cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Approach for Time Synchronization in Wireless Sensor Networks: Pairwise Broadcast Synchronization

This letter proposes an energy-efficient clock synchronization scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) based on a novel time synchronization approach. Within the proposed synchronization approach, a subset of sensor nodes are synchronized by overhearing the timing message exchanges of a pair of sensor nodes. Therefore, a group of sensor nodes can be synchronized without sending any extra messages. This paper brings two main contributions: 1. Development of a novel synchronization approach which can be partially or fully applied for implementation of new synchronization protocols and for improving the performance of existing time synchronization protocols. 2. Design of a time synchronization scheme which significantly reduces the overall network-wide energy consumption without incurring any loss of synchronization accuracy compared to other well-known schemes.
A novel semi-empirical potential for covalently bonded materials

Abstract A new format for describing the interactions among atoms capable of covalent bond formation is introduced and applied to sulfur in both molecular cluster and bulk amorphous forms. Bonding is described locally and evaluated via a semi-empirical quantum-chemical expression, while non-bonding interactions are described by conventional molecular mechanics. The new method is shown to capture the essential features of both the molecular and bulk phases in a generalizable format with few adjustable parameters, while retaining the computational efficiency required for the simulation of bulk condensed phase systems.
Perceptions and attitudes about HFE genotyping among college-age adults.

Purpose: Examine young adults' attitudes about HFE genotyping. Methods: 121 college students read about hemochromatosis, transferrin saturation measurement (iron test), and HFE genotyping. Interest in testing and knowledge and attitudes about genetic testing were assessed. Participants were randomly assigned to predict either their response to a positive HFE genotype (genotype group) or a positive iron test (phenotype group). Results: 71% preferred the iron test, but most would undergo either test. Learning risk and early detection/prevention were the most commonly perceived benefits; limited information about health and negative emotional consequences were the most commonly perceived disadvantages. The genotype and phenotype groups did not differ in expected worry, perceived severity, perceived risk, and preventability of organ damage. After reading the description provided, participants answered 78% of knowledge questions correctly. Conclusions: Young adults view HFE genotyping positively and report few disadvantages, but prefer the iron test for its information about current health. They appear to be receptive to public health screening for hemochromatosis.
A unified approach to building accelerator simulation software for the SSC

A large body of software is being developed to simulate the physics and high-level operation of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). The state of the SSC simulation software is described, with emphasis on addressing the uniform interface needs by using a standardized data set format and object-oriented approaches to graphics and modeling. It is noted that if this software is to form a unified and flexible whole, it is necessary to solve a number of software engineering problems that will otherwise render the system so bulky as to become effectively useless. To this end, the authors envision (1) the self-describing data standard as providing a software bus on which programs can be plugged in to talk with one another and data transparently moved across heterogeneous networks; (2) a library of InterViews-based graphics classes to provide a way to create new interfaces rapidly and to ensure uniformity across all interfaces; and (3) a library of model/machine classes to make it possible to generalize the simulation to a variety of models of the accelerator and, ultimately, to the actual machine. >
Correlation between structure, energy, and ideal cleavage fracture for symmetrical grain boundaries in fcc metals

The misorientation phase space for symmetrical grain boundaries is explored by means of atomistic computer simulations, and the relationship between the tilt and twist boundaries in this three-parameter phase space is clucidated. The so-called random-boundary model (in which the interactions of atoms across the interface are assumed to be entirely random) is further developed to include relaxation of the interplanar spacings away from the grain boundary. This model is shown to include fully relaxed free surfaces naturally, thus permitting a direct comparison of the physical properties of grain boundaries and free surfaces, and hence the determination of ideal cleavage-fracture energies of grain boundaries. An extensive comparison with computer-simulation results for symmetrical tilt and twist boundaries shows that the random-boundary model also provides a good description of the overall structure-energy correlation for both low- and high-angle tilt and twist boundaries. Finally, the role of the interplanar spacing parallel to the grain boundary in both the grain-boundary and cleavage-fracture energies is elucidated.
Degradation of pectin by γ‐radiation under various moisture conditions

By using D50 and D37 doses for 50 and 63% decreases in the solution viscosity of pectin, an evaluation was made of the effectiveness of radiation at different moisture levels. The relation between radiation effectiveness, as measured by the D50 value, and the pectin: water ratio was expressed in a simplified empirical equation. The indirect effect of radiation in dilute aqueous solutions decreased progressively with increasing pectin concentration. On the other hand, a protective effect was produced by small additions of water to dry pectin and a minimum in degradation (i.e., maximum D50 and D37 values) was attained at about the 20% moisture level. The relation between the intrinsic viscosity of dilute aqueous solutions of pectin irradiated air-dry and the number-average molecular weight and D37 values was determined. By using the former relation, the number of chain scissions per unit of absorbed energy was measured at different moisture levels. The importance of moisture control in comparative radiation studies was emphasized. An approximately 26-fold increase in the radiation sensitivity of pectin was produced by an increase in the moisture content from the 20 to the 99% level. Varying the moisture content therefore provides a good means of altering the sensitivity of pectin and similar materials to radiation damage.
Capturing Spontaneous Conversation and Social Dynamics: A Privacy-Sensitive Data Collection Effort

The UW dynamic social network study is an effort to automatically observe and model the creation and evolution of a social network formed through spontaneous face-to-face conversations. We have collected more than 4,400 hours of data that capture the real world interactions between 24 subjects over a period of 9 months. The data was recorded in completely unconstrained and natural conditions, but was collected in a manner that protects the privacy of both study participants and non-participants. Despite the privacy constraints, the data allows for many different types of inference that are in turn useful for studying the prosodic and paralinguistic features of truly spontaneous speech across many subjects and over an extended period of time. This paper describes the new challenges and opportunities presented in such a study, our data collection effort, the problems we encountered, and the resulting corpus.
Short-term soil moisture response to low-tech erosion control structures in a semiarid rangeland

Abstract Although rock check dams have been used for centuries to control erosion and support subsistence agriculture on western US rangelands, there is a lack of measured data to quantify their impact on soil moisture distribution. This study was conducted to measure and document soil moisture response to loose rock structures and wire bound rock structures in comparison with untreated control sites during the first rainfall season following construction. A field experiment was conducted on a degraded alluvial fan in southeastern Arizona where erosion control structures were built on three small ephemeral channels. Soil moisture was measured three times per week at depths ranging from 15 to 46 cm at six points on the upstream side of 5 loose rock structures, 5 wire bound structures, and at 5 untreated control sites throughout the 2006 summer monsoon season. Rainfall and runoff during 2006 were above average, and soil moisture was significantly higher through the channel bank soil profiles in proximity to loose rock and wire bound check dams than soil moisture measured at control sites. Erosion control structures are expected to increase local soil moisture in response to water impoundment. These results quantify this response and will be useful in designing rangeland restoration strategies that rely on soil moisture to improve vegetative cover.
La calidad de la educación como parte del problema: educación escolar y desigualdad en Chile

El sistema educativo chileno se encuentra en crisis debido a la desigualdad originada por una privatizacion que ha conducido a la segregacion, con la consiguiente exclusion de los estudiantes de escasos recursos economicos. No obstante, existe cierto grado de consenso social en lo referente a mejorar la calidad educativa en el pais. En el presente articulo se discute criticamente esta idea de que la mejora de la calidad educativa en los establecimientos escolares es parte de la solucion a la crisis del sistema chileno. Contrariamente a esa idea, se plantea que, en realidad, esta calidad es parte del problema. Para desarrollar este argumento, el articulo se estructura en torno a tres planteamientos fundamentales: que la calidad educativa es parte de la privatizacion de los centros escolares; es parte de la segregacion que se produce entre ellos, y es parte de la exclusion que perjudica a los alumnos de los sectores mas empobrecidos economicamente del pais.
Proton Arc Reduces Range Uncertainty Effects and Improves Conformality Compared With Photon Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose To describe, in a setting of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the theoretical dosimetric advantages of proton arc stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in which the beam penumbra of a rotating beam is used to reduce the impact of range uncertainties. Methods and Materials Thirteen patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with proton SBRT underwent repeat planning with photon volumetric modulated arc therapy (Photon-VMAT) and an in-house-developed arc planning approach for both proton passive scattering (Passive-Arc) and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT-Arc). An arc was mimicked with a series of beams placed at 10° increments. Tumor and organ at risk doses were compared in the context of high- and low-dose regions, represented by volumes receiving >50% and Results In the high-dose region, conformality index values are 2.56, 1.91, 1.31, and 1.74, and homogeneity index values are 1.29, 1.22, 1.52, and 1.18, respectively, for 3 proton passive scattered beams, Passive-Arc, IMPT-Arc, and Photon-VMAT. Therefore, proton arc leads to a 30% reduction in the 95% isodose line volume to 3-beam proton plan, sparing surrounding organs, such as lung and chest wall. For chest wall, V30 is reduced from 21 cm 3 (3 proton beams) to 11.5 cm 3 , 12.9 cm 3 , and 8.63 cm 3 ( P =.005) for Passive-Arc, IMPT-Arc, and Photon-VMAT, respectively. In the low-dose region, the mean lung dose and V20 of the ipsilateral lung are 5.01 Gy(relative biological effectiveness [RBE]), 4.38 Gy(RBE), 4.91 Gy(RBE), and 5.99 Gy(RBE) and 9.5%, 7.5%, 9.0%, and 10.0%, respectively, for 3-beam, Passive-Arc, IMPT-Arc, and Photon-VMAT, respectively. Conclusions Stereotactic body radiation therapy with proton arc and Photon-VMAT generate significantly more conformal high-dose volumes than standard proton SBRT, without loss of coverage of the tumor and with significant sparing of nearby organs, such as chest wall. In addition, both proton arc approaches spare the healthy lung from low-dose radiation relative to photon VMAT. Our data suggest that IMPT-Arc should be developed for clinical use.
Small molecule control of pre-mRNA splicing.

SR proteins regulate alternative splicing by binding to exonic sequences where, via an arginine/serine-rich splicing activation domain, they enhance the binding of the spliceosome to the adjacent splice sites. Here, a system is described in which a nontoxic derivative of the small molecule rapamycin is used to control pre-mRNA splicing in vitro. This involves the rapamycindependent recruitment of a splicing activation domain located on one protein to a second protein bound to the pre-mRNA. These results provide a new approach to explore for regulating gene expression in vivo with small molecules by controlling pre-mRNA splicing.
Twenty-year follow-up of aerobic power and body composition of older track athletes

Pollock, Michael L., Larry J. Mengelkoch, James E. Graves, David T. Lowenthal, Marian C. Limacher, Carl Foster, and Jack H. Wilmore. Twenty-year follow-up of aerobic power and body composition of o...
Extended minimal routing in 2D meshes with faulty blocks

In this paper, several enhanced sufficient conditions are given for minimal routing in 2-dimensional (2D) meshes with faulty nodes contained in a set of disjoint faulty blocks. It is based on Wu's (1998, 2000) minimal routing in 2D meshes. Fault information is coded in a 4-tuple called extended safety level associated with each node to determine the feasibility of minimal routing. Specifically, we study the existence of a minimal route at a given source node based on the associated extended safety level, limited distribution of faulty block information, and minimal routing. An analytical model for the number of rows and columns that receive faulty block information is also given. Extensions to Wang's (1999) minimal-connected-components (MCCs) fault model are also considered. Simulation results show substantial improvement in terms of a higher percentage of minimal routing in 2D meshes under both fault models.
NEW SPECIES OF EREMOBATIDAE (ARACHNIDA, SOLIFUGAE) FROM NORTH AMERICA

Abstract Five new species of Solifugae are described from North America: Eremobates chihuaensis, Eremobates gerbae, Hemerotrecha sevilleta, Hemerotrecha cornuta, Eremochelis oregonensis as well as the females of Eremocosta gigasella (Muma, 1970), and Eremobates polhemusi Muma & Brookhart, 1988.
Combined image compressor and denoiser based on tree-adapted wavelet shrinkage

An algorithm is described for simultaneously compressing and denoising images. The algorithm is called tree-adapted wavelet shrinkage and compression (TAWS-Comp). TAWS-Comp is a synthesis of an image compression algorithm, adaptively scanned wavelet difference reduction (ASWDR), and a denoising algorithm, tree-adapted wavelet shrinkage (TAWS). As a compression procedure, TAWS-Comp inherits all of the advantages of ASWDR: its ability to achieve a precise bit rate assigned before compressing, its scalability of decompression, and its capability for enhancing regions of interest. Such a full range of features has not been available with previous compressor-plus-denoiser algorithms. As a denoising procedure, TAWS-Comp is nearly as effective as TAWS alone. TAWS has been shown to have good performance, comparable to state of the art denoisers. In many cases, TAWS-Comp matches the performance of TAWS while simultaneously performing compression. TAWS-Comp is compared with other combined compressor/denoisers, in terms of error reduction and compressed bit rates. Simultaneous compression and denoising is needed when images are acquired from a noisy source and storage or transmission capacity is severely limited (as in some video coding applications). An application is described where the features of TAWS-Comp as both compressor and denoiser are exploited.
Loop-free routing using diffusing computations

A family of distributed algorithms for the dynamic computation of the shortest paths in a computer network or internet is presented, validated, and analyzed. According to these algorithms, each node maintains a vector with its distance to every other node. Update messages from a node are sent only to its neighbors; each such message contains a distance vector of one or more entries, and each entry specifies the length of the selected path to a network destination, as well as an indication of whether the entry constitutes an update, a query, or a reply to a previous query. The new algorithms treat the problem of distributed shortest-path routing as one of diffusing computations, which was first proposed by Dijkstra and Scholten (1980). They improve on a number of algorithms introduced previously. The new algorithms are shown to converge in finite time after an arbitrary sequence of link cost or topological changes, to be loop-free at every instant, and to outperform all other loop-free routing algorithms previously proposed from the standpoint of the combined temporal, message, and storage complexities. >
Quality, Not Quantity: Strategic Politicians in U.S. Senate Elections, 1952-1990

Analyzing senatorial elections between 1952 and 1990, I estimate the impact of challenger experience in various elected offices on vote for the incumbent. Controlling for other factors, U.S. representatives gain a higher proportion of the vote than other elected officials. Consistent with Jacobson's (1990b) theory that the increase in the importance of challenger quality over time in House elections explains the decline in the proportion of marginal House seats, the importance of challenger quality and the proportion of marginal seats remained stable over time in Senate elections. After developing a challenger quality scale based upon the estimated impact of having held different elected offices, I demonstrate that potential senatorial challengers strategically take into account both local and national political and economic conditions when making their candidacy decisions.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Stimulated Selenium Deficiency in the Chick

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine individually the effects of dietary PCBs on the physiologic functions of vitamin E and selenium. Results showed that dietary PCBs did not affect the function of vitamin E in protection of biological membranes. However, PCBs did decrease the biological utilization of dietary selenium as measured by glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma and by the protection of biological membranes from peroxidation. These results indicate that dietary PCBs potentiate vitamin E-selenium deficiency in the chick by interference with the biological utilization of dietary selenium. An hypothesis for the mechanism of this effect is offered.
Student Reliance on Faculty Guidance in the Selection of Reading Materials: The Use of Core Collections

Academic librarians have traditionally built undergraduate core collections based on the suggestions of college faculty and on selection tools such as Books for College Libraries and Choice. The assumption that these materials meet the course-related reading needs of undergraduates is founded on the premise that the teaching faculty will provide guidance to their students, either directly or through reading lists, in selecting appropriate books. This study, undertaken in the Purdue University General Library, shows that undergraduates do not depend on teaching faculty as a primary resource to aid in the selection of reading materials from the library nor do they make extensive use of titles selected on the basis of critical merit as identified in either Choice or Books for College Libraries.
Students' Perceptions of the College Milieu: A Multidimensional Scaling Analysis

In order to examine perceptions of the social environment, 109 college undergraduates rated the similarity of all nonredundant pairs of 30 representative social situations. An additional 70 subjects rated each situation on 38 bipolar scales descriptive of the situation's perceived properties and the subject's typical behavior and affect in that situation. A nonmetric multidimensional scaling solution in four dimensions provided an optimal fit to the similarity data. The dimensions were interpreted as Interpersonal Intimacy, Group vs. Individual Activity, Social Isolation, and Behavioral Conformity. The findings are discussed in terms of their relationship to previous investigations of the perception of social episodes and their implications for person-situation interaction research.
Early return visits by primary care patients: a retail nurse-practitioner clinic versus a medical office walk-in clinic

AimThe purpose of this study was to compare return visits in 2 weeks experienced by patients using a retail nurse-practitioner clinic to similar patients using standard drop-in clinic located in a medical office.BackgroundRetail medicine clinics have become widely available. However, their impact on return visit rates compared to drop-in medical office visits for similar patients is unknown.MethodsMedical records of primary care patients (both adults and children) seen in a large group practice in Minnesota in 2008 were analyzed for this study. Patients treated for five common conditions were selected (pink eye, sore throat, viral illness, bronchitis, and cough, n = 279). Two groups of patients were studied: those using a retail walk-in clinic staffed by nurse practitioners (n = 142) and a comparison group using regular office care for same-day visits (n = 137). The dependent variable was a return office visit within 2 weeks. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for case mix differences between groups.FindingsThe percent of office visits within 2 weeks for these groups was 20.4 for retail drop-in patients and 27.7 for same-day medical office patients, respectively (P = 0.15). After adjustment for age, gender, visit reason, and number of office visits in the previous 6 months, no significant difference in risk of early return visits in comparison to an office-based drop-in clinic was found (odds ratio 0.83, confidence interval 0.43–1.63). Our retail nurse-practitioner clinic appeared to increase access without increasing early return visits.
Proarrhythmic effect of blocking the small conductance calcium activated potassium channel in isolated canine left atrium.

Background Small conductance calcium activated potassium (SK Ca ) channels are voltage insensitive and are activated by intracellular calcium. Genome-wide association studies revealed that a variant of SK Ca is associated with lone atrial fibrillation in humans. Roles of SK Ca in atrial arrhythmias remain unclear. Objective To determine roles of SK Ca in atrial arrhythmias. Methods Optical mapping using the isolated canine left atrium was performed. The optical action potential duration (APD) and induction of arrhythmia were evaluated before and after the addition of specific SK Ca blockers—apamin or UCL-1684. Results SK Ca blockade significantly increased APD 80 (188±19 ms vs 147±11 ms; P Ca blockade. Increased APD heterogeneity was observed after the SK Ca blockade, as measured by the difference between the maximum and the minimum APD (39±4 ms vs 26±5 ms; P P P Ca blockade, 4 of 6 atria developed arrhythmia. Conclusions SK Ca blockade promotes arrhythmia and prolongs the pacing cycle length threshold of 2:2 alternans and wave breaks in the canine left atrium. The proarrhythmic effect could be attributed to increased APD heterogeneity in the canine left atrium. This study provides supportive evidence of genome-wide association studies showing association of KCNN3 and lone atrial fibrillation.
Measurement of alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) using a miniaturized colorimetric assay

Abstract Oftentimes enzyme assays can be difficult when utilizing tissues from rare, endangered or exotic animals due to limited tissue supplies. We have miniaturized a common assay for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) to a microtiter plate format. The assay is based on the reduction of the optical density at 340 nm when the substrate 2-furanacryloyl- l -phenylalanylglycylglycine (FAPGG) is enzymatically-converted to the product 2-furanacryloyl- l -phenylalanine (FAP). The assay was used to measure ACE activity in alligator serum. The optimal pH for this assay was 7, while the ionic strength-dependence was optimal at 25–50 mM NaCl. ACE enzyme activity requires zinc, and thus the assay was sensitive to the presence of EDTA. Inclusion of only 0.2 mM EDTA-inhibited ACE activity by more than 70%. The assay only required the use of only 10 μL of sample for measurable activity, and maximal activity was recorded using 60–65 μL of serum, making it ideal for use with small amounts of blood or tissue extract.
Adoption, utilisation and economic impacts of improved post-harvest technologies in maize production in Kapchorwa District, Uganda

High post-harvest losses, poor quality and lack of value addition at the farm level constrain maize production in Uganda. Concern over these issues prompted the government to introduce improved post-harvest technologies to reduce losses. However, there remain a huge number of farmers still using local post-harvest methods. Farmers are unlikely to accept new technologies unless the perceived benefits can be shown to exceed the likely costs involved. This paper combines cost-benefit analysis (CBA) with a socio-economic model of the factors that influence utilisation of improved post-harvest technologies. Results indicate that the use of improved maize sheller and crib reduced post-harvest losses and labour, and improved grain quality, which commanded a better market price. The CBA returned a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of between 4.3 and 5.5 for the improved sheller and crib, respectively, indicating that the benefits of technology use far exceed the costs involved. This indicates that adopting both the improved sheller and crib represents a good investment for the farmers compared to non-adoption. Using a censored Tobit model and controlling for technology adoption through grants, we found that availability of household resources, farm size, education, training and extension, credit and accessibility of markets significantly influenced technology utilisation.
Dranimate: Rapid Real-time Gestural Rigging and Control of Animation

Dranimate is an interactive animation system that allows users to rapidly and intuitively rig and control animations based on a still image or drawing, using hand gestures. Dranimate combines two complementary methods of shape manipulation: bone-joint-based physics simulation, and the as-rigid-as-possible deformation algorithm. Dranimate also introduces a number of designed interactions that focus the users attention on the animated content, as opposed to computer keyboard or mouse.
The Effect of Age and Sex Upon Human Pancreatic Secretion of Fluid and Bicarbonate

Secretin tests were performed according to a previously described method: After duodenal intubation with a double lumen tube, which separated gastric and duodenal collections, positioned under fluoroscopic control, secretin (Lilly) was administered intravenously in a dose of 1 unit per kilogram of body weight. The duodenal aspirate was collected by intermittent suction over the next 80 min in divided lO-min periods. One hundred and three secretin tests collected for this analysis was done in subjects who had no known pancreatic disease by history, physical examination, and laboratory criteria. These subjects included hospital patients free of any evident disease, subjects convalescent from appendectomy or herniorrhaphy, and ambulatory subjects with abdominal complaints known to be free of gastrointestinal disease. These subjects included 41 males, aged 30 to 82, and 62 females, aged 22 to 72. The data were analyzed for the peak (10 min) and total (80 min) volume,
Abnormal head oscillations in neuro-ophthalmology and neuro-otology.

Purpose of reviewThe study describes the clinical phenomenology and contemporary pathophysiology of concurrent oscillations of the eyes and the head that are present in neurological conditions with diverse causes.Recent findingsOne classic example is spasmus nutans in which the eye oscillations are
Billions and billions of bad tomorrows

“I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.”-Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind
A bug’s life in the granuloma

The granuloma is the defining feature of the host response to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Despite knowing of its existence for centuries, much remains unclear regarding the host and bacterial factors that contribute to granuloma formation, heterogeneity of presentation, and the forces at play within. Mtb is highly adapted to life within the granuloma and employs many unique strategies to both create a niche within the host as well as survive the stresses imposed upon it. Adding to the complexity of the granuloma is the vast range of pathology observed, often within the same individual. Here, we explore some of the many ways in which Mtb crafts the immune response to its liking and builds a variety of granuloma features that contribute to its survival. We also consider the multitude of ways that Mtb is adapted to life in the granuloma and how variability in the deployment of these strategies may result in different fates for both the bacterium and the host. It is through better understanding of these complex interactions that we may begin to strategize novel approaches for tuberculosis treatments.
Facile preparation of thiol-reactive 18F-labeling agent based on vinyl sulfone

619 Objectives As cysteines are much less abundant than lysines, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid residues, thiol-reactive agents have been used to site-selectively modify peptides and proteins. Previously, several thiol-reactive 18F-synthons have been reported, most of which bear a maleimide group for conjugate addition of thiols under mild conditions. However, most thiol reactive synthons require multistep reactions, which could be time consuming and labor intensive. In recognition of the issues, we set out to develop a platform technology based on the the Michael-type addition of vinyl sulfone. Methods The thiol-reactive reagent, 18F vinyl sulfone (18F-DEG-VS), was facilely prepared through one step radio-fluorination. After high-pressure liquid chromatography purification, 18F-DEG-VS was incubated with cRGDyC and cRGDyK peptide mixture to evaluate reaction specificity towards SH group. Results 18F-DEG-VS was achieved in 90% labeling yield within 60 min since the end of bombardment. 18F-DEG-VS was also found to be highly specific towards SH group: although cold reaction demonstrated that cRGDyK could react with VS under high pH environment (pH > 8.5), only 18F-DEG-VS-cRGDyC was observed during 18F labeling when both cRGDyK and cRGDyC were present in the reaction mixture. Conclusions In conclusion, we have established a facile 18F labeling method for site-specific labeling of the free SH group within peptides or proteins.
The Number of 2 by 2 Matrices over 핫p핫 with Eigenvalues in the Same Field

As an example of the power of Theorem 3, consider the following observations. We remarked above that Mo is both S-odd and S-even for every symmetry S. It is easy to check that Mo is the only function that is both odd and even. Since every conjugate of Mo is Mo, the only function that is S-odd and S-even for any symmetry is Mo. It is also easy to see that no even function can be strictly monotonic in every open interval containing zero. By Theorem 3 this is true for S-even functions with respect to any symmetry. The odd functions x, -x, and x2 sin(l/x) demonstrate that S-odd functions can be monotonically increasing, decreasing, or neither near zero. We might suspect that conjugation gives an easier way to determine the S-odd and S-even parts of a function f. Let h = (M S)-1. Then S = ho S o h = M_1. The conjugate of f, f = h-' o f o h, has a unique decomposition into odd and even parts: f =f + fe. The inverse conjugates fo and fe of fo and fe are S-odd and S-even, respectively. But unless S = M_1 it is not true that f = fo + fe. We conclude with a rather surprising theorem.
Verification Procedure for Generalized Goal-based Control Programs

Safety verification of fault-tolerant control systems is essential for the success of autonomous robotic systems. A control architecture called Mission Data System, developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, takes a goal-based control approach. In this paper, the development of a method for converting a goal network control program into a hybrid system is given and a process for converting logic associated with the goal network into transition conditions for the hybrid automata is developed. The resulting hybrid system can then be verified for safety in the presence of failures using existing symbolic model checkers. An example task and goal network is designed, converted to hybrid automata, and verified using symbolic model checking software for hybrid systems.
Searching Behavior and Survival of 1st-Instar Codling Moths

Movements of neonate codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae), were greatly influenced by temperature. Larvae were unable to move at 5°C or above 45°C. Maximum average velocity during 10-min trials was 4.7 ± 1.2 cm/min at 30°C. Larval pathways were more convoluted at higher temperatures. The success ratio of 1st instars in penetrating 4-cm-diameter apples was not influenced by the number of larvae released per apple in laboratory experiments. The mean number choosing apples infested with one to five larvae was negatively related to the number of previous infestations. The percentage of surviving 1st instars increased with an increase in fruit density until there was ca. 50% survival for larvae on branches where apples constituted over 20% of the total surface area.
The Treatment of Aerial Intruders in Recent Practice and International Law

Every state has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory. Consequently, no aircraft is normally entitled to enter the airspace above the territory of a foreign state without the latter’s permission Does this principle—very firmly established in international law since World War I—mean that any aircraft entering without such permission 1 is completely at the mercy of the territorial sovereign ? Or does international law impose some restraints upon the latter in this matter?
Adaptive design research for the 2020 Census1

The U.S. Census Bureau is researching and testing new methods to reduce the cost of the 2020 Census while maintaining data quality. One of the most costly components of the 2010 Census was Nonresponse Followup. In this operation, enumerators conducted inperson interviews at housing units that did not return a census questionnaire by mail. For the 2010 Census, enumerators were instructed to visit each of these units up to three times until the case was resolved. Additionally, enumerators were to make up to three contact attempts by telephone. In this paper, we present an overview of current research on determining the number of contact attempts that should be made to nonresponding units with an emphasis on cost containment and improved overall productivity. Rather than the fixed contact strategy employed in the 2010 Census, we consider adaptive approaches that maintain the quality of the data. We present initial results of possible approaches using data from the 2010 Census and discuss the implications of the methods. We also discuss modeling contact probabilities for each hour of the day to support the case management system.
Usefulness of a Nocturnal SOREMP for Diagnosing Narcolepsy with Cataplexy in a Pediatric Population.

Study objectives We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of a nocturnal sleep onset rapid eye movement sleep period (nSOREMP) for the identification of narcolepsy with cataplexy (N+C) among children and adolescents referred to the sleep laboratory for an overnight polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). Design Retrospective chart review of sleep clinic notes and PSG and MSLT reports. Setting Boston Children's Hospital sleep laboratory and outpatient clinics. Patients All patients 6-18 y old, referred for consecutive PSG and MSLT for the evaluation of central hypersomnias, between January 2005 and January 2014. Measurements and results We analyzed the records of 148 patients and established diagnostic categories using the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 2(nd) Edition. Patient diagnoses included narcolepsy with cataplexy (28.4%), narcolepsy without cataplexy (8.1%), other hypersomnia conditions (9.5%), delayed sleep phase syndrome (12.2%), behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome (4.1%), other sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movements of sleep; 6.8%), isolated cataplexy (2%), and various diagnoses (29.1%). There were 54.8% of the N+C patients who had an nSOREMP, but only 2.4% of all other patients had an nSOREMP. The specificity of an nSOREMP for detection of N+C was high at 97.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 92.2-99.4%), but the sensitivity was moderate at 54.8% (95% CI: 38.7-70.2%). Overall, the positive predictive value of an nSOREMP for the diagnosis of N+C was 88.5% (95% CI: 69.8-97.4%). Conclusions In children, the presence of an nocturnal sleep onset rapid eye movement sleep period is highly suggestive of narcolepsy with cataplexy and provides further evidence of rapid eye movement sleep dysregulation in this condition.
Performance of Idsim2

In this chapter we discuss the performance of IDSIM2, a switch-level timing simulator for MOS circuits using the algorithms described in the earlier chapters. IDSIM2 has been implemented in the C programming language and runs on a SUN 3/160 workstation using the UNIX operating system. The MOS network is described to IDSIM2 in a SPICE2 input format.
Tensile and Compressive Deformation of the Fine-Grained YBa2Cu3O6+x Ceramics

The ceramic materials of YBa2Cu3O6+x with a grain size of 0.8µm were obtained by HIP (Hot Isostatically Pressing) method with using calcined powders prepared by sol-gel method. It was deformed with a stress of 30 MPa at 750 °C with the initial strain rate of 2×10−5 s−1 in the compressive test. This stress is extremely lower than one of normally sintered ceramics with a grain size of 5µm. In the tensile test the deformation stress was comparable with that in the compressive test, the specimen was fractured with a true strain (= ln (l/l0) ) of 0.15.
Social Character: Erich Fromm and the Ideological Glue of Neoliberalism

Several thinkers have expressed the view that the central nostrums of neoliberalism, including self-reliance, personal responsibility and individual risk, have become part of the “common sense” fab...
A Climatological Study of Extreme Cold Surges along the African Highlands

AbstractEquatorward-moving cold surges occur along the lee of high terrain during the cold season. Even though the east coast of Africa features high terrain, little research exists on cold surges along the African highlands despite the fact that these surges could have potentially large agricultural and societal effects. This paper examines a 5-yr climatology of the most extreme African-highlands cold surges spanning the 2008–12 period. During these years, 186 cold surges occurred to the lee of the African highlands, with 84 events extending between 30° and 35°S (type 1), 27 extending between 25° and 30°S (type 2), and 75 extending equatorward of 25°S (type 3) based on the 1000–850-hPa thickness pattern. This climatology reveals that extreme African-highlands cold surges have a climatological maximum in September. Cold surges of type 1 and type 2 tend to occur throughout the Southern Hemisphere winter and spring, whereas surges of type 3 are generally confined to the winter months. These cold surges can ...
Application of the US EPA's risk-screening indicators model and toxic release inventory database to study pollution prevention trends in paper manufacturing industry

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) using information submitted by different industries in the United States. This research examines the contaminants released by paper manufacturing industry in the United States and Ohio over time and what paper manufacturers are doing to diminish the quantities of chemical wastes generated, released to the environment, or managed by other means. It is understood that there is a reduction in the Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) scores from 2002 to 2014 in all the states, which can be related to the adaptation of recycling or reusing of the chemicals in various other manufacturing processes. The other significant observation inferred from the analysis is that the facilities in the states such as Wisconsin, Louisiana, South Carolina, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania based on the economic feasibility or recycling prospects, they are generating higher quantities of the selected chemical resulting in the higher RSEI scores respectively for the above-mentioned states. This article demonstrates the application of the risk-screening indicators model to a large database to analyze pollution data. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 808–814, 2017
Data-Driven Business Model Innovation

In recent times, more successful startups, such as Airbnb or Uber, have been spurred by business model innovation than by product innovation. I tap into the growing stream of research on business models from the strategy literature to propose ways in which companies can leverage information networks and big data to innovate their current business models or to develop new ones. I provide examples on how companies can leverage internal and external data to generate new business models and I propose a few research questions that can help academics and practitioners understand the link between big data and business model innovation.
A Hexa-rhodium Metallopeptide Catalyst for Site-Specific Functionalization of Natural Antibodies

Preparation of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), an emerging novel class of highly targeted biological hybrid agents, necessitates precise control of conjugation reactivity. Antibodies have complex multistranded architectures, and specific modification of natural antibodies has proven quite challenging. Here, we demonstrate that cooperative activity of a multimetallic metallopeptide enables efficient site-specific antibody functionalization, based on molecular recognition of the constant Fc region. This interplay of multiple metal centers enables introduction of an orthogonal alkyne handle into monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies from different species in an Fc-specific fashion. Elaboration of this simple functionalization allows preparation of conjugates with fluorophore, affinity handle, and pharmacological agents. This method opens a new opportunity for quick and easy production of well-defined antibody conjugates from a variety of antibody sequence and species of origin.
Significance of carbon, nitrogen and their isotopic changes in a Permian-Triassic non-marine boundary section at Carlton Heights (Karoo Basin), South Africa

Abstract We performed analyses of Corg, Norg, δ13C org, and δ15N org from the non-marine Permian-Triassic boundary section at Carlton Heights in the Karoo Basin, South Africa . The Carlton Heights section is thus far unique in the Karoo in containing the Permian-Triassic palynological boundary between the Upper Permian Klausipollenites schaubergeri Zone and the Lower Triassic Kraeuselisporites-Lunatisporites Zone, separated by a 1-m thick “fungal event” zone, marked by abundant fungal cell remains (Reduviasporonites ) and woody debris . The C org values obtained are very low (below 0.05%), but reach a maximum of 0.1% in the middle of the fungal event zone. Norg varies little from 0.02%, except in the middle and top of the fungal event, where it rises to 0.04%. C/N ratios are extremely low throughout the section (less than 3), reaching a maximum of 2.49 during the fungal event, coincident with the peaks in Norg and Corg. The very low C/N ratios resemble those found in modern burned soils with low bacteria/fungi ratios, and the lack of variation suggests no change in the organic matter source. δ15Norg values vary between 2.46‰ and 4.25‰, showing no significant changes in the fungal event zone. The δ13Corg values are all below −25‰, and reach a low of −27.41‰ in the fungal event zone. This negative shift in δ13Corg is an example of the global negative shift in δ13C found associated with the end-Permian extinctions and fungal event.
To SoTL or Not to SoTL

Excerpt: "To be, or not to be, that is the question" is one of the most famous lines from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. As a soliloquy, Hamlet's speech represents a monologue of his thoughts and feelings and addresses existential questions. It is generally accepted that in his speech Hamlet is wondering whether he should choose between life and death. Life seems to be full of hardships, yet there is uncertainty at what lies beyond life, what happens after death? It is assumed that the audience (if there is one) would not hear the speaker, however, Hamlet-the character of the play often turns towards the audience and looks the audience in the eye (Vera, 2012). We engage in soliloquy daily, whether to ourselves or to an audience. When I was asked to do an invited essay, I felt that I too, like Hamlet, needed to collect some of my thoughts, feelings and experiences with SoTL. Engaging in SoTL posed some existential questions for me personally, though luckily I was not talking about life or death. My soliloquy is written in hopes that it would be heard by an international audience and will hopefully help others in their quest to BE.