptions made in the social psychology literature. Overall, the personality–self interface appears to be a particularly generative one in understanding individual differences and how they function.
Modeling Clinical Processes to Consent Research Donors of Remnant Biospecimens in an Outpatient Cardiology Clinic.

Introduction: Informed consent for research biospecimen donations is traditionally obtained through a face-to-face interaction with research staff and by signing an Institutional Review Board (IRB)...
The effect of repeated episodic future thinking on the relative reinforcing value of snack food

Obesity is related to delay discounting and relative reinforcing value of food. Episodic future thinking reduces delay discounting after one engagement. The effects of repeated engagement in episod...
Direct observation of density gradients in ICF capsule implosions via streaked Refraction Enhanced Radiography (RER)

Abstract We have performed refraction enhanced radiography (RER) measurements of indirect drive layered high density carbon capsule implosions relevant for inertial confinement fusion. Streaked RER data using a 5 µm wide imaging slit, backlit by a 7.8 keV Ni He-α laser driven x-ray source, shows features due to inflight density gradients in the ablator and fuel ice that are not visible in absorption only radiographs. To avoid motional blurring at smaller in-flight radii, we concentrate our probe to the main compression and N+1 shock phases. During the main compression phase, both simulations and data show fringes consistent with steep density gradients. During the later N+1 shock phase we see loss of fringes and hence infer less fuel compression than simulated, that may be caused by ice-ablator mix. Quantitative analysis shows that at the ablation front during the main compression phase, the simulated density differential agrees with the data, but the inferred scale length is 50% longer than simulated. During the N+1 shock phase, the data shows 2x higher ablation front density than simulated for similar scale lengths that may be affected by data cross talk with the reduced fuel compression at the ice-ablator interface.
Impact of gastroesophageal reflux on longitudinal lung function and quantitative computed tomography in the COPDGene cohort.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbidity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been associated with increased risk of acute exacerbations, hospitalization, emergency room visits, costs, and quality-of-life impairment. However, it remains unclear whether GERD contributes to the progression of COPD as measured by lung function or computed tomography. To determine the impact of GERD on longitudinal changes in lung function and radiographic lung disease in the COPDGene cohort. We evaluated 5728 participants in the COPDGene cohort who completed Phase I (baseline) and Phase II (5-year follow-up) visits. GERD status was based on participant-reported physician diagnoses. We evaluated associations between GERD and annualized changes in lung function [forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) metrics of airway disease and emphysema using multivariable regression models. These associations were further evaluated in the setting of GERD treatment with proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) and/or histamine-receptor 2 blockers (H2 blockers). GERD was reported by 2101 (36.7%) participants at either Phase I and/or Phase II. GERD was not associated with significant differences in slopes of FEV1 (difference of − 2.53 mL/year; 95% confidence interval (CI), − 5.43 to 0.37) or FVC (difference of − 3.05 mL/year; 95% CI, − 7.29 to 1.19), but the odds of rapid FEV1 decline of ≥40 mL/year was higher in those with GERD (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.20; 95%CI, 1.07 to 1.35). Participants with GERD had increased progression of QCT-measured air trapping (0.159%/year; 95% CI, 0.054 to 0.264), but not other QCT metrics such as airway wall area/thickness or emphysema. Among those with GERD, use of PPI and/or H2 blockers was associated with faster decline in FEV1 (difference of − 6.61 mL/year; 95% CI, − 11.9 to − 1.36) and FVC (difference of − 9.26 mL/year; 95% CI, − 17.2 to − 1.28). GERD was associated with faster COPD disease progression as measured by rapid FEV1 decline and QCT-measured air trapping, but not by slopes of lung function. The magnitude of the differences was clinically small, but given the high prevalence of GERD, further investigation is warranted to understand the potential disease-modifying role of GERD in COPD pathogenesis and progression. NCT00608764 .
Projecting the Temporal Evolution of Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Production Sites

Many recent studies have reported methane emissions from oil and gas production regions, often reporting results as a methane emission intensity (methane emitted as a percentage of natural gas produced or methane produced). Almost all of these studies have been instantaneous snapshots of methane emissions; however, total methane emissions from a production site and the methane emission intensity would be expected to evolve over time. A detailed site-level methane emission estimation model is used to estimate the temporal evolution of methane emissions and the methane emission intensity for a variety of well configurations with and without emission mitigation measures in place. The general pattern predicted is that total emissions decrease over time as production declines. Methane emission intensity shows complex behavior because production-dependent emissions decline at different rates and some emissions do not decline over time. Prototypical uncontrolled wet gas wells can have approximately half of their emissions over a 10 year period occur in the first year; instantaneous wellsite methane emission intensities range over a factor of 3 (0.62-2.00%) in the same period, with a 10 year production weighted-average lifecycle methane emission intensity of 0.79%. Including emission control in the form of a flare can decrease the average lifecycle methane emission intensity to 0.23%. Emissions from liquid unloadings, which are observed in subsets of wells, can increase the lifecycle methane emission intensity by up to a factor of 2-3, between 1.2 and 2.3%, depending on the characteristics of the unloadings. Emissions from well completion flowbacks raise the average lifecycle methane emission intensity from 0.79 to 0.81% for flowbacks with emission controls; for flowbacks with uncontrolled emissions, lifecycle methane emissions increase to 1.26%. Dry gas and oil wells show qualitatively similar temporal behavior but different absolute emission rates.
Prioritize care for a more resilient future.

The pandemic is causing prolonged stress to our social connections, with major adverse consequences to individual and societal health. As a group-living, cooperative species, we need policies of communal care for a more equitable, resilient future, argues Robin Nelson.
Cancer risk in normal-weight individuals with metabolic obesity: A narrative review.

Obesity represents one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide. Current clinical practice relies on body mass index (BMI) to define the obesity status of an individual, even though the index has long been recognized for its limitations as a measure of body fat. In normal BMI individuals, increased central adiposity has been associated with worse health outcomes, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. The condition leading to these outcomes has been described as metabolic obesity in the normal weight (MONW). More recent evidence suggests that MONW is associated with increased risk of several obesity-related malignancies, including postmenopausal breast, endometrial, colorectal, and liver cancers. In MONW patients, the false reassurance of a normal range BMI can lead to lost opportunities for implementing preventive interventions that may benefit a substantial number of people. A growing body of literature has documented the increased risk profile of MONW individuals and demonstrated practical uses for body composition and biochemical analyses to identify this at-risk population. In this review, we survey the current literature on MONW and cancer, summarize pathophysiology and oncogenic mechanisms, highlight potential strategies for diagnosis and treatment, and suggest directions for future research.
Evasive entrepreneurship: Circumventing and exploiting institutional impediments for new profit opportunity in an emerging market.

Evasive entrepreneurship (circumvention and exploitation of institutions by entrepreneurs) is a prevalent practice in many developing economies. Extant literature on the topic falls short of providing adequate theories to explain its triggers, mechanisms, and consequences. Leveraging extensive survey data from the World Bank, we used structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between evasive entrepreneurial behavior—tax evasion and bribery—and the relative payoff of such practices. Of the 2599 Nigerian entrepreneurs in our sample, the majority admitted to engaging in evasive entrepreneurship. The data suggest that institutional factors thought to constrain entrepreneurship in emerging markets are counter-intuitively perceived by founders as opportunities to earn large rents and improve firm performance. Our results emphasize the urgent need to eliminate institutional constraints that paradoxically enable the growth of evasive entrepreneurship in emerging economies. Our results also suggest that prevailing local conventions involving evasive behavior may motivate nascent entrepreneurs to imitate bribery and tax evasion, normalizing malfeasance as ‘best practice.’