cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Site partitioning for distributed redundant disk arrays

Redundant disk arrays are used for the purpose of providing reliable storage while increasing the I/O bandwidth in high performance systems. Redundant disk arrays can also be used in a distributed setting to increase availability in the presence of temporary site failures or major disasters. The data at each site is partitioned into blocks and data blocks from different sites are grouped into a parity group. The bitwise parity of the data blocks in each parity group is computed and written at a different site. The authors look at the problem of partitioning a large distributed storage system into fixed size redundant arrays in such a way as to minimize the cost of remote accesses that have to be performed to update the parity information. They model the distributed computing system by an undirected connected graph G=(V,E) where V is the set of sites and each edge e in E represents a bidirectional link between two sites. >
Translational In Vivo Models for Women’s Health: The Nonhuman Primate Endometrium—A Predictive Model for Assessing Steroid Receptor Modulators

Macaques and baboons display physiological responses to steroid hormones that are similar to those of women. Herein, we describe various uses of nonhuman primates for preclinical studies on menstruation, endometriosis, and as a model system to evaluate reproductive therapies and contraceptives. Our goal is to outline the strengths of the nonhuman primate model for studies leading to improved therapies for women.
A multiverse play divides opinion

The stage lights rise. A man and woman meet in a cute way – "Do you know why it's impossible to lick the tips of your elbows?" she asks – they chat momentarily, and separate. The play is Constellations by Nick Payne.
Fuel and chemistry effects in high Karlovitz premixed turbulent flames

Direct numerical simulations of turbulent premixed flames at high Karlovitz numbers are performed using detailed chemistry. Different fuels, chemical mechanisms, and equivalence ratios are considered and their effects on turbulent flame speed, geometry of the reaction zone, and fuel burning rate are analyzed. Differential diffusion effects are systematically isolated by performing simulations with both non-unity and unity Lewis numbers. Heavy fuels with above unity Lewis numbers are considered. In the unity Lewis number limit, the n-heptane, iso-octane, toluene, and methane flames at a given reaction zone Karlovitz number present similar normalized turbulent flame speeds and fuel burning rates close to their respective laminar values. When differential diffusion effects are included, the turbulent flame speeds are lower than their unity Lewis number counterparts due to a reduction in the fuel burning rate. The turbulent reaction zone surface areas increase with the turbulence intensity but are not strongly affected by fuel, equivalence ratio, chemical mechanism, or differential diffusion. The geometry of the reaction zone is studied through the probability density functions of strain rate and curvature which are very similar when normalized by Kolmogorov scales at the reaction zone. The dependence of the chemical source terms on the scalar dissipation rate in the unity Lewis number case is shown and the distributions of scalar dissipation rate on the reaction surface are similar to those of passive scalars in homogeneous isotropic turbulence. The reduced burning rates in the presence of differential diffusion are discussed. The present results indicate that mean turbulent flame properties such as burning velocity and fuel consumption can be predicted with the knowledge of only a few global laminar flame properties. Once normalized by the corresponding laminar flame quantities, fuel and chemistry effects in high Karlovitz number premixed turbulent flames are mostly limited to differential diffusion.
1/f Noise in MoS2 Field Effect Transistors with Various Layer Thicknesses

1/f noise in semiconductor devices and circuits provides important information regarding quality of the interface as well as the transport mechanism. In 1D and 2D channel materials, 1/f noise also provides information on stability under ambient conditions, including effects of contaminants adsorbed on the surface. In addition, noise levels are important in evaluating suitability of the device for analog and digital applications. In this work, we have fabricated back-gated field-effect transistors (FETs) using various thicknesses of mechanically exfoliated MoS2 flakes (bilayer and 15 layer flakes) and studied the 1/f noise under ambient conditions. The on-current of the devices scales with the number of layers. The Hooge parameters inferred from the measured noise amplitudes and calculated carrier densities are comparable to prior reports on devices such as CNTs and graphene FETs, even when measured under ambient conditions. The effect of channel and contacts on both the conductance and noise can be inferred from bias-dependent current and noise measurements.
Comparing Composition- and Temperature-Dependent Excess Molar Volumes of Binary Systems Involving Ionic Liquids

A total of 167 data sets of composition- and temperature-dependent excess molar volumes, VE, which are derived from density measurements, for ionic liquid–molecular solvent binary systems are inspe...
Site Fidelity and Habitat Quality as Determinants of Settlement Pattern in Male Painted Buntings

The spatial distribution of high and low quality Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) territories on St. Catherines Island, Georgia, was determined through an examination of the distribution of food resources and polygynous pairings in 1976 and 1977. Based on the distribution of high and low quality territories, we predicted the pattern of territory settlement by males at the start of the breeding season. As predicted, males settled significantly earlier on high quality than on low quality territories in 1978 and 1979. However, not all males that initially acquired high quality territories were able to maintain them long enough to breed on them. Most of these males, which were subsequently displaced by returning site-faithful males, were settling for the first time on the study area, although some were returning males that had held low quality territories the previous year. New breeders and some returners initially settled in a pattern consistent with predictions based on territory quality; most returning males settled on the basis of site fidelity. Thus, the final settlement pattern was the result of an interaction between preference for areas of high quality and the return and site faithfulness of previous territory holders. The implications of this pattern of territory acquisition for the evolution of delayed maturation in males are discussed.
Avoiding burnout in an orthopaedic trauma practice.

Summary:Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased sense of personal accomplishment, and burnout has been very tightly linked with career dissatisfaction and other associated negative personal and professional consequences. Recently published studies indicate
Technical communique: A class of active LQG optimal actuators

Active and passive vehicle suspensions viewed as control actuators are discussed using the notion of passivity developed in network theory. For the specific example of a two-degree-of-freedom linear model of a vehicle, it is shown that for the given quadratic performance index, only active optimal suspension realizations are possible.
Aortic arch repair in children with PHACE syndrome.

Abstract Background PHACE syndrome is characterized by infantile hemangioma and developmental abnormalities of the brain, arteries of head and neck, and aortic arch. Methods We retrospectively reviewed The PHACE Syndrome International Clinical Registry to identify children with PHACE who had operative repair of aortic arch obstruction at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Results Seven patients (median 11 months, range 1 week-6 years) with PHACE required aortic arch reconstruction from 1996 to 2015. All needed complex surgical approaches (4 conduit grafts, 2 patch aortoplasties, 1 subclavian flap) to relieve the obstruction because of long-segment transverse and proximal descending aortic arch dysplasia that included multiple areas of stricture with adjacent aneurysmal dilatation. Aberrant origin of a subclavian artery was found in 6 of 7. The 3 children who had surgery after age 1 showed significant progression of the arch obstruction and/or adjacent aneurysmal segment dilatation after their initial infant evaluation. No deaths or perioperative complications occurred despite associated cerebrovascular arterial dysplasia in 5 of 7. Recurrent arch obstruction developed in 3 of 7 at an intermediate follow-up interval of 6.2 years (2 had interposition graft replacement at 8 and 11 years due to somatic growth; 1 had repeat patch aortoplasty 11 months after initial repair secondary to recurrent stenosis). Conclusions Extensive aortic arch reconstruction is commonly required in children with PHACE syndrome and coarctation due to the bizarre nature of the obstruction. Complete preoperative imaging is needed to fully characterize the aortic and cerebrovascular arterial anomalies. Recurrent obstruction is common given the non-native tissue techniques needed to relieve the arch anomaly.
A method of inspection of an optical synthetic aperture radar processor

In this paper we take a general OSARP inspection as an example to explain the method of inspection of an OSARP. We relate the adjustable quantities of each adjustable assembly of the OSARP (Optical Systhetic Aperture Radar Processor) with each characteristic number of a SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data film. The applicable range of the OSARP is obtained by testing the adjustable quantities. The imaging quality of the OSARP is inspected with the general testing targets and a shift lens. The advanced inspection of the OSARP is done with the simulated SAR data films. It is a different way, but the results are the same as the former. Finally, the ture SAR data film is processed to whow the comprehensive imaging quality of the SAR and the OSARP. The experimental pictures and data presented in this paper are for reference only. The experimental results show that the method is applicable.
Assessment of agricultural eco-security on the area of tidal flat reclamation at Dongtan of Nanhui, Shanghai

Considering the particular circumstances of the tidal flat reclamation area at Dongtan of Nanhui, Shanghai, the evaluation indices of eco-security of agriculture sustainable development was founded, based on "press-state-response" frame system. On basis of the index system, agricultural eco-security status was assessed quantitatively from 2009 to 2050 using the analytic hierarchy process(AHP) and synthetic weighted mark method. The results indicated that the values of integrated ecological security index ranged from 4.1 to 4.8 in the first period, suggesting the eco-security status was in a critical safe at the early stage of reclamation from 2009 to 2012. Then, the value of the index was in the range of 5.3 to 7.0 in the period 2015-2050, higher than those in 2009-2012. The status of eco-security will change into moderately safe status in 2020 due to the increase in society responses. With government guidance and policy support, the mode of enterprise independent management is conducive to promoting the construction and development of ecological agriculture in the reclamation area. The research can be used as science-dependencies for maintaining the agricultural eco-security at Dongtan of Nanhui, Shanghai, and its research technique can be used for the reference in the agricultural eco-security evaluation of similar regions.
Obfuscating Low-Rank Matrix Branching Programs.

In this work, we seek to extend the capabilities of the “core obfuscator” from the work of Garg, Gentry, Halevi, Raykova, Sahai, and Waters (FOCS 2013), and all subsequent works constructing general-purpose obfuscators. This core obfuscator builds upon approximate multilinear maps, and applies to matrix branching programs. All previous works, however, limited the applicability of such core obfuscators to matrix branching programs where each matrix was of full rank. As we illustrate by example, this limitation is quite problematic, and intuitively limits the core obfuscator to obfuscating matrix branching programs that cannot “forget.” At a technical level, this limitation arises in previous work because all previous work relies on Kilian’s statistical simulation theorem, which is false when applied to matrices not of full rank. In our work, we build the first core obfuscator that can apply to matrix branching programs where matrices can be of arbitrary rank. We prove security of our obfuscator in the generic multilinear model, demonstrating a new proof technique that bypasses Kilian’s statistical simulation theorem. Furthermore, our obfuscator achieves two other notable advances over previous work: • Our construction allows for non-square matrices of arbitrary dimensions. We also show that this flexibility yields concrete efficiency gains. • Our construction allows for a single obfuscation to yield multiple bits of output. All previous work yielded only one bit of output. Our work leads to significant efficiency gains for obfuscation. Furthermore, our work can be applied to achieve efficiency gains even in applications not directly using obfuscation.
An Objective Score to Predict Upper Tract Deterioration in Myelodysplasia

Bladder dysfunction in myelodysplasia may present a significant hazard to the upper tract and a threat to kidney function. Urodynamic features of high leak pressure and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia have been associated with an increased risk. We have developed an objective score to describe urodynamic findings in myelodysplasia. The score includes consideration of bladder compliance, detrusor contractility and reflux, in addition to leak pressure and sphincter behavior. In 171 myelodysplastic patients a significant correlation was demonstrated between the score and upper tract studies at the time of urodynamics and the score and the management decision. Of 73 myelodysplasia patients with normal upper tracts at the first urodynamics study hydronephrosis later developed in 14. The score was a potent predictor of outcome (p = 0.0006).
Current concepts in immunosuppressive drug therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus.

The routine use of intravenous cyclophosphamide has led to advances in the preservation of renal function and quality of life for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. Most patients receiving 3 years of intravenous cyclophosphamide according to a rigorous protocol experience longterm remission of their disease. However, in some the disease continues to progress or flares recurrently
Lingual Tonsil Hypertrophy: rescuing the airway with videolaryngoscopy

Lingual tonsils are lymphatic tissues located at the base of the tongue that may hypertrophy causing difficulty and sometimes inability to ventilate or intubate during anesthesia. Routine airway assessment fails to diagnose lingual tonsil hypertrophy. There is limited experience with use of videolaryngoscopy in cases of lingual tonsil hypertrophy. We present a case of difficult airway due to unanticipated lingual tonsil hypertrophy successfully managed by atypical video laryngoscope positioning.
Design and introduction of pit-latrine assistive devices in Lira, Uganda

This project includes the planning, designing, and present implementation of a humanitarian engineering project named Simple Seat, Better Lives. The goal of this project is to address the problem concerning the use of pit latrines in Uganda, specifically Lira, by individuals who have been handicapped by landmines. The objective is to design portable, low-cost assistive devices that solve physical and socially stigmatic problems for handicapped individuals using a pit-latrine and be constructed in Uganda, by Ugandans. The project began in 2015, with the primary involvement and activities being designing and constructing prototypes. In January 2016, three prototypes were taken to Uganda to receive feedback and design revisions from the actual future users of the devices, handicapped Ugandans. Currently, the project is finalizing multiple designs for implementation and realization. The economic plan includes a livelihood support stipend to train Ugandans at a vocational school so that they can acquire the skills necessary in order to produce these devices. Landmine survivors can subsequently construct and sell the devices to attain financial independence. The project's design constraints include economic, engineering, and social limitations. The skills necessary for similar endeavors are adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and continual maintenance and reinforcement of project vision and goals.
The smell of environmental change: Using floral scent to explain shifts in pollinator attraction

As diverse environmental changes continue to influence the structure and function of plant–pollinator interactions across spatial and temporal scales, we will need to enlist numerous approaches to understand these changes. Quantitative examination of floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is one approach that is gaining popularity, and recent work suggests that floral VOCs hold substantial promise for better understanding and predicting the effects of environmental change on plant–pollinator interactions. Until recently, few ecologists were employing chemical approaches to investigate mechanisms by which components of environmental change may disrupt these essential mutualisms. In an attempt to make these approaches more accessible, we summarize the main field, laboratory, and statistical methods involved in capturing, quantifying, and analyzing floral VOCs in the context of changing environments. We also highlight some outstanding questions that we consider to be highly relevant to making progress in this field.
What's in a Name: A Response to Ramsey

This paper offers a response to Ramsey's famous challenge to draw a logical, as opposed to merely syntactical, distinction between names and predicates. Three attempts to meet this challenge are considered, one from Dummett, one from Geach, and one from Brandom. It is shown that none of these adequately addresses Ramsey's challenge. The paper concludes with a response to Ramsey that avoids the pitfalls of the other three replies. The advantage of the view proposed is that there is nothing preventing the set of sentences in consideration from consisting only of atomic sentences. The upshot of my solution is that the distinction between names and properties rests on the presence of relational predicates in a language and the validity of the structural rules of identity, contraction, and cut.
History of Neuroscience: Early Neuroscience

Modern neuroscience has roots deep in the history of Western biology, medicine, and philosophy. This article outlines some of the major developments in our understanding of nerve and brain function before the 20th century. These include the pre-scientific Edwin Smith Surgical papyrus (∼1700 BCE), the beginning of formal science with the pre-Socratic philosophers and the Hippocratic school (6th–5th century BCE), Galen's brilliant advances in anatomy and experimental physiology (2nd century), Vesalius and the rebirth of anatomy (16th century), the growth in understanding reflexes and bioelectricity (17th century–) and finally the establishment of the Neuron Doctrine, the foundation of modern neuroscience (19th century).
The Routinization of Work

Many critics of modern production processes assume that as technology reduces the ability of people to demonstrate competence, there are concurrent losses in peoples’ feelings of self-esteem and personal worth. From Karl Marx in the 19th century to Harry Braverman today, a core argument against the mindless application of technology to the process of work focuses on these concerns.
Visualization of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes at US examination. Clinical significance.

Purpose: To identify conditions associated with enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in children with acute abdominal pain and determine the ability of US to detect associated abnormalities.Methods: Two hundred and fifty children with acute abdominal pain were evaluated for the presence of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes (AP diameter >4 mm). Additionally, a reference group of 50 asymptomatic children was also studied for the presence of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.Results: Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were noted in 35 (14%) symptomatic children and two (4%) asymptomatic children. A specific diagnosis was established in 16/35 (46%) symptomatic children with mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Acute appendicitis was the most common diagnosis. The discharge diagnosis in the remaining 19 children was abdominal pain or gastroenteritis of unknown origin. US suggested the correct diagnosis in 12/16 (75%) children in whom a definite diagnosis was established. Histopathologic examination of enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in three patients demonstrated non-specific inflammatory changes.Conclusion: Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in children with acute abdominal pain represents a nonspecific finding. Mesenteric lymphadenopathy is associated with a variety of medical and surgical conditions in symptomatic children and is occasionally seen in asymptomatic children. Sonography is useful in establishing a primary diagnosis in these children.
Black Belts and High Heels: an Analysis of Gender Representation on Black Belt Magazine Covers

A content analysis was conducted of all 618 Black Belt magazine print edition covers between 1961 and 2017. Each person featured on the cover was examined in regard to their sex and the manner of their portrayal. Data collected from the analysis was quantized using previously identified gender characteristics adapted for this study. Results support existing literature that female athletes are underrepresented by sport media. Twenty-one covers (3.40%) featured females. Results found females were portrayed differently than their male counterparts. Featured females were more likely to show excessive skin in their photographs, and were more likely to be sexualized or objectified. Only 1.78% of featured males were sexualized or objectified as compared to 33% of featured females. Additionally, covers featuring women were significantly more likely to include text referring to gender. These references often infantilized, gender stereotyped, or objectified women.
Induction and Impact of Anti-Drug Responses Elicited by a Human Recombinant Coagulation Factor FXaI16L in Preclinical Species

This paper presents a systemic investigation of ADA development and ADA impact of a human coagulation factor in nonclinical species during drug development and provides insights into potential implications in human if a similar ADA occurs. FXaI16L-induced ADA response was characterized in monkey, mouse, rat, and dog in different studies, and ADA effects on pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamics of FXaI16L were further examined in ADA-negative and ADA-positive animals. After repeated administrations, FXaI16L elicited a dose and exposure day-dependent ADA response which ranged from no response to a transient or persistent response. Increase in exposure day and increase in dose generally enhanced ADA incidence except for a decrease in ADA incidence was observed in monkeys after repeated high-dose administrations. The observable ADA impact on pharmacokinetics was only found in some ADA+ animals and included decrease in clearance and increase in systemic exposure but no increase in half-life. In addition, no or limited effect on pharmacodynamics by ADA was observed. The earliest ADA response was observed after three exposure days, marked elevation of drug exposure was observed in some animals at log titer > 2.0, and the highest antibody titer excited was about 4 (Log10) in all species. A correlation between ADA induction and accumulative exposure after various repeat treatments in different species was found for FXaI16L. In addition, potential immunogenicity risk and mitigation of ADA in clinics are discussed.
Enabling Dynamic Network Access Control with Anomaly-based IDS and SDN

In the Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) era, it is critical to enable dynamic network access control. Traditionally, network access control policies are statically predefined as router entries or firewall rules. SDN enables more flexibility by re-actively installing flow rules into the switches to achieve dynamic network access control. However, SDN is limited in capturing network anomalies, which are usually important signs of security threats. In this paper, we propose to employ anomaly-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to capture network anomalies and generate SDN flow rules to enable dynamic network access control. We gain the knowledge of network anomalies from anomaly-based IDS by training an interpretable model to explain its outcome. Based on the explanation, we derive access control policies. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach by explaining the outcome of an anomaly-based IDS built upon a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and generating SDN flow rules based on our explanation.
Buckling of Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks under Thermal Stress

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) are periodic, permanently porous, and lightweight solids that are polymerized from topologically designed monomers. The predictable design and ...
The Distress and Risk Assessment Method predicts postoperative narcotic use in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair.

Background The Distress and Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) predicts poor outcomes in spine, hip, and knee surgery. Unlike other areas of orthopedic surgery, DRAM scores are not predictive of lower postoperative patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Purpose As concerns for opioid dependence and abuse grow, the purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between preoperative DRAM scores, modified Zung scores, and postoperative narcotic use in patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR. Materials and methods This prospective cohort study identified and enrolled patients >18 years of age with full-thickness rotator cuff tears at a single institution. Patients with prior shoulder surgery, greater than 1-tendon RCR, and preoperative narcotic use were excluded. One-hundred and fifty patients were enrolled, with 114 (76%) completing all preoperative and postoperative questionnaires. Preoperative DRAM scores were collected from every patient. Postoperative narcotic use was evaluated via survey and converted to total morphine equivalents. Results Increased preoperative DRAM scores predicted higher postoperative morphine equivalent units (P = .002, r = 0.29). When dividing patients into those Conclusion Baseline psychological distress (DRAM) can predict narcotic requirements after RCR and serve as a powerful tool to identify patients at risk for increased narcotics requirements postoperatively. In our cohort, 39% of patients showed evidence of baseline depression, which highlights a potential role of the modified Zung score to identify patients in need of preoperative psychological counseling.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and CKD.

Rationale & Objective The accuracy of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level for assessment of glycemic control in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain. This study assessed the accuracy of HbA1c level using continuous glucose monitoring. Study Design Diagnostic test study of HbA1c and serum fructosamine. The continuous glucose monitor was worn for 14 days. Glucose was measured every 15 minutes (up to 1,344 measurements). Average glucose concentration was calculated for each patient from the patient's continuous glucose monitor measurements. Linear regression was applied to estimate the relationship between average glucose concentration and HbA1c and serum fructosamine levels. The influence of patient characteristics on the relationship between HbA1c and average glucose concentrations was examined in a multivariate regression model. Setting & Participants Patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 7-45mL/min, not receiving dialysis) seen in an academic nephrology clinic. Tests Analyzed The accuracy of HbA1c level for assessment of chronic glycemia. A secondary objective was to study serum fructosamine levels. Outcomes The degree of correlation between continuous glucose monitoring–derived average glucose concentration and HbA1c level; serum fructosamine level was studied as a secondary outcome. Results 80 patients wore the continuous glucose monitor for a mean of 12.7±2.9 days. Average glucose concentration of all patients was 151.5±55.7mg/dL. Mean HbA1c level was 7.2%±1.5%. HbA1c level was highly correlated with average glucose concentration, described by the equation: average glucose concentration=30.48 × HbA1c − 68.48; r=0.82; P Limitations Relatively small sample size. Conclusions HbA1c is an accurate measure of glycemic status among patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes. This relationship appears to hold true among patients with more severe CKD.
Information and suggestions for new mentors of research students

Identifying, attracting, motivating, and mentoring research students (mentees) are challenging tasks for junior faculty members and research scientists (mentors) who are typically also concerned with obtaining research funding, teaching well, and/or impressing colleagues. This presentation covers three general concepts for effective mentoring that have worked well for the author during nearly 30 years as a faculty member. (1) Let the truth be your only story. In addition to its moral clarity, this policy increases research efficiency and tends to be respected even when it’s unpopular. (2) Know who students are and what motivates them. Students are academic free agents with a variety of motivations who commonly bring human-interaction complexities to the mentor-mentee relationship. (3) Engage in student-centric advising. The mentor acts as an academic parent who (typically) determines the mentee’s first research steps, guides their subsequent development, and then supports them through their final degree. Descriptions, explanations, and examples related to these three concepts are presented. Although this content is primarily derived from the author’s academic experience advising graduate students, it may be useful in industry and government settings as well, and for mentors and mentees alike, whenever extended duration advising requires the development of a mentor-mentee relationship.Identifying, attracting, motivating, and mentoring research students (mentees) are challenging tasks for junior faculty members and research scientists (mentors) who are typically also concerned with obtaining research funding, teaching well, and/or impressing colleagues. This presentation covers three general concepts for effective mentoring that have worked well for the author during nearly 30 years as a faculty member. (1) Let the truth be your only story. In addition to its moral clarity, this policy increases research efficiency and tends to be respected even when it’s unpopular. (2) Know who students are and what motivates them. Students are academic free agents with a variety of motivations who commonly bring human-interaction complexities to the mentor-mentee relationship. (3) Engage in student-centric advising. The mentor acts as an academic parent who (typically) determines the mentee’s first research steps, guides their subsequent development, and then supports them through their final degree. ...
Axion-Field-Enabled Nonreciprocal Thermal Radiation in Weyl Semimetals

Objects around us constantly emit and absorb thermal radiation. The emission and absorption processes are governed by two fundamental radiative properties: emissivity and absorptivity. For reciprocal systems, the emissivity and absorptivity are restricted to be equal by Kirchhoff's law of thermal radiation. This restriction limits the degree of freedom to control thermal radiation and contributes to an intrinsic loss mechanism in photonic energy harvesting systems. Existing approaches to violate Kirchhoff's law typically utilize magneto-optical effects with an external magnetic field. However, these approaches require either a strong magnetic field (∼3T) or narrow-band resonances under a moderate magnetic field (∼0.3T), because the nonreciprocity in conventional magneto-optical effects is weak in the thermal wavelength range. Here, we show that the axion electrodynamics in magnetic Weyl semimetals can be used to construct strongly nonreciprocal thermal emitters that nearly completely violate Kirchhoff's law over broad angular and frequency ranges without requiring any external magnetic field.
Photothermal therapy using carbon nanotubes for treating cancer

Abstract Since their discovery in the 1990s, carbon nanotubes have been intensively studied in several different fields, including recently for the treatment of cancer. A property of carbon nanotubes that has been used extensively in cancer treatment studies is their strong absorbance of light in the near-infrared range (700–1400 nm). This strong absorbance of light leads to heating of the nanotubes and destruction of cancer cells that have taken up or are in the vicinity of nanotubes. Photothermal therapy studies for cancer treatment both in vitro and in vivo will be discussed, including the functionalization of the nanotubes for targeting and also the in vivo coadministration of other agents such as antibodies to stimulate the immune system and thereby increase the therapeutic response. For the work in vivo, research will be discussed about the biodistribution of carbon nanotubes after being injected and their elimination and/or degradation, including toxicology evaluations.
Social integration and inflammation in individuals with and without posttraumatic stress disorder.

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased risk for morbidity and mortality, which may be mediated through elevated inflammation. In contrast, social support appears to protect against morbidity and mortality, reduce levels of inflammation, and improve PTSD outcomes. Methods We examined relationships among social isolation, perceived social support, and inflammation in Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with and without PTSD. Our sample included 735 (35% PTSD+) participants from the Mind Your Heart Study (mean age = 58 ± 11; 94% male). Social isolation was assessed with the Berkman Syme Social Network Index; perceived social support with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; and PTSD with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. Inflammation was indexed by high sensitivity C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and fibrinogen. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine associations between social measures and inflammation. PROCESS was used to examine the interactive effects of social relationships and PTSD on inflammation. Results Social isolation, but not low perceived social support, trended towards an association with elevated inflammation in the full sample. However, considering groups with and without PTSD separately, social isolation was significantly associated with all inflammatory markers among individuals without PTSD, but not among those with PTSD. Conclusions Social integration is associated with reduced inflammation in individuals without, but not with, PTSD. Socially integrated individuals with PTSD did not have lower levels of inflammatory markers than socially isolated individuals with PTSD.
Energy transfer performance of mechanical nanoresonators coupled with electromagnetic fields

We study the energy transfer performance in electrically and magnetically coupled mechanical nanoresonators. Using the resonant scattering theory, we show that magnetically coupled resonators can achieve the same energy transfer performance as for their electrically coupled counterparts or even outperform them within the scale of interest. Magnetic and electric coupling are compared in the nanotube radio, a realistic example of a nano-scale mechanical resonator. The energy transfer performance is also discussed for a newly proposed bio-nanoresonator composed of magnetosomes coated with a net of protein fibers.
Research of landfill leachate treatment based on anammox

Landfill leachate has the characteristics of high ammonia nitrogen content, high concentration of organic matter and low carbon nitrogen ratio. Traditional biological treatment technology is difficult to meet the increasingly stringent emission standards. Ammonia nitrogen is the main pollutant in landfill leachate. The ammonia-nitrogen-rich leachate not only poses a threat to the surrounding environment, but also has adverse effects on the subsequent biological treatment of leachate. Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) is a new biological denitrification technology, which has the advantages of high denitrification capacity and low energy consumption, and is suitable for the treatment of landfill leachate. This article from the process type, inhibiting factors and microbiology at home and abroad are reviewed in three aspects: the anaerobic ammonia oxidation treatment, the research progress of landfill leachate by analyzing the national environmental protection agency of leachate quality related data in the database, and combining previous research results, reveals the infiltration drain liquid ammonia nitrogen in the different conditions of concentration variation characteristics, for anaerobic ammonia oxidation treatment of landfill leachate to provide the reference for engineering applications.
Enhancement Without a Cause: United States v. Serfass and its Erasure of the Scienter Requirement

The current application of the United States Guidelines § 2D1.1(b)(5) importation enhancement in the Fifth Circuit is problematic—it has led to disproportionate sentencing for drug offenses across the nation. In United States v. Serfass, the Fifth Circuit effectively erased the scienter requirement for United States Sentencing Guidelines § 2D1.1(b)(5), which provides for a two-level enhancement if the offense “involved the importation of amphetamine or methamphetamine or the manufacture of amphetamine or of methamphetamine from listed chemicals that the defendant knew were imported unlawfully.” Since Serfass in 2012, defendants under the jurisdiction of the Fifth Circuit have received sentencing enhancements for conduct that was not reasonably foreseeable to them, that they were not involved in, and that they had no knowledge of. To date, no other federal circuit has joined the Fifth Circuit in this interpretation of United States Sentencing Guidelines § 2D1.1(b)(5). This Article addresses the issues stemming from the Serfass holding. This Article also sets forth what this author believes is the correct reading and statutory interpretation of United States Sentencing Guidelines § 2D1.1(b)(5). Lastly, this Article proposes an amendment that should be made to United States Sentencing Guidelines § 2D1.1(b)(5) to clarify that the scienter requirement applies to the importation of both finished-product amphetamine or methamphetamine and precursor chemicals used to manufacture amphetamine or methamphetamine.
Probing artificial neural networks: insights from neuroscience.

A major challenge in both neuroscience and machine learning is the development of useful tools for understanding complex information processing systems. One such tool is probes, i.e., supervised models that relate features of interest to activation patterns arising in biological or artificial neural networks. Neuroscience has paved the way in using such models through numerous studies conducted in recent decades. In this work, we draw insights from neuroscience to help guide probing research in machine learning. We highlight two important design choices for probes $-$ direction and expressivity $-$ and relate these choices to research goals. We argue that specific research goals play a paramount role when designing a probe and encourage future probing studies to be explicit in stating these goals.
Product recalls and product-harm crises

Purpose – The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze product recalls and product-harm crises in the US toy industry, which is a major area in marketing and firms' competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach – By using longitudinal data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the paper uses content analysis to compare and contrast toy recalls, product hazards and country of origin issues of 721 toy recalls in the US market between 1974 and 2008, covering 270 million recalled toys. Findings – Findings of this work reveal that most of the recalled toys were manufactured in China, although a wide variety of toy brands were designed in the USA. Major hazards of toy recalls included choking, lead poisoning, aspiration, fire/burn and other injuries. Research limitations/implications – The study relied on the CPSC's data that seemed representative of the toy industry in the US market, but missed other markets of Europe and Asia. Also, there was availability of detailed data in sub-categor...
First-Year Maternal School Attendance and Children's Cognitive Abilities at Age 5

Although there has been extensive research on the effects of early maternal employment on children's outcomes, there have been surprisingly few studies examining the relationship between early maternal school attendance and children's well-being, despite the fact that a large percentage of mothers return to school following the birth of their children. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,133), this study finds that mothers who attend four-year colleges or graduate schools in their children's first year confer a significant advantage to their children's cognitive development by age 5. Working while attending school does not appear to have any adverse effects on children. Contrary to expectations, no mediation effects are found for parenting or child care. Results imply that encouraging mothers to continue their education soon after their children's births may be an effective strategy to improve the outcomes of both mothers and children.
Molecular Biology of Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) has become a curable disease, thanks to the discovery of antibiotics. However, it has remained one of the most difficult infections to treat. Most current TB regimens consist of 6-9 months of daily doses of four drugs that are highly toxic to patients. The purpose of these lengthy treatments is to completely eradicate Mycobacterium tuberculosis, notorious for its ability to resist most antibacterial agents, thereby preventing the formation of drug resistant mutants. On the contrary, the prolonged therapies have led to poor patient adherence. This, together with a severe limit of drug choices, has resulted in the emergence of strains that are increasingly resistant to the few available antibiotics. Here, we review our current understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the profound drug resistance of M. tuberculosis. This knowledge is essential for the development of more effective antibiotics, which are not only potent against drug resistant M. tuberculosis strains but also help shorten the current treatment courses required for drug susceptible TB.
The history of marriage and the myth of Friedelehe

The idea that Friedelehe and Muntehe constituted two distinct forms of Germanic marriage was based upon an attempt to reconstruct common Germanic culture with scraps of evidence from widely different times and places. A thorough re-examination of the sources for the institutions that were posited, based on this now outmoded methodology, reveals no evidence that transfer of Munt, or guardianship, distinguished between two different types of marriage, except perhaps in Lombard Italy, under the influence of Roman law. The idea that marriage with a dos is a different institution from marriage without one is not attested until the Carolingian period.
Creating and Managing "Lookmarks" in ParaView

This paper describes the integration of lookmarks into the ParaView visualization tool. Lookmarks are pointers to views of specific parts of a dataset. They were so named because lookmarks are to a visualization tool and dataset as bookmarks are to a browser and the World Wide Web. A lookmark can be saved and organized among other lookmarks within the context of ParaView. Then at a later time, either in the same ParaView session or in a different one, it can be regenerated, displaying the exact view of the data that had previously been saved. This allows the user to pick up where they left off, to continue to adjust the view or otherwise manipulate the data. Lookmarks facilitate collaboration between users who wish to share views of a dataset. They enable more effective data comparison because they can be applied to other datasets. They also serve as a way of organizing a users data. Ultimately, a lookmark is a time-saving tool that automates the recreation of a complex view of the data.
Comparing Quantification of Pain Severity by Verbal Rating and Numeric Rating Scales

Background: Researchers have reported widely varying correlations among the 3 main instruments used to quantify pain severity, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), both at the level of groups and at the level of individuals.
Teaching calculational logic

For the past four years, we have been teaching logic and discrete math at the freshman-sophomore college level using an approach that regards logic as a basic tool —instead of as just another academic subject. We strive to give students a skill in using the propositional and predicate calculi and then to exercise that skill thoroughly in teaching other topics of discrete math. Almost all proofs are done formally, using a calculational logic in which substitution of equals for equals is the main inference rule.
The Liberal Developmentalist State? The Role of the State in the Construction of Spanish Multinationals

Academics studying multinational enterprises (MNEs) focused on the expansion of US firms around the world since the 1960s. In the 1970s came studies on MNEs from central and northern Europe and the rise of the Asian tigers in the 1980s and 1990s led to studies of Asian MNEs. When looking at North American and European MNEs, most scholars focused mainly on the firm itself, neglecting their relations with other actors in the market. However, the studies of Asian MNEs made the partnership between the state and the firm one of their main points of interest for most scholars. The rise of a number of large MNEs headquartered in Spain since the 1990s has not generated so much interest. The scholars looking at Spanish MNE, like those studying European MNEs, focused on the firm itself, neglecting the role of the Spanish government in their rise. A closer look at state-firm relations in Spain since the 1980s reveals that the government played a prominent role. The Spanish government chose to protect a few firms to guarantee “Spanish control” over key industries. Through a combination of policies that included protectionism, soft credit, cash handouts and selective legislation, the government facilitated the growth of some Spanish firms in the following industries: banking, telecommunications, public utilities and oil and gas.