cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How easy is matching 2D line models using local search

Local search is a well established and highly effective method for solving complex combinatorial optimization problems. Here, local search is adapted to solve difficult geometric matching problems. Matching is posed as the problem of finding the optimal many-to-many correspondence mapping between a line segment model and image line segments. Image data is assumed to be fragmented, noisy, and cluttered. The algorithms presented have been used for robot navigation, photo interpretation, and scene understanding. This paper explores how local search performs as model complexity increases, image clutter increases, and additional model instances are added to the image data. Expected run-times to find optimal matches with 95 percent confidence are determined for 48 distinct problems involving six models. Nonlinear regression is used to estimate run-time growth as a function of problem size. Both polynomial and exponential growth models are fit to the run-time data. For problems with random clutter, the polynomial model fits better and growth is comparable to that for tree search. For problems involving symmetric models and multiple model instances, where tree search is exponential, the polynomial growth model is superior to the exponential growth model for one search algorithm and comparable for another.
Plasma DNA. A simple, rapid test for aiding the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Previously, we reported that the sensitivity of plasma DNA for patients with pulmonary emboli was 83 to 88 percent. To confirm these findings in a more comprehensive study, we collected plasma samples from 137 consecutive patients undergoing 148 ventilation-perfusion lung scans for pulmonary embolism. DNA was measured using a counter-immunoelectrophoresis technique that used high titer precipitating double-stranded DNA antibody from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition to 17 patients (17 lung scans) excluded for not having plasma collected, 32 patients (37 lung scans) were excluded for having either a condition other than pulmonary embolism that could be associated with plasma DNA or for having nonacute symptoms. Eighteen of 22 patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (defined by either a high probability lung scan or abnormal pulmonary angiogram) had detectable plasma DNA. Only four of 27 patients without pulmonary embolism (defined by either a normal lung scan or normal pulmonary angiogram) had plasma DNA detected. Based on these results, plasma DNA had a sensitivity of 82 percent and a specificity of 85 percent for this condition. Plasma DNA is a promising test for pulmonary embolism and could help physicians interpret equivocal lung scan findings and thereby clarify difficult decisions such as the need for pulmonary angiography. (Chest 1990; 97:63-68)
Nicotine Dependence in Adolescence and Physical Health Symptoms in Early Adulthood.

INTRODUCTION To examine the prospective associations of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders nicotine dependence (ND) and other individual and parental factors in adolescence on self-reported health symptoms in early adulthood. METHODS Multiethnic prospective longitudinal cohort of adolescents from grades 6-10 and a parent (N = 908) from the Chicago Public Schools. Adolescents were interviewed five times at 6-month intervals (Waves 1-5) and once 4.5 years later (Wave 6). Parents were interviewed annually three times (W1, W3, W5). Multivariate regressions estimated prospective associations of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ND, other individual and familial risk factors in adolescence (mean age 16.6) on physical health symptoms in early adulthood (mean age 21.3), controlling for health symptoms in adolescence. RESULTS Levels of health symptoms declined from adolescence to early adulthood, except among dependent smokers. Nicotine dependent adolescents reported more health symptoms as young adults than nonsmokers and nondependent smokers, especially if depressed. ND and health symptoms in adolescence were the strongest predictors of health in early adulthood. These two adolescent factors, depression, and the familial factors of parental ND, depression and health conditions, each independently predicted health symptoms in young adulthood. Females reported more symptoms than males. CONCLUSIONS There is continuity of health status over time. ND, depression, and parental factors in adolescence contribute to poor health in early adulthood. The findings highlight not only the role of adolescent behavior, but the importance of the family in the development of young adult health. Reducing smoking, particularly ND, and depression among adolescents and parents will decrease physical health burden.
A simple continuous transfer liquid helium cryostat for an ultra-high vacuum field ion microscope

A simple continuous transfer liquid helium cryostat for an ultra-high vacuum field ion microscope has been constructed. In this cryostat the liquid helium is continuously transferred from a conventional 30 or 50 1 storage vessel, employing a standard transfer line, to a small reservoir which is in direct contact with the field ion microscope specimen holder. The enthalpy of the outgoing cold helium gas is used to cool a copper radiation shield which surrounds both the specimen holder and the reservoir section of the cryostat. The economical operating temperature range of this cryostat is 8"~ to room temperature with a temperature stability of better than k 0.1 degK over most of this temperature range. Details of construction and the operational characteristics are presented.
Review Section : Nature/Nurture Revisited I A Review of the Biological Bases of Conflict

Biologically oriented approaches to the study of human conflict have thus far been limited largely to the study of aggression. A sample of the literature on this topic is reviewed, drawing upon fou...
Lack of health insurance in living kidney donors.

Living donors are recommended to receive lifelong routine health maintenance after donation. There has been little examination of health insurance status among living donors, despite the fact that lack of health insurance is likely to impede donors’ ability to obtain long-term healthcare post-donation. We performed a retrospective chart review for all living kidney donors at our institution between 2004 and 2008 to determine insurance status, demographic, socioeconomic, and basic health characteristics. Twenty-three percent of donors were uninsured at the time of donation. Odds of being uninsured were significantly lower in donors who were older than 40 yr of age or who had at least a college education, and significantly higher in donors who were non-white, non-English-speaking, or non-US citizens. Odds of being uninsured did not differ according to whether donors were obese, hypertensive, or smokers. On multivariate analysis, only non-white race, non-US citizenship, and education level less than a college degree were associated with lack of insurance. Lack of health insurance is more prevalent in living kidney donors than in the general US population. Its disproportionate impact on minorities, non-citizens, and the less well educated is greater than that in the general population.
Archaeal ribosomal protein L7 is a functional homolog of the eukaryotic 15.5kD/Snu13p snoRNP core protein

Recent investigations have identified homologs of eukaryotic box C/D small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in Archaea termed sRNAs. Archaeal homologs of the box C/D snoRNP core proteins fibrillarin and Nop56/58 have also been identified but a homolog for the eukaryotic 15.5kD snoRNP protein has not been described. Our sequence analysis of archaeal genomes reveals that the highly conserved ribosomal protein L7 exhibits extensive homology with the eukaryotic 15.5kD protein. Protein binding studies demonstrate that recombinant Methanoccocus jannaschii L7 protein binds the box C/D snoRNA core motif with the same specificity and affinity as the eukaryotic 15.5kD protein. Identical to the eukaryotic 15.5kD core protein, archaeal L7 requires a correctly folded box C/D core motif and intact boxes C and D. Mutational analysis demonstrates that critical features of the box C/D core motif essential for 15.5kD binding are also required for L7 interaction. These include stem I which juxtaposes boxes C and D, as well as the sheared G:A pairs and protruded pyrimidine nucleotide of the asymmetric bulge region. The demonstrated presence of L7Ae in the Haloarcula marismortui 50S ribosomal subunit, taken with our demonstration of the ability of L7 to bind to the box C/D snoRNA core motif, indicates that this protein serves a dual role in Archaea. L7 functioning as both an sRNP core protein and a ribosomal protein could potentially regulate and coordinate sRNP assembly with ribosome biogenesis.
Increase of labeled calcium uptake in heart muscle during potassium lack contracture.

Analyses of ashed muscle tissue show that the uptake of Ca45 by isolated frog heart ventricles from normal Ringer's solution containing 1 mM Ca reaches a maximum value in about 30 minutes of perfusion which is not exceeded after 3 hours of perfusion. The average amount of this labeled Ca taken up from normal Ringer's is 0.7 mM/kg. wet weight of muscle. In contrast to this, the amount of labeled Ca taken up by ventricles perfused with K-free Ringer's increases at a linear rate over a 60 minute period to twice the normal value coinciding with the gradual development of contracture and coinciding with a cellular K loss and Na gain of about 30 mM/kg. How much of the extra labeled Ca taken up from K-free Ringer's represents a net gain in cellular Ca content is not known. However, evidence has been obtained that some of this labeled Ca enters an intracellular compartment. EDTA in K-free Ringer's solution causes relaxation of ventricles in contracture and also renders the muscle fibers indiscriminately permeable. This indicates that a combination of Ca with sensitive intracellular sites is probably the cause of the K lack contracture.
Comments on “time of consumption and the time of consumption: Consumer society and the ‘end’ of history”

The essay expounds upon the “problem” of time and its relation to history within the context of consumer culture. Beginning with the premise that consumer culture can be regarded as both the time of image consumption and the image of time consumption (from Debord 1983), the author goes on at length to discuss the concept of time in its three dimensions and then to relate briefly, the implications for the study of history. What follows is a short summary of the author's argument and then a reaction to it based on the idea of liberation.
Microbial Bioconcentration of Organic Pollutants from Aquatic Systems — A Critical Review

(1981). Microbial Bioconcentration of Organic Pollutants from Aquatic Systems — A Critical Review. CRC Critical Reviews in Microbiology: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 205-228.
United Nations Code of Conduct on Cooperation in Combating International Tax Evasion

Stopping international tax evasion and abusive tax avoidance is an exceedingly difficult task unless countries act together in a cooperative manner. The League of Nations, which undertook in the 1920s to foster the goal of taxing income once and only once, recognized from the start that cooperative efforts were essential for success. A first step in getting international cooperation is establishing international norms of conduct that responsible governments are expected to observe in preventing tax evasion and abusive avoidance. The United Nation's Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, which is the spiritual successor of the Fiscal Committee of the League of Nations, has taken the first step towards establishing those norms by voting to approve in principle a code of conduct. This short piece makes suggestions for the content of a UN code of conduct.
The Double Pelican (A Cautionary Tale)

Gather Dew in the Month of May, when the Sun is in Aries and the Moon is in Taurus, with a clean white Linen Cloth spread upon the Grass [Figure 1]. Filter the Dew into a clean white Porcelain Pan, and deliver it into the Great Egg. Combine this Dew with Virgin's Milk and Infant's Blood, digest for fourteen Days in Horse Dung, and distill to one quarter its Bulk four times running. This Procedure will yield a potent Spirit of Dew which, if you are truly an Artist, may be used to prepare an Elixir of Wonderful Virtue that will Transmute all Metals, and will cause Old Men to rejoice in their restored Youth and Vigor.
Smart Phones: Friend or Foe?

Smart phones arguably a necessity, An immense cause of joy and felicity. The world, figuratively in your palms, News, games, blogs and various medicine balms. Medical students and residents busy cranking, Improved patient care, evidence lacking. The latest models and many fancy attractions, Too often a cause of distractions. Diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, Alas! Too focused on their device; minimal attention. The buzzing and the ringing, Rounds accompanied by melancholy, singing.
What is a Martingale

(1971). What is a Martingale? The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 5, pp. 451-463.
Preliminary Study on Wake Interaction Effects Using a Free Vortex Wake Model

Wind energy is a renewable energy option that has made great advances in recent years. However, there are several issues that limit its growth. A significant challenge is wind farm configuration, where the energy density in the farm is limited due to interactions between turbines caused by the shed wakes. This paper discusses an on-going effort to develop an improved analysis tool for designing wind farm configurations. The tool is based on moderate fidelity free vortex wake models (FVW) to capture turbine-wake interactions between multiple turbines. As a first step, a loosely-coupled wake interaction model is developed between an upstream wake and a downstream turbine. Preliminary results are discussed for the impact of the interactions on wake structure, rotor power, rotor moments, and tip displacements for varying geographic and wind conditions.
Interpretation: Evolution of a Concept and Technique

There is much theoretical and clinical literature on the efficacy of interpretation in psychoanalytic treatment. This paper traces the major contributions to the understanding of interpretation as ...
Cultivating Chan with Calibration

Chan is a superior mental training methodology derived from Buddhism and absorbed the wisdom of religious practitioners, philosophers, and scholars around Eastern Asia through thousands of years. As the primary way of Chan, meditation has clear effects in bringing practitioners' mind into a tranquil state and promoting both the mental and the physical health. The effect of Chan is measurable. The authors propose to establish a Chan science by applying modern experimental sciences to various models. In particular, machine learning methods have been used to classify brain states using electroencephalogram EEG data. The experimental results show potential in building brain state models for calibrating the routine of meditation. Through these studies, the authors believe they will be able to make Chan a beneficial practice to promote human's life in modern society.
Experimentally induced disruption of the diurnal rhythm of body temperature of the rat

Embora seja sabido que a temperatura corporea dos mamiferos pode ser afetada temporariamente por perturbacoes ambientais e pela administracao de agentes farmacologicos, pouco se sabe a respeito de perturbacoes duradouras do ritmo diurno da temperatura corporea (RDT). No presente estudo, o RDT de ratos Long–Evans permaneceu inalterado sob condicoes de escuridao continua bem como apos diversos tratamentos que nao afetaram o RDT significativamente incluem confinamento por 24 h, e injecao alimentar, inducao de hipotermia, inalacao de eter, e injecao intraperitoneal de quetamina/xilazina, etanol, propranolol, ou levedo. Apenas dois tratamentos causaram perturbacoes duradouras (4-5 dias) do RDT: cirurgia abdominal e administrativa aguda de paraclorofenilalanina. Um mecanismo comum da acao desses dois tratamentos nao foi identificado.
A Study on the Mutagenic Possibility of Fermented Soybeans in Water,A Kind of Guizhou Traditional Food

Objective: To evaluate the safety of fermented soybeans in water,a traditional food in Guizhou province.Methods: Acute toxicity test,Ames test,micronucleus test and sperm abnormality test were performed.All the methods were based on 《Technical Standards for Testing Assessment of Health Food》.Results: The oral LD_(50) in mice was greater than 15 000 mg/kg BW and belonged to the nonpoisonous scale.The negative results were obtained in genetic toxicity tests.Conclusions: Fermented soybeans in water has no apparent toxicity,and meets the requirements of food safety.
From Stage Scripts to Closet Drama: Editions of Early Chinese Drama and the Translations of Yuan Zaju

This study will trace the way shifts in performance and textual function reshaped the zaju from its late thirteenth-century appearance to the early seventeenth-century publication of the Yuanqu xuan by Zang Maoxun. Whereas the Yuanqu xuan offered literary texts for readers, the earliest printings from the fourteenth century were most likely based on lead performers’ role texts, printed as aids for the audience. The author will also compare changes introduced into the texts by Ming theatrical agencies and their court performances, with the editorial policy of Li Kaixian, among the first to reprint Yuan zaju as the representative literary genre of that era. Long the major source for Western translations of early Chinese drama, the Yuanqu xuan has been selectively drawn on, according to the different aims of its translators: the plays have been used for language study, observation of Chinese daily life, and appreciation of Chinese literature. The author concludes by noting the growing interest in both Japan and the English-speaking world of scholars and translators, in earlier editions of Yuan drama.
Adult respiratory distress syndrome in children.

Despite its name, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) also is encountered in children. Pathogenic mechanisms and characteristics of lung injury seem to be the same in children as adults. Increased capillary permeability edema resulting from inflammatory cells and their mediators is a hallmark of ARDS. Therapies are directed at improving tissue oxygenation and supporting various organ functions.
Compromised Consent: Deficiencies in the Consent Process for Genetic Testing

Genetic tests are available for an increasing array of disorders. Although the doctrine of informed consent requires that physicians provide sufficient information to patients in advance of testing and allow them to make decisions in a noncoerced way, some studies have shown that physicians do not provide adequate information about the nature of genetic testing and its risks. Some physicians test patients without their consent. This article recommends that physicians address the limitations on their knowledge about genetics and about life with genetic disorders. It also analyzes how the informed consent process for genetic testing can be improved.
A tightly-coupled domain-decomposition approach for highly nonlinear stochastic multiphysics systems

Multiphysics simulations often involve nonlinear components that are driven by internally generated or externally imposed random fluctuations. When used with a domain-decomposition (DD) algorithm, such components have to be coupled in a way that both accurately propagates the noise between the subdomains and lends itself to a stable and cost-effective temporal integration. We develop a conservative DD approach in which tight coupling is obtained by using a Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov (JfNK) method with a generalized minimum residual iterative linear solver. This strategy is tested on a coupled nonlinear diffusion system forced by a truncated Gaussian noise at the boundary. Enforcement of path-wise continuity of the state variable and its flux, as opposed to continuity in the mean, at interfaces between subdomains enables the DD algorithm to correctly propagate boundary fluctuations throughout the computational domain. Reliance on a single Newton iteration (explicit coupling), rather than on the fully converged JfNK (implicit) coupling, may increase the solution error by an order of magnitude. Increase in communication frequency between the DD components reduces the explicit coupling's error, but makes it less efficient than the implicit coupling at comparable error levels for all noise strengths considered. Finally, the DD algorithm with the implicit JfNK coupling resolves temporally-correlated fluctuations of the boundary noise when the correlation time of the latter exceeds some multiple of an appropriately defined characteristic diffusion time.
Modelling steady shear flows of Newtonian liquids with non-Newtonian interfaces

In countless biological and technological processes, the flow of Newtonian liquids with a non-Newtonian interface is a common occurrence, such as in monomolecular films in ‘solid’ phases atop of aqueous bulk fluid. There is a lack of models that can predict the flow under conditions different from those used to measure the rheological response of the interface. Here, we present a model which describes interfacial hydrodynamics, including two-way coupling to a bulk Newtonian fluid described by the Navier–Stokes equations, that allows for shear-thinning response of the interface. The model includes a constitutive equation for the interface under steady shear that takes the Newtonian functional form but where the surface shear viscosity is generalized to be a function of the local shear rate. In the limit of a highly viscous interface, the interfacial hydrodynamics is decoupled from the bulk flow and the model can be solved analytically. This provides not only insight into the flow but also a means to validate the numerical technique for solving the two-way coupled problem. The numerical results of the coupled problem shed new light on existing experimental results on steadily sheared monolayers of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), the primary constituent of lung surfactant and the bilayers of mammalian cell walls. For low packing density DPPC monolayers, a Newtonian shear-independent surface shear viscosity model can reproduce the interfacial flows, but at high packing density, the shear-thinning properties of the new model presented here are needed.
Dynamic composite load signature detection and classification using supervised learning over disturbance data

Load modeling that can accurately represent the dynamic behavior of generators and loads is important in the operation and planning of transmission and distribution systems. Yet, it is a complex subject in power system research communities and electric utilities. The composition of the end-use loads is changing continually based on climate zone, season, and time. The WECC composite load model has been developed recently to better represent Fault Induced Delayed Voltage Recovery (FIDVR) events, which is caused by air-conditioning stalling phenomena. The approach is based on using the information of the load class at the substation level and composition of airconditioning, induction machines, power electronics, and static loads associated with the load class. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify and classify the load class. This can be accomplished by using machine learning based signature detection since each load class has a unique signature response due to a particular disturbance in the system. The objective of this project is to implement a supervised learning, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), algorithm to detect and classify the composite load signatures in terms of residential, commercial, agriculture, and mixed load class. Furthermore, the process of creating WECC composite load model data, using the Load Model Data Tool (LMDT), to be used in time-domain dynamic simulation (PSS/E) is demonstrated. The One-Area Reliability Test System is used for the purpose of demonstration and validation of our proposed methodology. The key contribution of this research includes: 1) To demonstrate automated disturbance data creation and collection using the latest composite load model developed by WECC. 2) Introduce a new automated solution to determine the load classes by leveraging synchrophasor data and machine learning techniques.
Modulating the DNA polymerase β reaction equilibrium to dissect the reverse reaction

DNA polymerases catalyze efficient and high-fidelity DNA synthesis. While this reaction favors nucleotide incorporation, polymerases also catalyze a reverse reaction, pyrophosphorolysis, that removes the DNA primer terminus and generates deoxynucleoside triphosphates. Because pyrophosphorolysis can influence polymerase fidelity and sensitivity to chain-terminating nucleosides, we analyzed pyrophosphorolysis with human DNA polymerase β and found the reaction to be inefficient. The lack of a thio-elemental effect indicated that this reaction was limited by a nonchemical step. Use of a pyrophosphate analog, in which the bridging oxygen is replaced with an imido group (PNP), increased the rate of the reverse reaction and displayed a large thio-elemental effect, indicating that chemistry was now rate determining. Time-lapse crystallography with PNP captured structures consistent with a chemical equilibrium favoring the reverse reaction. These results highlight the importance of the bridging atom between the β- and γ-phosphates of the incoming nucleotide in reaction chemistry, enzyme conformational changes, and overall reaction equilibrium.
Reported Mistreatment During the Surgery Clerkship Varies by Student Career Choice.

Background Student mistreatment is often a major concern during the surgery clerkship. We hypothesized that mistreatment is decreasing and that career choice may reflect perceived mistreatment. Methods We surveyed 2319 physicians about their surgery clerkships. Mistreatment reporting was correlated to physician specialty and medical school graduation year. Results The response rate was 18.9% (440/2319). Recent graduates reported less mistreatment than more senior graduates (24.3%-50%, p = 0.0198). General surgeons (3/31, 9%), neurologists (1/7, 14%), and subspecialty surgeons (8/35, 19%) reported the lowest mistreatment rates. Psychiatrists (9/16, 56%), internists (31/69, 45%), pathologists (5/13, 38%), and emergency physicians (5/14, 36%) reported the highest rates. The reported rate of mistreatment by nonsurgeons was higher than surgeons (30.4% versus 14.3%, p Conclusions Mistreatment during surgery appears to be improving. Its perception varies by the field of training, indicating variable interpretations of what constitutes mistreatment.
Duration of Diabetes and Prediabetes During Adulthood and Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Cardiac Dysfunction in Middle Age: The CARDIA Study

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the duration of diabetes and duration of prediabetes estimated during a 25-year period in early adulthood are each independently associated with coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC) and abnormalities in left ventricular structure and function later in life. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants were 3,628 white and black adults aged 18–30 years without diabetes or prediabetes at baseline (1985–1986) in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. Durations of diabetes and prediabetes were estimated based on their identification at examinations 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years later. CAC was identified by computed tomography at years 15, 20, and 25. Left ventricular structure and function were measured via echocardiogram at year 25. RESULTS Of the 3,628 individuals, 12.7% and 53.8% developed diabetes and prediabetes, respectively; average (SD) duration was 10.7 (10.7) years and 9.5 (5.4) years. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and other cardiovascular risk factors, and mutual adjustment for each other, the hazard ratio for the presence of CAC was 1.15 (95% CI 1.06, 1.25) and 1.07 (1.01, 1.13) times higher for each 5-year-longer duration of diabetes and prediabetes, respectively. Diabetes and prediabetes duration were associated with worse subclinical systolic function (longitudinal strain [Ptrend CONCLUSIONS Durations of diabetes and prediabetes during adulthood are both independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in middle age.
PCR-Based Methods for the Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis: Are They Ready for Use in the Clinic?

We review the performance of Candida PCR and the T2Candida panel (T2Biosystems, Lexington, MA) in diagnosing invasive candidiasis, consider how these tests may be incorporated into patient care, and determine if they are ready to be used in the clinic. PCR and T2Candida sensitivity/specificity for diagnosing candidemia are ~ 90%/90% and ~ 90%/98%, respectively. Limited data for intra-abdominal candidiasis suggest PCR sensitivity of ~ 85–90%, but specificity has varied from 33 to 97%. T2Candida data are lacking for infections other than candidemia. PCR and T2Candida will have the greatest value if their use is restricted to cases in which positive and negative predictive values differ in a clinically meaningful way from the pre-test likelihood. Studies are needed to establish that patient care and stewardship strategies incorporating Candida PCR or T2Candida improve patients’ outcomes, reduce unnecessary antifungal usage, limit emergence of resistance, and are cost-effective. The development and validation of standardized PCR assays is a top priority.
Conflict and Conflict Resolution, Social Psychology of

The term ‘conflict’ has two broad meanings: overt conflict, which refers to clashing actions taken by two or more parties, and subjective conflict, which refers to perceived divergence of interest or annoyance attributed to another party. Subjective conflict is often a source of overt conflict, but subjective conflict can produce other outcomes as well, including the following four basic strategies: contending, problem solving, yielding, and inaction. Only one of these, contending, leads to overt conflict. When increasingly harsh contentious tactics are used in a conflict, escalation is said to occur. Rubin et al. have put forward a dual concern model of the psychological states that affect choice among the four basic strategies mentioned above. Conflict resolution refers to any reduction in the severity of conflict or mitigation of its underlying causes. Research has shown that social contact and communication help to alleviate mild conflict but may be worse than useless in severe conflict. Sherif and others have found that a better way to reverse escalation is to get people to cooperate on superordinate goals; but Zartman argues that severe escalation is most likely to be reversed when the conflict develops into a mutually hurting stalemate. A period of negotiation is ultimately needed to resolve most conflicts. An important generalization about negotiation is that higher demands and slower concessions make it harder to reach agreement but, if agreement is reached, produce more favorable outcomes. When conflict threatens to escalate and negotiation is ineffective, third parties often intervene, employing mediation, arbitration, relationship therapy, or peace keeping. Several studies indicate that vigorous mediator intervention tends to be effective when the parties are hostile toward each other or lack the motivation to escape their conflict but is counterproductive when the opposite is true. Taking an overview of all methods of third party intervention, Fisher and Keashly have proposed a normative model which recommends: (a) use peace keeping in violent conflicts, (b) provide incentives to encourage ripeness in heavily escalated but nonviolent conflicts, (c) offer relationship therapy (they call it ‘consultation’) in moderately escalated conflicts, and (d) mediate mildly escalated conflicts.
BWR Internals Cracking Issues

The regulatory issues associated with cracking of boiling water reactor (BWR) internals is being addressed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff and is the subject of a voluntary industry initiative. The lessons learned from this effort will be applied to pressurized water reactor (PWR) internals cracking issues.
Size and Interface Control of Novel Nanocrystalline Materials Using Pulsed Laser Deposition

We have developed a novel method based upon pulsed laser deposition to produce nanocrystalline materials with an accurate grain size and interface control. Using this method, the grain size in the case of Cu thin films was controlled by introducing a few monolayers of insoluble elements having high surface energy such as W, which increases interfacial energy and provides more nucleation sites. The grain size is determined by the thickness of Cu layer and the substrate temperature at which it transforms into islands (nanocrystalline grains) of fairly uniform size which we desgnate as self-assembling approach. Using this approach, the grain size was reduced from 160 nm (Cu or Si (100) substrate) to 70–80 nm for a simple W layer (Cu/W/Si (100)) to 4 nm for a multilayer (Cu/W/Cu/W/Si (100)) thin film. The hardness of these films was evaluated using a nanoindentation technique, a significant increase in hardness from 2.0 GPa for coarse-grained 180 nm to 12.5 GPa for 7 nm films was observed. However, there is decrease in hardness below 7 nm for copper nanocrystals. The increase in hardness with the decrease in grain size can be rationalized by Hall–Petch model. However, the decrease in slope and eventually the decrease in hardness below a certain grain size can be explained by a new model based upon grain-boundary deformation (sliding). We also used a similar materials processing approach to produce quantum dots in semiconductor heterostructures consisting of Ge and ZnO dots or nanocrystals in AlN or Al2O3 matrix. The latter composites exhibit novel optoelectronic properties with quantum confinement of phonons, electrons, holes and excitons. Similarly, we incorporated metal nanocrystals in ceramics to produce improved mechanical and optical properties.
Prostaglandins and the Microvascular System: Physiological and Histochemical Correlations

It is well known that the prostaglandins markedly alter cardiovascular activity. However, the nature of the vascular response to exogenously administered prostaglandins depends not only upon the type and dose of prostaglandin studied but also upon the test system used. In general, a myriad of reports have shown that prostaglandins E(1), E(2), A(1), A(2), F(1-alpha) and F(2-alpha) are potent vasodilator substances. All of these prostaglandins, and especially PGF(2-alpha), have also been reported to produce vasoconstriction in some vascular preparations (DuCharme and Weeks, 1967; Jackson and Stovall, 1968; Nakano, 1968; Strong and Bohr, 1967; Sunahara and Kadar, 1968; Davies and Withrington, 1969; Mark et al, 1971). At least a few of the discrepancies in effect reported for the prostaglandins may result from the general employment of indirect methods, such as estimations of systemic blood pressure, flow and vascular resistance, to estimate changes in vessel diameter.
Gaussian Processes Multiple Instance Learning

This paper proposes a multiple instance learning (MIL) algorithm for Gaussian processes (GP). The GP-MIL model inherits two crucial benefits from GP: (i) a principle manner of learning kernel parameters, and (ii) a probabilistic interpretation (e.g., variance in prediction) that is informative for better understanding of the MIL prediction problem. The bag labeling protocol of the MIL problem, namely the existence of a positive instance in a bag, can be effectively represented by a sigmoid likelihood model through the max function over GP latent variables. To circumvent the intractability of exact GP inference and learning incurred by the non-continuous max function, we suggest two approximations: first, the soft-max approximation; second, the use of witness indicator variables optimized with a deterministic annealing schedule. The effectiveness of GP-MIL against other state-of-the-art MIL approaches is demonstrated on several benchmark MIL datasets.
Medicare Utilization and Spending Among Nurses Compared with the General United States Population.

Background: To better understand health habits in older nurses versus the general population, we sought to determine whether the demographics, health care utilization, and Medicare spending by the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) participants enrolled in Medicare and a matched sample of Medicare beneficiaries meaningfully differed. Materials and Methods: Analytic cohorts included a random 20% sample of Medicare beneficiaries continuously enrolled in fee for service (FFS) Medicare that were propensity matched to the NHS participants continuously enrolled in FFS Medicare in a single year (2012). Matching was based upon preselected demographic factors and health status, using a nearest-neighbor matching algorithm to obtain a 1:1 match without replacement. Healthcare utilization and spending were compared between the two groups; we also stratified findings by number of chronic comorbidities. Results: Similar rates of utilization of primary care and most outpatient services. However, NHS participants had slightly higher rates of cancer screening, specialist care, and inpatient surgery were observed. When stratified by comorbidity status, the largest differences in utilization and spending were found in women with no comorbidity. Conclusions: The modest differences in observed healthcare utilization and spending suggest that older healthcare professionals may access care in fairly similar ways to the general population, and that health status may be a more important determinant of utilization and spending than health profession in older age groups.
Feasibility of using auditory event-related potentials to investigate learning and memory in nonverbal individuals with Angelman syndrome.

Abstract The combination of intellectual, communicative, and motor deficits limit the use of standardized behavioral assessments of cognition in individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS). The current study is the first to objectively evaluate learning and memory in AS using auditory event-related potentials (ERP) during passive exposure to spoken stimuli. Fifteen nonverbal individuals with the deletion subtype of AS (age 4–45 years) completed the auditory incidental memory paradigm. Auditory ERPs were recorded in response to a sequence of unfamiliar nonwords, in which one randomly selected stimulus was repeated multiple times and the rest were presented once. Larger parietal responses within 200–500 ms for the repeated nonword compared to novel distracters were associated with caregiver reports of more adaptive communication skills. These findings demonstrate good tolerability of ERP procedures (94% success rate) and indicate that persons with AS can acquire new information following repeated auditory exposure, even in the absence of explicit memorization instructions. Strong associations between the caregiver reports of adaptive functioning and neural indices of auditory learning and memory support the utility of brain-based measures for objectively evaluating higher-order information processing in nonverbal persons with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Recent research of feeding practices and the nutrition of lactating dairy goats

ABSTRACTDairy goats can mobilize considerable body fat for support of milk production, but this can necessitate a high nutritional plane later for replenishment. Tissue mobilization during gestation should be controlled so as not to impair lactational performance. Dairy goats can markedly vary feeding behaviour in response to factors such as restricted periods of access; however, further studies are needed to address the efficiency of production. With some tolerance of goats to plant secondary metabolites and voluntary consumption of a wide array of materials, regionally available byproducts and other nonconventional feedstuffs can be used to minimize production costs. Dairy goats are resilient to moderately harsh environmental conditions, but more extreme ones should be addressed with anticipated future climate change. Some differences in the effects of dietary inclusion of fats and oils between dairy goats and cattle may relate to ruminal microbial conditions as well as the susceptibility of mammary gla...
Pulsed fourier transform NMR of substituted aryltrimethyltin derivatives

Abstract Proton NMR data at 100 MHz are reported for thirteen para - and meta -substituted phenyltrimethyltin compounds, XC 6 H 4 Sn(CH 3 ) 3 , where X = para -N(CH 3 ) 2 , para -OCH 3 , para -OC 2 H 5 , para -CH 3 , meta -CH 3 , -H, para -F, meta -OCH 3 , para -Cl, para -Br, meta -F, meta -Cl and para -Sn(CH 3 ) 3 . Correlation coefficients with Hammett σ-constants of greater than 0.95 are obtained with the methyltin proton chemical shifts and coupling constants to carbon [ 1 J ( 13 C 1 H)] and tin [ 2 J (SnC 1 H)]. Solvent effects and other extraneous factors invalidate comparisons of ϱ values in terms of the relative attenuation of the transmission of substituent effects through homologous carbon, silicon, germanium and tin systems, but coupling constant data reflect a diminution of ca. one tenthfold per bond in the order ϱ[C(1)Sn] > ϱ [SnC] > ϱ [CH]. Satisfactory correlations ( r > 0.95) are obtained in this series of closely-related compounds among the conventionally recorded two-bond, 2 J (SnC 1 H) and the constituent, one-bond 1 J (Sn 13 C) and J ( 13 C 1 H) coupling constants, but the correlation coefficient for the comparison between the two one-bond couplings, 1 J (Sn 13 C) and 1 J ( 13 C 1 H) is lower ( r = 0.872). Changes in the couplings at the methyltin carbon bond tin-119 atoms are interpreted in terms of isovalent hybridization; a model based upon effective nuclear charges is tested with respect to both NMR coupling constants and 119 Sn Mossbauer Isomer shifts at tin and is invalidated. Proton and carbon-13 NMR, chemical shift and coupling constant data are used to derive a Hammett σ-constant for the para -trimethyltin group of −0.14, and the significance of this value is discussed.
All Around Here: An Exagmination of Certain Locative Fictions and Plurilingual Works in Progress

This essay considers three recent works-in-progress combining augmented reality and other visual formats. Their genealogy is traced through predecessor texts from Finnegans Wake onward to recent explorations of mixed language or creolizations. Arguing that, in a global world, works of art, and especially literary works, must necessarily aspire to what the critic and theorist Brian Lennon has called “strong plurilingualism,” the essay explores possibilities for performative works, including locative fiction, visual representation, and augmented reality, which taken together conjure seamless experiences of joined differences not unlike plurilingual and creolized texts.
Antibacterial effects of graphene- and carbon-nanotube-based nanohybrids on Escherichia coli: Implications for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Abstract Some nanomaterials including Fe 0 , Ag 0 , and ZnO are well known for their antibacterial effects. However, very few studies have examined antibacterial effects of nanohybrids. Given that metal oxides, mainly ZnO and TiO 2 , are known to increase mobility, surface area, and photocatalysis when combined with carbon-based nanomaterials, ZnO- and TiO 2 -conjugated carbon nanotube and graphene oxide nanohybrids were investigated for their antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli (DH5α, a multidrug-resistant coliform bacterium). Graphene-oxide (GO)-based nanohybrids (ZnO–GO and TiO 2 –GO) induced increased dispersion compared to carbon-nanotube (CNT)-based nanohybrids (ZnO–CNT and TiO 2 –CNT). Among the four types of nanohybrids, ZnO-conjugated nanohybrids exhibited a higher antibacterial property, resulting in the antibacterial effect (measured with growth inhibition of cells) in the order ZnO–GO > ZnO–CNT > TiO 2 –GO > TiO 2 –CNT. Among four possible antibacterial mechanisms (generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), physicochemical characteristics, the steric effect, and release of metal ions), a primary mechanism—ROS generation—was identified; whereas, physicochemical characteristics and the steric effect were part of contributing mechanisms. The increasing dispersion of TiO 2 /ZnO on GO may have contributed to the antibacterial effects due to increasing surface areas. Similarly, significant damages to E. coli cell membranes were found by the GO sheet with its sharp edges. Our results suggest that applying GO-based ZnO or TiO 2 could be an effective antibacterial method, especially for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the water.
Geometrical Room Acoustics

The analytical methods of the previous chapters enable predictions of the sound field in an enclosure accounting for numerous geometric and material details of the boundary conditions. In practice however, many acoustical spaces of interest have far too many geometric complexities to permit meaningful predictions of a sound field. In this case, rather than perform painstaking, detailed estimates of the field, it often suffices to estimate the spatial average of the field due to changes in some global, or average acoustical features of the space. For example, it is often extremely important to be able to estimate how the average sound levels in a space will be affected by changes in the average sound absorption on the surfaces. The ability to perform this sort of rough estimate can provide valuable guidance in designs and gives much needed insight without the burden of complicated mathematics.