cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A framework for multi-resolution modeling of sustainable manufacturing

This paper proposes a multi-resolution framework for application of system dynamics modeling to sustainable manufacturing. Sustainable manufacturing involves interaction of four complex systems namely manufacturing, environmental, financial, and social domains. The proposed framework integrates model components corresponding to the four major domains. Conceptual models are proposed at two levels of resolution for each of the four domains with models provided in this paper for the manufacturing domain.
Formula for the rms blur circle radius of Wolter telescope based on aberration theory.

A formula for the rms blur circle for Wolter telescopes has been derived using the transverse ray aberration expressions of Saha (1985), Saha (1984), and Saha (1986). The resulting formula for the rms blur circle radius over an image plane and a formula for the surface of best focus based on third-, fifth-, and seventh-order aberration theory predict results in good agreement with exact ray tracing. It has also been shown that one of the two terms in the empirical formula of VanSpeybroeck and Chase (1972), for the rms blur circle radius of a Wolter I telescope can be justified by the aberration theory results. Numerical results are given comparing the rms blur radius and the surface of best focus vs the half-field angle computed by skew ray tracing and from analytical formulas for grazing incidence Wolter I-II telescopes and a normal incidence Cassegrain telescope.
Table based decoding of rate one-half convolutional codes

Table based error correction and decoding of rate one-half convolutional codes is described. A new class of fast-decodeable locally invertible convolutional codes based on a one-to-one mapping between information and encoded blocks of equal lengths is defined. The syndrome is used as an address to access a correction table which stores pre-computed correction information. The correction table generation process is described and a specific table based correction algorithm is given. Performance of this scheme is analyzed and simulation results are presented. >
Emerging Online Learning Environments and Student Learning: An Analysis of Faculty Perceptions

New educational technologies and online learning environments (OLEs) are infiltrating today’s college classes and campuses. While research has examined many aspects of this permeation, one research gap exists. How do faculty perceive the learning experience in courses that use OLEs compared to courses that do not? One important factor that may influence faculty perceptions are their reasons for teaching with OLEs. This paper seeks to understand how faculty perceive OLEs as a function of their reasons for teaching with this educational technology. This paper also investigates whether faculty evaluations of OLEs differ based on gender and by years teaching. The results of the analysis reveal several noteworthy patterns. First, it appears that favorable opinions about the learning experiences in online learning environments are not because faculty are motivated to learn about new technologies per se, but because they want to update their vitas and teaching skills. Second, the results suggest that it may be harder to convince older and more experienced faculty to use new technologies compared to younger and less experienced faculty. These results apply to both male and female faculty and provide practical implications for universities and support services on how to recruit and then support faculty who implement educational technologies.
Neurochemical pathogenesis of fibromyalgia

In contrast with the situation just a few years ago, the most widely accepted model for the pathogenesis of FMS now invokes CNS mechanisms like nociception and allodynia rather than pathologically painful muscles. The levels of platelet serotonin and CSF substance P appear to be abnormal in directions that could logically amplify pain perception. The extent to which these mechanisms are unique to FMS will be critical in determining the direction that future research should take. Certainly, a better understanding of the cause of FMS could represent an important step toward the development of more effective therapy.
A Multi-Stage Stochastic Integer Programming Approach for Capacity Expansion under Uncertainty

This paper addresses a multi-period investment model for capacity expansion in an uncertain environment. Using a scenario tree approach to model the evolution of uncertain demand and cost parameters, and fixed-charge cost functions to model the economies of scale in expansion costs, we develop a multi-stage stochastic integer programming formulation for the problem. A reformulation of the problem is proposed using variable disaggregation to exploit the lot-sizing substructure of the problem. The reformulation significantly reduces the LP relaxation gap of this large scale integer program. A heuristic scheme is presented to perturb the LP relaxation solutions to produce good quality integer solutions. Finally, we outline a branch and bound algorithm that makes use of the reformulation strategy as a lower bounding scheme, and the heuristic as an upper bounding scheme, to solve the problem to global optimality. Our preliminary computational results indicate that the proposed strategy has significant advantages over straightforward use of commercial solvers.
Effect of type-specific active immunization on the development and progression of experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis.

Rabbits with intracardiac catheters were immunized with heat-killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa or saline and challenged with either 109 (high inoculum) or 107 (low inoculum) pseudomonas. Immunization did not decrease the incidence of endocarditis when compared with controls, but it did significantly prolong survival. The longer survival of immunized rabbits after high-inoculum challenge was not due to prolongation of the course of endocarditis but to type-specific protection from early, overwhelming bacteremia. However, after low-inoculum challenge there were no early deaths and there was a significantly (P 105 colony-forming units of pseudomonas at elective sacrifice 2 weeks after challenge but no bacteremia; no unimmunized rabbit exhibited similar late colonization. Preexisting antibody may be important in the pathogenesis of pseudomonas endocarditis in drug addicts, and its presence may explain the subacute and often protracted course of the disease.
The Effects of Progesterone and Diethylstilbestrol Injected Singly or in Combination on Sexual Libido and the Weight of the Testes of Single Comb White Leghorn Cockerels

Abstract SINCE the apparent demonstration of progesterone in the blood of the domestic fowl (Fraps, Hooker and Forbes, 1948Fraps, Hooker and Forbes, 1949), attention has been centered upon its effects and mode of action in the chicken. Much of the work thus far undertaken has dealt with the molt response induced in chickens by the use of exogenous progesterone (Adams, 1955; Juhn and Harris, 1955; and Shaffner, 1954, 1955). Adams (1955) also reported that progesterone modified sex response in treated hens. No male behavioral data were presented in any of the above papers. In 1943 Davis and Domm observed that two normal roosters receiving stilbestrol stopped crowing, but continued to copulate. Although a great deal has been published on the effects of estrogen as demonstrated by behavioral responses in the hen and capon, little information is available regarding its effects in the mature intact male. Due to the lack of information concerning how the …
Evidence-based practice and appropriateness of care studies

lations that could not be attributed to variations in the populations themselves.1-4 Surgical rates were shown to have a 6-fold difference in different geographic areas. This led to investigations into the causes of those variations; although the incidence and prevalence of disease, socioeconomic factors, and underlying differences in the health care delivery system have all been shown to contribute, they do not adequately explain these observed variations.5 One major factor that has been studied is the appropriateness of care delivered. The research has established that a substantial proportion of the
High-Definition Colonoscopy Detects Colorectal Polyps at a Higher Rate Than Standard White-Light Colonoscopy

Background & Aims Adenoma detection rates might be improved through use of high-definition colonoscopy, which can detect subtle mucosal changes. We investigated whether the use of high-definition white-light (HDWL) colonoscopy resulted in a higher rate of adenoma detection than standard-definition white-light (SDWL) colonoscopy in a clinical practice setting. Methods This retrospective study included 2430 patients who underwent colonoscopies from September 2006 to December 2007; 1226 received SDWL colonoscopy and 1204 received HDWL colonoscopy. We analyzed data from consecutive screening, surveillance, and diagnostic colonoscopies, comparing adenoma and overall polyp detection between procedures. Potentially confounding variables were controlled using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results The adenoma detection rate was higher among patients who underwent HDWL compared with SDWL colonoscopies (28.8% vs 24.3%; P = .012), as was the polyp detection rate (42.2% vs 37.8%; P = .026). These findings remained after adjustments for potentially confounding variables ( P = .018 and .022, respectively). Conclusions In a general clinical practice setting, HDWL colonoscopy resulted in a higher adenoma detection rate compared with SDWL colonoscopy. The use of SDWL colonoscopy could reduce the number of missed adenomas and the subsequent risk for colorectal cancer.
The Current Status of Chromosome Analysis in Wheat

The first definitive observations on the morphology (size and arm-ratio) of the chromosomes of common wheat (2n=67×=42) were made on monosomic laggard chromosomes at anaphase I or telophase II of meiosis of the 21 different monosomics (Morrison, 1953; Sears, 1954). These observations allowed the cytogenetic identifications of chromosomes 1B and 6B (satellited but with different arm ratios) and chromosome 5B, being highly heterobrachial with the longest long arm of the whole chromosome complement. The remaining chromosomes were not distinctive enough to be identified in somatic cells from the morphological data.
Propranolol and mesenchymal stromal cells combine to treat traumatic brain injury

UNLABELLED More than 6.5 million patients are burdened by the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial deficits associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the U.S. Despite extensive efforts to develop neuroprotective therapies for this devastating disorder, there have been no successful outcomes in human clinical trials to date. Retrospective studies have shown that β-adrenergic receptor blockers, specifically propranolol, significantly decrease mortality of TBI through mechanisms not yet fully elucidated but are thought to counterbalance a hyperadrenergic state resulting from a TBI. Conversely, cellular therapies have been shown to improve long-term behavior following TBI, likely by reducing inflammation. Given the nonredundancy in their therapeutic mechanisms, we hypothesized that a combination of acute propranolol followed by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from human bone marrow would have additive effects in treating a rodent model of TBI. We have found that the treatments are well-tolerated individually and in combination with no adverse events. MSCs decrease BBB permeability at 96 hours after injury, inhibit a significant accumulation of activated microglia/macrophage in the thalamic region of the brain both short and long term, and enhance neurogenesis short term. Propranolol decreases edema and reduces the number of fully activated microglia at 7 days and the number of semiactivated microglia at 120 days. Combinatory treatment improved cognitive and memory functions 120 days following TBI. Therefore, the results here suggest a new, efficacious sequential treatment for TBI may be achieved using the β-blocker propranolol followed by MSC treatment. SIGNIFICANCE Despite continuous efforts, traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide in patients under the age of 44. In this study, an animal model of moderate-severe TBI was treated with an acute dose of propranolol followed by a delayed dose of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), resulting in improved short- and long-term measurements. These results have direct translational application. They reinforce the inevitable clinical trial of MSCs to treat TBI by demonstrating, among other benefits, a notable decrease in chronic neuroinflammation. More importantly, these results demonstrate that MSCs and propranolol, which is increasingly being used clinically for TBI, are compatible treatments that improve overall outcome.
Female Urethral Diverticula in the Contemporary Era: Is the Classic Triad of the "3Ds" Still Relevant?

Objective To evaluate the correlation between signs and symptoms of urethral diverticulum (UD), especially the classic triad of 3Ds including dysuria, dyspareunia, and postvoid dribbling, before and after transvaginal urethral diverticulectomy, in relation to anatomic configuration on imaging. Materials and Methods After IRB approval, records of 54 females who underwent transvaginal urethral diverticulectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Urinary symptoms before and after the procedure were correlated with the anatomical configuration of the UD on magnetic resonance imaging. Results The median age of the patients was 52 years (range 29-77). Common presenting symptoms were stress urinary incontinence (60%), dyspareunia (60%), and recurrent urinary tract infections (70%). The classic 3Ds were present collectively in only 5% of patients. Dyspareunia was the most common of the 3 “Ds.” Twenty-seven percent of patients had none of the classic 3Ds. On physical examination, the most common finding was a tender anterior vaginal wall mass (52%). Presenting signs and symptoms did not correlate with anatomic configuration in terms of radial urethral involvement, size, or length of urethral involvement on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. After median 14 months of follow-up, no patient reported the classic 3Ds after surgery. Conclusion Recurrent urinary tract infections, stress urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, and vaginal mass are the most common presentations of UD. The classic triad “3Ds” is rarely seen in the individual patient. Preoperative anatomic configuration on imaging is not correlated with the severity or nature of presenting symptoms.
Infrared and Raman spectra, theoretical calculations, conformations, and two-dimensional potential energy surface of 2-cyclopenten-1-one ethylene ketal.

The infrared and Raman spectra of the bicyclic spiro molecule 2-cyclopenten-1-one ethylene ketal (CEK) have been recorded. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to compute the theoretical spectra, and these agree well with the experimental spectra. The structures and conformational energies for the two pairs of conformational minima, which can be defined in terms of ring-bending (x) and ring-twisting (τ) vibrational coordinates, have also been calculated. Utilizing the results from ab initio MP2/cc-PVTZ computations, a two-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) was calculated. The energy levels and wave functions for this PES were then calculated, and the characteristics of these were analyzed. At lower energies, all of the quantum states are doubly degenerate and correspond to either the lower-energy conformation L or to conformation H, which is 154 cm–1 higher in energy. At energies above the barrier to interconversion of 264 cm–1, the wave functions show that the quantum levels hav...
Effectiveness of Paralyzing Venom and Its Relation to Host Discrimination by Braconid Wasps

The respective roles of stinging and envenomation by braconid wasps and of host acceptance and host suitability are not clearly associated. Two closely related species, Bracon brevicornis (Wesmael) and B. hebetor Say, show differences in their venoms and choices of Anagasta, Galleria , and Plodia as hosts. B. brevicornis discriminates between these 3 hosts much more than does B. hebetor , especially in stinging and in oviposition. Anagasta is much less sensitive to venoms of both wasps than Plodia and Galleria . While this possibly has a bearing on the poor acceptance of Anagasta by B. brevicornis , it does not with B. hebetor . Plodia is more sensitive than Galleria to venom of B. hebetor , but Galleria is more sensitive than Plodia to venom of B. brevicornis . Evaluation of the role of envenomation in the evolutionary adaptation of parasitoid to host will require a broad study.
Role of Dietary Fatty Acids in Mood Disorders

Over the past three decades a body of translational evidence has emerged which suggests that the fatty acid composition of habitual diets may represent a modifiable risk factor for mood disorders including major depression. Specifically, dietary deficiencies in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids including oleic acid, and potentially dietary excesses in omega-6 fatty acids, may increase risk for developing mood symptoms. These fatty acids have also been implicated in cardiovascular disease, a principle cause of excess premature mortality in patients with mood disorders. Although additional research is needed, optimizing the fatty acid composition of diets may represent a prudent strategy for improving long-term outcomes in patients with mood disorders.
Technological Nature of the Patent Infringement Case and its Procedural Relief

As everybody knows,the technological nature is the most important nature of patent.The emphases of the investigation are also here.However,few scholars take notice of the nature also brings important influence on civil procedure.In this essay,the nature in civil procedure was firstly elaborated,and then,the patent infringement procedure in America was presented.At last,the infection of the nature in civil procedure was set forth and also some recommendations to consummate patent infringement procedure in China were put forward.
Lean heart: Role of leptin in cardiac hypertrophy and metabolism

Leptin is an adipokine that has been linked with the cardiovascular complications resulting from obesity such as hypertension and heart disease. Obese patients have high levels of circulating leptin due to increased fat mass. Clinical and population studies have correlated high levels of circulating leptin with the development of cardiac hypertrophy in obesity. Leptin has also been demonstrated to increase the growth of cultured cardiomyocytes. However, several animal studies of obese leptin deficient mice have not supported a role for leptin in promoting cardiac hypertrophy so the role of leptin in this pathological process remains unclear. Leptin is also an important hormone in the regulation of cardiac metabolism where it supports oxidation of glucose and fatty acids. In addition, leptin plays a critical role in protecting the heart from excess lipid accumulation and the formation of toxic lipids in obesity a condition known as cardiac lipotoxicity. This paper focuses on the data supporting and refuting leptin's role in promoting cardiac hypertrophy as well as its important role in the regulation of cardiac metabolism and protection against cardiac lipotoxicity.
Women Warriors: The Negotiation of Gender in a Charismatic Community

The historical interplay between women's roles and religious traditions has been a rich and controversial one. Within the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Bible has been used to justify and legitimize the submission of women and the authority of men. This paper examines the theological views of the New Christian Right on the family, and the roles and relationships as lived out by a group of evangelical men and women. Data are drawn from a two-year ethnographic study of an independent, charismatic fellowship in upstate New York. While findings indicate that the hierarchical ordering of relationships within the family is part of their explicit ideology, in practice power relations are not so clearly delineated. Indeed, many decisions are discussed and jointly made; moreover, influence is wielded in different ways by men and women. The women, a number of whom had been part of the countercultural movement of the 1960s, talked about willingly relinquishing some of their power and position in order for their men to rise to their "God-appointed " positions of leadership. While they assumed the "traditional "female role for themselves, however they rejected the "traditional " male role for their husbands. Men could no longer be just the primary breadwinner and protector of the family; they must also be actively and intimately involved in family life and childcare. The submission of women to men finds expression in many forms throughout American history. Within the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Bible has often been used to justify and legitimize the submission of women and the authority of men. This paper examines the theological views of the New Christian Right on the family, and the roles and relationships of contemporary evangelicals. Specifically, it examines how men and women in an independent charismatic fellowship negotiate gender roles and expectations while constantly invoking a religious rhetoric that supports patriarchal authority. The paper addresses the kinds of contradictions that these charismatic men and women face, and the ways in which they cope with the dissonance between expectations and experiences. As Anyon (1983) points out, women rarely have completely or unconditionally accepted the patriarchal ideology of femininity that commands total submission of the wife to the husband. While women may be "successfully" socialized into behaving in "appropriate" 1. The community I am reporting on is an independent charismatic fellowship. However, drawing from Quebedeaux's (1978; 1974) definition, I often use the term "evangelical" more broadly to include fundamentalists, charismatics, and neo-evangelicals.
Descriptions of improvisational thinking by developing jazz improvisers

Research investigating improvisational skill development in adolescent learners is scant. In this study interviews with developing jazz improvisers are used to characterize the skill-building proce...
Silicon-Based Life and the Planet Mercury: Fiction and Fact

The science fiction story in this book deals with a silicon-based life form that develops on the planet Mercury. Is this possible? If so, what is the evidence for its occurrence? Most of this section will examine the issue of silicon life on Mercury from a scientific and technical perspective. But first, let’s take a look at what has been portrayed historically in the science fiction literature.
A small molecule-based strategy for endothelial differentiation and three-dimensional morphogenesis from human embryonic stem cells

The emerging models of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) self-organizing organoids provide a valuable in vitro platform for studying self-organizing processes that presumably mimic in vivo human developmental events. Here we report that through a chemical screen, we identified two novel and structurally similar small molecules BIR1 and BIR2 which robustly induced the self-organization of a balloon-shaped three-dimensional structure when applied to two-dimensional adherent hESC cultures in the absence of growth factors. Gene expression analyses and functional assays demonstrated an endothelial identity of this balloon-like structure, while cell surface marker analyses revealed a VE-cadherin+CD31+CD34+KDR+CD43− putative endothelial progenitor population. Furthermore, molecular marker labeling and morphological examinations characterized several other distinct DiI-Ac-LDL+ multi-cellular modules and a VEGFR3+ sprouting structure in the balloon cultures that likely represented intermediate structures of balloon-formation.
Photoinduced ultrafast charge-order melting: Charge-order inversion and nonthermal effects

The effect of photoexcitation is studied for a system with checkerboard charge order induced by displacements of ligands around a metal site. The motion of the ligands is treated classically and the electronic charges are simplified to two-level molecular bond charges. The calculations are done for a checkerboard charge-ordered system with about 100 000 ligand oscillators coupled to a fixed-temperature bath. The initial photoexcitation is followed by a rapid decrease in the charge-order parameter within 50–100 femtoseconds while leaving the correlation length almost unchanged. Depending on the fluence, a complete melting of the charge order occurs in less than a picosecond. While for low fluences, the system returns to its original state, for full melting, it recovers to its broken-symmetry state leading to an inversion of the charge order. Finally, for small long-range interactions, recovery can be slow due to domain formation.
Practical considerations of physical and emotional sibling violence in foster families: A summary of the current literature

ABSTRACTThis article draws upon current literature and case examples to enrich the understanding of physical and emotional sibling violence in foster families. A brief overview of physical and emotional sibling violence is presented followed by a discussion of the interventions that address sibling conflict and aggression. The lack of knowledge regarding sibling violence for different kinds of sibling combinations is highlighted. The authors stress the potential for negative interactions among children in foster families and the need to alter approaches to include all sibling combinations.
Chromatography related performance of the Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA): laboratory and field-based evaluation

Abstract. Evaluation of the semi-continuous Monitor for AeRosols and GAses in ambient air (MARGA, Metrohm Applikon B.V.) was conducted with an emphasis on examination of accuracy and precision associated with processing of chromatograms. Using laboratory standards and atmospheric measurements, analytical accuracy, precision and method detection limits derived using the commercial MARGA software were compared to an alternative chromatography procedure consisting of a custom Java script to reformat raw MARGA conductivity data and Chromeleon (Thermo Scientific Dionex) software for peak integration. Our analysis revealed issues with accuracy and precision resulting from misidentification and misintegration of chromatograph peaks by the MARGA automated software as well as a systematic bias at low concentrations for anions. Reprocessing and calibration of raw MARGA data using the alternative chromatography method lowered method detection limits and reduced variability (precision) between parallel sampler boxes. Instrument performance was further evaluated during a 1-month intensive field campaign in the fall of 2014, including analysis of diurnal patterns of gaseous and particulate water-soluble species (NH3, SO2, HNO3, NH4+, SO42− and NO3−), gas-to-particle partitioning and particle neutralization state. At ambient concentrations below ∼ 1 µg m−3, concentrations determined using the MARGA software are biased +30 and +10 % for NO3− and SO42−, respectively, compared to concentrations determined using the alternative chromatography procedure. Differences between the two methods increase at lower concentrations. We demonstrate that positively biased NO3− and SO42− measurements result in overestimation of aerosol acidity and introduce nontrivial errors to ion balances of inorganic aerosol. Though the source of the bias is uncertain, it is not corrected by the MARGA online single-point internal LiBr standard. Our results show that calibration and verification of instrument accuracy by multilevel external standards is required to adequately control analytical accuracy. During the field intensive, the MARGA was able to capture rapid compositional changes in PM2.5 due to changes in meteorology and air mass history relative to known source regions of PM precursors, including a fine NO3− aerosol event associated with intrusion of Arctic air into the southeastern US.
Kutatásmódszertani gyakorlat: Új források, új gondolatok a kisszebeni Keresztelő Szent János-főoltár oromzatával kapcsolatban

Power of the sight, experience of a personal encounter For the art historians and protectors of monuments in the 19th century the appeal of the historical past and the arts, the search for and examination of art works were all part of a deliberately chosen way of life. Art was regarded as something that ennobled life, a source of a good life. They toured the country with unquenchable enthusiasm, the sentences of their professionally correct but reserved descriptions are heated through by the irreplaceable joy of the first-hand experience of the works. It is no wonder that members of this generation did not only want to explore and document these works but also did their best for their preservation. It is also understandable that the primary goal was to keep the works in their original place and setting, and more importantly, in their original form. Being the officials, and at the same time scholars of nascent Hungarian monument protection, they were fully aware of their responsibility and the weight of th...
Semi-offline trajectory synchronized algorithm of the cooperative automated fiber placement system

Abstract This paper presents an innovative semi-offline trajectory synchronized algorithm for a cooperative AFP (Automated Fiber Placement) system which consists of a 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot, a 6-RSS (Revolute-spherical-spherical) parallel robot, a spindle mounted on the platform to hold the mandrel. The cooperative AFP system is capable of manufacturing more complex composite components which pose high demand for trajectory planning than those by the current APF systems. However, for the cooperative AFP system, there might not be a feasible path for laying up the fiber due to the requirement of free from collisions and singularities in some cases. The semi-offline trajectory synchronized algorithm proposed in this paper can free the planned trajectory from strictly subjecting to the constraints and singularities by adding correction to pre-planned path online. Thus, the fiber can be laid up continuously without interruption. The correction is calculated based on the poses of the multi-robots detected by the photogrammetry sensor. When and how the offsets should be added to the parallel robot under the different circumstances are discussed in this paper. Experimental results demonstrate the successful avoidance of singularities and joint limits during manufacturing process.
Concluding Capstone Problems

In closing, five capstone problems are offered in this chapter. They deal with the propagation of a noncytopathic virus in a target cell population, Jeans’ criterion for the occurrence of a self-gravitational instability in a rotating inviscid adiabatic gas cloud of infinite extent, the critical conditions for the onset of a Rayleigh–Benard instability in a Boussinesq dissociating gas layer at chemical quasi-equilibrium being heated from below or above, a complex nonlinear stability expansion of the model equation which was analyzed by a real expansion approach in Problem 16.1, and an exact solution of the Black–Scholes heat-type partial differential equation of mathematical finance. Each of these problems synthesize several concepts presented in earlier chapters and as such they serve as a fitting conclusion to this book on comprehensive applied mathematical modeling given that the first three are data-driven, the fourth allows a comparison between two different methods of analysis, and the fifth exhibits how techniques developed for the natural and engineering sciences can be applied to a quantitative finance phenomenon.
Silicone rubber band for laparoscopic tubal sterilization.

In 1974, Yoon and associates (Am J Obstet Gynecol120:132, 1974) described a new approach in which laparoscopic tubal occlusion was accomplished by utilizing the silicone rubber band technique. Recognizing the great advantages of the new technique in eliminating potential thermal injury associated with electrocoagulation, the authors have utilized the Yoon silicone rubber band technique in these institutions over the past 20 months. Thus far the procedure has been performed in 304 patients without any major complications. In the hope of eliminating and/or reducing possible pregnancy-failure rates, in 110 cases, in addition to application of the silicone band, the tube within the band was transected with non-electrical Seigler biopsy forceps. This, we believe, should provide an interesting long-term comparative study.
ESTIMATING TRANSFER FUNCTION FROM AIR TO BONE CONDUCTION USING SINGING VOICE

Singers often notice a disparity between how they perceive their own voice while they are singing and how they perceive their voice when hearing a recorded playback. This research aims to produce a digital filter which will take a sound sung by a singer and render it to a processed sound which is a close match to that heard by the singer during performance. One reason for the disparity arises from the fact that the skull conveys sound to ears when people speak or sing, and then the sound that is delivered blends with the air-conducted ones at the cochlea. In this paper, we investigate the spectral difference between the air-conducted sound and the boneconducted sound, and estimate the transfer function from air conduction to bone conduction by signal processing methods. Then we transform the original recording by air transmission using the filter coefficients of the transfer function and compare the filtered sound to the original recording by bone transmission.
Myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C) in cardiac muscle and contractility.

Myosin binding protein C (MyBP-C) was first discovered in skeletal muscle by Offer et al, (1973), and subsequent work from several laboratories (Koretz 1979, Craig and Offerl976, Davies 1988, Sciler et al 1996, Sebillon et al 2001) has shown that it can play an important role in the formation of normal thick filaments in skeletal muscle. In its absence, isolated myosin does not form thick filaments with uniform thickness, uniform length or helically ordered myosin heads (Koretz 1079, Rhee et al 1994, Lin et al 1994). Surprisingly, cardiac muscle from mice with MyBP-C knocked out form normally appearing sarcomeres and myofibrils (Harris et al 2002), raising the possibility that some form of compensation has occurred or formation of thick filaments differs between cardiac and skeletal muscle.
Performance optimization of two-bed closed-cycle solid-sorption heat pump systems

The performance of two-bed, closed-cycle solid-sorption heat pumps are affected by the switching frequencies at which the sorbent beds are cycled between the regeneration and adsorption processes. However, there always exists a switching frequency that optimizes the system performance (i.e., thermal COP) for given design and operating conditions. In this paper, the performance of two-bed, closed-cycle solidsorption heat pumps are optimized based on the switching frequency and the effect of the design and operating parameters on the optimum performance are investigated. The effect of the sorbent bedNTU, the thermal resistance within the sorbent, the contact resistance between the sorbent and the tube wall of the heat transfer fluid, the fraction of inert mass within the sorbent bed heat exchanger, and amount of fluid resident within the heat exchanger, on the optimum system performance is documented.
Birds of a Feather Who'd Like to Share Software Together: Teaching Tools that Improve Efficiency and Outcomes

Odds are we've all used (or tried!) quite a few tools to facilitate efficiency inside and outside of the classroom and empower students to learn more effectively. Some of those tools are perhaps homegrown and unique to one's own institution, but freely available educational technologies abound as well, some in the cloud, some for Macs and PCs, some open-source. And quite a few commercial tools offer free or discounted educational plans as well. In this BoF, we'll begin with a whirlwind tour of the tools we ourselves use, identifying the problems they solve and how well, then quickly open the floor to everyone to share their favorites as well. Along the way, we'll jot down every tool mentioned and share the results. With educational technology an evergreen landscape, this year's list will surely be different from last! Attendees should exit this session with a better understanding of the current landscape, familiarized with innovations they can bring back to their own classes (whether high school, undergraduate, or graduate), without reinventing wheels themselves.
American eel state of buoyancy and barotrauma susceptibility associated with hydroturbine passage

American eel are likely to encounter and pass through hydropower turbines, particularly during the downstream spawning migration, where exposure to stressors can potentially lead to injuries and mortality. Previous research has recovered dead eels downstream of hydropower facilities and, for some fish, injuries were easily attributed to blade strike; however, others showed no external signs of injury suggesting that other stressors, such as rapid decompression may be a potential source of mortality. For this research, yellow– and silver-phase American eel were held and allowed to acclimate to 172 kPa (absolute pressure) in hyper/hypobaric hydro-chambers for about 1 d. After acclimation, the state of buoyancy was determined prior to exposure to a rapid decompression simulating pressures encountered during hydroturbine passage. Fish were then examined for signs of barotrauma. Eel did not attain a state of neutral buoyancy but rather maintained negative buoyancy suggesting that eels, and possibly other benthic species, likely maintain a state of negative buoyancy to facilitate occupancy on or near the substrate. Additionally, eel were found to be resilient to rapid decompression, displaying no instantaneous mortality and minimal injuries, suggesting that barotrauma is not likely a major concern for American eel passing downstream through hydroturbines.
Semi-detached: the aesthetics of virtual experience since Dickens

This book studies writers and artists who “deliberately turn[ed] to certain forms, techniques, and storytelling strategies that generate, or that represent, the state of semi-detachment” (Plotz 201...
MASS CUDA: A General GPU Parallelization Framework for Agent-Based Models

GPU-based parallelization of agent-based modeling (ABM) has been highlighted for the last decade to address its computational needs for scalable and long-run simulations in practical use. From the software productivity viewpoint, model designers would prefer general ABM frameworks for GPU parallelization. However, having transited from single-node or cluster-computing platforms to GPUs, most general ABM frameworks maintain their APIs at the script level, delegate only a limited number of agent functions to GPUs, and copy agent data between host and device memory for each function call, which cannot ease agent description nor maximize GPU parallelism. To respond to these problems, we have developed the MASS (Multi-Agent Spatial Simulation) CUDA library that allows users to describe all simulation models in CUDA C++, to automate entire model parallelization at GPU, and to minimize host-to-device memory transfer. However, our straightforward implementation did not improve the parallel performance. Focusing on the data-parallel computation with GPU, we examined MASS overheads in GPU memory usage and developed optimization techniques that reduce kernel context switches, optimize kernel configuration, use constant memory, and reduce overheads incurred by agent population, migration, and termination. These techniques improved Heat2D and SugarScape’s execution performance, respectively 3.9 times and 5.8 times faster than the corresponding C++ sequential programs. This paper gives details of our GPU parallelization techniques for multi-agent simulation and demonstrates the MASS CUDAs performance improvements.
Linking partner violence survivors to supportive services: impact of the M Health Community Network project on healthcare utilization

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with adverse health effects and increased healthcare utilization. Systems-level interventions have been shown to be effective in identifying and referring survivors but little is known about how these strategies impact future utilization. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of a systems-level response on healthcare utilization among patients screening positive for IPV from November 2016 to February 2019 in a large multi-specialty outpatient health system in the Midwest. Using electronic health record (EHR) data, we identified patients who screened positive for IPV (N = 756) and categorized their response as accepted printed material (N = 116), accepted direct referrals (N = 85), declined both (N = 271), or missing (N = 255). We used negative binomial models to model post-period utilization as a function of decision group, pre-period utilization, and clinical and demographic factors. After controlling for demographic characteristics and baseline utilization, the printed materials and direct referral groups had higher utilization rates than those who declined printed materials and direct referral during the post-period for every type of service. However, these differences were only statistically significant for outpatient, behavioral health, and social work services. Specifically, the visit rate for patients receiving printed materials was two times higher (rate ratio: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.94) for behavioral health services and three times higher (rate ratio: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.3, 8.52) for social work services compared to those who refused printed material and direct referral. For those opting for a direct referral, the visit rate was two times higher for outpatient services (rate ratio: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.42) compared to those who refused. Patients receiving printed materials or direct referrals had more social work and behavioral health visits, highlighting an important outcome of the protocol. However, higher utilization rates among outpatient services and a trend toward higher utilization of other services, including the emergency department, suggest greater health service utilization is not diminished by the systems level response—at least not within a two-year time frame.
IEEE Declares General Electric's Silicon-Controlled Rectifier/Thyristor Invention a Milestone [Flyback]

During a special Milestone dedication ceremony at Advanced Atomization Technologies (AA TECH), Clyde, New York, on Friday, 14 June 2019, General Electric’s (GE) silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), the first device in the thyristor family, was designated an IEEE Milestone by IEEE President Jose M.F. Moura. This was a historic event, since it was the first IEEE Milestone proposed by the IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS). To mark the invention of the SCR/ thyristor in 1957, IEEE selected its invention site at a former GE facility in Clyde, New York, for the first Milestone dedication ceremony. After the ceremony, a plaque declaring the SCR/thyristor an IEEE Milestone was unveiled at the entrance wall of the AA TECH building by President Moura in the presence of guests attending the ceremony.
A complex dual-modality kidney phantom for renal biopsy studies

We developed a reliable and repeatable process to create hyper-realistic, kidney phantoms with tunable image visibility under ultrasound (US) and CT imaging modalities. A methodology was defined to create phantoms that could be produced for renal biopsy evaluation. The final complex kidney phantom was devised containing critical structures of a kidney: kidney cortex, medulla, and ureter. Simultaneously, some lesions were integrated into the phantom to mimic the presence of tumors during biopsy. The phantoms were created and scanned by ultrasound and CT scanners to verify the visibility of the complex internal structures and to observe the interactions between material properties. The result was a successful advancement in knowledge of materials with ideal acoustic and impedance properties to replicate human organs for the field of image-guided interventions.
Educating multidisciplinary undergraduates on security and privacy

As digital services have become more prevalent, the accompanying terms and conditions documents have been increasingly criticized for being too long and shrouded in legal terms that are difficult for the average person to understand. Inspired by prior research and its findings, a professor at a U.S. university developed a creative experiential learning course project aimed at educating undergraduate students across multiple academic disciplines on security and privacy. This paper will discuss the ways in which the students implemented the hands-on project, including their experiences with completing ethics training, developing effective social engineering pretexts and strategies, conducting field research and interviews, and analyzing data. Additionally, this paper will discuss student successes and failures, adaptations to challenges, and key reasons why their fellow students did or did not read the terms and conditions. Lastly, this paper will include an overview of the lessons learned by the educator, which include ethical considerations, takeaways about assignment development, grading, and recommendations for future assignment modifications.
State abortion policies and Medicaid coverage of abortion are associated with pregnancy outcomes among individuals seeking abortion recruited using Google Ads: A national cohort study.

Abstract Objective A major challenge to understanding barriers to abortion is that those individuals most affected may never reach an abortion provider, making the full impact of restrictive policies difficult to measure. The Google Ads Abortion Access Study used a novel method to recruit individuals much earlier in the abortion-seeking process. We aimed to understand how state-level abortion policies and Medicaid coverage of abortion influence individuals’ ability to obtain wanted abortions. Methods We employed a stratified sampling design to recruit a national cohort from all 50 states searching Google for abortion care. Participants completed online baseline and 4-week follow-up surveys. The primary independent variables were: 1) state policy environment and 2) state coverage of abortion for people with Medicaid. We developed multivariable multinomial mixed effects models to estimate the associations between each state-level independent variable and pregnancy outcome. Results Of the 874 participants with follow-up data, 48% had had an abortion, 32% were still seeking an abortion, and 20% were planning to continue their pregnancies at 4 weeks follow-up. Individuals in restricted access states had significantly higher odds of planning to continue the pregnancy at follow-up than participants in protected access states (aOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.70). Individuals in states that do not provide coverage of abortion for people with Medicaid had significantly higher odds of still seeking an abortion at follow-up (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.60). Individuals living in states without Medicaid coverage were significantly more likely to report that having to gather money to pay for travel expenses or for the abortion was a barrier to care. Conclusions Restrictive state-level abortion policies are associated with not having an abortion at all and lack of coverage for abortion is associated with prolonged abortion seeking. Medicaid coverage of abortion appears critical to ensuring that all people who want abortions can obtain them.