cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Palaeoenvironments and weathering regime of the Neoproterozoic Squantum ‘Tillite’, Boston Basin: no evidence of a snowball Earth

The snowball Earth hypothesis describes episodes of Neoproterozoic global glaciations, when ice sheets reached sea-level, the ocean froze to great depth and biota were decimated, accompanied by a complete shutdown of the hydrological cycle. Recent studies of sedimentary successions and Earth systems modelling, however, have brought the hypothesis under considerable debate. The Squantum ‘Tillite’ (Boston Basin, USA), is one of the best constrained snowball Earth successions with respect to age and palaeogeography, and it is suitable to test the hypothesis for the Gaskiers glaciation. The approach used here was to assess the palaeoenvironmental conditions at the type locality of the Squantum Member through an analysis of sedimentary facies and weathering regime (chemical index of alteration). The stratigraphic succession with a total thickness of ca 330 m documents both glacial and non-glacial depositional environments with a cool-temperate glacial to temperate non-glacial climate weathering regime. The base of the succession is composed of thin diamictites and mudstones that carry evidence of sedimentation from floating glacial ice, interbedded with inner shelf sandstones and mudstones. Thicker diamictites interbedded with thin sandstones mark the onset of gravity flow activity, followed by graded sandstones documenting channellized mass gravity flow events. An upward decrease in terrigenous supply is evident, culminating in deep-water mudstones with a non-glacial chemical weathering signal. Renewed terrigenous supply and iceberg sedimentation is evident at the top of the succession, beyond which exposure is lost. The glacially influenced sedimentary facies at Squantum Head are more consistent with meltwater dominated alpine glaciation or small local ice caps. The chemical index of alteration values of 61 to 75 for the non-volcanic rocks requires significant exposure of land surfaces to allow chemical weathering. Therefore, extreme snowball Earth conditions with a complete shutdown of the hydrological cycle do not seem to apply to the Gaskiers glaciation.
Evolving petri nets to represent metabolic pathways

Given concentrations of metabolites over a sequence of time steps, the metabolic pathway prediction problem seeks a set of reactions and rate constants for them that could yield the concentration-time data. Such metabolic pathways can be modeled with Petri nets: bipartite graphs whose nodes are called places and transitions and in which tokens move from place to place through the transitions. Thus the pathway prediction problem can be addressed by searching a space of Petri nets, and such a search can be undertaken evolutionarily.Here, a genetic algorithm performs such a search. The GA seeks only the net's structure; a hill-climbing step applied as part of evaluation approximates parameters associated with the net's transitions. On one contrived problem instance, the GA sometimes identifies the pathway used to generate the given data, but on a second contrived instance, apparently no harder, it fails. On an instance drawn from real biology---the pathway for phospholipid synthesis---the genetic algorithm identifies a Petri net whose pathway is very similar, but not identical to, the real one. In all three cases, the GA develops Petri nets that represent pathways that closely reproduce the target concentration-time data.
Snugglebug: a powerful approach to weakest preconditions

Symbolic analysis shows promise as a foundation for bug-finding, specification inference, verification, and test generation. This paper addresses demand-driven symbolic analysis for object-oriented programs and frameworks. Many such codes comprise large, partial programs with highly dynamic behaviors--polymorphism, reflection, and so on--posing significant scalability challenges for any static analysis.We present an approach based on interprocedural backwards propagation of weakest preconditions. We present several novel techniques to improve the efficiency of such analysis. First, we present directed call graph construction, where call graph construction and symbolic analysis are interleaved. With this technique, call graph construction is guided by constraints discovered during symbolic analysis, obviating the need for exhaustively exploring a large, conservative call graph. Second, we describe generalization, a technique that greatly increases the reusability of procedure summaries computed during interprocedural analysis. Instead of tabulating how a procedure transforms a symbolic state in its entirety, our technique tabulates how the procedure transforms only the pertinent portion of the symbolic state. Additionally, we show how integrating an inexpensive, custom logic simplifier with weakest precondition computation dramatically improves performance.We have implemented the analysis in a tool called Snugglebug and evaluated it as a bug-report feasibility checker. Our results show that the algorithmic techniques were critical for successfully analyzing large Java applications.
Mental health of low income uninsured men with prostate cancer

ABSTRACT Purpose: We evaluated mental health outcomes in a cohort of low income, uninsured men with prostate cancer and identified factors that influence mental health. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 277 subjects enrolled in a program that provides free care to men with prostate cancer who have an annual income of no more than 200% of the federal poverty level. We compared scores on the 5-item RAND Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) to those in individuals with other chronic diseases. We also examined the relationship between MHI-5 scores and validated measures of general and disease specific health related quality of life. Disease specific quality of life included measures of distress related to urinary, sexual and bowel habits. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with mental health score. Results: Most men studied were Hispanic (51.6%) and had at most a high school education (85.9%). Mean MHI-5 score ± SD was 68 ± 23 on a 100-point scale, significantly worse than cohorts of men with diabetes, congestive heart failure and chronic pulmonary disease. Hispanic ethnicity, urinary bother and bowel bother were negatively associated with mental health. Spirituality and physical functioning were positively associated with mental health. Conclusions: Economically disadvantaged men with prostate cancer report worse mental health than people with other chronic diseases. Patients especially at risk are those with significant urinary or bowel distress, poor physical health, low spirituality and Hispanic ethnicity.
Taking Referentialism Seriously: A Response to the Modal Argument

I argue that an identity theorist can successfully resist a Kripkean modal argument by employing what I call a metaconceptual move. Furthermore, by showing how this move fails to apply straightforwardly to Chalmers' argument, I clarify the nature of the threat presented by Chalmers and how it differs from a Kripkean modal argument.
Learning a Probabilistic Similarity Function for Segmentation

There are many methods for measuring "similarity" of or "distance" between two image pixels or image patches. These methods generally involve computing some informative features of the image patches and then describing distances between patches based on simple functions of those feature values, e.g., Euclidean distance. Unfortunately, these measures are often frail and difficult to interpret. The goal of this paper is to learn the "similarity" of two patches as an approximation to the likelihood that two patches were drawn from the same surface in the world. This measure is well-defined and allows for a maximization of meaningful values when it is combined with common segmentation algorithms. We introduce a general approximation technique that involves learning a codebook, learning the likelihood function for pairs of codebook entries, and applying the resulting likelihood function in segmentation tasks. These steps can be performed independently, even on different data sets drawn from the same domain. The likelihood can be learned from pre-segmented image set or heuristically approximated from an unsegmented image set. We show examples of probabilistic segmentation of the codebooks themselves based on our similarity measure for multiple types of codebooks including color codebooks and Epitome codebooks. These segmentations illustrate the usefulness of our technique as an image patch similarity measure.
A monolithic channelized preselector for EW receiver applications

A switched preselector, consisting of monolithic bandpass filters, multithrow switches, and broadband amplifiers, has demonstrated excellent selectivity and low loss characteristics in considerably less volume than conventional microstrip designs. The switches use series and shunt FETs in single-pole four-throw (1P4T) and single-pole double-throw (1P2T) configurations, while the filters were designed using semi-lumped-element techniques. A preselector filter bank with postamplification was designed that consisted of four 5-pole Chebyshev bandpass topologies, with center frequencies of 1.5, 2.8, 4.9, and 9.2 GHz, respectively, and bandwidths slightly less than an octave. The LC filter realizations were designed using monolithic parallel plate (MIM) capacitors and high-impedance transmission lines for inductors. Realization of the inductor values was simplified by using tapped inductor techniques simulating an autotransformer, thus enabling the designer to select a variety of transforming ratios. Excellent channel-to-channel isolation, switching speed, and sensitivities, comparable to those of other much larger hybrid approaches, were obtained. >
Autonomy and Democracy in an Autocratic Organization: The Case of the Roman Catholic Church

This article examines data from surveys, historical records, position papers, minutes of group meetings, and other sources to shed light on the ways the laity of the Roman Catholic church in the United States are bringing about change, often in spite of the hierarchy and Vatican bureaucracy. A range of traditional teachings and policies focusing on sexuality, marage, the priesthood, the locus of authority, and participation in decision making within church organizations, are examined in the light of Gallup surveys carried out nationally in 1987 and 1993. These data plus the qualitative data indicate the existence of a pluralism that pits the magisterium (teaching authority located in the Vatican) and most of the American bishops on one side and a growing majority of laity on the other. This pluralism raises questions about the possibilities for organizational change within the Church in America.
Proadrenomedullin N-Terminal 20 Peptide: Minimal Active Region to Regulate Nicotinic Receptors

Proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (PAMP-[1-20]; ARLDVASEFRKKWNKWALSR-amide) is a potent hypotensive and catecholamine release-inhibitory peptide released from chromaffin cells. We studied the mechanism of PAMP action and how its function is linked to structure. We tested human PAMP-[1-20] on catecholamine secretion in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells and found it to be a potent, dose-dependent (IC50 approximately 350 nmol/L) secretory inhibitor. Inhibition was specific for nicotinic cholinergic stimulation since PAMP-[1-20] failed to inhibit release by agents that bypass the nicotinic receptor. Nicotinic cationic (22Na+,45Ca2+) signal transduction was disrupted by this peptide, and potencies for inhibition of 22Na+ uptake and catecholamine secretion were comparable. Even high-dose nicotine failed to overcome the inhibition, suggesting noncompetitive nicotinic antagonism. N- and C-terminal PAMP truncation peptides indicated a role for the C-terminal amide and refined the minimal active region to the C-terminal 8 amino acids (WNKWALSR-amide), a region likely to be alpha-helical. PAMP also blocked (EC50 approximately 270 nmol/L) nicotinic cholinergic agonist desensitization of catecholamine release, as well as desensitization of nicotinic signal transduction (22Na+ uptake). Thus, PAMP may exert both inhibitory and facilitatory effects on nicotinic signaling, depending on the prior state of nicotinic stimulation. PAMP may therefore contribute to a novel, autocrine, homeostatic (negative-feedback) mechanism controlling catecholamine release.
A full-duplex dual-frequency self-steering array using phase detection and phase shifting

A full-duplex dual-frequency self-steering array using phase detection and phase shifting is presented. By RF decoupling the transmitter and receiver arrays, the proposed system promises greater system efficiency by ensuring a constant transmit power. This also allows for a separate low-frequency interrogating signal capable of various modulation schemes. A two-element prototype is demonstrated with interrogating and retrodirective frequencies of 1.425 and 2.85 GHz, respectively. Retrodirectivity is reported for angles of 0deg, -15deg, and +25deg. The power of the received signal is improved by up to 12 dB for -60deglesthetasles60deg when compared to a conventional two-element array
Organization of G proteins and adenylyl cyclase at the plasma membrane

There is mounting evidence for the organization and compartmentation of signaling molecules at the plasma membrane. We find that hormone-sensitive adenylyl cyclase activity is enriched in a subset of regulatory G protein-containing fractions of the plasma membrane. These subfractions resemble, in low buoyant density, structures of the plasma membrane termed caveolae. Immunofluorescence experiments revealed a punctate pattern of G protein alpha and beta subunits, consistent with concentration of these proteins at distinct sites on the plasma membrane. Partial coincidence of localization of G protein alpha subunits with caveolin (a marker for caveolae) was observed by double immunofluorescence. Results of immunogold electron microscopy suggest that some G protein is associated with invaginated caveolae, but most of the protein resides in irregular structures of the plasma membrane that could not be identified morphologically. Because regulated adenylyl cyclase activity is present in low-density subfractions of plasma membrane from a cell type (S49 lymphoma) that does not express caveolin, this protein is not required for organization of the adenylyl cyclase system. The data suggest that hormone-sensitive adenylyl cyclase systems are localized in a specialized subdomain of the plasma membrane that may optimize the efficiency and fidelity of signal transduction.
An empirical demonstration of risk-sensitive foraging preferences

We report laboratory experiments with yellow-eyed juncos (Junco phaeonotus) revealing that the birds' foraging preferences for variable rewards respond not only to the mean, but also the variance, of food rewards. The nature of their preferences for variable rewards is related to their expected daily energy budget. We summarize the birds' preferences in utility functions for energetic rewards. Since mean reward size is inadequate to predict their behaviour, we believe that foraging models should consider environmental stochasticity and an animal's response to this variation. Preferences and Utility Models of selective resource use assume that animals discriminate food types and possess preferences among available resources (see refer- ences in Pyke et al. 1977). Preferences are logi- cally considered as consistent with a ranking by some currency of fitness. We assume that a for- ager has preferences over the probability distri- butions of energetic rewards associated with available resources, since it seems reasonable that natural selection has acted on the preference behaviour of those animals faced with environ- mental variation. Therefore, we expect that preferences will reflect not only the various mean rewards, but also the variances in foraging bene- fits. This variation may entail the risk of doing very poorly energetically, as well as the possi- bility of acquiring the greater value of random energetic rewards. Our investigation of these preferences employs what decision theorists (e.g. Keeney & Raiffa 1976) term 'single attribute cardinal utility theory'. The single attribute of interest here is the size of a food reward. We develop a numeri- cal (cardinal) scaling for the size of a food reward that takes into account a forager's pref- erences for both mean energetic benefit and the risks resulting from variation in energetic bene- fits. More specifically, we will summarize an animal's foraging preferences in a utility func- tion, U(s), where s is a well-defined random variable following a known probability function. The units of s in our experiments are the number of seeds obtained at a feeding trial, but other reasonable indices of energetic reward can be used. A utility function has a number of interest- ing properties that help depict an animal's pref- erences regarding the statistical characteristics
Translocations in malignant tumors.

In general, the development and biology of epithelial tumors, carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas are associated with an array of orchestrated genetic changes characterized by a successive process of loss of heterozygosity. On the other hand, tumors of mesodermal origin (bone and soft tissue tumors) are often associated with translocations thought to be causally related to the development of the neoplasia. Often, the translocation is the only cytogenetic change observed in these tumors (Table 1) ▶ . The occurrence of translocations as a sole karyotypic event in carcinomas, as indicated by the authors of the article by French et al, 1 is extremely rare. Table 1. Specific Chromosomal Translocations Established Cytogenetically and the Corresponding Gene Changes in Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors There is general consensus that the translocations shown in Table 1 ▶ and their associated molecular events are not only diagnostic of these tumors, regardless of their site of origin and variability of the histology, but also, as already mentioned, the genetic changes resulting from these translocations are responsible for the genesis of these tumors. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches, akin to those found effective in leukemias associated with specific translocations, eg, t(9;22) in chronic myelocytic leukemia and t(15;17) in acute promyelocytic leukemia, hold much promise for the treatment of these tumors. The present article by French et al 1 points to the strong possibility that a somewhat heterogeneous group of rare carcinomas may be characterized by a t(15;19) and the molecular events associated with this translocation. The heterogeneity is related to the reported breakpoints on chromosome 15 (q11, q12, q13, q15, and p12) and the somewhat anatomical variability of the tumor sites, though the tumors appear to be mediastinal or thoracic in their location. However, these carcinomas as a group do share a poor prognosis and an apparently similar histology. Although the studies of French et al 1 have not yet revealed the presumptive oncogenic fusion product associated with the t(15;19), they have established that the BRD4 gene on chromosome 19 is interrupted by the translocation and that a 9 kb region containing the Nop10p gene on chromosome 15 is affected by the translocation break. Thus, it remains imperative to ascertain the exact gene affected on chromosome 15 and to determine the structure and transforming mechanisms of the fusion product of the t(15;19). It is equally important to evaluate further whether the above-mentioned variability in the breakpoints on chromosome 15 is real and thus raises concerns regarding the specificity of the t(15;19) in these tumors. Obviously, more carcinomas with t(15;19) will have to be studied to more firmly establish their cytogenetic and molecular aspects.
CCR 20th Anniversary Commentary: Molecular Pathology of ALK-Rearranged Lung Tumors

The article by Rodig and colleagues, which was published in the August 15, 2009, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, helped detail the clinicopathologic profile of ALK-positive tumors and initiated the development of ALK diagnostics. Subsequent clinical trials utilized these findings, resulting in the approval of effective targeted therapies. The ALK story is a model for the development of therapies in the genomic era.
Just Noticeable Differences in Visual Attributes

We explore the problem of predicting "just noticeable differences" in a visual attribute. While some pairs of images have a clear ordering for an attribute (e.g., A is more sporty than B), for others the difference may be indistinguishable to human observers. However, existing relative attribute models are unequipped to infer partial orders on novel data. Attempting to map relative attribute ranks to equality predictions is non-trivial, particularly since the span of indistinguishable pairs in attribute space may vary in different parts of the feature space. We develop a Bayesian local learning strategy to infer when images are indistinguishable for a given attribute. On the UT-Zap50K shoes and LFW-10 faces datasets, we outperform a variety of alternative methods. In addition, we show the practical impact on fine-grained visual search.
Melodrama, Two Ways

The word “melodrama” has accumulated a vast range of uses and definitions. It is the name given to the technique of combining words and music (as in the nineteenth-century musical genre); it is also used to name a mode of expressivity that is exaggerated, excessive, sentimental. These definitions appear unrelated, yet the melodramatic mode also seems to emerge frequently in musical contexts, such as opera and film—raising the question of whether the joining of words and music as such already tends toward, or attracts, a melodramatic impulse. This article first sketches the features of the melodramatic mode as they are described in writing on theater, film, and the novel before turning to a close reading of Richard Strauss's Enoch Arden , op. 38, a melodrama for speaker and piano. I aim to show that not only the themes of Enoch Arden 's narrative but also the form of its narration, the meaningfulness it draws from the facts or conditions of narration as such, provide its claim to the melodramatic mode.
Primary differences: how market orientation can influence content

Studies have shown that market orientation influences content. However, scant research examines how news organizations with different market orientations covered the same story. This study utilizes textual analysis and long-form interviews to compare coverage of the 2013 St. Louis mayoral race. The study compares the strongly market oriented St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the weakly market oriented St. Louis Beacon. Findings showed major differences in content, especially concerning how the two covered race, periphery candidates and the presentation of campaign issues. These results are interpreted through the lens of gatekeeping theory.
A SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR BACTERICIDAL ASSAY OF NATURAL ANTIBODIES AGAINST GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA.

SummaryA bactericidal assay for antibodies against smooth strains of enterobacteria has been described which differs from earlier versions in several aspects. Precolostral calf serum was utilized as a “natural”source of complement lacking certain antibodies. The inoculum size was reduced to 102 cells. Expedient and more direct means were devised for determining the results of the interaction of complement test serum (antibodies) and bacteria. These changes made possible a great economy of effort without sacrifice of sensitivity and precision.
Bursectomy and Its Influence on Circulating Corticosterone, Triiodothyronine, and Thyroxine in Immature Male Chickens,

Abstract This investigation was carried out to determine the effect of bursectomy on circulating corticosterone, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) in immature male chickens. One-day-old Single Comb White Leghorn male chicks were surgically bursectomized (BSX). Sham-operated chicks were used as control. Blood samples were collected from different BSX and sham birds at 2, 3, and 4 weeks of age. Serum concentrations of corticosterone, T3, and T4 were measured using radioimmunoassays. Serum concentrations of corticosterone and T3 were higher in BSX than sham-operated birds at all ages. Concentrations of T4, however, were similar in both groups. It was concluded that the bursa, directly or indirectly, affected hormone secretion from the thyroid and adrenal glands.
Efficacy of Elective Neck Dissection in T1/T2N0M0 Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Analysis.

Objective/HypothesisThe aim of this population-based study is to analyze the survival benefits of elective neck dissection (END) over neck observation in T1/T2N0M0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OT-SCC) cases.Study DesignRetrospective administrative database analysis.Subjects and MethodsThe SEER database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) was queried for patients diagnosed with T1/T2N0M0 OT-SCC from 1998 to 2011. Data included patient demographics, initial treatment, and survival outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier model and the Cox proportional hazards model were utilized for survival analysis.ResultsOut of 7010 T1/T2N0M0 cases, END was performed in 1770 T1 and 950 T2 cases, and the neck was observed in 3278 T1 and 1001 T2 cases. Significantly poorer 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were noted for the neck observation group when compared with the END group for tumors with moderately differentiated (72.1% vs 86%, P < .0001) and poorly differentiated or undifferentiated (55.6% vs 71.5%,...
The Feasibility Study of DC Modulation Technology Application in Northwest China Grid

The feasibility of DC modulation technology application in the Northwest China grid was studied in this paper.The simulation results indicated that the frequency stability and transient stability of the power systemafter severe failure can be improved,and the overload of AC power system can be eliminated,so the power transmitting capacity of AC power systemcan be increased.
Right-sizing shrinking cities: a landscape and design strategy for abandoned properties

AbstractMuch popular and academic attention is paid to population deconcentration and economic decline in so-called shrinking cities. In this paper we react upon several theories of urban decline with a novel analysis of abandoned properties in the United States, using foreclosure-driven residential vacancies (FDRVs) as a proxy for abandoned properties. We empirically examine the amount and type of abandoned land in some of the cities hardest hit by the mortgage crisis, and present a relevant landscape and design strategy to show that landscape architects are well positioned to redesign this newly available land. To help develop a systematic set of stages and actions for right-sizing initiatives, we catalogue several examples of current initiatives to address abandonment, paying attention to roadblocks inherent to this landscape and design strategy. This strategy presents a useful model with which designers can tackle the difficult and controversial issue of right-sizing.
Freeze Fracture and Freeze Etching

Freeze fracture depends on the property of frozen tissues or cells, when cracked open, to split along the hydrophobic interior of membranes, thus revealing broad panoramas of membrane interior. These large panoramas reveal the three-dimensional contours of membranes making the methods well suited to studying changes in membrane architecture. Freshly split membrane faces are visualized by platinum or tungsten shadowing and carbon backing to form a replica that is then cleaned of tissue and imaged by TEM. Etching, i.e., removal of ice from the frozen fractured specimen by sublimation prior to shadowing, can also reveal the true surfaces of the membrane as well as the extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal networks that contact the membranes. Since the resolution of detail in the metal replicas formed is 1-2 nm, these methods can also be used to visualize macromolecules or macromolecular assemblies either in situ or displayed on a mica surface. These methods are available for either specimens that have been chemically fixed or specimens that have been rapidly frozen without chemical intervention.
A utility perspective on subchannel analysis

Utility nuclear engineering organizations are among the primary end users of subchannel analysis technology. Typically there is only a limited involvement by utility staff in the actual development of subchannel software other than the addition of user convenience features such as editing routines and automated execution of multiple cases. There is, however, a large and increasing number of applications of subchannel codes, which indicates the continuing need for software improvements to meet the needs of the end user. The subchannel code has been and will continue to be an integral part of the analysis technology maintained by utilities to ensure safe and economical design and operation of reactors. An overview of the status of the application of subchannel analysis codes at one particular utility is presented. The utility is Duke Power which operates the Oconee, McGuire, and Catawba Nuclear Stations in North and South Carolina.
Mechanisms by Which Small Molecules Alter Ionic Permeability Through Lipid Bilayer Membranes

Small molecules may be particularly effective cytotoxic agents by way of altering ionic permeability in cell and organelle membranes. The mechanisms by which such molecules may act on membrane permeability are examined here in light of the rather precise understanding of the mechanisms by which ionic permeability is induced and altered in lipid bilayer membranes. In particular, the influence of specific changes in membrane composition on the kinetics of direct and carrier mediated transport of ions are examined in detail and related to the electrical potentials originating from dipolar residues at the membrane surface.
The architecture of annexation? Russia’s bilateral agreements with South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Following the August War of 2008, Russia recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. Both territories remain dependent upon Moscow for their security and economic survival, and they remain dominated militarily, economically, and even politically by their northern patron. These relationships are structured, in part, by a series of bilateral agreements signed since September 2008, which have created a comprehensive legal architecture which, in turn, deeply affects the state- and nation-building processes in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This article examines 78 agreements signed between Russia and these territories between 2008 and 2015 in order to better understand these processes and how they interact with and are influenced by their respective relationships with the Russian Federation. It groups these agreements into three categories: the 2008 “friendship” agreements which created the initial baseline for the bilateral relationship; the numerous, more narrowly defined documents which flesh...
Bandwidth efficient multi-dimensional signal sets for the AWGN and fading channels

A modulation technique based on multidimensional M-ary signal sets generated by the combination of frequency- and phase-shift-keying is considered for additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and fading channels. The strategy for the design of these sets is to provide good correlation properties for the Gaussian channel and intrinsic diversity to yield a low error probability with good spectral efficiency for the fading channel. The signaling format consists of w carriers transmitted over separate, uncorrelated channels. Each carrier is phase modulated through p discrete phase shifts. The effect of the dimensionality provided by this system is analyzed, and the tradeoffs with spectral efficiency and error probability are discussed for both channels. >
Practical PC-based data management in paediatric cardiology

A cross-referencing data base is essential in a paediatric cardiology unit for research and audit of the results of the unit. In a busy unit it must be user-friendly, accessible, and practical. We describe a classification and coding system for paediatric cardiology. The system enables coding of segmental sequential analysis of cardiac pathology. It provides codes for diagnosis, operations and complications. It is practical and easy to remember and use, and runs on a local area network of personal computers. Our system has been in operation for 4 1/2 years, and problems which have been encountered are discussed.
HspQ Functions as a Unique Specificity-Enhancing Factor for the AAA+ Lon Protease

The AAA+ Lon protease is conserved from bacteria to humans, performs crucial roles in protein homeostasis, and is implicated in bacterial pathogenesis and human disease. We investigated how Lon selectively degrades specific substrates among a diverse array of potential targets. We report the discovery of HspQ as a new Lon substrate, unique specificity-enhancing factor, and potent allosteric activator. Lon recognizes HspQ via a C-terminal degron, whose precise presentation, in synergy with multipartite contacts with the native core of HspQ, is required for allosteric Lon activation. Productive HspQ-Lon engagement enhances degradation of multiple new and known Lon substrates. Our studies reveal the existence and simultaneous utilization of two distinct substrate recognition sites on Lon, an HspQ binding site and an HspQ-modulated allosteric site. Our investigations unveil an unprecedented regulatory use of an evolutionarily conserved heat shock protein and present a distinctive mechanism for how Lon protease achieves temporally enhanced substrate selectivity.
A Simple Mulivariable Self-Tuning Regulator and Application

Abstract This paper describes a multivariable self-tuning regulator which adopts a new control structure. The adaptive control algorithm proposed is not only easy to implement but also able to handle the systems with different time delays between each of the input-output pairs. One of the applications of such a regulator to multivariable electric heater is also described.
Deconstructing Execution Cost and Risk

Measuring and understanding execution costs is important for portfolio managers as they look to maximize the returns of their investment opportunities. Trading decisions impact execution performance, and the authors demonstrate a framework for evaluating the performance quality of broker algorithms. It allows portfolio managers and traders to select broker algorithms that better align with their investment objectives.
Visual Invention and the Composition of Scientific Research Graphics: A Topological Approach:

This report details the second phase of an ongoing research project investigating the visual invention and composition processes of scientific researchers. In this phase, four academic researchers ...
Truman, Congress, and Korea: The Politics of America's First Undeclared War. By Larry Blomstedt. (Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 2015. Pp. xi, 305. $50.00.) : Book Review

From 1950 to 1953, the Korean War engaged America's attention. Often referred to as America's forgotten war, historians have concentrated their studies on its military aspects. The domestic front h...
Mining unique soft old water within the Manson Impact Structure, Iowa (USA)

The City of Manson, Iowa (USA), lies near the center of the Manson Impact Structure (MIS), a 37-km diameter impact crater that formed about 74 million years ago. The MIS is present at the bedrock surface, but it is completely buried by 20–90 m (70–300 ft) of glacial till and displays no surface expression. Groundwater samples were collected from Manson’s municipal well and nearby domestic wells to assess the sustainability of unusually soft water that typifies the central peak of the Manson Impact Structure. Groundwater quality indices from the various aquifer sources were distinctly different, with groundwater from the central peak of the crater exhibiting low Ca ( 3.7 mg/L; max = 10.0 mg/L) and certain trace elements (e.g. Li, Mo, W). In contrast, groundwater collected from wells in overlying Quaternary aquifers was very hard (high Ca and Mg), with high alkalinity (>261 mg/L as CaCO3), sulfate (58–485 mg/L) and occasionally nitrate-N (up to 6 mg/L). Age-dating techniques using 3H, 14C, and 36Cl suggested water older than 35,000 years to possibly as old as 1,000,000 years within the central peak aquifer, but indicated recent water in overlying aquifers. Pumping of the Manson municipal wells appears to be mining old water of the central peak aquifer and drawing modern water containing elevated hardness and nitrate-N down into the aquifer. The Manson example illustrates a source-water challenge of balancing aquifer quality with sustainability.
SDNET2018: An annotated image dataset for non-contact concrete crack detection using deep convolutional neural networks.

Abstract SDNET2018 is an annotated image dataset for training, validation, and benchmarking of artificial intelligence based crack detection algorithms for concrete. SDNET2018 contains over 56,000 images of cracked and non-cracked concrete bridge decks, walls, and pavements. The dataset includes cracks as narrow as 0.06 mm and as wide as 25 mm. The dataset also includes images with a variety of obstructions, including shadows, surface roughness, scaling, edges, holes, and background debris. SDNET2018 will be useful for the continued development of concrete crack detection algorithms based on deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), which are a subject of continued research in the field of structural health monitoring. The authors present benchmark results for crack detection using SDNET2018 and a crack detection algorithm based on the AlexNet DCNN architecture. SDNET2018 is freely available at https://doi.org/10.15142/T3TD19 .
Macroeconomic burden of firearm-related fatality across OECD countries: an estimate of annual and cumulative gross domestic product losses, 2018–30

Abstract Background In 2015, firearm-related unintentional injuries, physical violence, and self-harm caused over 36 000 deaths and 100 000 injuries in the USA, and over 250 000 deaths worldwide. Of these deaths, more than 64 000 were in OECD countries. Nevertheless, firearm injury risk reduction remains socially and politically controversial. Although the costs of treating firearm injuries has been estimated, little is known about the macroeconomic impact of firearm deaths. Here, we aim to estimate the future macroeconomic burden of deaths in OECD countries. Methods Using value-of-lost-output methodology, which estimates the macroeconomic burden of deaths in terms of lost economic productivity, we estimated the annual and cumulative gross domestic product (GDP) lost due to firearm-related fatalities from 2018 to 2030 in all 36 OECD countries. We used mortality data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease study to project mortality rates from 2018 to 2030. We then applied these projections to an adapted version of the WHO EPIC (Projecting the Economic Cost of Ill-health) model to project GDP losses attributable to firearm-related deaths. Findings Across OECD countries, we estimated macroeconomic losses from firearm mortality at US$272·1 billion in lost economic output between 2018 and 2030 ($124·9 billion from physical violence, $135·7 billion from self-harm, and $11·4 billion from unintentional injury), with $8·0 billion in annual losses in 2018 growing to an estimated loss of $35·9 billion in 2030. This amount represents 0·051% of total estimated 2030 GDP, or $1 lost for every $1944 of potential economic output. The USA is estimated to lose more than other OECD nations, with annual GDP losses of $24·5 billion in 2030, representing 0·10% of US GDP in 2030, and $180·6 billion cumulative losses from 2018 to 2030. Mexico's estimated loss in 2030 is $6·3 billion, which represents 0·20% of Mexican GDP in 2030, and $50·3 billion cumulatively from 2018 to 2030. No other OECD country had estimated cumulative losses greater than $10·6 billion in the study period, nor greater than 0·04% of GDP in 2030. Considered as a proportion of 2030 GDP, the USA's projected losses were 93·0% higher and Mexico's losses were 290·6% higher than the mean proportional losses across all OECD countries in 2030. Interpretation Firearm-related deaths are expected to cause disproportionately high macroeconomic losses in the USA and Mexico from 2018 to 2030 compared with other OECD countries. These losses represent an important proportion of GDP, and should be considered in broader social, economic, and health policy decisions about firearm regulation. Future studies might consider cost-benefit analyses that weigh the costs of risk reduction interventions against the potential economic savings of reducing firearm mortality. Funding None.
Beer Increases the Longevity of Rats Fed a Diet Deficient in Copper

The origin of ischemic heart disease, the leading cause of death in the industrialized world, remains obscure. It has been suggested that copper deficiency or abnormal metabolism of copper is of prime importance in the etiology and pathophysiology of this disease (1–3). As moderate intakes of alcoholic beverages, especially beer, often are associated with decreased risk of death from ischemic heart disease or coronary artery occlusion (4–6), it was decided to test the hypothesis that consumption of beer could have a favorable effect on rats fed a diet deficient in copper.
Thermophilic Fungi in Composts: Their Role in Composting and Industrial Processes

Thermophilic fungi are of broad interest due to their potential to produce heat-tolerant enzymes for biotechnological processes. They constitute a small fraction of the fungal biota that have a minimum temperature of growth at or above 20 °C and a maximum temperature of growth extending up to 60–62 °C. Composting is a promising source of new organisms and thermostable enzymes that may be helpful in environmental management and industrial processes. The process has raised much attention lately since it is also an environmentally sound method that avoids all pollution concerns. One of its benefits comes from its use in microorganisms to degrade organic waste into nutrient and produce organic fertilizer. While the current understanding tells us that bacteria are the dominant degraders in thermophilic composting processes, there is much to be said about the minority of thermophilic fungi during the composting process. This review covers the diversity of thermophilic fungi during composting, their role, and potential applications in biotechnology. The biotechnological applications of thermophilic fungi are numerous. They possess a variety of extracellular enzymes capable of hydrolyzing polymers such as starch, protein, pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. Several thermophilic fungi have already been used in industries involving food processing, bioconversion of organic materials, biodegradation of plastics, biosorption of metals/radionuclides, cancer treatment, and synthesis of nanoparticles.
Aspirational Fascism: The Struggle for Multifaceted Democracy Under Trumpism: by William W. Connolly, Minneapolis, University of Monnesota Press, 2017, 113 pp., $7.95 (paperback), ISBN 9781517905125

William E. Connolly is one of the best known political theorists of our time. His most recent project, he writes in the opening to Aspirational Fascism, is ‘to contribute to a genealogy of fascism’...
Personality-Informed Care: Speaking the Language of Personality.

Background Personality describes an enduring pattern of experiences and behaviors in the interpersonal and social sphere. Several aspects of personality, e.g., defenses, relational dynamics, and reactions, are commonly accentuated in the midst of medical care; therefore, understanding a patient's personality allows the clinician to make informed predictions about how a specific patient may respond to illness and how care interactions might be modified to optimize care engagement and outcomes. Objective/Methods This article provides a brief description of the personalities in the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual, Second Edition, and discusses how each one might inform clinical interactions. Two additional personality-like presentations—the traumatized patient and cognitive impairment—are included for clinical utility given their high prevalence in medical settings and their potential for broad impact on clinical relationships. Results Personality-informed care is an approach that incorporates information about the patient's personality into the clinical relationship. It describes what the clinician might say and when, what recommendations to offer and how to frame them, and how to comport oneself while providing care. Conclusions Personality-informed care operationalizes several aspects of personalized medicine, and it offers a heuristic framework that may facilitate and enhance the implementation of evidence-based care.
When does less information translate into more giving to public goods

This paper theoretically and experimentally investigates the impact of information provision on voluntary contributions to a linear public good with an uncertain marginal per-capita return (MPCR). Uninformed donors make contribution decisions based only on the expected MPCR (i.e. the prior distribution), while informed donors observe the realized MPCR before contributing. The theoretical analysis predicts that the impact of information on average contributions crucially depends on the generosity level of the population, modeled as a stochastic change in the pro-social preferences. In particular, a less generous population increases contributions substantially in response to good news of higher than expected MPCR and reduces contributions relatively little in response to bad news of lower than expected MPCR. The opposite is true for a more generous population. Thus, the theory predicts that information provision increases (reduces) average contributions when the population is less (more) generous. This prediction finds strong support in a two-stage lab experiment. The first stage measures subjects’ generosity in the public good game using an online experiment. The resulting measure is used to create more and less generous groups in the public good lab experiment, which varies the information provided to these groups in the lab. The findings are in line with the theoretical predictions, suggesting that targeted information provision to less generous groups may be more beneficial for public good contributions than uniform information provision.
Vibration-Based Multi-Axis Force Sensing: Design, Characterization, and Modeling

It is strongly desirable but challenging to obtain force sensing mechanisms that are low-cost, volumetrically compact, away from contact location, and can be easily integrated into existing and emerging robot systems. For example, having a bulky force sensor near the tip of surgical robot tools may be impractical as it may require a large incision, infect biological tissues, and negatively affect surgeon's operation. In this letter, a new vibration-based approach was proposed to measure the force applied to a structure utilizing the structure's acceleration signals. By exciting the structure using a vibration motor, the structure's acceleration signals in time domain showed discernible ellipse-shaped profiles when a force was applied. For the first time , these acceleration profiles were characterized via regression and employed for estimating the direction and magnitude of the applied force. Experimental results showed that, the achieved resolutions with the proposed approach in estimating the direction and magnitude of the applied force were 10° and 0.098 N, respectively. The sensing errors were within the range of 8–18%. This force-sensing approach has strong potential for a wide area of robotic applications.