cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simplified theory of automatic feature extraction in a noniterative neural network pattern recognition system

Whenever the input training class patterns applied to a one- layered, hard-limited perceptron (OHP) satisfy a certain positive-linear-independence (PLI) condition, the learning of these patterns by the neural network can be done non- iteratively in a few algebraic steps and the recognition of the untrained test patterns can be very accurate and very robust if a special learning scheme - automatic feature extraction - is adopted in the learning mode. In this paper, we report the theoretical foundation, the simplified design analysis of this novel pattern recognition system, and the experiments we carried out with this novel system. The experimental result shows that the learning of four digitized training patterns is close to real-time, and the recognition of the untrained patterns is above 90 percent correct. The ultra-fast learning speed here is due to the non-iterative nature of the novel learning scheme we used in OHP. The high robustness in recognition here is due to the automatic feature extraction scheme we use in the learning mode.
Accelerated UV Test Methods for Encapsulants of Photovoltaic Modules: Preprint

This paper asserts that materials used for PV encapsulation must be evaluated for their ability to transmit light and to maintain mechanical integrity for extended periods of time under long term UV exposure.
Intercepted Signals for Ionospheric Science

We will discuss the application of coherent software radio technology to remote sensing of the ionosphere. Using networks of advanced software radio systems it is possible to make observations of the ionosphere with both wide spatial coverage and simultaneous high resolution in space and time. Such observations can be made using a variety of techniques such as active and passive multi-static radar imaging, satellite beacon observations of TEC and scintillation, spectral monitoring, and signal time difference of arrival. Using software radio techniques it is possible to build instrumentation networks which can accomplish these observations using a unified set of hardware and software. While different antennas are often necessary or useful for particular applications the underlying analog and digital hardware systems remain unchanged from application to application. Such multi-role instruments can be highly integrated and can dynamically change their modes of operation and receive antennas precisely relative to a global time reference (e.g. GPS). Networks of such instruments scale rapidly in capability and spatial coverage with increasing number of nodes. The cost of this scaling is primarily in the complexity of control and operations as well as the required computational power needed to analyze data from the software radio array. The Intercepted Signals for Ionospheric Science (ISIS) Array is a coherent software radio network that has recently been deployed. Nodes of this array are installed along the northern United States, primarily in the Northeast and Northwest regions. The ISIS Array is well positioned for observation of the mid-latitude Geospace environment and the plasmasphere boundary layer during active geomagnetic conditions. The array is capable of making coherent observations over a wide range of frequencies with operations focusing on active radar, passive radar, and satellite beacon observations. For coherent scatter radar applications the array has a field of view that extends over southern Canada. This field of view is well instrumented with complementary data available from the Millstone Hill Incoherent Scatter Radar, GPS total electron content maps, passive optical systems, and the new mid-latitude SuperDARN radars. We will describe the design of the array, the status of its deployment, and give examples of observations from sites in the field. As part of this discussion we will present coherent scatter observations of E-region irregularities made with the array during the Geomagnetic storm of August 3–5, 2010. We will discuss the characteristics of this event and relate them to previous coherent scatter observations. To conclude we will provide an overview of future capabilities and directions for distributed software radio sensor networks that can be used for studies of the Geospace environment.
Endocarditis at the Millennium

The members of the Interplanetary Society (Pus Club) have made significant contributions to the understanding of the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis (IE). Although the incidence of IE has essentially remained unchanged, the spectrum and characteristics of patients potentially affected by this disorder are expanding. Moreover, in addition to the typical microorganisms implicated in IE, there are increasing reports of new or atypical pathogens causing IE, including those that are resistant to standard antibiotic therapy. The infectious diseases community is challenged to continue to provide effective antimicrobial regimens for IE and to further develop diagnostic and surgical strategies to identify and treat patients with this disorder. New information is available regarding the demographics, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic options for the management of IE.
Relation between the iodine number and refractive index of crude soybean oil

The iodine number of soybean oil can be determined by calculation from the measurement of refractive index with an accuracy comparable to any chemical method, provided that the instrument used is sufficiently accurate, the measurements are carefully made, and, for any given crop year, a correlation curve is established.
State Variability in Children's Medicaid/CHIP Crowd- Out Estimates

Background: Health insurance crowd-out occurs when individuals enrolled in a public health insurance plan would have enrolled in a private plan but for the public option. The crowding-out of private insurance is often used to criticize state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expansion, as already insured children move their coverage to the states at the public’s expense. A difficulty in discussing crowd-out comes from inconsistent estimates. Previous work focusing on the expansion of public programs has led to estimates ranging from 0% to 50% of the children newly insured on public plans being crowded-out. Methods: We apply a regression discontinuity approach to estimate how many children near the state Medicaid/CHIP threshold are crowded-out of private insurance. This approach allows estimates of crowd-out near the eligibility threshold independent of any expansion. Data from the American Community Survey’s yearly survey of American households allows for state-level estimates of crowd-out. Results: We find considerable heterogeneity in the crowd-out that occurs in each state, ranging from no crowd-out to over 18% in states with similar eligibility thresholds. Additionally, we found that as state eligibility thresholds increase, children are less likely to be crowded-out. Discussion: This research indicates that national estimates of crowd-out are inappropriate, as statespecific Medicaid and CHIP programs have state-specific crowd-out. Additionally, it indicates that wealthier families that are eligible for public insurance are less likely to switch from private to public coverage than families earning less. Future work should identify reasons for the heterogeneity among states.
Isn't That Just Good Teaching? Disaggregate Instruction and the Language Identity Dilemma

The manuscript examines the relationship between language, identity, and classroom learning. Through an exploration of a series of research studies conducted over the course of 6 years, this manuscript examines how the idea of “Good Teaching” fails to account for the language-identity learning dilemma. In stage one of the research, a series of studies demonstrated how students encountered cultural conflicts as they attempted to use the language of science. The results of that research lead to the development of the construct of Discursive Identity as a lens to understand language interactions. Stage two of the research involved a series of examinations of alternative approaches to teaching that would assist minority students in their science learning. The implications of this research highlight the relationship between students’ cognition and the sociocultural interaction that effect students’ willingness to engage in academic discourse.
An MOS transistor with Schottky source/drain contacts and a self-aligned low-resistance T-gate

Abstract A new design of metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor is presented, where both the gate resistance and the source-drain resistance are greatly reduced compared to conventional designs. The device employs Schottky source/drain contacts and a T-shaped gate. Characteristics are measured of a 0.25 micron channel length silicon nMOS device with Ti/Ge/Si source and drain contacts and a Ti Al metal gate.
The Role of Disseminative Capacity in HIT Adoption: An Empirical Analysis

Health information technology (HIT) has the potential to significantly reduce medical errors, streamline clinical processes, contain healthcare costs, and ultimately improve the quality of healthcare. Yet, the adoption of HIT among hospitals in the United States has been rather slow. This work synthesizes the theories on social networks and knowledge transfer by introducing the notion of a disseminative capacity to study HIT adoption. We argue that members within a socioeconomic system possess both absorptive and disseminative capacities that influence knowledge transfer among them. Accordingly, a research framework is proposed, in which the absorptive capacity of a potential adopter and the disseminative capacity of connected adopters act as two key determinants, and these two capacities substitute for each other in affecting HIT adoption. Using a large panel dataset covering adoption decisions of over 5,000 hospitals across a 13-year horizon, we find strong support for our hypotheses derived from this framework.
Sex allocation in hermaphrodites with partial overlap in male/female resource inputs

In most plants individuals function as both male and female parents (hermaphrodite, monoecious) rather than as separate sexes (dioecious). Charnov et al. (1976) suggested that hermaphroditism would be favored over dioecy when reproduction through pollen and seed occurred at different times during a season or required different resources, because an hermaphrodite could make use of resources not available to an individual of a single sex. Here we use resource allocation models and the tools of mathematical game theory to explore these ideas explicitly. Model 1 considers a plant in which pollen and ovule production and pollination take place early in the reproductive season, followed by a period of seed and fruit maturation. We show that when differential timing of sex function translates into differences in the resource pools available to pollen and seed, hermaphroditism is indeed the optimal breeding system in that it is evolutionarily stable to invasion by individuals of a single sex. We determine the optimal allocation of resources to the two sex functions, and show that when seeds are costly relative to ovules the ratio of investment to male vs female functions will be female biased. This is often the case in plants. We discuss the importance of differential timing of sex functions in annuals and perennials. In Model 2, we show that if the constituents of pollen and seed differ in two (or more) limiting resources, hermaphroditism is again favored. To date, there is little evidence that pollen and seeds differ in their biochemical composition but few studies have addressed this point.
Review article: healing after inflammatory injury – coordination of a regulatory peptide network

Summary Intestinal epithelial cells are capable of producing a variety of cytokines and other regulatory factors that can affect functional regulation of the epithelium itself, through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, as well as functional integration with lamina propria populations. The bi-directional nature of this cytokine network is now apparent, with the demonstration that both rat and human intestinal epithelium-derived cell lines possess a much greater array of cytokine receptors than previously anticipated.
A cyclic model of information seeking in hyperlinked environments: The role of goals, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation

To examine the emergent properties of information seeking in hyperlinked environments, in this paper we developed a cyclic model. Using this model as a framework, the relationships among perceived goal difficulty, goal success, and self-efficacy were examined. Self-efficacy was conceptualized as a mediating mechanism and intrinsic motivation (IM) in the task was examined as a moderator. Data were collected as repeated measures over 20 cycles during an hour-long session of information seeking when students were given that task of designing a travel plan for a trip to China. The findings suggest that success in meeting information goals in one cycle resulted in an increase in self-efficacy, which in turn reduced the perceived difficulty of information goals in the upcoming cycle. At the same time, self-efficacy from previous cycles seemed to provide the impetus for formulating more challenging information goals in subsequent cycles. Besides this dual role of self-efficacy, the moderating role of IM was also evident. For participants relatively high in baseline IM for the task, the link between self-efficacy and goal success was weaker. However, for participants with relatively low levels of baseline IM for the task, goal success has a stronger effect on self-efficacy.
On finite element subspaces over quadrilateral and hexahedral meshes for incompressible viscous flow problems

Optimal rates of convergence for the approximate solution of the stationary Stokes equations are obtained for finite element schemes which use piecewise constants to approximate the pressure and piecewise linear or piecewise bilinear or trilinear polynomials to approximate the velocity over fairly general quadrilateral or hexahedral meshes.
Blocker size effects on extraordinary light transmission through subwavelength holes in opaque thin metal film

We studied the extraordinary light transmission through opaque thin metal film with subwavelength holes blocked by metal disks. The maximum transmission is achieved when the disk diameter is around 80 nm even with different hole diameters.
The oviduct musculature of the cockroach Leucophaea maderae and its response to various neurotransmitters and hormones

The musculature of the oviduct consists of an outer, irregular layer of longitudinal muscle and an inner layer of circular muscle. The four basic modes of activity—compression, segmentation, peristalsis, and reverse peristalsis—were evident in the isolated oviduct. These spontaneous events often occurred in an organized sequence. In fact eggs could be transported down the lateral oviducts by this myogenic activity once the sphincter between the common oviduct and vagina was severed. Myographic recordings were made of only the contractions of the longitudinal muscles. L-glutamate caused a distinct phasic contraction at 2.2 × 10−5 M. The response became larger and more complex as the concentration of the amino acid was increased. Acetylcholine (1.6 × 10−5 M) caused either a phasic or tonic response, or a combination thereof. By contrast, 5HT and tyramine simply increased the frequency of small phasic contractions, although in some preparations both monoamines caused an inhibition. The ecdysones, a juvenile hormone analogue (1 × 10−6 M), and prostaglandin E2 had no effect on oviduct activity. Initially high KCI solutions (162 mM) without Ca++ induced a strong contraction but subsequent additions failed to do so. However, when a high KCI solution (158 mM) with 2 mM Ca++ was added to the preparation the response was partially restored. Also the potent calcium antagonist Mn++ (2mM) can suppress spontaneous activity.
Trust-Commitment Model of Buyer-Supplier Relationships:

Restaurant buyers’ relationships with their suppliers were the focus of this study. Business marketing of this nature, where one firm sells to another, has undergone a paradigm shift away from an adversarial model to a cooperative model where many firms have learned that more value can be created by working creatively and effectively with one another. Drawing from the business marketing literature, this article puts forth and tests a model of buyer-supplier relationships where a number of factors are proposed to influence the level of trust and commitment restaurant buyers have with their wholesale suppliers. In addition, this study explores the perceived advantages and disadvantages of creating fewer but more closely integrated buyer-seller relationships from the perspective of restaurateurs. It is hoped that the proposed model and its test will invite future research in an area that has been largely neglected by hospitality and tourism researchers.
Measurement of 37Ar to support technology for On-Site Inspection under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-BanTreaty

Abstract On-Site Inspection (OSI) is a key component of the verification regime for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Measurements of radionuclide isotopes created by an underground nuclear explosion are a valuable signature of a Treaty violation. Argon-37 is produced by neutron interaction with calcium in soil, 40Ca(n,α)37Ar. For OSI, the 35-day half-life of 37Ar provides both high specific activity and sufficient time for completion of an inspection before decay limits sensitivity. This paper presents a low-background internal-source gas proportional counter with an 37Ar measurement sensitivity level equivalent to 45 mBq/SCM in wholeair.
Fractional lower order moment based adaptive algorithms

We describe new fractional lower order moment (FLOM) based adaptive algorithms for non-Gaussian stable processes which are used to model signals of an impulsive nature. The least mean P-norm (LMP) algorithm has been shown to have better performance than the LMS algorithm for non-Gaussian stable processes. We propose two FLOM based adaptive algorithms which outperform the LMP algorithm for non-Gaussian stable processes: the median LMP algorithm and the normalized step size LMP (NSSLMP) algorithm. We also describe the generalized stochastic gradient (GSG) algorithm and the normalized GSG algorithm which are generalizations of LMS and normalized LMS algorithms. These FLOM algorithms are simulated and applied to an active noise control (ANC) problem. The results show great potential for FLOM algorithms under stable processes.
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors: a growing class of antidiabetic agents

Although several treatment options are available to reduce hyperglycemia, only about half of individuals with diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) achieve recommended glycemic targets. New agents that reduce blood glucose concentrations by novel mechanisms and have acceptable safety profiles are needed to improve glycemic control and reduce the complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The renal sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) is responsible for reabsorption of most of the glucose filtered by the kidney. Inhibitors of SGLT2 lower blood glucose independent of the secretion and action of insulin by inhibiting renal reabsorption of glucose, thereby promoting the increased urinary excretion of excess glucose. Canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin are SGLT2 inhibitors approved as treatments for T2DM in the United States, Europe, and other countries. Canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin increase renal excretion of glucose and improve glycemic parameters in patients with T2DM when used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihyperglycemic agents. Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors is associated with weight reduction, lowered blood pressure, and a low intrinsic propensity to cause hypoglycemia. Overall, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin are well tolerated. Cases of genital infections and, in some studies, urinary tract infections have been more frequent in canagliflozin-, dapagliflozin-, and empagliflozin-treated patients compared with those receiving placebo. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors are a promising new treatment option for T2DM.
Climbing the Branches of the Strigolactones Pathway One Discovery at a Time

Branching habit is intrinsic to every higher plant species. Consider, for example, a pine tree ( Pinus spp.) and an oak tree ( Quercus spp.). Although the characteristic architecture of each species is mainly determined by genetics, the sessile nature of plants demands a high degree of plasticity.
Hierarchical policy gradient algorithms

Hierarchical reinforcement learning is a general framework which attempts to accelerate policy learning in large domains. On the other hand, policy gradient reinforcement learning (PGRL) methods have received recent attention as a means to solve problems with continuous state spaces. However, they suffer from slow convergence. In this paper, we combine these two approaches and propose a family of hierarchical policy gradient algorithms for problems with continuous state and/or action spaces. We also introduce a class of hierarchical hybrid algorithms, in which a group of subtasks, usually at the higher-levels of the hierarchy, are formulated as value function-based RL (VFRL) problems and the others as PGRL problems. We demonstrate the performance of our proposed algorithms using a simple taxi-fuel problem and a complex continuous state and action ship steering domain.
Exceptional situations and program reliability

It is difficult to write programs that behave correctly in the presence of run-time errors. Proper behavior in the face of exceptional situations is important to the reliability of long-running programs. Existing programming language features often provide poor support for executing clean-up code and for restoring invariants.We present a data-flow analysis for finding a certain class of exception-handling defects: those related to a failure to release resources or to clean up properly along all paths. Many real-world programs violate such resource usage rules because of incorrect exception handling. Our flow-sensitive analysis keeps track of outstanding obligations along program paths and does a precise modeling of control flow in the presence of exceptions. Using it, we have found over 1,300 exception handling defects in over 5 million lines of Java code.Based on those defects we propose a programming language feature, the compensation stack, that keeps track of obligations at run time and ensures that they are discharged. We present a type system for compensation stacks that tracks collections of obligations. Finally, we present case studies to demonstrate that this feature is natural, efficient, and can improve reliability.
The Initiation and Control of Rapid Flight Maneuvers in Fruit Flies

Fruit flies alter flight direction by generating rapid, stereotyped turns, called saccades. The successful implementation of these quick turns requires a well-tuned orchestration of neural circuits, musculo-skeletal mechanics, and aerodynamic forces. The changes in wing motion required to accomplish a saccade are quite subtle, as dictated by the inertial dynamics of the fly's body. A fly first generates torque to begin accelerating in the intended direction, but then must quickly create counter-torque to decelerate. Several lines of evidence suggest that the initial turn is initiated by visual expansion, whereas the subsequent counter-turn is triggered by the gyroscopic halteres. This integrated analysis indicates how the functional organization of neural circuits controlling behavior is rigidly constrained by the physical interaction between an animal and the external world.
The effects of apomorphine and lithium chloride on the “transport response” in white rats

An experiment was carried out to dissociate the central stimulation effects and the peripheral gastric distress effects of the dopamine agonist apomorphine on the “transport response” in white rats. Forty-day-old rats were administered apomorphine (10 mg/kg) or lithium choride (30 mg/kg) or saline, and were then tested for the presence and intensity of the transport response. Compared with saline-administered control rats, those administered apomorphine exhibited a significant increase in response intensity, whereas those administered lithium chloride exhibited no effect.
Electro-Optically Tuned Spectral Filters: A Review

Electro-optically tunable spectral filters have been developed over the years and now include a rather diverse collection of devices. These devices, which are of increased importance for remote sensing applications, employ linear electro-optic (Pockets) materials such that tuning is accomplished via externally controlled voltages. A brief review of the properties of linear electro-optic materials is presented followed by descriptions of tunable birefringence interference filters, Fabry-Perot devices, and other novel filter structures. Recent developments in electro-optic tunable filters are included. Issues relating to the further development of infrared tunable spectral filters are discussed.
Optical Transmittance of Fused Silica at Elevated Temperatures

The absorption spectra of fused-silica samples, selected for their “typical” optical properties, are presented. The ultraviolet absorption edge shifts some 30 mμ toward the ir, between 22° and 982°C sample temperatures. In the same range, the 1.4-μ absorption peak passes through a maximum in absorption and the 2.23-μ peak passes through an absorption minimum; both move toward the ir. The water band at 2.75 μ shifts first toward the uv, then toward the ir, with increasing temperature, while monotonically decreasing in absorption.
DNA and RNA from Uninfected Vertebrate Cells Contain Nucleotide Sequences Related to the Putative Transforming Gene of Avian Myelocytomatosis Virus

The avian carcinoma virus MC29 (MC29V) contains a sequence of approximately 1,500 nucleotides which may represent a gene responsible for tumorigenesis by MC29V. We present evidence that MC29V has acquired this nucleotide sequence from the DNA of its host. The host sequence which has been incorporated by MC29V is transcribed into RNA in uninfected chicken cells and thus probably encodes a cellular gene. We have prepared radioactive DNA complementary to the putative MC29V transforming gene (cDNA(mc) (29)) and have found that sequences homologous to cDNA(mc) (29) are present in the genomes of several uninfected vertebrate species. The DNA of chicken, the natural host for MC29V, contains at least 90% of the sequences represented by cDNA(mc) (29). DNAs from other animals show significant but decreasing amounts of complementarity to cDNA(mc) (29) in accordance with their evolutionary divergence from chickens; the thermal stabilities of duplexes formed between cDNA(mc) (29) and avian DNAs also reflect phylogenetic divergence. Sequences complementary to cDNA(mc) (29) are transcribed into approximately 10 copies per cell of polyadenylated RNA in uninfected chicken fibroblasts. Thus, the vertebrate homolog of cDNA(mc) (29) may be a gene which has been conserved throughout vertebrate evolution and which served as a progenitor for the putative transforming gene of MC29V. Recent experiments suggest that the putative transforming gene of avian erythroblastosis virus, like that of MC29V, may have arisen by incorporation of a host gene (Stehelin et al., personal communication). These findings for avian erythroblastosis virus and MC29V closely parallel previous results, suggesting a host origin for src (D. H. Spector, B. Baker, H. E. Varmus, and J. M. Bishop, Cell 13:381-386, 1978; D. H. Spector, K. Smith, T. Padgett, P. McCombe, D. Roulland-Dussoix, C. Moscovici, H. E. Varmus, and J. M. Bishop, Cell 13:371-379, 1978; D. H. Spector, H. E. Varmus, and J. M. Bishop, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 75:4102-4106, 1978; D. Stehelin, H. E. Varmus, J. M. Bishop, and P. K. Vogt, Nature [London] 260:170-173, 1976), the gene responsible for tumorigenesis by avian sarcoma virus. Avian sarcoma virus, avian erythroblastosis virus, and MC29V, however, induce distinctly different spectra of tumors within their host. The putative transforming genes of these viruses share no detectable homology, although sequences homologous to all three types of putative transforming genes occur and are highly conserved in the genomes of several vertebrate species. These data suggest that evolution of oncogenic retroviruses has frequently involved a mechanism whereby incorporation and perhaps modification of different host genes provides each virus with the ability to induce its characteristic tumors.
Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for a Male with Depression Following Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders, often causing serious impairments in social, occupational, and relational functioning. Cognitive behavioral t...
James E. Birren and Kathryn N. Cochran. Telling the Stories of Life through Guided Autobiography Groups . Baltimore, MD: John Hopkins, 2001.

Les dernieres annees ont ete demarquees par un accroissement de l'interet porte aux processus de recits auto-constructifs. La recherche suggere une convergence de processus associes a la memoire autobiographique, a la comprehension de soi et au developpement de l'identite. Ceci peut se depeindre comme une « histoire de vie » en developpement, histoire qui se determine en termes du passe, du present et du futur. A ces fins, Telling the Stories of Life through Guided Autobiography Groups est une excellente ressource pour ceux interesses a mener des groupes autobiographiques communautaires. Les auteurs, Birren et Cochran, reunissent d'importantes connaissances scientifiques et pratiques afin de presenter l'organisation et la logistique necessaires pour animer un cours de 10 semaines sur l'ecriture autobiographique. Par consequent, le livre est un guide pratique et utile pour developper un atelier adresse aux adultes interesses a decouvrir, enregistrer et partager l'histoire de leur vie.
Determination of tetrodotoxin in plasma using gas chromatography /mass spectrometry after derivatization

Objective To develop a highly selective and sensitive method for determination of tetrodotoxin( TTX) in human plasma by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. Methods TTX was extracted from plasma samples with methanol containing3% acetic acid and cleaned up through Oasis MCX cartridges. Then the compound was converted to 2- amino- 6- hydroxymethyl- 8- hydroxyquinazoline( C9- base) under alkaline conditions and extracted with Oasis HLB extraction cartridge. The C9- base was analyzed after BSTFA + TMCS derivatization by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry with SIM mode. Results The characteristic mass spectral peaks of TTX- C9- TMS were observed at m / z318,m / z376,m / z392,m / z407 and quantitative ion was m / z392. The calibration curve for TTX- C9- TMS was linear from 5 ng / ml to 200 ng / ml with the correlation coefficient of 0. 9998. The detection limit was 1. 0 ng / ml and the limit of quantification was 5. 0 ng / ml. The recovery rates and RSD of the TTX- C9- TMS for spiked plasma samples were 82. 2% ~ 94. 7% and 7. 6% ~ 8. 8%,respectively. Conclusion The method was selective,reliable and accurate,so it is suitable for emergency detection of public health events and clinical diagnostic confirmation of poisoned cases.
A Multiplication Scheme With Variable Weights For Ensemble Monte Carlo Simulation Of Hot-Electron Tails

The use of the Monte Carlo (MC) technique for simulation of semiconductor devices is very expensive in terms of computational resources. This is mainly due to the high statistical error in the modeling of rare events. Several variance-reduction schemes have been proposed in the literature, based on the concept of splitting or repetition of trajectories, and averaging of the results.1–6 Many of the methods are only applicable to single-particle simulations, because they assume steady state and do not account for time-dependent Coulomb interaction between particles.1,2,3 Schemes suitable for ensemble simulation are basically extensions of the one-particle procedure, and require some tuning to the particular device structure being simulated.4 In this work we present an extension of the splitting/gathering scheme of Ref. 5. A flexible procedure is derived that allows the simulation of particles of different weights to obtain a balanced sampling of the phase space in a time-dependent, self-consistent framework. Results are presented for bulk, one-dimensional, and two-dimensional simulations.
IP fast rerouting and disjoint multipath routing with three edge-independent spanning trees

We develop approaches for disjoint multipath routing and fast recovery in IP networks that guarantee recovery from arbitrary two link failures. We achieve this by developing the first known algorithm to construct three edge-independent spanning trees, which has a running time complexity of $O(V^2)$ . The property of these trees is that the paths from a source to the destination on the trees are mutually link-disjoint. We illustrate how the three edge-independent trees rooted at a destination may be employed to achieve multipath routing and IP fast recovery. We discuss different ways of employing the trees. The routing of packets is based on the destination address and the input interface over which the packet was received. If the trees are employed exclusively for multipath routing, then no packet overhead is required. If the trees are employed for failure recovery, then the overhead bits will range from 0 to 2 bits depending on the flexibility sought in routing. We evaluate the performance of the trees in fast recovery by comparing the path lengths provided under single- and dual-link failures with an earlier approach based on tunneling. We also evaluate the performance of the trees when used for multipath routing and compare it to equal-cost multipaths (ECMP).
Examining the integrity of measurement of cognitive abilities in the prediction of achievement: Comparisons and contrasts across variables from higher-order and bifactor models

Abstract Prior research examining cognitive ability and academic achievement relations have been based on different theoretical models, have employed both latent variables as well as observed variables, and have used a variety of analytic methods. Not surprisingly, results have been inconsistent across studies. The aims of this study were to (a) examine how relations between psychometric g, Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) broad abilities, and academic achievement differ across higher-order and bifactor models; (b) examine how well various types of observed scores corresponded with latent variables; and (c) compare two types of observed scores (i.e., refined and non-refined factor scores) as predictors of academic achievement. Results suggest that cognitive–achievement relations vary across theoretical models and that both types of factor scores tend to correspond well with the models on which they are based. However, orthogonal refined factor scores (derived from a bifactor model) have the advantage of controlling for multicollinearity arising from the measurement of psychometric g across all measures of cognitive abilities. Results indicate that the refined factor scores provide more precise representations of their targeted constructs than non-refined factor scores and maintain close correspondence with the cognitive–achievement relations observed for latent variables. Thus, we argue that orthogonal refined factor scores provide more accurate representations of the relations between CHC broad abilities and achievement outcomes than non-refined scores do. Further, the use of refined factor scores addresses calls for the application of scores based on latent variable models.
Analysis on morbidity rate of residents in Qinghai province in 2006

Objective The purpose of the study was to understand the epidemiological tendency and distribution of the disease across Qinghai province, so as to serve for the development of a scientific system for prevention and treatment. Methods Multi-stage lamination stochastic group sampling was applied in the study, with 6 counties randomly selected. The total sample size was 19 201 while the study was conducted in the format of indoor visit. For residents younger than 18 years of age, a questionnaire was distributed to them to obtain related basic information. While for those older than 18, an in-depth survey was conducted. In addition to the measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, 10% of the samples underwent a testing on blood sugar. A database was then developed via Epi Data 3.02 and all the data was processed and classified via Foxpro and SPSS 13.0 software. Results The overall morbidity rate was 67.76%, with females significantly higher than males. The morbidity rate was fixed at 65.85% after weighted by region. The morbidity rate increased significantly with age. The top 5 diseases identified would include those from digestive system (28.74%), heart cranial vascular (27.27%), rheumatism and bone joint (19.97%), respiratory system (12.46%), biography reproductive system (8.64%) and urinary system (7.39%). Data from by-region analysis showed that the morbidity rate was the highest in pastoral area (70.17%), followed by villages (66.32%) and cities (61.86%), while the kinds of top diseases in those regions were also different. Data from unhealthy lifestyle showed that 22.16% of the provincial population smoked cigarettes, 17.16% drank alcohol, and the rate of obesity was 3.41%. Conclusion Significant differences in morbidity rates among different regions and different genders were found while the prevalence rates of disease significantly increased along with age. Key words: Diseases; Morbidity rate; Investigation
Effect of Post-Functionalization Conditions on the Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Properties of Aminosilane-Grafted Zirconia/Titania/Silica-Poly(amide-imide) Composite Hollow Fiber Sorbents

In this study, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) was used as a grafting agent in three solvents with different polarities for post-functionalization of a ZrO2–TiO2–SiO2/poly(amide-imide) composite hollow fiber sorbent (Zr–Ti–Si/PAI-HF) at ambient temperature. The same fiber at two different states: (i) wet (as-spun) and (ii) dry were used for amine grafting. The influence of the polarity/nature of various solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and toluene on the CO2 sorption characteristics of wet and dry Zr–Ti–Si/PAI-HF fibers was investigated accordingly. Several parameters such as grafting time (1–4 h), amine concentration (10–50 wt %), and solvent type (acetone, ethanol, and toluene) were systematically varied. The CO2 sorption capacity and breakthrough tests were performed under simulated flue gas conditions for grafted fiber composites. Our results indicate that the CO2 sorption capacity of amine-grafted Zr–Ti–Si/PAI-HF strongly depends on both the type of solvent and the state of the fibers (i.e., dryness or wetness). The APS grafting of wet fibers performed in toluene led to high amine loading and CO2 capacity (1.40 mmol g−1), whereas dry fibers gave rise to a relatively low CO2 capacity (0.90 mmol g−1). In contrast, dry fibers functionalized in either acetone or ethanol exhibited higher CO2 capacity compared to the wet fibers prepared in the same solvent. By using ethanol as a solvent, the solvolysis of the Si−O−Si linkages is much faster than the competitive condensation reaction between the silanol groups (Si−OH) of APS moieties and hydroxyl group (OH) of the ethanol, which leads to the lower siloxane formation. In the case of acetone, a dense polymeric network is formed under condensation reaction between an acetone molecule and the amine moieties, thus reducing the amount of primary amine groups available for interacting with the CO2 molecules.
From Kuru Kan fugan to the universal declaration of human rights: Empowerment through human rights education in Mali

Dans cet article , l'A evoque son parcours et son travail au sein d'une organisation non gouvernementale et son engagement influence par les pensees de Paolo Freire. L'A revient ici sur son experience au Mali et son implication au sein du programme d'education populaire
Extrinsic Jensen-Shannon divergence and noisy Bayesian active learning

Consider the problem of noisy Bayesian active learning given a sample space, a finite label set, and a finite set of label generating functions from the sample space to the label set, also known as the function class. The objective is to identify the function in the function class that generates the labels using as few label queries as possible and with low probability of error despite possible corruption by independent noise. The key to achieving this objective relies on the selection of queries in a strategic and adaptive manner. The problem generalizes the problem of noisy generalized binary search [1]. Utilizing the connection between the above Bayesian active learning problem and the problem of active hypothesis testing, a heuristic based on Extrinsic Jensen-Shannon divergence [2] is analyzed and general upper bounds are obtained. The performance of this heuristic is compared with the state of the art strategies for noisy generalized binary search. In the case where the function class is of threshold nature, it is shown that this heuristic is better than previous results and, in particular, is order optimal.
XXXIV. The other side of ‘statistical significance’: alpha, beta. delta, and the calculation of sample size

‘Statistical significance’ is commonly tested in biologic research when the investigator has found an impressive difference in two groups of animals or people. If the groups are relatively small, the investigator (or a critical reviewer) becomes worried about a statistical problem. Although the observed difference in the means or percentages is large enough to be biologically (or clinically) significant, do the groups contain enough members for the numerical differences to be ‘statistically significant’?
The ritualised memorialisation of companion animals around the world

AbstractPets or companion animals are a feature of many households and people are increasingly considering animals to be family members. After a companion animal dies, many people now wish take this new view of human-companion kinship into account and seek a way of meaningfully marking the death of their companion. This article outlines differing forms of memorialisation rites and practices for companion animals from around the world, and discusses some implications for those who provide medical, psychological and veterinarian services.
Web Appendix for 'Expensing and Interest in the GOP Blueprint: Good Deal? Good Idea?'

This document is the online appendix referred to in Chris William Sanchirico, "Expensing and Interest in the GOP Blueprint: Good Deal? Good Idea?" Tax Notes, April 17, 2017.
Juridische aspecten van complementaire zorg

Een verpleegkundige of verzorgende IG heeft iedere dag te maken met ‘het recht’. Uiteraard sta je daar niet altijd bij stil en dat is in de meeste gevallen maar goed ook: een behandeling in een zorgcentrum zou heel wat meer tijd in beslag nemen als iedere zorgverlener zich bij elke handeling.
The Economic History of Corporate Form in Ancient India

The corporation is the most popular form of business organization. Moreover, as the economies of emerging markets leap forward the popularity of the corporate form continues to grow. In light of its widespread appeal, one is naturally inclined to inquire more about the corporation and how it developed over time. Many questions can be pondered including: where did the corporate form originate; how old is it; has the corporation taken the same form everywhere or have there been local variations; and what are the pre-conditions for the development of the corporate form. All these questions are important not only for their own intrinsic value, but also because of the insights they provide about the development of the corporate sector in emerging markets and about the prospects for convergence, of one kind or another, in corporate governance. Indeed, a series of important papers by Henry Hansmann & Reinier Kraakman and other authors examine these questions both in Rome and in Medieval Europe. The aim of this paper is to explore a number of these questions by examining the economic history and development of the corporate form in Ancient India. The paper finds considerable evidence that urges us toward a significant revision of the history and development of the corporate form. The examination reveals that business people on the Indian subcontinent utilized the corporate form from a very early period. The corporate form (e.g., the sreni) was being used in India from at least 800 B.C., and perhaps even earlier, and was in more or less continuous use since then until the advent of the Islamic invasions around 1000 A.D. This provides evidence for the use of the corporate form centuries before the earliest Roman proto-corporations. In fact, the use of the sreni in Ancient India was widespread including virtually every kind of business, political and municipal activity. Moreover, when we examine how these entities were structured, governed and regulated we find that they bear many similarities to corporations and, indeed, to modern US corporations. The familiar concerns of agency costs and incentive effects are both present and addressed in quite similar ways as are many other aspects of the law regulating business entities. Further, examining the historical development of the sreni indicates that the factors leading to the growth of this corporate form are consistent with those put forward for the growth of organizational entities in Europe. These factors include increasing trade, methods to contain agency costs, and methods to patrol the boundaries between the assets of the sreni and those of its members (i.e., to facilitate asset partitioning and reduce creditor information costs). Finally, examination of the development of the sreni in Ancient India sheds light on the importance of state structure for the growth of trade and the corporate form as well as on prospects for some kind of convergence in corporate governance.
Immunodetection of PrP Sc Using Western Immunoblotting Techniques

Western immunoblotting is a workhorse technique used in the prion field to analyze disease-associated forms of the prion protein, termed PrPSc. The biochemical stability of PrPSc aggregates combined with the increased resistance of prion infectivity to inactivation by various treatments that inactivate most other pathogens complicates the use of Western immunoblotting as a means to characterize PrPSc samples. In this chapter, we describe a method for Western immunoblot analysis of PrPSc with an emphasis on precautions to address the biochemical and biosafety considerations associated with this procedure.
Three models of transparency in ethnographic research: Naming places, naming people, and sharing data:

Ethnographic research consists of multiple methodological approaches, including short- and/or long-term participant observation, interviews, photographs, videos, and group field work, to name a few...
Design of a Modular E-Core Flux Concentrating Transverse Flux Machine

In this paper, a novel E-Core transverse flux machine (TFM) is proposed. The machine has a double stator-single rotor configuration with flux concentrating ferrite magnets and pole windings across each leg of an E-Core stator. E-Core stators with the proposed flux-concentrating rotor arrangement result in better magnet utilization and higher torque density. The machine also has a modular structure facilitating simpler construction. This paper presents a single phase and a two-phase version of the E-Core machine. Case study for a 1 kW, 400 r/min machine for both the single phase and two-phase TFM is presented.