cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contributions to information-based complexity and to quantum computing

Multivariate continuous problems are widely encountered in physics, chemistry, finance and in computational sciences. Unfortunately, interesting real world multivariate continuous problems can almost never be solved analytically. As a result, they are typically solved numerically and therefore approximately. In this thesis we deal with the approximate solution of multivariate problems. The complexity of such problems in the classical setting has been extensively studied in the literature. On the other hand the quantum computational model presents a promising alternative for dealing with multivariate problems. The idea of using quantum mechanics to simulate quantum physics was initially proposed by Feynman in 1982. Its potential was demonstrated by Shor's integer factorization algorithm, which exponentially improves the cost of the best classical algorithm known. In the first part of this thesis we study the tractability of multivariate problems in the worst and average case settings using the real number model with oracles. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for weak tractability for linear multivariate tensor product problems in those settings. More specifically, we initially study necessary and sufficient conditions for weak tractability on linear multivariate tensor product problems in the worst case setting under the absolute error criterion. The complexity of such problems depends on the rate of decay of the squares of the singular values of the solution operator for the univariate problem. We show a condition on the singular values that is sufficient for weak tractability. The same condition is known to be necessary for weak tractability. Then, we study linear multivariate tensor product problems in the average case setting under the absolute error criterion. The complexity of such problems depends on the rate of decay of the eigenvalues of the covariance operator of the induced measure of the one dimensional problem. We derive a necessary and sufficient condition on the eigenvalues for such problems to be weakly tractable but not polynomially tractable. In the second part of this thesis we study quantum algorithms for certain eigenvalue problems and the implementation and design of quantum circuits for a modification of the quantum NAND evaluation algorithm on k-ary trees, where k is a constant. Finally, we consider the algorithm by Ambainis et.al. that evaluates balanced binary NAND formulas. We design a quantum circuit that implements a modification of the algorithm for k-ary trees, where k is a constant. Furthermore, we design another quantum circuit that consists exclusively of Clifford and T gates. This circuit approximates the previous one with error e using the Solovay-Kitaev algorithm. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Development of a Long-Range Lightning Detection Network for the Pacific: Construction, Calibration, and Performance*

Abstract The waveguide between the earth’s surface and the ionosphere allows very low-frequency (VLF) emissions generated by lightning, called sferics, to propagate over long distances. The new Pacific Lightning Detection Network (PacNet), as a part of a larger long-range lightning detection network (LLDN), utilizes this attribute to monitor lightning activity over the central North Pacific Ocean with a network of ground-based lightning detectors that have been installed on four widely spaced Pacific islands (400–3800 km). PacNet and LLDN sensors combine both magnetic direction finding (MDF) and time-of-arrival (TOA)-based technology to locate a strike with as few as two sensors. As a result, PacNet/LLDN is one of the few observing systems, outside of geostationary satellites, that provides continuous real-time data concerning convective storms throughout a synoptic-scale area over the open ocean. The performance of the PacNet/LLDN was carefully assessed. Long-range lightning flash detection efficiency (D...
PAH Particles Perturb Prenatal Processes and Phenotypes: Protection from Deficits in Object Discrimination Afforded by Dampening of Brain Oxidoreductase Following In Utero Exposure to Inhaled Benzo(a)pyrene

The wild-type (WT) Cprlox/lox (cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase, Cpr) mouse is an ideal model to assess the contribution of P450 enzymes to the metabolic activation and disposition of environmental xenobiotics. In the present study, we examined the effect of in utero exposure to benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] aerosol on Sp4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)–dependent systems as well as a resulting behavioral phenotype (object discrimination) in Cpr offspring. Results from in utero exposure of WT Cprlox/lox mice were compared with in utero exposed brain-Cpr-null offspring mice. Null mice were used as they do not express brain cytochrome P4501B1–associated NADPH oxidoreductase (CYP1B1-associated NADPH oxidoreductase), thus reducing their capacity to produce neural B(a)P metabolites. Subsequent to in utero (E14–E17) exposure to B(a)P (100 μg/m3), Cprlox/lox offspring exhibited: (1) elevated B(a)P metabolite and F2-isoprostane neocortical tissue burdens, (2) elevated concentrations of cortical glutamate, (3) premature developmental expression of Sp4, (4) decreased subunit ratios of NR2B:NR2A, and (5) deficits in a novelty discrimination phenotype monitored to in utero exposed brain-Cpr-null offspring. Collectively, these findings suggest that in situ generation of metabolites by CYP1B1-associated NADPH oxidoreductase promotes negative effects on NMDA-mediated signaling processes during the period when synapses are first forming as well as effects on a subsequent behavioral phenotype.
Cointegration and Causality between Tourism and Poverty Reduction

This study, using cointegration and causality tests, investigates the relationship among tourism development, economic expansion, and poverty reduction in Nicaragua. The results indicate a long-run stable relationship among the three. The causality tests suggest a one-way Granger causal relation between tourism development and economic expansion, and between tourism and poverty reduction, and a bidirectional causal relation between economic expansion and poverty. The nexus of tourism, economic expansion, and poverty reduction is established in the Nicaraguan economy. This result is supported by testing the sensitivity of the Granger causality test under different lag selections along the optimal lag. The empirical evidence points to the potential economic muscle of tourism to seriously tackle Nicaraguan poverty at scale through helping both Nicaragua's public and private sectors allocate resources to tourism development, resulting in the overall improvement of the economy.
Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness Treatment in bipolar disorder: proof of concept for a consolidated intervention

This pilot study examines the proof of concept of a consolidated Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness Treatment (NEW Tx) for overweight individuals with bipolar disorder. Five participants completed NEW Tx, a 20-week individual cognitive behavioral therapy-based treatment comprising three modules: Nutrition teaches appropriate serving sizes and balanced diet; Exercise emphasizes increasing weekly physical activity; Wellness focuses on skills for healthy decision-making. Participants attended most sessions and reported high satisfaction with the treatment. Participants' weight, cholesterol and trigyclerides decreased over the study duration as well as number of daily calories and sugar intake. We found that weekly exercise duration more than tripled over the study duration and depressive symptoms and functioning have improved. These results offer proof of concept that consolidated NEW Tx is feasible and acceptable and has the potential to improve nutrition, exercise, wellness, and mood symptoms in bipolar disorder. Future iterations of NEW Tx will reflect the strengths and lessons learned from this study.
Comparison of zincblende-phase GaN, cubic-phase SiC, and GaAs MESFETs using a full-band Monte Carlo Simulator

We present a theoretical study of metal-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MESFET) devices for three different materials: zincblende-phase gallium nitride (ZB-GaN), cubic-phase silicon carbide (3C-SiC) and gallium arsenide (GaAs). The dc breakdown voltage of comparable MESFETs made with the two wide bandgap materials, ZB-GaN and 3C-SiC are compared to that made with the well studied material, GaAs. In this way, the GaAs calculations serve as a control, enabling an accurate comparison of the device behaviors. The simulations are performed with a new, generalized, self-consistent, full-band Monte Carlo simulator. The new simulator includes fully numerical scattering rates and a fully numerical, overlap-based final-state selection process. A 0.1 /spl mu/m gate-length MESFET is used for all of the simulations, and rectangular wells of lightly doped material are used to model interface states. The calculated dc breakdown voltages of the ZB-GaN, 3C-SiC, and GaAs MESFETs are 18, 16, and 5 V respectively. The previously estimated factor-of-four difference between the breakdown voltage of ZB-GaN and GaAs devices is verified.
Monte Carlo Simulation of the Initial Disordering Rate of Cu3Au Under Ion Irradiation

The temperature dependence of disordering of Cu3Au during ion irradiation has been investigated by computer simulations using MONTE CARLO methods. The investigation was motivated by peculiar experimental observations that the initial disordering rate begins to decrease above ~300 K, which can be explained by vacancies just becoming mobile at that temperature, but then at ~ 475 K, it reaches a minimum and then increases rapidly as the temperature is further increased, up to the order-disorder temperature. The present simulation shows that this behavior can be understood in terms of temperatures dependencies in both atomic mixing in the cascade and the efficiency of vacancy annealing of disorder as the vacancies diffuse out of the cascade.
Role of melatonin in mediating seasonal energetic and immunologic adaptations

Winter is energetically demanding and stressful; thermoregulatory demands increase when food availability usually decreases. Physiological and behavioral adaptations, including termination of breeding, have evolved among nontropical animals to cope with the energy shortages during winter. Presumably, selection for the mechanisms that permit physiological and behavioral anticipation of seasonal ambient changes have led to current seasonal breeding patterns for many populations. In addition to the well-studied seasonal cycles of mating and birth, there are also significant seasonal cycles of illness and death among field populations of mammals and birds. Energetically challenging winter conditions can directly induce death via hypothermia, starvation, or shock; surviving these demanding conditions likely puts individuals under great physiological stress. The stress of coping with energetically demanding conditions may increase adrenocortical steroid levels that could indirectly cause illness and death by compromising immune function. Individuals would enjoy a survival advantage if seasonally recurring stressors could be anticipated and countered by bolstering immune function. The primary environmental cue that permits physiological anticipation of season is daily photoperiod, a cue that is mediated by melatonin. However, other environmental factors may interact with photoperiod to affect immune function and disease processes. Immune function is compromised during the winter in field studies of birds and mammals. However, laboratory studies of seasonal changes in mammalian immunity consistently report that immune function is enhanced in short day lengths. To resolve this apparent discrepancy, we hypothesize that winter stressors present in field studies counteract short-day enhancement of immune function. Prolonged melatonin treatment mimics short days, and also enhances rodent immune function. Reproductive responsiveness to melatonin appears to affect immune function. In sum, melatonin may be part of an integrative system to coordinate reproductive, immunologic, and other physiological processes to cope successfully with energetic stressors during winter.
Carrier Dynamics in Self-Assembled InAs QD Laser Structures and Broad-Area InAs QD Lasers Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

We investigated carrier dynamics in both proton-irradiated InAs-GaAs quantum dot laser structures and in high power broad-area InAs-GaAs quantum dot lasers with windowed n-contacts using time-resolved PL (TR-PL) techniques.
Evaluation of load transfer characteristics of five different implants in compact bone at different load levels by finite elements analysis

Statement of problem The external contour of an implant and the magnitude of occlusal loading can have significant effects on the load transfer characteristics and may result in different bone failure rates for different implant systems. Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of external geometry and occlusal load magnitude on bone failure modes for 5 commercially available dental implant systems. Material and methods Five different implant systems; Ankylos, Astra, Bicon, ITI, and Nobel Biocare, comparable in size, but different in thread profile and crest module shapes, were compared using the finite element method. Type II bone quality was approximated and complete osseous integration was assumed. Occlusal loads of varying magnitudes (0 to 2000 N) were applied on the abutments supporting single tooth restorations at 11.3 degrees from the vertical axis with a 1-mm offset. Total overloaded bone area, where tensile and compressive normal stresses fell outside of the recommended limits of 100 and 170 MPa, respectively, was investigated for different load levels. Results For moderate levels of occlusal loads up to 300 N, the compact bone was not overloaded by any of the implant systems. At the extreme end of the occlusal load range (1000 N or more) the overloading characteristics of implants may be dependent on geometric shape. Conclusion In general, overloading occurs near the superior region of compact bone, in compression, and it is primarily caused by the normal and lateral components of the occlusal load. At the region of intersection of compact and trabecular bone, overloading occurs in tension due to the vertical component of the occlusal load. For excessive forces greater than 1000 N, the overloaded areas of the bone varied considerably among 5 different implants systems evaluated.
The establishment of common language concerning adverse reactions to foods and food additives

A common language is necessary for humans to communicate. Each technical area of our society has its own unique set of definitions that must be accepted for a meaningful dialogue to take place between experts in a specific area of endeavor. Science is no different from other areas of technology, medicine is no different from other areas of science, and allergy and immunology are no different from other areas of medicine with regard to the need for establishing a common language. One of the pressing problems in the area of adverse reactions to foods and food additives is that a realistic set of definitions has not been accepted universally.
(S)‐4‐(Phenylmethyl)‐2‐thiazolidinethione

[171877-39-7] C11H11NS2 (MW 209.33) InChI = 1S/C10H11NS2/c12-10-11-9(7-13-10)6-8-4-2-1-3-5-8/h1-5,9H,6-7H2,(H,11,12)/t9-/m0/s1 InChIKey = SLDUGQISGRPGAW-VIFPVBQESA-N (useful chiral auxiliary for a number of transformations, especially aldol reactions) Physical Data: almost white solid. mp 84–85 °C (EtOH). [α]22D= −129.2 (c 0.96, CHCl3). Solubility: polar organic solvents, ethanol, methylene chloride, basic aqueous solutions. Form Supplied in: fine crystals. Purification: recrystallization from ethanol. Analysis of Reagent Purity: gas chromatography (assay). Liquid chromatography (optical purity). Preparative Methods: synthesized from (S)-phenylalanine by reduction with NaBH4/I2 followed by treatment the resulting alcohol with excess carbon disulfide in aqueous 1.0 N potassium hydroxide at reflux. Handling, Storage, and Precaution: not reported.
All-optical control of light using silicon nanophotonic devices

We present experimental demonstration of fast all-optical switching on silicon using highly light-confining structures. The transmission of the structures can be modulated by up to 94% with switching times of less than 500 ps.
Active Noise Control based on Kernel Least-Mean-Square algorithm

Active Noise Control (ANC) is an important and efficient method to attenuate acoustic noise signals, especially those in low frequency range. Typical ANC system utilizes Filtered-x LMS algorithm (FXLMS), which shows low complexity and high attenuation under linear system assumptions. However, nonlinearity, existing in a real system from noise source to canceling points through electrical and acoustic paths, degrades the attenuation performance of the linear ANC methods. We take into account the possible system nonlinearity and introduce the Kernel LMS algorithm for mapping the data from low dimensional input space to high dimensional “feature space”, where linear operations are applicable. Experimental results are presented for nonlinear primary path transfer function and chaotic nonlinear noise source. Comparison of KLMS and conventional LMS is also shown.
Metformin Reverses Glucose Starvation Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress And Autophagy In The Microvascular Endothelium

Background and Objective: Diabetes Mellitus is associated with a higher incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and poor prognosis in affected individuals; however, treatment with the oral hypoglycemic drug, metformin, is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A MI reduces oxygen delivery and results in nutrient/glucose starvation (GS) with micro-vascular endothelial cells (MECs) receiving the initial impact, the effect being more profound in a diabetic individual as glucose levels drop from hyperglycemia to GS. It is, however, not known whether GS triggers endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy in MECs and whether metformin has any effect on GS associated ER stress and autophagy. Thus, protocols were designed to determine whether GS-induced ER stress and autophagic events could be rescued. Methods— Mouse Microvasuclar Endothelial Cells (MMECs) were subjected to GS for 24h in the presence and absence of sodium-4-phenylbutyrate (chemical chaperone, 4PBA, 10mM) or metformin (50µM and 2mM) and western blot analysis was performed to assess the induction of ER stress and autophagy. Immunofluorescence staining was also done to assess LC3B punctae staining in cells, indicating autophagy. Results- GS caused ER stress as evidenced by significant increase in the levels of ER stress markers such as GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP. Significant increases in the levels of LC3A-II and LC3B-II and an increase in the level of LC3B punctae staining in glucose starved cells confirmed autophagic activation. Treatment with 10mM 4PBA significantly reversed GS induced ER stress and subsequent autophagy. The effects of varying concentrations of metformin (10µM-2mM) were studied. Metformin (2mM) significantly reversed ER stress and autophagy in glucose starved endothelial cells while lower concentrations that were in the therapeutic range had no effect. Markedly decreased LC3B punctae staining in metformin treated glucose deprived cells also ascertained the reversal of autophagy. Conclusions— This study demonstrates for the first time that GS induced ER stress and autophagy in the microvascular endothelium can be reversed by metformin, albeit only at mM concentrations. This work has been supported by QNRF grants JSREP- 3- 016-3-009 and NPRP 4-910-3-244.
Common-Mode Filters With Interdigital Fingers for Harmonics Suppression and Lossy Materials for Broadband Suppression

Common-mode (CM) noise on differential microstrip lines can be suppressed by PCB-embedded filters. These filters use resonating or broadband structures such that only the field from the CM signal couples to them. Based on a quarter-wavelength resonator, a new PCB filter is designed having an electrical size of only 0.15 λ × 0.065 λ, where λ is the effective wavelength in the CM filter. Its interdigital structure is also capable of suppressing higher order harmonics of the CM signal and can be used for USB 3.0 to mitigate electromagnetic interference. Further, a novel broadband suppression structure is described that uses magnetically lossy material to suppress the CM signal from 4.6 to 20 GHz without strongly affecting the intended differential signal.
A Specialist's Quoted Depth as a Strategic Choice Variable

There are two distinct components to a specialist's price schedule, prices and depths. This paper presents a model of a specialist's problem of choosing prices and depths jointly in order to maximize profits. Closed form solutions are provided for both constrained and unconstrained versions of the model. The contribution of this work is twofold. First, the model demonstrates the strategic importance of depths for the specialist and highlights its effect on overall liquidity. Second, the joint responses of prices and depths to various concerns of the specialist may be useful in differentiating between competing microstructure effects. Comparative static results show how depths respond to changes in: (1) the amount of asymmetric information, (2) uncertainty about the terminal value, (3) the prior probability assessments of future prices and (4) the distribution of liquidity trades.
An operational conception of psychotherapy.

(1956). An Operational Conception of Psychotherapy. Psychiatry: Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 371-382.
Two-body current contribution to M1 transitions and moments in /sup 38/Cl and /sup 40/K

We deduce evidence for the existence of a two-body current contribution to $M1$ transitions and moments in nuclei, based on the application of shell model theory to experimental data. A complete specification of a two-body $M1$ operator, within a shell-model configuration, can be obtained by combining data from particle-particle and particle-hole nuclei. For this purpose, new particle-hole relations are derived for $M1$ transitions. The method of analysis is applied to the particle-hole pair $^{38}\mathrm{Cl}$-$^{40}\mathrm{K}$. The two-body current contributions could be effects of either configuration mixing, or mesonic currents, or both.
The Information Flow for a Business to Business Buying Decision Process: A Modeling Approach

An understanding of the information business buyers use in the purchase decision process is necessary if marketers wish to optimize their selling strategy. The principal way for a seller to influence a purchase decision is to provide information to the decision makers. This paper developes a model of the decision process used in business to business buying, concentrating upon the information needs of the decision makers at each stage of the buying process.
Abstract 1585: DNA damage response contrasts in stem and differentiated cells contributing to differential radiosensitivities.

The use of ionizing radiation (IR) for radiotherapy is an efficient method of treating cancers albeit often causing unintended damage to normal tissue. Upon induction of DNA double strand breaks, cells activate DNA Damage Response (DDR) which involves sensing of broken DNA, activation of signal transduction pathways and recruitment of repair factors leading to downstream biological responses including DNA repair and checkpoint arrest. We have established that stem cells are highly radiosensitive to IR as compared to their isogenic differentiated progeny both in vivo and in primary culture models. Failure to sufficiently activate or maintain DDR signals in response to DNA damage may be a possible mechanism for radiation-induced cell death in stem cells. We investigated the differences in DDR signaling among stem and differentiated cells within the tissue niches of brain, intestine, testis and skin in addition to cell culture models of embryonic and neural stem cells and their isogenic differentiated counterparts. Our results indicate an attenuation of the DDR selectively in stem cells, in contrast to differentiated cells which robustly activate the DDR in response to IR. Stem cells lack ATM activation and have unique absence of γH2AX IR-induced foci. Differentiation and loss of “stemness” result in robust ATM activation, the presence of γH2AX foci at damaged sites and recruitment of downstream repair factors at the DNA break sites. Interestingly, while ATM-dependent H2AX phosphorylation at break sites is abrogated in stem cells, strong MST1 kinase-dependent pan-nuclear H2AX phosphorylation at the same S-139 site is observed 6hrs after irradiation exclusively in stem cells, eventually leading to apoptotic DNA fragmentation. DDR proficiencies may be strongly impacted by epigenetic status, which may determine access to the damaged DNA and recruitment of repair factors. We therefore screened for histone modifications that could have either a supportive or inhibitory role on DDR signaling in stem and differentiated cells and discovered that acetylation of histone 3 lysine 56 (H3K56ac) is strongly enhanced in stem cells and negatively correlates with the presence of DDR signals. Knockdown and inhibition of the H3K56 acetyltransferase p300 was utilized to determine if changes in acetylation state could produce both global and local changes in recruitment of DDR factors to damaged DNA sites, and whether these changes differed among stem and differentiated cells. Results of our studies will be presented. Citation Format: Keith M. Jacobs, Sandeep Misri, Dennis E. Hallahan, Girdhar G. Sharma. DNA damage response contrasts in stem and differentiated cells contributing to differential radiosensitivities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1585. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1585
Influence of Coulomb interaction of tunable shapes on the collective transport of ultradilute two-dimensional holes.

In high quality updoped GaAs field-effect transistors, the two-dimensional charge carrier concentrations can be tuned to very low values similar to the density of electrons on helium surfaces. An important interaction effect, screening of the Coulomb interaction by the gate, rises as a result of the large charge spacing comparable to the distance between the channel and the gate. Based on the results of the temperature ($T$) dependence of the resistivity from measuring four different samples, a power-law characteristic is found for charge densities $\ensuremath{\le}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{9}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. Moreover, the exponent exhibits a universal dependence on a single dimensionless parameter, the ratio between the mean carrier separation and the distance to the metallic gate that screens the Coulomb interaction. Thus, the electronic properties are tuned through varying the shape of the interaction potential.
Utilization of Blast Furnace Gas in Metallurgical Industry

The blast furnace gas(BFG) which is byproduct of ironmaking plays an important role in the energy construction of iron and steel works.Utilizations of BFG in Baosteel and Nippon steel are compared and the different usage ways of blast furnace gas are discussed,such as heating,combined cycle power plant and so on.And several methods of improving gas utilization efficient are analyzed for promoting energy saving and environment protection.
Surveillance on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Guangzhou, 2001-2010

Objective To analyze the surveillance data on hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Guangzhou from 2001-2010, and explore the epidemiological characteristics and trend of HFRS. Methods Descriptive epidemiology is used for the analysis of population HFRS surveillance and animal host reservoir.Indirect immunofluorscent antibody (IFA)test applied to detect the specific antibody against Hantavirus(HV)in the sera of rats and direct immunofluorscece assay adopted to determine HV antigen in the lung tissues of rats. Results Total 743 cases were reported,with 4 deaths, incidence rate of 0.81/104,and fatality rate of 0.54%. Both cases and incidence rate were on the rise, with peak time from October to June next year, and the top 3 districts were Tianhe, Haizhu, and Baiyun. Cases reported in male were 3.10 times of that of the female and the most cases seen in age 20-50 year-old people and mainly of workers, housework and unemployed people, business service, and then followed by the peasants and migrant workers. Rats density was 9.64%. 5.56% of rats carried HV antigen and 4.94% of antibody were positive in rats sera..The rat density and species stayed relative constant,but the rate of rats carried HV antigen and rate of antibody positive were on the rise. Rattus norvegicus was the main host (70.01%), with highest rate (6.58%) of rats carried HV antigen and rate (6.02%) of antibody positive in all species. Conclusions The number of HFRS cases was increasing. The control and prevention measures should be strengthened. In addition, whether the mixed epidemic area was evolved from rodent epidemic area, further evidences should be traced.
Prussian Negotiations with King George 1866–1871

Although, with the tacit approval of most of the governments of Europe, the kingdom of Hanover had ceased to exist, Bismarck’s efforts to assimilate the new province into the Prussian state had to be made against the declared opposition of the Guelphs. It was therefore desirable for the Prussian Government to secure from the Guelphs a recognition of the action which it had taken in Hanover. This would, of course, comply with international law by basing the annexation on a bilateral treaty which would protect Prussia against possible later disagreements over the legality of the settlement. Moreover, the concept of legitimacy was still a factor of considerable weight in European affairs. No doubt the rulers of Europe naturally assumed that some form of final settlement between the Guelphs and Prussia should take place. Bismarck, having received the approval of the Powers for the annexation, certainly did not intend to flaunt further the principle of legitimacy by a seeming lack of interest in the Guelphs, who were, nevertheless, royalty. The Prussians, therefore, sought to propose a settlement which would be agreeable to George and his family in order to compensate them for the losses which they had suffered during the annexation.
Fabricating customized hydrogel contact lens.

Contact lenses are increasingly used in laboratories for in vivo animal retinal imaging and pre-clinical studies. The lens shapes often need modification to optimally fit corneas of individual test subjects. However, the choices from commercially available contact lenses are rather limited. Here, we report a flexible method to fabricate customized hydrogel contact lenses. We showed that the fabricated hydrogel is highly transparent, with refractive indices ranging from 1.42 to 1.45 in the spectra range from 400 nm to 800 nm. The Young’s modulus (1.47 MPa) and hydrophobicity (with a sessile drop contact angle of 40.5°) have also been characterized experimentally. Retinal imaging using optical coherence tomography in rats wearing our customized contact lenses has the quality comparable to the control case without the contact lens. Our method could significantly reduce the cost and the lead time for fabricating soft contact lenses with customized shapes, and benefit the laboratorial-used contact lenses in pre-clinical studies.
Geometric phases in neutrino oscillations with nonlinear refraction

Neutrinos propagating in dense astrophysical environments sustain nonlinear refractive effects due to neutrino-neutrino forward scattering. We study geometric phases in neutrino oscillations that arise out of cyclic evolution of the potential generated by these forward-scattering processes. We perform several calculations, exact and perturbative, that illustrate the robustness of such phases, and of geometric effects more broadly, in the flavor evolution of neutrinos. The scenarios we consider are highly idealized in order to make them analytically tractable, but they suggest the possible presence of complicated geometric effects in realistic astrophysical settings. We also point out that in the limit of extremely high neutrino densities, the nonlinear potential in three flavors naturally gives rise to non-Abelian geometric phases. This paper is intended to be accessible to neutrino experts and nonspecialists alike.
The concept of unschedulability core for optimizing priority assignment in real-time systems

In the design optimization of real-time systems, the schedulability analysis is used to define the feasibility region within which tasks meet their deadlines, so that optimization algorithms can find the best solution within the region. However, the complexity of current schedulability analysis techniques often makes it difficult to leverage existing optimization frameworks and scale to large designs. In this paper, we consider the design optimization problems for real-time systems scheduled with fixed priority, where task priority assignment is part of the decision variables. We propose the concept of unschedulability core, a compact representation of the schedulability conditions, and develop efficient algorithms for its calculation. We present a new optimization procedure based on lazy constraint paradigm that leverages such a concept. Experimental results on two case studies show that the new optimization procedure provides optimal solutions, but is a few magnitudes faster than other exact algorithms (Branch-and-Bound, Integer Linear Programming).
Energetic productivity dynamics of global super-giant oilfields

In addition to supplying fuels to society, the oil industry is a globally-significant consumer of energy. Oil sector energetic productivity – measured as output energy per unit of energy consumed – is a major driver of both industry economics and environmental impacts. Increasing climate change concerns necessitate detailed analysis of the energetic productivity of the oil sector. Using an engineering-based life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, we analyze decades-long historical trends of upstream oil production energy return on investment (EROI) for twenty-five globally significant oil fields (>1 billion barrels recoverable). The net energy ratio (NER) and external energy ratio (EER) are used as two measures of oil field energetic productivity. We find that as depletion causes declines in oil output, the associated energy returns decline significantly, with some fields seeing NER declines exceeding 90%. This decrease is caused by reservoir exhaustion forcing increased energy costs in recovery and processing. Probabilistic simulation allows us to generalize from our dataset: over 25 years, this model predicts ∼40% and ∼20% declines in NER and EER medians, respectively. We also derive a general relationship for projecting evolving NER and EER trends. These results have implications for long-run climate/energy system modeling due to potential large increases in extraction energy as global oilfields age. These effects may result in significant underestimation of future energy demand in the global oil sector in long-run integrated assessment models. Lastly, we perform sensitivity analysis examining implications of model assumptions about electricity provision, flare management, and transport.
The Pharmacists' Patient Care Process and More.

The development and approval of the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (“the Process”) by the Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners and incorporation of the Process into the 2016 Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Standards has the potential to lead to important changes in the
Interplay of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in Ni nanowires with Nb leads

In this work we explore the interplay of ferromagnetism and superconductivity of single-crystalline Ni nanowires measured with superconducting Nb leads.
Frequency Combs in a Lumped-Element Josephson-Junction Circuit.

We investigate the dynamics of a microwave-driven Josephson junction capacitively coupled to a lumped-element $LC$ oscillator. In the regime of driving where the Josephson junction can be approximated as a Kerr oscillator, this minimal nonlinear system has been previously shown to exhibit a bistability in phase and amplitude. In the present study, we characterize the full phase diagram and show that besides a parameter regime exhibiting bistability, there is also a regime of self-oscillations characterized by a frequency comb in its spectrum. We discuss the mechanism of comb generation which appears to be different from those studied in microcavity frequency combs and mode-locked lasers. We then address the fate of the comblike spectrum in the regime of strong quantum fluctuations, reached when nonlinearity becomes the dominant scale with respect to dissipation. We find that the nonlinearity responsible for the emergence of the frequency combs also leads to its dephasing, leading to broadening and ultimate disappearance of sharp spectral peaks. Our study explores the fundamental question of the impact of quantum fluctuations for quantum systems which do not possess a stable fixed point in the classical limit.
Harmonizing Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations: Metrics and Accountability.

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this article are to summarize breast cancer screening recommendations and discuss their differences and similarities and to explain the differences between two national d...
Comparison of adiposity indicators associated with fasting-state insulinemia, triglyceridemia, and related risk biomarkers in a nationally representative, adult population.

Abstract Aims We hypothesized that height-corrected abdominal size (supine sagittal abdominal diameter/height ratio [SADHtR] or waist circumference/height ratio [WHtR]) would associate more strongly than body mass index (BMI, weight/height2) with levels of fasting insulin, triglycerides, and three derived biomarkers of insulin resistance. Methods Anthropometry, including SAD by caliper, was collected on 4398 adults in the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. For comparison purposes, each adiposity indicator was scaled to its population-based, sex-specific, interquartile range (IQR). For each biomarker we created four outcome groups based on equal-sized populations with ascending values. Multivariable polytomous logistic regression modeled the relationships between the adiposity indicators and each biomarker. Results Highest-group insulin was associated with a one-IQR increment of BMI (RR 4.3 [95% CI 3.9–4.9]), but more strongly with a one-IQR increment of SADHtR (RR 5.7 [5.0–6.6]). For highest-group HOMA-IR the RR for BMI (4.2 [3.7–4.6]) was less than that of SADHtR (6.0 [5.1–7.0]). Similarly, RRs for BMI were smaller than those for SADHtR applying to highest-group triglycerides (RR 1.6 vs 2.1), triglycerides/HDL-cholesterol (RR 1.9 vs 2.4) and TyG index (RR 1.7 vs 2.2) (all p Conclusions Relative abdominal size rather than relative weight may better define adiposity associated with homeostatic insulin resistance. These population-based, cross-sectional findings could improve anthropometric prediction of cardiometabolic risk.
The iron-nitrogen system

The iron-nitrogen system was investigated by X ray diffraction measurements and a controlled nitrogenizing method. The latter is an innovation and depends on the relation between the nitrogenizing power of an ammonia-hydrogen mixture and the nitrogen content of the iron-nitrogen alloy produced. Several heretofore controversial features of the iron-nitrogen phase diagram are clarified.
Molecular Mechanisms of Chilling-Induced Oxidative Stress Injury and Tolerance in Pre-Emergent Maize Seedlings

The adversities of environmental stresses, such as low temperature, can severely affect the productivity of various chilling-sensitive crops including maize (Greaves, 1996). Because maize is a chilling-sensitive crop, exposure to chilling stress during the stages of germination and early seedling growth can be detrimental to stand establishment. Planting in early spring to take advantage of more optimal temperatures and summer rainfall and to avoid hot, dry summer periods during pollination and fertilization, is one of the most desired agronomic practices in maize (Stewart et al., 1990). Therefore, molecular, genetic and physiological characteristics that improve chilling tolerance are of immense interest to maize producers.
GLIM for Preference

Many types of multiple comparisons data can be described by multiplicative models, consequently GLIM can be used to fit log-linear models to such data, and to produce not only estimates of the parameters of interest, but also standard errors and tests of significance. Moreover as the data consists of counts the adequacy of the model can be tested in an objective way. Three examples from the literature are analysed, fitting the basic Bradley-Terry model and a modified Bradley-Terry model with ties and order effects. The parametrisation used in the case of ties is claimed to be more convenient than that of Fienberg. A test of linearity is also included.
Diversity Versus Pluralism? Notes from the American Experience

Europe is newly concerned with religious pluralism and questions of immigrant inclusion. Seen from the U.S., several issues stand out. First, our experience with diversity suggests that race is as much an issue as religion. Race is not just an American problem; race and religion are everywhere sources of identity and solidarity, just as they are sources of division. The Ellis Island model of immigration, in which churches helped immigrants adjust to American life, may have worked for Whites, but it did not work nearly as well for others. Don’t expect integration on that score. Second, American religious diversity is overstated. Figures show that the apostles of America’s new religious pluralism are talking about at most 9 % of our foreign-born immigrants and 4 % of our native population. The U.S. is still dominantly Christian, though that Christianity is internally diverse. Recently, sectarian Christian diversity has infected our politics, contributing to our current polarization. Racial, religious, and political conflicts are thus alive and well. Is ‘civil religion’ a solution? Not if the civil religion in question is of the priestly or the sectarian kind. At times, however, American civil religion has been prophetic, speaking to the country’s highest ideals. Only then has religion (of any form) been a resource for broad inclusion.
Safe Query Languages

Any programmer knows that programsmay fall into infinite loops and never terminate. Datalog with constraint programs may have the same problem. When providing library programs for naive users, we need to guarantee that our programs terminate and give a meaningful answer each time they are called and for any possible valid database input. This guarantee is what we call safety.
A New Species of Telamonini from the Eastern United States and the Taxonomic Limits of Telamona salvini Distant (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Smiliinae)

Abstract. Three similar treehopper taxa in the genus Telamona—T. salvini Distant, T. subfalcata Van Duzee, and T. stephani Wallace new species, are described and illustrated based on morphological features and geographic distributions. All three species have an acute dorsoposterior area of the pronotal projection and were historically identified in collections as Telamona salvini Distant. Telamona subfalcata Van Duzee, formerly a junior synonym of T. salvini, is reinstated from synonymy. A lectotype is also designated for T. subfalcata. Telamona stephani is the first telamonine species described from the United States in 50 years. As a result of this paper, the genus Telamona now contains 30 valid species.
The Skeletal Impact of Cancer Therapies

Both cancer and therapies used in the treatment of cancer can have significant deleterious effects on the skeleton, increasing the risks for both bone loss and fracture development. While advancements in cancer therapies have resulted in enhanced cancer survivorship for patients with many types of malignancies, it is increasingly recognized that efforts to reduce bone loss and limit fractures must be considered for nearly all patients undergoing cancer therapy in order to diminish the anticipated future skeletal consequences. To date, most studies examining the impact of cancer therapies on skeletal outcomes have focused on endocrine-associated cancers of the breast and prostate, with more recent advances in our understanding of bone loss and fracture risk in other malignancies. Pharmacologic efforts to limit the adverse effects of cancer therapies on bone have nearly universally employed anti-resorptive approaches, although studies have frequently relied on surrogate outcomes such as changes in bone mineral density or bone turnover markers, rather than on fractures or other skeletal-related events, as primary study endpoints. Compounding current deficiencies for the provision of optimal care is the recognition that despite clearly written and straightforward society-based guidelines, vulnerable eligible patients are very often neither identified nor provided with appropriate treatments to limit the skeletal impact of their cancer therapies.
Interventional Radiology: Indications and Best Practices

Interventional radiology employs image-guided techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment. Interventional radiology is often used to place central venous catheters and subcutaneous ports, with some evidence of benefit over surgical placement. Arterial embolization procedures are used to manage many types of hemorrhage and are highly effective for severe postpartum hemorrhage. Vascular interventions, such as endovascular treatment of varicosities, acute limb ischemia, and pulmonary embolism, are superior to surgical interventions. For chronic limb ischemia and deep venous thrombosis, the choice of therapy is not as clear. Inferior vena cava filters can be placed and removed endovascularly, but there is a significant risk of complications that increases over time. Vascular interventions can be effective for scrotal varicocele and uterine fibroids, although fibroid treatment is limited by high recurrence rates. Image-guided percutaneous drainage and biopsy have become standard of care. Interventional approaches are being used in oncology for local diagnosis and treatment. Percutaneous ablation and targeted delivery of chemotherapy and radiation therapy are being developed as alternatives when surgery is not practical. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty provide significant pain and functional improvement in patients with spinal metastases.
An in Vitro Selection Strategy Identifying Naked DNA That Localizes to Cell Nuclei.

Combinatorial chemistry drives the biological generation of protein structural diversity in antibodies and T-cell receptors. When applied to nucleic acids, vast engineered random libraries of DNA a...
The Effect of an Intervention on College Students’ Attitudes Towards People with Disabilities and Self-Directed Mobility

This study delivered an intervention that included education, contact by video, an environmental assessment and reflection activity, and hands-on experiences via a university course that centred on...