cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-adaptive access control & delegation in cloud computing

Cloud computing has seen significant progress in the last decade, and is still on the rise. A big number of companies are shifting their infrastructure to the cloud because of the numerous advantages it offers, such as rapid elasticity and scalability. However, moving to the cloud also presents a number of challenges. In this paper we focus on one of the major challenges, i.e., access control and delegation in a cloud environment. There exist many frameworks and models that solve issues pertinent to this area and allow dynamic delegation of access rights. However, none of them are robust enough to handle unprecedented changes, i.e., situations not handled at the time of requirements engineering. We've presented a risk-based, self-adaptive access control and delegation framework that caters to such situations by continuously monitoring and evaluating the user risk score and environmental factors, and automatically adapting to the changes incurred by reconfiguring the system. The proposed framework is able to adapt to unprecedented change as it can delegate access rights to previously unauthorized users in an emergency situation and revoke users' access rights based on environmental factors, while running in a continuous feedback loop.
Lifelong Learning—A “Life Cycle” Approach to Education and Training for the Biopharmaceutical Industry

The Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) at North Carolina State University is an instructional center that offers education and training programs in the area of biopharmaceutical process development and manufacturing. Our programs are designed to provide educational opportunities throughout the “life cycle” of a professional – not only for 2 undergraduate and graduate students at NC State, but also for professionals already active in the industry. Many who participate in our programs are chemical engineers. Based on our experience, both the need and demand for learning opportunities is high among all experience levels, whether an undergraduate considering a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or a more seasoned professional. And feedback from the students and industry we serve is extremely positive. This article provides details on the design of BTEC’s education and training programs, the impact they are having on our students, and future directions.
Genetic correlation between alcohol preference and conditioned fear: Exploring a functional relationship.

Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol-use disorders have a high rate of co-occurrence, possibly because they are regulated by common genes. In support of this idea, mice selectively bred for high (HAP) alcohol preference show greater fear potentiated startle (FPS), a model for fear-related disorders such as PTSD, compared to mice selectively bred for low (LAP) alcohol preference. This positive genetic correlation between alcohol preference and FPS behavior suggests that the two traits may be functionally related. This study examined the effects of fear conditioning on alcohol consumption and the effects of alcohol consumption on the expression of FPS in male and female HAP2 and LAP2 mice. In experiment 1, alcohol consumption (g/kg) under continuous-access conditions was monitored daily for 4 weeks following a single fear-conditioning or control treatment (foot shock and no shock). FPS was assessed three times (once at the end of the 4-week alcohol access period, once at 24 h after removal of alcohol, and once at 6–8 days after removal of alcohol), followed by two more weeks of alcohol access. Results showed no change in alcohol consumption, but alcohol-consuming, fear-conditioned, HAP2 males showed increased FPS at 24 h during the alcohol abstinence period compared to control groups. In experiment 2, alcohol consumption under limited-access conditions was monitored daily for 4 weeks. Fear-conditioning or control treatments occurred four times during the first 12 days and FPS testing occurred four times during the second 12 days of the 4-week alcohol consumption period. Results showed that fear conditioning increased alcohol intake in both HAP2 and LAP2 mice immediately following the first conditioning session. Fear-conditioned HAP2 but not LAP2 mice showed greater alcohol intake compared to control groups on drinking days that occurred between fear conditioning and FPS test sessions. FPS did not change as a function of alcohol consumption in either line. These results in mice help shed light on how a genetic propensity toward high alcohol consumption may be related to the risk for developing PTSD and co-morbid alcohol-use disorders in humans.
Police shootings and body cameras one year post-Ferguson

ABSTRACTPolice departments across many countries have rapidly begun implementing the use of body cameras to document their interactions with the public. Previous research has shown that body camera footage of a police shooting was viewed positively before, but negatively immediately following, the media coverage of the Ferguson, MO shooting of Michael Brown [Culhane, S.E., Boman IV, J., and Schweitzer, K., 2016. Public perceptions of the justifiability of police shootings: the role of body cameras in a pre/post-Ferguson experiment. Police quarterly, 19, 251–274. doi:10.1177/1098611116651403]. This paper presents a partial replication of their final study. In this replication, participants watched, heard, or read about a police shooting involving a man with a weapon. The data collection was conducted one year after Brown’s death. Results indicated that judgments of the shooting’s justification returned to those seen before the Ferguson incident. When participants could see the event unfold, they were signi...
Patellar tendon stress between two variations of the forward step lunge.

Background Patellar tendinopathy (PT) or “jumper's knee” is generally found in active populations that perform jumping activities. Graded exposure of patellar tendon stress through functional exercise has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of PT. However, no studies have compared how anterior knee displacement variations during the commonly performed forward step lunge (FSL) affect patellar tendon stress.
Analytical Mesometeorology: A Review

In discussing the value of weather radar in meteorological research, Lidga (1951) recognized a scale too gross to be observed from a single station in the usual manner, yet too small to appear even on a sectional synoptic chart. He stated that “phenomena of this size might well be designated as mesometeorological.” Until a few years later, when Swingle and Rosenberg (1953) used this term in their research on cold fronts, a large number of studies dealing with these phenomena were reported as either micrometeorological or detailed synoptic. Regarding the expanded scope of mesometeorological research integrating radar and special network data, Tepper (1959) has emphasized the importance of research dealing, in detail, with the definition of the characteristic dimensions of the mesoscale.
Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD)

The pediatric orthopedist must determine whether or not a lower extremity deformity is part of a normal physiologic progression or is pathologic. Knowledge of the natural history of physiologic lower extremity angulation, rotation, and growth is critical to establishing what is normal from the pathologic.
Differential Use of Study Approaches by Students of Different Achievement Levels

This study examined similarities and differences in study approaches reported by general chemistry students performing at different achievement levels. The study population consisted of freshmen enrolled in a required year-long general chemistry course at the U.S. Naval Academy. Students in the first and second semesters of the course were surveyed using a modified version of the published Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) referred to as the M-ASSIST (Modified Approaches and Study Skills Inventory). Responses to items associated with using deep or surface approaches to studying were examined for students of three achievement levels (A/B, C, and D/F course grades) using both ANOVA and Structured Means Modeling to look for differences in study approaches between achievement levels. Results show that, with only 12 items, the M-ASSIST can be used to measure differences in reported use of deep and surface approaches by students in different achievement groups; that Structured Means Mo...
The roles of rare-earth dopants in solution-processed ZnO-based transparent conductive oxides

Zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with group III A elements such as boron, aluminum, gallium, and indium forms a transparent conductive oxide with low sheet resistance. The group III B rare-earth elements scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y) also have three valence electrons and thus may similarly act as n-type dopants. Here, we use an ink process to deposit Sc:ZnO and Y:ZnO nanocrystalline films with Sc and Y concentration of a few atomic percent. After annealing in forming gas, the resistivity of all films was reduced by four orders of magnitude. However, the Sc or Y-doped ZnO films are more resistive than undoped ZnO, and their resistivity is more strongly dependent on film thickness; Sc and Y do not act as electron donors. The cause of this anomalous behavior was studied by electrical measurements, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning spreading resistance spectroscopy. The high resistivity of Y:ZnO and Sc:ZnO compared to ZnO is attributed to phase segregation of insulating yttria and scandia at the nanocrysta...
AlGaSb-Based Solar Cells Grown on GaAs: Structural Investigation and Device Performance

GaSb and alloys based on the 6.1 A family can be grown metamorphically on substrates such as GaAs allowing for the realization of several multijunction solar cell designs. This paper investigates the molecular beam epitaxy growth, crystal quality, and device performance of Al x Ga1− x Sb-based single-junction solar cells grown on GaAs substrates. The focus is on the optimization of the growth of Al x Ga1− x Sb on GaAs (001) substrates in order to minimize the threading dislocation density resulting from the large lattice mismatch between GaSb and GaAs. Utilizing optimum growth conditions, solar cells with absorbing layers of different Al x Ga1 x Sb compositions are studied and compared to control cells grown on lattice-matched GaSb substrates. GaSb, Al0.15Ga0.85Sb, and Al0.5Ga0.5Sb solar cells grown on GaAs substrates show open-circuit voltages of 0.16, 0.17, and 0.35 V, respectively. Furthermore, the lattice-mismatched cells demonstrate promising carrier collection with comparable spectral response to lattice-matched control cells grown on GaSb.
Electrical Activity of the Bladder Is Attenuated by Intravesical Inhibition of P2X2/3 Receptors During Micturition in Female Rats.

Purpose To simultaneously monitor electrical discharges in various bladder regions and the external urethral sphincter (EUS) during voiding contractions, and to assess the functional role of myogenic modulation of the lower urinary tract (LUT) by ionotropic purinergic receptors containing the P2X3 subunit. Methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with urethane, and implanted with a suprapubic catheter for open cystometry. Flexible microelectrodes were placed ventrally in the bladder dome, upper bladder, lower bladder, and bladder base, along with the middle section of the exposed EUS. Intravesical P2X3-containing receptors were blocked with AF-323, a specific P2X3-P2X2/3 receptor antagonist. A digital electrophysiology amplifier was used to record electrical and cystometric signals throughout the LUT. Results Electrical activity in the LUT started before effective voiding contractions. Bladder pressure and electrical waveforms showed consistent out-of-phase activity when compared with the recordings made at the EUS. This pattern was also observed during voiding contractions in the presence of AF-353, supporting the hypothesis that during bladder distension, activation of P2X3-containing receptors is required for voiding contractions. Furthermore, the inhibition of P2X3-containing receptors significantly decreased the amplitude of electrical signals in the urinary bladder, but not the base or EUS. Conclusions Our results provide novel information about the regulation of the micturition process by P2X3-containing receptors located in the inner layers of the bladder.
Impact of agricultural adjuvants on the toxicity of the diamide insecticides chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide on different life stages of the navel orangeworm ( Amyelois transitella )

The navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) (Walker) is a destructive pest of tree nuts in California orchards. Overall demand for these crops and acreage expansions have resulted in significant insecticide applications to reduce A. transitella damage. Despite widespread use in A. transitella insecticide applications, the potential toxicity of adjuvants applied in combination with insecticides remains uncharacterized. In these experiments, five adjuvants (Cohere®, Dyne-Amic®, FastStrike®, Induce®, Latron B-1956®), alone and in combination with the diamide insecticides chlorantraniliprole (Altacor®) and flubendiamide (Belt®), were assessed for activity against the adults and eggs of A. transitella. Laboratory studies utilized a spray tower for application while field studies used orchard air-blast sprayers. Laboratory exposure of both adults and eggs demonstrated that adjuvant toxicity varied across life stages. In the laboratory, the addition of chlorantraniliprole to adjuvants increased incapacity (dead + moribund). The results for flubendiamide were variable, and only FastStrike had the same high adult toxicity for both diamides. For eggs exposed to these diamides, overall mortality was similar. In field studies, Dyne-Amic and Latron B-1956 were tested and their adult toxicity varied. In contact assays, effects of adjuvants were similar when used with Belt® and differed when used with Altacor®. We conclude that the adjuvants for navel orangeworm management are intrinsically toxic to A. transitella in both the laboratory and field. Further studies are needed to attain the toxicity realized in the laboratory in field applications and also to determine whether our findings of adjuvant enhancement of insecticide toxicity are applicable to other insecticide classes.
Predicting Medical Student Performance in a Course in Clinical Psychopathology

Experiential and academic data of Year 2 medical students were used to predict pre- and end-of-course performance during instruction in clinical psychopathology. No relationships of practical significance were found either between experiential data and test performance or between the pre- and end-of-course test performances. These findings are discussed in light of their implications for academic preparation for medical school, the medical school curriculum, and psychiatrically related learning experiences.
Generators and Relations in Lattice-Ordered Groups: Decision Problems and Embedding Theorems

This chapter is devoted to proving that many problems in l-groups are un-decidable yet many embedding theorems can be made effective (where, throughout this chapter, homomorphism, embedding etc., is in the category of l-groups).
Searching for Metadata

Metadata is defined as descriptive data about data, which seems like a circular definition but metadata is really information which is included in the electronic book to describe the eBook content as well as ePublishing information, such as usage rules. Metadata in eBooks can include basic information, such as author, date published, number to identify book, to the data needed for search technology (keywords), to usage rights, to marketing information (such as royalty fees), and so on. Metadata is quite comprehensive and an area where standards are being developed to define a minimum set of metadata required to support ePublishing.
Self-monitoring Reinforcement Metalearning for Energy Conservation in Data-ferried Sensor Networks

Given multiple widespread stationary data sources such as ground-based sensors, an unmanned aircraft can fly over the sensors and retrieve their data via a wireless link. When sensors have limited energy resources, they can reduce the energy used in data transmission if the ferry aircraft is allowed to extend its flight time. Complex vehicle and communication dynamics and imperfect knowledge of the environment confound planning since accurate system models are difficult to acquire and maintain, so we present a reinforcement learning approach that allows the ferry aircraft to optimise data collection trajectories and sensor energy use in situ, obviating the need for system identification. We address a key problem of reinforcement learning—the high cost of acquiring sufficient experience—by introducing a metalearner that transfers knowledge between tasks, thereby reducing the number of flights required and the frequency of significantly suboptimal flights. The metalearner monitors the quality of its own output in order to ensure that its recommendations are used only when they are likely to be beneficial. We find that allowing the ferry aircraft to double its range can reduce sensor radio transmission energy by 60% or better, depending on the accuracy of the aircraft's information about sensor locations.
Monte Carlo Investigation of Stereotactic Radiosurgery of Spinal Metastases

In this work, we have investigated the dose discrepancy between the Monte Carlo method and a commercial treatment planning system for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of spinal metastases. Two treatment plans were generated using the Eclipse Pencil Beam Convolution (PBC) and Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) for each of three patients diagnosed with spinal metastases. Retrospective Monte Carlo dose calculations were performed on the same patient anatomy and beam setup as in Eclipse using the EGS4/MCSIM code. 3-D dose distributions and dose-volume histograms (DVH) were analyzed and compared between the plans calculated with Eclipse PBC, AAA, and the Monte Carlo method. Our results indicated that the target dose coverage of the Monte Carlo calculated plan was not as good as that in the Eclipse PBC plan with a 9% decrease in homogeneity index. The target dose was over-estimated in the PBC plans with the mean dose to the PTV on average 6% higher than that calculated by the Monte Carlo. On the other hand, the mean dose to the spinal cord was also over-estimated in the PBC plans by about 6% compared to the Monte Carlo results. AAA calculated dose distributions were between those of PBC and Monte Carlo, with closer similarity to PBC results. It is highly likely that the over-estimation of the PTV dose may lead to under-treatment of the tumor and increase the risk of recurrence of cancer in patients with spinal metastases. Therefore, Monte Carlo method should be used to provide more accurate dose distributions and dose-volume histogram analyses for stereotactic radiosurgery of spinal metastases.
Ale Beer Containing Free and Immobilized Lactobacillus brevis, a Potential Delivery System for Probiotics

Probiotics in ale beer may be attractive to health-conscious consumers. However, beer conditions may decrease probiotic viability. Powder produced from durian (Durio zibethinus) rind, a by-product that is currently unutilized, can be used for the immobilization of probiotics. MRS medium was incubated with Lactobacillus brevis and periodically sampled to obtain the growth curve. Ale beer with free L. brevis and cells immobilized in durian rind powder was produced and separately assessed during storage at 21 °C for 24 days. The physico-chemical parameters of both beers did not differ significantly. Durian rind powder conferred protection up to 12 days of storage with the immobilized cells in the beer having a significantly higher count than the free cells, which can be due to the acid detergent fiber content (19.67%). Free and immobilized cells remained viable with counts of 4.89 and 5.00 log CFU/mL of beer, respectively, at the end of the storage period. Both treatments had approximate counts of 5 log CFU/mL after 120 min in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. The predominant bacterial species present at the end of storage were L. brevis and L. farciminis. This study suggests that ale beer could be a potential delivery system for free and immobilized probiotic bacteria. This is one of the few studies demonstrating the use of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in beer brewing.
Girder integration NSLS-II

National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) will be a 3-GeV 792 m circumference third generation synchrotron radiation facility with ultra low emittance and extremely high brightness. There will be a total of 90 multipole storage ring girders supporting the vacuum chambers, multipole magnets and various pieces of ancillary equipment. A major effort is being made to meet the stringent assembly and alignment requirements for the girder assemblies using relatively few and removable positioning fixtures. Girder assembly and alignment will be accomplished in four phases. Each of these phases will be described along with the fixtures required.
A miniature nickel-diamond electroplated wheel for grinding of the arterial calcified plaque

Abstract This study investigated the miniature flexible grinding wheel for removal of calcified plaque in atherectomy. The grinding wheel was fabricated by nickel-diamond electroplating on a stainless steel flexible shaft. Five steps of the wheel manufacturing process were presented. The coating thickness model was derived based on Faraday’s law and experimentally calibrated with the current efficiency of nickel and nickel-diamond electroplating being 97.8% and 93.4%, respectively. The grinding wheel was tested on a cardiovascular simulator with a calcified plaque surrogate made of gypsum cement. Grinding wheel motion was observed by a high-speed camera. Results showed that the plaque surrogate lumen diameter was enlarged from 2 to 3.06 mm after 10 second grinding at 80,000 rpm wheel rotational speed and further enlarged to 3.53 mm after another 10 second grinding at 120,000 rpm. An orbital motion of the grinding wheel around the vessel lumen was observed and the orbital speeds were 43,150 and 26,830 rpm at the rotational speed of 80,000 and 120,000 rpm, respectively. The proposed grinding wheel has demonstrated a sufficient efficiency for plaque removal and the potential to treat tight angulated lesions with low risk of burr entrapment and vessel perforation.
Tacrolimus Versus Cyclosporine for Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Matched Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants. A Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium Study..

Abstract Calcineurin inhibitors form the backbone of graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the adult literature tacrolimus was demonstrated superior to cyclosporine in preventing grade II–IV acute GVHD in both related and unrelated donor transplants; however, there is no data comparing their efficacy in the pediatric population. In a multi-institutional trial, we prospectively evaluated the clinical data on 102 patients receiving either cyclosporine/methotrexate or tacrolimus/methotrexate based prophylactic regimens for 6/6 matched unrelated donor, transplant. Conditioning regimens were fully ablative; no T-cell depletion was permitted; cord blood donors were excluded. Patients were required to receive either cyclosporine or tacrolimus, but the choice was per investigator preference. The two arms were reasonably balanced: 59.8% of patients received cyclosporine and 40.2% of patients received tacrolimus. Rates for maximum grade II–IV acute GVHD were 37.7% for cyclosporine and 39% for tacrolimus (p = 0.89). Rates for maximum grade III–IV acute GVHD were 19.6% for cyclosporine and 24.4% for tacrolimus (p = 0.57). Incidence of chronic GVHD in 97 evaluable patients was 37.9% in 58 patients who received cyclosporine and 35.8% in 39 patients who received tacrolimus (p = 0.84). Survival at 1 year post-transplant was similar in both groups: 59.2% for cyclosporine and 51.2% for tacrolimus (p= 0.31). Toxicity analysis is ongoing. In pediatric matched unrelated donor transplantation, the efficacy of tacrolimus/methotrexate and cyclosporine/methotrexate based regimens for prophylaxis of GVHD are not significantly different.
The Lost Gastronomers

Who were the lost gastronomers of the Romantic period? This chapter interrogates the tradition of English food writing in the Age of Gastronomy, when first the modern gourmet restaurants emerged in Paris and professional French chefs made dining an art form. At this time a miscellaneous genre of food writing arose to critique the artistry: playful literary and philosophical essays that became the forerunner of today’s food journalism. But whereas names like Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin and Grimod de la Reyniere were famous in the French tradition, the English Romantic writers who followed in their path were largely anonymous. Although not typically associated with gastronomy, essayists like Leigh Hunt and Charles Lamb were active participants in it. The chapter will examine the intriguing relationship between Lamb, the literary food connoisseur, and the anonymous Launcelot Sturgeon whose Essays: Moral, Philosophical, and Stomachical is one of the great lost works of the period.
An economic analysis of the import demand for canola oil in the United States.

Abstract This study analyzes the impacts of economic and noneconomic factors on the U.S. import demand for canola oil. Monthly data from January 1989 through December 1995 were used in the analysis. Imports were specified as a function of own import price, prices of substitute edible vegetable oils, the Canadian-U. S. dollar exchange rate, disposable personal income, changes in consumer tastes and preferences, and a dummy variable reflecting trade liberalization. Canola imports were significantly affected by own price, exchange rate, soybean oil price, trade liberalization, and a shift in consumer preference for healthy oils.
A Randomized Comparative Trial of Targeted Steroid Injection via Epidural Catheter vs Standard Transforaminal Epidural Injection for the Treatment of Unilateral Cervical Radicular Pain: Six-Month Results.

Objectives Compare the effectiveness of catheter-directed cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection (C-CIESI) with triamcinolone to cervical transforaminal steroid injection (CTFESI) with dexamethasone for the treatment of refractory unilateral radicular pain. Design Prospective, randomized, comparative trial. Methods Primary outcome: proportion of participants with ≥50% numeric rating scale pain score reduction from baseline "dominant pain" (the greater of arm vs neck) at one month postinjection. Secondary outcomes: ≥30% Neck Disability Index (NDI-5) reduction and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) response indicating "much improved" or "very much improved." Results One hundred twenty participants (55.6% females, 52.3 ± 12.5 years of age, BMI 28.2 ± 6.5 kg/m2), were enrolled. The proportions of participants who experienced ≥50% pain reduction at one, three, and six months were 68.5% (95% CI = 54.9-79.5%), 59.3% (95% CI = 45.7-71.6%), and 60.8% (95% CI = 46.7-73.2%), respectively, in the C-CIESI group compared with 49.1% (95% CI = 36.4-62.0%), 46.4% (95% CI = 33.8-59.6%), and 51.9% (95% CI = 38.4-65.2%), respectively, in the CTFESI group. The between-group difference at one month was significant (P = 0.038). The proportions of participants who experienced a ≥30% NDI-5 score improvement were 64.0% (95% CI = 49.8-76.1%) and 54.9% (95% CI = 41.1-68.0%) in the C-CIESI and CTFESI groups (P = 0.352). Participants reported similar PGIC improvement in both groups: At six months, 53.2% (95% CI 38.9-67.1%) and 54.5% (95% CI = 39.7-68.7%) of the C-CIESI and CTFESI groups reported being "much improved" or "very much improved," respectively (P = 0.897). Conclusions Both C-CIESI with triamcinolone and CTFESI with dexamethasone are effective in reducing pain and disability associated with refractory unilateral cervical radiculopathy in a substantial proportion of participants for at least six months.
Understanding the in situ state of lignocellulosic biomass during ionic liquids-based engineering of renewable materials and chemicals

Ionic liquids (ILs) can be used to sustainably convert lignocellulosic feedstocks into renewable bio-based materials and chemicals. To improve the prospects of commercialization, it is essential to investigate the fate of lignocellulosic biomass during IL-based processing and develop tools for designing and optimizing this “green” technology. In situ characterization during pretreatment and dissolution processes have shown that ILs reduced the inherent recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass via swelling of cellulose bundles and formation of fissures in the secondary cell wall layers. It subsequently enhanced the penetration of ILs into the plant cell wall leading to depolymerization and solubilization of matrix polysaccharides, mainly hemicellulose via deacetylation. Lignin also underwent dehydration or reduction reactions, depending on the IL type, with different mechanisms leading to the cleavage of inter-unit linkages. Following this process, the accessibility to cellulose microfibrils increased and induced delamination. Complementary X-ray diffraction analyses have elucidated that ILs also reduced cellulose crystallinity and altered cellulose polymorphs. High throughput in situ analyses, namely bright-field optical microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, have aided in monitoring the degree of swelling and chemical structural changes in lignocellulosic biomass during IL-based processing. Development of novel in situ analytical tools like IL-based gel permeation chromatography and rheometry will further shed light on molecular level changes in lignocellulose. Thus, an overall understanding of physico-chemical changes underwent by lignocellulosic biomass will help develop tools for monitoring and improving IL-based engineering of renewable materials and chemicals.
Compact Minimal Surfaces in Sn

A minimal surface in Sn “is” a minimal cone (see §5 for a precise statement of this) in ℝn+l Thus the study of minimal surfaces in Sn is in some sense more restricted in scope than that of minimal surfaces in Euclidean space.
Your Web TA: Automated Assessment of Student Web Development Projects

Your Web TA (YWTA) is a free website for automated grading of student web projects written in HTML and CSS. The website provides a graphical interface for defining criteria and rubrics against which student work will be assessed. This workshop provides participants with hands-on experience in uploading sample files, defining criteria and rubrics, grading student assignments, as well as the underlying YWTA parsing, querying, and grading engines.
Running from Bondage: Enslaved Women and Their Remarkable Fight for Freedom in Revolutionary America

Running from Bondage tells the compelling stories of enslaved women, who comprised one-third of all runaways, and the ways in which they fled or attempted to flee bondage during and after the Revolutionary War. Karen Cook Bell's enlightening and original contribution to the study of slave resistance in eighteenth-century America explores the individual and collective lives of these women and girls of diverse circumstances, while also providing details about what led them to escape. She demonstrates that there were in fact two wars being waged during the Revolutionary Era: a political revolution for independence from Great Britain and a social revolution for emancipation and equality in which Black women played an active role. Running from Bondage broadens and complicates how we study and teach this momentous event, one that emphasizes the chances taken by these 'Black founding mothers' and the important contributions they made to the cause of liberty.
The downfall of Transmar Cocoa

As a large cocoa bean trader, Transmar group ltd. bought millions of dollars’ worth of beans relying on financing from a syndicate of banks. To monitor amounts of eligible collateral, the banks req...
Association between one-year patient outcomes and opioid-prescribing group of emergency department clinicians: a cohort study with Army active duty soldiers.

OBJECTIVE The objective was to examine the association between clinicians' opioid prescribing group and patients' outcomes among patients treated in the emergency department (ED). METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. The setting was the EDs of the U.S. Military Health System (MHS). Patients were 181,557 Army active-duty opioid-naive (no fill in past 180 days) patients with an index encounter to the ED between October 2010 and September 2016. Exposure was patients classified by opioid prescribing tier of the treating ED clinician: top, middle, or bottom third relative to the clinician's peers in the same ED. Follow-up measurement was from 31 to 365 days after the index encounter. The primary outcome was long-term opioid prescriptions (LTOPs) defined as 180 (or more) days' supply within the follow-up window. We also computed the total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and total opioid days' supply. Secondary measures were any repeat ED encounter, any hospitalization, any sick leave, and any military-duty restriction. RESULTS We found a 2.5-fold variation in opioid prescribing rates among clinicians in the same MHS ED. Controlling for sample demographics, reason for encounter, and military background, in multivariate analyses the odds of receiving a 180-day opioid supply during follow-up were 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01 to 1.40, p < 0.05) for the top opioid exposure group and 1.37 (95% CI = 1.19 to 1.57, p < 0.001) for the middle opioid exposure group compared to the bottom exposure group, and there were significant increases in total opioid days' supply and total MME. There were no differences in secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSION In a relatively healthy sample of Army soldiers, variation in opioid exposure defined by clinician's prescribing history was associated with increased odds of LTOP and increase in opioid volume, but not in functional outcomes.
The impact of crowdsourcing and online collaboration in professional translation: Charting the future of translation?

Abstract The emergence of crowdsourcing has opened up novel ways to initiate, produce and deliver translations in our digitally connected world. New practices and processes brought up by these phenomena have undeniably impacted different collectives with an interest in translation, such as language service providers (LSPs), professionals, and Translation Studies (TS). It has also been argued that crowdsourcing can impact public perceptions of translation, rising ethical concerns, issues related to the visibility of translation, or whether everyone can potentially translate (McDonough-Dolmaya 2012). This paper analyzes its potential impact on the realm of professional translation, an issue raised several years ago by a European Union Commission publication (2012, 37–38). It critically analyzes whether the much-feared socioeconomic and socio-professional impact on working conditions of professionals is underway or not. It represents an attempt at charting the potential influence of crowdsourcing on the profession through a critical review of existing literature and industry publications.
Applications and evolution of melittin, the quintessential membrane active peptide.

Abstract Melittin, the main venom component of the European Honeybee, is a cationic linear peptide-amide of 26 amino acid residues with the sequence: GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2. Melittin binds to lipid bilayer membranes, folds into amphipathic α-helical secondary structure and disrupts the permeability barrier. Since melittin was first described, a remarkable array of activities and potential applications in biology and medicine have been described. Melittin is also a favorite model system for biophysicists to study the structure, folding and function of peptides and proteins in membranes. Melittin has also been used as a template for the evolution of new activities in membranes. Here we overview the rich history of scientific research into the many activities of melittin and outline exciting future applications.
Recipient Vessels: Esophagus Reconstruction

Defects involving the esophagus can pose a complex challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Appropriate choice of recipient vessel lays the foundation for these operations. These cases often involve a “vessel-depleted” or “frozen” neck secondary to resection and treatment of malignancy, making knowledge of the various recipient vessel options vital. This chapter describes the recipient vessels available in esophagus reconstruction, and the pertinent anatomy, benefits, and downsides associated with each vessel option.
Evaluation of levocarnitine, lactulose, and combination therapy for the treatment of valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia in critically ill patients.

Abstract Introduction Critically ill patients treated with valproic acid are at risk for hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Both levocarnitine and lactulose, either alone or in combination, have been used for the treatment of hyperammonemia associated with valproic acid, however they have not been directly compared in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of levocarnitine, lactulose, and combination therapy for the treatment of valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia in critically ill patients. Methods This was a retrospective, system-wide, cohort study of critically ill patients who received valproic acid and levocarnitine, lactulose, or combination therapy from January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2019. The primary outcome of the study was the change in ammonia level from baseline to the lowest point within the first 48 h of treatment. Secondary outcomes included the change in ammonia levels within the first 7 days, the incidence of a clinically significant reduction, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and hospital mortality. Results A total of 371 charts were reviewed and 114 patients (levocarnitine [n = 15], lactulose [n = 72], and combination [n = 27]) were included. No difference in the primary outcome was observed (levocarnitine [11umol/L] vs. lactulose [20 umol/L] vs. combination [23 umol/L], p = 0.605). The incidence of a clinically significant reduction in ammonia levels at 48 h did not differ between groups, nor did mortality. Conclusion In critically ill patients with valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia, there was no significant difference in the reduction in ammonia levels in the first 48 h of treatment between levocarnitine, lactulose, and combination therapy.
Ten-Year Research Program in Surveying and Mapping

This paper discusses the philosophy of the long-range research program drafted by the Surveying and Mapping Division’s Research and Development Committee. The author demonstrates the need for the program and the vital interest of ASCE in its implementation. The proposed research could be carried out in a coordinated program by using three separate kinds of research facilities: universities, private firms, and government agencies. Funding of the program would be a major problem. Potential sources of funds include: private surveying and mapping firms, equipment manufacturers, public and private foundations, government mapping agencies, and research-industry organizations. The program would require strong backing by influential representatives of professional societies, industry, education and government. ASCE could expedite the program by serving as a clearing house and catalytic agent in getting the research done in a systematic manner.
Pseudorabies virus neuroinvasiveness: a window into the functional organization of the brain.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses how the use of neurotropic viruses for analysis of brain organization has emerged from an integrated, multidisciplinary examination of the mechanisms that determine viral invasiveness. The focus is on the experimental use of pseudorabies virus (PRV), for two reasons. First, the attenuated strains of this virus have been widely used to study the organization of a variety of systems. Second, there is an ever-expanding literature in which well-documented models of PRV invasiveness have been used to probe the role of virally encoded proteins in viral invasiveness and virulence. The tropism and invasiveness of neurotropic viruses have been increasingly exploited in studies of the nervous system to define connections among ensembles of neurons. Recognition that neurotropic viruses might be useful for mapping neuronal circuitry emerged from the early studies that demonstrated that virus-induced neuropathology occurred in system-specific patterns. Neurons exhibit an enormous functional diversity, and this is reflected in the tremendous morphological diversity of different classes of neurons. Nevertheless, the fundamental aspects of cellular structure are common to all neurons, and some of these morphological features offer distinct advantages to a neurotropic pathogen.
Retaining Judicial Authority: A Preliminary Inquiry on the Dominion of American Judges

Why do the people and institutions of democratic states, and in particular those of the United States, obey judges? This article examines the foundations of judicial authority in the United States. This authority is grounded on principles of dominance derived from the organization of institutional religion. The judge in Western states asserts authority on the same basis as the priest - but not the priest as conventionally understood. Rather, the authority of the judge in modern Western democratic states is better understood when viewed through the analytical lens of priestly function developed in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Focusing on the American Supreme Court, this paper examines the manner in which high court judges have successfully internalized the characteristics of Nietzsche - Paul and his priestly caste within the religion of Western constitutionalism. 'Paul wanted the end, consequently he also wanted the means. What he himself did not believe, the idiots among whom he threw his doctrines believed. His need was for power; in Paul the priest wanted power once again - he could use only concepts, doctrines, symbols with which one tyrannizes masses and forms herds.' (Antichrist 42). This critique of systems, and especially of systems locating the power of judgement, reward and punishment outside the self, finds echoes in the recent constitutional jurisprudence of the American Supreme Court and serve as the basis for a continuing judicial authority. Judges acquire a monopoly over communication with the divine - justice, truth, norms - and Western constitutionalism provides the mechanism for the regulation of sin. 'The priest rules through the invention of sin' (Antichrist 49); the constitutional judge rules through the inversion of doctrine. The interpretive doctrines, standards and tests which have grown up around constitutionalism converts norms into a morass of the unknowable, except with the guidance of priests speaking through courts. And so the judge creates a mechanics of authority based on a self-reinforcing dependence.
Large-scale DWDM photonic integrated circuits: a manufacturable and scalable integration platform

Commercial scaling of electronic integrated circuits has proceeded at a fast pace once the initial hurdle to integration was overcome. Recently, it has been shown that record active and passive optical device counts, exceeding 50 discrete components, can be incorporated onto a single monolithic 100 Gbps DWDM transmitter PIC InP chip. We will investigate key production metrics for this large-scale PIC commercial device as well as other analogs to other III-V semiconductor commercial devices. Using the yield management tools pioneered by silicon based electronics, we will present data supporting their scalability and the manufacturability of these large-scale PICs
National Security Studies and War Potential of Nations

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 15, pp. 10314–10318, © 2000, Elsevier Ltd., with revisions made by the Editor.
CT-guided robotic needle biopsy of lung nodules with respiratory motion - experimental system and preliminary test.

Background CT-guided needle biopsy of lung nodules requires breath holding during needle placement, and is thus inapplicable to patients with difficulty in holding breath. Methods A robotic needle biopsy technique is introduced, adapting to the patient respiratory pattern and using a robot manipulator to drive the needle towards a moving lung nodule. Based on the nodule respiratory motion model, needle placement is planned to follow an optimal timing and path, and is triggered based on the respiratory phase tracking. An experimental system has been created to study robotic needle placement. Results Preliminary phantom tests were conducted based on three representative clinically-collected lung nodule motion paths, using an 18-gauge coaxial needle set. 300 needle paths were implemented. Robotic needle driving was accomplished within 0.4 s (a typical respiratory phase), and resulted in a needle placement accuracy of 0.5 mm with a standard deviation about 0.1 mm over the non-resistance paths. Conclusion The proposed robotic needle placement technique is promising for accurately biopsying lung nodules under respiratory motion and those with very small sizes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the Acceleration Characteristics of Manipulators

The study of the acceleration properties at the end effector is important in the analysis, design, and control of robot manipulators. In previous efforts aimed at addressing this problem, the end-effector acceleration has been treated as a vector combining both the linear and angular accelerations. The methodology presented in this article provides characterizations of these two different types of accelerations and describes the relationship between them. This work is an extension of our previous studies on manipulator inertial and acceleration properties. The treatment relies on the ellipsoid expansion model, a simple geometric approach to efficiently analyze end-effector accelerations. Results of the application of this analysis to the PUMA 560 manipulator are discussed.
How are Children's Attitudes Toward Ads and Brands Affected by Gender-Related Content in Advertising?

Past research of children's television advertising shows that gender-related content is very prevalent, yet the potential impact of that content on children's attitudes toward advertising messages and brands has received very little attention. To address this gap in the literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework, based on a synthesis of developmental psychology literature, to understand how children develop attitudes toward advertisements with gender-related content. Next, to examine the conceptual framework, the results of an experimental design study with eight- and nine-year-old children are reported, confirming the key relationships posited in the conceptual framework. Managerial and public policy implications based on this study are discussed.