cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refitting bones: negative evidence, site structure and social organization

AbstractBone refitting and individual carcass re-assembling can inform us about technological processes of prey carcass treatment, including transport, butchering and consumption. Moreover, spatial aspects of consumption patterns can lend insight into economic and social organization. The relative position of the archaeological site in the sequence from acquisition to discard may largely determine the probability for meaningful mechanical, articulating and bilateral refitting of faunal skeletal elements. Presence or absence of such refits may help us in determining the relativeposition of the site across the landscape. Examplesfrom the late Upper Paleolithic are used to explore site function and demography.
Experimental studies of {sup 4}He-film adsorption on cesium surfaces

A number of experimental investigations have confirmed the theoretical prediction that thick {sup 4}He films will not form on sufficiently cold cesium surfaces. The authors have used a quartz crystal microbalance to study {sup 4}He adsorption on chemically clean Cs surfaces. Thick, saturated films of {sup 4}He are not stable on these surfaces unless the temperature exceeds 1.95 K. Thick and thin unsaturated films coexist along a phase boundary called a prewetting line that begins on the saturated vapor pressure curve at 1.95 K and ends at a critical temperature near 2.5 K. These features are characteristic of a first order wetting transition with a wetting temperature of 1.95 K. The Cs surfaces are prepared by evaporating Cs metal over the gold electrodes on the microbalance. The authors can vary the Cs coverage in monolayer increments from bare gold to thick Cs. The evolution from complete wetting on gold to first order wetting at 1.95 K will be described.
Flavor Aspects of Whey Protein Ingredients

Abstract The demand for whey protein ingredients is increasing globally. Whey protein ingredients are typically used for their unique functionality and nutritional qualities; however, flavor is a primary driver in whey protein acceptance that should not be overlooked. Sensory analysis techniques can be used to measure flavor intensity and variability in whey protein products. When combined with analytical chemistry techniques, these tests can be used to determine the origin of many flavors and off-flavors common to whey proteins. This chapter addresses current research on whey protein flavors and the influence of processing and handling on whey protein flavor and flavor stability.
Prioritising Heritage Resources in a Time of Loss: Sea Level Rise and Archaeological Resources of the Middle Atlantic Region, US

ABSTRACTThe US Middle Atlantic region, known for its rich archaeological record and diverse topographic settings, is experiencing a range of climate change impacts, most notably: sea level rise and coastal erosion in its tidal zones. Documented palaeostratigraphic and palynological studies throughout the region provide a record of late Pleistocene/Holocene environmental response to changing climate, confirming observations from other disciplines that the magnitude of modern impacts exceeds past temporal and spatial patterns. The corresponding impact on archaeological resources is great, requiring a renewed effort to document threatened sites while also working with local and state governments to develop mitigation strategies. The Middle Atlantic Archaeological Conference (MAAC) created the Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Committee to promote regional partnerships in site impact assessment and mitigation strategies. The network highlights the predicament of archaeology in this time of climate change: accele...
A patient with squamous cell carcinoma in-situ successfully treated with intralesional 5-Fluorouracil and topical trichloroacetic acid.

Background: The current gold standard and the first line of treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer is surgical excision. Nevertheless, some patients are not good candidates for surgery when wound h...
Control of vocal loudness in singing

Vocal loudness in sones is quantified on the basis of changes in spectral slope and harmonic tuning in a range of singing fundamental frequencies of 125 Hz to 1000 Hz. Spectral slope of the mouth output pressure is bracketed in the range of -3 dB/octave to -12 dB/octave to reflect a typical glottal spectrum from breathy to pressed adduction. To approximate formant tuning of harmonics, the SPL level of the first three harmonics is raised by 10, 20, and 30 dB. It is shown that spectral slope change is more effective in increasing vocal loudness than tuning a single harmonic with a vocal tract resonance. Some applications to amplified and unamplified vocal production and respective training are given.Vocal loudness in sones is quantified on the basis of changes in spectral slope and harmonic tuning in a range of singing fundamental frequencies of 125 Hz to 1000 Hz. Spectral slope of the mouth output pressure is bracketed in the range of -3 dB/octave to -12 dB/octave to reflect a typical glottal spectrum from breathy to pressed adduction. To approximate formant tuning of harmonics, the SPL level of the first three harmonics is raised by 10, 20, and 30 dB. It is shown that spectral slope change is more effective in increasing vocal loudness than tuning a single harmonic with a vocal tract resonance. Some applications to amplified and unamplified vocal production and respective training are given.
Development of a 5-exo, 6-exo tandem radical cyclization to access bisabosqual A

Abstract Substrates were designed to undergo tandem radical cyclizations to afford the cis, cis-fused hexahydrobenzofurobenzopyran ring system of the bisabosquals. Studies with these revealed that different initiating systems gave different yields and somewhat different diastereomeric ratios. A photocatalytic cyclization was also successful with the bisabosqual substrate.
Role of Tyrosine Kinase in Fibroblast Compaction and Cerebral Vasospasm

Hemolysate, a proposed causative agent for cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage, produces contraction of cerebral arteries by activation of tyrosine kinases. In addition, hemolysate accelerates fibroblast collagen compaction that could play a role in cerebral vasospasm. We studied the effect of hemolysate on tyrosine phosphorylation and fibroblast collagen compaction in cultured dog cerebral and human dermal fibroblasts using tyrosine kinase inhibitors and tyrosine antibodies (Western blot). 1) Hemolysate was found to enhance tyrosine phosphorylation of two proteins approximately 64 and 120 kDa. The effect of hemolysate was time- and concentration-dependent. 2) Two main components in hemolysate, oxyhemoglobin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), produced similar results to that of hemolysate. 3) Tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and tyrphostin A51 (30 microM) markedly reduced the effect of hemolysate on tyrosine phosphorylation. 4) In another study, hemolysate increased fibroblast collagen compaction and the effect of hemolysate was reduced by genistein and tyrphostin A51. We conclude that hemolysate activates tyrosine kinase that may lead to acceleration of fibroblast compaction. This effect of hemolysate may contribute to cerebral vasospasm.
New modalities for understanding dynamic regulation of the somatotropic (GH) axis: explication of gender differences in GH neuroregulation in the human.

BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine regulation of the somatotropic (GH) axis is under the direction of hypothalamic signals, intrapituitary mechanisms, and multi-level feedback control. Consequently, understanding the regulation of the physiologically pulsatile mode of GH release in vivo is a substantial challenge. OBJECTIVES To present and review several new modalities designed to unmask novel features of physiological regulation of the GH axis. To this end, I emphasize gender differences in the control of pulsatile GH release, while highlighting the new approaches to uncovering such differences. SUBJECTS Human volunteers. METHODS Novel investigative modalities include: (1) a high-sensitivity chemiluminescence GH assay capable of measuring 0.002 microgram/l of GH when utilized with a new discrete variance model for assay data reduction; (2) the technique of standardized linear regression to compare GH measures in men versus women; (3) the application of so-called deconvolution analysis, which is designed to estimate underlying rates of pulsatile hormone (GH) secretion as well as hormone half-life from a given plasma GH concentration profile; (4) an approximate entropy (ApEn) statistic to quantify the regularity or orderliness of hormone release, by assigning a single non-negative number that is a measure of the pattern reproducibility in the data; and (5) the evolution of network models to represent the physiological connections and feedback activities of the GH axis. RESULTS The foregoing new methodologies have collectively uncovered prominent gender differences in the regulation of the GH axis, which encompass: (i) higher mean serum GH concentrations due to greater GH secretory burst mass in women than men; (ii) relatively reduced suppressibility of GH by oral glucose administration due to greater GH secretory burst mass in women compared to men, with no apparent gender differences in the frequency of GH secretory bursts or the GH half-life in plasma; (iv) a remarkably higher degree of irregularity or disorder in the GH release process in women or female rats compared to male counterparts, indicating significantly reduced pattern reproducibility in the female; (v) an approximately two-fold greater sensitivity of men compared to women to the negative effects of age and increased percentage body fat and the positive impact of physical fitness on mean serum GH concentrations; and (vi) the ability of a multinodal network to capture the feedback relationships observed in vivo among GHRH, somatostatin, GH secretion, and GH and IGF-I negative feedback. CONCLUSIONS New analytical modalities for understanding dynamic regulation of the GH axis disclose a wide array of specific, prominent, and quantifiable gender differences in the physiological control mechanisms that direct this important neuroendocrine axis.
Emerging themes in e-learning: A review from the stakeholders' perspective

Abstract This paper provides a detailed review of the emerging themes on e-learning methods in organizations. It critically examines the advantages, disadvantages challenges, critical success factors, theories and models from the stakeholder's perspective. The paper also elucidates the changing trends in these themes along the progression of Web era. Electronic database like PROQUEST, EBSCO and JSTOR were accessed to search for tiered articles published between 2000 and 2018 using keywords such as “e learning”, “web-based learning” and “online learning” in organizations. 138 articles from tiered journals were critically reviewed. It was found that in the last two decades there have been various social, technological and organizational factors that have impacted the e learning stakeholders and no stakeholder influences the world of electronic learning in isolation. All the stakeholders have to keep up to the changing trends of technology and the associated learning environment. Rapid technological advancements and aligned changes in the learning environment is the unremitting challenge that stakeholders' face, which when tackled competently yields an effective e learning environment.
Toward an Affine Feature-Based Registration Method for Ground Glass Lung Nodule Tracking.

Lung nodule progression assessment from medical imaging is a critical biomarker for assessing the course of the disease or the patient's response to therapy. CT images are routinely used to identify the location and size and rack the progression of lung nodules. However, nodule segmentation is challenging and prone to error, due to the irregular nodule boundaries, therefore introducing error in the lung nodule quantification process. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of a feature-based affine image registration framework that enables us to register two time point thoracic CT images as a means to account for the back-ground lung tissue deformation, then use digital subtraction images to assess tumor progression/regression. We have demonstrated this method on twelve de-identified patient datasets and showed that the proposed method yielded a better than 1.5mm registration accuracy vis-a-vis the widely accepted non-rigid image registration techniques. To demonstrate the potential clinical value of our described technique, we conducted a study in which our collaborating clinician was asked to provide an assessment of nodule progression/regression using the digital subtraction images post-registration. This assessment was consistent, yet provided more confidence, than the traditional lung nodule tracking based on visual analysis of the CT images.
Bi-modal resonance and spectral characteristics of a thin chiral slab resonator on an achiral substrate using Fresnel coefficients

Recently, some work involving investigation of polarization states and Fresnel coefficients (FCs) at an achiral/chiral (ACC) interface indicated that depending on specific chiral bands and also the density (or phase index) of the two dielectrics, certain types of anomalous behavior would result. These anomalies included Brewster effects for s-polarized incident light, and total internal reflection (TIR) for propagation from lower to higher phase index. Analog time signals as well as 2-dimensional stationary images were propagated across the ACC boundary to determine the effect of chirality and parameters such as permittivity and permeability under dispersion.1-3 Extensions to the case of two interfaces comprised of an ACC on the front end and a chiral/achiral (CAC) on the back will be considered in this work. We note that a slab resonator is amenable to analyses similar to a Fabry-Perot (FP) resonator. Analysis is carried out here for the chiral slab (say with thickness d) having both ACC and CAC boundaries; here multiple reflections and transmissions are expected. Matlab simulations are carried out by incorporating boundary conditions and deriving the effective transmitted and reflected fields relative to the slab. The results are examined for a thin chiral slab with thickness d (sandwiched between achiral surface and substrate layers) in the range 10-100 nm. The transmission characteristics (which are examined to study the resonance behavior of a typical FP etalon) are investigated as functions of wavelength or frequency in the thick and thin film limits, and results are compared from resonance, resolution and polarization perspectives.
Model Predictive Control of Blood Glucose for Type 1 Diabetic Rats in a Cyber-Physical System

Abstract Advances in sensing and communication technologies have enabled a tight integration between computational and physical elements that is known as cyber-physical systems (CPS). This integration has been also applied to medical devices and healthcare systems and referred to as medical CPS (MCPS). This paper presents development of patient models and algorithms for a MCPS to control blood glucose level (BGL) in type 1 diabetic rats, which is known as artificial pancreas system (APS). An APS consists of continuous glucose monitor (CGM), insulin infusion pump, and control algorithm that makes autonomous decisions about insulin injection to maintain BGL within a normal range. As the control method, we adopted model predictive control (MPC) due to its robustness, flexibility, and use of constraints. Cyber-physical interactions in APS occur by physiological feedback (BGL read by CGM) to the controller, and developing MPC requires identification of such a model of glucose-insulin interactions to predict BGL and take an appropriate action accordingly. In this study, a physiological patient model of diabetic rats is developed and fitted to the data collected from a subject. Using the patient model, we train an artificial neural network (ANN) that predicts BGL based on time-series input data. Considering BGL predicted by the ANN, the NN-MPC controls insulin injection so that BGL can be maintained within the normal range. A simulation study showed the NN-MPC yielded a good performance in a simulated environment. The study showed the potential of the proposed approach for developing a fully closed-loop MCPS for BGL control.
Statistical equilibria in economic systems: Socio-combinatorial or individualist-reductionist characterizations?

This paper motivates the distinctive analytical usefulness of socio-combinatorial characterizations of statistical equilibria in economic systems. It does so by drawing on Gibbs’ approach to thermodynamic ensembles and on Jaynes’ epistemic characterization of probabilities, entropy, and associated concepts. The resulting approach is contrasted with two classes of individualist-reductionist characterizations of statistical equilibria that are influential among economists and physicists: Micro-econometric cross-sectional and drift-diffusion models. Two illustrative applications contrast the insights each approach offers into the economic and social content of observed statistical equilibria, involving distributions of individual incomes and rates of return for individual enterprises.
Central serous chorioretinopathy treatment with a systemic PDE5 and PDE6 inhibitor (sildenafil)

Abstract Purpose Examine the use of systemic phosphodiesterase inhibition (sildenafil) to clear central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Observations In a long-standing CSCR patient, sildenafil produced a rapid resolution. When discontinued (dechallenge) the CSCR returned. When rechallenged, the CSCR again rapidly disappeared and did not recur in 5 months of continued therapy. Conclusions AND IMPORTANCE: Systemic sildenafil can cause rapid clearance of CSCR and can augment or replace other treatments.
Raya Dunayevskaya’s Concept of Dialectic

Hudis and Anderson argue that the twenty-first century has experienced a revival of Marxist thought in many spheres, as well as important academic writings on Hegel. However, these two streams of thought have operated in separate spheres, since recent Marxist writing has avoided Hegel and dialectics, while academic writing on Hegel has avoided Marx and Marxism. They argue that Dunayevskaya’s writings can help to bridge this divide. In an essay that originally appeared as the introduction to Power of Negativity (2002), a posthumous collection of Dunayevskaya’s writings on the dialectic, Hudis and Anderson provide a brief intellectual biography of Dunayevskaya, stressing her work on the dialectic, but also touching on her theory of state capitalism and its relationship to a critique of Stalinism and fascism. They trace her key philosophical insight, Hegel’s absolute negativity as new beginning, from her earliest writings. Their discussion ranges from the 1953 Letters on Hegel’s Absolutes and Marxism and Freedom (1958), to her most deeply philosophical work, Philosophy and Revolution (1973), and to the writings she left in draft form at her death in 1987. In so doing, Hudis and Anderson show affinities and differences between Dunayevskaya’s concept of dialectic those of other Hegelian Marxists like Lenin, C. L. R. James, Marcuse, and Lukacs. They draw still sharper contrasts between her work and that of Adorno, who rejected Hegel’s concept of negativity in favor of his version of “negative dialectics,” and of Derrida, whose deconstructionism attacked the entire dialectical tradition.
Enhancing investigative pattern detection via inexact matching and graph databases

Tracking individuals or groups based on their hidden and/or emergent behaviors is an indispensable task in homeland security, mental health evaluation, and consumer analytics. On-line and off-line communication patterns, behavior profiles and social relationships form complex dynamic evolving knowledge graphs. Investigative search involves capturing and mining such large-scale knowledge graphs for emergent profiles of interest. While graph databases facilitate efficient and scalable operations on complex heterogeneous graphs, dealing with incomplete, missing and/or inconsistent information and need for adaptive querying pose major challenges. We address these by proposing an inexact graph pattern matching method, which is implemented in a graph database with a scoring mechanism that helps identify hidden behavioral patterns. PINGS ( P rocedures for IN vestigative G raph S earch), a graph database library of procedures for investigative graph search is presented. Results presented demonstrate the capability of detecting individuals/groups meeting query criteria as well as the iterative query performance in graph databases. We evaluate our approach on three datasets: a synthetically generated radicalization dataset, a publicly available patient's ICU hospitalization stays dataset, and a crime dataset. These varied datasets demonstrate the wide-range applicability and the enhanced effectiveness of observing suspicious or latent trends in investigative domains.
Severely Calcific Coronary Artery Lesion Interventions

Calcific coronary lesions have been associated with multiple complications, including poor response to balloon angioplasty, dissection during PTCA/predilatation, difficulty in stent delivery and inadequate stent expansion [1–4]. This complexity associated with severely calcific lesion intervention has been associated with increase in-hospital (12.3% vs 1.5%) and 1-year MACE (24.2% vs. 5.4%) when compared to lesions with no/mild calcium [5]. Optimal stent delivery and apposition require adequate preparation and modification with super-high pressure noncompliant balloons, cutting balloon atherotomy or atherectomy devices.
Innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems: fintech in the financial services industry

Technological change that arises outside an industry and is used within it affects entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems, but remains understudied. In this project we assess the role of financial technology (fintech) innovation in the process of firm entry into the investment advisory sector, bearing in mind that the core of this innovation arises from technological development that is external to the industry. Our analysis of a sector of the U.S.-based financial services industry indicates that fintech innovation has contributed to a substantial increase in the rate of entrepreneurial entry into the industry. More importantly, we show that this innovation has an asymmetric effect on the firms in the industry, strengthening startups and smaller firms while increasing competitive pressure on larger incumbents. Our findings contribute to the literature by exemplifying that external technology shocks can change market structure by strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems.
RKKY coupled local-moment magnetism in NaFe 1 − x Cu x As

A central question in a large class of strongly correlated electron systems, including heavy fermion compounds and iron pnictides, is the identification of different phases and their origins. It has been shown that the antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase in some heavy fermion compounds is induced by Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction between localized moments, and that the competition between this interaction and Kondo effect is responsible for quantum criticality. However, conclusive experimental evidence of the RKKY interaction in pnictides is lacking. Here, using high resolution $^{23}\mathrm{Na}$ NMR measurements on lightly Cu-doped metallic single crystals of ${\mathrm{NaFe}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{x}\mathrm{As}$ $(x\ensuremath{\approx}0.01)$ and numerical simulation, we show direct evidence of the RKKY interaction in this pnictide system. Aided by computer simulation, we identify the $^{23}\mathrm{Na}$ NMR satellite resonances with the RKKY oscillations of spin polarization at Fe sites. Our $^{23}\mathrm{Na}$ spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation data exhibit a signature of an itinerant and inhomogeneous AFM phase in this system, accompanied by a simulation of Cu-induced perturbation to the ordered moments on the Fe sites. Our NMR results indicate coexistence of local and itinerant magnetism in lightly Cu-doped ${\mathrm{NaFe}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{x}\mathrm{As}$.
Ski Flexure in Uncompacted Snow

Let us consider the load distribution for a ski as it rides through uncompacted snow and compacts the snow bed [1]. The relation for the compaction pressure on a plunger pushing into the snow surface is p = ky n , where p is the pressure needed to compact the snow to a depth y and k and n are functions of the initial density of the snow. The ski, however, does not act simply as a plunger; it slides forward at the same time. As a result, a plowing force acts upon the ski opposite to the ski’s direction of motion. The snow-compaction loading over the base of the ski causes a reversed camber in the ski, and the ski assumes a configuration like the one shown in Fig. T12.1. The several forces and the geometry labeled in the figure will be referred to throughout the discussion that follows.
Nigeria’s Mainstream Salafis between Boko Haram and the State

This article examines northern Nigeria’s mainstream Salafis – figures who advocate exclusive, literalist, exoterically-minded readings of scripture, but who oppose the violence of the fringe Salafi sect Boko Haram. The article argues that the emergence of Boko Haram has placed mainstream Salafis in a complicated position vis-a-vis both Salafi-leaning audiences and the state. In the face of accusations by state and society that all Salafis are connected to Boko Haram, mainstream Salafis have worked to undermine Boko Haram’s messages and Salafi credentials in order to maintain influence over Salafi-leaning youth. Along with other voices in northern Nigeria, mainstream Salafis have also externalized blame for Boko Haram’s violence, attributing Boko Haram’s existence to the state, to Christians and Jews, and/or to Western powers. They have also criticized the state’s response to Boko Haram. Finally, they advocate for perceived northern Muslim interests but attempt to avoid being seen as pro-government.
Jaw function: Part III. Condylar placement and condylar retrusion

Abstract Anatomic exercises relative to border path positions have shown that comparatively inelastic structures are responsible for verifiable and reproducible jaw movements. An acceptable theory of jaw function has shed light on the problem, particularly since the entire chewing cycle is associated intimately with the mechanics of motion. Since the mandible must move during function, it naturally obeys certain basic mechanical laws. In addition, the underlying anatomic structure of the entire apparatus dictates how the mechanical movement can be implemented. These inherent control factors must be recognized and utilized if teeth are to be articulated successfully. The problem of so-called mandibular retrusion is an optical illusion and is primarily the result of the basic mechanical inaccuracy of the articulators now used for diagnostic purposes. They are incapable of duplicating a natural, normal hinge occlusion, and casts assembled on them will, in most instances, show the lower occlusal surfaces to be in an apparent retrusion. The reasons for this failure cannot be elaborated now, but the fault lies in the mechanics of the instruments used. With the functional jaw synergy in action, all power chewing terminates on the rotational segment of the posterior border path, in other words, against the temporomandibular ligament with the condyle anchored in hinge position. This is an anatomic and mechanical necessity, because complicated occlusal surfaces cannot bypass one another without trauma unless they are subject to definite and reproducible controls. The ligaments are of primary concern in the delineation of precise occlusal relationships. They are responsible for constant hinge radii, they guide the condyle to its fulcral position, and they prohibit retrusive condylar invasion into the recess of the mandibular fossa. The entire theory of forced condylar retrusion is open to serious question, as is the idea of retrusive mandibular occlusal relationships. The answer lies in a conceptual idea of articulation which is being elaborated rapidly. Dentistry will be enriched by this knowledge and the goal of reproducible and precise articulation will be reached.
Quantum Gravity and Quantum Field Theory in a Curved Space Report of Workshop D1

The workshop D1, ‘Quantum Gravity’, was divided into two parts. The first and the longer part was devoted to a review of major developments that have occurred in recent years(1) while the second part was concerned more with directions for future. The review talks were given by Bernard Kay (Quantum Field Theory in curved space-times) Andy Strominger (Higher Derivative Quantum Gravity), Rafael Sorkin(2) (Global and Topological Aspects of Quantum Gravity), and, Lee Smolin (Conceptual problems in Quantum Gravity), and several directions for future work in the area were suggested by Jim Hartle, John Klauder, David Finkelstein and Roger Penrose.
Algebraic Curves and Riemann Surfaces

Riemann surfaces: Basic definitions Functions and maps More examples of Riemann surfaces Integration on Riemann surfaces Divisors and meromorphic functions Algebraic curves and the Riemann-Roch theorem Applications of Riemann-Roch Abel's theorem Sheaves and Cech cohomology Algebraic sheaves Invertible sheaves, line bundles, and $\check H^1$ References Index of notation Index of terminology.
Authenticated key agreement with key re-use in the short authenticated strings model

Serge Vaudenay [20] introduced a notion of Message Authentication (MA) protocols in the Short Authenticated String (SAS) model. A SAS-MA protocol authenticates arbitrarily long messages sent over insecure channels as long as the sender and the receiver can additionally send a very short, e.g. 20 bit, authenticated message to each other. The main practical application of a SAS-MA protocol is Authenticated Key Agreement (AKA) in this communication model, i.e. SAS-AKA, which can be used for so-called "pairing" of wireless devices. Subsequent work [9,12,10] showed three-round SAS-AKA protocols. However, the Diffie-Hellman (DH) based SAS-AKA protocol of [10] requires choosing fresh DH exponents in each protocol instance, while the generic SAS-AKA construction given by [12] applies only to AKA protocols which have no shared state between protocol sessions. Therefore, both prior works exclude the most efficient, although not perfect-forward-secret, AKA protocols that re-use private keys (for encryption-based AKAs) or DH exponents (for DH-based AKAs) across multiple protocol sessions. In this paper, we propose a novel three-round encryption-based SAS-AKA protocol, using non-malleable commitments and CCA-secure encryption as tools, which we show secure (but without perfect-forward secrecy) if each player reuses its private/public key across protocol sessions. The cost of this protocol is dominated by a single public key encryption for one party and a decryption for the other, assuming the Random Oracle Model (ROM). When implemented with RSA encryption the new SAS-AKA protocol is especially attractive if the two devices being paired have asymmetric computational power (e.g., a desktop and a keyboard).
Sequential Proximity-Based Clustering for Telecommunication Network Alarm Correlation

Alarm correlation for fault management in large telecommunication networks demands scalable and reliable algorithms. In this paper, we propose a clustering based alarm correlation approach using sequential proximity between alarms. We define two novel distance metrics appropriate for measuring similarity between alarm sequences obtained from interval-based division: 1) the two-digit binary metric that values the occurrences of two alarms in neighboring intervals to tolerate the false separation of alarms due to interval-based alarm sequence division, and 2) the sequential ordering-based distance metric that considers the time of arrival for different alarms within the same interval. We validate both metrics by applying them with hierarchical clustering using real-world cellular network alarm data. The efficacy of the proposed sequential proximity based alarm clustering is demonstrated through a comparative study with existing similarity metrics.
Pediatric and Adult Congenital Endocardial Lead Extraction or Abandonment Decision (PACELEAD) survey of lead management.

Background: Nonfunctional, dysfunctional, recalled, or additional endocardial leads in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients pose significant challenges for management. There are no set standards for lead extraction in this patient population. Methods: Physician members of the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) were contacted via e-mail and invited to respond to a 33-question online Pediatric and Adult Congenital Endocardial Lead Extraction or Abandonment (PACELEAD) survey. Results: Responses were received from 75 of 138 (54%) physician members of PACES. Institutional volumes of device placement ( 70%) for class IIa indications such as bacteremia, chronic pain that is not medically manageable, and functional leads with ipsilateral venous occlusion. Lead abandonment was favored (>70%) for one class IIb indication, a functional lead that is not currently being used. Conclusions: Optimal lead management is challenging in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients, and considerable variability of practice is reported in their care. Low institutional and personal volumes may account for this variability. (PACE 2011; 34:1621–1627)
Muscarinic receptor binding and muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylate cyclase in rat brain myelin

High-affinity muscarinic cholinergic receptors were detected in myelin purified from rat brain stem with use of the radioligands 3H-N- methylscopolamine (3H-NMS), 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate (3H-QNB), and 3H- pirenzepine. 3H-NMS binding was also present in myelin isolated from corpus callosum. In contrast, several other receptor types, including alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors, present in the starting brain stem, were not detected in myelin. Based on Bmax values from Scatchard analyses, 3H-pirenzepine, a putative M1 selective ligand, bound to about 25% of the sites in myelin labeled by 3H-NMS, a nonselective ligand that binds to both M1 and M2 receptor subtypes. Agonist affinity for 3H-NMS binding sites in myelin was markedly decreased by Gpp(NH)p, indicating that a major portion of these receptors may be linked to a second messenger system via a guanine- nucleotide regulatory protein. Purified myelin also contained adenylate cyclase activity; this activity was stimulated several fold by forskolin and to small but significant extents by prostaglandin E1 and the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Myelin adenylate cyclase activity was inhibited by carbachol and other muscarinic agonists; this inhibition was blocked by the antagonist atropine. Levels in myelin of muscarinic receptors were 20–25% and those of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase 10% of the values for total particulate fraction of whole brain stem. These levels in myelin are appreciably greater than would be predicted on the basis of contamination. Also, additional receptors and adenylate cyclase, added by mixing nonmyelin tissue with whole brain stem, were quantitatively removed during the purification procedure. In conclusion, both M1 and M2 muscarinic receptor subtypes and an adenylate cyclase system linked to at least some of these receptors are present as intrinsic components of myelin. The possibility that some of these muscarinic receptors may be involved in regulation of phosphinositide metabolism and the protein kinase activities of myelin is considered.
Predictors of long-term survival for localized prostate cancer treated with high-dose IMRT stratified by NCCN 2015 guidelines in a community hospital setting

The primary goal of this study is to determine prognostic factors associated with freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF) and survival for men with localized prostate cancer treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) stratified according to the NCCN 2015 guidelines in a community hospital setting. A secondary objective is to evaluate long-term toxicity at last follow-up compared to pretreatment status (bowel, bladder, and sexual functioning) using a modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) toxicity grading system. A final objective is to compare our results of IMRT in a community-based radiation practice to published results from academic institutions. Two hundred and twenty-eight consecutive men treated with IMRT for organ-confined prostate cancer at Delaware County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) from 2003 when the IMRT program began to 2012 were reviewed on this IRB-approved retrospective study. Biochemical failure was assessed using the Phoenix Nadir +2 definition. CT and MRI treatment planning was used and treatment volumes included prostate +/− seminal vesicles and true pelvic lymph nodes depending on risk assessment based on pretreatment prognostic factors. Median dose to the prostate was 75.6 Gy. Median follow-up for the entire group was 72 months. Ten-year actuarial FFBF for the entire group was 83.2 %. Eight-year actuarial FFBF stratified by 2015 NCCN risk stratification was 95.2 % very low risk, 96.3 % low risk, 81.5 % intermediate risk, 75.4 % high risk, and 38.7 % for the very high risk group (p = 0.02). Patients with PSA 30.65 (p = 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed only the five NCCN risk groups were independent prognosticators for FFBF. Ten-year actuarial survival for the entire group was 61.1 %. Only 8 deaths were secondary to prostate cancer out of 59 total deaths (13.6 %). Ten-year actuarial overall survival stratified by 2015 NCCN risk stratification was 68.8 % very low risk, 81.5 % low risk, 67.2 % intermediate risk, 46.3 % high risk, and 54.9 % for the very high risk group (p = 0.02). Ten-year overall survival rates stratified by age less than or greater than 71.5 were 75.9 % for age ≤71.5 and 55.2 % for age >71.5 (p = 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed only age was an independent significant factor for survival with p = 0.0008. Grade 3 GI toxicity at last follow-up was 0.5 % with no grade 4 toxicities. Grade 3 GU toxicity at last follow-up was 1 % with no grade 4 toxicities. FFBF and toxicity rates are comparable to those reported by academic institutions and literature review of published data with comparison to our community hospital data will be presented. The outcome of IMRT for men with prostate cancer treated in a community hospital is comparable to that of published literature from academic institutions. NCCN 2015 risk stratification is prognostic for FFBF. Age at diagnosis was the only significant independent predictor of survival, suggesting that cancer-specific mortality is minimized after IMRT in localized prostate cancer.
Requirements: Going From User Needs to Detailed Performance Parameters

The requirement development process for a system starts when a user need is first mentioned. Requirement analysis starts when someone tries to interpret this attempted communication. After that the process that leads from user needs to specific performance parameters of an actual system is described by some as “chaotic.” Current methods isolate several user needs at a time, then a few point solutions are studied to determine which one is most cost effective. This paper addresses how this process should be performed for the class of problems where there are many user needs, many possible solutions (i.e. systems), and each solution has some potential for satisfying multiple user needs. The objective is to determine what combination of performance characteristics for each potential system provides the greatest marginal contribution to the entire set of user needs.
Investigation on micro-patterned gold-plated polymer substrate for a micro hydraulic actuator

Plants have the ability to develop large mechanical force from chemical energy available with bio-fuels. The energy released by the cleavage of a terminal phosphate ion during the hydrolysis of a bio-fuel assists the transport of ions and fluids in cellular homeostasis. Materials that develop pressure and hence strain similar to the response of plants to an external stimuli are classified as nastic materials. This new class of actuators use protein transporters as functional units to move species and result in deformation [Leo et al 2005 (Proceedings of IMECE - 06)]. The ion transporters are hydrocarbons which are formed across the cellular membranes. The membranes that house the ion transporters are aggregates of phospholipids rigidized by cytoskeleton. Reconstituting these nano-machines on a harder matrix is quintessential to build a functional device. Artificial phospholipid membranes or Biliayer lipid membranes (BLM) have poor structural integrity and do not adhere to most surfaces. Patterned arrays of pores made on Poly-propylene glycol-diacrylate (PPG-DA) substrate, a photo curable polymer was made available to us for initial design iterations for an actuator. Hydrophobicity of PPG-DA posed initial problems to support a BLM. We modified the surface of micropatterned PPG-DA membrane by gold plating it. The surface of the porous PPG-DA membranes was plated with gold (Au). A 10nm seeding layer of Au was sputtered on the surface of the membrane. Further gold was reduced onto the sputtered gold surface [Supriya et al(Langmuir 2004, 20, 8870-8876)] by suspending the samples in a solution of hydroxylamine and Hydrogen tetrachloroaurate(III) trihydrate [HAuCl4.3H2O]. This reduction process increased the thickness of the gold, enhanced its adhesion to the PPG-DA substrate and improved the shapes of the pores. This surface modification of PPG-DA helped us form stable BLM with 1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3- [Phospho-L-Serine] (Sodium Salt) (POPS), 1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero- 3-Phosphoethanolamine (POPE) lipids. The observed ionic resistance of the BLM remained stable and sustained 4 mm water column for the the four hours observation period. This article describes the procedure we adopted to modify the PPG-DA substrate, form a BLM and the procedure to quantify the stability of the BLM formed with -amine and -thiol head groups in the lipids.
Analysis of fatigue damage in composite laminates

An attempt is made to give a comprehensive characterization of processes of degradation in type 1 and 2 laminated composites under cyclic (fatigue) loading; based on the discovery of a 'characteristic damage state' that forms independently of load history and is determined by laminae properties, orientation and stacking sequence alone. The detailed nature of this state, its formation and its influence on strength, life and stiffness, is discussed.
Three-dimensional nonlinear open-cell foams with large deformations

Abstract In this article, a hyperelastic formulation for light and compliant foams which accounts for nonlinear effects at material and kinematic levels is introduced. This theory is applicable to a large number of 2- and 3-D irregular open-cell structures. An expression for the strain-energy function is proposed which includes bending and stretching contributions. Although this description allows for irregularity in the structure at local or cell level, it also assumes that the macro structure is homogeneous, i.e. built by repetition of the same irregular unit cell. This micromechanical formulation has explicit correlation with the foam structure, and therefore it preserves in the constitutive relation the symmetries or directional properties of the corresponding structures, including the cases of re-entrant foams which exhibit negative Poisson’s ratio effects. Due to the introduction of nonlinear kinematics, the evolution of the structure during the loading process and its effects on the constitutive behavior can be traced, including the cases where configurational transformations are present leading to non-convex strain-energy functions. Several examples of the stress–strain behavior for arbitrary large homogeneous deformations in a diamond-like structure are presented. The effect of the structure reorientation on the transition of local deformation mechanisms is clearly shown. The development of texture and anisotropy induced by the deformation process is also demonstrated. Finally, the role of the deformation mechanisms on the relation between foam stiffness and foam density is analyzed.
RURAL POVERTY, WELFARE ELIGIBILITY, FARM PROGRAMS, AND THE NEGATIVE INCOME TAX

This paper develops four models depicting types and causes of rural poverty in the United States. The recent farm financial crisis has exacerbated rural poverty problems, and many farmers who were not in poverty a few years ago are now in poverty. Policy options for dealing with rural poverty among those farmers who only recently became poor, as well as policy options for dealing with the persistently poor subsistence farmers, are discussed. Implications and options for dealing with poverty within the rural nonfarm sector are also stressed.
Growth of Diamond from Sputtered Atomic Carbon and Atomic Hydrogen

Diamond thin films were grown on a scratched silicon crystal surface by a novel CVD technique. The substrate was exposed to a bombardment of sputtered carbon atoms from a graphite target in a helium DC glow discharge, and subsequently exposed to atomic hydrogen generated by a hot tungsten filament. The resulting diamond films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and SEM. Deposited film quality, and growth rate are presented as a function of carbon flux, and atomic hydrogen flux. The observed increase in growth rate with atomic hydrogen indicates that a surface reaction mechanism may be responsible for growth. The saturation of the utilization of carbon confirms that the diamond growth is probably a surface reaction. Based on this work we propose that the growth of diamond films in the sequential CVD reactor is most likely governed by surface reactions, and that the necessity of gas phase precursors can be precluded.
Electroreflectance and faraday rotation in Pb1−x -Sn x Te

The electronic band structure parameters have been studied in Pb1−xSnxTe by means of electroreflectance (ER) in the absorbing region and of Faraday rotation in the infra-red transmitting region. Interference effects in Faraday rotation have been investigated theoretically in thin-film samples.
Fatal anaphylactic shock following the administration of a protein digest (Amigen)

Abstract 1.1. A case of fatal allergic shock following Amigen administration is reported. 2.2. Passive transfer tests with the patient's serum were positive. The solution of protein hydrolysate (Amigen) used in this patient was not allergenic when tested in guinea pigs and normal persons. It is assumed therefore that the death of the patient was due to an atopic reaction. 3.3. It is suggested that all individuals to receive protein digests parenterally should be tested previously for sensitivity to the digest.
The Medical Detectives

When Robert Koch announced that he had discovered a “remedy for tuberculosis,” it made news around the world. Dr. Howard Markel writes that within a day after analyzing the mass of clinical data, Arthur Conan Doyle came to a startling conclusion: “The whole thing was experimental and premature.”