cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE KU KLUX KLAN, LABOR, AND THE WHITE WORKING CLASS DURING THE 1920S

Historians usually consider the revived Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s to have been consistently opposed to labor unions and the aspirations of working-class people. The official outlook of the national Klan organization fits this characterization, but the interaction between grassroots Klan groups and pockets of white Protestant working-class Americans was more complex. Some left-wing critics of capitalism singled out the Klan as a legitimate if flawed platform on which to build white working-class unity at a time when unions were weak and other institutions demonstrated indifference to working-class interests. In industrial communities scattered across the Midwest, South, and West, white Protestant workers joined the Klan. In Akron, Ohio, the Klan helped to sustain white working-class community cohesion among alienated rubber workers. In Birmingham, Alabama, the Klan violently repressed mixed-race unions but joined with white Protestant workers in a political movement that enacted reforms beneficial to the white working class. But Klan attention to working-class interests was circumstantial and rigidly restricted by race, religion, and ethnicity. Ku Klux definitions of whiteness excluded from fellowship many immigrant and Catholic workers. Local Klans supported striking white Protestant workers when Catholic, immigrant, or black rivals were present, but acted, sometimes violently, against strikes that destabilized white Protestant communities. Ku Klux sympathies complicated urban socialist politics in the Midwest and disrupted the effectiveness and unity of the United Mine Workers. Lingering Klan sympathies among union workers document the power of reactionary popular movements to undermine working-class identity in favor of restrictive loyalties based on race, religion, and ethnicity.
Testing spatial regression models under nonregular conditions

In time series context, estimation and testing issues with autoregressive and moving average (ARMA) models are well understood. Similar issues in the context of spatial ARMA models for the disturbance of the regression, however, remain largely unexplored. In this paper, we discuss the problems of testing no spatial dependence in the disturbances against the alternative of spatial ARMA process incorporating the possible presence of spatial dependence in the dependent variable. The problems of conducting such a test are twofold. First, under the null hypothesis, the nuisance parameter is not identified, resulting in a singular information matrix (IM), which is a nonregular case in statistical inference. To take account of singular IM, we follow Davies (Biometrika 64(2):247–254, 1977; Biometrika 74(1):33–43, 1987) and propose a test procedure based on the supremum of the Rao score test statistic. Second, the possible presence of spatial lag dependence will have adverse effect on the performance of the test. Using the general test procedure of Bera and Yoon (Econom Theory 9:649–658, 1993) under local misspecification, we avoid the explicit estimation of the spatial autoregressive parameter. Thus our suggested tests are entirely based on ordinary least squares estimation. Tests suggested here can be viewed as a generalization of Anselin et al. (Reg Sci Urban Econ 26:77–104, 1996). We conduct Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the finite sample properties of the proposed tests. Simulation results show that our tests have good finite sample properties both in terms of size and power, compared to other tests in the literature. We also illustrate the applications of our tests through several data sets.
Macrophage participation in a spontaneously regressing syngeneic tumor.

Investigations of experimentally induced (i.e. viral, chemical) neoplasms have begun to elucidate the significance of non-lymphoid cells in the interaction between host and tumor (1,2,3,4,5,6,7). Macrophages have been identified as effector cells in a number of tumor systems (1,2,4), and recent reports have suggested that these cells are capable of suppressing immune activity in tumor bearing hosts (3,5,6,7). We have been investigating the nature of tumor-immune system interactions occurring in the AKR mouse during the development and spontaneous regression of a syngeneic tumor. Studies carried out in our laboratory suggest that the role of the macrophage in host defense against this tumor may change during the periods of development and regression, and that failure to do so may result in irreversible tumor growth.
SDR Architecture for US Tactical Radios

Software-defined radio (SDR) has emerged as a focus of academic research, commercial development, and military investment for future wireless systems. This paper describes architecture migration for military SDR. It characterizes the tradeoffs among core software-radio technologies including wideband RF hardware, a flexible digital signal processing (DSP) platform, and software architecture. Object-oriented analysis by industry participants defined architectures for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) and the SDR Forum (the “reference architectures”). This paper analyzes those architectures in terms of layered virtual machines. The goal is to clarify technical aspects that cost- effectively support simultaneous hardware and software evolution. Research issues include layering, software objects and virtual machines. Potential benefits are pointed out along with research, development, and deployment issues that must be addressed in order to meet warfighter needs.
Redox potential control in molten salt systems for corrosion mitigation

Abstract In a molten salt nuclear reactor system, the redox potential must be controlled for mitigating corrosion of structural materials. The paper presented a critical review on the available knowledge of redox potential control in molten fluoride salt systems. The major phenomena that affect the redox potential and material corrosion are fission, TF production by transmutation, and salt contamination with metal fluorides or other oxidizing impurities. Redox potential control methodologies include gas sparging, contacting the salt with a reducing metal, and adding soluble salt redox buffers to the salt. Redox potential measurement technologies include electrochemical sensors and optical spectroscopy. The paper also analyzed the current technology issues and recommended near future studies.
Ophthalmologist and Optometrist Glaucoma Prescribing Patterns Based on 2015 Medicare Part D Data.

Purpose To determine differences in prescribing patterns of glaucoma drugs between ophthalmologists and optometrists in terms of (1) the proportions of generics prescribed when brand-name drugs were also available, (2) the relative proportions of drugs prescribed within a drug class, and (3) the relative frequency of all glaucoma drugs prescribed. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants All ophthalmologists and optometrists in the United States who prescribed any of the 36 drugs studied through Medicare Part D in 2015. Methods Outcome measures were calculated using Excel 2016 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) based on the 2015 Medicare Part D Prescriber data. The total number of drug claims for 36 glaucoma drugs by all ophthalmologists and optometrists through Medicare Part D in 2015 was determined. These data were then used to calculate, for each drug class, the relative proportions of each drug prescribed by ophthalmologists and optometrists in addition to the proportion of claims that were for the generic drug when at least 1 brand-name alternative was available for both professions. Results The difference between ophthalmologists’ and optometrists’ proportions of claims that were for generics when at least 1 brand-name drug was available was generally less than 1%, with both professions’ patients receiving primarily generic drugs. However, patients of both ophthalmologists and optometrists use relatively low proportions of generic betaxolol, brimonidine, travoprost, and bimatoprost (approximately 46%, 58%, 1%, and 0% of claims were for these generics, respectively, when compared with brand-name drugs for both ophthalmologists and optometrists). Within each drug class, ophthalmologists and optometrists generally chose the same drug. Overall, ophthalmologists prescribed a wider range of drugs, but both ophthalmologists and optometrists prescribed latanoprost most often. Conclusions Ophthalmologists and optometrists exhibit similar clinical judgement when choosing a particular drug within a drug class. However, ophthalmologists tend to prescribe more drugs from a wider range of drug classes. Both ophthalmologists and optometrists could prescribe more generic betaxolol, brimonidine, travoprost, and bimatoprost, though generic bimatoprost only became available in 2015.
Two-Level Dynamic Structural Equation Models with Small Samples.

Advances in data collection have made intensive longitudinal data easier to collect, unlocking potential for methodological innovations to model such data. Dynamic structural equation modeling (DSE...
Resetting the Instructional Culture: Constructivist Pedagogy for Learner Empowerment in the Postcolonial Context of the Caribbean

Inclusion is a desirable goal to attain in any education system. However, if the classroom experiences provided to achieve this goal do not empower learners, students are likely to be done a disservice. It is indeed important to empower all students, and it is perhaps even more critical for descendants of formerly enslaved and colonized peoples. Using Jamaica as a focus case, the author argues that there are classroom environments in the Caribbean that still reflect vestiges of that oppressive history, which continue to deprive many students of their agency and self-efficacy. It is of real urgency, therefore, that all Caribbean educators practice critical pedagogy to empower all students. One factor that has significant implications for student empowerment is the instructional culture of the education system. In general, the instructional culture is either teacher- or learner-centered. Teacher-centered instructional approaches are likely to disempower students; on the other hand, learner-centered practices are apt to empower students. Learning theories provide a pedagogical frame that can inform instructional culture. The constructivist theory of learning counters hegemonic instructional practices and decenters power in the classroom. This chapter, therefore, is devoted to explicating an understanding of how principles of constructivism can inform an instructional culture that would potentially empower Caribbean students and contribute to the decolonization process still necessary in the region.
The Dark Side of Reputation

Reputation is the foundation of theories of private ordering. These theories contend that commercial actors will act honestly because if they do not, they will get a bad reputation and others will not want to do business with them in the future. But economists and scholars of networks increasingly realize that reputation has its defects. Mixed in with trustworthy and useful reputation information on which commerce of all sorts relies is inaccurate, distorted, misguided, or outright fraudulent information. Much of the existing literature about reputation’s flaws focuses on unintentional distortions caused by biases, the requirements of social niceties, and the dearth of fully representative information. This Article, by contrast, approaches the problem of the distortion of reputation from the dark side. It uses a rich set of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century English court cases and merchant correspondence to examine how the deliberate manipulation of reputation, and, importantly, people’s failure to verify the gossip and rumors creating such reputation, enabled fraud. It turns out that reputation was “a complex process,” even in interconnected early modern markets in which merchants did business face-to-face and participated in active gossip networks. Even being caught, tried, and found guilty of a serious fraud did not necessarily undermine one’s business and perceived trustworthiness in these networks, which raises questions about how much the merchants depended upon reputation when making decisions about whom to trust.
Systematic Design, Analysis and Optimization of Water-Energy Nexus

Abstract Responsible use of water and energy resources is critical for environmental sustainability while satisfying the increasing water, energy and fuel demands for end-use consumption. The interdependence of water and energy must be considered and quantified for developing efficient water-energy nexus systems. We first present a systematic and scalable method for the design and optimization of water-energy nexus (WEN). The method is based on a graph-theoretic representation of a nexus and a WEN diagram that enables us to identify potential redundancies in a nexus. We can also design systems with (i) minimum generation of water and energy, for specified grid demands, or (ii) maximum yield of water and energy to the grid supplies for specified generation limits. Next, we present a superstructure optimization-based approach to solve large-scale complex nexus problems. The superstructure encapsulates all plausible connections and phenomena between nexus entities, input-to-output conversions (water-for-water, energy-for-energy), intensities (water-for-energy, energy-for-water), contamination/purification levels, and location allocation and reuse features. Both methods are demonstrated using case studies on water-energy nexus systems focusing on power generation, seawater desalination, groundwater and surface water at regional and national scales.
The Problem of Normative Authority in Legal Interpretation

A number of commentators in American legal circles have recently recognized that law is interpretation. The growing recognition that law is interpretation has brought with it a certain uneasiness. That uneasiness can be traced to the fear that once the “plain meaning” view of language has been deconstructed there can be no end to the process of interpretation and worse yet no determinable standards or principles to judge competing interpretations. Return to the “plain meaning” view of language as the solution to the anxiety over interpretation without constraint has been blocked by Wittgenstein’s insightful critique of the absolute determinancy of Sinn and Bedeutung. In his later writings Wittgenstein demonstrated that his own earlier attempt in the Tractatus to protect against the errancy of language through the identification of the form of the word with the form of the entity fails. Meaning is not just there like a dead object which is present for us to grasp; meaning only comes to life within a “form of life”.
New Theoretical Limit Analysis of LoS and RSS Based Positioning Methods for Ricean Fading Channel in RF Systems

In this paper, bias and CRB analysis for both proposed line-of-sight (LoS) and conventional radio-signal-strength (RSS) based positioning methods are derived. In contrast to the conventional lognormal based analysis, the derived error models take into account the environmental multipath fading effect. The proposed LoS-based scheme improves positioning accuracy by eliminating the effect of non-range dependent portion of powers from the received signal. It suppresses non-line-of-sight (NLoS) disturbance to the positioning result through estimating the LoS component from fading signal. Hence, it is robust to environmental fading disturbance. The derived error models are validated by simulation. Both analytical model and simulation results show that the accuracy and robustness of the proposed LoS-based positioning are superior to that of the conventional RSS-based methods.
Transient chemotherapy-induced alopecia after intralesional 5-fluorouracil treatment of keloids

Keloids represent an abnormal response to wound healing that results in excess collagen formation.1 Keloids occur more frequently in individuals with higher Fitzpatrick skin types after a traumatic event incites inflammatory reaction in the skin; although, keloids have been reported to arise spontaneously.1 The elusive pathogenesis of keloids has allowed the use of multiple modalities in treatment. Currently, the use of intralesional 5-fluorouracil is efficacious in reducing the size and recurrence of keloids.2 The antimetabolite blocks the synthesis of thymidine thereby inducing cell death. Reported side effects of intralesional 5-fluorouracil include temporary pain at the injection site, ulceration, and hyperpigmentation, all of which usually resolve. As a systemic antineoplastic treatment, fluorouracil has occasionally been associated with alopecia. We present a case of transient chemotherapy-induced alopecia occurring after intralesional 5-fluorouracil used to treat keloids on the right cheek of a bearded male. To our knowledge, this is the first report of alopecia occurring after localized intralesional chemotherapy treatment of keloids.
Establishing cell-intrinsic limitations in cell cycle progression controls graft growth and promotes differentiation of pancreatic endocrine cells

Beta cells have a low proliferative potential, which limits regeneration, but how these limitations are established is largely unknown. Understanding proliferation potential is important for the safty of cell replacement therapy with cell products made from stem cell with unlimited proliferative potential. Here we test a novel hypothesis, that these limitations are established through limitations in S-phase progression. We exposed differentiating stem cells to small molecules that interfere with cell cycle progression either by inducing G1 arrest, impairing S-phase entry, or S-phase completion. Upon release from these molecules, we determined growth potential, differentiation and function of insulin-producing cells in vitro and in vivo. We found that the combination of G1 arrest with a compromised DNA replication completion promoted the differentiation of progenitor cells towards insulin-producing cells, improved the stability of the differentiated state, and protected mice from diabetes without formation of cystic growths. Therefore, a compromised ability to enter S-phase and replicate the genome is a functionally important property of pancreatic endocrine differentiation, and can be exploited to generate insulin-producing organoids with predictable growth potential.
Value, Strengths, and Challenges of e-Learning Modules Paired with the Flipped Classroom for Graduate Medical Education: A Survey from the National Neonatology Curriculum

Objective This study aimed to determine the value, strengths, and challenges of implementing an e-learning based flipped classroom (FC) educational modality as part of the standardized physiology National Neonatology Curriculum (NNC), created for neonatal-perinatal medicine (NPM) fellow learners and faculty educators. Study Design This is a cross-sectional study of NPM fellows and faculty educators who utilized at least one of the e-learning based NNC FC respiratory physiology programs between May and September 2018. Participants were surveyed anonymously regarding their experiences participating in the NNC, including measures of preparation time. A combination of descriptive statistics and proportion comparisons were used for data analysis. Results Among 172 respondents, the majority of fellow and faculty respondents reported positive attitudes toward the educational content and case discussions, and the majority supported national standardization of NPM physiology education (92%). Fellows reported greater preclass preparation for their FC compared with previous didactic lectures (30–60 vs. 0–15 minutes, p Conclusion Fellows and faculty educators supported the FC learning, reporting peer-to-peer learning, and the establishment of a learning community which promotes adult learning and critical thinking skills. A national physiology curriculum creates equitable and engaging educational experiences for all NPM fellows while reducing individual program burden of content creation. Our findings further supported the development of an NNC using a flipped classroom modality.
Speaking against racism: stories of successful Chinese L2 learners of color in China

This study reports on two students of color studying abroad in China and examines the dialectic between their interpretation of American racism and their agency to study in China and speak Chinese....
Nickel(II)-modified covalent-organic framework film for electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)

Electrochemical oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a promising synthetic route for 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) production. Here, we prepared a nickel(ii)-modified covalent-organic framework (COF) film TpBpy-Ni@FTO for HMF electrooxidation. With a high conversion of HMF (96%), TpBpy-Ni@FTO afforded a 58% FDCA yield. This work underlines the great potential of COF-based materials in electrocatalysis.
Towards Attosecond Science with Industrial-Grade Lasers

Rotational nonlinearity of molecular gases can be harnessed to generate more than two octaves of bandwidth and compress 280 fs, 400 µJ pulses from a commercial Yb:KGW laser amplifier to 1.6 cycles for attosecond pulse generation.
Revisiting the ethics of financial executives in the lodging industry.

This study revisited ethics in the hospitality industry and involved a randomly selected sample of lodging financial executives taken from the current membership roster of the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP). After responding to a number of demographic questions, financial executives were asked to respond to 16 business scenarios that involved the issue of ethics. In addition, financial executives were asked if they would or would not do what the controller did in each scenario. Finally, responses of financial executives in the current study were compared to the responses of financial executives in a previous study. Findings indicate that there is considerable disagreement among financial executives regarding the ethical dimensions of common business scenarios
Pasteurization of dried basil leaves using radio frequency heating: A microbial challenge study and quality analysis

Abstract The current microbial reduction techniques have low consumer acceptance or may have an adverse effect on the quality of spices and herbs. This requires a need for an alternative decontamination method that can effectively reduce the microbial load and minimize the food quality losses. Radio frequency (RF) heating is a dielectric heating method that has been proven effective to pasteurize various low-moisture foods. The present research was designed to evaluate the efficacy of RF heating for the reduction of Salmonella in dried basil leaves, evaluate the suitability of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Salmonella, and assess the quality of dried basil leaves post RF treatment. Dried basil leaves inoculated with a Salmonella cocktail or E. faecium were conditioned to a higher moisture content such that the moisture content of the treated sample post RF treatment fall within the typical range. The inoculated samples were packaged in the teabag and placed in the identified cold spot (top center) of a laminated paper tray filled with uninoculated sample. Samples were subjected to RF heating for 45, 55, and 65 s during which the cold-spot temperature reached 65, 80, and 100 °C, respectively. The results showed that at 55 s, Salmonella and E. faecium population decreased by 4.8 and 2.7 log CFU/g, respectively. Both microorganisms reached below the detection limit (>6.5 log CFU/g reduction) at 65 s of RF heating. Therefore, the quality analysis of the dried basil leaves was performed with the samples treated with RF for 65 s. The results showed that the RF heating had no significant effect on the quality parameters (color, total volatiles, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity) of the dried basil leaves. Therefore, RF processing results in rapid heating of the dried basil leaves enhancing food safety with insignificant impact on quality. Furthermore, the food processing facility may use E. faecium as an appropriate surrogate for Salmonella when conducting an in-plant validation study.
A design science approach to developing an integrated mobile app forensic framework

Abstract As our society becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on technologies, the need for digital forensics is no longer restricted to cybercriminal investigations. For example, when a private organization’s system is compromised due to unauthorized access or espionage, digital forensic investigations can help to reveal the ‘what, why, how, who, when, and where’ relating to the incident, and the findings can inform decision-making and mitigation strategy formulation. Taking an interdisciplinary lens, this paper uses the design science approach to guide the development of an integrated digital forensic framework. It is then demonstrated how the framework can be used by a forensic investigator to examine Android applications, using a series of case studies (also referred to as “instantiations” of the method artifact in the design science literature).
Dynamic load distribution of planetary gear sets subject to both internal and external excitations

Planetary gearsets are widely used in several mechanical systems and have numerous advantages over counter-shaft gears. Despite this, the complex arrangement of components in a planetary gear system makes them susceptible to noise and vibration issues. An exhaustive and rich literature is available on the topic of planetary gear dynamics, but most of these studies consider only the parametric excitation of gear mesh contacts while assuming an ideal power source. But contrary to this popular assumption, realistic power sources (IC Engine, electric motor, wind turbine, etc.) could be subjected to torque fluctuations based on the operating conditions. The current study presents a theoretical investigation on the load distribution and dynamic behavior of planetary gear sets subjected to both internal and external excitations. A three-dimensional dynamic planetary load distribution model that inherently captures the internal excitation due to the elastic gear mesh contacts is employed in this study. The influence of operating conditions on both system-level response and local gear mesh contact stress distribution are explored. Discussed results not only illustrate the potential of the dynamic model but also reinforce the need for such computationally efficient models for design and analysis purposes.
Critical points of iterates of complex quadratic functions

We look at a familiar one-parameter family of quadratic functions on the complex plane. After restricting the parameter to be real, we explore when the critical points of the functions and their iterates are real and when they are not real. We prove that when the parameter is greater than or equal to 2, all critical points are real. When the parameter is between 0 and 2, critical points for the original function are real but there is an iterate with nonreal critical points. When the parameter is equal to 0, all critical points are 0. When the parameter is less than 0, the critical points are all 0 or are nonreal. Finally, we compare the locations of these critical points to the contour plots of the real parts of the functions for different values of the parameter and for different iterates of the function.
SMART INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FRAMEWORK FOR INTERCONNECTIVITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Funding for research dissemination is increasingly uncertain which calls for trans-disciplinary and trans-sector research dissemination through collaboration in order to ensure that fundamental advances are made in the areas of focus for capacity building and sustainability of road infrastructure in Africa. Through dissemination of research, studies, publications on various disciplines, authoritative and non-partisan policy advice is being provided to decision makers in government, academia, and the private sector. Although, dissemination of research in road transportation is integral to our societies, there are persistent challenges to its sustainability. This paper proposes strategies for cooperation among academia, industry, and transport sector through transport research dissemination by establishment of transportation professional networking group to provide a platform for sharing of experiences and exchange of ideas amongst transport professionals and researchers. This group has organised four international conferences on transportation in Africa which required the dissemination of innovative researches and approaches that brought about safe and sustainable solutions. With proper coordination, transport experts are poised to help solve problems at this level of complexity and importance. The paper concludes by highlighting the availability of potentials and critical mass in academia, government and the private sector to attain global stature and tackle capacity building challenges in road transport sector which depends on how the research dissemination and publication ecosystem is nurtured.
Filling the Gaps on the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Do Not Crush List for Immediate-release Products.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Do Not Crush List is a common resource for healthcare providers to determine whether an oral solid drug product can be manipulated. However, evidence is weak or missing for a number of immediate-release products. The purpose of this study was to perform an in-depth analysis of these products on the ISMP Do Not Crush List with the goal of removing unnecessary restrictions and providing conditional recommendations if needed. The ISMP Do Not Crush List was reviewed, and the products in question were identified if they were listed with "no reason" provided or "film-coated" as the only reason. A checklist of evaluation criteria was then developed and used for analysis, including special dosage form design, hazardous drug status, and stability and pharmacokinetics concerns. Appropriate references and search strategies were streamlined to perform the evaluation, and manufacturers were also contacted with a standard drug-information inquiry. A total of 20 "film-coated" tablets and 17 "no reason" drug products were identified and evaluated using the above process. The analysis revealed that 9 products are special formulations or high-risk products which indeed should not be crushed. Most of the remaining 28 products presented no risk or a low risk for crushing. Some products may require safety precautions during handling or timely administration of crushed powder to patients with increased monitoring for efficacy and safety. Two summary tables along with the conditional recommendations are provided for pharmacists and other healthcare providers to aid in clinical decision making. A checklist of evaluation criteria was developed and used to perform an in-depth analysis of 37 immediate-release products on the ISMP Do Not Crush List. A significant number of these products were found to be suitable for crushing based on conditional recommendations. Furthermore, the checklist and evaluation strategy present a framework for healthcare providers to assess crushability of any future immediate release oral solid drug products when there are no suitable alternatives.
Orange is Sus: Among Us and Political Play

Initially released in 2018 to minimal attention, Among Us (InnerSloth) is a retro-style multiplayer game that employs both cooperative play and betrayal. In 2020, the game was catapulted into the popular culture spotlight thanks to a combination of pandemic play conditions, Twitch streamer attention, and political resonance. In this critical examination of the game and its reception, we consider how Among Us demonstrates both the importance of situated play and the potential for impact of minimalist indie games. The language of the game and its players (including the particularly notorious use of “sus”) has spread to play a significant role in culture more broadly. Transformed by its contextual moment into a force for memes and broader cultural conversation, the game transcends gaming and gamer identity to intertwine with how we understand the 2020 US election and American political polarization.
Insertion depth in power-weight trees

Abstract We study the insertion depth in a class of nonuniform random recursive trees grown with an attachment preference for a power of the node index. The strength of index preference is controlled by a real-valued power parameter α; the model accommodates both young-age and old-age preference as specific cases. We find the exact probability law in terms of the Poisson-Binomial distribution, and consequently, the exact and asymptotic mean and variance. Under appropriate normalization, we derive concentration laws and limiting distributions. For α > − 1 , with logarithmic normalization of the depth, we have a normal limit. The case α = − 1 is a critical point at which we retain a normal limit but under an iterated logarithm normalization. For these normal cases, Chen-Stein approximation gives a slow rate of convergence in the Wasserstein distance. The case α − 1 is a phase that has a different behavior.
Fast and Robust Supervised Learning in High Dimensions Using the Geometry of the Data

We develop a method for tracing out the shape of a cloud of sample observations, in arbitrary dimensions, called the data cloud wrapper (DCW). The DCW have strong theoretical properties, have algorithmic scalability and parallel computational features. We further use the DCW to develop a new fast, robust and accurate classification method in high dimensions, called the geometric learning algorithm (GLA). Two of the main features of the proposed algorithm are that there are no assumptions made about the geometric properties of the underlying data generating distribution, and that there are no parametric or other restrictive assumptions made either for the data or the algorithm. The proposed methods are typically faster and more robust than established classification techniques, while being comparably accurate in most cases.
Braneworld Quintessential Inflation and Sum of Exponentials Potentials

Quintessential inflation--in which a single scalar field plays the role of the inflaton and quintessence--from a sum of exponentials potential V = A (exp{5 phi}+exp{sqrt{2} phi}) or V = A (exp{5 phi}+exp{phi}) or a cosh potential V = 2A cosh(5 phi) is considered in the context of five-dimensional gravitation with standard model particles confined to our 3-brane. Reheating is accomplished via gravitational particle production and the universe undergoes a transition from primordial inflation to radiation domination well before big bang nucleosynthesis. The transition to an accelerating universe due to quintessence occurs near z = 1, as in LambdaCDM. Braneworld quintessential inflation can occur for potentials with or without a minimum, and with or without eternal acceleration and an event horizon. The low z behavior of the equation of state parameter w_phi provides a clear observable signal distinguishing quintessence from a cosmological constant.
Topical drug delivery in humans with a single photomechanical wave.

Purpose. Assess the feasibility ofin vivo topical drug delivery in humans with a single photomechanical wave.
TFTR tritium accounting system for DT-operation

TFTR has been using tritium as a fuel gas as part of its Deuterium-Tritium (DT) experimental operations with over 600 kCi processed through the site and over 400 kCi injected. Careful inventory and accounting measures are required to ensure site and regulatory safety tritium limits are not exceeded. Tritium management is accomplished through a database system to coordinate experimental needs within these limits. A TFTR Nuclear Materials Custodian (NMC) oversees Tritium Transfer Operations (TTO) using accounts based on specific system physical locations including tritium product containers, uranium beds (hydration), Gas Holding Tanks (GHT), disposable Molecular Sieve Beds (DMSB), the Tritium Gas Injection System (TGIS), and the Tritium Purification System (TPS). Methods used to coordinate and track TTO's include: single source TTO serial numbers issued by the TFTR Shift Supervisor (TFTRSS) as TTO authorization, TTO verification receipts, and daily NMC database updates with reports issued to appropriate groups. Tokamak tritium operations are controlled and monitored through a computer system that automatically measures and generates tritium injection value reports, as well as providing interlocks between the TGIS and the personnel safety tritium monitors. This system also provides historical trends of tritium values in the entire TGIS, consisting of 14 injector volumes and an interconnecting manifold, to identify inter-system tritium leakage. NMC tritium accounting control involves aspects such as: tritium measurement data flow, verification, instrument calibration, measurement controls, TTO control limits, Material-in-Process (MIP) evaluation, database error detection and correction, and account material balances. Details of these areas are discussed with emphasis on the tight controls required for the very low tritium inventory level permitted for TFTR, and lessons learned from the past 23 months of tritium operations.
A field study of seed germination in the endangered Trillium reliquum Freeman (Trilliaceae)

Previous studies examining the seeds of most Trillium species have reported double dormancy, a type of seed dormancy where two cold periods and one warm period are needed for complete germination. In the present paper, we describe a field study examining the federally endangered Trillium reliquum Freeman (Trilliaceae) in which moderate to high numbers of seeds germinated after one winter following seed production. Sixteen baskets with seeds were placed in four T. reliquum populations (four baskets in each population) in Georgia, USA, in June 2005. In spring 2006, all seed baskets contained seedlings. Germination percentages ranged from 33.3 to 83.3% across sites with a mean of 56.9 ± 3.9%. Trillium reliquum had higher germination percentages compared with other field-based germination studies with other Trillium species. Our findings will inform future demographic studies of T. reliquum and suggest that double dormancy in seeds may not be as widespread as previously reported within the genus Trillium.
Doubly tethered tertiary amide selectors: Modified version of Doyle et al.'s naproxen chiral stationary phase

Abstract The synthesis of an ( S )-naproxen-derived chiral stationary phase (CSP) that differs from those of Doyle et al . [T.D. Doyle, C.A. Brunner and E. Smith, US Pat. , 4919 803 (1990) and T.D. Doyle, in W.J. Lough (Editor), Chiral Liquid Chromatography, Chapman & Hall, New York, 1989, pp. 102-128] and of Oliveros et al . [L. Oliveros, C. Minguillon, B. Desmazieres and P. Desbene, J. Chromatogr., 589 (1992) 53 and 606 (1992) 9] is reported. Instead of linking naproxen to a primary amino group in the tether, linkage is to a secondary amino group. This avoids the presence of an amide hydrogen which often serves to increase retention, attenuate enantioselectivity and diminish the efficiency of the CSP. The presently described CSP 2 typically shows improved performance relative to those described by the Doyle et al . and Oliveros et al .
Articulated design architecture and open-loop command and control system for a tele-operated Versatile Terrain Mobility Platform

A type of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) called Versatile Terrain Mobility Platform (VTAMP) has been designed with the idea of providing a dynamic mobile platform with the unique ability of traversing through rough terrains, and also to pass over obstacles otherwise proving to be a difficult task for most tele-operated ground vehicles. Increased maneuverability is achieved by using active arm-like tracks called “ flippers”. By being able to operate each flipper independently, we can operate VTAMP in different modes with the operator control unit (OCU) which in our scenario is a laptop. This is achieved through feedback loop on each flipper using encoders. The ability to c hange configuration facilitates VTAMP to be able to adapt to all kinds of terrains. The basic architecture of VTAMP is presented first, followed by its different modes of operation by possible flipper arrangements and its control scheme. An algorithm was made to prevent accidental collision between flippers. In addition to this, the turning radius of the VTAMP was also calculated according to the track speeds of both sides which were then verified through experiment.
Intensional Noun Phrases with know and be

Following Romero (2003), this paper develops a unified analysis of two types of N(oun) P(hrase)s: concealed question NPs with know and NP subjects of specificational sentences with be. It is argued that both epistemic know and specificational be are intensional verbs requiring an intensional semantic argument. It is further argued that this semantic argument is, in both cases, propositional in nature. Crosslinguistic data on pronominalization, coordination and matching effects in free relatives are provided in support of these conclusions.
Revision Proximal Interphalangeal Arthroplasty: An Outcome Analysis of 75 Consecutive Cases

Purpose To examine the outcomes and complications associated with revision proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty. Methods An analysis of 75 consecutive revision PIP joint arthroplasties in 49 patients, performed between 1998 to 2012, was performed. The mean age at the time of surgery was 58 years. Thirty-two patients had a history of prior PIP joint trauma, and 18 patients had rheumatoid arthritis. There were 12 constrained (silicone) implants and 63 nonconstrained implants (34 pyrocarbon and 29 metal-plastic). Results Over the 14-year period, 19 (25%) fingers underwent a second revision surgery. Second revision surgeries were performed for infection, instability, flexion contracture, and heterotopic ossification. The 2-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 80%, 70%, and 70%, respectively, for patients requiring a second revision for PIP joint arthroplasty. Worse outcomes were seen with postoperative dislocations, pyrocarbon implants, and when bone grafting was required. Two operations were complicated by intraoperative fractures, but neither required stabilization. Sixteen patients undergoing revision surgery experienced a postoperative complication, including 2 infections, 1 postoperative fracture, 3 cases of heterotopic ossification, and 10 PIP joint dislocations. The volar approach and the use of a pyrocarbon implant was associated with increased rates of heterotopic ossification, whereas preoperative instability increased the rates of PIP joint dislocation following revision. At a mean of 5.3 years (range, 2–10 years) follow-up, 98% of patients had good pain relief but decreased PIP joint total arc of motion. Conclusions Proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty in the revision setting represents a challenge for surgeons. Revision arthroplasty was associated with a 70% 5-year survival but with a high incidence of complications. Instability was associated with worse outcomes. In this series, silicone and metal-polyethylene implants had lower rates of implant failure and postoperative complications than ones made from pyrocarbon. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic III.
Trends in urodynamics study utilization in a Southern California managed care population.

Objective We examined trends in overall and preoperative urodynamics utilization among women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to determine if practice patterns changed following publication of a 2012 randomized trial questioning the value of preoperative urodynamics in patients with uncomplicated SUI. Study Design We collected electronic medical record data on the number of female patient visits to Kaiser Permanente Southern California urology and urogynecology clinics with stress or mixed incontinence, urodynamic studies (UDS) performed, surgeries performed for stress incontinence, and the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients during 2 discrete time periods before and after a potentially practice-changing publication. We used χ 2 tests and t tests as appropriate. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds of urodynamics performed during January 2013 through June 2014 (study period 2) compared to urodynamics performed during July 2010 through December 2011 (study period 1) after adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results In all, 33,775 women were diagnosed as having SUI or mixed urinary incontinence during study period 1 and 37,238 women were diagnosed with these conditions during study period 2. Among these women 12.8% underwent UDS in study period 1 compared to 8.4% in study period 2 ( P P P P Conclusion Significantly fewer UDS are being performed overall and prior to stress incontinence surgery in this population. This change may be due to recent studies suggesting low utility of urodynamics in patients with uncomplicated, stress-dominant incontinence.
Reinterpretation of Students' Ideas When Reasoning about Particle Model Illustrations.

A response to “Using animations in identifying general chemistry students' misconceptions and evaluating their knowledge transfer relating to particle position in physical changes” by Smith and Villarreal (2015)
Miconia zanonii (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), a new species from Hispaniola

Miconia zanonii, which occurs in broad-leaved cloud forests at four localities in the Cordillera Central of the Dominican Republic, is described and illustrated. It is compared withM. krugii andM. samanensis, two probably close relatives withinMiconia sect.Chaenopleura.
Stochastic radiative transfer in multilayer broken clouds. Part II: validation tests

In the second part of our two-part paper, we estimated the accuracy and robustness of the approximated equations for the mean radiance that were derived in Part I. In our analysis we used the three-dimensional (3D) cloud fields provided by (i) the stochastic Boolean model, (ii) large-eddy simulation model and (iii) satellite cloud retrieval. The accuracy of the obtained equations was evaluated by comparing the ensemble-averaged radiative properties that were obtained by the numerical averaging method (reference) and the analytical averaging method (approximation). The robustness of these equations was estimated by comparing the domain-averaged radiative properties obtained by using (i) the full 3D cloud structure (reference) and (ii) the bulk cloud statistics (approximation). It was shown that the approximated equations could provide reasonable accuracy (∼15%) for both the ensemble- and domain-averaged radiative properties.
Vertical line quadrisection: "what" it represents and who gets the upper hand.

Abstract Background Normal adults demonstrate a slight upward bias (vertical pseudoneglect) when attempting vertical line bisection. The mechanism for this bias is unknown. Activation of the allocentric (object-centered) ventral visual system during attempted bisection may induce this bias. This object-centered ventral stream may also mediate focal attention. As compared to bisection, when normal participants perform a vertical line quadrisection task that requires more focal attention, they may have a greater upward bias. Methods Sixteen participants bisected and quadrisected vertical lines. Results The mean upward bias (deviation error) for the quadrisection tasks was significantly higher than the mean error for the line bisections. Conclusions These results are consistent with the hypothesis that activation of the ventral stream by a task that requires focal allocentric attention can induce an upward vertical bias that is greater than the upward bias observed with allocentric line bisection, a task that requires more global attention.
Who Holds the Keys to the Web for Libraries

This article takes an in-depth look at the Internet mega search engines and their influence on reference librarianship.