cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Question 2: Does a failure to respond to antipyretics predict serious illness in children with a fever?

You are a senior house officer (SHO) working in a busy district general hospital. A 9-month-old boy is brought in by his parents with a fever of 2 days duration. There is no obvious focus but the child appears well. A urine dipstick is negative. When reviewing the child, the registrar is concerned to learn that the fever has not responded to paracetamol (acetaminophen). You wonder if there is any evidence that a febrile child is more likely to have a serious illness if their fever fails to respond to antipyretics. In children with a fever (population) does a failure to respond to antipyretics (indicator) compared with children who do respond to antipyretics (comparison) increase the likelihood of a serious bacterial illness (outcome)? ### Primary search MEDLINE (1946–March 2013) and EMBASE (1947–March, 2013) using the OVID interface were searched. Search terms were: (Fever AND paracetamol AND bacteraemia); limits were: English language, child (0–18). There were 84 hits of which four studies were relevant. The references of these papers were checked, along with the linked articles, and four further studies were found. A further search of the same databases with the …
High-performance high-resolution semi-Lagrangian tracer transport on a sphere

Current climate models have a limited ability to increase spatial resolution because numerical stability requires the time step to decrease. We describe a semi-Lagrangian method for tracer transport that is stable for arbitrary Courant numbers, and we test a parallel implementation discretized on the cubed sphere. The method includes a fixer that conserves mass and constrains tracers to a physical range of values. The method shows third-order convergence and maintains nonlinear tracer correlations to second order. It shows optimal accuracy at Courant numbers of 10-20, more than an order of magnitude higher than explicit methods. We present parallel performance in terms of strong scaling, weak scaling, and spatial scaling (where the time step stays constant while the resolution increases). For a 0.2^o test with 100 tracers, the implementation scales efficiently to 10,000 MPI tasks.
Knowledge and networks: An experimental test of how network knowledge affects coordination

Abstract Scholars in the social sciences use network theory to study a range of collective action problems. Often the goal is to identify how the structure of the network affects efforts to coordinate or cooperate, and research suggests that adding connections to a network can improve the performance of groups faced with such tasks. On the other hand, theory and empirics also suggest that additional connections can degrade the performance of a network. If connections can have negative effects then it is important to consider if there are alternatives to adding connections to a network that can also improve network performance. Because a primary function of connections in a network is to disseminate information, providing individuals with more information about the network may act as a substitute for adding connections to a network. We test experimentally whether providing subjects with more information about the structure of networks can improve coordination. We find that a more complete view of the network leads to faster coordination, but the magnitude of this effect depends on network structure. These results suggest that changing what actors know about a network can improve outcomes without having to add connections that may impede overall performance.
Three dimensional write model for magnetic recording

A three dimensional self-consistent write model is developed. Transitions are computed for infinite and finite pole tip narrow track heads on oriented and in-plane isotropic horizontal media. Magnetization patterns and readback on- and off-track are discussed.
Compact One-Transistor-N-RRAM Array Architecture for Advanced CMOS Technology

For RRAM to be a cost-competitive candidate for high-density and high-capacity commercial products, some architectural-level challenges must be tackled. In this paper, research results that advance the design of high-density RRAM arrays are presented. We first focus on the scaling effects of on-chip interconnects on RRAM array performance. Due to the continuously shrinking process feature size, the voltage drop along the interconnect gradually reduces the voltage available to operate the RRAM device. To more efficiently analyze this effect for an arbitrary array size, a compact array model is developed. Simulations using this model determine the maximum achievable array size for future technology nodes. A compact, one-transistor-N-RRAM (1TNR) array architecture, with corresponding read/write and decoding schemes, that achieves high RRAM density is then introduced. A proof-of-concept 1T4R test chip with fully integrated RRAM devices is described. For this test chip, a particular sequence to form the cross-point RRAM array is presented. Measurement results of successful array operations demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of the proposed high-density architecture.
Classifications in spine: a tectonic shift.

COMMENTARY ON: Sethi MK, Schoenfeld A, Bono CM, Harris MB. The evolution of thoracolumbar injury classification systems. Spine J 2009;9:780–8 (in this issue) .
Binocular Stereoscopy in Visual Areas V-2, V-3, and V-3A of the Macaque Monkey

Over 40 years ago, Hubel and Wiesel gave a preliminary report of the first account of cells in monkey cerebral cortex selective for binocular disparity. The cells were located outside of V-1 within a region referred to then as “area 18.” A full-length manuscript never followed, because the demarcation of the visual areas within this region had not been fully worked out. Here, we provide a full description of the physiological experiments and identify the locations of the recorded neurons using a contemporary atlas generated by functional magnetic resonance imaging; we also perform an independent analysis of the location of the neurons relative to an anatomical landmark (the base of the lunate sulcus) that is often coincident with the border between V-2 and V-3. Disparity-tuned cells resided not only in V-2, the area now synonymous with area 18, but also in V-3 and probably within V-3A. The recordings showed that the disparity-tuned cells were biased for near disparities, tended to prefer vertical orientations, clustered by disparity preference, and often required stimulation of both eyes to elicit responses, features strongly suggesting a role in stereoscopic depth perception.
Energy-Harvesting System-in-Package Microsystem

As microscale devices, such as wireless microsensors and noninvasive biomedical implants, continue to shrink and incorporate more functions, energy becomes scarce, thereby shortening operation life. Furthermore, the limited volume space available constrains the stored energy available in state-of-the-art microbattery technologies, such as thin-film lithium ion (Li Ion). For long-lasting life, it is, therefore, necessary to replenish continuously the energy consumed by harnessing, storing, and delivering energy from the environment in situ, i.e., in the package, alongside the application electronics. Operation life would ultimately be independent from storage limitations. The proposed self-contained, system-in-package solution is composed of three different energy-harvesting sources (light, vibrations, and thermal gradients) that sustain the system, while a charger stores the harnessed energy into an in-package Li Ion. Since substantially low-power levels are expected, the sensor must minimize energy consu...
Metered-Dose Inhaler Technique and Quality of Life with Airways Disease: Assessing the Value of the Vitalograph in Educational Intervention

The efficacy of delivering medicines by metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is well established, and the patient's technique with MDIs is related directly to achieving the desired clinical outcome. The pres...
Software Engineering for Finite Element Analysis

Computer software implementation of finite element structural analysis methods is examined from the viewpoint of software quality and design concepts. Concepts of software engineering relevant to finite element software are reviewed, with emphasis upon ideas of modular programming systems. Examples of well-designed software along such lines are surveyed including recent promising work in Europe. The need for more software design considerations in finite element education is examined. Thee future prospects for finite element software development are assessed with regard to both funding and source of development. It is concluded that coordinated development and exchange of software modules in a well-defined modular programming system environment has the potential, in terms of existing design concepts, for reducing the cost and duplication of effort, and increasing the quality, of future finite element structural analysis computer tools.
Finite Fourier Analysis

We now consider the vector space of all complex-valued periodic functions on the integers with period b. It turns out that every such function a(n) on the integers can be written as a polynomial in the bth root of unity \(\xi ^{n}:= e^{2\pi in/b}\). Such a representation for a(n) is called a finite Fourier series. Here we develop finite Fourier theory using rational functions and their partial fraction decomposition. We then define the Fourier transform and the convolution of finite Fourier series, and show how one can use these ideas to prove identities on trigonometric functions, as well as find connections to the classical Dedekind sums.
Durham's American Tobacco Campus and North Carolina Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits: A Preservation Success Story

When it first opened ten years ago, Durham’s American Tobacco Campus was the largest project of its kind in North Carolina history, enabled in part by state historic rehabilitation tax credits. Since then, the renovated former tobacco factory has catalyzed economic development and helped revive Durham’s stagnating downtown. In 2014, North Carolina lawmakers failed to renew the tax credits that helped to get the American Tobacco project off the ground — a poor decision both for the state’s economy and for historic preservation efforts. North Carolina’s historic rehabilitation tax credits should be renewed.
Do Piketty and Saez Understate U.S. Income Inequality

From at least 1960-1986 the PikettySaez (P-S) data set understates the concentration of income among top income earners. Adjusting the P-S data series for income shifting in response to changes in income taxation for top earners shifts income shares upward for the years prior to the Tax Reform Act of 1986 (TRA86). We calculate that adjusted income share of the top one percent of earners are overstated by over two percentage points for many of the years that the P-S series reports historically low income inequality. Our adjustment reflects just one aspect of major tax regime change during the past century, namely the relationship between the top marginal personal income tax rate and the corporate income tax rate. It is likely that adjustments for other changes in income tax law would lead to even greater increases in income shares during the high-marginal rate era between World War II and the mid-1980s.
Rapamycin Polymer Nanotherapeutics for Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) ultimately leads to right side heart failure. Targeting dysregulated pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade, proves attractive but requires suitable drug carriers. Nanoparticles (NPs) increase drug circulation lifetimes and accumulation in areas of increased vascular
Relationship of Blood Pressure to Mortality in Chickens.

SummarySystolic blood pressures were determined on adult chickens at 7 to 10 months of age in 1950, 1952 and 1954. Records of mortality and egg production were kept until the birds were approximately 19 months of age. The birds were divided into three pressure groups: high, median and low. Pooled figures for the three years show that approximately 30% of the birds had high pressure, 30% low pressure and 40% median pressure. The mortality in the hypotensive birds was nearly twice that of the other pressure groups. There were no significant differences in the body weights or egg production between birds of the groups. Gross autopsies did not reveal the cause of the higher mortality in the hypotensive birds.
Oxygen Vacancies Lead to Loss of Domain Order, Particle Fracture, and Rapid Capacity Fade in Lithium Manganospinel (LiMn2O4) Batteries

Spinel-structured lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) has attracted much attention because of its high energy density, low cost, and environmental impact. In this article, structural analysis methods such as powder neutron diffraction (PND), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopies (TEM & SEM) reveal the capacity fading mechanism of LiMn2O4 as it relates to the mechanical degradation of the material. Micro-fractures form after the first charge (to 4.45 V vs. Li+/0) of a commercial lithium manganese oxide phase, best represented by the formula LiMn2O3.88. Diffraction methods show that the grain size decreases and multiple phases form after 850 electrochemical cycles at 0.2 C current. The microfractures are directly observed through microscopy studies as particle cracks propagate along the (1 1 1) planes, with clear lattice twisting observed along this direction. Long-term galvanostatic cycling results in increased charge-transfer resistance and capacity los...
Purification of colony-stimulating factor by affinity chromatography.

Studies were undertaken to determine whether 1-cell- derived colony-stimulating factor (CSF) could be purified by a single step affinity chromatographic technique. A quan- tity of 1 00 x 1 0#{176} units of purified anti-CSF was coupled to cyanogen bromide activated Sepharose 48; colony assays revealed complete binding of the antibodies to the gel. Three 1 0-liter pools of serum-free 1-cell CSF were concen- trated by ultrafiltration. applied to the gel. and eluted with a low pH. high molarity buffer. Recovery of CSF ranged from 68%-100% with greater than 1000-fold decreases in protein content. Specific activity of the purified CSF ranged from 2.8 to 5.9 x iOU of CSF/mg protein. Following iodination. each purified pool of CSF revealed a C OLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR (CSF) is a glycoprotein material that is required for the in vitro growth of marrow cells into colonies of granulo- cytes and macnophages.'2 Based on this finding and the belief that the responsive progenitor cells represent a class of hemopoietic stem cells committed to differ- entiation only inthe granulocyte-macrophage path- way, many studies have attempted to show a granulo- poietic effect of CSF in vivo. Induction of neutropenia is associated with increased serum ofCSF,34 and injection of impure sources of CSF has led to modest stimulation of gnanulopoiesis.5 Although these conrela- tive studies suggest a regulatory role for CSF,bacterial endotoxins also increase CSF activity67 and, on nepeti- tive injection, induce granulocytic hypenplasia.8 These problems with endotoxin and other potential contami- nants indicate the need for pure sources of CSF for in vivo studies. Several groups have described extensive techniques for the purification of munine types of CSF.9 " These entail tedious and time-consuming steps that require a minimum of several months for completion. Recoveries of biologic activityhave been variable and have ranged from 25% to 70%. Preliminary characterization of the L-cell type of CSF has shown that it is a glycoprotein with a molecu- lan weight of65,000-70,000.'#{176}" There is heterogeneity with respect to carbohydrate content as only two-thirds of the material binds to concanavalin-A, whereas the
Temporal variations in the δD of leaf n -alkanes from four riparian plant species

Abstract The hydrogen isotopic composition of terrestrial plant leaf waxes is widely used as a proxy for the isotopic composition of ambient water at the time of plant growth, yet there is considerable uncertainty about how environmental or plant-specific factors impact apparent hydrogen isotope fractionation. We sampled leaves from four riparian plant species (Pinus strobus, Tsuga canadensis, Phalaris arundinacea and Corylus americana) during the 2013 growing season (April to October) to evaluate the controls of hydrogen isotope fractionation in plant-derived n-alkanes. Our data show that plants from different taxonomic classes produce distinct seasonal patterns of isotopic change that could reflect differences in stomatal regulation, soil versus groundwater uptake and timescales of wax synthesis. These patterns are distinct even for plants from the same functional group (i.e. angiosperms versus gymnosperms). P. strobus (gymnosperm tree) and P. arundinacea (angiosperm grass) are characterized by a significant increase in apparent fractionation during the growing season (> 50‰ change). In contrast, n-alkanes from C. americana (angiosperm) show a decrease in e value from −145 ± 8‰ during early season growth to −111 ± 6‰ late in the season. T. canadensis (gymnosperm) exhibits a constant e of −123 ± 10‰ throughout the growing season with minimal temporal change. Sedimentary n-alkanes collected from the stream channel adjacent to our plant sample locality show minor changes over the sampling period with a mean e value of −130 ± 6‰. Apparent fractionation differences between plant species greatly exceed variations in stream composition throughout the growing season, indicating that differences in the timing of wax production or groundwater δD cannot alone explain the variation in e between different plant types. In contrast to individual plant leaves, fluvial sediments represent a time-integrated ecosystem average of n-alkane δD that yields a more consistent isotopic record of changes in ambient ecosystem water than individual plants.
Synchronous pancreatic adenocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma arising in the context of intraductal papillary neoplasms

Field cancerization theory provides rationale for the development of multiple pancreatic ductal and biliary lesions in a single patient through the development and accumulation of multiple genetic changes. Genetic alterations result in the development of precursor lesions including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMN), intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPN-B), and their malignant counterparts, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Although IPMN are frequently encountered, IPN-B are uncommon and the synchronous occurrence of both lesions is rare. We present a case of synchronous pancreatic adenocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with histopathologic evidence of underlying precursor lesions, IPMN-P and IPN-B.
453 VISUAL REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH HOMONYMOUS HEMIANOPIA AFTER A CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT USING THE LUEBECK COMPUTER SOFTWARE.

Purpose Cerebrovascular accidents are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Long-term neurologic deficits are commonly seen in stroke patients that dramatically influence quality of life. If the stroke occurs posterior to the optic chiasm, patients can suffer from homonymous hemianopia. The loss of central vision on one side in both eyes causes many basic tasks, such as reading, to be severely limited or impossible. Visual rehabilitation of the lost vision, notably the central vision, would significantly improve quality of life. Methods Three patients with documented homonymous hemianopia at least 6 months after a stroke were recruited for treatment. Each patient received five pre- and post-treatment examinations to specifically localize brain lesions, measure baseline activity, and then determine change from baseline: an ophthalmic examination, a neurologic examination, electro-oculography, eletroencephalography, and functional MRI. The treatment included 100 trials of the Luebeck Computer Software at the subjects9 homes on their personal computers. Results Complete analysis of the treatment is pending as patients are currently finishing the post-treatment examinations. However, preliminary evaluation into the data suggests a 2° to 3° increase in visual field perception in the lost central fields using Amsler grids and Humphrey visual field examinations. Conclusions Visual rehabilitation of lost central field occurs with the use of the Luebeck Computer Software. Treatment periods with greater than 100 trials may lead to greater range of rehabilitation, providing a simple and cost-effective method to better quality of life for stroke patients.
Geometrical Analysis in the Parameterized Design and Unfolding of Sheet Metal Pipes

A system for parameterized design and unfolding of sheet metal pipes is developed and the geometrical relationships involved in the system are fully analyzed.The modeling strategy based on mid-layers is proposed to create 3D models having precise interface shape.Some techniques are applied to system design,such as abstraction of interface curves in the interface area between parts and then mapping to mid-layer curved face,as well as the surface setting-up technique during unfolding some parts,etc.
Analysis of urinary iodine monitoring for pregnant women in Shunyi District,Beijing(2009-2011)

Objective To investigate iodine nutritious state for pregnant women in Shunyi Distirct,and provide data for IDD control and prevention.Methods Urine samples of pregnant women were collected and urine iodine value was measured,single factor and multiple factors analysis of variance method were used to analyze urine iodine value(for different years,age groups and pregnant periods).Results The median urinary iodine in 2009-2011 was 186.1 μg/L,169.3 μg/L and 184.6 μg/L,respectively.In the past three years,urine iodine 150 μg/L occupied 37.30% of the total investigated population,urine iodine 150-249 μg/L occupied 38.70%,urine iodine 250-499μg/L occupied 20.70%,and urine iodine ≥500μg/L occupied 3.30%.Conclusions The iodine nutritious state for pregnant women in Shunyi Distirct was satisfactory,However,there was a risk of iodine deficiency or above requirement among some pregnant women.Monitoring for iodine nutritious state of pregnant women should be enhanced,supplementing iodine to pregnant women should be properly implemented.
The analyse of 428 perimenopause and menopause vaginal bleeding

Objective:To explore the causes of vaginal bleeding in perimenopause and menopause women.Methods:Between February 2006 to April 2007,428 outpatient and inpatient vaginal bleeding cases,who were perimenopause or menopause ,were analysed retrospectively.Results:The common causes of vaginal bleeding for perimenopause and menopause women were genital inflammation,benign uterine disease and malignant disease,with 45.3%,38.6%and 14.0%,respectively.Conclusion:The major causes of vaginal bleeding in perimenopause or menopause women was genital tract inflammation and benign uterine disease,the less was malignant.but attention must be paid to old women for its increment.
Third Circuit Takes the Wind Out of Frivolous Litigators' Sails in Fair Wind Sailing, Inc. v. Dempster

This Casebrief examines the Third Circuit’s new interpretation of exceptional, which increases the likelihood of awarding attorneys’ fees under the Lanham Act and addresses the benefits that accompany the court’s willingness to import features from other areas of intellectual property law.
Factors Associated With Mortality in Neonates Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Cardiac Indications: Analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Data.

Objectives:Survival among neonates supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac indications is 39%. Previous single-center studies have identified factors associated with mortality, but a comprehensive multivariate analysis is not available for this population. Understanding factor
Reconnect on Facebook: The Role of Information Seeking Behavior and Individual- and Relationship-Level Factors

Social network sites (SNSs) such as Facebook function as both venues for reconnecting with associates from a user's past and sources of social information about them. Yet, little is known about what factors influence the initial decision to reconnect with a past associate. This oversight is significant given that SNSs and other platforms provide an abundance of social information that may be utilized for reaching such decisions. The present study investigated the links among relational reconnection, information seeking (IS) behavior, and individual- and relationship-level factors in user decisions to reconnect on Facebook. A national survey of 244 Facebook users reported on their most recent experience of receiving a friend request from someone with whom they had been out of contact for an extended period. Results indicated that uncertainty about the potential reconnection partner and forecast about the reconnection's potential reward level significantly predicted IS behavior (passive on both target and mutual friends' SNS pages as well as active). However, the emergence of their two-way interaction revealed that the forecasts moderated the IS-uncertainty link on three of the strategies (extractive, both passive approaches). Moreover, social anxiety, sociability, uncertainty about the partner, the forecast about the reconnection's reward level, and extractive and passive (target SNS pages) strategies significantly predicted user decisions to reconnect. Future directions for research on relational reconnection on SNSs are offered.
Where Learning Meets Creativity: The Promise of Guided Play

As the United States and other countries consider “educational reform,” the discussion appears to be primarily about fostering basic skills and content knowledge. Our contention is that this approach is not sufficient. Instead, we argue that for twenty-first century success, we must also foster creativity to prepare today’s children to excel and solve tomorrow’s problems. In this chapter, we offer a thought experiment on how our educational system could achieve these dual goals. We propose that the answer might come from a clearer definition of what creativity actually is and from our attempts to infuse creativity into our classrooms through a pedagogical approach that we call “guided play.”
Quantifying the Impact of Noninterpretive Tasks on Radiology Report Turn-Around Times

Abstract Purpose Traditional radiology productivity metrics do not account for noninterpretive tasks (NITs). This study aimed to systematically quantify NITs and their impact on report turn-around time (RTAT) during solo academic neuroradiology overnight coverage in the emergency department. Methods Retrospective analysis of 1 week of data, including phone call quantity and duration, clinician identification badge access to the reading room ("badge swipes"), suspected acute strokes, imaging examination volume, and emergency department patient volume, was performed. Univariate analyses were employed to quantify NITs. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine if NITs within an hour are predictive of RTAT of studies completed within that hour. Results Sixty-three hours of overnight neuroradiology coverage were analyzed. The mean number of phone calls per hour was 8.7 (SD: 5.7), and mean duration of phone calls per hour was 12 min (SD: 9.6 min, range 1-46). The mean number of badge swipes per hour was 2.1 (SD 1.6). The mean number of examinations (CT and MRI) performed per hour was 2.2 (SD: 1.7). Regression analyses found total duration of phone calls in an hour as the strongest independent predictor of RTAT (unstandardized β = 4.25, P P R 2 = 0.596; adjusted R 2 = 0.578). Conclusions For every 1-min increase in total duration of calls in an hour, mean RTAT increased by 4.25 min. Standardizing capture of NITs may aid development of strategies that address productivity, communication, and value in radiology.
Micellar Size as a Function of Pressure, Temperature, and Salt Concentration for a Series of Cationic Surfactants

The size, shape and structure of the micellar aggregates formed from ionic surfactants are believed to be influenced by a variety of variables1’2. These include the surfactant composition (hydrocarbon “chain length” and headgroup species) and molarity; the counterion species and concentration; and finally temperature and pressure. Pioneering studies of micelle size as a function of temperature and salt concentration have been made using the powerful technique of quasi-elastic light scattering spectroscopy by Benedek’s group at MIT3–5, Corti and Degiorgio6,7, and others8,9.
Reading Between the Bars: Brain Science Suggests New Considerations for the Legal System

The following review surveys the current role of intent in determining blameworthiness in the criminal justice system. Through research on empathy, stress and the factors that contribute to antisocial personality disorder, the work aims to communicate the necessity for new technology in this field. In order to improve the accuracy of the criminal justice system in assigning punishment and rehabilitating offenders, there must be consideration for the nature and nurture that contributed to the individual’s decision making, not just the choices they make or the evidence presented against them. philosopher immanuel kant affirms that intention is the true indicator of character, and if the criminal justice system works to employ neurotechnology that is more accurate in determining guilt, society can improve. Crime rates and the number of people in prison will decrease, as preventative measures can be taken once knowledge is spread about the environmental factors that can breed criminals. ignorance of this fundamental aspect of criminology will lead to the promotion of dishonesty in our culture, as well as cyclical crime as offenders may not be receiving the help they need.
Metabolism of thiols. S-Glucosylation.

Abstract The metabolism of exogenous aromatic thiols (notably thiophenol and 5-mercaptouracil) was studied in four insect species (Gryllus assimilis, Blaberus giganteus, Blaberus craniifer, Anabrus simplex). Evidence was obtained for S-glucosylation in vivo and in vitro of thiophenol and 5-mercaptouracil. Authentic S-glucosyl-5-mercaptouracil was especially synthesized for the study. An incorporation study with fat body homogenate and UDP-14C-glucose revealed that S-glucosylation is an active biosynthetic pathway utilizing UDP-glucose rather than glucose as the closer precursor for the conjugation.
Passive Safety in High-Consequence Systems

Although they address diverse domains, these six reports reveal a set of common criteria for high assurance. Generally speaking, the critical criteria are reliability, availability, safety, timeliness, security, and evolvability. These reports also identify areas for study: ý In "Passive Safety in High-Consequence Systems," Victor L. Winter, John M. Covan, and Larry J. Dalton discuss the design principles behind passive safety, which means that a system is not required to initiate any action to arrive at a safe state. ý In "Long-Life Deep-Space Applications," Leon Alkalai and Ann T. Tai describe the design philosophy behind a highly miniaturized, reliable, low-cost, avionics system for long-life deep-space applications. ý In "Challenges for Continuously Available Systems," Rick Harper and Barry Flahive tell about continuously available systems, which are used whenever the cost of downtime is extremely high. They describe a data-base server that directs certain telephone calls via service control points. ý In "Capturing Safety-Critical Medical Requirements," Wei-Tek Tsai, Ramin Mojdehbakhsh, and Sanjai Rayadurgam discuss safety, reliability, and timing issues associated with medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. ý In "Applications in Rapidly Changing Environments," Kinji Mori dis cusses application systems requirements designed to accommodate the rapid advances in computer and communication technologies. ý In "Component-Based Reconfigurable Systems," Michael R. Lowry describes NASA Ames' Amphion project, a system for building high-assurance reconfigurable software systems from components in a software library.
MICROBIOLOGICAL CHANGES OCCURRING AT THE FRESHWATER-SEAWATER INTERFACE OF THE NEUSE RIVER ESTUARY, NORTH CAROLINA

: Previously, other researchers have observed rapid biogeochemical changes at the freshwater-seawater interface (FSI) of the Tamar Estuary in England. The postulated cause of these changes is a sequence of processes triggered by mass mortality of freshwater phytoplankton. Such mortality can be viewed as an example of selective “filtration” operating at the FSI. We examined a number of physical, chemical, and microbiological variables in the Neuse River Estuary, North Carolina, within the context of this hypothesis. Nitrate nitrogen, orthophosphate, and number of phytoplankton taxa all decreased significantly (p<0.05) going downriver across the FSI, while bacterial density and productivity each rose sharply (p<0.05). Other parameters that were monitored (phytoplankton density, chlorophyll a, ammonia nitrogen, and light absorption coefficient), changed in the vicinity of the FSI, but none of the changes were statistically significant at the 0.05 level. In the laboratory, we tested the effects of low salinities on the riverine microbial community. Of seven variables, only bacterial density and bacterial productivity showed any significant treatment effects. Overall, we could not confirm the hypothesis that exposure to salt in the FSI affects the microbial community. Alternate hypotheses involving nutrient availability, increased residence time of water, light availability, and population interactions are discussed.
Early outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer following total neoadjuvant therapy.

848Background: The current standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery, and then adjuvant chemotherapy. An alternative approach cu...
Current-Induced Torques with Dresselhaus Symmetry Due to Resistance Anisotropy in 2D Materials

We report measurements of current-induced torques in heterostructures of Permalloy (Py) with TaTe2, a transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) material possessing low crystal symmetry, and observe a torque component with Dresselhaus symmetry. We suggest that the dominant mechanism for this Dresselhaus component is not a spin–orbit torque but rather the Oersted field arising from a component of current that flows perpendicular to the applied voltage due to resistance anisotropy within the TaTe2. This type of transverse current is not present in wires made from a single uniform layer of a material with resistance anisotropy but will result whenever a material with resistance anisotropy is integrated into a heterostructure with materials having different resistivities, thereby producing a spatially nonuniform pattern of current flow. This effect will therefore influence measurements in a wide variety of heterostructures incorporating 2D TMD materials and other materials with low crystal symmetries.
Comp-D: a program for comprehensive computation of D-statistics and population summaries of reticulated evolution

Computation of Patterson’s D-statistic and its five-taxon derivatives are important phylogenetic methods for the quantification of reticulated evolution, yet are limited in application by the lack of a single, comprehensive program to efficiently perform all necessary calculations from common phylogenetic and population genetic program file formats. To increase accessibility for a broad range of researchers, we present a user-friendly program (COMP-D) that provides flexibility for incorporating heterozygous sites, implements multiple statistical methods, and aggregates results from multiple tests. Program augmentations also facilitate the detection of population-level introgression. COMP-D provides a threefold increase in speed relative to comparable software. It is implemented in C++ and released under the GNU General Public License v3.0. Source code is available for Linux/Mac OS X from: https://github.com/stevemussmann/Comp-D_MPI.
The United States, Southeast Asia, and historical memory

When the fighting in Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) finally came to an end in 1975 I recall Noam Chomsky predicting a “third Indochina war” (the first being against the French, the second, ...
Linking autonomic nervous system reactivity with sleep in adolescence: Sex as a moderator.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate relations between autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity across the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches and multiple sleep parameters in adolescence. Participants were 244 adolescents (Mage = 15.79 years old, SD = 9.56 months; 67.2% White/European-American, 32.8% Black/African-American). Parasympathetic activity was indexed by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) withdrawal and sympathetic activity was indexed by skin conductance level reactivity (SCL-r), which were examined in response to a laboratory-based stressor (star-tracing task). Sleep was assessed with actigraphs in adolescents' homes for seven consecutive nights. Two sleep parameters were examined: sleep duration indexed by actual sleep minutes and sleep quality indexed by sleep efficiency from sleep onset to wake time. Regression analyses showed that more RSA withdrawal (lower RSA during task than baseline) was associated with shorter sleep, and more SCL-r (higher SCL during task than baseline) was associated with poorer sleep efficiency. Moderation analyses showed that associations linking RSA withdrawal with fewer sleep minutes and poorer sleep efficiency, and SCL-r with fewer sleep minutes were significant only for boys. Results illustrate that higher daytime physiological reactivity (increased RSA withdrawal and SCL-r) is negatively associated with sleep duration and efficiency for adolescents, especially boys.
Degradation of Block Copolymer Films Confined in Elastic Media: Molecular Dynamics Simulations

We performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of swelling and degradation of copolymer films confined within polymer networks with different values of shear modulus. The microphase sep...
Ku and related antigens

The Ku antigen was first described by Mimori et. al. [1] as a nonhistone nuclear antigen producing a precipitin line with sera from certain patients with scleroderma-polymyositis overlap syndrome. As has been common practice, the designation Ku was derived from the initial letters of a patient's name. A number of other nuclear antigens, including nuclear factor IV (NFIV), PSE1, TREF, Ku-2, EBP80, E1BF, and YPFI, are similar or identical to Ku (Table 1). Other synonyms for Ku include p70/p80 [2], 87-70 kDa protein complex [3, 4], and Kis6, Ki66 [5]. Exchange of reference sera has established that all ofthese antigens are the same as Ku. Note: There has been some confusion in the literature regarding the relationship of the Ku and Ki autoantigens [5, 6]. Although these specificities are frequently present in the same serum, the Ki antigen is a 29.5 kDa protein that appears to be immunologically and biochemically unrealted to Ku, but is identical to the SL antigen [7].
Quickest change point detection with multiple postchange models

We study the sequential quickest change point detection for systems with multiple possible postchange models. A change point is the time instant at which the distribution of a random process change...
Introducing the TSTR Metric to Improve Network Traffic GANs

Labeled network traffic is a vital resource for improving anomaly-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). However, a majority of the real-world traffic data sets are antiquated compared to modern traffic patterns, or are too small. To overcome this, efforts have been made to create synthetic network traffic with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). These efforts have been hindered by the lack of effective metrics for evaluating the appropriateness of the model structure, hyperparameters, or for comparing traffic GAN architectures. This work proposes the application of the Train Synthetic, Test Real (TSTR) metric for evaluating traffic GANs in terms of their ability to generalize patterns that are relevant in the Anomaly-based IDS, as well as preliminary results applying TSTR to an existing traffic GAN model.
Influence of Post-selenization Temperature on the Performance of Substrate-Type Sb2Se3 Solar Cells

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) solar cells are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective photovoltaic technology. In this work, we fabricate Sb2Se3 solar cells using closed-space sublimation follo...
Investigation of Polymerization and Cyclization of Dimethyldiethoxysilane by 29Si NMR and FTIR

Dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDES) appears to be a very promising modifier to introduce functional groups to a silicate network. The polymerization and cyclization of DMDES under acid-catalyzed conditions (DMDES : Ethanol : water : HCl = 1:4:4:3.68 × 10−4 in molar ratio) were investigated by high resolution liquid 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Time-dependent NMR and FTIR data illustrate that monomers of (CH3)2Si(OC2H5)2, (CH3)2Si(OC2H5)(OH), and (CH3)2Si(OH)2 reach meta-equilibrium in less than 4 minutes. 3-membered rings ((CH3)2SiO)3 appear about half an hour later and 4-membered rings ((CH3)2SiO)4 an hour later, which continue to be formed over 24 hours. The relative concentrations of monomers, linear structures and cyclic structures suggest a modified model for the kinetics of cyclization, where 4-membered rings are formed by dimer-dimer interactions, as opposed to monomer-trimer interactions previously proposed.
Software Productivity Center Inc.

Software Productivity Center Inc. (SPC) was formed in 1992 as a nonprofit organization promoting the use of best practices and processes to increase the efficiency, reliability, and predictability of the software development process. The SPC is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Its clients are situated around the world with the majority in the United States. The goal outlined in the original business plan was for the center to become self-sustaining in five years. It reached this and privatized in 1997. SPC has a few attributes that set it apart from other leading centers for software process. SPC has a business perspective. SPC advocates best practices that will have the greatest initial impact on the success of the business, while helping to put a structure in place to ensure ongoing learning and advancement of the organization and its staff. SPC has over 100 member companies that enjoy benefits such as discounts on training and products, free monthly seminars, and advice and information from SPC experts. Interaction with these member companies ensures SPC stays current with the challenges and issues facing software organizations each day. Member companies also benefit from SPC's affiliation and participation in international organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO standards), The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Keywords: framework; plan; improvement; electronic newsletter; services
Effect of soil nutrient heterogeneity on the symmetry of belowground competition

Size variability in plant populations has been extensively studied andmuch of this inquiry has focused on the types of competition that are involvedin increasing or decreasing size inequality. It is often assumed thatcompetition for light is size-asymmetric, meaning that a plant canpotentially dominate a competitive relationship through shading if it is tallerthan its competitor. The light resources obtained by the taller plant are thusdisproportionate to its size. In contrast, competition for soil resources maybemore size-symmetric, the amount of soil nutrients obtained seems to be indirect proportion to a plant's size. Most studies examining belowgroundcompetition have used homogeneouslydistributed nutrient resources. Soil homogeneity could makesize-asymmetric belowground competition unlikely, but homogeneity is notoften found in nature. In this study I use a greenhouse pot experimentutilizingIpomoea tricolor to examine the hypothesis thatsize-asymmetric competition for soil nutrients may result when soilresource distribution is spatially heterogeneous. The results did not supportthe hypothesis of belowgroundsize-asymmetric competition. Differences between experimental treatmentsand controls were not statistically significant suggesting size-symmetriccompetition. Implications of these results are discussed.
The Influence of Canadian Investment on U.S. Residential Property Values

This study is an examination of the impact of foreign investors on an American residential real estate market. Point Roberts, Washington, a real estate market that is dominated by Canadians, is the focus of the analysis. Utilizing a ten-year database of home sales, the empirical analysis suggests that the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rate and market conditions in nearby Vancouver, British Columbia, strongly influence Point Roberts residential property price levels. A rising Canadian dollar seems to motivate increased demand for Point Roberts property by Canadian investors, for example. The sensitivity of real estate prices to exchange-rate changes appears to be a three-to-six-month lagged function. In general, it appears that a higher Canadian dollar will increase the Canadian demand for Point Roberts real estate which, in turn, leads to higher transaction prices. In addition, transaction prices in Point Roberts are slightly more volatile than are prices in the Vancouver market.
Antibiotic Lock for Treatment of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter Bacteremia

Catheter-related bacteremia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients. Microorganism biofilm matrix formation in the catheter is the pathogenic process of this entity. Administration of systemic antibiotics and removal of the offending catheter is the most logical treatment. This article discusses an alternative option, instillation of an antibiotic-lock solution into the lumen of the catheter plus systemic antibiotic therapy. Recent studies suggest that this strategy could treat the infection and salvage the catheter, thus avoiding the need for further interventional procedures including but not limited to the removal of the catheter, placement of a temporary catheter, and finally placement of a new permanent catheter. The implementation of this effective approach will reduce morbidity and possibly reduce the cost and interventions associated with it.
Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations: What is it and how does it work?

Multivariate imputation by chained equations (MICE) has emerged as a principled method of dealing with missing data. Despite properties that make MICE particularly useful for large imputation procedures and advances in software development that now make it accessible to many researchers, many psychiatric researchers have not been trained in these methods and few practical resources exist to guide researchers in the implementation of this technique. This paper provides an introduction to the MICE method with a focus on practical aspects and challenges in using this method. A brief review of software programs available to implement MICE and then analyze multiply imputed data is also provided.