cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Including the Effect of a Future Test and Redesign in Reliability Calculations

It is common to test components after they are designed and redesign if necessary. The reduction of the uncertainty in the probability of failure that can occur after a test is usually not incorporated in reliability calculations at the design stage. This reduction in uncertainty is accomplished by additional knowledge provided by the test and by redesign when the test reveals that the component is unsafe or overly conservative. In this paper, a methodology is developed to estimate the effect of a single future thermal test followed by redesign and to model the effect of the resulting reduction of the uncertainty in the probability of failure. Using assumed distributions of computation and experimental errors and given redesign rules, possible outcomes of the future test and redesign throughMonte Carlo sampling are obtained to determinewhat changes in probability of failure, design, andweight will occur. In addition, Bayesian updating is used to gain accurate estimates of the probability of failure after a test. These methods are demonstrated through a future thermal test on an integrated thermal protection system. Performing redesign following a single future test can reduce the probability of failure by orders of magnitude, on average, when the objective of the redesign is to restore original safety margins. Redesign for a given reduced probability of failure allows additional weight reduction.
Rising intonation and uncertainty

Uncertain declaratives present several problems for analyses of rising intonation, among which is why, though maybe avoids speaker commitment as does rising intonation in (1a,b), (1c) without rising intonation is odd. (1) A: What’s John’s favorite color? B: (a) Blue? / (b) Maybe blue? / (c) #Maybe blue. I propose that for rising declaratives, discourse context update is dependent on corroboration by some unspecified source. And while maybe also allows the speaker to avoid committing, it does so differently from rising intonation (suggesting possibility, not requiring corroboration), and when the two co-occur, maybe acts in concord with the intonation.
System Description for SAIC Entry at RTE-6.

SAIC participated in the RTE Main Task (Summarization scenario) at TAC 2010. The SAIC entry implemented a rule-based analysis approach involving deep parsing, WordNet, and a propositional pattern matching strategy for entailment determination. Only a first working version of the implementation was available for use for the challenge, with corresponding limited results.
Agenda Setting and Issue Dynamics Revisited: Dam Removal on the Lower Snake River

A critical aspect of the policy process is the evolution of ideas into concrete and refined agenda items which garner political attention and stimulate debate. Invariably certain items ascend to prominence on the political agenda and are considered serious policy alternatives while others do not. By examining how ideas become agenda items in the first place, this research contributes to our understanding on the origins of the policy process. The multiple streams approach of Kingdon (1995) is applied to the politics of agenda setting in environmental policy and specifically, to the idea of dam removal into as a viable policy alternative to traditional methods of river restoration in the Pacific Northwest. The model was previously applied in this same context to examine agenda setting and issue dynamics during the final years of the Clinton administration, when the policy option of dam removal ascended to agenda status at the highest levels of government. During the Bush administration, a combination of factors caused the policy of dam removal to fall off the national agenda. Yet recent developments in the nation's political arena and the continued decimation of native fish runs in the Northwest suggest dam removal is once again ascending to agenda status. What elements of Kingdon's approach can be identified and used to explain the (re)coupling of the dam removal solution to the problems associated with dam-obstructed rivers?
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

In the CNS, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors prominent roles in modulating presynaptic and postsynaptic signaling and have been implicated in several CNS disorders including the two most prominent neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These neurodegenerative diseases affect scores of millions of persons worldwide with their prevalence increasing as human longevity increases.
Decoding position from multiunit activity using a marked point process filter

Traditionally, experiments designed to study the role of specific spike patterns in learning and memory tasks take one of two forms, 1) observational studies that characterize statistical properties of neural activity during such tasks or 2) interventional studies that broadly alter neural activities over an entire neural population or brain region. This work is part of a larger project to allow investigators to manipulate neural populations in a content-specific way, altering spiking activity related to certain learning and memory patterns while leaving activity related to other patterns intact. One fundamental challenge of this work is to decode the information content of specific spike sequences in real-time. Previously, we have used point process theory to develop efficient decoding algorithms based on spike train observations. However these algorithms assume the spike trains have been accurately sorted ahead of time, which is not possible for real-time decoding. Here we present a new point process decoding algorithm that does not require multiunit signals to be sorted. We use the theory of marked point processes to characterize the relationship between the coding properties of multiunit activity and features of the spike waveforms [1-3]. Using Bayes’ rule, we compute the posterior distribution of a signal to decode given multiunit activity from a neural population. We first characterize the spiking activity of a neural population using the conditional intensity function for marked point processes. We then construct point process filters to iteratively calculate the full posterior density of a signal. We illustrate our approach with a simulation study as well as with experimental data recorded in the hippocampus of a rat performing a spatial memory task. Our decoding framework is used to reconstruct the animal’s position from unsorted multiunit spiking activity. We then compare the quality of fit of our decoding framework to that of a traditional spike-sorting and decoding framework. Our analyses show that the proposed decoding algorithm performs as well as or better than algorithms based on sorted single-unit activity. These results provide a mechanism for content-specific manipulations of population activity in hippocampus.
Determination of Oxyhemoglobin by Means of the Duboscq Colorimeter.

In the determination of oxyhemoglobin by the Dare method the glass standard is never of the same color as oxyhemoglobin and therefore a color match is impossible. A better color match has been obtained by determining acid hematin as in the Sahli and Newcomer methods. The color match is not perfect, however, and an hour wait is required for all of the hemoglobin to be changed to acid hematin. If monochromatic light is used the difficulty of matching colors is eliminated but for practical reasons the wavelength should be one in which the blood pigment shows considerable absorption. The Wratten color filter 74, epsilon, shows a high transmission at 540 mμ and the center of one of the absorption bands of oxyhemoglobin is at 541.7 mμ. Furthermore, the transmission of this Wratten filter is in so narrow a band as to appear monochromatic to the eye. Hence the Newcomer glass standard may be used for determining oxyhemoglobin if this Wratten filter is placed in the eyepiece of the colorimeter. A slight change in t...
Hydroxypyridinonate complex stability of group (IV) metals and tetravalent f-block elements: the key to the next generation of chelating agents for radiopharmaceuticals.

The solution thermodynamics of the water-soluble complexes formed between 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) and Zr(IV) or Pu(IV) were investigated to establish the metal coordination properties of this octadentate chelating agent. Stability constants log β110 = 43.1 ± 0.6 and 43.5 ± 0.7 were determined for [Zr(IV)(3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO))] and [Pu(IV)(3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO))], respectively, by spectrophotometric competition titrations against Ce(IV). Such high thermodynamic stabilities not only confirm the unparalleled Pu(IV) affinity of 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) as a decorporation agent but also corroborate the great potential of hydroxypyridinonate ligands as new 89Zr-chelating platforms for immuno-PET applications. These experimental values are in excellent agreement with previous estimates and are discussed with respect to ionic radius and electronic configuration, in comparison with those of Ce(IV) and Th(IV). Furthermore, a liquid chromatography assay combined with mass spectrometric detection was developed to probe the separatio...
Evaluation of expansile nanoparticle tumor localization and efficacy in a cancer stem cell-derived model of pancreatic peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Aim: To evaluate the tumor localization and efficacy pH-responsive expansile nanoparticles (eNPs) as a drug delivery system for pancreatic peritoneal carcinomatosis (PPC) modeled in nude rats. Methods & materials: A Panc-1-cancer stem cell xeno1graft model of PPC was validated in vitro and in vivo. Tumor localization was tracked via in situ imaging of fluorescent eNPs. Survival of animals treated with paclitaxel-loaded eNPs (PTX-eNPs) was evaluated in vivo. Results: The Panc-1-cancer stem cell xenograft model recapitulates significant features of PPC. Rhodamine-labeled eNPs demonstrate tumor-specific, dose- and time-dependent localization to macro- and microscopic tumors following intraperitoneal injection. PTX-eNPs are as effective as free PTX in treating established PPC; but, PTX-eNPs result in fewer side effects. Conclusion: eNPs are a promising tool for the detection and treatment of PPC.
Thermal Conductivity of MgO, Al 2 O 3 , Mg Al 2 O 4 , and Fe 3 O 4 Crystals from 3° to 300°K

The thermal conductivity from 3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K of single crystals of the two spinels, diamagnetic Mg${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ and paramagnetic ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, has been measured and analyzed. The heat is transported by phonons in both cases. The phonon scattering processes in the two crystals are quite similar except that the phonons in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ are also scattered by the magnetic lattice in its disordered state. The thermal conductivity of ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ falls abruptly with increasing temperature at the 121\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K transition.Comparison of results on the double oxide Mg${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ with those on the single oxides MgO and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$---${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ indicates the double oxide has an intermediate thermal conductivity. Measurements on crystals of MgO\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}3.5${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{Mg}}_{x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{y}{\mathrm{Al}}_{z}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ from 3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K indicate that vacancies and certain impurities can noticeably lower the thermal conductivity of Mg${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. The effect of vacancies and impurities on ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ is also noticeable, particularly below 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
An LFG analysis of pronominal binding in Mandarin Chinese

Pronominal binding in Mandarin Chinese can be affected by different embedding verbs. For example, verbs like “gǎnxie” (“to thank”) impose a negative constraint that requires the embedded subject pronoun not to be bound by the matrix subject DP. On the other hand verbs like “zhīdao” (“to know”) do not have such a requirement, thus conforming to the Binding Principle B. Importantly, binding relations of pronouns in sentences with verbs like “gǎnxie” (“to thank”) cannot be accounted for within the framework of the standard Binding Theory. It cannot be explained by the control theory that involves PRO, either, although there is indeed some similarity between such negative constraints and control structures. Therefore I propose to add a negative constraint in the lexical entries of such verbs, based on how control is handled in LFG. This proposal has both theoretical and application advantages.
Reduced morbidity with minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Background Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MISDP) has been shown to be safe relative to open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). However, MISDP has been slow to adopt for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This study sought to compare outcomes following MISDP vs. ODP for PDAC. Methods Data were prospectively collected from 2011 to 2014 for DP by the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patients without PDAC on surgical pathology were excluded. Impact of minimally invasive approach on morbidity and mortality was analyzed using two-way statistical analyses. Results Of 6198 patients undergoing DP, 501 (7.5%) had a pathologic diagnosis of PDAC. MISDP was undertaken in 166 (33.1%) patients, ODP was performed in 335 (66.9%). MISDP and ODP were not different in preoperative comorbidities or pathologic stage. Overall morbidity (MISDP 31%, ODP 42%; p = 0.024), transfusion (MISDP 6%, ODP 23%; p = 0.0001), pneumonia (MISDP 1%, ODP 7%; p = 0.004), surgical site infections (MISDP 8%, OPD 17%; p = 0.013), sepsis (MISDP 2%, ODP 8%; p = 0.007), and length of stay (MISDP 5.0 days, ODP 7.0 days; p = 0.009) were lower in the MIS group. Mortality (MISDP 0%, ODP 1%; p = 0.307), pancreatic fistula (MISDP 12%, ODP 19%; p = 0.073), and delayed gastric emptying (MISDP 3%, ODP 7%; p = 0.140) were similar. Conclusions This analysis of a large multi-institution North American experience of DP for treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma suggests that short-term postoperative outcomes are improved with MISDP.
Epidermal electronic systems for sensing and therapy

Epidermal electronic system is a class of hair thin, skin soft, stretchable sensors and electronics capable of continuous and long-term physiological sensing and clinical therapy when applied on human skin. The high cost of manpower, materials, and photolithographic facilities associated with its manufacture limit the availability of disposable epidermal electronics. We have invented a cost and time effective, completely dry, benchtop “cut-and-paste” method for the green, freeform and portable manufacture of epidermal electronics within minutes. We have applied the “cut-and-paste” method to manufacture epidermal electrodes, hydration and temperature sensors, conformable power-efficient heaters, as well as cuffless continuous blood pressure monitors out of metal thin films, two-dimensional (2D) materials, and piezoelectric polymer sheets. For demonstration purpose, we will discuss three examples of “cut-and-pasted” epidermal electronic systems in this paper. The first will be submicron thick, transparent epidermal graphene electrodes that can be directly transferred to human skin like a temporary transfer tattoo and can measure electrocardiogram (ECG) with signal-to-noise ratio and motion artifacts on par with conventional gel electrodes. The second will be a chest patch which houses both electrodes and pressure sensors for the synchronous measurements of ECG and seismocardiogram (SCG) such that beat-to-beat blood pressure can be inferred from the time interval between the R peak of the ECG and the AC peak of the SCG. The last example will be a highly conformable, low power consumption epidermal heater for thermal therapy.
Electric and magnetic target polarization in quantum radar

In this paper, we discuss the effect that photon polarization has on the quantum radar cross section (QRCS) during the special case scenario of when the target is enveloped in either a uniform electric field or magnetic field and all of its atomic electric/magnetic dipole moments become aligned (target polarization). This target polarization causes the coupling between the photon and the matter to change and alter the scattering characteristics of the target. Most notably, it causes scattering to be very near zero at a specified angle. We also investigate the relationship between electric and magnetic types of coupling and find that the electric contribution dominates the QRCS response.
CONDUCTION, CONVECTION, AND RADIATION IN A NONISOTHERMAL HYDROGEN PLASMA.

Abstract The object of the present work is to study the mechanism of radiation heat transfer, combined with conduction and convection heat transfer, in a nonisothermal hydrogen plasma. In order to illustrate the mechanism of radiation in a plasma, the problem of fully developed laminar flow and heat transfer between black parallel boundaries with a constant wall heat flux is considered. The assumptions of linearized radiation and local thermodynamic equilibrium are made. The results are presented in terms of dimensionless bulk gas temperatures. The influence of line radiation compared to continuum radiation is investigated. Optically thin results, optically thick results, and results obtained from a nongray differential approximation are compared to the results obtained from the general equation. The results show that the optically thin solution and also the differential approximation results greatly over-estimate the influence of radiation. The optically thick solution does not appear to be useful since it gives the result that the bulk temperature is approximately equal to the wall temperature. For lower pressures, the spectral lines have a significant influence on the dimensionless bulk temperature, but at higher pressures the line effect becomes negligible.
Dermatologic Conditions and Risk of Suicide: A Case-Control Study

Background Patients diagnosed with skin conditions have a higher risk of comorbid psychiatric conditions and suicide-related outcomes such as suicidal ideations and behaviors. There is paucity of evidence in the US general population about the risk of suicide death in patients with dermatologic conditions. Methods We conducted a retrospective case-control study to investigate the risk of suicide death in patients receiving care for dermatologic conditions. This study involved 8 US health systems. A total of 2674 individuals who died by suicide (cases) were matched with 267,400 general population control individuals. Results After adjusting for age, sex, and any mental health or substance use condition, we did not find an association between death by suicide and any skin condition including conditions where clinicians are generally concerned about the risk such as acne (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.04, p = 0.814), atopic dermatitis (aOR = 0.77, p = 0.28), and psoriasis (aOR = 0.91, p = 0.64). Conclusion This case-control study provides no evidence of increased risk of death by suicide in individuals with major skin disorders in the US general population.
Lamination of ultra-thin silicon wafers for producing high-quality and low-cost x-ray telescope mirrors

We present a thin wafer lamination method for producing X-ray telescope mirrors aiming at 1-10’’ optics quality and low fabrication cost. Traditional grinding/polishing and hot slumping methods find difficulty to meet the required figure accuracy when the mirror thickness is below 1 mm. In this paper, we introduce a new fabrication procedure to satisfy those requirements: first, we laminate flat and ultra-thin silicon wafers on a well polished mandrel via direct bonding until the wafer stack achieves the designed thickness. Second, we release the stack from the mandrel since the direct bonding is temporary. Third, we anneal the stack to create permanent bonding and stabilize the deformation. In such a manner, the intrinsic waviness of each wafer can be alleviated. Our FEA simulation shows the RMS slope error of the stack surface released from a flat mandrel is improved by a factor of 6 when the layer number is doubled, regardless of the total thickness. In the case of a cylindrical mandrel, the local waviness could be improved by a factor of 4000, while a cone angle problem appears and needs to be resolved in future work. We also developed the fabrication method and successfully optimized our wafer cleaning process.
Characterizing the Risks and Harms of Linking Genomic Information to Individuals

Genetic data is a valuable resource for learning about disease risks and progression. However, individuals, their relatives, and institutions storing genetic data are at risk for harm if DNA reidentification occurs. Four classes of harms, along with their risks and outcomes, are discussed.
MODTRAN® 6: A major upgrade of the MODTRAN® radiative transfer code

The MODTRAN6 radiative transfer (RT) code is a major advancement over earlier versions of the MODTRAN atmospheric transmittance and radiance model. This version of the code incorporates modern software architecture including an application programming interface, enhanced physics features including a line-by-line algorithm, a supplementary physics toolkit, and new documentation. The application programming interface has been developed for ease of integration into user applications. The MODTRAN code has been restructured towards a modular, object-oriented architecture to simplify upgrades as well as facilitate integration with other developers' codes. MODTRAN now includes a line-by-line algorithm for high resolution RT calculations as well as coupling to optical scattering codes for easy implementation of custom aerosols and clouds.
First generation college students demographic, socio-economic status, academic experience, successes, and challenges at pharmacy schools in the United States.

Abstract Introduction Identify the demographic, socio-economic status, academic performance, and challenges of first generation college students (FGCS) enrolled in pharmacy schools. Investigate students’ perception on the strengths of available resources to support FGCS during their tenure in pharmacy school. Methods About 342 FGCS and 248 non-FGCS (NFGCS) from 24 pharmacy schools participated in an online anonymous survey that evaluated students’ demographics and socio-economic background, commitment to the pharmacy profession, strength of institutional support, and school experience. Students’ responses were analyzed using t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Results FGCS in pharmacy school are predominantly Caucasians (57.9%) and female (69%). About 15.5% of them come from families living below the federal poverty level; 2.5 times higher than their NFGCS counterparts (6%). While 35.6% of NFGCS come from families earning more than $100,000 per year, only 9.1% of FGCS belong to this group. No statistical difference between the grade point average of FGCS and NFGCS was found. Discussion and conclusions Although most FGCS come from a lower socio-economic background and experience many challenges throughout their tenure in pharmacy school, they still achieve academically as well as their NFGCS counterpart. The United States is rapidly becoming a more racially and ethnically diverse nation, therefore, it is critical that new strategies be designed to bring a stronger representation of minority groups in the field of pharmacy for the years to come.
Fuzzy logic control of a hybrid energy storage module for use as a high rate prime power supply

Hybrid Energy Storage Modules (HESM) have emerged as a possible energy storage device for naval pulsed power applications [1–6]. A HESM combines energy dense and power dense devices to offer a holistic solution for repetitive loads that are highly transient in nature. Actively controlled power electronic converters are used to regulate the power that flows from each energy storage or generation source to a point of common coupling. In these types of naval applications, it is likely that the system will be comprised of components that are available as commercially off the shelf (COTS) components, though some may be custom designed as well. Combining COTS components in a HESM can be challenging because system-level control must be imposed on top of individual device control. Previous work at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has demonstrated a basic model of a HESM and a fuzzy logic systemlevel controller through software simulation. Building on the work by UTA, this paper will validate a model of a Hybrid Energy Storage Module with fuzzy logic system-level control under the effects of a transient pulsed power load.
Safety and Feasibility of Outpatient Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin Induction Therapy Administration in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background Kidney transplant induction therapy often includes inpatient administration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) over multiple days. To reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and drug expenditures, the rATG induction course was completed in the outpatient setting via peripheral intravenous administration. The present study assesses early readmission trends ascribable to an outpatient rATG administration protocol to ensure initial reduction in hospital LOS is sustained early after discharge. Methods This was a retrospective study of kidney recipient outcomes for patients transplanted between January 1, 2008, and February 29, 2016, immediately following implementation of an outpatient rATG protocol. Readmission data within 7 days of outpatient rATG administration were collected. The relatedness of rATG administration to an adverse drug reaction resulting in readmission was determined by the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre Causality Assessment Scale and the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. Results A total of 1104 patients received outpatient doses of rATG and were included. An upward trend in kidney transplant volume and outpatient rATG administrations per year was found from 2008-2015. Following protocol implementation, the percentage of overall readmissions ranged from 9% to just over 12% from 2008-2014 and remained less than 10% for 2014 through 2016. The percentage of outpatient rATG infusions that potentially led to rATG-related readmissions was less than 4% per year over the study period. A total of 1124 hospital days were saved, 125 days per year on average. Conclusions Outpatient administration of rATG is feasible, safe, and did not increase readmissions in the period directly following administration. The findings of this analysis support our continued use of the outpatient rATG protocol at our institution.
Women, Families, and HIV/AIDS: Introduction: Women at Risk

From the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, cases of the disease in men have outnumbered cases in women, and this disparity has played a powerful role in constructing the epidemic's male profile. Early cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among male homosexuals, injection drug users (IDUs), and hemophiliacs reinforced this profile. Table 1 in Chapter 1, which breaks down transmission categories by gender, demonstrates this male profile of the disease. As a result of the male profile of AIDS, the impact of the epidemic on women in America has often been underemphasized and even overlooked. To understand the magnitude of this epidemic, there is a need to construct a female profile for it. The aim of this book is to create such a profile by describing the sociological impact of the epidemic on women, including women who are caregivers. The figures cited in this book will be for the United States only, unless otherwise stated. Women's risk of infection from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot be understood without closely examining gender roles and gender stratification. Toward this end, this book documents the relationship between poverty and HIV disease. In particular, this book will show that the concept of the “feminization of poverty” is vital to understanding the position of women in this epidemic. Although the control and containment of the epidemic of AIDS among heterosexuals depends on male behavior, few studies have focused on the role of men in elevating women's risk patterns. Another aim of this book is, therefore, to thoroughly examine the behavior of heterosexual men as a determinant of women's elevated risk for HIV/AIDS.
Late-Quaternary Migrational Strategies of Tree Species

The widely held notion that modern distributions of taxa can be used to interpret their past history underestimates the complexity of shifts in range margins, centers of dominance, and changes in community composition through the lateQuaternary interval. Modern patterns of distribution of species along environmental gradients are often assumed to be in equilibrium with prevailing climatic conditions and disturbance regimes (e.g., Whittaker 1975). In a conceptual model representing a three-dimensional map view of the pattern of relative dominance of a taxon in equilibrium (Fig. 6.1), the population center coincides with the geographic center of distribution. The population center is located in the optimal portion of the environmental gradient, and the dominance of the taxon decreases symmetrically away from its optimum in all directions. This assumption is incorporated within forest-stand simulation models such as FORET and JABOWA (Shugart 1984). In cross-section view, percent dominance of the taxon along an environmental gradient appears as a symmetrical bell-shaped or Gaussian curve.
Quadratically Appended Linear Models for Locating Generalized Turning Points

In this paper we consider the numerical location of generalized turning points by forming local model functions which reflect the rank drop characteristics of the original problem. As it turns out the resulting iterative procedure is equivalent to solving a certain augmented nonlinear system recently introduced by A. Griewank and G. W. Reddien [6–8]. After discussing various ways of obtaining the required second derivative information the paper concludes with some numerical experiments in Computing a simple bifurcation point of a two point boundary value problem.
A novel role for the adapter molecule NHERF1 in regulating mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life threatening allergic reaction that is classically elicited by crosslinking of antigen-specific IgE bound to the high affinity IgE receptor FcɛRI on mast cells. Proteases released from FcɛRI-activated mast cells result in the accumulation of the anaphylatoxin, C3a that can further amplify the anaphylactic response via interaction with C3a receptor (C3aR), a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). This autocrine loop resulting in C3aR activation as a consequence of FcɛRI stimulation initiates anaphylaxis in humans. C3aR possess a class I PDZ binding motif on its cytoplasmic tail. Adapter proteins such as the Na + /H + exchanger regulatory factor 1 (NHERF1) have been implicated in regulating GPCR functions by binding to the class I PDZ motifs in these receptors. In our previous study, we had demonstrated that NHERF1 promotes C3a-induced degranulation and chemokine production in human mast cells. The aim of this study was to determine if NHERF1 regulates mouse mast cell response following FcɛRI stimulation. Our data suggests that NHERF1 enhances intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization, activation of the MAP kinase pathway (ERK and P38) and production of cytokines (IL-6 and IL-13) following IgE/antigen-mediated activation in bone marrow derived mouse mast cells. In agreement with our in vitro data, NHERF1 promotes mast cell-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by IgE and antigen in clinically relevant murine models. These results thus indicate that the NHERF1 plays a vital role in regulating mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis and that NHERF1 could be a potential novel target for anaphylaxis and other allergic diseases.
Morphic computing

In this paper, we introduce a new type of computation called ''morphic computing''. Morphic computing is based on field theory and more specifically morphic fields. Morphic fields were first introduced by Rupert Sheldrake [R. Sheldrake, A New Science of Life: The Hypothesis of Morphic Resonance (second edition, 1985), Park Street Press; Reprint edition (March 1, 1995), 1981] from his hypothesis of formative causation that made use of the older notion of morphogenetic fields. Rupert Sheldrake [R. Sheldrake, A New Science of Life: The Hypothesis of Morphic Resonance (second edition, 1985), Park Street Press; Reprint edition (March 1, 1995), 1981] developed his famous theory, morphic resonance, on the basis of the work by French philosopher Henri Bergson. Morphic fields and its subset morphogenetic fields have been at the center of controversy for many years in mainstream science and the hypothesis is not accepted by some scientists who consider it a pseudoscience. We claim that morphic computing is a natural extension of holographic computation, quantum computation, soft computing, and DNA computing. All natural computations bonded by the turing machine can be formalised and extended by our new type of computation model-morphic computing. In this paper, we introduce the basis for this new computing paradigm and its extensions such as quantum logic and entanglement in morphic computing, morphic systems and morphic system of systems (M-SOS). Its applications to the field of computation by words as an example of the morphic computing, morphogenetic fields in neural network and morphic computing, morphic fields - concepts and web search, and agents and fuzzy in morphic computing will also be discussed.
Further Group Matrices and Group Determinants

The construction and properties of group matrices are analyzed in more detail. The group matrix of a cyclic group with a certain ordering is a circulant matrix. The book by Davis (Circulant Matrices, Chelsea, New York, 1994) gives a comprehensive account of circulants and the chapter is designed to provide a far reaching extension and generalization of the results there. If an arbitrary subgroup H of a group G is taken, it is shown that with an appropriate ordering the group matrix XG is a block matrix in which each block is of the form \(X_{H}( \underline {u})\) where the elements in \( \underline {u}\) are all distinct and of the form \(x_{g_{i}}\). This leads to methods to partially diagonalize the group matrix which facilitate the calculation of the group determinant. Group matrix versions of the ring of representations and the Burnside ring of a group are described using supermatrices. A description of projective group matrices, corresponding to projective representations, is given. Work of L. E. Dickson on group matrices and group determinants over a finite field is also described.
Access to Hearing Health Care, Geographical Residency, and Quality of Life in Adults with and without Hearing Loss.

Background There is an increased interest in the impact that hearing loss has on general well-being, including overall quality of life (QOL), to improve and expand care that is provided to individuals with hearing loss. Purpose To evaluate QOL in adults with and without access to hearing health care (HHC). Research Design A cross-sectional study examined QOL across groups of individuals with and without hearing loss. Study Sample One hundred eight participants from West Central and South Alabama received pure-tone hearing evaluations. Thirty-two adults had hearing within normal limits and 76 had at least a mild hearing loss in one ear. Data Collection and Analysis The Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI), the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and an Accessibility to Health Care questionnaire were administered to all participants. The QOLI outcomes were used as the dependent variable for the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) statistical procedures. Results For adults with hearing loss who did not have access to HHC, lower QOL scores were reported compared with those with access to HHC, but this finding was not significant. Although ANCOVA results did not suggest QOL differences across geographical regions, effect size calculations indicated that adults with hearing loss who lived in the most rural regions of Alabama had lower reported QOL scores than their counterparts who had hearing within normal limits. Finally, those with higher incomes, who were older, and who had fewer physical disorders reported higher QOL than those with lower incomes, who were younger, and who had more physical ailments. Conclusions Adults with hearing loss who live in regions without access to HHC might be at risk for decreased QOL. A number of models for improving access to HHC will be necessary to decrease this potential risk.
Overuse of Pretrial Detention in tension with Judicial and Prison Reforms in the Dominican Republic

In 2003, the Dominican Republic began to shift towards an adversarial judicial model and has implemented one of the region’s most ambitious reforms to its prison system, based on rehabilitative and...
JS9: An interactive tool for teaching astrophysics

The NASA public archives present a vast resource of authentic satellite data that research astronomers have tapped into for decades. Recently, the same data analysis tools used by professional astronomers have been adapted into a browser-based interface called JS9 for easy use by any interested student. Tutorials and classroom-ready activities that explore many deep sky objects in depth have also been generated. JS9 affords a unique, platform-independent introduction to the world of astronomical observation with no cost to anyone. It presents a virtual-classroom-ready approach that can be utilized anywhere, at any time, at home or anywhere that internet connectivity is available. Its predecessor, DS9, is still used extensively and is available as a desktop application.
Functional Optimal Transport: Mapping Estimation and Domain Adaptation for Functional data.

We introduce a formulation of optimal transport problem for distributions on function spaces, where the stochastic map between functional domains can be partially represented in terms of an (infinite-dimensional) Hilbert-Schmidt operator mapping a Hilbert space of functions to another. For numerous machine learning tasks, data can be naturally viewed as samples drawn from spaces of functions, such as curves and surfaces, in high dimensions. Optimal transport for functional data analysis provides a useful framework of treatment for such domains. In this work, we develop an efficient algorithm for finding the stochastic transport map between functional domains and provide theoretical guarantees on the existence, uniqueness, and consistency of our estimate for the Hilbert-Schmidt operator. We validate our method on synthetic datasets and study the geometric properties of the transport map. Experiments on real-world datasets of robot arm trajectories further demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on applications in domain adaptation.
Identification of zebrafish ortholog for human coagulation factor IX and its age-dependent expression.

BACKGROUND Coagulation factor IX (FIX) is a serine protease zymogen involved in the intrinsic blood coagulation pathway, and its deficiency causes hemophilia B. Zebrafish has three f9 genes, and the ortholog to human F9 is unknown. OBJECTIVE To identify the zebrafish ortholog to F9 using sequence analysis and piggyback knockdown technology. METHODS Gene and protein sequence analysis for three f9 genes, f9a, f9b, and f9l, present in the zebrafish genome was performed. In vivo and in vitro assays after knockdown of each gene and immunodepletion using specific antibodies were carried out. RESULTS Sequence analysis revealed that f9a and f9b are similar to human F9, whereas f9l is similar to human F10. RNA analysis showed an age-dependent increase in expression of all three genes. Zebrafish f9a gene knockdown and Fixa immunodepletion prolonged kinetic partial thromboplastin time (kPTT), whereas f9l knockdown and Fixl immunodepletion prolonged kPTT, kinetic prothrombin time, and kinetic Russell viper venom activation time. Laser-assisted venous thrombosis increased time to occlusion after f9a and f9l knockdown and antibody inhibition of Fixa and Fixl. Further, analysis of plasma proteins by mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry detected all three proteins. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that zebrafish f9a has functional activity similar to human F9. Fixl is functionally similar to Fx. The age-dependent increases of these factors are comparable to those observed in mice and humans. Thus, the zebrafish model could be used to study factors involved in increasing f9a expression during aging. It could also be used to test whether normal human Factor IX and Factor IX Leyden promoter work in zebrafish background.
"Disruptive Technology" in Spine Surgery and Education: Virtual and Augmented Reality.

Background Technological advancements are the drivers of modern-day spine care. With the growing pressure to deliver faster and better care, surgical-assist technology is needed to harness computing power and enable the surgeon to improve outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) represent the pinnacle of emerging technology, not only to deliver higher quality education through simulated care, but also to provide valuable intraoperative information to assist in more efficient and more precise surgeries. Objective To describe how the disruptive technologies of VR and AR interface in spine surgery and education. Methods We review the relevance of VR and AR technologies in spine care, and describe the feasibility and limitations of the technologies. Results We discuss potential future applications, and provide a case study demonstrating the feasibility of a VR program for neurosurgical spine education. Conclusion Initial experiences with VR and AR technologies demonstrate their applicability and ease of implementation. However, further prospective studies through multi-institutional and industry-academic partnerships are necessary to solidify the future of VR and AR in spine surgery education and clinical practice.
$sup 3$He POLARIZATION MEASUREMENTS AND PHASE SHIFTS FOR p-$sup 3$He ELASTIC SCATTERING.

This paper reports further measurements for the elastic scattering of protons by polarized $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ in the 4-11-MeV range. A phase-shift analysis based on cross-section, polarization, and spin-correlation data is presented, and the precision with which some of the parameters are determined is discussed.
Sleep timing and longitudinal weight gain in 4- and 5-year-old children.

Summary Background and Objective Short night-time sleep duration is a possible factor contributing to childhood obesity. Our objective was to evaluate associations between sleep timing (including bedtime and waketime) and weight gain in 4- to 5-year-old children. Methods We used cross-sectional and longitudinal regression analyses of a large, nationally representative sample of children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort. Data regarding the timing and duration of weekday sleep were assessed via parent questionnaire. Short sleep duration, late bedtime and early waketime were defined as those greater than one standard deviation from the mean for the group. Results Using linear regression adjusted for confounders, sleep duration at 4 and 5 years and bedtime at 5 years were linked to body mass index (BMI) z-score (P < 0.001). Odds of obesity were higher at 4 years for children sleeping <9.44 h nightly (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, confidence interval 1.02–1.78, P < 0.05) and at 5 years for children going to bed at 9:00 pm or later (1.49, 1.16–1.45, P < 0.01) or waking before 6:30 am (1.23, 1.01–15.51, P < 0.05). Assessed longitudinally, both short sleep duration (P < 0.05) and later bedtime at 4 years (P < 0.01) were associated with increases in BMI z-score between 4 and 5 years. Conclusions Children with shorter night-time sleep durations and later bedtimes were more likely to be obese and to gain weight over time. Pediatricians should encourage families to place children to bed at earlier times to promote longer sleep duration as a potential means of controlling weight gain.
Processes that affect soil morphology

Publisher Summary Soil morphology consists of the features and properties of soils that are commonly visible when looking at a profile or handling samples of soil. The chapter discusses processes that affect soil morphology. The processes that give rise to variations in soil morphology can be grouped into: (1) those that translocate the particles without significant alteration chemically, (2) those that translocate solutes, cause chemical alteration of compounds through reduction and oxidation, effect degrees of hydration, (3) those that result in mixing of soil materials by animals or alter the soil through biotic influences, and (4) those that are anthropically induced and may be planned, such as irrigation or terraces, or may be unplanned, such as enhanced erosion due to grazing, cultivation, or other disturbances. It is also common and very likely that combinations of these processes are the major influences giving rise to variations of soil morphology. In processes, where the physical particles and the soil aggregates are moved without much alteration, the processes are considered to be “geophysical.” Water erosion is an important geophysical process that gives rise to variations in soil morphology. In processes, where the major differences in morphology are related to the chemistry of compounds, whether translocated solutes or chemically altered materials, the processes can be thought of as being geochemical.
Flow Shops and Flexible Flow Shops (Deterministic)

In many manufacturing and assembly facilities each job has to undergo a series of operations. Often, these operations have to be done on all jobs in the same order implying that the jobs have to follow the same route. The machines are then assumed to be set up in series and the environment is referred to as a flow shop.
Making Healthy Eating Policy Practice: A Group Randomized Controlled Trial on Changes in Snack Quality, Costs, and Consumption in After-School Programs

Abstract Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate an intervention designed to assist after-school programs (ASPs) in meeting snack nutrition policies that specify that a fruit or vegetable be served daily and sugar-sweetened beverages/foods and artificially flavored foods eliminated. Design. The study used a 1-year group-randomized controlled trial. Setting. The study took place in ASPs operating in South Carolina, United States. Subjects. Twenty ASPs serving over 1700 children were recruited, match-paired postbaseline on enrollment size and days fruits/vegetables were served per week, and randomized to either intervention (n = 10) or control (n = 10) groups. Intervention. The study used Strategies To Enhance Practice for Healthy Eating (STEPs-HE), a multistep adaptive intervention framework that assists ASP leaders and staff to serve snacks that meet nutrition policies while maintaining cost. Measures. Direct observation of snacks served and consumed and monthly snack expenditures as determined by ...