cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Channel Coding Methods for Non-Volatile Memories

Non-volatile memories NVMs have emerged as the primary replacement of hard-disk drives for a variety of storage applications, including personal electronics, mobile computing, intelligent vehicles, enterprise storage, data warehousing, and data-intensive computing systems. Channel coding schemes are a necessary tool for ensuring target reliability and performance of NVMs. However, due to operational asymmetries in NVMs, conventional coding approaches - commonly based on designing for the Hamming metric - no longer apply. Given the immediate need for practical solutions and the shortfalls of existing methods, the fast-growing discipline of coding for NVMs has resulted in several key innovations that not only answer the needs of modern storage systems but also directly contribute to the analytical toolbox of coding theory at large. This monograph discusses recent advances in coding for NVMs, covering topics such as error correction coding based on novel algebraic and graph-based methods, rank modulation, rewriting codes, and constrained coding. Our goal for this work is multifold: to illuminate the advantages - as well as challenges - associated with modern NVMs, to present a succinct overview of several exciting recent developments in coding for memories, and, by presenting numerous potential research directions, to inspire other researchers to contribute to this timely and thriving discipline.
Where and when does reconnection occur in the tail

We comment on the question of when and where reconnection begins in the tail and how it is related to the onset of auroral expansion. This question was addressed in a workshop dedicated to Unsolved Problems in Magnetospheric Physics held in Scarborough, UK, in September 2015. The answer is that it typically occurs first in the midtail a little beyond 20 Re somewhat before midnight about 55 min after a southward turning of the solar wind magnetic field. It appears to be a consequence of plasma sheet thinning down to the scale of an ion gyroradius. The onset of the activation and expansion of auroral activity and accompanying magnetic signatures typically occur within 1 or 2 min of the appearance of signatures of midtail reconnection. The unanswered question is which comes first and whether reconnection is the cause of the auroral expansion. We point out that older observations clearly established that plasmoids (flux ropes) are released from near 20 Re within a few minutes of the usual signatures of expansion onset. This is only possible if reconnection occurs close to the Earth. More detailed observations with modern spacecraft have led to the development of new explanations for the cause of the substorm expansion that appear to neglect older observations. We conclude that it is essential to carefully define the various terms used in the study of substorms and to develop quantitative methods that enable statistical studies of the various processes associated with auroral expansion onset.
Study on Viscosity in Silicate Melts

The prediction of viscosity in silicate melts remains one of the most challenging and elusive goals in Earth Sciences. In this paper, the FD model estimating viscosity of the high temperature silicate melts has been established on the basis of measuring fractal dimension values of the molecular network in the melts. This model illuminates the following points , 1. The melt′s viscosity is in direct proportion to temperature of the silicate melts. 2. The melt′s viscosity is in direct proportion to Ni (Bridge Oxygen Number of molecular network in melts for nanometer). 3. The melt′s viscosity is in inverse proportion to no-Bridge Oxygen Number in one Tetrahedron. The viscosity′ s measurement values of the three types silicate melts have been consistent with the calculated viscosity′s values by FD model. So that this FD model has great significance for deliberating magma transference and evolution rule and enhancing performance of low dimensional silicate materials.
Replantation of the upper extremity.

In recent years, the functional results after replantation surgery have improved with increased experience. Stiffness remains as the single greatest postoperative problem. Improvements in this area are now possible with aggressive and closely supervised postoperative hand therapy and splinting. The efficiency of the replantation effort itself has increased dramatically in the hands of a number of surgeons experienced in replantation working together as a team. Once vascular flow to an amputated part has been reestablished, the injury is converted to a complex upper extremity injury that would be treated aggressively by many surgeons trained in this discipline. The stigma associated with the amputated part as being one to which function may never be restored has largely been eliminated. One thing is certain ... missing digits never function.
The Nucleoid Binding Protein H-NS Biases Genome-Wide Transposon Insertion Landscapes.

ABSTRACT Transposon insertion sequencing (TIS; also known as TnSeq) is a potent approach commonly used to comprehensively define the genetic loci that contribute to bacterial fitness in diverse environments. A key presumption underlying analyses of TIS datasets is that loci with a low frequency of transposon insertions contribute to fitness. However, it is not known whether factors such as nucleoid binding proteins can alter the frequency of transposon insertion and thus whether TIS output may systematically reflect factors that are independent of the role of the loci in fitness. Here, we investigated whether the histone-like nucleoid structuring (H-NS) protein, which preferentially associates with AT-rich sequences, modulates the frequency of Mariner transposon insertion in the Vibrio cholerae genome, using comparative analysis of TIS results from wild-type (wt) and Δhns V. cholerae strains. These analyses were overlaid on gene classification based on GC content as well as on extant genome-wide identification of H-NS binding loci. Our analyses revealed a significant dearth of insertions within AT-rich loci in wt V. cholerae that was not apparent in the Δhns insertion library. Additionally, we observed a striking correlation between genetic loci that are overrepresented in the Δhns insertion library relative to their insertion frequency in wt V. cholerae and loci previously found to physically interact with H-NS. Collectively, our findings reveal that factors other than genetic fitness can systematically modulate the frequency of transposon insertions in TIS studies and add a cautionary note to interpretation of TIS data, particularly for AT-rich sequences. IMPORTANCE Transposon insertion sequencing (TIS) is often used to assess the relative frequency with which genetic loci can be disrupted, which is taken as an indicator of their importance for bacterial fitness. Here, we report that biological factors other than the relative levels of fitness of insertion mutants can influence TIS output. We found that the presence of the DNA binding protein H-NS, which preferentially recognizes AT-rich sequences, is linked to significant underrepresentation of mutations within AT-rich loci in transposon insertion libraries. Furthermore, there is a marked correspondence between loci bound by H-NS and loci with an increased frequency of disruption in a Δhns insertion library relative to a wt library. Our data suggest that factors other than genetic fitness (e.g., DNA binding proteins such as H-NS) can systematically modulate the frequency of transposon insertions in TIS studies and add a note of caution for interpretation of TIS data.
Lightweight Titanium Metal Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cells

Bipolar plates (BPPs) serve multiple roles in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). When assembled in a stack, they provide the structural backbone of the stack, plus serial electronic connections. They also provide gas (air and fuel) and coolant distribution pathways. Traditionally, bipolar plates have been made of carbon, but these are being replaced in favor of metal bipolar plates made of stamped foils. The Naval Research Laboratory has explored making titanium metal BPPs using 3D printing methods (direct metal laser sintering – DMLS) and superplastic forming, and then using a gold/TiO2 surface layer for corrosion resistance. The 3D printed plates are made as one piece with the coolant flow internal to the resulting 2-mm thick structure. Their surface roughness requires smoothing prior to coating to increase their cell-to-cell conductivity. We found that 3D printed cells with 22 and 66 cm2 active areas are slightly warped, preventing the robust sealing of the stacks. The formed plates are made in separate pieces and then joined. Despite the high temperatures required for superplastic forming, the resulting plates are thin and lightweight, making them highly attractive for lightweight compact PEMFC stacks.
KinG Is a Plant-Specific Kinesin That Regulates Both Intra- and Intercellular Movement of SHORT-ROOT

Both endogenous plant proteins and viral movement proteins associate with microtubules to promote their movement through plasmodesmata. The association of viral movement proteins with microtubules facilitates the formation of virus-associated replication complexes, which are required for the amplification and subsequent spread of the virus. However, the role of microtubules in the intercellular movement of plant proteins is less clear. Here we show that the SHORT-ROOT (SHR) protein, which moves between cells in the root to regulate root radial patterning, interacts with a type-14 kinesin, KINESIN G (KinG). KinG is a calponin homology domain kinesin that directly interacts with the SHR-binding protein SIEL (SHR-INTERACING EMBRYONIC LETHAL) and localizes to both microtubules and actin. Since SIEL and SHR associate with endosomes, we suggest that KinG serves as a linker between SIEL, SHR, and the plant cytoskeleton. Loss of KinG function results in a decrease in the intercellular movement of SHR and an increase in the sensitivity of SHR movement to treatment with oryzalin. Examination of SHR and KinG localization and dynamics in live cells suggests that KinG is a nonmotile kinesin that promotes the pausing of SHR-associated endosomes. We suggest a model in which interaction of KinG with SHR allows for the formation of stable movement complexes that facilitate the cell-to-cell transport of SHR.
Prenatal Sonographic Detection of Multiple Congenital Anomalies: A Case of Severe Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC):

This case study describes an obstetrical patient who presented for a routine second-trimester morphology sonogram in which the fetus was found to have arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Other abnormalities visualized included a single umbilical artery, hypoplastic nasal bone, polyhydramnios, and poorly visualized lateral ventricles. Amniocentesis demonstrated a normal microarray with a negative result for cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis. This case study highlights the utility of prenatal sonography to identify functional abnormalities of the fetal musculoskeletal system.
The roles of trauma exposure, rejection sensitivity, and callous-unemotional traits in the aggressive behavior of justice-involved youth: A moderated mediation model

Research has demonstrated an association between childhood trauma exposure and adolescent aggression. This association may be explained by rejection sensitivity, defined as anger, or anxiety in the anticipation of rejection, which can be a consequence of trauma exposure. Callous-unemotional (CU) traits also are associated with trauma exposure and aggressive behavior; however, research has not yet investigated the interactive roles that rejection sensitivity and CU traits play in the relation between trauma exposure and aggression. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the role of rejection sensitivity in the association between trauma exposure and aggression, and whether this indirect effect was moderated by CU traits. Participants included 380 detained youth (98 girls, 282 boys) who completed self-report measures of trauma exposure, angry, and anxious rejection sensitivity, CU traits, and aggression. Results of moderated mediation demonstrated that the relation between trauma exposure and aggression exhibited an indirect effect through angry rejection sensitivity, but only at moderate or high levels of CU traits. This pattern was not found for anxious rejection sensitivity. Results suggest that interventions aimed to decrease aggressive behavior in traumatized adolescents may benefit from considering how youth respond to rejection, as well as whether youth endorse CU traits, as this may help to limit further involvement in the juvenile justice system after release.
Progress of Intersection Safety System Development: Volkswagen Within the INTERSAFE-2 Project

A high number of accidents in the European countries happens at intersections. The Volkswagen AG is building up a demonstrator for developing intersection safety related driver assistance functions within the project INTERSAFE-2. These functions will be a contribution to make driving in urban intersection scenarios safer. The sensor setup of the demonstrator, the system architecture with its environmental models and the single functions are described in this paper.
The Socialization of Emotional Support Skills in Childhood

Of all the varied forms of social support people seek and provide—appraisal, esteem, informational, instrumental, network, tangible (see Cutrona, Suhr, & MacFarlane, 1990; House, 1981)—none is more ubiquitous than emotional support Everybody needs emotional support, and most of us are providers of it at one time or another. Emotional support is sought on diverse occasions from a variety of potential providers, including friends, family members, coworkers, and professionals such as counselors and clergy. Most people report that the emotional support they receive from these sources helps them feel better about things, relieves hurts and stresses, and improves their quality of life. Not surprisingly, people view the emotional support skills of others as quite important. Studies (Burleson & Samter, 1990; Samter, Burleson, Kunkel, & Werking, July 1994) indicate that people value highly the emotional support skills of friends, lovers, and family members, and may even choose relationship partners on the basis of their competence at providing emotional support (Samter & Burleson, June 1990a).
Cell-Permeable Activity-Based Ubiquitin Probes Enable Intracellular Profiling of Human Deubiquitinases

Advancement in our knowledge of deubiquitinases (DUBs) and their biological functions requires biochemical tools permitting interrogation of DUB activities under physiologically relevant conditions. Activity-based DUB probes (DUB ABPs) have been widely used in investigating the function and activity of DUBs. However, most ubiquitin (Ub)-based DUB ABPs are not cell-permeable, limiting their utility to purified proteins and cell lysates. Lysis of cells usually leads to dilution of the cytoplasm and disruption of the normal cellular organization, which may alter the activity of many DUBs and DUB complexes. Here, we report a new class of cell-permeable DUB ABPs that enable intracellular DUB profiling. We used a semisynthetic approach to generate modular ubiquitin-based DUB probes containing a reactive warhead for covalent trapping of DUBs with a catalytic cysteine. We employed cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), particualrly cyclic polyarginine (cR10), to deliver the DUB ABPs into cells, as confirmed using live...
Tobacco Smoking Independently Predicts Lower Patient-Reported Outcomes: New Insights on a Forgotten Epidemic.

Abstract Background Although smoking is a well-accepted risk factor for surgical complications, the effect of smoking on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) has not been previously investigated. Prompted by an increasingly value-conscious healthcare environment, the purpose of this study is to investigate the association between smoking and PROs in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods A retrospective review of 713 primary total hip and knee replacements was performed. Two cohorts were compared: (1) current smokers and (2) previous/never smokers at the time of TJA. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short Form-12 Physical Composite Summary (SF-12 PCS) and Short Form-12 Mental Composite Summary were assessed preoperatively and again at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcomes were the net changes and absolute outcome scores at final follow-up. Postoperative patient satisfaction was also assessed as a secondary outcome. Linear mixed-effects regression analysis was performed. Results There were significant demographic and preoperative health disparities as measured by PROs among smokers. After adjusting for baseline differences, smokers achieved significantly lower improvements in WOMAC (P = .002) and SF-12 PCS (P = .03) compared to nonsmokers. For each unit increase in packs per day smoked, the WOMAC scores increased (worsened) by 7.7 points (P = .003) and SF-12 PCS decreased by 4.8 points (P = .001). At final follow up, nonsmokers had significantly better absolute scores for all outcomes (except for mental health) and were more likely to be satisfied with surgery (89% vs 82%, P = .052). Conclusion Tobacco smoking is an independent predictor for lower PROs after TJA and this relationship is dose-dependent. The negative impact of smoking does not appear to be related to impaired psychological health. As we transition to value-based care delivery models, this study provides further evidence that smoking cessation should be strongly recommended as a modifiable risk factor before embarking on elective TJA. Studies are still needed to define the optimal window for smoking cessation.
Field scale nitrogen load in surface runoff: Impacts of management practices and changing climate

Abstract The use of Nitrogen (N) fertilizer boosted crop production to accommodate 7 billion people on Earth in the 20th century but with the consequence of exacerbating N losses from agricultural landscapes. Land management practices that can prevent high N load are constantly being sought for mitigation and conservation purposes. This study was aimed at evaluating the impacts of different land management practices under projected climate scenarios on surface runoff linked N load at the field scale level. A framework to analyze changes in N load at a high spatiotemporal resolution under high greenhouse emission climate projections was developed using the Pesticide Root Zone Model (PRZM) for the Willow Creek Watershed in the Fort Cobb Experimental Watershed in Oklahoma. Specifically, 12 combinations of land management and climate scenarios were evaluated based on their N load via surface runoff from 2020 to 2070. Results showed that crop rotation practices lowered both the N load and the probability of high N load events. Spring application reduced the negative effects in summer and fall from other land management practices but at the risk of increased probability of generating high N load in April and May. The fertilizer application rate was found to be the most critical factor that affected the amount and the probability of high N load events. By adopting a target application management approach, the monthly maximum N can be decreased by 13% while the annual mean N load by 6%. The model framework and analysis method developed in this research can be used to analyze tradeoffs between environmental welfare and economic benefits of N fertilizer at the field scale level.
O04.1 Novel pathway to ceftriaxone resistance in clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae via point mutations in the RNA polymerase

Background Widespread antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has limited the effective treatment options. Cephalosporins remain one of the few classes of antibiotics recommended for gonococcal infections, but reduced susceptibility to the third-generation cephalosporins, including ceftriaxone, has emerged. Most reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone is caused by an alternative penA(PBP2) allele. However, the isolates with the among the highest level cephalosporin resistance identified in the US lack this allele and other penA resistance mutations, raising the possibility of cephalosporin resistance not mediated directly through penA. Methods To identify the genetic basis of resistance in these isolates, we employed an undirected transformation strategy, and used molecular microbiology and genetics methods to investigate the mechanism of resistance. Results Here, we show that resistance to ESCs has arisen in clinical isolates multiple times through distinct mutations in the RNA polymerase components rpoB and rpoD. The resistance caused by these changes is not a general tolerance response: these mutations neither changed the growth rate in vitronor altered susceptibility to other classes of antibiotics (including penicillin). These mutations result in large variations in transcription, including in genes coding for penicillin binding proteins (increase in PBP1, decrease in PBPs 3 and 4) and pilus pore. We show that increases in PBP1 protein levels contribute to the rise in CRO MIC, likely through replacement of inhibited PBP2 activity, though other factors are needed to recapitulate the resistance seen in the clinical isolates with rpoB and rpoD mutations. Conclusion Pathways to extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance do not require alterations to penA (PBP2) and can arise through mutations in components of the RNA polymerase holoenzyme. Additional pathways to cephalosporin resistance in goncooccus remain to be identified. These findings have implications for the development of molecular diagnostics and for understanding the mechanistic basis of cephalosporin resistance. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Optimality Conditions of Performance-Guaranteed Power Minimization in MIMO Networks: A Distributed Algorithm and Its Feasibility

A distributed approach is proposed to the problem of signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR)-guaranteed power minimization (SGPM) for multicell multiuser (MCMU) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Unlike prior SGPM approaches, the proposed technique is based on solving necessary and sufficient optimality conditions, which are derived by decomposing the original problem into forward and backward (FB) subproblems, while ensuring the strong duality of each subproblem. The proposed distributed SGPM algorithm makes use of FB adaptation and Jacobi recursion, respectively, for iterative filter design and power allocation. A sufficient condition for the feasibility of the proposed distributed algorithm is analyzed, based on the matrix inverse-positive theory. Unlike the existing fully distributed FB filter update algorithms, the proposed approach guarantees target SINR performance as well as its convergence to a stationary point. Simulation results illustrate the enhanced power efficiency with the performance guarantees of the proposed method compared to the existing distributed techniques.
Binges, Brains, Birthdays and BACs.

All of us have encountered attention-grabbing headlines such as "You may be boozing your brain cells away," but many of us don't accept that claim in stark, literal terms. Similarly, evidence in rodents that single, high oral doses of ethanol can be significantly neurotoxic, are often dismissed as "well rats are not people." It may be time to change our minds. Hua et al. (2020) now show us for the first time, in a highly original and well-conceived experiment, persuasive evidence for persisting structural brain alterations consequent on a single extreme drinking episode.
Word Learning in Two Modalities

A majority of research on language development has focused on examining spoken word learning and its role in the development of language, but there has been more limited research investigating the role of gesture and signed words in language development. This study investigated the impact of modality of word presentation on the learning of an associated meaning, the impact of modality of meaning presentation on the learning of an associated word, as well as the impact of crossing modalities on the speed and accuracy of learned associations. Participants viewed short videos of a person saying a non-word or making a sign paired with either a picture or a written definition. Outcome variables were accuracy and response times for recall of meanings. The analysis of accuracy revealed a significant interaction between presentation modality and meaning modality. Accuracy in the nonword-picture condition was at ceiling and thus, significantly greater than accuracy in the nonword-definition condition and nonsign-picture condition. Analysis of response times found the main effect of meaning format to be statistically significant. Participants were significantly slower when meaning was presented as a definition compared to when it was presented as a picture. These results suggest that meaning associations with novel signs are learned equally fast and accurate as those associated with novel words. Additionally, they suggest that people recall imageable meanings faster than definitions. Finally, results also indicate that typically functioning adults maintain a robust ability for learning word-picture associations likely developed in childhood.
Using the Tablet Gestures and Speech of Pairs of Students to Classify Their Collaboration

Effective collaboration between student peers is not spontaneous. A system that can measure collaboration in real-time may be useful, as it could alert an instructor to pairs that need help in collaborating effectively. We tested whether superficial measures of speech and user interface actions would suffice for measuring collaboration. Pairs of students solved complex math problems while data were collected in the form of verbal interaction and user action logs from the students’ tablets. We distinguished four classifications of interactivity: collaboration, cooperation, high asymmetric contribution and low asymmetric contribution. Human coders used richer data (several video streams) to choose one of these codes for each episode. Thousands of features were extracted computationally from the log and audio data. Machine learning was used to induce a detector that also assigned a code to each episode as a function of these features. Detectors for combinations of codes were induced as well. The best detector's overall accuracy was 96 percent (kappa = 0.92) compared to human coding. This high level of agreement suggests that superficial features of speech and log data do suffice for measuring collaboration. However, these results should be viewed as preliminary because the particular task may have made it relatively easy to distinguish collaboration from cooperation.
Manipulated Agents: Replies to Fischer, Haji, and McKenna

This article is part of a symposium on Alfred Mele’s Manipulated Agents: A Window to Moral Responsibility. It is Mele’s response to John Fischer, Ishtiyaque Haji, and Michael McKenna. Topics discussed include the bearing of manipulation on moral responsibility, the zygote argument, the importance of scenarios in which manipulators radically reverse an agent’s values, positive versus negative historical requirements for moral responsibility, the scope of moral responsibility, the value of intuitions, bullet-biting, and how we develop from neonates who are not morally responsible for anything into morally responsible agents. A variety of scenarios featuring various kinds of manipulation are discussed.
Commentary on: “What is restrained eating and how do we identify it?”: Unveiling the elephant in the room

Abstract This paper is a commentary on Polivy, Herman and Mills' (2020) article, entitled “What is restrained eating and how do we identify it?”. Polivy et al.’s paper makes a useful contribution by providing guidelines to researchers for choosing the most appropriate measure of restraint for their research questions. However, the authors assume that restrained eating can be appropriately conceptualized as a trait, an assumption I question. They also assume that restrained eating has a causal influence on the outcomes (e.g., counterregulatory eating, negative affect eating, binge eating) with which it has been associated, which I also question. Finally, they ignored a second prominent model for conceptualizing dieting behavior, the Three-Factor Model of Dieting. The Three-Factor Model decomposes the construct of restrained eating into two types of dieting (current weight loss dieting and weight suppression) that do appear to be causally related to eating control and one type (restrained eating to avoid excessive consumption) that modulates likelihood of overeating but does not cause it. I conclude by noting that scientific progress is best served by promoting, not avoiding, discussion and debate about a multiplicity of perspectives on topics of interest, especially when incompatible hypotheses and data exist on such topics.
Examining Burnout in Interprofessional Intensive Care Unit Clinicians Using Qualitative Analysis.

BACKGROUND Health care professionals working in intensive care units report a high degree of burnout, but this topic has not been extensively studied from an interdisciplinary perspective. OBJECTIVE To characterize experiences of burnout among members of interprofessional intensive care unit teams and identify possible contributing factors. METHODS This qualitative study involved interviews of registered nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, pharmacists, and a personal care assistant working in multiple intensive care units of a single academic medical center to assess work stressors. RESULTS Team composition was a factor in burnout, particularly when nonphysician team members felt that their opinions were not valued despite the institution's emphasis on a multidisciplinary team-based model of care. This was especially true when roles were not well defined at the outset of a code situation. Members of nearly all disciplines stated that there was not enough time in a day to complete all the required tasks. CONCLUSIONS Multiple factors contribute to work-related stress and burnout across different professions in the intensive care unit. Improved communication and increased receptivity to diverse opinions among members of the multidisciplinary team may help reduce stress.
Characteristic Mode Analysis for Analyzing and Optimizing Plasmonic Nanostructures

Recently, Characteristic Mode Analysis (CMA) has received rising interest in many applications. In this paper, we review the CMA for the analysis and optimization of 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures for the applications of sensor design and the nondestructive evaluation of nanostructure composites.
Biomass pyrolysis devolatilization kinetics of herbaceous and woody feedstocks

Abstract Devolatilization kinetics were determined using a modified micropyrolyzer reactor for several biomass feedstocks: switchgrass, corn stover, red oak, and pine. The micropyrolyzer was directly coupled to a flame ionization detector (FID) to track the release of volatiles from the biomass. Time series data from these experiments was analyzed to determine apparent devolatilization rates. Care was taken to assure the experiments were isothermal and kinetically limited calculating a Biot number less than 0.1 and pyrolysis numbers greater than 10, which simplifies the derivation of devolatilization rates. A single, first order reaction was able to model devolatilization rates at temperatures up to 500 °C. No correlation was found between the inorganic content of the biomass and its rate of devolatilization. Apparent activation energies were in the range of 54.9–88.4 kJ mol−1. The rate coefficient at 500 °C was calculated as 1.90–5.14 s−1 for the four feedstocks.
Silicon Raman amplifiers, lasers, and their applications

This paper presents recent breakthroughs and applications of Raman based silicon photonics such as silicon Raman amplifiers and lasers. These lasers would extend the wavelength range of III-V laser to mid-IR where important applications such as laser medicine, biochemical sensing, and free space optical communication await the emergence of a practical and low cost laser.
Optimal Field Splitting, with Applications in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy

We consider an interesting geometric partition problem called field splitting, which arises in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). IMRT is a modern cancer treatment technique that delivers prescribed radiation dose distributions, called intensity maps(IMs) and defined on uniform grids, to target tumors via the help of a device called the multileaf collimator(MLC). The delivery of each IM requires a certain amount of beam-on time, which is the total time when a patient is exposed to actual irradiation during the delivery. Due to the maximum leaf spread constraintof the MLCs (i.e., the size and range of an MLC are constrained by its mechanical design), IMs whose widths exceed a given threshold value cannot be delivered by the MLC as a whole, and thus must be split into multiple subfields (i.e., subgrids) so that each subfield can be delivered separately by the MLC. In this paper, we present the first efficient algorithm for computing an optimal field splitting that guarantees to minimize the total beam-on time of the resulting subfields subject to a new constraint that the maximum beam-on time of each individual subfield is no larger than a given a threshold value. Our basic idea is to formulate this field splitting problem as a special integer linear programming problem. By considering its dual problem, which turns out to be a shortest path problem on a directed graph with both positive and negative edge weights, we are able to handle efficiently the upper-bound constraint on the allowed beam-on time of each resulting individual subfield. We implement our new field splitting algorithm and give some experimental results on comparing our solutions with those computed by the previous methods.
Individual Recognition of Voice in the Social Behavior of Birds

Publisher Summary Individual recognition is widespread in the social behavior of birds. Three approaches have been employed, either singly or in combination, in the investigation of vocal recognition in birds: (1) field observation, (2) sound analysis, and (3) experiments to compare a bird's reactions to the sounds of different individuals. The chapter reviews the analysis of bird vocalizations and various experimental studies. Most analyses of bird vocalizations have focused on frequency time patterns. The experimental approaches carried out to investigate, whether birds can recognize one another individually by ear, have used playback of recorded sound. The individual recognition of voice in the laughing gull is discussed. The laughing gull (Lams atricilla) provides an example of a species, in which spacing out during breeding is much greater than it is in the guillemot. Individual recognition of voice in laughing gull has been investigated in two contexts: (1) interactions between adults during the incubation period and (2) interaction between parents and young during the period between hatching and fledging of the young.
Model predictive control of buoyancy propelled autonomous underwater glider

Autonomous underwater gliders (AUG) is a cost-effective and efficient tool for oceanic exploration and discovery. Because of limited onboard computation and sensing capability and energy constraint, the AUGs are susceptible to oceanic disturbances. In this paper, we present a model predictive control (MPC) design to compensate for the drift due to disturbances. We first validate the three-dimensional AUG nonlinear dynamic model with experimental data. To enhance the control performance, a time suspension technique is designed and integrated with the MPC to guarantee the AUG to follow a given path rather than time-dependent trajectory. We simulate and compare the MPC-based controller with the experimental data obtained by the onboard PID controller. The comparison results confirm superior performance than the onboard PID controller.
Numerical solution of the unsteady navier-stokes equations in curvilinear coordinates: The hypersonic blunt body merged layer problem

The Navier-Stokes solution of this study agrees with the Monte Carlo result in the shock layer region within the statistical scatter of the Monte Carlo calculation. Thus, it appears that the origin of the disagreement between the thin layer Navier-Stokes solution and the molecular simulation solution in the shock layer region is in the thin layer approximations and not in the Navier-Stokes stress-strain model and Fourier heat conduction law. It should be pointed out, however, that at this transitional flow condition (Kn = 0.10) the Monte Carlo solution shows that the temperature is not in equilibrium. Thus, for this particular flow condition, the molecular simulation technique is more appropriate.
Computability and complexity theory

This revised and extensively expanded edition of Computability and Complexity Theory comprises essential materials that are core knowledge in the theory of computation. The book is self-contained, with a preliminary chapter describing key mathematical concepts and notations. Subsequent chapters move from the qualitative aspects of classical computability theory to the quantitative aspects of complexity theory. Dedicated chapters on undecidability, NP-completeness, andrelative computability focus on the limitations of computability and the distinctions between feasible and intractable. Substantial new content in this edition includes: a chapter on nonuniformity studying Boolean circuits, advice classes and the important result of KarpLipton.a chapter studying properties of the fundamental probabilistic complexity classesa study of the alternating Turing machine and uniform circuit classes. an introduction of counting classes, proving the famous results of Valiant and Vazirani and of Todaa thorough treatment of the proof that IP is identical to PSPACE With its accessibility and well-devised organization, this text/reference is an excellent resource and guide for those looking to develop a solid grounding in the theory of computing. Beginning graduates, advanced undergraduates, and professionals involved in theoretical computer science, complexity theory, and computability will find the book an essential and practical learning tool. Topics and features: Concise, focused materials cover the most fundamental concepts and results in the field of modern complexity theory, including the theory of NP-completeness, NP-hardness, the polynomial hierarchy, and complete problems for other complexity classes Contains information that otherwise exists only in research literature and presents it in a unified, simplified mannerProvides key mathematical background information, including sections on logic and number theory and algebra Supported by numerous exercises and supplementary problems for reinforcement and self-study purposes
Dynamic response of membranes with finite elements

A general set of finite-element equations is developed for treating the nonlinear dynamic response of membranes consisting of complex nonlinear materials. The approach proposed by Key (1974) for a most complete treatment of the finite-element method to the nonlinear dynamic analysis of solids is used in developing the nonlinear equations of motion for membranes with cubic quadrilateral finite elements. The computations are kept general with respect to material modeling by computing the deformation gradient and requiring a constitutive subroutine to supply the Cauchy stress. An example calculation of the vibration of a square membrane demonstrates the accuracy of the formulation for small deformation theory and shows the nonlinear effect of large deformations.
Characterization of a macrophyte microcosm as a surface water treatment system for antibiotics

Natural water treatment systems provide for a means to manage nutrient (and carbon) cycles while improving water quality. We present chemical engineering design characteristics from an example flow through and model tertiary water treatment microcosm. This research demonstrates that aquatic macrophytes (Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crasippes) can degrade concentrations (0–10 mg/L) of oxytetracycline (OTC). First order OTC degradation rate coefficients (0.07–4.5/day) can be adjusted by altering; agitation, pH, temperature, and aeration mass flows in exudate treatment strategies when simulated wastewater was fed at 10 L/day. Further, we suggest that electronic paramagnetic resonance can be used to aid in hypothesis testing that external elicitation with phytohormones can be used to promote biological based oxidative bursts with methyl jasmonate during water treatment. Finally, we suggest there is a lack of research that considers macrophytes in more holistic natural and human use cycles. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1605–1612, 2015
Internet use and adolescent binge drinking: Findings from the Monitoring the Future study

Abstract Objective To investigate the relation between Internet use and binge drinking during early and middle adolescence. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of a sub-sample of 8th and 10th graders from the Monitoring the Future (MtF) study, which annually surveys a nationally representative sample of U.S. youth on their attitudes, behaviors, and values. This study includes data from 21,170 8th and 24,362 10th graders who participated between 2007 and 2012 and were asked questions about Internet use and binge drinking. Results In fully adjusted models, we found a dose response relation between hours of recreational Internet use (i.e. outside work or school) and binge drinking which was stronger for 8th than 10th graders. Compared to Conclusions Drawing on a nationally representative sample of U.S. youth, we find a significant, dose–response relation between Internet use and binge drinking. This relation was stronger in 8th graders versus 10th graders. Given that alcohol is the most abused substance among adolescents and binge drinking confers many health risks, longitudinal studies designed to examine the mediators of this relation are necessary to inform binge drinking prevention strategies, which may have greater impact if targeted at younger adolescents.
Purification of α-mannosidase from jack-bean meal suitable for use as reagent (Short Communication)

A simple method of purification of α-mannosidase from jack-bean meal is described which yields a product free of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity.
Glia modulate the response of murine cortical neurons to excitotoxicity: glia exacerbate AMPA neurotoxicity

We have developed “pure” neuronal cultures (< 1% astrocytes) from mouse neocortex to study the effect of glial cells on the response of neurons to injury. Cortical neurons were found to require glial-conditioned medium to survive. Immature neurons, 2–4 d in vitro, deprived of glial- conditioned medium, underwent apoptosis over 48 hr, as suggested by condensed nuclear morphology, DNA fragmentation, and protection by inhibition of macromolecular synthesis. Apoptosis induced by trophic factor deprivation has been described for other neuronal populations, such as superior cervical ganglion and dorsal root ganglion cells. Cortical neurons in pure culture provide another neuronal population for the study of apoptosis induced by trophic factor deprivation. We then studied the interaction of neurons and glia under excitotoxic conditions. Experiments on mature cultures showed that pure neuronal cultures were at least 10-fold more sensitive to acute glutamate exposure than were neuronal-glial (“mixed”) cocultures. The difference in sensitivity between pure neurons and mixed cultures was reduced when mixed cultures were treated with the glutamate uptake inhibitor, L- trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (trans-PDC). In 24 hr exposure to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), or oxygen, glucose deprivation, pure neurons were more sensitive than mixed cultures; trans-PDC again increased the sensitivity of mixed cultures to nearly that of pure neuronal cultures. In contrast, mixed and pure neuronal cultures exposed to NMDA for 10 min, or to kainate for 24 hr, had similar injury dose-response curves, suggesting that glial glutamate uptake is a less important protective mechanism in these excitotoxic injuries. Surprisingly, pure neurons were less sensitive than mixed cultures to (RS)-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) toxicity at concentrations up to 100 microM. This does not reflect astrocyte toxicity, as AMPA at concentrations to 1 mM did not injure astrocyte cultures. Glial cultures showed increased levels of glutamate in the extracellular medium in response to exposure to AMPA, but not NMDA or kainate. However, pure neuronal and mixed cultures exposed to the same concentration of AMPA did not have elevated levels of glutamate in the media. We found that glia were generally neuroprotective under excitotoxic conditions, likely through their ability to clear extracellular glutamate. However, the presence of glia exacerbated AMPA neurotoxicity.
The relationship between physiological and behavioral measures of stress in preterm infants

Objective and Design The purpose of this exploratory descriptive analysis was to explore relationships among physiological stress, behavioral stress, and motor activity cues in preterm infants when they were not being handled or disturbed, and to determine whether there were differences between younger and older preterm infants in these variables or relationships. Setting and Participants The convenience sample included 42 preterm infants who had been 27 to 33 weeks gestational age at birth and were from 6 to 19 days old at the time of data collection in the neonatal intensive‐care unit. Measures In each 10‐minute observation, heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (O 2 sat) levels were recorded every 5 seconds, and observational measures of behavioral distress and motor activity were recorded twice a minute. The physiological data were coded to reflect the percentage of each 10‐minute period during which HR levels were less than 100 bpm or more than 200 bpm or O 2 sat levels were abnormally low (less than 90 mg%). Data were analyzed with correlational and general linear mixed models procedures. Results Stress cues and motor activity were more often related to low levels of O 2 sat than to low or high HR. Physiological status was more often related to motor activity than to stress cues. Few differences in the relationships were observed between younger and older preterm infants. Conclusion Although these results are preliminary, they suggest that neonatal nurses should monitor preterm infants’ behavioral stress and motor activity cues in response to caregiving and minimize stimuli that evoke stress responses linked to physiological instability.
Comparison of INS vs. Carrier-phase DGPS for attitude determination in the control of off-road vehicles

: This paper compares the use of an inertial navigation system (INS) and a multiple GPS antenna system for attitude determination of an off-road vehicle. The INS system currently provides a less expensive attitude solution than the multiple GPS antenna system. Additionally, the INS system does not suffer from GPS errors resulting from multipath and antenna blockages. A Kalman filter incorporates the INS measurements with centimeter-level carrier-phase differential GPS (DGPS) measurements from one position antenna for complete position and attitude estimation of an off-road vehicle. The centimeter-level accuracy of DGPS allows for precise calibrations of the INS system for accurate attitude estimation. The paper shows that a low-cost INS system is capable of providing the attitude accuracy necessary for centimeter-level control of an off-road vehicle. Results of using the INS system in conjunction with DGPS position measurements to autonomously control a farm tractor are presented.