cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence of a Right Hemisphere Bias for the Influence of Negative Emotion on Higher Cognition

We examined how responses to aversive pictures affected performance and stimulus-locked event-related potentials (ERPs) recorded during a demanding cognitive task. Numeric Stroop stimuli were brief ly presented to either left or right visual hemifield (LVF and RVF, respectively) after a centrally presented aversive or neutral picture from the International Affective Picture System. Subjects indicated whether a quantity value from each Stroop stimulus matched the preceding Stroop stimulus while passively viewing the pictures. After aversive pictures, responses were more accu- rate for LVF Stroops and less accurate for RVF Stroops. Early-latency extrastriate attention-dependent visual ERPs were enhanced for LVF Stroops. The N2 ERP was enhanced for LVF Stroops over the right frontal and parietal scalp sites. Slow potentials (300–800 msec) recorded over the frontal and parietal regions showed enhanced picture related modulation and amplitude for LVF Stroops. These results suggest that emotional responses to aversive pictures selectively facilitated right hemisphere processing during higher cognitive task performance.
Effect of thermal residual stress on the mechanical properties of NiAl-based composites

NiAl-based hybrid composites containing 5, 15 and 30 volume percent of Al2O3 fibers in addition to AIN dispersion particles were fabricated via a powder metallurgy route. The strengthening mechanisms associated with the short Al2O3 fiber in NiAl-(AlN)dispersion,-(Al2O3)fiber, composite were studied with an emphasis on the effect of thermal residual stress on the compressive strength at room temperature and 1300K. At 300K, the yield strength of the composites was predicted using a linear superposition of the monolithic yield strength, direct fiber strengthening and tensile matrix residual stresses. The prediction shows good agreement with the measured data. The majority of the room temperature strengthening is attributable to the residual stress. At 1300K, the strengthening was achieved only by the load sharing of the fibers and there is no direct influence from the process-induced thermal residual stresses since they were completely relaxed at this temperature.
Candidate Mapping: Finding Your Place Amongst the Candidates

The process of voting for a candidate involves selecting an individual who best matches a personal system of values and beliefs. Typically, voters must select a candidate whom they believe fits their issue stances best by determining their approximate similarity to the candidates on the issues, and cognitively positioning themselves amongst the candidates. We show in the context of our candidate position data that the intrinsic dimensionality of candidate similarity in our data can be sufficiently expressed algorithmically in two dimensions using Gower similarity and Sammon mapping. A participant study analyzes how voters choose to position themselves on this low dimensional representation, and how this positioning is related to the position dictated by their actual responses to issues, as well as to their general political stance.
Next generation MPLS-based wireless mobile network

The next generation Internet based on multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and integrated services architecture will likely emerge as a prominent core network for future generation wireless mobile systems. This paper proposes a lightweight near-seamless handoff scheme to support terminal mobility over a MPLS-based Internet supporting performance guarantees. The handoff scheme is supported by: (1) a novel mobile label switched tree (MLST) architecture which provides dynamic mobility tracking and adaptive traffic rerouting during handoffs; and (2) an extended RSVP to enable fast and robust resource reservation during handoffs.
Erasure Resilient Codes in Peer-To-Peer Storage Cloud

In this paper, we investigate the use of erasure resilient code (ERC) in a peer-to-peer storage cloud. We compare the random linear code (RLC, network coding) and the Reed-Solomon (RS) code, and study the proper ERC parameters in term of data reliability, computational efficiency and security concerns. We conclude that the use of ERC in P2P storage may greatly improve data reliability and reduce backup server cost. Because of the lack of efficient homomorphic hashing, RLC can not be implemented efficiently and yet be effective against the malicious attack. As a result, we believe that the RS code is most suited for use in the P2P storage cloud.
Light-Weight On-Chip Structure for Measuring Timing Uncertainty Induced by Noise in Integrated Circuits

Noise such as voltage drop and temperature in integrated circuits can cause significant performance variation and even functional failure in lower technology nodes. In this paper, we propose a lightweight on-chip structure that measures timing uncertainty induced by noise during functional and test operations. The proposed on-chip structure, facilitates speed characterization under various workloads and test conditions. The basic structure is highly scalable and can be tailored for various applications such as silicon validation, monitoring operation condition, and validating logic built-in-self-test conditions. Simulation results show that it offers very high measurement resolution in a highly efficient manner.
Evaluation of Mesh-Enhanced VANET Deployment Models

While wireless vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are attracting greater commercial interest, current research has not adequately captured the real-world urban constraints in VANET deployment. In this work, we evaluated the feasibility and benefits of deploying a VANET in urban settings with a wireless mesh backbone infrastructure. We modeled urban street layouts, traffic rules, RF attenuation due to physical obstacles, and the use of multiple radio channels Our results indicate that the performance improves in dense networks when routing decisions are limited to mesh nodes, whereas it improves in sparse networks when mobile nodes also participate in routing. We also show that the effect of signal attenuation due to physical obstacles can potentially be parametrized in simulations using empirical real-world measurements.
A Holistic Approach to Developing Fall-Prevention Programs for Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Falls among older adults are a major public health concern because they have a high incidence and impose substantial personal and societal burdens (Marks & Allegrante, 2004). Physical, emotional, social, environmental, and financial costs of fall-related injuries can be devastating. The direct annual financial cost in the United States for treating fall-related injuries is more than $20 billion annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Research has focused on factors that hinder healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults. However, scarce literature exists on factors that facilitate education- and prevention-related activities focused on falls. This article makes a case for comprehensive activity programs that include fall-prevention workshops for older adults. Further, this article presents a literature review on the causes of falling and its impact on older adults. A holistic approach to developing fall-prevention programs and a strong commitment to promoting and implementing ...
Analytical accuracy of hydrogen measurement using gas chromatography with thermal conductivity detection

Gas chromatography employing a thermal conductivity detector with a nitrogen carrier gas and a molecular sieve 5 A column is commonly used for the analysis of widely varying hydrogen concentrations. Flow variation of the column, caused by carrier gas adsorption, affects the peak shape and impacts the analytical accuracy. The mechanism and factors affecting the adsorption effect are explored, errors caused by the deviation from the linearity of the detector's response are considered, and practical advice is given for improving the analytical accuracy.
Comparison of binding of mixed ribose-deoxyribose analogues of CUCU to a ribozyme and to GGAGAA by equilibrium dialysis: evidence for ribozyme specific interactions with 2' OH groups.

Dissociation constants at 15 degrees C were measured by equilibrium dialysis for the binding of rCrUrCrU, dCrUrCrU, rCdUrCrU, rCrUdCrU, and rCrUrCdU to the L-21 ScaI form of the self-splicing group I LSU intron from Tetrahymena thermophila. Substitution of deoxyribose for ribose in each of the middle two positions makes the free energy change for binding 1-2 kcal/mol less favorable, compared to about 0.3 kcal/mol less favorable for each of the terminal positions. Dissociation constants for binding of the same oligomers to rGGAGAA were measured by optical melting methods. Substitution of a single deoxyribose for ribose makes the free energy change for binding less favorable by 0.4-0.9 kcal/mol for this simple duplex formation. Comparison of the effects for binding to ribozyme and to rGGAGAA indicate that ribozyme-specific tertiary interactions dependent on the middle two 2' OH groups of rCrUrCrU add about 2 kcal/mol of favorable free energy for binding to L-21 ScaI. Comparisons are made with results from gel retardation studies [Pyle, A. M., McSwiggen, J. A., & Cech, T. R. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 8187-8191; Pyle, A. M., & Cech, T. R. (1991) Nature (London) 350, 628-631].
Climacus the (multi-dimensional) humorist: interpreting ‘An understanding with the reader’

‘An understanding with the reader’ which appears as an appendix to Kierkegaard's Concluding Unscientific Postscript has puzzled readers by apparently ‘taking back’ everything that the pseudonymous author Climacus has said in the text that precedes it. I agree with John Lippitt that this ‘revocation’ should be read as a humorous statement; however, I disagree with Lippitt's assessment that the tone of the revocation is essentially ‘non-urgent’ and ‘modest’. I propose that a fuller picture of Climacus's character is needed to understand the spirit of the revocation and its relationship to the rest of the text.
Abnormal maternal serum alpha fetoprotein and pregnancy outcome.

The objective was to assess the occurrence of miscarriages, low birth weight, and karyotype abnormalities found with low and elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) among women who had genetic amniocentesis performed. A retrospective study of 2,159 women who had MSAFP analysis prior to amniocentesis was conducted. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained from record review and physicians follow-up. Limits of MSAFP used in analysis were > 0.5 adjusted multiples of the median (MOM) (lower levels) and < 2.0 MOM (upper levels). Autosomal trisomy was found in 1.6% with low, 0.9% normal, and 0.6% with elevated MSAFP values. Sex chromosome abnormalities were present only in patients with normal MSAFP, [45X (n = 6), 47XXY (n = 2), 69XXX (2)]. Of five open neural tube defects, four had elevated MSAFP and one had a normal value. Omphalocele was identified in four patients, two with normal and two with elevated MSAFP. Gastroschisis was found in one low and one elevated MSAFP. Amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein (AFAF...
Ultraviolet absorption spectra of alkylamino-s-triazines

Abstract The ultraviolet absorption spectra of variously substituted alkylamino-s-triazines have been obtained in acid and basic media. The spectra are correlated with molecular and ionic structures in terms of inductive effects and with conjugation between methoxy, chloro, and methylthio groups in the 2-position and the π-eleotron system of the heterooyclic ring. The number, rather than the length, of alkyl groups on the 4 and 6 amino substituents influence an observed bathoohromio shift. Protonation has opposite intensity effects on the two bands observed in the spectrum of each compound.
OMG Earthquake! Can Twitter Improve Earthquake Response?

Following the 12 May 2008 Wenchuan, China, earthquake, discussion circulated on the Internet describing how the U.S. Geological Survey's earthquake notification lagged behind firsthand accounts sent through Twitter, a popular Internet-based service for sending and receiving short text messages, referred to as “tweets.” A prominent technology blogger, Robert Scoble (http://scobleizer.com), is generally credited for being the first to aggregate and redistribute tweets from people in China who directly experienced and reported the shaking resulting from the Wenchuan earthquake. Subsequent earthquakes generated volumes of earthquake-related tweets, and numerous accounts are on the Web. For example, Ian O'Neill discusses Twitter activity following a magnitude 3.3 Los Angeles earthquake on 24 January 2009 in his blog http://astroengine.com. He showed a remarkable increase in frequency of tweets containing the word “earthquake” after the event and discussed the possibility of a Twitter-based earthquake detector. Similarly, following the 30 March 2009, Morgan Hill, California, magnitude 4.3 earthquake, Michal Migursk (http://mike.teczno.com) noted an increase in earthquake-related tweets. Access to firsthand accounts of earthquake shaking within seconds of an earthquake is intriguing, but is there any reliable information that can be gleaned from the Twitter messages? To explore this question, we provide a quick review of Twitter and its capabilities and investigate the possibility of using the tweets to detect seismic events and produce rapid maps of the felt area. In this exploratory study, we examine the tweets that followed the 30 March 2009 Morgan Hill earthquake. Twitter is a service that allows anyone to send and receive 140-character text messages (tweets) via any Internet-enabled device. Tweets can be sent and received through a Web page, mobile device, or third-party Twitter applications. Tweets can be sent publicly or privately to a specified user. All users who opt to “follow” a Twitter user will receive that user's tweets …
Hydrometeorology and Variability of Water Discharge and Sediment Load in the Inner Gulf of Honduras, Western Caribbean

The hydrological and meteorological characteristics of the watersheds of the inner Gulf of Honduras in the western Caribbean, including runoff, sediment load and yield, and the effects of the El Nino-La Nina cycle, are examined using available data. The inner Gulf of Honduras, bordered by the second-longest coral reef complex in the world, the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef, receives runoff from the watersheds of 12 rivers with a total simulated annual discharge of 1232 m 3 s 21. Expanding agricultural and industrial activities contribute to the influx of sediments, nutrients, and pollutants from these rivers, leading to increased threats to the health of the reef ecosystem. The watersheds of the Moho, Sarstun, and Polochic-Dulce Rivers receive more than 4000 mm of rainfall annually and are major sources of discharge and sediment load, along with the Motagua and Ulua, farther to the east. The drainage basins are characterized by runoff ratios of 0.30-0.55 and simulated sediment yields as high as 869 t km22 yr 21. The results from two different sediment load/yield models agree to within 62.3% at the 95% confidence level. Sediment load estimates increase by as much as 5 times on model comparisons of present land use to increased land use. Time series of precipitation for the inner Gulf of Honduras exhibit bimodal distribution with maxima in May-June and in September-October. Analysis of long-term climatic data reveals only a weak but measurable correlation with El Nino-La Nina. The Southern Oscillation index explains on average 7%-15% of the precipitation and temperature variability for the inner Gulf of Honduras.
The effects of pore geometry on adsorption equilibrium in shale formations and coal-beds: Lattice density functional theory study

Abstract Textural characterization is a critical step to assess and evaluate petrophysical properties of unconventional reservoirs, including shale-gas, coalbed and tight-gas systems. Gas adsorption, typically with N 2 at 77 K or CO 2 at 273 K, is the widely used method for such characterizations. To translate adsorption data into useful petrophysical quantities such as pore size, pore connectivity, and pore volume, one needs to exploit appropriate correlations to link molecular scale interactions and macro-scale phenomena. One important yet under-studied property of unconventional matrices is their true pore structure and its effects on fluid thermodynamics inside pore space. Herein, based on lattice density functional theory, we have developed a multilayer adsorption model with parameterized energy terms, to determine effects of pore shape and pore size (of shale and coal samples) on the thermodynamic state of reservoir fluid. The model is extended from its original slit pore geometry into cylindrical and spherical geometries to consider the effects of local pore curvature on adsorption energetics and uptakes mainly in mesopores (between 2 and 50 nm). In addition, the surface energy term is modified to consider the effect of the force field exerted by pore walls on both the adlayer and subsequent adsorbed layers. Modification of the energy term resulted in layer-by-layer, two-dimensional condensation followed by the final capillary condensation. The force field exerted by the pore walls together with local pore curvature shifted the condensation pressures toward lower relative pressures ( P / P 0 ). By applying the model to N 2 porosimetry isotherms at 77 K for two reference samples, ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-15) and ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC), the model confirmed essentially cylindrical pore structure for both samples. The model was further applied to N 2 at 77 K porosimetry isotherms of Woodford shale and Cameo coal samples, and identified the pore structures of the samples as dominated by cylindrical and slit pore geometries, respectively.
Abstract 332: Mitochondrial Inner-Membrane Potential Instability Promotes Sarcolemmal Electrical Instability after Ischemia-Reperfusion in Monolayers of Cardiac Myocytes

Mitochondrial uncoupling due to oxidative stress can, through opening of sarcolemmal KATP channels, alter cellular electrical excitability, and it has been proposed that mitochondrial function is a major factor in arrhythmogenesis during ischemia-reperfusion. Here, we examine the effects of ischemia-reperfusion on mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) and corresponding changes in electrical excitability and wave propagation in monolayer cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Changes in ΔΨm were observed using TMRM and changes in the sarcolemmal voltage were recorded with a 464-element photodiode array using di-4-ANEPPS. Ischemia was induced by covering the center part of the monolayer (D = 22 mm) with a coverslip (D = 15 mm). Cell contractions ceased after approximately 6 min of ischemia; however, electrical activity continued for 11.3 ± 4.2 min (N = 5). Amplitude and conduction velocity of the action potentials in the ischemic region decreased over the same time period. ΔΨm was lost in two phases: a reversible phase of partial depolarization, after 11.2 ± 1.3 min of ischemia, and a nonreversible phase, which happened after 30 ± 6 min of ischemia, during which the whole mitochondrial network of the myocyte became depolarized and the cells underwent contracture (N = 4). Reperfusion after the long ischemia resulted in only partial recovery and the observance of oscillations of ΔΨm in the mitochondrial network or rapid flickering of individual mitochondrial clusters and was associated with heterogeneous electrical recovery, and formation of wavelets and reentry (4/5 monolayers). In contrast, mitochondria fully recovered and reentry was rare (1/5 monolayers) for reperfusion after the short ischemia (10-12 min). 4’-chlorodiazepam, an inhibitor of inner membrane anion channels, stabilized mitochondrial function after the long ischemia, and prevented wavelets (5/5 monolayers) and reentry (4/5 monolayers). In conclusion, incomplete or unstable recovery of mitochondrial function after ischemia correlates with reentrant arrhythmias in monolayers of cardiac myocytes. Our findings suggest that stabilization of mitochondrial network dynamics is an important strategy for preventing ischemia/reperfusion-related arrhythmias.
Originalism, Sex Discrimination, and Age Discrimination

This short piece considers whether the Twenty-sixth Amendment, which bans age discrimination in voting rights, should be read back into the Fourteenth Amendment to prohibit age discrimination in civil rights. It is a response to Calabresi and Rickert’s Originalism and Sex Discrimination, which similarly considers whether the Nineteenth Amendment should be read back into the Fourteenth Amendment to prohibit sex discrimination in civil rights. This piece shows, based on the enactment history of the Twenty-sixth Amendment, that it cannot be interpreted to expand the Fourteenth Amendment’s prohibitions to include age discrimination. This would seem to create a problem for Calabresi and Rickert’s argument that all expansions of political rights necessarily imply expansions of civil rights. However, that problem disappears if one drops their formalistic a fortiori theory, and instead views the Nineteenth Amendment as merely rebutting the factual assumptions behind the position that sex discrimination is constitutional.
Identifying the Variables Contributing to At-Risk Performance: Initial Evaluation of the Performance Diagnostic Checklist–Safety (PDC-Safety)

ABSTRACTWe adapted the Performance Diagnostic Checklist to analyze the environmental events contributing to safe and at-risk behaviors by employees in organizations. We then used the resulting tool, the Performance Diagnostic Checklist–Safety (PDC-Safety), to identify variables contributing to unsafe equipment usage by 3 members of a landscaping crew at a private university. Based on PDC-Safety results, an intervention consisting of graphic feedback was implemented. The intervention increased safe performance for all participants.
Some Remarks On The Term “Aztec Empire” *

The enormous native state which Cortes overthrew August 13, 1521, is commonly called the Aztec Empire. This is true more of the English literature than of the Spanish, which sometimes prefers the half-correct “Imperio de los Mexicanos”. The writer has no quarrel with the word “Empire”, which has been questioned from time to time, but he does have with the word “Aztec” used in this connection. This originates, apparently, with Clavijero and was diffused by Prescott, a mere hundred years ago. The latter speaks initially of “the ancient Mexicans, or Aztecs as they were called” and after that uses “Aztec Empire” incessantly. This nomenclature, vulgarized through such dross as Bancroft, has swamped everything else. Nevertheless, neither Cortes nor Bernal Diaz nor Tapia, all actors in the Conquest, ever so much as mention the word “Aztec”, much less say “we conquered the Aztec Empire”. Nor does Sahagun in his encyclopedic work use the term “Aztec Empire”, nor does Motolinia. If it appears in any of these works, or anywhere among the first generation of conquerors and settlers, it is so subordinately mentioned that it has escaped the writer. Below we shall see what its conquerors did call the Empire they overthrew.
Analysis on food hygienic quality survey of a western fast food chain store

Objective:To study the food hygienic quality of a western fast food chain store in Guangzhou city.Methods: Food were sampled from 8 western fast food chain stores governed by one famous multinational western fast food corporation.Some food and some using filtered water were sampled and hygienic of the food production and processing was investigated during 2005-2006.Results: 4 categories of food such as thin pancake,salad,fried food,cold drinks and filtered water in total 12 kinds of food were tested.As a result,the physical and chemical index of thin pancake,the qualification rate of peroxide value was 96.88%.The qualification rate of bacteriological index of salad was 47.9%,in that,the qualification rate of total numbers of colony and coliform group was 95.8% and 50%,respectively.In the physical and chemical index of fried food,the qualification rate of acid value of the vegetables fried food,the flour fried food with filling,the frying oil was 90.63%,93.75% and 90.6%,respectively.The qualification rate of bacteriological index of cold drinks was 75%,in that,the qualification rate of total numbers of colony and coliform group was 90.63% and 75%,respectively.The qualification rate of coliform group of ice cream in bulk was 81.25%.The qualification rate of bacteriological index of edible ice was 62.5%,in that,the qualification rate of total numbers of colony and coliform group was 75% and 78.13%,respectively.The qualification rate of bacteriological index of carbonated soft drinks adjusted in the spot by machine was 84.38%,in that,the qualification rate of total numbers of colony and coliform group was 90.63% and 87.5%,respectively.And,the qualification rate of bacteriological index of filtered water was 87.5%,in that,the qualification rate of total numbers of colony and coliform group was 90.63% and 96.88%,respectively.Conclusion: The current food hygiene quality status of western fast food chain store is not optimistic.There are still quite a few sanitation problems.Health administration should pay great attention to.
Ensemble Learning in Non-Gaussian Data Assimilation

The demand for tractable non-Gaussian Bayesian estimation has increased the popularity of kernel and mixture density representations. Here, using Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM), we posit that the reduction of total variance also remains an important objective in non-linear filtering, particularly in the presence of bias. We propose multi-objective estimation as an essential ingredient in data assimilation.
The effect of carbon impurities on molybdenum surface morphology evolution under high-flux low-energy helium ion irradiation

Abstract We report on the role of carbon (C) impurities, in molybdenum (Mo) fuzz evolutions on Mo surface during 100 eV He + ion irradiations. In this study we considered 0.01, 0.05, and 0.5% C + ion impurities in He + ion irradiations. For introducing such tiny C + ion impurities, gas mixtures of He and CH 4 have been chosen in following ratios; 99.95: 0.05, 99.75: 0.25, and 97.5: 2.5. Apart from these three cases, two additional cases, 100% He + ion (for Mo fuzz growth due to only He + ions) and 100% H + ion (for confirming the significance of tiny 0.04–2.0% H + ions in terms of Mo fuzz evolutions on Mo surface, if any), have also been considered. Ion energy (100 eV), ion fluence (2.6 × 10 24 ions m −2 ), and target temperature (923 K) were kept constant for each experiment and their selections were based on our previous studies [1,2]. Our study shows homogeneously populated and highly dense Mo fuzz evolutions on entire Mo surface for 100% He + ion irradiation case. Enhancement of C + ion impurities in He + ions causes a sequential reduction in Mo fuzz evolutions, leading to almost complete prevention of Mo fuzz evolutions for 0.5% C + ion impurity concentrations. Additionally, no fuzz formation for 100% H + ion irradiation at all, were seen (apart from some tiny nano-structuring, in very limited regions). This indicates that there is no significant role of H + ions in Mo fuzz evolutions (at least for such tiny amount, 0.04–2.0% H + ions). The study is significant to understand the behavior of potential high-Z plasma facing components (PFCs), in the, presence of tiny amount of C impurities, for nuclear fusion relevant applications.
Microbiologic Diagnosis in Endophthalmitis

Microbiological diagnosis in endophthalmitis is evolving. Stains and cultures remain the “gold standard” for laboratory diagnosis and confirmation; however, the role of the laboratory is being redefined and expanded to meet the demand for increased sensitivity and quicker turnaround times. The demand for quicker turnaround times and increased diagnostic sensitivity is fueled and paralleled by the increase in the number of patients at risk.
The Challenge of Providing Quality Psychiatric Services In a Rural Setting

The development of a system of services that addresses the medical, psychiatric, and social needs of mentally ill persons may be particularly difficult in rural health areas because of environmental, sociocultural, and program issues different from those in urban settings. The quality of rural mental health care must be evaluated in light of these unique needs and resources. This article identifies and discusses problems in delivery of services, including environment, denial, confidentiality, costs, and human resources, and outlines responses to these problems seen as challenges rather than as barriers.
Attentional avoidance of fearful facial expressions following early life stress is associated with impaired social functioning

Background Early life stress is associated with poorer social functioning. Attentional biases in response to threat-related cues, linked to both early experience and psychopathology, may explain this association. To date, however, no study has examined attentional biases to fearful facial expressions as a function of early life stress or examined these biases as a potential mediator of the relation between early life stress and social problems. Methods In a sample of 154 children (ages 9–13 years) we examined the associations among interpersonal early life stressors (i.e., birth through age 6 years), attentional biases to emotional facial expressions using a dot-probe task, and social functioning on the Child Behavior Checklist. Results High levels of early life stress were associated with both greater levels of social problems and an attentional bias away from fearful facial expressions, even after accounting for stressors occurring in later childhood. No biases were found for happy or sad facial expressions as a function of early life stress. Finally, attentional biases to fearful faces mediated the association between early life stress and social problems. Conclusions Attentional avoidance of fearful facial expressions, evidenced by a bias away from these stimuli, may be a developmental response to early adversity and link the experience of early life stress to poorer social functioning.
Bayesian inference on longitudinal-survival data with multiple features

The modeling of longitudinal and survival data is an active research area. Most of researches focus on improving the estimating efficiency but ignore many data features frequently encountered in practice. In this article, we develop a joint model that concurrently accounting for longitudinal-survival data with multiple features. Specifically, our joint model handles skewness, limit of detection, missingness and measurement errors in covariates which are typical observed in the collection of longitudinal-survival data from many studies. We employ a Bayesian approach for making inference on the joint model. The proposed model and method are applied to an AIDS study. A few alternative models under different conditions are compared. Some interesting results are reported. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed methods.
Real time electricity theft detection in microgrids through wireless sensor networks

A microgrid (MG) is potentially vulnerable to electricity theft when it operates in three different modes. In this paper a wireless sensor network (WSN), comprised of purpose built resistive temperature sensor (RTS) nodes, is used in an MG distribution network to measure the line resistance, in order to identify illegitimate user(s) in real time. The changing resistance of a copper wire with the changing temperature in the sensing unit of an RTS node determines the real time resistance, which is then compared with the line resistance estimated through singular value decomposition at the sink node. In our experiments, it detects non-technical losses or theft in real time with 100% accuracy without knowing the exact topology of the distribution network.
On the validity of the radiographic method for determining age of ancient salmon

Abstract White rings visible on the centrum face of salmon vertebrae with X-rays have been used since the 1980s to age Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), which in turn have been used to determine salmon species, season of capture and season of site occupation. This approach relies on a variety of assumptions, the most fundamental of which is that rings represent true years. Recent aDNA analysis has shown that the X-ray approach has flaws but the source of the error has been unknown. Given the value of reconstructing salmon population demographics and life history from ancient remains, establishing a valid and reliable method of ageing salmon vertebrae is extremely worthwhile. The main goal of our study was to evaluate if X-ray images of ring patterns on vertebrae provide a valid method of estimating fish age. Vertebrae from 66 adult Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) of known age were studied with X-rays, thin sections or low-powered (10–30 ×) magnification. We found that the white bands observed in X-rays are structural walls that do not grow annually. While X-rays are not a valid method for ageing salmonids, incremental growth seen on the surface of fish centra shows great promise for reconstructing ancient fish life history.
Semaphorin7A Inhibition interrupts hypoxia induction of angiogenic factors in murine monocytes (TUM6P.963)

We discovered that mammary tumor cells express high levels of the protein Semaphorin7A (SEMA7A) and that tumor-derived SEMA7A induces monocytes to secrete pro-angiogenic chemokines to enhance tumor growth. Decreased SEMA7A limits tumor growth and production of angiogenic CXCL-2/MIP-2 and VEGF-A by monocytes. The mechanisms controlling SEMA7A expression during tumor progression are largely unknown. Recent reports describe a hypoxia responsive element in the promoter of SEMA7A. It is well established that hypoxia enhances tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis and alternatively activating monocytes. We hypothesize that SEMA7A may be a hypoxia-inducible factor and its inhibition may deter production of monocyte-derived angiogenic proteins. Monocytes from wild-type (WT) and SEMA7A null BALB/c mice were exposed to CoCl 2 -induced hypoxia. CoCl 2 induced expression of SEMA7A in both mammary cells and WT monocytes. Following hypoxic stimuli, WT monocytes increased production of CXCL2/MIP-2, VEGF-A and Chitinase-3-like protein1 (CHI3L1). However, SEMA7A null monocytes failed to respond to hypoxia, which may be attributed to an impaired MAPK signaling response. Thus, inhibiting SEMA7A may abrogate the detrimental effects of tumor induced hypoxia on monocytes. We are further delineating how the lack of host SEMA7A can impact mammary tumor growth in vivo. Understanding the role of SEMA7A may unravel important tumor-host immune interactions in breast cancer.
Glucagon receptor as a drug target: A witches' brew of eye of newt (peptides) and toe of frog (receptors)

Glucagon has a noble history in the annals of metabolic disease (1), even though to a layperson insulin is its more famous counter-regulatory partner. For decades medical students have been taught that glucagon raises blood glucose by increasing hepatic glucose output and that alleviation of hypoglycemia is its primary function (2). Thus, inhibition of glucagon secretion (3) or action (4) are logical approaches to the development of therapeutics that improve glycemic control in both type 2 and type 1 diabetes mellitus; indeed, this strategy has been pursued for nearly 4 decades.
Imperial Origins: Wales, Ireland, and America

Adams’s conception of the British Empire meant that each element of the purported empire was acquired under a particular set of terms that set the relationship of that people to the king and parliament of England unless subsequently modified with the consent of the people involved. There was no unified imperial structure in Leonard’s sense, a coherent and unified constitutional structure, only various peoples subject to the king of England in his various capacities. Adams examined the history of English relations with Ireland, Wales, and the American settlements to support his argument.
A Two-Stage Design for Comparative Clinical Trials: the Heteroscedastic Solution

The problem of comparing several experimental treatments to a control arises frequently in clinical trials. Various multi-stage randomized phase II/III designs have been proposed for the purpose of selecting one or more promising experimental treatments and comparing them with a control, while controlling overall Type I and Type II error rates. In this paper, a hybrid selection and testing design for comparing the means of several experimental normal populations among themselves and with the mean of a control normal population is proposed. It is assumed that the variances of the experimental and the control normal populations are unknown and unequal. A Stein-type two-sample selection approach is used at both the selection and testing stages to solve the heteroscedastic problems caused by the unknown variances. The hybrid two-stage design allows for dropping the poorly performing treatments early on the basis of interim analysis results and for early termination if none of the experimental treatments seems promising. Numerical computations are given to show the advantage of the proposed procedure over a pure selection procedure. An example is provided to illustrate the use of the new procedure.
A closed-loop design to enhance weight stability of memristor based neural network chips

Compared with the algorithm optimizations, brain-inspired neural network chips aim to fundamentally change the computer architecture and therefore enhance the computation capability and performance in advanced data processing. In recent years, memristor technology has been investigated in developing high-speed and large-capacity neural network chips. However, it has been observed that memristance values that represent the well-trained network weights can be disturbed by electrical or thermal perturbations. It severely degrades overall system reliability and emerges as a major design challenge. In this work, we systematically analyze the impacts of low-voltage induced memristance drift upon weight disturbance after times of recall operations. A closed-loop design by introducing a real-time feedback controller is proposed to enhance the weight stability of memristor based neural network chips. By mimicking the training process, the controller adaptively compensates the memristance deviation, according to the relation of the input data and recall output. In view of tiny disturbance per access, we integrate the memristance compensation into regular recall operation to avoid the execution speed degradation. Our simulations based on the implementation of representative single-layer (two-layer) network show that the proposed closed-loop design can prolong the service time of memristor-based neural network chip by 14.85x (14.94x), without reducing computational speed. Extra circuitry of the feedback controller induces a negligible overhead about 1.16% on overall power consumption.
Dynamic Agency and Large‐Risk Taking

I propose a dynamic investment model with moral hazard under which greater exposure to future uncertainties about losses could enhance incentive provisions and improve firm value. The model provides an explanation for why many financial companies and investment banks choose to improve their short‐run performance by putting themselves at greater risk of catastrophic losses in the future, as what happened prior to the 2007 financial crisis.
Beneficiation and Leaching Study of Norra Kärr Eudialyte Mineral

Due to the demand for rare earth elements for everyday technology and applications, there has been much research initiation into the extraction and recovery of rare earth elements. An otherwise unknown mineral, eudialyte is a zircon silicate consisting of rare earth oxides, specifically the heavy REO yttrium (III), with only trace amounts of thorium and uranium. The first part of this project aimed at finding an efficient way to liberate and upgrade eudialyte to concentrate the REO content. A combination of gravity and magnetic separation techniques were employed, resulting in limited success. The second part looked at the hydrometallurgical processing of eudialyte through various leaching experiments with sulfuric acid. In all, this project will discuss why certain processes were utilized over others, as well as the difficulties that arose during processing.
Crop response to biochar under differing irrigation levels in the southeastern USA

ABSTRACTApplication of biochar to soils is hypothesized to increase crop yield. Crop productivity impacts of biochar application in southeastern cropping systems consisting of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) produced under varying rates of irrigation have not been addressed. This research incorporated biochar at two different rates into a long-term irrigation and cropping systems study to compare yield and quality response of peanut, corn, and cotton. Biochar was incorporated into soil once at the beginning of the 4-year project at rates of 22.4 and 44.8 Mg ha−1. Peanut, corn, and cotton were produced under three sprinkler irrigation levels (100%, 66%, and 33%), shallow surface drip irrigation (100%), and a nonirrigated control. Crop input management followed best management practices. Sprinkler irrigation was scheduled by Irrigator Pro for Peanuts, Corn, and Cotton at the 100% level and the 66% and 33% levels were applied at the same time as the 100% l...
Regional surveys of macrobenthic shelf invertebrate communities in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Regional surveys of macrobenthic shelf invertebrate communities in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Multiplexed fiber-coupled accelerometers for security monitoring applications

This paper describes the design and performance of a new all optical fiber-coupled Fabry-Perot (FP) acceleration and vibration sensor. This device can be readily multiplexed with up to eight other sensors on a single interrogation channel, and an existing state of the art Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) swept-wavelength interrogation system can be used to monitor the sensor response. The ease of multiplexing combined with passive operation leads to an effective solution for monitoring vibration at many different points across a wide area, with minimal cost of deployment. We will also describe tests of a fiber conduit security monitoring application.
Glycemic Control in Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes Receiving Corticosteroids Using a Neutral Protamine Hagedorn Insulin Protocol: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Hospitalized patients with diabetes receiving corticosteroids are at risk of developing hyperglycemia and related complications. This study evaluated a neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin-based protocol in improving glycemic control in hospitalized patients receiving corticosteroids. This was a randomized, prospective, non-blinded study in an inpatient setting involving patients with diabetes who were hospitalized and receiving prednisone ≥ 10 mg per day or equivalent. High dose corticosteroids group (prednisone > 40 mg/day or equivalent) received NPH insulin 0.3 U/kg between 0600 and 2000 hours if eating or 0.2 U/kg between 2000 and 0600 hours if not eating. Low dose corticosteroids group (prednisone 10–40 mg/day or equivalent) received 0.15 U/kg between 0600 and 2000 hours if eating or 0.1 U/kg between 2000 and 0600 hours if not eating. Primary outcome measure was mean blood glucose level measured pre-meal and at bedtime for days 1–5. Mean blood glucose level was lower in the intervention (n = 29) than in the usual care (n = 31) group [226.12 vs. 268.57 mg/dL, respectively, (95% CI for difference − 63.195 to − 21.695), p < 0.0001]. Significant differences in mean glucose level were noted at fasting [170.96 vs. 221.13 mg/dL, respectively, (95% CI for difference − 72.70 to − 27.63), p < 0.0001] and pre-lunch [208 vs. 266.48 mg/dL, respectively, (95% CI for difference − 86.61 to − 30.36), p < 0.0001]. In hospitalized patients with diabetes receiving corticosteroids, an NPH insulin-based protocol improves glycemic control. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01970241. Eli Lilly and Company.
The clinical use of didanosine.

Didanosine (ddI) is a purine analog which inhibits HIV-1 replication in vitro at nM concentrations and is clinically effective for treatment of HIV-1 infection in a variety of clinical situations with diverse patient populations. Didanosine was only the second licensed antiretroviral in the USA and many other countries. All currently licenced agents, including zidovudine (ZDV), zalcitabine (ddC) and stavudine (d4T), are nucleoside analogs that inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by competitively inhibiting HIV-1 reverse transcriptase to bring about termination of nascent viral DNA synthesis. 1,2
Determination of the normal arthroscopic anatomy of the femoropatellar and cranial femorotibial joints of cattle

The arthroscopic approach and anatomy of the bovine femoropatellar and femorotibial joints are described. A 4-mm diameter, 15-cm long arthroscope with a 30° forward angle view was used. The structures viewed were recorded according to the position of the arthroscope within the joint. The femoropatellar joint was best accessed via a lateral approach, between the middle and lateral patellar ligaments. The axial portion of the medial femorotibial joint was viewed from a medial approach between the middle and medial patellar ligaments and the abaxial portion was viewed from a lateral approach between the middle and the lateral patellar ligaments. The axial portion of the lateral femorotibial joint was viewed from a lateral approach between the middle and the lateral patellar ligaments and the abaxial portion was viewed from a medial approach between the middle and medial patellar ligaments. The results of this study provide guidelines regarding the location of arthroscopic portals to evaluate precisely different areas of the stifle in cattle.