cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
User registration in broadband slotted Aloha networks

This paper proposes an algorithm for user terminals in broadband slotted Aloha networks to jointly succeed in time synchronization, power adjustment, and registration to the network control center. The performance is analyzed considering nonnegligible initial time uncertainty, nonnegligible power uncertainty, and minimizing cochannel interference as well as binary feedback from the central receiver. User terminal initial power setting can be performed using the method developed in this paper to make sure the interference generated in the registration stage is negligible. The algorithm is sufficient to keep the false registration probability less than any number required by the network. It can help broadband slotted Aloha networks to significantly reduce system cost through employing a large number of inexpensive user terminals with non-negligible time uncertainty and nonnegligible power uncertainty.
Optimization and Comparison of Direct and Indirect Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Plant Cycles for Nuclear Applications

Results of analyses performed using the UniSim process analyses software to evaluate the performance of both a direct and indirect supercritical CO2 Brayton power plant cycle with recompression at different reactor outlet temperatures are presented. The direct supercritical CO2 power plant cycle transferred heat directly from a 600 MWt reactor to the supercritical CO2 working fluid supplied to the turbine generator at approximately 20 MPa. The indirect supercritical CO2 cycle assumed a helium-cooled Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR), operating at a primary system pressure of approximately 7.0 MPa, delivered heat through an intermediate heat exchanger to the secondary indirect supercritical CO2 recompression Brayton cycle, again operating at a pressure of about 20 MPa. For both the direct and indirect power plant cycles, sensitivity calculations were performed for reactor outlet temperature between 550°C and 850°C. The UniSim models used realistic component parameters and operating conditions to model the complete reactor and power conversion systems. CO2 properties were evaluated, and the operating ranges of the cycles were adjusted to take advantage of the rapidly changing properties of CO2 near the critical point. The results of the analyses showed that, for the direct supercritical CO2 power plant cycle, thermal efficiencies in the range of approximately 40 to 50% can be achieved over the reactor coolant outlet temperature range of 550°C to 850°C. For the indirect supercritical CO2 power plant cycle, thermal efficiencies were approximately 11–13% lower than those obtained for the direct cycle over the same reactor outlet temperature range.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Multiple comparisons : philosophies and illustrations

Statistical procedures underpin the process of scientific discovery. As researchers, one way we use these procedures is to test the validity of a null hypothesis. Often, we test the validity of mor...
Composite material from fly ash and post-consumer PET

Abstract Fly ash from a coal-fired power plant was combined with post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill to produce a molded composite material. Fly ash content varied from 0 to 50% by weight. Properties of compressive strength, water absorption and density of the products were tested. It was concluded that fly ash reduces the thermal decomposition of PET, expedites the melting and mixing of PET, reduces the shrinkage of the material during the molding process and improves the properties of the final product. The compressive strength was far above standards for building materials. The addition of fly ash increased the compressive strength by 31–53%. Water absorption was negligible for all the specimens. The micro-structure and bonding mechanism were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.
Profits from Forward Exchange Speculation

I. Speculators as suppliers of forward exchange, 248. — II. The model, 251. — III. Data, behavioral assumptions and results, 254. — IV. Interpretations of computations, 258. — V. Implications for forwawrd exchange supply, 260.
Development of a transmission-mode diamond secondary electron source

Vacuum electron devices such as traveling wave tubes designed to operate at frequencies near 300 GHz will require electron beam and circuit dimensions of several hundred microns and several micron precision, likely fabricated using techniques such as DRIE or LIGA. To increase power while maintaining the required dimensions such devices will require either multiple round beams, “sheet” beams, or similar. These requirements may be most easily met with a cold electron source capable of emitting high current density, and which may be lithographically patterned and positively aligned with the interaction structure. To date, achieving high current as well as high current density from field emitter arrays has been difficult, and achieving stable and uniform emission has often required current limiting structures in series with each emission site, degrading beam quality.
Metabolic and blood gas dependence on digestive state in the Savannah monitor lizard Varanus exanthematicus: an assessment of the alkaline tide

A large alkaline tide (up to 20 mmol l(-1) increase in bicarbonate concentration [HCO3-] with an accompanied increase in blood pH) has previously been reported for some carnivorous reptiles within 24 h after ingesting a large meal. This phenomenon has been attributed to the secretion of large amounts of H+ ions into the stomach, which is required for digestion of large prey items. To test the generality of this phenomenon in carnivorous reptiles, this study quantified the metabolic and acid-base status of the Savannah monitor lizard, Varanus exanthematicus, during digestion at 35 degrees C. Following a meal of approximately 10% of body mass, V(O2) and V(CO2) were measured continuously and arterial pH, blood gases and strong ions were measured every 8 h for 5 days. During peak digestion (24 h post feeding), V(O2) and V(CO2) increased to approximately threefold fasting values (V(O2), 0.95-2.57 ml min(-1) kg(-1); V(CO2) 0.53-1.63 ml min(-1) kg(-1)) while respiratory exchange ratio (R) remained constant (0.62-0.73). During digestion, arterial P(CO2) increased (from 4.6 kPa to 5.8 kPa), and [HCO3-] also increased (from 24.1 mmol l(-1) to 40.3 mmol l(-1)). In contrast to early studies on crocodilians, arterial pH in V. exanthematicus remained relatively stable during digestion (7.43-7.56). Strong ions contributed little to the acid-base compensation during the alkalosis. Collectively the data indicate that the metabolic alkalosis associated with H+ secretion (as indicated by increased plasma bicarbonate) is partially compensated by a respiratory acidosis.
Alteration of aliphatic lipid proton NMR linewidths by malignant tumors in guinea pigs

Water-suppressed proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to observe plasma lipoprotein lipid methyl and methylene resonances from guinea pigs which had been injected with viable or heat-killed line 1 or line 10 tumor cells or sterile oil. It was shown that the widths of these resonances became significantly sharper as the number of tumor cells grew. Plasma from tumor-free control animals showed no change in the NMR linewidths. It is concluded that the changes observed reflect a specific host response to viable tumor cells, and in these models there is a reciprocal relationship between the number of viable tumor cells and the linewidths of plasma lipoprotein methyl and methylene resonances.
Correlation of Subsolidus Phase Relations in the Ag─Pd─O System to Oxidation Reduction Kinetics and Dilametric Behavior

The relationship between the equilibrium subsolidus phase diagram of the Ag─Pd─O2 system, and the oxidation/reduction kinetics and microstructure development of 70Ag/30Pd coprecipitated and alloyed powders is presented. For the same Ag/Pd ratio and similar powder characteristics, the onset temperatures of Pd oxidation and PdO reduction for coprecipitated powders are lower than those of alloyed powders. For Ag/Pd alloyed powders, complete oxidation of Pd does not occur, because of kinetic limitations and the equilibrium phases present at high temperatures. Significant differences in microstructural evolution were observed and correlated to the oxidation processes and densification kinetics. The impact of these results on the use of the Ag/Pd system as conductors is discussed.
A symmetric fragment and replicate algorithm for distributed joins

It is shown that the fragment and replicate (FR) distributed join algorithm is a special case of the symmetric fragment and replicate (SFR) algorithm, which improves the FR algorithm by reducing its communication. The SFR algorithm, like the FR algorithm, is applicable to N-way joins and nonequijoins and does tuple balancing automatically. The authors derive formulae that show how to minimize the communication in the SFR algorithm, discuss its performance on a parallel database prototype, and evaluate its practicality under various conditions. It is claimed that SFR improves the worst-case cost for a distributed join, but it will not displace specialized distributed join algorithms when the later are applicable. >
Edge reconstruction-mediated graphene fracture

Creation of free edges in graphene during mechanical fracture is a process that is important from both fundamental and technological points of view. Here we derive an analytical expression for the energy of a free-standing reconstructed chiral graphene edge, with chiral angle varying from 0° to 30°, and test it by first-principles computations. We then study the thermodynamics and kinetics of fracture and show that during graphene fracture under uniaxial load it is possible to obtain fully reconstructed zigzag edges through sequential reconstructions at the crack tip. The preferable condition for this process is high temperature (T ∼ 1000 K) and low (quasi-static) mechanical load (KI ∼ 5.0 eV A−5/2). Edge configurations of graphene nanoribbons may be tuned according to these guidelines.
Population Densities of the Threatened Blackside Dace, Chrosomus cumberlandensis, in Kentucky and Tennessee

Abstract Chrosomus cumberlandensis (Blackside Dace) is a rare cyprinid fish restricted to small tributaries in the upper Cumberland River drainage in southeastern Kentucky and northeastern Tennessee. One hundred and nineteen 200-m reaches within 55 streams were sampled during June–August 2003, 2005, and 2006 via AC and pulsed-DC singlepass backpack electrofishing, thereby representing the most comprehensive quantitative survey conducted for this species to date. Dace were found to inhabit 43 of 55 streams and 78 of 119 reaches, although in two-thirds of the reaches the species was either not detected or was present in low numbers (i.e., catch rates ≤10 dace per 200 m). For the 78 reaches where the dace was detected, single-pass electrofishing catch rates ranged from 1 to 151 (mean ± SD = 27 ± 34) dace per 200 m. Petersen mark-recapture population estimates conducted on 16 reaches within 12 streams were used to build a regression model to calibrate single-pass electrofishing catch for the remaining 62 reac...
The effects of polymer molecular weight on filament thinning and drop breakup in microchannels

We investigate the effects of fluid elasticity on the dynamics of filament thinning and drop breakup processes in a cross-slot microchannel. Elasticity effects are examined using dilute aqueous polymeric solutions of molecular weight (MW) ranging from 1.5?103 to 1.8?107. Results for polymeric fluids are compared to those for a viscous Newtonian fluid. The shearing or continuous phase that induces breakup is mineral oil. All fluids possess similar shear-viscosity (~0.2?Pa?s) so that the viscosity ratio between the oil and aqueous phases is close to unity. Measurements of filament thickness as a function of time show different thinning behavior for the different aqueous fluids. For Newtonian fluids, the thinning process shows a single exponential decay of the filament thickness. For low MW fluids (103, 104 and 105), the thinning process also shows a single exponential decay, but with a decay rate that is slower than for the Newtonian fluid. The decay time increases with polymer MW. For high MW (106 and 107) fluids, the initial exponential decay crosses over to a second exponential decay in which elastic stresses are important. We show that the decay rate of the filament thickness in this exponential decay regime can be used to measure the steady extensional viscosity of the fluids. At late times, all fluids cross over to an algebraic decay which is driven mainly by surface tension.
Development of a distributed visualization system for neural network simulation

The development of a Web-based visualization system for neural network simulations takes the simulation and the generated data to the World Wide Web, and thus increases the usability of the system by allowing remote users to view the simulation result, to interact with the simulation engine, to reconfigure the underlying network, and to share the simulation with other users around the globe. The development and usage of a Web-based visualization system for neural networks is discussed. Features that have been implemented and those yet to be implemented in this on-going project are both examined.
Biomarkers of Eosinophil Involvement in Allergic and Eosinophilic Diseases: review of phenotypic and serum markers including a novel assay to quantify levels of soluble Siglec-8

There remains considerable controversy in the management of eosinophilic disorders, mainly due to a paucity of information regarding the clinical interpretation of total blood eosinophil counts versus surface activation markers versus eosinophil-derived or eosinophil-influencing mediator levels. Regrettably, few tests have been validated that define a unique clinical or prognostic phenotype that is more useful than simply monitoring total blood eosinophil counts. In this manuscript, phenotypic (cell surface) markers, along with serum and tissue-based markers that have been examined in the context of disease activity, are reviewed. We also report the development of a novel assay for detecting soluble Siglec-8 (sSiglec-8), a protein likely derived largely from eosinophils, as a potential serum biomarker. The assay consists of a competitive ELISA using a recombinant Siglec-8-Fc fusion protein. The goal of this preliminary study was to determine if sSiglec-8 is a useful biomarker that differentiates among patients with various eosinophil-associated diseases. In the final analysis, it is fair to say that further research is sorely needed to fully understand and validate the utility of various biomarkers, including sSiglec-8, before their use in clinical practice can be recommended with confidence.
Diversity of Sources for Fresh Produce: Implications for Local Markets

Number of suppliers, approximation of equal-shares market condition and market share held by in-state sources were calculated to determine diversity of sources for 10 fresh fruits and vegetables in eight U.S. wholesale markets. Specificity of growing conditions is associated with few supply sources, unequal market shares and limited purchases from in-state suppliers. For crops with few sources, lower perishability and greater transportability are correlated with greater balance in market shares. For crops with many supply sources, greater perishability and greater transportability are consistent with large market share from imports. Diversity across all commodities can increase market share for local producers.
Comparing patterns of stress in daily experiences of elderly caregivers and noncaregivers.

A daily experience survey instrument was used to distinguish patterns of stress in a group of elderly individuals providing home care to a spouse or parent with Alzheimer's disease and a comparison group of elderly non-caregivers. It was found that life circumstances influenced stress perception in daily life. Caregivers and noncaregivers differed in the types of experiences they endorsed as routines, uplifts, challenges, and hassles, and in the impact ratings associated with them in consistent and interpretable ways.
Spontaneous retrieval from long-term memory for a cognitive architecture

This paper presents the first functional evaluation of spontaneous, uncued retrieval from long-term memory in a cognitive architecture. The key insight is that current deliberate cued retrieval mechanisms require the agent to have knowledge of when and what to retrieve — knowledge that may be missing or incorrect. Spontaneous uncued retrieval eliminates these requirements through automatic retrievals that use the agent's problem solving context as a heuristic for relevance, thus supplementing deliberate cued retrieval. Using constraints derived from this insight, we sketch the space of spontaneous retrieval mechanisms and describe an implementation of spontaneous retrieval in Soar together with an agent that takes advantage of that mechanism. Empirical evidence is provided in the Missing Link word-puzzle domain, where agents using spontaneous retrieval out-perform agents without that capability, leading us to conclude that spontaneous retrieval can be a useful mechanism and is worth further exploration.
The Forcing and Maintenance of Global Monsoonal Circulations: An Isentropic Analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an isentropic analysis of the forcing and maintenance of global monsoonal circulations. The earliest theories for monsoons and the general circulation were based on concepts of thermally driven direct circulation. The diagnostic equations used in analysis of isentropic transport processes are presented. The establishment of a physical basis for the global monsoonal circulations from the joint application of mass, energy, and entropy principles is explained. The results show that the time-averaged differential heating, isentropic mass circulations, and energy and entropy transport must enjoy common scales. The relations between the planetary balance of energy and entropy are expressed in isobaric and isentropic coordinates, and the global distributions of isentropic and isobaric energy transport processes for January and July are compared. The reversible and entropy component models of total energy for open systems are elaborated. The constraints on the equilibrium state imposed by the requirements for reversible transformations are also described.
Paper 15: Today's Need—Functional Surface Roughness Control

A working system of peak-to-valley surface roughness control, similar to the Swedish H system, has been developed and is in use on selected Aerospace hardware. A test of seven participating companies proved the compatibility of the system.
Anomaly Overload: An Evolutionary Theory of Truth

Truth may be defined as "undistorted knowledge." Straightforward as that definition may appear, there are seemingly endless problems associated with specifying truth standards. Positivists maintain that truth must be defined with respect to empirically observable criteria. In response, power elite theorists have asserted that due to the interventions of power-brokers, observable reference points are untrustworthy. Further, postmodernists have concluded that due to the pervasive influences of cultural power, the pursuit of universal truth should be aborted. In spite of these pessimistic appraisals, this article advances an epistemology that is founded upon an "evolving", but nonetheless universal definition of truth.
Analyzing and interpreting ''imperfect'' Big Data in the 1600s

One of the characteristics of Big Data is that it often involves “imperfect” information. This paper examines the work of John Graunt (1620–1674) in the tabulation of diseases in London and the development of a life table using the “imperfect data” contained in London’s Bills of Mortality in the 1600s. London’s Bills of Mortality were Big Data for the 1600s, as they included information collected over time, the depth and accuracy of which improved gradually. The main shortcoming of the data available at the time was its nonuniform upkeep and the lack of depth of variables included at its outset. Due to these characteristics, it provides a perfect model for the examination of imperfect Big Data, as it has been analyzed, criticized, and interpreted repeatedly since the 1600s.
Phylogeny of Paired Ig-like Receptors

The mouse paired immunoglobulin-like receptors of activating (PIR-A) and inhibitory (PIR-B) types exemplify an emerging family of hematopoietic cell surface receptors whose roles in natural and acquired immunity have yet to be fully elucidated. As implied by their name, coordinate expression of PIR-A and PIR-B is seen on myeloid, dendritic, and B cell lineages. PIR-A and PIR-B share similar ligand-binding extracellular regions composed of six Ig-like domains, but they differ in their signaling potentials on the basis of differences in their transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions. Although PIR-A and PIR-B themselves are not conserved beyond rodents, PIR homologs have been identified in other mammals and birds, suggesting that the PIR genes belong to an ancient ancestral lineage of related Ig-like receptor families. A phylogenetic analysis, employing primary amino acid sequences and three-dimensional protein structures of the PIR homologs and their relatives, suggests a common ancestry for the PIR and Fc receptor families.
Hibernation in the alligator.

SummaryAlthough alligators are quite active in the winter if the temperature is high they have a pronounced hypoglycemia and no appetite. There is no seasonal change in metabolic rate in either the alligator or caiman. The caiman does not hibernate. Pituitary powder produces prolonged hyperglycemia and increases the metabolic rate. Desiccated thyroid powder has no effect on blood sugar. Neither glucose nor insulin had any effect on metabolic rate.
Solar Energy Storage in Phase Change Materials: First-Principles Thermodynamic Modeling of Magnesium Chloride Hydrates.

Thermal energy storage in salt hydrate phase change materials, such as magnesium chloride hydrates, represents an attractive option for solar energy applications. In this study, the structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of magnesium dichloride hexahydrate, MgCl2·6H2O, and its dehydrated phases, MgCl2·nH2O (n = 4, 2, 1), were computed within the framework of density functional theory. Densities of states were predicted, and phonon analysis using density functional perturbation theory was performed at equilibrium volume to derive isochoric thermal properties (i.e., Helmholtz free energy, entropy, and isochoric heat capacity). Isobaric thermal properties (i.e., Gibbs free energy, isobaric heat capacity, and latent heat) were also calculated within the quasi-harmonic approximation. Overall good agreement is observed between the computed thermodynamic properties and the scarce experimental data available for these materials.
A note on the Kakeya maximal operator

In this paper we obtain an upper bound for the L 2 norm for maximal operators associated to arbitrary finite sets of directions in R 2 .
Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) at the National Geotechnical Engineering Site at Texas A&M University (NGES/TAMU)

We analyzed only the portion of the NGES/TAMU data set suitable for MASW, with a sledge hammer as the source. Lateral variations in Vs are obvious from inspection of the raw data. We selected 4 non-overlapping intervals for analysis, chosen for maximum lateral uniformity within an interval. Analysis of the data led to four dispersion curves, which were inverted to yield 1-D Vs profiles. We present alternative profiles based on different starting models for the inversion, to illustrate the degree on non-uniqueness in the results. The new contributions include the analysis of the MASW data using SurfSeis © , a program that is commercially available from the Kansas Geological Survey, and in parallel using shareware programs from the Seismic Un*x and CPS software packages. This software is freely distributed to the scientific community by the Colorado School of Mines, and St. Louis University, respectively. Here they were combined and adapted for MASW
Rapid Single-Flux-Quantum Logic

Background, basic ideas, and recent development of a new family of ultrafast superconductor digital devices are reviewed. Possible applications of this new digital technology are discussed.
Hydrogen and sodium permeation of canine gastric mucosa during histamine and sodium thiocyanate administration.

The hydrogen-sodium diffusion barrier of canine gastric corpus epithelium was studied during rest, stimulation (in response to histamine), and inhibition (by thiocyanate) of acid secretion. Isosmotic acid and mannitol solutions were instilled onto the mucosal surface of exteriorized, chambered gastric segments for this purpose. Stimulation led to an increased back diffusion of hydrogen and a decrease in sodium efflux. Inhibition resulted in little further change. Thiocyanate administration, prior to stimulation, produced a 2-fold increase in hydrogen-sodium exchange. Subsequent histamine infusion further increased this exchange and led to gross disruption of the mucosal surface.
Housing and Wealth Portfolios

The household’s decision to invest in a home is complicated by the fact that owner-occupied housing plays a dual role as both a physical good generating housing services and as a component of the wealth portfolio. For many homeowners, housing represents both the largest single element of the monthly expenditure and the most important asset in the wealth portfolio. We consider the role of owner-occupied housing in the asset portfolio, assuming that the household owner-occupies a particular house, and thus the quantity of housing held as an asset coincides with the household’s consumption of housing services.
Plasma levels and absorption of methaqualone after oral administration to man

Following oral administration of 300 mg. of methaqualone to 7 subiects there was an average peak plasma level of 3.0 p.g per milliliter in 2 hours. Average plasma half-life was 2.6 hours. Per cent absorption at each time point after administration indicated that 67 per cent absorption occurred in one hour and 99 per cent was absorbed in 2 hours.
Turn-on detection of pesticides via reversible fluorescence enhancement of conjugated polymer nanoparticles and thin films

Reported herein is the significant fluorescence enhancement of conjugated polymer nanoparticles in the presence of aromatic organochlorine pesticides. This pesticide-mediated fluorescence enhancement leads to reversible pesticide detection systems with high sensitivity (as low as 5 μM), as well as significant generality and straightforward reversibility.
The Emerging Normative Structures of Transnational Law: Non-State Enterprises in Polycentric Asymmetric Global Orders

Globalization has produced a wealth of writing that seeks to theorize the emerging relationships between states, non-state actors (especially multinational corporations), and international organizations. For lawyers, the relationship among these actors through law is especially meaningful. What has been emerging in recent years with greater clarify is that while the formal structures of organization of law and its relationship to the state system remains substantially unchanged, the realities on the ground have moved substantially away from these formal structures. The traditional premises that have been used to justify and explain the relationships among states, non-state actors, international organizations, law and governance no longer adequately either explain or justify the actual behaviors and outlooks of these actors. This essay considers the tension between the traditional premises of organizing governance (within and through states) and the emerging transnational legal order. The focus of examination is the corporation, which is where this tension is most in evidence. The analysis starts with the ideology of the state order, which disguises alternative governance orders and the governments through which they are operationalized. It is with the effects of the ideology of the state order that the analytical limitations of analysis become clearer, the object of Section II. Sections III and IV explore the power of ideology in framing analysis in the conception of the reality of self-constitutionalizing organization outside the state and in theorizing of transnational law as method. Both suggest the ways in which the ideologies of framing analysis can color both the way in which relationships are understood and the objectives of analysis are formed. Section V then posits an alternative analysis, normatively autonomous (though not entirely free) of the orbit of the state, a vision possible only when the ideological presumptions of the state are suspended.
Klaus Jeziorkowski, ed.:Gottfried Keller. Dichter über ihre Dichtungen: Munich: Heimeran, 1969. Pp. 617

(1972). Klaus Jeziorkowski, ed.:Gottfried Keller. Dichter uber ihre Dichtungen. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 47, No. 3, pp. 228-229.
Inductive Wireless Power Transfer and Uplink Design for a CMOS Tag With 0.01 mm 2 Coil Size

This work introduces the smallest inductive wireless power transfer and backscattering communication link to date, with tag coil only of 0.01 mm2. The CMOS tag, operated at 4.7 GHz, generates a 0.1-mW dc power under a coupling distance of 1.2 mm and reader power of 31.4 dBm. The on-off keying back-scattering uplink is demonstrated with data rate of 20 kb/s.
Marital Conflicts and the Reformation in Geneva, 1542–1555

ABSTRACTThis paper is based on research of the published records of Genevan Consistory cases from 1542 to 1555, a time of religious and social upheaval. The Consistory was a church and moral discipline body. This article highlights select marital conflict cases, demonstrating that many people used the Consistory as a forum in which to express their demands and complaints about their partners. In some instances, parties were successful in getting the Consistory to grant them divorces. Thus some Genevans fell short of the ideals of harmonious and permanent matrimony that their reformers proclaimed. The majority were told to remain in their problematic marital unions. This study sheds light on Reformation marriage theology and law, the successes and failures of the Genevan Consistory, the impact of the Protestant Reformation on the population, and gender relations in early-modern Europe.
Less Intense Postacute Care, Better Outcomes For Enrollees In Medicare Advantage Than Those In Fee-For-Service

Traditional fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare’s prospective payment systems for postacute care provide little incentive to coordinate care or control costs. In contrast, Medicare Advantage plans pay f...
Simulation framework for compressive sensing-based through-wall detection of moving targets

Detection of moving targets in cluttered environments is important in numerous applications, such as disaster search-and-rescue, law enforcement, urban warfare and so on. One of the popular techniques employed for this purpose is the use of stepped-frequency continuous-wave radar due to its low cost and reduced complexity. However, the stepped-frequency radar suffers from long data acquisition time. This study focuses on the detection of moving targets in cluttered medium; such as behind walls, using stepped-frequency radar enhanced by compressive sensing (CS). The application of CS enables the reconstruction of the target space using fewer frequencies, which decreases the acquisition time. This study presents simulation results that demonstrate the applicability of CS to stepped-frequency radar measurements in accurately locating and tracking targets behind walls. The plane-wave spectrum approach is employed in conjunction with through-wall transmission coefficients for calculating the scattered fields of targets behind the wall. The received voltage at the antenna terminals is then computed by adopting the concept of complex antenna factor frequently used in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) community, which fully takes into account the antenna effects, enabling an accurate simulation.
Minimal Residual Disease Assessment in Lymphoma: Methods and Applications.

Standard methods for disease response assessment in patients with lymphoma, including positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans, are imperfect. In other hematologic malignancies, p...
In vivo photoacoustic quantification of brain tissue oxygenation for neonatal piglet graded ischemia model using microsphere administration

Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke can result in long-term deficits in motor, cognitive, attention, and executive functions as well as persistent seizures. Rapid diagnosis is critical for newborns who suffer a focal ischemic stroke in order to distinguish prenatal vs. postnatal stroke, and to differentiate perinatal stroke from global hypoxic ischemia (HI). In this study, we present photoacoustic (PA) quantification for brain tissue oxygenation on an in vivo focal stroke model based on a newborn piglet.
Recognizing Blind Spots - A Remedy for Gender Bias in Medicine?

Recognizing Blind Spots For young women in medicine, self-advocacy can feel impossible. Small steps such as taking ownership of our roles as physicians, enlisting allies, and educating our trainees, students, and patients can provide a starting point for the movement toward workplace equality.
A mediated multigroup model examining marijuana use consequences by sexual orientation in us college students.

Abstract Marijuana use holds a curvilinear relation to sexual orientation, whereby bisexual individuals reporter higher frequency of use than exclusively hetero- or homosexual individuals. This relation differs by gender, with more pronounced differences among women. Bisexual individuals are at greater risk for negative consequences of marijuana use, such as dependence. To mitigate potential risks, individuals employ protective behavioral strategies (PBS). While differences in use are known, research has yet to examine if consequences and PBS use vary by sexual orientation. This study seeks to address the relations between sexual orientation, consequences, gender, and PBS. It was hypothesized that orientation would be associated with consequences, mediated by PBS, and these relations would vary by gender. College students (N = 8141) from 11 different universities completed an online survey measuring marijuana consequences, PBS use, and sexual orientation. A final analytic sample (n = 2091) was composed of participants who indicated past 30-day marijuana use (60% women, 64% White, mean age 19.92). Path analysis was used to test all study hypothesis. Results indicated a curvilinear relation between sexual orientation and consequences among men, however not women. Moreover, PBS use mediated the relation between orientation and consequences among men, and negatively predicted consequences among women. Conclusions include that mixed sexual orientation men experience higher consequences through lower PBS use. For women, PBS use buffers against consequences. These findings reflect a general effectiveness of PBS use for mitigating negative marijuana-related consequences. The implications of these results are discussed.
Immunologic Methods for the Detection of Carcinogen Adducts in Humans

Immunologic methods are now available for the sensitive detection and quantitation of carcinogen-DNA adducts. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies have been developed against a number of specific adducts as well as against UV-damaged DNA (Poirier, 1981; Santella, 1988). Antibodies can be developed against either the carcinogen adduct covalently coupled to carrier protein or the modified DNA electrostatically complexed to methylated bovine serum albumin. These antibodies can be used in highly sensitive competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with color- or fluorescence endpoint detection. Since femtomole (10-15) sensitivities are readily attainable, DNA adduct levels in the range of 1/108 nucleotides can be measured. With monoadduct-specific antibodies, higher sensitivities may be obtainable if large amounts of DNA are available and the adduct is isolated by various chromatographic procedures before quantitation in the ELISA. Table 1 lists the monoclonal antibodies recognizing carcinogen-DNA adducts which we have developed to date. Several of these antibodies, including those recognizing aflatoxin, benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide and 8-methoxypsoralen-DNA adducts, have been applied to adduct detection in humans.
Myth busting: Using Data Mining to Refute Link between Transfer Students and Retention Risk

In the past few years, universities have become much more involved in outcomes assessment. Outside of the classroom analysis of learning outcomes, an investigation is performed into the use of current data mining tools to assess the issue of student retention within the Computer Information Systems (CIS) department. Utilizing both a historical dataset of CIS students over a 10 year period, and a current student dataset, this analysis specifically deals with the following questions: 1. How can we use the past to predict retention risk of the future students? 2. Do students who transfer CIS courses (core or elective) have an increased retention risk? The data mining tool was the Oracle Data Mining TM Package used to perform tasks as
Functions and graphing

One of the most important and useful concepts in mathematics is that of a function. In this and the next chapter, we will study some of the more common and useful functions and point out some of their applications.
CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF RADIATION-INDUCED MUTAGENESIS AND ITS ROLE IN CARCINOGENESIS

ABSTRACT The role of DNA damage in mutation fixation and carcinogenesis is well documented. Theoretically, many non-mutagenic chemicals, known to modify carcinogenesis, can modify either the amount of DNA damage, the repair of the damage, or the expression of the genetic consequences of error-prone DNA repair/replication. Various non-mutagenic, tumor-modifying chemicals were tested for their effects on UV-induced ouabain-resistant mutations in Chinese hamster cells. Those tested were shown to modify the frequency of mutations by affecting DNA repair processes or the expression of induced mutations. The results also support the hypothesis that tumor initiation is due to a mutagenic event, while tumor promotion (or anti-promotion) is the result of an epigenetic process.
An Evaluation of a Market Based Resource Trading in a Multi-campus Compute Co-operative (CCC)

Computational and data scientists at universities are often limited by the quantity and diversity of the shared resources available at their institution. Access cost for these resources are often uniform, that is, it is not differentiated based on job priority or resource requirements. This flat access policy on shared resources often lead to sub-optimal values for the institutions, and researchers with special requirements (i.e. GPU, large-memory, etc.) often have to wait significantly longer to get their job scheduled. A market-based resource trading in a multi-campus Compute Co-operative can lead to higher aggregated value for the co-operative as well as provide significant benefits for the individual institutions by scheduling jobs opportunistically when resources of one campus are over-subscribed and by placing jobs efficiently based on resource requirements. In this paper, we evaluate a resource allocation scheme in a multi-campus environment, (i.e. CCC [10]) based on job priority and resource cost, with the provision for resource trading between campuses. We collected real data traces from three (3) universities over a month and conducted a simulation to evaluate the effectiveness of our resource trading approach over the existing single institution flat rate allocation policy. Our simulation shows that, with CCC and market-based resource trading, the aggregated institutional value for the co-operative increases by 15% and the average wait time for the jobs reduce by 49%.
Reversible control of enzyme‐inhibitor interactions with light illumination using a photoresponsive surfactant

The effects of a photoresponsive surfactant and light illumination on the complex formed between ribonuclease A (RNase A) and a protein ribonuclease inhibitor (RI) have been investigated to develop a light-based technique to reactivate an enzyme through surfactant-induced dissociation of the enzyme-inhibitor complex. The photoresponsive surfactant undergoes a photoisomerization from the relatively hydrophobic trans isomer under visible light to the relatively hydrophilic cis isomer upon UV illumination, providing a means to reversibly control protein-inhibitor interactions. In the absence of surfactant, RI binds tightly to RNase A through noncovalent interactions, which inhibits the enzyme activity. Upon addition of the surfactant under visible light, RNase A is reactivated, regaining ~75% of the native activity in the absence of RI. In the presence of the surfactant under UV light, however, the enzyme remains inhibited. Fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and circular dichroism spectroscopy reveal that RI dramatically unfolds upon addition of the trans form of the surfactant, while RNase A does not undergo noticeable structural changes under the same conditions. This indicates that RNase A reactivation occurs through dissociation of the enzyme-inhibitor complex arising from surfactant-induced unfolding of the inhibitor. As a result, photoresponsive surfactant and light illumination can be used as a novel light-based technique to dissociate enzyme-inhibitor complexes and, thus, reactivate an inhibited enzyme.
Errors of Fixed QT Heart Rate Corrections Used in the Assessment of Drug-Induced QTc Changes

The accuracy of studies of drug-induced QTc changes depends, among others, on the accuracy of heart rate correction of QT interval. It has been recognized that when a drug leads to substantial heart rate changes, fixed universal corrections cannot be used and that alternative methods such as subject-specific corrections established for each study participant need to be considered. Nevertheless, the maximum heart rate change that permits use of fixed correction with reasonable accuracy has not been systematically investigated. We have therefore used full QT/heart-rate profiles of 751 healthy subjects (mean age 34.2 ± 9.6, range 18-61 years, 335 females) and compared their subject-specific corrections with 6 fixed corrections, namely Bazett, Fridericia, Framingham, Hodges, Rautaharju, and Sarma formulae. The comparison was based on statistical modeling experiments which simulated clinical studies of N = 10 or N = 50 female or male subjects. The experiments compared errors of ΔQTc intervals calculated as differences between QTc intervals at an initial heart rate (in the range of 40 to 120 beats per minute, bpm) and after a heart rate change (in the range from -20 to +20 bpm). The experiments also investigated errors due to spontaneous heart rate fluctuation and due to omission of correction for QT/RR hysteresis. In each experiment, the absolute value of the single-sided 90th percentile most remote from zero was used as the error estimate. Each experiment was repeated 10,000 times with random selection of modeled study group. From these repetitions, median and upper 80th percentile was derived and graphically displayed for all different combinations of initial heart rate and heart rate change. The results showed that Fridericia formula might be reasonable (with estimated errors of ΔQTc below 8 ms) in large studies if the heart rate does not change more than ± 10 bpm and that the errors by fixed corrections and the errors due to omission of QR/RR hysteresis are additive. Additionally, the results suggest that the variability introduced into QTc data by not correcting for the underlying heart rate accurately might have a greater impact in smaller studies. The errors by Framingham formula were practically the same as with the Fridericia formula. Other investigated fixed heart rate corrections led to larger ΔQTc errors.
Do External Factors Play an Antecedent Role To Market Orientation

This paper proposes that firms' external environment may influence the degree of market orientation necessary to conduct business profitably. Seven environmental variables are proposed to affect the level of market orientation a firm must possess in order to remain competitive in its particular market. Propositions are given based on the theoretical underpinnings of several strategic planning models.
The model as performance: staging space in theatre and architecture: by Thea Brejzek and Lawrence Wallen, London, Methuen Drama, 2017, 152 pp., £102.00 (hardback), ISBN 9781474271387; £31.95 (paperback), ISBN 9781350095908

It is difficult to imagine the contemporary performing arts, from the modest scales of academic or regional theatres to the grandest opera houses, without the scale model. Models craft and project ...
Opioid Withdrawal Precipitated by Long-Acting Antagonists.

Abstract Background Precipitated opioid withdrawal (POW) after opioid antagonist administration can be challenging to manage in the emergency department (ED), particularly if caused by a long-acting opioid antagonist such as naltrexone. There are no evidence-based guidelines to assist in safely and efficiently managing patients with this syndrome. Objective of Review To review current practice on the treatment of long-acting antagonist POW and make recommendations on the treatment of this complex disease process. Methods A literature search of opioid withdrawal cases precipitated by naltrexone was done using PubMed. One of the authors screened all the results of this search by title and abstract, leading to a final count of 27 articles that were reviewed in full by all authors. English language cases that involved precipitated opioid withdrawal from a long-acting opioid antagonist were included. Data were extracted, including the precipitant involved and dose, severity of opioid withdrawal, treatments rendered, and response to treatment. In all cases where symptoms and signs were described, a Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale score was calculated based on the information available. Results Twenty-seven papers were included. Naltrexone alone was the primary antagonist reported in 19 of the papers, extended-release naltrexone in two, naltrexone-morphine combination in two, and nalmefene in four. Treatment most commonly included fluid replacement, benzodiazepines, antiemetics, and clonidine. Full opioid agonist treatment, although often suggested, was poorly described. Buprenorphine successfully reduced the severity and duration of withdrawal in several cases. No standardized response scale was used, and response to treatment ranged from 3 to 48 h prior to resolution of clinical effects. Conclusions Management of POW from long-acting antagonists is a complex problem with little formal evaluation of treatment options. There is not currently a sufficiently robust body of literature to support an evidence-based guideline. However, use of intravenous fluids, antiemetics, and benzodiazepines is commonly reported as successful and seems to be a reasonable approach until this process is better studied. A treatment strategy using partial agonists such as buprenorphine is emerging and may represent a safe and effective treatment pathway for these patients.