cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
University Reference Group Identification among Community College Faculty.

Understanding faculty reference groups is critical to understanding faculty values and behavior, as well as to introducing and implementing change efforts. This chapter focuses on the extent to which the university serves as a reference group for community college faculty and distinguishes notable differences by faculty characteristics and teaching fields.
Center-Shift: An approach towards automatic robust mesh segmentation (ARMS)

In the area of 3D shape analysis, research in mesh segmentation has always been an important topic, as it is a fundamental low-level task which can be utilized in many applications including computer-aided design, computer animation, biomedical applications and many other fields. We define the automatic robust mesh segmentation (ARMS) method in this paper, which 1) is invariant to isometric transformation, 2) is insensitive to noise and deformation, 3) performs closely to human perception, 4) is efficient in computation, and 5) is minimally dependent on prior knowledge. In this work, we develop a new framework, namely the Center-Shift, which discovers meaningful segments of a 3D object by exploring the intrinsic geometric structure encoded in the biharmonic kernel. Our Center-Shift framework has three main steps: First, we construct a feature space where every vertex on the mesh surface is associated with the corresponding biharmonic kernel density function value. Second, we apply the Center-Shift algorithm for initial segmentation. Third, the initial segmentation result is refined through an efficient iterative process which leads to visually salient segmentation of the shape. The performance of this segmentation method is demonstrated through extensive experiments on various sets of 3D shapes and different types of noise and deformation. The experimental results of 3D shape segmentation have shown better performance of Center-Shift, compared to state-of-the-art segmentation methods.
A magnetoelastic metallic glass low-frequency magnetometer

A complete theoretical analysis is presented of the operation of a magnetoelastic amorphous metal low-frequency magnetic field sensor. This directional magnetometer is a hybrid device consisting of a piezoelectric plate, a field-annealed amorphous metal ribbon, and a viscous fluid, and it exhibits a low-frequency magnetic field detection level of 8.0 pT/ square root Hz at 1.0 Hz. The sensor may also be configured as a first- and second-order gradiometer. The device analysis focuses on the influence of the constituent materials on the magnetometer performance, identifying potential noise sources and optimal design parameters. This analysis may be applied to a variety of magnetoelastic amorphous metal sensors, e.g. stress, strain, and torque sensors, and is also useful in research concerning fundamental aspects of magnetoelasticity. Experimental data are presented demonstrating the performance of magnetometers constructed with amorphous metal ribbons exhibiting striped and closure domain structures. >
Printable thermoelectric devices and conductive patterns for medical applications

Remote point-of-care is expected to revolutionize the modern medical practice, and many efforts have been made for the development of wireless health monitoring systems for continuously detecting the physiological signals of patients. To make the remote point-of-care generally accepted and widely used, it is necessary to develop cost-effective and durable wireless health monitoring systems. Printing technique will be helpful for the fabrication of high-quality and low-cost medical devices and systems because it allows high-resolution and high-speed fabrication, low material consumption and nano-sized patterning on both flexible and rigid substrates. Furthermore, application of thermoelectric generators can replace conventional batteries as the power sources for wireless health monitoring systems because thermoelectric generators can convert the wasted heat or the heat from nature into electricity which is required for the operation of the wireless health monitoring systems. In this research, we propose the concept of printable thermoelectric devices and conductive patterns for the realization of more portable and cost-effective medical devices. To print thermoelectric generators and conductive patterns on substrates, printing inks with special characteristics should be developed. For the development of thermoelectric inks, nano-structured thermoelectric materials are synthesized and characterized; and for the development of conductive inks, two kinds of surface treated carbon nanotubes are used as active materials.
Absorption and fluorescence of a nonionic detergent in aqueous solution

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of a detergent, polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether, were measured in water at different concentrations. The absorption spectra had a peak at 275 mμ and a shoulder at 281 mμ. The spectra were independent of concentration below the critical micelle concentration, but the molar extinction coefficients of the peak and the shoulder increased with concentration above the critical micelle concentration. The critical micelle concentration value derived from the absorption data was in good agreement with those obtained by other methods. The fluorescence spectra of the detergent in water were independent of concentration in dilute solutions, if the intensities of the spectra were normalized at the peak at 302 mμ. At higher concentrations, a weak excimer band appeared at 345 mμ, whose intensity increased with concentration. The excimer band manifested itself at a concentration slightly lower than the critical micelle concentration. The main band decreased and the excimer band increased, as the temperature was raised. An excimer band was observed in the same region of the spectra for the pure detergent, either in the solid or liquid state. The equilibrium solid spectra exhibited a very strong excimer emission. It was concluded that the excimers were formed within micelles in the case of aqueous solutions.
Optimality and Duality of the Turbo Decoder

The near-optimal performance of the turbo decoder has been a source of intrigue among communications engineers and information theorists, given its ad hoc origins that were seemingly disconnected from optimization theory. Naturally one would inquire whether the favorable performance might be explained by characterizing the turbo decoder via some optimization criterion or performance index. Recently, two such characterizations have surfaced. One draws from statistical mechanics and aims to minimize the Bethe approximation to a free energy measure. The other characterization involves constrained likelihood estimation, a setting perhaps more familiar to communications engineers. The intent of this paper is to assemble a tutorial overview of these recent developments, and more importantly to identify the formal mathematical duality between the two viewpoints. The paper includes tutorial background material on the information geometry tools used in analyzing the turbo decoder, and the analysis accommodates both the parallel concatenation and serial concatenation schemes in a common framework.
Targeted delivery of immunogenic antigen to the tumor microenvironment after irradiation facilitates tumor control

Meeting abstracts Tumor control by radiation therapy (RT) acts beyond direct RT-induced cell death and has the ability to stimulate a systemic anti-tumor immune response through antigen release and sterile inflammation. However, RT-induced myeloid cell recruitment can interfere with the anti-tumor
476 CHILDHOOD RENAL AND RESPIRATORY DISEASE AS A MATERNAL RISK FACTOR IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

In a recent study which assessed the effect of “healed” renal disease on pregnancy outcome the incidence of low birth weight infants born to women with previous illness requiring hospitalization as children was unexpectedly higher than that among siblings of the renal disease cohort (p < 0.05). Further analysis of data from birth certificates of 88 live births to the 109 women with previous respiratory disease and 57 infants to the 64 siblings of the renal disease group indicate that these differences persist. 12 (13.6%) low birth weight infants were born to the renal disease mothers and 11 (18.3%) low birth weight infants were delivered to the women in the respiratory disease group. 2 (3.5%) of the infants born to the sibling cohort were low birth weight. Gestational age was calculated against LMP. The curves generated by plotting gestational age vs birth weight of the three cohorts were compared to the birth weight curves of Lubchencko and Babson. When race, socioeconomic status and the effect of maternal cigarette smoking were controlled, the differences also persisted. These data challenge the current concept that low socioeconomic status per se is a risk factor for low birth weight. Women with disease severe enough to be hospitalized as children may represent a risk factor for preterm and small for gestational age infants.
Relationships between Reward Sensitivity, Risk-Taking and Family History of Alcoholism during an Interactive Competitive fMRI Task

Background Individuals with a positive family history for alcoholism (FHP) have shown differences from family-history-negative (FHN) individuals in the neural correlates of reward processing. FHP, compared to FHN individuals, demonstrate relatively diminished ventral striatal activation during anticipation of monetary rewards, and the degree of ventral striatal activation shows an inverse correlation with specific impulsivity measures in alcohol-dependent individuals. Rewards in socially interactive contexts relate importantly to addictive propensities, yet have not been examined with respect to how their neural underpinnings relate to impulsivity-related measures. Here we describe impulsivity measures in FHN and FHP individuals as they relate to a socially interactive functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task.
Growth of somatic embryos of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) in hydroxyethyl cellulose gel amended with salts and carbohydrates

Abstract Rapid plantlet development is critical for successful direct-field sowing of somatic embryos. Sweet potato somatic embryos were placed in hydroxyethyl cellulose gel (2.5% w/v) that was amended with different sources and concentrations of nutrients and carbohydrates to optimize plant formation. Greater root, shoot, and plantlet formation occurred in gel amended with Murashige and Skoog's (MS) or Gamborg's salts compared with White's or Hoagland's salts. Murashige and Skoog's salt concentrations at one-half and full-strength resulted in 40% plantlet production, while at one-quarter-strength 80% of the somatic embryos produced roots but no shoots. Both the macronutrients and micronutrients of Murashige and Skoog were necessary for maximum plant conversion in the gel, while the addition of the MS vitamins resulted in no significant improvement. Plantlet formation was greatest in get amended with fructose, maltose or sucrose as a carbohydrate source. Embryos would not survive without these carbohydrates amended to the gel or with galactose. Concentrations of fructose or sucrose in the gel between 23 and 187 mmol resulted in the most rooting, while concentrations ranging from 23 to 93 mmol were best for plantlet formation. By amending a transfer gel for direct fluid sowing, over 90% of the somatic embryos commonly formed roots and up to 50% of the embryos formed normal plantlets.
New alternative graphing methods for thin-film interferometry data

Thin-film interferometry has long been used to monitor deposition and etching processes. The authors present Lissajous and phase-space graphs of thin-film interferometry traces and discuss some of the practical implications of graphing the data in these nontraditional formats. These types of graphs can highlight certain process events and provide a more user-friendly operator interface for the control of thin-film etching and deposition processes. >
Recessions and Health: The Impact of Economic Trends on Air Pollution in California

Objectives. I explored the hypothesis that economic activity has a significant impact on exposure to air pollution and ultimately human health.Methods. I used county-level employment statistics in California (1980–2000), along with major regulatory periods and other controlling factors, to estimate local concentrations of the coefficient of haze, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide using a mixed regression model approach.Results. The model explained between 33% and 48% of the variability in air pollution levels as estimated by the overall R2 values. The relationship between employment measures and air pollution was statistically significant, suggesting that air quality improves during economic downturns. Additionally, major air quality regulations played a significant role in reducing air pollution levels over the study period.Conclusions. This study provides important evidence of a role for the economy in understanding human exposure to environmental pollution. The evidence further suggests that the im...
Microcredit and Poverty: When Microcredit Works and When It Doesn’t

This paper explores the relationship between microcredit and poverty reduction. To investigate this question, we posit a bare-bone, household model that outlines the economic environment within which various types of family- microenterprises operate. It highlights a number of issues that impinge on household earnings such as the nature of the labor market, technology, product demand and entrepreneurial skills. The paper argues that the impact of microcredit is likely to be different across household types as well as across different economic environments. The paper identifies several important demand and supply constraints to the household’s graduation from poverty. These constraints are difficult to overcome in a traditional economic environment, marked by stagnant technology and market saturation.
Factors Related to Counselor Preference Among Gays and Lesbians

This study explored the preference for counselor's sexual orientation among gay and lesbian clients. Recognizing that the perceived reaction of participants to hypothetical situations may be a viable predictor of future choices, respondents were administered a comfort/discomfort index intended to probe a number of potential counseling concerns. Internalized homophobia (Hudson & Ricketts, 1977) and a scale measuring degree of same- or opposite-sex sexual preferences (Kinsey, Pomeroy, Martin, & Gebbhard, 1953) were also investigated in an attempt to account for variance in the comfort/discomfort ratings. Findings indicated that gay men and lesbians tend to prefer gay or lesbian counselors, although a sizable number believe that counselors' sexual orientations do not make a difference. Internalized homophobia was found to predict discomfort in discussing various topics with a counselor of unknown sexual orientation.
Reengineering the internet for better security

The growing proliferation of malware is raising doubts about the Internet's future. Security measures primarily target inbound traffic, but service providers have no incentive to stop attacks and spam at the source. A proposed certification scheme motivates providers to control outgoing traffic, efficiently increasing overall security while preserving the Internet's open, decentralized structure
Electron Exchange in H-H Collisions: Heitler-London Curves as a Function of Internuclear Distance and Velocity

Heitler-London wave functions used to determine internuclear distance and velocity of electron exchange in H-H collisions
Human Eosinophils Recognize Endogenous Danger Signal Crystalline Uric Acid and Produce Proinflammatory Cytokines Mediated by Autocrine ATP

Eosinophils are multifunctional leukocytes involved in various inflammatory processes, as well as tissue remodeling and immunoregulation. During inflammation and infection, injured cells and damaged tissues release uric acid and monosodium urate (MSU) crystals as important endogenous danger signals. Uric acid is also implicated in the immunogenic effects of an authentic Th2 adjuvant, aluminum hydroxide. Eosinophils often localize at sites of Th2-type chronic inflammation; therefore, we hypothesized that eosinophils may react to endogenous danger signals. We found that human eosinophils migrate toward soluble uric acid and MSU crystals in a gradient-dependent manner. Eosinophils incubated with MSU crystals, but not those incubated with uric acid solution, produced elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8/CXCL8. Other cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, TNF-α, G-CSF, GM-CSF, fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and TGF-β, were also produced by eosinophils incubated with MSU crystals. Eosinophils exposed to MSU crystals rapidly (i.e., within 1 min of exposure) released ATP into the extracellular milieu. Importantly, this autocrine ATP was necessary for eosinophils to produce cytokines in response to MSU crystals, and P2 nucleotide receptors, in particular P2Y2, are likely involved in this positive feedback loop. Finally, at higher concentrations, MSU crystals promoted P2R-dependent release of a granule protein (eosinophil-derived neurotoxin) and cell death. Thus, human eosinophils may respond to particulate damage-associated endogenous danger signals. These responses by eosinophils to tissue damage may explain the self-perpetuating nature of chronic inflammation in certain human diseases, such as asthma.
Using social network analysis to study the interaction patterns in an online knowledge community

Traditional group study methodologies focus on the study of individuals that comprise a group. Social Network Analysis (SNA) focuses on the relationships between members that make up a group. This research demonstrates the use of SNA and content analysis as a mixed methodology for studying interaction patterns of members in a Web-based knowledge community. Since this project is an initial investigation, further questions and directions will be included.
On Role Logic

We present role logic, a notation for describing properties of relational structures in shape analysis, databases, and knowledge bases. We construct role logic using the ideas of de Bruijn’s notation for lambda calculus, an encoding of first-order logic in lambda calculus, and a simple rule for implicit arguments of unary and binary predicates. The unrestricted version of role logic has the expressive power of first-order logic with transitive closure. Using a syntactic restriction on role logic formulas, we identify a natural fragment RL 2 of role logic. We show that the RL 2 fragment has the same expressive power as two-variable logic with counting C 2 , and is therefore decidable. We present a translation of an imperative language into the decidable fragment RL 2 , which allows compositional verification of programs that manipulate relational structures. In addition, we show how RL 2 encodes boolean shape anal
Medawar redux - an overview on the use of farm animal models to elucidate principles of reproductive immunology.

Citation Hansen PJ. Medawar redux – an overview on the use of farm animal models to elucidate principles of reproductive immunology. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010 Farm animals have been important models for the development of reproductive immunology. Two of the major concepts underpinning reproductive immunology, the idea of the fetal allograft and progesterone’s role in regulation of uterine immunity, were developed using the bovine as a model. This volume of the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology is composed of review articles that highlight the continued relevance of farm animals as models for research in mammalian biology. It is important that a diverse array of genotypes are used to elucidate biological principles relevant to mammalian biology and human health because the nature of mammalian evolution has resulted in a situation where the genome of the most commonly used animal model, the laboratory mouse, is less similar to the human than other species like the cow. Moreover, the evolution of placental function has been accompanied by formation of new genes during recent evolution so that orthologs do not exist in any but closely related species. Given the infrastructure needs to study farm animal species, optimal utilization of these animals as models for biomedical research will require significant increases in funding to reverse a historical erosion of resources devoted to animal agricultural research.
Aftereffects Produced in Alloy 600 by Exposure to Lithiated High-Temperature Water

Abstract The exposure of alloy 600 (UNS N06600) to lithiated water at 350 to 360°C followed by room-temperature aging was found to produce after-effects (surface cracking and changes in micro-hardness and x-ray diffraction pattern) similar to those reported for different austenitic stainless steels subjected to cathodic charging with high-fugacity hydrogen.
Photo-pumped x-ray laser research on Saturn

Using Saturn as a driver, we are pursuing both photoresonantly pumped and photoionization/recombination lasers. Our lasing targets are gas cells with thin windows that are pumped by a z pinch 2 cm away radiating 10 TW. In both schemes the lasant and gas fill is neon. We will present evidence for inversion in the sodium/neon photoresonant scheme but we have yet to detect the lasing transition itself. To increase our chances of measuring this line we have introduced potassium into a sodium z-pinch and have eliminated oxygen from the gas cell windows.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Comparative Analysis of Quality Management in US and International Universities

The paper compares the implementation of quality management programmes of higher education in US and international academic institutions. The comparison is based on the use of formal quality models such as ISO 9000 and Malcolm Baldrige Criteria, Quality-of- Design, Quality-of-Conformance, and Quality-of-Performance. An interesting outcome was the absence of Quality-of-Performance among US universities.
Neural Networks in Structural Engineering

In the past few years literature on computational civil engineering has concentrated primarily on artificial intelligence (Al) applications involving expert system technology. This article discusses a different Al approach involving neural networks. Unlike their expert system counterparts, neural networks can be trained based on observed information. These systems exhibit a learning and memory capability similar to that of the human brain, a fact due to their simplified modeling of the brain's biological function. This article presents an introduction to neural network technology as it applies to structural engineering applications. Differing network types are discussed. A back-propagation learning algorithm is presented. The article concludes with a demonstration of the potential of the neural network approach. The demonstration involves three structural engineering problems. The first problem involves pattern recognition; the second, a simple concrete beam design; and the third, a rectangular plate analysis. The pattern recognition problem demonstrates a solution which would otherwise be difficult to code in a conventional program. The concrete beam problem indicates that typical design decisions can be made by neural networks. The last problem demonstrates that numerically complex solutions can be estimated almost instantaneously with a neural network.
Pathophysiology of optic neuritis

Acute optic neuritis is a common inflammatory optic neuropathy that is closely associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). As a clinical syndrome, optic neuritis typically presents with subacute visual loss and periocular pain that often resolve spontaneously. Optic neuritis is frequently the initial manifestation of MS, and also occurs commonly during the course of the disease. Not only does optic neuritis explain some of the visual disability experienced by MS patients, but it also provides unique insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the MS disease process. Advancements in ocular and magnetic resonance imaging techniques have provided an exciting opportunity to interrogate optic neuritis as an in vivo model of inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. In this chapter, we introduce the relationship between optic neuritis and MS, describe the clinical course of optic neuritis, and review its underlying pathophysiologic concepts.
Polymeric Nanoparticle Receptors as Synthetic Antibodies for Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

The wide usage and subsequent leakage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) into the environment present an urgent need to create materials for selective binding of NSAID drugs, which are highly similar to one another in structure and functionality. Surface–core double-cross-linking of cationic micelles containing Naproxen or Indomethacin as the template yielded molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MINPs) for these drugs. The nanoparticle receptors resembled water-soluble proteins in their hydrophilic exterior and hydrophobic core with guest-tailored binding pockets. Their binding selectivity for their templates over other NSAID analogues rivaled that of antibodies prepared through much lengthier procedures.
Literacy as Independence: The Writings of Hattie Reynolds, 1870-1927

By examining the writings of Hattie Reynolds, this analysis seeks to demonstrate the rhetorical strategies she used to situate herself outside of the nineteenth-century private sphere. Such strategies allowed Reynolds to take unusual paths for a woman and prove that her writing and life offer significant contributions to women’s rhetoric.
Enzymatic Differences Between Carrot Taproot Secondary Phloem And Tissue Cultures Derived from Secondary Phloem.

SummaryActivity of 7 enzymes in carrot taproot secondary phloem and tissue in culture derived from secondary phloem was measured. Peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and malic dehydrogenase were present in both preparations but the cultured material contained more peroxidase and less malic dehydrogenase. Possible interpretations are discussed. Alkaline phosphatase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and aldolase were not found in either the taproots or cultured material.
Rational design of small-molecule inhibitors for β-catenin/T-cell factor protein-protein interactions by bioisostere replacement.

A new hot spot-based design strategy using bioisostere replacement is reported to rationally design nonpeptidic small-molecule inhibitors for protein–protein interactions. This method is applied to design new potent inhibitors for β-catenin/T-cell factor (Tcf) interactions. Three hot spot regions of Tcf for binding to β-catenin were quantitatively evaluated; the key binding elements around K435 and K508 of β-catenin were derived; a bioisostere library was used to generate new fragments that can match the proposed critical binding elements. The most potent inhibitor, with a molecular weight of 230, has a Kd of 0.531 μM for binding to β-catenin and a Ki of 3.14 μM to completely disrupt β-catenin/Tcf interactions. The binding mode of the designed inhibitors was validated by the site-directed mutagenesis and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies. This study provides a new approach to design new small-molecule inhibitors that bind to β-catenin and effectively disrupt β-catenin/Tcf interactions specific...
Large Eddy Simulation of the Flow Past Pitching NACA0012 Airfoil at 1E5 Reynolds Number

The paper is concerned with the prediction and analysis of dynamic stall of flow past pitching NACA-0012 airfoil at 105 Reynolds number based on the chord length of the airfoil and at reduced frequency of 0.188 in a three dimensional flow field. The turbulence in the flow field is resolved using large eddy simulations with dynamic Smagorinsky model at the sub grid scale. The lift hysteresis plots indicate closer match to experimental results, although discrepancies exist during the downstroke. The development of dynamic stall vortex, vortex shedding and reattachment as predicted by the present study are discussed in detail. This study has shown that the downstroke phase of the pitching motion is strongly three dimensional and is highly complex, whereas the flow is practically two dimensional during the upstroke.© 2014 ASME
PLANT DERMATITIS: FACT AND FANCY.

Contact dermatitis resulting from allergy to plants affects millions of persons each year. Although benign and self-limiting, this condition is greatly annoying to the patient. Treatment depends on the severity of involvement. Systemic antihistamines are frequently given for their sedative effects, and aspirin is sometimes helpful. In moderate to severe cases, systemic corticosteroid therapy will relieve discomfort while the allergic process is spontaneously healing.Destruction of plants which produce the dermatitis and hyposensitization are recommended as prophylactic measures.
DEINDUSTRIALIZATION AND THE REORGANIZATION OF OCCUPATIONS: THE REORGANIZATION OF THE LABOR MARKET IN OKLAHOMA BETWEEN 1970 AND 1990*

*Originally printed in Free Inquiry in Creative Sociology 29(1). Studies of deindustrialization generally assume that the decline of craft and laborer occupations is principally associated with a relative loss of manufacturing jobs combined with a gain in service and trade jobs. This study tests this assumption in Oklahoma between 1970 and 1990 using a secondary analysis of U.S. Census data for the state as a whole and for Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Muskogee, Ardmore, and McAlester. Deindustrialization was found principally in Tulsa. Oklahoma City and McAlester lost a significant proportion of employment in the government sector. Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and McAlester each lost significantly more employment in craft and laborer occupations and gained more employment in managerial, professional, and technical occupations than can be accounted for by the change in the industrial distribution of employment alone. In most areas included in the study, employment in administrative support occupations decreased more than expected from changes in the distribution of employment by industry alone while sales occupations increased. This additional change in the occupational distribution was associated with the reorganization of occupations within industries. Finally, a doubling of the rate of part-time workers occurred that cannot be accounted for by the proportional change of employment by industry or by occupation within industries.
On the Reality and Ideality of Teachers' Body Language

Body language,which is a part of nonverbal behavior,is composed of information communication symbols as facial expression,head movement,arm movement,and gesture,etc..The paper suggests that the changing of traditional sound language teaching by coordinating the body language,discovering the game spirit and inspiration of the body language in the teaching could highlight the importance of body language in teaching,and thus cause the teacher's attention and improve the teaching efficiently.
Integrated data-driven analytics to identify instability signatures in nonstationary financial time series

ABSTRACTWith the objective of identifying instability signatures of the financial system, this article integrates two classes of data-driven techniques. The first class of techniques is utilized to investigate macroeconomic behaviour by aggregating an ensemble of heterogeneous nonstationary time-series data and the second class of techniques examines the local dynamics of the microstructures in each time series. Moving window principal component analysis (PCA) and functional PCA (fPCA) are shown to extract collective signatures of the financial system for understanding macroeconomic behaviour, and the Synchrosqueezing and Markov switching techniques are used to study local dynamics within each individual time series. The integrated data analytics successfully identifies the diverse events from 1986 to 2012. All events, both major and minor, have been identified by fPCA. The major economic events, especially the 2008 Great Recession, along with several minor events, showed a strong leading indicator in the...
The effect of ketoconazole on steroidogenesis. II. Adrenocortical enzyme activity in vitro.

The activity of five adrenocortical steroidogenic enzymes, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3 beta-HSD), 17-hydroxylase (17-OHase) 17,20 desmolase (17,20D), 21-hydroxylase (21-OHase) and 11-hydroxylase (11-OHase), were measured in vitro in purified mitochondria or microsomes from rhesus monkey (Macaca mulata) and human adrenal tissue in the presence and absence of graded concentrations of ketoconazole. Rhesus 3 beta-HSD activity was unaffected by ketoconazole at concentrations up to 5000 microM. However, human adrenal 3 beta-HSD was inhibited by approximately 40% (p less than .01) at concentrations of 500 microM and by 80% at 100 microM. 17-OHase and 17,20D were significantly inhibited in the human at 5 microM (p less than .001) and in the rhesus monkey at 50 microM (p less than .001). A similar inhibitory effect was found on microsomal 21-OHase, with significant inhibition at 5 microM ketoconazole in the human and rhesus monkey (p less than 0.001). Mitochondrial 11-OHase was also significantly inhibited by ketoconazole in both the human (p less than .005) and rhesus (p less than .001) at 2.0 microM. These results represent documentation of the specific adrenal steroidogenic steps affected by ketoconazole and confirm the observations that this imidazole derivative is a powerful inhibitor of enzymes in the glucocorticoid pathway.
New approach for the modeling of the polluted insulators

The determination of the potential distribution on the surface of the polluted insulators is essential for the study of the flashover phenomena. Several mathematical and experimental approaches were proposed to facilitate the study of the polluted insulators which have a very complex geometry and which are subjected to a non uniform pollution. In order to contribute to this study, we propose in this paper a new approach to model the real insulators whatever the complexity of their profiles. We made a comparative study between an disc insulator and its open model by comparing the total resistance recorded by experimental measurements and calculated. To validate our approach, we could determine the potentials on the surface of a real insulator with sheds of the anti fog type.
Correction For the Effects of Lipemia on Ortho ELT-8 Results

Lipemia causes spurious elevation of hemoglobin values and the MCH and MCHC indices obtained from automated cell counting instruments. This article describes a simple and reproducible cell washing procedure to correct values obtained on the Ortho ELT-8 cell counter.
Mechanical characterisation of concrete-asphalt interface in bonded concrete overlays of asphalt pavements

AbstractBonded concrete overlay of an asphalt pavement (BCOA) is a rehabilitation technique consisting of 50–175 mm thickness concrete overlay on an existing asphalt pavement. This technique, known as thin (minimum 100 mm) or ultra-thin whitetopping (thinner than 100 mm) in the past, relies on the composite action of concrete and asphalt layers acting together with a third phase of the system being the interface between the two materials. For this study, the stiffness and strength/fatigue resistance of this interface have been characterised by means of a series of laboratory tests conducted on asphalt and composite cylindrical specimens under different loading and environmental conditions. Testing conditions included wet and dry, and temperatures between 5 and 40 °C, a range applicable to BCOA asphalt bases in California. Experimental results from this study indicate the mechanical nature of the concrete–asphalt interface is strongly related to that of the asphalt. The interface stiffness showed clear tim...
A Comparison of Wave Statistics in Uni- and Multidirectional Shoaling Seas

the transformation of six unidirectional and multidirectional seas propagating over a 1:25 planar beach are examined in a series of laboratory experiments. In all cases, the mean wave direction is normal to the bathymetric contours. Changes to frequency spectra, directional distributions, wave asymmetries, and the distribution of wave heights and crest elevations, are examined through the shoaling and surf zones. Wave multidirectionality greatly reduces the growth of long-waves, and slightly reduces the growth of wave energy at higher harmonics of the fundamental peak frequency. In all cases, unidirectional waves exhibited greater increases in wave heights and crest elevations through the shoaling zone. The effect of multidirectionality on wave asymmetries, and the distribution of wave heights and crest elevations, is small compared to the overall changes throughout the nearshore.
The thyroid cancer epidemic, 2017 perspective.

Purpose of reviewThyroid cancer incidence and mortality trends have been identified as being consistent with overdiagnosis, and several recent efforts have been made to mitigate this problem.Recent findingsMajor guidelines for thyroid nodule management recommend against general biopsy of nodules les
Functional siloxanes with photo-activated, simultaneous chain extension and crosslinking for lithography-based 3D printing

Abstract A novel, poly(dimethyl siloxane)-based photopolymer that exhibits simultaneous linear chain extension and crosslinking was suitable for vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing. Photopolymer compositions consisted of dithiol and diacrylate functional poly(dimethyl siloxane) oligomers, where simultaneous thiol-ene coupling and free radical polymerization provided for linear chain extension and crosslinking, respectively. Compositions possessed low viscosity before printing and the modulus and tensile strain at break of a photocured, higher molecular weight precursor after printing. Photorheology and soxhlet extraction demonstrated highly efficient photocuring, revealing a calculated molecular weight between crosslinks of 12,600 g/mol and gel fractions in excess of 90% while employing significantly lower molecular weight precursors (i.e.
Gene therapy and genome surgery in the retina

Precision medicine seeks to treat disease with molecular specificity. Advances in genome sequence analysis, gene delivery, and genome surgery have allowed clinician-scientists to treat genetic conditions at the level of their pathology. As a result, progress in treating retinal disease using genetic tools has advanced tremendously over the past several decades. Breakthroughs in gene delivery vectors, both viral and nonviral, have allowed the delivery of genetic payloads in preclinical models of retinal disorders and have paved the way for numerous successful clinical trials. Moreover, the adaptation of CRISPR-Cas systems for genome engineering have enabled the correction of both recessive and dominant pathogenic alleles, expanding the disease-modifying power of gene therapies. Here, we highlight the translational progress of gene therapy and genome editing of several retinal disorders, including RPE65-, CEP290-, and GUY2D-associated Leber congenital amaurosis, as well as choroideremia, achromatopsia, Mer tyrosine kinase- (MERTK-) and RPGR X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, X-linked retinoschisis, Stargardt disease, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.
Impacts & Detection of Network Layer Attacks on IoT Networks

With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensor and actuator networks, subsequently referred to as IoT networks (IoTNs), are proliferating at an unprecedented rate in several newfound areas such as smart cities, health care, and transportation, and consequently, securing them is of paramount importance. In this paper, we present several useful insights from an exploratory study of the impacts of network layer attacks on IoTNs. We envision that these insights will guide the design of future frameworks to defend against network layer attacks. We also present a preliminary such framework and demonstrate its effectiveness in detecting network layer attacks through experiments on a real IoTN test-bed.
Single-ended mid-infrared laser-absorption sensor for time-resolved measurements of water concentration and temperature within the annulus of a rotating detonation engine

Abstract A novel single-ended mid-infrared laser-absorption sensor for time-resolved measurements of water mole fraction and temperature was developed and deployed within the annulus of a hydrogen/air-fed rotating detonation engine (RDE). The sensor transmitted two laser beams targeting mid-infrared water transitions through a single optical port on the outer wall of the cylindrical RDE annulus and measured the backscattered radiation from the RDE inner surface using a photodetector for a round-trip path of 1.52 cm. Optimizing the sensor's optical arrangement using numerical ray tracing to minimize interference from optical emission, beam steering, and scattered laser light from window surfaces was essential to sensor performance. Scanned-wavelength-modulation spectroscopy with second-harmonic detection and first-harmonic normalization was implemented to allow for frequency-domain multiplexing of the two lasers and to suppress non-absorbing interference sources such as beam-steering and emission. Tunable diode lasers near 2551 and 2482 nm were modulated at 100 and 122 kHz, respectively, and sinusoidally scanned across the peaks of their respective water transitions at 10 kHz to provide a measurement rate of 20 kHz and detection limit of 0.5% water by mole. Experimentally derived spectroscopic parameters enabled water and temperature sensing with respective uncertainties of 7.3% and 5.3% relative to the measured values. Time-resolved and time-averaged sensor measurements of gas temperature and water vapor mole fraction allow quantitative evaluation of the combustion progress at the measurement location and thus provide a design tool for RDE optimization. Broadly, this single-ended laser sensor should find applications in other combustion systems where optical access is limited.
Cost of treatment and prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease. An international perspective.

On the basis of immunogenicity and protective efficacy studies. 4 Haemophilus influenzae ype b (Hib) conjugate vaccines have been licensed for administration to infants and children. Population based studies of Hib disease from Australia, Chile, Finland, Gambia, Israel, Switzerland, UK and US show that the relative and absolute incidence of Hib disease varies significantly. These differences in Hib epidemiology, and associated sequelae and hospital costs affect the cost-benefit analysis of prcventive vaccination, necessitating unique calculations for each country. Published papers on the cost of Hib disease and the cost-benefit relationship of Hib vaccination have been based primarily on reports from the US, but more recently also on studies from Australia, Finland, Israel, Switzerland, UK, Sweden and Chile. All studies to date have produced favourable cost-benefit ratios. The implementation of Hib vaccination has led to the virtual disappearance of Hib disease in some of these countrics. The lessons gained from these analyses are instructive not only for better understanding of the epidemiology of Hib disease. but also as a template for assessing the cost-benefit ratio of the implementation of preventive vaccination for other diseases.
Prescription Drug Cost Sharing, Effects of

Prescription drug cost sharing is a common cost-containment tool used in many developed countries, particularly the US. Substantial evidence suggests that cost sharing reduces payer drug expenditures via several mechanisms including a direct shift in costs to patients as well as reductions in the quantity and price of drugs used. Although limited data exist on its effects on health outcomes and total expenditures, evidence in certain chronic conditions suggests that higher cost sharing is associated with increased used of medical services. As payers continue to experiment with cost sharing policies, further research examining its effects on prescription and medical use, spending, and outcomes is warranted.
A scripting interface for GSAS-II

The GSAS-II suite is a complete crystallographic analysis package for all types of X-ray and neutron diffraction data, suited for fitting models ranging from simple materials to proteins, and designed around an integrated graphical user interface. This article describes a new module within GSAS-II, GSASIIscript­able, which provides access to the GSAS-II data structures and an extensible mechanism to run a significant fraction of GSAS-II functionality, particularly for powder diffraction applications, from within Python scripts or directly from commands in a shell/batch script. This allows parallelization in a high-performance computing environment; near ideal speedup is seen with up to 240 simultaneous processes.
Can Ultrasound Identify Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement? A Pilot Study.

Objective Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is characterized by paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) during inspiration. The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasound could accurately differentiate between normal and PVFM during respirations in a resting state. Design Prospective, single-subject design. Setting Academic medical center. Patients A speech-language pathologist who was able to volitionally alternate between normal and PVFM when breathing at rest was recruited to participate in the study. Interventions The subject was instructed to randomly alternate between normal and PVFM 20 times (10 times each). A single investigator imaged the vocal folds using ultrasound and reported when the subject alternated between the 2 respiratory states. Main outcome measures The subject recorded when they changed between the 2 respiratory states, whether the investigator identified with the change occurred, and if the correct respiratory state was identified. Results The investigator recognized when the subject changed respiratory states and correctly identified the new respiratory state 100% of the time. Conclusions The findings of the current study were promising and suggest that ultrasound may have utility in the diagnosis of VCD. However, because of the preliminary nature of these results, further research is required before recommending its clinical implementation.
Framework for estimating sleep timing from digital footprints

Objective We propose a method that estimates sleep timing from publicly observable activity on online social network sites. The method has the potential to minimise participant-related biases, does not require specialised equipment and can be applied to a large population. Materials and methods We propose a framework that estimates midpoints of habitual sleep time from activity records on a social media—Twitter. We identified sets of before-bedtime and after-wake-up tweets that marked the periods of reduced Twitter activity, which we use as a proxy of sleep. We then estimated the timing of sleep by deriving the median among midpoints of paired before-bedtime and after-wake-up tweets. Visualisations and examples of our estimates comparing sleep timing of users from different countries are provided. Discussion Initial results suggest that the proposed framework could detect differences in sleep timing among user groups of different countries. The proposed framework may be a cost-efficient complement for future research regarding sleep-related health concerns. Researchers and practitioners may benefit from accessing habitual sleep data. While validation is still required prior to actual applications, the proposed framework may be a first step towards a convenient and cost-efficient complement to currently available methods.