cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Binary Search Algorithm for Correlation Study of Decay Centrality vs. Degree Centrality and Closeness Centrality

Results of correlation study (using Pearson's correlation coefficient, PCC) between decay centrality (DEC) vs. degree centrality (DEG) and closeness centrality (CLC) for a suite of 48 real-world networks indicate an interesting trend: PCC(DEC, DEG) decreases with increase in the decay parameter δ (0 < δ < 1) and PCC(DEC, CLC) decreases with decrease in δ . We make use of this trend of monotonic decrease in the PCC values (from both sides of the δ -search space) and propose a binary search algorithm that (given a threshold value r for the PCC) could be used to identify a value of δ (if one exists, we say there exists a positive δ - space r ) for a real-world network such that PCC(DEC, DEG) ≥ r as well as PCC(DEC, CLC) ≥ r . We show the use of the binary search algorithm to find the maximum Threshold PCC value r max (such that δ - space r max is positive) for a real-world network. We observe a very strong correlation between r max and PCC(DEG, CLC) as well as observe real-world networks with a larger variation in node degree to more likely have a lower r max value and vice-versa.
Early Adoption of a Multitarget Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract Objectives To characterize early adoption of a novel multitarget stool DNA (MT-sDNA) screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and to test the hypothesis that adoption differs by demographic characteristics and prior CRC screening behavior and proceeds predictably over time. Patients and Methods We used the Rochester Epidemiology Project research infrastructure to assess the use of the MT-sDNA screening test in adults aged 50 to 75 years living in Olmsted County, Minnesota, in 2014 and identified 27,147 individuals eligible or due for screening colonoscopy from November 1, 2014, through November 30, 2015. We used electronic Current Procedure Terminology and Health Care Common Procedure codes to evaluate early adoption of the MT-sDNA screening test in this population and to test whether early adoption varies by age, sex, race, and prior CRC screening behavior. Results Overall, 2193 (8.1%) and 974 (3.6%) individuals were screened by colonoscopy and MT-sDNA, respectively. Age, sex, race, and prior CRC screening behavior were significantly and independently associated with MT-sDNA screening use compared with colonoscopy use after adjustment for all other variables ( P Conclusion The results of the present study are generally consistent with predictions derived from prior research and the diffusion of innovation framework, pointing to increasing use of the new screening test over time and early adoption by younger patients, women, whites, and those with prior CRC screening.
Enhancing competitiveness of ready made garment small-medium enterprises through logistics performance measurement using SCOR method

Performance measurement is one of the things that are important in the process of continuous improvement. Performance measurement method used in this study is the SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference). Fuzzy AHP calculation used to calculate criteria weights, they are: Reliability, Responsiveness, Agility, Cost and Asset Management. Based on the calculation of logistics system performance assessment at SME XYZ obtain performance measurement results of 99% (Excellent), and there are attributes that can be repaired is Additional Delivery Volume.
Tidal Stage Changes in Structure and Diversity of Intertidal Benthic Diatom Assemblages: a Case Study from Two Contrasting Charleston Harbor Flats

Benthic microalgae are key contributors to near-shore food webs and sediment stabilization. Temporal variability in microalgal biomass and production throughout the tidal cycle has been well documented; however, due to limitations of traditional methods of analysis patterns of community composition and diversity over such time scales have not been revealed. To explore the latter and better understand how short-term changes throughout the tidal cycle may affect community functioning, we compared benthic diatom composition and diversity over tidal stage shifts. We employed two disparate molecular techniques (denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis with Sanger DNA sequencing of excised bands and high-throughput community metagenome sequencing) to characterize diatom assemblages in representative muddy and sandy intertidal sites in Charleston Harbor, SC, USA. In support of prior studies, we found higher diatom diversity in sandbar as compared to mudflat sediments. Spatial differences were stronger relative to tidal temporal differences, although diversity metrics generally were highest after prolonged tidal immersion as compared to low-tide emersion or just after immersion at flood tide. Composition of the diatom assemblage differed markedly between sites, with species in genera Halamphora, Amphora, and Navicula dominating the sandbar, whereas Cyclotella, Skeletonema, and Thalassiosira were the most prevalent genera on the mudflat. Diatom composition differed by tidal stage, with assemblages during low-tide exposure distinct from samples taken after immersion. Both sandbar and mudflat sediments exhibited increases in relative proportion of epipelic diatoms and decreases in planktonic taxa during low-tide exposure. Our findings of short-term changes in species composition and dominance could inform primary productivity models to better estimate understudied diatom contributions in heterogeneous and highly variable tidal systems.
Generational Differences in Internalized Transnegativity and Psychological Distress Among Feminine Spectrum Transgender People.

Abstract Purpose: This study examined internalized transnegativity and psychological distress in two age groups of transgender individuals who identified their gender identity on the feminine spectrum (rather than congruent with their male sex assigned at birth). Due to greater visibility and acceptance of gender diversity in the United States, we hypothesized that internalized transnegativity would be lower in the younger compared with the older group, and that the younger generation would, therefore, report lower levels of psychological distress than the older generation. Methods: The study sample consisted of trans-feminine individuals (N = 440) who completed a online survey of the U.S. transgender population and comprised a younger group aged 18–24 years (n = 133) and an older group aged 40 years and older (n = 307). Internalized transnegativity was assessed using the Transgender Identity Survey, and psychological distress was assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory 18. We used regression and mediat...
Laboratory studies of transovarial transmission of La Crosse and other arboviruses by Aedes albopictus and Culex fatigans

Transovarial transmission of La Crosse virus by experimentally infected Aedes albopictus females to 2.7% of their F1 generation offspring was demonstrated. Progeny of both sexes were infected. Mean virus titers in parent mosquitoes and infected F1 generation adults were 10(4.6) and 10(3.4) plaque forming units/insect, respectively. The La Crosse-infected offspring were randomly distributed among the female parents. After two serial passages in A. albopictus, a marked change occurred in the plaque morphology of the virus but this had no apparent effect on the subsequent vertical transmission rate. In contrast, transovarial transmission did not occur in La Crosse-infected Culex fatigans or in A. albopictus and C. fatigans infected with vesicular stomatitis-Indiana, Cache Valley, Batai, Arumowot, and Itaporanga viruses. Results of this experiment suggest that the La Crosse model might be useful in studying the mechanism of transovarial transmission in additional mosquito species.
Prediction of need for intervention in posterior urethral valves: Use of urine osmolality.

Abstract Aim Renal tubular dysfunction (RTD) causing obligate production of hypoosmolar urine in boys with posterior urethral valves (PUVs) has been described. It is not known how clinically significant this is. We hypothesize that a feedback loop is present in many PUV boys who suffer deterioration of their lower urinary tract (LUT). RTD results in hypoosmolar urine, obligate polyuria, and bladder stretch-injury. The increasing back-pressure worsens RTD, thus exacerbating the injury. Coexisting renal dysplasia and acquired renal scarring exacerbate this. We compared the concentrating ability (random clinic urine osmolality) of PUV boys who had no LUT deterioration to those who required intervention, examining the confounding effect of renal impairment with a subgroup analysis comparing those with plasma creatinine ≤80μmol/l. Methods A retrospective review of our PUV database was performed. Age, intervention, and highest recorded random clinic urine osmolality (>1year) with concurrent plasma creatinine were recorded (normal urine osmolality 500–850 mOsm/kg). Data are given as median values, analyzed by Mann–Whitney u-test, with P Main results Urine osmolality was available in 77 boys with PUV out of 125 in our series. Of these, 34 required subsequent intervention (e.g., Mitrofanoff procedure, bladder augmentation). Age at testing trended towards being higher in the intervention group [7.9 (4.3–10.9) years vs. nonintervention 6.3 (4–8.4); P=0.06]. Urine osmolality was significantly reduced in the intervention group [411(293–547) vs. 631 (441–805) mOsm/kg; P Conclusion This study confirms that hypoosmolar urine is highly associated with progression of LUT dysfunction, requiring intervention. Even boys with normal creatinine values have a greater risk of LUT deterioration if they have a RTD and produce hypoosmolar urine. Level of evidence IV (retrospective service development project).
Sterile neutrino origin for the upward directed cosmic ray showers detected by ANITA

The ANITA balloon experiment has recently observed several ∼EeV cascade events at an angle below the horizon that renders any Standard Model (SM) interpretation unlikely as the Earth is significantly opaque to all SM particles at such energies. In this paper, we study a sterile neutrino interpretation of these events, calculating the angular acceptance of cascades and the relative sensitivities of several experiments to a cascade initiated by an EeV sterile neutrino. We find that ANITA is uniquely sensitive to this type of upward directed cascade signal over a wide portion of the sky and from the direction of the two observed events has a transient acceptance roughly equivalent to that of the IceCube experiment.
Operando tribochemical formation of onion-like-carbon leads to macroscale superlubricity

Stress-induced reactions at the sliding interface during relative movement are known to cause structural or chemical modifications in contacting materials. The nature of these modifications at the atomic level and formation of byproducts in an oil-free environment, however, remain poorly understood and pose uncertainties in predicting the tribological performance of the complete tribosystem. Here, we demonstrate that tribochemical reactions occur even in dry conditions when hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (H-DLC) surface is slid against two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide along with nanodiamonds in dry nitrogen atmosphere. Detailed experimental studies coupled with reactive molecular dynamics simulations reveal that at high contact pressures, diffusion of sulfur from the dissociated molybdenum disulfide led to amorphization of nanodiamond and subsequent transformation to onion-like carbon structures (OLCs). The in situ formation of OLCs at the sliding interface provide reduced contact area as well as incommensurate contact with respect to the H-DLC surface, thus enabling successful demonstration of superlubricity.
Outcome parameters associated with perceived helpfulness of family-based treatment for adolescent eating disorders.

Author(s): Singh, Simar; Accurso, Erin C; Hail, Lisa; Goldschmidt, Andrea B; Le Grange, Daniel | Abstract: OBJECTIVE:Family-based treatment (FBT) is an efficacious treatment for adolescent eating disorders, yet it is not routinely implemented in clinical practice. Given that consumers play a role in treatment selection, this study sought to examine families' perspectives on FBT and remission markers associated with increased treatment satisfaction across families. METHOD:Participants were 40 adolescents and 43 caregivers who received outpatient FBT. FBT helpfulness was assessed using a treatment follow-up questionnaire, and eating disorder symptomatology was assessed using percent expected body weight (%EBW) and the eating disorder examination (EDE). Regression analyses were used to assess whether changes in symptoms from baseline to end-of-treatment (EOT) were significantly associated with helpfulness reports. RESULTS:On average, patients and their parents perceived FBT as "quite helpful" and "extremely helpful," respectively. Improvements in all EDE subscales, with the exception of restraint, were significantly associated with adolescent report of helpfulness (all p l .05); increase in %EBW was significantly associated with maternal report of helpfulness (p = .03). There were no significant findings for paternal report. DISCUSSION:Both patients and their parents perceived FBT as helpful, but patients seemed to prioritize cognitive improvements while mothers prioritized physical improvements in rating their satisfaction with FBT.
Technische Verfahren in der Filmmusik

Der Beitrag widmet sich dem Arbeitsprozess eines Filmkomponisten sowie den Methoden, durch die Musik und Bild miteinander synchronisiert werden (click tracks, streamers und punches). Er behandelt u. a. die besonderen Anforderungen, die an den Komponisten wahrend der Pre- und Post-Production gestellt werden, die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Regisseur, der Gebrauch von Mock-Ups und Temp Tracks, die Beziehung zwischen Komponist und Orchestrator und das Modell Teamkomposition, das nach wie vor besonders in Hollywood verbreitet ist. Abschliesend widmet sich der Beitrag Kompositionsprinzipien von Filmmusik am Beispiel modularer Strukturen.
Murine models of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by an inadequate amount and/or faulty structure of bone, which increases the susceptibility to fracture with minimal trauma. Osteoporotic fractures are most commonly observed among the elderly. Yet, the pathogenesis of osteoporosis starts early in life, leading some researchers to view osteoporosis as a pediatric disease (1). Considerable past research has centered on the influence of reproductive, nutritional, and/or life-style factors on the development of osteoporosis. With the advent of new molecular genetic approaches, the focus of research has recently shifted toward genetic factors. Genetic epidemiological studies provide convincing descriptive data including population and ethnic differences, studies of familial aggregation, familial transmission patterns, and comparisons of twin concordance rates that tell a significant part of how the vulnerability to developing osteoporosis is inherited (2,3). Almost certainly, the development of osteoporosis will be found to involve a complex interplay between both genetic and environmental factors that are difficult to control in complex populations.
Benzodiazepine receptor binding in vivo with [3H]-Ro 15-1788.

In vivo benzodiazepine receptor binding has generally been studied by "ex vivo" techniques. In this investigation, we identify the conditions where [3H]-Ro 15-1788 labels benzodiazepine receptors by true "in vivo" binding, i.e. where workable specific to nonspecific ratios are obtained in intact tissues without homogenization or washing. [3H]-Flunitrazepam and [3H]-clonazepam did not exhibit useful in vivo receptor binding.
Whole Body and Regional Quantification of Active Human Brown Adipose Tissue Using 18F-FDG PET/CT

In endothermic animals, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is activated to produce heat for defending body temperature in response to cold. BAT's ability to expend energy has made it a potential target for novel therapies to ameliorate obesity and associated metabolic disorders in humans. Though this tissue has been well studied in small animals, BAT's thermogenic capacity in humans remains largely unknown due to the difficulties of measuring its volume, activity, and distribution. Identifying and quantifying active human BAT is commonly performed using 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) scans following cold-exposure or pharmacological activation. Here we describe a detailed image-analysis approach to quantify total-body human BAT from 18F-FDG PET/CT scans using an open-source software. We demonstrate the drawing of user-specified regions of interest to identify metabolically active adipose tissue while avoiding common non-BAT tissues, to measure BAT volume and activity, and to further characterize its anatomical distribution. Although this rigorous approach is time-consuming, we believe it will ultimately provide a foundation to develop future automated BAT quantification algorithms.
Three More Arguments Against Early Abortion

The main purpose of this chapter is to examine three arguments – from Hare, Marquis and Harman – that, whether by design or not, place the permissibility of the early abortion in doubt. Each of the three arguments is grounded in positions that seem to assign at least some moral significance to the loss incurred by a merely possible person when that person is left out of existence altogether. Those positions are, in turn, at odds with the account of the moral significance of loss that Variabilism itself suggests.
Epidemiology and outcomes of hospitalized adults with respiratory syncytial virus: A 6-year retrospective study

Objectives Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in adults. Existing studies are limited by the number of seasons studied and most have focused on the immunocompromised. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all adults (≥18 years) with a positive RSV molecular test admitted from 2009 to 2015 to one hospital in Chicago, IL. Epidemiologic and outcomes data were collected after IRB approval. Results Of the 489 eligible patients, 227 had RSV A and 262 had RSV B. Patients had a median age of 61 years and comorbidity (eg, chronic lung disease [40.6%], obesity [37.8%], and cardiac disease [34.3%]). On presentation, most had cough (86.5%), fever (42.4%), and shortness of breath (38.2%). Severe disease was present in 27.6% of patients. Antibiotic was used in 76.3% inpatients and 45.8% at discharged despite few patients (4.7%) having documented bacterial infections. Supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation were utilized in 44.6% and 12.3%, respectively, while ICU level care was required in 26.9%. Most patients were discharged home (82.7%). Most deaths (68.4%, 13/19) were attributed to pneumonia or hypoxemia likely from RSV. Most fatal cases were seen in those with recent cancer treatment and older adults. Conclusions Respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized adults is associated with significant morbidity and mortality with 26.9% requiring ICU level care. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to patients with documented RSV, and antibiotics are frequently continued after diagnosis. Novel antiviral therapies are needed for RSV to improve outcomes and potentially improve antibiotic stewardship in patients without a bacterial infection.
Dynamic Benefit-Cost Analysis for Uncertain Futures

“Uncertain futures” refers to a set of policy problems that possess some combination of the following characteristics: (i) they potentially cause irreversible changes; (ii) they are widespread, so that policy responses may make sense only on a global scale; (iii) network effects are difficult to understand and may amplify (or moderate) consequences; (iv) time horizons are long; and (v) the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes is unknown or even unknowable. These characteristics tend to make uncertain futures intractable to market solutions because property rights are not clearly defined and essential information is unavailable. These same factors also pose challenges for benefit-cost analysis (BCA) and other traditional decision analysis tools. The diverse policy decisions confronting decision-makers today demand “dynamic BCA,” analytic frameworks that incorporate uncertainties and trade-offs across policy areas, recognizing that: perceptions of risks can be uninformed, misinformed, or inaccurate; risk characterization can suffer from ambiguity; and experts’ tendency to focus on one risk at a time may blind policymakers to important trade-offs. Dynamic BCA – which recognizes trade-offs, anticipates the need to learn from experience, and encourages learning – is essential for lowering the likelihoods and mitigating the consequences of uncertain futures while encouraging economic growth, reducing fragility, and increasing resilience.
Don’t Miss the BoAAT: Correctly Diagnosing Acute-on-Chronic Liver Disease

No abstract available Keywords: Acute-on-Chronic Liver Disease; Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency; Cirrhosis; Elevated Liver Enzymes.
E-Cigarettes and Other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Electronic nicotine delivery systems and vaping devices are now the most commonly used forms of tobacco consumed by youth and young adults. A variety of chemicals and toxicants released during inhalation have harmful systemic effects and effects on the lung. The known and potential health consequences are particularly alarming. There is concern that use of these devices will create a new generation of life-long smokers with nicotine and polysubstance addiction. Beyond the concerning chronic health effects of regular use, there is a recent epidemic of severe, acute lung disease termed e-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury, (EVALI), associated with high morbidity and mortality. These issues demand immediate public health attention. Healthcare providers play key roles in limiting the exposure of youth and young adults to these products by providing evidence-based counseling to patients and families, and by advocating for regulations to protect against childhood initiation and continuation of use.
Altered Mediator dynamics during heat shock in budding yeast

The Mediator complex is central to transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in eukaryotes. In yeast, Mediator is recruited by activators via its tail module and then facilitates assembly of the pre-initiation complex (PIC), including Pol II, setting the stage for productive transcription. Mediator occupies proximal promoter regions only transiently prior to Pol II escape; interruption of the transcription cycle by inactivation or depletion of Kin28 inhibits Pol II escape and stabilizes Mediator occupancy at promoters. However, whether Mediator occupancy and dynamics differ for gene cohorts induced by stress or alternative growth conditions has not been examined on a genome-wide scale. Here we investigate Mediator occupancy following heat shock or CdCl2 induction, with or without depletion of Kin28. We find that Pol II occupancy exhibits similar dependence on Mediator under normal and heat shock conditions; however, Mediator occupancy does not increase upon Kin28 depletion at most genes active during heat shock, indicating altered dynamics. Furthermore, Mediator occupancy persists at genes repressed by heat shock or CdCl2 induction and exhibits peaks upstream of the proximal promoter whether or not Kin28 is depleted, suggesting that Mediator is recruited by activators but is unable to engage PIC components at these repressed targets. Finally, we show a reduced dependence on PIC components for Mediator occupancy at promoters after heat shock, further supporting an altered dynamics or stronger engagement with activators under these conditions.
Frequency and Costs of Out-of-Network Bills for Outpatient Laboratory Services Among Privately Insured Patients.

Importance Patients may be unaware of which laboratory is processing their clinical tests, limiting their ability to choose an in-network laboratory. Out-of-network laboratory services could increase patients' out-of-pocket costs and their reluctance to obtain necessary tests. Objective To evaluate the frequency and cost of out-of-network bills for outpatient laboratory services compared with other services. Design, setting, and participants This retrospective cohort study of claims data from the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims database evaluated claims from 3 946 210 individuals (30.5% of the total) in the MarketScan database who were continually enrolled in health maintenance organization plans, preferred provider organization plans, exclusive provider organization plans, or consumer-driven health plans/high-deductible health plans with at least 1 outpatient clinical laboratory service in 2018. Outpatient laboratory services occurred in independent laboratories, physician offices, and outpatient centers. Laboratory bills from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018, were studied. Exposures Receipt and cost of outpatient laboratory service. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcome was the proportion of outpatient laboratory services billed as out of network. The secondary outcome was the total potential out-of-pocket cost associated with the out-of-network bill, the sum of observed cost sharing, and the potential balance bill. Results Of the 12 958 130 in the total sample, 30.5% (3 946 210) had a laboratory test, of whom 5.9% received an out-of-network laboratory test. In comparison, 7.1% of the total sample had an emergency department visit, of whom 4.9% had a service billed as out of network, and 1.6% had an inpatient anesthesiology service, of whom 3.4% had an out-of-network service. Observed out-of-pocket spending was $24.59 higher for an out-of-network laboratory service than an in-network laboratory service. In addition, patients with an out-of-network laboratory service may receive an additional balance bill from the laboratory service; the estimated mean balance bill was $80.63. For the most common laboratory services, the total potential out-of-pocket cost associated with an out-of-network bill ranged from $15.68 for venipuncture to $88.09 for lipid panel but was as high as $303.18 for a drug screening test. Conclusions and relevance In this cohort study, out-of-network laboratory services were 5 times more common than out-of-network emergency department visits and 34 times more common than out-of-network anesthesiology services. It is important for patients that consumer protections against out-of-network bills apply to laboratory services.
Buprenorphine utilization among all Washington State residents' based upon prescription monitoring program data - Characteristics associated with two measures of retention and patterns of care over time

Abstract Background Opioid use disorder is a serious health condition for which buprenorphine is proven effective, yet providers substantially underutilize buprenorphine. We present two approaches to measuring treatment duration, factors associated with retention, and patterns of care. Methods The study determined incident buprenorphine prescribing for all Washingtonians utilizing prescription monitoring program data from 2012 to 2019. The study calculated episode of care and cumulative time in care. Generalized linear models estimated associations among the length of the first episode of care and cumulative time in care with sex, age, and rurality. Cox proportional hazards models estimated the time to discontinuing buprenorphine for the first four episodes of care and time to discontinuing the last episode of care. Results Mean and median duration of the first episode were 320 and 84 days, respectively, and for cumulative time in care 308 and 195 days. A minority of peoples' first episodes exceeded 180 days (37%). Being female and older were significantly associated with longer first episodes and cumulative time in care. Survival analyses indicated that the proportion of those still in care at 6, 12, and 24 months into their first episode of care declined for those with more than one episode of care; conversely the study found much smaller differences in retention for the last episode of care, indicating that many people were eventually able to be retained in care for longer periods of time. Conclusion Episodes of care and cumulative time on buprenorphine were both short compared to minimum quality recommendations of 180 days. Median cumulative time in care was double that of the first episode, highlighting that many people engage in subsequent episodes of substantial length. Episode of care and cumulative care analyses should inform states, payers, health care systems and providers in measuring and setting treatment duration goals.
Haply a Minority's Voice May Do Some Good: Diversity at the United States Supreme Court

Diversity improves decision-making and substantive outcomes. This finding has been demonstrated by numerous studies and its logical appeal is intuitive, since additional voices serve to increase the availability of information. Despite the clear benefits of diversity, the legal profession remains one of the nation’s least diverse. Far from leading the way on this front, the United States Supreme Court is emblematic of the law’s problems, and it generally lags behind. This article analyses the Supreme Court’s decision-making before and after the appointments of Justice Louis Brandeis (the first Jewish member of the Court), Justice Thurgood Marshall (the first African American) and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (the first female). It shows that the presence of a single, previously unrepresented group necessarily improves decision-making because it increases consideration of minority viewpoints. As such, the Supreme Court, Congress, government agencies, law firms, businesses and law schools in the United States and elsewhere should make increased efforts to promote diversity, and this article outlines several concrete steps the legal community might take to do so.
Shadow Banking: Kill It or Save It? Experiences from Taiwan and China

Shadow banking is important in financial systems. Its businesses have increased rapidly in the US. It also contributes to the fast economic growth but it also causes high financial risk in China. This paper reviews the literature in the shadow banking and lists it pros and cons. Then the policy implication and a concise history of the shadow banking in Taiwan are discussed. We can learn from the experience of Taiwan and scrutinize the current policies and regulations in China. Further the paper predicts the future trend according to economic theories and historical events.
First Demonstration of Atomic-Layer-Deposited BEOL-Compatible In 2 O 3 3D Fin Transistors and Integrated Circuits: High Mobility of 113 cm 2 /V•s, Maximum Drain Current of 2.5 mA/μm and Maximum Voltage Gain of 38 V/V in In 2 O 3 Inverter

In this work, we report the first demonstration of In 2 O 3 3D transistors coated on fin-structures and integrated circuits by a back-end-of-line (BEOL) compatible atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. High performance planar In 2 O 3 transistors with high mobility of 113 cm2/V • s and record high maximum drain current of 2.5 mA/μm are achieved by channel thickness engineering and post-deposition annealing. High-performance ALD In 2 O 3 based zero-V GS -load inverter is demonstrated with maximum voltage gain of 38 V/V and minimum supply voltage (V DD ) down to 0.5 V. ALD In 2 O 3 3D Fin transistors are also demonstrated, benefiting from the conformal deposition capability of ALD. These results suggest ALD oxide semiconductors and devices have unique advantages and are promising toward BEOL-compatible monolithic 3D integration for 3D integrated circuits.
End-to-End Probabilistic Depth Perception and 3D Obstacle Avoidance using POMDP

In most real world applications, noisy and incomplete information about the robot proximity is inevitable due to imperfections coupled with the onboard sensors. The perception and control problems go hand in hand in order to efficiently plan safe robot maneuvers. This paper proposes a method to generate robot actions directly from a sequence of depth images. The notion of Artificial Potential Field (APF) approach is used where a robot action is obtained by combining the attractive and repulsive actions generated by the goal and the obstacles respectively. This article assumes environment perception uncertainty that relates to the estimation of an obstacle’s location relative to the robot. The repulsive action generation is formulated as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP). A Particle Filter (PF) approach is used to estimate and track valid scene points in the robot sensing horizon from an imperfect depth image stream. The most probable candidates for an occupied region are used to generate a velocity action that minimizes the repulsive potential at each time instant. Approximately optimal solutions to the POMDP are obtained using the QMDP technique which enables us to perform computationally expensive operations prior to a robot run. Consequently, suitable repulsive actions are generated onboard the robot, each time an image is received, in a computationally feasible way. An attractive action, obtained by solving for the negative gradient of the attractive potential is finally added to the repulsive action to generate a final robot action at every time step. Lastly, the robustness and reliability of this approach is demonstrated close-loop on a quadrotor UAV equipped with a depth camera. The experiments also demonstrate that the method is very computationally efficient and can be run on a variety of platforms that have limited resources on-board.
Immersive Visual Analysis to Explore Mystery at Wildlife Preserve

In this paper, we aim to extend our work in VAST Challenge [7] of IEEE visualization conference last year, where we use visual analytics to solve an environment problem on why a local attractive bird, Rose-Crested Blue Pipit, is decreasing. Given the large scale and multi-dimensional datasets on chemical releases, we develop immersive visual analytics to find the connections between manufactures and sensor readings, and eventually, to discover the potential reason of the bird decreasing.
Integrating Hamilton–Jacobi Equations and Canonical Systems

A complete integral of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation $${F}_{t} + \mathcal{H}(q,{\nabla }_{q}F;t) = 0$$ (1.1) is a smooth function F of q and t that depends on N arbitrary parameters \(Q = ({Q}_{1},,\ldots, {Q}_{N})\)and that satisfies (1.1) as q and Q range within the domain of definition of F.
Response to Dr. Clifford's Letter to the Editor:.

We would like to thank the scientists at Charles River Research Models and Services for their critique of our report.5 Vendors of laboratory animals are in a unique position to thoroughly study the health of rodent colonies, and this type of effort would benefit both the company and the consumer. We reported the observation that hearts with concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and narrowed LV chambers are present in 38% of Sprague–Dawley rats. We are confident that this phenotype is worthy of description.
Follicle-stimulating hormone levels on cycle day 3 are predictive of in vitro fertilization outcome

Abstract Cycle day 3 basal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E 2 ) were measured in 441 patients in 758 consecutive cycles to determine their predictive value for stimulation quality and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Patients with low basal FSH levels ( 25 mIU/ml). Basal LH and E 2 values did not improve the predictive value beyond that provided by FSH. Ongoing pregnancy rates per attempt in the low, moderate, and high FSH groups were 17.0%, 9.3%, and 3.6%, respectively ( P 2 values ( P
From Invisibility to Voice

The purpose of this article is to articulate the salient issues of gay and lesbian employees, both in the workplace and in general. Hence, it also serves to sensitize Employee Assistance professionals and their interventions to the problems and needs of gays and lesbians. As less research and fewer publications have been focused on lesbian issues, this article offers a specific focus on the problems and needs lesbians experience in the workplace. Within the last year, there has been more visibility focused on lesbians and gays due to both state referenda seeking to curtail their civil rights protections and Federal initiatives to lift the military ban on homosexuals. Therefore, it is pertinent and timely for EAP professionals to become familiar with the issues that confront this group of employees, to ensure that Employee Assistance interventions can be developed which will be both appropriate and effective.
Collagenolytic activity of some marine bacteria.

Reconstituted, acid-extracted collagen was used to prepare a medium to screen proteolytic marine bacteria for their ability to elaborate collagenolytic enzymes. The medium was resistant to solubilization by trypsin, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC, and various marine proteinases, but was readily hydrolyzed by commercial Clostridium collagenases. Eighty-seven marine isolates collected in the vicinity of Bermuda, Oahu (Hawaii), and Stone Harbor and Cape May, N.J., were screened. Approximately 44% of the isolates were capable of elaborating enzymes that hydrolyzed reconstituted collagen gels. Several cultures produced collagenolytic enzymes only when grown in the presence of collagen or degradation products of collagen, and with very few exceptions the presence of collagen in the medium greatly enhanced collagenolytic enzyme production. The enzymes from a collagenolytic Bermuda marine isolate were studied in more detail to illustrate that the enzymes capable of hydrolyzing reconstituted collagen were separable from nonspecific proteinases by zone electrophoresis and that these enzymes were true collagenases by virtue of their ability to hydrolyze native bovine Achilles' tendon obtained from three different sources.
Radio-transmitters do not affect seasonal productivity of female Golden-winged Warblers

Investigating the potential effects of handling and marking techniques on study animals is important for correct interpretation of research results and to effect progress in data-collection methods. Few investigators have compared the reproductive output of radio-tagged and non-radio-tagged songbirds, and no one to date has examined the possible effect of radio-tagging adult songbirds on the survival of their fledglings. In 2011 and 2012, we compared several parameters of reproductive output of two groups of female Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) breeding in Minnesota, including 45 females with radio-transmitters and 73 females we did not capture, handle, or mark. We found no difference between groups in clutch sizes, hatching success, brood sizes, length of incubation and nestling stages, fledging success, number of fledglings, or survival of fledglings to independence. Thus, radio-tags had no measurable impact on the productivity of female Golden-winged Warblers. Our results build upon previous studies where investigators have reported no effects of radio-tagging on the breeding parameters of songbirds by also demonstrating no effect of radio-tagging through the post-fledging period and, therefore, the entire breeding season. RESUMEN Radio trasmisores no afectan la productividad estacional en las hembras de Vermivora chrysoptera Investigar los efectos potenciales de las tecnicas de manipulacion y marcaje en estudios de animales es importante para interpretar correctamente los resultados de las investigaciones y para llevar a cabo los avances en los metodos de colecta de datos. Pocos investigadores han comparado el rendimiento reproductivo de las aves paserinas con o sin radios trasmisores, y nadie hasta la fecha ha examinado el posible efecto en la supervivencia de los juveniles de aves marcadas con radios trasmisores. En el 2011 y 2012 comparamos varios parametros reproductivos en dos grupos de hembras de Vermivora chrysoptera reproduciendose en Minnesota, los cuales incluian 45 hembras con radio trasmisores y 72 hembras que no capturamos, manipulamos o marcamos. No encontramos diferencias entre los grupos en el tamano de la nidada, exito de eclosion, numero de polluelos, duracion del periodo de incubacion o polluelos, exito de salida de los polluelos del nido o supervivencia de los juveniles hasta su independencia. En consecuencia, radio trasmisores no tienen un impacto apreciable en la productividad de hembras de V. chrysoptera. Nuestros resultados aportan ha estudios anteriores en donde investigadores no han encontrados efecto de los radio trasmisores sobre parametros reproductivos de aves paserinas y tambien demuestra que no hay un efecto de los radio trasmisores sobre la supervivencia de los juveniles a lo largo del periodo despues del abandono del nido, y por ende durante toda la temporada reproductiva.
A no reference image quality measure using a distance doubling variance

Image quality assessment becomes essential for autonomous systems, where processing occurs on an acquired image and is then used for detection and recognition of objects. Images exhibiting low quality and captured in the presence of noise that are used as the basis for image recognition systems can dramatically impair the overall recognition system's performance. In this paper, we will present a new distance double variance color image quality measure that does not require a reference image in order to make its evaluation of the quality of an image. The Distance Doubling Variance measure differs from existing color image quality methods, which typically attempt to extend traditional grayscale image approaches for color images. Here, we utilize the color properties in the color space, where we evaluate the difference between two color pixels by computing the distance in the color space using different weights for each of the color components. Based on this distance, we calculate the double variance of the distance matrix. This matrix consists of the maximum distance of each pixel and its corresponding neighboring pixels. To demonstrate its performance, we use the TID-2013 database, which includes 24 different types of distortions for different kinds of images. The simulations are compared with state-of-the-art methods to show the new method has high agreement with human's visual system in many types of distortions.
The Adequacy of Office Models.

Abstract An office model is an abstraction of the office with the mechanism for representing it. Models have two aspects: the domain being modeled, and the representation mechanisms used to express them. In their evolution, several generations of office models can be distinguished. They can be classified as forms/data/information, procedures/activities/tasks, functions/policies/goals, agents/roles, communications, decisions/problems/exceptions, applications, and finally integrative approaches. Several representative models have been reviewed. The measure of completeness of a model is provided by the concepts of domain adequacy and representational adequacy. Domain adequacy captures the extent to which a model is faithful to reality while representational adequacy is concerned with architectural completeness. A model is considered representationally adequate if it provides features for all three levels of the three schema architectures in database theory. The adequacy of office models is evaluated along these dimensions with the help of several tables. The research also references the NIST models for software environments. The survey identifies the need for integrated models, the need for models to provide better conceptual and external level features, and the need for empirical studies of offices. Further progress in office modeling requires more detailed definitions of the conceptual level for all domains, supported by field research. ACM Categories and Subject Descriptors: D.2.1 [Software Engineering]: Requirements/Specifications; E. I. [Data Structures];H.2.1 [Database Management]: Logical Design–data models; schema and subschema; H.4.1 [Office Automation]; 1.2.1 [Artificial Intelligence]: Applications and Expert Systems; 1.2.4 [Artificial Intelligence]: Knowledge Representation Formalisms and Methods; General Terms: Office models, office procedures. Additional Key Words and Phrases: Conceptual office models, evaluation of office models, review of office models, classification of office models, evolution of office models, integrated office models, directions for office models.
The State of Preparing Evaluators

This chapter begins with an analysis of the prior status of the preparation of evaluators and what is going on currently in that regard. The varied, noticeably diverse, and growing options for individuals to enter the field are explained with some recent studies highlighted. The discussion goes beyond traditional university-based programs to include those delivered by evaluation associations, distance education, and other mechanisms. One of the conclusions is a recommendation to more fully delve into what is now taking place and to dig more deeply into how evaluators enter the profession. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Localizing Heat-Generating Defects Using Fluorescent Microthermal Imaging

Fluorescent microthermal imaging (FMI) involves coating a sample surface with a thin fluorescent film that, upon exposure to UV light source, emits temperature-dependent fluorescence. The principle behind FMI was thoroughly reviewed at the ISTFA in 1994. In two recent publications, we identified several factors in film preparation and data processing that dramatically improved the thermal resolution and sensitivity of FMI. These factors include signal averaging, the use of base mixture films, film stabilization and film curing. These findings significantly enhance the capability of FMI as a failure analysis tool. In this paper, we show several examples that use FMI to quickly localize heat-generating defects (``hot spots``). When used with other failure analysis techniques such as focused ion beam (FIB) cross sectioning and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, we demonstrate that FMI is a powerful tool to efficiently identify the root cause of failures in complex ICs. In addition to defect localization, we use a failing IC to I determine the sensitivity of FMI (i.e., the lowest power that can be detected) in an ideal situation where the defects are very localized and near the surface.
The free radical chemistry of cyclic ethers—IV

Abstract The t-butyl peroxide induced free radical addition of propylene oxide, styrene oxide, 1,2-epoxybutane, 1,2-epoxyoctane, and 1,2-epoxy-3-phenoxypropane to 1-octene has been studied in the temperature range of 125 to 200°. Ketones were among the products identified from the reactions studied. These results indicate that the chain transfer atom is the alpha tertiary hydrogen atom on the epoxide ring. The products also indicate that the intermediate epoxy radicals initially formed rearrange to alpha keto radicals before adding to the olefin. A mechanistic path for this general reaction is outlined and discussed. With propylene oxide, a secondary reaction involving opening of the epoxide ring by intermediate acetonyl radicals to produce 5-hydroxy-2-hexanone was observed. In addition, the reactivities of the above epoxides, 4-methyl-3,4-epoxy-2-pentanone, trimethylene oxide, tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran toward t-butoxy radicals have been determined in order to ascertain how ring size affects the rate of hydrogen atom abstraction in this series of compounds.