cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postweld Heat Treatment Characterization of Mild Steel (E6013) Welded Areas Using Wavelet Transform of Ultrasonic Testing Signals

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a widely used nondestructive testing technique. The research presented here aims to relate UT signal features to the hardness of welded mild steel material that has undergone postweld heat treatment. The weld specimens were heat treated at different temperatures to emulate different levels of postweld heat treatments in the study. Using destructive methods, the hardness of all the specimens, a mechanical property, is computed. The change in the attenuation of UT signals is related to the change in the hardness. Possible classification of the UT signals acquired from weld areas in terms of different levels of postweld heat treatment is also explored using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) technique. The CWT technique has been applied to the raw UT signals to compute the wavelet coefficients. Different candidate wavelets are investigated to decide which wavelet offers the best discriminatory strength between UT signals acquired from the samples with postweld heat treatment of different levels. The resulting empirical relationships between hardness and UT signal features are reported in this research work. These relationships will enable the inspectors to predict the hardness of the weld specimen under test just through in situ UT.
A Learner’s Voyage: My Moon Exploration in 2009

My childhood experience in school was fragmented from my out of school experience where I lived in rural China. School subject matters were reduced to bits and pieces. I excelled in this artificial symbolic world. Progressing from preschool to graduate school, I trained to teach in that world, and gained the opportunity to study at Harvard. My first course there was with Eleanor Duckworth. To put students in close contact with subject matter, and to listen to learners explain what they think, Duckworth's course creates space where learners develop direct relationship with subject matter. Throughout the semester, we record the moon as we observe it, share observations, and discuss questions. In contrast with my prior schooling, we learners are responsible for following our emerging curiosities. Narrating from my moon study in that course, I chronicle how I came to grasp what it means to learn through truly experiencing exploratory learning. Reentering my moon study in researching for this paper became a search for what previous years of my schooling had taken away from me: confidence and dignity as a learner.
The impact of Black teacher mentors on White beginning teachers

xi Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Statement of the Problem 1 Overview of the Study 1 Research Questions 1 Definition of Terms 2 Chapter 2: Review of the Literature 3 Current Educator Workforce 3 Pre-Service Programs Currently 4 Possible Effects of Current Pre-Service Programs 5 What Pre-Service Programs Could Do 8 Culturally-Relevant Pedagogy 11 On-The-Job Training 12 Current Existing On-The-Job Training 12 The Silenced Dialogue 15 Cross-Race Mentoring 17 Business Executive Cross-Racial Mentoring 19 Impediments to Cross-racial Mentoring 22 Challenges to Black Mentors 23
Regionally Specific Effects of Oxytocin on Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking in Male and Female Rats.

Background Oxytocin reduces cued reinstatement of cocaine seeking in male and female rats, but the underlying neurobiology has not been uncovered. The majority of effort on this task has focused on oxytocin and dopamine interactions in the nucleus accumbens core. The nucleus accumbens core is a key neural substrate in relapse, and oxytocin administration in the nucleus accumbens core reduces reinstatement to methamphetamine cues. Further, the nucleus accumbens core has strong glutamatergic innervation from numerous regions including the prefrontal cortex. Thus, we hypothesize that oxytocin regulates presynaptic glutamate terminals in the nucleus accumbens core, thereby affecting reinstatement. Methods To begin to evaluate this hypothesis, we examined the effects of intra-nucleus accumbens core oxytocin on extracellular glutamate levels in this region. We next determined if direct infusion of oxytocin into the nucleus accumbens core could attenuate cued reinstatement of cocaine seeking in a manner dependent on metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptors. Finally, we tested if site-specific application of oxytocin in the prefrontal cortex reduced cued reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Results We found an increase in nucleus accumbens core extracellular glutamate for several minutes following reverse dialysis of oxytocin. In male and female rats with a history of cocaine self-administration, site-specific application of oxytocin in the nucleus accumbens core and prefrontal cortex had opposing effects, decreasing and increasing cued reinstatement, respectively. The mGlu2/3 antagonist LY-341495 reversed oxytocin's ability to attenuate cued reinstatement. Conclusions While the precise mechanism by which oxytocin increases nucleus accumbens core glutamate is yet to be determined, the present results clearly support oxytocin mediation of glutamate neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens core that impacts cued cocaine seeking.
When disability is in question.

A patient and physician must have a strong line of communication when dealing with pain that has no clear causes. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
The Mammalian Egg’s Block to Polyspermy

The eggs of most mammals at ovulation are metabolically relatively inert cells arrested in metaphase II of meiosis. In response to an activation stimulus normally provided by the fertilizing sperm but induced artificially by a number of parthenogenetic agents, the egg resumes meiosis, undergoes a cortical reaction, and becomes metabolically more active. Visible evidence for the resumption of meiosis involves the abstriction of a second polar body at approximately 30 min postactivation. In the cortical reaction, the egg undergoes the exocytotic release of its cortical granules, a process that results in formation of a new mosaic plasma membrane from the fusion of limiting cortical granule membranes with the egg plasma membrane. At the same time, cortical granule contents released into the perivitelline space come in contact with the egg plasma membrane and the zona pellucida. The cortical reaction and granule exocytosis are of primary interest to any discussion of polyspermy for cortical granule contents have been associated with polyspermy-preventing mechanisms in the eggs of animals of diverse species (for review, see Schuel, 1978, or Gulyas, 1980).
Role of proteoglycans in the trabecular meshwork

The primary risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure, which results from an unidentified increase in the resistance to aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork. Glycosaminoglycans are likely contributors to the normal and glaucomatous outflow resistance. Proteoglycans (PGs), with their highly charged glycosaminoglycan side chains, are critical components of the structure and organization of the outflow resistance within the trabecular meshwork. The members of most families of PGs have been identified in the outflow pathway and their turnover and biosynthetic replacement appear to be a key component of the homeostatic mechanism of intraocular pressure regulation.
Pulmonary deposition, clearance and effects of inhaled soluble and insoluble cadmium compounds.

The factors affecting the deposition of inhaled cadmium particles in different regions of the respiratory tract are discussed. The retention kinetics of inhaled cadmium compounds is determined by the various clearance processes. It is necessary to differentiate clearly between in vitro (water) solubility and in vivo (lung) solubility. Thus both cadmium oxide and cadmium sulfide particles are rather insoluble in water but the former are readily solubilized in the lung while the latter are cleared mainly by mechanical transport via alveolar macrophages. The pulmonary retention half-times of inhaled cadmium compounds are longer by approximately a factor of ten in primates than in rats. Acute pulmonary inflammatory effects of inhaled cadmium compounds are related to their in vivo solubility, and an approximately 10-fold higher dose of cadmium sulfide as compared with the chloride or oxide must be administered to the lung to elicit the same inflammatory response. Differences in biological effects may also exist with respect to the chronic effects of inhaled cadmium compounds, e.g., the pulmonary carcinogenic potency of inhaled cadmium sulfide may be less than that of other cadmium compounds.
Evaluating Risk Communication

This chapter inquires into the potential and limits of evaluation as a component of risk communication programs in diverse institutional settings. We begin by discussing the roles of institutional setting and government in risk communication. Then we ask why risk communication programs need to be evaluated and what assessments may contribute. We next inquire into the ways in which implicit models and paradigms of risk communication influence the way we think about objectives and approaches. We examine the evaluation process for insight into effective means for organizing and conducting the assessment. Finally, we propose specific criteria to guide the evaluation of risk communication programs.
Management of Type 1 Diabetes With a Very Low-Carbohydrate Diet: A Word of Caution.

The public often looks to nutrition to improve health, and reporting on nutrition findings from the scientific literature in the popular media often reveals unproven benefits.1 Lennerz et al2 present data collected via an online community and conclude that exceptional glycemic control in type 1 diabetes with a low risk for adverse events is possible with a VLCD, and research is needed to confirm the generalizability of these findings. Although it may be true that a VLCD can be useful, we find the study of Lennerz et al to fall well short of the level of scientific evidence that merits … E-mail: mayerdav{at}email.unc.edu
Quantitative measurement of Indium atom distribution inside InGaN QWs with atomic sensitivity

Author(s): Jinschek, Joerg R.; Kisielowski, Christian | Abstract: In light emitting diodes (LED) consisting of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) quantum wells (QWs) in a GaN matrix, the atomic In distribution inside the wells defines device performance. We analyzed samples (LED structures) with a nominal In composition of 17%. Using a comparison of experimental electron exit waves with simulations we conclude that the amount of In segregation (deviation from Poisson distribution) can be quantitatively derived from intensities with a sensitivity allowing for the detection of 1 indium atom in columns of Ga atoms.
Progress in the understanding of polycystic kidney disease.

The function of polycystin proteins and the pathogenesis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are not well understood. Studies published in 2018 made important contributions to the understanding of genetic mechanisms, the structure of the polycystin complex and the roles of G-protein signalling and the immune system in ADPKD.
The Need for National Guidance Around Informed Consent About GBCA Safety.

Since gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) were approved in 1988, they have become an indispensible adjunct to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (McDonald et al. 2018; Rozenfeld and Podberesky 2...
Longitudinal effects of race, ethnicity, and psychosocial disadvantage on systemic inflammation

Abstract Objective Psychosocial factors likely contribute to racial and ethnic inequalities in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, precise social, psychological, and physiological pathways linking race and ethnicity to the development of CVDs are not well understood. Systemic inflammation, commonly indexed by C-reactive protein (CRP), is a biomarker for CVD risk and progression. The objective of this study was to identify mediating pathways from race and ethnicity to CRP through social, psychological, and behavioral variables. Methods Using data from 12,382 participants aged 51 and older in the Health and Retirement Study, structural equation models tested for direct and indirect effects of race and ethnicity on CRP measured over four years through educational disadvantage, everyday discrimination, depressive symptoms, external locus of control, and smoking. Results Educational disadvantage mediated Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities in baseline CRP directly, as well as indirectly through elevated depressive symptoms, higher external locus of control, and smoking. Educational disadvantage also mediated Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities in CRP change directly, as well as indirectly through higher external locus of control and smoking. Independent of education, discrimination mediated Black-White differences in baseline CRP via elevated depressive symptoms, higher external locus of control, and smoking. Discrimination also mediated Black-White disparities in CRP change via external locus of control. Conclusions Results from this population-based, longitudinal study support the view that racially patterned social disadvantage is prospectively associated with longitudinal inflammatory processes, and some of these effects are independently mediated by psychological and behavioral factors. Biopsychosocial pathways to health disparities also differ between minority groups.
Blood biomarker modulation with dasatinib (D) and cetuximab (C) in patients (pts) with advanced solid malignancies

6034 Background: Src is implicated in the resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. We studied biomarkers in the context of a phase I clinical trial of D, a small molecule i...
Use of a non-ICU specialty ward for immediate post-operative management of head and neck free flaps; a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objectives Compare length of stay, flap failure rate, medical and surgical complications and cost when patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction are monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU) versus a specialty ward unit postoperatively. Materials and methods A prospective, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial was conducted from 7/22/2016 to 9/12/2018 at a single institution. Patients were randomized to the ICU or specialty ward unit. Flap check protocols were identical between the groups. Perioperative and postoperative outcome variables were assessed and compared. Results 131 patients were enrolled in the study and 118 ultimately underwent head and neck free flap reconstruction. 57 were randomized to the ICU and 61 to the specialty ward unit. There were no significant differences between the ICU and specialty ward unit groups with regard to demographic variables including age, gender, co-morbidities, tobacco or alcohol use, prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatment. There were no significant differences in perioperative variables including need for transfusion, tracheostomy, ischemia time, blood loss, fluid administration or post-operative antibiotic use. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome variable, length of stay. There were no significant differences in the number of the medical or surgical complications, flap failure rate, or hospital costs. Conclusion In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, head and neck free-flap patients cared for on a specialty ward in the immediate post-operative period had equivalent outcomes to those cared for in the ICU.
Student-Centered Reflection in Debriefing: A Concept Analysis

Abstract Background Reflection is an essential learning component of debriefing; however, the role of student reflection during debriefing remains unclear. Method The Walker and Avant (2011) method was used in this concept analysis of student-centered reflection in debriefing after simulation. Results The concept attributes were (a) intentional, cyclic, metacognitive examination of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, (b) dialogue and feedback with facilitator and peers gaining different perspectives, (c) an introspective, sense-making process, and (d) cognitive adjustment occurring after the simulation. Conclusions This concept analysis highlights student-centeredness, an important phenomenon in a debriefing that brings forth our ability to include the student in debriefing in a new way.
Need for pacing in patients who qualify for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: Clinical implications for the subcutaneous ICD.

Background Implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is spreading and has been shown to be safe and effective; however, it does not provide brady-pacing. Currently, data on the need for brady-pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation in patients with ICD indication are limited. Methods The Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial (MADIT)-II enrolled post-MI patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤ 35%), randomized to either an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or conventional medical therapy. Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariate Cox models were performed to assess the incidence and predictors of pacemaker (PM), or CRT implantation in the conventional arm of MADIT-II, after excluding 32 patients (6.5%) with a previously implanted PM. Results During the median follow-up of 20 months, 24 of 458 patients (5.2%) were implanted with a PM or a CRT (19 PM, 5 CRT). Symptomatic sinus bradycardia was the primary indication for PM implantation (n = 9, 37%), followed by AV block (n = 5, 21%), tachy-brady syndrome (n = 4, 17%), and carotid sinus hypersensitivity (n = 1, 4%). Baseline PR interval >200 ms (HR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.24-7.57, p = .02), and CABG before enrollment (HR = 6.88, 95% CI: 1.58-29.84, p = .01) predicted subsequent PM/CRT implantation. Patients with PM/CRT implantation had a significantly higher risk for heart failure (HR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.38-5.14, p = .003), but no increased mortality risk (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.46-2.46, p = .89). Conclusion The short-term need for ventricular pacing or CRT implantation in patients with MADIT-II ICD indication was low, especially in those with a normal baseline PR interval, and such patients are appropriate candidates for the subcutaneous ICD.
Trajectories of Change in the Behavioral and Health Phenotype of Adolescents and Adults with Fragile X Syndrome and Intellectual Disability: Longitudinal Trends Over a Decade

This study examined trajectories of daily living skills, behavior problems, body mass index (BMI), and health conditions spanning nearly a decade in adolescents and adults with fragile X syndrome (N = 134; age range at study end = 19–49 years), examining influences of sex and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed early increases in daily living skills, with decreases at older ages. Behavior problems became less severe over time, with some increases at older ages. Individuals gained weight and had increasing health problems over time. Fewer ASD symptoms were associated with greater daily living skills and fewer behavior problems at study start. This study offers some of the first prospective quantitative analyses of behavioral and health life course trajectories in FXS.
Colonization and Internalization of Salmonella enterica and Its Prevalence in Cucumber Plants

Consumption of cucumbers (Cucumis sativus var. sativus) has been linked to several foodborne outbreaks involving Salmonella enterica. The purpose of this work was to investigate the efficiency of colonization and internalization of S. enterica into cucumber plants by various routes of contamination. Produce-associated outbreak strains of Salmonella (a cocktail of serovars Javiana, Montevideo, Newport, Poona, and Typhimurium) were introduced to three cultivars of cucumber plants (two slicing cultivars and one pickling) via blossoms (ca. 6.4 log10 CFU/blossom, 4.5 log10 CFU/blossom, or 2.5 log10 CFU/blossom) or soil (ca. 8.3 log10 CFU/root zone) and were analyzed for prevalence of Salmonella contamination (internal and external) and serovar predominance in fruit and stems. Of the total slicing fruit harvested from Salmonella-inoculated blossoms (ca. 6.4, 4.5, or 2.5 log10 CFU/blossom), 83.9% (47/56), 81.4% (48/59) or 71.2% (84/118) were found colonized and 67.9% (38/56), 35.6% (21/59) or 22.0% (26/118) had Salmonella internalized into the fruit, respectively. S. Poona was the most prevalent serovar isolated on or in cucumber fruits at all inoculation levels. When soil was inoculated at 1 day post-transplant (dpt), 8% (10/120) of the plants were shown to translocate Salmonella to the lower stem 7 days post-inoculation (dpi). Results identified blossoms as an important route by which Salmonella internalized at a high percentage into cucumbers, and S. Poona, the same strain isolated from the 2015 outbreak of cucumbers imported from Mexico, was shown to be well-adapted to the blossom niche.
An Investigation of Frequency Dependent Reliability and Failure Mechanism of pGaN Gated GaN HEMTs

This paper presents a frequency dependent reliability study of commercially available GaN HEMTs. Both circuit and device-level experiments were performed to better understand the device-level cause of degradation. It was determined through step-frequency analysis performed in a boost converter that there is a frequency-dependent device degradation for positive gate stress. The point of degradation and its primary effect on the converter before the circuit ultimately failed have been analyzed with converter efficiency, gate current, and gate voltage overshoot. The findings of this experiment clearly show a decline in efficiency and voltage overshoot and increment in gate current, which are linked to device degradation. Furthermore, the recovery behavior of degraded devices has been investigated. However, after initial degradation, devices did not show any signs of recovery over twenty-four-hour recovery periods. The causal origin of these phenomena associated with the gate structure of the device was established by gate step-stress testing as well as an examination and analysis of the possible conduction mechanisms through the gate structure.
Dust Covered Privilege: White Women’s Experiences of the Dust Bowl:

In this article, I utilize a white privilege framework to analyze white women’s experiences of the Dust Bowl. In particular, I focus on the question: What do white women’s experiences of the Dust B...
Uric Acid Is a Biomarker of Oxidative Stress in the Failing Heart: Lessons Learned from Trials With Allopurinol and SGLT2 Inhibitors.

Abstract Hyperuricemia increases the risk of heart failure, and higher levels of serum uric acid are seen in patients who have worse ventricular function, functional capacity and prognosis. Heart failure is also accompanied by upregulation of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of uric acid and a purported source of reactive oxygen species. However, the available evidence does not support the premise that either uric acid or the activation of xanthine oxidase has direct injurious effects on the heart in the clinical setting. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (allopurinol and oxypurinol) have had little benefit and may exert detrimental effects in patients with chronic heart failure in randomized controlled trials, and the more selective and potent inhibitor febuxostat increases the risk of cardiovascular death more than allopurinol. Instead, the available evidence indicates that changes in xanthine oxidase and uric acid are biomarkers of oxidative stress (particularly in heart failure) and that xanthine oxidase may provide an important source of nitric oxide that quenches the injurious effects of reactive oxygen species. A primary determinant of the cellular redox state is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), whose levels drive an inverse relationship between xanthine oxidase and sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), a nutrient deprivation sensor that exerts important antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. Interestingly, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors induce a state of nutrient deprivation that includes activation of sirtuin-1, suppression of xanthine oxidase and lowering of serum uric acid. The intermediary role of sirtuin-1 in both uric acid-lowering and cardioprotection may explain why, in mediation analyses of large-scale cardiovascular trials, the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors to decrease serum uric acid is a major predictor of the ability of these drugs to reduce serious heart failure events.
Uncovering the Relationship between Diameter and Height of Electrodeposited Lithium Protrusions in a Rigid Electrolyte

A promising approach for enabling rechargeable batteries with significantly higher energy densities than current lithium-ion batteries is by deploying lithium metal anodes. However, the growth of l...
Dilemma in post-IBD patients with IBS-D symptoms: A 2020 overview.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in apparent clinical remission who present with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma that is called post-...
Commerce, Commonality, and Contract Law: Legal Reform in a Mixed Jurisdiction

This Article explores the tradition/reform dichotomy as it exists in certain jurisdictions that, because of their unique history and nature, are particularly susceptible to the struggle between legal tradition and legal reform — mixed jurisdictions. In order to more closely examine the tradition/reform dichotomy and its theoretical and practical effects, this Article analyzes the role that traditional legal institutions play in the legal reform process through the lens of America’s lone mixed jurisdiction — Louisiana. By exploring Louisiana’s subtle, yet prevalent, anchor-like legal conundrum caused by the struggle between progress and tradition — the process of mooring oneself to existing institutions to such a degree that newly adopted institutions are rendered less effective and the law as a whole suffers — one is able to extrapolate as to how historical forces play a role in the much larger sphere of mixed jurisdictions globally. This Article also explores the broader social science and psychology behind this anchoring effect by looking at society’s inherent desire to hold on to traditional customs and practices, and to resist, even if only subconsciously, letting go of the past.
Idiopathic Purulent Pericarditis Caused by Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus in an Immunocompetent Adult.

Introduction Acute purulent pericarditis is an exceedingly rare entity most often caused by direct intrathoracic contamination or hematogenous spread of a bacterial infection. Mortality nears 100% when left untreated. We present here a rare case of idiopathic bacterial pericarditis caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Case A 69-year-old male presented with chest pain and abdominal pain. He was found to have a pericardial effusion and tamponade and underwent emergent pericardiocentesis. Pericardial fluid culture grew methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The patient required multiple pericardial washouts and was then treated with four weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion While uncommon, clinical suspicion for purulent pericarditis should remain high due to the associated high mortality.
The Cost of Opposition: Harming our Own Rather than Helping our Opponent

Would you prefer to harm your own group or aid an opposing group? Across polarized issues (political party, abortion access, and gun control; N = 2,214), participants given this lose-lose choice prefer to harm their own side of a cause rather than aid the opposition. Our findings run counter to a harm-minimizing strategy as individuals generally believe that organizations promoting their side spend their funds more efficiently than opposing organizations. In an incentive-compatible study, we demonstrate that participants are willing to subtract, on average, over three times as much from their side in order to avoid giving $1 to the opposing side. We propose that these decisions are driven by identity concerns: individuals believe that supporting an opposing group is a stronger negative signal of their values than harming their own group. Shifting perceived group norms leads to corresponding behavioral changes, with important implications for compromise and intergroup conflict.
A Review of “Micro-Chemical Analysis of Nervous Tissue”

Among the many areas of science, the biochemical or pharmacological toxicologist is going to be interested in a book designed to aid in the development of suitable techniques for the study of different biochemical parameters in a physiologically defined area (such as an identified neuron).
Derivations and Applications of Greek Letters: Review and Integration

In this chapter, we introduce the definitions of Greek letters. We also provide the derivations of Greek letters for call and put options on both dividends-paying stock and non-dividends stock. Then we discuss some applications of Greek letters. Finally, we show the relationship between Greek letters, with one of the examples from the Black– Scholes partial differential equation.
The Melting Pot of Automated Discovery: Principles for a New Science

After two decades of research on automated discovery, many principles are shaping up as a foundation of discovery science. In this paper we view discovery science as automation of discovery by systems who autonomously discover knowledge and a theory for such systems. We start by clarifying the notion of discovery by automated agent. Then we present a number of principles and discuss the ways in which different principles can be used together. Further augmented, a set of principles shall become a theory of discovery which can explain discovery systems and guide their construction. We make links between the principles of automated discovery and disciplines which have close relations with discovery science, such as natural sciences, logic, philosophy of science and theory of knowledge, artificial intelligence, statistics, and machine learning.
Differences in Fitts' Law Task Performance Based on Environment Scaling

Haptics research has begun implementing haptic feedback in tasks of great precision and skill, such as robotic surgery. Haptic displays can represent task environments with arbitrary scaling. Fitts' Law suggests differences in the scale of a workspace rendered on a visual display and in a haptic display should not affect performance of those tasks. However, interactions of great precision and skill may require understanding and verifying the influence of perceiving an environment when the visual and haptic displays represent those environments with differing scales. This experiment measured the influence that mismatched haptic and visual display scalings had on movement times in. Each of five treatments used different scales in the visual and the haptic displays. A Friedman rank test showed a significant difference across all treatments. A post hocpairwise comparison showed a nearly significant difference between two treatments. These findings suggest the need for further study using more participants and parametric statistics to measure the magnitude of the possible influences.
Cir and Fiu proteins in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli catalyze transport of monomeric catechols: study with beta-lactam antibiotics containing catechol and analogous groups.

Recently, beta-lactam agents containing iron-chelating moieties, such as E0702, which contains catechol, and pirazmonam and U-78,608, which contain 3-hydroxypyridone, have been developed. By determining the susceptibility to these agents of Escherichia coli mutants lacking various iron-repressible outer membrane proteins, we showed that two of these proteins with hitherto unknown functions, Fiu and Cir, were apparently involved in the transport of monomeric catechol and its analogs. These results confirm the conclusion of Curtis and co-workers, which was obtained by using a different set of catechol-containing antibiotics (N. A. C. Curtis, R. L. Eisenstadt, S. J. East, R. J. Cornford, L. A. Walker, and A. J. White, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 32:1879-1886, 1988). E0702 was shown to enhance the uptake of radioactive ferric iron into wild-type cells but not into cir fiu double mutants. By combining the influx of E0702 with its hydrolysis by a periplasmic beta-lactamase, we showed that the wild-type cells transported unliganded E0702 at a rate comparable to or even higher than the rate of transport of the E0702-Fe3+ complex. We postulate that the main function of Cir and Fiu may be to recapture the hydrolytic products of enterobactin, such as 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoylserine. Images
Observations on plant choice by foraging Yellow-Bellied Marmots

Yellow-bellied Marmots ( Marmota flaviventris ) are generalist herbivores that feed on a wide variety of grasses and forbs. Food items are not used in proportion to their abundance in the environment and some parts of plants are preferred over other parts. Plant species composition differs among marmot habitats and seasonally. Thus, marmots must adjust plant choice based on availability. For example, at one site marmots in late summer forage extensively on fruits of gooseberries ( Ribes ) and elderberry ( Sambucus ), which are not present at other sites. Marmots selectively forage on flowers of tall plants ( Lupinus, Aquilegia, Delphinium ) and seed heads of grasses by standing, grasping the plant with the forefeet, and bending the flower or seed head to the mouth. Other plant species are treated similarly, but rejected after they are placed into the mouth or touched to the lips ( Linum, Aster, Helianthella, Castillea ). Plants not utilized by marmots may grow abundantly around marmot burrows ( Happlopappus, Epilobium ). Some widespread species growing in meadows where marmots forage are not eaten ( Veratrum, Frasera ). Early in the spring when food resources are low, marmots feed on the spring beauty ( Claytonia ) but not glacier lilies ( Erythronium ). Similarly, in late summer when many plant species are senescent and food resources are declining, marmots do not use many abundant species, such as various composites and gentians. Selection of particular species such as elderberry may increase foraging time but with low feeding time. Food choice may in part be determined by experiences as well as palatability and availability.
Using a proportional hazards model to analyze software reliability

Proportional hazards models (PHMs) are proposed for the analysis of software reliability. PHMs facilitate the merging of two research directions that have to a large extent developed independently-defect modeling based on software static analyses and reliability growth modeling based on dynamic assumptions about the software failure process. Determinants of software reliability include a composite measure of software complexity, software development volatility as measured by non-defect changes, and cumulative testing effort. A PHM is developed using execution time-between-failure data for a collection of subsystems from two software projects. The PHM analysis yields non-parametric estimates of the baseline hazard functions for each of the projects and parametric estimates of the determinants of software reliability. Weibull curves are shown to provide a good fit to the non-parametric estimates of the baseline hazard functions. These curves are used to extrapolate the non-parametric estimates for times between failure to infinity in order to compute the mean time between failures. Failure curves are generated for each of the subsystems as a function of the cumulative project execution times and summed over the subsystems to obtain project failures vs. cumulative project execution times. These estimated project failure curves track the empirical project failure curves quite well. Project failure curves estimated for the case when no non-defect changes are made show that in excess of 50% of failures can be attributed to non-defect changes.
Barite in the ocean - occurrence, geochemistry and palaeoceanographic applications

The mineral barite (BaSO4) can precipitate in a variety of oceanic settings: in the water column, on the sea floor and within marine sediments. The geological setting where barite forms ultimately determines the geochemistry of the precipitated mineral and its usefulness for various applications. Specifically, the isotopic and elemental composition of major and trace elements in barite carry information about the solution(s) from which it precipitated. Barite precipitated in the water column (marine or pelagic barite) can be used as a recorder of changes in sea water chemistry through time. Barite formed within sediments or at the sea floor from pore water fluids (diagenetic or cold seeps barite) can aid in understanding fluid flow and sedimentary redox processes, and barite formed in association with hydrothermal activity (hydrothermal barite) provides information about conditions of crust alteration around hydrothermal vents. The accumulation rate of marine barite in oxic-pelagic sediments can also be used to reconstruct past changes in ocean productivity. Some key areas for future work on the occurrence and origin of barite include: fully characterizing the mechanisms of precipitation of marine barite in the water column; understanding the role and potential significance of bacteria in barite precipitation; quantifying parameters controlling barite preservation in sediments; determining the influence of diagenesis on barite geochemistry; and investigating the utility of additional trace components in barite.
Planum Sphenoidale and Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas: Operative Nuances of a Modern Surgical Technique with Outcome and Proposal of a New Classification System

Background The resection of planum sphenoidale and tuberculum sellae meningiomas is challenging. A universally accepted classification system predicting surgical risk and outcome is still lacking. Objectives We report a modern surgical technique specific for planum sphenoidale and tuberculum sellae meningiomas with associated outcome. A new classification system that can guide the surgical approach and may predict surgical risk is proposed. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the patients who between 2005 and March 2015 underwent a craniotomy or endoscopic surgery for the resection of meningiomas involving the suprasellar region. Operative nuances of a modified frontotemporal craniotomy and orbital osteotomy technique for meningioma removal and reconstruction are described. Results Twenty-seven patients were found to have tumors arising mainly from the planum sphenoidale or the tuberculum sellae; 25 underwent frontotemporal craniotomy and tumor removal with orbital osteotomy and bilateral optic canal decompression, and 2 patients underwent endonasal transphenoidal resection. The most common presenting symptom was visual disturbance (77%). Vision improved in 90% of those who presented with visual decline, and there was no permanent visual deterioration. Cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in one of the 25 cranial cases (4%) and in 1 of 2 transphenoidal cases (50%), and in both cases it resolved with treatment. There was no surgical mortality. Conclusion An orbitotomy and early decompression of the involved optic canal are important for achieving gross total resection, maximizing visual improvement, and avoiding recurrence. The visual outcomes were excellent. A new classification system that can allow the comparison of different series and approaches and indicate cases that are more suitable for an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is presented.
Julian Steward and the Great Basin: The Making of an Anthropologist.

Julian Steward and the Great Basin: The Making of an Anthropologist. Richard O. Clemmer. L. Daniel Myers. and Mary Elizabeth Rudden. eds. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1999. 288 pp.
Elastic behavior of random polycrystals composed of anisotropic α-quartz (SiO2) under pressure

Abstract This work presents several sets of results for granular media all composed of quartz (SiO 2 ) and all having grains with trigonal (six constant) elastic symmetry. In some cases, the samples had significant amounts of external pressure (up to 20 GPa) applied to the quartz samples while the elastic constants were being either measured or simulated. In other examples, the temperatures ranged from room temperature down to values approaching absolute zero. In addition to the traditional Voigt and Reuss bounds on effective isotropic bulk and shear moduli, the Hashin–Shtrikman bounds of these elastic moduli have also been computed in all these examples. We find that the Hashin–Shtrikman bounds provide a significant tightening of the traditional bounds on the moduli in most cases. Rarely, the Hashin–Shtrikman upper bounds for shear modulus may coincide with Voigt estimates of the shear modulus. More typically we find the HS bounds on both shear and bulk modulus are so close that their averaged values (called here the “self-consistent average” estimates) for both bulk and shear modulus values are tightly constrained by the HS bounds themselves. In contrast, the traditional VRH (Voigt–Reuss–Hill) estimates of the moduli often lie outside of the HS bounds, thus giving reasons for doubting the accuracy of VRH estimates in general – and especially for pressurized samples. Of the eight scenarios considered in the paper, four have substantial confining pressures (10 or 20 GPa), and four have zero confining pressure. One general distinction arising in these particular data sets is observed: when the confining pressure is negligible, the VRH estimates are found always to lie inside the Hashin–Shtrikman bounds. In contrast, when the confining pressure is P = 10 GPa or higher the VRH estimates of bulk and shear moduli both lie outside the Hashin–Shtrikman bounds.
Engineering chloroplasts: an alternative site for foreign genes, proteins, reactions and products.

Abstract Plant genetic engineering via the nucleus is a mature technology that has been used very productively for research and commercial biotechnology. By contrast, the ability to introduce foreign genes at specific locations on a chloroplast's chromosome has been aquired relatively recently. Certain limitations of nuclear genome transformation methods might be overcome by the site-specific introduction of genes into plastid chromosomes. In addition, plastids, mitochondria and other subcellular organelles might provide more favorable environments than the nuclear–cytoplasmic compartment for certain biochemical reactions and for accumulating large amounts of some gene and enzyme products.
Smart products and service systems for e-business transformation

Web-based intelligence is key to achieving global leadership in sixsigma product aftermarket service and manufacturing productivity for the 21st century. The need to improve the understanding of product performance for aftermarket service will lead to six sigma quality for product life cycle. With the proper integration of e-intelligence into products, manufacturing and service systems, manufacturers and users will benefit from the increased equipment and process reliability. This paper discusses how to design smart products and service systems using web-based intelligence technologies. Firstly, a brief introduction about the trends of product and service innovation in industry and perspectives are given. Secondly, needs and innovation for the device-to-business, D2B™, concept are introduced. Finally, the D2B Platform and its impacts on innovative business transformation are discussed.
Integrated cascaded linear microcavity filters

We experimentally demonstrate cascaded microcavities for enhanced bandwidth and extinction. The cavities are integrated into waveguides by etching three sets of quarter-wavelength trenches, each set forming a reflector. Experiments compare well with transfer matrix predictions.
A new multi-area production costing method (for electric utilities)

A novel multiarea joint dispatch production costing method is reported. This proposed method explicitly models random unit forced outages, joint unit ownership, and transmission interconnection limitations. Using a reduced set of feasibility inequalities, the transmission limitations are enforced under all possible system states without full state enumeration. Based on this proposed method, an experimental computer model has been successfully implemented in ANSI Fortran 77. This experimental model evaluates the following: the expected power generation of each unit; the maximum and minimum expected unserved energy for each area; the expected system unserved energy and the expected system operational cost of savings; and the maximum and minimum expected operational cost savings for each area. This experimental computer model was illustrated by simulating an example five-area system. >
Satellite Telemetry in Avian Research and Management: Sample Size Considerations

Abstract Satellite tracking is currently used to make inferences to avian populations. Cost of transmitters and logistical challenges of working with some species can limit sample size and strength of inferences. Therefore, careful study design including consideration of sample size is important. We used simulations to examine how sample size, population size, and population variance affected probability of making reliable inferences from a sample and the precision of estimates of population parameters. For populations of >100 individuals, a sample >20 birds was needed to make reliable inferences about questions with simple outcomes (i.e., 2 possible outcomes). Sample size demands increased rapidly for more complex problems. For example, in a problem with 3 outcomes, a sample of >75 individuals will be needed for proper inference to the population. Combining data from satellite telemetry studies with data from surveys or other types of sampling may improve inference strength.
Automatic system testing of programs without test oracles

Metamorphic testing has been shown to be a simple yet effective technique in addressing the quality assurance of applications that do not have test oracles, i.e., for which it is difficult or impossible to know what the correct output should be for arbitrary input. In metamorphic testing, existing test case input is modified to produce new test cases in such a manner that, when given the new input, the application should produce an output that can easily be computed based on the original output. That is, if input x produces output f(x), then we create input x' such that we can predict f(x') based on f(x); if the application does not produce the expected output, then a defect must exist, and either f(x), or f(x') (or both) is wrong.In practice, however, metamorphic testing can be a manually intensive technique for all but the simplest cases. The transformation of input data can be laborious for large data sets, or practically impossible for input that is not in human-readable format. Similarly, comparing the outputs can be error-prone for large result sets, especially when slight variations in the results are not actually indicative of errors (i.e., are false positives), for instance when there is non-determinism in the application and multiple outputs can be considered correct.In this paper, we present an approach called Automated Metamorphic System Testing. This involves the automation of metamorphic testing at the system level by checking that the metamorphic properties of the entire application hold after its execution. The tester is able to easily set up and conduct metamorphic tests with little manual intervention, and testing can continue in the field with minimal impact on the user. Additionally, we present an approach called Heuristic Metamorphic Testing which seeks to reduce false positives and address some cases of non-determinism. We also describe an implementation framework called Amsterdam, and present the results of empirical studies in which we demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique on real-world programs without test oracles.
Sputtering by fast electrons

Calculations are presented of collision cascade and knockon contributions to sputtering induced by fast electrons. The sputtering yield for MeV electrons bombarding carbon and iron is found to be ~10^(−7) to 10^(−6). Important erosion effects on astrophysical grains are possible.