cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research of Intelligent Home Security Surveillance System Based on ZigBee

Nowadays, Wireless Monitoring for home security is among the cutting-edge researches in the field of International Intelligent Building. To implement real-time surveillance of the home security, the intelligent remote monitoring system was developed for home security based on ZigBee technology and GSM / GPRS network. The system can send abnormal images and warning messages through MMS and SMS, receive remote instruction, and remote monitor household appliances. Meanwhile, the introduction of a variety of sensors and the enhancement of systempsilas reliability guaranteed that the intelligent remote monitoring system can be responsible for home security.The hardware and software design and system performance are expounded in details. A number of surveillance devices in wireless network were connected. The experimental result shows that the system can attain remote surveillance of intelligent home safety with high availability and reliability.
Paerucumarin, a New Metabolite Produced by the pvc Gene Cluster from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The pvc gene cluster from Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been linked to the biosynthesis of both the pyoverdine chromophore and pseudoverdine. Our reinvestigation of the role this gene cluster plays in P. aeruginosa secondary metabolite biosynthesis shows that its major product is actually paerucumarin, a novel isonitrile functionalized cumarin.
LEARNING RATES FOR DENSITY LEVEL DETECTION

In this paper, we address learning rates for the density level detection (DLD) problem. We begin by proving a "No Free Lunch Theorem" showing that rates cannot be obtained in general. Then, we apply a recently established classification framework to obtain rates for DLD support vector machines under mild assumptions on the density.
Dataload: A user-friendly program to prepare binding data for the “LIGAND” software

This paper presents a program for the preparation of binding data to be used with the LIGAND software. This program will analyze saturation and competition/displacement binding data, and prepare all the necessary files that provide the input values for the final processing by the LIGAND package. Features include choices of different units for specific activity of the labeled tracer, and screen editing of the data, and results are provided as an average of replicates or as individual points. The program creates a graphic file to observe the raw data as a B/T vs T graph, prior to the analysis with the LIGAND program. The program saves all the information in a session file. Calculation of the bound/free values for the raw data is also provided.
A high performance class-D power amplifier using error feedback architecture

An architecture that enhances the performance of a class-D amplifier is proposed. The structure consists of a sigma-delta modulator (SDM) which converts the input signal to a 1-bit pulse duration modulation signal. The H-bridge driven by this signal is made part of the SDM loop. The feedback is achieved by two different approaches. One consists of a 4-bit SD analog-to-digital converter and the other consists of a SDM in the continuous time (CT) domain. These arrangements enable the shaping of the high frequency in-band noise generated at the output power stage
The unsteady hydrodynamic force during the collision of two spheres in a viscous fluid

The time-dependent Stokes equations were solved in the vicinity of two spheres colliding in a viscous fluid with viscosity ν to determine the rate of change of the hydrodynamic forces during large accelerations associated with Hertzian mechanical contact of small duration \({\tau_{\rm c}}\). It was assumed that the gap clearance remains finite during contact and is approximately equal to the height σ of surface micro-asperities. The initial condition corresponds to the steady-state axisymmetric solution of Cooley and O’Neill (Mathematika 16:37–49, 1969), and the initial value problem for the time-dependent Stokes streamfunction was solved using Laplace transform methods. Assuming that σ is small compared to the sphere radius a, we used singular perturbation expansions and tangent-sphere coordinates to obtain an asymptotic solution for the viscous flow in the gap and around the moving sphere. The solution provides the dependence of the resistance, added mass and history forces on σ, the sphere velocity and acceleration, and the ratio of the sphere diameters. We found that the relative importance of viscous and mechanical forces during contact depends on a new Stokes number \({St_{\rm c}=\sigma^2/\nu \tau_{\rm c}}\). Integration of Newton’s equation for the motion of the sphere during mechanical contact showed that there is a critical \({St_{\rm c}=O(\sigma/a)}\) for which there is no rebound at the end of contact.
Insights into the Mental Imagery and Gestural Awareness of Representational Gestures Produced in Everyday Talk: An Exploratory Study of Using Participants' Comments as Data

To better understand representational gestures used in everyday talk, this study explores the ways participants talk about their own mental imagery and gestural awareness, and how their comments affect analysis. Literature pertaining to representational gestures, mental imagery, gestural awareness, and self-report data provide the theoretical framework for the study’s design and implementation. Data is drawn from observations of two video recorded dyads engaged in everyday conversation, and four audio recorded interviews with each participant individually as they viewed and commented on selected video segments in which they had produced a representational gesture. Findings indicate that participants talked about mental imagery and gestural awareness in ways that were descriptive, explanatory, and self-reflective. They described their mental imagery in i) visual and motor terms, ii) as mental simulations, iii) as textural sensations, and iv) in linguistic metaphors. Participants talked about gestural awareness in terms of i) spontaneity, ii) intentionality, and iii) affective states. Taken altogether, participant comments suggest embodied cognition as a useful framework for analyzing and understanding representational gestures. Further, findings indicate that participant comments served to i) confirm, ii) clarify, and/or iii) expand my analysis, suggesting that participant comments can enhance understanding of mental imagery and gestural awareness in ways that could not be achieved by a researcher’s observations and analysis alone. INSIGHTS INTO MENTAL IMAGERY AND GESTURAL AWARENESS ii
Macrophage-Induced Neovascularization in the Mouse Eye: Correlation with Other in vivo and in vitro Tests of Angiogenesis

Macrophages play an important role in the neovascular process. A clear demonstration of an angiogenic response to macrophages was shown when macrophages introduced into the guinea pig cornea were found to elicit a vascular response from the limbus (1). Interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), prostaglandin E2 and/or other factors produced by activated macrophages have been directly implicated both in the corneal vascular response and in tissue culture models assessing endothelial cell proliferation and migration (2,3,4,5). Moreover, while the relationship of macrophage function to immune-mediated lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis (LIA) has not yet been defined, it may be assumed that stimulation of the T-lymphocytes mediating LIA leads not only to a direct production of angiogenic factors (e.g. proliferation-inducing endothelial cell lymphokine (ECL-1); see ref.6) but also to the activation of resident macrophages. Our experiments were designed to examine the role of macrophage and macrophage-derived cell products on angiogenesis in the mouse. We report on the effects of resident macrophages, activated macrophages, a macrophage cell line and macrophage-derived factors on angiogenesis in the cornea, on angiogenesis in the skin, and on mouse microvascular and lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation in vitro.
Powering sustainable low-carbon economies: Some facts and figures

Abstract The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change urges that global CO2 emissions from the power sector should be reduced by 90 percent or more below 2010 levels between 2040 and 2070. Such a reduction will most likely require greatly increasing the share of wind, solar, energy storage and nuclear energy in the energy mix in the next 40–50 years. This paper emphasizes the importance of developing large energy storage systems without which, wind and solar can only have a limited impact on CO2 emissions as it will depend mainly on the energy mix used during wind and solar down time. The large areas that are required would be challenging, but not unrealistic, as long as a solution for energy storage exists. Carbon capture and storage has considerable potential to reduce CO2 emissions from coal and gas power plants, but also from heavy industries such as cement and steel manufacturing. To give an idea of the scale of the required infrastructure, in the United States, coal and gas power plants emit approximately 2.4 billion tonnes of CO2 per year; whereas the US annual petroleum consumption is about 0.9 billion tonnes (6.9 billion barrels). This paper also emphasizes that uranium and thorium used in breeder reactors represent an almost infinite source of low-carbon energy. The issues associated with the management of nuclear wastes are real, but they are not the uniquely difficult issues perceived by the media, much of the public and by many politicians. Finally, the investment necessary to implement a wind and solar powered economy would very likely be higher than that necessary to implement a nuclear powered economy because of the much larger number of GWe required.
Variation in osteon histomorphometrics and their impact on age-at-death estimation in older individuals

Histomorphometric studies have reported relations between osteon size and age; however, data focused on the shape of osteons is sparse. The purpose of this study was to determine how osteon circularity (On.Cr) varies with age in different skeletal elements. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between age and osteon shape and size. We hypothesized that age would be negatively related to osteon size (area, On.Ar) and positively related to osteon shape (On.Cr). On.Cr and On.Ar were determined for the ribs and femora of 27 cadaveric specimens with known age-at-death. As predicted, age was significantly related to osteon size and shape for both the femur and rib. With age, there was a decrease in size and an increase in circularity. No relationship between sex and On.Cr was detected. An age predicting model, including On.Cr, On.Ar and OPD, is proposed to improve our ability to estimate age-at-death, especially for older individuals.
Supercritical Fluid versus Soxhlet Extraction with FTIR or GC Detection of Tributyl Phosphate and Lard Oil from Sediments: Recoveries

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is compared with Soxhlet extraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) is compared with gas chromatography (GC) for the characterization of tributyl phosphate and lard oil in spiked sediments. These compounds are of interest because they can affect the subsurface fate of carbon tetrachloride, a substance with which they were codisposed in the soil in large quantities at a U.S. Department of Energy site. One commercial SFE system is about 45% as efficient as Soxhlet extraction in recovering TBP and lard oil from sediments. Relative efficiency is increased to about 70% by using a modified collection device. These relatively poor recoveries may be caused by poor collection efficiency in the SFE rather than by differences in extraction efficiency between Soxhlet and SFE. FTIR gives comparable results to GC as a detection device for TBP and is more feasible for lard oil. The combination of SFE and FTIR could be a useful field screening technique for TBP and lard oil.
Evidence that alterations in distal sodium delivery and distal sodium avidity affect the rate of excretion of an acute HCl load

Evidence that alterations in distal sodium delivery and distal sodium avidity affect the rate of excretion of an acute HCl load . In these experiments, two groups of animals were studied to evaluate the effect of altering renal tubular sodium-handling on the excretion of an acute HCl load. In group I, normal salt animals hypotonically expanded with antidiuretic hormone (ADH) (using a protocol known to stimulate aldosterone) presented large amounts of sodium to the distal tubule and excreted an acute HCl load much more efficiently than did animals pretreated with either a normal (NL) or low (LO) salt diet alone. In group II, 24hr after acid-loading, the plasma bicarbonate concentrations were significantly lower in animals pretreated with sodium restriction plus furosemide (F) than in those maintained on a normal (NL) or high (HI) salt diet alone. Acid excretion was maximized (ADH) when distal sodium avidity was stimulated in the presence of adequate distal sodium delivery and minimized (F) when distal sodium delivery was limited (despite possible augmentation of distal sodium avidity). Alterations in urinary sodium excretion alone (LO, NL, HI) did not affect the rate of acid excretion. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that the excretion of an acute HCl load is mediated by existing levels of distal sodium delivery and distal sodium avidity. Preuve de ce que des modifications du debit de sodium delivre au distal et de l'avidite distale pour le sodium influencent les modalites d'excretion d'une charge aigue d'HCl . Deux groupes d'animaux ont ete etudies, dans ces experiences, afin d'evaluer l'effet de modifications du comportement renal du sodium sur l'excretion d'une charge aigue en HCl. Dans le groupe I, des animaux normaux subissent une expansion hypotonique au moyen d'hormone antidiuretique (ADH) et selon un protocole connu pour stimuler l'aldosterone. De grandes quantites de sodium sont alors delivrees au tube distal et la charge aigue d'HCl est excretee plus efficacement que chez des animaux pre-traites seulement par un regime normal en sel (NL) ou pauvre en sel (LO). Dans le groupe II, 24 heures apres une charge acide les concentrations plasmatiques des bicarbonates sont significativement plus basses chez les animaux pre-traites par une restriction de sodium et du furosemide (F) que chez les animaux maintenus a un regime normal (NL) ou riche en sel (HI). L'excretion d'acide est maximale (ADH) quand l'avidite distale pour le sodium est stimulee en presence d'une charge distale adequate, et minimale (F) quand la charge distale est faible (malgre une augmentation possible de l'avidite). Les seules modifications de l'excretion urinaire de sodium (LO, NL, HI) n'affectent pas le debit d'excretion des acides. Ces resultats sont compatibles avec l'hypothese que l'excretion d'une charge aigue d'HCl est modulee par le debit de sodium distal et l'avidite distale pour le sodium.
In situ small angle neutron scattering revealing ion sorption in microporous carbon electrical double layer capacitors.

Experimental studies showed the impact of the electrolyte solvents on both the ion transport and the specific capacitance of microporous carbons. However, the related structure–property relationships remain largely unclear and the reported results are inconsistent. The details of the interactions of the charged carbon pore walls with electrolyte ions and solvent molecules at a subnanometer scale are still largely unknown. Here for the first time we utilize in situ small angle neutron scattering (SANS) to reveal the electroadsorption of organic electrolyte ions in carbon pores of different sizes. A 1 M solution of tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEATFB) salt in deuterated acetonitrile (d-AN) was used in an activated carbon with the pore size distribution similar to that of the carbons used in commercial double layer capacitors. In spite of the incomplete wetting of the smallest carbon pores by the d-AN, we observed enhanced ion sorption in subnanometer pores under the applied potential. Such results ...
Single lung transplant: indications and technique.

I n 1983, the first successful human lung transplant with long-term survival was achieved in Toronto.’ This followed 20 years of unsuccessful attempts in many centers. Failures were due to inappropriate recipient selection, problems with surgical technique and bronchial healing, inadequate methods of rejection and infection control, and less advanced comprehension of the care and monitoring of the critically il l patient. One by one these difficulties have been addressed,’ and while not completely overcome, major advances in their understanding have been realized. Nine years later, there have been further improvements in the various phases of lung transplant activity to the point where it is now possible to offer lung replacement as a viable and almost routine therapeutic option for those with end-stage lung disease. What follows is a description of the currently accepted indications for single lung transplantation and the technique of performing the procedure.
Molecular mapping of two genes conferring resistance to Phytophthora sojae in a soybean landrace PI 567139B

Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRR), caused by the soil-borne oomycete pathogen Phytophthora sojae, is one of the most destructive diseases of soybean. PRR can be effectively controlled by race-specific genes conferring resistance to P. sojae (Rps). However, the Rps genes are usually non-durable, as populations of P. sojae are highly diverse and quick to adapt, and can be overcome 8–15 years after deployment. Thus, it is important to identify novel Rps genes for development of resistant soybean cultivars. PI 567139B is a soybean landrace carrying excellent resistance to nearly all predominant P. sojae races in Indiana. A mapping population consisting of 245 F2 individuals and 403 F2:3 families was developed from a cross between PI 567139B and the susceptible cultivar ‘Williams’, and used to dissect the resistance carried by PI 567139B. We found that the resistance in PI 567139B was conferred by two independent Rps genes, designated RpsUN1 and RpsUN2. The former was mapped to a 6.5 cM region between SSR markers Satt159 and BARCSOYSSR_03_0250 that spans the Rps1 locus on chromosome 3, while the latter was mapped to a 3.0 cM region between BARCSOYSSR_16_1275 and Sat_144, approximately 3.0–3.4 cM upstream of Rps2 on chromosome 16. According to the ‘Williams 82’ reference genome sequence, both regions are highly enriched with NBS-LRR genes. Marker assisted resistance spectrum analyses of these genes with 16 isolates of P. sojae, in combination with the mapping results, suggested that RpsUN1 was likely to be a novel allele at the Rps1 locus, while RpsUN2 was more likely to be a novel Rps gene.
Descriptiveness: Nouns and Modifiers

One might think that it’s an easy call to decide whether or not something describes a product or suggests something quite different. But trademark lawyers fight endless battles over such matters. Clearly "Raisin Bran” is a descriptive mark, since the name describes the major ingredients of the cereal product, raisins and bran. Other noun—noun base trademarks that have been held to be merely descriptive include “Beer Nuts,” “Chap Stick,” “Litter Basket” (trash receptacles), “Pudding Treats,” and “Vision Center.” But when the name conjoins a noun base with a modifier, such as “Culture Ripened” (coffee), “Continuous Progress” (educational materials), and “Easyload” (tape recorders), does the resulting mark have the same descriptive quality? A trademark case involving the expressions, “woodroast” and “wood roasted” tested this point.
Modeling the Impact of Phase Noise on the Performance of Crystal-Free Radios

We propose a crystal-free radio receiver exploiting a free-running oscillator as a local oscillator (LO) while simultaneously satisfying the 1% packet error rate (PER) specification of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. This results in significant power savings for wireless communication in millimeter-scale microsystems targeting Internet of Things applications. A discrete time simulation method is presented that accurately captures the phase noise (PN) of a free-running oscillator used as an LO in a crystal-free radio receiver. This model is then used to quantify the impact of LO PN on the communication system performance of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard compliant receiver. It is found that the equivalent signal-to-noise ratio is limited to ~8 dB for a 75- ${\mu }\text{W}$ ring oscillator PN profile and to ~10 dB for a 240- ${\mu }\text{W}$ LC oscillator PN profile in an AWGN channel satisfying the standard’s 1% PER specification.
The Vienna Declaration on Public Health.

In 1986 participants at the First International Conference on Health Promotion agreed the landmark Ottawa Charter. The Charter was a powerful response to calls for a new public health movement, setting out a vision and framework for actions to achieve the World Health Organization’s ‘Health for All’ targets by the year 2000 and beyond. It provided the foundation for many subsequent developments, including health in all policies, action on the built environment, community action and empowerment, an emphasis on prevention, and a focus on health equity. Today the principles of the Ottawa Charter remain as important as ever. Yet the world in 2016 is very different from that in 1986, and so too have the risks and opportunities for public health. In recognition of these changes, and taking account of other developments such as the 2016 World Federation of Public Health Association’s Global Charter on the Public’s Health,1 the European Public Health Association and its partners have examined how the principles set out in the Ottawa Charter apply …
Warming Up: Integers, Sequences, and Experimental Mathematics

The oldest known record of a mathematical object is the fossilized Lebombo bone [more than 43,000 years old according to rigorous carbon dating (d’Errico et al. 1987)], displaying 29 tally marks. Just for fun: this means that the first integer ever recorded in human history happens to be a prime number! One could indeed say that the natural numbers 1, 2, 3, … have fascinated humanity from the dawn of time, thus becoming engrained in human consciousness (Greathouse; Dehaene 1999).
Protecting Container-Grown Crops from Black Vine Weevil Larvae with Bifenthrin

Abstract Preplant incorporation of Talstar 0.2G (bifenthrin) can prevent root weevil and white grub infestations in container-grown nursery crops. Under some conditions, control failed in greenhouse experiments with black vine weevils. A low-density potting medium with 10 ppm of bifenthrin allowed 14–66% as many black vine weevil larvae to develop on Astilbe, Heuchera, Sedum, Taxus, and Thuja root systems as in an untreated medium. The greatest larval survival was in Sedum, which supported rapid development of larvae as internal feeders. A preplanting dip of roots into an 800 ppm bifenthrin suspension was itself very effective (91–99% control of larvae), and provided additive benefit with preplant potting mix incorporation of Talstar 0.2G. In a comparison of bulk-density based dosing and volume-based dosing of potting media, the best regression model used solely the volume-based dosage for estimating the resulting average larval population, while the weight-based dosage gave a simple relationship for esti...
Screening for Lung Cancer: Communicating With Patients.

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this article are to detail the experience of a single-center academic institution in applying the patient-centered approach to a lung cancer screening program and to examine how this approach can expand to other aspects of follow-up imaging of lung nodules. CONCLUSION. As the practice of patient-centered radiology gains attention, diagnostic radiologists are findings new ways to become more involved in patient care. A lung cancer screening program is one opportunity for radiologists to consult with and educate patients.
The role of Langerhans islets in exocrine pancreatic cancer

Until the turn of this century, the endocrine pancreas was considered an independent portion of the pancreas and book chapters handled the endocrine and the exocrine pancreas separately. This was certainly due to the difficulties in pancreatic research at that time. In 1969 Hendersen (1) was the first to point to the remarkable arrangement of Langerhans islets scattered throughout the mammalian pancreas. The strikingly unique size of islets (100-500 ~ in each species independent of the animal size) and their fairly constant distribution (about one islet/1 mm 2 pancreas) rules out a coincidental likeness between the exocrine and endocrine pancreas and suggests a specific purpose of this architecture. The recognition of a portal vascular system in later studies (see ref. 2) implied that at least part of the exocrine blood supply is mediated through the insular arteries that pass first through islets to nourish the exocrine pancreas although species differences in this arrangement have been noticed. This particular blood supply exposes the periinsular tissue to a higher islet hormone concentration than the teleinsular region and results in the known halo phenomenon particularly accentuated in the rat pancreas stained with eosin (2). With this staining, the periinsular acinar cells appear larger
Emerging Applications of Wireless Sensing in Entertainment, Arts and Culture

This chapter provides an overview of cultural applications of wireless sensing systems from four perspectives: the “Internet of Things”, the “Smart Grid”, “participatory sensing” on mobile phones, and an event-based point of view. The challenges and unique requirements of these applications are examined, and future opportunities for research are suggested in three technical areas: Machine Learning, Networking and Privacy. The need for more advanced authoring tools—enabling creators of cultural applications with less technical backgrounds to develop complex systems that use wireless sensing—also motivates work on these three technical topics.
A comparison of seven different DTI-derived estimates of corticospinal tract structural characteristics in chronic stroke survivors.

Abstract Background Different diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to estimate corticospinal tract (CST) structure in the context of stroke rehabilitation research. However, there is no gold standard for the estimate of CST structure in chronic stroke survivors. This study aims to determine the most accurate DTI-derived CST estimate that is associated with a clinical motor outcome measure. Methods We obtained imaging and behavioral data from a phase-I stroke rehabilitation clinical trial. We included thirty-seven chronic stroke survivors with mild­to­moderate motor impairment. Imaging data were processed using BrainSuite16a software. We calculated mean FA for each of 7 different ROIs/VOIs that include manually drawn 2-D ROIs and 3-D VOIs of CST from individual tractography or standard atlas. We compared ipsi- and contralesional CST FA for each method. Partial correlation was conducted between each CST FA asymmetry index and a time-based motor outcome measure, controlling for age and chronicity. Results Ipsilesional CST FA was significantly lower than contralesional CST FA for each of the 7 methods Only CST FA asymmetry from the 3-D individual CST tractography showed a significant correlation with the primary motor outcome (r = 0.46, p = .005), while CST FA from the other six methods did not. Comparison with existing methods Compared to the six other methods, CST FA asymmetry from 3-D individual tractography is the most accurate estimate of CST structure in this cohort of stroke survivors. Conclusion We recommend this method for future research seeking to understand brain-behavior mechanisms of motor recovery in chronic stroke survivors.
Paucigranulocytic asthma: Uncoupling of airway obstruction from inflammation

Among patients with asthma, heterogeneity exists regarding the pattern of airway inflammation and response to treatment, prompting the necessity of recognizing specific phenotypes. Based on the analysis of inflammatory cell counts in induced sputum, asthmatic patients can be classified into 4 unique phenotypes: eosinophilic asthma, neutrophilic asthma, mixed granulocytic asthma, and paucigranulocytic asthma (PGA). PGA is an asthma phenotype with no evidence of increased numbers of eosinophils or neutrophils in sputum or blood and in which anti-inflammatory therapies are ineffective at controlling symptoms. Although underinvestigated, PGA is the most common asthma phenotype in patients with stable asthma. However, PGA is sometimes underestimated because of the exclusive reliance on induced sputum cell counts, which are variable among cohorts of studies, prompting the necessity of developing improved biomarkers. Importantly, investigators have reported that inhaled corticosteroids had a limited effect on airway inflammatory markers in patients with PGA and therefore defining PGA as a potentially "steroid-insensitive" phenotype that requires exploration of alternative therapies. PGA manifests as an uncoupling of airway obstruction from airway inflammation that can be driven by structural changes within the airways, such as airway smooth muscle tissue hypertrophy. Animal models provide evidence that processes evoking airway hyperresponsiveness and airway smooth muscle thickening occur independent from inflammation and might be a consequence of a loss of negative homeostatic processes. Collectively, further understanding of PGA with a focus on the characterization, prevalence, clinical significance, and pathobiology derived from animal studies will likely provide precision therapies that will improve PGA clinical outcomes.
Using the mathematics we do every day

Preservice teachers gain a new perspective by recognizing the mathematics in everyday situations
Centering the User in the eBook Design

This chapter provides usability data gathered from surveys and usability testing to describe how users use electronic books and what features are important to them. The data presented here represents the output of studying and designing electronic books by following the user-centered-design (UCD) process.
A quasi-static Monte Carlo algorithm for the simulation of sub-prompt critical transients

Abstract A pseudo-time-dependent Monte Carlo algorithm suitable for simulating thermal reactor transients with timescales on the order of seconds is presented. An initial experimental implementation has been written into the Monte Carlo Application ToolKit (MCATK) developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The algorithm is essentially a combination of the fully time-dependent Monte Carlo algorithm, including the explicit simulation of delayed neutron precursors, and a quasi-static algorithm that does not use the point-kinetics equations. The fully time-dependent calculation is performed for some number of inactive and active micro time steps. The dynamic reactor time constant and delayed neutron precursor production rates are calculated directly from the active cycles, rather than from point-kinetics parameters. These quantities are then used to advance the neutron population and delayed neutron precursors forward in time across a macro time step. The method is applied to the C5G7-TD benchmark operating in steady state and in transient mode.
Sterically Hindered Mono(phosphines) as Supporting Ligands for the Platinum-Catalyzed Hydroamination of Amino Alkenes

In an effort to develop more active catalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination of amino alkenes, we have investigated the application of sterically hindered mono(phosphines) as supporting ligands for platinum-catalyzed hydroamination. Here we demonstrate that mixtures of PtCl2 and di(tert-butyl)o-biphenyl phosphines such as P(t-Bu)2[2-(2-NMe2C6H4)C6H4] catalyze the hydroamination of 4-pentenyl and 5-hexenyl amines at 60–80 °C. This catalyst system tolerates a number of functional groups and catalyzes the cyclization of unsubstituted amino alkenes.
Stereoscopic Orthophoto Maps

A method is described for producing a modified orthophoto which, when viewed stereoscopically with an actual orthophoto, creates a visual three-dimensional model of the terrain. The new type of ste...
On Variation in Mindfulness Training: A Multimodal Study of Brief Open Monitoring Meditation on Error Monitoring

A nascent line of research aimed at elucidating the neurocognitive mechanisms of mindfulness has consistently identified a relationship between mindfulness and error monitoring. However, the exact nature of this relationship is unclear, with studies reporting divergent outcomes. The current study sought to clarify the ambiguity by addressing issues related to construct heterogeneity and technical variation in mindfulness training. Specifically, we examined the effects of a brief open monitoring (OM) meditation on neural (error-related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe)) and behavioral indices of error monitoring in one of the largest novice non-meditating samples to date (N = 212). Results revealed that the OM meditation enhanced Pe amplitude relative to active controls but did not modulate the ERN or behavioral performance. Moreover, exploratory analyses yielded no relationships between trait mindfulness and the ERN or Pe across either group. Broadly, our findings suggest that technical variation in scope and object of awareness during mindfulness training may differentially modulate the ERN and Pe. Conceptual and methodological implications pertaining to the operationalization of mindfulness and its training are discussed.
Nanovoid Formation at Cu/Cu/Cu Interconnections of Blind Microvias: A Field Study

Abstract A key factor for a high electrical reliability of multilayer High Density Interconnection Printed Circuit Boards (HDI PCBs) is the thermomechanical stability of stacked microvia interconne...
Storm induced hydrodynamics and sediment transport in a coastal Louisiana lake

Abstract Coupled hydrodynamic modeling and sediment core analysis was used to investigate Hurricane Rita hydrodynamic conditions and associated sediment dynamics in Sister Lake, a shallow coastal lake in Terrebonne Basin, Louisiana. Tropical cyclone impacts on wetland, terrestrial, and shelf systems have been previously studied and reasonably delineated, but little is known about the response of coastal lakes to storm events. This initial investigation of tropical cyclone impacts on a shallow coastal lake clarifies sediment transport and deposition patterns in a geologically complex deltaic region. Modeling results from Hurricane Rita forcing conditions hindcast a maximum storm surge elevation of approximately 1.1 m and a significant wave height of 1.0 m in Sister Lake. Bed shear stresses across almost the entire model domain leading up to Hurricane Rita's landfall were above the critical value causing erosion of fine-grained bottom sediments, and quickly decreased in the western portion during Rita's landfall, indicating significant deposition in this western portion of the lake. The ideal event sedimentation unit that would result from the storm conditions hindcast from the numerical model was corroborated with stratigraphy identified in box cores; sedimentary units with an erosional base overlain by recently deposited silty material topped by clays. This study provides a fundamental understanding of lake bottom characteristics and impacts of storm-related physical processes on erosion and deposition.
Auranofin, at clinically achievable dose, protects mice and prevents recurrence from Clostridioides difficile infection

Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of nosocomial infections and a worldwide urgent public health threat. Without doubt, there is an urgent need for new effective anticlostridial agents due to the increasing incidence and severity of C. difficile infection (CDI). The aim of the present study is to investigate the in vivo efficacy of auranofin (rheumatoid arthritis FDA-approved drug) in a CDI mouse model and establish an adequate dosage for treatment. The effects of increased C. difficile inoculum, and pre-exposure to simulated gastric intestinal fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), on the antibacterial activity of auranofin were investigated. Auranofin’s in vitro antibacterial activity was stable in the presence of high bacterial inoculum size compared to vancomycin and fidaxomicin. Moreover, it maintained its anti-C. difficile activity after being exposed to SGF and SIF. Upon testing in a CDI mouse model, auranofin at low clinically achievable doses (0.125 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg) significantly protected mice against CDI with 100% and 80% survival, respectively. Most importantly, auranofin (0.125 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg) significantly prevented CDI recurrence when compared with vancomycin. Collectively, these results indicate that auranofin could potentially provide an effective, safe and quick supplement to the current approaches for treating CDI.
Persistent Challenges of Interassay Variability in Transplant Viral Load Testing.

While quantification of viruses that cause important infections in transplant recipients has been the standard of care for years, important challenges related to standardization remain. The issues are wide ranging and until they are adequately addressed, the full impact of viral load testing regarding clinical management decisions will not be realized. This review focuses on a broad array of problems including, the lack of available FDA approved/cleared tests, limited uptake of international standards, accurate quantification of secondary standards, specific assay characteristics, and commutability. Though some of these topics are nuanced, taken together they greatly influence the clinical utility of testing. For example, it has not been possible to define thresholds that predict the risk of developing disease and determine significant changes in serial viral load values for a given patient. Moreover, the utility of international guidelines may be limited due to the lack of a standardized assay. By summarizing the issues, the hope is that commercial companies, regulatory agencies, and professional societies can come together to advance the field and solve these problems.
Measurement of gas-concentration-driven permeation for the examination of permeability, solubility, and diffusivity in varying materials.

This manuscript describes the development and operation of an apparatus for the measurement of steady-state and transient gas permeation through different types of solid materials with varying geometries. It is capable of operation from 293 K to 673 K and could theoretically be used with any non-corrosive gas or a mix of gases, although only hydrogen isotopes are used in the current study. A quadrupole mass spectrometer is used to measure permeation fluxes as low as 1011 molecules/s. This unique test setup allows for the simultaneous measurement of diffusivity, solubility, and permeability. Furthermore, varying the pressure in the fore-sample volume allows for tests of Sievert’s law and can give information on surface effects.
Tolerability of Photodynamic Therapy Using 10% 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Hydrochloride Gel for Treating Actinic Keratoses on Surface Areas Larger than 75cm 2

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-known treatment modality for actinic keratosis (AK). The largest surface area approved by the FDA is 20cm2 with 10% 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride gel (10% ALA gel). OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study assessed the tolerability of PDT with 10% ALA gel in areas ranging from 75cm2 to 300cm2. METHODS: The medical records of 203 patients with AKs treated with 376 PDT sessions using 10% ALA gel were reviewed. Face and ears were incubated with 10% ALA gel for 60 minutes without occlusion while all other areas were incubated for 90 minutes with plastic wrap occlusion followed by 10J/cm2 blue light. Patients were given specific post-PDT care directions. Patient outcomes data was collected. RESULTS: Skin irritation was reported in 27 (7%) PDT sessions in 25 patients (12%). These occurred primarily on the face (n=17), hands (n=4,) and scalp (n=3). Of the 349 PDT treatments (93%) without irritation, these subjects reported adherence to a specific post-PDT regimen using zinc oxide and healing creams for 48 hours. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study observing safety and tolerability. Clearance data was not collected. CONCLUSION: Based on this retrospective observational case series, PDT with ALA gel appears to be safe for treating patients with AKs covering surface areas 75 to 300cm2. Irritation might be mitigated by post-PDT care regimens.
Drosophila local search emerges from iterative odometry of consecutive run lengths

The ability to keep track of one9s location in space is a critical behavior for animals navigating to and from a salient location, but its computational basis remains unknown. Here, we tracked flies in a ring-shaped channel as they executed bouts of search, triggered by optogenetic activation of sugar receptors. Flies centered their back-and-forth local search excursions near fictive food locations by closely matching the length of consecutive runs. We tested a set of agent-based models that incorporate iterative odometry to store and retrieve the distance walked between consecutive events, such as reversals in walking direction. In contrast to memoryless models such as Levy flight, simulations employing reversal-to-reversal integration recapitulated flies9 centered search behavior, even during epochs when the food stimulus was withheld or in experiments with multiple food sites. However, experiments in which flies reinitiated local search after circumnavigating the arena suggest that flies can also integrate azimuthal heading to perform path integration. Together, this work provides a concrete theoretical framework and experimental system to advance investigations of the neural basis of path integration.
Paving the PICC journey: building structures, process and engagement to improve outcomes.

Many patients admitted to hospital require venous access to infuse medications and fluids. The most commonly used device, the peripheral venous catheter, ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 cm in length, and is typically used for less than 5 days. The midline, a relatively newer peripheral venous catheter, is up to 20 cm in length, but does not reach the central veins, and may be used for up to 2 weeks. A peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) is a longer catheter that is placed in one of the arm veins and extends to reach the central veins. The PICC is used for longer periods of time compared with peripheral intravenous devices, and initially gained popularity as a convenient vascular access device used in the outpatient and home settings. Its premise has been to provide access that lasts for weeks, that is fairly safe and easily manageable. Patients often require central venous access when hospitalised, with more than half of patients in intensive care, and up to 20% in those cared for in the non-intensive care wards.1 Common indications for PICC use in the acute care setting include the requirement for multiple and frequent infusions (eg, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition), the administration of medications incompatible with peripheral infusion, invasive haemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients, very poor venous access and frequent need for blood draws.2 Specially trained healthcare workers place PICCs, often nurses from a vascular access team (VAT), or interventional radiologists. The VAT is comprised of skilled nurses, with either medical/surgical, emergency department or intensive care unit backgrounds. Contrary to other healthcare workers that place PICCs, the VAT’s primary function is to place PICCs, and optimise the infusion delivery, through a safe and effective process. Its scope includes assessment for need, peripheral and central device insertion, monitoring of use …
Consistency of Sparse-Group Lasso Graphical Model Selection for Time Series

We consider the problem of inferring the conditional independence graph (CIG) of a high-dimensional stationary multivariate Gaussian time series. A p-variate Gaussian time series graphical model associated with an undirected graph with p vertices is defined as the family of time series that obey the conditional independence restrictions implied by the edge set of the graph. A sparse-group lasso-based frequency-domain formulation of the problem has been considered in the literature where the objective is to estimate the inverse power spectral density (PSD) of the data via optimization of a sparse-group lasso based penalized log-likelihood cost function that is formulated in the frequency-domain. The CIG is then inferred from the estimated inverse PSD. In this paper we establish sufficient conditions for consistency of the inverse PSD estimator resulting from the sparse-group graphical lasso-based approach.
Of Markets and Subsidies: Counterintuitive Policy Trends for Clean Energy in the European Union and the United States

The United States is commonly characterized as a nation with a deep distrust of big government and a strong commitment to markets and competition. In contrast, the prevailing image of the European Union is that of a highly bureaucratized polity favoring interventionist economic governance over free-market capitalism. In the context of clean energy, however, these roles appear to be somewhat reversed. A top-level survey of the U.S. clean energy policy landscape reveals a surprisingly pervasive reliance on government subsidies with few, if any, competitive elements. E.U. clean energy policy, meanwhile, reflects an unexpected commitment to market-based instruments and competition. This essay suggests that these counter-intuitive policy trends can be explained by critical differences in the black-letter law of both jurisdictions and its enforcement in the courts, among other factors. Unlike their American counterparts, E.U. judges prioritize the timely transition to a low-carbon energy economy over unrestricted competition among member states. As the European Union pushes for greater intrastate competition in clean energy policy, the United States focuses instead on defending the Founding Fathers’ ideal of unfettered interstate competition.
Pest detection dogs for wood boring longhorn beetles

Invasive alien species are increasing due to globalization. Their spread has resulted in global economic losses. Asian [Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)] (ALB) and citrus [A. chinensis (Forster)] (CLB) longhorn beetles are two introduced wood borers which contribute to these economic losses e.g. the destruction of tree plantations. Early detection is key to reduce the ecological influence alongside the detrimental and expensive eradication. Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) can detect these insects, potentially at an early stage. We trained two privately owned dogs to investigate their use as detection tools. We tested the dog's ability to discriminate ALB and CLB from native wood borers by carrying out double-blind and randomized experiments in three search conditions; (1) laboratory, (2) semi-field and (3) standardized field. For condition one, a mean sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 95% and accuracy of 92% were achieved. For condition two and three, a mean sensitivity of 88% and 95%, specificity of 94% and 92% and accuracy of 92% and 93% were achieved. We conclude that dogs can detect all types of traces and remains of ALB and CLB and discriminate them from native wood borers and uninfested wood, but further tests on live insects should be initiated.
Regulating Drug Prices while Increasing Innovation.

Regulating Drug Prices while Increasing Innovation To save money on drugs while encouraging high-value pharmaceutical innovation, we need to better reward value, increase NIH funding for early-stag...