cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Women’s Leadership: Troubling Notions of the “Ideal” (Male) Leader

The ProblemWomen are well prepared to assume leadership roles—They have the education and the will, yet, they do not conform to gendered organizational images of ideal workers. Women often find the...
Protection Configuration for DC Ice-Melting System and Its Operation Strategies

The ice-melting device based on power electronics possesses functions of ice-melting by DC current and static var compensation, so there is a broad application prospect of this device. Taking the DC ice-melting project applied in Fuxing substation for example, its structure and features are analyzed, and a protection scheme for this DC ice-melting device, including AC over-current protection, AC under-voltage protection, short-circuit protection for valves, over-current protection for DC circuit, under-voltage protection of DC circuit, breaking protection of DC circuit, harmonic protection of DC circuit and current unbalance protection for rectifier bridge, is proposed. Besides, corresponding operation strategies are given.
Comparison of auto bacteria identification system,CHROMagar and mec A PCR on the detection of MRSA

Objective To compare auto bacteria identification system,CHROMagar and mec A PCR on the detection of Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus( MRSA). Methods 66 isolates of S. au from clinical were collected,and the three methods,VITEK auto bacteria identification system,CHROMagar and mec A PCR were used to detect MRSA. The results were statistically analyzed. Results The amount of MRSA detected by VITEK auto bacteria identification system,CHROMagar and mec A PCR were 14( 21. 21%),12( 18. 18%) and 17( 25. 76%) respectively. There were no significant difference among the three method,P 0. 05. All strains were identified as MRSA by the auto bacteria identification and CHROMagar were positive of mec A.Conclusion There were no statistical significance differences among the three methods used to detect MRSA,while auto bacteria identification system and CHROMagar methods may give false negative results. mec A detection should been used more frequently in the detection of MRSA.
Local Management of Primary Breast Cancer.

BackgroundVarious options are available for the local control of cancer in the breast - mastectomy, conservation therapy, and mastectomy with reconstruction.MethodsTo evaluate the benefits and draw...
Microstructure of single-droplet granules formed from ultra-fine powders

Abstract A quantitative analysis of variations in granule microstructure based upon changes in primary particle size and bed preparation is presented. The granule microstructures are obtained using X-Ray Computed Tomography (XRCT). An algorithm is developed to measure the number and size of macro-voids (pore space with volume equivalent size greater than or equal to 30 μm or 3 times the primary particle size). Four size fractions of alumina, ranging in primary particle size from 0.5 μm to 108 μm, are sieved using three different sieve sizes to create static powder beds from which single-droplet granules are produced. The analysis shows that large macro-voids exist in ultra-fine powders (0.1–10 μm). The macro-voids take up to 7% of the granule volume and the largest macro-voids are 200–700 μm in volume equivalent size. Changing the sieve preparation changes the size and total volume of macro-voids. In contrast, there are very few macro-voids in granules formed from coarser powders. This study shows that micron sized powders have the opportunity to form complex structures during granulation and that the handling history of the materials should receive greater scrutiny than it currently gets.
Properties of the finite-mass helium ground state

ABSTRACTWe describe a simple method of incorporating the finite mass of the nucleus directly into atomic variational Monte Carlo calculations. To test this algorithm we computed the energy and 20 other properties of 4He. We then compared these values with those obtained from our earlier infinite nuclear mass algorithm. All of our expectation values are in excellent agreement with previous results on this system.
Predictive maintenance of complex system with multi-level reliability structure

Onboard sensors, which constantly monitor the states of a system and its components, have made the predictive maintenance (PdM) of a complex system possible. To date, system reliability has been extensively studied with the assumption that systems are either single-component systems or they have a deterministic reliability structure. However, in many realistic problems, there are complex multi-component systems with uncertainties in the system reliability structure. This paper presents a PdM scheme for complex systems by employing discrete time Markov chain models for modelling multiple degradation processes of components and a Bayesian network (BN) model for predicting system reliability. The proposed method can be considered as a special type of dynamic Bayesian network because the same BN is repeatedly used over time for evaluating system reliability and the inter-time–slice connection of the same node is monitored by a sensor. This PdM scheme is able to make probabilistic inference at any system level...
The spleen as a bidirectional signal transducer in acute kidney injury

In acute kidney injury models, the lung is damaged through an interleukin-6–dependent inflammatory response. Clinically, development of lung injury requiring mechanical ventilation markedly increases in-hospital acute kidney injury mortality. Andres-Hernando et al. demonstrate that the spleen coordinates interleukin-6–dependent interleukin-10 production, which lessens lung injury during experimental acute kidney injury. This study highlights the beneficial influence of the spleen on the lung, and dovetails with other recent publications, to demonstrate the integral role of the spleen in acute kidney injury.
Uncemented total shoulder arthroplasty. A review.

Abstract Clinicians have had much experience with uncemented humeral components. A press-fitted humeral component will usually remain stable in the absence of a glenoid component. From the information available, surgeons should not continue to use press-fitted humeral components for total shoulder arthroplasty. Tissue ingrowth humeral components offer promise; however, the reports to date have short or intermediate length followup, and radiographic results do not equal those of cemented components. Early clinical results with tissue ingrowth glenoid components are excellent; radiographically evident changes occur much less frequently than they do following cement fixation. However, their disadvantage is the possibility of accelerated polyethylene wear and subsequent metal-induced synovitis. As such, there are no clear cut indications for cement fixation versus tissue ingrowth fixation for the glenoid component other than those intuitively based on bone quality and quantity in the glenoid fossa. Accruing experience will help to define the indications better, but given the similarity of clinical outcomes to date, distinction between the options may be difficult.
Wi-Fly: Widespread Opportunistic Connectivity via Commercial Air Transport

More than half of the world's population face barriers in accessing the Internet. A recent ITU study estimates that 2.6 billion people cannot afford connectivity and that 3.8 billion do not have access. Recent proposals for providing low-cost connectivity include fielding of drones and long-lasting balloons in the stratosphere. We propose a more economical alternative, which we refer to as Wi-Fly, that leverages existing commercial planes to provide Internet connectivity to remote regions. In Wi-Fly we enable communication between a lightweight Wi-Fi device on commercial planes and ground stations, resulting in connectivity in regions that do not otherwise have low-cost Internet connectivity. Wi-Fly leverages existing ADS-B signals from planes as a control channel to ensure that there is a strong link from the plane to the ground, and that the stations intelligently wake up and associate to the appropriate AP. For our experimentation, we have customized two airplanes to conduct measurements. Through empirical experiments with test flights and simulations, we show that Wi-Fly and its extensions have the potential to provide connectivity to the most remote regions of the world at a significantly lower cost than existing alternatives.
Heteroaggregation Approach for Depositing Magnetite Nanoparticles onto Silica-Overcoated Gold Nanorods

Hydrophobic, oleylamine-stabilized magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) dispersed in hexanes can assemble into dense coatings on the surface of silica-overcoated gold nanorods (SiO2-GNRs) dispersed in ethanol by mixing. In this nonaqueous heteroaggregation process, Fe3O4 NPs are destabilized when ethanol is added, resulting in core/satellite Fe3O4-SiO2-GNRs within a few minutes. The composition of the solvent mixture allows tuning of the polarity and driving forces toward aggregation. At the optimal 2:1 volume ratio of hexanes:ethanol, heteroaggregation to form Fe3O4-SiO2-GNRs occurs quickly, while avoiding homoaggregation of Fe3O4 NPs or SiO2-GNRs. Fe3O4-SiO2-GNRs retain the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance of the gold nanorod cores and are magnetically responsive and separable. The Fe3O4 NPs remain bound on the surface of the Fe3O4-SiO2-GNRs during multiple cycles of magnetic extraction and redispersion. Oleylamine ligands on the Fe3O4 NPs render the Fe3O4-SiO2-GNRs dispersible in nonpolar solvents...
Broadband passive isolators based on coupled nonlinear resonances

Isolators are devices that transmit waves only in one direction, and are widely used to protect sensitive equipment from reflections and interference. These devices inherently require the breaking of Lorentz reciprocity, which can be achieved with an external bias, such as a magnetic field, that breaks time-reversal symmetry. Alternatively, nonlinear effects can be used, which offer a route to fully passive devices that do not require any form of external bias. However, the nonlinear isolators developed so far have limitations in terms of insertion loss, isolation, bandwidth and isolation intensity range. Here, we show that any isolator formed from one nonlinear resonator suffers from these limitations, and that they can be overcome by combining multiple nonlinear resonators with suitable intensity dispersion. We theoretically show, and then experimentally demonstrate using a microwave circuit, that the combination of one Fano and one Lorentzian nonlinear resonator, and a suitable delay line between them, can provide unitary transmission, infinite isolation, broad bandwidth and broad isolation intensity range. We also show that a larger number of resonators can be used to further increase the isolation intensity range without diminishing the other metrics of the device. Passive isolators that offer unitary transmission, infinite isolation and large non-reciprocal intensity range can be created by combining Fano and Lorentzian nonlinear resonators, separated by suitably designed delay lines.
The effect of precipitate-induced backstresses on plastic anisotropy: Demonstrated by modeling the behavior of aluminum alloy, 7085

Abstract The constitutive response of commercial aluminum alloy 7085, is characterized under quasistatic (0.001 s−1) and high strain rate (1250 s−1) uniaxial compression loading along the rolling, transverse, and normal directions (RD, TD and ND, respectively) and at 45° to RD within the plane of the plate (henceforth denoted as 45) at different aging conditions, in order to see the effect of aging on the flow stress and plastic strain anisotropy. It is shown that with aging, the material tends towards isotropy, i.e., the in-plane plastic anisotropy is reduced. These results verify the previously hypothesized connection between precipitate induced-backstress and anisotropy. A model taking into account the kinematic hardening effect of an elastic inclusion within an elastoplastic single crystal has been incorporated into the elastoplastic self-consistent (EPSC) polycrystal modeling framework to quantitatively describe this effect of precipitates on plastic anisotropy. Finally, the plastic anisotropy, during compressive straining parallel to the normal direction, is shown to be remarkably sensitive to the initial texture.
The subventricular zone responds dynamically to mechanical brain injuries

Brain injury is a common yet relatively untreatable problem (Thurman, 1999). Of the 500,000 cases of traumatic brain injury annually in the United States, greater than 90,000 result in disability (Valadka, 2000). Mechanical injuries often occur to external regions of the brain: the cerebral cortex and other parts of the telencephalon. They can produce a wide variety of longterm and devastating symptoms and pathologies due to neuronal death. The underlying biological predicament in recovery from brain injury is that the adult central nervous system is generally incapable of replacing dead neurons. This concept has been challenged by the discovery of neurogenic adult stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) (Alvarez-Buylla et al., 2000). It has been estimated that the SVZ replaces tens of thousands of olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons per day in rodents. Behavioral studies suggest that the constant turnover of OB neurons allows olfactory discrimination (Gheusi et al., 2000). Adult humans and other primates have also been shown to possess neurogenic SVZ cells with many of the features delineated in rodents (Eriksson et al., 1998; Bernier et al., 2000; Weickert et al., 2000; Kornack and Rakic, 2001; Pencea et al., 2001b). Granted, the sense of smell is not of vital importance for humans, unless one is a sommelier. Yet, since the SVZ is in close proximity to the cerebral cortex and other functionally important forebrain nuclei, hope has risen that the great neurogenic and migratory potential of adult stem cells may be co-opted for repair. This optimism is bolstered by the fact that adult SVZ cells are descendants of the proliferative neuroepithelia which, during development, give rise to the myriad neural cells in the telencephalon.
CERIUM OXIDE STABILIZATION: PHYSICAL PROPERTY AND THREE-WAY ACTIVITY CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract Improved cerium oxide surface area stability in high temperature oxidizing environments has been demonstrated for stabilized cerias containing La, Nd or Y dopants. BET areas in excess of 30 m 2 /g can be achieved after a one hour, 980 °C calcination for a ceria stabilized with 10 mole % La. Three-way activity comparisons between catalysts promoted by stabilized and unstabilized cerias show significant activity penalties for La and Nd-stabilized ceria-containing catalysts after air oxidations for four hours at 980 °C. XPS characterization of La- and Nd- stabilized cerias has revealed significant surface enrichment of ceria by La and Nd under high temperature oxidizing conditions. This ceria encapsulation is believed responsible for the observed loss in activity.
Epidemiology of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, each of which accounts for approximately 50% of a person’s risk. The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing around the world, and evidence suggests that changing environmental factors may be responsible for the observed increase. Viral infections, nutritional exposures, perinatal factors, childhood growth, and other environmental factors have been explored as potential risk factors for type 1 diabetes. In this chapter, we describe the epidemiology of type 1 diabetes, outline the incidence trends of the disease, and present the latest evidence regarding the genetic and environmental risk factors for type 1 diabetes.
Acoustical Response Characteristics of an Optomechanical Accelerometer

A Fabry-Perot microcavity-based accelerometer was tested in an anechoic chamber to measure the limiting noise for the device operating in air at room temperature. The acoustic response illustrates the design requirement for an optical microphone.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Previa Complicated by Placenta Percreta

Placenta previa is one of the most common complications in pregnancy. A partial or complete obstruction of the internal cervical os prevents a normal vaginal delivery. It can be further complicated...
Generalized method to design phase masks for 3D super-resolution microscopy

Point spread function (PSF) engineering by phase modulation is a novel approach to three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution microscopy, with different point spread functions being proposed for specific applications. It is often not easy to achieve the desired shape of engineered point spread functions because it is challenging to determine the correct phase mask. Additionally, a phase mask can either encode 3D space information or additional time information, but not both simultaneously. A robust algorithm for recovering a phase mask to generate arbitrary point spread functions is needed. In this work, a generalized phase mask design method is introduced by performing an optimization. A stochastic gradient descent algorithm and a Gauss-Newton algorithm are developed and compared for their ability to recover the phase masks for previously reported point spread functions. The new Gauss-Newton algorithm converges to a minimum at much higher speeds. This algorithm is used to design a novel stretching-lobe phase mask to encode temporal and 3D spatial information simultaneously. The stretching-lobe phase mask and other masks are fabricated in-house for proof-of-concept using multi-level light lithography and an optimized commercially sourced stretching-lobe phase mask (PM) is validated experimentally to encode 3D spatial and temporal information. The algorithms’ generalizability is further demonstrated by generating a phase mask that comprises four different letters at different depths.
COMPARISON OF PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION VERSUS CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH UNPROTECTED LEFT MAIN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: A META-ANALYSIS AND METAREGRESSION

Data comparing the two modalities has shown inconsistent results, with older adults (≥70-year-old) being overall under-represented. We performed aggregate data meta-analyses (on 17 studies with 4880 patients) of clinical outcomes (all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), repeat
Understanding the adoption and usage of data analytics and simulation among building energy management professionals: A nationwide survey

Abstract Improving the energy-efficiency of our building stock is critical to meeting our worldwide sustainability goals. In response to this need, two key tools have emerged to help engineers, building scientists and energy managers understand building energy usage and derive energy-efficiency solutions: data analytics and simulation. While both data analytics and simulation hold significant promise, we lack a clear understanding on the use, barriers and expectations of both in the building energy management decision-making process. This study conducts a nationwide survey of 448 building energy management professionals in the United States to help elucidate: 1) what impacts the adoption of data analytics and simulation among building energy management professionals; 2) in what phases of the building energy management decision-making process are data analytics and simulation currently used; and 3) what are the barriers of use for data analytics and simulation and how can they be improved to better support building energy management decision-making. Overall, results indicate that professional domain plays a large role in associating the uses, barriers and expectations for data analytics and simulation. Results also indicate that data analytics and simulation could be coupled to leverage functionality as they are used in similar phases of the decision-making process. Lastly, results point to opportunities for improving the applicability of data analytics and simulation tools as well as training for both. In the end, this study aims to provide a quantitative basis for improving the efficacy and integration of data analytics and simulation in the building energy management domain.
Room-Temperature Synthesis of Metal-Organic Framework Isomers in the Tetragonal and Kagome Crystal Structure.

Two metal-organic framework (MOF) isomers with the chemical formula Zn2(X)2(DABCO) [X = terephthalic acid (BDC), dimethyl terephthalic acid (DM), 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NH2), 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl terephthalic acid (TM), and anthracene dicarboxylic acid (ADC); DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane] have been synthesized via a fast, room-temperature synthesis procedure. The synthesis solvent was found to play a vital role in directing the formation of the Kagome lattice (ZnBD) versus tetragonal topology (DMOF-1). When N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as the synthesis solvent, the reaction resulted in the formation of ZnBD, whereas methanol, ethanol, acetone, N, N-diethylformamide (DEF), and acetonitrile each produced DMOF-1. Water adsorption isotherms of ZnBD and DMOF-1 were collected, and the materials were found to have similar adsorption characteristics and stabilities. Both MOFs degraded upon exposure to water at a relative pressure ( P/ Po) of 0.5 at 25 °C, but both are hydrophobic below a P/ Po of 0.4, displaying very little water adsorption. Additionally, CO2 adsorption isotherms of ZnBD were collected and compared to those previously reported for DMOF-1. ZnBD adsorbs less CO2 at low pressure compared to DMOF-1 but reaches a similar capacity at 20 bar. This adsorption behavior can be explained by the structural features of the materials, where ZnBD possesses large hexagonal pores (15 A) compared to the smaller pore opening (7.5 A) in DMOF-1. The heat of adsorption of CO2 on ZnBD was calculated to be ∼22 kJ/mol at zero coverage. Attempts to functionalize the Kagome lattice proved to be unsuccessful but instead resulted in a new method for producing functionalized DMOF-1 at room temperature. This was hypothesized to be a result of the steric effects imposed by the functional groups that prevent the formation of the Kagome lattice.
Engineering and women's health: a slow start, but gaining momentum.

While biomedical engineers have participated in research studies that focus on understanding aspects particular to women's health since the 1950s, the depth and breadth of the research have increas...
A 219-to-238-GHz Coupled Standing-Wave VCO with 3.4-dBm Peak Output Power in 65nm CMOS

In this paper, we present a 0.23-THz harmonic VCO based on coupled standing wave oscillators. The transistors with drain inductances (realized by transmission lines) provide the necessary loss compensation for oscillation. At the same time, the drain transmission lines direct the output second harmonic power to the pad, thus minimizing the routing losses for the high frequency output power. Furthermore, they couple the neighboring oscillators, forcing them to oscillate out-of-phase, canceling the large fundamental frequency as well as other odd harmonics while generating in-phase second harmonics. This makes for a compact structure that minimizes the losses of the passive network by avoiding extra coupling and routing elements. The standing wave nature of the oscillators allows us to use bias as frequency tuning control and employ the transistors to play a double role as active varactors as well. We therefore avoid the undesired varactor loss and achieve a wide bandwidth of operation with reasonable variation in the output power. The chip was fabricated in a 65nm CMOS process and provides 219-to-238 GHz frequency (8.35% tuning range) with 3.4 dBm maximum output power and -105.8 dBc/Hz phase noise (at 10-MHz offset) while consuming 195 mW from a 1.5-V supply.
Fear and Derision: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Provaccine and Antivaccine Internet Memes

The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics of Internet memes created and disseminated by proponents and opponents of vaccinations. A quantitative content analysis was performed on 234 pro- and antivaccine memes culled from the vaccination fan pages with the greatest number of followers on Facebook. Coding variables included whether the meme was pro- or antivaccine, percentage of factually incorrect claims, mention of the out-group, persuasive appeals (emotion, fear, and rationality), degree of sarcasm, and number of reactions and shares. The most prevalent themes concerned vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine injury/safety/autism, and conspiracy theories. Independent t tests indicated that provaccination memes were more likely to use sarcasm whereas antivaccination memes were more likely to contain emotion and fear appeals and inaccurate claims. The percentage veracity of the claims in each meme was fact-checked using authoritative scientific sources. A path analysis applying structural equation modeling revealed that memes containing characteristics that were antivaccine (vs. provaccine), appealed to emotion, and appealed to rationality significantly contributed to greater likelihood of social media reactions and shares. Additional analysis determined that both pro- and antivaccination memes tended to contain more gist than verbatim information, and both groups did not significantly differ on this gist-to-verbatim variable. Findings offer insights to understand the persuasion tactics that provaccine and antivaccine groups apply in memes to persuade others via social media. Understanding these techniques will enable the development of health communication strategies to combat false and damaging vaccine information disseminated on the Internet.
Sources of exposure to urinary phthalates among couples undergoing infertility treatment.

Abstract Phthalates have been implicated as reproductive toxicants in animal models and in human populations. This study examined associations between potential exposure sources and urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations among women (n = 56) and their male partners (n = 43) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). On the day of oocyte retrieval, participants provided urine samples and completed questionnaires detailing use of personal care products (PCPs), and consumption of medications, foods, and beverages in the preceding 24 h. Urine was analyzed for MEP, MBP, MPP, MHxP, MEHP, MEHHP, MECPP, MiNP, MiDP, MCHP, and MBzP, via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We employed principal component analysis (PCA) to summarize exposure sources and regression models to estimate associations between exposure patterns and urinary phthalate metabolites, adjusted for confounding variables. Among women, application of more body washes and eye creams, and consumption of more supplements, was associated with greater urinary MECPP [relative difference = 1.36 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.45)] and the molar sum of DEHP metabolites, including MEHP, MEHHP, and MECPP [∑DEHP; 1.26 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.34)]. Among men, consumption of more supplements and allergy medications was associated with greater urinary MECPP, MEHHP, and ∑DEHP [relative difference = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.23)] concentrations. Identifying differences in sources of phthalate exposure may help clinicians to intervene to reduce exposure as part of a comprehensive strategy to help improve IVF outcomes.
Six Sources of Collapse

Beginning with one of the most remarkable ecological collapses of recent time, that of the passenger pigeon, Hadlock goes on to survey collapse processes across the entire spectrum of the natural and man-made world. He takes us through extreme weather events, technological disasters, evolutionary processes, crashing markets and companies, the chaotic nature of Earth's orbit, revolutionary political change, the spread and elimination of disease, and many other fascinating cases. His key thesis is that one or more of six fundamental dynamics consistently show up across this wide range. These six sources of collapse can all be best described and investigated using fundamental mathematical concepts. They include low probability events, group dynamics, evolutionary games, instability, nonlinearity, and network effects, all of which are explained in readily understandable terms. Almost the entirety of the book can be understood by readers with a minimal mathematical background, but even professional mathematicians are likely to get rich insights from the range of examples. The author tells his story with a warmly personal tone and weaves in many of his own experiences, whether from his consulting career of racing around the world trying to head off industrial disasters to his story of watching collapse after collapse in the evolution of an ecosystem on his New Hampshire farm.
Pore-to-Core Upscaling of Solute Transport Under Steady-State Two-Phase Flow Conditions Using Dynamic Pore Network Modeling Approach

We present a solute transport model, developed by employing a dynamic pore network modeling approach, to investigate dispersive solute transport behaviors in consolidated porous media. The model is capable of upscaling solute transport processes from pore to core, under two-phase fluid configurations. The governing equations of fluid flow, fluid displacement, and solute transport are solved at the pore level. A heavily parallelized computing scheme is utilized to simulate dynamic fluid displacements and transport processes in a core-scale pore network constructed from micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images of a Berea sandstone sample. A series of solute transport simulations are conducted under the single-phase condition to validate the model by comparing the computed longitudinal dispersion coefficients against the experimental data over a wide range of Peclet numbers (Pe), i.e., $$3 \times 10^{-2}{\sim}3 \times 10^5$$ . The model is then used to simulate solute transport under two-phase fluid configurations to examine the effects of the non-wetting phase saturation on solute transport behaviors. More specifically, solute transport is studied at different Pe and different water saturations obtained at the end of imbibition processes. We find that in a two-phase system, the longitudinal dispersion coefficient substantially increases with enhanced convective mixing under the transport regime with high Pe but decreases with restricted diffusive mixing at low Pe. In addition, the results indicate a non-monotonic dispersion–saturation relation under the convective transport condition. We illustrate that a strong correlation exists between the extent of dispersive mixing and the heterogeneity of fluid saturation profile across a core-scale network.
Adaptable and divergent synthetic benchmark generation for hardware security

Benchmarking can drive the development of technologies by facilitating standardization of features for comparison of different methods. While hardware security has seen an exponential growth in innovation throughout the last decade, the lack of sufficient benchmarks for data-driven analysis is prominent. Researchers must currently rely on decades-old VLSI benchmarks, which in most cases were not designed with security evaluation in mind. Considering the present day computational power, these benchmarks lack in both quality and quantity for usage in hardware security topics such as obfuscation and hardware Trojans. Many advanced techniques, like statistical analysis and machine learning, require a large number of samples in order to sufficiently examine the feature space. In an attempt to resolve this issue, we have developed the first synthetic benchmark generation process flow. This paper describes our novel technique that utilizes linear optimization to generate an endless number of synthetic combinational benchmarks that are adaptable to user input constraints and divergent in quantifiable structural features from input reference benchmarks. Thus, our framework offers customization for generating richer and more challenging benchmarks for data-driven hardware security. Through experimentation, we verify that our benchmarks offers more structural variation than the current benchmark suites.
Toward a Just Immigration Policy: Putting Ethics into Immigration Law

In 1996, Congress enacted three laws – the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA), Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA), and Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (Personal Responsibility Act) – that significantly curtailed immigrants’ rights. This article argues that in passing these laws, Congress was driven by popular anti-immigrant sentiment and overlooked its ethical responsibility to immigrants lawfully residing in the United States. Discussing the legal effects of the Immigration Laws of 1996, ethical theories, and common law precedents in immigration law, this article demonstrates that the laws failed to establish a just immigration policy. It examines specific provisions of the laws – such as depriving immigrants of Welfare benefits, prioritizing financial status over family unity, and ex post facto subjecting immigrants with minor criminal convictions to removal – establishes a moral maxim through deontological and utilitarian moral theories, and applies the maxim to judicial decision making in immigration cases. This article asserts that grounding immigration policy in consistent ethical principles of pluralistic democracy rather than malleable political opinions is essential to protecting the rights of immigrants and establishing a fair immigration policy.
Prehospital airway management in the pediatric patient: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND Critically ill children may require airway management to optimize delivery of oxygen and ventilation during resuscitation. We performed a systematic review of studies comparing the use of bag valve mask ventilation (BVM), supraglottic airway devices (SGA), and endotracheal intubation (ETI) in pediatric patients requiring prehospital airway management. METHODS We searched Medline Ovid, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for papers that compared SGA or ETI to BVM use in children, including studies that reported survival outcomes. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and assessed study quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. We compared key characteristics of the candidate papers, including inclusion criteria, definitions of airway interventions and association with outcomes. RESULTS Of 773 studies, eight met criteria for inclusion. Only one study was a clinical controlled trial; the other seven studies were observational. Four studies compared ETI to BVM, two studies compared SGA to BVM, one study compared ETI to SGA, and two studies compared advanced airway management (AAM) to BVM. Primary outcomes varied, ranging from overall mortality and 24-h mortality to 1-month survival, hospital survival, and neurologically favorable survival. Four of the studies found no difference in survival with the use of ETI and four found increased mortality with the use of ETI. Associations with outcomes could not be assessed by meta-analysis due to limited number of studies and the wide variation in the design, population, interventions, and outcome measures of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic review, studies of prehospital pediatric airway management varied in scope, design, and conclusions. There was insufficient evidence to evaluate efficacy of pediatric prehospital airway management; however, the current research suggests that there are equal or worse outcomes with the use of ETI compared to other airway techniques. Additional clinical trials are needed to assess the merits of this practice.
Propagator Matrix for Acoustic Wave Propagation through Anisotropic Porous Media

The body of oceanic water is bounded by sediments and rocks at the bottom and by ice at the surface. Sediments, rocks and sea ices are porous and their pores are filled with sea water or mixtures of air and sea water. It is well known that marine sediments and rocks are anisotropic both elastically (Anderson, 1961; Saada, 1978) as well as hydro-dynamically (Davis, 1969). Elastic and hydrodynamic structures of sea ice are also very anisotropic (Anderson, 1961). Furthermore, marine sediments, rocks and sea ices have layered structures. Therefore, ocean bottoms and ocean ice sheets may be considered as layered anisotropic poro-elastic media.
On a Singular Perturbation in the Kinetic Theory of Enzymes and the Corresponding Nonlinear Time Optimal Control

In the Kinetic theory of membranes with enzymotic activity one uses, as an adequate mathematical model, a semilinear second order parabolic operator. The nonlinearity of this operator is affected by the presence of two positive parameters: e, the so-called Michaelis’ coefficient, and λ, the latter being connected with the ratio of initial concentrations of the enzyme and substratum. For several realistic membranes e is small compared to λ and the data of the problem.
Experience with Extracortical Fixation of Large Segmental Prostheses and Description of a Modular Segmental Replacement System (MSRS)

The development of new techniques of segmental prosthesis manufacturing has paralleled the development of joint prostheses for nontumor patients. Major and unique considerations, however, are associated with the development of new segmental prostheses for tumor patients. These include the need to accommodate an extensive resection, the usually younger age of the patients, and the need to reconstruct the adjacent soft tissue (soft-tissue attachments) and provide muscle coverage. Moreover, to avoid potentially dangerous delays and to ensure timely scheduling of surgery, it is crucial that the prosthesis be readily available for use.
Fracture Properties of Concrete Containing Expanded Polystyrene Aggregate Replacement

Research has shown that expanded polystyrene (EPS) aggregate replacement changes the failure mode of concrete in compression by exhibiting a more ductile dissipation of load during failure. Fracture mechanics are applied in this report to study the behavior of concrete containing EPS aggregate that replaces a volume portion of the normal weight fine aggregate. The fracture energy, critical stress intensity factor, and characteristic length of EPS concrete and normal weight concrete (NWC) is experimentally determined. The two types of tests used to determine these properties are the three-point-bend test and a wedge-splitting test. The conclusions demonstrate that EPS aggregate replacement increases fracture surface areas and the size of the fracture process zone, thus creating a more dispersed cracking pattern. The resulting failure mode allows the concrete to absorb more energy and maintain load after reaching peak load.Research has shown that expanded polystyrene (EPS) aggregate replacement changes the failure mode of concrete in compression by exhibiting a more ductile dissipation of load during failure. Fracture mechanics are applied in this report to study the behavior of concrete containing EPS aggregate that replaces a volume portion of the normal weight fine aggregate. The fracture energy, critical stress intensity factor, and characteristic length of EPS concrete and normal weight concrete (NWC) is experimentally determined. The two types of tests used to determine these properties are the three-point-bend test and a wedge-splitting test. The conclusions demonstrate that EPS aggregate replacement increases fracture surface areas and the size of the fracture process zone, thus creating a more dispersed cracking pattern. The resulting failure mode allows the concrete to absorb more energy and maintain load after reaching peak load.
The RoboCup-98 Teamwork Evaluation Session: A Preliminary Report

Increasingly, agent teams are used in realistic and complex multiagent environments. In such environments, dynamic and complex changes in the environment require appropriate adaptation of the teamwork (collaboration) among team-members. As RoboCup proposes to provide multi-agent researchers with a standard test-bed for evaluation of methodologies, it is only natural to use it for investigating this essential capability. During the RoboCup-98 workshop and competition a unique event took place: a comparative evaluation of the teamwork adaptation capabilities of 13 of the top competing teams. An evaluation attempt of this scale is a novel undertaking, and presents many novel challenges to researchers in the multi-agent community. This preliminary report describes the data-collection session, the experimental protocol, and some of the preliminary results from analysis of the data. Rather than proposing solutions and well understood results, it seeks to highlight key challenges in evaluation of multi-agent research in general, and of teamwork in particular.
Relations of hydrogeologic factors, groundwater reduction-oxidation conditions, and temporal and spatial distributions of nitrate, Central-Eastside San Joaquin Valley, California, USA

In a 2,700-km2 area in the eastern San Joaquin Valley, California (USA), data from multiple sources were used to determine interrelations among hydrogeologic factors, reduction-oxidation (redox) conditions, and temporal and spatial distributions of nitrate (NO3), a widely detected groundwater contaminant. Groundwater is predominantly modern, or mixtures of modern water, with detectable NO3 and oxic redox conditions, but some zones have anoxic or mixed redox conditions. Anoxic conditions were associated with long residence times that occurred near the valley trough and in areas of historical groundwater discharge with shallow depth to water. Anoxic conditions also were associated with interactions of shallow, modern groundwater with soils. NO3 concentrations were significantly lower in anoxic than oxic or mixed redox groundwater, primarily because residence times of anoxic waters exceed the duration of increased pumping and fertilizer use associated with modern agriculture. Effects of redox reactions on NO3 concentrations were relatively minor. Dissolved N2 gas data indicated that denitrification has eliminated >5 mg/L NO3–N in about 10% of 39 wells. Increasing NO3 concentrations over time were slightly less prevalent in anoxic than oxic or mixed redox groundwater. Spatial and temporal trends of NO3 are primarily controlled by water and NO3 fluxes of modern land use.
Weatherman: Automated, Online and Predictive Thermal Mapping and Management for Data Centers

Recent advances have demonstrated the potential benefits of coordinated management of thermal load in data centers, including reduced cooling costs and improved resistance to cooling system failures. A key unresolved obstacle to the practical implementation of thermal load management is the ability to predict the effects of workload distribution and cooling configurations on temperatures within a data center enclosure. The interactions between workload, cooling and temperature are dependent on complex factors that are unique to each data center, including physical room layout, hardware power consumption and cooling capacity; this dictates an approach that formulates management policies for each data center based on these properties. We propose and evaluate a simple, flexible method to infer a detailed model of thermal behavior within a data center from a stream of instrumentation data. This data - taken during normal data center operation - includes continuous readings taken from external temperature sensors, server instrumentation and computer room air conditioning units. Experimental results from a representative data center show that automatic thermal mapping can predict accurately the heat distribution resulting from a given workload distribution and cooling configuration, thereby removing the need for static or manual configuration of thermal load management systems. We also demonstrate how our approach adapts to preserve accuracy across changes to cluster attributes that affect thermal behavior - such as cooling settings, workload distribution and power consumption.
Association of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity with lower urinary tract symptoms in older American men: findings from the third National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey.

OBJECTIVES To examine the association of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older men. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The study included 2797 men participating in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), who were aged ≥ 60 years. During an interview, LUTS, smoking history, alcohol consumption and physical activity were assessed. Cases comprised men with at least three of the symptoms of nocturia, hesitancy, weak stream and incomplete emptying. Men who had had prostate surgery unrelated to cancer were not included as cases. Controls were men with no symptoms or surgery. We adjusted for age and race in logistic regression models and used sampling weights to account for selection probability. RESULTS Current cigarette smokers had no higher odds of LUTS than ‘never’ smokers, but former heavy smokers (≥ 50 pack-years) had a higher odds of LUTS than never smokers (odds ratio 2.01; 95% confidence interval 1.04–3.89). Men who drank alcohol daily had a lower chance of LUTS than non-drinkers (0.59; 0.37–0.95; P trend, 0.07). All levels of moderate and vigorous activity were statistically significantly inversely associated with LUTS (P trend, 0.06), whereas men who reported no leisure-time physical activity had a greater odds of LUTS (2.06; 1.26–3.39). CONCLUSIONS Moderate alcohol consumption and physical activity may be protective against LUTS. Current cigarette smoking was not consistently associated with the condition. The possible association in former smokers warrants further investigation.
Predictive process planning for laser cutting

Industrial lasers exhibit high potential for material, geometric, process, and volume flexibility; however, in practice, laser processing is still limited to repetitive high-rate operations due to the trial-and-error calibrations involved in obtaining an acceptable operating condition when changes in workpiece thickness, material, geometry, dimensional accuracy, and surface/bulk quality are imposed. As an alternative to manual calibration, a predictive planning scheme is presented for straight and curved-path kerf geometry based on an analytical energy-balance solution, given constraints for material removal rate, taper angles, kerf width, and kerf centerline offset. Three-dimensional heat conduction, phase change, and reflected beam energy are considered for a piecewise planar cutting front. By using analytical models, real-time accurate estimates of the cutting front geometry can be developed with minimal computational burden. Sequential optimization and constraint relaxation schemes are presented for determining laser power, cutting velocity, and laser path compensation. Case studies of combined straight and curved-feature laser cutting of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and aluminum oxide (Al203) are presented to show the effects of predictive planning on beam path and operating parameters.
EARLY HUMAN OCCUPATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE IN NORTHWESTERN FLORIDA

Abstract This paper is concerned with the relationship between culture and environment from the end of the Pleistocene to the middle of the Holocene in the karst controlled geologic regime of Northwestern Florida. Changing environmental conditions resulting from climatic oscillations and glacially derived sea level rise surely affected human settlement patterns and subsistence procurement strategies. In this paper, we present a synopsis of local palynological, stratigraphic, sea level and radiocarbon data and attempt to correlate associated changes in settlement strategies from the latest Pleistocene to about 5000 yr BP, 1 when the seas attained today’s levels.