cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A CMOS wireless two-axis digital accelerometer using bondwire inertial sensing

This paper presents a two-axis wireless accelerometer using bondwire inertial sensing without MEMS processing. The bondwire sensors are bonded chip-to-chip to reduce the manufacturing uncertainty. The accelerometer consists of oscillator-based inductance-to-frequency converters, a digital frequency demodulator, and a 400 MHz FSK wireless transmitter. A digitally programmable interface allows the digitalization of acceleration information and control of bandwidth and resolution of the sensor system. The accelerometer has a transducer gain of 7.5 kHz/g and a bandwidth of 1.2 kHz while consuming 63 mW.
Cardiac Exercise Hemodynamics Late After Partial Left Ventriculectomy

Background—Although some patients report favorable activity levels late after partial left ventriculectomy (PLV), their exercise physiology has not been well described. Methods and Results—We performed upright bicycle hemodynamics in 10 patients (9 men) aged 56±12 years at 1.7 years after PLV. Ejection fraction was 25±4%. Patients biked 10±7 minutes. With exercise, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure rose from 36±12 to 52±10 mm Hg (P=0.0003). The mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure rose from 25±14 to 36±9 mm Hg (P=0.0566), and the cardiac index rose from 2.2±0.5 to 3.8±1.6 L · min−1 · m−2 (P=0.0077). The mixed venous oxygenation with exercise declined from 44±9% to 24±17% (P=0.0220), and the pulmonary vascular resistance increased from 2.0±0.9 to 2.3±1.1 Wood units (P=0.5566). Conclusions—In late follow-up after PLV with exercise, the cardiac index is significantly augmented. However, there are further rises in pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures, suggesting abnormal compliance, ...
A low power and reliable charge pump design for phase change memories

The emerging Phase Change Memory (PCM) technology exhibits excellent scalability and density potentials. At the same time, they require high current and high voltages to switch cell states. Their working voltages are provided by CMOS-compatible on-chip charge pumps (CPs). Unfortunately, CPs and particularly those for RESET, have a large parasitic power (a dominant component in total power loss) during operations, which significantly degrades their energy efficiency. In addition, CPs seriously suffer from the Time-Dependent Dielectric Breakdown (TDDB) problem due to their boosted operation voltage. To maintain a reasonable lifetime of CPs, existing solutions actively switch them on per-operation basis, resulting in large performance degradationIn this paper, we address the above issues through two designs --- Reset_Sch (RESET scheduling) and CP_Sch (CP scheduling). Reset_Sch schedules when to perform a RESET for different cells upon writing a PCM line. It significantly reduces the power loss, and peak working power of RESET CP. CP_Sch incorporates a fast READ CP design to provide fast charge-up time for reads and minimize performance penalty. Our experimental results show that on average, 70% of power loss for RESET CP can be reduced; and performance loss can be reduced from 16% to 2% while achieving a 16% improvement in reliability
Multiple reading procedures: the performance of diagnostic tests.

This paper examines the effects on sensitivity and specificity of various multiple reading procedures. Multiple reading procedures entail the performance of a diagnostic test several times and consequent assignment of the subject to an ‘affected’ or ‘unaffected’ group. A Unanimity rule (that is, all tests must be positive) leads to the largest predictive value positive, but may have unacceptably low sensitivity. The rule which classifies the subject as positive based on the majority of the tests increases both the sensitivity and specificity of the individual test. Variability of subjects' sensitivity and specificity (that is, case of correct diagnosis on a test) affects the performance of these rules. We also study alternative procedures in which the final test is a better, but more expensive, test.
Glucuronidation of Prodrug Reactive Site: Isolation and Characterization of Oxymethylglucuronide Metabolite of Fosphenytoin

Background: This investigation was undertaken to identify the structure of a novel immunoreactive metabolite derived from fosphenytoin that has been hypothesized previously as present in sera from renally impaired patients receiving this prodrug. Methods: The metabolite was isolated from uremic sera using solid-phase extraction and HPLC. Structural analysis was performed using HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), deuterium exchange, and chemical derivatization. Immunoreactivity was evaluated using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Results: The metabolite had a parent ion at m/z 457 in the negative-ion mode and fragmented to yield the m/z 251 of phenytoin, as well as other mass fragments of phenytoin. Mass fragments associated with glucuronic acid were also present. The chromatographic peak corresponding to this metabolite demonstrated immunoreactivity sufficient to lead to falsely increased reported values for phenytoin immunoassays. The observed immunoreactivity was also proportional to the relative concentration of the metabolite in collected fractions. Analysis by NMR indicated the presence of phenyl groups with chemical shifts identical to those of phenytoin, as well as the presence of a methylene bridge, which was consistent with the same methylene bridge present on the phosphate ester of fosphenytoin. Comparative analysis of serum samples from renally impaired patients receiving phenytoin vs fosphenytoin using multiple reaction monitoring quantification demonstrated that this metabolite was associated with fosphenytoin administration. Conclusions: A unique immunoreactive oxymethylglucuronide metabolite derived from fosphenytoin has been isolated from sera from uremic patients receiving this prodrug.
Preliminary review of the interactions of ORG NC 45 with anaesthetics and antibiotics in animals.

In vitro (rat hemidiaphragm) and in vivo (rat and cat ubialis anterior muscle preparation) studies of the interactions between Org NC 45 and some i.v. anaesthetics and antibiotics were carried out. With the exception of ketamine 1 mg kg-1none of the drugs tested in vivo significantly changed the time course of an Org NC 45 bolus injection. All of the drugs caused an enhancement of the neuromuscular block using infusions in vivo and also in the in vitro preparations. Org NC 45 seems to be potentiated in a manner similar to pancuronium.
The Future of Tax Research: From an Accounting Professor's Perspective

I provide some suggestions for future research in the empirical accounting tax area. These suggestions repeat and build on the suggestions in Shackelford and Shevlin (2001). I also provide referenc...
Can omphalocele ratio predict postnatal outcomes

Abstract Background The clinical course of patients with omphalocele is challenging to predict. There is no standard method to characterize omphalocele size. Previous studies suggest that the ratio of abdominal circumference to omphalocele defect in-utero is indicative of postnatal outcomes. We hypothesize that omphalocele ratio correlates with outcomes of primary closure versus staged closure. Methods A retrospective chart review of all neonates diagnosed with omphalocele from 2002 to 2013 with prenatal ultrasounds available (n=30) was conducted. Omphalocele ratio was defined as omphalocele diameter/abdominal circumference (OD/AC). Data collected included primary versus staged closure, time to full feeds, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of stay (LOS). Long-term outcomes and quality of life were also reported. Results ROC curve analysis generated optimal OD/AC ratio of 0.26. Twenty of 30 patients had a ratio less than this cutoff. Sixty percent (12/20) in the low-ratio group achieved primary closure versus zero (0/10) in the high-ratio group (p=0.001). Time on mechanical ventilation was 15.8days (low-ratio) versus 79days (high-ratio) (p=0.05). LOS was 33.8days (low-ratio) versus 85.6days (high-ratio) (p=0.119). PedsQL™ mean score was 85.5±11.0 (n=20) at long-term follow-up. Readmission rates yielded no difference. Conclusions The omphalocele ratio is a promising predictor of postnatal outcomes.
Cross-Currency Interest-Rate Swap Options

We consider the pricing of fixed-for-floating and fixed-for- fixed cross-currency interest-rate swap options (currency swaptions). We show that the first swaption is equivalent to an option to purchase, for a fixed strike price in the local currency, a stochastic number of foreign bonds, where the number is equal to the exchange rate on the exercise date. We also show that a fixed-for-fixed currency swaption is equivalent to an option to exchange one local bond for a stochastic number of foreign bonds where again, the number (of foreign bonds) is equal to the exchange rate on the exercise date. Under the assumptions that bond prices follow negative lognormal distributions in their own currencies and that the exchange rate is lognormally distributed, we obtain close-form (Black-Scholes) pricing formulae for fixed-for-floating and fixed-for-fixed European currency swaptions. We also derive parity relationships between different types of these swaptions.
Digestion, absorption, and fermentation of carbohydrates in the newborn.

In the newborn, sugars present in human milk and formulas are assimilated by both small intestinal digestion and, especially in the case of lactose, by colonic bacterial fermentation. Colonic fermentation of carbohydrate serves three major functions: conservation of a fraction of the metabolizable energy of dietary carbohydrate that is not absorbed in the small intestine, prevention of osmotic diarrhea, and production of short chain fatty acids that stimulate sodium and water absorption, serve as fuel for coloncytes, and stimulate cell replication in colon and small intestine.
Russellianism and Referential Uses of Descriptions

A number of philosophers continue to argue, inthe spirit of Keith Donnellan’s classic paper“Reference and Definite Descriptions,” thatthere is more to the semantics of definitedescriptions than Russell’s theory predicts. If their arguments are correct, then a completesemantic theory for sentences that containdefinite descriptions will have to provide morethan one set of truth conditions. A unitaryRussellian analysis of sentences of the form`the F is G’ would not suffice. In this paper,I examine a recent line of argument for thisanti-Russellian conclusion.Unlike earlier Donnellan-style arguments, thenew argument does not rely upon the mereexistence of referential uses of definitedescriptions or the possibility of conveyinginformation about an object by misdescribingit. I argue, however, that we ought to rejectthis new line of reasoning and rest contentwith a Russellian theory of definitedescriptions.
Dependence of Vibronic Coupling on Molecular Geometry and Environment: Bridging Hydrogen Atom Transfer and Electron–Proton Transfer

The rate constants for typical concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions depend on the vibronic coupling between the diabatic reactant and product states. The form of the vibronic coupling is different for electronically adiabatic and nonadiabatic reactions, which are associated with hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and electron-proton transfer (EPT) mechanisms, respectively. Most PCET rate constant expressions rely on the Condon approximation, which assumes that the vibronic coupling is independent of the nuclear coordinates of the solute and the solvent or protein. Herein we test the Condon approximation for PCET vibronic couplings. The dependence of the vibronic coupling on molecular geometry is investigated for an open and a stacked transition state geometry of the phenoxyl-phenol self-exchange reaction. The calculations indicate that the open geometry is electronically nonadiabatic, corresponding to an EPT mechanism that involves significant electronic charge redistribution, while the stacked geometry is predominantly electronically adiabatic, corresponding primarily to an HAT mechanism. Consequently, a single molecular system can exhibit both HAT and EPT character. The dependence of the vibronic coupling on the solvent or protein configuration is examined for the soybean lipoxygenase enzyme. The calculations indicate that this PCET reaction is electronically nonadiabatic with a vibronic coupling that does not depend significantly on the protein environment. Thus, the Condon approximation is shown to be valid for the solvent and protein nuclear coordinates but invalid for the solute nuclear coordinates in certain PCET systems. These results have significant implications for the calculation of rate constants, as well as mechanistic interpretations, of PCET reactions.
Free-space 3D all-optical cross-connect using digital MEMS

We present a new free-space all-optical switch architecture based on digital MEMS instead of the commonly used analog MEMS. The design is based on digital MEMS and an optical White cell. We present the design and experimental evaluation of the system in terms of loss, number of ports and cross-talk.
The Influence of Social Support on Smoking Cessation Treatment Adherence Among HIV+ Smokers.

INTRODUCTION The high prevalence of smoking among people living with HIV is a significant problem. Nonadherence to smoking cessation pharmacotherapy is a barrier for successfully quitting. The current study investigated the extent to which social support variables impact adherence and cessation. METHODS Participants were 444 HIV+ smokers who provided data on nicotine patch adherence, social support, and smoking. We conducted a path analysis to estimate (1) the effects of six social support indicators at baseline on nicotine patch adherence; (2) the effect of patch adherence on 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up; and (3) the indirect effects of social support indicators on 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up via patch adherence. RESULTS The tested model demonstrated good fit as indicated by the comparative fit index, root mean square error of approximation, and weighted root mean square residual (0.94, 0.02, and 0.51, respectively). Path analysis results indicated greater social support network contact was associated with higher levels of nicotine patch adherence (β = .13, P = .02), greater patch adherence was associated with a lower probability of 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up (β = -.47, P < .001) and greater social support network contact (β = -.06, P = .03) had a significant indirect effect on 7-day point prevalence smoking at 6-month follow-up via patch adherence. CONCLUSIONS Findings have implications for smoking cessation interventions that seek to capitalize on the beneficial effects of social support. Such efforts should account for the role that frequency of contact may have on nicotine patch use and other treatment-related mechanisms.
Optical Vortex Density in Rytov Saturated Atmospheric Turbulence

We examine the optical vortex density in the regime where the Rytov parameter has saturated. The function breaks into three regions; a transitory region bounded by two empirical curves for turbulent optical vortex parameters.
Isoperla bilineata: Designation of a Neotype and Allotype, and Further Descriptions of Egg and Nymph

A neotype and allotype are designated for Isoperla bilineata (Say), and further descriptions of egg and nymph are given. The aedeagus has 2 dorsal, 1 anterolateral and 2 posterolateral lobes, an eversible posterodorsal sac and a long coiled anterodorsal membranous tube. The triangular female subgenital plate is produced ca. ¾ the length of the 9th sternum. The vagina bears a “Y”-shaped spinule pattern and the seminal receptacle has 5–7 accessory receptacular glands, each lined with spinulae. The egg is oval, 0.39–0.42 mm width × 0.43–0.46 mm length, and the chorion is covered with large regularly placed depressions. The collar is well developed and micropyles are irregularly placed on a ridge below the polar ring. Nymphal laciniae have two apical teeth and mandibles bear 4 main teeth and 2 subteeth. The nymphal proventriculus has a band of 23–26 rows of short downward projecting spines.
Empathic Accuracy Without Visual Cues

In this research, we examine how visual cues shape emotion perception. We predicted that the total absence of visual cues would increase emotion recognition because these cues heighten concerns about negative self-evaluation — which detract from perceptions of others’ affective states. Participants engaged in two interactions with a stranger in total darkness or a normally lighted room (Study 1), or were exposed to audiovisual or audio-only recordings of interactions while estimating emotions (Studies 2 and 3). Across studies, participants were more accurate perceivers of emotions in the absence, relative to the presence, of visual cues — even when the verbal content of the interactions was held constant (Studies 2 and 3). Follow-up analyses indicate that the presence of visual cues heighten self-conscious impression management concerns in perceivers that detract from reading others’ emotions. Implications for the use of facial cues in emotion perception and lie detection are discussed.
Death Analysis of Malignant Tumors among Residents in Gaomi City during 2008-2009

[Objective]To understand the mortality distribution of maglignant tumors,to reveal the influence of malignant tumors on death,and provide scientific basis for the intervention. [Methods]The family members of dead residents due to malignant tumors were investigated from 2008-2009 in Gaomi City. [Results]The mortality rate of malignant tumors was 544.64/100 000 in Gaomi City,The top 5 malignant tumors regarding the mortality rate were windpipe,bronchus and lung malignant tumor,stomach malignant tumor,liver and bile duct malignant tumor,esophagus malignant tumor and leukemia,the highest mortality rate of residents was the group of residents aged more than 75 years old,the first3 influence of life expectancy were windpipe and bronchus and lung malignant tumor,liver and bile duct malignant tumor,stomach malignant tumor. [Conclusion]Malignancy has become a main factor harming residents' lives and health,the distributions of mortality rate and influence of life expectancy were different in terms of gender and age and type of malignancy.
Rapid determination of 28 kinds of Volatile Organic Compounds in Workplace Air by Gas Chromatography

[Objective]To establish a method for rapid determination of 28 kinds of volatile organic compounds in workplace air.[Methods]Volatile organic compounds in the air was adsorbed by activated carbon,desorbed by carbon bisulfide,then determined with capillary gas chromatography.[Results]The curve of 28 kinds of volatile organic compounds showed good linear relationship in a certain range.The correlation coefficient r0.995.The relative standard deviation(RSD) was 0.4%～6.5%.The detection limit was much more lower than poisoning dosage level in the workplace air,while the average desorption efficiency of target component was 77.3%～105.8%.[Conclusion]This method is accurate,simple,sensitive,rapid.It is suitable to detect volatile organic compounds in workplaceair.
Blowgun dart aspiration

We report on two young patients with unusual airway foreign bodies: blowgun darts. These homemade darts are constructed with yarn, thread, and a common pin. Because only the pin is radiopaque, and because the child may be reluctant to disclose the nature of the foreign body, the bronchoscopist may encounter unexpected difficulty in extracting the dart A radiograph showing a pin head down in the trachea or bronchus, coughing (especially with hemoptysis) in excess of that expected from just an aspirated pin, and a child hesitant to divulge the full history suggest blowgun dart aspiration.
A comparative study of the pharmacokinetics of amphetamine.

Summary A similar dose (0·66 mg/kg) of dl-amphetamine sulphate was administered intravenously to healthy animals from each of 6 domesticated mammalian species and chickens. The concentration of amphetamine in plasma was measured by chromatography. The trichlor-acetautide derivative of amphetamine was chrontatographed on 3% OV-1 and detected by electron capture. Distribution equilibrium was rapidly attained and elimination followed first-order kinetics. Plasma half-lives of 0·62, 1·05, 1·39, 1·40, 2·27, 4·50 and 6·53 h were found in goats, swine, ponies, rabbits, chickens, dogs and cats, respectively. Sex difference in persistence of the drug was not observed in any species studied. The extent of plasma protein binding (in vitro) was determined by the equilibrium dialysis technique using 3H-d-ampltetamine sulphate and liquid scintillation counting. Extent of protein binding was independent of drug concentration and varied significantly among species. The apparent specific volumes of distribution, corrected for extent of plasma protein binding, were laroc (>2·0 l/kg) in all species; this indicated extensive tissue distribution and sequestration of the druo. A relationship appeared to exist between dietary habit and elimination of amphetamine. Elimination was significantly slower in carnivorous species than in the herbivorous and omnivorous species studied.
Herbicide tolerance of Euphorbia lagascae Spreng., (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract Euphorbia lagascae Spreng., (Euphorbiaceae), (abbreviated EPHLA), has good potential to become an important crop and source of epoxy fatty acids in semi-arid regions. Crop yield is enhanced with good weed control, and this study examined EPHLA’s tolerance to several pre-plant incorporated (PPI), pre-emergence (PRE), and post-emergence (POST) herbicides, as well as seed and oil production factors. Preliminary tests were done in a greenhouse, and more involved studies were done in the field. The most promising PPI and PRE herbicides included benefin, ethalfluralin, trifluralin, and pendimethalin. Chloridazon and DCPA also gave reasonably good results, but rate and timing may be important when using these herbicides. Diuron and EPTC injured EPHLA and were poor herbicide candidates for EPHLA. The most promising POST herbicides included clopyralid, alachlor, acifluorfen, and chloridazon, to which EPHLA exhibited very good tolerance and very good to excellent yields. Oxyfluorfen and bromoxynil caused significant vegetative injury, but EPHLA produced good to excellent yields, suggesting that the herbicide injury was temporary. Bentazon and DCPA caused a moderately low degree of injury to EPHLA, which responded with a somewhat decreased seed yield, indicating that the effect of rate and timing may be important for these herbicides. Several POST herbicides, including metsulfuron, imazapyr, imazethapyr, imazamox, ethofumesate, and dicamba, caused a low degree of visible injury to the EPHLA, but EPHLA seed yield was very low, suggesting that these herbicides injured EPHLA’s reproductive processes. Picloram and 2,4-D caused severe damage or death to EPHLA. Because several PPI, PRE, and POST herbicides caused severe damage to EPHLA, they could be useful if EPHLA escaped cultivation to become a weed problem.
Design and Characterization of Erwinia Chrysanthemi l-Asparaginase Variants with Diminished l-Glutaminase Activity

Current FDA-approved l-asparaginases also possess significant l-glutaminase activity, which correlates with many of the toxic side effects of these drugs. Therefore, l-asparaginases with reduced l-glutaminase activity are predicted to be safer. We exploited our recently described structures of the Erwinia chrysanthemi l-asparaginase (ErA) to inform the design of mutants with diminished ability to hydrolyze l-glutamine. Structural analysis of these variants provides insight into the molecular basis for the increased l-asparagine specificity. A primary role is attributed to the E63Q mutation that acts to hinder the correct positioning of l-glutamine but not l-asparagine. The substitution of Ser-254 with either an asparagine or a glutamine increases the l-asparagine specificity but only when combined with the E63Q mutation. The A31I mutation reduces the substrate Km value; this is a key property to allow the required therapeutic l-asparagine depletion. Significantly, an ultra-low l-glutaminase ErA variant maintained its cell killing ability. By diminishing the l-glutaminase activity of these highly active l-asparaginases, our engineered ErA variants hold promise as l-asparaginases with fewer side effects.
Combining the Cohen-Fishman growth increment model with a Box-Cox transformation

Abstract Many choices are available for modeling the growth transition process of fish. For size-based-only models, common choices include the von Bertalanffy growth model with normal, lognormal, and gamma distributions for uncertainty combined with an underlying deterministic component. For size-and-age-based models, the Cohen-Fishman model has been used, which models growth increments with a von Bertalanffy growth model and two normal distributions for the initial size-at-age distribution and for the growth increments themselves. The combination of the Cohen-Fishman model and alternative error structures is a generalization of previous usages of the Cohen-Fishman model, including the von Bertalanffy model for size, the Gompertz model for logarithm of size, as well as all intermediate distributions with a power function of size. The combination of the Cohen-Fishman growth model with the Box-Cox transformation (CFBC) turns out to be a growth model with a deterministic component following the flexible Schnute growth model but with a stochastic error structure that best matches the data through maximum likelihood estimation. The CFBC model was used to estimate growth parameters with mark-recapture data from Pacific halibut ( Hippoglossus stenolepis ), which resulted in an estimated error structure intermediate between normal and lognormal. A sensitivity study by simulations confirmed that the all parameters in the CFBC model were estimable and relatively precise. If the error structure is not estimated, large biases in growth parameter estimates can occur. More researchers should consider the CFBC model to develop a stochastic growth submodel for use in size-and-age-based fish population and assessment models.
Shifting Pacific storm tracks as stressors to ecosystems of western North America

Much of the precipitation delivered to western North America arrives during the cool season via midlatitude Pacific storm tracks, which may experience future shifts in response to climate change. Here, we assess the sensitivity of the hydroclimate and ecosystems of western North America to the latitudinal position of cool-season Pacific storm tracks. We calculated correlations between storm track variability and three hydroclimatic variables: gridded cool-season standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index, April snow water equivalent, and water year streamflow from a network of USGS stream gauges. To assess how historical storm track variability affected ecosystem processes, we derived forest growth estimates from a large network of tree-ring widths and land surface phenology and wildfire estimates from remote sensing. From 1980 to 2014, cool-season storm tracks entered western North America between approximately 41°N and 53°N. Cool-season moisture supply and snowpack responded strongly to storm track position, with positive correlations to storm track latitude in eastern Alaska and northwestern Canada but negative correlations in the northwestern U.S. Ecosystems of the western United States were greener and more productive following winters with south-shifted storm tracks, while Canadian ecosystems were greener in years when the cool-season storm track was shifted to the north. On average, larger areas of the northwestern United States were burned by moderate to high severity wildfires when storm tracks were displaced north, and the average burn area per fire also tended to be higher in years with north-shifted storm tracks. These results suggest that projected shifts of Pacific storm tracks over the 21st century would likely alter hydroclimatic and ecological regimes in western North America, particularly in the northwestern United States, where moisture supply and ecosystem processes are highly sensitive to the position of cool-season storm tracks.
Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) afflict 6 million people each year and are one of the most common infectious diseases among children and adults. UTIs are the most common reason for children to see a pediatric urologist and the second most common bacterial infection in children. Urinary tract infection as a term encompasses a wide range of clinical entities, from minimally symptomatic cystitis to acute pyelonephritis.
Phase Characteristics of the Countermovement Jump Force-Time Curve: A Comparison of Athletes by Jumping Ability

Sole, CJ, Mizuguchi, S, Sato, K, Moir, GL, and Stone, MH. Phase characteristics of the countermovement jump force-time curve: a comparison of athletes by jumping ability. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1155-1165, 2018-The purpose of this study was to compare the phase characteristics of the countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time (F-t) curve between athletes based on jumping ability. An initial sample of one-hundred fifty Division-I collegiate athletes were ranked based on CMJ height. Three performance groups were then formed by taking the top, middle, and lower 30 athletes (15 men and 15 women) from the sample. Phases of the CMJ F-t curve were determined and then characterized by their duration, magnitude, area (impulse), and shape (shape factor). A series of 3-way mixed analysis of variance were used to determine statistical differences in phase characteristics between performance groups as well as between male and female athletes. Statistically significant phase-by-performance group interactions were observed for relative phase magnitude (p < 0.001), relative phase impulse (p < 0.001), and shape factor (p = 0.002). Phase-by-sex interactions were statistically significant for both relative phase magnitude (p < 0.001) and relative phase impulse (p < 0.001). Post hoc comparisons indicated that higher jumpers exhibited larger relative magnitude and impulse in the phases contained within the positive area of the F-t curve. Similarly, relative phase magnitude and impulse were the only phase characteristics to be statically different between men and women. Finally, the relative shape of the phase representing the initial rise in force was found to relate to jump height. These results provide some information regarding the diagnostic value of qualitative analysis of the CMJ F-t curve.
Learning a Talker or Learning an Accent: Acoustic Similarity Constrains Generalization of Foreign Accent Adaptation to New Talkers.

Abstract Past research has revealed that native listeners use top-down information to adjust the mapping from speech sounds to phonetic categories. Such phonetic adjustments help listeners adapt to foreign-accented speech. However, the mechanism by which talker-specific adaptation generalizes to other talkers is poorly understood. Here we asked what conditions induce cross-talker generalization in talker accent adaptation. Native-English listeners were exposed to Mandarin-accented words, produced by a single talker or multiple talkers. Following exposure, adaptation to the accent was tested by recognition of novel words in a task that assesses online lexical access. Crucially, test words were novel words and were produced by a novel Mandarin-accented talker. Results indicated that regardless of exposure condition (single or multiple talker exposure), generalization was greatest when the talkers were acoustically similar to one another, suggesting that listeners were not developing an accent-wide schema for Mandarin talkers, but rather attuning to the specific acoustic–phonetic properties of the talkers. Implications for general mechanisms of talker generalization in speech adaptation are discussed.
Low bandwidth repair of the RS(10,4) Reed-Solomon code

As an alternative to replication of data blocks, the Hadoop Distributed File System offers the possibility of erasure coding using Reed-Solomon codes. The use of Reed-Solomon codes significantly reduces storage overhead but has more expensive failure recovery. Using the shortened Reed-Solomon code RS(10,4), with 10 data symbols and 4 check symbols, standard erasure repair requires downloading 10 symbols or 80 bits. Known schemes attain a reduced repair bandwidth of 65 or 64 bits. In this paper we present three repair schemes with bandwidth 60, 56 and 54, respectively.
Reflection in constellation: Post theories, subjectivity, and teacher preparation

Reflection is, no doubt, useful for shifting thinking, knowing, and doing. Indeed, many have felt its benefits. In this article, we wonder how reconceptualizing reflection with poststructural theor...
Energy shaping control of a back-to-back converter for microgrid applications

The structure and operation of microgrid systems are susceptible to rapid transients and fluctuations in voltage and electrical power. This presents a need for improved control techniques of microgrid interfaces to provide improved levels of power quality to communication and computer data networks. This research presents an energy shaping control method for increased stability of two level back-to-back voltage source converters when interfaced to distributed energy resources to provide a smooth transition between grid-connected and islanded modes of operation as well as during switching events when reconfiguring power flow between wind and solar resources. The proposed energy shaping control framework is implemented to achieve stability and mitigate system disturbances for two-level back-to-back voltage source converters in a microgrid testbed based on a 13.8kV 4.75MVA industrial testfacility. The system is simulated in Matlab/SimulinkTM for the reduced-scale 200 VA microgrid system and the results validate the robustness of the proposed controller.
POSTER: Understanding the Hidden Cost of Software Vulnerabilities: Measurements and Predictions

In this work, we study the hidden cost of software vulnerabilities reported in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) through stock price analysis. We perform a high-fidelity data augmentation to ensure data reliability for estimating vulnerability disclosure dates as a baseline for assessing software vulnerabilities' implication. We further build a model for stock price prediction using the NARX Neural Network model to estimate the effect of vulnerability disclosure on the stock price. Compared to prior work, which relies on linear regression models, our approach is shown to provide better accuracy. Our analysis shows that the effect of vulnerabilities on vendors varies, and greatly depends on the specific industry.
Suppression and Enhancement of Mixing in High-Speed Reacting Flow Fields

Work is underway at the NASA Langley Research Center to develop a hydrogen-fueled supersonic combustion ramjet, or scramjet, that is capable of propelling a vehicle at hypersonic speeds in the atmosphere. Recent research has been directed toward the optimization of the scramjet combustor and, in particular, the efficiency of fuel-air mixing and reaction taking place in the engine. With increasing Mach number, the degree of fuel-air mixing through natural convective and diffusive processes is significantly reduced leading to an overall decrease in combustion efficiency and thrust. Even though the combustor flow field is quite complex, it can be viewed as a collection of spatially developing and reacting supersonic mixing layers or jets from fuel injectors mixing with air, one of which serves as an excellent physical model for the overall flow field. This work is focused on understanding the mechanisms of mixing (or lack thereof) and on the development of techniques for its enhancement in compressible turbulent reacting flows. Results generated by direct numerical simulations (DNS) are first used to demonstrate the mechanisms for reduced mixing in shear layers. To counter the effects of suppressed mixing, several mixing enhancement techniques are then discussed. The most successful approaches involve longitudinal vorticity induced into the flow field. Several means for inducing vorticity are studied and assessed.
Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia

This variety of leukemia is usually associated with the middle-aged and with young adults. It is not a common disease at any age but the incidence is actually greatest in old age, rising after age 70 and stabilizing at 13–14 per 100,000 per year in the eighties and beyond, as shown in Fig. 17.1. It is equally common in men and women. Fatigue, sweating, and abdominal fullness cause these patients to seek medical attention. Splenomegaly and very high blood granulocyte counts strongly suggest this diagnosis. However, in 1965 Conrad et al. made the point that presentation of this disease in the elderly may be atypical. The relationship of chronic myelocytic leukemia to the other entities in the myeloproliferative syndrome — polycythemia vera, agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, myelofibrosis, acute myelocytic leukemia — is not at all clear.
The ethical force of stories: narrative ethics and beyond.

Narrative ethics derives its ethical force from continually comparing and critiquing new narratives against existing narratives that guide the way we live.
SEPARATING CLOSED DISCRETE COLLECTIONS OF SINGULAR CARDINALITY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses separating closed discrete collections of singular cardinality. P(k,A) is the set of subsets of A of cardinality less than k. A collection Y of points in a topological space X is closed discrete if every x ɛ X has a neighborhood containing at most one point of Y. A space X is λcwH if every closed discrete collection of cardinality less than A can be simultaneously separated by disjoint open sets. A space X has character k, abbreviated x(X) = k, if every point has a neighborhood base indexed by k. A space X has local cellularity k, lc(X> = k, if every point has a neighborhood containing at most k disjoint open sets.
The Nature of Lagrangean Mechanics

In the preceding chapters, the basic concepts underlying Newtonian mechanics have been discussed. Thus, these chapters constitute essentially a review of the material treated in a first course of mechanics. We now sketch in broad outline the essential generalizations made by Lagrange.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Barrett’s Esophagus

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as one of the main treatment modalities for Barrett’s esophagus within the past decade. Its use has been shown in multiple studies to decrease progression of low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma, while having a lower rate of complications and adverse events when compared against other ablative strategies. In this chapter, we discuss the development of radiofrequency ablation, proper RFA technique, and its current use in the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus.
Electronic and structural features of octa-coordinated yttrium-ammonia complexes: the first neutral solvated electron precursor with eight ligands and three outer electrons.

The neutral and charged yttrium metal–ammonia complexes, [Y(NH3)8]0,±, are investigated using state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations. The electronic structure of these complexes is described as an Y(NH3)83+ core with two, three, and four electrons orbiting in its periphery. Unlike the so far reported solvated electron precursors containing alkali, alkaline earth or first-row transition metals, yttrium complexes are the only ones which can accommodate eight ammonia ligands and up to four peripheral electrons. For the neutral species, two electrons occupy the diffuse s-type orbital (1s) and one diffuse p-type orbital (1p). For the cationic counterpart one electron is removed from the 1p orbital, while for the anion another electron is added to the 1p shell. The calculated low-lying electronic states with excitation energies up to 2.0 eV populate the 1s, 1p, and 1d outer orbitals. The first ionization energy of Y(NH3)8 is 2.74 eV and its electron affinity is 0.64 eV. The present results suggest that saturated yttrium ammonia solutions will turn into solids (liquid or expanded metals), where a grid of Y(NH3)83+ centers will be surrounded by “free” electrons.
Intimate Partner Violence Among Sexual Minorities: Predicting Police Officer Arrest Decisions:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among sexual minorities (SM) remains a considerable social problem. Police response to survivors can have a significant impact on recovery, case attrition, and suspe...
Functional genomic approaches to elucidate the role of enhancers during development

Successful development depends on the precise tissue-specific regulation of genes by enhancers, genetic elements that act as switches to control when and where genes are expressed. Because enhancers are critical for development, and the majority of disease-associated mutations reside within enhancers, it is essential to understand which sequences within enhancers are important for function. Advances in sequencing technology have enabled the rapid generation of genomic data that predict putative active enhancers, but functionally validating these sequences at scale remains a fundamental challenge. Herein, we discuss the power of genome-wide strategies used to identify candidate enhancers, and also highlight limitations and misconceptions that have arisen from these data. We discuss the use of massively parallel reporter assays to test enhancers for function at scale. We also review recent advances in our ability to study gene regulation during development, including CRISPR-based tools to manipulate genomes and single-cell transcriptomics to finely map gene expression. Finally, we look ahead to a synthesis of complementary genomic approaches that will advance our understanding of enhancer function during development. This article is categorized under: Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods.
Concussion and Mild-Traumatic Brain Injury in Rural Settings: Epidemiology and Specific Health Care Considerations

Background Mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and concussions cause significant morbidity. To date, synthesis of specific health care disparities and gaps in care for rural mTBI/concussion patients remains needed. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed database for English articles with keywords “rural” and (“concussion” or “mild traumatic brain injury”) from 1991 to 2019. Eighteen articles focusing on rural epidemiology (n = 5), management/cost (n = 5), military (n = 2), and concussion prevention/return to play (n = 6) were included. Results mTBI/concussion incidence was higher in rural compared with urban areas. Compared with urban patients, rural patients were at increased risk for vehicular injuries, lifetime number of concussions, admissions for observation without neuroimaging, and injury-related costs. Rural patients were less likely to utilize ambulatory and mental health services following mTBI/concussion. Rural secondary schools had decreased access to certified personnel for concussion evaluation, and decreased use of standardized assessment instruments/neurocognitive testing. While school coaches were aware of return-to-play laws, mTBI/concussion education rates for athletes and parents were suboptimal in both settings. Rural veterans were at increased risk for postconcussive symptoms and posttraumatic stress. Telemedicine in rural/low-resource areas is an emerging tool for rapid evaluation, triage, and follow-up. Conclusions Rural patients are at unique risk for mTBI/concussions and health care costs. Barriers to care include lower socioeconomic status, longer distances to regional medical center, and decreased availability of neuroimaging and consultants. Due to socioeconomic and distance barriers, rural schools are less able to recruit personnel certified for concussion evaluation. Telemedicine is an emerging tool for remote triage and evaluation.
Component resolved diagnostics in peanut sensitized children with and without a history of clinical reaction.

Background: Serum Peanut-specific-IgE (PN-sIgE) and peanut-component-resolved-diagnostics (CRD) are often ordered simultaneously in the evaluation for peanut allergy. Results often guide the plans for peanut oral challenge. However, the clinical utility of CRD at different total PN-sIgE levels is unclear. A commonly used predefined CRD Ara h2 cutoff value in the literature predicting probability of peanut challenge outcomes is 0.35kUA/L. Objective: To examine the utility of CRD in patients with and without a history of clinical reactivity to peanut (PN). Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 196 children with PN-sIgE and CRD testing, of which, 98 patients had a clinical history of an IgE-mediated reaction when exposed to PN and 98 did not. The Fisher's exact test was used to assess the relationship between CRD and PN-sIgE at different cutoff levels, McNemar test and Gwet's approach (AC1 statistic) were used to examine agreement between CRD and PN-sIgE, and logistic regression was used to assess differences in the findings between patients with and without reaction history. Results: Ara h 1, 2, 3, or 9 (ARAH) levels ≤0.35 kUA/L were significantly associated with PN-sIgE levels 2 kUA/L. Thus, if possible, practitioners should consider PN-sIgE rather than automatically ordering CRD with PN-sIgE every time. Laboratory procedures that allow automatically and reflexively adding CRD when the PN-sIgE level is ≤5 kUA/L can be helpful. However, further studies are needed in subjects with challenge-proven PN allergy.
Identifying Degradation Modes of Photovoltaic Modules Using Unsupervised Machine Learning on Electroluminescense Images

In order to characterize the degradation of solar modules, it is necessary to systematically recognize common signatures, such as cracks and corrosion. This information can be useful in a multitude of ways, such as comparing failure models of different brands or types of cells. The process of electroluminescence imaging can illuminate these signatures such that automated image processing techniques can identify them. Both supervised (via C.N.N.) and unsupervised models can be applied; the focus of this work is on improvement of the unsupervised approach. Feature extraction, a pivotal step to computer vision, is used to produce localized descriptions of relevant regions in an image. In order to identify features, numerous feature extraction algorithms, such as ORB [12] and FAST [11] have been applied, which yield feature vectors that are invariant to location, scale, and orientation, as opposed to Haralick features [4]. The resulting feature vectors can be clustered via hierarchical clustering and a bag of visual words can be constructed that can identify similar features across a sample set. This method allows clustering around a large number of unidentified features both apparent and non-obvious to human inspection, including cracking, busbar corrosion, and other common forms of degradation. The resultant model and code implementation can be used as a form of exploratory data analysis before labeling in preparation for supervised machine learning, or as a classifier on its own.