cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication: Density functional theory embedding with the orthogonality constrained basis set expansion procedure

Density functional theory (DFT) embedding approaches have generated considerable interest in the field of computational chemistry because they enable calculations on larger systems by treating subsystems at different levels of theory. To circumvent the calculation of the non-additive kinetic potential, various projector methods have been developed to ensure the orthogonality of molecular orbitals between subsystems. Herein the orthogonality constrained basis set expansion (OCBSE) procedure is implemented to enforce this subsystem orbital orthogonality without requiring a level shifting parameter. This scheme is a simple alternative to existing parameter-free projector-based schemes, such as the Huzinaga equation. The main advantage of the OCBSE procedure is that excellent convergence behavior is attained for DFT-in-DFT embedding without freezing any of the subsystem densities. For the three chemical systems studied, the level of accuracy is comparable to or higher than that obtained with the Huzinaga sche...
The Impact of Gender Identity on Female Offending: A Quantitative Assessment Using the BSRI

Despite considerable research showing the importance of masculinity in male offending, the role of gender identity in female offending remains unclear. The current study explores the impact of gender identity on female offending among a sample of 843 college women using the Bem Sex Role Inventory and Multiple Problem Behavior Index. The impact of gender identity on rates of general deviance, as well as behaviors typically in high male and female participation, aggression and self-harming, respectively, were examined. Results found that women with masculine identity were more likely to engage in aggression as well as general deviance broadly. Gender identity was not found to impact rates of self-harming.
Steel Characterization using Bayesian Analysis of Barkhausen Noise

Changes in the crystaline structures of steels (indicative of damage) can be inferred from Barkhausen noise data. Barkhausen noise is created by the random changes of magnetic axis orientation of groups of adjacent atoms (called magnetic domains). Current practice is to examine the noise spectrum by using the Fast Fourier Transform [FFT], averaged over several cycles of magnetization of the sample, to infer damage to the metallic structure (Vokurka, 1982) (Foderaro, 1989). Maximum Entropy spectral estimates of the noise are shown to provide useful information for sample identification. Bayesian analysis is applied to aspects of the identification problem.
Mass detection scheme for digitized mammography

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the basic principles (architecture) of computer-aided detection (CAD) schemes for mass detection, the current status of using commercial CAD systems, the technical challenges and issues of further improving CAD performance, and the latest development and research effort in an attempt to search for optimal approaches to use CAD systems in the clinical environments. Single-image-based CAD schemes are the most commonly used schemes in mass detection. In these schemes, images acquired from the same patient are processed separately and analyzed. Only the information extracted and computed from one image is used to identify positive and negative mass regions depicted on images. Although the original mammograms are typically digitized using high-resolution film digitizers with a pixel size of
Carbon Dioxide and the Environment: A Problem of Uncertainty

The combustion of fossil fuels increases atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide. This may cause a long-term warming of the atmosphere. Solutions to the carbon dioxide problem are particularly difficult because adverse effects will be felt by future generations, but remedial action and sacrifices must be made by present generations. Decisions regarding the problem which affect both the immediate and long-range future must be made deliberately or by default in perhaps only 15-20 years, before we are reasonably confident with our knowledge of the problem and before we know whether it will, in fact, occur. Much of the uncertainty involves projections of future energy use, and scientific knowledge of the carbon cycle and the environment.
Genistein elicits biphasic effects on L-type Ca2+ current in feline atrial myocytes

A perforated patch recording method was used to determine the effects of genistein (Gen), a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor, on basal L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) in feline atrial myocytes. Gen (50 microM) elicited biphasic changes in ICa,L: an initial inhibition (-55 +/- 4%; phase 1) followed by a secondary stimulation (34 +/- 9%; phase 2) of ICa,L. Withdrawal of Gen elicited a further potentiation of ICa,L (152 +/- 19%; phase 3) above control (n = 46). In general, phase 1 inhibition and phase 3 potentiation varied directly with Gen concentration, and phase 2 stimulation exhibited biphasic concentration-dependent changes compared with control. When cells were dialyzed using a ruptured patch recording method, Gen elicited only inhibition of ICa,L; phases 2 and 3 were abolished. Vanadate (1 mM), an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase, abolished both Gen-induced inhibition and stimulation of ICa,L. Daidzein (50 microM), a weakly active analog of Gen, exerted no significant effects on ICa,L, and withdrawal of daidzein failed to potentiate ICa,L. In a few cells, Gen elicited a prominent vanadate-sensitive stimulation of ICa,L in the absence of any significant inhibition of ICa,L. Gen-induced changes in ICa,L were unaffected by either 100 microM 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA)-acetoxymethyl ester (AM) or 1 microM ryanodine, agents that alter intracellular Ca2+; 4 microM H-89 or 50 microM Rp diastereomer of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphothioate (RP-cAMPS), inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA); 0.1 microM calphostin C or 2 microM chelerythrine, inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC); or 100 microM NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase. We conclude that in feline atrial myocytes, Gen acts via membrane-bound PTKs to inhibit ICa,L and via cytosolic PTKs to stimulate ICa,L. Gen-induced changes in ICa,L are not related to changes in intracellular Ca2+ or to secondary interactions with either PKA, PKC, or NO signaling pathways. These results indicate that in atrial myocytes ICa,L is regulated by two independent and competing PTK signaling mechanisms.
A natural nano ozonated oil composition for high blood pressure cure

The present patent ndash pending invention relates to a topical pharmaceutical nano ozonated composition for high blood pressure The composition for treating this problem preferably formed of a natural oil mix basil oil coriander oil ozonated olive oil and ozonated lemon balm Mellissa oil In particular the composition is topically applied on neck and hands Observed results showed excellent results for all ages of men and women with no adverse or side effects
Surface functionalization of rubber particles to reduce phase separation in rubberized asphalt for sustainable construction

Abstract Application of crumb rubber in asphalt has demonstrated many performance advantages for the pavement industry while bringing a solution for the disposal of the scrap tire. However, the introduction of rubber to asphalt binder has challenges associated with rubber segregation and workability. To address the latter issues, continuous agitation and high mixing temperature is commonly used which increases energy consumption, disintegration of crumb rubber, and emission of greenhouse gases. This paper introduces a newly developed surface activated rubber (SAR) prepared via a hybrid method of microwave treatment and bio-modification to alleviate the associated problems. The properties and performance of SAR were compared with those of conventional crumb rubber modified (CRM) and microwave-activated crumb rubber modified (M-CRM) asphalt. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and computational analysis using density functional theory (DFT) indicated successful grafting of biomolecules on the rubber particles. SAR showed 86% reduction in segregation index compared to the other CRM scenarios. Such enhancement was also reflected in a significant improvement in workability of SAR modified binder compared to the other CRM scenarios. Mechanical tests showed high fracture energy (167 J/m2) for SAR modified asphalt, which was approximately three times higher than that of conventional CRM asphalt (57 J/m2).
The Impermanent Settlement: Bengal’s Riparian Landscape, 1793–1846

In 1793, the East India Company (EIC) drafted the Permanent Settlement, a legal regime designed to stabilize property ownership and incentivize landowning zamindars to improve the agricultural prod...
Diagnostic accuracy of molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pediatric stool samples: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Stool is a promising specimen option to diagnose pediatric tuberculosis (TB), but studies have reported a wide range of test sensitivities. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF or ‘in-house’ molecular tests on stool samples against culture or Xpert MTB/RIF on respiratory samples or clinically-diagnosed unconfirmed TB and aimed to identify factors that contribute to the heterogeneity of reported sensitivity. Methods We searched EMBASE and Pubmed databases and conference abstract books for studies reporting molecular stool testing against a clinical or microbiological reference standard among children. Results We identified 16 studies that included 2,481 children in stool test analyses. Pooled specificity was 98% [95%CI: 96–99], pooled sensitivity was 57% [95%CI: 40–72] against culture and 3% [95%CI: 2–6] among children with clinically-diagnosed, unconfirmed TB. There was much heterogeneity. Sensitivity was higher among children with a smear-positive sputum test. Rifampin resistance in stool was reported in two studies and detected in 5/14 children (36%). Conclusion Our results suggest molecular stool tests have potential as diagnostic rule-in tests, but it is challenging to optimize sensitivity due to between-study variation in methodology and test procedures. Therefore, we recommend future research with rigorous study design and standardized results reporting.
A Comparison of Common Health Indicators From Two Surveys of Latinos in the Bronx, New York.

Introduction:Population health surveys inform and demonstrate the impact of public health policies. However, the performance of such surveys in specific groups of interest (e.g., Hispanics/Latinos ...
Summer runoff generation in foothill catchments of the Colorado Front Range

Abstract Climatic shifts, disturbances, and land-use change can alter hydrologic flowpaths, water quality, and water supply to downstream communities. Prior research investigating streamflow generation processes in mountainous areas has largely focused on high-elevation alpine and subalpine catchments; less is known about these processes in lower-elevation foothills and montane catchments. In these lower-elevation ecoregions, precipitation shifts seasonally from snow to rain, which can result in differing seasonal flowpaths. We analyzed stream water for electrical conductivity, SiO2, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, SO4, K, and dissolved organic carbon on both a weekly and storm event basis from April to August 2018 in three small (
Experiential Learning Cycles as an Effective Means for Teaching Psychiatric Clinical Skills via Repeated Simulation in the Psychiatry Clerkship

This retrospective study compares differences in clinical performance on the psychiatry clerkship Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) between students receiving traditional repeated clinical simulation with those receiving repeated clinical simulation using the Kolb Cycle. Psychiatry clerkship OSCE scores from 321 students who completed their psychiatry clerkship in 2016 and 2017 were compared. Specific performance measures included communication skills as determined by the Essential Elements of Communication, gathering a history, documenting a history and mental status exam, defending a differential diagnosis, and proposing a treatment plan. Results were calculated using repeated two-way analysis of variance between students receiving no simulation and traditional repeated simulation training (TRS) as compared to students receiving no simulation and repeated simulation utilizing the Kolb cycle (KRS). Students who received KRS performed significantly better in three of the five components of the clerkship OSCE as compared to students who received TRS. Specifically, students who received KRS performed better on gathering a history (+ 14.1%, p < 0.001), documenting a history (+ 13.4%, p < 0.001), and developing a treatment plan (+ 16.7%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in communication skills or in developing and defending a differential diagnosis. Psychiatry clerkship students engaged in repeated simulations explicitly integrated with the Kolb cycle demonstrate improved clinical skills as measured by OSCE performance. Integration of the Kolb cycle in designing simulation experiences should be carefully considered and may serve as a model for individualized coaching in programs of assessment.
Use of machine learning to predict clinical decision support compliance, reduce alert burden, and evaluate duplicate laboratory test ordering alerts

Objectives While well-designed clinical decision support (CDS) alerts can improve patient care, utilization management, and population health, excessive alerting may be counterproductive, leading to clinician burden and alert fatigue. We sought to develop machine learning models to predict whether a clinician will accept the advice provided by a CDS alert. Such models could reduce alert burden by targeting CDS alerts to specific cases where they are most likely to be effective. Materials and Methods We focused on a set of laboratory test ordering alerts, deployed at 8 hospitals within the Partners Healthcare System. The alerts notified clinicians of duplicate laboratory test orders and advised discontinuation. We captured key attributes surrounding 60 399 alert firings, including clinician and patient variables, and whether the clinician complied with the alert. Using these data, we developed logistic regression models to predict alert compliance. Results We identified key factors that predicted alert compliance; for example, clinicians were less likely to comply with duplicate test alerts triggered in patients with a prior abnormal result for the test or in the context of a nonvisit-based encounter (eg, phone call). Likewise, differences in practice patterns between clinicians appeared to impact alert compliance. Our best-performing predictive model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.82. Incorporating this model into the alerting logic could have averted more than 1900 alerts at a cost of fewer than 200 additional duplicate tests. Conclusions Deploying predictive models to target CDS alerts may substantially reduce clinician alert burden while maintaining most or all the CDS benefit.
Design Space Extrapolation for Power Delivery Networks using a Transposed Convolutional Net

The geometrical and material properties of distributed electromagnetic structures comprise the design space. This space characterizes the structure’s frequency response in complex domain. In this paper, we propose a machine learning framework for predicting frequency response of a power delivery network as a function of its extrapolated multidimensional geometrical and material parameters. The proposed approach comprises of an ensemble of architectures: (1) Fully Connected Upsampler for latent code generation (2) Convolutional Decoder to learn the frequency response from the latent code. The 14D design space is converted to a Lth dimensional code which entails the frequency response information. With the proposed architecture, a root mean squared error of 0.004 ohms is achieved when compared to the true value. We focus on extrapolation of design space parameters while training on in-band values. We also illustrate how frequency poles move with varying design space exploiting parameter sensitivity in different frequency bands.
Milk antimicrobial residues in Holstein dairy cattle treated for toxic puerperal metritis

The objective of this study was to determine the presence of antimicrobial agents in milk and the time milk from cows treated for toxic puerperal metritis remained positive for antimicrobial residues. 51 Holstein dairy cows were divided into 3 treatment groups: Group 1 was treated with penicillin; Group 2 was treated with penicillin and tetracycline; and Group 3 was treated with ceftiofur sodium. Cows in Groups 1 and 2 received a daily intramuscular injection of procaine penicillin G at the standard farm-wide dose of 18 million units for 5 consecutive days, nearly 4 times the recommended dose of 3000 U/lb (6600 U/kg). In addition, cows in Group 2 were infused with 6 g of oxytetracycline diluted in 75 ml of sterile water on days 1, 3, and 5. Cows in Group 3 received a daily intramuscular injection of ceftiofur sodium at a standard farm-wide dose of 1 g for 5 consecutive days. Milk samples were collected on day 1, before the first dose of antimicrobial agent was administered, and on days 6 through 12 after the final day of treatment with antimicrobial agents. LacTek B-L (beta-lactam), LacTek TC (tetracycline), and LacTek CEF (ceftiofur) test kits were used to determine penicillin, tetracycline, and ceftiofur sodium residues, respectively, in milk samples. All 3 test kits used in this study have been phased out of production and are no longer available. Milk from 9 of 17 cows treated with penicillin was positive for beta-lactam residues for an average of 3.44 days post-treatment. In a separate group, 6 of 17 cows treated with penicillin were positive for beta-lactam residues for an average of 3.66 days post-treatment. Nine of 17 cows treated with oxytetracycline were positive for tetracycline residues for an average of 1.22 days following treatment. No milk residues were detected in cows treated with ceftiofur sodium. Antimicrobial residues were found in milk from cows treated with penicillin and oxytetracycline for 1 to 7 and 0 to 3 days, respectively, from the last day of treatment. In this study, milk from cows treated with penicillin tested positive for residues longer than expected and longer than the labelled withholding time. Antimicrobial screening may be necessary to prevent food contamination.
Misunderstandings among Experimentalists and Observationalists about Causal Inference

We attempt to clarify, and show how to avoid, several fallacies of causal inference in experimental and observational studies. These fallacies concern hypothesis tests for covariate balance between the treated and control groups, and the consequences of using randomization, blocking before randomization, and matching after treatment assignment to achieve balance. Applied researchers in a wide range of scientific disciplines seem to fall prey to one or more of these fallacies. To clarify these points, we derive a new three-part decomposition of the potential estimation errors in making causal inferences. We then show how this decomposition can help scholars from different experimental and observational research traditions better understand each other's inferential problems and attempted solutions. We illustrate with a discussion of the misleading conclusions researchers produce when using hypothesis tests to check for balance in experiments and observational studies.
Zero-Effort Indoor Continuous Social Distancing Monitoring System

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the largest goals has been to social distance while still finding ways to continue our daily lives in a somewhat normal manner. Many businesses and institutions need ways to account for their attendees on a daily basis, but COVID-19 has created a rift in some of the normal ways that this can be done while abiding by social distancing rules and maintaining proper sanitation of objects and devices. In this study, we propose a zero-effort and zero-interaction approach, especially for being in the midst of a pandemic, as well as a probable solution for well beyond the pandemic due to this system's ease of use. This paper utilizes a Wi-Fi-enabled device (e.g., smartphone) and access points to calculate a user's location within a building and account for its activeness to consider a user's social distancing or not. The proposed scheme completely eliminates the necessity to have face-to-face interaction or physical contact with a person or a device.
ResIST: Layer-Wise Decomposition of ResNets for Distributed Training

We propose {\rm \texttt{ResIST}}, a novel distributed training protocol for Residual Networks (ResNets). {\rm \texttt{ResIST}} randomly decomposes a global ResNet into several shallow sub-ResNets that are trained independently in a distributed manner for several local iterations, before having their updates synchronized and aggregated into the global model. In the next round, new sub-ResNets are randomly generated and the process repeats. By construction, per iteration, {\rm \texttt{ResIST}} communicates only a small portion of network parameters to each machine and never uses the full model during training. Thus, {\rm \texttt{ResIST}} reduces the communication, memory, and time requirements of ResNet training to only a fraction of the requirements of previous methods. In comparison to common protocols like data-parallel training and data-parallel training with local SGD, {\rm \texttt{ResIST}} yields a decrease in wall-clock training time, while being competitive with respect to model performance.
Sintering-Based In-Situ Synthesis and Characterization by TEM of Noble Metal Nanoparticles for Ceramic Glaze Color Control

Gold and silver salt mixtures are incorporated in ceramic glazes for in situ development of mixtures of gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs) that subsequently allow for a wide spectrum of low metal loading color control within ceramic materials. Prior work has shown that gold NPs can be used to create vibrant, color-rich red pigments in high-temperature ceramic and glass applications, though the achievable diameter of the gold NP ultimately limits the available range of color. The current study significantly expands color control from traditional gold nanoparticle red through silver nanoparticle green via the alteration of gold-to-silver salt ratios incorporated in the glaze formulations prior to sintering. Nanoparticle-based coloring systems are tested in both oxidative and reductive firing atmospheres. While the oxidation environment is found to be prohibitive for silver NP stability, the reductive atmosphere is able to form and sustain mixtures of gold and silver NPs across a wide color spectrum. All glazes are analyzed via reflectance spectrometry for color performance and samples are characterized via TEM and EDS for composition and sizing trends. This study creates new groundwork for a color-controlled NP system based on noble metal ratio blends that are both nontoxic and achieved with radically lower metal pigment loading than traditional glazes.
Structural Studies of Aliphatic Glucosinolate Chain-Elongation Enzymes

Plants evolved specialized metabolic pathways through gene duplication and functional divergence of enzymes involved in primary metabolism. The results of this process are varied pathways that produce an array of natural products useful to both plants and humans. In plants, glucosinolates are a diverse class of natural products. Glucosinolate function stems from their hydrolysis products, which are responsible for the strong flavors of Brassicales plants, such as mustard, and serve as plant defense molecules by repelling insects, fighting fungal infections, and discouraging herbivory. Additionally, certain hydrolysis products such as isothiocyanates can potentially serve as cancer prevention agents in humans. The breadth of glucosinolate function is a result of its great structural diversity, which comes from the use of aliphatic, aromatic and indole amino acids as precursors and elongation of some side chains by up to nine carbons, which, after the formation of the core glucosinolate structure, can undergo further chemical modifications. Aliphatic methionine-derived glucosinolates are the most abundant form of these compounds. Although both elongation and chemical modification of amino acid side chains are important for aliphatic glucosinolate diversity, its elongation process has not been well described at the molecular level. Here, we summarize new insights on the iterative chain-elongation enzymes methylthioalkylmalate synthase (MAMS) and isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH).
Black Raspberry Extract Shifted Gut Microbe Diversity and Their Metabolic Landscape in a Human Colonic Model

Abstract Human gut microbiota is critical for human health, as their dysbiosis could lead to various diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and obesity. Black raspberry (BRB) has been increasingly studied recently for its impact on gut microbiota as a rich source of phytochemicals (e.g., anthocyanin). To investigate the effect of BRB extract on the gut microbiota composition and their metabolism, an in-vitro human colonic model (HCM) was utilized to study the direct interaction between BRB and gut microbiome. Conditions (e.g., pH, temperature, anaerobic environment) in HCM were closely monitored and maintained to simulate the human intestinal system. Fresh fecal samples donated by three young healthy volunteers were used for gut microbiota inoculation in the HCM. 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) based metabolomics were performed to study the impact of BRB on gut microbiota characteristics and their metabolism (fatty acids, polar metabolites, and phenolic compounds). Our data suggested that BRB intervention modulated gut microbiota at the genus level in ascending, transverse, and descending colons. Relative abundance of Enterococcus was commonly decreased in all colon sections, while modulations of other bacteria genera were mostly location-dependent. Meanwhile, significant changes in the metabolic profile of gut microbiota related to fatty acids, endogenous polar metabolites, and phenolic compounds were detected, in which arginine and proline metabolism, lysine degradation, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis were mostly regulated. Moreover, we identified several significant associations between altered microbial populations and changes in microbial metabolites. In summary, our study revealed the impact of BRB intervention on gut microbiota composition and metabolism change, which may exert physiological change to host metabolism and host health.
Academic Rank of Authors Publishing in Open Access Journals [Article and Abstract]

When deciding where to publish their research results, faculty take into consideration factors such as the prestige and readership of journals. The weight a journal article will carry is particularly a concern for pre-tenured faculty members. Previous research has indicated that some faculty members may have some concerns about publishing in Open Access journals because of a perceived lack of rigor and reputation of Open Access titles. In this study, the academic rank of authors publishing in Open Access and commercial scholarly journals was compared. Most authors in both Open Access and For-fee journals were full professors. There was no indication that pre-tenured faculty avoided Open Access titles. In fact, there was a slight but significant trend for pre-tenured faculty to publish in Open Access journals. En decidant ou publier leurs resultats de recherche, les membres academiques prennent en consideration les facteurs tels que le prestige et le public cible des revues. Le poids qu’un article de revue aura, est notamment tres important pour les membres academiques sans chaire. Une etude a indique que certains membres academiques semblent avoir quelques inquietudes pour publier dans les revues d'Open Access car ils pensent que les titres d'Open Access manquent de rigueur et de reputation. Dans cette etude, la classification academique a ete comparee entre auteurs publiant dans Open Access et dans les journaux erudits commerciaux. La plupart des auteurs dans Open Access et les revues payantes etaient des professeurs avec chaire. Rien n'indiquait que les membres de la faculte sans chaire ont evite les titres d'Open Access. En fait, il y avait une tendance legere mais significative des membres de la faculte sans chaire de publier dans les revues d'Open Access. Al decidir donde publicar sus resultados de investigacion, los miembros del profesorado consideran factores como el prestigio y la audiencia de las revistas. Una preocupacion de dichos miembros que aun no han logrado su nombramiento permanente tiene que ver, particularmente, con el peso que lleva un articulo de revista. Estudios anteriores han indicado que algunos miembros del profesorado pueden tener ciertas preocupaciones acerca de publicar en revistas de acceso abierto o libre debido a una falta percibida de rigor y reputacion de dichos titulos. En este estudio, se comparo el perfil academico de los autores que publican en revistas de acceso abierto y en revistas academicas comerciales. La mayoria de los autores de revistas tanto de acceso abierto como comerciales eran profesores de tiempo completo. No habia ninguna indicacion de que los miembros del profesorado que aun no habian logrado su nombramiento permanente evitaran titulos de acceso abierto; de hecho, en ellos se observo una tendencia leve pero significativa de publicar en revistas de acceso abierto.
Gate-Level Simulation

When the complexity of an integrated circuit design reaches the point where electrical analysis is no longer cost-effective, logic simulation or gate-level simulation may be used. Rather than dealing with voltages and currents at signal nodes, discrete logic states are used. In essence, logic analysis may be viewed as a simplification of timing analysis, described in the previous chapter, where the difference equations are replaced by a set of discrete state equations and only simple Boolean operations are required to obtain new logic values at each node. These Boolean operations are generally the most efficient ones available on a digital computer. In a classical logic simulator, transistors are usually grouped into logic gates wherever possible and modeled at the gate-level rather than at the individual transistor level. This form of simplification, sometimes referred to as macromodeling, can result in greatly enhanced execution speed by reducing both the number of models to be processed and simplifying the arithmetic operations required to process each transistor group. With event-driven, selective trace analysis and the above simplifications, asynchronous logic simulators are typically 100 to 1000 times faster than the most efficient forms of electrical analysis.
Compaq Redux: Implicit Taxes and the Question of Pre-tax Profit

This paper takes a new look at the cross-border dividend-stripping transactions that gave rise to the Fifth Circuit's opinion in Compaq v. Commissioner and the Eighth Circuit's opinion in IES Industries v. Commissioner. In both cases, the circuit courts held for the taxpayers and rejected the Commissioner's claim that the transactions lacked economic substance because the taxpayers were sure to lose money on the transactions before taxes. These cases generated extensive commentary that was split into two diametrically opposed camps. One group argued that the decisions were correct because the transactions were economically profitable business transactions. The other group argued that the transactions were blatant, abusive tax shelters; and that the courts should have struck them down. Because the commentators in the second group conceded that the transactions generated a pre-tax profit, these commentators also offered a range of proposals to modify or replace the pre-tax profit test. Although the tax benefit of crossborder dividend-stripping was sharply reduced by subsequent Congressional enactments, that action hid rather than resolved the issue whether the tax shelter jurisprudence is fundamentally flawed because there is a class of abusive transactions that produce a guaranteed profit before tax, but do not run afoul of the anti-abuse provisions in the tax law.This paper argues that the Compaq and IES Industries transactions do not reveal any fundamental failings with either anti-abuse jurisprudence generally or the pre-tax profit test in particular. This paper demonstrates that the circuit courts reached the wrong conclusions in those cases because the parties, the courts, and the commentators all ignored implicit taxes. That is not surprising because the implicit taxes in these cases were difficult to see. These taxes were negative implicit taxes, which drove down the cum dividend price of the stripped stock, and therefore made the transactions appear profitable before taxes. However, once implicit taxes are taken into account, the transactions in those cases are properly understood to be unprofitable before taxes.Finally, nearly ten years ago, Charlotte Crane observed that tax doctrine has all but ignored implicit taxes and she challenged commentators, lawyers and judges to think carefully about how implicit taxes can be incorporated into tax doctrine. My proposal to calculate pre-tax profit for the purpose of anti-abuse jurisprudence before both implicit and explicit taxes is, I believe, the first proposal to explicitly recognize implicit taxes in tax doctrine.
Indices of Air Quality

We have heard much as to the need and utility of environmental indicators and indices. Without them, neither the lay public nor the scientific community can make intelligent decisions with regard to priorities of programs toward environmental improvement.
Cooperative Control for Multiple Air Vehicles

This chapter provides an overview of topics, technical challenges, and methods involved in cooperative control for multiple air vehicles. This is a broad area, with many subtopics and technical disciplines potentially involved. Subtopics of cooperative control include: cooperative motion and formation control, cooperative search and area coverage, task assignment and scheduling, and cooperative task execution. The particular technical challenges involved can vary depending on the exact type of cooperative control problem discussed, but certain difficulties are ubiquitous, particularly uncertainty, limited communication, and task coupling. This discussion focuses on technical challenges and solution methods related to assignment and scheduling problems for cooperative teams. Keywords: cooperative control; task assignment; mission planning; cooperative teams; linear programming; capacitated transshipment problem
Perceived Effectiveness of Danger Signs: A Multivariate Analysis

Fifty-eight subjects were shown randomly-ordered facsimiles of 80 OSHA-standard danger signs and rated the signs on 13 dimensions related to perceived effectiveness. The data were analyzed by means of principal components analysis and a series of multivariate and univariate analyses of variance. Signs containing a hazard label and instructions (e.g., GASOLINE - NO SMOKING) were rated as least likely to be recalled at a later time; however, they were rated as easiest to understand, most informative, and most likely to be complied with. Signs containing a hazard label only (e.g., POISON) were rated as least informative and most difficult to understand; however, they were rated as most likely to be recalled, as depicting a high degree of danger, and likely to be complied with. Signs containing instructions only (DO NOT ENTER) were rated as generally less effective.
Optical-fiber bundles

Optical-fiber bundles have been employed as a versatile substrate for the fabrication of high-density microwell arrays. In this minireview, we discuss the application of optical-fiber-bundle arrays for a variety of biological problems. For genomics studies and microbial pathogen detection, individual beads have been functionalized with DNA probes and then loaded into the microwells. In addition, beads differentially responsive to vapors have been employed in an artificial olfaction system. Microwell arrays have also been loaded with living cells to monitor their individual response to biologically active compounds over long periods. Finally, the microwells have been sealed to enclose single enzyme molecules that can be used to measure individual molecule catalytic activity.
THOMPSON SMOKING AND TOBACCO KNOWLEDGE TEST.

Abstract A smoking and tobacco knowledge test was constructed from valid and scientifically established concepts. Twenty-five multiple choice test items were refined to the point where the item difficulty approached ideal standards for test construction. Reading level of the test was established as appropriate for those who read at or above the seventh-grade level. The test can be used as a pre- and post-test to improve tobacco and smoking health teaching.
Bayesian additive modeling for quality control of 3D printed products

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a disruptive technology with the potential to revolutionize manufacturing. However, control of product boundary deformation is a major issue that can limit its impact in practice. The fundamental requirement for quality control is a generic methodology that can predict deformations for a wide range of designs based on the available data of a few previously manufactured products, potentially of different designs. We develop a Bayesian methodology to effectively update prior conceptions of deformation for a new design based on printed products of different shapes. Our approach is applied to infer deformation models for regular polygons based on deformation models and data for circles. Ultimately, our methodology fills a gap in comprehensive quality control for 3D printing, and can advance it as a high-impact manufacturing technology.
Cutting Edge: Histamine Is Required for IL-4–Driven Eosinophilic Allergic Responses

Histamine is an important allergic mediator, and studies have defined roles for both histamine 1 and 4 receptors in allergic airway inflammation. In this study, we show that histamine is necessary to generate IL-4-driven eosinophilic inflammation, as histamine-deficient mice cannot generate eosinophilic lung inflammation in response to intratracheal IL-4 and exogenous histamine restores responsiveness. This is histamine 2 receptor (H2R) dependent because H2R knockout mice fail to respond to IL-4, and a H2R agonist restores inflammation in histidine decarboxylase knockout. Furthermore, alveolar epithelial cells require H2R to produce CCL24, an eosinophil recruitment factor, whereas H2R blockade reduces CCL24 production from wild-type cells. In an allergic inflammation model, H2R knockout mice show significantly reduced eosinophilic inflammation and CCL24 expression. These data demonstrate a previously unidentified role for H2R in allergic inflammation and establishes a synergy between endogenous histamine and IL-4 that supports eosinophilic recruitment to the lung.
Feature extraction algorithm for 3D scene modeling and visualization using monostatic SAR

We present a feature extraction algorithm to detect scattering centers in three dimensions using monostatic synthetic aperture radar imagery. We develop attributed scattering center models that describe the radar response of canonical shapes. We employ these models to characterize a complex target geometry as a superposition of simpler, low-dimensional structures. Such a characterization provides a means for target visualization. Fitting an attributed scattering model to sensed radar data is comprised of two problems: detection and estimation. The detection problem is to find canonical targets in clutter. The estimation problem then fits the detected canonical shape model with parameters, such as size and orientation, that correspond to the measured target response. We present an algorithm to detect canonical scattering structures amidst clutter and to estimate the corresponding model parameters. We employ full-polarimetric imagery to accurately classify canonical shapes. Interformetric processing allows us to estimate scattering center locations in three-dimensions. We apply the algorithm to scattering prediction data of a simple scene comprised of canonical scatterers and to scattering predictions of a backhoe.
Protecting capital from itself: U.S. attempts to regulate the Eurocurrency system

In 1979 and 1980 the U.S. government attempted to regulate the Eurocurrency system in order to stabilize the international monetary and financial systems, and for U.S. domestic monetary purposes. The conflict between the U.S. government (especially the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Board) and U.S.-based transnational banks (TNBs) illustrates TNBs' contradictory interests, which are neither self-evident nor easily discernible, even to TNBs themselves. The state comes to play a mediating role vis-a-vis TNBs in an only partially successful attempt to transform contradictory interests into coherent policy, resulting in conflict between the state and TNBs. The origins of U.S. regulatory initiatives are rooted in multilateral attempts to supervise banks between 1974 and 1978, and the failure of such coordination during the 1978 dollar crisis. From the conflict between U.S. officials and U.S. TNBs emerge varying concepts of TNBs' interests. After examining the reasons for the failure of the U.S. proposals, I conclude by suggesting some implications of TNBs' contradictory interests for statist and social conflict theories of the advanced capitalist state. Few theories of the state have adequately taken into account the complexity and contradictory interests of transnational capital.
Zonated induction of autophagy and mitochondrial spheroids limits acetaminophen-induced necrosis in the liver

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most frequent cause of acute liver failure in the US and many western countries. It is well known that APAP induces mitochondrial damage to trigger centrilobular necrosis. Emerging evidence suggests that autophagic removal of damaged mitochondria may protect against APAP-induced liver injury. Electron and confocal microscopy analysis of liver tissues revealed that APAP overdose triggers unique biochemical and pathological zonated changes in the mouse liver, which includes necrosis (zone 1), mitochondrial spheroid formation (zone 2), autophagy (zone 3) and mitochondrial biogenesis (zone 4). In this graphic review, we discuss the role of autophagy/mitophagy in limiting the expansion of necrosis and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and liver regeneration for the recovery of APAP-induced liver injury. We also discuss possible mechanisms that could be involved in regulating APAP-induced autophagy/mitophagy and the formation of mitochondrial spheroids.
Pharmacotherapy for alcoholic patients with alcoholic liver disease

Purpose An update on pharmacotherapy for achieving and maintaining abstinence and mitigating hepatic damage in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is presented. Summary Currently there are limited pharmacotherapy options for managing ALD, which encompasses a broad spectrum of disorders ranging from steatosis and alcoholic hepatitis to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer. Individual variation in the severity, presentation, and complex pathologenesis of ALD defines barriers to effective treatment. Scoring of disease severity using validated assessment instruments should guide treatment approaches; abstinence and proper nutrition continue to be the cornerstones of management. A literature search (through December 31, 2013) identified no reports of randomized controlled trials using Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications for the treatment of alcohol dependence in ALD-spectrum disorders. Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone (oral and intramuscular), while approved by FDA for treatment of alcohol dependence, are not currently approved for use in patients with ALD. Baclofen (also not FDA-approved for use in ALD) is the only medication available in the United States with demonstrated safety and efficacy in reducing alcoholic behavior that has been formally tested in clinical trials in patients with ALD. Pharmacotherapy of alcoholic hepatitis using glucocorticoids or pentoxifylline has shown promise, but these options are reserved for severe ALD only. Conclusion Although various treatments have been investigated for ALD in patients with alcoholism, complete abstinence from alcohol is currently the only recommended form of hepatoprotection for the entire spectrum of ALD diagnoses.
QoS Enhancements to BGP in Support of Multiple Classes of Service

The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the dominant inter-domain routing protocol in IP-based networks today. However, the requirements of emerging applications have exposed limitations in the current BGP protocol. In particular, future military IP networks, exemplified by the Global Information Grid (GIG), will carry a diverse mix of applications with widely different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. At the same time, the GIG includes a diverse set of component networks, such as tactical ad-hoc networks, with highly dynamic QoS characteristics. In this paper we investigate the problem of enhancing BGP to discover routing paths with QoS characteristics that match application requirements. We explore the requirements posed on multi-domain QoS routing protocols that provide multiple classes of service with multi-dimensional QoS requirements and present how these requirements map to BGP. We discuss enhancements to BGP that allow nodes to discover multiple paths with associated QoS attributes. In particular, we discuss a dominant path selection algorithm that allows nodes to discover the minimum set of paths needed to make QoS routing decisions. We present details of the proposed BGP changes and identify the modifications needed at each stage of the BGP path selection process. We implemented the proposed enhancements in the NS-2 simulator. Preliminary simulation results indicate the potential performance benefits of the introduced QoS enhancements to inter-domain routing.
The metabolism of nickel. I. Spatial and temporal distribution of Ni63 in the mouse.

Abstract 1. 1. Administered Ni 63++ is widely distributed throughout the tissues and organs of the mouse. It is rapidly metabolized by the principal tissues with the exception of the lung and brain. 2. 2. Nickel is rapidly eliminated via the feces and urine shortly after administration.
Readdiction Liability Testing: A Proposal

Summary It is proposed that an objective procedure be developed to gauge an addict's ‘readdiction liability’. This instrument could be used to evaluate an addict's susceptibility to his drug environment and probability of readdiction. It could also be used to estimate degree of rehabilitation as a result of a particular treatment, thus providing a framework within which various treatment programs can be compared and contrasted. The proposed ‘Readdiction Liability Test’ could also serve as a basis for desensitization and deconditioning procedures. This paper also presents recent data in support of a conditioning theory of readdiction, which is the rationale behind this proposal.
Weak muon magnetic moment: a causal mass-operator calculation

The weak correction to the muon magnetic moment is calculated in Schwinger's model using the causal mass-operator technique. In the Feynman gauge we obtain the accepted result, while in the unitary gauge a contact term is required by consistency.