cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility study on parallel transport technology for 40-Gb/s Ethernet over OTN

We present parallel transport technology for 40-Gb/s Ethernet (40 GbE) over an Optical Transport Network (OTN). Key technologies that are newly implemented for 40 GbE termination and its accommodation include transcoding from the 64B/66B code to 1024B/1027B code and rate adjustment using the Generic Mapping Procedure (GMP). We successfully verified the logical circuit feasibility for those functions using a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 136 kilo LUTs.
Curating Ambivalence: An Interview with Erica Lehrer, Concordia University

Jane Lief Abell (JLA): What made you choose anthropology? Did it have anything to do with your interest in photography? Erica Lehrer (EL): I chose anthropology because I wanted to be able to tell good stories that came from sustained attention to small things. I hoped—and still hope— that seeing how individuals (and also objects) are constrained and enabled by the larger social and cultural forces that they are caught up in can create both critical consciousness and empathetic understanding. Photography was an early tool that helped justify my desire to observe and analyze the world around me. I grew up with parents who developed and printed their own photos, so looking closely at the social and material world was part of my upbringing, which I later pursued on my own. My mom liked to take surreptitious photos of couples kissing; my dad preferred seaweed and rusty nails. My earliest attempts to document, make sense of, and communicate about what would later become my dissertation fieldwork (and then my book Jewish Poland Revisited: Heritage Tourism in Unquiet Places [2013]) was through photography—photo essays, and later exhibits, which included field notes and then some material artifacts I had collected during fieldwork. The impetus for making exhibitions grew out of a few parallel realizations. First, I began to see that the topic of my research, namely Jewish heritage brokering in Poland, was a source of great dispute among the people whose cultural imaginaries it implicated. I felt like I needed to be in conversation with these broader audiences—foreign Jews and local Poles (including some Jews)—alongside the ostensibly primary goal of writing for other anthropologists. I was also struggling to capture and transmit what for me was the peculiarity of the forms that “Jewish culture” was taking. These included wooden figurines of Jews and “kosher” vodka in bottles with caricatured Jews on the labels and also the particular aesthetic of the urban landscape—atavistic, candlelit cafes with “Jewish” food
A Model for Predicting the Ultimate Strength of Styrene-Diene Thermoplastic Elastomers Based on the Failure Processes at the Molecular Level

The objective of this investigation is to formulate a model to predict the theoretical strength for styrene-diene thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) that takes into account the failure processes occurring at the molecular level. Styrenic TPEs may fail via either chain pull-out, in which the polystyrene (PS) end-blocks are pulled out of the glassy PS domains, or chain scission, in which the C-C bonds in the elastomer mid-blocks are ruptured. By relating the microscopic deformation of an individual chain to the macroscopic strain rate, the maximum force a chain can sustain is obtained. The theoretical strength of the material is then computed by determining the force sustained by the PS domains and matrix chain sections intersecting a planar unit area at the onset of failure. The model has been used to investigate the effect of PS molecular weight, PS content, and strain rate on the ultimate strength.
Rethinking Marriage: Change and Stability in Expectations, 1967-1994

This study investigates the relationship between individuals' expectations for marriage and their beliefs about the social world. Drawing on the neoinstitutionalist perspective and employing a repeated cross-section design, this study analyzes survey data on young adults from 1967 and 1994 to examine the relationship between attitudes about social relationships and marriage expectations, stability and change over time in marital expectations, and changes in institutionalized notions of marriage. We find evidence of both stability and change in marriage expectations and that cultural notions of marriage differ for men and women. Overall, this study provides support for the contention that marriage expectations are formed within an institutional context that is influential in shaping individual strategies of action.
An Analysis of Shot Noise Propagation and Amplificationin Harmonic Cascade FELs

The harmonic generation process in a harmonic cascade (HC) FEL is subject to noise degradation which is proportional to the square of the total harmonic order. In this paper, we study the shot noise evolution in the first-stage modulator and radiator of a HC FEL that produces the dominant noise contributions. We derive the effective input noise for a modulator operating in the low-gain regime, and analyze the radiator noise for a density-modulated beam. The significance of these noise sources in different harmonic cascade designs is also discussed.
Correlation of Human in Vivo and in Vitro Cutaneous Antimicrobial Factors

The presence of antimicrobial substances on human skin was investigated. Staphylococcus aureus (104 colony-forming units) was applied on the forearm of 50 subjects and covered with a semiocclusive device for 24 hr. In 54% of the subjects the organisms persisted, and in 34% S. aureus was inhibited on the skin. Subjects with persistent S. aureus also had persistent Candida albicans, and vice versa. This correlation was not noted with Streptococcus pyogenes. Skin lipids from the two groups of subjects were extracted with acetone and assayed against S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and C. albicans. The percentage of S. aureus or C. albicans recovered was higher (79% and 55%, respectively) in subjects with persistent microorganisms on their skin than in those without (47% and 28%, respectively). Subjects with persistent S. aureus and C. albicans had higher counts of normal flora (average, 9.2 x 103) than those on whose skin these organisms did not persist (average, 7.4 x 102). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Micrococcus were found in higher proportions in subjects with persistent test organisms than in those without. Subjects with lower counts of their normal flora had a higher proportion of diphtheroids (34%) than the high-count group (12%).
BINARY ELECTROLYTE SMALL-SIGNAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE

Abstract The frequency response is considered of a two-electrode linearized system containing a single positively charged species and a single negatively charged species. These species may have arbitrary valences and mobilities and may individually react at the electrodes. The results follow from a detailed solution of the equations of charge motion given earlier. Normalized response is exhibited for this unsupported, intrinsic-conduction situation for a wide range of mobility ratios, valence number ratios, and reaction rate ratios. Results are given in the form of specific formulas, impedance-plane plots, and the dependences on normalized frequency of series and parallel resistive and capacitative components of the normalized total impedance of the system. Impedance-plane plots exhibit from one to three connected arcs, depending on the specific situation. Approximate Warburg frequency response appears for the “interface” impedance over a certain frequency region when normalized reaction rate parameters differ, but it only shows up strongly in the total impedance when the mobility ratio departs appreciably from unity as well. Under such conditions, a plateau region, where the total parallel capacitance remains essentially independent of frequency over a wide frequency range, may appear at frequencies just above the Warburg region. The plateau capacitance is close to but not identical to the conventional double-layer capacitance present when both species of charge are completely blocked. In incomplete blocking cases, however, this double-layer capacitance only makes a significant appearance in the approximate equivalent circuit under slow reaction conditions; it is thus not present when one of the reaction rate constants is infinite. In general, the system can show ω−m frequency response for the parallel capacitance over a wide frequency range with 0⩽m⩽2, and with the experimentally common regions where m≌0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2 especially likely. Particular attention is given to deviations from ideal Warburg behavior which led to a combined charge-transfer and heterogeneous chemical reaction resistance. Results are compared to those from conventional supported treatments and show both important similarities and differences. Finally, several new equivalent circuits are presented which are pertinent in various frequency ranges for the unsupported situation.
A Self-Optimizing Workload Management Solution for Cloud Applications

Given the dynamic nature of the cloud, resulting from mapping virtual to physical resources, changes in the usage pattern of resources, migration of virtual resources and the dynamic nature of the applications themselves, the bottleneck resource in a given application changes over time. Promptly identifying the bottleneck of cloud application and consequently taking corrective actions (e.g. admission control) are essential requirements for cloud application performance management. The traditional threshold based bottleneck detection technology, which adopts a pre-defined target performance measure (e.g. response time, CPU utilization, etc.), requires a good understanding of the application. It is difficult to identify which performance measures need to be monitored and how to set accurate threshold values for them. The commonly used technique of model-based workload management also faces a big challenge in modeling the highly dynamic, cloud application behavior. In this paper, we propose a self-optimizing application workload management solution for cloud applications which adapts well to the cloud dynamics. It utilizes a target-less bottleneck detection mechanism, without the need to define target thresholds. It also contains a model-free controller for workload management, thus avoiding the complexity of dynamically changing the model as the cloud environment changes. We believe that this is the first time such a design principle to cloud application performance management is introduced. The validity and efficiency of this solution have been verified by a real-case study on an IBM cloud platform, using the RUBiS web application benchmark.
A Highly Selective PCR Protocol for Detecting 16S rRNA Genes of the Genus Pseudomonas (Sensu Stricto) in Environmental Samples

Pseudomonas species are plant, animal, and human pathogens; exhibit plant pathogen-suppressing properties useful in biological control; or express metabolic versatilities valued in biotechnology and bioremediation. Specific detection of Pseudomonas species in the environment may help us gain a more complete understanding of the ecological significance of these microorganisms. The objective of this study was to develop a PCR protocol for selective detection of Pseudomonas (sensu stricto) in environmental samples. Extensive database searches identified a highly selective PCR primer pair for amplification of Pseudomonas 16S rRNA genes. A protocol that included PCR amplification and restriction analysis, a general cloning and sequencing strategy, and phylogenetic analyses was developed. The PCR protocol was validated by testing 50 target and 14 nontarget pure cultures, which confirmed the selectivity to 100%. Further validation used amplification of target sequences from purified bulk soil DNA followed by cloning of PCR products. Restriction analysis with HaeIII revealed eight different fragmentation patterns among 36 clones. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 8 representative clones indicated that 91.7% of the products were derived from target organisms of the PCR protocol. Three patterns, representing only 8.3% of the 36 clones, were derived from non-Pseudomonas or chimeric PCR artifacts. Three patterns, representing 61.1% of the clones, clustered with sequences of confirmed Pseudomonas species, whereas two patterns, representing 30.6% of the clones, formed a novel phylogenetic cluster closely associated with Pseudomonas species. The results indicated that the Pseudomonas-selective PCR primers were highly specific and may represent a powerful tool for Pseudomonas population structure analyses and taxonomic confirmations.
In Vitro Activities of Primaquine-Schizonticide Combinations on Asexual Blood Stages and Gametocytes of Plasmodium falciparum

Currently, the World Health Organization recommends addition of a 0.25-mg base/kg single dose of primaquine (PQ) to artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) for Plasmodium falciparum malaria as a gametocytocidal agent for reducing transmission. Here, we investigated the potential interactions of PQ with the long-lasting components of the ACT drugs for eliminating the asexual blood stages and gametocytes of in vitro-cultured P. falciparum strains. Using the SYBR green I assay for asexual parasites and a flow cytometry-based assay for gametocytes, we determined the interactions of PQ with the schizonticides chloroquine, mefloquine, piperaquine, lumefantrine, and naphthoquine. With the sums of fractional inhibitory concentrations and isobolograms, we were able to determine mostly synergistic interactions for the various PQ and schizonticide combinations on the blood stages of P. falciparum laboratory strains. The synergism in inhibiting asexual stages and gametocytes was highly evident with PQ-naphthoquine, whereas synergism was moderate for the PQ-piperaquine, PQ-chloroquine, and PQ-mefloquine combinations. We have detected potentially antagonistic interactions between PQ and lumefantrine under certain drug combination ratios, suggesting that precautions might be needed when PQ is added as the gametocytocide to the artemether-lumefantrine ACT (Coartem).
Stock Price Response to Non- and Deferred Prosecution Agreements

In response to perceived corporate governance shortcomings in major U.S. corporations, the U.S. Department of Justice, starting in 2002, substantially increased the execution of non- and deferred prosecution agreements (N/DPAs). This study examines investor responses to three events that define N/DPAs and N/DPA mandated governance improvements, specifically, the official DOJ press release announcing the execution of an N/DPA, the date of the start of the term of the N/DPA, and the date of the end of the term of the N/DPA. Our hand-selected dataset comprises all institutions that executed N/DPAs from 1993 to 2014 (N=301) and are publicly traded (N=94). We document a significant and predictable positive stock price response to the DOJ press release and the start of the N/DPA term. Our tests indicate that the market interprets the three events not in isolation but as sequential and conditional events. We also find that investor’s response differs depending on the industry and severity of financial fines and N/DPA mandated governance improvements. We observe no systematic price momentum beyond the three core dates identified in our study, implying that the market is reasonably efficient with respect to information about N/DPAs. Our results are robust to alternative procedures and definitions.
Identifying Argumentation Schemes in Genetics Research Articles

This paper presents preliminary work on identification of argumentation schemes, i.e., identifying premises, conclusion and name of argumentation scheme, in arguments for scientific claims in genetics research articles. The goal is to develop annotation guidelines for creating corpora for argumentation mining research. This paper gives the specification of ten semantically distinct argumentation schemes based on analysis of argumentation in several journal articles. In addition, it presents an empirical study on readers’ ability to recognize some of the argumentation schemes.
Split Circuits: Analyzing Polarization on the U.S. Courts of Appeals Using Dissent from Denial of Rehearing En Banc Coalition Data

Are the federal courts of appeals polarizing along with the rest of the government and American society more generally? This paper explores that question by exploiting a novel source of data: dissents from denial of rehearing en banc (DDRs). A DDR is a published opinion, often attracting concurrences from other judges, in which a judge criticizes her court for choosing not to rehear a case -- one the initial circuit panel ostensibly decided wrongly. DDRs have no precedential effect but offer a judge the opportunity to publicize her disagreement with the court’s result. As such, they are a pure expression of judicial preference. Using an original dataset of information collected from nearly 1,300 DDRs published between 1943 and 2012, I evaluate the ideological nature of DDR usage focusing specifically on two aspects of DDRs: the colleagues a judge joins with, and the panel authors she mobilizes against. I use these measures to examine the different patterns among the circuits, among different presidential cohorts, and in different decades to show trends in circuit court polarization and to explore the connection between polarization in the judiciary and in the elected branches. The paper finds that although the circuits vary widely in the way they use DDRs, a substantial number of them do so in a polarized fashion. Evaluating judicial cohort behavior over time indicates that the nominating presidents -- more than the increasingly polarized environment in the Senate and the general public’s own tendency toward ideological division -- are the primary force driving judicial polarization.
Not So Fast: The Hidden Difficulties of Taxing Wealth

As an antidote to increasing inequality, policymakers and academics frequently call for heavier taxes on the wealthy. To those outside the tax academy, proposals such as increasing marginal rates, implementing a wealth tax, or strengthening the estate tax likely sound like variations on the same theme. Many discussions of using the tax system to fight inequality therefore ignore differences among tax instruments. As this Essay shows, using the tax system to fight inequality requires careful consideration of both normative and practical concerns. Certain goals (for example, the concern that wealth concentrations harm the political and economic systems) suggest taxing wealth itself via an annual wealth tax as an ideal solution. Not only would such a tax be hobbled by administrative and valuation concerns, however, it is likely unconstitutional. The optimal second-best solution would be to tax capital gains at death, thereby closing the loophole that allows untaxed appreciation at death forever to escape taxation. In contrast, other goals (such as equality of opportunity) counsel taxing wealth transfers as an ideal matter. Best reflecting that goal is an accessions tax that taxes transferees on the cumulative amount of gifts and bequests received. One unintended consequence of wealth transfer taxes, however, is that they likely spur families to engage in greater consumption, much of which may exacerbate inequality of opportunity. This consequence means that taxation must also be coupled with greater leveling up efforts that provide children born to less-financially advantaged families with opportunities to develop their talents and abilities.
Exploration of Si/Ge Tunnel FET Bit Cells for Ultra-low Power Embedded Memory

Ultra-low-power embedded memory is emerging as a key challenge to design systems with stringent energy but relaxed performance constraints like various wireless sensors and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. This paper explores the potential of Si/Ge tunnel FETs (TFET) in designing ultra-low power embedded memory bit cells, namely, Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and embedded Dynamic RAM (eDRAM). A Technology CAD (TCAD)-based model of 22-nm Si/Ge TFET is designed and coupled with mixed-mode circuit simulation. The circuit-level analysis is performed to study the standby power, performance, and robustness characteristics of TFET SRAM and eDRAM. The results are compared with 22 nm FinFET-based design. The analysis shows that at higher performance targets, TFET-based embedded memory consumes higher standby energy; however, the energy-efficiency of TFET is much better when compared at reduced performance targets. Moreover, it is observed that the cell and array level circuit design strategies that exploit unique TFET properties can help improve robustness at low power regimes.
An Analysis of the Modern Style in Tender Is the Night

Tender Is the Night is not a novel"with confusing structure and lack of distinctive character". On the contrary, it fully embodies the authors superb modern style in terms of time and space arrangement, shift of narrative angles and character depiction.
Primary cardiac chondromyxosarcoma--clinical and echocardiographic manifestations. A case report.

A case of primary chondromyxosarcoma of the heart is presented. An unusual echocardiographic pattern was identified.
Pressure-induced expression changes in segmental flow regions of the human trabecular meshwork.

Abstract Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is thought to create distortion or stretching of the juxtacanalicular and Schlemm’s canal cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to a cascade of events that restore IOP to normal levels, a process termed IOP homeostasis. The ECM of the trabecular meshwork (TM) is intricately involved in the regulation of outflow resistance and IOP homeostasis, as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-initiated ECM turnover in the TM is necessary to maintain outflow facility. Previous studies have shown ECM gene expression and mRNA splice form differences in TM cells in response to sustained stretch, implicating their involvement in the dynamic process of IOP homeostasis. The observation that outflow is segmental around the circumference of the eye adds another layer of complexity to understanding the molecular events necessary to maintaining proper outflow facility. The aim of this work was to identify molecular expression differences between segmental flow regions of the TM from anterior segments perfused at either physiological or elevated pressure. Human anterior segments were perfused in an ex vivo model system, TM tissues were extracted and quantitative PCR arrays were performed. Comparisons were made between high flow and low flow regions of the TM from anterior segments perfused either at normal (8.8 mmHg) or at elevated (17.6 mmHg) perfusion pressure for 48 h. The results are presented here as independent sets: 1) fold change gene expression between segmental flow regions at a single perfusion pressure, and 2) fold change gene expression in response to elevated perfusion pressure in a single flow region. Multiple genes from the following functional families were found to be differentially expressed in segmental regions and in response to elevated pressure: collagens, ECM glycoproteins including matricellular proteins, ECM receptors such as integrins and adhesion molecules and ECM regulators, such as matrix metalloproteinases. In general, under normal perfusion pressure, more ECM genes were enriched in the high flow regions than in the low flow regions of the TM, whereas more ECM genes were found to be enriched in low flow regions of the TM in response to elevated perfusion pressure. Thus it appears that a limited subset of ECM genes is differentially regulated in both high and low flow regions and in response to elevated pressure. Some of these same ECM genes have previously been shown to be involved in the pressure response of stretched TM cells supporting their central role in IOP homeostasis. In general, different ECM gene family members are called upon to produce the response to elevated pressure in different segmental regions of the TM.
Vision-Based Vehicle and Pedestrian Tracking of Intersection Videos

Vehicle and pedestrian tracking is a key component for vision-based safety analysis which can use motion and appearance cues of road users. Since appearance-based detectors generate false alarms and provide lower speed, motion-based detectors are preferred but they work poorly when pedestrians or vehicles stop due to traffic signals. In this paper, a tracking system is proposed to track waiting and moving road users by fusion of motion and appearance cues at detection level. The enhanced optical flow tracker handles the partial occlusion problem, and it cooperates with the detection module to provide long-term tracks of vehicles and pedestrians. The system evaluation shows 13% and 43% improvement in tracking of vehicles and pedestrians respectively, and finally heat-maps show benefits of using the proposed system through the visual depiction of intersection usage.
Ohmic contacts on n-type Al0.59Ga0.41N for solar blind detectors

Low-resistance ohmic contacts on Al/sub 0.59/Ga/sub 0.41/N were formed using a Ti/Al/Mo/Au metallisation scheme. A specific contact resistivity as low as 6 /spl times/ 10/sup -5/ /spl Omega/-cm/sup 2/ was achieved using a pre-metallisation treatment of the surface in an SiCl/sub 4/ plasma with a self-bias voltage of -300 V in a reactive ion etching system.
Reverse Engineering of Prepayment Functions andthe Potential Applications for MSRs and IOs Valuation

By reverse engineering the different projected prepayment curves submitted by several banks to Bloomberg, the authors were able to develop a model with six parameters, representative of these projections. Some of the parameters in our model must have different interpretations across banks. Mortgage servicing rights and interest only securities are the most affected securities by prepayments, and the model shows that there is a need for further research to refine projections of prepayments. The main users of this reverse-engineered prepayment model will be investors and servicers of mortgage-backed securities. The model could be uploaded on Bloomberg and be interactive, in order to allow different parties to enter their own assumptions and obtain their own prepayment projections.
Effects of parental depressive symptoms and marital discord on parental functioning and parent-infant relationships

Mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms were examined as predictors of parentally reported parenting distress, infant difficulty, and dysfunctional parent-infant interactions within an actor-partner interdependence model approach (Cook & Kenny, 2005). Observed marital conflict styles were examined as mediators of associations. A community sample of 72 couples participated with their 6-14 month old infants. Path analyses using EQS (Bentler, 2005) revealed that mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms were significantly associated with increased parenting distress. Mothers’ and fathers’ parenting distress was subsequently associated with increases in infant difficulty. Fathers’ depressive symptoms predicted greater dysfunctional father-infant interactions, and additionally predicted greater dysfunctional mother-infant interactions. Marital conflict styles did not mediate relationships between depressive symptoms and parenting distress, infant difficulty, or dysfunctional parent-infant interactions.
Sexual Scripts and Criminal Statutes: Gender Restrictions, Spousal Allowances, and Victim Accountability After Rape Law Reform:

The author provides a mixed-methods assessment of U.S. rape statutes to assess progress in reform. Contemporary statutes offer restrictive frameworks for distinguishing criminal from noncriminal sexual violence, many of which are grounded in gendered and heterosexist assumptions. Fourteen states retain gender restrictions in rape statutes. Twenty maintain marital distinctions that limit accountability for spousal rape. Furthermore, whereas explicit resistance requirements have been eliminated nationwide, implicit resistance expectations manifest through emphasis on physical force and involuntary intoxication. Analyses conclude with recommendations for further legal reform and a discussion of the potential for legislation to affect broader social perceptions of rape.
„Social Leadership“ – Führen im Social Business Unternehmen

Was zeichnet Fuhrungskrafte aus und wie legitimieren sie sich? Fruher war es nicht selten ein kunstlich geschaffener Wissensvorsprung. Nun haben sich die technischen Moglichkeiten der Kommunikation so weit verandert, dass Wettbewerbsvorteile ganz wesentlich von schnellen Abstimmungsprozessen abhangig sind. Damit ist das Festhalten an kunstlichen Wissensvorsprungen Einzelner fur die Unternehmen nicht mehr effizient. Das fuhrt dazu, dass sich auch die Fuhrungsmechanismen in Unternehmen andern.
What Lies Beneath: Trauma Events, PTSD, and Alcohol Misuse in Driving Under the Influence Program Clients

The prevention and reduction of alcohol misuse is one of the Grand Challenges of Social Work. Addressing client needs beyond alcohol misuse can improve client outcomes. Driving under the influence program clients (N = 1,248) were screened for trauma events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results found that males more often reported having been assaulted with a weapon or that they caused injury to someone else. Females more often reported sexual assault and other unwanted sexual experience. About 26% overall screened positive for PTSD. Social workers need to be alert to various types of trauma and help clients identify the connection between trauma and alcohol misuse.
THE BISTABLE NONLINEAR DIFFUSION EQUATION: BASIC THEORY AND SOME APPLICATIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the basic theory and some applications of the bistable nonlinear diffusion equation. On the most primitive level of model building, the chapter highlights the simplest continuous space-time model of systems with spatial diffusion and two stable equilibria. Systems with these two properties are of interest in population and chemical dynamics, and have been used as a simplistic model, at least in the former area. Continuous space-time single locus migration selection models are written down for a diploid population. The models take the form of a system of three reaction–diffusion equations. By presenting the assumption that the selection mechanism is weak, in the sense that the three genotypes are approximately equally fit, the chapter presents a small parameter. This small parameter may affect the carrying capacities, fecundities, mating preferences. After appropriate time and space rescalings, the small parameter appears in new positions in the three equations.
Vacuum filling of complex microchannels with liquid metal

This paper describes the utilization of vacuum to fill complex microchannels with liquid metal. Microchannels filled with liquid metal are useful as conductors for soft and stretchable electronics, as well as for microfluidic components such as electrodes, antennas, pumps, or heaters. Liquid metals are often injected manually into the inlet of a microchannel using a syringe. Injection can only occur if displaced air in the channels has a pathway to escape, which is usually accomplished using outlets. The positive pressure (relative to atmosphere) needed to inject fluids can also cause leaks or delamination of the channels during injection. Here we show a simple and hands-free method to fill microchannels with liquid metal that addresses these issues. The process begins by covering a single inlet with liquid metal. Placing the entire structure in a vacuum chamber removes the air from the channels and the surrounding elastomer. Restoring atmospheric pressure in the chamber creates a positive pressure differential that pushes the metal into the channels. Experiments and a simple model of the filling process both suggest that the elastomeric channel walls absorb residual air displaced by the metal as it fills the channels. Thus, the metal can fill dead-ends with features as small as several microns and branched structures within seconds without the need for any outlets. The method can also fill completely serpentine microchannels up to a few meters in length. The ability to fill dense and complex geometries with liquid metal in this manner may enable broader application of liquid metals in electronic and microfluidic applications.
Thyroid Autoimmunity: An Interplay of Factors.

Abstract The literature on thyroid autoimmunity has identified many potential factors at play for the initiation and progression of autoimmune thyroid diseases. These factors include genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, some drugs, iodine and selenium, infection, molecular mimics, and immune system defects. The sheer number of feasible factors makes sorting out the necessary agents from the fellow travelers difficult. In addition, many of these factors have the capability to interact—further confusing the picture. Another difficulty in interpreting these data is that most proposed mechanisms are not able to accomplish the triggering event in which the tolerance to self-antigens is actually overcome. In addition, some findings may be describing the conditions present after a disease is diagnosed and may be consequences of the disease rather than a cause. Recent description of the role of adipokines, which include leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6, in contributing to the inflammatory environment of the thyroid, along with the presence of thyroid Toll-like receptors for pathogen-associated patterns have the potential to deliver that necessary adjuvant signal to break tolerance, seen as necessary in animal autoimmune models. An additional factor, vitamin D 3 , due to its interaction both with white adipose tissue (WAT) and the immune system, has a complicated and somewhat controversial story with respect to thyroid autoimmunity. Conflicting results can result when not all factors are considered together. Aims : To describe the many factors at play in thyroid autoimmunity and how they interact. Conclusion : Thyroid autoimmunity is the result of an interplay of factors, with adipokines produced by WAT and vitamin D providing immune modulating signals external to the thyroid, while thyrocyte innate responses to environmental conditions provide the necessary adjuvant signal. Shaping the response to be reactive to particular self-antigens and likelihood of a response are due to genetics and molecular mimics.
Triaxial Shear Tests on Pervious Gravelly Soils

Tests to determine shear characteristics of free draining gravelly soils; relations between shear resistance and density, amount of gravel, gradation, maximum particle size, and particle shape; effect of testing speed on shear test data and effect of specimen size for any maximum particle size up to 3 in.
Chapter 8 – Data-Driven Modeling

Abstract Big data analytics and data-driven modeling have become quite the buzzwords in recent years in the context of analyzing the performance of oil and gas reservoirs. Their growing application has been predicated on the potential to usher in exciting new developments related to (1) acquiring and managing data in large volumes, of different varieties, and at high velocities (the 3V problem) and (2) using statistical techniques to “mine” the data and discover hidden patterns of association and relationships in large, complex, multivariate datasets. The terms data mining, statistical learning, knowledge discovery, and data analytics have all been used interchangeably in this context. Essentially, the goal of such an exercise is to extract important patterns and trends and understand “what the data says,” using supervised and/or unsupervised learning.
Monte Carlo method to model optical coherence propagation in random media

The traditional Monte Carlo technique of photon transport in random media describes only single point properties of light, such as its intensity. Here we demonstrate an approach that extends these capabilities to simulations involving properties of spatial coherence, a two-point characteristic of light. Numerical experiments illustrate the use of this Monte Carlo technique for describing the propagation of partially spatially coherent light through random multiply scattering media.
Isolated central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a pediatric patient: a case report with pathobiological perspective

Isolated central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (ICNS-PTLD) in pediatric patients is a distinctly rare entity without accepted diagnostic criteria or treatment recommendations. We present a case of an 8-year-old male with a prior history of a kidney transplant who developed and ICNS-PTLD. We highlight the pathobiology and diagnostic features with a brief review of the literature on these rare cases. There is a complex interplay between CD30, Epstein Barr Virus and MYC as part of lymphocyte transformation leading to PTLD. In the appropriate clinical setting, CD30 and EBV positivity along with normal MYC expression are highly predictive of CNS-PTLD over a Primary CNS lymphoma. ICNS-PTLD has only been rarely reported in children. The faithful diagnosis is necessary for prognostication and to accrue data for treatment recommendations.
Functional limitation and chronic diseases are associated with food insecurity among U.S. adults.

Abstract Purpose This study examined associations of functional limitation due to any health problems and six chronic diseases (arthritis, diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart attack, hypertension, and stroke) with food security among U.S. adults. Methods The 2011 National Health Interview Survey data for 30,010 adults (≥18 years) were used. Adults were categorized into food secure, low food secure, or very low food secure. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for having functional limitation and chronic diseases while adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Results The prevalence of functional limitation and the chronic diseases were higher in low–food-secure and very low–food-secure than food-secure adults. The adjusted ORs were significant in both low food secure and very low food secure, respectively, for functional limitation (OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.63, 2.14), (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.91, 2.52), inflammatory diseases or joint/muscular pain (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.68), (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.49, 2.04), diabetes (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.51), (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.48), and hypertension (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.35), (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.65) when compared with food-secure adults. Conclusions Findings indicate that food insecurity is associated with functional limitation and chronic diseases, whereas directionality is unknown. Besides the traditional food assistance program for food-insecure populations, interventions to prevent or manage chronic diseases may be necessary to help them reduce the risk of the diseases and manage their conditions.
Reworking the Bond Girl Concept in the Craig Era

This article explores how the Bond Girl concept is deconstructed across the orphan-origin trilogy—Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall—to accommodate the rise of a new heroic model that fo...
An Investigation in to the Fecal Shedding of E. Coli O157:H7 from Steers on Rations Containing Corn Co-Products

Fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 was investigated in 140 feeder steers in a corn condensed distiller’s soluble (CCDS) feeding trial at a university field station. Steers were fed diets for differing time periods in pasture and feedlot pen conditions. Individual-animal and composite fecal samples were cultured for E. coli O157:H7 using immunomagnetic bead concentration. None of the fecal samples from steers housed in pens were positive. One of the fecal samples collected from the pastured animals was positive. Inclusion of CCDS in steer diets did not result in higher fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in animals being fed diets containing CCDS over those that were not.
A White Paper on Executive Action to Restore Trust in the Internal Revenue Service by Rebuilding Field Operations (Subtitle: If You See Something, Say Something; and Make No Mistake, Restoring Trust in the IRS is a National Security Need.)

This White Paper examines fallout from Internal Revenue Service missteps and offers a proven proposal for organizational restructuring and reform by executive action. By now, most agree the Service needs to restore public trust and be turned around – not necessarily to be a beloved tax collector, but to be universally respected for its sense of fair play, independence and competence. For change-makers to make a difference, they will have to think differently. Rebuilding field operations is a place to start.
Binding of Pneumocystis carinii to the lung epithelial cell receptor HSPA5 (GRP78).

The importance of lung macrophages in Pneumocystis–host interaction is well known, but little is known about the initial binding/colonization of the airway epithelium. Our prior studies have documented cell-signalling events that occur following binding of the organisms to lung epithelial cells; however, the receptors that mediate Pneumocystis attachment to lung surfaces have not yet been fully defined. Using affinity chromatography, we identified heat shock protein 5 (HSPA5), also known as GRP78, as a potential host receptor that may have relevance in Pneumocystis lung colonization. Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) organisms not only bound HSPA5 on a rat lung epithelial cell line, but also on primary rat airway epithelial cells (AECs). Furthermore, Pc bound CHO1 cells overexpressing HSPA5 more than the CHO1 parent line alone, supporting a role for Pc–HSPA5 protein interaction in mediating organism attachment. These results provide new insights into the interactions of Pneumocystis with host lung epithelium.
Immunotherapy-related toxicities: More common than originally reported?

184Background: Population level data regarding incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAE) is lacking. This study evaluated the frequency of irAEs among a large population of patients with no...
Injectable, thermosensitive, fast gelation, bioeliminable, and oxygen sensitive hydrogels.

Abstract The decrease of tissue oxygen content due to pathological conditions leads to severe cell death and tissue damage. Restoration of tissue oxygen content is the primary treatment goal. To accurately and efficiently assess efficacy of a treatment, minimally invasive, and long-term detection of oxygen concentration in the same tissue location represents a clinically attractive strategy. Among the different oxygen concentration measurement approaches, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has the potential to accomplish this. Yet there lacks injectable EPR probes that can maintain a consistent concentration at the same tissue location during treatment period to acquire a stable EPR signal, and can finally be eliminated from body without retrieval. Herein, we developed injectable and bioeliminable hydrogel-based polymeric EPR probes that exhibited fast gelation rate, slow weight loss rate, and high oxygen sensitivity. The probe was based on N-Isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone acrylate (DBA), and tetrathiatriarylmethyl (TAM) radical. The injectable probes can be implanted into tissues using a minimally invasive injection approach. The high gelation rate (~10 s) allowed the probes to quickly solidify upon injection to have a high retention in tissues. The polymeric probes overcame the toxicity issue of current small molecule EPR probes. The probes can be gradually hydrolyzed. Upon complete hydrolysis, the probes became water soluble at 37 °C, thus having the potential to be removed from the body by urinary system. The probes showed slow weight loss rate so as to maintain EPR signal intensity for extended periods while retaining in a certain tissue location. The probes remained their high oxygen sensitivity after in vitro hydrolysis and in vivo implantation for 4 weeks. These hydrogel-based EPR probes have attractive properties for in vivo oxygen detection.
High Spatial Resolution Mid-Infrared Observations of Five Seyfert Galaxies

High spatial resolution images at 12.5 μm of the nuclei of five nearby Seyfert galaxies—I Zwicky 1, NGC 1320, NGC 2992, M81, and NGC 7479—have been obtained with the 10 m Keck Telescope. The angular size limits indicate that under typical conditions the Keck Telescope shows an unresolved nucleus for these active galactic nuclei. In all cases, the lower limit to the infrared surface brightness is above 3 × 1012 L⊙ kpc−2; this argues that nuclear starbursts do not contribute significantly to the infrared luminosities in these nuclei.
Molecular biology and public health.

Much of my time preparing for this talk was spent trying to decide the meaning of the title. I will be cowardly and deny being its inventor or perpetrator. I hereby blame it on June Osborn, who may also deny it. My version of its history goes back to a telephone conversation with June during which time she lured me into attending this meeting, an invitation I accepted with alacrity. After agreeing to come, she said ever so sweetly: Of course, you will give a talk, an after-dinner talk. Why don’t we put you down for a title such as “Molecular Biology and Public Health”, which will give you lots of leeway? My audible gasp was taken as enthusiastic agreement. So, here I am, take it or leave it.
Isotopically Selective Quantification by UPLC-MS of Aqueous Ammonia at Submicromolar Concentrations Using Dansyl Chloride Derivatization

Ammonia (NH₃) is essential for food production and is commercially synthesized from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) using the Haber–Bosch process. Enormous amounts of ammonia are made every year in a reaction that requires high temperatures and pressures, with the Haber–Bosch accounting for ∼1.6% of total annual global energy consumption. Electrocatalysts are also being explored to convert in an environmentally friendly manner N₂ to NH₃ at ambient temperature and pressure.
Coordinated Decentralized Estimation Over Random Networks

In this chapter, we consider three representative problems on observability and estimation over networks in the presence of randomness. The aim of this work is to highlight that these problems, among many others, can be approached via a unified formulation. The unified formulation can subsequently be utilized for proving almost sure stability and convergence of filtering algorithms over distinct classes of random networks. More specifically, we show stability and convergence properties of random variations on the coordinated decentralized estimation using this approach. We then proceed to study the effect of the random network structure on the performance of the estimation algorithms.