cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
U.S. Government Computer Bulletin Boards: A Modest Proposal for Reform.

Abstract Many U.S. government agencies have established electronic computerized bulletin boards as a means for distributing information that they collect and create. The establishment of these bulletin boards has met important needs of many users of government information, but it has also left unmet the needs of other users and depository libraries.
Breathing Common Air: The SITI Company Creates Cabin Pressure

Before the production, there are the rehearsals. How do Anne Bogart and her SITI company devise and rehearse their performances? Herrington followed the process from the research phase through workshops and rehearsals to opening night—which hardly concluded the work.
The tree-match chip

A chip organization is proposed for the classical tree-pattern-matching problem. It is based on an algorithm which uses a combination of a content-addressed memory, shift registers, and one-bit-wide stacks. All tree pattern matches are found simultaneously in one scan of the subject stream. The chip could be operated as a coprocessor to speed up functional language processing implementations. Multiple chips can be cascaded to increase capacity, similar to the way in which memory chips are utilized. An example chip has been laid out in CMOS technology in a 40-pin standard frame. Comparisons to previous algorithms are discussed. >
A New Technique for Estimating the Abundance and Habitat Use of Stream Fishes

ABSTRACT An open-sampling technique that employed seining and AC electroshocking with a downstream block net was compared with enclosure sampling in a small river. Relative abundance of species, species diversity and richness, total numbers and densities of fish, and median fish size were examined. The two sampling techniques provided concordant fish-assemblage patterns for riffles and runs. Pool samples showed differences in species diversity and/or dominant species between sampling methods, which resulted from fish mobility or sample bias. Fish size did not differ significantly between the two methods, and only runs showed noticeably higher fish densities for the enclosure samples.
Corticotropin releasing hormone and gonadotropin secretion in physically active males after acute exercise.

Plasma concentrations of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and the serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were measured in seven physically active males after acute exercise on a treadmill using the Bruce protocol. Measurements were made in the basal pre-exercise state, immediately after exercise, and at 30-min intervals for 3 h after exercise. Serum LH concentrations declined following exercise reaching nadir values between 60 and 180 min after exercise (90 min post exercise in the group). The nadir values in individual volunteers were significantly lower than both the baseline and post-exercise levels. This fall in serum LH concentration appeared to follow a slight but significant elevation of the plasma concentration of CRH which reached peak levels when measured immediately post exercise. Plasma ACTH concentrations paralleled the rise in CRH, but fell to undetectable levels of below 13.8 nmol.l-1 (less than 5 ng.l-1) 60 min after exercise. Plasma cortisol concentrations peaked approximately 30 min after the rise in ACTH, after which they gradually declined to baseline levels. Plasma testosterone concentrations paralleled the concentrations of LH. The data suggest that CRH, on the basis of its previously described gonadotropin-depressant property, may be the hormone involved in the exercise-mediated decline in serum LH. Alternatively, some as yet unidentified factor(s), may be involved in producing the altered concentrations of both LH and CRH.
The Links Between Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, and Cancer

The growing epidemic of obesity has resulted in a large increase in multiple related diseases. Recent evidence has strengthened the proposed synergistic relationship between obesity-related insulin resistance (IR) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) and cancer. Within the past year, many studies have examined this relationship. Although the precise mechanisms and pathways are uncertain, it is becoming clear that hyperinsulinemia and possibly sustained hyperglycemia are important regulators of not only the development of cancer but also of treatment outcome. Further, clinical decision-making regarding the treatment of choice for DM will likely be impacted as we learn more about the non-metabolic effects of the available hyperglycemic agents. In our review, we endeavored to synthesize the recent literature and provide a concise view of the journey from macro-level clinical associations to specific mechanistic relationships being elucidated in cell lines and animal models.
Managemetn of ascending aortic dissections

Summary Recent advances in the diagnosis and surgical management of acute type A aortic dissection have been discussed. Trans-esophageal echocardiography is becoming the initial diagnostic procedures of choice. Intramural hematoma may be an important early element in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection, but clinical knowledge of this dynamic entity is limited. As best we know today, the optimal therapeutic approach for patients with IMH appears to be similar to that for those individuals with conventional aortic dissection. Treating patients with aortic dissection involving the arch presents a continuing surgical challenge: concomitant “hemi-arch” repair is a prudent option in most patients. The technique of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest has become recognized to be a valuable adjunct in the treatment of patients with acute type A aortic dissections.
Chemical disordering in amorphization

Abstract The role of chemical disordering effects in amorphization is reviewed and examined. Firstly, the development of the concept of a chemical-disorder-driven amorphization for the case of the electron-irradiation-induced crystalline-to-amorphous (C-A) transition is reviewed. Then, a model is presented for a hypothetical B2 compound and it is shown that the energy contribution from substitutional chemical disordering is significant and important. The energy contribution from point defects is also included. Next, the ion-irradiation-induced C-A transition in intermetallic compounds is discussed in the context of the role of chemical disordering. Other amorphization processes are then reviewed in the context of the possible role of chemical effects. Finally, the case of amorphization in pure elements is discussed where current experimental evidence indicates that a different mechanism is operating.
Coordinated management of power usage and runtime performance

With the continued growth of computing power and reduction in physical size of enterprise servers, the need for actively managing electrical power usage in large datacenters is becoming ever more pressing. By far the greatest savings in electrical power can be effected by dynamically consolidating workload onto the minimum number of servers needed at a given time and powering off the remainder. However, simple schemes for achieving this goal fail to cope with the complexities of realistic usage scenarios. In this paper we present a combined power-and performance-management system that builds on a state-of-the-art performance manager to achieve significant power savings without unacceptable loss of performance. In our system, the degree to which performance may be traded off against power is itself adjustable using a small number of easily-understood parameters, permitting administrators in different facilities to select the optimal tradeoff for their needs. We characterize the power saved, the effects of the tradeoff between power and performance, and the changes in behavior as the tradeoff parameters are adjusted, both in simulation and in a sample deployment of the real system.
Coexistence of Relaxor and Normal Ferroelectric Phases in Morphotropic Phase Boundary Compositions of Lanthanum‐Modified Lead Zirconate Titanate

Hot-stage transmission electron microscopy studies of lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (Pb1-xLax-(Zr0.53Ti0.47)1-x/4O3 (PLZT 100x/53/47) have been performed for compositions close to the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). These studies have revealed the coexistence of relaxor and normal ferroelectric phases. Lanthanum substitution disrupts long-range ferroelectric order, resulting in short-range polar ordering. Investigations also have been performed using dielectric spectroscopy, electrically induced polarization, and strain methods. Three phases have been found for 10/53/47: a low-temperature tetragonal phase, a high-temperature cubic phase, and an intermediate-temperature pseudocubic phase that exhibits relaxor ferroelectric behavior. Induced strain studies of 10/53/47 show a gradual change from butterfly-shaped to slim-quadratic loops with increasing temperature. In addition, the remanent strain decreases with increasing temperature, and reversible strain shows a peak at 80°C that corresponds to the appearance of intermediate phase.
A scalable infiniband network topology-aware performance analysis tool for MPI

Over the last decade, InfiniBand (IB) has become an increasingly popular interconnect for deploying modern supercomputing systems. As supercomputing systems grow in size and scale, the impact of IB network topology on the performance of high performance computing (HPC) applications also increase. Depending on the kind of network (FAT Tree, Tori, or Mesh), the number of network hops involved in data transfer varies. No tool currently exists that allows users of such large-scale clusters to analyze and visualize the communication pattern of HPC applications in a network topology-aware manner. In this paper, we take up this challenge and design a scalable, low-overhead InfiniBand Network Topology-Aware Performance Analysis Tool for MPI - INTAP-MPI. INTAP-MPI allows users to analyze and visualize the communication pattern of HPC applications on any IB network (FAT Tree, Tori, or Mesh). We integrate INTAP-MPI into the MVAPICH2 MPI library, allowing users of HPC clusters to seamlessly use it for analyzing their applications. Our experimental analysis shows that the INTAP-MPI is able to profile and visualize the communication pattern of applications with very low memory and performance overhead at scale.
Illuminating Spaces: Relational Spaces, Complicity, and Multisited Ethnography:

This article explores the perennial issue of social relations in ethnography. The authors argue for ethnographers to attend to and wrestle with what they describe as “relational spaces” during all phases of the research by considering these relational spaces as objects of study in and of themselves. De Certeau provided the theoretical foundation for their focus on the relational spaces of ethnography with his distinction between space and place. Using ethnographic essays from their own research with youth, the authors discuss how they engage with relational spaces, both intellectually and in practice, to deepen and build on Marcus's call for recognizing complicity in relation to multisited ethnography.
Forward — Establishing a Firm Foundation for the Small Law Practice

On March 26, 2014, the Western New England Law Review sponsored a symposium entitled "Firm Foundations: Managing the Small Firm and Individual Practitioner." The symposium presentations provided perspectives on the often-overlooked world of small firm practice.A few influential books have been written about the state of legal education and the future of the legal profession prompted public outcry from bar associations across the country to weigh in on the perceived problems of American legal education. The debate has resulted in some real changes in law school programs.Legal education is in the midst of major changes. For decades, law schools have been unique among university-based professional schools in the degree of disconnection between the academic program and the profession for which students were ostensibly being trained. Law schools must do a better job of preparing their students for practice in the small firm setting, but being aware of the challenges is a necessary first step in doing something about them. This symposium is a very good second step.
On automated composition for web services

We develop a framework to compose services through discovery and orchestration for a given goal service. Tightening techniques are used in composition algorithms to achieve "completeness".
Mechanics of Texturing Thermoplastic Yarns Part X: Effect of Frictional Snubbing on Pseudo False Twisting During Set Texturing

The occurrence of temporary twist in a torque stretch yarn passing through the resetting heater is confirmed. Separate measurements are made of threadline torque development during reheating of the yarn and of the corresponding twist required to relieve said torque. These data are used in a graphical explanation of the uptwist/ untwist phenomenon that occurs in the resetting heater and is termed pseudo false twisting because of the absence of a mechanical device.The presence of a snub pin in the threadline downstream of the second heater modifies the yarn torque level across the resetting zone, reducing uptwist levels and suppressing residual torque of the set textured yarn. A graphical explanation of the pin effect is also provided.
ERK and SAPK signaling in auditory brainstem neurons after unilateral cochlear ablation.

Unilateral cochlear ablation (UCA) in adults deafferented one cochlear nucleus (CN) and induced several plasticities in central auditory pathways. To assess whether signal transduction could contribute to these changes, we determined if UCA induced activity in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) signal transduction pathways. Using Western blots, we measured phosphorylated ERK1 (ERK1-P), ERK2 (ERK2-P), p46 and p54 SAPK (SAPK-P) and c-Jun (c-Jun-P) levels in the major subdivisions of the CN, the principal nuclei of the superior olivary complex (SOC) and the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICc) for up to 145 days postablation. ERK1-P and ERK2-P were typically elevated at 7 and 145 days but depressed at 30 days, 60 days, or both. In addition, ERK1-P and ERK2-P were elevated at 3 days in the anteroventral (AVCN) and posteroventral CN (PVCN). Immunohistochemical labeling indicated that after 5 days, most ERK1/2-P in the CN was in neuronal nuclei. Only minor changes were evident in total ERK1 and ERK2 levels. Several correlations were evident between the postablation plasticities observed previously and altered ERK1-P and ERK2-P levels. Few changes were found in SAPK-P and c-Jun-P levels. Concomitant elevations of SAPK-P and c-Jun-P were not evident, except in the superficial dorsal CN (DCN) at postablation day 3, consistent with a cell-stress response. These findings suggest that signals induced as a consequence of UCA are transduced mainly through the neuronal ERK pathway. This activity probably influenced gene expression and cytoplasmic regulatory mechanisms that contributed to the plasticities induced by UCA. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
How do designers and user experience professionals actually perceive and use personas

Personas are a critical method for orienting design and development teams to user experience. Prior work has noted challenges in justifying them to developers. In contrast, it has been assumed that designers and user experience professionals - whose goal is to focus designs on targeted users - will readily exploit personas. This paper examines that assumption. We present the first study of how experienced user-centered design (UCD) practitioners with prior experience deploying personas, use and perceive personas in industrial software design. We identify limits to the persona approach in the context studied. Practitioners used personas almost exclusively for communication, but not for design. Participants identified four problems with personas, finding them abstract, impersonal, misleading and distracting. Our findings argue for a new approach to persona deployment and construction. Personas cannot replace immersion in actual user data. And rather than focusing on creating engaging personas, it is critical to avoid persona attributes that mislead or distract.
The Tylenol Incident, Ensuing Regulation, and Stock Prices

The much publicized Tylenol incident in 1982 led to stringent packaging regulations for over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs. The sudden incident and the swift progression of associated events offer a unique opportunity to assess the wealth effects of the resultant regulations. The market value of common stock of Johnson & Johnson, makers of Tylenol, declined by approximately 29 percent, amounting to $2.31 billion. Although other firms in the industry also suffered significantly, their share price decline did not occur around the Tylenol incident but occurred around the subsequent packaging reg? ulation proceedings. On average, 28 other pharmaceutical firms analyzed in this study experienced a decline of $310 million per firm, or a total of about $8.68 billion. The results suggest that the regulation had a significant negative effect on the common stock prices of firms in the pharmaceutical industry.
Influence of support oscillation in dynamic stability tests

A tractable but quite general analysis of the influence of support oscillation in oscillatory wind tunnel testing is presented. This is an extension of a recent analysis of sting plunging in the pitch-oscillation mode. It is shown that the sting plunging correction is equivalent to an aerodynamic axis transformation from the inertial rotation center. The basic approach is free of simplifying assumptions beyond those implicit in the transformation equations and can be extended to any measurement degree of freedom. The only requirement is for appropriate measurements of the location of the axis of rotation.
Low-temperature, low-relative humidity drying of rough rice

The use of low air temperatures (26–34 C) and relative humidities (19–68%) to dry thin-layer samples of rough rice to the desired 12.5% moisture content was investigated. Drying rates and durations and their effects on the quality parameters of head-rice yield, color, and pasting viscosity of long- and mediumgrain rice cultivars harvested at 19.6% and 17.5% moisture contents, respectively, were determined. Results showed that dehumidification of the drying air had greater potential for increasing drying rates at 26 C than at 30 and 34 C. Low drying air temperatures and relative humidities had no adverse effects on head-rice yield or color compared to controls. Peak and final viscosities of low-temperature and lowrelative humidity dried samples were similar to controls. 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Nonlinear magneto-optical rotation with frequency-modulated light

A magnetometric technique is demonstrated that may be suitable for precision measurements of fields ranging from the submicrogauss level to above the earth field. It is based on resonant nonlinear magneto-optical rotation caused by atoms contained in a vapor cell with antirelaxation wall coating. Linearly polarized, frequency-modulated laser light is used for optical pumping and probing. If the time-dependent optical rotation is measured at the first harmonic of the modulation frequency, ultra-narrow (\ensuremath{\sim} a few hertz) resonances are observed at near-zero magnetic fields, and at fields where the Larmor frequency coincides with half the light modulation frequency. Upon optimization, the sensitivity of the technique is expected to exceed ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11} G/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}.$
Layer stuffing tool for packet-based JPEG2000 image authentication

Traditional label-based image authentication methods store the signature in separate file to verify the integrity of the protected images. It may result in management problem and can be a limit for practical applications. In this paper, we propose a layer stuffing technique which can attach the verification data directly to JPEG2000 packets to support the progressive functionality of JPEG2000 standard. Experimental results show that the data-inserted codestream can be correctly decoded by JPEG2000 Part-1 compliant decoders for lower-bit-rate applications. Because the proposed layer stuffing technique is simple and effective, it can be easily implemented for applications of consumer electronics.
High-efficiency diffractionless beams of constant size and intensity

Design considerations are presented for pairs of spherically aberrating elements that produce diffractionless beams of high efficiency and nearly constant size and intensity over specified ranges of axial position. An approximate design, assuming an aberration quadratic in radial ray positions, is followed by a final lens (mirror) specification that is verified through meridional ray tracing. This then provides an accurate determination of beam characteristics. Examples are presented that represent a variety of applications. As a design aid, a simple prescription is given for generating families of substantially different Bessel-like beams from any given pair of elements under small changes in element separation. Pattern sizes and ranges are compared with those of Gaussian beams, shadow lengths are examined for Bessel-type beams, and beam efficiencies are fully analyzed.
Los Elefantes Rosas en las Cúpulas en la Legislatura: An Empirical Analysis of the Texas Education Finance Mechanism with Special Emphasis on Bilingual Education

The State of Texas’ education finance mechanism – known as the Foundation School Program (FSP) was challenged in a series of litigation known as Edgewood v. Kirby I - IV and West Orange Cove I- II. Though the state Supreme Court’s holding ultimately moved the Texas Assembly to make changes in the funding mechanism, not since the 1980s has there been a systematic evaluation of the fiscal efficacy of the State of Texas’ FSP. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine empirically levels of vertical and horizontal finance equity generated by Texas’ education finance system. Information will be presented in five sections that describe and discuss: (a) summations of the Texas Supreme Court decisions on K-12 education finance since 1989; (b) analyses of initial statistical results generated from efficacy analyses of the Texas Foundation School Program; and, (c) policy recommendations guided by the results.
Comparing classification techniques by predicting the gender of chickens: nifty assignment

Predicting the gender of chickens based on part weights makes an interesting assignment for students to practice classification techniques. In this assignment, students are given real data on chicken part weights (drum stick weight, tender weight, etc.) and the genders of the chickens and asked to build a model to predict gender from part weights. The assignment has been given multiple times in various forms in a junior level data mining class, a senior level artificial intelligence course, and a graduate level decision support systems course.
Raman Heterodyne Detection of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

This contribution reports a new way of detecting nuclear magnetic resonance in solids and gases using a coherent optical and radio-frequency-induced Raman effect. The technique, which employs heterodyne detection, is capable of monitoring nuclear resonances under cw conditions or coherent spin transients, both in the ground and excited electronic states, with high sensitivity and precision. We have demonstrated the versatility of the method in the dilute rare-earth impurity-ion crystals Pr3+:LaP3 and Pr3+: YAlO3, and have detected Pr3+ spin echoes of nuclear quadrupole transitions not only in the 3H4 ground state but also for the first known time in the 1D2 excited electronic state.
Toxicity of Three Isomeric Mixtures of Resmethrin to Resistant and Susceptible House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

The topical toxicity of three isomeric mixtures of resmethrin (30:70, 22:78, and 11:89 [±] cis: trans isomers) to susceptible (S) and resmethrin-selected resistant ( R ) house flies, Musca domestica (L.), was determined. The mixture containing the greatest proportion of cis isomers (30%) was the most toxic to R flies (LC50 = 5.91 µg per fly) while that containing the lowest proportion of cis isomers (11%) was the least toxic (LC50 = 490 µg per fly). In the case of S flies, the LC50 and LC95 values for all three isomeric mixtures were not significantly different, indicating that the cis and trans isomers were equally toxic. This suggested that the R strain had developed a much higher degree of resistance to the trans isomers than to the cis . While both piperonyl butoxide (PB) and ( S,S,S -tributyl phosphorotrithionate (DEF) increased the toxicity of resmethrin (30:70 cis: trans isomers) to R flies, PB was a better synergist than was DEF, suggesting that oxidative metabolism contributed more to the resistance in the strain than did hydrolytic mechanisms synergized by DEF. However, there were other factors involved, because R flies were considerably more tolerant of resmethrin: PB combinations than were S flies.
Design Structure Matrix Flow for Improving Identification and Specification of Modules

Today’s customer wants products satisfying his/her own needs. In this growing mass customization market, two design techniques enable companies to answer this fairly new demand: (1) a platform-based approach, where a family of products share common components/modules, processes, etc. which constitute the common platform and then leveraged to satisfy each market niche and (2) a modular product approach, which enable reusing, swapping, and adapting modules with different features. This study focuses on the specification of modules, their architecture, and their interfaces. The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is used and extended to represent more accurately the studied model. Thus, flow interactions between components and/or modules are added to the basic DSM to form the DSMflow . This enhancement of the DSM with the flow interaction gives designers a clearer picture of the structure, components, and interactions of the design system. This extension improves existing proposed models by efficiently modeling flows and their states. Thus, this DSMflow can be used for novel and incremental designs. To validate the method, a case study based on a family of refrigerators is performed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Urethral Encirclement by Sacrococcygeal Teratoma

AbstractObstruction and neurogenic bladder involvement are common with sacrococcygeal teratomas but external genital involvement is rare. A genetic (46XY) male infant required cystotomy, colostomy and sex-of-rearing change to enable surgical removal of a sacrococcygeal teratoma that surrounded the hypospadiac urethra and deviated the penis. An associated ventral congenital transposition of the scrotum allowed partial coverage of the defect. Renal and bladder manifestations secondary to sacrococcygeal teratomas commonly require urologic management.
In-Gel Detection of DNA

The introduction of pulsed-field agarose gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has expanded the list of particles separable by use of gel electrophoresis to include: (1) linear DNAs as long as 3-6 Mbp, (2) DNA- protein complexes and circular DNAs that become arrested during invariant field agarose gel electrophoresis; and (3) micron-sized spheres that also become arrested during invariant field agarose gel electrophoresis (reviewed in refs. 1-3). During the replication, recombination and packaging of DNA by the various double-stranded DNA bacteriophages, circular DNAs, protein-DNA complexes, and end-to- end joined mature DNA multimers (concatemers) as long as 0.5-1.0 Mbp are formed (reviewed in refs. 4,5). Thus, in addition to being useful for genome mapping (1,2,6,7 and see also Chapter 18 ), PFGE also is useful for studying the DNA metabolism of both bacteriophages and, presumably, other viruses.
Spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering measurements in KDP crystal segments, and benzene

Transverse stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) within KDP crystal segments and index-matching fluids are potential limitations on Nova harmonic conversion array design and performance. We have developed an overall picture of the anisotropic Raman scattering behavior of KDP from a large set of spontaneous and stimulated measurements.
Developing Quality Measures for Adult Cochlear Implant Centers: Preliminary Findings

The study objective was to develop quality measures for adult cochlear implant centers. A modified Delphi design beginning with focus groups of surgeons and audiologists was used, as adapted from the American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association method for creating quality measures. Two academic cochlear implant programs and 1 private program participated. Qualitative focus group analysis yielded 58 candidate measures. An additional 5 candidate measures were added from a systematic review of the literature. After exclusion of pediatric measures, structure measures, and process measures and discussion of details and implications of each measure, 8 measures remained as the preliminary Adult Cochlear Implant Outcome (CI-OUTCOME) Measure Set. This study provides a preliminary set of measures for evaluating the quality of adult cochlear implant centers, based on input from implant surgeons and audiologists. The next step will be to gather feedback from implant patients.
Various Aspects of the Human Factor in Online Education: Quantitative Literature Review

The goal of this proceeding is to summarize the current research trends in human factors of studying Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and to quantify the frequency of literature publications ea...
Transorganogenesis and transdifferentiation in C. elegans are dependent on differentiated cell identity

The differentiated cell identities and structure of fully formed organs are generally stable after their development. In contrast, we report here that development of the C. elegans proximal somatic gonad (hermaphrodite uterus and spermathecae, and male vas deferens) can be redirected into intestine-like organs by brief expression of the ELT-7 GATA transcription factor. This process converts one developing organ into another and can hence be considered "transorganogenesis." We show that, following pulsed ELT-7 expression, cells of the uterus activate and maintain intestine-specific gene expression and are transformed at the ultrastructural level to form an epithelial tube resembling the normal intestine formed during embryogenesis. Ubiquitous ELT-7 expression activates intestinal markers in many different cell types but only cells in the somatic gonad and pharynx appear to become fully reprogrammed. We found that ectopic expression of other endoderm-promoting transcription factors, but not muscle- or ectoderm- promoting transcription factors, redirects the fate of these organs, suggesting that pharyngeal and somatic gonad cells are specifically competent to adopt intestine identity. Although the intestine, pharynx, and somatic gonad are derived from distant cell lineages, they all express the PHA-4/FoxA transcription factor. While we found that post-embryonic PHA-4 is not necessary for pharynx or uterus reprogramming and PHA-4 is not sufficient in combination with ELT-7 to induce reprogramming in other cells types, knock down of PHA-4 during embryogenesis, which abolishes normal pharynx differentiation, prevents pharyngeal precursors from being reprogrammed into intestine. These results suggest that differentiated cell identity determines susceptibility to transdifferentiation and highlight the importance of cellular context in controlling competency for reprogramming.
ESD Self-Protection of High-Speed Transceivers Using Adaptive Active Bias Conditioning

Adaptive active bias conditioning (AABC) is proposed for high-speed inputs/outputs (I/O) to mitigate the tradeoff between bandwidth and electrostatic discharge (ESD) reliability. During a component-level ESD event, the I/O transistors’ gate voltages are adaptively set to the values that maximize ESD robustness based on the ESD polarity. The AABC technique has no deleterious effect on signal integrity or power consumption, because its circuitry is located off the high-speed signal path and activated only during ESD. The efficacy of the protection scheme is validated on a 130-nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor test chip. Thirty percent improved ESD resiliency is found from the charged device model and very-fast transmission line pulsing tests with only 10% area overhead, relative to a transceiver with the same I/O protection and no AABC. In order to diagnose ESD-induced failures, a new failure analysis method, which utilizes power-on ${I}$ – ${V}$ curves, is introduced. Using this method, the failed device can be inferred without the use of any destructive, physical failure analysis techniques.
Abstract 1080: Computational and biochemical discovery of RSK2 as a novel target for epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

The most active anticancer component in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Protein interaction with EGCG is a critical step mediating the effects of EGCG on the regulation of various key proteins involved in signal transduction. By using computational docking screening methods for protein identification, we identified a serine/threonine kinase, 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK2), as a novel molecular target of EGCG. RSK2 includes two kinase catalytic domains in the N-terminal (NTD) and the C-terminal (CTD) and its activation requires phosphorylation of both the NTD and CTD. The computer prediction was confirmed by an in vitro kinase assay in which EGCG inhibited RSK2 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Pull-down assay results showed that EGCG could bind with RSK2 at both kinase catalytic domains in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, results of an ATP competition assay and a computer-docking model showed that EGCG binds with RSK2 in an ATP-dependent manner. In RSK2+/+ and RSK2-/- murine embryonic fibroblasts, EGCG decreased viability only in the presence of RSK2. EGCG also suppressed epidermal growth factor-induced neoplastic cell transformation by inhibiting histone H3 Ser10 phosphorylation. Overall, these results indicate that EGCG is a novel natural compound for suppressing RSK2 kinase activity. Citation Format: Hanyong Chen, Ke Yao, Xiaoyu Chang, Jung-Hyun Shim, Hong-Gyum Kim, Margarita Malakhova, Dong-Joon Kim, Ann M. Bode, Zigang Dong. Computational and biochemical discovery of RSK2 as a novel target for epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1080. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1080
A fault-tolerant T-Type multilevel inverter topology with soft-switching capability based on Si and SiC hybrid phase legs

The performance of a novel three-phase four-leg fault-tolerant T-Type inverter topology is presented in this paper, which significantly improves the inverter's fault-tolerant capability regarding device switch faults. In this new modular inverter topology, only the redundant leg is composed of Silicon Carbide (SiC) power devices and all other phase legs are constituted by Silicon (Si) devices. The addition of the redundant leg, not only provides fault-tolerant solution to switch faults that could occur in the T-Type inverter, but also can share load current with other phase legs. Moreover, quasi zero-voltage switching (ZVS) and zero-current switching (ZCS) in the Si Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) of the main phase legs can be achieved with the assistance of SiC Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) in the redundant leg. Simulation and experimental results are given to verify the efficacy and merits of this high-performance fault-tolerant inverter topology.
Computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety in a hospital social work and nursing case management department

The current health care delivery system increasingly relies upon information technology (IT) to more effectively and efficiently meet patient needs. The present study examined the relationship of computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and perceived computer usefulness to performance utilizing IT programs by clinical staff in a hospital-based social work and nursing case management department. Use of IT programs within the hospital setting was assessed by self-reported frequency of use of the shared drive system of electronic resources and by observed behavioral proficiency in completing a computerized search task of resources on the shared drive. Computer self-efficacy was assessed by a self-report survey adapted from the Computer Self-Efficacy Scale developed by Murphy, Coover, and Owen (1989). Computer anxiety was assessed by Johnson's (2005) self-report survey version of the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale adapted to reflect the specific IT programs utilized in the hospital setting. Computer usefulness was assessed by a modified version of the self-report Usefulness survey developed by Franz and Robey (1986). All of the 45 participants completed the self-report survey measures, with 27 also completing the computerized search task. An alpha level of .05 was used for all statistical tests. The results indicated significant relationships between observed behavioral proficiency on the computerized search task and self-reported ratings of computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety. Higher task proficiency was associated with higher computer self-efficacy ratings. Lower task proficiency was associated with higher computer anxiety. More frequent self-reported use of the shared drive system was significantly associated with higher ratings of computer usefulness.
Effect of Plastic Mulch Type on Fomesafen Dissipation in Florida Vegetable Production Systems

Mulches used in plasticulture systems could decrease dissipation of fomesafen, a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor, and dissuade producers from using the herbicide for fear of crop injury in subsequent growing seasons. Field experiments were conducted in Balm, FL, in 2015 and 2016 to investigate the effect of different plastic mulches on fomesafen dissipation, squash tolerance, and efficacy on purple nutsedge. Squash was injured less than 5% from fomesafen applications. The use of plastic mulches reduced purple nutsedge density at transplant by 60% compared with the no-mulch treatment. At transplant, treatments with low-density polyethylene mulch (LDPE), virtually impermeable film (VIF), and totally impermeable film (TIF) mulch had greater than 2-fold the fomesafen concentrations than treatments with clear or no mulch. At harvest in 2015, LDPE, VIF, and TIF treatments had greater fomesafen concentrations than clear and no-mulch treatments; however, concentrations in 2016 were similar for all treatments. Fomesafen can persist at high concentrations throughout the growing season in Florida plasticulture possibly limiting producer options for crop rotation and the use of cover crops.Nomenclature: Fomesafen; purple nutsedge; Cyperus rotundus L.; squash, Cucurbita pepo L.
Duolingo. Gamified learning through translation

Duolingo is a free language-learning platform which can be accessed through the web (duolingo.com) or as an application on mobile devices. Per its own website, it is the most popular program for la...
Materials for heat-assisted magnetic recording heads

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is the next-generation technology that is required to deliver areal densities in excess of 2 terabit/in2 for high-capacity, low-cost hard drives.The recording process relies on spatially and temporally localized heating of the media surface to lower its coercivity during the magnetic writing process. This scheme drives substantial changes to the recording head write element architecture, combining the conventional electromagnet structure with integrated optical light delivery layers, focusing optics, and plasmonic nanostructures to generate subwavelength optical spots. Power losses associated with the strong optical fields required for heating the media can cause local temperatures in excess of 400°C at the recording head surface. Coupled with high pressures, an oxidative/corrosive air-bearing environment, and a sub-3 nm head-media spacing, this introduces new challenges for the functional materials in recording heads required to balance performance and long-term reliability demands. Here, we briefly review specific challenges associated with HAMR heads, highlighting the major requirements, failure modes, and needed innovations for the near-field transducer and optical-waveguide subsystems.
Comparing Upper Airway Stimulation to Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty: A Single University Experience.

INTRODUCTION Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) is a surgical option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an alternative that has shown success in initial outcomes studies. We compare outcomes of a cohort of patients undergoing UAS to ESP. METHODS We compared demographic and polysomnographic data of the UAS to ESP cohorts. We also calculated the proportion of patients achieving surgical success. RESULTS The ESP cohort consisted of 33 patients. The mean preoperative Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), O2 nadir, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and BMI were 36.47 ± 20.01, 82.63 ± 5.37, 10.69 ± 4.42, and 29.6 ± 4.49, which improved to 13.47 ± 18.74, 84.84 ± 5.48, 7.00 ± 5.81, and 29.92 ± 4.59 postoperatively. There was a 63.64% success rate. The UAS cohort consisted of 75 patients. The mean preoperative AHI, O2 nadir, ESS, and BMI were 36.76 ± 20.72, 80.24 ± 8.43, 11.18 ± 4.16, and 29.50 ± 3.96, which improved to 7.25 ± 11.19, 88.71 ± 3.25, 5.36 ± 3.35, and 29.36 ± 3.68 postoperatively. The success rate was 86.67%. We found a significant difference in gender, age, preoperative AHI, postoperative AHI, postoperative O2 nadir, surgical success, and patients reaching an AHI less than 10 and 5. CONCLUSION Upper airway stimulation is a new surgical option for select patients with OSA showing comparable or improved outcomes to a cohort of patients undergoing ESP.
Cross-cultural differences in the perception and understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder in East Asian and Western cultures

This study investigated cultural differences in beliefs about the etiology and management of OCD. Participants were 428 individuals from 13 countries in North America, Western Europe and South Asia...
Measurement of serum folate levels and serum folic acid-binding protein by 3H-PGA radioassay.

A radioassay for the measurement of serum folate levels using commercially available beta lactoglobulin, as the folate-binding protein, and 3H-pteroylglutamic acid (3H-PGA) is reported. The assay was run in a one-step simultaneous addition at room temperature. A standard curve was constructed to a sensitivity of 0.25-10 ng of N-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (methyl-THFA). There was a clear correlation with separation into normal (greater than 6 ng/ml), indeterminate range (3-6 ng/ml), and deficient (0-3 ng/ml), as measured by radioassay. Serums from patients receiving antibiotics had normal folate levels with this assay. 3H-PGA was also used to measure serum folic acid-binding protein (FABP). In normal serums, the mean FABP was 18 pg bound/0.4 ml serum, while in folate-deficient serums it was 133 pg bound/0.4 ml of serum. Folate-deficient patients had a fall in serum FABP to the normal range when treated with folic acid. Serum FABP, in a patient on a folate-deficient diet, increased with early folate deficiency and abruptly fell to normal with a regular diet. FABP in lysates of folate-deficient bone marrow was higher than normal marrow. Patients with B12 deficiency, multiple myeloma, cirrhosis, pregnancy, or taking oral contraceptives had normal FABP. Elevated FABP was found in two out of ten patients taking Dilantin. This radioassay and the measurement of FABP should simplify the diagnosis of folate deficiency.
Application of Metabolomics in Lung Research

Advancements in omics technologies have increased our potential to evaluate molecular changes in a rapid and comprehensive manner. This is especially true in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics where improvements, including ease of use, in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), column chemistries, instruments, software, and molecular databases, have advanced the field considerably. Applications of this relatively new omics technology in clinical research include discovering disease biomarkers, finding new drug targets, and elucidating disease mechanisms. Here we describe a typical clinical metabolomics workflow, which includes the following steps: (1) extraction of metabolites from the lung, plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage, or cells; (2) sample analysis via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; and (3) data analysis using commercial and freely available software packages. Overall, the methods delineated here can help investigators use metabolomics to discovery novel biomarkers and to understand lung diseases.
Trigonometric Functions of Angles

This chapter provides an overview on trigonometric functions of angles. The angles relative to a rectangular coordinate system can be placed with their vertices at the origin and their initial sides along the positive x -axis. These angles are in a standard position. Angles measured in a counter-clockwise direction are to be taken as positive whereas angles measured in a clockwise direction are negative. The trigonometric functions are defined as ratios of real numbers and hence, are real numbers. All of the ratios may be positive or negative and that some may be zero or undefined. The ratios depend solely on θ and not on the position of the point on the terminal side of θ. The six trigonometric functions are not independent. The reciprocal functions, the tangent and cotangent relations, and the Pythagorean relations are true for all values of θ for which each member is defined and hence are called trigonometric identities. Any of the trigonometric functions can be expressed in terms of series expansions. Using these series expansions, it is possible to obtain approximations of the trigonometric functions of any angle to any desired accuracy.
The Concept of Theatre in Theatre Pedagogy

In an international context, the term “theatre pedagogy” may appear somewhat awkward; however the term makes clear this subject’s relation to the art form of theatre and its central significance in terms of contemporary developments in educational theatre here in Germany.