cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality loss function for bivariate response - unified methodology

Various methods have been proposed for multi-response quality loss functions as an extension of the quality loss function for a single characteristic given by Taguchi. Multivariate responses are assumed to follow a multivariate normal distribution. When one of the characteristics is transformed using a reciprocal transformation the characteristic itself and the multivariate response do not remain normally distributed. In these circumstances, the basic assumption of a multivariate normal distribution does not hold. Moreover, the reciprocal transformation has several issues such as inconsistency in the methodologies among the three characteristics, incomparable results, and inappropriate change of parameter unit. The multi-response quality loss function also requires the reciprocal transformation for larger-the-better characteristics. This paper proposes a simple linear transformation for a bivariate response which combines the larger-the-better characteristic with any of the characteristics. This enables a...
Vapor-liquid equilibrium simulations of the SCPDP model of water

Molecular simulations were carried out using the self-consistent point dipole polarizability model (SCPDP) of water in the region of vapor–liquid equilibrium. The methods of isothermal–isochoric molecular dynamics (NVT–MD) and Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo (GEMC) were employed to calculate orthobaric densities and vapor pressures; NVT–MD also yields surface tensions and interface thickness. Agreement was found between the two methods, particularly at lower temperatures, but compared with experimental results, this model over-predicts vapor pressures and densities, and under-predicts the liquid density, surface tension, and interface thickness. The interface thickness predicted by the SCPDP model showed better agreement with experimental results than a simpler extended point charge model (SPC/E). 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Poe and Baudelaire: Translations

Edgar Allan Poe. Seven Tales, with a French Translation and Prefatory Essay by Charles Baudelaire. Ed. W. T. Bandy. Schocken Books: New York, 1971. 245 pages. $10.00.
Changes in Microtubule Stability and Density in Myelin-Deficient Shiverer Mouse CNS Axons

Altered axon-Schwann cell interactions in PNS myelin-deficient Trembler mice result in changed axonal transport rates, neurofilament and microtubule-associated protein phosphorylation, neurofilament density, and microtubule stability. To determine whether PNS and CNS myelination have equivalent effects on axons, neurofilaments, and microtubules in CNS, myelin-deficient shiverer axons were examined. The genetic defect in shiverer is a deletion in the myelin basic protein (MBP) gene, an essential component of CNS myelin. As a result, shiverer mice have little or no compact CNS myelin. Slow axonal transport rates in shiverer CNS axons were significantly increased, in contrast to the slowing in demyelinated PNS nerves. Even more striking were substantial changes in the composition and properties of microtubules in shiverer CNS axons. The density of axonal microtubules is increased, reflecting increased expression of tubulin in shiverer, and the stability of microtubules is drastically reduced in shiverer axons. Shiverer transgenic mice with two copies of a wild-type myelin basic protein transgene have an intermediate level of compact myelin, making it possible to determine whether the actual level of compact myelin is an important regulator of axonal microtubules. Both increased microtubule density and reduced microtubule stability were still observed in transgenic mouse nerves, indicating that signals beyond synaptogenesis and the mere presence of compact myelin are required for normal regulation of the axonal microtubule cytoskeleton.
Influence of Traffic Signal Timing on Red-Light Running and Potential Vehicle Conflicts at Urban Intersections

Motor vehicle crashes at traffic signals are a major source of injuries and property damage, especially in urban areas. Many crashes result from vehicles entering the intersection after the onset of a red light, a traffic violation that may be affected by the duration of the change interval (the yellow and all-red periods of the traffic signal). The purpose of this study was to examine short-term and sustained effects on red-light compliance and potential vehicle conflicts as a result of an increase in change intervals to values associated with the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) proposed recommended practice for determining vehicle change intervals. Data were collected during an experiment in an urban location involving changes in signal timing at some 10 intersections. Observations included the proportion of signal cycles with vehicles entering on a red light and the proportion of vehicles exiting the intersection after the onset of a conflicting green signal. Results indicate that change intervals...
Testing the Self-Strengthening: The Chinese Army in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895

On 25th July 1894, the Japanese navy sank the Chinese man-of-war Gaosheng without warning and thus officially started the Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895). The war was a culmination of the rivalries between the two countries for two decades. Japan, strengthened by its Meiji reforms, and still growing in power, wanted to extend its power within the Korean peninsula. China, on the other hand, was desperately clinging to its influence over its largest, oldest and last vassal. The was was watched with great interest by the European powers as a litmus test of the relative success of the modernization programs carried out by the two countries in the years before. Many observers expected a real fight to be at hand. But this was not to be. The Chinese army was thoroughly beaten in one battle after another: in Pingrang (September 1894), Lushun (November 1894), and Weihaiwei (February 1895). Meanwhile, the Chinese Beiyang Fleet was also heavily beaten by the Japanese navy in the Battle of the Yellow Sea (September 1894). By March 1895, Beijing had come under the Japanese threat. In April, the Chinese government was forced to sue for peace under humiliating terms.
Life history and population dynamics of Moerisia sp., a non-native hydrozoan, in the upper San Francisco Estuary (U.S.A.).

Abstract Some populations of gelatinous zooplankton appear to be increasing and causing ecological disruptions during large bloom events. The goal of this study was to investigate the life history and population dynamics of the small, invasive Moerisia sp. and its potential ecological impacts in the upper San Francisco Estuary, California. Medusae and polyps were collected from 8 and 2 sites, respectively, during 2007 and 2008. Polyps emerged from a resting stage during June. Asexual reproduction of medusae buds was positively correlated with temperature and negatively related to salinity. The production of polyp buds was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen and water transparency levels. Sexual reproduction, defined by the presence of eggs, was related to the size of medusae. Cessation of reproduction of both polyps and medusae occurred in October, when temperatures dropped below 17 °C. This life history is similar to other hydrozoans and allows Moerisia sp. to reach large numbers seasonally in the San Francisco Estuary, possibly contributing to the recent declines of pelagic fish and zooplankton.
Submillimeter–far-infrared spectroscopy in the liquid and solid states with a tunable optically pumped laser*

The design and spectroscopic application of a submillimeter–far-infrared (FIR) optically pumped tunable laser are described. Driven by 15–25 W of power from a cw CO2 laser, the FIR system gave milliwatts of power between 96 and 1217 μm. The pumped media were methyl alcohol (CH3OH) and 1,1-difluoroethylene (CH2CF2). The laser spectrometer was used to measure the transmission of liquid H2O, the bulk semiconductor GaAs, the epitaxial semiconductor InAs, and the high-temperature superconductor V3Si. In general, the laser system gave vastly improved signal-to-noise ratios, reduced stray light problems, and increased penetration power relative to more conventional FIR spectrometers. The laser results agreed extremely well with results from conventional spectrometers except where the narrowness of the laser line produced interference effects.
Assessing digital literacy in web-based physical activity surveillance: the WIN study.

Abstract Purpose. Investigate relations between demographic characteristics and submission method, Internet or paper, when physical activity behaviors are reported. Design. Observational. Setting. Metropolitan. Subjects. Adult women (N = 918) observed weekly for 2 years (total number of weekly reports, 44,963). Measures. Independent variables included age, race, education, income, employment status, and Internet skills. Dependent variables were method of submission (Internet or paper) and adherence. Analysis. Logistic regression to analyze weekly odds of submitting data online and meeting study adherence criteria. Model 1 investigated method of submission, model 2 analyzed meeting study's Internet adherence, and model 3 analyzed meeting total adherence regardless of submission method. Results. Whites, those with good Internet skills, and those reporting higher incomes were more likely to log online. Those who were white, older, and reported good Internet skills were more likely to be at least 75% adhere...
A small-insertion-loss-variation phase shifter with optimized body-floating transistors

Body-floating technique applied to n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (nMOS) transistors and transistor-size optimization are studied for minimizing the insertion-loss variation in phase shifters. A CMOS radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 4-bit digital phase shifter designed using a 0.18-μm SiGe BiCMOS technology with low insertion-loss variation between phase states is designed to verify the concepts. The phase shifter shows a measured insertion-loss variation of 13 ± 2.5 dB across different phase states at 24 GHz and an input/output return loss better than 10 dB over 21 to 27 GHz.
Surface Characteristics of Integrated MEMS in High-Volume Production

In the early 1970’s, silicon pressure sensors were considered to be the leading edge of a micromachining technology that would revolutionize industrial instrumentation. This new technology did grow. However, commercialization was slower than anticipated — delays arose due to quality, cost, lack of standardization and difficulties related to electronic integration. Many of the quality problems were caused by surface instabilities.
The Forbidden Pilgrimage to Al-Quds: Envisioning a Pathway to Peace and Prosperity in the Gaza Strip

The Gaza Visioning Project at IUPUI engages students and faculty from Gaza University and Indiana University (Indianapolis) in a unique visioning exercise to explore the pathways to peace and prosperity in the Middle East. By standing in the future, in the year 2050, and looking back to the present, visioning participants described how the forbidden pilgrimage to Al-Quds (Jerusalem) now attracted over three million pilgrims from the Muslim world, had become the cornerstone of a vibrant and sustainable tourist industry, a bridge to interfaith cooperation, and a catalyst for the achievement of both inner and outer peace. Gaza in 2050 in this envisioned journey of healing, has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Its port is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean and it has become the gateway for these many pilgrims. In this paper, I explore the role of pilgrimage as an avenue for conflict resolution and for the prized reconciliation of individuals, political factions, states, and religions. The visioning process may have targeted pilgrimage in a practical sense as an important tool in marketplace development and for the building of a culture of peace but pilgrimage itself was also understood to be a tool of the visioning process. The two notions are interdependent. The actual journey to the sacred center – in this case Al-Quds – and the journey of the Gaza Strip from its current state of economic and social crisis, to its future liberation and prosperity, are both pilgrimages. Designing a plan of action to realize the dream, and inspiring participants to believe in their vision, are preconditions for moving forwards. And it all begins by contemplating the sacred journey.
Mechanisms of Carbohydrate Transport

This chapter discusses the salient features of lactose and melibiose permeases. Early experiments established that the melibiose permease in Salmonella typhimurium can couple substrate uptake to Na+ uptake with a stoichiometry of 1:1, and that sugar-cation symport can account for energization of the system. Some evidence suggests that the lactose and melibiose permeases exhibit common structural and functional attributes, and are, therefore, evolutionarily related. Both permeases function by cation co-transport, probably by a similar carrier-mediated mechanism. While the lactose permease functions exclusively by sugar-H + co-transport, the melibiose permease couples sugar uptake to the symport of H + , Li + , or Na + , depending of the conditions, the bacterial strain, and the sugar substrate under study. The chapter also discusses the genetics and biochemistry of the maltose regulon, encoding the maltose catabolic enzyme system. It describes the topology of the proteins of the maltodextrin permease and catabolic enzyme system in Escherichia coli . Maltoporin preferentially binds and transports hexoses of the gluco configuration and oligosaccharides in which the glucosyl residues are linked α-1,4. However, these in vitro specificity data are insufficient to account for relative in vivo transport rates.
Law as a Means to an End: Instrumentalism and the judiciary

Political scientist Nathan Glazer, in 1975, asked whether the U.S. polity had permanently shifted “Towards an Imperial Judiciary?” The “Court is committed to an activist posture, with great impact on various areas of life. … [and the Court is] simply legislating its views on difficult problems.” In the quarter century since Glazer posed his question, the assertive stance of courts has increased, according to many observers. Armed with the power of judicial review, and prompted by cause litigation, by rights cases, and by the interpretation of far-reaching legislation, judges increasingly make decisions that penetrate all aspects of social life. At the end of the twentieth century, said Robert Bork, “It is arguable that the American judiciary – the American Supreme Court, abetted by the lower federal court and many state courts – is the single most powerful force shaping our culture.” There are reasons to doubt that courts are as efficacious in this effort as Bork suggests, but there is no doubt that his view is widely shared. Conservatives have been exercised at courts for decades for these actions. To the delight of conservatives, of late, liberals have also begun to protest the assertiveness of courts. Since the 1960s, liberals have reposed faith “in the courts as vehicles for social change.” Now that conservative appointments appear likely to dominate the federal judiciary for the coming generation, prominent liberals have begun to join conservatives like Bork in proposing that the power of judicial review be curtailed or abolished.
The Effects of Two Video Modeling Interventions on the Independent Living Skills of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) often have independent living skill deficits. Video modeling (VM) may be one particularly effective intervention to improve skills in this area. However, the most effective and efficient variations have yet to be determined. The researcher conducted a search for studies investigating the effects of VM on the independent living skills of school-aged students with ASD and/or ID. Nineteen single-subject studies and 65 participants were coded according to a number of variables. Results of the review suggested that certain participant characteristics and intervention components were more often associated with increased intervention effectiveness. The researcher discusses possible correlations, shares potential implications for practitioners, and proposes directions for future research. Based on findings of the review, the researcher conducted a single-subject study and results are outlined. Using an adapted alternating treatments design, the researcher investigated the comparative effects of VM plus least-to-most prompting and reinforcement (VM+P&R), continuous video modeling plus least-to-most prompting and reinforcement (CVM+P&R), and least-to-most prompting plus reinforcement alone (P&R) on the independent living skills of four adolescents with ASD and ID. Results indicated that two participants responded well to both VM+P&R and P&R while CVM+P&R was most effective for one participant. For the last participant, all interventions had only minimal effects on target skill performance and results were inconclusive. Overall, students required fewer adult-delivered prompts with VM+P&R and/or CVM+P&R but P&R required less preparation and instructional time.
A Technique to Extend Tuning Range of High Frequency Quadrature VCO

A new approach to extend the tuning range of high frequency quadrature VCO has been proposed. The method exploits the existence of two possible modes of operation, with distinct frequencies, in LC QVCOs based on a pair of coupled cores. Mode switching is achieved by choosing between two types of reactive degeneration in coupling transistors. Used along with varactor control-based continuous tuning, in an implementation in 0.13um CMOS process, the technique extends tuning range by more than 85% over varactor-only based approach at similar oscillation frequency, phase noise, power and quadrature accuracy. This method also has limited noise degradation across the entire tuning range and requires fixed amount of power for all frequencies. Consuming a total current of 11mA from 1.2V supply the QVCO exhibits simulated phase noise of -104.7 to - 106.6dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset from center frequency. The tuning range is from 17.78 to 20.64-GHz.
Self-heating characterization for SOI MOSFET based on AC output conductance

A simple and accurate characterization method for the self-heating effect in SOI MOSFET is reported for the first time. The AC output conductance at one bias point and several frequencies are measured to determine the thermal resistance (R/sub th/) and thermal capacitance (C/sub th/) associated with SOI devices. The proposed methodology is critical for removing the misleadingly large self-heating effect from the DC I-V data in device modeling.
What does it take to make the semiconductor laser a high coherence laser international semiconductor laser conference

The Semiconductor laser (SCL) is, arguably, the most important player in the optoelectronic field. It is hard to imagine a modern communications measurement, or a sensing system without it. It owes this distinction principally to its monolithic semiconductor character, which is responsible for a long list of crucial attributes. These include small size, efficiency, natural compatibility with electronic driving circuitry, speed, structural and chemical control of key features. Another feature of the SCL, which is mentioned less often is its intellectual elegance. Its theoretical underpinnings, design and fabrication require an intricate interweaving of solid state physics, quantum field theory, semiconductor device theory, material science, and laser theory. The chemical and fabrication control enables us to vary the active medium from that of a bulk semiconductor to that of atom-like quantum dots. The incorporation of spatial modulation, of the structure, modulated gratings, photonic crystals, for example, enables a spatial control that would be analogous, to the ability to design crystals with varying size of atoms and of periodicities. The noise, and the resulting degraded coherence, of the semiconductor laser is an example of the Dissipation-Fluctuation theorem. Which links losses with noise. This is manifested in the SCL by following chain of causally related events: high optical losses (dissipation) ⇢ large compensatory gain provided by the inverted population of electrons and holes ⇢ high rate of spontaneous recombination emission into the laser mode ⇢ low coherence. This chain can, however, be snapped by taking advantage of the new flexibility afforded us by the Si photonic platform. This is achieved by redesigning the laser mode so that the overwhelming majority (∼ 99%) of optical energy is moved away from the lossy III–V material into the, essentially lossless, Si. The residual, about 1% in our case, of the optical energy remaining in the III–V is just sufficient to provide the now reduced, threshold gain. Applying these ideas results in new lasers in which the fundamental quantum noise is some three orders of magnitude below that of high-performance commercial Distributed Feedback SCLS. Some thoughts of future directions for improved coherence in SCLs will conclude the talk.
Additive Hazards Regression Models

In the last two chapters, we examined regression models for survival data based on a proportional hazards model. In this model, the effect of the covariates was to act multiplicatively on some unknown baseline hazard rate. Covariates which do not act on the baseline hazard rate in this fashion were modeled either by the inclusion of a time-dependent covariate or by stratification.
Cyphocharax boiadeiro , a new species from the upper rio Araguaia, Amazon basin, Brazil (Characiformes: Curimatidae).

Cyphocharax boiadeiro , new species, is described from the upper rio Araguaia, a tributary of the Amazon basin in central Brazil . The new species is readily distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a distinct longitudinal dark stripe from supracleithrum to the caudal peduncle and by a combination of morphometric, meristic, and pigmentation features. Morphological characters supporting putative subunits of Cyphocharax are also discussed.
On the consideration of normal and shear stress interaction in multiaxial fatigue damage analysis

Abstract Due to the abundance of engineering components subjected to complex multiaxial loading histories, being able to accurately estimate fatigue damage under multiaxial stress states is a fundamental step in many fatigue life analyses. In this respect, the Fatemi-Socie (FS) critical plane damage parameter has been shown to provide satisfactory fatigue life correlations for a variety of materials and loading conditions. In this parameter, shear strain amplitude has a primary influence on fatigue damage and the maximum normal stress on the maximum shear plane has a secondary, but important, influence. Additionally, in order to preserve the unitless feature of strain, the maximum normal stress is normalized by the material yield strength. However, in examining some data from literature it was found that, in certain situations, the FS parameter can result in better fatigue life predictions if the maximum normal stress is normalized by the shear stress range on the maximum shear plane instead. These data include uniaxial loadings with large tensile mean stress, and some combined axial-torsion load paths with different normal-shear stress interactions. This modification to the FS parameter was investigated by using fatigue data from literature for 7075-T651 aluminum alloy and a ductile cast iron, as well as additional data from 2024-T3 aluminum alloy fatigue tests performed in this study.
Hume’s Positive Program

While it is generally agreed that Hume is a pivotal figure in the history of modern philosophy, he is remembered primarily in a negative sense for his skeptical attacks on the rational foundation of science, morality, and religion. He argues, for example, that our beliefs in causation, necessity, and induction do not have a rational basis; rather, they are best understood in terms of our natural constitution as human beings. On a strong reading this can be interpreted as suggesting that our beliefs, say about necessary causal connections, are nothing more than psychological facts about ourselves which are not connected to observations about an objective world. In fact, on such an account Hume is easily interpreted as an idealist and anti-materialist in the Berkeleyan tradition. As a result of such strong skeptical readings, Hume has often either been dismissed as a complete skeptic,1 particularly in regard to our proving or knowing anything about an external world, or else he has been seen as offering a reductio ad absurdum of the empiricist position that our knowledge is sensory based.2
Molting drives mortality in foraging populations of Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) baited with a chitin synthesis inhibitor, noviflumuron

BACKGROUND The lethal time of a chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) baited colony of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki largely depends on the time for workers to molt after consuming a lethal dose. Given that termite molting biology can regulate the time for elimination of a baited termite colony, the objective of this study was to determine how the fasting period (an important element of worker's molting cycle) and the acquisition of lethal dose can impact the total elimination period for a colony. RESULTS Within 9 wk, noviflumuron eliminated the foraging population in the 30 m long foraging arena. However, mortality in treatment groups did not begin until the 11th day. The 10 d lag post treatment is the fasting period for workers to prepare for ecdysis on the 11th d during which mortality occurs under the effect of CSI. CONCLUSION This study shows that with the exception of successful molting events during the first 10 d after baiting, mortality amongst workers with lethal doses of noviflumuron in the next molt is inevitable. The 10 d fasting period can make up at least 22% of a molt cycle (=45 d for a fourth worker instar or lower) which can be a window of opportunity for a worker to escape from the effect of CSI baits, thereby, extending the total time for the colony elimination.
Limited usefulness of endoscopic evaluation in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Background Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a frequent cause of re-admission in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) and is associated with multiple endoscopic procedures and high resource utilization. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of endoscopy and to develop a more cost-effective approach for the management of GIB in CF-LVAD recipients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 428 patients implanted with a CF-LVAD between 2009 and 2016 at the Columbia University Medical Center and identified those hospitalized for GIB. Patients were categorized into upper GIB (UGIB), lower GIB (LGIB) and occult GIB (OGIB), based on clinical presentation. Results Eighty-seven CF-LVAD patients underwent a total of 164 GIBs, resulting in 239 endoscopies. Index presentation was consistent with UGIB in 30 (34.5%), LGIB in 19 (21.8%) and OGIB in 38 (43.7%) patients. On the first GIB, 147 endoscopies localized a bleeding source in 49 (30%), resulting in 24 (16.3%) endoscopic interventions. Of 45 lesions identified, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were the most common (22, 48.9%). A gastric or small bowel source (HR 2.8, p = 0.003) and an endoscopic intervention (HR 1.9, p = 0.04) predicted recurrent GIB. The proposed algorithm may reduce the number of endoscopic procedures by 45% and costs by 35%. Conclusions Occult GIB is the most common presentation in CF-LVAD patients and carries the lowest diagnostic and therapeutic yield of endoscopy. Performing an intervention was among the strongest predictors of recurrent GIB. Our proposed algorithm may decrease the number of low-yield procedures and improve resource utilization.
Energy and Exergy Analysis of Ocean Compressed Air Energy Storage Concepts

Optimal utilization of renewable energy resources needs energy storage capability in integration with the electric grid. Ocean compressed air energy storage (OCAES) can provide promising large-scale energy storage. In OCAES, energy is stored in the form of compressed air under the ocean. Underwater energy storage results in a constant-pressure storage system which has potential to show high efficiency compared to constant-volume energy storage. Various OCAES concepts, namely, diabatic, adiabatic, and isothermal OCAES, are possible based on the handling of heat in the system. These OCAES concepts are assessed using energy and exergy analysis in this paper. Roundtrip efficiency of liquid piston based OCAES is also investigated using an experimental liquid piston compressor. Further, the potential of improved efficiency of liquid piston based OCAES with use of various heat transfer enhancement techniques is investigated. Results show that adiabatic OCAES shows improved efficiency over diabatic OCAES by storing thermal exergy in thermal energy storage and isothermal OCAES shows significantly higher efficiency over adiabatic and diabatic OCAES. Liquid piston based OCAES is estimated to show roundtrip efficiency of about 45% and use of heat transfer enhancement in liquid piston has potential to improve roundtrip efficiency of liquid piston based OCAES up to 62%.
Marriage, morality, and federalism: The USA and Europe compared

Same-sex marriage litigation, both in the USA and Europe, has often pitted rights against state autonomy, and religious and moral beliefs against equality norms. Where the US Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights have diverged most notably is in their willingness to consider moral arguments made by states opposed to same-sex marriage. Treating moral arguments as illegitimate, as the USA has done, paved the way for the nationalization of same-sex marriage in 2015. But doing so came at a cost: It allowed courts to sidestep the most important concerns voiced on both sides of the debate—not just opponents’ moral arguments but also gay rights advocates’ equality claims. Further, by refusing to hear the one thing that made states meaningfully different on the issue of marriage, courts made federalism largely irrelevant. Recent battles over same-sex marriage in Europe show how this dialog might have been—and could still be—conducted differently.
Futures for Trusted Computing

Trusted virtualisation is anticipated to become the dominant form of Trusted Computing in PCs and servers because it enables isolation of applications, and simplifies determination of platforms’ trust and security properties. Trusted Computing can enable platforms to provide trusted services such as cryptographic erasure of data, negotiations for the supply of services, single-sign-on, and digital signatures. These provide greater confidence in the use of computer platforms. Nothing is free, however, and Trusted Computing is no exception: it requires a public key infrastructure and other infrastructure that is peculiar to Trusted Computing.
U.S.-Russian Weapons Sites Collaborations on Environmental Problems

Since the end of the Cold War in 1989, U.S. nuclear scientists have focused on establishing trust with their Russian colleagues through joint research projects designed to protect nuclear weapons materials and provide employment for former Russian nuclear-weapons specialists. As a result, the spread of nuclear knowledge has been inhibited and proliferation concerns lessened. Two major programmes were initiated at the end of the Cold War: the Material Protection, Control, and Accountability (MPC&A) Programme and collaborations through the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) in Moscow. Now many joint projects are in effect with environmental problems receiving growing attention. This paper discusses the growth of environmental collaborations, gives examples of successful teaming, and suggests directions for future programme growth.
Non-invasive brain stimulation in the modulation of cerebral blood flow after stroke: A systematic review of Transcranial Doppler studies.

Abstract Objective Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), such as repetitive TMS (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), are promising neuromodulatory priming techniques to promote task-specific functional recovery after stroke. Despite promising results, clinical application of NIBS has been limited by high inter-individual variability. We propose that there is a possible influence of neuromodulation on cerebral blood flow (CBF), as neurons are spatially and temporally related to blood vessels. Transcranial Doppler (TCD), a clinically available non-invasive diagnostic tool, allows for evaluation of CBF velocity (CBFv). However, little is known about the role of neuromodulation on CBFv. Methods A systematic review of literature to understand the effects of NIBS on CBFv using TCD in stroke was conducted. Results Twelve studies fit our inclusion criteria and are included in this review. Our review suggested that CBFv and/or vasomotor reactivity maybe influenced by rTMS dosage (intensity and frequency) and the type of tDCS electrode montage. Conclusion There is limited evidence regarding the effects of NIBS on cerebral hemodynamics using TCD and the usefulness of TCD to capture changes in CBFv after NIBS is not evident from this review. We highlight the variability in the experimental protocols, differences in the applied neurostimulation protocols and discuss open questions that remain regarding CBF and neuromodulation. Significance TCD, a clinically accessible tool, may potentially be useful to understand the interaction between cortical neuromodulation and CBFv.
Synergistic Effect in the Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexene on C/W(111) Surfaces Modified by Submonolayer Coverage Pt

The dehydrogenation and decomposition of cyclohexene on the Pt-modified C/W(111) surfaces have been studied by temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The objective of the current study is to investigate how the surface reactivity of tungsten carbide is modified by the presence of submonolayer Pt. Similar to that observed on Pt(111), Pt(100) and C/W(111) surfaces, the characteristic reaction pathway on Pt/C/W(111) is the selective dehydrogenation of cyclohexene to benzene. At a Pt coverage of 0.52 monolayer, the selectivity to the gas-phase benzene product is 86±7%, which is slightly higher than that on Pt(111) (75%) and on C/W(111) (67±7%). More importantly, the desorption of benzene on Pt/C/W(111) is a reaction-limited process that occurs at 290 K, which is much lower than the benzene desorption temperature of ∼400 K from Pt(111).
Low-copy nuclear sequence data confirm complex patterns of farina evolution in notholaenid ferns (Pteridaceae)

Notholaenids are an unusual group of ferns that have adapted to, and diversified within, the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States. With approximately 40 species, this group is noted for being desiccation-tolerant and having "farina"-powdery exudates of lipophilic flavonoid aglycones-that occur on both the gametophytic and sporophytic phases of their life cycle. The most recent circumscription of notholaenids based on plastid markers surprisingly suggests that several morphological characters, including the expression of farina, are homoplasious. In a striking case of convergence, Notholaena standleyi appears to be distantly related to core Notholaena, with several taxa not before associated with Notholaena nested between them. Such conflicts can be due to morphological homoplasy resulting from adaptive convergence or, alternatively, the plastid phylogeny itself might be misleading, diverging from the true species tree due to incomplete lineage sorting, hybridization, or other factors. In this study, we present a species phylogeny for notholaenid ferns, using four low-copy nuclear loci and concatenated data from three plastid loci. A total of 61 individuals (49 notholaenids and 12 outgroup taxa) were sampled, including 31 out of 37 recognized notholaenid species. The homeologous/allelic nuclear sequences were retrieved using PacBio sequencing and the PURC bioinformatics pipeline. Each dataset was first analyzed individually using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, and the species phylogeny was inferred using *BEAST. Although we observed several incongruences between the nuclear and plastid phylogenies, our principal results are broadly congruent with previous inferences based on plastid data. By mapping the presence of farina and their biochemical constitutions on our consensus phylogenetic tree, we confirmed that the characters are indeed homoplastic and have complex evolutionary histories. Hybridization among recognized species of the notholaenid clade appears to be relatively rare compared to that observed in other well-studied fern genera.
Design to Data for mutants of β-glucosidase B from Paenibacillus polymyxa: M319C, T431I, and K337D

ABSTRACT The use of computational tools has become an increasingly popular tool for engineering protein function. While there are numerous examples of computational tools enabling the design of novel protein functions, there remains room for improvement in both prediction accuracy and success. To improve algorithms for functional and stability predictions, we have initiated the development of a data set designed to be used for training new computational algorithms for enzyme design. To date our dataset is composed of over 129 mutants with associated expression levels, kinetic data, and thermal stability for the enzyme β-glucosidase B (BglB) from Paenibacillus polymyxa. In this study, we introduced three new variants (M319C, T431I, and K337D) to our existing dataset with the goal of cultivating a larger dataset to train new design algorithms and more broadly explore structure-function relationships in BglB.
Hierarchical Architecture for Transactive Wholesale-Retail Market Integration

Transactive control strategies for managing realtime energy consumption have been under study for a number of years. This work investigates a hierarchical control framework for such a system. This framework consist of two control layers to aggregate and reflect the flexibility of demand assets in the wholesale markets. Computation at each layer and communication across layers is designed to be minimal. The minimization of data exchange is done through demand curve approximation. To manage these two approximations, two intermediate layer dispatch strategies are compared: price-priority and quantity- priority. The price-priority dispatch results in significant differences between the wholesale cleared load and the actual retail load while the quantity-priority dispatch manages load much better at the cost of introducing uncertainty into the business cases of the intermediate layers.
The Epistemology of Plea Bargaining

Systems-oriented social epistemology (SYSOR), studies epistemic systems (ES) in which individuals work together to determine the epistemic status (true, justified, true beyond a reasonable doubt, e...
Chapter 10 – Centrally-active differentiation factors in the nervous system

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses various aspects of central-active differentiation factors in the nervous system. Muscle-derived differentiation factors (MDFs) hallmark effect was the striking and rapid induction of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene in noncatecholaminergic neurons. Exposure overnight to MDF resulted in de novo transcription of TH messenger RNA (mRNA) and translation of TH protein in specific subsets of brain neurons. Findings indicate that differentiation factors modify the biochemical status of striatal neurons by fostering the synthesis of both transmitters simultaneously. The effects of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and dopamine (DA) on noncatecholaminergic neurons established their potential role as differentiation factors in the developing brain. Treatment of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-damaged dopaminergic neurons with aFGF and DA also reversed the toxin-induced loss in TH activity, returning TH to control levels. aFGF and its partner molecules, apart from their differentative properties, can also have important modulatory effects on the dopaminergic system of lesioned animals.
Statistical Inference of Transport Mechanisms and Long Time Scale Behavior from Time Series of Solute Trajectories in Nanostructured Membranes.

Appropriate time series modeling of complex diffusion in soft matter systems on the microsecond time scale can provide a path towards inferring transport mechanisms and predicting bulk properties c...
Platelet-Rich Plasma and Cellular Therapies for Sexual Medicine and Beyond.

Abstract Introduction Efforts to understand and unlock the body's potential for regeneration have increased dramatically in recent years. So-called “biohacking” hopes to improve functionality and reverse disease processes. Objectives This review will seek to summarize the available data for the use of platelet-rich plasma, cellular therapies, and other novel therapeutics within sexual medicine. Methods The PubMed database search was performed using the keywords “Stem cell therapy in Erectile dysfunction (ED)”, “Gene therapy in ED”, “Novel therapeutics for ED”, and “Biohacking”. Popular news articles for regulation of stem cell therapy were reviewed. Results Research efforts have managed to produce an array of novel therapeutics, including stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma. Although the use of these items has been largely focused within specialties other than urology, applications involving sexual medicine have been documented and appear to be increasing. Conclusion Despite evidence of these technologies being adopted within clinical practices as revenue-generators, quality data to support efficacy are quite limited. Matz EL, Scarberry K, Terlecki R, Platelet-Rich Plasma and Cellular Therapies for Sexual Medicine and Beyond. Sex Med Rev 2020;XX:XXX–XXX.
Host and Bacterial Glycolysis during Chlamydia trachomatis Infection.

ABSTRACT The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of noncongenital blindness and causative agent of the most common sexually transmitted infection of bacterial origin. With a reduced genome, C. trachomatis is dependent on its host for survival, in part due to a need for the host cell to compensate for incomplete bacterial metabolic pathways. However, relatively little is known regarding how C. trachomatis is able to hijack host cell metabolism. In this study, we show that two host glycolytic enzymes, aldolase A and pyruvate kinase, as well as lactate dehydrogenase, are enriched at the C. trachomatis inclusion membrane during infection. Inclusion localization was not species specific, since a similar phenotype was observed with C. muridarum. Time course experiments showed that the number of positive inclusions increased throughout the developmental cycle. In addition, these host enzymes colocalized to the same inclusion, and their localization did not appear to be dependent on sustained bacterial protein synthesis or on intact host actin, vesicular trafficking, or microtubules. Depletion of the host glycolytic enzyme aldolase A resulted in decreased inclusion size and infectious progeny production, indicating a role for host glycolysis in bacterial growth. Finally, quantitative PCR analysis showed that expression of C. trachomatis glycolytic enzymes inversely correlated with host enzyme localization at the inclusion. We discuss potential mechanisms leading to inclusion localization of host glycolytic enzymes and how it could benefit the bacteria. Altogether, our findings provide further insight into the intricate relationship between host and bacterial metabolism during Chlamydia infection.
Widely Tunable, Narrow Linewidth Quantum Dot Lasers Heterogeneously Integrated on Silicon

We demonstrate widely tunable, narrow linewidth, heterogeneous QD lasers utilizing Vernier ring resonators, setting a record for integrated lasers in the O-band with 47 nm tuning range, 52 dB SMSR, and 9.5 kHz Lorentzian linewidth.
Hotter Drought as a Disturbance at Upper Treeline in the Southern Rocky Mountains

As we progress into the Anthropocene, rising temperatures have amplified evaporative demand and rendered heat-induced drought stress, or hotter drought, as the hallmark of climate change moving for...
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Cognitive Function among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanics/Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and its Sociocultural Ancillary Study

Background Evidence suggests that psychosocial factors are associated with cognitive health in older adults; however, associations of psychosocial factors with cognition remain largely unexamined in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos. Objective To examine the cross-sectional associations of psychosocial factors with cognitive function among middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos living in the US. Methods Baseline (2008-2011) data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study (n = 2,818; ages 45-74) were used to examine the associations of each psychosocial factor with global cognition (GC), verbal learning, verbal memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed independent of age, sex, education, Hispanic/Latino background, income, language, and depressive symptoms. Psychosocial variables included: intrapersonal factors (ethnic identity, optimism, and purpose in life), interpersonal factors (family cohesion, familism, social network embeddedness, and social support), and social stressors (perceived ethnic discrimination, loneliness, and subjective social status). Results In fully-adjusted models, purpose in life and social support were each positively associated with all five cognitive variables. Loneliness was negatively associated with GC, verbal learning, memory, and processing speed. Ethnic identity was positively and familism negatively associated with GC, verbal fluency, and processing speed. Family cohesion was positively associated with verbal learning. Conclusion These findings extend previous evidence from older, largely non-Hispanic White cohorts to show that higher purpose in life and social support are also strongly associated with cognitive health among middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos. We also highlight that intrapersonal factors, interpersonal factors, and social stressors have differential relationships with individual cognitive tests.