cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-Component Systems and Structures and Their Reliability

A number of recent publications have dealt with problems of analyzing the performance of multi-component systems and evaluating their reliability. For example, a comprehensive theory of two-terminal networks was presented in [I] by Moore and Shannon who, among other results, have developed methods for obtaining highly reliable systems using components of low reliability; some of their procedures are credited to earlier work by von Neumann [2]. Several of the concepts and results of the present paper are generalizations of the corresponding concepts and results of the Moore-Shannon paper. A discussion of complex systems interpreted as Boolean functions may be found in the paper [3] by Mine. The present study deals with general classes of systems which contain two-terminal networks and most other kinds of systems considered previously as special cases, and investigates their combinatorial properties and their reliability. These classes consist, with several variants, of systems such that the more components...
A piecewise global small-disturbance voltage-stability analysis of structure-preserving power system models

This paper provides a tutorial introduction to the small-disturbance voltage-stability analysis as applied to the structure-preserving power system model. Salient features of this approach are: (1) both dynamic and static models that are relevant to voltage stability are included-in particular, the effect of load dynamics and generator current limits are considered; (2) realistic load increases and a generation sharing scheme with relevant limits are included; and (3) for a given load increase and generation sharing scenario, all possible critical points that may lead to voltage instability are systematically traced and identified.
FRBR and Cataloging for the Future

SUMMARY The conceptual model known as “FRBR” (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) reminds us of the basic elements in describing materials in the bibliographic universe, the inter-relationships, and the fundamental user tasks that we are trying to address when we create library catalogs. This model provides a new perspective on cataloging that should influence the design of future systems, cataloging codes, and cataloging practices. This paper explores current activities to utilize the FRBR model within cataloging principles, cataloging codes, and cataloging systems, and offers questions, visions, and suggests some next steps.
Synthesis of the 5‐nitrofuran 2,4‐diacetylamino‐6‐(5‐nitro‐2‐furyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐14C

The synthesis of the 5-nitrofuran 2,4-diacetylamino-6-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-1,3,5-triazine-6-14C is described. Furyllithium in ether is carboxylated with radio-carbon dioxide generated from Ba14CO3. The furoic-carbonyl-14C acid is then esterified with diazoethane and nitrated with nitronium acetate. The resulting ethyl 5-nitro-2-furoate-carbonyl-14C is then condensed with biguanide to give 2,4-diamino-6-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-1,3,5-triazine-6-14C. The final product is then obtained by refluxing the condensation product in acetic anhydride to give a yield of 18% based on the amount of Ba14CO3 at a specific activity of 43.2mCi/mmole.
Stereo mosaics with slanting parallel projections from many cameras or a moving camera

This paper presents an approach of fusing images from many video cameras or a moving video camera with external orientation data (e.g. GPS and INS data) into a few mosaicked images that preserve 3D information. In both cases, a virtual 2D array of cameras with FOV overlaps is formed to generate the whole coverage of a scene (or an object). We propose a representation that can re-organize the original perspective images into a set of parallel projections with different slanting viewing angles. In addition to providing a wide field of view, there are two more benefits of such a representation. First, mosaics with different slanting views represent occlusions encountered in a usual nadir view. Second, stereo pair can be formed from a pair of slanting parallel mosaics thus image-based 3D viewing can be achieved. This representation can be used as both an advanced video interface for surveillance or a pre-processing for 3D reconstruction.
Improvement in patient-reported physical and mental health after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism

Background The majority of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are diagnosed without the classic signs of renal or osseous complications. Vague and subjective symptoms have been attributed to PHPT but have been difficult to measure during the medical encounter. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) of the National Institutes of Health contains validated measures of physical and mental health that can be administered by the use of computer-adaptive testing (CAT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of PROMIS assessment in the clinical setting to measure changes in patient-reported health before and after parathyroidectomy. We hypothesized that patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for PHPT would report greater improvement in mental and physical health compared with control patients. Methods Adult PHPT patients scheduled for parathyroidectomy and control patients requiring diagnostic thyroid operation were enrolled prospectively during a 6-month period. Patients were administered clinically relevant PROMIS health domains via CAT at a preoperative visit and 3 weeks after operation. A change in score of 5 or greater for each PROMIS instrument was defined as clinically important. Statistical significance of pre/post-surgery changes in scores was determined using paired t tests. Results A total of 35 patients with PHPT and 9 control patients completed the study. The mean number of PROMIS items answered during an assessment was 67 (range 51–121, SD 15.4). Median completion time was 8.2 minutes (range 3.4–38.4, SD 4.7). Clinically important improvement after parathyroidectomy in the PHPT group was greater than in the control group in 5 PROMIS domains. The score improvement experienced by PHPT patients was 8.8 in Fatigue, 6.7 in Sleep-Related Impairment, 5.0 in Anxiety, 7.0 in Applied Cognition, and 6.2 in Depression (all P Conclusion PROMIS is an efficient clinical assessment platform for measuring patient-reported outcomes in PHPT via CAT. Several domains of physical and mental health in patients with PHPT show statistically and clinically important improvement after parathyroidectomy.
Mitigation of Sea Ice Contamination in QuikSCAT Wind Retrieval

Scatterometers provide frequent estimates of near-surface wind vectors over the Earth's oceans. However, in the polar oceans, the presence of sea ice in or near the measurement footprint can adversely affect scatterometer measurements, resulting in inaccurate wind estimates. Currently, such ice contamination is mitigated by discarding measurements within 50 km of the detected sea ice. This approach is imperfect and causes loss of coverage. We present a new algorithm that detects ice-contaminated measurements based on a metric called the ice contribution ratio (ICR), which measures the spatial ice contribution for each measurement. Determined by simulation, we threshold the ICR depending on local wind, ice backscatter, and cross-track location. Using ICR processing, wind is retrieved almost 40 km closer to sea ice than has been previously possible, while ensuring wind accuracy. Using ICR processing, retrieved wind distributions more closely resemble uncontaminated distributions than winds retrieved using previous methods. The algorithm is applied to QuikSCAT in this paper, but could be applied to other scatterometers such as the Oceansat-2 scatterometer.
A nonlinear Popov criterion

A nonlinear Popov criterion is derived in the framework of integral quadratic constraints (IQC). The use of IQCs gives increased flexibility in the choice of Popov parameters. We also show how Popov IQCs can be derived for nonlinear operators with dynamics.
Compiling Comp Ling: practical weighted dynamic programming and the Dyna language

Weighted deduction with aggregation is a powerful theoretical formalism that encompasses many NLP algorithms. This paper proposes a declarative specification language, Dyna; gives general agenda-based algorithms for computing weights and gradients; briefly discusses Dyna-to-Dyna program transformations; and shows that a first implementation of a Dyna-to-C++ compiler produces code that is efficient enough for real NLP research, though still several times slower than hand-crafted code.
Level set breast mass segmentation in contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced breast CT

Dedicated breast CT (bCT) is an emerging technology that produces 3D reconstructed images of the breast, thus allowing radiologists to detect and evaluate breast lesions in 3D. In previous work, we have developed an algorithm that combines radial gradient index (RGI) segmentation and a modified level set model for segmentation of lesions in contrast-enhanced bCT images; yielding an average overlap ratio (OR) of 0.69, which is higher than 0.4, the overlap ratio that is generally deemed "acceptable". In this study, this segmentation algorithm, with the same parameter settings, was applied to the corresponding non-contrastenhanced bCT images. The results show that the OR obtained on non-contrast images was 0.62, with the segmented lesion volumes tending to be slightly smaller as compared with those obtained on the corresponding contrast-enhanced images. These results imply that while use of contrast improves segmentation performance, the increase may not be significant, and thus, the role of noncontrast-enhanced breast CT should be further investigated.
Prediction of first episode of clinical depression in patients newly admitted to a medical long-term care facility: findings from a prospective study

A cohort of 104 patients newly admitted to a medical long-term care facility was studied over 1 year for evolution of depression. Seven variables that were associated with level of depression were used in discriminant function analyses. Results showed that the variables had about 90% accuracy in predicting depressed versus non-depressed groups with good sensitivity and specificity. The variables measured: coping with admission; life satisfaction at admission; affective and non-affective symptoms at admission; clinical health status after admission; friends in hospital after admission; and changes in affective symptoms after admission before the onset of depression.
Induction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Specific Primary and Secondary T-Cell Responses in Interleukin-15-Deficient Mice

Several studies have provided evidence that interleukin-15 (IL-15) can enhance protective immune responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, the effects of IL-15 deficiency on the functionality of M. tuberculosis-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells are unknown. In this study, we investigated the generation and maintenance of effector and memory T-cell responses following M. tuberculosis infection of IL-15(-/-) mice. IL-15(-/-) mice had slightly higher bacterial numbers during chronic infection, which were accompanied by an increase in gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells. There was no evidence of increased apoptosis or a defect in proliferation of CD8 effector T cells following M. tuberculosis infection. The induction of cytotoxic and IFN-gamma CD8 T-cell responses was normal in the absence of IL-15 signaling. The infiltration of CD4 and CD8 T cells into the lungs of "immune" IL-15(-/-) mice was delayed in response to M. tuberculosis challenge. These findings demonstrate that efficient effector CD4 and CD8 T cells can be developed following M. tuberculosis infection in the absence of IL-15 but that recall T-cell responses may be impaired.
The rotational molding of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) exhibit a number of mechanical and physical properties such as excellent chemical resistance, low permeability, low coefficient of thermal expansion, high tensile strength and modulus, and good impact resistance, which make them desirable as a rotationally molded storage vessel. However, there are no reports in the technical literature of the successful rotational molding of TLCPs. In this article, conditions are identified that lead to the successful rotational molding of a TLCP, Vectra B 950. First, a technique was developed to produce particles suitable for rotational molding because TLCPs cannot be ground into a free-flowing powder. Second, because the viscosity at low shear rates can be detrimental to the sintering process, coalescence experiments with isolated particles were carried out to determine the thermal and environmental conditions at which sintering should occur. These conditions were then applied to static sintering experiments to determine whether coalescence and densification of the bulk powder would occur. Finally, the powders were successfully rotationally molded into tubular structures in a single axis, lab-scale device. The density of the molded structure was essentially equivalent to the material density and the tensile strength and modulus were approximately 18 MPa and 2 GPa, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:410–423, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
The role of ruminant animals in sustainable livestock intensification programs

Food supply has improved considerably since the eighteenth century industrial revolution, but inadequate attention has been given to protecting the environment in the process. Feeding a growing world population while reducing the impact on the environment requires immediate and effective solutions. Sustainability is difficult to define because it embodies multifaceted concepts and the combination of variables that make a production system sustainable can be unique to each production situation. Sustainability represents the state of a complex system that is always evolving. It is an intrinsic characteristic of the system that needs to be shaped and managed. A sustainable system has the ability to coexist with other systems at a different output level after a period of perturbation. Resilience is the ability of a system to recover and reestablish a dynamic equilibrium after it has been perturbed. Sustainable intensification (SI) produces more output(s) through the more efficient use of resources while reduc...
Reactive ion etching of thick CVD tungsten films

A manufacturable two-step etch process has been developed for VLSI/ULSI applications. SF/sub 6/, HBr, and CH/sub 3/Br are used in a high-power RIE mode to etch the bulk of the CVD tungsten. A low-power RIE plasma coupled with a remote microwave plasma is used to etch the remaining CVD tungsten film. The etch chemistry for the second step is SF/sub 6/, HBr, and CCl/sub 4/. The endpoint is detected optically during this second step. Ratios of HBr to various carbon passivants are examined for optimal etch conditions. >
The Effects of Aging on Material-Independent and Material-Dependent Neural Correlates of Source Memory Retrieval

Age-related declines in source memory have been observed for various stimuli and associated details. These impairments may be related to alterations in brain regions contributing to source memory via material-independent processes and/or regions specialized for processing specific materials. Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigate the effects of aging on source memory and associated neural activity for words and objects. Source accuracy was equally impaired in older adults for both materials. Imaging data revealed both groups recruited similar networks of regions to support source memory accuracy irrespective of material, including parietal and prefrontal cortices (PFC) and the hippocampus. Age-related decreases in material-independent activity linked to postretrieval monitoring were observed in right lateral PFC. Additionally, age-related increases in source accuracy effects were shown in perirhinal cortex, which were positively correlated with performance in older adults, potentially reflecting functional compensation. In addition to group differences in material-independent regions, age-related crossover interactions for material-dependent source memory effects were observed in regions selectively engaged by objects. These results suggest that older adults' source memory impairments reflect alterations in regions making material-independent contributions to source memory retrieval, primarily the lateral PFC, but may be further impacted by changes in regions sensitive to particular materials.
On the properties and sequence context of structurally ambivalent fragments in proteins.

The goal of this work is to characterize structurally ambivalent fragments in proteins. We have searched the Protein Data Bank and identified all structurally ambivalent peptides (SAPs) of length five or greater that exist in two different backbone conformations. The SAPs were classified in five distinct categories based on their structure. We propose a novel index that provides a quantitative measure of conformational variability of a sequence fragment. It measures the context-dependent width of the distribution of (φ,ξ) dihedral angles associated with each amino acid type. This index was used to analyze the local structural propensity of both SAPs and the sequence fragments contiguous to them. We also analyzed type-specific amino acid composition, solvent accessibility, and overall structural properties of SAPs and their sequence context. We show that each type of SAP has an unusual, type-specific amino acid composition and, as a result, simultaneous intrinsic preferences for two distinct types of backbone conformation. All types of SAPs have lower sequence complexity than average. Fragments that adopt helical conformation in one protein and sheet conformation in another have the lowest sequence complexity and are sampled from a relatively limited repertoire of possible residue combinations. A statistically significant difference between two distinct conformations of the same SAP is observed not only in the overall structural properties of proteins harboring the SAP but also in the properties of its flanking regions and in the pattern of solvent accessibility. These results have implications for protein design and structure prediction.
Mapping influenza transmission in the ferret model to transmission in humans

The controversy surrounding 'gain-of-function' experiments on high-consequence avian influenza viruses has highlighted the role of ferret transmission experiments in studying the transmission potential of novel influenza strains. However, the mapping between influenza transmission in ferrets and in humans is unsubstantiated. We address this gap by compiling and analyzing 240 estimates of influenza transmission in ferrets and humans. We demonstrate that estimates of ferret secondary attack rate (SAR) explain 66% of the variation in human SAR estimates at the subtype level. Further analysis shows that ferret transmission experiments have potential to identify influenza viruses of concern for epidemic spread in humans, though small sample sizes and biological uncertainties prevent definitive classification of human transmissibility. Thus, ferret transmission experiments provide valid predictions of pandemic potential of novel influenza strains, though results should continue to be corroborated by targeted virological and epidemiological research.
Dietary fiber and lymphatic absorption of cholesterol in the rat

Abstract The indirect effects of short-term (3-day) feeding of several types of dietary fiber and nonnutritive materials on the subsequent absorption of cholesterol has been investigated in thoracic duct cannulated rats. Absorption was studied at timed intervals over 24 hr after duodenal introduction of a tracer dose of cholesterol at least 20 hr after the last feeding. In animals fed for 3 days with diets containing cholestryamine, bran, or cellulose, cholesterol absorption was significantly less than in control animals maintained on rat chow. Rats fed for 3 days with an alfalfa-containing diet showed large variations in cholesterol absorption that were not significantly different from controls. However, after 5 weeks, rats on the alfalfa diet showed a marked reduction in lymphatic absorption of the tracer sterol. These indirect effects of cholestryamine and fibers on cholesterol absorption were not attributable to a common mechanism; i.e., differences in transit times that were not significant, or dirrect binding of bile acids and cholesterol by the test materials.
Organizational Identification and Knowledge Creation in Multinational Teams

Prior research suggests that organizational identification may play both positive and negative roles in knowledge creation. I propose that national diversity is an important boundary condition in the organizational identification – knowledge creation relationship. This study uses dual categorization process to model the role of organizational identification in knowledge creation in multinational teams. In teams with high national diversity, increasing organizational identification may increase knowledge creation. On the other hand, in nationally homogeneous teams, increasing organizational identification can reduce knowledge creation. This study advances our understanding about the complex role of organizational identification in knowledge creation in multinational teams.
Embarrassing Superstition, Doctrine, and the Study of New Religious Movements

L'A. analyse la doctrine et les pratiques de Shinnyo-en. Il s'agit d'une nouvelle organisation bouddhiste japonaise peu etudiee jusqu'a maintenant. Elle compte presque un million de disciples. L'A. remarque l'importance de la base doctrinale dans le systeme de croyance pour tous les nouveaux mouvements bouddhistes. Ce que l'on considere comme croyance populaire est en fait ancre dans la doctrine normative bouddhiste. En outre, on observe que les recherches de l'A. sur la base doctrinale de ces mouvements peuvent etre appliquees a d'autres nouveaux mouvements religieux
Room Temperature Operation of Subwavelength Metallo-Dielectric Lasers

Lasing is demonstrated in optically pumped InGaAsP-SiO2-aluminum structures, where both the resonator and the optical mode are subwavelength in all three dimensions. In the smallest case, a 550nm diameter InGaAsP disk exhibits lasing at 1390nm.
Disentangling Gaussians

A reference to the following related work was omitted: M. Belkin and K. Sinha, Polynomial Learning of Distribution Families, FOCS 2010.
Common Problems on Editing and Typesetting in Agricultural Scientific Periodicals

The paper has analyzed problems often exist in editing and typesetting in agricultural scientific periodicals,including content,editing or typesetting style,punctuation,quantities and units,parts of English language,references,etc.and put forward suggestions for improvement.
A novel ex-vivo porcine renal xenotransplantation model using a pulsatile machine preservation system.

Background Animal models to investigate pathophysiology and xenotransplantation require complex techniques and significant animal utilization. The aim of the study was to develop a reliable ex-vivo technique to test xenotransplant interventions. Material/methods Miniature Swine being utilized for a nonsurvival study acted as donor animals. Kidneys were flushed and rapidly explanted and chilled to 4°C. Kidneys were assigned to be the control (CK) (n=3) and the mate were used as a Xenograft Kidneys (XK) (n=3). Kidneys were perfused on separate Waters RM 3 perfusion devices. Perfusion temperature was 35-37°C and pressure was 100-110/60-70 mmHg at 60 pulses per minute. CKs were reperfused with autologous blood collected at the time of organ procurement. XKs were reperfused using freshly donated whole human blood. Physical characteristics, urine output were recorded. Core needle biopsies were obtained and examined by a blinded pathologist for evidence of antibody mediated rejection. Results XK kidneys demonstrated homogenous reperfusion which rapidly became patchy at 5-7 minutes. XK kidneys had become complete black and thrombosed by 60-70 minutes. XK biopsies demonstrated peritubular capillaritis. CK kidneys demonstrated homogenous reperfusion and urine production. H&E stain of CKs only demonstrated nonspecific inflammation. Conclusions Our ex-vivo porcine xenotransplant model shows early promise as a tool for studying Xeno- associated hyperacute rejection. This technique saves resources and animal utilization.
Metabolic monitoring and control of the artificial heart

Periodic analysis of mixed venous oxygen tension (MV Po2) was evaluated along with MV oxygen saturation, oxygen content, arterial-MV oxygen content difference, and calculated base deficit as methods of monitoring and controlling artificial hearts implanted in 18 calves. Of these methods, MV Po2 analysis proved to be the most sensitive. When compared to atrial pressure control alone it resulted in less overperfusion and underperfusion of the total body, less red blood cell destruction, and conditions more favorable for the maintenance of aerobic metabolism. Artificial heart control via a combination of MV Po, analysis and intrinsic atrial pressure regulation appears to be superior to atrial pressure control by itself.
Organic Contaminants in Terrestrial Food Chains

Organic pollutants in terrestrial environments are of concern because of potential environmental changes caused by direct adverse effects on the indigenous animal populations and because of the potential transmission of these compounds to humans through the food chain. These two situations may lead to two different evaluations of a given level of environmental contamination. In the case of potential human exposure, the primary concern often is the exposure to the potential mutagens and carcinogens. These materials are of more serious consequence to humans than to animal species because medical science allows the retention of many adverse mutations in the human. In contrast, mutagens are of less consequence in animal populations because of the rapid elimination of mutation due to the lack of fitness for survival. Thus, for animals, it is more important to consider those effects that adversely affect the reproduction and survival of populations.1
Service Trustworthiness Evaluation Using Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic

Trustworthiness has become a critical factor for users to choose the most suitable computing services for business or personal use. However, no standard exists for evaluation and comparison of service trustworthiness. So we try to propose a trustworthiness evaluation framework that can make standard or customized selection decisions based on common sense or user-defined specific trustworthiness criteria. This framework utilizes neural network and fuzzy logic to handle inaccuracy and subjectivity in trustworthiness evaluation. A feedback mechanism is also incorporated to make the entire framework be adaptive to users' preferences on different trust factors. A prototype is implemented to evaluate and compare different types of computing services. Experiments on today's popular email services and cloud-based online storage services prove the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed framework.
Cortical Involvement in Multiple Sclerosis

It is now well established that cortical lesion detection is important in the diagnosis and prognosis of neurological deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In this chapter, the role of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, both conventional and recently improved, as well as more versatile modalities, together with immunopathological studies to elucidate cortical pathology in MS are introduced. Emphasis is then shifted to the role of animal models of MS and the use of in vitro studies to further understand the cellular interactions between neural and both adaptive and innate arms of the immune system in mediating demyelination and the varying forms of neuronal damage involved in the evolution, progression, and potential remission of neuroinflammatory lesions in MS. The use of current disease-modifying drugs in the treatment of MS is put into context, along with perspectives on the future development of new more selective therapeutic interventions.
Development and validation of empirical indices to assess the insulinaemic potential of diet and lifestyle.

The glycaemic and insulin indices assess postprandial glycaemic and insulin response to foods, respectively, which may not reflect the long-term effects of diet on insulin response. We developed and evaluated the validity of four empirical indices to assess the insulinaemic potential of usual diets and lifestyles, using dietary, lifestyle and biomarker data from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, n 5812 for hyperinsulinaemia, n 3929 for insulin resistance). The four indices were as follows: the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinaemia (EDIH) and the empirical lifestyle index for hyperinsulinaemia (ELIH); the empirical dietary index for insulin resistance (EDIR) and the empirical lifestyle index for insulin resistance (ELIR). We entered thirty-nine FFQ-derived food groups in stepwise linear regression models, and defined indices as patterns most predictive of fasting plasma C-peptide, for the hyperinsulinaemia pathway (EDIH and ELIH), and of theTAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio, for the insulin-resistance pathway (EDIR and ELIR). We evaluated the validity of indices in two independent samples from NHS-II and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) using multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses to calculate relative concentrations of biomarkers. The EDIH is comprised of eighteen food groups; thirteen were positively associated with C-peptide and five were inversely associated. The EDIR is comprised of eighteen food groups; ten were positively associated with TAG:HDL-cholesterol and eight were inversely associated. Lifestyle indices had fewer dietary components, and included BMI and physical activity as components. In the validation samples, all indices significantly predicted biomarker concentrations - for example, the relative concentrations of the corresponding biomarkers comparing extreme index quintiles in the HPFS were EDIH, 1·29 (95 % CI 1·22, 1·37); ELIH, 1·78 (95 % CI 1·68, 1·88); EDIR, 1·44 (95 % CI 1·34, 1·55); and ELIR, 2·03 (95 % CI 1·89, 2·19); all P trend<0·0001. The robust associations of these novel hypothesis-driven indices with insulin response biomarker concentrations suggest their usefulness in assessing the ability of whole diets and lifestyles to stimulate and/or sustain insulin secretion.
Ethnicity and psychopharmacology. Bridging the gap.

Clinical observations and survey findings during the past four decades have repeatedly suggested the existence of dramatic cross-ethnic and cross-national differences in the dose requirement and side-effect profiles of various psychotropic and nonpsycho tropic medications. All major classes of psychotropic medications as well as a variety of other pharmacologic agents have been observed to have differential effects in different ethnic groups. Mechanisms responsible for these ethnic differences include pharmacokinetics (including protein-binding), pharmacodynamics (receptor-coupled responses), and personality traits. Ethnic differences in pharmacokinetics have been demonstrated further to be caused by genetic factors in some circumstances and environmental factors (such as diet) in others. These issues as well as their clinical implications are reviewed briefly in this article.
Confined Water in Layered Silicates: The Origin of Anomalous Thermal Expansion Behavior in Calcium-Silicate-Hydrates.

Water, under conditions of nanoscale confinement, exhibits anomalous dynamics, and enhanced thermal deformations, which may be further enhanced when such water is in contact with hydrophilic surfaces. Such heightened thermal deformations of water could control the volume stability of hydrated materials containing nanoconfined structural water. Understanding and predicting the thermal deformation coefficient (TDC, often referred to as the CTE, coefficient of thermal expansion), which represents volume changes induced in materials under conditions of changing temperature, is of critical importance for hydrated solids including: hydrogels, biological tissues, and calcium silicate hydrates, as changes in their volume can result in stress development, and cracking. By pioneering atomistic simulations, we examine the physical origin of thermal expansion in calcium-silicate-hydrates (C–S–H), the binding agent in concrete that is formed by the reaction of cement with water. We report that the TDC of C–S–H shows a...
One size does not fit all: a game-theoretic approach for dynamically and effectively screening for Threats

An effective way of preventing attacks in secure areas is to screen for threats (people, objects) before entry, e.g., screening of airport passengers. However, screening every entity at the same level may be both ineffective and undesirable. The challenge then is to find a dynamic approach for randomized screening, allowing for more effective use of limited screening resources, leading to improved security. We address this challenge with the following contributions: (1) a threat screening game (TSG) model for general screening domains; (2) an NP-hardness proof for computing the optimal strategy of TSGs; (3) a scheme for decomposing TSGs into subgames to improve scalability; (4) a novel algorithm that exploits a compact game representation to efficiently solve TSGs, providing the optimal solution under certain conditions; and (5) an empirical comparison of our proposed algorithm against the current state-of-the-art optimal approach for large-scale game-theoretic resource allocation problems.
Strain Rate Dependent Deformation and Strength Modeling of a Polymer Matrix Composite Utilizing a Micromechanics Approach

Potential gas turbine applications will expose polymer matrix composites to very high strain rate loading conditions, requiring an ability to understand and predict the material behavior under extreme conditions. Specifically, analytical methods designed for these applications must have the capability of properly capturing the strain rate sensitivities and nonlinearities that are present in the material response. The Ramaswamy-Stouffer constitutive equations, originally developed to analyze the viscoplastic deformation of metals, have been modified to simulate the nonlinear deformation response of ductile, crystalline polymers. The constitutive model is characterized and correlated for two representative ductile polymers. Fiberite 977-2 and PEEK, and the computed results correlate well with experimental values. The polymer constitutive equations are implemented in a mechanics of materials based composite micromechanics model to predict the nonlinear, rate dependent deformation response of a composite ply. Uniform stress and uniform strain assumptions are applied to compute the effective stresses of a composite unit cell from the applied strains. The micromechanics equations are successfully verified for two polymer matrix composites. IM7/977-2 and AS4/PEEK. The ultimate strength of a composite ply is predicted with the Hashin failure criteria that were implemented in the composite micromechanics model. The failure stresses of the two composite material systems are accurately predicted for a variety of fiber orientations and strain rates. The composite deformation model is implemented in LS-DYNA, a commercially available transient dynamic explicit finite element code. The matrix constitutive equations are converted into an incremental form, and the model is implemented into LS-DYNA through the use of a user defined material subroutine. The deformation response of a bulk polymer and a polymer matrix composite are predicted by finite element analyses. The results compare reasonably well to experimental values, with some discrepancies. The discrepancies are at least partially caused by the method used to integrate the rate equations in the polymer constitutive model.
The Nonparametric Approach

The nonparametric approach to the measurement of productive efficiency can be specified either through a flexible form of the production function which satisfies the efficiency hypothesis, or a set-theoretic characterization of an efficient isoquant. In the first case the production frontier can be of any general shape satisfying some very weak conditions like quasi-concavity or monotonicity, although in most empirical and applied work piecewise linear or, log-linear functions have been frequently used. Thus both Farrell and Johansen applied linear programming models in the specification of the production frontier. Farrell’s efficiency measure is based on estimating by a sequence of linear programs (LPs) a convex hull of the observed input coefficients in the input space. Two features of Farrell efficiency make it very useful in applied research. One is that it is completely data-based i.e., it uses only the observed inputs and outputs of the sample units while assuming production functions to be homogeneous of degree one. Hence it has many potential applications for the public sector units, where for most of the inputs and outputs the price data are not available. For example consider educational production functions for public schools, where outputs such as test scores in achievement tests are only proxy variables for learning; inputs such as average class size, experience of teachers or ethnic background of students do not have observed market prices. Secondly, Farrell’s method uses a set of LP models to estimate the efficiency parameters, so that the production frontier appears as piecewise linear functions. Nonnegativity conditions on the parameter estimates can therefore be easily incorporated.
Mineral Oil Inhibition of White Apple Leafhopper (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) Oviposition

Various rates, types and residue ages of horticultural mineral oils were tested for inhibition of oviposition by white apple leafhopper, Typhlocyba pomaria McAtee, in laboratory bioassays. The numbers of nymphs produced from females exposed to treated apple leaf surfaces were used to determine the behavioral effect. No differences in effect were found among the three oils tested (Orchex 796, Orchex 692, and Orchex 892). Inhibition of oviposition was found in concentrations of Orchex 796 as low as 1% vol:vol (2-fold reduction in nymphs), with complete inhibition at 4%. The inhibitory effect of this material at 1% vol:vol persisted for at least 3 d, with no difference between the 7-d-old residues and the check.
Hysteroscopic Management of Asherman's Syndrome

In developed countries Asherman's syndrome is almost always the result of a prior intrauterine operative trauma. This is often asymptomatic but may result in hypo- or amenorrhea and can contribute to infertility and pregnancy complications. We review their etiology, clinical implications, and systems proposed to classify their extent. The numerous methods reported for performing lysis of intrauterine adhesions are summarized along with clinical results. Current strategies to prevent recurrence of intrauterine adhesions have not been conclusively shown to be clinically effective, but the potential for endometrial regeneration using stem cells is an exciting modality under investigation.
The Long-Term Stability of KO2 in K-O2 Batteries.

The rechargeable K-O2 battery is recognized as a promising energy storage solution owing to its large energy density, low overpotential, and high coulombic efficiency based on the single-electron redox chemistry of potassium superoxide. However, the reactivity and long-term stability of potassium superoxide remains ambiguous in K-O2 batteries. Parasitic reactions are explored and the use of ion chromatography to quantify trace amounts of side products is demonstrated. Both quantitative titrations and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry confirm the highly reversible single-electron transfer process, with 98 % capacity attributed to the formation and decomposition of KO2 . In contrast to the Na-O2 counterparts, remarkable shelf-life is demonstrated for K-O2 batteries owing to the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of KO2 , which prevents the spontaneous disproportionation to peroxide. This work sheds light on the reversible electrochemical process of K+ +e- +O2 ↔KO2 .
Fathers’ Lived Experiences of Miscarriage:

A phenomenological study was conducted to examine the lived experiences of fathers who have experienced miscarriage. Miscarriage is defined as pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks of gestation. Eleven fathers participated and discussed their personal experiences before, during, and after the pregnancy and miscarriage. Six major themes emerged that depicted fathers shared experiences including (a) expectations of fatherhood, (b) conceptions of the pregnancy and personhood, (c) impact of the miscarriage setting, (d) immediate response to the event, (e) perceptions of support from others, and (f) overall experiences of disenfranchisement. Implications for family therapists working with families that have experienced miscarriage and future research recommendations are discussed.
The Cost of TLB Consistency

When paged virtual memory is supported as part of the memory hierarchy in a shared-memory multiprocessor system, translation-lookaside buffers (TLBs) are often used to cache copies of virtual-to-physical address translation information. This translation information is also stored in data structures called page tables. Since there can be multiple images of the translation information for a page accessible by processors, the modification of one image can result in inconsistency among the other images stored in TLBs and the page table. This TLB consistency problem can cause a processor to use stale translation information, which may result in incorrect program execution.
Enemy, Concept and Identity of

The intention of this article is to describe enemy relations in terms that suggest possibilities of moving beyond what we now experience as the all but universal phenomenon of enemy creation and perpetuation. It is not a comprehensive survey of theories of the nature and construction of the enemy. Depending on who one reads, enemy creation can result from: the evil nature of humans; an inborn destructive tendency that inevitably plagues our species; divine plans not fully fathomable by mortals; the structure of the state; the invention and perpetuation of private property; the peculiar nature of powerful and resilient collective phenomena like nationalism and religion; the tenacity of ethnic and national identities; a need for identification with a social-political unit larger than the self; tendencies to define the self in oppositional contrast with others; peculiar imperatives of the business of mass media; the need to avoid anarchy; the nature and dynamics of patriarchy; the historical social construction of masculinity across most societies; unconscious acting out of Oedipal and other universal inner conflicts; the fear of death and the consequent construction of society, ritual, and war to cope with that fear. And still others.
A Multi-Institutional Perspective on H/FOSS Projects in the Computing Curriculum

Many computer science programs have capstone experiences or project courses that allow students to integrate knowledge from the full breadth of their major. Such capstone projects may be student-designed, instructor-designed, designed in conjunction with outside companies, or integrated with ongoing free and open source (FOSS) projects. The literature shows that the FOSS approach has attracted a great deal of interest, in particular when implemented with projects that have humanitarian goals (HFOSS). In this article, we describe five unique models from five distinct types of institutions for incorporating sustained FOSS or HFOSS (alternatively H/FOSS) project work into capstone experiences or courses. The goal is to provide instructors wishing to integrate open source experiences into their curriculum with additional perspectives and resources to help in adapting this approach to the specific needs and goals of their institution and students. All of the models presented are based on sustained engagement with H/FOSS projects that last at least one semester and often more. Each model is described in terms of its characteristics and how it fits the needs of the institution using the model. Assessment of each model is also presented. We then discuss the themes that are common across the models, such as project selection, team formation, mentoring, and student assessment. We examine the choices made by each model, as well as the challenges faced. We end with a discussion how the models have leveraged institutional initiatives and collaborations with outside organizations to address some of the challenges associated with these projects.
Fusing Near-Infrared Spectroscopy With Wearable Hemodynamic Measurements Improves Classification of Mental Stress

Human–computer interaction technology, and the automatic classification of a person’s mental state, are of interest to multiple industries. In this paper, the fusion of sensing modalities that monitor the oxygenation of the human prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cardiovascular physiology was evaluated to differentiate between rest, mental arithmetic, and N-back memory tasks. A flexible headband to measure near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for quantifying PFC oxygenation, and forehead photo-plethysmography for assessing peripheral cardiovascular activity was designed. Physiological signals such as the electrocardiogram and seismocardiogram were collected, along with the measurements obtained using the headband. The setup was tested and validated with a total of 16 human subjects performing a series of arithmetic and N-back memory tasks. Features extracted were related to cardiac and peripheral sympathetic activity, vasomotor tone, pulse wave propagation, and oxygenation. Machine learning techniques were utilized to classify rest, arithmetic, and N-back tasks, using leave-one-subject-out cross validation. Macro-averaged accuracy of 85%, precision of 84%, recall rate of 83%, and F1 score of 80% were obtained from the classification of the three states. Statistical analyses on the subject-based results demonstrate that the fusion of NIRS and peripheral cardiovascular sensing significantly improves the accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores, compared to using NIRS sensing alone. Moreover, the fusion significantly improves the precision compared to peripheral cardiovascular sensing alone. The results of this paper can be used in the future to design a multi-modal wearable sensing system for classifying mental state for applications such as acute stress detection.
Pediatric airway management devices: an update on recent advances and future directions.

Introduction: Structural and physiologic differences between pediatric and adult patients make management of the pediatric airway a challenge. Many initial airway device designs were modeled for ad...