cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From their mouths to our ears: research practices and needs of agricultural scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

ABSTRACTUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Libraries was one of 19 participants in a national study of the research practices and needs of agricultural researchers. Two UNL Libraries faculty members interviewed 11 UNL scholars during the summer of 2016. The ethnographic research approach revealed four core themes: interdisciplinarity and collaborations, scientific communication practices, scientific research data issues and practices, and challenges and opportunities. Illustrated by the sample of faculty comments presented here, the themes have direct implications for the UNL Libraries, while in other cases these point to concerns and opportunities for the university, the academy, and the nation.
An Overview of the Analysis of Jointed Structures

The analysis of jointed structures consists of two principle parts: the deterministic/linear substructures that can be readily modeled and analyzed with existing techniques, and the often unpredictable assembly of a jointed structure that exhibits emergent behavior not observed in the deterministic substructures. The nature of the nonlinearity created by a jointed interface determines the modeling approaches necessary for analyzing an assembled system. Thus, there are three types of analysis: linear, quasi-linear/weakly nonlinear, and strongly nonlinear. The approaches for these three types of analysis are discussed further in context of both commercial and research codes. This chapter concludes with a discussion of uncertainty and sensitivity as it is applied to joints research.
Voeding bij galblaas- en leveraandoeningen

De galblaas is de opslagplaats voor de galvloeistof die in de lever wordt gemaakt. Galstenen komen vaker voor bij mensen met overgewicht en/of een verkeerde leefstijl. Het aanpassen van leefstijlfactoren met dieetmaatregelen en een actieve leefstijl kunnen bijdragen aan de preventie van galstenen. De lever is een belangrijk orgaan voor de stofwisseling van koolhydraten, eiwitten en vetten. Bovendien zorgt de lever voor afbraak van schadelijke stoffen, zoals alcohol en medicatie. Chronische ontsteking van de lever kan uiteindelijk leiden tot levercirrose. Levercirrose geeft aanvankelijk weinig klachten, maar hoe verder de leverfunctie achteruitgaat, des te meer klachten en complicaties er ontstaan. Leverkanker is een belangrijke doodsoorzaak onder patienten met levercirrose. In het eindstadium van levercirrose is levertransplantatie soms de enige behandeling. Ondervoeding en verlies van spiermassa, ofwel sarcopenie, komen bij 40–80 % van de patienten met levercirrose voor. Er zijn verschillende methoden om de voedingstoestand te bepalen. Dieetmaatregelen dragen onder andere bij aan verbeteren van de leverfunctie en het voorkomen van complicaties. Er is verhoogd risico op vitamine- en mineralendeficienties, zodat vaak suppletie nodig is. Het aantal patienten met leververvetting stijgt evenredig met de toename van mensen met obesitas en het metabool syndroom. Voedings- en beweegmaatregelen kunnen de hoeveelheid vet in de lever verlagen.
The Thousand and First Author: Thomas-Simon Gueullette's Repeating Fictions

"By imitating orientalists’ work, which conformed to scholarly as well as literary standards that adjusted representations of other cultures to meet readers’ expectations, Gueullette relativized their projects by relocating them within a fictional frame. The paratexts - including prefaces as well as titles, footnotes, and illustrations - to his collections of tales progressively reveal that the reproduction of prefatory formulae provides implicit commentary about the French tradition of translation....It is possible to trace this development of the relation between copy and original by examining the changes in how Gueullette presented himself, first as a translator and then as an author."
Stability criteria for yet another class of multidimensional distributed systems

We present sufficient and necessary conditions for stability of token passing rings with time-limited discipline and more generally, a class of monotonic and contractive service disciplines. In general, establishing stability for multidimensional distributed systems is a difficult problem. The standard Lyapunov test function method often fails when applied to such systems (e.g., token passing rings, ALOHA-type sys, rings with spatial reuse, couple-processor system, etc.). In our recent work on this topic we establish a useful alternative approach that turns out to be successful for deriving stability conditions for several distributed systems. In the current paper, we show that our approach can be extended so that it can be applied to the system under consideration.
Possible Ideas for FutureWork

In this book, on numerous examples, we showed that symmetries and similarities can help with algorithmic aspects of analysis, prediction, and control in science and engineering. The breadth and depth of these examples show that the approach based on symmetry and similarity is indeed very promising.
Genetics and Genomics of Human Population Structure

Recent developments in sequencing technology have created a flood of new data on human genetic variation, and this data has yielded new insights into human population structure. Here we review what both early and more recent studies have taught us about human population structure and history. Early studies showed that most human genetic variation occurs within populations rather than between them, and that genetically related populations often cluster geographically. Recent studies based on much larger data sets have recapitulated these observations, but have also demonstrated that high-density genotyping allows individuals to be reliably assigned to their population of origin. In fact, for admixed individuals, even the ancestry of particular genomic regions can often be reliably inferred. Recent studies have also offered detailed information about the composition of specific populations from around the world, revealing how history has shaped their genetic makeup. We also briefly review quantitative models of human genetic history, including the role natural selection has played in shaping human genetic variation.
Undocumented Critical Theory

Despite an increasing body of literature on undocumented immigrants and an improved access to academia by DACAdemics and undocumented scholars, the need for theories about undocumented experiences ...
Soft and elastic hydrogel-based microelectronics for localized low-voltage neuromodulation

Narrowing the mechanical mismatch between tissue and implantable microelectronics is essential for reducing immune responses and for accommodating body movement. However, the design of implantable soft electronics (on the order of 10 kPa in modulus) remains a challenge because of the limited availability of suitable electronic materials. Here, we report electrically conductive hydrogel-based elastic microelectronics with Young’s modulus values in the kilopascal range. The system consists of a highly conductive soft hydrogel as a conductor and an elastic fluorinated photoresist as the passivation insulation layer. Owing to the high volumetric capacitance and the passivation layer of the hydrogel, electrode arrays of the thin-film hydrogel ‘elastronics’, 20 μm in feature size, show a significantly reduced interfacial impedance with tissue, a current-injection density that is ~30 times higher than that of platinum electrodes, and stable electrical performance under strain. We demonstrate the use of the soft elastronic arrays for localized low-voltage electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in live mice. Conductive and elastic hydrogel-based microelectronic arrays with high current-injection density and low interfacial impedance with tissue enable the localized low-voltage electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in live mice.
Reimagining Advocacy: Rhetorical Education in the Legal Clinic

In Reimagining Advocacy, Elizabeth C. Britt draws from her vast experience interviewing and observing students enrolled in the Domestic Violence Institute (DVI) at Northeastern University’s School ...
Open Science in Data-Intensive Psychology and Cognitive Science:

Today, researchers can collect, analyze, and share more data than ever before. Not only does increasing technological capacity open the door to new data-intensive perspectives in cognitive science ...
The Modeling Process

When we embark on a modeling project, we immediately have a problem. We want something that we don’t have: a model. The modeling process is a semiformal set of rules that guides us through a solution to this problem. The rules are not mechanical instructions, not like a set of computer instructions we can step through one at a time and be guaranteed of arriving at the correct answer at the end. Modeling is real-world problem solving; it’s hard and fraught with many opportunities for failure (or, if you’re an optimist, opportunities for new insights). So, it is useful to begin by noting George Polya’s four steps to solving mathematical problems (Polya 1973). Associated with each step is a question that we must answer. (1) Understand the problem (i.e., What is the question?) (2) Devise a plan for solving the problem (i.e., How do we solve it?) (3) Execute the plan (i.e., What is an answer?) (4) Check the correctness of the answer (i.e., Was it right?).
Two Ways of Thinking About the Value of Deserved Punishment

Numerous retributivists hold that deserved punishment has intrinsic value. A number of puzzles regarding that claim are identified and discussed. An alternative, more Kantian account of intrinsic value is then identified and the ways in which legal punishment might be understood to cohere with it are explored. That account focuses on the various ways in which legal punishment might be persons-respecting. It is then argued that this Kantian account enables us to solve or evade the puzzles generated by the other intrinsic value account.
Low Loss Non-Reciprocal Filter for Miniaturized RF-Front-End Platforms

This paper reports on the demonstration of a low loss, magnetic-free, highly selective, non-reciprocal filter in the radio frequency range. The prototype relies on 3 identical acoustic filters whose poles are modulated in an angular fashion through commercial IC switches. This device shows low insertion-loss (4.5dB), large isolation (higher than 28 dB) and a wide operational bandwidth (20 MHz, corresponding to a 1.7% fractional bandwidth). In addition, the device exhibits a large intermodulation suppression (larger than 34 dB), thus approaching, at its input and output ports, the typical operation of linear-time-invariant (LTI) systems.
The Use of Precision Alignment Technology to Circumvent Patient-Specific Roadblocks in Performing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Series.

The goal of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to provide the patient with a well-functioning, pain-free knee that will last for many years. To improve implant survival, the goal is to position the prosthesis in a way that restores proper biomechanical alignment, and advances in technology have enabled arthroplasty surgeons to produce accurate results on a more consistent basis. One of these advances is the use of computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery (CAOS) to assist in proper component alignment and produce accurate restoration of the biomechanical axis consistently.1–17 Functional scores and revision-free survival are at least equivalent to conventional arthroplasty.17–26 Traditional cutting guides for TKA rely on intramedullary femoral instruments, and either intramedullary or extramedullary tibial instruments, to obtain proper axial alignment. In cases where retained hardware is present, or in patients with knee osteoarthritis associated with pre-existing femoral or tibial extra-articular deformity, CAOS has proved to be an exceptionally useful, effective, and appealing option.27–37 A portable, accelerometer-based navigation device (OrthAlign, OrthAlign Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) for TKA has demonstrated promising results with regard to the alignment accuracy of large-console CAOS systems.10–14 We present three patients who underwent TKA with retained femoral hardware. Two patients had intramedullary femoral fixation and one patient had an interference screw from a previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction that would interfere with the use of a conventional intramedullary alignment guide. A novel, portable, accelerometer-based navigation (OrthAlign® precision alignment system, OrthAlign Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) guide enabled performance of TKA without the need for surgical removal of hardware.
The Influence of Electric Fields on Self-Organization Processes in an Ultradispersed Solution of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The influence of the electric field on the ordering processes in sediments of an ultradispersed solution of functionalized carbon nanotubes is investigated. The features and regularities of self-assembling and/or self-organization, leading to the formation of linear, fractal, and cluster substrates are examined via confocal (with video recording) and atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, as well as via IR Fourier spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. It is established that dimensions of fractal structures decrease inversely to the electric field strength and their growth rate is a quadratic function of strength. Single-walled carbon nanotubes with metallic and semiconducting conductivities are detected and characterized with respect to chirality inside linear and cluster structures.
A comprehensive testing algorithm for the diagnosis of Fabry disease in males and females.

Abstract Purpose Successful diagnosis of Fabry disease is often delayed or missed in patients, especially females, due to clinical heterogeneity and a lack of disease awareness. We present our experience testing for Fabry disease in high risk populations and discuss the relative sensitivities of α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) enzyme activity in blood, plasma lyso-globotriaosylceramide (lyso-Gb3) biomarker, and GLA gene sequencing as diagnostic tests for Fabry disease in both males and females. Methods Patients with a clinical suspicion of Fabry disease were evaluated with enzyme analysis, biomarker analysis, and GLA sequencing. All three assays were performed from a single tube of EDTA blood. α-Gal A activity was determined in dried blood spots using a fluorometric assay, plasma lyso-Gb3 by UPLC-MS/MS, and GLA analysis by Sanger sequencing. Results Peripheral blood samples were received from 94 males and 200 females, of which 29% of males and 22% of females had a positive family history of Fabry disease. A likely pathogenic or pathogenic variant was identified in 87 (30%) patients (50 males, 37 females), confirming a diagnosis of Fabry disease. Of the remaining patients, 178 (61%) were determined to be unaffected based on normal enzyme activity (males) or normal lyso-Gb3 and negative sequencing results (females). A VUS was identified in 29 (10%) patients. The positive and negative predictive value of plasma lyso-Gb3 was 100% and 97% in males and 100% and 99% in females, respectively. This compares with 84% and 100% in males, and 58% and 50% in females for α-Gal A activity testing, respectively. Conclusions Plasma lyso-Gb3 has high sensitivity and specificity for Fabry disease in males and females, and provides supportive diagnostic information when gene sequencing results are negative or inconclusive. α-Gal A activity in dried blood spots (DBS) has high sensitivity, but lower specificity for Fabry disease in males, as not all males with low α-Gal A activities were confirmed to have Fabry disease. Therefore, reflexing to gene sequencing and plasma lyso-Gb3 is useful for disease confirmation in males. For females, we found that first tier testing consisting of GLA sequencing and plasma lyso-Gb3 analysis provided the greatest sensitivity and specificity. Enzyme testing has lower sensitivity in females and is therefore less useful as a first-tier test. Enzyme analysis in females may still be helpful as a second-tier test in cases where molecular testing and plasma lyso-Gb3 analysis are uninformative and in vitro enzyme activity is low. Summary Sex-specific testing algorithms that prioritize tests with high specificity and sensitivity offer an effective means of identifying individuals with Fabry disease.
Jaw Elevation Device: Tool for Neck Immobilization to Facilitate Recovery in Endovascular Thrombectomy via Transcervical Access

Background Acute stroke resolution via endovascular thrombectomy requires transcarotid access when transfemoral access is not possible. Although postoperative complications such as cervical hematoma and airway compression have been reported, an appropriate postprocedural management is largely unknown yet. We aim to provide new insights and learning points from our experience using the Jaw Elevation Device (JED) as a tool to facilitate recovery post surgery. Case Description A 79-year-old female underwent endovascular thrombectomy via transcervical, transcarotid access for a left internal carotid artery occlusion. No intraprocedural complications were reported. After successful thrombectomy, manual compression was applied in the carotid artery, and to achieve neck immobilization a JED was used for 4 hours after the procedure. No complications occurred. Conclusions JED appears to be a reasonable option to facilitate patient recovery due to its capacity to maintain the airway, provide mild compression for hemostasis, and prevent cervical hematoma through a comfortable neck immobilization.
Health and public health approach to ending child abuse and neglect

The 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provides an opportunity to reflect on whether the approaches to date in dealing with child abuse and neglect (CAN) have been successful. Initial responsibility in most countries to address CAN has been given to Child Protective Services Agencies. Recently, there have been calls for CPS to take a Public Health Approach in their practice. This paper discusses the potential positive and unintended problems that such a shift in approach might entail.
The role of green stormwater infrastructure in flood mitigation (Detroit, MI USA) – case study

Increased precipitation, ageing infrastructure, and rising surface water levels have exacerbated stormwater issues in the city of Detroit, causing combined sewer overflows and basement flooding. Gr...
ALSO-X and ALSO-X+: Better Convex Approximations for Chance Constrained Programs

In a chance constrained program (CCP), the decision-makers aim to seek the best decision whose probability of violating the uncertainty constraints is within the prespecified risk level. As a CCP is often nonconvex and is difficult to solve to optimality, much effort has been devoted to developing convex inner approximations for a CCP, among which the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) has been known to be the best for more than a decade. This paper studies and generalizes the ALSO-X, originally proposed by Ahmed, Luedtke, SOng, and Xie (2017), for solving a CCP. We first show that the ALSO-X resembles a bilevel optimization, where the upper-level problem is to find the best objective function value and enforce the feasibility of a CCP for a given decision from the lower-level problem, and the lower-level problem is to minimize the expectation of constraint violations subject to the upper bound of the objective function value provided by the upper-level problem. This interpretation motivates us to prove that when uncertain constraints are convex in the decision variables, ALSO-X always outperforms the CVaR approximation. We further show (i) sufficient conditions under which ALSO-X can recover an optimal solution to a CCP; (ii) an equivalent bilinear programming formulation of a CCP, inspiring us to enhance ALSO-X with a convergent alternating minimization method (ALSO-X+); (iii) extensions of ALSO-X and ALSO-X+ to solve distributionally robust chance constrained programs (DRCCPs) under $\infty$-Wasserstein ambiguity set. Our numerical study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Synthesis and characterization of Cr2C MXenes

MXenes are a large class of materials that are chemically exfoliated from metal–aluminum–carbon (MAX) bulk crystals into low-dimensional sheets. While many MXenes have been theoretically predicted, the careful balance required in the exfoliation between breaking the inter-layer bonds without damaging the intra-layer bonds of the sheets has limited synthesis and experimental study. Here, we developed the synthesis of Cr2C from its parent Cr2AlC MAX phase and showed the etching is optimized using sodium fluoride and hydrogen chloride with a modified minimally intensive layer delamination (mMILD) method in a cold environment of 9 ℃. We further optimized the intercalation and delamination using sonication and washing methods. The resulting Cr2C crystal structure was characterized. These results open up Cr2C to experimental study, including of its predicted emergent magnetic properties, and develop guidelines for synthesizing new MXene materials.
Evaluation of spin in the abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on the treatment of obesity.

OBJECTIVE Spin, i.e., the misrepresentation of research findings, has the potential to affect patient care. Evidence suggests that spin is prevalent in obesity randomized controlled trials. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate spin in abstracts of systematic reviews covering obesity treatments. METHODS MEDLINE and Embase were searched to retrieve systematic reviews on obesity treatments. Each systematic review abstract was inspected for the nine most severe types of spin, i.e., the misrepresentation of study findings by exaggeration or omission, regardless of intentionality. Screening and data extraction occurred in a masked, triplicate fashion. Methodological quality was determined using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2). RESULTS Spin was identified in 20 (out of 200, 10%) abstracts, with spin type 5 (claiming efficacy despite high risk of bias among primary studies) being most common (11/200, 5.5%). Spin types 2 and 7, both related to unsupported efficacy claims, were not found. No associations were found between spin and extracted study characteristics. The methodological quality of the sample was rated as follows: critically low (23.0%), low (13.5%), moderate (60.5%), and high (3%). CONCLUSIONS Although these findings demonstrate a low proportion of spin in the abstracts of systematic reviews for obesity treatment; increased preventive measures may further reduce its presence.
Exogenous pigments shield microorganisms from spaceflight-induced changes

Abstract Research has indicated that pigments commonly produced by microorganisms may be protective against the environmental stresses inherent to spaceflight. However, few studies have directly tested the protective capabilities of microbial pigments applied externally as shielding materials. In this study, liquid cultures of Bacillus subtilis were shielded by various pigment solutions, and solid media cultures of Bacillus subtilis were co-inoculated with the highly pigmented microorganisms Aspergillus niger and Neurospora crassa. These experiments were conducted in a compact, automated payload aboard the International Space Station (ISS) interior for 30 days. Post-flight phenotypic analyses of liquid cultures showed that solutions of carotenoid pigments were effective at minimizing detrimental effects of spaceflight. Elevated growth rate was observed for solid cultures, and distinct morphology changes were identified in both liquid and solid samples and quantified as markers of spaceflight-induced stress. These findings collectively progress our understanding of microbial pigments for the development of space-related applications.
MEMS Back-Scanning Mirrors for Step-Stare Scanning for Chirped Pulse Coherent LIDAR

We are investigating the design and demonstration of a back scanning correction mirror for use in coherent LiDAR. Our aim is a mirror with a resonant frequency of over 100 kHz and a 10% settling time of under $10\ \mu \mathrm{s}$.
Soot microstructure in steady and flickering laminar methane/air diffusion flames

An experimental investigation is presented to identify the mechanisms responsible for the enhanced sooting behavior of strongly flickering methane/air jet diffusion flames when compared to their steady counterparts. The work extends the implementation of thermophoretic sampling in flickering, co-flow, laminar, diffusion flames. Acoustic forcing of the fuel flow rate is used to phase lock the periodic flame flicker close to the natural flicker frequency (∼10 Hz for a burner diameter of ∼1 cm). Soot primary sizes, determined as functions of flame coordinates, indicate that the largest soot primary units in strongly flickering methane/air flames are larger by ∼60% than those measured in steady flames with the same mean reactant flow rates. The primary particle size measurements, when combined with the soot volume fractions reported by other investigators, indicate that soot surface areas in the flickering flame are three to four times larger than those under steady conditions. These results, along with the fact that residence times in the flickering flame are twice as long as those in the steady flame, suggest that specific soot surface growth rates under unsteady combustion conditions can be similar or even lower than those in the corresponding steady flames. Finally, the number densities of soot primaries in flickering flames are found to be higher by 30–50% than those in steady flames, thus suggesting stronger and/or extended soot inception mechanisms under flickering conditions. The combination of longer flow residence times and greater population of incipient soot particles in flickering flames appears to be primarily responsible for the higher sooting propensity of methane under laminar unsteady combustion conditions.
A Review of “Unhealthy cities; Poverty, race, and place in America”

In October 1997, a Birmingham (AL) chemical warehouse burned for three days with a series of explosions. Ashes from the fire, about 5,000 gallons of a concentrated pesticide (a nerve-agent called D...
Gray-scale requirements for antialiasing of stereoscopic graphic imagery

Anti-aliasing is typically necessary for the satisfactory display of binary imagery on color matrix displays (CMDs) in order to attenuate visible spatial aliasing which can degrade image quality. One useful anti-aliasing approach is the use of gray scale (luminance quantization) to apply a discrete approximation of a Gaussian point spread function to CMD images. By convolving a Gaussian blur function with an image, prior to the sampling of that image, perceptible spatial artifacts such as stairstepping of lines can be significantly reduced. This paper examines the unique forms of spatial aliasing introduced in stereoscopic imagery and their impact on chromatic and spatial image quality. One form of stereoscopic aliasing, depth aliasing, varies as a function of the discrete sampling limitations of the 2-D horizontal axis of the display. Another form of stereoscopic aliasing, noncorrespondence aliasing, is governed by the noncorrespondence of 2-D spatial sampling artifacts between left and right stereoscopic images and may be exacerbated by chromatic disparities as well. The results of subjective image quality evaluations of simulated 2-D and stereoscopic flat panel displays are presented here with recommendations for the use of gray-scale anti-aliasing for the display of binary stereoscopic graphic imagery.
Characterizing multi-event disaster resilience

This paper presents an approach for providing a quantitative measure of resilience in the presence of multiple related disaster events. It extends the concepts of the resilience triangle and predicted disaster resilience by considering the tradeoffs between multiple criteria for each individual sub-event, as well as for an entire multi-event situation. The focus of the research is on sudden-onset disasters, and on the initial impact of each sub-event as well as the amount of time available to work towards recovery of the system before the next sub-event occurs. A mathematical model is developed for the new resilience measure, along with an approach for graphically representing the relationships between the different criteria. An example is then provided of using the new approach to compare the relative resilience of different scenarios under a representative multi-event disaster situation. The results demonstrate that characterizing multi-event resilience analytically can ultimately provide a great depth of information and thus support better disaster planning and mitigation.
Localizing link failures in all-optical networks using monitoring tours

In this paper, we introduce the concept of monitoring tours (m-tours) to uniquely localize all possible failures up to k links in all-optical networks. We establish paths and cycles that can traverse the same link at most twice (forward and backward) and call them m-tours. An m-tour is different from other existing schemes such as m-cycle and m-trail, which traverse a link at most once. Closed (open) m-tours start and terminate at the same (distinct) monitor location(s). Each tour is constructed such that any shared risk linked group (SRLG) failure results in the failure of a unique combination of closed and open m-tours. We prove that k-edge connectivity is a sufficient condition to localize all SRLG failures with up to k-link failures when only one monitoring station is employed. We introduce an integer linear program (ILP) and a greedy scheme to find the monitoring locations to uniquely localize any SRLG failures with up to k links. We provide a heuristic scheme to compute m-tours for a given network. We demonstrate the validity of the proposed monitoring method through simulations. We show that our approach using m-tours significantly reduces the number of required monitoring locations compared to previously developed techniques.
Type V Bekesy pattern: interpretation and clinical utility.

Recent studies indicate there is some disagreement concerning the interpretation and clinical utility of the Type V Bekesy pattern. Bekesy tracings obtained over the past six years from a sample of...
An Operationally Adaptive System for Rapid Acoustic Transmission Loss Prediction

An operationally adaptive (OA) system for prediction of acoustic transmission loss (TL) in the atmosphere is developed in this paper. This system uses expert neural network predictors, each corresponding to a specific range of source elevation. The outputs of the expert predictors are combined using a performance-aware weighting mechanism and a nonlinear fusion system. Using this prediction methodology the computational intractability of traditional acoustic models is eliminated. The proposed system is tested on a synthetically generated acoustic data set for a wide range of geometric, source, and environmental conditions.
An apparatus for studying operant activity of captive coyotes.

We describe a portable apparatus designed to examine the free-operant food preferences of captive coyotes in their home kennels. Because leverpressing for food access was the dependent variable, we measured food preference independently of food ingestion. Using successive approximation, we trained 8 out of 19 coyotes (42%) to use the apparatus. This percentage is similar to training rates for dogs. We used fixed and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement to further test 4 of the trained coyotes. All 4 produced response curves similar to those of other species on similar schedules of reinforcement.
An Analysis of Merger and Acquisition Activity in the Hospitality Industry for the Period 1970-1988

This paper conducts an analysis of merger and acquisition activity in the hospitality industry for the period 1970-1988. A typology of merger and acquisition strategies is evolved thus enabling cla...
Origin of the critical anomaly in the transverse spin-spin relaxation rate in CrBr3

Abstract The origin of the critical anomaly in the transverse spin-spin relaxation rate in CrBr 3 is discussed. A theory is proposed which accounts for the experimental results obtained recently by Scheithe et al. Other tests of the theory, which applies to quasi-two dimensional, easy-axis magnets, are suggested.
Transport of industrial lead in snow through soil to stream water and groundwater

Determination of isotopic compositions and concentrations of Pb in stream water, groundwater, soil and bed-rock in a subalpine watershed, combined with concentrations of Ca, Na, K, Mg, Fe and Mn and mineralogical data, show that ∼ 90% of the industrial Pb in snow is trapped in a subunit of the upper 2 cm of soil. This is composed of humus plus Fe-hydroxides and Mn-oxides, where industrial Pb mixes isotopically with Pb already accumulated there from previous inputs of industrial Pb and natural rock-Pb. The ^(206)Pb/^(207)Pb ratio of Pb in the upper 2-cm soil accumulation reservoir is different from that of industrial Pb added from snow each year, because it is a mixture of natural rock-Pb derived from weathering (∼ 20%) which has a ^(206)Pb/^(207)Pb ratio different from industrial Pb, and because the ^(206)Pb/^(207)Pb ratio of industrial Pb accumulated from atmospheric inputs during the past century (∼ 80%) has changed considerably during that time. During spring melt, when streams are fed mostly by surface runoff, Pb in the surface soil accumulation reservoir is released back into the runoff and into streams. At this time the proportion of industrial Pb in mountain stream waters is that in the surface soil accumulation reservoir, ∼ 80%. Concentrations and isotopic composition of Pb in soil profiles, and the relation between Pb and organic matter concentration in soil indicate little or no industrial Pb accumulates in the reservoir below 2-cm depths. These data, combined with measured proportions of Ca and Pb and ^(206)Pb/^(207)Pb ratios in groundwater, indicate that most of the Pb in aquifers at depth below 30 cm originates by weathering from natural rock-Pb. Although aquifers are charged by snow-melt, industrial Pb is removed from the water as it percolates downward through the soil accumulation reservoir. Therefore, during times when streams are fed mainly from these aquifers, stream waters contain mainly natural rock-Pb and some industrial Pb in colloids originally contained in snow-melt. Concentrations of Pb in stream waters tend to remain constant both throughout different seasons (when rates of stream discharge change 20-fold), and over the last decade (when Pb inputs from snow decreased 6-fold) because Pb in those waters originates from a fixed reservoir in the soil.
Discussion of “Ethical Climate, Social Responsibility and Earnings Management”

In this discussion of Shafer’s (J Bus Ethics, 2013, doi: 10.1007/s10551-013-1989-3 ) empirical research published in this issue, I raise several issues for future research. For example, I encourage ethics research to more carefully consider their use of climate versus culture, and call for an elucidation of the different characteristics of the two constructs. Additionally, the relationship between corporate ethical climate and employees’ perceptions of the importance of ethical behavior is complex. Because research commonly calls for organizations to improve their climate in order to improve ethical behavior, an exploration of the exit, voice, loyalty, or neglect options of employees in light of varying organizational ethical climates should be further explored.
Simulation of a tube drawing process by the finite element method

Abstract Computer programs were developed and validated with experimental data for determining appropriate processing parameters to improve quality control capabilities. Two sets of programs were developed: geometrical analysis programs, and special purpose pre- and post-processing programs. The geometrical analysis program was developed to determine the proper hot-rolled tube size from a requested drawn tube size. The calculation of possible hot-rolled tube sizes uses the upper bound theory, the minimization of drawing force, and an allowable area reduction factor. A special purpose pre- and post-processing program was developed to calculate drawn tube dimensions, mechanical properties and required drawing forces from the specified tube drawing processing parameters. The pre-processing program generates the finite element mesh for the abaqus program and the post-processing program calculates the aforementioned drawn tube information from the analysis results. For the finite element analysis, an elastic-plastic material model was employed to represent material characteristics during the process. The flexibility of the die material was also taken into account by attaching an equivalent spring to the die. The measured tube hardness before and after the drawing process was used to calculate the conversion factors for the change of hardness from equivalent residual stresses. The conversion factors for calculating yield strength and ultimate tensile strength from the corresponding hardness were obtained from the measurement of drawn tube hardness, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength.
Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension Is Modulated by Nuclear Factor-κB in the Paraventricular Nucleus

Hypertension is considered a low-grade inflammatory condition, and understanding the role of transcription factors in guiding this response is pertinent. A prominent transcription factor that gover...
Stabilized Analogs of Thymopentin. 2. 1,2- and 3,4-Ketomethylene Pseudopeptides

In this second paper in a series of three studies of stable analogs of thymopentin (Arg1-Lys2-Asp3-Val4-Tyr5), the synthesis of analogs stablized at peptide bonds 1,2 and 3,4 via insertion of ketom...
End-of-life content in Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans: a systematic review.

A recent project to deFine public health priorities For end oF liFe (EOL) recommends incorporating EOL principles in all state/territory/tribe Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) Plans. The degree t...
The use of U.S. General Accounting Office reports in the social sciences

Abstract The purpose of the study is to understand social scientists' use of General Accounting Office reports as measured by citations in articles listed in the Social Sciences Citation Index . The citing articles were located by a computerized search. The representation of General Accounting Office reports is shown for source journals classified by subject area. Journals in category areas related to public policy use the reports more intensively than do those in other subjects. The usage of the report collection in a limited number of fields may suggest changes in library selection decisions and in document distribution.
Presentation of chemotherapy options for cervix cancer on cancer-related Internet sites.

Abstract Background: There are limited data available in the medical literature concerning the issue of the depth of information presented on cancer-related Internet-based dealing with disease management. Methods: To explore this question, websites identified on a popular search engine (Google) employing the search strategy, “treatment of cervix cancer,” were evaluated for their presentation of chemotherapy-related topics, including possible strategies supported by solid evidence-based data (e.g., concurrent chemotherapy plus radiation) and programs likely to have limited impact on the course of the illness (e.g., progression following a cisplatin-based chemoradiation regimen). Results: Of 66 websites identified, 92% mentioned chemotherapy as a possible treatment for cervix cancer. However, although 51% noted the option of chemoradiation, only 18% stated this approach had been shown to improve survival. Further, discussions of the specific toxicity of chemotherapy for cervix cancer were uncommon (12%), an...
Forward-illumination light-extinction technique for soot measurement

A forward-illumination light-extinction (FILE) soot volume fraction measurement technique was developed and tested. By using a camera and a point light source in front of the flame and a diffuser behind the flame, with this technique one can achieve a two-dimensional soot concentration measurement with only one window when one is studying confined combustion. The line-of-sight quantitative soot volume fraction is obtained by calculation of the reflected light intensity with or without the presence of soot cloud. Verification of this technique was accomplished by measurement of an axisymmetric ethylene diffusion flame. The field distribution obtained by Abel inversion is presented and matched well with previous point measurements. The FILE technique has high time resolution when a high-speed camera and a copper vapor laser are adopted. All these advantages of FILE make it suitable for line-of-sight integrated, two-dimensional soot distribution of transient combustion, e.g., in the case of in-cylinder Diesel combustion.
Analytical solution to the master equation for a quantized cavity mode

We solve analytically the master equation for a quantized cavity mode, finding the time-dependent reduced density operator. The formalism applies to both amplifiers and attenuator, permitting the results to be converted between them by introducing a temperature that can be negative. We obtain a quasi-probability distribution function similar to that obtained by Glauber [ GlauberR. J., ed., Quantum Optics ( Academic, New York, 1969)] from our reduced density matrix and equate his parameters with the coefficients appearing in the master equation. We illustrate the formalism by calculating variances, expectation values, and photon statistics for the damped simple harmonic oscillator and the linear amplifier.
Thermally reversible polymeric sorbents for acid gases, IV. Affinity tuning for the selective dry sorption of NOx

Abstract We have found that amino-functional polymers absorb and readily bind nitrogen oxides (NO x ) namely NO 2 and NO. Our previous results showed that the reaction of NO x with polymer-grafted primary and secondary amines yielded stable products, subsequently identified as nitrite and nitrosamine derivatives, which cannot be thermally degraded to regenerate the original amino-polymer and thereby release the absorbed NO x . Consequently, we have prepared and evaluated polymers carrying pendant sterically hindered tertiary amines with the proper electron donor-acceptor properties to bind specifically NO x . The results of thermogravimetric analysis experiments showed that dipropylamine-functional polymers absorb and bind NO 2 effectively and reversibly while they remain almost/completely inert when exposed to relatively weaker acid gases such as SO 2 or CO 2 .
Radioautographic studies of binding of γ-aminobutyric acid to the abdominal stretch receptors of the crayfish

Abstract A radioautographic technique was developed by which it was possible to visualize γ-aminobutyric acid (γABA) that was bound to isolated abdominal stretch receptors of the crayfish during brief incubation in a suitable salt solution containing γABA 3 H of high specific activity. The binding, which takes place even at 0 to 4°, was enhanced at room temperature. The pattern of labeling was found to be consistent with a greater degree of localization than elsewhere at the axodendritic endings between branches of the inhibitory axon and the dendrites of the sensory neuron. Neither thymidine- 3 H nor DL -leucine 3 H showed a similar pattern. The characteristic binding of γABA by the stretch receptors was disrupted by distilled water, formalin, or by employing a Na + -free saline.
Excited-state vibrational coherence and anisotropy decay in the bacteriochlorophyll a dimer protein B820

We have employed dynamic absorption spectroscopy to monitor coherent wave packet dynamics and anisotropy decays following impulsive excitation of the B820 subunit of the LH1 light-harvesting complex, which was isolated from Rhodospirillum rubrum G9. When the lower exciton-state transition of the bacteriochlorophyll a dimer is pumped, the time-resolved pump−probe spectrum exhibits contributions from a fully Stokes shifted stimulated-emission spectrum and a nonstationary vibrational character within 40 fs of excitation. Coherent wave packet motion in both the ground state and the excited state is observed via modulations of single-wavelength transients. The photobleaching portion of the spectrum exhibits strong components only at low frequencies, 20−60 and 180 cm-1, and a weaker component is observed at 400 cm-1. The stimulated-emission portion of the spectrum exhibits weak modulation components at 20−60 and 180 cm-1, but strong components are observed at fairly high frequencies: 360, 400, 470, 600, and 73...
Design sensitivity analysis of elastic mechanical systems

Abstract Adjoint variable methods are employed to develop efficient numerical methods of computing design derivatives of performance measures of elastic mechanical systems. Taking advantage of symmetry in finite element matrices and differential operators, a sensitivity analysis method is developed and demonstrated on a variety of static and dynamic structures and on vibration and impact absorbers. Where direct numerical comparisons are possible, the method is shown to be five to ten times faster than methods previously employed.
ACM/IEEE computer science 2013 exemplar-fest

Beginning with the publication of Curriculum 68, ACM and IEEE-Computer Society have sponsored various efforts to establish international curricular guidelines for undergraduate programs in computing. Work on the next volume, Computer Science 2013 is well underway, with the Ironman draft out shortly before SIGCSE 2013. The Ironman draft includes course and curricular exemplars, which should serve as a rich resource for those trying to meet the curriculum standards. This special session highlights the exemplar section of the Ironman report through a description of its purpose, presentation of several exemplars, and an invitation to the SIGCSE community to participate by submitting exemplars and providing feedback on what they would find useful in this section of the CS 2013 final report.
Characterization of the mouse dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Dld) gene: Genomic structure, promoter sequence, and chromosomal localization

The mouse dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Dld) gene has been cloned, characterized, and mapped. This nuclear gene encodes a mitochondrial protein that is shared among several {alpha}-keto acid dehydrogenase complexes and the glycine cleavage system. The Dld gene is contained within an approximately 21-kb region and consists of 14 exons ranging in size from 69 to 521 nucleotides. The open reading frame codes for a preprotein of 509 amino acids with a predicted mature protein of 474 amino acids that is highly conserved among mammalian species (>90% identical). Primer extension analyses have shown the gene to have transcription initiation sites with tissue-specific differences in relative utilization. The 5{prime} flanking region is G+C rich and lacks a TATA box, but does contain initiator element and multiple transcription factor-binding consensus sequences. Northern blot analysis shows that the Dld mRNA in various tissues is approximately 2.4 kb in size. The Dld gene has been localized to the proximal region of chromosome 12, approximately 21 cM from the centromere. 32 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
Clopidogrel inhibits shear-induced platelet function.

We enrolled 17 healthy adult volunteers and measured platelet hemostasis time (PHT) and collagen-induced thrombus formation (CITF) before and after the oral administration of 300 mg of clopidogrel utilizing the Xylum Clot Signature Analyzer®. We documented a statistically significant 30% prolongation of the PHT from 291 - 13 (SE) seconds to 376 - 31 (SE) s ( P =0.037). There was a 7% prolongation of the CITF from 347 - 10 to 371 - 17 (SE) s ( P =0.245). This study suggests that the Xylum Clot Signature Analyzer can measure changes in platelet function in response to a modest platelet inhibitor, and may be a useful clinical tool for the monitoring of antiplatelet therapies in patients.