cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Justice in Teams: The Effects of Interdependence and Identification on Referent Choice and Justice Climate Strength

Using theories of social comparison and influence as a lens through which to view the operation of justice in teams, this study explores the effects of interdependence and group identification on referent choice and justice climate strength. 372 undergraduate students participated in a laboratory experiment with two levels each of team interdependence, procedural treatment, and outcome favorability. The results showed that members of highly interdependent teams were more likely to make intergroup justice comparisons and that group identification partially mediated this relationship. Interdependence was also related to variability in team climate perceptions, with group identification as a mediator between interdependence and procedural justice climate strength. Overall, the findings highlight interdependence and social identity as contextual variables that influence the emergence of team-level justice perceptions.
Novel CHST6 gene mutations in 2 unrelated cases of macular corneal dystrophy.

PURPOSE To investigate the possible mutations in the carbohydrate sulfotransferase 6 (CHST6) gene of 2 unrelated cases of macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) and to report atypical stromal deposits in one of them. METHODS Corneal tissues were stained with antisulfated keratan sulfate (KS), antitransforming growth factor beta 1-induced protein (TGFBIp), thioflavin-T, alcian blue, and Masson trichrome. Sequencing was performed to identify potential mutations in the CHST6 gene and the fourth and twelfth exons of the TGFBI gene. RESULTS Alcian blue staining revealed the presence of multiple subepithelial and intrastromal mucopolysaccharide deposits, confirming the diagnosis of MCD in both cases. Immunofluorescence staining in case 1 revealed the presence of sulfated KS only in the keratocytes and select endothelial cells, consistent with MCD type IA. Preferential expression of sulfated KS was observed in keratocytes and extracellular stromal matrix in case 2, consistent with MCD type II. Atypical subepithelial and superficial stromal deposits were observed in case 1, which stained positively with alcian blue, eosin, Masson trichrome, and thioflavin-T indicating the presence of hyaline and amyloid materials. CHST6 gene sequencing revealed 2 heterozygous mutations in case 1 (a p.Arg211Gln and a novel mutation of p.Arg177Gly) and a novel homozygous mutation of p.Pro186Arg in case 2. No mutations were found in exons 4 or 12 of the TGFBI gene in case 1. CONCLUSIONS Secondary hyalinosis and amyloidosis occur in a case of MCD type IA with a novel p.Arg177Gly mutation in CHST6. A novel p.Pro186Arg mutation in CHST6 is associated with MCD type II in an African American.
Four-Thin Film Transistor Pixel Electrode Circuits for Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Displays

Constant-current, four-thin-film-transistor (TFT) pixel electrode circuits, based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) TFT technology for active-matrix organic light-emitting displays (AM-OLEDs), have been designed, fabricated, and characterized. Experimental results indicate that continuous pixel electrode excitation can be achieved with these circuits. The pixel electrode circuits use a current driver to automatically adjust their current level for threshold voltage shifts of both the organic light-emitting devices and the drive TFT. Consequently, these pixel electrode circuits have excellent electrical reliability even when a large threshold voltage shift is present. A high output current level and a good output-input current linearity have been demonstrated with these circuits.
An autopsy of marxist socialism

Is socialism dead? Common sense at the close of the 20th century suggests the answer is yes. The Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe has long disappeared, the Soviet Union has dissolved, Castro's Cuba is on the brink of collapse, and Chinese communism looks more and more like Singapore‐style authoritarianism with a decidedly capitalist face. The admired Third Way of Scandinavian social democracy has hit a dead end, abandoning its commendable goals of full employment, rising real wages, and large welfare transfers. Caught in a world‐wide transition from nationally organized to globally integrated capitalism, the nation state‐based “Keynesian socialism” of 20 years ago has found itself in a losing battle with the new internationalism of multinational corporations and expanding stock exchanges. The Western democratic Left of the 1990s has appropriated campaign slogans that barely differ from those of market liberals and conservatives.
Measurement of local blood flow and distribution volume with short-lived isotopes: a general input technique.

A new technique for measuring local blood flow and distribution volume is proposed. The technique uses short-lived isotopes but is different from the equilibrium method in that no constant input is...
Efficacy and morbidity of temporary 125I brachytherapy in pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas

Abstract Purpose Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) are the most common soft tissue tumors in the pediatric population. The American Brachytherapy Society provides recommendations for the use of brachytherapy (BRT) in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas; yet, there are no clearly defined recommendations for the use of adjuvant BRT in treating RMSs in particular. Radiation therapy has an important role in maximizing local control, and BRT has the advantage over external beam radiation therapy of providing a high dose of radiation to the most susceptible area of recurrence, while delivering a lower dose to the surrounding normal tissue. Methods and Materials This study examines a group of 8 pediatric patients with RMSs who were treated with temporary low-dose-rate 125 I BRT and investigates the efficacy and side effects of such treatment. Results The results demonstrate a local recurrence rate of 12.5%, with minimal side effects occurring in the patients who had no prior radiation history. Each patient's side effects are discussed. Conclusions The high efficacy and ease of radiation protection for visitors establishes this as an effective treatment that is logistically convenient for patients and families. This is the first report of patients exclusively with RMSs being treated exclusively with 125 I BRT and demonstrates promising results.
Effects of molecular weight distribution and long-chain branching on the viscoelastic properties of high- and low-density polyethylene melts

Using the Han slit/capillary rheometer, rheological measurements were taken of several commercially available low- and high-density polyethylene melts, namely, three low-density polyethylene samples of Chemplex Corp. (CX 1005, CX 1016, and CX 3020), three low-density polyethylene samples of U.S. Industrial Chemicals Co. (NA 205, NA 244, and NA 279), two high-density polyethylene samples of Union Carbide Corp. (DMDJ 5140 and DMDJ 4306), and two high-density polyethylene samples of Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, LTD. Molecular characterization of these samples was carried out by the resin suppliers. The rheological measurements included (1) entrance pressure drop, (2) exit pressure, (3) pressure gradient, (4) die swell ratio. These then permitted us to determine the shear viscosity and normal stress differences. The rheological measurements were interpreted to identify the effects of long-chain branching and molecular weight distribution on the rheological properties of polyethylenes in the light of the existing molecular viscoelasticity theories. It was found that fluid elasticity is greater for polymers having a broader molecular weight distribution and that, for polymers having more long-chain branching, viscosities are lower while elasticities are higher.
DATAREADER: a tool for art and science collaborations

This paper describes the background and process involved in the creation of 'datareader' a new custom Max/MSP object designed for artists to more easily work with scientific data. This project grew out of several years of developing software using existing Max/MSP objects to create artworks that translate data to sound (sonification), including a system for performing sound with eye movements and systems for sonifying neural data and data from a highly detailed weather model.
Evidence from Cd/Ca ratios in foraminifera for greater upwelling off California 4,000 years ago

UPWELLING of nutrient-rich Pacific deep water along the North American west coast is ultimately driven by the temperature difference between air masses over land and over the ocean. The intensity of upwelling, and biological production in the region, could therefore be affected by anthropogenic climate change. Examination of the geological record is one way to study the link between climate and upwelling. Because Pacific deep water is enriched in cadmium, dissolved cadmium concentrations in coastal water off central California reflect the intensity of upwelling. By demonstrating that the Cd/Ca ratio in the shell of a benthic foraminifer, Elphidiella hannai, is proportional to the Cd concentration in coastal water, we show here that foraminiferal Cd/Ca ratios can be used to detect past changes in mean upwelling intensity. Examination of a sediment core from the mouth of San Francisco Bay reveals that foraminiferal Cd/Ca decreased by about 30% from 4,000 years ago to the present, probably because of a reduction in coastal upwelling. This observation is consistent with predictions of atmospheric general circulation models that northwesterly winds, which drive upwelling, became weaker over this period as summer insolation of the Northern Hemisphere decreased.
The structural proteins of rubella virus

Abstract Purified rubella virus was reduced in the presence of 4 M urea, 50 m M DTT, and 2% SDS and carboxymethylated with iodoacetate. The resulting polypeptides were separated by electrophoresis in 20 cm neutral-SDS 5% polyacrylamide gels containing 4 M urea and 2 m M DTT, into 3 major electrophoretic zones containing 8 species of partially resolved polypeptides. The virus protein appeared to be composed of 4 major and 4 minor polypeptides. Two of the major polypeptides were glycoproteins with molecular weights of 60,000 and 63,000 daltons; the two others, which did not contain carbohydrate, had molecular weights of 29,800 and 32,000 daltons. The four minor polypeptides were all glycoproteins and had molecular weights of 47,000, 52,000, 54,000, and 56,000 daltons.
Proton dynamics in ZnO nanorods quantified by in situ solid-state H1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

In situ solid-state H1 NMR spectroscopy was employed to investigate the local chemical environments and dynamic details of protons in ZnO nanorods. The mean correlation time for the 4.8ppm resonance was found to be ∼2.1×10−10s at 500K and the activation energy for proton hopping was ∼0.15eV. Both the small activation energy and short correlation time suggest that the protons are mobile. In contrast to nanometer micrometer particles of ZnO, γ-Al2O3, and CeO2, a stable resonance at 4.8ppm indicates that these proton species are most likely associated with the defect sites in the lattice of ZnO nanorods.
Fluids expelled tectonically from orogenic belts: Their role in hydrocarbon migration and other geologic phenomena

This paper presents and supports a speculative hypothesis, the essence of which follows. When continental margins in zones of convergence are buried beneath thrust sheets, fluids expelled from the margin sediments travel into the foreland basin and the continental interior. These tectonic fluids have key roles in phenomena such as faulting, magma generation, migration of hydrocarbons, transport of minerals, metamorphism, and paleomagnetism. The thrust sheet, crudely speaking, acts like a great squeegee, driving fluids ahead of it and producing widespread geologic consequences.
Product-Line Competition: Customization vs. Proliferation

We study a market with customers who have heterogeneous preferences for product attributes. We consider two types of firms that compete on price and product variety: A traditional firm, which chooses a limited set of product configurations, and a customizing firm, which can produce any configuration to order. The traditional firm carries product inventories and experiences a lead-time delay. The customizing firm does not carry inventory, and its customers incur waiting costs until they receive their orders. We assume that the customizing firm has limited capacity in the short run (e.g., when it does not outsource production to high-volume manufacturers). We derive the equilibrium for a duopoly competition between the customizing firm and the traditional firm, study its characteristics, and compare it to a monopoly. We characterize conditions that favor customization under competition. We find that the customizing firm's profit is not monotone in the market size and its ease of customization. Similarly, a ...
Segmentation-based nonpreemptive channel scheduling algorithms for optical burst-switched networks

One of the key components in the design of optical burst-switched nodes is the development of channel scheduling algorithms that can efficiently handle data burst contentions. Traditional scheduling techniques use approaches such as wavelength conversion and buffering to resolve burst contention. In this paper, we propose nonpreemptive scheduling algorithms that use burst segmentation to resolve burst contentions. We propose two segmentation-based scheduling algorithms, namely, nonpreemptive minimum overlapping channel (NP-MOC) and NP-MOC with void filling (NP-MOC-VF), which can significantly reduce the loss experienced in an optical burst-switched network. We further reduce packet loss by combining burst segmentation and fiber delay lines (FDLs) to resolve contentions during channel scheduling. We propose two types of scheduling algorithms that are classified based on the placement of the FDL buffers in the optical burst-switched node. These algorithms are referred to as delay-first or segment-first algorithms. The scheduling algorithms with burst segmentation and FDLs are investigated through extensive simulations. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithms can effectively reduce the packet-loss probability compared to existing scheduling techniques. The delay-first algorithms are suitable for applications that have higher delay tolerance and strict loss constraints, while the segment-first algorithms are suitable for applications with higher loss tolerance and strict delay constraints.
Automated functional classification of experimental and predicted protein structures.

Proteins that are similar in sequence or structure may perform different functions in nature. In such cases, function cannot be inferred from sequence or structural similarity. We analyzed experimental structures belonging to the Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP) database and showed that about half of them belong to multi-functional fold families for which protein similarity alone is not adequate to assign function. We also analyzed predicted structures from the LiveBench and the PDB-CAFASP experiments and showed that accurate homology-based functional assignments cannot be achieved approximately one third of the time, when the protein is a member of a multi-functional fold family. We then conducted extended performance evaluation and comparisons on both experimental and predicted structures using our Functional Signatures from Structural Alignments (FSSA) algorithm that we previously developed to handle the problem of classifying proteins belonging to multi-functional fold families. The results indicate that the FSSA algorithm has better accuracy when compared to homology-based approaches for functional classification of both experimental and predicted protein structures, in part due to its use of local, as opposed to global, information for classifying function. The FSSA algorithm has also been implemented as a webserver and is available at http://protinfo.compbio.washington.edu/fssa .
Examining the Play–Literacy Interface: A Critical Review and Future Directions

The idea that a seemingly frivolous activity such as play can promote children's literacy development is very intriguing and has prompted a large amount of research activity over the past several decades. In order to assess the status of this line of inquiry, and to provide guidance for future research, we undertook a critical analysis of 20 recent investigations of the play-literacy interface. We first attempted to understand the 'story' that each study told - how the problem was framed, the solution path, the claims that were made, and the evidence that supported these claims. We then engaged in critical analysis of the studies, challenging both what was said (i.e. the claims) and what was not said nor addressed. We agreed with the major claims of 12 of the 20 studies, judging the research to be sound and complete.These studies supplied strong evidence that play can serve literacy by: (a) providing settings that promote literacy activity, skills, and strategies; (b) serving as a language experience that can build connections between oral and written modes of expression; and (c) providing opportunities to teach and learn literacy. However, our critical analysis of these studies also revealed a number of limitations and unresolved issues, including concerns about definitions, theories, methodology, lack of progress in establishing causal connections with development, and dominance of the 'play as progress' rhetoric.
A two-step liquid phase epitaxial growth process for high open circuit voltage thin film InP solar cells

The authors present a two-step liquid phase epitaxial growth procedure which is designed to yield the highest possible open-circuit-voltage InP solar cell. The design of the solar cell includes an internal oxide layer which limits the high saturation current density contact area. The solar cell design manipulates the properties of InP and that of a p-n junction, and results in an open circuit voltage of 0.970 V. The fabrication of the solar cell design is not specific to solar cells, but is directly applicable to other thin film InP devices as well. The fabrication procedure and device results are presented. >
Wavelet-Based Pavement Distress Classification

A two-step method—wavelet transform followed by Radon transform—is proposed for pavement distress classification. First, a pavement image is decomposed into different frequency subbands by wavelet transform. Distress is transformed into the high-amplitude wavelet coefficients, which are referred to as the details, in the high-frequency subbands. The wavelet modulus is calculated by combining the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal details. Since distress, especially crack, has dominant orientations in both the space domain and the wavelet domain, Radon transform is then applied to the wavelet modulus to transform cracks into peaks in the Radon domain. The patterns and parameters of the peaks are finally used for distress classification. Both simulated and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed two-step method is an effective method for pavement distress classification.
Ohio's Infant Hearing Screening and Assessment Program A Decade In Development

The early detection of hearing impairments in infants is essential to the initiation of medical and educational services which will enhance optimal development of communication and social skills. Ohio has successfully implemented a legislatively mandated two-tiered Infant Hearing Screening and Assessment Program. This statewide screening program is in accordance with the child find and early intervention services requirements of P.L. 99-457.
Testing of Collegiate Athletes for Sickle Cell Trait: What We, as Genetic Counselors Should Know

In August 2010, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mandated that all of its incoming Division I student-athletes be tested for sickle cell trait. Student-athletes have the additional options to provide proof of a previous sickle cell test result or decline testing, by signing a waiver releasing their institution of liability. This article addresses the origins of the NCAA recommendations, and stresses the importance of proceeding with care. In doing so, it seeks to start a discussion in the genetic counseling community as to what, if any, should our role be?
Meta‐Analysis: A Perspective for Research Synthesis

A review of the literature is an important early step in the scientific process. Metaanalysis is a methodology that increases the objectivity in a synthesis of the results from the research literature. It is the application of research and statistical techniques, which are employed in objective primary research to the analysis of a collection of studies. Meta-analysis provides a method of step-by-step defining, collecting, coding, quantifying, synthesizing, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting information from a collection of research studies. The unit of inquiry is the study. This review provides an introduction to meta-analysis and a summary of the methodology in a metaanalysis as well as evaluations of meta-analysis by other authors.
Periodic Perturbation of Chemical Oscillators: Entrainment and Induced Synchronization

It is well known that a large number of catalystcarrying beads immersed in an oscillatory chemical medium (Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction) display collective oscillatory behavior. Using a light sensitive version of BZ, we show that this collective behavior can be entrained to an external light source with an oscillatory intensity. Thus, the emerging collective behavior can be controlled by an external perturbation.
An Exploration of Ranking-based Strategy for Contextual Suggestion

We describe our efforts in TREC 2012 Contextual Suggestion Track. The task is to provide sug- gestions to users based on their personal interests as well as their contexts. To tackle the problem, we propose to rank candidate suggestions based on their similarity to the personal profile and that to the contexts (i.e., geographic and temporal information). The ranking function is computed based on the similarity between a suggestion and the places that the user like and the dis-similarity between the suggestion and the places disliked by the user. The similarities are computed based on the either the category or description of the suggestions.
A new high-frequency CMOS full-wave rectifier for backlight controllers

This paper presents a new high-frequency CMOS full-wave rectifier appropriate to handle sense currents and voltages from cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlight converters. To achieve its high speed, the rectifier incorporates two methods: First, it uses a pair of single stage common-source amplifiers instead of an operational amplifier (op-amp). Second, it uses class-AB buffer output stage to drive its feedback resistor. The rectifier maximum input frequency is 500 kHz. Using single 3 V power supply, the rectifier can process input amplitude range from plusmn250 mV to plusmn2.5 V. The rectifier is implemented in a standard 0.5 mum Hynix analog CMOS process with high-value poly-silicon resistors. It occupies 200 mum times 300 mum silicon area and it consumes less than 450 muA.
Work in Progress: Streamlined IT Risk Management through a Micro Risk Management System (μRMS)

This paper proposes a lightweight and automated approach to network security risk management called the micro risk management system (μRMS). The goal of μRMS is to provide a streamlined means of performing efficient, continuous, and qualitative IT risk management
Measuring Accounting Professionals' Attitudes Regarding Alternative Work Arrangements

ABSTRACT: Drawing on the work-life balance and organizational justice literatures, we developed a 20-item scale of individual attitudes and beliefs regarding alternative work arrangements (AWAs) in public accounting. We administered the scale to 412 highly experienced accounting professionals (primarily managers) from two Big 4 firms and two large national firms. Principal components analysis of scale responses yielded three identifiable dimensions regarding AWA attitudes and beliefs: (1) ideals and benefits of AWAs, (2) costs and inequities related to AWAs at the office level (organization-level or procedural justice issues), and (3) costs and inequities related to individuals' use of AWAs (person-level or distributive justice issues). Scale responses were significantly influenced by gender and AWA participation. In addition, the principal components were related in a predictable pattern to hypothetical performance evaluation judgments related to AWA use. Implications of these findings for the accountin...
REPRESENTATIONS OF COULOMB FRICTION FOR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS

In many engineering problems involving friction, the friction is treated as Coulomb friction, where the magnitude of the friction force is constant but its direction is always opposite to that of the sliding velocity. In dynamic problems, the direction of the sliding velocity can change quite often. The many changes of the velocity direction cause many discontinuities in the friction force, complicating the process of evaluating the response of systems involving friction. In this paper, it is shown that the discontinuous Coulomb friction force can be represented by at least four different continuous functions. Each of these functions involves one constant that controls the level of accuracy of that function's representation of the friction force. The accuracy of the various representations is verified by comparing the response of a single degree freedom system, obtained through numerical solutions utilizing these representations, with an exact analytical solution.
Prediction games and arcing algorithms

The theory behind the success of adaptive reweighting and combining algorithms (arcing) such as Adaboost (Freund & Schapire, 1996a, 1997) and others in reducing generalization error has not been well understood. By formulating prediction as a game where one player makes a selection from instances in the training set and the other a convex linear combination of predictors from a finite set, existing arcing algorithms are shown to be algorithms for finding good game strategies. The minimax theorem is an essential ingredient of the convergence proofs. An arcing algorithm is described that converges to the optimal strategy. A bound on the generalization error for the combined predictors in terms of their maximum error is proven that is sharper than bounds to date. Schapire, Freund, Bartlett, and Lee (1997) offered an explanation of why Adaboost works in terms of its ability to produce generally high margins. The empirical comparison of Adaboost to the optimal arcing algorithm shows that their explanation is n...
Overvaluing Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

Although positive and negative assessments of tying health insurance to employment abound, most scholars and policymakers have acknowledged that our long history in this area predicts our future. What they have largely ignored, however, is the extent to which individual attachment to employment-based insurance is at the root of our inability to make broader health reforms. The attachment (1) harms exchange-based insurance and (2) denies employers the ability to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements (“HRAs”) to subsidize the purchase of insurance by their employees on the exchanges. This Article advocates reducing or eliminating workers’ overvaluation of their health insurance and increasing their exposure to health insurance offered outside of employment. First, the Article details how our attachment to employer-sponsored health insurance developed and why the attachment persists. I explain that law and behavioral science scholars have missed an opportunity to apply their theories to prevent the overvaluation of employee benefits. Next, I discuss how the attachment to ESI has raised fears that the ACA will result in employers “dumping” employees on the exchanges and how this is motivating the administration to take further steps to preserve the current system while implementing health reform. Finally, the Article provides background on the growth of defined contribution plans in health financing backed by the notion of increasing consumer choice and how recent IRS guidance halts innovation in this area. I argue that employers should be allowed to use HRAs to subsidize employees’ purchase of health insurance on the exchanges because it would reduce the attachment to employer-sponsored insurance and create larger, more diverse exchanges.
Flexural Calculation of Nonuniform Members

It is demonstrated that the method of direct integration is an effective approach for making flexural calculations of nonuniform members through the use of generalized functions. The operational properties of the pertinent functions are reviewed, and a formula for finding the reciprocal of a series of step functions is established. Simple formulas are obtained for calculating the flexural constants of members with stepwise variation of stifmess. It is demonstrated that tapered or haunched beams can be conveniently replaced by appropriate stepped beams as excellent approximations.
Comparison and Search for CH53+ and CH64+ and Their Isoelectronic Boron Analogues BH52+ and BH63+ 1

The structures and stabilities of CH53+ and CH64+ and their isoelectronic boron analogues BH52+ and BH63+, respectively, were calculated at the MP2/6-31G** and QCISD (T)/6-311G** levels. The planar D5h symmetric structure 3 is a minimum for the CH53+ trication. The five hydrogens in structure 3 are bonded to the carbon atom by sharing the six valence electrons. Calculations showed that the CH64+ tetracation does not correspond to a minimum at the levels studied. The planar C2v symmetric structure 6, with two 3c−2e (three-center two-electron) bonds, on the other hand, was found to be a minimum for the BH52+ dication. The D3 symmetric structure 8 also corresponds to a stable minimum for the BH63+ trication.
How insulin analogues can benefit patients.

AbstractPrimary care providers offer diabetes care for many patients in the United States. Primary care nurse practitioners can benefit from an understanding of effective administration of insulin therapy. This review will outline suggestions for the effective use of insulin analogues in clinical pr
A Generic Airfoil Design Method Based on a Naturally Bounded PARSEC Approach

A Naturally Bounded PARSEC (NBP) method is developed in this work to overcome some of the issues related to existing airfoil paremetrization method. The NBP method takes the advantage of natural property of cubic Bezier curve to generate single-valued curves which is the requirement of thickness and camber curve of an airfoil. Instead of using the coordinates of control points as parameters, the relationship between geometric properties and control point coordinates has been derived. These geometric properties are then used as design parameters, thus making the NBP more intuitive for designer. The versatility of the NBP methods is shown by fitting different categories of airfoils. A robust design optimization is then carried out to show the robustness of the method.
A TEX86 surface sediment database and extended Bayesian calibration

Quantitative estimates of past temperature changes are a cornerstone of paleoclimatology. For a number of marine sediment-based proxies, the accuracy and precision of past temperature reconstructions depends on a spatial calibration of modern surface sediment measurements to overlying water temperatures. Here, we present a database of 1095 surface sediment measurements of TEX86, a temperature proxy based on the relative cyclization of marine archaeal glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids. The dataset is archived in a machine-readable format with geospatial information, fractional abundances of lipids (if available), and metadata. We use this new database to update surface and subsurface temperature calibration models for TEX86 and demonstrate the applicability of the TEX86 proxy to past temperature prediction. The TEX86 database confirms that surface sediment GDGT distribution has a strong relationship to temperature, which accounts for over 70% of the variance in the data. Future efforts, made possible by the data presented here, will seek to identify variables with secondary relationships to GDGT distributions, such as archaeal community composition.
The complementarity and substitutability relationships between information technology and benefits and duration of unemployment

This paper aims to analyze the complementarity and substitutability relationships between information technology (IT) and unemployment benefits (B) and duration of unemployment (D), two important policy and macroeconomic variables, by using the partial adjustment (PA) valuation (PAV) approaches where the speeds of PA are fixed and time-varying. The proposed eight research models derived from the PAV approaches based on the theory of PA are fitted into a country-level panel data set covering the period from 1993 to 2008 for a sample of 12 countries and are estimated by the seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) and nonlinear SUR (NLSUR) methods. The findings include: (i) the speeds of PA are dynamic and variable rather than constant, causing the fluctuations of the performance index over time; (ii) among the three production factors used, the traditional (non-IT) capital (Kjt) is found to exert the greatest impact upon the desired (true) output and, consequently, upon the performance index; (iii) B or D or joint B and D has the power to shift the speeds of PA in the countries considered; (iv) the impacts of B, D, and the combination of B and D upon the actual (observed) output and, hence, upon the business value of IT vary from country to country; and (v) all in all, the empirical evidence strongly suggests that the government policy of B, D, or B and D combined is good for some advanced developed countries (e.g., US and CN) but may be ineffective for some newly developed nations (e.g., Greece and Norway) in the presence of IT, and that the policy of joint B and D is good for all four advanced developed countries and five (Australia, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, and Switzerland) of the eight newly developed economies in the absence of IT. This is a pioneering country-level study that is devoted to the complex relationships between IT and unemployment benefits and duration.We apply the partial adjustment valuation (PAV) approaches to investigate such relationships.Research models derived from the PAV approaches are fitted into a country-level panel data set.There are key findings revealed from the answers to the three research questions.The findings have important bearings on government policies and managerial decision-making.
Two Problems of Climate Ethics: Can we Lose the Planet but Save Ourselves?

Climate change presents unprecedented challenges for the ethical community and society at large. The harms of climate change—real and projected—are well documented (Pachauri et. al, 2015). Rising s...
Knowledge Management in 2016: A Newer Delphi with Applications

This article will very briefly indicate some current topics and developments in the field of cognitive engineering CE, knowledge engineering KE and knowledge management KM. From there, it will present an extensive look at the development and usage of new Dephi model, starting with its origin in the 1980's and later, its successful usages with modifications into the early 2000's. An effort will be made to show how that new Delphi, called the small-group Delphi paradigm SGDP, can now be again modified to take advantage of expansions in the field of KE/KM and of the great strides in communication and computer technology. Next, an example of how such an up-dated, modified SGDP could be applied to a current, serious problem in aviation, as well as an indication of other issues for which this new Delphi also could provide useful results.
Fetal programming of blood pressure in a transgenic mouse model of altered intrauterine environment.

Key points Nitric oxide is essential in the vascular adaptation to pregnancy, as knockout mice lacking nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) have abnormal utero-placental perfusion, hypertension and growth restriction. We previously showed with ex vivo studies on transgenic animals lacking NOS3 that adverse intrauterine environment alters fetal programming of vascular reactivity in adult offspring. The current research shows that altered vascular reactivity correlates with higher blood pressure in vivo. Our data suggest that higher blood pressure depends on both genetic background (NOS3 deficiency) and uterine environment, becomes more evident with age (> 7 postnatal weeks), activity and stress, is gender specific (preponderant among males), and can be affected by the sleep-awake cycle. In utero or early postnatal life ( Abstract Nitric oxide is involved in the vascular adaptation to pregnancy. Using transgenic animals, we previously showed that adverse intrauterine environment alters vascular reactivity in adult offspring. The aim of our study was to determine if altered vascular programming is associated with abnormal blood pressure (BP) profiles in vivo. Mice lacking a functional endothelial nitric oxide synthase (KO, NOS3-/- ) and wild-type mice (WT, NOS3+/+ ) were crossbred to generate homozygous NOS3-/- (KO), maternally derived heterozygous NOS3+/- (KOM: mother with adverse intrauterine environment from NOS3 deficiency), paternally derived heterozygous NOS3+/- (KOP: mother with normal in utero milieu) and NOS3+/+ (WT) litters. BP was measured in vivo at 7, 14 and 21 weeks of age. After univariate analysis, multivariate population-averaged linear regression models were used to identify factors affecting BP. When compared to WT offspring, systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean (MAP) BP progressively increased from KOP, to KOM, and peaked among KO (P 7 postnatal weeks), higher locomotor activity, daytime recordings, and recent blood pressure transducer insertion (P
Calculation of Minimal Detectable Activity for Scintillation Detection Systems

This paper analyzes the statistical approach to the determinoJion of minimum detectable radioactivity for nuclear medicine counting data. Based upon measurements of the background level and de­ tector counting efficiency this method allows calculation of the counting time necessary to detect a specified minimum amount of radioactivity. This method is important both in the application of bioassay measurements of radimion workers for measuring thyroid burden and in the measurement of radioactive wipe test samples.
High-Performance Individuals and Teams: A Study of the Effect of Duration on Achievable and Sustainable Maximum Performance Levels

High-performance teams are required for leading-type organizations because of the complexity and speed that work must be completed. This paper extends the fundamental groundwork-research of creating and achieving high-performance teams and individuals by introducing and investigating a new variable, duration, on the absolute values of high-performance achieved. Experimental results identify that Pmax decreases with duration for both teams and individuals and that teams are indeed more effective than individuals in performing tasks.
A Tuning Technique for Bandwidth of Programmable Gain Filter

We propose a common-mode variable voltage (CMW) method to improve the bandwidth of low pass filter for ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter. It is based on leap-frog structure to design a 250 MHz 8th -order GM-C Chebyshev low pass filter. In the analytic results, tuning the common-mode reference voltage (VCM) of common-mode feedback circuits of transconductor, the cutoff frequency of filter can be calibrated to overcome the process variation and temperature dependencies. This approach can effectively reduce the chip size and do not need excess circuits. The filter combines a resistor network and 4times13 decoder to program the gain of filter and is implemented in a CMOS 0.18 mum process and power dissipation is 18 mW under 1.8 V power supply. Measurement results show that the filter can be reformed 50% bandwidth and the gain can be programmed from -14 dB to -38 dB with 2 dB step. The attenuation at 285 MHz and 330 MHz is 16 dB and 32 dB, respectively, and the total harmonic distortion (THD) of programmable gain filter is -37 dBc for 1Vpp differential input signal at 150 MHz.
Assisted ground truth generation using interactive segmentation on a visualization and annotation tool

User driven interactive image segmentation provides a flexible framework for obtaining supervised object detection in digital images. Firefly is a rich interactive web-based tool that helps researchers from multiple domains to work collaboratively on ground truth generation, annotating, and tracking events/objects in images and videos on a remote (secure) archive. It is based on a Client-Server model written in Adobe Flex and PHP which uses MySQL database for storing the annotations. We have recently proposed a novel user seed points based interactive segmentation approach with spline interpolation. In this work, we integrate the elastic spline based segmentation method with a Firefly. Firefly provides an automatic analysis of segmentation results by executing Matlab scripts in the background. We provide user cases in segmenting natural, and biomedical imagery which requires minimal effort and no storage requirement on the user side.
Understanding the reaction of nuclear graphite with molecular oxygen: Kinetics, transport, and structural evolution

Abstract For the next generation of nuclear reactors, HTGRs specifically, an unlikely air ingress warrants inclusion in the license applications of many international regulators. Much research on oxidation rates of various graphite grades under a number of conditions has been undertaken to address such an event. However, consequences to the reactor result from the microstructural changes to the graphite rather than directly from oxidation. The microstructure is inherent to a graphite's properties and ultimately degradation to the graphite's performance must be determined to establish the safety of reactor design. To understand the oxidation induced microstructural change and its corresponding impact on performance, a thorough understanding of the reaction system is needed. This article provides a thorough review of the graphite-molecular oxygen reaction in terms of kinetics, mass and energy transport, and structural evolution: all three play a significant role in the observed rate of graphite oxidation. These provide the foundations of a microstructurally informed model for the graphite-molecular oxygen reaction system, a model kinetically independent of graphite grade, and capable of describing both the observed and local oxidation rates under a wide range of conditions applicable to air-ingress.
Motivational State as a Basis for Toleration Extinction of an Appetitionally Motivated Habit

A toleration extinction procedure, making use of internal cues associated with a deprivation state as discriminative stimuli, was applied to a water-reinforced lever-pressing habit. Following limited VI training, rats were satiated before undergoing 23.5-hr water redeprivation either in a holding cage or in the operant chamber (lever functionless). To equate session-onset cues, all animals were then placed in home cages for 0.5 hr before the first extinction session. Rats redeprived in the operant chamber showed facilitated extinction, supporting the assumption that internal deprivation cues can mediate extinction by serving as a manipulable component of the original learning context and demonstrating that the applicability of a toleration procedure is not restricted to aversively motivated habits.
Why isn't war properly framed and funded as a public health problem?

Why is one of the largest public health problems in the world systematically ignored, underfunded, unrecognized and ill-considered? Why is war not a prominent subject in public health? There is sim...
Multiple network-constrained regressions expand insights into influenza vaccination responses.

Motivation Systems immunology leverages recent technological advancements that enable broad profiling of the immune system to better understand the response to infection and vaccination, as well as the dysregulation that occurs in disease. An increasingly common approach to gain insights from these large-scale profiling experiments involves the application of statistical learning methods to predict disease states or the immune response to perturbations. However, the goal of many systems studies is not to maximize accuracy, but rather to gain biological insights. The predictors identified using current approaches can be biologically uninterpretable or present only one of many equally predictive models, leading to a narrow understanding of the underlying biology. Results Here we show that incorporating prior biological knowledge within a logistic modeling framework by using network-level constraints on transcriptional profiling data significantly improves interpretability. Moreover, incorporating different types of biological knowledge produces models that highlight distinct aspects of the underlying biology, while maintaining predictive accuracy. We propose a new framework, Logistic Multiple Network-constrained Regression (LogMiNeR), and apply it to understand the mechanisms underlying differential responses to influenza vaccination. Although standard logistic regression approaches were predictive, they were minimally interpretable. Incorporating prior knowledge using LogMiNeR led to models that were equally predictive yet highly interpretable. In this context, B cell-specific genes and mTOR signaling were associated with an effective vaccination response in young adults. Overall, our results demonstrate a new paradigm for analyzing high-dimensional immune profiling data in which multiple networks encoding prior knowledge are incorporated to improve model interpretability. Availability and implementation The R source code described in this article is publicly available at https://bitbucket.org/kleinstein/logminer . Contact steven.kleinstein@yale.edu or stefan.avey@yale.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Linear Time Algorithms to Construct Populations Fitting Multiple Constraint Distributions at Genomic Scales

Computer simulations can be used to study population genetic methods, models, and parameters, as well as to predict potential outcomes. For example, in plant populations, predicting the outcome of breeding operations can be studied using simulations. In-silico construction of populations with pre-specified characteristics is an important task in breeding optimization and other population genetic studies. We present two linear time Simulation using Best-fit Algorithms (SimBA) for two classes of problems where each co-fits two distributions: SimBA-LD fits linkage disequilibrium and minimum allele frequency distributions, while SimBA-hap fits founder-haplotype and polyploid allele dosage distributions. An incremental gap-filling version of previously introduced SimBA-LD is here demonstrated to accurately fit the target distributions, allowing efficient large scale simulations. SimBA-hap accuracy and efficiency is demonstrated by simulating tetraploid populations with varying numbers of founder haplotypes, we evaluate both a linear time greedy algoritm and an optimal solution based on mixed-integer programming. SimBA is available on http://researcher.watson.ibm.com/project/5669.