cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Proposed Remedies for Credit Rating Agency Failures

ABSTRACT: Regulators and the financial press have criticized credit rating agencies (CRAs) for exacerbating the financial crisis by providing overly optimistic debt ratings. Allegedly, CRAs departed from their quantitative models in order to please security issuers with higher credit ratings. In response, the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 required the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study on alternative models for compensating CRAs. We conduct an experiment exploring how the credit ratings of M.B.A. students, who assume the role of credit rating analysts, are affected by two proposals for reform: (1) changing who pays the CRAs, and (2) requiring analysts to justify departures from a quantitative model. We find that credit ratings are highest when the borrower pays CRAs for ratings and a justification requirement is not in place. Implementing either proposed reform independently reduces credit ratings, but credit ratings are not further reduced when both reforms are implemented together. Data Avai...
A design for a fast computer for scientific calculations

Recently developed techniques, such as the associative fast store and Tomasulo's algorithm, will enable typical large scale computers to achieve 15 to 20 million instructions per second. The hardware of such machines has a very much greater potential power, but it is inefficiently used, being limited to decoding a single instruction per logic cycle. This paper proposes a technique whereby the programmer is provided with complex instructions capable of controlling the operation of the whole machine during one logic cycle. The use of such instructions for the inner loops of programs yields substantial performance improvements without significantly increased costs.
A Case of Olfactory Groove Meningioma Presenting Anosmia

The common causes of anosmia include sinonasal disorder, post-upper respiratory infection, trauma and chemicals. Intracranial tumor also frequently cause anosmia, so it is not easy to diagnose an intracranial tumor in patients who present with no definite related symptoms other than anosmia. Therefore, otolaryngologists should focus their attention on these disorders when they see patients with anosmia. We have experienced a case of olfactory groove menigioma presenting with only anosmia. We herein report this case with a brief review of the literature.� Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2011;54:431-4
Smoking in the absence of nicotine: behavioral, subjective and physiological effects over 11 days

Aims Sensorimotor stimuli associated with tobacco smoking influence smoking behavior; however, current research has focused almost exclusively on the effects of brief, laboratory-based exposure to smoking-related stimuli. The purpose of this experiment was to characterize the effects of smoking stimuli delivered in the absence of nicotine over an extended (11-day) exposure. Design, setting and participants Thirty adult regular smokers participated in an in-patient study. After assessing preferred brand smoking, participants were assigned randomly to one of three groups corresponding to subsequent smoking conditions: nicotine-containing cigarettes, de-nicotinized cigarettes or no smoking. Measurements Measures of smoking reinforcement, subjective effects, physiological effects, withdrawal/craving and puff topography were taken repeatedly during both periods of free access and controlled assessments during abstinence. Findings Daily de-nicotinized cigarette use declined immediately by 1.7 cigarettes/day compared to the preferred brand baseline and declined by another 3.5 cigarettes over time; participants smoking de-nicotinized cigarettes also demonstrated a 31% decline in the number of puffs earned on a progressive ratio, a measure of the motivation to smoke, during the study. Subjective ratings of smoking were largely negative throughout the study in the de-nicotinized group, while the nicotine-containing condition reported increasingly positive subjective effects with repeated exposure. Acute craving suppression following smoking remained evident throughout the study regardless of nicotine content. Conclusions These effects highlight the importance of non-nicotine sensorimotor stimuli as determinants of the maintenance of smoking behavior and suggests that extinction of conditioned reinforcement in the absence of nicotine progresses slowly.
The application of a systems engineering model to survey research methodology

Survey methodology is becoming an increasingly prevalent tool in the management of organizations. Many companies are expending considerable resources in seeking the opinions stakeholders (workers, customers, etc.). While surveys have been used for a long time in the social sciences, questions often arise in technical organizations related to the scientific nature and value of survey methodology. This paper describes a unique application of a systems engineering model (V model) to survey methodology. Examples are provided using data from the author's dissertation (1999) based survey research.
New Dynamic Flex Durability Test. 1

Description of a original concept to provide a reliable test machine wid which gives all of the information necessary to quantify the durability properties of not only test blocke of cushioning material, but also finished seat cushions in a variety of environmental conditions
Phase Resetting Light Pulses Induce Per1 and Persistent Spike Activity in a Subpopulation of Biological Clock Neurons

The endogenous circadian clock of the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) can be reset by light to synchronize the biological clock of the brain with the external environment. This process involves induction of immediate-early genes such as the circadian clock gene Period1 (Per1) and results in a stable shift in the timing of behavioral and physiological rhythms on subsequent days. The mechanisms by which gene activation permanently alters the phase of clock neuron activity are unknown. To study the relationship between acute gene activation and persistent changes in the neurophysiology of SCN neurons, we recorded from SCN neurons marked with a dynamic green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter of Per1 gene activity. Phase-resetting light pulses resulted in Per1 induction in a distinct subset of SCN neurons that also exhibited a persistent increase in action potential frequency 3‐5 hr after a light pulse. By simultaneously quantifying Per1 gene activation and spike frequency in individual neurons, we found that the degree of Per1 induction was highly correlated with neuronal spike frequency on a cell-by-cell basis. Increased neuronal activity was mediated by membrane potential depolarization as a result of a reduction in outward potassium current. Double-label immunocytochemistry revealed that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-expressing cells, but not arginine vasopressin (AVP)-expressing cells, exhibited significant Per1 induction by light pulses. Rhythmic GFP expression occurred in both VIP and AVP neurons. Our results indicate that the steps that link acute molecular events to permanent changes in clock phase involve persistent suppression of potassium current, downstream of Per1 gene induction, in a specific subset of Per1-expressing neurons enriched for VIP.
Sniper: improved SNP discovery by multiply mapping deep sequenced reads

SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) discovery using next-generation sequencing data remains difficult primarily because of redundant genomic regions, such as interspersed repetitive elements and paralogous genes, present in all eukaryotic genomes. To address this problem, we developed Sniper, a novel multi-locus Bayesian probabilistic model and a computationally efficient algorithm that explicitly incorporates sequence reads that map to multiple genomic loci. Our model fully accounts for sequencing error, template bias, and multi-locus SNP combinations, maintaining high sensitivity and specificity under a broad range of conditions. An implementation of Sniper is freely available at http://kim.bio.upenn.edu/software/sniper.shtml.
Feverfew: weeding out the root of leukaemia

Malignant stem cells are central to the pathogenesis and perpetuation of acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). Despite their crucial role, standard chemotherapy often does not target these critical cells and, thus, the ‘root’ of leukaemic disease is not eradicated. To derive better therapies, unique molecular features of malignant stem cells have been characterised for AML and evaluated with regard to ablation of disease. In the course of such studies, the compound parthenolide, which is derived from the medicinal plant feverfew, has recently been shown to preferentially induce AML stem cells to undergo apoptosis. Importantly, parthenolide had no discernable effect on normal blood cells. Thus, this naturally occurring agent may provide new avenues of investigation for the treatment of leukaemia. In this article, characteristics of parthenolide are reviewed.
Predicting the Loss of Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties in the Name of National Security

The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between the increased need for national security standards and the negative impact on constitutional rights and civil liberties of U.S. citizens. Balance of Power Theory and Balance of Threat Theory as well as the LAMP technique were employed to develop a method for studying the relationship and for deriving results. Through the Lockwood Analytical Method for Prediction (LAMP) technique, the study determines likely futures based on three scenarios: the U.S. faces a massive terrorist attack, the U.S. faces numerous small-scale attacks, and the U.S. faces no terrorist attack. After developing permutations for all three scenarios, the likely alternate futures support the notion that the U.S. courts, U.S. population, and U.S. national security community would not prevent alterations to current laws and Acts granting citizens constitutional rights and civil liberties if the threat of attack was imminent. The study concludes by supporting the hypothesis that national security standards will impinge on constitutional rights and civil liberties.
Sciatica caused by a neurilemoma of the intrapelvic portion of the sciatic nerve. A case report.

Sciatica is so commonly caused by lesions of the spine or spinal nerves that obscure causes are rarely considered in the differential diagnosis. In the patient reported on here, a neurilemoma of the intrapelvic portion of the sciatic nerve was ultimately shown to have been responsible for sciatica. This lesion should be included in the list of obscure causes of sciatica. Tumors of the intrapelvic portion of the sciatic nerve are rare, and we found no report in the literature in which such a lesion presented in the way that it did in our patient. Thomas et al. found, in a review of their files, records of only thirty-five neural tumors involving the sciatic nerve, and only seven of the tumors were neurilemomas
Effects of Exercise on Swimming Endurance and Organ Weight in Mature Rats

Abstract In an effort to study the effects of exercise on swimming endurance and organ weight, mature rats were divided into two groups. One group continued to be inactive while the other was allowed to exercise at will in individual cages. After three months the animals were forced to swim as long as they were able with 6 percent of the body weight attached. They were then sacrificed, and the organs were weighed. There was no evidence that spontaneous activity influenced organ weight or swimming endurance. It is suggested that the lack of effect may be due to the fact that (1) the animals were mature at the start of the experiment and (2) the amount of exercise taken voluntarily at the termination of the experiment was much less than had been the case when the animals were younger.
Proteolytic cleavage of IgG and other protein substrates by Dirofilaria immitis microfilarial enzymes.

Proteases were detected in aqueous extracts of Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae. Enzymes within the extract were capable of hydrolyzing Azocoll, a general protease substrate, at pH's 7, 8, and 9. Sensitivities to a variety of protease inhibitors indicated that multiple azocollytic enzymes were present in the extract, most prominent of which appear to belong to the serine class of proteases. By incorporating various substrates into the matrices of polyacrylamide gels, 2 SDS-resistant, mercaptoethanol-sensitive proteases in the MF extract were identified at 22 and 76 kDa. These proteases showed differential abilities to digest casein, fibrinogen, hemoglobin, and IgG. The MF extract hydrolyzed radiolabeled IgG into 8-10-kDa fragments following a 20- hr incubation. A similar degree of digestion was observed in 2 hr when viable microfilariae were used. The potential significance of these proteases in the evasion of host effector mechanisms is discussed.
City Intervention An Analysis of the Public Capital Mobilization Process

City governments are actively involved in enhancing the development potential of their territories. They mobilize public capital to influence development. In this article, a conceptual framework is...
Consent and Sensibility: A Review of Margaret Jane Radin's Book, 'Boilerplate: The Fine Print, Vanishing Rights, and the Rule of Law'

In this book, Professor Margaret Radin offers a fresh look at the fit between boilerplate contracts and our notions of consent. She also builds a case against allowing certain contract terms to create a "rights deletion scheme" aimed at shrinking access to legal redress. This review explores both rich lines of analysis but concludes they need not intertwine. Radin's argument is crafted in the language of consent; I argue that her proposed resolution concerns not consent but welfare. To the extent the widespread use of redress clauses leads to a collective harm, the issue is not one of individual consent. If the rights at hand are basically inalienable, as Radin holds, the problem is not that one does not consent but that one is permitted to do so; improving the quality of individual consent will not address the harm. Taking Radinian consent on its own merits, the review also explores how Radin confronts the challenge of presenting a conception of consent that delegitimizes boilerplate without delegitimizing "ordinary" contractual consent. I compare Radin's approach with other conceptions of consumer consent and offer the possibility of consenting to a continuum of options, where the consumer agrees to a deal ignorant of a specific term but aware of the possible range of terms.
Dispute Resolution in the Administrative Process: Evaluation of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission Settlement Part Program

This report evaluates the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission's Settlement Part Program, in which administrative law judges serve as mediators for cases involving appeals from penalties assessed against employers by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in its regulation of workplace safety. It examines the structure and function of the program, participant satisfaction with the mediation process, and recommendations for improving its design and management.
Tiny Piezoelectric Harvesters: Principles, Constraints, and Power Conversion

Wireless microsystems can add intelligence to hospitals, homes, and factories that can save money, energy, and lives. Unfortunately, tiny batteries cannot store sufficient energy to sustain useful microsystems for long, and replacing or recharging the batteries of hundreds of networked nodes is costly and invasive in the case of the human body. Thankfully, shocks and vibrations are prevalent in many applications, so ambient kinetic energy can continually replenish batteries to extend the life of the systems they support. And since tiny devices produce minimal damping effects on motion, they can draw as much power as the microelectronics allow. Unfortunately, uncollected charge, breakdown voltages, and energy losses limit how much power harvesting microsystems can generate. This is why this paper reviews how tiny transducers generate power and how state-of-the-art diode bridges and switched inductors and their derivatives draw and output as much power as possible. Of prevailing technologies, in fact, the recycling bridge pre-damps the transducer at the highest voltage possible all the time to output the highest power. But because it still needs a regulating charger to stay at its maximum power point, other pre-damping switched inductors suffer lower losses and require less space. Although the pre-damping bridgeless solution pre-damps every other half cycle, it generates comparable power with only two switches. No harvester, however, escapes the limits that power losses and breakdown voltages impose, so output power is always finite, and in the case of miniaturized systems, not very high.
The Clinical Effect of Hospice Care for Communal Patients with Malignancy Tumor

Objective To explore the clinical effect of hospice care for communal patients with malignancy tumor.Methods 98 cases of communal patients with malignancy tumor as studied object were randomly divided into experimental group and control group.Control group was given routine therapy and nursing,experimental group was given professional hospice care on base of control group.Results After care,mental function and social function of QOL-C30 in experimental group were significantly higher than that in control group(all P0.01);physiological function and material life were higher than that in control group,but no significant difference(allP0.05).Conclusion Professional hospice care used for communal patients with malignancy tumor,is meaningful for maintaining life quality and dignity of patients,so it deserves considering for primary hospital which owns correlated condition.
The Econometric Analysis of Transition Data: Some Important Processes

Introduction and Overview The process of movement from state to state generates a sequence of points on the time axis - the times at which transitions are made. Since movements are probabilistic the passage of a person over time is a realisation of a stochastic, point process. There is a very large literature dealing with the mathematical properties of such processes. Much of this literature deals with the long-run or equilibrium properties when the transition probabilities are constant over time and the process is stationary. In econometrics we usually have to model processes observed over rather short periods of time and which are not stationary, so results from the theory of point processes are not directly relevant. Nevertheless some knowledge of the basic stochastic processes is helpful in thinking about the properties of econometric data as is illustrated by the following example. Many government statistical services collect and publish information about the duration of unemployment. They obtain this by sampling the population of registered unemployed people and asking them how long they have been unemployed and then they collect the answers in a grouped frequency distribution. Table 5.1 below gives such a distribution for the UK in 1984.
Methods in Directional Hearing

Testing and training behavioral procedures using operant conditioning positive reinforcement methods are described for measuring minimum audible angles in animals. These procedures may be adopted to measure the acuity of localization for both azimuth and elevation.
Persistence and Inactivation of Burkholderia mallei China 7 Deposited on Nonporous Laboratory Materials

This study evaluated the persistence of Burkholderia mallei China 7 deposited on glass, Hypalon rubber glove, and stainless steel, as well as inactivation with vaporous hydrogen peroxide fumigation...
CALIBRATION/VALIDATION OF LANDSAT-DERIVED OCEAN COLOUR PRODUCTS IN BOSTON HARBOUR

Abstract. The Landsat data archive provides a unique opportunity to investigate the long-term evolution of coastal ecosystems at fine spatial scales that cannot be resolved by ocean colour (OC) satellite sensors. Recognizing Landsat’s limitations in applications over coastal waters, we have launched a series of field campaigns in Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay (MA, USA) to validate OC products derived from Landsat-8. We will provide a preliminary demonstration on the calibration/validation of the existing OC algorithms (atmospheric correction and in-water optical properties) to enhance monitoring efforts in Boston Harbor. To do so, Landsat optical images were first compared against ocean colour products over high-latitude regions. The in situ cruise data, including optical data (remote sensing reflectance) and water samples were analyzed to obtain insights into the optical and biogeochemical properties of near-surface waters. Along with the cruise data, three buoys were deployed in three locations across the Harbor to complement our database of concentrations of chlorophyll a, total suspended solids (TSS), and absorption of colour dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The data collected during the first year of the project are used to develop and/or tune OC algorithms. The data will be combined with historic field data to map in-water constituents back to the early 1990’s. This paper presents preliminary analysis of some of the data collected under Landsat-8 overpasses.
Domain imaging in ferroelectric thin films via channeling-contrast backscattered electron microscopy

Ferroelastic domain walls provide opportunities for deterministically controlling mechanical, optical, electrical, and thermal energy. Domain wall characterization in micro- and nanoscale systems, where their spacing may be of the order of 100 nm or less is presently limited to only a few techniques, such as piezoresponse force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. These respective techniques cannot, however, independently characterize domain polarization orientation and domain wall motion in technologically relevant capacitor structures or in a non-destructive manner, thus presenting a limitation of their utility. In this work, we show how backscatter scanning electron microscopy utilizing channeling contrast yield can image the ferroelastic domain structure of ferroelectric films with domain wall spacing as narrow as 10 nm. Combined with electron backscatter diffraction to identify grain orientations, this technique provides information on domain orientation and domain wall type that cannot be readily measured using conventional non-destructive methods. In addition to grain orientation identification, this technique enables dynamic domain structure changes to be observed in functioning capacitors utilizing electrodes that are transparent to the high-energy backscattered electrons. This non-destructive, high-resolution domain imaging technique is applicable to a wide variety of ferroelectric thin films and a multitude of material systems where nanometer-scale crystallographic twin characterization is required.
An Elementary Proof of the Error Estimates in Simpson's Rule

(2008). An Elementary Proof of the Error Estimates in Simpson's Rule. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 81, No. 4, pp. 295-300.
Successful liver-directed gene delivery by ERCP-guided hydrodynamic injection (with videos).

Background and Aims A simple, safe, targeted, and efficient in vivo DNA delivery system is necessary for clinical-grade liver-targeted gene therapy in humans. Intravascular hydrodynamic gene delivery has been investigated in large animal models, but translation to humans has been hampered by its technical challenges, invasiveness, and potential for significant cardiovascular adverse events. We posited that intrabiliary delivery of DNA plasmids via ERCP-guided hydrodynamic injection could overcome these obstacles. Methods Twelve pigs (40-50 kg) were divided into 3 groups (4 per group) and survived 21, 30, or 60 days. ERCP was performed by inflating a balloon catheter in the common hepatic duct and creating a closed space between it and the liver parenchyma. Last, a solution composed of plasmid/sleeping beauty (SB) mix was injected under pressure through the catheter into the closed space. Swine were killed at the 3 different time points and liver tissue harvested. Plasmid DNA expression and functional translated protein expression were assessed. Results ERCP-guided hydrodynamic delivery of naked plasmid DNA facilitated by pCytomegalovirus-Sleep Beauty (pCMV-SB) transposons was technically feasible and devoid of cardiovascular and local adverse events in all 12 pigs. Furthermore, plasmid DNA (both single and combination) was successfully transferred into swine hepatocytes in all 12 pigs. Additionally, stable integration of the DNA constructs in hepatocyte genomic DNA was reliably noted at all 3 time points. In the 4 swine that were kept alive to 60 days, successful genomic integration and subsequent protein expression was observed in the targeted liver tissue. Conclusions ERCP-guided hydrodynamic delivery of gene therapy may usher in the next chapter in gene therapy with the potential to impact a variety of single-gene, complex genetic, and epigenetic liver diseases. It also raises the possibility that other nucleic acid therapeutics (microRNA, lncRNA, siRNA, shRNA) could similarly be delivered.
On the Correctness of Gossip-Based Membership Protocols

The importance of scalability and fault-tolerance in modern distributed systems has led to considerable research in multi-cast protocols using gossip. In a gossip protocol, each node forwards messages to a small set of "gossip partners" chosen at random from the entire group membership. By discarding the strong reliability guarantees of traditional protocols in favor of probabilistic guarantees, gossip protocols can deliver greater scalability and fault tolerance. In early gossip algorithms, partners were chosen uniformly at random from the entire membership, limiting scalability because of the resources required to store and maintain complete membership views at each node. Later protocols avoided this issue by storing much smaller random subsets of the membership at each node, and choosing gossip partners only from these local views. Such protocols are subtle: at least some local views must change in response to group membership changes in order to preserve connectivity and performance guarantees. While these protocols have been the subject of much simulation and analysis, formal proofs of key properties---in particular the probability of partitioning---have remained elusive. In this thesis we give a new scalable gossip-based algorithm for local view maintenance, together with a proof that the expected time until a network partition is at least exponential in the view size and the size of the departing set. We develop probabilistic bounds on the in-degree (hence the load) of individual nodes, and argue that protocols lacking our reinforcement component eventually converge to star-like networks, whose connectivity depends on a small set of over-loaded nodes. We argue that the undirected connectivity graph is an expander, for which application-level gossip multi-cast protocols will converge rapidly. An analysis of the membership system under heavy churn yields a lower bound on the amount of communications required per round. Finally, we offer some arguments supporting the experimental fact that the elements of the local views---although not a uniformly random sampling of the set of nodes in the system---have a high degree of randomness and suggesting that the state of the system after O (ln n) iterations is independent of the initial state.
Some Comments on the Excitonic Mechanism of Superconductivity

The Inkson and Anderson (IA) objection to the calculation of Allender, Bray and Bardeen (ABB) is investigated. The IA model dielectric functions are compared with the Lindhard and band structure dielectric functions; the consequences of the use of these dielectric functions is discussed. It is also demonstrated that a dielectric function calculated for Ge gives a repulsive superconductivity kernel for all frequencies. The relation of this result to the calculation of ABB and the role of local-fields or umklapp processes is discussed.
El problema de la unidad de estudio en la investigación del discurso y proceso psicoterapéuticos

Review of empirical and methodological literature concerning studies of psychotherapeutic discourse indicates that the selection of units for study is infrequently carried out on a principled basis. To help remedy this situation, seven descriptive dimensions with which scoring units can be explicity defined are presented and explicated. In addition, four critical dilemmas are identified that process researchers will have to confront in providing rationales for their particular unit choices. Curricular changes and new guidelines for research reports are recommended as means to facilitate area wide sophistication and accountability in process research.Classical psychiatry has frequently emphasized linguistic phenomena in psychopathology, especially in relation to schizophrenia; however, this focus has not studied language nuances, characteristic of emotional ilness as variants in expressive styles, rather the focus has been on particularities in speech as representative of disturbed thought processes. This article examines the vicissitudes in the study of schizophrenic language from the mid-nineteenth century and shows how these past developments have given rise to confusion regarding the mental status of the psychologically disturbed. To remedy this confusion the present article proposes alternate forms of conceptualizing the linguistic phenomena associated with psychopathology, advocating for the conceptualizing of language particularities in psychopatologies as specific differential expressive styles, as can be demonstrated with the examples of schizophrenia and obsessive disorder.
Zur richtigen Zeit am richtigen Ort

Einen Korper aufzubauen, ist nicht einfach. Spezielle Gene und Proteine sorgen dafur, dass sich die Zellen wahrend der Entwicklung richtig anordnen. Sonst drohen Fehlbildungen.
Probing the seeding of hydrodynamic instabilities from nonuniformities in ablator materials using 2D velocimetry

Despite the extensive work done to characterize and improve the smoothness of ablator materials used in inertial confinement fusion (ICF), features indicative of seeded instability growth in these materials are still observed. A two-dimensional imaging velocimetry technique has been used on Omega to measure the velocity non-uniformities of shock fronts launched by indirect drive in the three ablator materials of current interest, glow-discharge polymer, beryllium, and high-density carbon ablators. Observed features are deviations from shock front planarity with amplitudes of a few tens of nanometers, local velocity variations of a few tens of m/s, and transverse spatial scales ranging from 5 to 200 μm. These data will help develop a full understanding of the effects of surface topography, dynamic material response, and internal heterogeneities on the stability of ICF capsules. For all three ablators, we have quantified perturbations at amplitudes that can dominate conventional surface roughness seeds to hydrodynamic instability.Despite the extensive work done to characterize and improve the smoothness of ablator materials used in inertial confinement fusion (ICF), features indicative of seeded instability growth in these materials are still observed. A two-dimensional imaging velocimetry technique has been used on Omega to measure the velocity non-uniformities of shock fronts launched by indirect drive in the three ablator materials of current interest, glow-discharge polymer, beryllium, and high-density carbon ablators. Observed features are deviations from shock front planarity with amplitudes of a few tens of nanometers, local velocity variations of a few tens of m/s, and transverse spatial scales ranging from 5 to 200 μm. These data will help develop a full understanding of the effects of surface topography, dynamic material response, and internal heterogeneities on the stability of ICF capsules. For all three ablators, we have quantified perturbations at amplitudes that can dominate conventional surface roughness seeds to h...
Explicit Model for Excess Porewater Pressure Computation in Fine-Grained Soils with Arbitrary Initial Conditions

The consolidation process in fine-grained soils involves changes in excess pore water pressure (EPWP) and void ratio with time. An analytical solution for this problem was presented by Terzaghi (1943). Their solutions included several simplifying assumptions and applied to a constant initial EPWP distributions with depth. The solution is widely used for educational purposes and is of limited practical use where the initial EPWP is complex. The Terzaghi solution is not valid for complex and/or arbitrary applied loading. In such cases, numerical methods are used for EPWP calculation versus time. The finite differences and the finite element methods are powerful tools that are effectively used for modeling the compression behavior of fine-grained soil deposits. Unfortunately, these methods often require large number of calculations and suffer from round-off errors when large number of time increments is required. The proposed model minimizes the round-off errors and eliminates the large number of calculations associated with numerical techniques. The basis of the proposed method is the development of eigenvalues and eigenvectors associated with time-rate of settlement. The proposed explicit model in effect produces a direct solution at any given time and depth. The solution permits the evaluation of EPWP at even a fraction of a time increment. Two models are presented for doubly-drained soil layers and singly-drained layers. Unlike the finite differences method, the proposed model allows arbitrary initial EPWP distribution and for any number of time increments by multiplying four matrices involving soil properties, time increment used and the initial EPWP.
Plasmonic Absorption Enabled Analyte Detection Using Piezotransistive Microcantilevers

In this work, a highly sensitive photoacoustic (PA) based detection of analytes has been demonstrated using GaN microcantilevers coated with a thin layer of metal nanoparticles (NPs). Microcantilevers were oscillated at their resonance frequencies by a PA excitation generated from a pulsed 520 nm laser, whose amplitude was enhanced by the plasmonic absorption in metal NPs. Analytes such as Hg vapor and H2 altered the plasmonic properties of specific metal NPs, resulting a change in absorption of photons and hence a difference in the generated PA signal strength. Changes in the PA signal is detected with very high sensitivity using an HFET embedded at the base of the microcantilever.
Short Communication: Field observation: Pen stocking capacities for overnight lairage of finished steers and heifers at a commercial slaughter facility

ABSTRACT The US Humane Slaughter Act requires that cattle held overnight in the lairage have sufficient space to lie down simultaneously. Cattle arriving at the slaughter plant weigh 12% more than finished cattle from the year 2000. The purpose of this observational study was to determine whether industry guidelines for space in overnight lairage are still adequate. A video camera mounted on an overhead catwalk was used to photograph Bos taurus finished cattle in lairage at a large commercial fed beef slaughter plant. The photos were taken at night to determine the space required for all cattle to lie down simultaneously. When the environment is quiet at night, between 0200 to 0400 h, over 90% of the cattle lie down. The following space requirements for cattle of different weights were identified: a 635.03-kg (1,400-lb) animal requires 2.04 m2 (22.0 ft2), which was not accounted for in previous estimates. Space recommendations in lairage need to be increased.
NP1 Adolescent Obesity Prevention Project Yields Policy, System, and Environmental Changes in Middle Schools

Objective To develop a community-based program targeting overweight and obesity prevention among adolescents in limited resource, minority communities. Description Summary of analyzed data for a tri-state, quasi-experimental project including six communities (one control and one intervention community from each state) who are responsible for creating and implementing one nutrition and one physical activity program addressing overweight and obesity among 6th to 8th grade youth. Evaluation Mixed methods approach used in collecting community food and physical activity environmental data, student health behavior questionnaire data, intervention community focus group data, steering committee annual meeting transcripts and ripple effect mapping (REM) data. Conclusion and Implications This project developed a potential framework for creating community-focused, sustainable and effective adolescent obesity prevention programs. Outcomes reported from REM data support this framework by increased student awareness and importance of positive health behaviors, as well as the willingness to adopt these health behaviors; positive changes in school culture related to collaboration, involvement and commitment to wellness; an increase in school-community partnerships; improvements in the school physical environment; and increased opportunities for physical activity before, during and after school and in the community. This implies community-centered efforts, guided by community stakeholders, educators and youth have led to changes related to policy, system, and environment which promote healthier dietary and physical activity behaviors in youth living in limited-resource communities.
Nuclear Genome Size is Positively Correlated with Median LTR-RT Insertion Time in Fern and Lycophyte Genomes

Nuclear genome size is highly variable in vascular plants. The composition of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) is a chief mechanism of long term change in the amount of nuclear DNA. Compared to flowering plants, little is known about LTR-RT dynamics in ferns and lycophytes. Drawing upon the availability of recently sequenced fern and lycophyte genomes we investigated these dynamics and placed them in the context of vascular plants. We found that similar to seed plants, median LTR-RT insertion times were strongly correlated with haploid nuclear genome size. Fern and lycophyte species with small genomes such as those of the heterosporous Selaginella and members of the Salviniaceae had recent median LTR-RT insertion times, whereas species with large genomes such as homosporous ferns had old median LTR-RT insertion times intermediate between angiosperms and gymnosperms. This pattern holds despite methylation and life history differences in ferns and lycophytes compared to seed plants, and our results are consistent with other patterns of structural variation in fern and lycophyte genomes.
Evasion of autophagy mediated by Rickettsia surface protein OmpB is critical for virulence

Rickettsia are obligate intracellular bacteria that evade antimicrobial autophagy in the host cell cytosol by unknown mechanisms. Other cytosolic pathogens block different steps of autophagy targeting, including the initial step of polyubiquitin-coat formation. One mechanism of evasion is to mobilize actin to the bacterial surface. Here, we show that actin mobilization is insufficient to block autophagy recognition of the pathogen Rickettsia parkeri. Instead, R. parkeri employs outer membrane protein B (OmpB) to block ubiquitylation of the bacterial surface proteins, including OmpA, and subsequent recognition by autophagy receptors. OmpB is also required for the formation of a capsule-like layer. Although OmpB is dispensable for bacterial growth in endothelial cells, it is essential for R. parkeri to block autophagy in macrophages and to colonize mice because of its ability to promote autophagy evasion in immune cells. Our results indicate that OmpB acts as a protective shield to obstruct autophagy recognition, thereby revealing a distinctive bacterial mechanism to evade antimicrobial autophagy.
Subchondral insufficiency fractures of the femoral head: systematic review of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.

Subchondral insufficiency fractures of the femoral head (SIFFH) are a cause of femoral head collapse leading to degenerative hip disease. SIFFH is often mistaken for osteonecrosis given similar clinical and radiographic features. These similarities often lead to missed or delayed diagnosis which can often delay or change management. The purpose of this article is to systematically review the spectrum of demographics, diagnostic and treatment options, including hip preservation in young patient populations. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All related peer-reviewed publications from January 1999 to January 2019 were reviewed using the following databases: Medline, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science. The systematic review identified 54 articles, encompassing 482 patients (504 hips) diagnosed with SIFFH. One hundred and seventy-six (35%) males and 306 (63%) females were included, with a mean age of 53.6 ± 17.5 years and mean body mass index of 23.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 23.4 ± 15.9 months. Treatment decisions were 256 (55%) non-operative, 157 (34%) total hip arthroplasty (THA), 24 (5%) transtrochanteric anterior rotational osteotomy, 9 (2%) hip arthroscopy, 7 (2%) hip resurfacing, 3 (1%) bone grafting, 3 (1%) hemiarthroplasty and 1 (1%) tantalum rod insertion. Overall, 35% of SIFFH hips were converted to THA at latest follow-up. A majority of SIFFH patients had symptom resolution with non-operative management. Failure most often resulted in THA. In younger patients, hip preservation techniques have shown promising early results and should be considered as an alternative.
Revision Achilles Tendon Reconstruction

The importance of a functioning Achilles tendon for normal gait underlies the need for adequate reconstruction in the event of problems with repair or initial surgical manipulation. Large segmental Achilles tendon defects present a difficult problem to treating surgeons, and catastrophic failure of the reconstruction can be very intimidating. Multiple procedures including fascial turndowns and allograft reconstruction have been utilized with varying degrees of success. Causes of failure are multifactorial and include poor intraoperative tensioning, postoperative adhesions, infection, and noncompliance with postoperative recovery protocols. After appropriate preoperative workup, the surgeon should be prepared to do an extensive resection of tendon and be prepared for a large defect repair. The benefits of a long turndown flap versus an allograft rebuilding have not been resolved: both procedures offer good results. The turndown flaps work well but require extensive dissection and have risk for significant scar formation. Dual semitendinosus allograft reconstruction offers preservation of the proximal muscle tendon unit and strength.
Econometric Modeling at Mixed Frequencies

A helpful first step in building an adequate structural model of the present Russian economy is to build a high-frequency system based on monthly statistics for very short run projections of overall economic performance. The period of adequate statistical documentation is very short; so three steps are proposed: (1) a very short run monthly model for projecting major aggregative indicators for periods of 6-months-to-one-year ahead; (2) construction of a more detailed structural model of the whole economy patterned after those that have been prepared for most major economies of the world, as enough components of an adequate database have been collected, with an aim of making quarterly or annual projections; (3) a mathematical linkage of the two systems, so that the high-frequency system provides immediate short-run projections and the medium-term structural system of lower frequency generates projections of three-to-five years ahead that are “as close as possible,” in the sense of a minimized loss function, to the high-frequency projections of major variables.
Generation of Masked TiII Intermediates from TiIV Amides via β-H Abstraction or Alkyne Deprotonation: An Example of Ti-Catalyzed Nitrene-Coupled Transfer Hydrogenation.

Simple Ti amide complexes are shown to act as sources for masked TiII intermediates via several pathways, as demonstrated through the investigation of a unique Ti-catalyzed nitrene-coupled transfer...
Canopy Size and Light Use Efficiency Explain Growth Differences between Lettuce and Mizuna in Vertical Farms.

Vertical farming is increasingly popular due to high yields obtained from a small land area. However, the energy cost associated with lighting of vertical farms is high. To reduce this cost, more energy efficient (biomass/energy use) crops are required. To understand how efficiently crops use light energy to produce biomass, we determined the morphological and physiological differences between mizuna (Brassica rapa var. japonica) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Green Salad Bowl’). To do so, we measured the projected canopy size (PCS, a morphological measure) of the plants throughout the growing cycle to determine the total amount of incident light the plants received. Total incident light was used together with the final dry weight to calculate the light use efficiency (LUE, g of dry weight/mol of incident light), a physiological measure. Plants were grown under six photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD), from 50 to 425 µmol m−2 s−1, for 16 h d−1. Mizuna and lettuce were harvested 27 and 28 days after seeding, respectively. Mizuna had greater dry weight than lettuce (p < 0.0001), especially at higher PPFDs (PPFD ≥ 125 µmol m−2 s−1), partly because of differences in the projected canopy size (PCS). Mizuna had greater PCS than lettuce at PPFDs ≥ 125 µmol m−2 s−1 and therefore, the total incident light over the growing period was also greater. Mizuna also had a higher LUE than lettuce at all six PPFDs. This difference in LUE was associated with higher chlorophyll content index and higher quantum yield of photosystem II in mizuna. The combined effects of these two factors resulted in higher photosynthetic rates in mizuna than in lettuce (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the faster growth of mizuna is the result of both a larger PCS and higher LUE compared to lettuce. Understanding the basic determinants of crop growth is important when screening for rapidly growing crops and increasing the efficiency of vertical farms.
Experimental identification of high order Lamb waves and estimation of the mechanical properties of a dry human skull.

Abstract We experimentally investigate and characterize high order Lamb wave modes in a dry human skull. Specifically, we show that the diploe supports distinct wave modes in the sub-1.0 MHz frequency regime, and we employ these modes for the estimation of equivalent mechanical properties of cortical and trabecular bones. These modes are efficiently generated in a parietal region by direct contact excitation with a wedge beam transducer, and are recorded via infrared laser vibrometry. Frequency/wavenumber data are estimated using a matrix pencil method applied to wavefield measurements recorded on the outer cortical surface. The semi-analytical finite element model of an equivalent three-layered plate provides the platform for the identification of wave modes based on their through-the-thickness profiles, and supports the estimation of equivalent mechanical properties in conjunction with an optimization algorithm developed for this purpose. The results presented herein illustrate how high order Lamb waves can be used to gain understanding of the wave properties of a human skull and to estimate the orthotropic and equivalent isotropic mechanical properties of cortical and trabecular bones.