cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
XML defined custom microprocessors using Rapid Hardware Definition Language

Rapid HDL is an object oriented software library for scripting the generation of synthesizable Verilog. A fully functional customized microprocessor is defined and automatically synthesized for an FPGA from an XML specification file. Using a library of blocks, a microprocessor fabric is defined in XML. Control states specify the connections between the fabric blocks during microprocessor operation. Opcodes sequence the control states and provide a vocabulary for assembly programs, which are compiled and executed on the microprocessor.
In Situ Anomalous Small-Angle X-ray Scattering from Metal Particles in Supported-Metal Catalysts. II. Results

A supported-metal catalyst can be considered as a mixture of three homogeneous phases: support, void and metal. Information about the metal phase alone can be obtained using anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS), which requires measuring the SAXS for two different wavelengths near the metal's absorption edge. Herein, the conditions that must be obtained so that the difference between the two scattering profiles gives the scattering of the metal alone are presented. In a following contribution, the analysis will be applied to in situ ASAXS measurements made on mordenite impregnated with platinum metal while the temperature and composition of gas in the sample cell are changed. The metal particles are assumed to be randomly distributed spheres with N(R)dR being the number of spheres with radii between R and R + dR. From N(R) one can obtain the average value of R.
Attacking and securing beacon-enabled 802.15.4 networks

The IEEE 802.15.4 standard has attracted time-critical applications in wireless sensor networks because of its beacon-enabled mode and guaranteed timeslots (GTSs). However, the GTS management scheme's security mechanisms still leave the 802.15.4 medium access control vulnerable to attacks. Further, the existing techniques in the literature for securing 802.15.4 networks either focus on nonbeacon-enabled 802.15.4 networks or cannot defend against insider attacks for beacon-enabled 802.15.4 networks. In this paper, we illustrate this by demonstrating attacks on the availability and integrity of the beacon-enabled 802.15.4 network. To confirm the validity of the attacks, we implement the attacks using Tmote Sky motes for wireless sensor nodes, where the malicious node is deployed as an inside attacker. We show that the malicious node can freely exploit information retrieved from the beacon frames to compromise the integrity and availability of the network. To defend against these attacks, we present BCN-Sec, a protocol that ensures the integrity of data and control frames in beacon-enabled 802.15.4 networks. We implement BCN-Sec, and show its efficacy during various attacks.
Series solution of low Dean and Germano number flows in helical rectangular ducts

Abstract The flow in a helical duct with rectangular cross-section is analyzed. A series solution based on curvature and torsion is introduced. The components of the series are determined analytically using appropriate eigenfunction expansions. The resulting solution is limited to flows in the low Dean number, low Germano number regime. An analytical friction factor relation is established and compared with previous numerically determined correlations.
The costs and benefits of separating wireless telephone service from handset sales and imposing network neutrality obligations

Wireless operators in most nations qualify for streamlined regulation when providing telecommunications services and even less government oversight when providing information services, entertainment and electronic publishing. As wireless ventures plan and install next generation networks ("NGNs"), these carriers expect to offer a diverse array of services, including Internet access, substantially free from oversight by National Regulatory Authorities ("NRAs "). Wireless carrier managers reject the need for governments to ensure consumers safeguards such as nondiscriminatory access and separating the sale of handsets from carrier services. This paper will examine the costs and benefits of government-imposed "network neutrality" rules with an eye toward examining the lawfulness and need for such safeguards. The paper concludes that the rising importance of wireless networking for most ICE services and growing consumer disenchantment with carrier-imposed restrictions on handset versatility and wireless network access will trigger closer regulatory scrutiny of the public interest benefits accruing from wireless network neutrality.
Exemplar similarity, study list homogeneity, and short-term perceptual recognition.

Kahana and Sekuler (2002) conducted short-term perceptual recognition experiments and modeled the data with a noisy exemplar similarity model. They found model-based evidence that list homogeneity (i.e., the degree to which exemplars on a study list are similar to one another) exerted a significant impact on recognition performance—a finding that is not predicted by standard global familiarity models. A potential limitation of their experiments is that they tested complex stimuli in which psychological similarities among exemplars may have been misspecified. Also, the relative importance of list homogeneity was not compared with that of alternative forms of parametric variation in the model. We conducted conceptual replications of their experiments, using a simpler set of stimuli in which interexemplar similarities could be more precisely measured. Extensive model-based comparisons reveal, in accord with the results of Kahana and Sekuler, strong evidence for a role of list homogeneity onold-new recognition performance. We suggest that subjects systematically adjust their response criteria on the basis of the homogeneity of the study list items.
Performance evaluation of FSK and CPFSK optical communication systems: a stable and accurate method

The modified moments method for evaluating the performance of coherent optical FSK and CPFSK systems is presented. Since the classical procedure becomes ill-conditioned as the order of the moments increases, we consider the construction of Gaussian quadrature rules (GQR) from the modified moments. The analysis accounts for the influences of IF bandwidth, transmitter and local oscillator laser phase noise, postdetection filters, and additive Gaussian noise. It is found that the proposed approach is a highly reliable and efficient method for calculating the error probability. A comparison with results obtained from the Gaussian quadrature rule, Gaussian approximation method, and analytical approximation formulas shows that this technique is very accurate. Analytical expressions are derived for FSK and CPFSK receivers which include polarization and phase diversity techniques. The use of numerical programming to avoid many unnecessary computations is discussed. This evaluation method can be used to account for the effects of crosstalk in multichannel systems and the influence of error-control codes. >
The effect of curvature on domain wall energy and thickness

The variation in energy and thickness of a domain wall under the action of an applied magnetic field is investigated using a two-dimensional micromagnetic model, where it is assumed that the wall is pinned by inclusions. It is shown that there is an increase in wall energy due to the curvature produced in the wall, but that the change in this energy is small, It is also shown that although there is an appreciable variation in the thickness of the domain wall at the pinning points there is no change in thickness at its midpoint with increasing magnetic field. The curvature of the wall was found to depend on the pinning strength of the inclusions. >
Agile methods for open source safety-critical software

The introduction of software technology in a life-dependent environment requires the development team to execute a process that ensures a high level of software reliability and correctness. Despite their popularity, agile methods are generally assumed to be inappropriate as a process family in these environments due to their lack of emphasis on documentation, traceability, and other formal techniques. Agile methods, notably Scrum, favor empirical process control, or small constant adjustments in a tight feedback loop. This paper challenges the assumption that agile methods are inappropriate for safety-critical software development. Agile methods are flexible enough to encourage the right amount of ceremony; therefore if safety-critical systems require greater emphasis on activities, such as formal specification and requirements management, then an agile process will include these as necessary activities. Furthermore, agile methods focus more on continuous process management and code-level quality than classic software engineering process models. We present our experiences on the image-guided surgical toolkit (IGSTK) project as a backdrop. IGSTK is an open source software project employing agile practices since 2004. We started with the assumption that a lighter process is better, focused on evolving code, and only adding process elements as the need arose. IGSTK has been adopted by teaching hospitals and research labs, and used for clinical trials. Agile methods have matured since the academic community suggested almost a decade ago that they were not suitable for safety-critical systems; we present our experiences as a case study for renewing the discussion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards building a chromosome segregation machine

All organisms, from bacteria to humans, face the daunting task of replicating, packaging and segregating up to two metres (about 6 × 109 base pairs) of DNA when each cell divides. This task is carried out up to a trillion times during the development of a human from a single fertilized cell. The strategy by which DNA is replicated is now well understood. But when it comes to packaging and segregating a genome, the mechanisms are only beginning to be understood and are often as variable as the organisms in which they are studied.
Understanding the Distribution of Groundwater Resources using Synthetic Aperture Radar Data over Southwest Egypt

Two NSF-funded studies (OISE-0417704; OISE-0513379) carried out by the author over SW Egypt (between 20-24.5degN and 25-32degE, in the East Oweinat and Tushka regions, respectively) used C-band Radarsat-1 SAR images and topographic data to understand groundwater distributions in the local aquifers that underlie the study areas. In these studies, areas with enhanced groundwater represent the best locations for groundwater development in order to address the water and food pressures that exist in the regions. In the East Oweinat area, small-scale agricultural development is already underway, while in Tushka there are plans for development in the near future. Radar waves are uniquely able to image beneath the desert sand in the eastern Sahara to reveal groundwater-related near-surface features, that is, the courses of ancient rivers and streams and faults and fractures. The depth of near-surface imaging for the datasets used is on the order of half a meter. The distribution of groundwater-recharge near-surface features was analyzed and the variation in groundwater storage was appraised. Three new areas have been identified as promising sites for agricultural development.
Design and Implementation of a Corporate Mesh Object

Today, finite element technologies allow engineers to analyze complex assemblies and subsystems. With CPU power constantly increasing, it is not unreasonable to state that the engineer will hope to analyze the whole complex system, such as an entire automobile, in a single study. This study may include parameteric design, result animation, crash analysis, and so on. The traditional mesh data structure, which mainly serves a particular type of mesh algorithm, is far from enough to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This paper mainly focuses on storing, accessing, and manipulating mesh data within the vast scope of the analysis system for multiple purposes, such as meshing generators, solvers, pre- and post-processors, and so on. It details the decision-making put into the design of the ANSYS Corporate Mesh Object, the programming methods used to implement those designs, and future enhancements planned to meet ever-changing requirements.
A Low Complexity Sign Detection and Text Localization Method for Mobile Applications

We propose a low complexity method for sign detection and text localization in natural images. This method is designed for mobile applications (e.g., unmanned or handheld devices) in which computational and energy resources are limited. No prior assumption is made regarding the text size, font, language, or character set. However, the text is assumed to be located on a homogeneous background using a contrasting color. We have deployed our method on a Nokia N800 cellular phone as part of a system for automatic detection and translation of outdoor signs. This handheld device is equipped with a 0.3-megapixel camera capable of acquiring images of outdoor signs that typically contain enough details for the sign to be readable by a human viewer. Our experiments show that the text of these images can be accurately localized within the device in a fraction of a second.
Eddy Maintenance and Attrition in a Vertically Sheared Current under Arctic Ice

Abstract Steady drift of an ice cover produces a vertically sheared current in the upper ocean of the Arctic. Under the ice cover, mesoscale shallow brine and freshening sources generate submerged anticyclones and cyclones, respectively. A submerged eddy extending deep into the water column experiences differential advections by the vertically sheared current. Interaction between subsurface eddies and the sheared current is examined using a three-dimensional numerical model in a coordinate system moving with the ice. The initial salinity field is in geostrophic balance with the sheared current, and a pulse of brine or freshening forcing produces an anticyclone or a cyclone. In a coordinate system moving with the ice, eddies are in a vertically sheared backward ambient current. To an observer looking into the direction of the backward ambient current, eddies move with the current and deflect to the right (left) for counterclockwise (clockwise) rotating eddies in both hemispheres. The lower half of the eddy...
Whole-exome tumor sequencing study in biliary cancer patients with a response to MEK inhibitors.

// Daniel H. Ahn 1 , Hatice Gulcin Ozer 2 , Baris Hancioglu 2 , Gregory B. Lesinski 1 , Cynthia Timmers 1 and Tanios Bekaii-Saab 1 1 Department of Internal Medicine, Divison of Medical Oncology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA 2 Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA Correspondence to: Tanios Bekaii-Saab, email: // Keywords : biliary cancer, whole-exome sequencing, MEK inhibition Received : August 27, 2015 Accepted : December 12, 2015 Published : December 16, 2015 Abstract We previously conducted a phase-II study with selumetinib (AZD6244), a small molecule inhibitor of MEK1/2, in advanced biliary tract cancers (BTC), where the primary endpoint was response rate. Several patients experienced objective response. These findings were confirmed with MEK162 in a similar patient population. To assess for tumor-specific genetic variants that mediate sensitivity to MEK inhibition in BTC, we performed whole-exome sequencing in patients with an objective response to selumetinib. Normal and tumor DNA from FFPE tissue from two patients who experienced an objective response underwent whole-exome sequencing. Raw sequence reads were processed with GATK workflow and tumor specific variants were identified using MuTect and VarScan2. Ensemble Variant Effect Predictor was used to determine functional consequences of these variants. Copy number changes and potential gene fusion events were also screened. Findings were compared to assess for any commonality between the two tumor samples, and whether the identified variants were intrinsic to the MAPK pathway. 1169 and 628 tumor-specific variants were identified in the two samples. Further analysis demonstrated 60 and 53 functional and novel variants, respectively. Of the identified tumor-specific variants, fusion events or copy number changes, no commonality was seen. Several variants in genes associated with ERK signaling were present in each tumor sample. Although there were no common tumor-specific variants in the two patients who exhibited an objective response to selumetinib, several genes associated with ERK signaling were identified. Confirmatory studies investigating the role of the identified genes and other potential tumor independent factors need further investigation.
An Accelerated Newmark Scheme for Integrating the Equation of Motion of Nonlinear Systems Comprising Restoring Elements Governed by Fractional Derivatives

In this paper a new efficient algorithm for numerical integration of the equation of motion of a non linear system with restoring forces governed by fractional derivatives in the time domain is devised. This approach is based on the Grunwald-Letnikov representation of a fractional derivative and on the well known Newmark numerical integration scheme for structural dynamic problems. A Taylor expansion is used at every time step to represent the near past terms of the solution; thus, a dual mesh of the time domain is introduced: the coarse mesh is used for the time integration and the fine mesh is used for the fractional derivative approximation. It is shown that with this formulation the problem yields an equivalent non linear system without fractional terms which involves effective values of mass, damping, and stiffness coefficients as a predictive approach and a correction on the excitation. The major advantage of this approach is that a rather small number of past terms are required for the numerical propagation of the solution; and that the calculation of the effective values of mass, damping, and stiffness is performed only once. Several examples of applications are included.
The geologic history of Margaritifer basin, Mars

In this study, we investigate the fluvial, sedimentary, and volcanic history of Margaritifer basin and the Uzboi-Ladon-Morava outflow channel system. This network of valleys and basins spans more than 8000 km in length, linking the fluvially dissected southern highlands and Argyre basin with the northern lowlands via Ares Vallis. Compositionally, thermophysically, and morphologically distinct geologic units are identified and are used to place critical relative stratigraphic constraints on the timing of geologic processes in Margaritifer basin. Our analyses show that fluvial activity was separated in time by significant episodes of geologic activity, including the widespread volcanic resurfacing of Margaritifer basin and the formation of chaos terrain. The most recent fluvial activity within Margaritifer basin appears to terminate at a region of chaos terrain, suggesting possible communication between surface and subsurface water reservoirs. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these observations on our current knowledge of Martian hydrologic evolution in this important region.
Art, Intention, and Communication

Prepared for a discussion of Communication in Tymieniecka’s philosophy, the paper first analyzes Tymieniecka’s own writing style, using different fonts to show that the difficulty of her exposition lies in the visual structure of prose. She attempts to braid all ramifications of a thought into the whole without losing sight of the individual aspects; her prose is operatic, with voices singing varied parts, each distinct yet all harmonious, combining the memories of previous sounds to propel the latest discovery. She attempts to communicate not just thought, but rather the dynamic life of the logos. The second aspect of this paper deals with what Frank Wilczek has called “opportunities for creation.” Rather than following the too narrow view of creationists, we might consider the way human beings, especially artists, create. Distinction is made between inventiveness (intentional) and creativity (intuitive, spontaneous). Leonardo da Vinci’s grotesques provide a case study. His famed Five Grotesque Heads at Windsor is newly examined as a composition that evolved organically, figures added in response to the “opportunities for creation” in the drawing. It becomes an example of how creative energy tends to destabilize simple systems. The creative work is finished when the possibility of introducing new instabilities disappears, when there are no more problems to solve.
Abstract 5683: The dietary anti-estrogenic agent 3,3′-diindolylmethane inhibits metastatic propensity in thyroid cancer cells

The incidences of thyroid proliferative diseases (TPD) including thyroid cancer and goiter are ever increasing with thyroid cancer being the most common among endocrine cancers. Recent statistics reveal 37,000 new cases diagnosed in US alone in 2008 and worldwide almost 27 million patients are affected. Diet has always been of prime importance in its association with cancer development and prevention. Several studies have found inverse association of cancer risk with consumption of dietary products, such as tomatoes, soy and cruciferous vegetables. We have been studying the effect of DIM (3,3′-diindolylmethane), a chemopreventive agent against hormone responsive cancers. In this study we show that thyroid cells express functional estrogen receptor (ER) -α and ER-β and DIM has anti-cancer effects on estrogen responsive thyroid cancer cells. Interestingly, we found that DIM does not affect the levels of ER but it does target metastatic phenotype of thyroid cells as evidenced by decreased adhesion, invasion and migration in vitro. In an attempt to define the cellular target of this inhibition, we observed that DIM mediates down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cell adhesion proteins, integrins. This correlates with decreased thyroid cell proliferation and inhibition of metastatic propensity by DIM in thyroid cancer cells. These preclinical studies are being extended to the clinic where the anti-estrogenic property of DIM is being examined in goiter patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5683.
EVALUATION OF NEONICOTINOID INSECTICIDES AS FIELD CORN SEED TREATMENTS FOR CONTROL OF SUGARCANE BEETLE ADULTS, 2004

Selected seed treatments were evaluated against sugarcane beetle in field corn at the Macon Ridge Research Station near Winnsboro, LA. Corn seeds were treated in the laboratory with selected insecticides or water as a non-treated control. Field corn was planted at a rate of 2.5 seeds/ft in plots of 2 rows centered on 40 inches × 25 ft. Treatments were arranged in a RCB design and replicated five times. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe tubes 2 inches in diameter × 15 inches tall were placed 3 inches in the soil over corn seedlings. Ten plants were individually infested with sugarcane beetle adults in each plot. Corn seedlings were infested at the V2, V 3, V 4, V 5, and V 6 growth stages. Infested corn seedlings were then covered with a mesh screen secured by a rubber band. Feeding injury to corn plants and insect mortality were evaluated 7 DAE to treatments. All data were subjected to ANOVA and means separated according to Tukey’s test (P ≤ 0.05).
Why does insulin resistance develop during maturation

We compared skeletal muscle glucose uptake between young and mature rats. Hindlimb perfusions at insulin concentrations of 0, 100, 250, or 10,000 microU/mL were performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats at 5 weeks or 4 months of age. Basal glucose uptake, and glucose uptake at all insulin concentrations were significantly lower in the 4-month-old mature rats (p < .05). This difference was most pronounced at maximally stimulating insulin concentrations. Skeletal muscle insulin receptor binding, autophosphorylation, and tyrosine kinase activity did not differ between young and mature rats. Surprisingly, GLUT-4 glucose transporter content was significantly higher in several muscles of the mature rats (p < .05). Therefore, the decline in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in hindlimbs of mature rats cannot be explained by decreased activity of these steps in the glucose transport system.
Observation of Leaf Epidermal Cells of 28 Species of Euonymus in China by Electron Microscope Scanning

The leaf epidermal cells of 28 species of Euonymus in China were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and the observed objects contain cell boundary,shape of cells,pattern of anticlinal wall and cuticular membrane morphology.The results revealed that there were various types exist in the leaf epidermal cells of Euonymus.Adaxial and abaxial epidermal cells are different among 13 species such as E.viburnoides and E.chuii.The classical taxonomic treatment as five sections of Euonymus is not supported by this research.Affinitive species usually possess same type on the leaf epidermal cells.E.mengzeanus and E.hystrix were supported as independent specie.
Dynamics of Human Telomeric G-Quadruplex Probed by Single Molecule Fluorescence-Force Spectroscopy

G-quadruplexes (GQs) are constituted by stacks of G-quartets formed in guanine rich sequences in nucleic acids. Among its many functions, GQ plays a pivotal role in regulating telomere length in cells. Mechanistic understanding of dynamics of GQ is key to understanding its biological functions. Integrated single molecule force-fluorescence spectroscopy has been used herein to study the dynamics of human telomeric GQs under tension. GQ unfolding at physiological K+ concentration showed three features: a significant population resisted perturbation by force (∼35 pN) and remained in the folded state, while unfolding culminated into either a partially or completely unfolded state. Complete unfolding of GQs occurred stochastically within a wide spectrum of forces between 3 and 35 pN, even within the same molecule across different stretching cycles. Correspondingly, although GQs exhibited diverse refolding behavior, most of the refolding occurred within 5-10 pN. Such diversity in the forces required for complete unfolding of GQs was also observed with Na+. Replacement of a single guanine precluded GQ formation at lower metal ion concentrations (up to 100 mM) and only partially folded GQ-like species were induced which unfolded/refolded at lower forces with no evident hysteresis. At high metal ion concentrations (1M of Na+/K+) GQ with single point mutation showed an unfolding/refolding behavior redolent of GQ, suggesting formation of GQ-like species. The understanding of different levels of stability in human telomeric GQ can be leveraged into developing anti-cancer drugs.
miR-17/20 Controls Prolyl Hydroxylase 2 (PHD2)/Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF1) to Regulate Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation.

American Lung Association Biomedical Research Grant [RG-416135]; Pulmonary Hypertension Association/Pfizer Proof-of-Concept Award; Gilead Sciences Research Scholars Program in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Award; NIH [R01HL123804, R01HL115014]
Characterization for Organic Solid Solution and Formation of Organic Electronics

Recent two decades have seen the rapid development of organic electronics and much attention has been paid to carrier transport behavior. However, other characteristics, such as material compatibility, may be overlooked. We propose a new doping method taking advantage of fused organic solid solution, which is prepared by high-pressure and high temperature processing. In this method, the stable material systems can be selected and high performance organic light-emitting diodes with different colors have been demonstrated.
Long Head of the Biceps Tendinopathy

The long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHB) has commonly been described as a pain generator of the shoulder joint, whether in isolation or in conjunction with associated shoulder pathology. Research delving into the anatomy of the long head of the biceps tendon, its function, and disease states has led to various techniques to address LHB tendinopathy surgically. In this chapter, we will describe isolated tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps tendon and recognized treatment techniques, including debridement, tenotomy, and tenodesis. There are various methods of tenodesis described in the literature, with frequent debate as to which technique is the best. The decision for which surgical option to perform depends on surgeon proficiency with each procedure as well as patient factors and expectations.
The Prototype Model of Defense Procurement

The modern economic theory of procurement1 has added significantly to our understanding of the forces that affect the efficiency with which large-scale acquisitions are made. Nonetheless, this theory, which is intended generally to describe the acquisition of items such as major weapons systems, electricity generation plants, and manufacturing facilities, contains little detail about any specific acquisition environment. Consequently, the theory must be modified in order to apply its lessons in any particular context. This paper is an attempt to show how the theory might be applied to the acquisition of major weapons systems by the Department of Defense by developing a simple prototype model of defense acquisition. The prototype model, which is intended to capture some of the specific features of the defense acquisition process,2 illustrates the questions that any analysis of defense acquisition must answer. Although the analysis provides some tentative answers to these questions, a more elaborate model is clearly needed to address them more definitively.
The dynamic interaction between lexical and contextual frequency: A case study of (ING)

To identify how contextual usage frequency and lexical frequency interact when controlling for traditional linguistic constraints, this study analyzes the effect of frequency on (ING), taking into account a word's frequent context of occurrence. The data consist of 13,167 tokens of (ING) from interviews with 132 speakers conducted in Raleigh, North Carolina. Results from mixed-effect logistic regression show a strong effect of frequency on the realization of (ING), and this effect interacts with phonological context of occurrence. Frequent occurrence in environments that favor -in amplify the effect of lexical frequency; conversely, frequent occurrence in environments that favor –ing dampen the effect of overall frequency. Frequency also interacts with year of birth, showing an entrenchment of high-frequency words, lagging behind the community change toward the –ing variant in apparent time. Overall, these findings support the usage-based position of frequency effects as the result of a dynamic interplay between context of use and cognitive systems.
Surface-Plasmon-Polariton Laser with Narrow Linewidth and Low Threshold

We demonstrate a surface-plasmon-polariton laser with narrow-linewidth and low-threshold based on a low-loss open cavity resonator that leverages grating-coupled SPPs to pump the lasing SPPs with improved spatial overlap and minimum perturbation.
Number-squeezed and fragmented states of strongly interacting bosons in a double well

We present a systematic study of the phenomena of number squeezing and fragmentation for a repulsive Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) in a three-dimensional double-well potential over a range of interaction strengths and barrier heights, including geometries that exhibit appreciable overlap in the one-body wave functions localized in the left and right wells. We compute the properties of the condensate with numerically exact, full-dimensional path-integral ground-state (PIGS) quantum Monte Carlo simulations and compare with results obtained from using two- and eight-mode truncated basis models. The truncated basis models are found to agree with the numerically exact PIGS simulations for weak interactions, but fail to correctly predict the amount of number squeezing and fragmentation exhibited by the PIGS simulations for strong interactions. We find that both number squeezing and fragmentation of the BEC show nonmonotonic behavior at large values of interaction strength $a$. The number squeezing shows a universal scaling with the product of number of particles and interaction strength ($Na$), but no such universal behavior is found for fragmentation. Detailed analysis shows that the introduction of repulsive interactions not only suppresses number fluctuations to enhance number squeezing, but can also enhance delocalization across wells and tunneling between wells, each of which may suppress number squeezing. This results in a dynamical competition whose resolution shows a complex dependence on all three physical parameters defining the system: interaction strength, number of particles, and barrier height.
Parameter Identification and Hybrid Synchronization in an Array of Coupled Chaotic Systems with Ring Connection: An Adaptive Integral Sliding Mode Approach

This article presents an adaptive integral sliding mode control (SMC) design method for parameter identification and hybrid synchronization of chaotic systems connected in ring topology. To employ the adaptive integral sliding mode control, the error system is transformed into a special structure containing nominal part and some unknown terms. The unknown terms are computed adaptively. Then the error system is stabilized using integral sliding mode control. The controller of the error system is created that contains both the nominal control and the compensator control. The adapted laws and compensator controller are derived using Lyapunov stability theory. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is validated through numerical examples.
Family Therapy, Clinical Psychology of

The purpose of this article is to place family therapy in historical perspective, within the field of the mental health professions in general and within the area of psychology in particular. The major theoretical influences that contributed to the development of family therapy, as well as the proponents of these theories, are emphasized and discussed in terms of their historical significance. The primary family therapy modalities in this field, e.g., psychodynamically oriented family therapy and problem-solving approaches such as structural and strategic family therapy, are briefly reviewed. The nature of the therapeutic goals and interventions that have been established for these therapy approaches are presented. The client populations for whom these approaches were developed are also noted. Recent developments in the field of family therapy, including postmodern and psychoeducational therapies, are highlighted. Finally, the evolvement of research priorities since the 1950s, from a qualitative inquiry to a pluralistic ethos, are evaluated and reviewed. Future research and clinical directions are presented.
Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Mutant rt-PA: Binding Kinetics and Cytotoxicity on Brain Endothelial Cells—Relevance to Brain Hemorrhage

The effectiveness of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in thrombolytic therapy is theoretically dependent on the rate at which therapeutically administered rt-PA reaches the clot site and the proportion of rt-PA that is enzymatically active. Interaction between rt-PA and its specific plasma inhibitor PAI-1, and between rt-PA and the endothelial cell lining of blood vessels, are two factors that may limit efficacy. While rt-PA can restore blood flow to thrombosed cerebral arteries and revive function of ischemically impaired brain tissue, rt-PA may also provoke brain damage by causing brain hemorrhage. We report on our studies of rt-PA and mutant rt-PA (TNK), assessing the binding kinetics and cytotoxicity on brain endothelial cells (BEC) to determine their action and relevance in brain hemorrhage.
Theoretical modeling of fluid transport through endothelial junctions.

This paper will review some recent theoretical models of the fluid transport through an endothelial cell layer from the standpoint of hydrodynamic theories based on ultrastructural information. These theories attempt to use realistic models of the observed morphology of endothelial cell junctions and realistic estimates of the forces, pressures, and flows that can take place in narrow slits and porous media. The classical system of transendothelial pathways consisting of a small pore system, medium size pores and a few large pores for the passage of macromolecules is well supported by experimental data on filtration measured macroscopically. Excellent summaries of this theory and data are available (eg. Curry, 1984; Michel, 1984; Taylor and Granger,1984).1,2,3 However, the possible ultrastructural features of endothelial cells which correspond to the various sizes of pores continue to be refined by electron microscopic and other studies. One of the most striking developments is the demonstration that most vesicles of endothelial cells are attached to cell walls.4,5 This has led to a concept of a lesser role of vesicular transport and a greater emphasis on the filtration through the endothelial cell junctions.6,7 In these more recent theories, the classical system of pores is replaced by a system of narrow slits which realistically represent the endothelial cleft and tight junctions, some wider tortuous gaps between protein junctional strands, and transiently open junctions which are associated with the replacement phase of dying endothelial cells.8
Does animal charisma influence conservation funding for vertebrate species under the US Endangered Species Act

The US federal government spent 6 billion dollars to protect endangered species in 2013. The previous studies have shown that federal funding allocated under the Endangered Species Act is not necessarily based on the priority a species has been assigned by the Fish and Wildlife Service. This paper asks whether this continues to be the case using more recent data from 2013. It analyzes what factors affect total species funding by various federal agencies under the Endangered Species Act, and particularly examines the role of animal charisma using the number of Google results per species as a proxy. Results show that, while federal priority ranking had no effect on funding, charisma had a significant effect, suggesting biased funding for some species of animals.
Hypothesis-Testing Improves the Predicted Reliability of Neuroscience Research

Abstract Critics often cite statistical problems as prime contributors to the “reproducibility crisis” of science, expressing great concern about research that bases major conclusions on single p-valued statistical tests. The critics also argue that the predicted reliability of neuroscience research in particular is low because much of the work depends heavily on small experimental sample sizes and, hence, its statistical tests lack adequate “power.” It isn’t known how common the practice of basing major conclusions on single tests is in neuroscience or how the statistical criticisms affect the validity of conclusions drawn by laboratory research that evaluates hypotheses via multiple tests. I review a sample of neuroscience publications to estimate the prevalence and extensiveness of hypothesis-testing research. I then apply R.A. Fisher’s method for combining test results to show that the practice of testing multiple predictions of hypotheses increases the predicted reliability of neuroscience research.
Building Better Organizational Rebrands: Exploring the Employee Viewpoint

While organizational rebranding as abusiness phenomenon has become commonplace,it is accompanied bya startling failure rate and typically high cost. Employees play an important role in representing an organization’s brand, but researchers have virtually ignored the employee perspective of these initiatives. This qualitative case study addressed that gap by exploring the employee viewpoint of a rebranding initiative including the employees’suggestions on ways to be engaged to strengthen buy-in and alignment with the new brand. Based on employee input, current rebranding theory was reinforced and two new barriers to success were discovered and proposed. This study concluded that with a better understanding of employee viewpoints, organizations are able to generate better rebranding outcomes for their stakeholders, including customers, organization leaders, organizers of these initiatives and, of course, for employees.
Polymer-tetrodotoxin conjugates to induce prolonged duration local anesthesia with minimal toxicity.

There is clinical and scientific interest in developing local anesthetics with prolonged durations of effect from single injections. The need for such is highlighted by the current opioid epidemic. Site 1 sodium channel blockers such as tetrodotoxin (TTX) are extremely potent, and can provide very long nerve blocks but the duration is limited by the associated systemic toxicity. Here we report a system where slow release of TTX conjugated to a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, poly(triol dicarboxylic acid)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) (TDP), is achieved by hydrolysis of ester linkages. Nerve block by the released TTX is enhanced by administration in a carrier with chemical permeation enhancer (CPE) properties. TTX release can be adjusted by tuning the hydrophilicity of the TDP polymer backbone. In vivo, 1.0–80.0 µg of TTX released from these polymers produced a range of durations of nerve block, from several hours to 3 days, with minimal systemic or local toxicity. There is interest in developing long-lasting local anaesthetics for a range of applications. Here, the authors report on the application of tetrodotoxin conjugated to amphiphilic biodegradable polymer to reduce systemic toxicity, achieve sustained release and investigate application as a local anaesthetic.
Effects of treatment with enrofloxacin or tulathromycin on fecal microbiota composition and function of dairy calves

The increasing concerns with antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for studies evaluating the impacts of antimicrobial use in livestock on antimicrobial resistance using new sequencing technologies. Through shotgun sequencing, we investigated the changes in the fecal microbiome composition and function, with a focus on functions related to antimicrobial resistance, of dairy calves. Heifers 2 to 3 weeks old, which were not treated with antibiotics by the farm before enrollment, were randomly allocated to one of three study groups: control (no treatment), enrofloxacin, or tulathromycin. Fecal samples were collected at days 4, 14, 56 and 112 days after enrollment, and DNA extraction and sample preparation and sequencing was conducted. The effect of antibiotic treatment on each taxon and functional level by time (including Day 0 as a covariate) revealed few changes in the microbiota. At the genus level, enrofloxacin group had higher abundance of Blautia, Coprococcus and Desulfovibrio and lower abundance of Bacteroides when compared to other treatment groups. The SEED database was used for functional analyses, which showed that calves in the enrofloxacin group started with a higher abundance of “Resistance to antibiotics and toxic compounds” function on Day 0, however an increase in antibiotic resistance genes after treatment with enrofloxacin was not observed. “Resistance to Fluoroquinolones” and “Erythromycin resistance”, of relevance given the study groups, were not statistically different in abundance between treatment groups. “Resistance to fluoroquinolones” increased during the study period regardless of treatment group. Despite small differences over the first weeks between treatment groups, at Day 112 the microbiota composition and functional profile was similar among all study groups. These findings show that metaphylaxis treatment of dairy calves with either enrofloxacin or tulathromycin have minimal impacts on the microbial composition and functional microbiota of dairy calves over time.
2009: Underwriting, Mortgage Lending, and House Prices: 1996–2008

Underwriting standards for residential mortgages (henceforth: underwriting) are now generally regarded as having been unusually lax during the mid-2000s. Underwriting then tightened up again during the financial crisis that began in 2007. The laxity of underwriting and its ensuing tightness since the mid-1990s likely contributed considerably to the unprecedented rise and subsequent fall of mortgage volumes and house prices.
Are we missing infected cattle

We welcome the well-reasoned response by the chief veterinary officer (CVO), Christine Middlemiss, and others ( VR , 30 November 2019, vol 185, p 664) to the recent news article on undetected bovine TB identified by the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) test ( VR , 26 October 2019, vol 185, p 492). But the question that members of the Animal Welfare Group (AWG) and now also Christianne Glossop, the Welsh CVO ( VR , 9 November 2019, vol 185, p 574), …
Caregiver and child agreement on traumatic events, PTSD, internalizing, externalizing, and ADHD problems in a child welfare population

Child welfare recipients face unique obstacles for accurate mental health screening and assessment. This study examined the concordance between youth and caregiver respondents on mental health prob...
Intersecting Inequalities: Education, Race/Ethnicity, and Sterilization:

Despite extensive evidence that fundamental causes of health, such as socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity, often interact, the potential importance of such interactions has received limit...
Biodistribution and toxicity of epitope-functionalized dextran iron oxide nanoparticles in a pregnant murine model.

In pursuit of a preventive therapeutic for maternal autoantibody-related (MAR) autism, we assessed the toxicity, biodistribution, and clearance of a MAR specific peptide-functionalized dextran iron oxide nanoparticle system in pregnant murine dams. We previously synthesized ~15 nm citrate-coated dextran iron oxide nanoparticles (DIONPs), surface-modified with polyethylene glycol and MAR peptides to produce systems for nanoparticle-based autoantibody reception and entrapments (SNAREs). First, we investigated their immunogenicity and MAR lactate dehydrogenase B antibody uptake in murine serum in vitro. To assess biodistribution and toxicity, as well as systemic effects, we performed in vivo clinical and post mortem pathological evaluations. We observed minimal production of inflammatory cytokines-interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-12 following in vitro exposure of macrophages to SNAREs. We established the maximum tolerated dose of SNAREs to be 150 mg/kg at which deposition of iron was evident in the liver and lungs by histology and magnetic resonance imaging but no concurrent evidence of liver toxicity or lung infarction was detected. Further, SNAREs exhibited slower clearance from the maternal blood in pregnant dams compared to DIONPs based on serum total iron concentration. These findings demonstrated that the SNAREs have a prolonged presence in the blood and are safe for use in pregnant mice as evidenced by no associated organ damage, failure, inflammation, and fetal mortality. Determination of the MTD dose sets the basis for future studies investigating the efficacy of our nanoparticle formulation in a MAR autism mouse model.