cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A game plan for grad school success

A graduate program's (M.S. and Ph.D.) success in any university is measured by the success of their graduate students who are either competing with peers fro other universities or working in the industry. The well-rounded education of a successful graduate school student starts with the proper selection of a faculty advisor. Understanding and selecting the right research of interest are the next crucial steps to be considered. The selection of a thesis/dissertation follows. The factors to be considered in assisting topic selection include the background research, research topics supported in funded research, and deliverables of funded research. After the thesis/dissertation topic selection, a concrete strategy must be formulated in both master's and doctoral programs. It is important to know how the credit system works regarding research. Understanding the number of hours of effort needed to complete the thesis/dissertation by utilizing the credit-based approach is another significant factor. Graduate student must learn how to manage time wisely during the course of the study. An increase of the knowledge base through innovative efforts must also be developed by students. Lastly, learning how to work hard as a graduate student in a stressful environment while doing research is an excellent experience.Professors and student should work as a team to present a well-rounded graduate to the job market.
Feasibility and Safety of Transesophageal Stress Echocardiography

ABSTRACT To determine the feasibility and safety of transesophageal stress echocardiography (TSE), 86 patients with chest pain syndrome were studied. The TSE test consists of transesophageal atrial pacing during simultaneous monitoring of left ventricular contractility by the use of transesophageal echocardiography. An octapolar pacing catheter attached to the transesophageal echoscope was used in conjunction with a cardiac stimulator to induce pacing-tachycardia. The optimal pair of electrodes was chosen from 13 possible combinations of the 8-electrode catheter. The pacing rate was increased until ≥ 90% maximal age-predicted heart rate was reached or significant wall motion abnormalities were developed. The test was also stopped if ischemic electrocardiographic changes or progressive chest pain occurred. A successful TSE test was performed on 77 patients (90%). Twenty-one patients (24%) developed Wenckebach AV block during pacing that was resolved by intravenous atropine sulfate in all but one of them. The TSE test could not be completed in nine patients (10%) because we were unable to capture in four patients (5%), there were suboptimal images in three patients (3%), and two patients suffered intolerable epigastric discomfort (2%). Pacing-induced wall motion abnormalities were identified in 53 patients (69%). No serious complications were noted. We conclude that TSE is a feasible nonexercise stress test that can be performed safely in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.
Propagation modes in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide with radially varying permittivity

Computations are made of the mode parameter in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide whose permittivity is a function of the radius. The mode parameter, whose sign determines whether a mode is HE or EH, is computed as a function of the propagation constant and the values of the permittivities on each side of a cylindrical boundary in the waveguide. Fields in the waveguide are then computed as a function of the mode parameter. The expressions for the fields are valid when variations in the permittivity are large or when the permittivity is not continuous. The approach is demonstrated by computations of the mode parameter in two waveguides: one whose permittivity has a discontinuity at the interface between core and cladding and one whose permittivity is continuous everywhere. The characteristics of the propagation modes that arise from each case are described and compared with those of a cylindrical dielectric waveguide whose permittivity is constant in the core region and in the cladding region.
TRACE LEVEL ANALYSIS OF REDUCING SUGARS BY HIGH‐PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

Reducing sugars derivatized with a strong UV chromophore, were detected at nanogram levels using a high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with an ultra-violet absorbance detector. Sugar standards were derivatized with p-nitrobenzyloxyamine. Quantitative derivatization was. established using thin-layer chromate graphic methods. A μBondapak/Carbohydrate column, with acetonitrile and water as the mobile phase, was used to separate and quantitate 0.5-5.0 ng of individual sugars. Modifications of this method may be developed to detect low-level contamination, adulteration, and decomposition of food constituents.
Environmental nasty surprise, post-normal science, and the troubled role of experts in sustainable democratic environmental decision making

Abstract An environmental nasty surprise is an environmental problem such as stratospheric ozone depletion that: catches scientists, technologists, regulators, mass media, and public off-guard; is already extensive by the time it is widely recognized; stems from entrenched technologies; and presents a potentially large-scale, long-term threat to humans or ecosystems. How might the need to minimize the generation of such problems – and address them as effectively as possible when they emerge – help us think more clearly about the role that experts should play in environmental decision making? Using case material on industrial chlorine chemistry, this paper considers the limitations of the theory of post-normal science as a framework for identifying appropriate and inappropriate modes of scientific and technical expertise in environmental decision making. The analysis highlights the need for a model of sustainability expertise that (a) recognizes how prevailing frameworks of environmental decision making allow technologists to actively produce – and exploit – uncertainty and (b) normatively promotes development and deployment of expertise in ways that actively confront these tendencies while making environmental decision making more democratic.
Preoperative evaluation of the cervical spine in children with Trisomy-21: results of a questionnaire study

Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) is a form of cervical spine instability predominantly found in persons with Trisomy-21. Several case reports describe the occurrence of acute AAS in the perioperative period. Some authors have recommended cervical spine radiographs prior to elective surgery in all children with Trisomy-21. The objective of this study was to determine practice patterns of North American members of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia with regard to the perioperative evaluation and management of potential cervical spine instability in patients with Trisomy-21. Of 171 respondents, a minority of respondents (18%) obtain preoperative radiographs and/or subspecialty consultation (9%) in asymptomatic children with Trisomy-21. For symptomatic children the majority of respondents would obtain radiographs (64%) and/or preoperative consultation (74%). Approximately half of the respondents would attempt to maintain the head and neck in a neutral position for either asymptomatic (42%) or symptomatic (55%) patients. We conclude that the majority of respondents base their preoperative evaluation of the cervical spine on the signs and symptoms of the patient. This is supported by the literature reviewed, but is contrary to the recommendations made in some case reports.
Comparative inhibition of boll weevil, golden shiner, and white rat cholinesterases by selected photoalteration products of parathion☆☆☆★

Abstract The effect of seven photoalteration products of parathion and the parent compound itself on fish (golden shiner), mammal (white rat), and insect (boll weevil) cholinesterases are compared. The white rat cholinesterase was found to be more susceptible to inhibition by photoalteration products of parathion than the golden shiner and boll weevil cholinesterases. In every instance in which inhibition occurred, the phosphate analogs were determined to be more potent anticholinesterase agents than the corresponding phosphorothioate analogs.
An immunodominant site of gamma-zein1 is in the region of tandem hexapeptide repeats.

The immunochemical data from studies with polyclonal antisera to γ-zein1, the 27 kD component of the maize prolamin, indicated that the region containing 8 tandem repeats of the sequence PPPVHL is an immunodominant site. In one case, the entire antibody repertoire of an antiserum recognized epitope(s) within this region. Three 17-mer oligopeptides corresponding to the predicted antigenic epitopes of γ-zein1 were synthesized and reacted with three different anti-γ-zein1 sera in order to map antigenic sites in the intact protein. These antisera yielded positive reactions with a 17-mer peptide (peptide 37), which was not in a hydrophilic maximum but derived from the repeat region. The same antisera gave little or no reaction with other peptides (peptides 38 and 39), both of which were in a hydrophilic maximum. In addition, an antiserum to peptide 37 reacted strongly with both the homologous antigen and the intact γ-zein1. Peptide 37 also blocked the binding of antisera to γ-zein1 in competition assays. Subsequently, the shorter 6-mer (peptide 82) and 12-mer (peptide 80) versions of peptide 37 were synthesized, and both reacted with anti-peptide 37 serum and also with each of the three anti-γ-zein1 sera. In these reactions and in competition assays, the reactivity and the blocking ability increased in proportion to the length of the peptide. Based on these data, it was concluded that the repeat region of γ-zein1 is the site of one or more continuous immunodominant epitopes. The data also suggest that the repeat region is exposed on the surface of the folded protein and probably occur as a mobile, random coil.
Population-based drug-related anaphylaxis in children and adolescents captured by South Carolina Emergency Room Hospital Discharge Database (SCERHDD) (2000-2002).

Purpose Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition; drug-related anaphylaxis represents approximately 10% of all cases. We assessed the utility of a statewide emergency department (ED) database for identifying drug-related anaphylaxis in children by developing and validating an algorithm composed of ICD-9-CM codes. Methods There were 1 314 760 visits to South Carolina (SC) emergency departments (EDs) for patients <19 years in 2000–2002. We used ICD-9-CM disease or external cause of injury codes (E-codes) that suggested drug-related anaphylaxis or a severe drug-related allergic reaction. We found 50 cases classifiable as probable or possible drug-related anaphylaxis and 13 as drug-related allergic reactions. We used clinical evaluation by two pediatricians as the ‘alloyed gold standard’1 for estimating sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of our algorithm. Results ED-treated drug-related anaphylaxis in the SC pediatric population was 1.56/100 000 person-years based on the algorithm and 0.50/100 000 person-years based on clinical evaluation. Assuming the disease codes we used identified all potential anaphylaxis cases in the database, the sensitivity was 1.00 (95%CI: 0.79, 1.00), specificity was 0.28 (95%CI: 0.16, 0.43), and the PPV was 0.32 (0.20, 0.47) for the algorithm. Sensitivity analyses improved the measurement properties of the algorithm. Conclusions E-codes were invaluable for developing an anaphylaxis algorithm although the frequently used code of E947.9 was often incorrectly applied. We believe that our algorithm may have over-ascertained drug-related anaphylaxis patients seen in an ED, but the clinical evaluation may have under-represented this diagnosis due to limited information on the offending agent in the abstracted ED records. Post-marketing drug surveillance using ED records may be viable if clinicians were to document drug-related anaphylaxis in the charts so that billing codes could be assigned properly. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adipokine Responses to Acute Resistance Exercise in Trained and Untrained Men

Introduction: Adipose tissue-derived hormones act as key mediators that may link active lifestyles to improved cardiovascular function. This study tested the hypothesis that a single weight training session would beneficially modulate adipokine profile in a way that would exert protection against endothelial dysfunction, in trained but not sedentary subjects. Methods: Male subjects (n = 43) were categorized into four separate groups based on exercise history: 1) sedentary, 2) weight trainers, 3) runners, or 4) weight trainer + runners. All subjects underwent a single progressive leg press weight training session (low weight for two sets of 8-12 repetitions each and then near-maximal exertion for three sets of 8-12 repetitions each). Results: There were no differences between groups for age, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, or percent body fat. Adiponectin increased (P < 0.05) by 30% and 37%, whereas resistin decreased (P < 0.05) by 35% and 34% in the weight trainers and weight trainer + runners, respectively, after training. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was impaired (P < 0.05) in sedentary subjects (-1.1 +/- 0.3%) but not in the athletic groups (1.7 +/- 0.4%). Improvements in FMD were associated with increased adiponectin (r = 0.61, P = 0.01), and decreased resistin (r = -0.56, P = 0.01) in weight trainers only. Leptin was not altered by acute resistance training in any group. There were no differences after training for total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein levels, and systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Increased adiponectin was related to higher levels of HDL cholesterol after intervention (r = 0.71, P = 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that habitual resistance training may modulate adipokine profiles in a way that is protective against endothelial dysfunction
Patterned Thin Water Films on Mica

Patterned water films were formed on the surface of mica by contact with clean, patterned poly(dimethylsiloxane) stamps in ambient humidity. Capillary condensation of ambient atmospheric water in the stamp channels allowed transport of potassium from the mica surface to the stamp, which locally modified the wetability of the mica surface. The resulting mica surface was imaged with contact-mode atomic force microscopy, revealing 3 A-tall patterns. The pattern disappeared as the relative humidity was decreased (<25% RH) but reappeared as the relative humidity was increased above ∼35%. The pattern also disappeared as the relative humidity was increased above ∼70% but again reappeared when the humidity was subsequently decreased to ∼35%. This high-humidity treatment often resulted in patterned 1 nm-tall islands on the mica surface, which are believed to be a potassium compound (possibly potassium bicarbonate). Such regularly patterned films may be useful as models of heterogeneous surfaces that can be used fo...
The ground state of Si3, two near degenerate isomers

Abstract Two low-lying states of the Si 3 molecule are found which are very close in energy. One is a C 2 , closed-shell 1 A 1 structure analogous to the ground state of Si 2 C. This structure has two short SiSi bonds with r (SiSi) = 2.160 A and a central angle of 78.1°. The second structure is a D 3h triplet, 3 A′ 2 , and has a bond length of 2.263 A. Theoretical studies using basis sets of triple-zeta plus double polarization (TZ + 2P) quality in conjunction with configuration interaction (Cl) techniques at the double-zeta plus polarization (DZP) self-consistent-field (SCF) or two-configuration SCF (TCSCF) optimized geometries predict these two states are within 1 kcal/mole of each other. Although our methods suggest that the singlet is lower in energy, we are unable to make a definitive conclusion as to which is the true ground state of Si 3 .
The tax subsidy to owner-occupied housing: Who benefits?

Abstract This paper reexamines the question of the incidence and effects of the U.S. Federal income tax subsidy of owner-occupied housing. We demonstrate that supply elasticity considerations are crucial in determining the incidence and efficiency effects of the subsidy and that the hitherto neglected problem of the transfer of resources to subsidized owner-occupiers from unsubsidized renters is substantial. We provide estimates of the transfer and deadweight loss effects for the current program.
Application of the Ergodic Theory to the Investigation of Boundary-Value Problems with Periodic Operator Coefficients

We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of a family of differential equations with periodic operator coefficient and periodic boundary conditions by using the notion of relative spectrum of a linear bounded operator in a Banach space and the ergodic theorem. It is shown that if the existence condition is satisfied, then the required periodic solutions can be constructed by using the deduced formula for the generalized inverse operator of a linear bounded operator.
Substitution of Granular for Liquid Fertilizers for the Production of Juvenile Walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, in Earthen Ponds

ABSTRACT Earthen culture ponds at Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania were stocked with walleye fry and fertilized twice weekly with equal amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen, using either liquid fertilizers or granular fertilizers dissolved in water and applied as liquids. Fish growth and production were at levels common for this species and were not affected by fertilizer treatment. Ponds harvested latest in the season showed a significant reduction in fish survival, but this effect was probably due to warm temperatures rather than the type of fertilizer used. These results suggest that granular salts of nitrogen and phosphorus dissolved in water prior to application may be substituted for liquid materials for fertilization of walleye ponds.
The Efficacy of an Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Program with High-Risk Adolescent Girls: A Preliminary Test

This study examined the efficacy of a brief (four session) intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention program (Building a Lasting Love, Langhinrichsen-Rohling et al. 2005) that was designed to reduce the relationship violence of predominantly African American inner-city adolescent girls (n = 72) who were receiving teen pregnancy services. These high-risk girls were randomly assigned to the prevention program (n = 39) or waitlist control (n = 33) conditions. Implementation fidelity was documented. As predicted, girls who successfully completed the program (n = 24) reported significant reductions in their perpetration of psychological abuse toward their baby’s father as compared to the control (n = 23) participants. They also reported experiencing significantly less severe IPV victimization over the course of the program. Preliminary analyses indicated that avoidant attachment to one’s partner may be associated with less program-related change. These findings support the contention that brief IPV prevention programs can be targeted to selected groups of high-risk adolescents.
Beta-lactam antibiotic reduces morphine analgesic tolerance in rats through GLT-1 transporter activation

Glutamate transporter subtype 1 (GLT-1) activation is a promising - and understudied - approach for managing aspects of morphine tolerance caused by increased glutamatergic transmission. Identification of beta-lactam antibiotics as pharmaceuticals which activate GLT-1 transporters prompted us to hypothesize that repeated beta-lactam antibiotic (ceftriaxone) administration blocks development of tolerance to morphine antinociception through GLT-1 activation. Here, we injected rats with morphine (10mg/kg, s.c.) twice daily for 7 days to induce tolerance and used the hot-plate assay to determine antinociception on days 1, 4 and 7 of repeated morphine administration. Ceftriaxone and a selective GLT-1 transporter inhibitor dihydrokainate (DHK) were co-administered with morphine to determine if GLT-1 activation mediated the ceftriaxone effect. Tolerance was present on days 4 and 7 of repeated morphine administration. Ceftriaxone (50, 100 or 200mg/kg, i.p.) administration dose-dependently blocked development of morphine tolerance. DHK (10mg/kg, s.c.), administered 15 min before each morphine injection, prevented inhibition of morphine tolerance by ceftriaxone (200mg/kg, i.p.). These results identify an interaction between ceftriaxone and morphine in opioid-tolerant rats and suggest beta-lactam antibiotics preserve analgesic efficacy during chronic morphine exposure.
Quantum dynamical studies of H3

Abstract The Electron nuclear dynamics theory is used to study various processes involving the disintegration of an H 3 unit from an initial state of equilateral geometry that is associated with a degeneracy of the electronic system. The electronic wavefunction is initially defined as representation of either of the D 3h doublet components; the corresponding dynamical features are considered in terms of nuclear trajectories for both cases. Disintegration out of a rotating state is shown to yield periodic electronic spin exchange between two bonding H atoms, which is interpreted as a signature of non-adiabatic behavior. Possible applications of this phenomenon in the study of molecular dissociation are discussed.
The relative efficiency of public and private firms in a regulated environment: The case of U.S. electric utilities

Abstract The relative efficiency of privately-owned and publicly-owned electric utilities is investigated using theoretical and econometric models that allow for the effects of both ownership type and regulation. The estimation results indicate that the two types of firms are equally cost inefficient in the United States. The average effect of inefficiency is to increase the cost of production by 2.4 percent. Holding output constant, inefficiency increases the average quantities demanded of capital and labor and decreases the average quantity demanded of fuel.
Differential activity of the maize mutator Mu at different loci and in different cell lineages

Mutator activity of the maize mutator (Mu) system varies for different loci. Mutation frequencies as high as 7.54x10−5 and as low as 4.0x10−6 are observed for 5 loci (i.e., y1,yg2, bz1, sh2, and wx). For the waxy locus, a higher mutation frequency is observed in Mu plants crossed as males than when Mu plants function as females. The frequency of unselected mutations also is found to be higher in Mu plants crossed as males than in the first-generation Mu plants crossed as females. The mutation frequency of the y1 locus, however, does not differ in the male or female crosses. Mu-induced mutation frequencies vary with respect to loci and, for some loci, may depend on other factors such as the sex of the Mu parent or the previous crossing history of the Mu parent. More limited data have been obtained for 4 additional loci(su1, c1, c2 and o2).
Acute Oral Ethanol Exposure Triggers Asthma In Cockroach Allergen–Sensitized Mice

Asthma may be triggered by multiple mediators, including allergen-IgE cross-linking and non-IgE mechanisms. Several clinical studies have shown acute ethanol consumption exacerbates asthma, yet no animal model exists to study this process. We developed a model of ethanol-triggered asthma in allergen-sensitized mice to evaluate the mechanisms of ethanol inducing asthma-like responses. Outbred mice were exposed to cockroach allergens on Days 0 and 14; and on Day 21, mice received ethanol by oral gavage. Tracer studies confirmed alcohol aspiration did not occur. Within 30 minutes, alcohol induced degranulation of over 74% of mast cells, and multiple parameters of asthma-like pulmonary inflammation were triggered. Ethanol-gavaged mice had a fivefold increased production of eotaxin-2 (534 pg/mL) and a sevenfold increase in bronchoalveolar eosinophils (70,080 cells). Ethanol induced a 10-fold increase in IL-13, from 84 pg/mL in sensitized mice to 845 pg/mL in ethanol-gavaged sensitized mice. In cockroach allergen–sensitized mice, ethanol triggered asthma-like changes in respiratory physiology and a significant fivefold increase in airway mucin production. Importantly, none of these asthmatic exacerbations were observed in normal mice gavaged with ethanol. Cromolyn sodium effectively stabilized mast cells, yet increased mucin production and bronchoalveolar eosinophil recruitment. Together, these data show a single oral alcohol exposure will trigger asthma-like pulmonary inflammation in allergen-sensitized mice, providing a novel asthma model.
Ultra-short gates improve the performance of high-speed gated single-photon avalanche diodes

We gate a InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode with a narrow periodic gate obtained by summing a 1.25 GHz sinusoid with its second and third harmonic. The temporal full-width at half maximum (FWHM) of the gate is kept below 200 ps by adjusting relative weight of the harmonic components. Measurements of detection efficiency and afterpulse probability as the gate pulse duration is reduced show that it is possible to reach the same detection efficiency obtainable with wider gates with the advantage of significantly reducing afterpulse probability.
Stoneley attenuation length and pore fluid salinity

Abstract The dependence of the Stoneley attenuation length on the concentration and composition of salt in pore fluid observed in experiments may be associated with osmosis. The salinity dependence is relevant to methods in which the permeability of porous formations is estimated from its relationship with the Stoneley attenuation length.
Twin Reunions: The Science Behind the Fascination/Twin Research Reports: Altitude and Hypoxia; Twin Pregnancy Outcomes; Space Mission/Media Highlights: Chinese Twins Reunited; Twin Loss Discovered; Hidden Twins; Twin Euthanasia; Twin Savior

A description of the unique qualitative features of reunions between separated monozygotic twins is presented. The scientific implications of these observations are considered with reference to understanding human social behavior in general. This is followed by summaries of twin research on altitude and hypoxia, pregnancy outcomes, and space travel. Finally, recent accounts of twins in themedia are noted; in particular, a rare reunion of adult monozygotic male Chinese twins, a novelist's personal discovery of twin loss, two renowned but 'hidden' twins, the moving story of an identical Belgian pair, and a twin savior.
Medical care in adolescents and young adult cancer survivors: what are the biggest access-related barriers?

Purpose Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors experience barriers to utilizing healthcare, but the determinants of cancer-related medical care of AYAs has not been fully explored.
CD44 and β1 Integrin Mediate Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Adhesion to Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells

Epithelial cancer of the ovary spreads by implantation of tumor cells onto the mesothelial cells lining the peritoneal cavity. The aim of this study was to identify the adhesion molecules involved in the interaction of ovarian carcinoma cells with mesothelial cells. The human ovarian carcinoma cell lines SKOV3 and NIH:OVCAR5 as well as LP9 cells, a human peritoneal mesothelial cell line, were analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of CD44 and the β1 integrin subunit. An in vitro adhesion assay was developed whereby LP9 cells were grown as confluent monolayers, and radiolabeled ovarian carcinoma cells were monitored for their ability to adhere to the mesothelial monolayer in the presence of potential inhibitors. Each cell line was evaluated for the presence of a pericellular matrix by a particle exclusion assay. A monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the β1 integrin subunit significantly reduced the adhesion of SKOV3 cells to LP9 cells, whereas NIH:OVCAR5 adhesion to LP9 cells was significantly inhibited by a CD44 MAb. The LP9 cells produced both hyaluronic acid (a ligand for CD44) as well as several extracellular matrix molecules (ligands for the β1 integrin heterodimers). These results suggest that both CD44 and the β1 integrin heterodimers may play a role in mediating the adhesion of ovarian carcinoma cells to mesothelial cells.
Teaching and Training for Software Analytics

Software analytics is to enable software practitioners to perform data exploration and analysis in order to obtain insightful and actionable information for data-driven tasks around software and services. When applying analytic technologies in practice of software analytics, one should incorporate (1) a broad spectrum of domain knowledge and expertise, e.g., management, machine learning, large-scale data processing and computing, and information visualization; and (2) investigate how practitioners take actions on the produced information, and provide effective support for such information-based action taking. This tutorial instructs materials to equip participants with skills and knowledge of conducting software analytics along with teaching and training students and practitioners for software analytics in university or industrial settings.
Image processing on the OTIS-mesh optoelectronic computer

We develop algorithms for histogramming, histogram modification, Hough transform, and image shrinking and expanding on an OTIS-mesh optoelectronic computer. Our algorithm for the Hough transform is based upon a mesh algorithm for the Hough transform which is also developed in this paper. This new mesh algorithm improves upon the previous mesh Hough transform algorithms.
A 4 kV Silicon Carbide solid-state fault current limiter

Due to increased demand and deployment of new technologies, such as electric vehicles, utilities face increasing fault currents in their systems. As a consequence protection devices must have higher ratings. Replacing existing infrastructure can prove expensive and complicated. Fault current limiters promise an upgrade solution that will mitigate the need for replacing existing breakers to keep fault currents within the ratings of existing protection equipment. SiC offers several key advantages to grid-connected power electronics, such as smaller footprint, faster switching speeds, and simpler cooling systems. This paper describes a 4 kV Silicon Carbide (SiC) fault current limiter that demonstrated the technologies' potential.1
Subjective cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis depends on task length.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the interrelationship between subjective and objective cognitive fatigue, information processing domain (processing speed vs. working memory), cognitive load (high vs low), and time on task in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Methods: 32 MS participants and 24 healthy controls completed experimental tasks in both the processing speed and working memory domains with different levels of cognitive load. Subjective cognitive fatigue was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline and at multiple time points throughout the experiment. Results. A mixed model ANOVA revealed that subjective cognitive fatigue was higher for the processing speed task, increased across time, and was higher in the MS group. These findings were qualified by an interaction demonstrating that the MS group showed a steeper increase in subjective cognitive fatigue over time than the healthy control group. Subjective and objective (i.e., performance) cognitive fatigue were not correlated. Conclusions: In this study, subjective and objective cognitive fatigue appear to be independent and cognitive fatigue does not depend on cognitive load. Subjective cognitive fatigue increased with time on task and subjective cognitive fatigue increased more steeply for the MS group. These data suggest that cognitive fatigue in MS is a function of time, that is, the longer participants were engaged in a cognitive task, the more likely it was for them to report increases in cognitive fatigue.
The Trace Metal Composition of Marine Phytoplankton

Trace metals are required for numerous processes in phytoplankton and can influence the growth and structure of natural phytoplankton communities. The metal contents of phytoplankton reflect biochemical demands as well as environmental availability and influence the distribution of metals in the ocean. Metal quotas of natural populations can be assessed from analyses of individual cells or bulk particle assemblages or inferred from ratios of dissolved metals and macronutrients in the water column. Here, we review the available data from these approaches for temperate, equatorial, and Antarctic waters in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The data show a generalized metal abundance ranking of Fe≈Zn>Mn≈Ni≈Cu≫Co≈Cd; however, there are notable differences between taxa and regions that inform our understanding of ocean metal biogeochemistry. Differences in the quotas estimated by the various techniques also provide information on metal behavior. Therefore, valuable information is lost when a single metal stoichi...
Crowdsourcing for bioinformatics

Motivation: Bioinformatics is faced with a variety of problems that require human involvement. Tasks like genome annotation, image analysis, knowledge-base population and protein structure determination all benefit from human input. In some cases, people are needed in vast quantities, whereas in others, we need just a few with rare abilities. Crowdsourcing encompasses an emerging collection of approaches for harnessing such distributed human intelligence. Recently, the bioinformatics community has begun to apply crowdsourcing in a variety of contexts, yet few resources are available that describe how these human-powered systems work and how to use them effectively in scientific domains. Results: Here, we provide a framework for understanding and applying several different types of crowdsourcing. The framework considers two broad classes: systems for solving large-volume ‘microtasks’ and systems for solving high-difficulty ‘megatasks’. Within these classes, we discuss system types, including volunteer labor, games with a purpose, microtask markets and open innovation contests. We illustrate each system type with successful examples in bioinformatics and conclude with a guide for matching problems to crowdsourcing solutions that highlights the positives and negatives of different approaches.
Frisian Trade in the Dark Ages

FOR nearly a century in the Carolingian period, the later Hanseatic supremacy in the commerce of western Europe was foreshadowed by the expansion and development of Frisian trade. This commerce, centering on Dorestad on the lower Rhine, supplied the products of the Rhine lands and Flanders to England and to the Scandinavian north. A survey of this Frisian trade and its background in the Merovingian period should be of some value in helping form a balanced picture of European economic history during the centuries which followed the end of Roman power in western Europe. This article will attempt such a survey, drawing especially on archaeological and numismatic material which has become available during the past forty years and which does a good deal to fill in the meager outlines available from written sources.' The people later known as the Frisians migrated to the low-lying coastal lands around the present-day Zuyder Zee about 300 B.C. They lived on artificial dwelling mounds (terps, terpen) which protected them and their cattle from the North Sea floods. By the time of Augustus, it is possible to speak of a distinctive Frisian culture in the terp area, with its own native pottery and other artifacts.2 Like other Germanic tribes, the Frisians came in contact with the Roman Empire. After Drusus' expedition through their lands, they became Roman federates, paying a yearly tribute in hides. After Tacitus' description of their part in the Batavian revolt of 68 A.D., the literary references are few and unimportant. They probably retained some kind of federate status, since Frisian auxiliary troops were in common use in the Roman armies of the second and third centuries. Trade with the empire began as soon as contact was established, and in the second and third centuries there were extensive imports of Roman goods, such as terra sigillata pottery, bronze work, and so forth. After around 300, provincial imports such as the roulette-stamped red pottery of the Moselle region became common. This pottery is found in the terps well into the fifth century. The route between the Roman centers along the Rhine and the Scandinavian tribes undoubtedly went along the Frisian coasts. Republican denarii, which were preferred in northwestern Europe to the later imperial issues, are found along the Frisian coasts and north of the Elbe, and only rarely elsewhere in western Germany. The distribution maps of Roman objects drawn up by Brogan
Energy expenditure of pregnant women at rest or walking self-paced

Energy expenditure during rest and self-paced walking was determined from early to late pregnancy either longitudinally or in a cross-section of women. The cross-sectional study was done with 16 women confined to a metabolic unit: six nonpregnant (NP), six early pregnant (EP 10 to 20 wk gestation), and four late pregnant (LP 30 to 40 wk gestation). In the longitudinal study, five of the six EP subjects from the cross-sectional study were studied at 5-wk intervals until parturition. Basal metabolic rate, measured by open circuit, indirect calorimetry, and expressed as kcal/min, was 13% greater (p less than 0.05) in EP compared to NP and was 28% greater (p less than 0.05) in LP compared to EP. Resting metabolism increased during gestation in the EP group from a value of 1.01 kcal/min at 15 to 25 wk to 1.15 kcal/min at 35 to 40 wk. When energy expenditure during rest is expressed as kcal/kg body weight/h, there were no significant differences due to stage of pregnancy. The time required for the women to walk 400 m at their own pace was measured. The pace of the LP women was 20% slower (p less than 0.05) than the EP women. But when the EP women were studied at 35 and 40 wk gestation their pace was only 4.5% slower than that at 15 to 25 wk. These data suggest that individual behavioral differences have a greater effect on pace than stage of gestation. A decrease in pace reduced the rate of energy expenditure per kilogram body weight for walking 400 m. But, body weight, rather than pace, was the major determinant of total energy expenditure for the walk (p less than 0.05). It is apparent from these data that body weight is the major determinant of energy expenditure during rest and self-paced weight bearing activity in pregnancy.
Cure kinetics of aqueous phenol–formaldehyde resins used for oriented strandboard manufacturing: Analytical technique

The cure kinetics of commercial phenol–formaldehyde (PF), used as oriented strandboard face and core resins, were studied using isothermal and dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The cure of the face resin completely followed an nth-order reaction mechanism. The reaction order was nearly 1 with activation energy of 79.29 kJ mol−1. The core resin showed a more complicated cure mechanism, including both nth-order and autocatalytic reactions. The nth-order part, with reaction order of 2.38, began at lower temperatures, but the reaction rate of the autocatalytic part increased much faster with increase in curing temperature. The total reaction order for the autocatalytic part was about 5. Cure kinetic models, for both face and core resins, were developed. It is shown that the models fitted experimental data well, and that the isothermal DSC was much more reliable than the dynamic DSC in studying the cure kinetics. Furthermore, the relationships among cure reaction conversion (curing degree), cure temperature, and cure time were predicted for both resin systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1642–1650, 2006
Toward the Human Genotope

The human genotope is the convex hull of all allele frequency vectors that can be obtained from the genotypes present in the human population. In this paper, we take a few initial steps toward a description of this object, which may be fundamental for future population based genetics studies. Here we use data from the HapMap Project, restricted to two ENCODE regions, to study a subpolytope of the human genotope. We study three different approaches for obtaining informative low-dimensional projections of this subpolytope. The projections are specified by projection onto few tag SNPs, principal component analysis, and archetypal analysis. We describe the application of our geometric approach to identifying structure in populations based on single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Fuzzy freehand drawing system

Fuzzy logic has been applied to a drawing program so that a user can draw anything naturally, just like he is drawing on a real canvas with a pen. The Fuzzy Freehand Drawing System (FFDS) can infer human drawing intention and generate the corresponding geometric primitives and(or) smooth B-spline curves. FFDS is a pen-based real-time program. Based on drawing position and speed this information, FFDS establishes models to create fuzzy sets and computes fuzzy information for each individual point. Then FFDS uses inference rules to get rid of unintentional points and divide the curve into some subcurves, each of which might be in a basic geometric form. FFDS analyzes each subcurve under each assumed reference model and obtain the corresponding possibility for that model. Fuzzy inference rules are used to decide the correct model. >
Triple Decoding of Hepatitis C Virus RNA by Programmed Translational Frameshifting

Ribosomes can be programmed to shift from one reading frame to another during translation. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) uses such a mechanism to produce F protein from the -2/+1 reading frame. We now report that the HCV frameshift signal can mediate the synthesis of the core protein of the zero frame, the F protein of the -2/+1 frame, and a 1.5-kDa protein of the -1/+2 frame. This triple decoding function does not require sequences flanking the frameshift signal and is apparently independent of membranes and the synthesis of the HCV polyprotein. Two consensus -1 frameshift sequences in the HCV type 1 frameshift signal facilitate ribosomal frameshifts into both overlapping reading frames. A sequence which is located immediately downstream of the frameshift signal and has the potential to form a double stem-loop structure can significantly enhance translational frameshifting in the presence of the peptidyl-transferase inhibitor puromycin. Based on these results, a model is proposed to explain the triple decoding activities of the HCV ribosomal frameshift signal.
Using dead drops to improve data dissemination in very sparse equipped traffic

We study the dissemination of data in a vehicular network in which the density of equipped vehicles, or all vehicles, is very low, and in which there is no centrally connected infrastructure, such as a network of gateways. In this environment, a vehicle is rarely in communication range of another vehicle, so that protocols based on forwarding messages along a chain of vehicles in communication range are not effective. Similarly, the lack of centrally connected network infrastructure precludes protocols that use a fixed network of gateways to transfer messages. Our solution is based on using a collection of stationary, stand-alone dead drops that exchange data with vehicles that pass by them. Although the dead drops do not communicate among themselves or with a central network, their limited ability to store and forward data can improve the connectivity of a vehicular network. We use simulation-based experiments to demonstrate that the use of dead drops results in significant improvements in both the rate of data dissemination and the robustness to frequent changes in the set of participating vehicles.
Optical control with specially-engineered photonic lattices and intelligently-designed optical beams

We provide a brief overview of our recent work on spatial control of light propagation in optically induced photonic lattices, including controlled Bragg reflection, diffraction and refraction in ionic-type lattices and image transmission based on coherent destruction of tunneling in 3D photonic lattices with engineered coupling, and optical control and manipulation of micro- and nano-particles with various nonconventional optical beams.
Prevalence of hearing loss in the United States by industry.

Background Twenty-two million workers are exposed to hazardous noise in the United States. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among U.S. industries. Methods We examined 2000–2008 audiograms for male and female workers ages 18–65, who had higher occupational noise exposures than the general population. Prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for hearing loss were estimated and compared across industries. Results In our sample, 18% of workers had hearing loss. When compared with the Couriers and Messengers industry sub-sector, workers employed in Mining (PR ¼ 1.65, CI ¼ 1.57–1.73), Wood Product Manufacturing (PR ¼ 1.65, CL ¼ 1.61– 1.70), Construction of Buildings (PR ¼ 1.52, CI ¼ 1.45–1.59), and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (PR ¼ 1.59, CL ¼ 1.51–1.68) had higher risks for hearing loss. Conclusions Workers in the Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction industries need better engineering controls for noise and stronger hearing conservation strategies. More hearing loss research is also needed within traditional ‘‘low-risk’’ industries like Real Estate. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:670–681, 2013. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Succession and Micro-elevation Effects on Seedling Establishment of Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. (Clusiaceae) in an Amazonian River Meander Forest1

Abstract I investigated the effects of successional stage and micro-elevation on seedling establishment of Calophyllum brasiliense (Clusiaceae), a common canopy tree of seasonally flooded lowland forest along the Manu River meander zone in southeastern Peru. To compare seedling establishment between microhabitat types, I planted C. brasiliense seeds in a fully crossed experimental design of three successional stages (early, mid, and mature) and two micro-elevations (levees and backwaters). Seedling establishment success in this study was affected by both successional stage and micro-elevation, but micro-elevation was most important in mid-successional habitats. In general, seedlings in early succession experienced better conditions than in mature forest; light levels were higher, herbivory lower, and seedling growth higher. In mid-successional forest, micro-elevation determined habitat quality; backwaters had higher light levels, lower herbivory, and higher seedling growth and survival than levees. Mid-su...
Information Arrival and the Oil Price Collapse

Between late July 2014 and March 2015, the price of West Texas intermediate crude oil (WTI) fell by almost 60%. It is hardly surprising that such a dramatic drop in the price of an important resource led to a great deal of analysis of its cause and consequences. Examples include the work of Areski and Blanchard [2014], Baumeister and Kilian [2015], Cashin et al. [2014], Kilian [2014], and the World Bank [2014]. All of these articles are based on fundamental economic analysis, in that they examine the factors that affect the supply and demand for oil, such as GDP growth, the energy intensity of GDP, changes in oil production technology, producing nations’ revenue requirements, and geopolitical forces. Here I take a different approach by applying a finance perspective. As Areski et al. [2014] observe, oil can be thought of both as a fundamental commodity and a financial asset. From this perspective, the price of oil is like the price of any other financial asset. Assuming that the oil market is relatively efficient, new information must enter the market for the price of crude to change by more than the minimal amount associated with normal carry. To what new information was the market responding during the dramatic price collapse between late July 2014 and March 2015?