cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AN INTRODUCTION TO DONALDSON-WITTEN THEORY

In these lecture notes a pedagogical introduction to Donaldson-Witten theory is given. After a survey of four-manifold topology, some basic aspects of Donaldson theory are presented in detail. The physical approach to Donaldson theory is based on topological quantum field theory (TQFT), and some general properties of TQFT’s are explained. Finally, the TQFT underlying Donaldson theory (which is usually called Donaldson-Witten theory) is constructed in detail by twisting N = 2 super Yang-Mills theory. ∗ marcos@lorentz.harvard.edu
Multi-Mode QKD over a Marine FSO Channel

We study the performance of the BB84 quantum key distribution technique in a marine environment. We quantify effects of loss, scattering, and turbulence on secret key rate and extend single channel results to multi-mode encodings.
Feasibility and reliability of quantifying passive muscle stiffness in young children by using shear wave ultrasound elastography

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and reliability of passive muscle stiffness measurements in children by shear wave ultrasound elastography. Methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study quantifying the passive stiffness of bilateral lateral gastrocnemius muscles during passive stretching in 20 typically developing children (age range, 2.0-12.6 years). Data collected included passive stiffness of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle (shear modulus in kilopascals) at 4 positions of progressive passive foot dorsiflexion, demographic characteristics of the participants, and comparison of demographic characteristics with the shear modulus. Results Passive stiffness increased with increasing stretching (mean [SD] range of stiffness, 7.1 [2.0] to 36.2 [22.0] kPa). For all 4 foot positions, no significant difference was found between right and left legs (range, P = .42 to P = .98) or between the sexes (range, P = .28 to P > .99). No correlation of passive muscle stiffness with age, body mass index, or ankle range of motion was found. The reliability of measurements was good to excellent (mean [95% confidence interval] range of reliability, 0.67 [0.44-0.83] to 0.80 [0.63-0.90]). Conclusions Measurements of passive stiffness of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle are feasible and reliable in children as young as 2 years. Because this study found no significant difference between sex and the side tested in this age group, future studies involving children of this age range may not need to be stratified on the basis of these parameters. Defining normal passive muscle stiffness in children is critical for identifying and understanding the implications of abnormal passive muscle stiffness in children with neuromuscular disorders.
Sensitization of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in a Male Rat Chronic Stress Model

Stress activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is regulated by rapid glucocorticoid negative feedback. Chronic unpredictable stress animal models recapitulate certain aspects of major depression in humans, which have been attributed to impaired glucocorticoid negative feedback. We tested for an attenuated HPA sensitivity to fast glucocorticoid feedback inhibition in male rats exposed to a chronic variable stress (CVS) paradigm. In vitro, parvocellular neuroendocrine cells of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus recorded in slices from CVS rats showed an increase in basal excitatory synaptic inputs and a decrease in basal inhibitory synaptic inputs compared with neurons from control rats. There was no difference between control and CVS-treated rats in the rapid glucocorticoid suppression of excitatory synaptic inputs, a fast feedback mechanism. In vivo, CVS-treated rats showed an increase in ACTH secretion at baseline and after both iv CRH and acute stress and no impairment of the corticosterone suppression of the ACTH response, compared with controls. In an in vitro pituitary preparation, an increase in basal ACTH release, a small increase in CRH-induced ACTH release, and no decrement in the glucocorticoid suppression of ACTH release were seen in pituitaries from CVS rats. Thus, CVS does not suppress rapid glucocorticoid negative feedback at the hypothalamus or pituitary, but increases the synaptic excitability of paraventricular nucleus CRH neurons and the CRH sensitivity of the pituitary. Therefore, increased HPA activity in chronically stressed male rats is due to sensitization of the HPA axis, rather than to desensitization to rapid glucocorticoid feedback.
Pheromone Autodetection: Evidence and Implications

Olfactory communication research with insects utilizing sex pheromones has focused on the effects of pheromones on signal receivers. Early pheromone detection studies using the silkworm moth, Bombyx mori L., and Saturniids led to the assumption that emitters, especially females, are unable to detect their own pheromone. Pheromone anosmia, i.e., the inability of females to detect their conspecific sex pheromone, was often assumed, and initially little attention was paid to female behaviors that may result from autodetection, i.e., the ability of females to detect their sex pheromone. Detection of conspecific pheromone plumes from nearby females may provide information to improve chances of mating success and progeny survival. Since the first documented example in 1972, numerous occurrences of autodetection have been observed and verified in field and laboratory studies. We summarize here a significant portion of research relating to autodetection. Electrophysiological and behavioral investigations, as well as expression patterns of proteins involved in pheromone autodetection are included. We discuss problems inherent in defining a boundary between sex and aggregation pheromones considering the occurrence of autodetection, and summarize hypothesized selection pressures favoring autodetection. Importance of including autodetection studies in future work is emphasized by complications arising from a lack of knowledge combined with expanding the use of pheromones in agriculture.
End-Stage Renal Disease—Dialysis

The child with end-stage renal disease is treated conservatively until symptoms prevent the child from attending school and other activities. At this point, a decision should be made to follow one of four courses: (1) hemodialysis, (2) peritoneal dialysis, (3) renal homotransplantation, or (4) allow the child to die. The choice of dialysis depends upon many factors, and the merits of each type of dialysis and of transplantation are described. The dialysis team treats the child and his family and is most successful when the psychosocial aspects of the symptoms and signs of uremic syndrome in the child and the impact of the treatment procedures on the child and his family are perceived and dealt with. The role of the child psychiatrist is then described within this framework.
Protease inhibition attenuates microvascular dysfunction in postischemic skeletal muscle

Neutrophils accumulate in skeletal muscle subjected to ischemia-reperfusion and appear to contribute to reperfusion-induced microvascular dysfunction. The overall objective of this study was to assess the role of the neutrophilic hydrolytic enzyme elastase in ischemia-reperfusion-induced granulocyte accumulation and microvascular dysfunction in skeletal muscle. We examined the effect of three structurally unrelated elastase inhibitors [eglin C, MeOsuc-Ala-Ala-Val-CH2Cl (MAAPV), or L-658758], administered at the onset of reperfusion, on neutrophil content and the increase in microvascular permeability induced by 4 h of ischemia and 0.5 h of reperfusion in the isolated canine gracilis muscle. Changes in vascular permeability (1 - sigma) were assessed by determining the solvent drag reflection coefficient for total plasma proteins (sigma) in the following groups: 1) 4.5 h of continuous perfusion (nonischemic), 2) ischemia-reperfusion alone, 3) ischemia-reperfusion + eglin C, 4) ischemia-reperfusion + MAAPV, and 5) ischemia-reperfusion + L-658758. Muscle neutrophil content was monitored by assessing tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in biopsies obtained at the end of the experiments. In nonischemic muscles, 1 - sigma and MPO activity averaged 0.13 +/- 0.03 and 0.7 +/- 0.2 units/g wet wt, respectively. Ischemia-reperfusion was associated with marked increases in microvascular permeability (1 - sigma = 0.39 +/- 0.02) and muscle MPO activity (8.9 +/- 1.2 units/g wet wt) that were attenuated by eglin C, MAAPV, and L-658758 (1 - sigma = 0.21 +/- 0.01, 0.22 +/- 0.02, and 0.21 +/- 0.03, respectively; MPO activity = 2.7 +/- 0.4, 2.1 +/- 0.8, and 2.8 +/- 1.8 units/g wet wt, respectively). These results suggest that granulocyte accumulation in postischemic skeletal muscle is dependent on the release of elastase from activated phagocytic cells. Moreover, neutrophilic elastase appears to play a major role in reperfusion-induced increases in microvascular permeability in skeletal muscle.
Models for Robust Computation

FORMULATING suitable models of parallel computation and processor failures goes hand in hand with the study of algorithms and their complexity. In this chapter we revisit and formally define the models of computation that are the subject of our presentation, the models of failures that we are addressing, and the major variations of the fail-stop parallel random access machine. We define and discuss the complexity measures that we use to characterize the efficiency of algorithms for the models selected and in the context of particular failure models. We introduce the high-level programming notation used to specify algorithms and we discuss the implementation and architectural issues related to the abstract models we study.
A Model of Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse Educational Articulation: A Successful Approach to Advancing the Nursing Workforce

Abstract A consortium of practical nurse (PN) and associate degree (AD) nurse educators in New York State developed a voluntary statewide articulation model in 2003. The model is designed to promote educational mobility, moving qualified PNs into the second year of participating AD programs as advanced placed students. In the model, PNs who otherwise meet admission criteria are awarded 12 to 15 credits in nursing for their PN education. In 2005, 2 hospital-based "sister school" AD programs that share a common curriculum implemented the model. This study compared the outcomes (National Council Licensure Exam RN pass rates, course grades, and Assessment Technologies Institute Content Mastery Series assessment proficiency levels) of matched pairs of PN and generic students. No statistically significant difference in outcomes was found on any measure. This articulation model may offer a successful approach to seamless academic progression for PNs.
Ultra-compact grating-based monolithic optical pulse compressor for laser amplifier systems

A compact and robust grating-based monolithic optical pulse compressor is proposed. By integrating diffraction gratings onto opposite surfaces of a solid fused-silica block whose index of refraction is larger than that of air, one reduces the effective physical optical path length and hence the requisite longitudinal separation between the gratings. Furthermore, appropriate distributed Bragg reflectors coated on the two transverse surfaces of the block are used to fold the physical distance diffracted light travels between the gratings; this is accomplished by multiple reflections within the block before the beam impinges on the second grating. Ultimately, the combined effects of the Bragg reflectors and the optically dense solid block contribute to reducing the physical volume of the compressor. Two approaches for analyzing the function of the proposed compressor are presented. Parameters from a conventional compressor are used to validate the method for a comparative calculation of the volumes of the new and conventional compressor system.
Effects of texturing on the CV analysis of silicon solar cells

Surface texturing is essential for obtaining solar cells with high efficiency. In crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells, low concentration alkaline solutions such as KOH and NaOH are commonly used to wet etch the surface and form random textures [1]. In the case of (100) silicon wafers, this exposes intersecting slow etching {111} planes forming a pyramidal shape. The height of the pyramids varies between 1 um to 4 um. This wafer with its random pyramidal texture is then exposed to a Phosphorus diffusion process to form the n-type emitter. The resulting PN junction is thus microscopically rough with the pyramidal texture. Caution must be exercised when analyzing the standard Capacitance-Voltage (CV) analysis to determine the base doping density. As reported in [2], the base-dopant concentration cannot be determined correctly without taking texture enhanced surface area into account. That work suggested a capacitance correction factor based on the geometry of the pn junction. In this work, we examine how surface texture affects CV analysis with the assistance of a commercial device simulator, Sentaurus [3]. The conditions for which the analytical formulas proposed in [2] is valid are clarified.
Impact of drying-grinding sequence on loblolly pine chips preprocessing effectiveness

Abstract The high amount of energy consumed during the processing of biomass inflates the production cost of bio-fuels and bio-products. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the influence of drying and grinding sequence on biomass energy consumption and properties (specific grinding energy requirement, specific drying energy requirement, particle size distribution, bulk density, tap density, aspect ratio, and flow index of grinds). Among the six drying-grinding sequences (12-S, 30-S, 50-S, 30-L-12-S, 50-L-12-S, and 50-L-30-S), sequence 50–S had the lowest geometric mean diameter and sequence 30–S had the highest geometric mean diameter. Drying-grinding sequence significantly affected the bulk density and tap density of grinds. The bulk density of grinds varied from 267.1 kg/m3 (sequence 12-S) to 98.0 kg/m3 (sequence 50-S) while the tap density ranged from 342.6 kg/m3 (sequence 12-S) to 153.7 kg/m3 (sequence 50-S). This variation in the densities followed the changes the particle morphology and aspect ratio distribution. A trade-off was noted between specific grinding energy requirement and specific drying energy requirement. The grinding of samples at higher moisture content consumed higher grinding energy than the grinding of samples at lower moisture content. Moisture loss during grinding however increased as the moisture content of woodchips increased, hence resulted in lower drying energy requirements. The least specific drying energy consumption was (1581 kJ/kg d.b.) for sequence 50-S and the highest specific drying energy consumption was (3933 kJ/kg d.b.) for sequence 12-S.
Performative structures, American exceptionalism, and the legitimation of free trade:

In this article, we explore how free trade is performed and maintained as a dominant market institution. Drawing from the notion of performativity in sociology of economics and rhetorical analysis ...
A multidisciplinary clinic to mitigate the toxicity of therapy for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer undergoing chemohormonal therapy: A feasibility study.

153Background: Chemohormonal therapy is standard of care for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) patients (pts) but is associated with significant adverse effects and negative metabolic changes. We performed a pilot study to investigate whether participation in a multi-disciplinary clinic to mitigate adverse effects of treatment is feasible. Methods: Pts with recently diagnosed mPC who were planning to start or had recently started chemohormonal therapy were prospectively enrolled in a multi-disciplinary clinic that included individualized monthly counseling from a physical therapist, oncology dietitian, and palliative care specialist on a rotating basis for 12 months. Patients were assessed quarterly for changes in % body fat, weight, serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D, fasting lipids/glucose/insulin, and quality of life (QOL). DXA bone density scans were performed at baseline and end of 12 months. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of scheduled visits. Results: 7 pts were enrolled be...
Pharmacological modulation of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 influences development of acute respiratory distress syndrome after lung ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Activation of CXC motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) has been reported to result in lung protective effects in various experimental models. The effects of pharmacological CXCR4 modulation on the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after lung injury, however, are unknown. Thus, we studied whether blockade and activation of CXCR4 influences development of ARDS in a unilateral lung ischemia-reperfusion injury rat model. Anesthetized, mechanically ventilated animals underwent right lung ischemia (series 1: 30 min; series 2: 60 min) followed by reperfusion for 300 min. In series 1, animals were treated with vehicle or 0.7 μmol/kg of AMD3100 (CXCR4 antagonist) and in series 2 with vehicle, 0.7 or 3.5 μmol/kg ubiquitin (non-cognate CXCR4 agonist) within 5 min of reperfusion. AMD3100 significantly reduced PaO2/FiO2 ratios, converted mild ARDS with vehicle treatment into moderate ARDS (PaO2/FiO2 ratio<200) and increased histological lung injury. Ubiquitin dose-dependently increased PaO2/FiO2 ratios, converted moderate-to-severe into mild-to-moderate ARDS and reduced protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Measurements of cytokine levels (TNFα, IL-6, IL-10) in lung homogenates and BALF showed that AMD3100 reduced IL-10 levels in homogenates from post-ischemic lungs, whereas ubiquitin dose-dependently increased IL-10 levels in BALF from post-ischemic lungs. Our findings establish a cause-effect relationship for the effects of pharmacological CXCR4 modulation on the development of ARDS after lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. These data further suggest CXCR4 as a new drug target to reduce the incidence and attenuate the severity of ARDS after lung injury. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Application of Gaussian mixture regression model for short-term wind speed forecasting

Due to the complex stochastic behavior of the wind environment, there are significant challenges associated in integrating the wind power to the grid. In general, the wind power generation is highly dependent on accurate and reliable wind speed prediction. Therefore, the wind speed forecasting is very important as well greatly influences on the scheduling of a power system and the dynamic control of the wind turbine and resource planning. The main objective of this paper is to forecast the wind speed for short-term from the previous wind speed data. In this paper, a Gaussian Mixture Regression (GMR) model is applied for forecasting the wind-speed for short-term (Two-hours ahead). Moreover, in this work the real-world wind data sets were used in order to model training and testing. The GMR model is simulated in Matlab software. The proposed GMR model is evaluated in terms of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) in the task of short-term wind speed prediction. From the simulation results and numerical analysis, it can be stated that the prediction of the short-term wind speed is very accurate by using the GMR methods.
The CAPE (Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination) Approach to Mathematics

The transition process from the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level Examinations, to the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) that began in 1998, is still rife with discussion from students, teachers and policy makers. Policy makers are interested in having a uniform examination system that is suitably rigorous to test Mathematical concepts for entering the tertiary level, while also having the cultural stamp that distinguishes it from the previous system under the British rule. Teachers are interested in the receiving suitable professional development in order teach the new format of materials. They are also concerned about the timeframe in which the allotted material ought to be taught and absorbed before the exams are taken. Students are parochially interested in learning the material in order to pass the examination. Given these three positions of major stakeholders, a detailed tour of the structure of the CAPE Mathematics curriculum will be explored in this article.
The Interface Construction Set

The Interface Construction Set (InterGONS) contains both a visual data flow language and an environment for building data flow programs and presentation views of such programs. These presentation views are interactive computer interfaces which model applications, implement functions directly, or interface to external devices.
Quantifying the Utility--Privacy Tradeoff in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) promises many advantages in the control and monitoring of physical systems from both efficacy and efficiency perspectives. However, in the wrong hands, the data might pose a privacy threat. In this article, we consider the tradeoff between the operational value of data collected in the IoT and the privacy of consumers. We present a general framework for quantifying this tradeoff in the IoT, and focus on a smart grid application for a proof of concept. In particular, we analyze the tradeoff between smart grid operations and how often data are collected by considering a realistic direct-load control example using thermostatically controlled loads, and we give simulation results to show how its performance degrades as the sampling frequency decreases. Additionally, we introduce a new privacy metric, which we call inferential privacy. This privacy metric assumes a strong adversary model and provides an upper bound on the adversary’s ability to infer a private parameter, independent of the algorithm he uses. Combining these two results allows us to directly consider the tradeoff between better operational performance and consumer privacy.
Theoretische Einordnung: Das Wissen von (Deutsch-)Lehrern als Forschungsgegenstand

Meine empirische Untersuchung hat zum Ziel herauszufinden, was Lehrende unter Leseforderung verstehen und auf welchen Wissensgrundlagen und Einstellungen fusend sie ihr Handeln zu diesem (Ziel-)Bereich des Unterrichts planen und durchfuhren. Sie ist damit dem Gebiet der Lehrerwissensforschung zuzuordnen.
Tisseel does not reduce postoperative drainage, length of stay, and transfusion requirements for lumbar laminectomy with noninstrumented fusion versus laminectomy alone.

Background Typically, fibrin sealants (FSs) and fibrin glues (FGs) are used to strengthen dural repairs during spinal surgery. In 2014, Epstein demonstrated that one FS/FG, Tisseel (Baxter International Inc., Westlake Village, CA, USA) equalized the average times to drain removal and length of stay (LOS) for patients with versus without excess bleeding (e.g. who did not receive Tisseel) undergoing multilevel laminectomies with 1-2 level noninstrumented fusions (LamF).[6]. Methods Here Tisseel was utilized to promote hemostasis for two populations; 39 patients undergoing average 4.4 level lumbar laminectomies with average 1.3 level noninstrumented fusions (LamF), and 48 patients undergoing average 4.0 level laminectomies alone (Lam). We compared the average operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative drainage, LOS, and transfusion requirements for the LamF versus Lam groups. Results The average operative times, EBL, postoperative drainage, LOS, and transfusion requirements were all greater for LamF versus Lam patients; operative times (4.1 vs. 3.0 h), average EBL (192.3 vs. 147.9 cc), drainage (e.g. day 1; 199.6 vs. 167.4 cc; day 2; 172.9 vs. 63.9 cc), average LOS (4.6 vs. 2.5 days), and transfusion requirements (11 LamF patients; 18 Units [U] RBC versus 2 Lam patients; 3 U RBC). Conclusions Utilizing Tisseel to facilitate hemostasis in LamF versus Lam still resulted in greater operative times, EBL, postoperative average drainage, LOS, and transfusion requirements for patients undergoing the noninstrumented fusions. Although Tisseel decreases back bleeding within the spinal canal, it does not reduce blood loss from LamF decorticated transverse processes.
Synthesis of high throughput ibuprofen nanoparticles via supercritical CO 2 processing

High throughput ibuprofen nanoparticles with a yield up to 80 % (w/w) are synthesized via supersonic jet expansion of the supercritical CO2 processing. The effect of four different surfactants on the size of ibuprofen nanoparticles were investigated. Drop casting of these aqueous solutions on a quartz substrate and resulted in stable, viscous liquid films observed by optical, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confocal Raman confirmed that these nanoparticles have retained their structural and chemical identity after rapid expansion of a supercritical solution (RESS) processing.
Heart Transplant Patients with PAMR1(H+) and PAMR2 Rejection Have the Same Amount of Myocardial Injury by Molecular Microscope

Purpose A Molecular Microscope System (MMDx) has been developed to detect the presence of T cell mediated (TCMR) and antibody mediated rejection (AMR) with the use of mRNA transcripts. Transplant Cardiologists treat grade pAMR2 or above per the ISHLT guidelines. Using MMDx we assessed the antibody mediated rejection transcript levels in pAMR1 (H+) and pAMR2 endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) to evaluate if there is a difference in the amount of myocardial injury. Methods Prospectively unselected heart transplant recipients who underwent an EMB after transplant from 12/2018 to 8/2019 at our center and had a MMDx were reviewed. MMDx was performed in 73 recipients with 20 recipients having a grade pAMR1(H+) and 8 recipients a grade pAMR2 rejection. Results 20 recipients had a total of 30 episodes of pAMR1(H+) rejection and an abnormal MMDx. Eight recipients had a total of nine episodes of pAMR2 rejection and an abnormal MMDx. Three of the four AMR endoscripts were elevated in both groups with DSAST and NKS having a 8 to 9 times increase over baseline and eDSAST a 2.5 to 3 times increase over baseline. There was NS difference in the degree of elevation of the four AMR endoscripts between the two groups. pAMR1 (H+) pAMR2DSAST Conclusion MMDx shows that the amount of myocardial injury in pAMR1(H+) rejection is the same as in pAMR2 rejection. Despite the difference in the histology between the two endomyocardial AMR grades, pAMR1(H+) should be treated.
Computational methods in applying the angular spectrum algorithm to optical fibers

We have been investigating the angular spectrum method for analysis of single-mode and multimode optical fibers. The justification is simple because the approach requires less computational time than other methods because it is heavily dependent on the fast Fourier transform. This method should become much more important as new approaches are being studied for higher data rate transmission. We examine two basic components in the application of this technique to propagation of light in optical fibers – an absorbing layer at the outer radius and design of the interface between the cord and cladding of the optical fiber.
12 – Engineering Design

Publisher Summary Design is a very important engineering activity. It involves meeting some need by applying the laws of physics and chemistry, using mathematics, and the computer where appropriate. Although all steps in the design process involve creativity, it is particularly true for the initial steps where the basic concept of the design is established. In sophisticated design projects, the design process is usually in the charge of a design engineer who will have a number of engineering analysts at his disposal for analytic support. Tolerances that are specified in design should be given particular attention. Materials selection is rapidly becoming a design function of great importance. Standardization is a very important consideration in design and manufacture. Engineering design is thus seen to embrace a wide spectrum of activities ranging from conceiving new products to sales and service engineering. Success in design involves a good deal of common sense, the ability to plan and organize, a preference for simple solutions as opposed to complex ones, dissatisfaction with the status quo, attention to detail, and an appreciation for constraints of time, material properties, and cost.
Energy-Efficient Transaction Serialization for IoT Devices

Two designs, the Transaction Serial Format (TSF) and the Transaction Array Model (TAM), are presented. Together, they provide full, efficient, transaction serialization facilities for devices with limited onboard energy, such as those in an Internet of Things (IoT) network. TSF provides a compact, non-parsed, format for transactions, which can be deserialized with minimal processing. TAM provides an internal data structure, that can be constructed with minimal dynamic storage directly using the elements of TSF. TSF is built from simple lexical units that do not require parsing to be extracted from a serialized transaction. The lexical units contain enough information to efficiently allocate the internal TAM data structure. TSF generality is shown by exhibiting its equivalence to XML and JSON. The TSF representation of any XML document or JSON object can be serialized and deserialized without loss of information, including whitespace. The XML equivalence provides a foundation for the performance comparisons. TSF efficiency is shown by comparing the performance of reference implementations of TSF and TAM, written in C, to the performance of the popular Expat XML library, also written in C. TSF deserialization is shown to reduce processor time by more than 80%, demonstrating the efficiency of the design.
Consumer society: Its definitions and its Christian criticism

Except for some economists, who think about the consumer society as a way to the political stability and economic progress, the philosophical and sociological view on consumptionism and consumer society is predominantly pejorative. Depending on their axiological starting points, theorists of consumptionism stress its destroying forces for societies, like social idleness, an implosion of social institutions, deepening of social divisions and social exclusion and, last but not least, ecocide. Criticism of the consumer society is also of growing significance for the theological agenda of various Christian Churches and the teaching of ecumenical organizations like the World Council of Churches. The article aims to summarise different approaches to consumptionism and its definitions, which are ordered in two categories: analytical and historical. It also discusses the teaching of Pope Francis, who contributes to the theological perspective of the criticism of the consumer society and focuses on the term of anthropological error as a hermeneutical instrument of this criticism. This task requires employing two main research methods: analysis of selected and relevant literature and synthesising exposition of the results of research. The discourse consists of two parts. The first one presents the term of consumptionism and highlights the scope of discussions on the definitions of this phenomenon. The second demonstrates the Christian interpretation of the problem. The first and the second chapters create a hermeneutical background to the third one; they even might be regarded as its contextualisation. The theological critique of consumer society contributes to the interdisciplinary theory of consumptionism. Contribution: The theological critique of consumer society contributes to the interdisciplinary theory of consumptionism. It also shows how theology might refer to social studies. Such a juxtaposition of the theological and sociological fields of reflection converges with the focus and scope of the journal to promote multidisciplinary aspects of studies in the general theological area.
Finite Element Modeling of Cracks

Whereas Chaps. 3 and 8 addressed the theoretical underpinning of classical (linear and nonlinear) fracture mechanics and concrete fracture mechanics, this chapter will cover modeling of cracks. It is broken into four parts: (a) linear elastic fracture mechanics (use of singular elements to determine the stress intensity factors); (b) nonlinear fracture mechanics (J integral); (c) smeared crack model; and finally (d) cohesive crack model for concrete. The last two sections are based on models developed by J. Cervenka.
Site Effects on Ground Motion Directionality: Lessons from Case Studies in Japan

Abstract Earthquake ground motions (GMs) may display distinct characteristics in all directions within the horizontal plane. However, the causes of GM polarization are still not fully understood. Structural designs use maximum rotated intensity measures (IMRotD100) to accommodate variations of the GM with orientation, but the orientation associated with IMRotD100, β, is not easily predictable. This study investigates the influence of linear site response to observed GM variability with direction. We analyze GMs recorded at the surface and at depth from four stations in the Japanese database, KiK-net. Selected events have moment magnitudes ranging 3–5, and rupture distances within 100 km. Findings provide evidence that site effects contribute to GM directionality, and that directional resonance can be observed at sites lacking significant topographic features. Additionally, values of β at depth are not correlated to the orientation corresponding to their expected polarization (from S-wave radiation patterns), which provides evidence of non-negligible path contributions to GM directionality observed at our study sites.
Comparative molecular analysis of testicular Leydig cell tumors demonstrates distinct subsets of neoplasms with aggressive histopathologic features

Testicular Leydig cell tumor (LCT), the most common sex-cord stromal tumor in men, represents a small fraction of all testicular tumors (~1 to 3%). Although most testicular LCTs are indolent and cured by radical orchiectomy, 5-10% have aggressive biology and metastatic potential. In primary LCTs, large size, cytologic atypia, necrosis, increased mitotic activity, and vascular invasion have been associated with clinically aggressive tumors. From a molecular perspective, the characteristics of aggressive LCTs and the differences between aggressive and nonaggressive LCTs remain largely unexplored. This study compares the genomic landscape of aggressive and nonaggressive testicular LCTs. Twenty-six cases were analyzed using next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry. Cases were classified as aggressive LCT if they met published criteria for malignancy in primary (i.e., testicular) tumors or if they had pathology-proven metastatic disease; otherwise, cases were considered nonaggressive. This multi-institutional series included 18 aggressive LCTs (14 primary/testicular, 4 metastatic) and 8 nonaggressive LCTs. Two cases (2/26, 8%; both aggressive LCTs) failed sequencing and had negative (i.e., uninformative) FH immunohistochemistry results. One additional primary aggressive LCT failed sequencing but had informative FH immunohistochemistry results. Combined NGS and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated FH inactivation in 5/26 cases (19%). In addition, NGS demonstrated CTNNB1 mutations or biallelic APC inactivation in 9/23 cases (39%), copy number changes without recurrent mutations in 6/23 (26%) cases, and no alterations in 4/23 cases (17%). CTNNB1 mutations were present in both aggressive and nonaggressive LCTs. In contrast, FH inactivation and multiple copy number changes were only identified in aggressive LCTs. In conclusion, three distinct subgroups of aggressive LCTs were characterized by FH inactivation, Wnt pathway activation, and copy number changes without recurrent mutations, respectively. Nuclear translocation of β-catenin and Wnt pathway activation appear to be early driver events that provide an environment conducive for progression to aggressive biology in a subset of LCTs.
Model-free online motion adaptation for energy efficient flights of multicopters.

Limited flight distance and time is a common problem for multicopters. We propose a method for finding the optimal speed and heading of multicopters while flying a given path to achieve the longest flight distance or time. Since flight speed and heading are often free variables in multicopter path planning, they can be changed without changing the mission. The proposed method is based on a novel multivariable extremum seeking controller with adaptive step size. It (a) does not require any power consumption model of the vehicle, (b) can be executed online, (c) is computationally efficient and runs on low-cost embedded computers in real-time, and (d) converges faster than the standard extremum seeking controller with constant step size. We prove the stability of this proposed extremum seeking controller, and conduct outdoor experiments to validate the effectiveness of this method with different initial conditions, with and without payload. This method could be especially useful for applications such as package delivery, where the weight, size and shape of the payload vary between deliveries and the power consumption of the vehicle is hard to model. Experiments show that compared to flying at the maximum speed with a bad heading angle, flying at the optimal range speed and heading reduces the energy consumed per distance by 24.9% without payload and 33.5% with a box payload. In addition, compared to hovering, flying at the optimal endurance speed and heading reduces the the power consumption by 7.0% without payload and 12.6% with a box payload.
Iceberg Harvesting: Suggesting a Federal Regulatory Regime for a New Freshwater Source

The global freshwater shortage has already reached crisis levels. The World Health Organization and UNICEF estimate that there are over 700 million people in the world without access to clean drinking water. While this crisis continues to intensify, a massive, game changing source of freshwater is floating in the Arctic and Antarctic oceans, slowly melting away: icebergs. This Note analyzes the potential for harvesting icebergs as a freshwater source on a global scale. By focusing on and illustrating the legal status of icebergs on the high seas, this Note seeks to demonstrate why icebergs are res nullius—existing in a legal vacuum. Proceeding under the substantiated assumption that icebergs are res nullius, this Note suggests that unilateral action by the United States is the most effective way to ascertain whether iceberg harvesting is, in fact, a practical solution to the global freshwater shortage. Further, if iceberg harvesting is established as such a solution, this Note suggests that unilateral U.S. action is also the most effective way to jumpstart an international iceberg harvesting industry. Finally, this Note proposes two regulatory options for how the U.S. Government can promulgate a legal regime to regulate a future iceberg harvesting industry.
Transfer Among Erwinia spp. and Other Enterobacteria of Antibiotic Resistance Carried on R Factors

Antibiotic resistance carried on R factors was transferred by conjugation from Escherichia coli B/r and Shigella flexneri 1a to Erwinia spp. Tetracycline resistance (TetR) carried on R factor R100 drd-56 was transferred from E. coli B/r to strains of Erwinia amylovora, E. aroideae, E. atroseptica, E. chrysanthemi, E. cytolytica, E. dissolvens, E. herbicola, E. nigrifluens, and E. nimipressuralis, but not to strains of Erwinia carotovora, E. carnegieana, E. dieffenbachiae, E. oleraceae, and E. quercina. Multiple antibiotic resistance (chloramphenicol, streptomycin, tetracycline; ChlR-StrR-TetR) carried on R factor SR1 was transferred from a clinical isolate of S. flexneri 1a to strains of E. aroideae, E. chrysanthemi, E. herbicola, and E. nigrifluens, but not to strains of other Erwinia spp. The frequency of this transfer was low with receptive cultures of Erwinia spp. and E. coli (F(-) strain). Antibiotic resistance in the exconjugants showed varying degrees of stability in the presence or absence of acridine orange, depending on the strain tested. The frequencies of segregation to drug susceptibility in the presence of acridine orange, though low, suggest that the elements exist as plasmids in the majority of the Erwinia exconjugants. Multiple antibiotic resistance (ChlR-StrR-TetR) was found to segregate into various resistance classes (ChlR-StrR, StrR-TetR, TetR, StrR, and none) in these exconjugants. The exconjugants of E. amylovora, E. herbicola, and E. nigrifluens, to which R100 drd-56 was transferred from E. coli B/r, were sensitive to the male (F)-specific phage M13. There was a positive correlation between the susceptibility of exconjugants to the F-specific phage M13 and their ability to transfer R100 drd-56 to the recipient cultures of Escherichia coli, Erwinia herbicola, Salmonella typhimurium, and Shigella dysenteriae. Exceptions were, however, noted with Erwinia dissolvens and E. nimipressuralis exconjugants harboring R100 drd-56; these exconjugants, although not susceptible to M13, transferred R100 drd-56 to the recipient cultures. The frequency of transfer of R100 drd-56 and the levels of resistance to tetracycline in Erwinia exconjugants were found to differ markedly depending upon the strain employed. Transfer of multiple antibiotic resistance (ChlR-StrR-TetR) from Erwinia exconjugants was not obtained in preliminary trials with an E. coli F(-) strain as the recipient culture.
Truth and Method: Humanities Scholarship as a Science of Exceptions

Hans-George Gadamer’s dialectic of enlightenment is my point of reference. I mean to recover and revise Gadamer’s thought by shifting it from a philosophical to a philological perspective. From the living example of certain individuals, I propose a model of humanist inquiry that seems to me worth preserving and emulating, particularly now when educational policy is reinvesting so heavily in the technical expertise offered by the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
Finite state machine decomposition for I/O minimization

In this paper, we consider the problem of decomposing a Finite State Machine (FSM) into communicating FSMs to minimize the number of inputs/outputs. We propose an FSM decomposition procedure based on partitioning the set of transitions that describes the behavior of an FSM. An extended FM-based partitioning algorithm is applied for transition partitioning. We also devise a state output encoding technique to further reduce the number of interconnections between the FSMs required for communication. Experimental results for MCNC benchmarks show that our algorithm has favorable results over circuit partitioning algorithms on the netlist level.
Transformational learning: challenging assumptions in the workplace

Purpose – The article aims to offer organizational leadership a framework to integrate opportunities for transformation learning into workplace experiences and maximize the personal growth of employees. Transformational learning is a concept often discussed within higher and adult education but rarely considered in the workplace; the article offers an opportunity to conceptualize transformational learning in workplace contexts.Design/methodology/approach – Two summaries of transformational learning theory shape a foundational understanding of transformational learning. The conceptual framework is connected to examples of transformational learning in the workplace and subsequently offers three areas, cross‐cultural experiences, interactive leadership and development, and action research projects, for leaders to integrate into their practice.Findings – Transformational learning can be observed and encouraged within the workplace. Organizational leadership can be intentional about the incorporation of opport...
Gas hydrates in aqueous-organic systems. II. Concentration by gas hydrate formation.

Summary The ice-like nature of gas hydrates would appear to make them of potential value for concentrating aqueous fluids. The concentration process is similar to freeze concentration, but higher and possibly more economical operating temperatures could be used. Hydrates of CH3Br and CCl3F were utilized for concentrating apple, orange, and tomato juices. CCl3F was limited to 15 to 20% (v/v), since larger quantities resulted in solidification of the substrate, and smaller quantities lessened the concentration effect. No difficulty was encountered in removing approximately 80% of the water from the substrates. A basket-type centrifuge was used to separate the hydrate crystals from the fluid phase. The purity of the crystals was further improved by washing. The concentration process diminished the color and flavor of most substrates, and frequently imparted a slightly bitter aftertaste. Differences were noted in the suitability of substrates and hydrate formers for use in the concentration process.
Five Useful Properties of Probabilistic Knowledge Representations From the Point of View of Intelligent Systems

Although probabilistic knowledge representations and probabilistic reasoning have by now secured their position in artificial intelligence, it is not uncommon to encounter misunderstanding of their foundations and lack of appreciation for their strengths. This paper describes five properties of probabilistic knowledge representations that are particularly useful in intelligent systems research. (1) Directed probabilistic graphs capture essential qualitative properties of a domain, along with its causal structure. (2) Concepts such as relevance and conflicting evidence have a natural, formally sound meaning in probabilistic models. (3) Probabilistic schemes support sound reasoning at a variety of levels ranging from purely quantitative to purely qualitative levels. (4) The role of probability theory in reasoning under uncertainty can be compared to the role of first order logic in reasoning under certainty. Probabilistic knowledge representations provide insight into the foundations of logic-based schemes, showing their difficulties in highly uncertain domains. Finally, (5) probabilistic knowledge representations support automatic generation of understandable explanations of inference for the sake of user interfaces to intelligent systems.
Identifying the impact of social determinants of health on disease rates using correlation analysis of area-based summary information.

Area-based measures of socioeconomic variables can be used to identify risk factors associated with a disease of interest. When correlation analysis is used to identify risk factors, potential confounding from other variables must be taken into account.
A multiscale model for the intraseasonal impact of the diurnal cycle over the maritime continent on the Madden-Julian oscillation

AbstractThe eastward-propagating Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) typically exhibits complex behavior during its passage over the Maritime Continent, sometimes slowly propagating eastward and other times stalling and even terminating there with large amounts of rainfall. This is a huge challenge for present-day numerical models to simulate. One possible reason is the inadequate treatment of the diurnal cycle and its scale interaction with the MJO. Here these two components are incorporated into a simple self-consistent multiscale model that includes one model for the intraseasonal impact of the diurnal cycle and another one for the planetary/intraseasonal circulation. The latter model is forced self-consistently by eddy flux divergences of momentum and temperature from a model for the diurnal cycle with two baroclinic modes, which capture the intraseasonal impact of the diurnal cycle. The MJO is modeled as the planetary-scale circulation response to a moving heat source on the synoptic and planetary scales...