cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitigating collision and preimage attacks against the generalized MDC-2 mode of operation

This paper proposes a set of mechanisms for enhancing the security of the generalized MDC-2 mode of operation. The MDC-2 [4] mode is used for constructing a double length hash function, using block cipher building blocks, and is believed to provide some collision resistance [4], [10]. Recently, several attacks on MDC-2 have been published - collision, first and second pre-image attacks, with complexity below the ideal [2], [7], [8]. In this paper we analyze the root-cause of these attacks, as applied to the generalized MDC-2 mode, and propose techniques for mitigating them. By mitigating we mean that with our amendments the attacks are either not applicable, or their complexity is pushed to ideal.
A model for positive environmental control

Abstract In the control of pollution, two apparently important facts are often negelected: (1) removal of a particular pollutant from a particular source and location may merely result in transforming it into a pollutant, or pollutants of different forms, in other locations; (2) the activity of pollution control itself requires inputs, the production of which may generate additional pollutants. In order to achieve positive environmental control, these two facts must be considered in selecting control processes and in determining optimum control standards. It is necessary that an integrated approach to pollution control be taken, making allowances for ecological inter-relations. As practiced today, pollution control is handled as separate problems of disposing gas, liquid and solid wastes. This paper proposes a model for evaluating the total environmental impact of a pollution control process or method. Theoretical criteria for determining an optimum control level with or without resource constraint are also derived.
Doctors' Estimates of the Percentage of Patients Whose Problems Do Not Require Medical Attention.

Summary A total of 248 doctors replied to the question ‘About what per cent of your patients present problems that do not really require medical attention (problems that would take care of themselves)?’ The answers given ranged from 0 to 90%, with a mean of 20–61 and standard deviation of 23–81. The estimates given by the doctors were related to their own performance as pre-medical and medical students, and to personal qualities and dispositions as indicated by psychological assessment. Doctors whose estimates were higher than the average for the group tended to have better pre-medical scholastic records than their peers, to attain superior scores on the Science subtest of the Medical College Admission Test, and to prefer rational to intuitive methods of problem-solving.
Use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine genomic diversity in strains of Helicobacter hepaticus from geographically distant locations.

In 1992 a helical microorganism associated with chronic active hepatitis and a high incidence of hepatocellular tumors was identified in the hepatic parenchyma of A/JCr mice. By using biochemical tests, phenotypic characterization, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the organism was classified as a novel Helicobacter species and named Helicobacter hepaticus. Recent surveys completed in our laboratory indicate that H. hepaticus is widespread in academic and commercial mouse colonies. The aim of this study was to examine the H. hepaticus genome by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to determine the degree of genomic variation and genomic size. This technique has been used to identify significant genomic diversity among strains of Helicobacter pylori and to demonstrate only slight genomic diversity among strains of Helicobacter mustelae. Genomic DNAs from 11 isolates of H. hepaticus from the United States, Germany, France, and The Netherlands were subjected to PFGE after digestion with SmaI. Isolates from three independent sources within the United States had very similar PFGE patterns, suggesting that the genomic DNAs of these isolates are conserved. Genomic DNA isolated from a fourth source within the United States had a PFGE pattern different from those of the other U.S. isolates. Isolates obtained from Germany, France, and The Netherlands had PFGE patterns that differed markedly from those of the U.S. isolates and from one another. The use of DNA fingerprinting may be useful in subsequent epidemiological studies of H. hepaticus when the source and method of spread of this murine pathogen need to be ascertained. By PFGE, the genomic size of H. hepaticus is estimated to be roughly 1.3 Mb, which compares to 1.67 Mb for H. pylori and 1.7 Mb for H. mustelae.
Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Buprenorphine For Opioid Dependent Women in the Criminal Justice System

Aims Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of both methadone and buprenorphine when used with opioid dependent men transitioning from prison to the community, but no studies have been conducted with women in the criminal justice (CJ) system. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of buprenorphine for relapse prevention among opioid dependent women in the CJ system transitioning back to the community.
Observed surface lysine acetylation of human carbonic anhydrase II expressed in Escherichia coli.

Acetylation of surface lysine residues of proteins has been observed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), an organism that has been extensively utilized for recombinant protein expression. This post-translational modification is shown to be important in various processes such as metabolism, stress-response, transcription, and translation. As such, utilization of E. coli expression systems for protein production may yield non-native acetylation events of surface lysine residues. Here we present the crystal structures of wild-type and a variant of human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) that have been expressed in E. coli and exhibit surface lysine acetylation and we speculate on the effect this has on the conformational stability of each enzyme. Both structures were determined to 1.6 A resolution and show clear electron density for lysine acetylation. The lysine acetylation does not distort the structure and the surface lysine acetylation events most likely do not interfere with the biological interpretation. However, there is a reduction in conformational stability in the hCA II variant compared to wild type (∼ 4°C decrease). This may be due to other lysine acetylation events that have occurred but are not visible in the crystal structure due to intrinsic disorder. Therefore, surface lysine acetylation events may affect overall protein stability and crystallization, and should be considered when using E. coli expression systems.
Evolving concepts in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

It is arguable that more biologic insight has been gained from the study of COPD than from any other pulmonary disorder. A vast knowledge of the biology of extracellular matrix proteins, proteinases, and proteinase inhibitors has largely stemmed from the elastase:anti-elastase hypothesis for the pathogenesis of emphysema. An equally compelling case could be made that interest in, and funding for, COPD research has been woeful, and investigators have made no significant medical breakthroughs in the treatment of this disorder, which, unfortunately, is becoming epidemic worldwide. Indeed, it cannot be argued that physicians have very little treatment to offer to the many patients with COPD. Humankind is rapidly approaching a time when all human genes will be sequenced, and genetic engineering will allow determination of the function of these proteins in vivo. Expression profiling and bioinformatics will allow clinicians to assess the spectrum of genes and proteins regulated in biologic processes, no longer limiting study to naive candidate genes. These advances will allow investigators to decipher precise pathways of complex diseases, identify genetic and environmental interactions, and ultimately lead to specific (pre)diagnoses and rational treatment. Answers to the question as to why only a subset of smokers develop COPD will enhance the understanding of the disease process. Fortunately, there has been a resurgence of interest in COPD, led largely by the pharmaceutical industry, which has discovered the potential of this unmet need. Consequently, these state-of-the-art scientific techniques are being directly applied to COPD, lending hope for the future. Of even greater importance, the tide seems to be turning on the cigarette industry. Although difficult to imagine, perhaps cigarettes will disappear in this lifetime or at least the next generation won't be fooled by this deadly habit! Well ... the rational therapy thing could work.
The HERMES humanoid system: A platform for full-body teleoperation with balance feedback

The HERMES humanoid robot system is designed for studying whole-body human-in-the-loop control with balance feedback. Inspired by the innate physical control capabilities of humans as well as the capacity for creative learning, we explore the use of the full-body of the human operator as the controller for a humanoid robot. The state of balance of the robot is displayed as sensory feedback to the human operator applied as force to the waist in order to stimulate corrective teleoperated control actions. This paper addresses the design considerations for such a system and shows initial results for human-in-the-loop-balance control as well as a wall-breaking demonstration that summarizes the breadth of capabilities of the system. Initial results show that the operator can respond to an impact disturbance on the robot within 175 ms and 125 ms after the robot's center of pressure begins to move.
Water in Frozen Tissue

The state of water in frozen tissue has been a subject for investigation for at least four decades. Such information relates to understanding cell structure disruption, degradation, and protein denaturation phenomena that occur during frozen storage, and may throw light on the many complex roles of water in living cells.
It’s Not the Size of the Boat or the Motion of the Ocean The Role of Self-Objectification, Appearance Anxiety, and Depression in Female Sexual Functioning

Research on psychological factors related to female sexual functioning has been growing in recent years. Our study draws on the existing sexual health literature and objectification theory to test ...
An Immersion Test for Rubber Compounds

Abstract The immersion procedure described here is much faster than the present A. S. T. M. method, and gives results of comparable accuracy. It requires less space and less solvent. The most serious objection to it is the occurrence of anisotropic swelling due to grain in the rubber. However, there is usually more grain in manufactured articles, such as hose, than in tensile sheets. Both methods are useful chiefly for the preliminary evaluation of compounds. The final test frequently is made on the finished article under special conditions. The sensitivity of this test to grain effects suggests that its use with a good swelling agent will be a useful tool for measuring the extent of such grain in various compounds.
Contributions and Controversies of Preoperative DCE-Breast MRI

Since the 1990s when breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) began to be used in clinical practice, its role in clinical medicine has greatly evolved. In more recent years, there has been controversy on the benefits of performing breast MRI on patient’s newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Here we review recent literature focused on preoperative breast MRI which includes specific topics such as its benefit in certain age groups, tumor sizing, disease extent, histologic, and molecular subtypes as well as its effect on surgical planning and long-term outcomes with a brief review of new MR imaging techniques.
Defensins versus pathogens: an unfolding story.

Bacteria are one of the major factors shaping the evolutionary landscape of all eukaryotic organisms including humans. Bacterial epidemics, which have taken hundreds of millions of human lives in the observable history, are arguably some of the most vivid and cruel manifestations of natural selection. The history of co-evolution of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms is ingrained in their organization as the immune system from one side, and effector molecules supremely tuned to manipulate the essential pathways and cascades (e.g. toxins) from the other.
Magnetofluorescent Hybrid Nanoparticles for Phototherapy of Cancer Cells

Magnetofluorescent hybrid nanoparticles consisting of gold and iron oxide moiety, and fluorescent molecules could provide a promising platform for development of multimodal imaging and therapy approaches in the treatment of cancer. However, the feasibility of this platform has yet to be fully explored. In this study, we synthesized biocompatible dumbbell-like iron-gold hybrid particles that are superparamagnetic, fluorescent and with strong optical absorption. Furthermore, we showed that hybrid nanoparticles can be conjugated to targeting agents allowing for specific targeting of cancer cells. These particles can potentially be used to target and achieve preferential particle uptake in colorectal cancer cells and then used to induce cell apoptosis via phototherapy using near infrared laser irradiation.
Effects of digitoxin on exchangeable and tissue potassium contents.

Summary1. The daily intravenous administration of 0.1 mg of digitoxin per kg of body weight to normal rabbits resulted, within 7 days, in an increase in body weight and a reduction in the serum potassium concentration and the exchangeable potassium content. These changes in potassium metabolism were corrected within one week by discontinuing the glycoside. 2. The intravenous administration of a single large dose of digitoxin (0.2 mg per kg) to normal rabbits resulted within 24 hours in a decrease in the mean potassium content of all the tissues and organs. Statistically significant decreases in potassium content were noted in the abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles and in the subcutaneous connective tissue. The results suggest that one of the effects of the administration of digitoxin in these dosages is to deplete the body store of potassium.
A Discrete Vortex Method Investigation of Canonical Pitch Ramp-Hold Case

olinearly ramping pitch to hold case was analyzed. Parametric studies were performed to gage sensitivity to various parameters (such as angle of attack at which separation occurs, leading edge separation factor, and number of vortices) to the flow field generated. The FDTC-LRWG Pitch-Ramp-Hold Canonical cases executed by others in the group are used for the purpose of refining the accuracy of the code and are also used in an effort to define the bounds of applicability of this lower order method. After some tuning, the method ultimately proves to be quite versatile and accurate within the constraints of low Reynolds number unsteady flow fields to which is applied here. Nomenclature
GENETIC EVIDENCE FOR A PLEISTOCENE POPULATION EXPLOSION.

Expansions of population size leave characteristic signatures in mitochondrial "mismatch distributions." Consequently, these distributions can inform us about the history of changes in population size. Here, I study a simple model of population history that assumes that, t generations before the present, a population grows (or shrinks) suddenly from female size N0 to female size N1 . Although this model is simple, it often provides an accurate description of data generated by complex population histories. I develop statistical methods that estimate θ0 = 2uN0 , θ1 = 2uN1 , and τ = 2ut (where u is the mutation rate), and place a confidence region around these estimates. These estimators are well behaved, and insensitive to simplifying assumptions. Finally, I apply these methods to published mitochondrial data, and infer that a major expansion of the human population occurred during the late Pleistocene.
Senior Centers: Increasing Minority Participation Through Diversification

This article explores the degree of influence of the racial and linguistic characteristics of staff and the availability of culturally diverse programs on the level of minority elder participation in senior centers. Two hundred twenty senior centers, recreation clubs, nutrition sites, and local Area Agencies of Aging in New York State were surveyed and comprise the study population. The impact of factors such as the racial/ethnic backgrounds of the senior center staff, linguistic abilities of the staff/administrators, and the availability of culturally specific programs on the level of participation among non-Caucasian elderly were evaluated. The study found that increasing the representation of minority staff and diverse programming, increases the level of participation of minority elders in senior centers. These findings provide the framework for recommendations to increase the representation of non-Caucasian staff in senior centers. Doing so will lead to a greater diversity of senior center co...
Championing the rights of others and challenging evil: The ego function in the rhetoric of other‐directed social movements

Virtually all that we know about the ego function of protest rhetoric has come from studies of social movements such as ones fighting for the rights of women, workers, African‐Americans, and gays. Each of these movements is self‐directed in that (1) it is created, led, and populated primarily by those who perceive themselves to be dispossessed and (2) it is struggling primarily for personal freedom, equality, justice, and rights. But not all social movements are self‐directed. The animal rights and pro‐life movements, for example, appear to be other‐directed in that (1) they are created, led, and populated primarily by those who do not perceive themselves to be dispossessed and (2) they are struggling for the freedom, equality, justice, and rights of others rather than selves. This study compares the ego function in the rhetoric of three contemporary, other‐directed social movements to what we know about the ego function from studies of self‐directed social movements.
Do LORIS Trial Eligibility Criteria Identify a Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Patient Population at Low Risk of Upgrade to Invasive Carcinoma

The Surgery Versus Active Monitoring for Low-Risk DCIS (LORIS) trial is studying the safety of monitoring core-biopsy diagnosed low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) without excision. We sought to determine the incidence and characteristics of synchronous invasive carcinoma found in LORIS-eligible women who underwent excision, as this knowledge is essential in assessing the safety of observation alone. Women meeting LORIS eligibility criteria (age ≥46 years, screen-detected calcifications, non-high-grade DCIS diagnosed by core biopsy, absence of nipple discharge, or strong family history of breast cancer) who underwent surgical excision from 2009 to 2012 were identified. Histologic findings of excision specimens were reviewed. Overall, 296 LORIS-eligible cases were identified; 58 (20 %) had invasive carcinoma on final pathology (90 % invasive ductal, 78 % >1 mm in size, 21 % high grade, 3 % triple negative, 9 % HER2 amplified). Of these, 18 (31 %) were pT1b or larger and 3 (5 %) were pN1. Among eligible upgraded cases, 90 % received radiation, 89 % received endocrine therapy, and 18 % were recommended chemotherapy. Women upgraded to invasive carcinoma were more likely to have intermediate-grade DCIS on core biopsy and to have undergone mastectomy. Among LORIS-eligible women, 20 % had invasive carcinoma at surgical excision that was heterogeneous in grade, size, and receptor status. Information gained from surgical excision influenced receipt of adjuvant radiation and endocrine therapy in most patients, and indicated benefit from chemotherapy in 18 % of patients. Surgical excision is warranted until additional risk stratification is available to identify a cohort of DCIS patients at lower risk for clinically significant synchronous invasive carcinoma.
Maintaining a critical spectra within Monteburns for a gas-cooled reactor array by way of control rod manipulation

This burnup study examined the effect of a predicted critical control rod position on the nuclide predictability of several axial and radial locations within a 4 × 4 graphite moderated gas cooled reactor fuel cluster geometry. To achieve this, a control rod position estimator (CRPE) tool was developed within the framework of the linkage code Monteburns between the transport code MCNP and depletion code CINDER90, and four methodologies were proposed within the tool for maintaining criticality. Two of the proposed methods used an inverse multiplication approach – where the amount of fissile material in a set configuration is slowly altered until criticality is attained – in estimating the critical control rod position. Another method carried out several MCNP criticality calculations at different control rod positions, then used a linear fit to estimate the critical rod position. The final method used a second-order polynomial fit of several MCNP criticality calculations at different control rod positions to guess the critical rod position. The results showed that consistency in prediction of power densities as well as uranium and plutonium isotopics was mutual among methods within the CRPE tool that predicted critical position consistently well. While the CRPE tool is currently limited to manipulating a single control rod, future work could be geared toward implementing additional criticality search methodologies along with additional features.
Measurements of the Electric and Magnetic Fields Produced by Close Lightning

The experimental techniques used to measure the broadband (1 kHz – 10 MHz) electric and magnetic fields produced by lightning are described. Data obtained on lightning return strokes and stepped leaders within 200 km are presented and discussed.
Proteolytic and Lipolytic Activity of Molds Isolated from Aged Beef.

This study evaluated the proteolytic and lipolytic activity of several strains of Thamnidium elegans , Mucor mucedo and Chaetostylum fresenii on selected test proteins and lipids. At 18°C, the zone of hydrolysis to colony size ratio on skim milk agar, representing proteolytic activity after 4 d, was 0.92, 0.80 and 0.67 for M. mucedo , C. fresenii and T. elegans , respectively. A similar trend was noted after 4 d of incubation at 24°C. There was positive lipolytic activity on Tween 80 at 18 and 24°C for the same three molds. The proteolytic and lipolytic activity decreased with decreasing temperatures so that at 4°C, the temperature of most probable use if applied to meat, the effect was negligible unless long incubation times were used. The absence of proteolytic activity of the molds at 4°C and the impracticality of aging beef at 18 or 24°C suggest that treatment of meat with molds to enhance tenderness may not be feasible.
Modes of Exports by Sub-Saharan African Firms: Intensive Margins and Interdependencies

This paper examines the interdependencies between direct mode and indirect mode exporters and their effect on the intensive margins of both groups of firms. We do so by first developing an oligopolistic model of trade in which both types of exporters co-exist. We then use firm-level data from a number of Sub-Saharan African countries to empirically test some of our theoretical predictions on the relationships between the intensive margins on one hand and on own- and cross-efficiency levels, degree of competition, and fiscal policies. We also allow for the government policies to be endogenous in both our theoretical and empirical analysis.
Cannabinoids and the kidney: effects in health and disease.

Consumption of cannabis and various related products (cannabinoids) for both medicinal and recreational use is gaining popularity. Furthermore, regulatory changes are fostering a cultural shift tow...
The characteristics and generation mechanism of small‐amplitude and large‐amplitude ESF irregularities observed by the C/NOFS satellite

It is well understood that equatorial plasma bubbles are initiated in the bottomside F region and grow into the topside F region, producing equatorial spread F (ESF) irregularities in both bottomside and topside F regions. However, it is not known whether small-amplitude and large-amplitude irregularities have the same occurrence pattern and how the generation of small-amplitude and large-amplitude irregularities is related to the postsunset vertical plasma drift and potential seeding processes. In this study, we use ion density and velocity data measured by the Communications/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite during May 2008-July 2014 to derive the longitude-month distributions of the occurrence probability of ESF irregularities at different amplitudes. It is found that the occurrence probability of large-amplitude irregularities is well correlated with the postsunset vertical plasma drift and that small-amplitude irregularities does not show a clear pattern at low solar activity but is anti-correlated with that of large-amplitude irregularities at moderate solar activity. That is, the months and longitudes with high occurrence probability of large-amplitude irregularities are exactly those with low occurrence probability of small-amplitude irregularities, and vice versa. ESF irregularities are mostly limited below 500 km during low solar activity in 2008-2010, but large-amplitude irregularities can reach 700-800 km in altitude during moderate solar activity in 2011-2014. The generation of large-amplitude ESF irregularities is controlled by the postsunset vertical plasma drift at both low and moderate solar activities. In contrast, small-amplitude ESF irregularities at moderate solar activity occur more frequently in the areas where the postsunset vertical plasma drift is small.
Rejecting Women’s Ordination: The 60th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

The July 2015 meeting of the Adventist General Conference was dominated by an often contentious debate about women’s ordination. Though founded by a female charismatic leader, Adventists were contesting women’s ordination by at least 1881, and the contemporary denomination has studied the question for more than four decades. Tension has burgeoned in recent years as some regional Seventh-day Adventist unions have ordained women despite the lack of movement-wide policy change. In July 2015, as delegates deliberated on a motion to allow each division of the world church to decide the question of women’s ordination for itself, the gathering saw an unusual degree of discord, and this disagreement about gender and women’s roles spilled over from the ordination debate into discussions of other agenda items. Despite a “No” vote on the motion, the controversy surrounding women’s ordination persists in Adventism.
Predicting adverse events in patients undergoing hepatectomy-validation of preoperative nomogram and risk score.

Abstract Background/Purpose Much research exists on preoperative measures of postoperative mortality in the surgical treatment of liver malignancies, but little on morbidity, a more common outcome. This study aims (i) to validate the published calculations as acceptable measures of postoperative mortality and (ii) to assess the value of these published measures in predicting postoperative morbidity. Methods Data were collected from a prospectively managed dataset of 1059 hepatectomies performed in Louisville, Kentucky from December 1990 to April 2014. Preoperative data were used to assign scores for each of two published measures and the scores were sorted into clinically relevant groups with corresponding ordinal scores, according to the previously published literature (Dhir nomogram and Simons risk score). Results After selection, 851 hepatectomies were analyzed. Both the Dhir nomogram (p = 0.0004) and Simons risk score (p = 0.0017) were acceptable predictors of postoperative mortality. In the analysis of morbidity, Dhir scores were a poor predictor of morbidity. The Simons ordinal risk score was predictive of complications (p = 0.0029), the number of complications (p = 0.0028), complication grade (p = 0.0033), and hepatic-specific complications (p = 0.0003). Conclusion The Simons ordinal risk score can be useful in assessing postoperative morbidity among hepatectomy patients.
Some Transcendence Degree Questions

This paper addresses some open questions from [1]. The general concern is to study the behavior of transcendence degree over an arbitrary commutative ring R with identity with particular interest in those R algebras which are contained in a polynomial ring over R. To be precise, let S = R[X n ] where [X n ] = {x 1,…,x n{, a set of independent indeterminates and the objects of interest are R-algebras B \( \subseteq \) S with B finitely generated over R. The paper gives two generalizations of theorems from [1] which give conditions which guarantee that [S : B] + [B : R] = n. ([C : D] denotes the size of a maximal set contained in C which is algebraically independent over D.) S is a B-algebra about which little can be said except that S is finitely generated over R. If [S:B] = d, it does not follow that there exists a minimal generating set of S over B containing d algebraically independent elements. In fact, it is easy to construct examples where S can be minimally generated over B by algebraic elements, but [S:B] >0. This paper will show that such pathological behavior cannot happen for the R-algebras B.
Who Do You Think You Are? Evolving Ethical Meaning Making

People must develop ways to determine and manage acceptable and unacceptable behaviors within their communities, although not all communities create the same ethical systems. Understanding differences in ethical systems, including between constructivists and their critics, might benefit from considering constructive-developmental theory, which views ethics as related to evolving individual self-identities in a context of accompanying cultural evolution. By considering that people's ethical frameworks evolve over the life span and that current society consists of people at various levels within that evolutionary process, we may arrive at a better understanding of ethical differences and include a wider range of perspectives in our discourse.
Positive zip coding in small protein translocation

Most newly synthesized proteins destined for the secretory pathway contain a signal peptide (SP) that triggers cotranslational translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, how small polypeptides undergo ER translocation is not fully understood. In this issue of JBC, Guo et al. describe a mechanism for posttranslational translocation of small secretory proteins featuring a positive charge within the SP N-terminal region. Defects in this element disrupt proper secretion and explain the effects of genetic mutations associated with one type of diabetes.
Overview of Optimization

Optimization refers to the identification of the “best” solution from among the set of candidate solutions. An optimization formulation typically involves the minimization or maximization of an objective function subject to a number of constraints. Optimization is a very effective and powerful tool that aids in the systematic solution of process integration problems. The principles of optimization theory and algorithms are covered by various books. Additionally, for a retrospective and future prospective on optimization, the reader is referred to the following publications. This chapter presents an overview of formulating and solving optimization problems.
Behavior of tiled-aperture arrays fed by vector partially coherent sources

This paper explores the far-zone behavior of partially coherent arrays. We derive an expression for the far-zone spectral density valid for any array composed of circular elements and fed by fields with Schell-model cross-spectral density functions. This expression is written as the sum of convolution integrals, making it easy to physically interpret. We discuss this expression at length and present examples. Lastly, we validate our analysis by comparing Monte Carlo averages from wave-optics simulations with theory. We conclude this paper with a brief summary of the results and potential uses of our work.
Radar-Echo Enhancement at Frontal Boundaries by Refractive Index Inhomogeneities

Observations associated with some unusual radar echo lines are presented. Analysis of raingage and radar data indicates that echo enhancement due to a steep refractive index gradient is occurring. Acceleration of the front may play an important role in forming this echo. Synoptic application of observations of these unusual echo lines is discussed.
Prospective analysis of pediatric ocular chemical burns: laundry detergent pods

Purpose To present data on chemical ocular burns in children seen at a single tertiary care facility resulting from accidental eye exposure to the contents of laundry detergent pods. Methods All emergent pediatric ophthalmology consultations specific for chemical ocular burns at a level I trauma center were included as part of a prospective quality improvement investigation over a 13-month period. Age, causative agent, and examination findings at presentation and final follow-up were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 12 children with chemical ocular burns were seen during the study period. All patients were ≤5 years of age. Most chemical ocular burn consultations (n = 8) were specific to ocular exposure of laundry detergent pod contents; the remainder were associated with conventional cleaning agents or pesticides (n = 4). There was a significant association between laundry detergent pod as causative agent and a patient age of 2-5 years, compared to Conclusions In our study, laundry detergent pods were the most frequent cause of chemical ocular burns in children. Additionally, preschoolers may be at a higher risk of sustaining these injuries. Increased public awareness, product safety improvements, and/or regulation may be advisable to decrease the ocular hazards associated with laundry detergent pods.
Effect of Organic Acids on Molecular Mobility, Physical Stability, and Dissolution of Ternary Ketoconazole Spray-Dried Dispersions.

In an earlier investigation, ketoconazole (KTZ)–organic acid coamorphous systems were prepared, wherein, in the solid-state, there was ionic and/or hydrogen bonding interactions between the drug and the acid (Fung, M.; Berziņs, K.; Suryanarayanan, R. Mol. Pharmaceutics, 2018, 15 (5), 1862–1869). While the coamorphous systems accelerated KTZ dissolution, the organic acids were not effective in maintaining supersaturation, and drug precipitation was observed. Ternary drug-polymer-acid amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) were prepared with KTZ, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and each oxalic (OXA), tartaric (TAR), citric (CIT), or succinic (SUC) acid. When compared with amorphous KTZ, solid dispersions of KTZ–PVP exhibited a moderate reduction in molecular mobility and small improvement in dissolution performance. The incorporation of acid (OXA, TAR, or CIT) in PVP–KTZ solid dispersion led to orders of magnitude increase in α-relaxation times and decrease in the crystallization propensity. These ternary ASDs were...
If it Smells Like Sweat, is that Still a Sensory Experience? Sensory Marketing and the CrossFit Phenomenon: An Abstract

This project explores how consumers make meanings of the objects they interact with when engaging in a particularly sensorial servicescape, the CrossFit (hereafter, CF) box. Our research question is: do the objects used specifically in CF help consumers to create meaning around their own experiences and contribute to CF’s fanatical brand following?
The Labor Market Value of Higher Education: Now and in the Future

This chapter reviews the evidence on the labor market returns to investing in a college education for students in the U.S. First, we describe the primary method used to estimate the return on investment and catalog the main datasets used. We then summarize the available evidence on the returns to different awards and other types of investment. We show how earnings gains clearly vary with the incremental level and quality of postsecondary education. Completing a bachelor’s degree is associated with large gains in earnings amounting to at least one-quarter million dollars on average over the lifetime. Completing an associate degree is associated with sizeable and persistent earnings advantages over no college award. Completing a certificate can yield earnings gains, but these are variable and may only be temporary. Looking at field of study and college characteristics, we also find clear evidence of variability in returns. Finally, we consider the skills of college students need, both in their current occupations and in the future as robots and computers impact on what workers do. Overall, we find most college investments to have strong labor market pay-offs and that these pay-offs are unlikely to diminish in the near future.
Tuning of mRNA stability through altering 3'-UTR sequences generates distinct output expression in a synthetic circuit driven by p53 oscillations.

Synthetic biological circuits that can generate outputs with distinct expression dynamics are useful for a variety of biomedical and industrial applications. We present a method to control output dynamics by altering output mRNA decay rates. Using oscillatory expression of the transcription factor p53 as the circuit regulator, we use two approaches for controlling target gene transcript degradation rates based on the output gene’s 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR): introduction of copies of destabilizing AU-rich elements into the 3′-UTR or swapping in naturally occurring 3′-UTRs conferring different transcript stabilities. As a proof of principle, we apply both methods to control the expression dynamics of a fluorescent protein and visualize the circuit output dynamics in single living cells. We then use the naturally occurring 3′-UTR approach to restore apoptosis in a tunable manner in a cancer cell line deficient for caspase-3 expression. Our method can be readily adapted to regulate multiple outputs each with different expression dynamics under the control of a single naturally occurring or synthetically constructed biological oscillator.
Phase separation of Polycomb-repressive complex 1 is governed by a charged disordered region of CBX2

Mammalian development requires effective mechanisms to repress genes whose expression would generate inappropriately specified cells. The Polycomb-repressive complex 1 (PRC1) family complexes are central to maintaining this repression. These include a set of canonical PRC1 complexes, each of which contains four core proteins, including one from the CBX family. These complexes have been shown previously to reside in membraneless organelles called Polycomb bodies, leading to speculation that canonical PRC1 might be found in a separate phase from the rest of the nucleus. We show here that reconstituted PRC1 readily phase-separates into droplets in vitro at low concentrations and physiological salt conditions. This behavior is driven by the CBX2 subunit. Point mutations in an internal domain of Cbx2 eliminate phase separation. These same point mutations eliminate the formation of puncta in cells and have been shown previously to eliminate nucleosome compaction in vitro and generate axial patterning defects in mice. Thus, the domain of CBX2 that is important for phase separation is the same domain shown previously to be important for chromatin compaction and proper development, raising the possibility of a mechanistic or evolutionary link between these activities.
Self-Organizing mm Wave Networks: A Power Allocation Scheme Based on Machine Learning

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication is anticipated to provide significant throughout gains in urban scenarios. To this end, network densification is a necessity to meet the high traffic volume generated by smart phones, tablets, and sensory devices while overcoming large pathloss and high blockages at mmWaves frequencies. These denser networks are created with users deploying small mm Wave base stations (BSs) in a plug-and-play fashion. Although, this deployment method provides the required density, the amorphous deployment of BSs needs distributed management. To address this difficulty, we propose a self-organizing method to allocate power to mm Wave BSs in an ultra dense network. The proposed method consists of two parts: clustering using fast local clustering and power allocation via Q-learning. The important features of the proposed method are its scalability and self-organizing capabilities, which are both important features of 5G. Our simulations demonstrate that the introduced method, provides required quality of service (QoS) for all the users independent of the size of the network.
Effect of Wine Matrix Composition on the Quantification of Volatile Sulfur Compounds by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography-Pulsed Flame Photometric Detection

The analysis of volatile sulfur compounds using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) is heavily influenced by matrix effects. The effects of a wine matrix, both non-volatile and volatile components (other than ethanol) were studied on the analysis of several common sulfur volatiles found in wine, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol (MeSH), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), diethyl disulfide (DEDS), methyl thioacetate (MeSOAc), and ethyl thioacetate (EtSOAc). Varying levels of devolatilized wine and common wine volatiles (acids, esters, alcohols) were added to synthetic wine samples to act as matrices. Sulfur standards were added and analyzed using gas chromatography with pulsed-flame photometric detection (GC-PFPD). Five internal standards were used to find best representatives of each compound despite matrix effects. Sensitivity remained stable with the addition of devolatilized wine, while addition of volatile components decreased sensitivity. DMS was found to be best measured against EMS; DMDS and the thioacetates were best measured against DES; H2S, MeSH, DEDS, and DMTS were best measured against DIDS. The method was used to quantitate the volatile sulfur compounds in 21 wines with various ethanol contents and volatile profiles.
Parent Food-Related Behaviors and Family-Based Dietary and Activity Environments: Associations with BMI z-Scores in Low-Income Preschoolers.

Background: In early childhood, the family dietary and activity environment and parent food-related practices have been found to be important predictors of children's weight. However, few studies a...
Investigation of Noise Induced Hearing Loss at Shipyard Company, Surabaya

Introduction: Noise is a health risk that cannot be avoided in production process. Noise has the potential to cause hearing loss for workers. The bad news, noise damage due to noise is permanent. Audiometric screening at shipyard company employees found 81.2% experienced Sensory-Neural Hearing Loss. 61.5% of employees experience deafness in both ears. The research objective was to find the cause of deafness at shipyard company. Methods: A Quantitative research with cross sectional approach in 64 subjects who worked in the ship repair production unit. The sample is chosen with a simple random technique according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Assessment was carried out using questionnaires, measurement, and direct observations. Result: The bad habit of wearing ear protectors on employees as a cause of deafness (p<.001, Coef .517**). Sound level measurement shows the activity of chipping, welding, cutting and outfitting with noise intensity more than the recommended threshold (85 dBA for 8 hour per day). Noisy sources were found such as blowers, compressors, grinders, cutting mach ines, ringlet machines, hammer blows on plates and generators. Conclusion: Hearing loss in shipyard company employees is a work-related disease caused by the poor culture of wearing ear protectors. The habits does not wear earplug/earmuff tools because its not comfortable in the ear when the appliance is used, the tools too small so its easily lost, forgetten to carry, and tool are not available.
Public Affairs Triumvirate Strategy: College and Community Collaboration to Create a New Paradigm in Public Safety Education and Training

This chapter presents the first example of the Public Affairs Triumvirate strategy application by highlighting innovative activities at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, to guide the formulation of a new paradigm in public safety education and training. In Valencia College’s region with record tourism, over 75 million visitors each year, and a growing residential population, the Public Affairs Triumvirate strategy led to the successful implementation of the “School” of Public Safety and lead to transformative organizational change at this college. The strategy resulted in an “intentional service integrated” model of public safety education and training at Valencia College that can be adopted by communities and regions across the globe that host a large service population.
Synergistic effect of the anti-solvent bath method and improved annealing conditions for high-quality triple cation perovskite thin films

One step solution processing together with anti-solvent engineering is a tested route in producing high-quality perovskite films due to its simplicity and low fabrication costs. Commercialization of perovskites will require replacing the anti-solvent drip process and lowering annealing temperatures to decrease the energy payback time. In this work, we successfully replace the anti-solvent drip with the anti-solvent bath (ASB) method through balancing the methylammonium (MA) and formamidinium (FA) cations to produce high-quality cesium (Cs)/FA/MA triple cation perovskite films. Furthermore, the annealing parameters of Cs0.05FA0.16MA0.79PbI2.7Br0.3 are enhanced to allow for a low-temperature fabrication process when paired with the ASB method. This resulted in the formation of remarkable films with micrometer grains and few defects. Self-powered photodetectors were constructed using the improved conditions, resulting in devices that exhibited a low dark current, an on/off ratio of >103, and a rapid rise time of 12.4 μs. The conclusion of this work shows that ASB can be applied to triple cation perovskites and in using this method, the previously established optimal annealing temperature is lowered.
Using the National Family Health Survey to Evaluate India's Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) has the potential to avert almost all deaths from diarrheal diseases. Nevertheless, in poor nations only about half of children with diarrhea receive ORS. Each year since 2014, India has run an Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight to increase ORS treatment. A key element of the Fortnight plan is free distribution of ORS to over 100 million homes with young children. We compared ORS usage reported in the 2015/2016 National Family Health Survey in the 3 months before the 2015 and 2016 Fortnights to the 2 months after. We control for state fixed effects and for observable characteristics of the child and household. To reduce data mining, we use a short predetermined set of controls and also use a machine learning method: cross-fit partialing-out lasso logistic regression. ORS usage rose about 4.0 percentage points after the Fortnight, closing about 7% of the gap to universal usage. The increase is not statistically significant at conventional levels. These point estimates are inconsistent with government claims that, in 2015, 63% of homes received free ORS. The Fortnight could benefit from more transparent monitoring, a more rigorous evaluation, and improvements in operations. Funding Statement: IRLE at UC Berkeley funded this research. Declaration of Interests: We declare no conflicts of interest.