cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance-constrained energy reduction in data centers for video-sharing services

Energy saving in large-scale video sharing data centers is an important yet daunting challenge due to the conflicting goal of providing real-time guarantees. Simple energy reduction techniques can result in excessive delay and severely affect the quality-of-service. This paper aims to optimize energy consumption while ensuring service delay constraints in data centers that provide large-scale video-sharing services. However, this broader goal requires three challenges that must be holistically addressed rather than in isolation. First, we propose a generic model to accurately characterize the disk behavior in a VSS by taking into account the unique characteristic of parallel video workloads. Second, the paper proposes a prediction-based algorithm that formulates and solves a constrained optimization problem for determining optimal selections of disk power modes in VSSs. Third, two novel caching algorithms are proposed that achieve additional energy saving through optimizing cache utilization. Experiments reveal that the proposed 3-component scheme achieves a significant amount of energy saving under the same delay level as compared to traditional energy management schemes. A new model for disk idle time in video-sharing services (VSSs) is proposed.We optimize the selection of disk power modes with delay constraints.We propose efficient energy-aware caching and prefetching schemes for VSSs.Significant energy saving is achieved for VSSs under very low service delay.
Self-Testing without the Generator Bottleneck

Suppose P is a program designed to compute a function f defined on a group G. The task of self-testing P, that is, testing if P computes f correctly on most inputs, usually involves testing explicitly if P computes f correctly on every generator of G. In the case of multivariate functions, the number of generators, and hence the number of such tests, becomes prohibitively large. We refer to this problem as the generator bottleneck. We develop a technique that can be used to overcome the generator bottleneck for functions that have a certain nice structure, specifically if the relationship between the values of the function on the set of generators is easily checkable. Using our technique, we build the first efficient self-testers for many linear, multilinear, and some nonlinear functions. This includes the FFT, and various polynomial functions. All of the self-testers we present make only O(1) calls to the program that is being tested. As a consequence of our techniques, we also obtain efficient program result-checkers for all these problems.
Cirrhosis-induced defects in innate pulmonary defenses against Streptococcus pneumoniae

Background The risk of mortality from pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is increased in patients with cirrhosis. However, the specific pneumococcal virulence factors and host immune defects responsible for this finding have not been clearly established. This study used a cirrhotic rat model of pneumococcal pneumonia to identify defect(s) in innate pulmonary defenses in the cirrhotic host and to determine the impact of the pneumococcal toxin pneumolysin on these defenses in the setting of severe cirrhosis.
The Art of Metoposcopy: A Study in Isaac Luria's Charismatic Knowledge

Amongst the most important roles which Isaac Luria (1534–1572), the preeminent kabbalist of sixteenth-century Safed, played in the lives of his disciples was that of physician of the soul. Before they could practice rituals which were intended to enable them to bind their souls to the divine realm, and to “repair” that realm in accordance with the teachings of Lurianic mythology, his disciples had first to mend their own souls, to cleanse and purify them of all imperfection No individual whose own soul had failed to achieve a certain level of perfection could hope to engage successfully in the intricate and elaborate contemplative rituals-such as the Yiḥudim-which Luria devised. A person had to undergo a period during which he cultivated certain spiritual and moral traits and atoned for whatever sins he might have committed. Luria, in fact, provided his followers with highly detailed rituals of atonement by which they were to mend their souls. These penitential acts were known as tikkunei avonot (“amends of sin”) whose purpose, in the words of Hayyim Vital's son Shmuel, was to “mend his soul"”and “cleanse him from the filth of the disease of his sins.” Hayyim Vital (1542–1620), Luria's chief disciple, himself introduces the tikkunei avonot with a discussion of the relationship between one's soul and sin.
Unsupervised Discrimination and Labeling of Ambiguous Names

This paper describes adaptations of unsupervised word sense discrimination techniques to the problem of name discrimination. These methods cluster the contexts containing an ambiguous name, such that each cluster refers to a unique underlying person or place. We also present new techniques to assign meaningful labels to the discovered clusters.
How to Conduct a Mixed Methods Study: Recent Trends in a Rapidly Growing Literature

The present article selectively reviews the large number of recent studies that have been described as based on mixed methods. I begin by discussing a body of work that has emerged to promote mixed methods research across the social sciences. I then review and critique empirical studies in each of two general approaches to mixed methods: mixed data–collection studies, which combine two or more kinds of data; and mixed data–analysis studies, which combine two or more analytical strategies, examine qualitative data with quantitative methods, or explore quantitative data with qualitative techniques. I argue that, although mixed methods research is by no means new, empirical studies today combine methods in more diverse and, at times, innovative ways. Nevertheless, important methodological tensions will likely surface as the research becomes more self-reflexive.
Visual spectral sensitivity of hatchling loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea L.) sea turtles, as determined by single-flash electroretinography

Electroretinographic recordings were made from hatchling loggerhead and leatherback sea turtle eyecup preparations to generate dark-adapted spectral sensitivity curves. Both species were maximally sensitive to wavelengths between 500 and 540 nm, with a secondary peak near 380 nm. The spectral sensitivity curve for leatherbacks was attenuated at the long wavelength end of the spectrum relative to that of the loggerheads. This difference may reflect adaptations to lighting available at the relatively shallow (loggerhead) versus deeper (leatherback) sites where each species forages. The broad spectrum of wavelengths detected by both species (near UV to yellow–orange) indicates that vision is likely mediated by more than one photopigment, potentially rendering these turtles capable of color vision.
Observations of the temperature dependent response of ozone to NO x reductions in the Sacramento, CA urban plume

Abstract. Observations of NOx in the Sacramento, CA region show that mixing ratios decreased by 30 % between 2001 and 2008. Here we use an observation-based method to quantify net ozone (O3) production rates in the outflow from the Sacramento metropolitan region and examine the O3 decrease resulting from reductions in NOx emissions. This observational method does not rely on assumptions about detailed chemistry of ozone production, rather it is an independent means to verify and test these assumptions. We use an instantaneous steady-state model as well as a detailed 1-D plume model to aid in interpretation of the ozone production inferred from observations. In agreement with the models, the observations show that early in the plume, the NOx dependence for Ox (Ox = O3 + NO2) production is strongly coupled with temperature, suggesting that temperature-dependent biogenic VOC emissions and other temperature-related effects can drive Ox production between NOx-limited and NOx-suppressed regimes. As a result, NOx reductions were found to be most effective at higher temperatures over the 7 year period. We show that violations of the California 1-h O3 standard (90 ppb) in the region have been decreasing linearly with decreases in NOx (at a given temperature) and predict that reductions of NOx concentrations (and presumably emissions) by an additional 30 % (relative to 2007 levels) will eliminate violations of the state 1 h standard in the region. If current trends continue, a 30 % decrease in NOx is expected by 2012, and an end to violations of the 1 h standard in the Sacramento region appears to be imminent.
RAId_DbS: Peptide Identification using Database Searches with Realistic Statistics

The key to mass-spectrometry-based proteomics is peptide identification. A major challenge in peptide identification is to obtain realistic E-values when assigning statistical significance to candidate peptides. Using a simple scoring scheme, we propose a database search method with theoretically characterized statistics. Taking into account possible skewness in the random variable distribution and the effect of finite sampling, we provide a theoretical derivation for the tail of the score distribution. For every experimental spectrum examined, we collect the scores of peptides in the database, and find good agreement between the collected score statistics and our theoretical distribution. Using Student's t-tests, we quantify the degree of agreement between the theoretical distribution and the score statistics collected. The T-tests may be used to measure the reliability of reported statistics. When combined with reported P-value for a peptide hit using a score distribution model, this new measure prevents exaggerated statistics. Another feature of RAId_DbS is its capability of detecting multiple co-eluted peptides. The peptide identification performance and statistical accuracy of RAId_DbS are assessed and compared with several other search tools. The executables and data related to RAId_DbS are freely available upon request.
Spectral Viscosity for Shallow Water Equations in Spherical Geometry

A spherical spectral viscosity operator is proposed as an alternative to standard horizontal diffusion terms in global atmospheric models. Implementation in NCAR’s Spectral Transform Shallow Water Model and application to a suite of standard test cases demonstrates improvement in resolution and numerical conservation of invariants at no extra computational cost. The retention in the spectral viscosity solution of high-wavenumber information allows the successful application of high-resolution postprocessing methods.
Results of Buccal Mucosal Grafting for Patients with Medically Controlled Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid

Eyelid surgery for patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid is risky when there is unchecked perioperative inflammation. The authors performed buccal mucosal grafts on 42 eyelids (23 eyes) of 17 patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid whose disease was controlled by systemic immunosuppression. Results were graded as: improved (12 cases, 16 eyes); satisfactory (2 cases, 2 eyes); or poor (5 patients, 5 eyes). Complications included breakthrough trichiasis, surface keratinization of the graft, blepharoptosis, phimosis, depressed eyelid blink, incomplete eyelid closure, submucosal abscess formation, and persistent nonhealing epithelial defects of the cornea. Technical errors at surgery accounted for two complications. Secondary corneal ulceration developed in two patients. The immunologic aspect of the disease flared or progressed in five patients in the postoperative period and necessitated an increase or change in systemic medication for immunosuppression. Buccal mucosal grafting shows promise in temporarily rehabilitating eyelids of some ocular cicatricial pemphigoid patients whose disease is controlled by immunosuppressive therapy.
Flavones and flavone glycosides from Halophila johnsonii

Abstract Halophila johnsonii Eiseman is a shallow-water marine angiosperm which contains UV-absorbing metabolites. Studies on methanol extracts of H. johnsonii by means of HPLC–UV, NMR, HPLC–MS resulted in isolation and identification of seven previously unknown flavone glycosides: 5,6,7,3′,4′,5′-hexahydroxyflavone-7- O -β-glucopyranoside ( 1 ), 5,6,7,3′,4′,5′-hexahydroxyflavone-7- O -(6″- O -acetyl)-β-glucopyranoside ( 2 ), 6-hydroxyluteolin-7- O -(6″- O -acetyl)-β-glucopyranoside ( 3 ), 6-hydroxyapigenin-7- O -(6″- O -acetyl)-β-glucopyranoside ( 4 ), 6-hydroxyapigenin-7- O -(6″- O -[E]-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside ( 5 ), 6-hydroxyapigenin-7- O -(6″- O -[E]-caffeoyl)-β-glucopyranoside ( 6 ) and 6-hydroxyluteolin-7- O -(6″- O -[E]-coumaroyl)-β-glucopyranoside ( 7 ). Also isolated were three known flavone glycosides, 6-hydroxyluteolin 7- O -β-glucopyranoside ( 8 ), scutellarein-7- O -β-glucopyranoside ( 9 ), and spicoside ( 10 ), and five known flavones, pedalitin ( 11 ), ladanetin ( 12 ), luteolin ( 13 ), apegenin ( 14 ) and myricetin ( 15 ). Qualitative comparison of the flavonoid distribution in the leaf and rhizome-root portions of the plant was also investigated, with the aim of establishing the UV-protecting roles that flavonoids played in the sea grass.
How do we improve crop production in a warming world

Future agricultural production will encounter multifaceted challenges from global climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases are accumulating in the atmosphere at unprecedented rates, causing increased radiative forcing ([Le Quere et al., 2009][1]; [Shindell et al., 2009][2
Seek and Ye Shall [eventually] Find: The End of the Search for the Auxin Receptor

: The mechanism by which the plant hormone auxin regulates gene expression has been shown to involve regulated degradation, through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, of transcriptional repressor proteins. However, the key first component in this pathway, the receptor that binds auxin and initiates auxin signaling, has remained a mystery. Two recent papers identify the F-box protein TIR1, part of the complex that attaches ubiquitin to its targets, as an auxin receptor. This breakthrough reveals a new mode of signal transduction and lays the groundwork for a more complete understanding of auxin physiology. (Recommended by Dr. Hong MA; Managing editor: Li-Hui ZHAO)
Elimination of mesa-sidewall gate leakage in InAlAs/InGaAs heterostructures by selective sidewall recessing

Conventional mesa isolation in InAlAs/InGaAs HFETs results in the gate coming in contact with the exposed channel at the mesa sidewall, forming a parasitic gate-leakage path. The authors propose a simple method of recessing the channel edge into the mesa sidewall using a succinic-acid-based selective etchant for InGaAs over InAlAs. SEM photographs confirm the recessing of the channel along the sidewall. Special heterostructure diodes, designed with varying amounts of mesa-sidewall/gate-metal overlap, were fabricated with and without the sidewall isolation step. Electrical measurements confirm the complete elimination of sidewall leakage. for both diodes and HFETs. >
Effect of Selective Inhibition of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase on the KCa Channel Activity in Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle

Activation of a soluble guanylyl cyclase plays an important role in nitric oxide (NO)-induced vasodilation. Recently, we have reported that NO increases the calcium-activated potassium (K Ca ) channel activity in vascular smooth muscle cells from coronary arteries. The present study examined the role of the soluble guanylyl cyclase in the control of basal activity of the K Ca channels and in mediating NO-induced activation of the K Ca channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, using a selective inhibitor of this enzyme, 1 H -[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,2-α]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). In the cell-attached patch-clamp mode, addition of ODQ into the bath solution (10 μmol/L) decreased the K Ca channel activity by 59% and attenuated activation of the channels induced by the NO donor, deta nonoate, by 70%. ODQ had no effect on 8-bromo-cGMP-induced activation of the K Ca channels. Deta nonoate produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of precontracted coronary arteries. When ODQ was added to the bath, the deta nonoate-induced relaxations were inhibited. The IC 50 for deta nonoate was decreased by about 25-fold and the maximal effect of deta nonoate was reduced by about 60%. A specific K Ca channel inhibitor, iberiotoxin, decreased deta nonoate-induced vasodilation but to a lesser extent than ODQ. However, ODQ was without effect on the vasodilation induced by a prostacyclin analog, iloprost, and by adenosine. These results indicate that a soluble guanylyl cyclase and cGMP play an important role in the control of the K Ca channel activity in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells. K Ca channel activation participates in the NO-induced vasodilation in coronary circulation.
Some of my favorite “lesser known” problems

Some problems become famous and attract attention while others collect dust on the shelf. Large conferences are a great breeding ground for popularizing both old and new problems. In this note we present some off the shelf problems.
Importance of Surveillance and Success of Salvage Strategies After Definitive Chemoradiation in Patients With Esophageal Cancer

Purpose Patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) who are treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (bimodality therapy [BMT]) experience frequent relapses. In a large cohort, we assessed the timing, frequency, and types of relapses during an aggressive surveillance program and the value of the salvage strategies. Patients and Methods Patients with EC (N = 276) who received BMT were analyzed. Patients who had surgery within 6 months of chemoradiotherapy were excluded to reduce bias. We focused on local relapse (LR) and distant metastases (DM) and the salvage treatment of patients with LR only. Standard statistical methods were applied. Results The median follow-up time was 54.3 months (95% CI, 48.4 to 62.4). First relapses included LR only in 23.2% (n = 64), DM with or without LR in 43.5% (n = 120), and no relapses in 33.3% (n = 92) of patients. Final relapses included no relapses in 33.3%, LR only in 14.5%, DM only in 15.9%, and DM plus LR in 36.2% of patients. Ninety-one percent of LRs occurred within 2 y...
Geodetic constraints on San Francisco Bay Area fault slip rates and potential seismogenic asperities on the partially creeping Hayward fault

[1] The Hayward fault in the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) is sometimes considered unusual among continental faults for exhibiting significant aseismic creep during the interseismic phase of the seismic cycle while also generating sufficient elastic strain to produce major earthquakes. Imaging the spatial variation in interseismic fault creep on the Hayward fault is complicated because of the interseismic strain accumulation associated with nearby faults in the SFBA, where the relative motion between the Pacific plate and the Sierra block is partitioned across closely spaced subparallel faults. To estimate spatially variable creep on the Hayward fault, we interpret geodetic observations with a three-dimensional kinematically consistent block model of the SFBA fault system. Resolution tests reveal that creep rate variations with a length scale of <15 km are poorly resolved below 7 km depth. In addition, creep at depth may be sensitive to assumptions about the kinematic consistency of fault slip rate models. Differential microplate motions result in a slip rate of 6.7 ± 0.8 mm/yr on the Hayward fault, and we image along-strike variations in slip deficit rate at ∼15 km length scales shallower than 7 km depth. Similar to previous studies, we identify a strongly coupled asperity with a slip deficit rate of up to 4 mm/yr on the central Hayward fault that is spatially correlated with the mapped surface trace of the 1868 MW = 6.9–7.0 Hayward earthquake and adjacent to gabbroic fault surfaces.
Monocarboxylate Transporter Inhibition with Osmotic Diuresis Increases γ-Hydroxybutyrate Renal Elimination in Humans: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Background and objective: The purpose of the current study was to demonstrate proof-of-concept that monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibition with L-lactate combined with osmotic diuresis increases renal clearance of ?-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in human subjects. GHB is a substrate for human and rodent MCTs, which are responsible for GHB renal reabsorption, and this therapy increases GHB renal clearance in rats Methods: Ten healthy volunteers were administered GHB orally as sodium oxybate 50 mg/kg (4.5 gm maximum dose) on two different study days. On study day 1, GHB was administered alone. On study day 2, treatment of L-lactate 0.125 mmol/kg and mannitol 200 mg/kg followed by L-lactate 0.75 mmol/kg/hr was administered intravenously 30 minutes after GHB ingestion. Blood and urine were collected for 6 hours, analyzed for GHB, and pharmacokinetic and statistical analyses performed. Results: L-lactate/mannitol administration significantly increased GHB renal clearance compared to GHB alone, 439 vs. 615 mL/hr (P=0.001), and increased the percentage of GHB dose excreted in the urine, 2.2 vs. 3.3% (P=0.021). Total clearance was unchanged. Conclusions: MCT inhibition with L-lactate combined with osmotic diuresis increases GHB renal elimination in humans. No effect on total clearance was observed in this study due to the negligible contribution of renal clearance to total clearance at this low GHB dose. Considering the nonlinear renal elimination of GHB, further research in overdose cases is warranted to assess the efficacy of this treatment strategy for increasing renal and total clearance at high GHB doses.
Avoiding the Curse of 'Whetherornot'

For many years, countless lawyers and judges have exhibited a nearly complete inability to observe the important distinction between the word "whether" and the phrase "whether or not," and have mistakenly used the latter as if it were an acceptable substitute for the former. This article examines the way in which that error is reflected in published judicial opinions and in the transcripts of actual trials, and lays out the "Three Corollary Curses" that lie in wait for those who fail to assiduously maintain the distinction. It reveals, for example, how those who use "whetherornot" as a thoughtless substitute for "whether" inevitably descend into the absurdity of saying and writing "whether or not...or not," which is doubly redundant. The author reveals how the gratuitous inclusion of the words "or not" undermines written and oral expression not merely by adding a little useless prolixity, but also by injecting undesirable ambiguity and sometimes even literal absurdity into the lawyer's attempts at communication.
Discretion and Disproportionality: Explaining the Underrepresentation of High-Achieving Students of Color in Gifted Programs

Students of color are underrepresented in gifted programs relative to White students, but the reasons for this underrepresentation are poorly understood. We investigate the predictors of gifted assignment using nationally representative, longitudinal data on elementary students. We document that even among students with high standardized test scores, Black students are less likely to be assigned to gifted services in both math and reading, a pattern that persists when controlling for other background factors, such as health and socioeconomic status, and characteristics of classrooms and schools. We then investigate the role of teacher discretion, leveraging research from political science suggesting that clients of government services from traditionally underrepresented groups benefit from diversity in the providers of those services, including teachers. Even after conditioning on test scores and other factors, Black students indeed are referred to gifted programs, particularly in reading, at significantly lower rates when taught by non-Black teachers, a concerning result given the relatively low incidence of assignment to own-race teachers among Black students.
Theories of the Digital Divide: Critical Comparison

Digital divide research has benefitted from theories that account for unevenness between individuals, households, and geographic units in access to, and uses of information and communications technologies (ICTs). The objective of this paper is to explain and examine important digital divide theories, compare and contrast their major features, and identify appropriate methodologies to test them. Four theories examined are Adoption-Diffusion Theory (ADT), van Dijk's Theory of Digital Technology Access and Societal Impacts, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Spatially Aware Technology Utilization Model (SATUM). The theories are compared based on their independent and outcome factors, units of analysis, spatial components, and amount of scholarly literature. The methodologies utilized depend on sample size and range from varied regression and multinominal logit models to structured equation modeling, event history, and spatial analyses. The strengths and weaknesses of the digital divide theories are compared and can inform investigators on appropriate theoretical choice for particular settings.
Assessment of natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C) targeted nanoparticles for atherosclerosis PET imaging

461 Objectives The goal of this study was to assess the imaging capability of C-type atrial natriuretic factor (CANF) conjugated nanoparticles to target the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C) up-regulated in a clinically relevant model of atherosclerosis. Methods CANF-Comb nanoparticles were prepared through modular construction with controlled functionalities for PET imaging of NPR-C receptor via radiolabeling with 64Cu. The efficiency of the construct was demonstrated in ApoE-/- mice fed a high cholesterol diet to form spontaneous atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta. Age-matched C57BL6 mice fed a normal diet were the control animals. PET/CT imaging was performed at multiple time points to follow the progression of disease. The aortic arteries were collected post scan for histopathological examination and RT-PCR analysis. Blocking studies were also performed to confirm targeting specificity. Results PET studies show greater uptake of 64Cu-CANF-Comb in the ApoE-/- mice compared to the C57BL6 mice on 18 weeks of diet with standard uptake values (SUV) of 5.35 (SD = 1.01) and 3.30 (SD = 1.13), respectively (P Conclusions PET/CT imaging showed the capability of the 64Cu-CANF-Comb to image plaque in a pre-clinical model of spontaneous atherosclerosis development. Its in vivo pharmacokinetics and plaque uptake indicate translational potential as a PET imaging agent for early-stage atherosclerosis in humans. Research Support This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health as a Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology (HHSN268201000046C).
Development of molecular electrocatalysts for energy storage.

Molecular electrocatalysts can play an important role in energy storage and utilization reactions needed for intermittent renewable energy sources. This manuscript describes three general themes that our laboratories have found useful in the development of molecular electrocatalysts for reduction of CO2 to CO and for H2 oxidation and production. The first theme involves a conceptual partitioning of catalysts into first, second, and outer coordination spheres. This is illustrated with the design of electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction to CO using first and second coordination spheres and for H2 production catalysts using all three coordination spheres. The second theme focuses on the development of thermodynamic models that can be used to design catalysts to avoid high- and low-energy intermediates. In this research, new approaches to the measurement of thermodynamic hydride donor and acceptor abilities of transition-metal complexes were developed. Combining this information with other thermodynamic informat...
A Closed Circuit Video-Videorecorder Microscope System for Teaching HistopathoJogy

A mobile histopathology teaching unit utilizing television cameras, monitors, and a half-inch videotape recorder has been developed. The unit is used for in-room teaching, as a broadcast station to remote monitors for televised conferences, and as a videotaping station for replaying at conferences or through the closed circuit television systems. The system increases the efficiency of teaching and learning in histopathology, is of relatively low cost, and has wide applicability.
Prefire grazing by cattle increases postfire resistance to exotic annual grass (Bromus tectorum) invasion and dominance for decades

Fire, herbivory and their interaction influence plant community dynamics. However, little is known about the influence of prefire herbivory on postfire plant community response, particularly long‐term resistance to postfire exotic plant invasion in areas that historically experienced limited large herbivore pressure and infrequent, periodic fires. We investigated the long‐term postfire effects of prefire herbivory by cattle, an exotic herbivore, in Artemisia (sagebrush) plant communities in the northern Great Basin, USA. Study areas were moderately grazed or not grazed by cattle since 1936 and then were burned in 1993. Plant community response was measured the 19th through the 22nd year postfire. Prior to burning exotic annual grass presence was minimal (<0.5% foliar cover) and plant community characteristics were similar between grazed and ungrazed treatments, with the exception of litter biomass being two times greater in the ungrazed treatment. Two decades postfire, Bromus tectorum L., an exotic annual grass, dominated the ungrazed treatment. Native bunchgrasses, species richness, and soil biological crusts were greater in prefire grazed areas compared to ungrazed areas. These results suggest that moderate prefire herbivory by cattle increased the resistance of the plant community to postfire invasion and dominance by B. tectorum. We presume that herbivory reduced mortality of large perennial bunchgrasses during the fire by reducing fine fuel (litter) and subsequently burn temperatures. Synthesis: This research demonstrates that a moderate disturbance (herbivory) may mediate the effects of a subsequent disturbance (fire). The effects of disturbances are not independent; therefore quantifying these interactions is critical to preventing oversimplification of complex plant community dynamics and guiding the conservation of endangered ecosystems.
Effect of cerebral ischemia on synaptosomal uptake and release of3H-5-hydroxytryptamine in adult and young mongolian gerbils

Cerebal ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (15min) with and without release (1 hr) served as a model for comparative regional studies of synaptosomal 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine (3H-5-HT) uptake and release in adult and young gerbils. A decreased uptake and an increased release of 5-HT was observed in the adult after ischemia alone and/or ischemia with reflow. At the same time, 5-HT uptake was not affected except in the cortex and the release was reduced in the young. These findings indicate that the same ischemic insults affect differently the synaptosomal uptake and/or release of 5-HT in adult and young brain.
How does online news curate linked sources? A content analysis of three online news media

This article examines journalists’ curatorial practices with regard to linked and embedded sources on three news media platforms: the online version of a legacy news medium, a native online explana...
Using Paired Depth Interviews to Collect Qualitative Data

This article defines and describes paired depth interviews, discusses conceptualizations of paired depth interviews using Roulston's framework, delineates the strengths and limitations of paired depth interviews, and provides examples of paired depth interviews utilized in helping professions.
Nesterov’s smoothing technique and minimizing differences of convex functions for hierarchical clustering

A bilevel hierarchical clustering model is commonly used in designing optimal multicast networks. In this paper, we consider two different formulations of the bilevel hierarchical clustering problem, a discrete optimization problem which can be shown to be NP-hard. Our approach is to reformulate the problem as a continuous optimization problem by making some relaxations on the discreteness conditions. Then Nesterov’s smoothing technique and a numerical algorithm for minimizing differences of convex functions called the DCA are applied to cope with the nonsmoothness and nonconvexity of the problem. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate our method.
Pathways to Auto Safety: Assessing the Role of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The Motor Vehicle Safety Act directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promulgate and enforce vehicle safety regulations, issue vehicle and component recalls, and conduct research and gather data to support its safety mission. Published twenty-five years ago, Jerry Mashaw & David Harfst’s study, The Struggle for Auto Safety, offered a comprehensive critique of the agency’s performance through its early decades. The authors concluded that after an initial flurry of important rulemaking activity, extending through 1974, NHTSA’s record on the rulemaking front was marked by failed opportunities. Essentially, they concluded that the agency abandoned meaningful rulemaking after its early years and took a path of lesser resistance — resistance, in particular, from Congress, the courts and the auto industry — relying on inefficacious recalls, rather than rulemaking, as its principal regulatory strategy. In this chapter of a collection of essays celebrating the career of Prof. Mashaw, I reassess their critique twenty-five years later. Reviewing NHTSA’s rulemaking and recall activities since 1990, I conclude that Mashaw and Harfst’s criticisms of NHTSA’s rulemaking performance remain largely valid. I am somewhat more optimistic, however, with regard to the potential for a robust recall program to improve auto safety—despite the agency’s substandard response, discussed in detail in my essay, to the GM ignition switch engine shutdown cases. I surmise that if NHTSA were to receive adequate resources, adopt the necessary political will, and work towards a culture of “skeptical receptiveness” in its approach to the auto industry — undeniably big ifs — its recall program could become a vital and effective regulatory tool. To provide context, I also discuss the complementary roles that tort and no-fault liability might play.
Pulsed laser deposition of BaTiO 3 thin films on different substrates

We have studied the deposition of BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films on various substrates. Three representative substrates were selected from different types of material systems: (i) SrTiO3 single crystals as a typical oxide, (ii) Si wafers as a semiconductor, and (iii) Ni foils as a magnetostrictive metal. We have compared the ferroelectric properties of BTO thin films obtained by pulsed laser deposition on these diverse substrates.
Modeling variability in air pollution-related health damages from individual airport emissions.

Abstract In this study, we modeled concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and ozone (O 3 ) attributable to precursor emissions from individual airports in the United States, developing airport-specific health damage functions (deaths per 1000 t of precursor emissions) and physically-interpretable regression models to explain variability in these functions. We applied the Community Multiscale Air Quality model using the Decoupled Direct Method to isolate PM 2.5 - or O 3 -related contributions from precursor pollutants emitted by 66 individual airports. We linked airport- and pollutant-specific concentrations with population data and literature-based concentration-response functions to create health damage functions. Deaths per 1000 t of primary PM 2.5 emissions ranged from 3 to 160 across airports, with variability explained by population patterns within 500 km of the airport. Deaths per 1000 t of precursors for secondary PM 2.5 varied across airports from 0.1 to 2.7 for NOx, 0.06 to 2.9 for SO 2 , and 0.06 to 11 for VOCs, with variability explained by population patterns and ambient concentrations influencing particle formation. Deaths per 1000 t of O 3 precursors ranged from −0.004 to 1.0 for NOx and 0.03 to 1.5 for VOCs, with strong seasonality and influence of ambient concentrations. Our findings reinforce the importance of location- and source-specific health damage functions in design of health-maximizing emissions control policies.
Subepidermal moisture detection of pressure induced tissue damage on the trunk: The pressure ulcer detection study outcomes

We examined the relationship between subepidermal moisture measured using surface electrical capacitance and visual skin assessment of pressure ulcers at the trunk location (sacral, ischial tuberosities) in 417 nursing home residents residing in 19 facilities. Participants were on average older (mean age of 77 years), 58% were female, over half were ethnic minorities (29% African American, 12% Asian American, and 21% Hispanic), and at risk for pressure ulcers (mean score for Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk of 15.6). Concurrent visual assessments and subepidermal moisture were obtained at the sacrum and right and left ischium weekly for 16 weeks. Visual assessment was categorized as normal, erythema, stage 1 pressure ulcer, Deep Tissue Injury or stage 2+ pressure ulcer using the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2009 classification system. Incidence of any skin damage was 52%. Subepidermal moisture was measured with a dermal phase meter where higher readings indicate greater moisture (range: 0-70 tissue dielectric constant), with values increasing significantly with the presence of skin damage. Elevated subepidermal moisture values co-occurred with concurrent skin damage in generalized multinomial logistic models (to control for repeated observations) at the sacrum, adjusting for age and risk. Higher subepidermal moisture values were associated with visual damage 1 week later using similar models. Threshold values for subepidermal moisture were compared to visual ratings to predict skin damage 1 week later. Subepidermal moisture of 39 tissue dielectric constant units predicted 41% of future skin damage while visual ratings predicted 27%. Thus, this method of detecting early skin damage holds promise for clinicians, especially as it is objective and equally valid for all groups of patients.
Association of Blood Pressure Control Level With Left Ventricular Morphology and Function and With Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease.

BackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and subclinical cerebrovascular disease are early manifestations of cardiac and brain target organ damage caused by hypertension. This study aimed to inv...
Hydrothermal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass has long been recognized as a potential sustainable source of mixed sugars fermentation to biofuels and other biochemicals. The hydrothermal pretreatments (steam explosion and hot water pretreatment) are the most effective pretreatments for a variety of biomass types and have been shown to work effectively at a commercial scale. Here, we consider the technical maturity of the hydrothermal pretreatments by looking at the process history, describing the mode of reactions and analyzing the influence of pretreatment conditions on the physico-chemical properties of pretreated biomass. Finally, we compare the effectiveness of hydrothermal pretreatments and outline the remaining challenges associated with harnessing the pretreatment for production of biochemicals.
Investing in early public works: financial risks and returns in English and Welsh turnpikes, 1820–82

Private and local investors provided much of the capital to improve England's infrastructure during its industrialization. This study investigates the financial returns to investors in turnpike road trusts. It draws on parliamentary reports which provide comprehensive data on finances, including payments to bondholders. One key finding is that turnpike trusts paid their bondholders a return above the yield on government bonds before 1850. Afterwards turnpike interest payments declined, yet they still yielded competitive returns. Another key finding is that the risks were modest. Returns to holding individual turnpike bonds varied, with most paying 4 to 5 per cent and some paying zero. The latter were not the majority and in many cases interest payments resumed within a few years. Diversified portfolios of turnpike bonds enjoyed lower risks, and outperformed portfolios with railway and canal securities traded on the London exchange before 1850. Overall, the results contribute to a better understanding of the risks and returns associated with investing in early public works.
SDN and NFV enabled service function multicast mechanisms over hybrid infrastructure

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are two new paradigms which can accelerate service provisioning. Specifically, NFV decouples proprietary network functions from the hardware and implements them in the form of software which is referred to as Virtual Network Function (VNF). In this way, NFV offers great flexibility for service composition and provision. SDN decouples network control from data forwarding and provides a centralized orchestrator for managing and guiding the provision process of services. However, in the context of SDN and NFV, most researches focus on provisioning the unicast service, while the multicast service provision problem lacks sufficient research. The NFV-enabled multicast is important, which involves not only constructing the multicast topology, deploying and chaining VNFs, but also steering traffic through required VNFs before reaching destinations. In this paper, we propose three efficient heuristics to solve the static, dynamic and scalable multicast problems in the context of SDN and NFV. In particular, the static multicast means that end users do not join or leave the multicast session until it ends, while the dynamic multicast means that end users can join or leave dynamically. The scalable multicast means that network functions can be added to or removed from the multicast service dynamically. The novel strategy of the three heuristics is decoupling traffic forwarding and function deployment. With the decoupling, NFV-enabled multicast can be implemented in multiple stages, during which we can achieve a certain extent of reliability by selectively deploying multiple function instances of the same type. In addition, such decoupling also enables adding or removing functions for multicast services easily, which means that we can also achieve a certain extent of function scalability. The experiment results are achieved under the hybrid environment and show that the proposed heuristics can effectively address the multicast problem in the context of SDN and NFV.
Low dose posaconazole delayed release tablets for fungal prophylaxis in lung transplant recipients.

In November 2013, posaconazole delayed release (DR) tablets were approved by the FDA with the labeled dose of 300 mg daily for fungal prophylaxis. There are no studies demonstrating the appropriate dose in lung transplant recipients (LTR). We performed a 2-center retrospective cohort study of LTR taking posaconazole DR tablets for prophylaxis between January 2014 and January 2017. Mean serum trough concentrations and percentage of measurements ≥0.7 mcg/mL were compared by daily dose. Forty-nine subjects with 156 steady state serum posaconazole concentrations were included. There was a significant difference in percentage of first measured concentration ≥0.7 mcg/mL by initial daily dose (P = .04). The mean serum posaconazole concentration by dose was 0.9 (±0.42) mcg/mL for 100 mg daily, 1.66 (±0.91) mcg/mL for 200 mg daily, 2.39 (±1.49) mcg/mL for 300 mg daily, and 1.75 (±0.21) mcg/mL for 400 mg daily (P < .001). Mean concentrations were at goal in 63.3%, 96.9%, 94.9%, and 100% of subjects taking 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, and 400 mg daily respectively (P = .04). Our results suggest that doses less than 300 mg daily of posaconazole DR tablets may be adequate to achieve target serum concentrations in LTR. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
GUGATAN WARGA NEGARA (STUDI KASUS: GERAKAN SAMARINDA MENGGUGAT

Abstrak Perubahan iklim bukan lagi menjadi sebuah omong kosong, kenyataan bahwa bumi semakin panas dan ancaman atas dampak perubahan iklim telah menjadi nyata. Pergeseran musim mengakibatkan kegagalan dalam bercocok tanam, kenaikan permukaan air laut mengancam keberadaan negara-negara kepulauan kecil. Banjir dan kekeringan adalah sebagian kecil dari dampak perubahan iklim yang telah nyata dirasakan. Bumi semakin panas, para ahli dalam Laporan IPCC WG I AR 5 semakin yakin bahwa penyebab perubahan iklim adalah akibat aktivitas manusia. Pertanyaan yang kemudian muncul adalah siapa yang bertanggung jawab atas kerusakan dan kerugian yang diderita akibat dampak perubahan iklim? Di Indonesia, Gugatan Warga Negara menjadi salah satu bentuk litigasi yang menjadi alternatif penyelesaian dampak perubahan iklim yang dirasakan oleh masyarakat. Abstract Climate change is not longer became an issue, we are facing the fact that earth is getting warmer and the impact of climate change is become real. The season changed, and affected the crops failure. The raising sea level threatening the existence of small islands. Flood and drought are simply the several impact of climate change that has been perceived. Earth is getting warmer, the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group I ensure the main cause of climate change is from anthropogenic activities. The question that arose later is who will be responsible for any damage of the climate change impact? Citizen Law Suit in Indonesia has become one of litigation form that can be an alternative solution of climate change impacts in civil society.
A study of various beacon antennas for an orbiting sample container of a future mars sample return mission

This paper presents some results of a study of various options for a near-omnidirectional low-gain antenna at UHF frequencies, for a Mars Orbiting Sample Return Container (OS). The OS is part of a concept study for a future mission to return samples from Mars. It is a critical component of such a mission which contains the Mars samples. It would be returned by a separate spacecraft to Earth. The OS will be identified and located by the spacecraft for pick-up from orbit by a beacon signal broadcast via a surface antenna. Several antenna designs were considered, but two promising ones are presented here which have good patterns with a better than 2:1 VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio), but meet different criteria for OS design. One is a patch type antenna and the other a slot type antenna. Some data and test results of a fabricated breadboard antenna as well as discussions are provided.
Corrosion sensing for assessing and monitoring civil infrastructures

Abstract: Concrete structures with steel-reinforced rebar are in a continuous and losing battle with corrosive elements that naturally occur from long-term exposure to an aggressive environment. Additionally, because such structures are now required to perform longer than mandated by their original design, many are now woefully obsolete. Clear understanding of the condition of such structures is crucial, from the points of view of both economy and safety. Prediction of the deterioration of steel-reinforced concrete structures due to corrosion and adapting the accurate maintenance protocol are difficult tasks, which would be enhanced by using different corrosion measurement techniques and corrosion sensors. This chapter describes some corrosion measurement methods and their applications in corrosion sensors.