cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized trial to test the impact of parent communication on improving in-vehicle feedback systems.

Abstract This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of integrating Steering Teens Safe, a parent communication intervention, with feedback from an in-vehicle video recording system. In-vehicle video systems that trigger a recording when the vehicle exceeds a g-force threshold have been used to provide feedback to young drivers. Few of these programs have involved parental engagement. Parent-teen dyads were randomized to three groups and 150 dyads completed the study. All groups received an in-vehicle video system that recorded driving events. The control group received no feedback or intervention. In the first intervention group, teens received real-time feedback, and parent-teen dyads received summary feedback, based on information recorded by the in-vehicle system. The second intervention group received the same feedback, plus parents were taught strategies to improve communication with their teen about safe driving. The primary outcome variable was unsafe driving event rates per 1000 miles driven and the primary independent variable was group assignment. Generalized linear models were used to calculate effect estimates. Compared with the control group, the Event Recorder Feedback group had a rate ratio of 0.35 (95% CI = 0.24 – 0.50) and the combined intervention group (Event Recorder Feedback and parent communication) had a rate ratio of 0.21 (95% CI = 0.15 – 0.30). Furthermore, the combined intervention group had a significantly lower event rate than the Event Recorder Feedback only group (rate ratio = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.41 – 0.87). While in-vehicle feedback systems can help reduce unsafe driving events in early independent driving, teaching parents strategies for effective communication with their young driver may further improve impact.
Identification of Safety and Quality Parameters for Preparation of Jellyfish Based Novel Food Products

Edible jellyfish are mainly consumed and marketed in Southeastern Countries, generally produced by a multi-phase drying process, using mixtures of salt and alum. Recently, jellyfish have become very attractive also for Western food markets. They are novel food in Europe and no recognized handling/processing steps have been set up yet. Moreover, no specific food safety and quality parameters are available. In this study, we identified a set of safety and quality parameters for jellyfish, based on standards and process hygiene criteria used in Europe for other products. These assays were tested on three different jellyfish preparations that can be used as raw materials for subsequent food processing. All jellyfish samples revealed the absence of pathogens (Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes), Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp., even if a limited presence of Staphylococci was observed. No biogenic amine histamine was detected and negligible levels of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) were revealed. Total bacterium, yeast and mold counts were negligible or undetectable by conventional accredited methods, and conversely the results were higher when optimized saline conditions were used. This study, for the first time, established a set of quality and safety parameters necessary for first-operations and subsequent processing of jellyfish as novel food. Highlights: Jellyfish can represent a novel food in Europe. Identification of safety and quality parameters for jellyfish food products. Saline conditions are essential for improving safety and quality assessment of jellyfish as food.
The Flexible Impact of Affective Feelings on Group Decision-Making in Hidden profile Situations

Affective feelings (e.g., happiness, sadness) have been assumed to influence individual and group performance via their effects on two different processing styles: less effortful, heuristic process...
Winning the Hearts and Minds: Ophthalmology

Recent doctrine describes counterinsurgency (COIN) as a comprehensive effort designed to simultaneously defeat and contain insurgency and address its root causes. According to FM 3-24.2, the US Army thinking and doctrine on COIN tactics since the end of World War II have focused on the conduct of counterguerrilla operations in the later stages of insurgency. The Army has seen itself as defeating guerilla forces – usually communist forces – rather than defeating an entire insurgency. It was a success that could be achieved by using the force of the conventional army directly against guerilla forces. This doctrine of COIN began to take shape shortly after World War II.
Layperson and Dental Professional Perception When Evaluating Their Own Virtually 2D or 3D Simulated Esthetic Discrepancies.

Purpose To analyze the perceptions of laypersons, dental students, and dentists regarding disparities of the maxillary dental midline and the occlusal plane (OP) when analyzing their own 2D or 3D clinical simulation. Material and methods 20 participants per group volunteered (N = 60). Intraoral and facial scans, and a photograph were obtained from each participant. Two simulation groups were created: 2D and 3D groups, which were subdivided into two subgroups. In the first subgroup, the OP was modified by 1-degree increments without changing the maxillary midline. In the second subgroup, the OP was modified by the same increments, but the maxillary midline was altered to match the OP inclination. Participants were asked to rate the simulations on a 1-to-6 scale and a question survey. Ordinal logistic regression (OR) was used to analyze the ratings. Results Tilt of the OP had the strongest negative effect on the ratings which was further amplified by the dental midline inclination (OR = 0.122). Midline modification alone did not affect the ratings (OR = 0.744). 3D simulations had a stronger positive effect on the ratings compared to 2D simulations. For dental students, the positive rating effect of 3D simulations was similar to dentists. For laypersons, the positive rating effect of 3D simulations compared to the 2D simulations decreased relative to dentists. The survey revealed that 45% of the dentists, 80% of the students, and 50% of the laypersons preferred the 3D simulation. Conclusions The type of dimensional representation affected the esthetic perception of all participants. 3D simulations obtained higher esthetic ratings for the same esthetic discrepancy than 2D simulations. However, all participants' ratings decreased with increased tilt of the OP and were further decreased with the inclination of the dental midline.
3 – Adenovirus Replication

Adenoviruses have been studied for more than half a century, unraveling the profound range of virus–host interactions. Expression of the viral genes is temporally regulated. Early gene products are involved in viral DNA replication and regulate many processes including cellular proliferation, cellular antiviral responses, and host immune responses. Viral late proteins are involved in virus assembly and serve regulatory functions. Studies into adenovirus biology have contributed to the fields of cell biology, DNA replication, gene expression, translation, immunology, and cancer. There are still many unsolved questions about adenovirus biology as the growing cases of serious adenovirus infections in immunologically compromised individuals rise. There is still no virus-specific therapy available. Additionally, with the widespread use of adenovirus gene therapy vectors, it is becoming increasingly important to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of infection.
Placebos without deception reduce self-report and neural measures of emotional distress

Several recent studies suggest that placebos administered without deception (i.e., non-deceptive placebos) can help people manage a variety of highly distressing clinical disorders and nonclinical impairments. However, whether non-deceptive placebos represent genuine psychobiological effects is unknown. Here we address this issue by demonstrating across two experiments that during a highly arousing negative picture viewing task, non-deceptive placebos reduce both a self-report and neural measure of emotional distress, the late positive potential. These results show that non-deceptive placebo effects are not merely a product of response bias. Additionally, they provide insight into the neural time course of non-deceptive placebo effects on emotional distress and the psychological mechanisms that explain how they function. There is controversy about whether placebos without deception cause real psychobiological benefits. Here, the authors show that the positive effects of placebos without deception are more than response bias by providing evidence they can reduce self-report and neural measures of emotional distress.
Exploring a Nexus of National and Human Security: Food and Energy Challenges in the U.S. Arctic

Changes in the U.S. Arctic are challenging both the national and human security dynamics of the region. Historically, the region’s significance had been defined by national security concerns, but the emerging concept of human security has come to provide a useful framework through which to define and demonstrate the nexus between the two. This paper provides an overview of the relationship between national and human security and the concerns shared by individuals working in both areas, with a more narrowed focus on the interrelated issues of both food and energy security within the U.S. Arctic. Considering the substantial overlap of aspects of food and energy on both national as well as human security, an analysis of the relationships involving each provides meaningful and extended context of the term “security” for the Arctic region.
Efficient Multi-Robot Exploration with Energy Constraint based on Optimal Transport Theory

This paper addresses an Optimal Transport (OT)-based efficient multi-robot exploration problem, considering the energy constraints of a multi-robot system. The efficiency in this problem implies how a team of robots (agents) covers a given domain, reflecting a priority of areas of interest represented by a density distribution, rather than simply following a preset of uniform patterns. To achieve an efficient multi-robot exploration, the optimal transport theory that quantifies a distance between two density distributions is employed as a tool, which also serves as a means of performance measure. The energy constraints for the multi-robot system is then incorporated into the OT-based multi-robot exploration scheme. The proposed scheme is decoupled from robot dynamics, broadening the applicability of the multi-robot exploration plan to heterogeneous robot platforms. Not only the centralized but also decentralized algorithms are provided to cope with more realistic scenarios such as communication range limits between agents. To measure the exploration efficiency, the upper bound of the performance is developed for both the centralized and decentralized cases based on the optimal transport theory, which is computationally tractable as well as efficient. The proposed multi-robot exploration scheme is also applicable to a time-varying distribution, where the spatio-temporal evolution of the given reference distribution is desired. To validate the proposed method, multiple simulation results are provided.
Covid-19 trials: allow recruitment by everyone in healthcare, including those not previously involved in research.

Darzi and colleagues are right to highlight research recruitment, because, before the pandemic, research activity had fallen in almost all specialties in England.1 The Principle study, mentioned, is a step change with full online consent and follow-up. It has allowed recruitment by everyone in healthcare, including those not previously involved in research. Primary care covers every medical condition and almost every patient in the UK. A trusted GP often knows the patient over …
An evaluation of corn production within a Wetlaculture™ system at Buckeye Lake, Ohio

Abstract Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in frequency and severity worldwide due to nonpoint source nutrient pollution, mainly a product of agricultural runoff. This issue is compounded by the steady, global loss of wetlands and their water quality services. Wetlaculture, an integrated system of wetlands and agriculture, has been proposed as a solution to HABs in which farmland located on former wetlands is flipped to serve as a nutrient-sequestering treatment wetland for a period of years, then flipped back to farmland which consumes the stored nutrients for crop production without the need for fertilizers. A wetlaculture mesocosm experiment was initiated at Buckeye Lake, Ohio in 2016, where all of the site's mesocosms had been functioning as treatment wetlands fed with water from an adjacent, nutrient-impaired stream prior to the 2020 season. This study serves as both a continuation of the treatment wetland experiment, and a first attempt at the cultivation of an agricultural crop in wetlaculture mesocosms. Eight of the twenty-eight mesocosms were drained and planted with corn (Zea mays), while the remaining twenty continued to function as treatment wetlands. Inflow and outflow concentrations of five nutrient species were monitored in the wetland mesocosms, while suitability for corn was evaluated via preplant soil tests and ultimate grain yield, which was compared to that of a nearby commercial farm. End-of-season soil analyses from both the corn and wetland mesocosms were taken to determine the impact of these disparate management regimes on total soil N, P, K, and C. Results indicate that the treatment wetlands continued to improve water quality and that the mesocosms planted with corn produced a grain crop without fertilization. Mesocosm yields (58 ± 9.5 bu./ac) fell significantly below those of the reference farm (160 ± 15.3 bu./ac)(p = 0.004). Some of that difference may be due to the frequent herbivory that occurred during this study, in addition to the limited soil volume in the 0.285 m3 mesocosm tubs versus the open agricultural field.
Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: a spontaneous model of synucleinopathy

Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common endocrine disease of aged horses that shows a similar pathophysiology as Parkinson’s Disease (PD) with increased levels of α-synuclein (α-syn). While α-syn is thought to play a pathogenic role in horses with PPID, it is unclear if α-syn is also misfolded in the pars intermedia and could similarly promote self-aggregation and propagation. Consequently, α-syn was isolated from the pars intermedia from groups of healthy young and aged horses, and aged PPID-afflicted horses. Seeding experiments confirmed the prion-like properties of α-syn isolated from PPID-afflicted horses. Next, detection of α-syn fibrils in pars intermedia via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was exclusive to PPID-afflicted horses. A bank of fragment peptides was designed to further characterize equine α-syn misfolding. Region 62–87 of equine and human α-syn peptides was found to be most prone to aggregation according to Tango bioinformatic program and kinetics of aggregation via a thioflavin T fluorescence assay. In both species, fragment peptide 62–87 is capable of generating mature fibrils as demonstrated by TEM. The combined animal, bioinformatic, and biophysical studies provide evidence that equine α-syn is misfolded in PPID horses.
Implementing AACN's Healthy Work Environment Framework in an Intensive Care Unit.

Background Bedside nurse turnover in the United States is 15.9%, representing a national challenge that has been attributed to poor work environments. Healthy work environments are associated with improved nurse satisfaction and retention as well as positive patient outcomes; unhealthy work environments have the opposite effects. Objectives To implement the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) healthy work environment (HWE) framework in an intensive care unit and to evaluate staff satisfaction, turnover, and tenure 2 years later. Methods A pre-post study design was used to evaluate implementation of the HWE framework in an intensive care unit in a large academic medical facility. Interventions for each of the 6 HWE standards were performed. The AACN HWE assessment survey was used to measure skilled communication, true collaboration, effective decision-making, appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, and authentic leadership in 2017 and in 2019. Results Nurse cohorts (n = 165 in 2017; n = 176 in 2019) had a mean age of 31 (median, 27; range, 23-63) years, were predominantly female (76%), and had a mean of 5 (median, 3) years of intensive care unit nursing experience. Statistically significant improvements were found in all standards except the skilled communication and overall measures. Registered nurse turnover remained stable and tenure increased by 79 days in this 2-year period. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest that interventions addressing the HWE standards are associated with improved staff satisfaction, turnover, and average tenure, further demonstrating the value of the HWE framework in improving retention.
The Globalization of Space: Foucault and Heterotopia

Introduction: Foucault, Globality and the Heterotopia of Academic Production - Mariangela Palladino and John Miller Part I: State and Hegemony 1 From Hegemony to Heterotopias: Geography as Epistemology in Gramsci and Foucault - Mauro Pala 2 An Occult Geometry of Capital: Heterotopia, History and Hypermodernism in Iain Sinclair's Cultural Geography - Tom Bristow Part II: Movement, Marginality, Containment 3 Heterotopia and Placelessness in Brian Chikwava's Harare North - Zoe Wicomb 4 'It's a Freedom Thing': Heterotopias and Gypsy Travellers' Spaciality - Mariangela Palladino 5 Heterotopias of Illness - Stella Bolaki Part III: Seas and Ships 6 Writing the Littoral - Abdulrazak Gurnah 7 Heterotopia and the Critical Cut - Iain Chambers 8 'L'asile Flottant': Modernist Reflections by the Armee du Salut and le Corbusier on the Refuge/Refuse of Modernity - Diane Morgan Part IV: Animals, Energy and Ecology 9 Zooheterotopias - John Miller 10 Soft Machines - Fabienne Collignon
Models for the Spectral Energy Distributions and Variability of Blazars

In this review, recent progress in theoretical models for blazar emission will be summarized. The salient features of both leptonic and lepto-hadronic approaches to modeling blazar spectral energy distributions will be reviewed. I will present sample modeling results of spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of different types of blazars along the blazar sequence, including Fermi high-energy gamma-ray data, using both types of models. Special emphasis will be placed on the implications of the recent very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray detections of non-traditional VHE gamma-ray blazars, including intermediate and low-frequency-peaked BL Lac objects and even flat-spectrum radio quasars. Due to the featureless optical spectra of BL Lac objects, the redshifts of several BL Lacs remain unknown. I will briefly discuss possible constraints on their redshift using spectral modeling of their SED including Fermi + ground-based VHE gamma-ray data. It will be shown that in some cases, spectral modeling with time-independent single-zone models alone is not sufficient to constrain models, as both leptonic and lepto-hadronic models are able to provide acceptable fits to the overall SED. Subsequently, recent developments of time-dependent and inhomogeneous blazar models will be discussed, including detailed numerical simulations as well as a semi-analytical approach to the time-dependent radiation signatures of shock-in-jet models.
Comparison of Leviteracetam Dosing Regimens in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Intermittent Hemodialysis (P1.237)

Objective: To compare two leviteracetam dosing regimens in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD). Background: Leviteracetam (LEV) is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. In ESRD patients on IHD, previous pharmacokinetic studies have recommended daily dosing with a 50[percnt] supplemental dose after each 4-hr IHD session. However, poor medication compliance after IHD sessions could result in fluctuating plasma drug levels. Therefore, we sought to compare plasma leviteracetam levels of daily vs. twice-daily (BID) dosing. Design/Methods: Consecutive ESRD patients (April 2013 - May 2014) who received maintenance inpatient IHD and were prescribed leviteracetam prior to admission to an academic tertiary hospital in the Southeast US were prospectively analyzed. Demographics, initial lab values, seizures, and leviteracetam regimens were recorded. Leviteracetam levels were obtained pre- and post-dialysis along with levels after receiving a nightly dose. Recovery of plasma levels after IHD was assessed by comparison of levels pre-dialysis vs. post-dialysis and post-dose. Statistical significance was determined using Student’s t-test. Results: We identified 22 patients who met inclusion criteria; 14 on BID and 8 on daily dosing. Mean pre-dialysis, post-dialysis, and post-dose plasma levels were higher in patients receiving LEV BID compared to daily (43.1, 19.4, 34.9 vs. 21.1, 6.9, 11.9 mcg/mL; p<0.05). BID post-dialysis levels were 41.9[percnt] of pre-dialysis levels vs. 36.9[percnt] with daily dosing (p=0.275). Post-dose levels were 81.4[percnt] of pre-dialysis on LEV BID vs. 65.7[percnt] on LEV daily (p=0.045). No seizures were reported during hospital admission in either group. Conclusions: BID dosing of LEV achieved a post-dose level that was significantly higher and closer to pre-dialysis levels compared to LEV daily. While limited by small numbers, a similar relationship between post-dialysis levels was not detected. Future studies are needed to determine long-term tolerability and seizure prophylaxis. Disclosure: Dr. Shiue has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sands has nothing to disclose. Dr. Taylor has nothing to disclose.
The flexibility of DNA. II. Spontaneous and ligand induced distortions.

Abstract DNA can bend not only as a result of smooth worm-like deviations from linearity, but also in an abrupt fashion because of natural spontaneous fluctuations in structure (breathing modes, kinks, etc.) and because its interaction with other moleccules (dyes, proteins, other ligands). It is shown how all these structural deformations can be treated with a single geometrical model and the statistical theory of such deformations is developed into specific formulas for persistence and mean directions. The statistical theory does not apply to bending which is cooperative or site specific.
Enzyme reactions in reverse micelles

Abstract Enzyme reactions are important not only in life processes but also for the commercial production of various chemicals and foods. Many enzyme reactions of practical interest involve water-insoluble substrates and/or products. To improve the efficiencies of such reactions, one can exploit the system of reverse micelles to immobilize the enzymes and serve as a microheterogeneous reaction medium. Enzyme reactions in reverse micelles require lower reaction volumes, are not restricted by mass transfer considerations and are not subject to product-inhibition. Also, microbial contamination is minimized. The unique microenvironment of the enzyme allows for biocatalytic activity, stability and substrate specificity that is different and vastly improved as compared to that in the aqueous environment. However, to make reverse micellar enzymology a commercial reality, problems linked to product separation, enzyme recovery and re-use need to be addressed. This paper discusses various aspects of enzyme reactions in reverse micelles and other closely related media.
Factored A* search for models over sequences and trees

We investigate the calculation of A* bounds for sequence and tree models which are the explicit intersection of a set of simpler models or can be bounded by such an intersection. We provide a natural viewpoint which unifies various instances of factored A* models for trees and sequences, some previously known and others novel, including multiple sequence alignment, weighted finite-state transducer composition, and lexicalized statistical parsing. The specific case of parsing with a product of syntactic (PCFG) and semantic (lexical dependency) components is then considered in detail. We show that this factorization gives a modular lexicalized parser which is simpler than comparably accurate non-factored models, and which allows efficient exact inference with large treebank grammars.
Highly antiproliferative, low-calcemic, side-chain ketone analogs of the hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

A series 2a-4b of seven new side-chain ketone analogs of calcitriol (1) have been prepared. Unexpectedly, several of these 24- and 25-tert-butyl ketones, even though lacking the classical side-chain tertiary hydroxyl group, are considerably more antiproliferative in vitro than the hormone calcitriol (1) even at physiologically relevant low nanomolar concentrations and are less calcemic than calcitriol (1) in vivo. In addition, ketone analog 19-nor-2a is not significantly less calcemic in vivo than 19-methylene analog 2a.
Effect of topical 0.03% flurbiprofen and 0.005% latanoprost, alone and in combination, on normal canine eyes

Objective Evaluate the influence of topically applied flurbiprofen 0.03% and latanoprost 0.005%, alone or in combination, in normal canines. Animals studied 10 Normal Beagles. Procedures Intraocular pressure (IOP), pupil size, aqueous flare, conjunctival hyperemia, and blepharospasm were evaluated bilaterally five times daily (8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm). The study consisted of a training and acclimation period, followed by 3, 1-week experiment periods. A 2-week washout period occurred between each experiment period. During period 1, all dogs received flurbiprofen (three doses 6-h apart) in the treated eye, whereas in period 2, all dogs received latanoprost (one dose 24-h apart). During period 3, both latanoprost (one dose 24-h apart) and flurbiprofen (three doses 6-h apart) were administered in the treated eye. Results Flurbiprofen resulted in a mean IOP elevation of 1.1 mmHg (8.65%) in the treated eye, as compared with the control eye. No effect on pupil size, conjunctival hyperemia, or aqueous flare was noted. Latanoprost resulted in a mean IOP reduction of 3.4 mmHg (30.19%). Combined latanoprost and flurbiprofen resulted in a mean IOP reduction of 2.7 mmHg (24.56%). Miosis was noted in the treated eyes during both latanoprost periods, with maximal pupil constriction 3-h post-dose. This was followed by relative mydriasis 24-h post-dose, persisting 48 h after the last dose. The degree of conjunctival hyperemia varied between individuals. Neither blepharospasm nor aqueous flare was noted at any time point. Conclusion Concurrent administration of latanoprost and flurbiprofen resulted in a 20.41% reduction in the ocular hypotensive effect relative to latanoprost therapy alone.
X-Ray Observations

The detection and study of cosmic sources of X-ray radiation has progressed very rapidly since the discovery of the X-ray star, Sco X-l, in 1962 (Giacconi et al. 1962). Rocket experiments in the I960’s established the existence of X-ray emission from the Crab Nebula (Bowyer et al. 1964b); identified the optical counterpart of Sco X-l and Cyg X-2 (Sandage et al. 1966; Giacconi et al. 1967); and detected the existence of the first extragalactic X-ray source in the Virgo cluster of galaxies (Byram et al. 1966). Our catalogue of X-ray sources had grown to about 30 sources by the late 1960’s. In addition, an intense diffuse background of X-ray radiation, believed to be due at least in part to extragalactic sources, had been detected since the first rocket flight and its characteristics had been studied in later missions.
Semi-insulating GaAs and Au Schottky barrier photodetectors for near-infrared detection (1280 nm)

Schottky barriers formed between metal (Au) and semiconductor (GaAs) can be used to detect photons with energy lower than the bandgap of the semiconductor. In this study, photodetectors based on Schottky barriers were fabricated and characterized for the detection of light at wavelength of 1280 nm. The device structure consists of three gold fingers with 1.75 mm long and separated by 0.95 mm, creating an E shape while the middle finger is disconnected from the outer frame. When the device is biased, electric field is stretched between the middle finger and the two outermost electrodes. The device was characterized by measuring the current-voltage (I-V) curve at room temperature. This showed low dark current on the order of 10 -10 A, while the photocurrent was higher than the dark current by four orders of magnitude. The detectivity of the device at room temperature was extracted from the I-V curve and estimated to be on the order of 5.3x10 10 cm.Hz 0.5 /W at 5 V. The step response of the device was measured from time-resolved photocurrent curve at 5 V bias with multiple on/off cycles. From which the average recovery time was estimated to be 0.63 second when the photocurrent decreases by four orders of magnitude, and the average rise time was measured to be 0.897 second. Furthermore, the spectral response spectrum of the device exhibits a strong peak close to the optical communication wavelength (~1.3 μm), which is attributed to the internal photoemission of electrons above the Schottky barrier formed between Au and GaAs.
Utilizing independence of multimodal biometric matchers

The problem of combining biometric matchers for person verification can be viewed as a pattern classification problem, and any trainable pattern classification algorithm can be used for score combination. But biometric matchers of different modalities possess a property of the statistical independence of their output scores. In this work we investigate if utilizing this independence knowledge results in the improvement of the combination algorithm. We show both theoretically and experimentally that utilizing independence provides better approximation of score density functions, and results in combination improvement.
Eigen‐analysis of nonlinear PCA with polynomial kernels

There has been growing interest in kernel methods for classification, clustering and dimension reduction. For example, kernel Fisher discriminant analysis, spectral clustering and kernel principal component analysis are widely used in statistical learning and data mining applications. The empirical success of the kernel method is generally attributed to nonlinear feature mapping induced by the kernel, which in turn determines a low dimensional data embedding. It is important to understand the effect of a kernel and its associated kernel parameter(s) on the embedding in relation to data distributions. In this paper, we examine the geometry of the nonlinear embedding for kernel principal component analysis (PCA) when polynomial kernels are used. We carry out eigen-analysis of the polynomial kernel operator associated with data distributions and investigate the effect of the degree of polynomial. The results provide both insights into the geometry of nonlinear data embedding and practical guidelines for choosing an appropriate degree for dimension reduction with polynomial kernels. We further comment on the effect of centering kernels on the spectral property of the polynomial kernel operator. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining, 2013
Dynamic socio-economic disequilibrium catalyzed by the Internet of Things

The technology based conceptualization of the internet of things (IoT) and the industrial internet may have started circa 1988 with the work of Mark Weiser of Xerox Palo Alto Research Center who suggested that computers may “weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life” and influence the future of business, as a consequence ( Scientific American, 1991 ). The knowledge base Weiser was referring to is the discussion by Herbert Simon in his 1987 paper “ The Steam Engine and the Computer: What makes technology revolutionary ” where Herbert Simon frames his thoughts about the computer, “ you have to make friends with it, talk to it, let it talk to you.” (...)
Plasma 17β-estradiol levels in the chick embryo

Plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) concentrations in male and female chick embryos were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) on Days 7.5, 9.5, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 15.5, and 17.5 of development. E2 levels in female embryos increased gradually from Days 7.5 (889.5 pg/ml) to 12.5 (1003.8 pg/ml), followed by a marked increase from Days 13.5 (1103.3 pg/ml) to 17.5 (1360.2 pg/ml). In male embryos, E2 concentrations remained at a relatively constant level throughout the embryonic period studied (Day 7.5: 639.9 pg/ml; Day 17.5: 747.8 pg/ml) and were significantly lower than female E2 levels of the same age (P<0.001). A correspondence in embryonic time was observed between the two phases of the female plasma E2 profile (Days 7.5–12.5 and 13.5–17.5) and the biphasic growth and differentiation pattern of the female left Mullerian duct (Days 8.0–12.0 and 14.0–18.0). Results are also discussed in terms of other E2-dependent events which occur during chick embryo development.
Carbon-to-Boron Bridged o-Carboranes.

The first carbon-to-boron bridged o-carborane (III) is produced starting with o-carboranylacetic acid (I) as shown in the scheme.
On the width of resonances

A method to get both upper and lower bounds on real and imaginary parts of resonance eigenvalues is extended to Schrodinger operators with exterior dilation analytic potential. We apply it to a simple model potential where the bound states and resonances are exactly known.
Iodine-131 Fallout in Bovine Fetus

S>Determinations were made on the I¹³¹ content of the thyroid gland removed irom pregnant cows and on laryngothyroid areas from their fetuses. Findings are correlated to fall-out activity during the period. Data on iodine- 131 content are compared with data on 400 thyroids from cattle from the same area. Eighty-five 131 concentration in their thyroids than did their dams. Only 68 percent of the 6- to 7-month fetuses had more iodine-131 in their thyroids than did their dams. Implications of the findings are discussed. (C.H.)
Coral Reef Hydrology: Field Studies of Water Movement within a Barrier Reef

Water movement through the framework of Davies Reef, a coral reef in the central Australian Great Barrier Reef, was studied using field and laboratory determinations of permeability, tide gauge measurements of water levels, dye tracers, and pore water chemistry. Flow is driven by current, wind-induced, or tide-induced water level differences which were shown to occur between reef front and lagoon. The reef is hydraulically very heterogeneous with bulk flow occurring through high permeability zones (voids and rubble) at a velocity on the order of 10 m/d. Pore water exchange in less permeable zones occurs at a much slower rate. Vertical components of flow are significant. Chemical data indicate that carbonate precipitation and solution occur so that porosities, permeabilities, and flow paths may change with time. Implications for nutrient transfer through the benthic sediments and for fresh water resources on reef islands are discussed.
Vehicle communications, new ad hoc design paradigms and the role of the internet [Keynote Speech]

Summary form only given. This paper focuses on vehicles as mobile data platforms, and address two problems: (1) sharing content obtained from the Internet, and; (2) tapping the massive sensor type information autonomously collected by the vehicles. This paper also discusses the techniques critical to their efficient deployment, namely, P2P gossiping, network coding, epidemic dissemination and distributed index to track content and location. The second part of the talk, addresses the synergy between vehicle based and Internet supported services. We argue that this can be achieved through transparent geo-route provisioning across the Internet, mobile resource monitoring, and mobility management. We then focus on routing and show the importance of infrastructure cooperation for efficient, congestion free routing
Job evaluation by computer

Abstract Job evaluation is a time honored procedure for determining an equitable pay system within an organization. It is an organized attempt by enlightened management to recognize the differences in job requirements and compensate them accordingly. It has proven to be an effective tool for personnel management because it's use tends to reduce workers' grievances regarding pay inequities.
Developmental changes in barrier web structure under different levels of predation risk in Nephila clavipes (Araneae : Tetragnathidae)

Individuals of the orb-weaving spider Nephila clavipesbuild complex webs with a region used for prey capture, the orb, and tangle webs opposite either face, the barrier webs. Barrier webs have been hypothesized to serve a variety of functions, including predator defense, and the primary function of the barrier web should be reflected in the relative size of the barrier to the orb under varying conditions of foraging success and predation risk. To investigate the effects of predation pressure and foraging success on barrier web structure, I conducted a comparative study in three disjunct populations that differed in predation risk and foraging success. Although both the orb web and the barrier webs are silk, there was no indication of a foraging-defense trade-off. Barrier web structure did not change during seasonal shifts in orb web size related to changes in preycapture rate, and barrier web silk density and orb radius were positively correlated. The hypothesis that the construction of barrier webs is in part a response to predation pressure was supported. Barrier webs do deflect attacks by some predators, and barrier webs built by small spiders, suffering frequent predation attempts, had a higher silk density than barrier webs built by larger individuals. Additionally, barrier web complexity decreased at a later age in areas with higher predation risk.
Use of factor IX complex in warfarin-related intracranial hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE Anticoagulation-treated patients presenting with intracranial hemorrhage, including subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intracerebral hemorrhage, require urgent correction of their coagulopathy to prevent worsening hemorrhage and to facilitate surgical intervention when necessary. In this study, we compared the use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) with that of Factor IX complex concentrate (FIXCC) to achieve rapid correction of warfarin anticoagulation. METHODS Patients admitted to a tertiary care center with computed tomography-proven intracranial hemorrhage and a prothrombin time of more than 17 seconds were considered for inclusion in the study protocol. Complete data sets were obtained for eight patients randomized to treatment with FFP and five patients randomized to treatment with FFP supplemented with FIXCC. The prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio were measured every 2 hours for 14 hours. Correction of anticoagulation was defined as an International Normalized Ratio of < or =1.3. RESULTS A difference in repeated International Normalized Ratio measurements during the first 6 hours of correction was observed between the FIXCC and FFP groups (P < 0.03). The rate of correction was greater (P < 0.01) and the time to correction was shorter (P < 0.01) for the FIXCC-treated group. No difference in neurological outcomes was detected between groups, but a higher complication rate was observed for the FFP-treated group. CONCLUSION The use of FIXCC accelerated correction of warfarin-related anticoagulation in the presence of intracranial hemorrhage.
Disruption of auditory and visual attention in schizophrenia

Disruption of attention is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia, and event-related potentials have been instrumental in studying this cognitive deficit. Event-related potentials (ERPs) have been used to study attention and its disruption in schizophrenia, with the most common finding of a reduced P300 component in auditory tasks. Some studies have found sparing of the P300 in visual attention, but reduction of an earlier attention-sensitive N2b, suggesting that the N2b may be a more sensitive index of attention disruption in schizophrenia. The current study compared visual and auditory attention using both unimodal and bimodal stimulus presentation in the same participants to examine the impact of schizophrenia on attention at both the early N2b and later P300 stages. Both N2b and P300 showed attention effects, being larger to targets than non-targets in all tasks. The N2b was reduced in the patient group in all tasks except the bimodal attend visual task, while the P300 was not reduced in the patients in any condition. This indicates that early attention, as indexed by the N2b, is differentially impaired in patients with schizophrenia, even when later attention, indexed by the P300, is intact.
Status and plans for recoil separators for experiments with intense stable beams from ATLAS

Abstract The Argonne fragment mass analyzer (FMA) has been a very important component of the experimental program at the ATLAS facility for many years and is expected to be a viable instrument for experiments with more intense beams which will become available when the ATLAS intensity upgrade is completed. Several upgrades of FMA itself and of the FMA detector suite in preparation for high-intensity beams will be presented. To accommodate experiments with extremely low cross sections, such as studies of super-heavy nuclei, construction of the Argonne gas-filled analyzer (AGFA), which will be complementary to FMA, was proposed. The design considerations for AGFA will be discussed.
Polysplenia syndrome accompanied with situs inversus totalis and annular pancreas in an elderly patient

Polysplenia syndrome (PS) is rarely encountered in elderly. It is characterized by multiple spleens associated with various cardiac and gastrointestinal abnormalities including partial or complete agenesis of dorsal pancreas. Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly with mirror image of viscera combined with dextrocardia. Occurrence of SIT and PS in the same patient is exceedingly rare. We present the first case of adult PS with SIT accompanied with annular pancreas.
Sleep in the opossum Didelphis marsupialis.

Abstract Polygraphic correlates of waking and sleep were studied under carefully controlled conditions in five opossums ( Didelphis marsupialis ). On the basis of many criteria, slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS) were judged to be very similar to these states in placental mammals. Cortical and hippocampal activity during waking and both states of sleep were typically mammalian. During PS, brain temperature increased and blood pressure decreased, whereas heart and respiration rates became irregular. Neck muscle tonus was always minimal during PS but was usually minimal during SWS. Using electrical shocks to the chest, thresholds for eliciting behavioral arousal were lowest during waking and highest during PS. Based on 24 h recordings, total sleep time averaged 80.8% of total recording time and PS occupied 29.1% of total sleep time. It is concluded that the polygraphic manifestations of sleep are essentially identical in marsupial and placental mammals. The large amount of PS is probably not due to the fact that the opossum is a primitive mammal, but rather reflects differences in behavioral characteristics of sleep.
System Identification of Dynamic Systems With Cubic Nonlinearities Using Linear Time-Periodic Approximations

This work develops methods to identify parametric models of nonlinear dynamic systems from response measurements using tools for Linear Time Periodic (LTP) systems. The basic approach is to drive the system periodically in a stable limit cycle and then measure deviations of the response from that limit cycle. Under certain conditions, the resulting response can be well approximated as that of a linear-time periodic system. In the analytical realm it is common to linearize a system about a periodic trajectory and then use Floquet analysis to assess the stability of the limit cycle. This work is concerned with the inverse problem, using a measured time-periodic response to derive a nonlinear dynamic model for the system. Recently, a few new methods were developed that facilitate the experimental identification of linear time periodic systems, and those methods are exploited in this work. The proposed system identification methodology is evaluated by applying it to a Duffing oscillator, demonstrating that the nonlinear forcedisplacement relationship can be identified without a priori knowledge of its functional form. The proposed methods are also applied to simulated measurements from a cantilever beam with a cubic nonlinear spring on its tip, revealing that the model order of the system and the displacement dependent stiffness can be readily identified.
Productivity and Production in the Apparel Industry

The apparel industry must produce many different types of products in small quantities in shorter lead times. Trade journals and researchers have emphasized the importance of the right sewing system for achievement of high productivity rates. However, the findings of this research suggest that the actual technology of a sewing system is only one factor in achieving higher productivity. Product type was also highly correlated with high level of productivity. Considering the preliminary findings from this study, a manager should evaluate carefully the plant and the product before selecting a sewing system. Without more detailed analysis, managers should not change sewing systems just to get a new sewing system. The findings of this study suggest the need for more exploration of sewing systems including the impact on productivity.
Monitoring molecular diffusion of sucrose in xanthan solutions using ultrasonic velocity measurements

Measurements of the velocity of ultrasound through a sample as a function of diffusion distance were used to study molecular diffusion of sugars through biopolymer solutions. A 1 wt% xanthan solution was prepared which consisted of a lower layer containing no sucrose, and an upper layer containing sucrose (10, 20, 30, or 40 wt%). The velocity of ultrasound through the biopolymer solutions was measured as a function of sample height and time, and then converted into sucrose concentration-distance profiles using an empirical calibration curve. The translational diffusion coefficient of the sucrose in the upper and lower layers was determined by fitting the experimental data to a Fickian diffusion model. The measured diffusion coefficients were in reasonable agreement with published values for sucrose in aqueous solutions in the absence of xanthan, which suggests the biopolymer had little influence on molecular diffusion.
The preparation and reactions of some carbinols containing the pentafluoropropenyl group

Abstract 1,1,1,2,3,3-Hexafluoropropane was dehydrofluorinated to yield a 1:1 mixture of (Z) - and (E) -1 H -pentafluoropropene. This mixture was found to react with butyl-lithium to give pentafluoropropenyl-lithium, which reacted with a series of carbonyl compounds to give exclusively (Z) - pentafluoropropenyl carbinols. The yields were greater than 50%, indicating that the lithium reagent does not retain its stereochemical identity at low temperature, contrary to the hydrocarbon analog. Hydrolysis of the CF 3 CFCFLi also gives exclusively the (Z) - F -olefin. Treating (Z) -CF 3 CFCFC(CF 3 ) 2 OH with SF 4 gave the (E) isomer. Some chemical properties of the carbinols are described.