cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Confuzzling Rhetoric Against New Copyright Exceptions

In recent years, Australia, Canada, the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom and other members of the European Union have been busy exploring ways to modernize their copyright laws. In many of these jurisdictions, new copyright exceptions have been introduced or proposed to promote internet users’ access to digital content. Meanwhile, the copyright industries remain adamantly opposed to introducing these exceptions.Published in the inaugural issue of Kritika, this article scrutinizes seven of the industries’ most widely used arguments. Drawing on examples from digital copyright reform in Hong Kong and other jurisdictions, the article explains why the industries’ arguments have thus far been unconvincing. It also calls on policymakers and legislators to critically evaluate these arguments, lest they lead to wrong policy choices that harm internet users and the public at large.
MUTANT GENES IN FAMILIAL ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND TRANSGENIC MODELS

The most common cause of dementia occurring in mid- to late-life is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Some cases of AD, particularly those of early onset, are familial and inherited as autosomal dominant disorders linked to the presence of mutant genes that encode the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or the presenilins (PS1 or PS2). These mutant gene products cause dysfunction/death of vulnerable populations of nerve cells important in memory, higher cognitive processes, and behavior. AD affects 7-10% of individuals > 65 years of age and perhaps 40% of individuals > 80 years of age. For the late-onset cases, the principal risk factors are age and apolipoprotein (apoE) allele type, with apoE4 allele being a susceptibility factor. In this review, we briefly discuss the clinical syndrome of AD and the neurobiology/neuropathology of the disease and then focus attention on mutant genes linked to autosomal dominant familial AD (FAD), the biology of the proteins encoded by these genes, and the recent exciting progress in investigations of genetically engineered animal models that express these mutant genes and develop some features of AD.
BUSINESS ANALYTICS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN: A DYNAMIC-CAPABILITIES FRAMEWORK

Supply chain management has become more important as an academic topic due to trends in globalization leading to massive reallocation of production related advantages. Because of the massive amount of data that is generated in the global economy, new tools need to be developed in order to manage and analyze the data, as well as to monitor organizational performance worldwide. This paper proposes a framework of business analytics for supply chain analytics (SCA) as IT-enabled, analytical dynamic capabilities composed of data management capability, analytical supply chain process capability, and supply chain performance management capability. This paper also presents a dynamic-capabilities view of SCA and extensively describes a set of its three capabilities: data management capability, analytical supply chain process capability, and supply chain performance management capability. Next, using the SCM best practice, sales & operations planning (S&OP), the paper demonstrates opportunities to apply SCA in an integrated way. In discussing the implications of the proposed framework, finally, the paper examines several propositions predicting the positive impact of SCA and its individual capability on SCM performance.
Activation cues and force scaling methods for virtual fixtures

Previous work has shown that virtual fixtures applied to cooperative manipulation systems improve performance in tracking tasks. However, if a user wishes to move away from the nominal path, the stiffness of the virtual fixture should be adjusted to increase the level of user control. Our experiments show that modifying the stiffness of a soft virtual fixture can improve a user's performance, measured by position error and execution time, for a task where the user targets a point off the nominal path. Three methods of changing the stiffness of the virtual fixture were tested: on/off toggle, linear fade, and constant force hold. In addition, we considered three methods of activating the stiffness change: explicit, implicit, and automatic. User trials revealed that several combinations of stiffness scaling and activation methods significantly reduced position errors when compared to no stiffness adjustment.
Hepatitis C Virus entry: the early steps in the viral replication cycle

Approximately 170 million are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) world wide and an estimated 2.7 million are HCV RNA positive in the United States alone. The acute phase of the HCV infection, in majority of individuals, is asymptomatic. A large percentage of those infected with HCV are unable to clear the virus and become chronically infected. The study of the HCV replication cycle was hampered due to difficulties in growing and propagating the virus in an in vitro setting. The advent of the HCV pseudo particle (HCVpp) and HCV cell culture (HCVcc) systems have made possible the study of the HCV replication cycle, in vitro. Studies utilizing the HCVpp and HCVcc systems have increased our insight into the early steps of the viral replication cycle of HCV, such as the identification of cellular co-receptors for binding and entry. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the outstanding literature on HCV entry, specifically looking at cellular co-receptors involved and putting the data in the context of the systems used (purified viral envelope proteins, HCVpp system, HCVcc system and/or patient sera) and to also give a brief description of the cellular co-receptors themselves.
ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY OF MAMMAL COMMUNITIES IN A FRAGMENTED TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST

We capitalized on the anthropogenic, large-scale ''experiment'' of defores- tation in the temperate rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State, USA, to test whether mammalian-community structure is significantly influenced by anthropogenic transformation of this landscape (principal macrohabitats include continuous, old-growth forest; old-growth corridors; old-growth fragments; second-growth forest; and clearcuts). Species richness of all non-volant mammals was lowest in second-growth forests, while richness of the eight forest-dependent species was lowest in clearcuts. Species composition of mammalian communities differed significantly among the five principal macrohabitats, as did environmental characteristics recorded at each survey site. These differences indicate that both natural and anthropogenic processes have resulted in the nonrandom assembly of mammalian communities in this transformed, temperate rain forest landscape. The effects of deforestation are significant, interpretable (based to a large degree on changes in local habitat), and persistent given that the structure of mammalian communities from mature second-growth forests (up to 80 yr post-harvest) have not con- verged on those from native, old-growth forests.
Novel optical micromanipulation and rotation in microfluidic environments

Optical micromanipulation and microfluidics offer an exciting opportunities for future studies. In this paper I will discuss work on integrated optical traps, actuating and rotating microfluidic components using form birefringence and studies of optical sorting
Relational Influences in Career Development A Qualitative Inquiry

This investigation examined the role of relationships with parents, siblings, and significant others in the career development process. Individual interviews were conducted to clarify the nature of these relationships and their association with career exploration and decision making. The narrative data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods as described by Hill, Thompson, and Williams. One of the most prominent factors in relational influence—particularly across the mother, father, and most important sibling domains—was the relationship as a multidimensional source of support. The results are discussed within the context of the core set of social support functions identified by Cutrona and Russell. Implications for theory and practice and directions for future research are offered.
Quality of life and pain in premenopausal women with major depressive disorder: The POWER Study

Whereas it is established that organic pain may induce depression, it is unclear whether pain is more common in healthy subjects with depression. We assessed the prevalence of pain in premenopausal women with major depression (MDD). Subjects were 21- to 45-year-old premenopausal women with MDD (N = 70; age: 35.4 +/- 6.6; mean +/- SD) and healthy matched controls (N = 36; age 35.4 +/- 6.4) participating in a study of bone turnover, the P.O.W.E.R. (P remenopausal, O steopenia/Osteoporosis, W omen, Ale ndronate, Depr ession) Study. Patients received a clinical assessment by a pain specialist, which included the administration of two standardized forms for pain, the Brief Pain Inventory – Short Form, and the Initial Pain Assessment Tool, and two scales of everyday stressors, the Hassles and Uplifts Scales. In addition, a quality-of-life instrument, the SF-36, was used. The diagnosis of MDD was established by a semi-structured interview, according to the DSM-IV criteria. Substance P (SP) and calcitonin-gene-related-peptide (CGRP), neuropeptides which are known mediators of pain, were measured every hour for 24 h in a subgroup of patients (N = 17) and controls (N = 14). Approximately one-half of the women with depression reported pain of mild intensity. Pain intensity was significantly correlated with the severity of depression (r2 = 0.076; P = 0.04) and tended to be correlated with the severity of anxiety, (r2 = 0.065; P = 0.07), and the number of depressive episodes (r2 = 0.072; P = 0.09). Women with MDD complained of fatigue, insomnia, and memory problems and experienced everyday negative stressors more frequently than controls. Quality of life was decreased in women with depression, as indicated by lower scores in the emotional and social well-being domains of the SF-36. SP (P < 0.0003) and CGRP (P < 0.0001) were higher in depressed subjects. Women with depression experienced pain more frequently than controls, had a lower quality of life, and complained more of daily stressors. Assessment of pain may be important in the clinical evaluation of women with MDD. SP and CGRP may be useful biological markers in women with MDD.
A new approach for direct observation of base width modulation in vertical bipolar transistors

A new DC measurement technique that allows direct observation of the forward and reverse Early effects is described. The technique employs a special test structure and is used to accurately determine the Early voltage parameters in the Gummel-Poon model. The improvements provided by this method over existing parameter extraction techniques are realized by using a direct measurement of the normalized base charge as a function of the emitter and collector junction biases. The new technique described here allows the Early voltage parameters to be extracted as a function of applied bias in a straightforward manner and is suitable for high volume measurements for statistical characterization and for process monitoring in an industrial setting.
SIMULATING DIFFUSION MODEL AND DETERMINING DIFFUSIVITY OF POTASSIUM SORBATE THROUGH PLASTICS TO DEVELOP ANTIMICROBIAL PACKAGING FILMS

A diffusion model was simulated by computer programming and diffusivities of potassium sorbate through various plastic films were determined by a lag time method. The simulation showed that partition coefficient affected the flux of total penetration but did not affect the lag time. Therefore, the lag time method is appropriate in determining diffusivity, using any value for the partition coefficient. The diffusivities of potassium sorbate were 1.83 × 10−8 cm2/s, 4.26 × 10−13 cm2/s, 4.65 × 10−13 cm2/s, and 5.47 × 10−13 cm2/s through low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, respectively at 25 C. Arrhenius equation shows very good fit between the diffusivity and the temperature by the linear regression analysis. D0 and Ea of potassium sorbate through LDPE film resulted in 1.98 × 10−6 cm2/s, and 11.83 KJ/mole K. The concentration of potassium sorbate was insignificant and did not contribute to the statistical model. This result verifies that the diffusion of potassium sorbate in LDPE film is typical case ofFickian diffusion.
TetR-Based Gene Regulation Systems for Francisella tularensis

There are a number of genetic tools available for studying Francisella tularensis, the etiological agent of tularemia; however, there is no effective inducible or repressible gene expression system. Here, we describe inducible and repressible gene expression systems for F. tularensis based on the Tet repressor, TetR. For the inducible system, a tet operator sequence was cloned into a modified F. tularensis groESL promoter sequence and carried in a plasmid that constitutively expressed TetR. To monitor regulation the luminescence operon, luxCDABE, was cloned under the hybrid Francisella tetracycline-regulated promoter (FTRp), and transcription was initiated with addition of anhydrotetracycline (ATc), which binds TetR and alleviates TetR association with tetO. Expression levels measured by luminescence correlated with ATc inducer concentrations ranging from 20 to 250 ng ml(-1). In the absence of ATc, luminescence was below the level of detection. The inducible system was also functional during the infection of J774A.1 macrophages, as determined by both luminescence and rescue of a mutant strain with an intracellular growth defect. The repressible system consists of FTRp regulated by a reverse TetR mutant (revTetR), TetR r1.7. Using this system with the lux reporter, the addition of ATc resulted in decreased luminescence, while in the absence of ATc the level of luminescence was not significantly different from that of a construct lacking TetR r1.7. Utilizing both systems, the essentiality of SecA, the protein translocase ATPase, was confirmed, establishing that they can effectively regulate gene expression. These two systems will be invaluable in exploring F. tularensis protein function.
On diffraction in a piezoelectric medium by a half-plane: the Sommerfeld problem

This paper is concerned with the diffraction problem in a transversely isotropic piezoelectric medium by a half-plane. The half-plane obstacle considered here is a semi-infinite slit, or a crack; both its surfaces are traction free and electric absorbent screens. In a generalized sense, we are dealing with the Sommerfeld problem in a piezoelectric medium.¶The coupled diffraction fields between acoustic wave and electric wave are excited by both incident acoustic wave as well as incident electric wave; and the sound soft and electric "blackness" conditions on the screens are characterized by a system of simultaneous Wiener-Hopf equations. Closed form solutions are sought by employing special techniques. Some interesting results have been obtained, such as mode conversions between acoustic wave and electric wave, novel diffraction patterns in the scattering fields, and the effect of electroacoustic head wave, as well as of surface wave-Bleustein-Gulyaev wave.¶Unlike the classical Sommerfeld problem, in which the only concern is the scattering field of electric wave, the strength of material, e.g. material toughness, is another concern here. From this perspective, relevant dynamic field intensity factors at the crack tip are derived explicitly.
Effects of Music Training on the Child's Brain and Cognitive Development

Research has revealed structural and functional differences in the brains of adult instrumental musicians compared to those of matched nonmusician controls, with intensity/duration of instrumental training and practice being important predictors of these differences. Nevertheless, the differential contributions of nature and nurture to these differences are not yet clear. The musician-nonmusician comparison is an ideal model for examining whether and, if so, where such functional and structural brain plasticity occurs, because musicians acquire and continuously practice a variety of complex motor, auditory, and multimodal skills (e.g., translating visually perceived musical symbols into motor commands while simultaneously monitoring instrumental output and receiving multisensory feedback). Research has also demonstrated that music training in children results in long-term enhancement of visual-spatial, verbal, and mathematical performance. However, the underlying neural bases of such enhancements and whether the intensity and duration of instrumental training or other factors, such as extracurricular activities, attention, motivation, or instructional methods can contribute to or predict these enhancements are yet unknown. Here we report the initial results from our studies examining the brain and cognitive effects of instrumental music training on young children in a longitudinal study and a cross-sectional comparison in older children. Further, we present a comparison of the results in these children's studies with observations from our cross-sectional studies with adults.
On a confusion about a function of consciousness.

Consciousness is a mongrel concept: there are a number of very different "consciousnesses." Phenomenal consciousness is experience; the phenomenally conscious aspect of a state is what it is like to be in that state. The mark of access-consciousness, by contrast, is availability for use in reasoning and rationally guiding speech and action. These concepts are often partly or totally conflated, with bad results. This target article uses as an example a form of reasoning about a function of "consciousness" based on the phenomenon of blindsight. Some information about stimuli in the blind field is represented in the brains of blindsight patients, as shown by their correct "guesses," but they cannot harness this information in the service of action, and this is said to show that a function of phenomenal consciousness is somehow to enable information represented in the brain to guide action. But stimuli in the blind field are BOTH access-unconscious and phenomenally unconscious. The fallacy is: an obvious function of the machinery of access-consciousness is illicitly transferred to phenomenal consciousness.
Polymerase η suppresses telomere defects induced by DNA damaging agents

Telomeres at chromosome ends are normally masked from proteins that signal and repair DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Bulky DNA lesions can cause DSBs if they block DNA replication, unless they are bypassed by translesion (TLS) DNA polymerases. Here, we investigated roles for TLS polymerase η, (polη) in preserving telomeres following acute physical UVC exposure and chronic chemical Cr(VI) exposure, which both induce blocking lesions. We report that polη protects against cytotoxicity and replication stress caused by Cr(VI), similar to results with ultraviolet C light (UVC). Both exposures induce ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase and polη accumulation into nuclear foci and localization to individual telomeres, consistent with replication fork stalling at DNA lesions. Polη-deficient cells exhibited greater numbers of telomeres that co-localized with DSB response proteins after exposures. Furthermore, the genotoxic exposures induced telomere aberrations associated with failures in telomere replication that were suppressed by polη. We propose that polη's ability to bypass bulky DNA lesions at telomeres is critical for proper telomere replication following genotoxic exposures.
Ubiquitous Computing in the Biology Laboratory

Our objective is to eliminate the digital divide that persists between the physical and information spaces of wet-lab based enterprises by embedding computational resources into the shared laborato...
Pastoral vocation: What shall we do now, and how?:

In her article, “Three Approaches to Practical Theology, Theological Education, and the Church’s Ministry,” Kathleen Cahalan develops Paul Lakeland’s three models of pastoral ministry for the chang...
The absence of the linker in double object contstructions in N|uu

The linker in N|uu appears before various types of nominal expressions, but not before the second object in a double object construction. Linkers in Khoisan language such as ?Hoan and Ju|?oansi do appear in this position. I will show that this property of the linker in N|uu is related to the fact that N|uu has a dative Case marker -a which appears after the first object of a DOC, whereas ?Hoan and Ju|?oansi do not.
RANDOM MATING IN THE NORTHERN FLICKER HYBRID ZONE: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EVOLUTION OF BRIGHT AND CONTRASTING PLUMAGE PATTERNS IN BIRDS.

The Red-shafted and Yellow-shafted Flickers hybridize in a narrow zone on the western Great Plains of North America. The two subspecies are markedly different in six plumage traits. Plumage phenotypes were scored for the male and female of 125 mated pairs from the hybrid zone. Correlation analyses revealed no tendency towards pairing of similar phenotypes. A binomial test was performed to determine whether flickers that have parental phenotypes and are presumably immigrants rather than hybrids tend to choose mates similar to themselves. This test again indicated random mating in the hybrid zone. These data complement earlier reports in providing an additional test of alternative hybrid zone theories. Random mating along with evidence of high reproductive success in hybrids suggests that reinforcement of premating reproductive isolation is not occurring and that speciation will not result from the dynamics of the hybrid zone. At least some of the plumage traits seem to be important in the integrated courtship and territorial behaviors of flickers. Since these plumage differences have no significance in mate choice, it is inferred that they evolved in an intrasexual selection context rather than in intersexual or species-recognition contexts. Selection gradients appear to be important in restricting hybridization to a narrow zone. The gradients could result from ecological selection or from sexual selection.
Traditional versus Televised Instructional Methods for Introductory Psychology

This study compared the performance of students in a televised introductory psychology course to that of students in a traditional introductory psychology course at a community college. All students had the same instructor and textbook. They took approximately the same tests. Students in the televised introductory course did significantly better than those in the traditional introductory course. These two groups were also compared on the basis of age, sex, and scores on the Sixteen Personality Factors Inventory. Students in the televised psychology course were more happy-go-lucky, conscientious, trusting, astute, controlled and less apprehensive. They were also considerably older. Students' evaluation of the TV course, text, and study guide were favorable. More students successfully completed the on-campus psychology course.
When Good Intentions and Reality Meet: Large-Scale Reform of Science Teaching in Urban Schools With Predominantly Latino ELL Students

This study examined the ability of Transformative Professional Development (TPD) to transform science teacher quality and associated impact on science achievement, including particular focus on English Language Learners (ELL). TPD was implemented in a large, low-performing, urban district in the southwest with predominantly Latino ELL populations. Findings revealed TPD enabled significant growth in teacher quality and participants in TPD experienced gains in student science achievement on state assessments. Most importantly, ELL student achievement in science Grades 4 to 8 was improved. Challenges to implementation of TPD are discussed along with implications for future research.
(Im)migrating Penal Excess: Sheriff Joe Arpaio and the Case of Maricopa County, Arizona

In 1992, joe Arpaio was elected Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff as a candidate of ‘integrity and administrative ability’’ who offered ‘the best chance of reforming our clownish sheriff’s department’ (Arizona Republic Editorial 1992). Maricopa County is the fourth-largest county in the nation (Eagly 2011.) and home to Phoenix, a nationally influential new-right political hub (Shermer 2013), yet the sheriff’s office had previously been headed by men characterized in the press as ‘good ol’ boys’ and ‘Keystone Kops’ (Arizona Republic Editorial 1992) prone to botched investigations, scandals, and publicity stunts. Touting Arpaio’s long career in federal law enforcement with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the endorsement that he received from Arizona’s largest and most important newspaper concluded that he ‘would bring none of this baggage to the office of sheriff (Arizona Republic Editorial 1992).
The complete prostate needle biopsy submission during grossing and embedding

The completion of prostate needle biopsy submission in the histology laboratory during grossing and embedding is a topic of interest worth discussion. Flattening the cores can contribute to the completeness of biopsy presentation on the microscope slide. The use of polyester pads is controversial due to a possible ‘compression artifact’ of thin and fragmented areas of the core during vacuum and pressure tissue processing. Two randomly selected cases demonstrated that many core areas are comparable with the holes in the sponge net. If the cores were placed between the sponges and prevented from direct contact with the sponge by porous lens paper, such a ‘sandwich’ would be optimal for keeping the cores flat and would secure completeness of submission. The specimens with fragmented cores require filtration during sampling. Filtration directly into a processing cassette could be faster, if an absorbent material were placed beneath the cassette. The use of a tamper to flatten the cores during embedding should...
Adiposity and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Variables in Childhood Are Associated With Premature Death From Coronary Heart Disease in Adults: The Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract Background More than 600 deaths of all causes have been documented over the 40-year duration of the Bogalusa Heart Study. Of these, 97 deaths have been related to cardiovascular events, based on obituaries published in local newspapers, death certificates obtained from the State Health Department, information from the coroner and word of mouth by nursing staff from the community. Methods This study was a retrospective longitudinal cohort with several observations of each subject. It consisted of 6 cross-sectional surveys of children aged 5-7 years, conducted between 1973 and 1988, and 4 cross-sectional surveys of previously examined subjects as young adults extending into middle age, conducted between 1988 and 2010. Results Excluding pulmonary, congenital and noncoronary cardiovascular diseases, 46 deaths (average age at death = 44.7 years, range: 31-55) were considered to have been related to coronary artery disease, that is, myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular risk factor observations, gathered from multiple surveys (average of 4.4 surveys, range: 1-14) since childhood, indicated that body fatness and elevated blood pressure beginning in childhood were more common in subjects who later died of coronary artery disease than in living subjects. Conclusions The present findings emphasize that sub-clinical cardiovascular disease begins early in life and that early prevention is vital.
Phase 1b study of orteronel in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer.

Introduction Suppressing both androgens and estrogens may circumvent hormone receptor resistance in breast cancer by reducing androgen receptor stimulation. Selective inhibition of the 17, 20-lyase enzyme by orteronel leads to decreased androgen production in men and would be anticipated to reduce estrogen and androgen production in women. Thus, we conducted a phase 1b study of orteronel in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. Methods The primary objective was to identify the recommended phase 2 dose (R2PD) of orteronel in women; escalation was via standard 3 + 3 design. The initial dose was 300 mg BID and escalated to 400 mg BID. Cycle length was 28 days. Enrolled patients had HR+ metastatic breast cancer and were evaluated every 8 weeks for disease progression. Results Eight heavily pre-treated women enrolled [median age: 57 yo (range 47–73)]. Four received 300 mg BID at dose level 1; 4 received 400 mg BID at dose level 2. No dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed. Adverse events (AE) at least possibly related to orteronel included grade 1–2 nausea (n = 4) and bone pain (n = 3), and grade 1 hypokalemia, hot flashes, myalgia and AST elevation (n = 2). The only grade 3 AE was hypertension (n = 2) with 8 patients receiving 34 cycles of treatment. No objective responses were seen; clinical benefit was seen in 2 patients with stable disease for more than 6 months. Serum estrogens and testosterone were suppressed from baseline on both doses of orteronel. Conclusions Orteronel 400 mg BID is well tolerated in postmenopausal women, and significantly suppresses serum estrogens and testosterone. Clinical benefit was seen among heavily pretreated postmenopausal women with HR+ metastatic breast cancer.
The Prognostic Significance of Lower Uterine Segment Involvement in Endometrioid Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States. Prognostic factors include tumor stage, FIGO grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and nodal metastasis. Lower uterine segment involvement (LUSi) has not been considered an independent prognostic factor; however, it may be predictive of an unfavorable clinical course. We gathered histologic data regarding prognostic indicators from patients with endometrioid …
Ligand non-innocence and strong correlation in manganese superoxide dismutase mimics.

We examine the 1-electron reduction of manganese porphyrin complexes Mn(III) porphyrin and Mn(III) TDE-2-ImP5+, which have attracted recent interest due to their properties as superoxide dismutase mimics. We perform a series of electronic structure calculations using the variational 2-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM) method with a large [30,30] active space that represents a wavefunction with 1019 variables, as well as the more traditional complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) method with a [14,14] active space. We show that the larger 2-RDM calculation, intractable with CASSCF, is required to capture the full effects of electron correlation in the molecule and predict the non-innocence of the porphyrin ligand during the reduction. The CASSCF method predicts single-reference systems exhibiting a metal-centered reduction, but the 2-RDM method predicts a strongly correlated system exhibiting a ligand-centered reduction. Based on these results, we find that the porphyrin ligand is reduced rather than the manganese, and suggest that the electron correlation plays a role in driving the ligand non-innocence.
Discovering successful strategies for diabetic self-management: a qualitative comparative study.

Objective This project explored lifestyles of patients in good and poor control to identify naturally occurring practices and strategies that result in successful diabetes management. Research design and methods Semistructured interviews with adult patients with type 2 diabetes explored diet, food preparation, physical activity, medication use and glucose monitoring. Patients (n=56) were classified into good (A1C 8.0%) control groups and matched across groups on diabetes duration (±5 years) and medication modality (none, oral, insulin±oral) to control for non-lifestyle factors. A qualitative comparative analysis identified practices that distinguished glycemic groups. Results Good control patients were more likely to test their glucose two or more times a day and reduce their sodium intake, as well as increase fruits and vegetables and limit portion sizes, some attaining good control without exercise. Fair control patients discussed several dietary strategies including limiting sweets, drinking non-caloric beverages, reducing carbs, ‘cheating’ (eating only a few sweets/limiting carbs in one meal to have more in another meal) and tested their glucose once a day. Poor control patients were more likely to skip antidiabetic medications and not test their glucose. Conclusions Although clinical trials indicate most self-management practices have limited effectiveness over time, increased glucose monitoring is a valuable component in daily management. Research is needed on effectiveness of dietary strategies that emphasize sodium monitoring and allow some degree of cheating. Reoffering diabetes education classes and providing pill boxes as memory aids may help improve poor control.
Why the risk-adjusted discount rate method is a better method than the certainty equivalent method: a teaching perspective

One of the more popular methods of risk analysis in capital budgeting is the certainty equivalent method. In this paper, we discuss the major drawbacks of using this method, and strongly argue in favour of the risk-adjusted discount rate method. The calculation of certainty equivalent factors, the use of risk-free rate as the discount rate, the reinvestment rate assumption and the practical problems for multinational corporations for using the certainty equivalent method are discussed. We also discuss the concept of cost of capital and its role in relation to the use of the two methods of risk analysis.
Revisiting the death of geography in the era of Big Data: the friction of distance in cyberspace and real space

Many scholars have argued that the importance of geographic proximity in human interactions has been diminished by the use of the Internet, while others disagree with this argument. Studies have no...
Word spotting in offline multilingual handwritten documents based on hidden markov models

Recognition of unconstrained handwritten documents continues to be a challenging task primarily due to the vast variability in writing styles and applications which do not offer the means to constrain large vocabularies. Word spotting has often been proposed as an alternative to full transcription for keyword based retrieval and indexing of document images. Word spotting techniques are mainly categorized into template based and learning based approaches. The template based approaches require at least one query image in the training set and have been found to usually result in a high number of false positives. Recently, learning based approaches have been proposed as an alternative. While they regularly outperform the template based approaches, they have the shortcomings of being inefficient and non-scalable across scripts. Previous work has dealt with the non-scalability issue across scripts by considering a separate system for each script/language independently with independent modules for preprocessing, query representation and word segmentation. In this dissertation, we describe a new methodology for word spotting that deals with large background vocabularies without the need for separately built word or character segmentation for each script. Our approach is based on Hidden Markov Models of trained characters that can be used to simulate any keyword query, even those unseen in the training corpus. The main contributing idea of our approach is the utilization of script-independent methods for feature extraction, training and recognition and their scalability over multiple scripts such as English, Arabic, and Devanagari. Our methodology of combining character filler models and background models has outperformed the state of the art methods for line based word spotting system. It has been evaluated on public datasets of different languages such as IAM for English, AMA for Arabic, and LAW for Devanagari or Indian languages. It lays the foundation for the development of the first learning based word spotting system for multilingual handwritten documents. Both the 'script identifier based' and 'script identifier free' approaches were used to spot keywords in multilingual scripts. The 'initial script identifier' switch free approach showed higher accuracy in detecting keywords in documents containing more than one script and also better performance overall.
Producing Sacredness and Defending Secularity: Faith in the Workplace of Taiwanese Scientists:

Although a recent body of scholarship focuses on how business professionals infuse spiritual practices in their workplaces, comparatively little attention has been paid to faith in the scientific w...
What Went Wrong? Rethinking the Sandinista Revolution, in Light of Its Second Coming

This essay reviews the following works: Faith and Joy: Memoirs of a Revolutionary Priest. By Fernando Cardenal, S. J. Translated and edited by Kathy McBride and Mark Lester. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2015. Pp. xxvi + 288. $28.00 paper. ISBN: 9781626981423. Nicaragua and the Politics of Utopia: Development and Culture in the Modern State. By Daniel Chavez. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 2015. Pp. x + 376. $65.00 cloth. ISBN: 9780826520470. Sandino’s Nation: Ernesto Cardenal and Sergio Ramirez Writing Nicaragua, 1940–2012. By Stephen Henighan. Montreal: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2014. Pp. v + 776. $33.00 paper. ISBN: 9780773543157. The Awakening Coast: An Anthology of Moravian Writing from Mosquitia and Eastern Nicaragua, 1849–1899. Edited, translated, and annotated by Karl Offen and Terry Rugeley. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2014. Pp. viii + 448. $75.00 cloth. ISBN: 9780803248960.
Is it worth the price? The role of perceived financial risk, identification, and perceived value in purchasing pay-per-view broadcasts of combat sports

Abstract Perceived risk, identification, and perceived value play a critical role in consumer behavior. Although previous researchers have examined identification and perceived value, examination of mediated sport consumption is lacking. Additionally, risk has received limited attention within this context. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationships between identification, perceived value, and purchase intentions, and to assess the moderating role of perceived financial risk within the context of combat sports pay-per-view purchases. Combat sport consumers ( N = 364) participated in an online survey. Findings showed that identification had a positive association with perceived value and purchase intentions. Perceived value was directly associated with purchase intentions and partially mediated the relationship between identification and purchase intentions. However, perceived financial risk did not moderate the value-intentions relationship. These findings contribute to the sport consumer behavior by (a) extending the understanding of identification, value, and purchase intentions in a mediated consumption environment, and (b) advancing knowledge on the role of financial risk in this setting. As advances in technology continue, it is important to understand the role of attitudes and behavior, and the potential impact of perceived risk on purchases of mediated sport programming.
Effect of Canning and Freezing on the Nutritional Content of Apricots.

The effect of commercial canning and freezing on the nutritional content of fresh apricots was investigated. Processed samples were analyzed post‐processing and after 3 months of storage and compared directly to fresh apricots from the same source. Vitamin C, beta‐carotene, total phenols, and antioxidants were quantified. Compared to fresh, canned apricots initially exhibited similar levels of antioxidants, a 17% increase in beta‐carotene, and a 48% increase in phenols, while vitamin C was reduced by 37%. After 3 months of storage, antioxidant levels were 47% higher than fresh. Vitamin C did not change significantly following storage and beta‐carotene decreased by 15%. The canned apricot fruit packed in light syrup did not have higher total soluble solids (TSS) levels indicating no increase in fruit sugar content. Frozen apricots exhibited large increases in antioxidants (529%), beta‐carotene (35%), vitamin C (3,370%), and phenols (406%) compared to fresh. After 3 months of storage, frozen apricots decreased in vitamin C (29%) and phenols (17%), but remained 2,375% and 318% higher than fresh, respectively. Beta‐carotene increased during storage, reaching levels 56% higher than fresh while antioxidant activity was unchanged. This study demonstrates that key nutrients in canned and frozen apricots are retained or amplified upon processing, with the exception of vitamin C in canned apricots. The routine addition of citric and ascorbic acid to fruit prior to freezing resulted in significantly higher antioxidants, vitamin C, and phenols. Consumers eating canned or frozen apricots can feel confident of similar or superior nutritional content as compared to fresh apricots. The apricot industry is limited by the short shelf life of the fruit and consumer belief that processed produce is not as nutritious as fresh. Assessing the nutritional content of canned and frozen apricots and determining that processed apricots can deliver nearly comparable nutrient levels to fresh apricots provides the evidence needed to dispel these misconceptions and potentially increase demand for processed apricots among consumers.
PHOTOIONIZATION CROSS SECTION OF THE 2.5 eV ELECTRON TRAP IN SiO2

ABSTRACT A modification of the photodepopulation technique has been used to investigate photodetrapping kinetics of a specific electron trapping center in “wet” thermal oxide films. The kinetic data were fitted by a simple first order model. The results are presented as an effective photoionization cross section σ p (λ) over the photon energy range 2-7 eV. σ p (λ) rises steeply above 2.5 eV, and exhibits a single peak (~10 -16 cm 2 ) at 3.5 ev. Above 4.0 eV, σ p decreases slowly with increasing photon energy. With the exception of the peak, this general behavior agrees with calculated photoionization cross sections for coulomb traps in semiconductors, and with similar data for neutral traps in thermal oxide films.
The Empathetic Power of Images

Therefore, “Stanfield appealed to the immediate, visceral experience of the slave ship, over and against abstract knowledge about the slave trade, as decisive to abolition…. The abolitionist’s most potent weapon was the dissemination of drawings of the slave ship Brooks.” Rediker asserts that these images were “to be among the most effective propaganda any social movement has ever created.” The images would instantaneously “make the viewer identify and sympathize with the ‘injured Africans’ on the lower decks of the ship…,” while also producing a sense of moral outrage.2
Gender inequality and gender-based violence: Extensions to adolescent dating violence

Abstract In this chapter, we explore the relationship between gender inequality, or unequal treatment based on gender, and gender-based violence (GBV), drawing extensions to adolescent dating violence (ADV). Using a global perspective, we start with definitions, examining the way in which gender inequality has been conceptualized and operationalized at the outermost level of the social ecology: the societal level. We then move to the inner levels of the social ecology to discuss gender-role attitudes, a way in which gender inequality may manifest at the individual and relationship levels. Following this broad overview, we examine the evidence on the link between both gender inequality and gender-role attitudes and GBV, including ADV. Gender inequality and the gender-role attitudes and norms that support it (and vice versa) appear to play a central role in GBV, although research is just beginning to explore the role in the development and maintenance of ADV specifically. Research on gender-role inequality, gender-role attitudes, and ADV indicates that the relationships among these constructs are complicated and potentially bidirectional, highlighting the need for future work in this area. Although research in this area is nascent with much yet to be learned, it is clear from the broader field of violence prevention that interventions aiming to reduce both gender inequality and ADV could be strengthened by multicomponent strategies, targeting both males and females, and at all levels of the social ecology.
The impact of LSVT BIG therapy on postural control for individuals with Parkinson disease: A case series

LSVT BIG therapy may improve motor function and gait in those with early Parkinson disease (PD), but its impact on postural control for those with moderate PD has not been investigated. The purpose...
Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest – Book Review

This review critiques Zeynep Tufekci's Twitter and Tear Gas: The power and fragility of networked protest . Tufekci offers a volume that explores the different ways in which protests and social movements function in the 21st century. With the advent of social media and social networks, Tufekci builds her analysis on her expertise as a social scientist, an activist, and a computer programmer, thus producing a book that is accessible for academics, researchers, organizers, and activists alike.
A Proposed Application of Systems Engineering Principles to Healthcare Decision-Making: Evaluating Patient Decision Regret in the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Cancer

Healthcare decision-making for complex and chronic diseases, including cancer, is a systems engineering problem. Interventions used to treat these medical conditions frequently require the coordination of multiple specialty entities that define available action space. At the same time, considerations for the preferences of patients in a shared decision-making environment introduce alternatives that magnify computational complexity. In this research, we employ multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) to address an emerging healthcare issue—human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC)—and evaluate the conformity of various interventions that may reduce treatment burden while pursuing patient longevity for this unique disease. An implementation of the proposed algorithm demonstrates behavior consistent with regret avoidance, while a more robust model will allow both patient-physician and healthcare system feedback in optimizing treatment policies.
Development and validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS method for measurement of a gut-derived uremic toxin panel in human serum: An application in patients with kidney disease.

Abstract Gut-derived uremic toxins contribute to the uremic syndrome and are gaining attention as potentially modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with underlying chronic kidney disease. A simple, rapid, robust, accurate and precise ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of a panel of four gut-derived uremic toxins in human serum. The panel was comprised of kynurenic acid, hippuric acid, indoxyl sulfate, and p-cresol sulfate. Serum samples were protein precipitated with acetonitrile containing deuterated internal standards. Chromatographic separation of analytes was accomplished with an Acquity BEH C18 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) column by isocratic elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min with a mobile phase composed of solvent A (10 mM ammonium formate; pH 4.3) and solvent B (acetonitrile) (85:15, v/v). Analytes were detected using heated electrospray ionization and selected reaction monitoring. The total run-time was 4 min. Standard curves were linear and correlation coefficients (r) were ≥0.997 for concentration ranges of 0.01-0.5 μg/mL for kynurenic acid, 0.25–80 μg/mL for p-cresol sulfate, and 0.2–80 μg/mL for hippuric acid and indoxyl sulfate. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were within 19.3% for the LLOQs and ≤10.9% for all other quality controls. Matrix effect from serum was
Compare strings backward for rhyming (an exercise on strings and characters): nifty tools

This exercise works for basic programming (e.g. in Java), and/or with pointer arithmetic (e.g. in C/C++).