cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pedestal Looseness Fault Analysis of Overhanging Dual-Disc Rotor-Bearing

Looseness fault can occur in rotor part, bearing and pedestal for the vibration caused by alteration of operating craft and inappropriate installation. In the paper, a new pedestal looseness model is proposed by comprehensively considering the advantages and disadvantages of current models of pedestal looseness. By using nonlinear finite element method, the nonlinear characters of overhanging dual-disc rotor bearing for pedestal looseness fault are studied. The work has important significance on safe running and prolonging the life span of machines.
Techniques for Automated On-Wafer Measurements of Sub-30PS Transition-Time Pulse and Data Amplifiers

Techniques for calibrating and measuring the relative time of arrivals of pulse edges for wafer-probed pulse amplifier ICs are described. Fixturing, waveform dependency, and dc measurement are considered. Criteria for selecting an appropriate level of calibration are described. These techniques are successfully applied in the measurement of sub-30 ps edge transitions from a pulse amplifier IC.
Three-Dimensional Periodic Structures via Pattern-Integrated Interference Lithography

Simulation results predicting the single-exposure fabrication of custom-modified 3D periodic microstructures by pattern-integrated interference lithography (PIIL) are presented. These results indicate PIIL is a viable method of making versatile 3D microstructures rapidly.
Effects of Inorganic Phosphates and Sodium Hydroxide on the Cooked Cured Color, pH and Emulsion Stability of Reduced-Sodium and Conventional Meat Emulsions

Phosphates that increased meat emulsion stability the most also caused the highest decrease in cured color development. The addition of 0.125% sodium hydroxide also reduced cured color development. Holding uncooked emulsions, containing either sodium tripolyphosphate or tetrasodium pyrophosphate, up to 60 min after emulsion preparation plus adding tetrasodium pyrophosphate later in the emulsification procedure improved cured color development upon cooking. In both cases, cooked pH increased as cured color improved, and emulsion stability declined. This suggested that phosphate effects other than, or in addition to, pH were involved in cured color development and emulsion stability.
A convenient pathway to Sm(II)-mediated chemistry in acetonitrile

In this communication we show that the instability of samarium diiodide (SmI2) in acetonitrile is a consequence of ionization of the reductant in this solvent. Samarium triflate (Sm(OTf)2) is exceptionally stable in acetonitrile for periods over six months and can be used with appropriate additives to initiate a ketyl–olefin coupling reaction in high yield.
Tribeca: design for PVT variations with local recovery and fine-grained adaptation

With continued advances in CMOS technology, parameter variations are emerging as a major design challenge. Irregularities during the fabrication of a microprocessor and variations of voltage and temperature during its operation widen worst-case timing margins of the design—degrading performance significantly. Because runtime variations like supply voltage droops and temperature fluctuations depend on the activity signature of the processor's workload, there are several opportunities to improve performance by dynamically adapting margins. This paper explores the power-performance efficiency gains that result from designing for typical conditions while dynamically tuning frequency and voltage to accommodate the runtime behavior of workloads. Such a design depends on a fail-safe mechanism that allows it to protect against margin violations during adaptation; we evaluate several such mechanisms, and we propose a local recovery scheme that exploits spatial variation among the units of the processor. While a processor designed for worst-case conditions might only be capable of a frequency that is 75% of an ideal processor with no parameter variations, we show that a fine-grained global frequency tuning mechanism improves power-performance efficiency (BIPS3/W) by 40% while operating at 91% of an ideal processor's frequency. Moreover, a per-unit voltage tuning mechanism aims to reduce the effect of within-die spatial variations to provide a 55% increase in power-performance efficiency. The benefits reported are clearly substantial in light of the ≪1% area overhead relative to existing global recovery mechanisms.
TROPHIC ROLES OF CO-OCCURRING SPECIES OF DRUPA (GASTROPODA: MURICIDAE) AT ENEWETAK ATOLL

Les variations interspecifiques et geographiques des especes de proies ont ete examinees chez 3 especes de gasteropodes, en fonction de l'habitat. La relation taille des predateurs - taille des proies a egalement ete etudiee
Work in Progress: Project-Based Assignments for a Graduate-Level Digital Signal Processing Course

We explore the use of projects to replace conventional problem sets as learning tools in a graduate-level digital signal processing (DSP) course. To help students draw strong connections between the theory and practice of DSP, we propose replacing weekly problem sets with four larger-scale projects. Each project is based on a real-world application of DSP and is designed to incorporate a subset of the core concepts covered in the course. In addition to theoretical components, the projects include hands-on MATLAB elements. We hypothesize that employing application-based projects rather than conventional problem sets will improve students' understanding of fundamental DSP concepts and their ability to make connections between theory and practice. The success of the project-based assignments will be evaluated by administering the Signals and Systems Concept Inventory, as well as a student survey.
A Two-Person Game for Pricing Convertible Bonds

A firm issues a convertible bond. At each subsequent time, the bondholder must decide whether to continue to hold the bond, thereby collecting coupons, or to convert it to stock. The bondholder wishes to choose a conversion strategy to maximize the bond value. Subject to some restrictions, the bond can be called by the issuing firm, which presumably acts to maximize the equity value of the firm by minimizing the bond value. This creates a two-person game. We show that if the coupon rate is below the interest rate times the call price, then conversion should precede call. On the other hand, if the dividend rate times the call price is below the coupon rate, call should precede conversion. In either case, the game reduces to a problem of optimal stopping.
Concentrations and significance of cytokines and other immunologic factors in semen of healthy fertile men

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to establish normal reference values for several immunologic factors in semen to provide a foundation for understanding their physiologic significance in health and disease. METHODS: Semen from 83 healthy, fertile men was assessed by Bio-Plex or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine quantities of immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes, chemokines, cytokines and growth factors. We also enumerated polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) by peroxidase staining to examine the association of inflammation with levels of these factors. RESULTS: High concentrations of IgG and IgA were detected in all samples. IgG concentrations were significantly higher than IgA concentrations ( P 1000 pg/ml). Other soluble factors were detectable in low concentration (medians <150 pg/ml), either in a majority of samples [IL-1a and b, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1b, interferon (IFN)-a and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (CSF)], or in a minority of samples (MIP-1a, IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-a, IFN-g and granulocyte-macrophage-CSF). PMN counts significantly correlated with IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, IL-13 and IgA concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The semen of healthy, fertile men contains a broad array of immunologic factors. These normative values can serve as a foundation for future studies on the role of these factors in infertility, genital tract infections and other pathologic conditions.
Was there an optimum model of transition

The aim of this paper is to develop and compare alternative models of transition using a political economy approach. As a result, five alternative models of transition are developed: the Shock Therapy, the Neoclassical Gradualist, the Post-Keynesian, the Pluralistic Market Socialist and the Non-pluralistic Market Socialist models of transition. An attempt is made to identify whether, from the models developed, an optimal model of transition existed. The optimality criterion tilts towards the neoclassical gradualist model. It can be argued that the neoclassical gradualist model maximised social welfare under the given internal and external constraints.
Prophylactic Antimicrobials for Traveler's Diarrhea: An Early History

The prevention of traveler's diarrhea by use of pharmacologic agents has been of great interest since the early 1960s. It was not until the discovery of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli as the dominant causative organism of travelers' diarrhea, however, that rational antimicrobial therapy could be studied. Selected antimicrobials have proven to be highly efficacious, but, by consensus, are not widely used.
Boxes: An Engineering Methodology for Calculating Soft Error Rates in SOI Integrated Circuits

A simple methodology is necessary to characterize the SEU behavior of large quantities of RAM cell types, latches, flip-flops, other logic cells, I/O cells, etc. Such a methodology, called "Boxes", is being used for the Honeywell S150 radiation-hard 0.15 mum partially-depleted SOI process. Using physics-based equations, this paper shows how to break up each critical transistor into several "boxes", each with its own dimensions and critical charge, for the purpose of calculating soft error rate (SER). The Boxes methodology also allows for calculation of SER due to an ion that must simultaneously strike two separated sensitive volumes in order to cause an upset. This can be the dominant upset mechanism for many types of cells such as certain hardened SRAM's and other cells that obtain radiation hardness via extra transistors (such as triple modular redundancy, the DICE latch, etc.). Boxes also predicts upsets that can occur when an ion strike pulls a circuit node below ground or above the positive power supply. The boxes methodology was applied to a 6 T non-hardened SRAM, a hardened SRAM, and a D-type flip-flop. The theoretical predictions correlated well with experimental vertical ion strike data
Relationship Between Reflectivity and Organic Sulfur Content of Macerals with Respect to Total Organic Sulfur Content and Rank of Coals: ABSTRACT

The potential exists for predicting organic sulfur (So) contents of specific macerals within a coal based on total So content of the coal, rank of the coal, and maximum reflectivity in oil (Ro) of the macerals in question. In the past, determination of So content of specific macerals necessitated either a microanalysis technique, such as electron probe microanalysis (EPM), or analysis of maceral separates. Ten coal samples ranging in rank from low volatile to lignite and total So content from 0.47 to 4.51 wt. % were studied. Within each of the 10 coals, approximately 100 macerals ranging from the lowest reflecting exinites to the highest reflecting inertinites were analyzed for So content (using EPM techniq es) and Ro (using petrographic techniques). For each coal, log of maceral So content was plotted versus log of maceral Ro, and a linear regression of the data points was performed. On a three-dimensional plot, slopes of the 10 linear regressions were plotted versus the respective coal ranks versus the respective coal total So contents. Results indicate that relationships between So content and Ro of macerals within a coal are dependent on both the rank and total So content of the coal. As total So content of a coal equals So content of the vitrinite in that coal, the results suggest that predictive relationships exist between maceral So content, maceral Ro, coal total o content, and coal rank that may allow determination of maceral So contents without the need for microanalysis. End_of_Article - Last_Page 946------------
A comprehensive characterization of the peptide and protein constituents of human seminal fluid.

BACKGROUND Knowledge of the peptide and protein components of seminal fluid and their role in prostate diseases including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate carcinoma is scant. We have undertaken a proteomic analysis of semen as a forerunner to identifying sensitive and specific diagnostic markers of prostatic diseases; to aid in improved therapeutic intervention; and, to enhance our understanding of prostate health and disease. METHODS Peptide and protein components of pooled human seminal fluid (n = 5) were separated by gel electrophoresis (1D and 2D) and identified by either matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) or capillary liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). RESULTS Analysis by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) established that there were multiple post-translational variants of the majority of the proteins. Hormones, growth factors and bioactive peptides were detected and identified. CONCLUSIONS We have identified over 100 protein and peptide components of normal human seminal fluid. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spinal estrogen attenuates the exercise pressor reflex but has little effect on the expression of genes regulating neurotransmitters in the dorsal root ganglia

Previously, our laboratory showed that estrogen, topically applied to the spinal cord, attenuated the exercise pressor reflex in female cats (Schmitt PM and Kaufman MP. J Appl Physiol 95: 1418–1424...
Implementation of an Energy Model for JiST/SWANS Wireless Network Simulator

Sensor networks consist of very large number of resource constrained nodes, and to properly evaluate the performance of these networks a scalable ad-hoc wireless network simulator is needed. The JiST/SWANS is a highly scalable wireless network simulator with reported results for a million node network. However, it lacks an energy model. This work presents the design and implementation of an energy model for the JiST/SWANS simulator, which enables it to account for the energy consumed by wireless ad hoc and sensor networks' protocols. The instrumented energy model is validated through simulation. Results using JiST/SWANS and ns-2 are obtained and compared for similar network scenarios.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Adequacy and Survival After Aorto-Aortic Bypass

Hemodynamic, metabolic, and respiratory parameters were measured be fore aortic cross-clamping and after declamping in 14 pigs undergoing experi mental aorto-aortic bypass procedures.The changes observed at declamping provided cumulative evidences of a loss of myocardial competence and of peculiar metabolic alterations, which were more pronounced in the cases with a lethal outcome.These findings emphasize the need for perioperative support of physiologic functions and for the use of protective measures during aortic cross-clamping and ischemia. They also imply the possibility of using new parameters as indica tors of the severity of the alterations induced by ischemia and as prognostic indicators.
Two ribeye genes in teleosts: the role of Ribeye in ribbon formation and bipolar cell development.

Ribeye is the only known protein specific to synaptic ribbon, but its function is unclear. We show that the teleost fish, Fugu and zebrafish, have two ribeye genes, ribeye a and ribeye b . Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that ribeye a is expressed in tissues containing synaptic ribbons, including the pineal gland, inner ear, and retina. Ribeye b is absent in the pineal gland. In the retina, ribeye a is expressed in both photoreceptors and bipolar cells, whereas ribeye b is detected only in photoreceptors. To study the function of Ribeye a in retina, we depleted it by morpholino antisense oligos. Fish deficient in Ribeye a lack an optokinetic response and have shorter synaptic ribbons in photoreceptors and fewer synaptic ribbons in bipolar cells. Their bipolar cells still target Syntaxin-3 proteins to the inner plexiform layer and have abundant vsx1 mRNA. However, they lack large synaptic terminals and show increased apoptosis. Rod bipolar cells are fewer in number and/or deficient in PKCα. Recovery of Ribeye a levels rescues the optokinetic response, increases the number of PKCα-positive bipolar cells, and stops apoptosis. We conclude that Ribeye a is important for late steps in bipolar cell development.
Recursive estimation of structure and motion using relative orientation constraints

A recursive estimation technique for recovering the 3-D motion and pointwise structure of an object is presented. It is based on the use of relative orientation constraints in a local coordinate frame. By carefully formulating the problem to propagate all constraints and to use the minimal number of parameters, an estimator is obtained which is remarkably accurate, stable, and fast-conveying. Numerous experiments using both real and synthetic data demonstrate structure recovery with a typical error of 1.5% and typical motion recovery errors of 1% in translation and 2/spl deg/ in rotation. >
On the Effectiveness of Constraints Sets in Clustering Genes

In this paper, we have modified a constrained clustering algorithm to perform exploratory analysis on gene expression data using prior knowledge presented in the form of constraints. We have also studied the effectiveness of various constraints sets. To address the problem of automatically generating constraints from biological text literature, we considered two methods (cluster-based and similarity-based). We concluded that incomplete information in the form of constraints set should be generated carefully, in order to outperform the standard clustering algorithm, which works on the data source without any constraints. For sufficiently large constraints sets, the constrained clustering algorithm outperformed the MSC algorithm. The novelty of research presented here is the study of effectiveness of constraints sets and robustness of the constrained clustering algorithm using multiple sources of biological data, and incorporating biomedical text literature into constrained clustering algorithm in form of constraints sets.
Weighted range sensor matching algorithms for mobile robot displacement estimation

Introduces a "weighted" matching algorithm to estimate a robot's planar displacement by matching two-dimensional range scans. The influence of each scan point on the overall matching error is weighted according to its uncertainty. We develop uncertainty models that account for effects such as measurement noise, sensor incidence angle, and correspondence error. Based on models of expected sensor uncertainty, our algorithm computes the appropriate weighting for each measurement so as to optimally estimate the displacement between two consecutive poses. By explicitly modeling the various noise sources, we can also calculate the actual covariance of the displacement estimates instead of a statistical approximation of it. A realistic covariance estimate is necessary for further combining the pose displacement estimates with additional odometric and/or inertial measurements within a localization framework. Experiments using a Nomad 200 mobile robot and a Sick LMS-200 laser range finder illustrate that the method is more accurate than prior techniques.
Mutualistic Wolbachia infection in Aedes albopictus: accelerating cytoplasmic drive.

Maternally inherited rickettsial symbionts of the genus Wolbachia occur commonly in arthropods, often behaving as reproductive parasites by manipulating host reproduction to enhance the vertical transmission of infections. One manipulation is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which causes a significant reduction in brood hatch and promotes the spread of the maternally inherited Wolbachia infection into the host population (i.e., cytoplasmic drive). Here, we have examined a Wolbachia superinfection in the mosquito Aedes albopictus and found the infection to be associated with both cytoplasmic incompatibility and increased host fecundity. Relative to uninfected females, infected females live longer, produce more eggs, and have higher hatching rates in compatible crosses. A model describing Wolbachia infection dynamics predicts that increased fecundity will accelerate cytoplasmic drive rates. To test this hypothesis, we used population cages to examine the rate at which Wolbachia invades an uninfected Ae. albopictus population. The observed cytoplasmic drive rates were consistent with model predictions for a CI-inducing Wolbachia infection that increases host fecundity. We discuss the relevance of these results to both the evolution of Wolbachia symbioses and proposed applied strategies for the use of Wolbachia infections to drive desired transgenes through natural populations (i.e., population replacement strategies).
Regulation of Immune Responses by mTOR

mTOR is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a central role in integrating environmental cues in the form of growth factors, amino acids, and energy. In the study of the immune system, mTOR is emerging as a critical regulator of immune function because of its role in sensing and integrating cues from the immune microenvironment. With the greater appreciation of cellular metabolism as an important regulator of immune cell function, mTOR is proving to be a vital link between immune function and metabolism. In this review, we discuss the ability of mTOR to direct the adaptive immune response. Specifically, we focus on the role of mTOR in promoting differentiation, activation, and function in T cells, B cells, and antigen-presenting cells.
Implantable electronics: A sensor web for neurons.

An implantable, flexible mesh with embedded electrodes for sensing neural activity in vivo improves brain-sampling efficiency and reduces the amount of cortical tissue injured.
Science Translational Medicine Podcast: 29 July 2015

In this podcast, Ezekiel Emanuel discusses the ethical issues around having patients pay for participation in clinical trials. Listen to Podcast Download the Transcript (Adobe PDF format)
Pending Issues in the Review of the European Market Abuse Rules

The legislative package on market abuse proposed in 2011 comprises two documents: a draft regulation, which will largely replace the existing market abuse directive (MAD) and the level 2 measures; and a new directive dealing with criminal sanctions. Market abuse rules are needed to ensure market integrity and investor confidence, to allow companies to raise capital and contribute to economic growth, thereby increasing employment. In this ECMI Policy Brief Carmine Di Noia argues that rules on market abuse should be technically well-designed, proportionate and crystal-clear, but also subject to more efficient supervision than before.
Abstract 68: The Effect Of Pre-existing Atrial Fibrillation On In-hospital Outcomes In Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy Or Stent Placement In General Practice

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a relatively common comorbid condition among patients who undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stent placement (CAS); however the outcomes of patients with AF undergoing CAS have not been fully examined. We sought to investigate the impact of AF on in-hospital outcomes of CEA and CAS in general practice. Methods: We analyzed the data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), which is representative of all admissions in the United States from 2005 to 2009. The primary end point was postoperative stroke, cardiac complications, postoperative mortality, and composite of these endpoints. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the 1/. the association of AF (compared to without AF); and 2/. the association of CEA (compared with CAS) with the occurrence of postoperative stroke, cardiac complication or death. Covariates included in the logistic regression were patient’s gender, age, ethnicity, comorbid conditions, symptom status (symptomatic vs asymptomatic status), and hospital characteristics. Results: Of the total 672,074 patients who underwent CAS or CEA, 8.8% of the procedures were performed in patients with AF. For patients undergoing CEA, AF was associated with an increased risk of postoperative stroke (P Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that almost 10% of CAS and CEA are performed in patients with AF in general practice, and higher rates of adverse events are observed among these patients particularly those undergoing CEA.
Biological Rhythms: Their Adaptive Significance

Environmental physiology concerns itself with the functional characteristics of organisms that have evolved as adaptations to particular environmental situations. Such an approach towards understanding a most important aspect of biology would remain incomplete and would prove unsuccessful if it did not also encompass details of temporal organization, the precise order according to which all the different physiological changes and behavioral patterns are scheduled to occur in anticipation of, rather than in reaction to, the many cyclic environmental events.
Analysis of Instructional Support Elements for an Online, Educational Simulation on Active Listening for Women Graduate Students in Science and Engineering

Strong interpersonal communication skills (ICS) are critical for educational and career success, but effective and widely accessible training systems are not available. This paper describes a 2 × 2 × 2 experimental study of an online, educational simulation for practice with the ICS of active listening. The simulation was customized for women graduate students in the natural sciences and engineering. In such environments, where gender stereotyping is common, ICS can make the difference between continued progress and discouraging setbacks. The pedagogical effects of following three instructional support variables were investigated: (1) elaborative versus simple feedback (2) presence versus absence of a static image to accompany the content delivered aurally by a human pedagogical agent, and (3) presence versus absence of instructional hints. The four outcome measures were self-reported knowledge about, skill in applying, and self-efficacy with respect to active listening, along with the usability of the simulation itself. Participants in the study included N = 137 women in the natural sciences and engineering. Results showed that the instructional support variables were significantly related to the outcome measures of knowledge, skills, and usability, but not self-efficacy with respect to active listening. A three-way interaction among all three of the instructional support variables was found to be statistically significant for both the knowledge and skills outcome variables; for both, the highest scores were obtained by participants who were presented with elaborative feedback and neither pedagogical agent image nor hints. Also, participants who received elaborative feedback reported the simulation to have significantly greater usability than those who received simple feedback.
Activity and Persistence of Synthetic and Natural Sex Attractants of the Gypsy Moth in Laboratory and Field Trials

The sex attractant emitted by virgin female Porthetria Dispar (L.) to attract the male moth for mating has been identified and synthesized recently. This compound, disparlure, has been found active, and when suitably formulated, levels as low as 0.001 μg/trap are active even after 3 months aging in the field. Activity of disparlure is extended by combining it with volatile or nonvolatile keepers. Trioctanoin is a satisfactory keeper of the nonvolatile type, and formulations with it, e.g. 5 mg with 1 μg disparlure, are highly effective for at least 3 months and are far more attractive and persistent in survey traps than the presently used extracts of virgin females. Triolein and 2 other unsaturated compounds appear to degrade disparlure, especially low lure concentrations. Several keepers of the volatile type provide good activity hut are not so suitable for use in survey traps. Volatility of disparlure lies between the volatilities of methyl palmitate and 1,2-epoxyoctadecane. Effects of factors such as lure concentrations, configuration of the epoxide, keepers and keeper concentration, aging of disparlure formulations, trap capacity, and degree of insect infestation on moth captures are discussed. Disparlure did not become repellent at levels up to 1000 μg /trap. With light infestations of the moth, log-log plots of trap captures vs. concentration of attractant per trap were linear. An ether related to disparlure was synthesized and was slightly active. Cis and trans gyptol and gyplure and ricinoleyl alcohol were purified, and the pure compounds and impurities were tested; some of the materials are slightly active. None of the tested compounds or impurities masked the activity of disparlure significantly. The natural extract was studied also. After epoxidation, the hydrocarbon fraction of the natural extract of female tips was very active and persistent when mixed with trioctanoin. Addition of natural tip extract to disparlure depressed catches.
Modeling Effects of Aluminum Content and Particle Size on NEPE Combustion Performance

A numerical model for simulating the buringing rate and pressure of NEPE propellant was developed based on the chemical structure of component,thermal behavior and combustion characteristics.Burning rates of three NEPE propellant formula containing the aluminum were calculated and compared with the experimental results to study the effects of aluminum particle content and particle size on the propellants combustion characteristics systematically.Results show that the errors of burning rate of NEPE are within±15% between calculated and experimental results,and 70% in which is within±10%.The model predicts there is a low pressure exponent under 5 MPa by using 1-3 μm fine aluminum powder.
Laser¿Raman spectroscopy (Communication arising): Images of the Earth's earliest fossils?

Fossil remains of the most ancient, minute forms of life on Earth and other planets are hard to recognize. Schopf et al.1 claim to have identified the biological remnant material known as kerogen in microscopic entities in rock by using Raman spectroscopic analysis. On the basis of a substantial body of published evidence, however, we contend that the Raman spectra of Schopf et al.1 indicate that these are disordered carbonaceous materials of indeterminate origin. We maintain that Raman spectroscopy cannot be used to identify microfossils unambiguously, although it is a useful technique for pinpointing promising microscopic entities for further investigation.
First-principles study of vacancy, interstitial, noble gas atom interstitial and vacancy clusters in bcc-W

Abstract Based on first-principles calculations, the vacancy and self-interstitial formation energy in bcc-W are 3.19 eV and 9.97 eV. Binding energy between the dumbbell interstitials can be up to 2.29 eV. Binding energy for the first and second nearest neighbor vacancy pair are −0.12 eV and −0.41 eV. The migration barrier of vacancy, He, Ne and Ar interstitial are 1.70 eV, 0.07 eV, 0.15 eV and 0.25 eV. The migration barrier of self-interstitial along 〈1 1 1〉 is 0.05 eV. The so-called rotation barrier of self-interstitial is 0.35 eV. The formation energy of He, Ne, Ar substitutional and He, Ne, Ar tetrahedral interstitial are 4.85 eV, 6.42 eV, 9.54 eV and 6.23 eV, 10.40 eV, 15.10 eV, respectively. Binding energy for di-gas atom (He, Ne and Ar) interstitial are 0.95 eV, 2.28 eV and 1.70 eV. The binding energy of noble gas atom interstitial and vacancy cluster are obtained and can be used as an input to build a molecular dynamics (MD) W-Ne potential. Then molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be used to investigate the mechanism and temperature dependence of the surface modification of plasma-facing tungsten in the application of future fusion reactors in the following investigations.
Impact of the Shape of Membership Functions on the Truth Values of Linguistic Protoform Summaries

In the recent past, a lot of work has been done on Linguistic Protoform Summaries (LPS). Much of this work focuses on improvement of the ways to compute truth values of LPS as well as on development of different protoforms. However, almost all of the systems using LPS use trapezoidal membership functions. This work investigates the effects of using triangular and pi shaped membership functions and compare their performance when using trapezoids. We start with an experiment using synthetic data and then compare the behavior of the three types of membership functions using real data which is obtained from an eldercare setting.
A Comment on the Characteristics of Thermistors at 4.2°K

In an unpublished disclosure, we reported observations of the nonlinearity of the voltage-current characteristics of thermistors† at 4.2°K. By using an ac technique in which the voltage across the element was displayed on an oscilloscope as a function of the current through the element, the curvature of the characteristics was demonstrated. The ratio of the ordinate of a point on the curve to its abscissa defines the resistance R dc, which would be observed by a dc measuring technique at the chosen conditions of current or voltage. The dependence of R dc on applied voltage, computed from the characteristics shown in Fig. 1, is given in Fig, 2.
Application of a System-Wide Trust Strategy when Supervising Multiple Autonomous Agents:

When interacting with complex systems, the manner in which an operator trusts automation influences system performance. Recent studies have demonstrated that people tend to apply trust broadly rather than exhibiting specific trust in each component of the system in a calibrated manner (e.g. Keller & Rice, 2010). While this System–Wide Trust effect has been established for basic situations such as judging gauges, it has not been studied in realistic settings such as collaboration with autonomous agents in a multi-agent system. This study utilized a multiple UAV control simulation, to explore how people apply trust in multi autonomous agents in a supervisory control setting. Participants interacted with four UAVs that utilized automated target recognition (ATR) systems to identify targets as enemy or friendly. When one of the autonomous agents was inaccurate and performance information was provided, participants were 1) less accurate, 2) more likely to verify the ATR’s determination, 3) spent more time veri...
The Impact of a Standalone, Patient-Centered Communication Course Series on Student Achievement, Preparedness, and Attitudes

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a standalone, patient-centered communication (PCC) course series on student achievement of and perceived preparedness for PCC skills and to assess student attitudes regarding learning methods used. Design. During curriculum renewal, a standalone PCC course series that integrated horizontally and vertically within the curriculum was developed. Student achievement of outcomes was evaluated by aggregate performance on simulated evaluations. Students who completed the PCC series were surveyed to assess preparedness and attitudes. Students in the prior curriculum were also surveyed. Assessment. The majority of students who completed the PCC series met or exceeded expectations for the simulated evaluations. Preparedness responses were more positive from students who completed the PCC series than from those who completed the prior curriculum. Student attitudes about the learning methods use in the courses also were more positive. Conclusion. The standalone PCC course series effectively achieved PCC outcomes and improved student preparedness for communication-based activities.
Application of pediatric appropriate use criteria for initial outpatient evaluation of syncope.

Background Syncope is a common reason for outpatient transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). We studied the applicability of pediatric appropriate use criteria (AUC) on initial outpatient evaluation of children (≤18 years) with syncope. Methods Data were obtained before (Phase I, April–September 2014) and after (Phase II, January-April 2015) the release of the AUC document from six participating pediatric cardiology centers. Site investigators determined the indication for TTE and assigned appropriateness rating based on the AUC document: Appropriate (A), May Be Appropriate (M), Rarely Appropriate (R), or “unclassifiable” (U) if it did not fit any scenario in the AUC document. Results Of the total 4562 TTEs, 310 (6.8%) were performed for syncope: 174/2655 (6.6%) Phase I and 136/1907 (7.1%) Phase II, P=.44. Overall, 168 (50.5%) were for indications rated A, 63 (18.9%) for M, 79 (23.7%) for R, and 23 (6.9%) for U. Release of AUC did not change the appropriateness of TTEs [A=51.6% vs 49.0%, P=.63, R=20.2% vs 28.3%, P=.09]. Overall syncope-related R indications formed 15.7% of R indications for all the echocardiograms performed in the entire Pediatric Appropriate Use (PAUSE) study (11.9% Phase I and 22.4% Phase II, P=.002). TTEs were normal in majority of the patients except 7 that had incidental findings. Conclusions In conclusion, syncope is a common reason for indications rated R and release of the AUC document did not improve appropriate utilization of TTE in syncope. Targeted educational interventions are needed to reduce unnecessary TTEs in children with syncope.
Neural Mechanisms of Emotions and Affect

Emotions contain appraisal, reactivity, and feeling stages that serve evolutionarily adaptive functions. Although emotional processing is adaptive, it can also be advantageous to regulate one’s emotional response. In this chapter, we introduce the neural mechanisms associated with emotional appraisal, reactivity, feeling, and regulation. Given the great breadth of possible emotional behaviors and experiences, we only provide an abbreviated introduction into the neural mechanisms of emotion. The chapter summarizes early research assessing deficits in emotional processing following localized brain damage to more modern research using functional neuroimaging techniques. The reviewed literature illustrates that emotion is not a singular process and the neural substrate of emotion is not a singular region.
Penalization Revisited: Refractive Penalization in the Treatment of Amblyopia

Penalization of the dominant eye in the treatment of amblyopia can be achieved medically by using cycloplegics (e.g. atropine) and refractively, by increasing the plus correction of the lens for th...
Crafting Selves: Power, Gender, and Discourses of Identity in a Japanese Workplace

"The ethnography of Japan is currently being reshaped by a new generation of Japanologists, and the present work certainly deserves a place in this body of literature. . . . The combination of utility with beauty makes Kondo's book required reading, for those with an interest not only in Japan but also in reflexive anthropology, women's studies, field methods, the anthropology of work, social psychology, Asian Americans, and even modern literature."--Paul H. Noguchi, "American Anthropologist" "Kondo's work is significant because she goes beyond disharmony, insisting on complexity. Kondo shows that inequalities are not simply oppressive-they are meaningful ways to establish identities."--Nancy Rosenberger, "Journal of Asian Studies"
Competitive and agonistic interactions between the invasive Asian shore crab and juvenile American lobster

Invasive species can have profound ecological and evolutionary impacts on native fauna, particularly those from overlapping guilds. Intraguild predation and competition often occur simultaneously, and ontogenetic shifts in competitive strength can dictate the magnitude and direction of species interactions. The recent introduction of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus to the Atlantic coast of North America has resulted in the potential for considerable intraguild interactions with juvenile American lobsters Homarus americanus, with which it now co-occupies rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats. We present data from 5 yr of monthly (May-October) field sampling revealing a significant decline in lobster density as H. sanguineus density increased in the low intertidal. To investigate potential mechanisms behind this pattern, we conducted three mesocosm experiments designed to examine whether competitive interactions between H. americanus and H. sanguineus are size- or density-dependent. Larger early benthic phase lobsters (16-34 mm CL) outcompeted H. sanguineus for both food and shelter resources. These lobsters fed faster and more in the presence of H. sanguineus, effectively defended shelter, were responsible for the majority of agonistic interactions, and, in multiple instances, killed and consumed H. sanguineus. Effects on sheltering and agonstic interactions by these lobsters were independent of H. sanguineus density; however, prior shelter residency increased lobster agonistic behavior towards crabs. In contrast, H. sanguineus outcompeted smaller, early benthic phase lobsters (7.2-11.2 mm CL) for shelter, and these interactions were density dependent. Displacement of lobsters from shelter by crabs and cumulative agonistic interactions instigated by crabs towards lobsters scaled positively with H. sanguineus density. Given the similarity of the invasion documented here and others occurring globally, these experiments demonstrate the importance of considering how factors such as ontogeny, density-dependence, and primacy influence the outcomes of interactions between intraguild predators. Disentangling how these factors structure intraguild interactions between invasive and endemic species will both advance our fundamental understanding of community ecology and enhance efforts to conserve and manage natural resources.
Oxidative inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase in the rabbit lens

Hydrogen peroxide inhibition of maximum Ca2+-ATPase and Na+,K+-ATPase activity was measured in a membrane-enriched preparation of rabbit lens cortical fibers and epithelium. At 5 X 10(-6) M hydrogen peroxide maximum Ca2+-ATPase activity was inhibited by 39%, while maximum Na+,K+-ATPase activity was stimulated. Ca2+-ATPase activity was almost completely inhibited at 5 X 10(-4) M hydrogen peroxide, in comparison to Na+,K+-ATPase activity, which was only inhibited by 28% at a concentration of hydrogen peroxide an order of magnitude larger. The addition of catalase to hydrogen peroxide-pretreated samples did not reverse the inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase by hydrogen peroxide.
Bioethics and Impartial Rationality: The Search for Neutrality

Leon Kass, in a retrospective analysis of the recent history and development of bioethics, has written that to practice ethics today means essentially to practice the academic discipline of philosophical ethics.
Limitations of Logical Reasoning in Neural Networks and Reasoning by Analogy

Abstract Logic interpretations of brain-like large scale architectures are presented here. Neural networks with classifiers (symbolic NNs: SNNs) compute in steps with discrete symbols. Knowledge is stored and processed in localized NNs. Variables are always bound into a restricted domain, i.e., in a category. Each type of rule is stored in the NN group having only its input and output categories. General purpose rules are not needed. Inferences are fuzzy. Deductions are replaced by decisions when halting must be prevented. Logic elements are events and not permanent things. The logical interpreter is wired in the network. Processing in well-formed SNNs is best described by the natural expression: “reasoning by analogy”.
Pain-related white matter tract abnormalities in mild traumatic brain injury patients with persistent headache.

BackgroundThe occurrence of debilitating chronic persistent (24/7) headache after mild traumatic brain injury represents a central neuropathic pain state. Previous studies suggest that this chronic...
Growth of High-Performance Thick Film REBCO Tapes Using Advanced MOCVD

An Advanced Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition MOCVD (A-MOCVD) reactor has been used to deposit 4+-μm-thick undoped (Gd,Y)BaCuO tapes in a single pass, with consistent critical current above 1400 A/12 mm and critical current density above 2.6 MA/cm 2 at 77 K, 0 T. The highest self-field critical current over 1660 A/12 mm and critical current density of 3.3 MA/cm 2 are among the best values ever reported in 4+-μm-thick REBCO films. Also, A-MOCVD reactor has been used to grow over 4.5-μm-thick, 5 mol% Zr-doped REBCO films, with ~45% precursor-to-film conversion efficiency, which is more than four times higher than that achieved in conventional MOCVD reactors. Excellent in-plane and out-of-plane texture values below 2.35° and 1.25°, respectively, have been achieved. Onset critical temperature (Tc) is in the range of 92.5-93.5 K and transition width (ΔTc) is below 1 K. This remarkable demonstration of growth of 4+-μm-thick doped (Gd,Y)BaCuO films with double deposition rate, 4× improvement in precursor-to-film conversion efficiency, and excellent critical current makes A-MOCVD an attractive approach for the manufacturing of low-cost, high-performance superconductor tapes.
Data of variability and joint variability of global crop yields and their association with climate.

Abstract We present the output data of Robust Principal Component Analysis (RPCA) applied to global crop yield variability of maize, rice, sorghum and soybean (MRSS) as presented in the publication “Climate drives variability and joint variability of global crop yields” (Najafi et al., 2019). Global maps of the correlation between all the principal components (PCs) acquired from the low rank matrix (L) of MRSS and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), air temperature anomalies (ATa) and sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTa) are provided in this article. We present co-varying countries, impacted cropland areas across global countries, and 10 global regions by climate and the association between PCs and multiple atmospheric and oceanic indices. Moreover, the joint dependency between PCs of MRSS yields are presented using two different approaches.
Correction to: Intersections of health and gender imperatives: stratified decision-making among women with a BRCA mutation

The original version of this paper was inadvertently published with an incorrect author name. The correct name of the author is Marleah Dean. No other changes to the article have been made. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our readers.
Surgical management of pediatric oligodendroglioma

Abstract Treatment for pediatric oligodendroglioma patients is predominantly surgical. Overall survival outcomes are favorable in children with low-grade oligodendrogliomas compared to adults, though this survival advantage does not appear to hold for anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. In general, pediatric oligodendrogliomas are less responsive to adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation than adult tumors, and aggressive surgical resection is the key to achieving a favorable long-term outcome. Here, we review core aspects of the surgical management of pediatric oligodendrogliomas, including preoperative workup and preparation for surgery, surgical approaches and techniques, postoperative management, and adjuvant treatments. We discuss technological adjuncts to surgery that are now the standard of care for the safe and reliable resection of these infiltrative tumors. Finally, we identify ongoing research efforts on improving the surgical management of pediatric oligodendrogliomas, which is expected to evolve within the emerging landscape of new medical therapeutics such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies.