cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scattering analysis by the multiresolution time-domain method using compactly supported wavelet systems

We present a formulation of the multiresolution time-domain (MRTD) algorithm using scaling and one-level wavelet basis functions, for orthonormal Daubechies and biorthogonal Cohen-Daubechies-Feauveau (CDF) wavelet families. We address the issue of the analytic calculation of the MRTD coefficients. This allows us to point out the similarities and the differences between the MRTD schemes based on the aforementioned wavelet systems and to compare their performances in terms of dispersion error and computational efficiency. The remainder of the paper is dedicated to the implementation of the CDF-MRTD method for scattering problems. We discuss the approximations made in implementing material inhomogeneities and validate the method by numerical examples.
Occipital-cervical fusion

Abstract Stabilization of the occipital-cervical region is a less common procedure than fusion of the subaxial cervical spine. Fortunately fusion rates are relatively high (over 90%) and complication rates acceptable. The most common indications for occipital-cervical fusion are superior migration of the odontoid region or cranial settling in rheumatoid arthritis, instability caused by tumor or other destructive process, or traumatic injury to this region. Several techniques are used to accomplish fusion to the occiput. The triple-wire technique is safe and works well for relatively stable situations, whereas plate-and-screw or rod techniques may be used for more unstable spines. All should have supplemental autogenous bone graft and postoperative immobilization, usually a halo vest.
Temporal Changes Occur in the Neuroendocrine Control of Gonadotropin Secretion in Aging Female Rats: Role of Progesterone

Abstract The present study examined the gonadotropin surge-inducing actions of estradiol (E2), both alone and with progesterone (P4), in middle-aged, early persistent-estrous (PE) female rats that had become PE within 35 days. In addition, we also assessed the effect of P4 on the mating-induced gonadotropin surges in these acyclic animals. Early PE rats were ovariectomized and received E2 implants (Day 0). On Day 4, an s.c. injection of P4 (0.5 mg/ 100 g body weight) at 1200 h markedly increased plasma P4 and elicited both LH and FSH surges, whereas vehicle-treated controls displayed no rise in P4 or gonadotropins. This observation confirms that at middle age, female rats no longer respond to the positive-feedback stimulation of E2 on gonadotropin surges whenever the estrous cyclicity ceases. As PE continued, such a surge-inducing action of E2 plus P4 became diminished after 75 days of PE and disappeared thereafter. When caged with males, vehicle-treated early PE rats display a mating-induced increase in ...
Evolving Quadruped Gaits with a Heterogeneous Modular Robotic System

There has been much research into the development of robotic controllers in educational, industrial and government research labs, but limited hardware budgets constrain the types of morphologies in which researchers can experiment with. One option is to use LEGO components or other toy-grade kits, but these have well-known limitations. Here we present a heterogeneous modular robotic platform that can be reconfigured to a wide variety of robot morphologies, such as legged robots and manipulator arms. In addition, we have developed a simulation environment for our modules allowing for the artificial evolution, or learning, of behaviors to occur in simulation for transfer to reality. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our system by evolving a quadruped gait in simulation which successfully transfers to a hardware version of this robot.
StablePlus: A practical 100% throughput scheduling for input-queued switches

This paper proposes a practical stable packet scheduling algorithm for input-queued switches, called StablePlus, which combines a stable matching with a heuristic matching. It not only achieves 100% throughput under any admissible traffic but also has good delay performance. StablePlus can be implemented with today's technology for high line rates, e.g., 100Gbps, and a relatively large input-queued switch, e.g., a few hundred ports.
Abstract 145: Endothelial Dysfunction: A Key Determinant of Ventricular Dysfunction in End-Stage Renal Disease

Objectives: Mechanisms underlying the high rate of cardiovascular mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are poorly understood. We sought to determine whether endothelial dysfunction is associated with left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in ESRD. Methods: Stable patients with ESRD (n=75) underwent measurement of: (1) flow-mediated dilation (FMD), using upper arm brachial occlusion, and (2) cardiac mechanics, using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Microvascular function was measured as the velocity time integral (VTI) of hyperemic blood flow following cuff deflation. Eight participants returned for repeat endothelial testing at 1-week intervals. Results: The mean±SD age was 54±11 years, 38% were diabetic, and 17% were on peritoneal dialysis. FMD median (IQR) was 4.7% (2.7-6.9%) and VTI was 0.62m (0.45-0.72m). After adjustment for age, gender, diabetes and systolic blood pressure, lower VTI was associated with worse RV longitudinal free wall strain (β=6.3% per 1m VTI; 95% CI [1.8, 11]; p=0.007). In patients with ejection fraction ≥50%, lower FMD was associated with worse LV global longitudinal strain (β=0.36% per 1% FMD; 95% CI [0.11,0.61]; p=0.005). Mean absolute differences at one week for FMD and VTI were 1.8% and 0.19m. Conclusions: In a diverse cohort of patients on hemo- or peritoneal dialysis, worse endothelial function was associated with LV and RV mechanics after adjustment for clinical factors. Repeatability of FMD and VTI were in accordance with current guidelines. Future studies are needed to investigate whether therapies that improve endothelial function could improve cardiac function in ESRD. ![][1] ![][2] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/graphic-2.gif
Universal constant-g/sub m/ input-stage architectures for low-voltage op amps

In this paper, a novel design technique for low-voltage, constant transconductance (g/sub m/) op amp input stages is presented. The new technique which uses current-mode circuits is based on processing signal currents, rather than handling DC tail currents, to achieve a constant-g/sub m/. Two cases are developed. One is based on processing signal currents (the AC case) while the other is based on processing total instantaneous currents (the TIC case). The adopted design strategy in both cases is universal in that it is independent of the input stage transistor types (FET or bipolar) and their operating regions. It also considerably simplifies the design procedure of low-voltage op amps. To demonstrate the new concepts, universal op amp input stage architectures have been developed and their performances have been verified in both MOS and bipolar design examples. The MOS designs have been verified in both weak and strong inversion. The proposed universal implementations achieve almost constant-g/sub m/, independent of the common mode input voltage range from rail-to-rail.
Clozapine-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility: More than just constipation

CASE A 60 y.o. male with longstanding paranoid schizophrenia was admitted from a local group home with abdominal pain and distention of several days in duration and vomiting for the previous 24 hours. He had been seen in the family practice clinic at this academic medical center on the day prior to admission for similar complaints and magnesium citrate was recommended. An abdominal plain film from that visit was consistent with ileus and moderate stool load. The patient was admitted to the emergency treatment center later that day with newonset vomiting. He was sent home after three soap suds enemas with only minimal results.
The transcriptional repressor even-skipped interacts directly with TATA-binding protein.

The Drosophila homeodomain protein Even-skipped (Eve) has previously been shown to function as a sequence-specific transcriptional repressor, and in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that the protein can actively block basal transcription. However, the mechanism of repression is not known. Here, we present evidence establishing a direct interaction between Eve and the TATA-binding protein (TBP). Using cotransfection assays with minimal basal promoters whose activity can be enhanced by coexpression of TBP, we found that Eve could efficiently block, or squelch, this enhancement. Squelching did not require Eve DNA-binding sites on the reporter plasmids but was dependent on the presence of the Eve repression domain. Further support for an in vivo interaction between the Eve repression domain and TBP was derived from a two-hybridtype assay with transfected cells. Evidence that Eve and TBP interact directly was provided by in vitro binding assays,whichrevealedaspecificprotein-proteininteractionthatrequiredanintactEverepressiondomainand the conserved C terminus of TBP. The Eve homeodomain was also required for these associations, suggesting that it may function in protein-protein interactions. We also show that a previously characterized artificial repression region behaves in a manner similar to that of the Eve repression domain, including its ability to squelchTBP-enhancedexpressioninvivoandtobindTBPspecificallyinvitro.Ourresultssuggestamodelfor transcriptional repression that involves an interaction between Eve and TBP. It is clear by now that control of gene expression in eukaryotes involves repression as well as activation of transcription. A significant number of proteins that are capable of functioning as transcriptional repressors in various assays have been identified, and many of them are known to play key roles inavarietyofimportantcellularanddevelopmentalprocesses. These include, for example, the homeodomain protein a2, which functions with other proteins to control cell type in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (19, 21); the homeodomain proteins Even-skipped (Eve) and Engrailed (En), which are involved in pattern formation during earlyDrosophilaembryogenesis (13,
Analysis of three-dimensional composite materials with non-isotropic or biaxial anisotropic inclusions using a finite difference method

In this paper, the FDM is extended to analyze the effective anisotropic permittivity of composite materials with non-isotropic or biaxial anisotropic inclusions. Numerical experiments have demonstrated that this technique has the ability to effectively analyze three-dimensional complex composite materials with macroscopic anisotropic dielectric properties.
Scheduling manufacturing systems with work-in-process inventory

A real-time feedback control algorithm is developed for scheduling manufacturing systems in which there are three important classes of activities: operations, failures, and starvation or blockage. The scheduling objectives are to keep the actual production as close to the demand as possible, and to keep the level of work-in-process (WIP) inventory as low as possible. The processing time for each operation is deterministic. Failure and repair times are random. Whenever a machine fails or is starved or blocked, the scheduling system recalculates the short term production rates. Using the relationship between system capacity and starvation or blockage, desirable buffer levels and buffer sizes are found. Consequently, the WIP distribution in the system is defined. The production control policy is determined to meet the system performance requirements concerning low WIP inventory and tardiness. The results from the simple case are extended to multiple-part type and then reentrant systems. >
Maximum likelihood rover localization by matching range maps

This paper describes maximum likelihood estimation techniques for performing rover localization in natural terrain by matching range maps. An occupancy map of the local terrain is first generated using stereo vision. The position of the rover with respect to a previously generated occupancy map is then computed by comparing the maps using a probabilistic formulation of image matching techniques. Our motivation for this work is the desire for greater autonomy in Mars rovers. These techniques have been applied to data obtained from the Sojourner Mars rover and run on-board the Rocky 7 Mars rover prototype.
Metabolism and Deposition of Propanol and Acetone Vapors in the Upper Respiratory Tract of the Hamster

Abstract While it is thought that local metabolism may enhance nasal deposition of inspired vapors, there have been no studies designed to quantitate this effect. In the current study, deposition of 1-propanol (a metabolized vapor) and acetone (a nonmetabolized vapor) was studied in the surgically isolated upper respiratory tract (URT) of the anesthetized Syrian hamster. The effect of inspiratory flow rate on URT deposition of acetone could be described by a ventilation-perfusion (V-P) model with a nasal perfusion rate of 0.046 ml/min. Theoretical considerations predict that at enzyme saturation, deposition efficiency will be dependent upon the inspired concentration and that URT metabolism rates can be estimated from the concentration-dependence data. A concentration dependence on propanol deposition efficiency was observed at a flow rate of 200 ml/min, but not at 38 or 71 ml/min. At a flow rate of 200 ml/min, an apparent URT metabolism rate of 3.8 μg/min (95% confidence limits 0.5–7.1 μg/min) was estimated. In vitro studies on nasal tissue homogenates provided metabolism rates of approximately 2 μg/min, values which did not differ significantly from, and therefore, were in reasonable agreement with, the estimates from the deposition studies. After correction for the effect of metabolism, URT propanol deposition could be described by the V-P model with a nasal perfusion rate of 0.050 ml/min. This value did not differ significantly from that observed in the acetone studies. Thus, deposition of both propanol and acetone in the URT of the Syrian hamster could be described by the V-P model. Metabolism appeared to enhance deposition of propanol, but the effect was only observed at the highest inspiratory flow rate, suggesting that nasal ventilation rates may influence the overall metabolic fate of this vapor.
Benefit Incidence, Public Spending Reforms, and the Timing of Program Capture

Assessments of the distributional effects of public spending reforms have generally been based on average rates of program participation by income or expenditure group. This practice can be deceptive because the socioeconomic composition of participants can change as a social program expands or contracts. The geographic variation found in 1993-94 household survey data for rural India is used to estimate the marginal odds of participating in schooling and antipoverty programs. The results suggest early capture of these programs by the non-poor. It is shown that conventional methods for assessing benefit incidence underestimate the gains to the poor from higher public outlays and underestimate the losses from cuts.
Hot Beverages at Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Drive-Thru Windows

The Liebeck hot coffee case is discussed, showing that the court's decision was not whimsical, but predicated on the knowledge and behaviour of McDonald's as represented and displayed by their employees and agents. Subsequent research establishing consumer preferred temperatures for consuming hot beverages is reviewed, as is the literature considering that such temperatures are above medical literature thresholds for injuries, yet not causing injuries. Past and current quick service restaurant (QSR) drive-thru window practices regarding hot beverage service temperatures and warnings are established and examined. Finally, circumstances and conditions under which QSR management need to practice due diligence in providing for their customers are addressed.
Health Sequelae of Breastfeeding for the Mother

Breastfeeding is known to demand use of maternal nutrient stores, but few comment on the positive health benefits of breastfeeding for the mother. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum blood loss by increasing the rate of uterine contraction, lowers the risk of postpartum blood loss by increasing the rate of utering contraction, lowers the risk of postpartum blood loss by increasing the rate of uterine contraction, lowers the risk of premenopausal breast cancer and also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, reduces lifetime menstrual blood loss, may reduce rate or severity of infections, may reduce the risk of spinal and hip fracture after menopause, and may support bonding with the infant as well as an improved sense of self-esteem and success with mothering. This article reviews the literature on short- and long-term sequelae of breastfeeding for women.
Saviors or Scalawags: The Mississippi Black Press's Contrasting Coverage of Civil Rights Workers and Freedom Summer, June-August 1964

This article reviews headlines, articles, columns, and editorials in the three largest black publications in Mississippi during the summer of 1964 to determine how they framed the issues and events...
Superior hemorrhagic polioencephalitis (Wernicke's disease) occurring in an infant-probably due to thiamine deficiency from use of a soya bean product.

A 7½-month-old male infant at necropsy revealed pathologic findings compatible with those of superior hemorrhagic polioencephalitis (Wernicke9s disease). A retrospective dietary history indicated that the child had received a soya bean product because of atopic and gastrointestinal allergy; this resulted in a deficient intake of vitamin B1. The symptoms and signs of thiamine deficiency in infants are briefly reviewed. It is recommended that all physicians consider the importance of vitamin supplementation when prescribing restricted or special diets for young infants and children.
Adipocyte and stem cell grafting: Impact on cancer detection

Cautionary position statements in the 1980s slowed progress in the area of fat grafting to the breast, but interest was rekindled in the last decade by many successful reports. The ASPS formed a research task force to assess the practice of fat grafting, which resulted in declaration of safety in 2009. This chapter discusses the current state of knowledge regarding breast cancer screening and safety after fat grafting and fat grafting with stem cells.
H1- and H2-histamine receptor antagonists and protection against traumatic shock.

SummaryPretreatment of mice with four different Hi-receptor antagonists (i.e., di-phenhydramine, promethazine, pyrilamine, and pyribenzamine) exerted significant protection against Noble-Collip drum trauma (NCDT). Blockage of H2-receptors, however, was associated with an exacerbation of mortality after NCDT. These results suggest that certain actions of histamine on H2-re-ceptors could be beneficial in NCDT in mice, while actions on Hx-receptors may be detrimental.
Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with radiologically occult cause: a retrospective study of 43 cases.

OBJECTIVE. Our purpose was to examine the clinical presentation, imaging appearance, etiology, and clinical outcome in patients who had acute thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein with radiologically occult cause.CONCLUSION. The most common predisposing factors in superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with radiologically occult cause are recent abdominal surgery, infection, and hypercoagulable states. Although no correlation was noted between risk factor and outcome, the presence of bowel wall thickening and mesenteric congestion on CT or MR imaging was associated with the development of bowel ischemia. Prognosis is good in this group of patients, with a mortality of only 7%, although bowel ischemia was noted in 21%.
Mechanism of Enhanced Hydrogen Diffusion in Solar Cell Silicon

Experimental results that support our previously reported observations of enhanced diffusivity of hydrogen in some solar cell silicon are presented. The diffusivities of hydrogen, implanted at low energies, were measured for several commercial silicon substrates. It is shown that the diffusivity of hydrogen in some solar cell substrates is about two orders of magnitude higher than that in Float Zone silicon in a temperature range of 100°–300°C. This value of diffusivity is also close to that observed along some grain boundaries in polycrystalline silicon. It is determined that hydrogen in-diffusion is accompanied by an out-diffusion of boron, and that the hydrogen diffusivity is retarded by high concentrations of oxygen. A mechanism for enhanced hydrogen diffusion is proposed which invokes formation of a highly mobile vacancy-hydrogen complex.
Natural and anthropogenic substrates affect movement behavior of the Southern Graycheek Salamander (Plethodon metcalfi)

Movement behavior is a critical process that interacts with landscape structure to affect population connectivity and persistence in fragmented or altered landscapes. The purpose of our study was t...
Antiphase Boundary Calculations for the L12 Structure Using an Embedded Atom Method Model

A model based on the embedded atom method [1] has been used to calculate antiphase boundary (APB) energies of three low-index planes for alloys having the L1 2 structure. The lattice constant, cohesive energy, unrelaxed vacancy formation energy, bulk modulus, and average shear modulus for each element are used as inputs into the model. Effects of the APB orientation and of the range of interaction in the model are examined. Both unrelaxed and relaxed APB energies are compared with available experimental values and earlier theoretical results. A strong anisotropy was found in six of the seven alloys studied. The {111} APB energy was consistently smaller than that for the {110} APB, while the {100} APB energy was found to be very close to zero with very little difference between the unrelaxed and relaxed values. For both energy and relaxation amounts, the results did not vary much with the range of interaction, so that 3rd nearest-neighbor calculations were found to be satisfactory approximations.
Rational suicide and dementia.

Title: Alzheimer disease and pre-emptive suicide; Authors: Davis DS; Journal: J Med Ethics 2013. Epub 2013 Jul 10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2012-101022. Language: en
Taming hypersingular integrals using dimensional continuation.

We use the method of dimensional continuation to isolate singularities in integrals containing products of Green's functions or their derivatives. Rules for the extraction of the finite part of so-called hypersingular integrals are developed, which should be useful in methods based on boundary integral techniques in science and engineering. In applications to potential theory, electromagnetic scattering, and crack dynamics in continuum mechanics, boundary integrals now can be readily evaluated using computational techniques without recourse to complex analysis or contour distortions since the hypersingularities occurring in intermediate steps of the computations can be isolated and ignored while taking the finite parts of the integrals into account in a consistent manner. We have also identified new forms of the Dirac $\ensuremath{\delta}$ function in $D$ dimensions, which are useful and convenient in the calculations. A summary of the integrable singular integrals is given in tabular form. We extend the considerations to a wider class of Green's functions and present a theorem, with additional results arising from it, that shows that hypersingular integrals associated with three-dimensional potential problems can be reduced to one-dimensional finite integrals rather than two-dimensional integrals, again leading to direct evaluations in such cases. These calculations are compared with existing results to show the efficacy of the approach.
Modeling of Traction Power Supply System Based on the User-defined Model of PSASP

With the rapid development of electrical railway,the proportion of traction loads in the power system is expanding.As the characteristics of fluctuation,nonlinearity and asymmetry have arose some hazardous effects to security and stability of power system,the research on the synthesis load characteristics of traction power supply system is necessary.Using the user-defined model(UDM) provided by the power system analysis software package(PSASP),this paper constructs traction power supply system model.The correctness of interface between user-defined model and PSASP is verified by independent dynamic characteristic program.The different dynamic response characteristics of the traction load model and traditional load model are analyzed.
Rasch Analysis of The WURSS-21 Dimensional Validation and Assessment of Invariance.

Background: The purpose of this study is to use Rasch analysis to explore the validity of considering self-report scores from Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-21) as a single global illness severity domain. The WURSS-21 is a widely used questionnaire instrument that assesses symptom severity and functional impact of common cold and flu-like illness. Methods: This study applies item response theory, specifically Rasch modeling, to investigate dimensional and measurement properties of the WURSS-21, and looks at invariance over time. The data assessed represents 1167 people, each scoring the WURSS-21 once daily for up to seven consecutive days of acute upper respiratory infection (URI) illness. Results: Rasch analysis supports a single domain WURSS-21 global symptom score. Assessment of differential item functioning across seven days of illness provides evidence for measurement invariance. While individual items rating physical symptoms were somewhat variable, items rating functional impairment and quality of life impact appeared quite consistent across a single domain over seven days of illness. Conclusion: Rasch analysis of WURSS-21 items provides evidential support for a single invariant domain. These findings support the practice of using a simply summed daily global illness severity score to represent the overall symptomatic and functional impairments arising from URI.
Suicide-Related Knowledge and Confidence Among Behavioral Health Care Staff in Seven States.

Objective:Death by suicide is a serious and growing public health concern in the United States. This noncontrolled, naturalistic study examined professionals’ knowledge about suicide and confidence in working with suicidal individuals, comparing those who had received either of two gatekeeper trainings—Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) or Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)—or other suicide-relevant training or no training.Methods:Participants (N=16,693) were individuals in various professional roles in the field of behavioral health care in Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. Participants completed a survey assessing suicide knowledge and skills confidence.Results:Most participants (52.9%) reported no previous suicide prevention or assessment training. Individuals with suicide-relevant training demonstrated greater suicide knowledge and confidence than those with no such training. Among those who had received any training, no differences were found in...
TH-CD-BRA-02: 3D Remote Dosimetry for MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy: A Hybrid Approach

Purpose: To validate the dosimetric accuracy of a commercially available MR-IGRT system using a combination of 3D dosimetry measurements (with PRESAGE(R) radiochromic plastic and optical-CT readout) and an in-house developed GPU-accelerated PENELOPE Monte-Carlo dose calculation system. Methods: 60Co IMRT subject to a 0.35T lateral magnetic field has recently been commissioned in our institution following AAPM's TG-119 recommendations. We performed PRESAGE(R) sensitivity studies in 4ml cuvettes to verify linearity, MR-compatibility, and energy-independence. Using 10cm diameter PRESAGE(R), we delivered an open calibration field to examine the percent depth dose and a symmetrical 3-field plan with three adjacent regions of varying dose to determine uniformity within the dosimeter under a magnetic field. After initial testing, TG-119 plans were created in the TPS and then delivered to 14.5cm 2kg PRESAGE(R) dosimeters. Dose readout was performed via optical-CT at a second institution specializing in remote 3D dosimetry. Absolute dose was measured using an IBA CC01 ion chamber and the institution standard patient-specific QA methods were used to validate plan delivery. Calculated TG-119 plans were then compared with an independent Monte Carlo dose calculation (gPENELOPE). Results: PRESAGE(R) responds linearly (R2=0.9996) to 60Co irradiation, in the presence of a 0.35T magnetic field, with a sensitivity of 0.0305(±0.003)cm−1Gy−1, within 1% of a 6MV non-MR linac irradiation (R2=0.9991) with a sensitivity of 0.0302(±0.003)cm−1Gy−1. Analysis of TG-119 clinical plans using 3D-gamma (3%/3mm, 10% threshold) give passing rates of: HN 99.1%, prostate 98.0%, C-shape 90.8%, and multi-target 98.5%. The TPS agreed with gPENELOPE with a mean gamma passing rate of 98.4±1.5% (2%/2mm) with the z-score distributions following a standard normal distribution. Conclusion: We demonstrate for the first time that 3D remote dosimetry using both experimental and computational methods is a feasible and reliable approach to commissioning MR-IMRT, which is particularly useful for less specialized clinics in adopting this new treatment modality.
OS-based Resource Accounting for Asynchronous Resource Use in Mobile Systems

One essential functionality of a modern operating system is to accurately account for the resource usage of the underlying hardware. This is especially important for computing systems that operate on battery power, since energy management requires accurately attributing resource uses to processes. However, components such as sensors, actuators and specialized network interfaces are often used in an asynchronous fashion, and makes it difficult to conduct accurate resource accounting. For example, a process that makes a request to a sensor may not be running on the processor for the full duration of the resource usage; and current mechanisms of resource accounting fail to provide accurate accounting for such asynchronous uses. This paper proposes a new mechanism to accurately account for the asynchronous usage of resources in mobile systems. Our insight is that by accurately relating the user requests with kernel requests to device and corresponding device responses, we can accurately attribute resource use to the requesting process. Our prototype implemented in Linux demonstrates that we can account for the usage of asynchronous resources such as GPS and WiFi accurately.
Optimisation of stochastic assembly line for balancing under high variability

An ideal manufacturing system is characterised by deterministic task times, 100% machine availability and on-time delivery. In a real time production scenario an ideal system does not exist due to the presence of variability. Most line balancing approaches assume deterministic task times while ignoring the impact of task time variability on system performance measures. However, in manufacturing systems such as aircraft assembly, ship building and custom job shops which are characterised by high variability in task times, large number of tasks assigned to a workstation and strict task precedence relationship, traditional assembly line balancing techniques may not be effective. In addition to balancing the task times, it is also important to balance the risk of delay. In this research, a novel heuristic optimisation approach for highly variable task times is presented. Results indicate that the method increases throughput while balancing the risk of delays at each station.
Restaurants, fields, markets, and feasts: Food and culture in semi-public spaces

The articles presented in this special issue explore connections between food and meaning at the intersection of public and private spaces. They highlight the myriad ways in which food and eating practices shape indigenous, national, religious, and immigrant identities. They engage global politics, define and contest the boundaries of community, and discuss new spaces of economic exchange and sociality. The contributors engage emerging constructions of “fieldwork,” “the field,” and place. They consider the challenges and rewards of conducting fieldwork in semi-public culinary spaces, often crossing—sometimes transgressively, always meaningfully—boundaries between public and private, national and transnational, local and global.
Spatial Analysis of Forest Damage in Central Massachusetts Resulting from the December 2008 Ice Storm

Abstract Ice storms are severe meteorological events that often result in damage to forested areas in the mid-latitudes. On 11 December 2008, an ice storm affected northern New York and New England and caused extensive damage to forested areas. We examined topographical and biological factors influencing the spatial distribution of forest damage due to the 2008 ice storm. We assessed 57 forest plots in 7 locations. Forest impacts from the storm were highly variable across the study area. Analysis of genera indicated that Prunus (cherry), Fraxinus (ash), Fagus (beech), and Acer (maple) were particularly susceptible to damage, while Tsuga (hemlock), Pinus (pine), and Carya (hickory) were more resistant. Elevation, latitude, and topographic exposure to post-storm winds after ice-loading were the dominant factors influencing damage levels.
Unlocking the black box: teaching mathematical modeling with popular culture

Mathematical modeling is an important tool in biological research, allowing for the synthesis of results from many studies into an understanding of a system. Despite this, the need for extensive subject matter knowledge and complex mathematics often leaves modeling as an esoteric subspecialty. A 2-fold approach can be used to make modeling more approachable for students and those interested in obtaining a functional knowledge of modeling. The first is the use of a popular culture disease system—a zombie epidemic—to allow for exploration of the concepts of modeling using a flexible framework. The second is the use of available interactive and non-calculus-based tools to allow students to work with and implement models to cement their understanding.
Truncated Autoinducing Peptide Conjugates Selectively Recognize and Kill Staphylococcus aureus

The accessory gene regulator (agr) of Staphylococcus aureus coordinates various pathogenic events and is recognized as a promising therapeutic target for virulence control. S. aureus utilizes autoinducing peptides (AIPs), cyclic-peptide signaling molecules, to mediate the agr system. Despite the high potency of synthetic AIP analogues in agr inhibition, the potential of AIP molecules as a delivery vehicle for antibacterial agents remains unexplored. Herein, we report that truncated AIP scaffolds can be fused with fluorophore and cytotoxic photosensitizer molecules without compromising their high agr inhibitory activity, binding affinity to the receptor AgrC, or cell specificity. Strikingly, a photosensitizer-AIP conjugate exhibited 16-fold greater efficacy in a S. aureus cell-killing assay than a nontargeting analogue. These findings highlight the potential of truncated AIP conjugates as useful chemical tools for in-depth biological studies and as effective anti-S. aureus agents.
Enhanced Resolution Stripmap Mode Using Dynamic Metasurface Antennas

To maintain sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for image reconstruction and image interpretation, conventional synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems must trade off resolution and scene size. This paper proposes a new SAR mode of operation, which improves resolution while maintaining good SNR and a large scene size. It leverages the unique properties of dynamic metasurface antennas (MSAs) to subsample a large virtual beamwidth utilizing multiple small distinct antenna beams. Due to this parallelization in scene sampling, the constraints on the azimuth sampling rate can be relaxed while maintaining an aliasing-free cross range. Due to the versatile properties of MSAs and their cost effective manufacturing process, this paper proposes SAR systems, which can obtain high resolution images over a wide scene size with lower cost and complexity than competing approaches. Point-spread functions and proof-of-concept SAR simulations are shown to verify this approach. In addition, laboratory experiments using a commercial prototype MSA are presented, which show an improvement of 62% in cross-range resolution of the proposed approach, compared with the cross-range resolution of stripmap mode SAR with the same aperture.
4-Point-bending characterization of interfacial adhesion strength of SiN/Cu film stack

In this study, a comparison of the interfacial adhesion strength of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride (SiN)/Cu and High-Density Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (HDP CVD) SiN/Cu was performed using the 4-Point-Bending (4PB) technique. Differences in critical energy release rate value Gc, which is an indicator of the interfacial adhesion strength, were observed. The energy released depends on the Cu/SiN pre-treatment, SiN film thickness as well as the film deposition method.
Evaluation of U.S. Building Energy Benchmarking and Transparency Programs: Attributes, Impacts, and Best Practices

Author(s): Mims, N; Schiller, S; Stuart, E; Schwartz, L; Kramer, C; Faesy, R | Abstract: In the last decade, a new policy area has emerged to boost energy efficiency in buildings that focuses on the simple action of measuring energy use as compared to buildings of similar type and size, and making that data publicly available. These efforts, referred to as benchmarking and transparency (BaT) policies, seek to unlock new energy efficiency opportunities in the country’s existing buildings by promoting data-driven decision-making and creating stronger market signals. This report focuses on the 24 state and local jurisdictions that (as of December 31, 2016) require owners of privately owned commercial buildings, multifamily buildings, or both to comply with a BaT policy. The report provides a summary of U.S. BaT policy design and implementation characteristics, reports results and impacts for jurisdictions with BaT policies, and discusses opportunities for increasing the efficacy of BaT policies, as well as suggested areas for further research. Among the findings, all but one of the BaT policy evaluation studies reviewed indicate some reduction (from 1.6% to 14%) in energy use, energy costs, or energy intensity over the two- to four-year period of the analyses. More specifically, most of the studies reviewed indicate 3% to 8% reductions in gross energy consumption or energy use intensity over a two- to four-year period of BaT policy implementation. Two additional evaluation studies indicate that there is a causal relationship between BaT policies and energy savings or energy cost savings. These documented impacts should be reviewed with some caution. While consistently showing energy savings benefits associated with BaT policies, these savings estimates should be considered preliminary because of the limited period of analyses and inconsistencies in analysis methods for the various studies. A nationally standardized method for data collection, reporting, and evaluation of BaT policies—developed with an advisory group of state and local jurisdictions, energy efficiency and evaluation experts, building owner and real estate associations, and other stakeholders—could improve the consistency and quality of BaT impact studies, providing policymakers and others with a more complete understanding of the present and future impacts of these policies.
A Two-Dimensional Finite Element Method for Integral Neutron Transport Calculations

A spatial finite element method is formulated for neutron transport calculations in two-dimensional reactor lattice cells in x-y geometry. The method is closely related to classical integral transp...
Disorder and Dimensionality in Molecule-Based Magnets

Magnetism is a phenomenon that is dependent upon interactions among neighboring spins. This interaction is strongly sensitive to the geometric relationship of a spin site with its neighbors. Molecule-based materials often have an interaction along one direction which is much stronger than the interaction in the remaining directions, resulting in anisotropic magnets. The presence of disorder effects the establishment of extended magnetic order in materials. This can lead to the onset of a spin glass or correlated spin glass state. This paper introduces the effects of dimensionality and disorder with emphasis on reports of these effects in molecule based magnets.
Abstract 503: Smooth Muscle Cell Cytochrome B5 reductase expression modulates vascular tone

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Nitric oxide (NO) resistance results in an inability of arterial blood vessels to relax contributing to hyper...
To Exchange or Not: Defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Devices and Hematomas

Purpose To assess peri-procedural complications in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients undergoing implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) generator exchange for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Methods In this single-center study, we retrospectively analyzed all current patients with a durable LVAD (n=39) who underwent ICD generator exchange between January 2014 and August 2018. Data was collected from electronic medical records and clinical outcomes analyzed included death, stroke, infection, any hematoma formation, need for blood products transfusion and hospital admission for above reasons within 30 days of ICD generator exchange. Results Of 39 current LVAD patients 15 (38%) underwent an ICD generator exchange. 14/15 (93%) patients were male and mean age was 73 ± 8.2 years. 11/15 patients (73.3%) had the ICD implanted for primary prevention vs. 4/15 (26.7%) had the ICD for secondary prevention. In the primary prevention ICD cohort, none of the patients received a defibrillator shock during the time course of having the device. Mean follow-up from the date of ICD generator exchange was 2.2 patient years. Pocket hematoma was noted in 3/11 (27.2%) primary prevention patients who underwent ICD generator exchange, of which 1 patient was hospitalized for observation of the hematoma. No patients required blood products. All 3 patients who developed pocket hematoma were on antiplatelet therapy with aspirin as well as warfarin with INRs ranging from 2.2-3.5. There were no infections as a result of ICD generator exchange. Conclusion In this single center study, pocket hematoma formation was noted in 27% of the primary prevention cohort who underwent ICD generator exchange. No patients required a blood product transfusion or developed an infection. Of note, no patients received an ICD shock during the course of follow-up. This raises a clinically relevant central question on indication of ICDs and generator exchange in patients with LVADs and no prior history of arrhythmia.
A commentary on learning objectives for accounting education programs: The importance of soft skills and technical knowledge

Abstract Position statements on accounting education have generally called for an increased emphasis on developing students’ so-called soft skills in the hope that accounting graduates will be more well-rounded and productive professionals. Many accounting education programs and individual faculty members have responded to these position statements with efforts to develop, for example, students’ communication skills, ability to think critically, and ethical awareness. Largely missing from the accounting education literature has been a discussion of whether soft skills can effectively be taught or developed at the undergraduate level and whether accounting faculty members are trained or equipped to assume this responsibility. In addition, given the constrained number of credit and contact hours, efforts to develop soft skills have largely been made at the expense of covering important technical material. This paper addresses these issues and further questions the balance between soft skill development and coverage of technical accounting knowledge. Although not a zero sum proposition, it is clear that as emphasis on soft skills development increases there has to be a decreased emphasis on technical issues given the class time constraints. It should be noted that we do not take the position that developing soft skills is not important or desirable. Instead, we focus on how accounting faculty members, given their expertise, can best use the limited time they have to educate our students and to prepare them for careers as accounting professionals.
Representative selection for big data via sparse graph and geodesic Grassmann manifold distance

This paper addresses the problem of identifying a very small subset of data points that belong to a significantly larger massive dataset (i.e., Big Data). The small number of selected data points must adequately represent and faithfully characterize the massive Big Data. Such identification process is known as representative selection [19]. We propose a novel representative selection framework by generating an l 1 norm sparse graph for a given Big-Data dataset The Big Data is partitioned recursively into clusters using a spectral clustering algorithm on the generated sparse graph. We consider each cluster as one point in a Grassmann manifold, and measure the geodesic distance among these points. The distances are further analyzed using a min-max algorithm [1] to extract an optimal subset of clusters. Finally, by considering a sparse subgraph of each selected cluster, we detect a representative using principal component centrality [11]. We refer to the proposed representative selection framework as a Sparse Graph and Grassmann Manifold (SGGM) based approach. To validate the proposed SGGM framework, we apply it onto the problem of video summarization where only few video frames, known as key frames, are selected among a much longer video sequence. A comparison of the results obtained by the proposed algorithm with the ground truth, which is agreed by multiple human judges, and with some state-of-the-art methods clearly indicates the viability of the SGGM framework.
Use of Lumen-apposing Metal Stents for Endoscopic Drainage of Intra-abdominal Fluid Collections in Pediatric Patients.

Introduction Intraabdominal fluid collections that previously required surgical intervention can now be drained with less invasive techniques. The use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) to treat pancreatic pseudocysts and perirectal abscesses has been shown to be a safe and effective technique in adults. We aim to evaluate the indications, outcomes, and complications of the use of LAMS in pediatric patients at our institution. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed to study patients up to 18 years of age at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore who underwent drainage of intraabdominal fluid collections with the use of LAMS. The main outcome measures were technical and clinical success and associated adverse events with LAMS placement. Results Seven patients (2 girls) ranging from 9 to 18 years were identified. Four patients had perirectal abscess postperforated appendicitis and 3 patients had pancreatic pseudocysts. All of the patients had complete resolution of the collections, with no recurrence, and our technical and clinical success rate was 100%. Only 1 patient had mild bleeding after placement that spontaneously resolved. Discussion Our study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of the use of LAMS for the drainage of intraabdominal fluid collections in pediatric patients, although the number of patients included is limited.
Using Developmental Science to Distinguish Adolescents and Adults Under the Law

A developmental scientific perspective on drawing legal age boundaries begins with the premise that the age at which the rights and responsibilities of adulthood are conferred to minors must align ...
Cultural relevance and linguistic flexibility in literature discussions with emergent bilingual children

Spanish-English emergent bilingual children’s range of sociocultural and linguistic knowledge have typically gone devalued in relation to school literacy curricula. This case study examines how eme...