cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
QoS-Driven Resource Allocation for SWIPT with Finite-Alphabet Inputs

In this paper, we consider a wireless scenario in which multiple-nodes operating under delay constraints transmit finite alphabet input signals for simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). These nodes communicate through time-division multiple access channels, and the receiving node harvests energy from the received signal while decoding information by applying power splitting scheme. In addition, the transmitting nodes are subject to limitations on the buffer overflow probability, specified by the quality of service (QoS) exponent. Due to harvested energy constraint, we have introduced a novel approach that assigns probabilities non-uniformly to different signals in the constellation which improves the overall performance in terms of throughput and energy efficiency (EE). We formulate optimization problems to maximize the effective capacity and effective EE while taking input signal probabilities, operating intervals, and splitting factor into account. Since obtaining closed-form expressions for the optimization parameters is unlikely, we develop an algorithm to determine the solutions numerically. In the numerical results, we observe that QoS constraints primarily affect achievable rate distribution among the users, and override the channel conditions. In addition, having static slope characteristics for non-uniform probability assignment is more energy efficient than having dynamic characteristics.
Landslides Triggered by Earthquakes from 1920 to 2015

Seismic activity is one of the major causes of landslides around the world. Several studies have examined the characteristics of earthquake-induced landslides following major earthquake events. Previous studies have also combined the characteristics of the earthquakes and the landslides triggered from these studies to develop relationships between the magnitude of the earthquake and the total area affected by the earthquake, the maximum distance to the landslide observations from the epicenter or fault rupture. However, the relationships between the magnitude and the number of landslides as well as the peak ground acceleration and the number of landslides have not been developed. In this study, 35 historical earthquake events from 1920 to 2015 were examined. The results show that the previous proposed relationship between the magnitude of the earthquake and the total area affected by the landslides is valid for the earthquake events examined in this study. However, in this paper a relationship between the peak ground acceleration and the total area affected by landslides is developed. In addition, the total number of moderate to large scale landslides and total number of all landslides have been correlated with the magnitude and the peak ground acceleration. The results from this study suggest the use of the peak ground acceleration as opposed to the earthquake magnitude in the study of earthquake-induced landslides.
Theory of Dynamic Games and its Applications in Large Scale Systems Design and Optimization

Abstract In this paper we first provide a brief review of some of the recent results on dynamic games, in particular with regard to memory strategies, and then discuss potential applications of the techniques developed in this context to large scale systems design, optimization and coordination. Incorporation of memory strategies in the optimization of interconnected systems enables one to enforce satisfiability of more than one criterion and to treat coordination problems wherein the lower levels have different perceptions of the underlying model and goals. A number of such design criteria are introduced, and recipes are given to obtain coordinator policies with good sensitivity properties.
“De onde? Para onde?” The Continuity Question and the Debate over Brazil’s “Civil”-Military Dictatorship

This article deals with the disputed terminology used to refer to the Brazilian military regime (1964–1985). On one side is the traditional “military dictatorship” nomenclature, which places the armed forces at the center of the political system during the period in question. Conversely, the more recent “civil-military dictatorship” terminology notes that the regime depended on civilian allies in business and government, as well as popular support, throughout its existence. My entry point is a heated 2012 debate between journalist Pedro Pomar and the radical art collective Coletivo Zagaia. I explore how new social actors that emerged after redemocratization have become central to the struggle over human rights in Brazil and, more specifically, how the dictatorship is remembered in the present. This debate among scholars, activists, bloggers, and journalists is fundamentally about memory, accountability, and, I argue, the quality of Brazilian democracy today. Resumo Este artigo se trata da terminologia disputada usada para se referir ao regime militar brasileiro (1964–1985). De um lado esta a nomenclatura tradicional—“ditadura militar”—que coloca os militares no centro do sistema politico da epoca. Do outro lado, a mais recente terminologia —“ditadura civil-militar”— observa que o regime dependia de aliados civis no governo e empresariado, como tambem apoio popular, durante sua existencia. Meu ponto de partida nesta discussao e um debate que ocorreu em 2012 entre o jornalista Pedro Pomar e o coletivo de arte radical Coletivo Zagaia. Analiso como novos atores sociais que surgiram apos a redemocratizacao em 1985 tornaram-se fundamentais na luta por direitos humanos no Brasil e tambem como a ditadura e lembrada no presente. Esta disputa entre academicos, ativistas, bloggers e jornalistas e fundamentalmente sobre memoria e responsabilidade historica. Historiadores estao, e devem continuar, se posicionando sobre o assunto.
ACTITUDES LINGÜÍSTICAS DE PADRES Y MADRES EN FAMILIAS COLOMBIANAS Y MEXICANAS EN HOUSTON: UN ESTUDIO CUALITATIVO

This study explores the lingusitic attitudes of parents in Colombian and Mexican families residing in Houston, United States. Using a qualitative methodology and insturments such as interviews and observation, it seeks to examine how the linguistic attitudes of parents contribute to the preservation or loss of Spanish. Results indicate that families of both nationalities show positive attitudes toward Spanish, but that their motivations differ. Colombian parents have an instrumental motivation, since they see Spanish as a means to access better job opportunities. Mexican parents, on the other hand, are more flexible regarding the use of Spanish at home and accept it with fewer prejudices than Colombian families. All of the parents state that they have an integrative motivation; reveal strong group identity; and attempt to convey positive feelings regarding Spanish and Hispanic culture to their children.
A Modified Method for Estimating the Thermal Conductivity of Sands

Estimation of soil thermal conductivity is important for many practical geotechnical and civil engineering applications including the thermal performance of buried pipelines and geothermal heat pumps. A significant number of empirical-fit methods to estimate the thermal conductivity of sands exist in the existing literature. This paper provides a modification to an existing semi-analytical model developed by S.K. Haigh published in 2012. Haigh (2012) proposed an analytical 2D model developed based on unidirectional heat flow through a three-phase soil element. Haigh (2012) added an empirical fit based on a database of 155 test measurements to the analytical model to improve performance. This paper provides an alternative empirical fit to the analytical method to better retain the original physical origin of the model. The new model is validated with an additional 124 test measurements.
Discrimination of Converging and Diverging Frequency Transition

ABSTRACT Better discrimination occurred within sets of frequency transitions that diverged from a common onset frequency than among sets of transitions that converged to the same offset. No single available theory satisfactorily explains these outcomes.
The Thymus and T Lymphocytes

Stem cells in the bone marrow that are destined to develop into T cells migrate to the thymus where they undergo maturation and development. These precursors of T cells possess unrearranged TCR genes and express neither CD4 nor CD8 markers. Thymocytes, the developing T cells, are found first in the outer cortex where their numbers increase, the TCR genes are rearranged and CD3, CD4, CD8 and T cell receptor molecules are expressed on the surface. During maturation, these cells pass from the cortex to the medulla. As maturation proceeds, CD4−CD8− (double-negative) T cells develop into CD4+CD8+ (double-positive) cells that then become either CD4−CD8− or CD4−CD8+ single positive T cells. Somatic rearrangement of variable, diversity (β) and joining gene segments in the area of C gene segments lead to the production of functional genes that encode TCR α and β polypeptides. Many T cell specificities result from the numerous combinations possible for joining of separate gene segments in addition to various mechanisms for junctional diversity. Somatic mutation and affinity maturation do not take place in TCR genes, in contrast to their occurrence in Ig genes. Somatic rearrangement of germ line genes is also responsible for the functional genes that encode TCR γ and δ polypeptides.
Basic Design and Terminology

In freshly cut sections of the brain and spinal cord some regions display a white glistening color, others a grayish color. The white matter represents collections of bundles containing long nerve fibers, which are surrounded by white glistening myelin sheaths. Nerve cell bodies, on the other hand, tend to aggregate in a superficial cortical sheath or in subcortical nuclei, referred to as gray matter.
SUPPORT‐AF: Piloting a Multi‐Faceted, Electronic Medical Record‐Based Intervention to Improve Prescription of Anticoagulation

Background Only 50% of eligible atrial fibrillation (AF) patients receive anticoagulation (AC). Feasibility and effectiveness of electronic medical record (EMR)–based interventions to profile and r...
Prenatal and early life exposure to air pollution induced hippocampal vascular leakage and impaired neurogenesis in association with behavioral deficits.

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders in human populations. In rodent models, prenatal TRAP exposure increased depressive behaviors and increased brain microglial activity. To identify cellular mechanisms, we examined adult neurogenesis and the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in relation to cognition and motivated behaviors in rats that were exposed to a nano-sized TRAP subfraction from gestation into adulthood. At age 5 months, exposed male rats had 70% fewer newly generated neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. Microglia were activated in DG and CA1 subfields (35% more Iba1). The BBB was altered, with a 75% decrease of the tight junction protein ZO-1 in the CA1 layer, and twofold more iron deposits, a marker of microhemorrhages. The exposed rats had impaired contextual memory (novel object in context), reduced food-seeking behavior, and increased depressive behaviors (forced swim). Deficits of de novo neurogenesis were inversely correlated with depressive behavior, whereas increased microbleeds were inversely correlated with deficits in contextual memory. These findings give the first evidence that prenatal and early life exposure to TRAP impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis and increases microbleeds in association with behavioral deficits.
Experimental Investigation of Laser Linewidth Tolerance of 32-GBaud DP-256QAM Optical Coherent System

We experimentally investigate the laser linewidth tolerance of 32-GBaud DP-256QAM system for back-to-back and 50-km transmission. Results show that laser linewidth (0.1~550 kHz) has only slight effect on the signal quality even for higher-order QAM.
Remote, Diastereoselective Cobalt-Catalyzed AlkeneIsomerization–Hydroboration: Access to Stereodefined 1,3-DifunctionalizedIndanes

The remote, diastereoselective hydroboration of 2- and 3-substituted indenes with a 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine cobalt alkyl precatalyst is described that maintains high regio- and stereoselectivity ind...
Routine Intensive Care Unit Admission Following Liver Resection: What Is the Value Proposition?

The value of routine ICU admission after elective surgery has been debated due to the lack of robust evidence supporting its benefit, as well as the increased incurred costs. We sought to analyze outcomes of patients undergoing hepatectomy who were routinely admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) compared with surgical ward admission. Patients were identified in the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database from 2010 to 2016. Routine postoperative ICU admission was defined as ICU admission for ≤ 24 h on postoperative day 0. Potential association between routine ICU admission with extended length-of-stay (LOS), failure-to-rescue, and total inpatient costs was analyzed. In total 7970 patients underwent hepatectomy; 37.7% (n = 3001) had routine ICU admission and 62.3% (n = 4969) surgical ward admission. Among the 3001 patients who had routine ICU admission, 1137 (37.9%) had a major and 1864 (62.1%) had a minor hepatectomy. Routine ICU admission was not associated with lower failure-to-rescue (routine ICU 4.9% vs. ward 1.8%; p < 0.001). Patients routinely admitted to the ICU had longer median LOS (routine ICU 7 days, IQR 5–15 days vs. ward 5 days, IQR 4–7 days; p < 0.001). Median payments were higher for routine ICU admission than for surgical ward admission ($50,501, IQR $34,270–$80,459 vs. $39,774, IQR $28,555–$58,270, respectively). Routine ICU admission was associated with longer LOS and higher hospital payments, yet did not translate into lower failure-to-rescue among patients undergoing hepatectomy.
Assessing the eco-efficiency of U.S. manufacturing industries with a focus on renewable vs. non-renewable energy use: An integrated time series MRIO and DEA approach

Abstract This study investigated the global supply chain-linked renewable and nonrenewable energy use impacts and economic output of U.S. manufacturing industries over a twenty-year period. Considering energy use impacts and economic outputs together within the scope of a global-trade-linked, cradle-to-gate life cycle provides a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and economic impacts of industrial activities. In the first phase of the methodology, twenty multi-region input-output models were built to assess the energy and economic output nexus using a time series approach. Sixteen energy carriers were considered and aggregated in terms of renewable and nonrenewable energy use impacts. The second phase of the methodology focused on benchmarking U.S. manufacturing industries’ eco-efficiency, considering renewable to nonrenewable energy use and economic output. To accomplish this, data envelopment analysis (DEA) models were developed, and two benchmarking (eco-efficiency) measures were proposed, namely: renewability ratio (RR) and economic-output-induced renewability ratio (E-RR). The results indicated that the economic output of the manufacturing industries exhibited a steady, sustainable growth. Similar growth was observed in nonrenewable energy use. In contrast, the trend in renewable energy use was seen to be stagnant. No statistically significant improvement was observed in either the RR or E-RR measures, which were found to parallel the multi-region input-output analysis (MRIO) results. Although an increase in both the mean RR (0.3–0.4) and the mean E-RR (0.38–0.52) scores was recorded from 1995 to 2014, this was concluded to be unsatisfactory, since the majority of the industries’ eco-efficiency results were still below 0.5. Such an unsatisfactory result could be attributed to an imbalanced growth in nonrenewable energy use and economic output relative to renewable energy use. The findings of this study suggest that substantial policy changes are required immediately to shift the negative trend in renewable energy use to comply with UN Sustainability Development Goals 7 and 13.
Translating the Violent Content of Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tales: An Eye-Tracker Experiment

Eye tracking has been introduced as a tool to analyze cognitive processes of translators in recent years. Current research with eye tracker focuses on examining translation processes. As far as we know, however, this tool has not been used for detecting eye movement behaviors related to the cognitive processing of violent content in the source text (ST). As research in this area is emerging, this study aims to determine if semantic associations with violent actions or activities in the ST produces a response in the gaze behavior of the translator. This paper presents an experimental study to investigate the cognitive processes involved in the translation of three condensed versions of Grimm brothers’ fairy tales. The selected texts present the range of violent content for which these tales are renowned, from more modern adaptations which remove the violent content to very explicit and graphicly violent stories. Texts were translated from Spanish (L2) into English (L1). Fixation counts and fixation duration were calculated for each participant in ten Areas of Interest (AOI) which represented challenges in translating various aspects of grammar and violence presented in these tales.
Comparison of PET/MRI and PET/CT imaging and dosimetry in patients who have received intra-arterial radioembolization therapy with 90Y microspheres

598 Objectives: The aim of our study was to compare 90Y dosimetry obtained from PET/MRI and PET/CT post-therapy imaging among patients with primary or metastatic hepatic tumors. Methods: After therapy with 90Y microspheres, 32 patients were imaged on a 4R, 40 slice PET/CT system (Siemens mCT). The low mA, non-diagnostic CT images were used for attenuation correction and localization of the 90Y microspheres in the PET/CT studies. The acquisition time was 15 min. Immediately after PET/CT study, in an adjacent room a PET/MRI study was done on a Siemens mMR system. The acquisition time was 20 min, and attenuation correction was done using the scanner standard 4 segment (air, soft tissue, lung, and fat) MR based attenuation map. Reconstructed images were transferred to a common platform and local deposition method with known activity of 90Y was used to calculate dosimetry. The Passing- Bablok regression scatter diagram and the Bland and Altman method were used to analyze the difference between dosimetry values. Results: For PET/CT and PET/MRI modalities, the mean liver dose for all 32 subjects was 51.6 ± 24.7 Gy and 46.5 ± 22.7 Gy, respectively, with a mean difference of 5.1 ± 5.0 Gy . The repeatability coefficient was 9.0 (18.5% of the mean). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was very high, ρ = 0.97 . Although, the maximum dose to the liver can be significantly different, up to 40%, mean liver dose from both modalities was relatively close, with a difference of 18.5% or less. Conclusions: Two main sources of 90Y dosimetry difference between PET/CT and PET/MRI calculations can be attributed to the differences in regions-of interest (ROIs) and differences attributed to attenuation correction. Due to better MRI soft tissue contrast, liver contours are usually better seen in MRI images. However, PET/CT provides better quantification of PET images, due to better attenuation correction. In spite of these differences, our results demonstrate that the dosimetry values obtained from PET/MRI and PET/CT in post-therapy 90Y studies were similar.
Secondary Overtriage of Trauma Patients: Analysis of Clinical and Geographic Patterns.

Abstract Background The purpose of a trauma system is to match patients’ needs with hospitals' ability to care for them, recognizing that the highest levels of care cannot be provided in all locations. This means that some patients will need to be transferred from a local facility to a higher level of care. Unnecessary transfers are expensive and inconvenient to patients and families. The aim of this study is to analyze the pattern of secondary transfers in a regional trauma system. Methods This is a retrospective analysis. We included patients aged 16 y and older who were transferred to University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital between 2014 and 2018. We conducted bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify clinical and organizational predictors of requiring a critical intervention, early discharge, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. Rather than treating each injury as isolated, we analyzed injury patterns. Results A total of3824 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of them, 664 patients (17.4%) required a critical intervention, 635 (16.6%) were discharged within 24 h, 1356 (35.5%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 172 (4.0%) patients died. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed many positive associations, with regard to injury pattern, originating center, and insurance status. Conclusions There are patterns in the data, and further study is required to understand drivers of secondary overtriage, and how we might be able to address this problem. Reducing the number of unnecessary transfers is a difficult task, which will require engagement at all levels of the trauma system.
The NTP generating activity of pyruvate kinase II is critical for apicoplast maintenance in Plasmodium falciparum .

The apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum parasites is believed to rely on the import of three-carbon phosphate compounds for use in organelle anabolic pathways, in addition to the generation of energy and reducing power within the organelle. We generated a series of genetic deletions in an apicoplast metabolic bypass line to determine which genes involved in apicoplast carbon metabolism are required for blood-stage parasite survival and organelle maintenance. We found that pyruvate kinase II (PyrKII) is essential for organelle maintenance, but that production of pyruvate by PyrKII is not responsible for this phenomenon. Enzymatic characterization of PyrKII revealed activity against all NDPs and dNDPs tested, suggesting that it may be capable of generating a broad range of nucleotide triphosphates. Conditional mislocalization of PyrKII resulted in decreased transcript levels within the apicoplast that preceded organelle disruption, suggesting that PyrKII is required for organelle maintenance due to its role in nucleotide triphosphate generation.
Eating and Drinking Narratives in Biblical-Rabbinic Versus Graeco-Roman Writings

The writings of ancient Greece and Rome and of biblical Israel are filled with descriptions of food. The narratives in Greek and Roman mythology and poetry often describe violent and repulsive behavior associated with food. The biblical narratives, in contrast, tend to view food in a respectful and purposeful manner. We compare and contrast some of these stories with regard to the specific themes: restraint, respect, purpose, and order. In each comparison, patterns of eating described in biblical laws and narratives will be contrasted with those emerging from Graeco-Roman stories and customs.
Using Theater Games to Enhance Language Arts Learning

Integrating drama and language arts lessons can provide the necessary opportunities for the development of language in an exciting and pleasurable way. Using drama as part of daily instruction gives elementary and middle-level students an opportunity to practice oral language, improving fluency and pronunciation. Theater games also improve social skills. With regular participation, the learners develop confidence, cooperation, and concentration—attributes that provide the foundation for more elaborate drama activities. The classroom teacher does not need to be a drama specialist to lead a successful drama session. Many theater games are simple, fun, and easy to learn. Each drama activity in this article has detailed directions. The five games described have a specific language arts focus. These games are a small sampling of drama activities, but they suggest what is possible with drama for promoting language literacy.
Normal Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Strain Rate Values in Children Derived from Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography

Background Strain rate (SR) parameters derived from two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography have prognostic value in children with heart disease. Routine use is hindered by a lack of normative data. The aim of this study was to determine reference values and Z scores for left ventricular systolic and diastolic SR in a large cohort of healthy children. Methods Echocardiograms from 577 subjects ≤18 years of age (mean age, 9.6 ± 5.6 years; range, 1 day to 18.0 years; 46% female) with structurally and functionally normal hearts were retrospectively included. Left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential systolic and early and late diastolic SR were measured using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography from the apical four-chamber and short-axis mid-papillary views. Associations with age and body surface area were assessed using Spearman correlation and generalized additive modeling. The relationship between systolic SR and wall stress (afterload) was examined. Analyses were conducted with and without correction for heart rate. Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to identify independent factors associated with the SR parameters. Z score equations were derived from a selected best-fit parametric model. Results All SR parameters differed significantly by age group. The magnitude of all SR values decreased with increasing age and body surface area. Systolic SR magnitude was inversely related to wall stress in children ≤7 years of age but not did not vary significantly in the older age groups. All relationships were maintained after heart rate correction. SR measurements had very good or excellent agreement. Conclusion Longitudinal and circumferential systolic and diastolic SR parameters are presented from a large cohort of healthy children using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography from the Philips platform. SR values differ significantly by age and body surface area. These results suggest that the myocardium becomes less sensitive to afterload with maturity. Z score equations based on age are presented, which should promote further clinical and research use.
Hybrid Lengthening Techniques: Lengthening and Then Nailing (LATN) and Lengthening and Then Plating (LAP)

Limb lengthening in skeletally mature patients has unique issues. Prolonged time in a frame confers several disadvantages. It is possible to use hybrid techniques that include both external and internal fixation such as intramedullary rods and plates for the consolidation stage. We believe that lengthening and then nailing (LATN) or plating (LAP) are safe and effective techniques for limb lengthening and deformity correction. LATN has superior stability and enhancement of bony healing over LAP, but osteotomy should be at least 10 cm distal to the knee joint. LAP can be used with shorter proximal bone segments when the osteotomy is in close proximity to a joint such as in a periarticular deformity with shortening.
Cytochrome P450: Structure and States

The cytochrome P450 monoxygenases assume a significant role in the elucidation of heme-iron mechanisms of oxygenation and O2 reduction. The P450 monoxygenases mediate a two-electron activation of O2 resulting in a molecule of H2O and the insertion of a single O atom into a hydrocarbon substrate (1). The P450 reaction cycle illustrates a redox controlled pathway of Fe-O reactivity which supplements our understanding of 1) heme-O2 binding in Mb and Hb, with 2) electron transfer in respiratory cytochromes and 3) oxygen activation of the peroxidases. A broad base of interdisciplinary study has contributed to the characterization of this physiologically important process. The P450 cytochromes refer to a general class of mixed function oxidases, who are widely distributed in nature and display diverse biological activity towards hydrocarbon substrates (2,3). In eukaryotes, and mammals in particular, the range of P450 functions is extensive and includes detoxification of xenobiotics, the activation of carcinogenes and the biosynthesis of regulatory steroid hormones. The prokaryotes are best represented by a P450 monoxygenase from P. putida that initiates the degradation of its growth substrate camphor (4).
Vasopressin Boosts Placebo Analgesic Effects in Women: A Randomized Trial

Abstract Background Social cues and interpersonal interactions strongly contribute to evoke placebo effects that are pervasive in medicine and depend upon the activation of endogenous modulatory systems. Here, we explore the possibility to boost placebo effects by targeting pharmacologically the vasopressin system, characterized by a sexually dimorphic response and involved in the regulation of human and nonhuman social behaviors. Methods We enrolled 109 healthy participants and studied the effects of intranasal administration of an arginine vasopressin 1A and 1B receptor agonist against 1) no treatment, 2) oxytocin, and 3) saline in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel design trial using a well-established model of placebo analgesia while controlling for sex differences. Results Vasopressin agonists boosted placebo effects in women but had no effect in men. The effects of vasopressin on expectancy-induced analgesia were significantly larger than those observed in the no-treatment ( p p p Conclusions This is the first study that demonstrates that arginine vasopressin boosts placebo effects and that the effect of vasopressin depends upon a significant sex by treatment interaction. These findings are novel and might open up new avenues for clinically relevant research due to the therapeutic potentials of vasopressin as well as the possibility to systematically control for influences of placebo responses in clinical trials.
Implementation of the first Orbital/Suborbital Program-3 mission

The Orbital/Suborbital Program (OSP) is in the third manifestation of its contract form known as OSP-3. The OSP-3 contract is managed by the Rocket Systems Launch Program, which is part of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and is operated out of Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. OSP-3 is an expansion from OSP- 2 in that it not only continues to utilize excess ICBM motors, but also includes potential Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle new entrant launch vehicles. The OSP-3 contract allows for two lanes of vehicles, those that provide 400–4,000 lbs capability to low earth orbit (LEO) and long-range sub-orbital and those that provide 4,000–20,000 lbs capability to LEO. The OSP-3 contract allows for an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity with a $900M ceiling based on a firm fixed price service contract strategy. The first Task Order awarded on the OSP-3 contract was issued 4 December 2012 for the launch of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) mission. DSCOVR is a joint effort between NOAA and NASA to provide real-time monitoring and advanced warning of space weather events along with providing earth-sensing data and imagery for environmental research. The DSCOVR mission will be launched on an earth escape trajectory to Sun-Earth Lagrange point one (L1). NOAA is funding NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center to refurbish the DSCOVR satellite (formally known as Triana) and NOAA will operate the spacecraft once checkouts are complete at the destination. This paper discusses some of the challenges, lessons, and successes encountered during the implementation of the OSP-3 contract for the DSCOVR mission.
Delayed Release Nutrient Supplement for Mushroom Culture

The disadvantages associated with the supplementation of noncomposted nutrients to mushroom compost at spawning were largely overcome by encapsulating microdroplets of vegetable oil within a protein coat that was denatured with formaldehyde. Increases in mushroom yield of 60% were obtained. Delayed nutrient release was indicated by prolonged stimulation of yields beyond the first few flushes.
Identification of an apoceruloplasmin-like substance in the plasma of copper-deficient rats.

Abstract Male Sprague-Dawley rats were raised on a copper-deficient diet for 4 weeks. At that time their plasma contained little or no ceruloplasmin oxidase activity but did form a precipitate with a rabbit antibody to rat ceruloplasmin. Immunoelectrophoresis of plasma from copper-deficient rats revealed that the substance precipitating with the anticeruloplasmin antibody had the same properties as apoceruloplasmin. In addition, partial purification of the substance indicated that it contained less than 10% of the copper content of holoceruloplasmin. Quantitative precipitin assays of rat plasma showed that the apoceruloplasmin-like substance was present in a concentration equivalent to 25% of the ceruloplasmin concentration in control rats raised on a regular diet. The intraperitoneal injection of copper to the copper-deficient rats resulted in restoration of normal plasma concentrations of ceruloplasmin within 24 to 48 hours.
The Replicator in Retrospect

The history and theoretical role of the concept of a "replicator" is discussed, starting with Dawkins' and Hull's classic treatments and working forward. I argue that the replicator concept is still a useful one for evolutionary theory, but it should be revised in some ways. The most important revision is the recognition that not all processes of evolution by natural selection require that something play the role of a replicator.
Using active thermography to inspect pin-hole defects in anti-reflective coating with k-mean clustering

Abstract The study here demonstrates the capability of thermography to detect and characterize pinhole defects in a visually transparent anti-reflection (AR) film. The diameter of the pin-holes varies from 0.03 mm to 4 mm. Each inspected area was unevenly heated for 65 s. Thermal images were processed by the following steps: de-trend processing, primary edge detection based on Sobel approximation, and further edge separation based on k-means clustering. Then, the diameter of pinholes was directly measured from binary images. The proposed image processing enables thermography to detect 86 of 90 inspected areas correctly in position.
Lack of skeletal muscle hypertrophy in very aged male Fischer 344×Brown Norway rats

To examine the effect of extreme old age on muscle plasticity, 6- (adult) and 36-mo-old (old) male Fischer 344 × Brown Norway hybrid rats underwent bilateral surgical ablation of the gastrocnemius ...
Fatalities temporally associated with the ingestion of ibogaine.

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive plant alkaloid that is used globally in medical and nonmedical settings for opioid detoxification and other substance use indications. All available autopsy, toxicological, and investigative reports were systematically reviewed for the consecutive series of all known fatalities outside of West Central Africa temporally related to the use of ibogaine from 1990 through 2008. Nineteen individuals (15 men, four women between 24 and 54 years old) are known to have died within 1.5-76 h of taking ibogaine. The clinical and post- mortem evidence did not suggest a characteristic syndrome of neurotoxicity. Advanced preexisting medical comorbidities, which were mainly cardio- vascular, and ⁄ or one or more commonly abused substances explained or contributed to the death in 12 of the 14 cases for which adequate postmortem data were available. Other apparent risk factors include seizures associated with withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines and the uninformed use of ethnopharmacological forms of ibogaine.
Crossed immunoelectrophoretic studies of whole body extracts and venom from the imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta

Although allergic reactions occur after imported fire ant (IFA) sting, currently, only IFA whole body extract (IFAWBE) is available for diagnosis and immunotherapy of IFA-sensitive individuals. We report our crossed immunoelectrophoretic studies comparing antigenicity and allergenicity of Solenopsis invicta IFAWBE and IFA venom (IFAV). Rabbits were hyperimmunized with IFAWBE prepared from S. invicta or with IFAV obtained from S. invicta by an electric shock method. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis with anti-IFAWBE detected at least 29 precipitin lines in IFAWBE and three lines in IFAV, but none in a synthetic venom, transpiperidine. Anti-IFAV detected six precipitin lines in IFAV and five lines in IFAWBE, but no lines were detected with transpiperidine. Crossed-line immunoelectrophoresis confirmed the IFAV origin of at least three of the peaks in IFAWBE. Crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis with 11 IFAWBE RAST-positive sera elicited radiostaining with five antigens in IFAWBE that were probably IFAV associated. One of these allergens was recognized by all sera; the other allergens were recognized by 8, 7, 5, and 4, respectively, of the 11 sera. Four of the antigens present in IFAV preparations had allergenicity. These findings indicate that IFA allergens probably originate in IFAV, but that transpiperidine, a major constituent of IFAV, does not appear to be immunogenic. The results suggest that IFAV may be a more appropriate reagent than IFAWBE for laboratory testing and for clinical diagnosis and immunotherapy of IFA-sensitive individuals.
Robotic-Assisted Pancreatoduodenectomy

Pancreatoduodenectomy remains one of the most complex and technically challenging procedures of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a mortality rate of 5 % and morbidity of 40 %. In an attempt to refine the Whipple procedure and taking into consideration the success of minimally invasive surgery in other organ systems, some have popularized the laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy (LPD). However, laparoscopic surgery carries several limitations that can make the LPD difficult to implement. Use of the robotic platform offers multiple advantages that may allow robotic assisted pancreatoduodenctomy to be readily adopted. As the robotic platform becomes increasingly popular, this report will provide an up to date review on the robotic pancreatoduodenectomy.
Provision of biomedical equipment reference texts and manuals on e-readers in resource-poor settings

The Developing World Healthcare Technology Laboratory (DHTLab) at Duke University has developed a comprehensive, open-source biomedical equipment technician's (BMET) library. In this work we experimented with making the DHTLab BMET library and medical equipment manuals available via electronic reader (e-reader). In this paper we describe an early deployment of e-readers to Haiti. The results were mixed. One Kindle machine was damaged in shipping. A Sony reader's charger was forgotten in the US. Preliminary information suggests that the technicians are capable of using the e-readers to view documents without training. Interviewed technicians were enthusiastic about the readers. In conclusion, these devices have the ability to solve several long standing issues for BMET's in resource-poor settings: 1) They have the potential to translate a library into multiple languages; 2) They are easily stored and maintained, potentially remotely; 3) They can receive and store manuals for equipment that the hospital owns, circumventing the need for generic copyright permissions. But, the technology is in an early stage and more work is needed. (3 pages)
Self‐Reinforced melt processible polymer composites: Extrusion, compression, and injection molding

Rheological properties, extrusion, fiber spinning, compression, and injection molding of blends of polycarbonate and two thermotropic liquid crystal polymers based on wholly aromatic copolyesters have been studied. Blends were prepared using an internal Banbury mixer and static Koch mixer. Based upon differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical measurements, these blends have been shown to be incompatible in the entire range of concentrations. During extrusion and injection molding at high strain rates, it has been observed that thermotropic liquid crystal polymer at concentrations 2.5, 5, and 10 percent by weight in situ forms high modulus and high strength fibers within the polycarbonate matrix leading to self-reinforced polymer composites. The tensile strength of the composite containing 10 percent of liquid crystal polymer exceeds that of the pure components. In addition, anisotropy of properties of the injection molded parts has been found to substantially reduce in a comparison with that of liquid crystal polymer. The processing conditions and technique for the production of self-reinforced polymer composite during processing of the blends have been identified. This has been done by measurements of mechanical properties, direct observation of morphology, and by theoretical calculation using simplified composite theory for the unidirectional continuous fiber-reinforced composites. At the high concentrations, 25 and 50 percent by weight, thermotropic liquid crystal polymer forms large spherical droplets inside polycarbonate leading to highly brittle material. This is in distinction from the fibrous, high modulus tough composites formed at the lower concentrations.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL TOPOLOGICAL QUANTUM FIELD THEORIES AND FROBENIUS ALGEBRAS

We characterize Frobenius algebras A as algebras having a comultiplication which is a map of A-modules. This characterization allows a simple demonstration of the compatibility of Frobenius algebra structure with direct sums. We then classify the indecomposable Frobenius algebras as being either “annihilator algebras” — algebras whose socle is a principal ideal — or field extensions. The relationship between two-dimensional topological quantum field theories and Frobenius algebras is then formulated as an equivalence of categories. The proof hinges on our new characterization of Frobenius algebras. These results together provide a classification of the indecomposable two-dimensional topological quantum field theories.
The effect of starvation on glycogen synthetase activity in the heart and skeletal muscle of the rat

Abstract Eighteen, 48 and 96 hour periods of starvation lead to a progressive, marked decline in both total and independent, active “I” form of glycogen synthetase in the rat heart. The relative percent of “I” remains unchanged until the 96th hour at which time it, too, decreases. Skeletal muscle synthetase remains relatively unaffected during starvation.
First-trimester diagnosis of exencephaly

First-trimester diagnosis of fetal exencephaly is reported. Vaginal ultrasonography showed a normal volume of fetal brain with abnormal internal anatomy. The diagnosis was confirmed by repeat ultrasonography at 14 weeks and at subsequent termination of pregnancy. This is the earliest reported diagnosis of exencephaly by prenatal ultrasonography.
Investigating the Effect of Customization on Rework in a Higher Education Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Post-Implementation Environment: A System Dynamics Approach

Management of enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects is exceedingly challenging due to their large scope and complexity. Schedule and cost overruns have been widely reported in ERP implementation for years. Not only are resources critical to successful ERP implementation, but the post-implementation requires substantial resources as well. However, the resources required to maintain and extend ERP systems after implementation are not well understood, especially in the presence of software customizations which increase the total cost of ownership. This research applies system dynamics simulation modeling, focusing on the rework cycle, to data of a case study toward three primary goals. First, it contributes to both the system dynamics literature and the pre-packaged software literature by exploring the post-adoption ERP environment and extending the task rework cycle. Secondly, it develops a simulation model, grounded in ERP literature and in well-established system dynamics project models, helping pra...
Calcium zoning in olivine and its relationship to silica activity and pressure

Abstract Microprobe analyses of olivine phenocrysts from nephelinite and basanite lavas show strong zoning toward calcium enrichment. Tholeiitic and other more siliceous lavas show little or no such calcium enrichment, but more extensive magnesium to iron zoning. Consideration of reactions between clinopyroxene and olivine indicate that silica activity as well as pressure is an important variable. Zoning trends toward calcium enrichment in olivine could be interpreted as a response to pressure release during crystallization. A normal, magnesium to iron, trend with no increase in calcium would, then, reflect crystallization with stable pressure conditions.
Really Underage Drinkers: The Epidemiology of Children’s Alcohol Use in the United States

Little attention has been paid to alcohol use by children aged 12 and younger. The present article summarizes findings on the prevalence of alcohol use from US national and statewide surveys of children in grades 6 and younger based on reports located in searches of the literature and the Internet. Four national surveys and seven statewide surveys of children's alcohol and drug use were located that present rates of lifetime sipping and tasting, lifetime experience of more than a sip, alcohol use in the past year, use in the past month, and use in the past week. Prevalence rates decrease with the level of involvement assessed. Alcohol use increases with age, doubling between grades four and six, with the largest jump in prevalence between grades five and six. At each grade level, boys are more likely to have used alcohol than girls. African-American children are nearly as likely as white and Hispanic children to have used alcohol. Over the past decade or so, the prevalence of both lifetime and current alcohol use has been declining in children. The failure to assess intensity of children's use hampers evaluation of the level of risk experienced by children. There is a need for ongoing nationwide surveillance of alcohol use in this population and for greater education of parents regarding the dangers of introducing children to alcohol use.
Muscular ventricular septal defects

Abstract Ninety-two cases of muscular ventricular septal defect were reviewed. These defects were defined as completely surrounded by muscular septum and consequently did not involve the membranous septum or any valvular ring. They were classified, according to their location in the right side of the muscular ventricular septum, as posterobasal, midseptal, apical, or outflow. Of the 92 cases, 23 were isolated single defects, 14 were isolated multiple defects, and 55 were associated with other major cardiac anomalies. In these 55 cases, the defect was single in 36 cases and multiple in 19. Regardless of the presence or absence of associated cardiac anomalies, when the defect was single, it was posterobasal in about half of the cases. No specific location of multiple defects was apparent. Muscular defects in the outflow tract of the right ventricle were rare. The evidence suggests that muscular ventricular septal defects may cause hemodynamic and clinical syndromes similar to those caused by the usual type of ventricular septal defect. The electrocardiographic features in the 37 cases of isolated defects were analyzed. A possible increased incidence of prominent Q waves in leads reflecting left ventricular potential occurred but, as a generalization, the electrocardiograms were similar to those observed in cases of the usual type of defect.