cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling complex systems by a set of interacting finite-state models

We present here a new way of modelling a complex system by a number of finite-state components which work together by transferring control among them in a fashion similar to the usual function-calls, including recursive calls. This gives us a simpler modelling technique than statecharts, which are often too complex for general users. The new technique also helps to keep the number of states small as in statecharts. We define the semantics of an interacting family of finite-state models in terms of their behavior-trees. As an elegant application of finite-state modelling, we present a maximally efficient controller design for a tree-structured set of tasks in a reactive system by taking advantage of the common computations among the tasks.
Change point estimation for monotonically changing Poisson rates in SPC

Knowing when a process has changed would simplify the search for and identification of the special cause. Although several change point methods have been suggested, many of them rely on the assumption that the effect present in the process output follows some known form (e.g. sudden shift or linear trend). Since processes are often influenced by several input factors, sudden shifts and linear trends do not always adequately describe the true nature of the process behavior. In this paper, we propose a maximum likelihood estimator for the change point of a Poisson rate parameter without requiring exact a priori knowledge regarding the form of the effect present. Instead, we assume the form of effect present can be characterized as belonging to the set of monotonic effects. We compare the proposed change point estimator to the commonly used maximum likelihood estimator for the process change point derived under a sudden and persistent shift assumption. We do this for a number of monotonic effects and followi...
High-Throughput Bubble Screening Method for Combinatorial Discovery of Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting

Combinatorial synthesis and screening for discovery of electrocatalysts has received increasing attention, particularly for energy-related technologies. High-throughput discovery strategies typically employ a fast, reliable initial screening technique that is able to identify active catalyst composition regions. Traditional electrochemical characterization via current–voltage measurements is inherently throughput-limited, as such measurements are most readily performed by serial screening. Parallel screening methods can yield much higher throughput and generally require the use of an indirect measurement of catalytic activity. In a water-splitting reaction, the change of local pH or the presence of oxygen and hydrogen in the solution can be utilized for parallel screening of active electrocatalysts. Previously reported techniques for measuring these signals typically function in a narrow pH range and are not suitable for both strong acidic and basic environments. A simple approach to screen the electrocatalytic activities by imaging the oxygen and hydrogen bubbles produced by the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is reported here. A custom built electrochemical cell was employed to record the bubble evolution during the screening, where the testing materials were subject to desired electrochemical potentials. The transient of the bubble intensity obtained from the screening was quantitatively analyzed to yield a bubble figure of merit (FOM) that represents the reaction rate. Active catalysts in a pseudoternary material library, (Ni–Fe–Co)O_x, which contains 231 unique compositions, were identified in less than one minute using the bubble screening method. An independent, serial screening method on the same material library exhibited excellent agreement with the parallel bubble screening. This general approach is highly parallel and is independent of solution pH.
Effects of Manganese Doping on the Dielectric Properties of Titanium Dioxide Ceramics

Dielectric properties of undoped and manganese (Mn)-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) ceramics were measured by various test methods including impedance spectroscopy techniques. It was found that direct current conductivity and dielectric loss were effectively suppressed by small amount (∼0.05 mol%) of Mn doping due to generation of possible electron traps. Further increase of Mn content led to formation of oxygen vacancies and increase of dielectric loss. Increased grain-boundary resistivity was observed as Mn-doping concentration increases, presumably due to segregation of Mn solutes at the grain boundaries. Larger difference between the grain and grain-boundary conductivity gave rise to space charge polarization. It was shown that TiO2 ceramics with optimum amount of Mn-doping concentration possess good dielectric properties that are suitable for energy storage applications.
Murine Models of Vascular Thrombosis

Thrombotic complications of vascular disease are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most industrialized countries. Despite this, safe and effective drugs targeting these complications are limited, especially in the chronic setting. This is because of the complexity of thrombosis in both arteries and veins, which is becoming increasingly evident as numerous factors are now known to affect the fate of a forming thrombus. To fully characterize thrombus formation in these settings, in vivo models are necessary to study the various components and intricate interactions that are involved. Genetic manipulations in mice are greatly facilitating the dissection of relevant pro- and antithrombotic influences. Standardized models for the study of thrombosis in mice as well as evolving techniques that allow imaging of molecular events during thrombus formation are now available. This review will highlight some of the recent developments in the field of thrombosis using mouse models and how these studies are expanding our knowledge of thrombotic disease.
Speech-language pathologists' informal learning in healthcare settings: Behaviours and motivations

The current research sought to identify the types of informal learning behaviours speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in healthcare settings engage in as well as SLPs' motivations for engaging in informal learning. Twenty-four American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)-certified SLPs participated in this qualitative study. Data collection consisted of computer-mediated interviews, online journaling, and a virtual focus group. These textual data were coded and collapsed into themes. All participant SLPs reported that they learned through collaboration (inter- and intra-disciplinary), worked with patients to learn through trial-and-error, and consulted non-peer-reviewed material on the internet as well as peer-reviewed research in order to learn informally in the workplace. Eighteen of the 24 participants reported being motivated to learn at work to meet a patient's need to meet therapy goals. Five of the 24 participants reported meeting their own personal learning needs was a motivating factor and 10 of the 24 participants reported learning informally to meet the needs of the healthcare organization/SLP profession. Results were compared to past research on SLPs' information retrieval behaviours. It was concluded that SLPs acknowledge their personal work-related gaps in knowledge and skills and actively seek to develop their knowledge and skill base through informal means.
Factors that predict syncope during ventricular tachycardia in patients.

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially lethal arrhythmia. Nonetheless, unlike ventricular fibrillation (VF), its occurrence is not invariably associated with hemodynamic collapse and unconsciousness, and some patients tolerate it for a time at least sufficient for them to call for help and receive appropriate medical care. Outside of the hospital, the ability to remain conscious and alert during VT increases the patient's chance of survival, and thus the determinants of syncope from VT assume great importance if they can be manipulated prospectively by interventions. On the other hand, we know that reduced ventricular function, for example after myocardial infarction) predisposes to sudden death due to VT or VF. In this situation, it may be just a marker for extensive ischemic damage predisposing to ventricular arrhythmias, but if reduced ventriculax function itself is a determinant of the hemodynamic outcome of the arrhythmia, then the ability to manipulate the potential outcome of a ventricular arrhythmia may be limited. Programmed electrical stimulation (PES) has become an accepted means of initiating ventricular arrhythmias in selected patients. 2 It would seem to be an ideal method for investigating the determinants of syncope from VT under controlled conditions. This report, then, was designed to attempt to answer the following questions. (1) Given data relating to hemodynamic function of the heart at rest, and the features of the ventricular arrhythmias induced in the laboratory, what factors, if any, predict the occurrence of syncope during VT induced by PES? (2) Does the occurrence of syncope
Shocked quartz; a 29 Si magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance study

Quantitative {sup 29}Si NMR spectra of single-crystal {alpha}-quartz, shock compressed to 12--38 GPa and recovered, provide new information about the complex response of quartz to shock loading. Spectra from samples recovered from shock pressures of 12--20 GPa show a broadening of the {sup 29}Si NMR peak and the development of asymmetry toward lower NMR frequency (indicating an increase in the mean Si-O-Si intertetrahedral bond angle). NMR spectra of samples shock compressed above {approximately}25 GPa show increasing amounts of a separate amorphous phase of SiO{sub 2} with a mean Si-O-Si bond angle roughly 5{degree} narrower, and 10--15% denser, than fused SiO{sub 2}. Small amounts of crystalline material remain with a mean Si-O-Si bond angle up to 3{degree} larger than unshocked {alpha}-quartz. The recovery of dense glass indicates that post-shock temperatures were sufficiently low to also preserve stishovite, had any been created in the experiments. The paucity of stishovite or Si in an amorphous phase in the recovered samples suggests that the formation of stable, high-coordinated Si is kinetically hindered in shock compression experiments up to about 35--40 GPa, except in regions of high temperature, such as planar deformation features (PDFs), microfaults (pseudotachylites), or voids.
Transformational Leadership and Public Service Motivation: Driving Individual and Organizational Performance

Despite growing evidence about prosocial motivations and their effects on employee behavior, how can new public service motivation research translate into more effective management practices—which, so far, regrettably remain underdeveloped? Increasingly, public service motivation studies have moved from understanding what motivates public servants to exploring how public service motives influence performance. Similarly, greater attention is now paid to the practices of transformational leadership. Drawing on concepts from transformational leadership, this essay explores how managers can harness the positive aspects of public service motivation to enhance employee and organizational performance and outlines strategies that can help managers incorporate public service motivation values across management systems.
Performance of Model-Based Networked Control Systems with discrete-time plants

In this paper we study performance-related aspects for plants in a networked control setting, employing an approach known as Model-Based Networked Control Systems (MB-NCS) with Intermittent Feedback. Model-Based Networked Control Systems use an explicit model of the plant in order to reduce the network traffic while attempting to prevent excessive performance degradation. Intermittent Feedback consists of the loop remaining closed for some time interval, then open for another interval. We begin by investigating the behavior of the system while tracking a reference input. We provide the full response of the system and a condition for stability. We then shift our attention to controller design for MB-NCS. We use dynamic programming techniques to design an optimal controller to optimize an LQ-like performance index.
Development and implementation of a pharmacist-managed, neonatal and pediatric, opioid-weaning protocol.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the length of wean and abstinence severity in neonatal and pediatric patients with neonatal abstinence syndrome or iatrogenic opioid dependence treated with a pharmacist-managed, methadone-based protocol compared with physician-managed patients treated with either methadone or dilute tincture of opium (DTO). METHODS: This was a prospective, single-centered, interventional evaluation of 54 pharmacist-managed patients versus 53 retrospective, physician-managed patients. Wean duration and severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome were compared between groups using the Student t test. RESULTS: Significantly shorter wean duration in in utero-exposed pharmacist-managed patients compared with patients on physician-managed DTO (11.7 days vs 24.2 days, p < 0.001), but not compared with patients on physician-managed methadone (11.7 days vs 47 days, p = 0.101). No statistically significant difference was seen in wean duration in iatrogenic-exposed pharmacist-managed patients compared with patie...
Electronic influences of bridging and chelating diimine ligand coordination in formamidinate-bridged Rh2(II,II) dimers

Abstract Two new formamidinate-bridged Rh2II,II complexes, cis-[Rh2II,II(μ-DTolF)2(μ-np)2]2+ (3; DTolF = N,N′-di-p-tolylformamidinate; np = 1,8-naphthyridine) and cis-[Rh2II,II(μ-DTolF)2(κ2-dap)2]2+ (4; dap = 1,12-diazaperylene), were synthesized from cis-[Rh2II,II(μ-DTolF)2(CH3CN)6](BF4)2 (1), and their properties were compared to those of cis-[Rh2II,II(μ-DTolF)2(phen)2](BF4)2 (2). Density functional theory (DFT) and electrochemical analyses support the description of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) of 3 and 4 as possessing contributions from the metals and formamidinate bridging ligands, with Rh2/form character, and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) localized on the respective diimine ligand np and dap π∗ orbitals. Both 3 and 4 display strong, low energy Rh2/form → diimine(π∗) metal/ligand-to-ligand charger transfer (1ML–LCT) transitions with maxima at 566 nm (e = 3600 M−1 cm−1) for 3 and at 630 nm (e = 2900 M−1 cm−1) for 4 in CH3CN. Time dependent-DFT (TD-DFT) calculations support these assignments. The ability of both the bridging np and chelating dap diimine ligands to produce strong absorption of these Rh2II,II complexes throughout the visible region is potentially useful for the development of new photocatalysts for H2 production and photochemotherapeutics.
Indirect Contributions of AM Fungi and Soil Aggregation to Plant Growth and Protection

Ecological and biological engineering contribute indirectly to the fitness of the soil environment and promote plant growth and protection. This engineering modifies soil physical, chemical, and biological attributes to enhance nutrient cycling, increase soil organic matter, and improve soil quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, under most conditions, improve plant growth directly by providing greater and more efficient access via fungal hyphae for absorption of nutrients, especially P, and delivery of these nutrients to the plant. The AM symbiosis also augments disease resistance in host plants and suppresses the growth of non-mycorrhizal weeds. When plants moved from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment, mycorrhizal fungi were an integral part of their success by providing efficient nutrient absorption from the low organic matter mineral soil. In addition, AM fungi stabilize soil aggregates and promote the growth of other soil organisms by exuding photosynthetically-derived carbon into the mycorrhizosphere. Glomalin is a glycoprotein produced by AM fungi which probably originated as a protective coating on fungal hyphae to keep water and nutrients from being lost prior to reaching the plant host and to protect hyphae from decomposition and microbial attack. This substance also helps in stabilizing soil aggregates by forming a protective polymer-like lattice on the aggregate surface. AM fungal growth and biomolecules engineer well-structured soil where the distribution of water-stable aggregates and pore spaces provides resistance to wind and water erosion, greater air and water infiltration rates favorable for plant and microbial growth, nutrients in protect micro-sites near the plant roots, and protection to aggregate-occluded organic matter.
Preclinical evaluation of PEGylated tumor necrosis factor alpha in dogs with spontaneous tumors: Results of phase-I investigation

B54 Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine capable of potent antitumor activity, but its toxicity and short half-life following systemic administration have limited its utility as an anticancer agent. Conjugation of various biotherapeutics to polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to alter beneficially their immunogenicity, bioactivity and half-life. We previously demonstrated that PEGylation of TNF (PEG-TNF) results in significantly increased plasma half-life and diminished toxicity in mice, translating into enhanced antitumor activity. We furthermore have demonstrated significantly diminished toxicity in normal dogs, when compared with unconjugated TNF. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the toxicity and biologic effect of escalating doses of PEG-TNF in dogs with spontaneous neoplasia. This phase-I clinical trial enrolled dogs with measurable spontaneous malignancies of any histotype, for which standard therapy had failed or had been declined by the owner. Dogs received escalating doses of PEG-TNF, administered as a rapid intravenous bolus once every 3 weeks, according to a standard 3+3 dose escalation scheme. Vital signs, blood pressure, blood oxygenation, and hematologic and biochemical parameters were evaluated serially following treatment, and a subset of patients underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) following treatment to assess changes in tumor blood flow and perfusion. Fifteen dogs were enrolled in the study. PEG-TNF doses of 20, 23.3, 26.7, and 30.0 mcg/kg were administered. In the 30.0 mcg/kg dose cohort, 2 of 3 dogs experienced dose-limiting toxicity, consisting of vascular leak in 1 and hypotension in 1, establishing 26.7 mcg/kg as the maximum tolerated dose for subsequent study. Mean elimination half-life was 14.1 +/- 5.4 h, and peak plasma concentration correlated weakly with administered dose (p = 0.059). Evidence of biologic activity, in the form of transient fever and profound but transient leukopenia, was observed at all dose levels. Changes in tumor blood flow were demonstrated in the majority of dogs whose tumors were evaluated by DCE-MRI. Minor or transient antitumor responses were observed in dogs with melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and mammary carcinoma, and a partial response, persisting 3 months, was observed in a dog with angiosarcoma. In conclusion, using a clinically relevant, spontaneous large animal model of neoplasia, we have demonstrated that biologically relevant doses of PEGylated TNF can be administered safely, and that PEG-TNF administration is associated with encouraging antitumor activity. Ongoing canine studies are evaluating the antimetastatic effect of postoperative PEG-TNF in canine angiosarcoma and the efficacy and tolerability of PEG-TNF in combination with the traditional chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin.
Projected phase-change memory devices

Nanoscale memory devices, whose resistance depends on the history of the electric signals applied, could become critical building blocks in new computing paradigms, such as brain-inspired computing and memcomputing. However, there are key challenges to overcome, such as the high programming power required, noise and resistance drift. Here, to address these, we present the concept of a projected memory device, whose distinguishing feature is that the physical mechanism of resistance storage is decoupled from the information-retrieval process. We designed and fabricated projected memory devices based on the phase-change storage mechanism and convincingly demonstrate the concept through detailed experimentation, supported by extensive modelling and finite-element simulations. The projected memory devices exhibit remarkably low drift and excellent noise performance. We also demonstrate active control and customization of the programming characteristics of the device that reliably realize a multitude of resistance states.
Algorithms, protocols and systems for remote observation using networked robotic cameras

Emerging advances in robotic cameras, long-range wireless networking, and distributed sensors make feasible a new class of hybrid teleoperated/autonomous robotic remote "observatories" that can allow groups of peoples, via the Internet, to observe, record, and index detailed activity occurred in remote site. Equipped with robotic pan-tilt actuation mechanisms and a high-zoom lens, the camera can cover a large region with very high spatial resolution and allows for observation at a distance. High resolution motion panorama is the most nature data representation. We develop algorithms and protocols for high resolution motion panorama. We discover and prove the projection invariance and achieve real time image alignment. We propose a minimum variance based incremental frame alignment algorithm to minimize the accumulation of alignment error in incremental image alignment and ensure the quality of the panorama video over the long run. We propose a Frame Graph based panorama documentation algorithm to manage the large scale data involved in the online panorama video documentation. We propose a on-demand high resolution panorama video-streaming system that allows on-demand sharing of a high-resolution motion panorama and efficiently deals with multiple concurrent spatial-temporal user requests. In conclusion, our research work on high resolution motion panorama have significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of image alignment, panorama video quality, data organization, and data storage and retrieving in remote observation using networked robotic cameras.
Closer kinships: Rortyan resources for animal rights

This article considers the extent to which the debate about animal rights can be enriched by Richard Rorty’s theory of rights. Although Rorty’s work has enjoyed a lot of scholarly attention, commentators have not considered the implications of his arguments for animals. Nor have theorists of animal rights engaged his approach to rights. This article argues that Rorty’s thinking holds a number of attractions for proponents of animal rights. It also considers some of its drawbacks. It is further argued that Rorty’s thinking about rights avoids many of the problems that animal ethic-of-care theorists have found in rights discourse being applied to animals. Rorty’s work thus provides a valuable resource for bringing these two major strands within the animal ethics literature into closer theoretical kinship.
Post-Tunneling Ionization of Xenon in a Strong Mid-IR Laser Field: Dynamics in the Quasistatic Regime

The ionization yields for atomic and molecular targets in the strong field, mid-IR regime reveal an exponentially increasing ionization probability as the excitation wavelength increases. The counter-intuitive trend is attributed to transient Rydberg ionization.
Where Spanish and English Come Together: A Two Dimensional Bilingual Approach to Clinical Decision Making

An increasing number of United States school children are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds and speak multiple languages. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are often challenged with differentiating the performance of bilingual children with language impairment from those who may display a language difference. While there is consensus that we should consider both languages of a bilingual child in formal and informal assessments, there is no agreed way to interpret results of testing in both languages. The aim of this article is to propose a framework for conducting and interpreting the results from comprehensive and unbiased evaluations that incorporate language samples, parent and teacher reports, and standardized testing. We will illustrate the use of this bilingual coordinate approach via a pair of case studies.
Executive Function and Ambiguous Sentence Comprehension

Purpose Sentence comprehension is a critical skill in today's literate society. Recent evidence suggests that processing and comprehending language taps cognitive as well as linguistic abilities, a...
Targeting the cancer cells that just won’t go away

Chromatin structure and gene expression are regulated in part through histone lysine methylation, the deregulation of which can contribute to cancer development and progression. In particular, the lysine demethylase 5 (KDM5) enzymes, KDM5A-D, have been implicated in the survival of drug-tolerant
Training Teachers of Visually Impaired Children in Rural Tennessee.

This article describes a model for training teachers of visually impaired children in Tennessee that has significantly increased the number of teachers of visually impaired children in rural school...
Male response to female chemical signals in Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta)

Chemical signals reveal information such as sender identity and receptivity to mating that benefit both the sender and the receiver. Although the use of chemical signals seems probable for chelonians, few studies have focused on this form of communication in turtles, and only in a limited number of species. We tested the response of male Painted Turtles Chrysemys picta to chemical signals exuded by conspecifics by examining whether male Painted Turtles spent more time near female or male Painted Turtles or a control (empty) section of a pool, based solely on chemical signals exuded by the stimulus animals. We completed 27 trials and recorded the time male turtles spent in each section of the pool (male, female or control). Male Painted Turtles spent the most time in the section of the pool that housed the female Painted Turtle and spent the least amount of time in the control section. A one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test showed a statistically significant difference between the time test males spent in the female section and control section. The time male Painted Turtles spent in the female and male sections did not differ significantly and no significant difference was found in the amount of time the test male spent in the male section and the control section. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that male Painted Turtles respond to chemical signals exuded by female Painted Turtles, potentially, to find mates. With many turtle populations declining, it is important to study aspects of their reproduction, including communication.
Providing neonatal resuscitation training in rural Eastern, Nigeria : Training birth attendants to improve neonatal resuscitation knowledge and skill ability

Oakland, California Oakland, California uzomauwakah@gmail.com nsmee@samuelmerritt.edu Abstract—Neonatal mortality is an important global health indicator of a country. Nigeria has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in the world. Rural portions of the country have higher rates of neonatal mortality, compared to urban areas. Problems related to asphyxiation result because resuscitation training is not targeted to the correct provider. Neonatal resuscitation training was given in three clinical sites in rural Nigeria, from October 23, 2015 to October 28, 2015. Seventy (70) participants aged 19-60 completed a 17-item questionnaire about neonatal knowledge and completed a 38-item hands-on skills checklist to measure their neonatal skill abilities. Training was given to community health extension workers (CHEWs), auxiliary nurses, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), nurse midwives, student nurse midwives, and nursing officers. To compare the mean scores between a pre-test and a post-test for both the knowledge questionnaire and the skills test, a dependent samples t-test was performed. For knowledge, the average score on the pre-test was 12.43±2.98, p<.0001 and the average score on the post-test was 14.74 ±2.16, p<.0001, meaning that the average knowledge score increased by 2.31 points, after the training. For skill, the average score on the pre-test was 21.87±6.58, p<.0001 and the average score on the post-test was 34.67±4.50, p<.0001, meaning that the average skills score increased by 12.8 points, after the training. The implementation of a neonatal resuscitation training program in rural Nigeria, can improve neonatal resuscitation knowledge and neonatal resuscitation skill ability amongst TBAs and other birth attendants. This has the potential to reduce the high neonatal mortality rates in rural communities.
Abstract 17: Exercise Capacity and Primary Prevention of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Veterans: The ETHOS Study

Introduction: Increased exercise capacity is associated with better health outcomes. However, less is known about the impact of increased fitness on the primary prevention of major adverse cardiova...
Emancipation or Accommodation? Faith and Justice in a Globalized Africa

AbstractThis article interrogates the meaning of ‘justice’ for religious actors in Africa, comparing the post-independence period to the contemporary one. The treatment and meaning of justice by these actors today differs in important ways from ideas about justice during previous generations’ struggles for freedom. This is because (a) the promise of independence entailed a proactive, emancipatory and pan-African overhaul of oppressive and inegalitarian practices; while justice talk today occurs in a neoliberal context of more reactive and sometimes accommodationist measures to redress problems of violence and poverty; and (b) African leaders and religious thinkers themselves defined the meaning and components of justice in the past, while today much of the discourse around justice emanates from issues identified by transnational nongovernmental organizations and agencies. A neo-Weberian approach helps distill significant characteristics of the complex faith-justice-globalization relationship in these diff...
‘That wasn't meant to be funny’: mirth and the porn scholar

Porn studies scholars have to deal with a variety of tiresome, annoying, and sometimes alarming reactions to their research. One of the more common reactions is that of laughter, even when there is...
Regular low-calorie sweetener consumption is associated with increased secretion of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide

Low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) are widely used for weight control despite limited evidence of their effectiveness and studies linking LCS consumption with incident obesity. We tested the hypothesis that regular LCS consumption is associated with higher postprandial glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion, which has been linked to obesity. We used data from participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who had completed a diet diary, had at least one visit during which they underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and had no diabetes. Of 232 participants, 166 contributed 1, 39 contributed 2, and 27 contributed 3 visits, and 96 (41%) reported using LCS. Plasma OGTT samples were analysed for glucose, insulin and GIP. Fasting glucose, insulin and GIP levels were no different between LCS users and non-users. The association of LCS use with 2-hour OGTT responses after adjustment for covariates was non-significant for glucose (P = .98) and insulin (P = .18), but significant for greater increase in GIP in LCS users (P = .037). Regular consumption of LCSs was associated with greater increases in GIP secretion after food intake, which may potentially lead to weight gain through the lipogenic properties of GIP.
Diffraction-free light sheets with arbitrary beam profiles (Conference Presentation)

Diffractive spreading is a fundamental property of light and inversely proportional to the beam waist of a propagating beam. For instance, a Gaussian beam at a wavelength of 800 nm focused into 7 micrometers full-width at half maximum (FWHM) at its beam waist would only have 137 micrometers Rayleigh range—the propagation distance from the waist for a beam to double its cross section. Here, we demonstrate a diffraction-free space-time light sheet (one-dimensional pulsed beam) with 7 micrometers FWHM propagating in free space for 25 mm while preserving its spatial features. By introducing a highly correlated spatio-temporal spectrum via a two-dimensional pulse shaper (consisting of a phase-only reflective spatial light modulator, a grating and a few cylindrical lenses), we generate various light sheets with arbitrary beam profiles at the pulse center and diffraction-free propagation distance of approximately 200 Rayleigh range that corresponds to its beam waist size at the pulse center. Arbitrary light-sheet profiles also include hollow sheets (bottle beams) and even Airy light sheets that are only transversely accelerating in the local time frame of the pulse and acceleration-free as a function of propagation distance. Moreover, we obtain the spatio-temporal beam profiles of the light sheets by experimentally measuring the complex spectra and performing computational two-dimensional Fourier transformations. Light sheets with arbitrary beam profiles and controllable spectrum properties may be instrumental in super-resolution light-sheet microscopy for 3D bio-imaging, nonlinear and multimodality spectroscopy, standoff detection of chemicals, and one-dimensional plasma and filamentation generation.
Towards a dependable architecture for internetscale

The convergence of embedded sensors and pervasive high-performance networking is giving rise to a new class of distributed applications, which we refer to as Internet-scale sensing (ISS). ISS systems consist of a large number of geographically distributed data sources tied into a framework for collecting, filtering, and processing potentially large volumes of real-time data. In this paper, we discuss the issues involved in building dependable ISS systems. ISS systems differ from conventional distributed systems in a number of respects, including the number of data sources, differing data quality requirements, and necessity to continue operating despite intermittent link and node failures. Such failures should result in graceful degradation of the quality of the results returned by the system, rather than loss of results. In this paper, we argue that conventional approaches to achieving consistency do not scale to the requirements of ISS systems. We outline a lightweight approach to dependability based on a set of metrics that reflect on the quality of the answers returned by the system. We argue that answers returned by an ISS system should include a measure of the harvest and freshness of the data sources participating in the result, and these metrics in turn can be used to drive fault-tolerance mechanisms in the system. We also propose three simple techniques to achieve scalability and graceful degradation in the face of failure.
Basin Margins, Biodiversity, Evolutionary Innovation, and the Origin of New Taxa

A biochronologic framework for Eocene deposits in the Rocky Mountain Interior of North America has been developed over nearly one and a half centuries of study of these sequences and the biotic components contained within them. The definition of a series of North American Land Mammal Ages (NALMAs) for the Eocene (and other epochs) was based directly on these studies (Wood et al., 1941) with subsequent refinement required as knowledge of faunas and geographic coverage broadened (Krishtalka et al., 1987). Eocene NALMAs include from oldest to youngest: the Wasatchian, Bridgerian, Uintan, Duchesnean, and Chadronian (Prothero and Swisher, 1992). In every case, the faunal samples used to define each of these ages are derived from richly fossiliferous lowland areas usually found near the centers of intermontain basins where thick sequences of fluvial rocks were deposited. As such, faunal samples derived from a relatively limited number of habitats are those that represent the “type faunas” for each land mammal age and the stratigraphic ranges of contained taxa are based on first and last appearances as documented in these samples.
Gender talk: differences in interaction style in CMC

Qualitative analysis was used to investigate the nature of the interactions of different gender pairings doing a negotiation task via computer-mediated communication (CMC). Preliminary results indicate that female pairs used more language of fairness, saving face, and acknowledgement in their conversation than did male pairs. Male pairs made more procedural statements about meeting management and actions than female pairs. The study provides a preliminary understanding of how gender interactions may affect performance in CMC tasks.
The Japanese Stage-Step Course: Workbook 2

Workbook 2 of the Japanese Stage-Step Course is designed to be used alongside Stages Two and Three of the Grammar Textbook. It contains conversation, listening, reading and writing exercises along with new vocabulary for each lesson in the textbook to enable students to thoroughly practice the grammatical structures they have learnt. Additional features include: detailed explanation of vocabulary items abundant exercises including sentence as well as discourse practices extensive cross-referencing with the Grammar Textbook Japanese–English and English–Japanese glossary. All the audio material for Workbook 2 is available on CD2.
Comparing the efficacy of initial percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stenting for relief of biliary obstruction in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma

In patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CC), management of biliary obstruction commonly involves either up-front percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stent placement. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and of initial ERCP with stent placement with efficacy of initial PTBD in management of biliary obstruction in CC. A single-center database of patients with unresectable CC treated between 2006 and 2017 was queried for patients with biliary obstruction who underwent either PTBD or ERCP. Groups were compared with respect to patient, tumor, procedure, and outcome variables. Of 87 patients with unresectable CC and biliary obstruction, 69 (79%) underwent initial ERCP while 18 (21%) underwent initial PTBD. Groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, gender, or tumor location. Initial procedure success did not differ between the groups (94% ERCP vs 89% PTBD, p = 0.339). Total number of procedures did not differ significantly between the two groups (ERCP median = 2 vs. PTC median = 2.5, p = 0.83). 21% of patients required ERCP after PTBD compared to 25% of patients requiring PTBD after ERCP (p = 1.00). Procedure success rate (97% ERCP vs. 93% PTBD, p = 0.27) and rates of cholangitis (22% ERCP vs. 17% PTBD, p = 0.58) were similar between the groups. Number of hospitalizations since initial intervention did not differ significantly between the two groups (ERCP median = 1 vs. PTC median = 3.5, p = 0.052). In patients with CC and biliary obstruction, initial ERCP with stent placement and initial PTBD both represent safe and effective methods of biliary decompression. Initial ERCP and stenting should be considered for relief of biliary obstruction in such patients in centers with advanced endoscopic capabilities.
Integration of Psychopharmacotherapy with Psychotherapy and Other Psychosocial Treatment

The effective use of psychotropic medication in cancer care involves attention to both pharmacology and symbolic communication. Prescribing is part of a therapeutic relationship in which meaning as well as medication is dispensed. Numerous factors influence the meaning of medication, including preexisting psychiatric condition, personal history, disease phase, disease stage, ethnic, cultural and individual differences, and cancer-specific symptoms. Cancer patients are understandably sensitive to the implications of what their doctors say and do, so both a prescription and the lack of one are communications about the doctors’ perception of the nature and severity of their patients’ condition and their concern for them. Perceived uncertainty, loss of control, and feelings of dependency are common themes. Integrating patients’ concerns into prescribing practice can enhance treatment. Combining and integrating psychotropic medication and psychosocial interventions are important aspects of oncological care.
Amygdala volume and social anxiety symptom severity: Does segmentation technique matter?

Abstract The amygdala factors prominently in neurobiological models of social anxiety (SA), yet amygdala volume findings regarding SA have been inconsistent and largely focused on case-control characterization. One source of discrepant findings could be variability in volumetric techniques. Therefore, we compared amygdala volumes derived via an automated technique (Freesurfer) against a manually corrected approach, also involving Freesurfer. Additionally, we tested whether the relationship between volume and SA symptom severity would differ across volumetric techniques. We pooled participants (n = 76) from archival studies. SA severity was assessed with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale; scores ranged from non-clinical to clinical levels. Freesurfer produced significantly larger amygdalar volumes for participants with poor image quality. Even after excluding such participants, paired sample t-tests showed Freesurfer's boundaries produced significantly larger amygdalar volumes than manually corrected ones, bilaterally. Yet, intra-class correlation coefficients between the two methods were high, which suggests that Freesurfer's over-estimation of amygdala volume was systemic. Regardless of segmentation technique, volumes were not associated with SA symptom severity. Potentially, amygdala sub-regions may yield clearer patterns regarding SA symptoms. Further, our study underscores the importance of image quality for segmentation of the amygdala, and image quality may be particularly valuable when examining anatomical data for subtle inter-individual differences.
On adaptive modal control of large flexible spacecraft

A recently developed strategy for adaptive sampled-data control of distributed parameter systems based on a plant modal expansion description and modal simultaneous identification and regulation algorithms is presented with frequent reference to the annular momentum control device (AMCD) test example. The requirements of observation spillover reduction and modal eigenvector shape prespecification, which are especially crucial to the proposed adaptive control strategy, are addressed. Individual low pass time filtering of sensed AMCD particle displacements is proposed for observation spillover reduction. A layered scheme incorporating 'eigenvector' shape improvement is outlined to combat the expansion basis prespecification requirement.
Theoretical Study of The Life Story Narrative Personality Dynamics Based on Archetype in Indonesian Context Entrepreneurs

Understanding personality development of entrepreneurs is important in current entrepreneurial research. Previous studies have mentioned some perspectives towards a scientific understanding of entrepreneurship, through identification and in-depth examination of personality characteristics. These studies show that individual's function as a totality of personal characteristics (which involve biological, psychological, and cultural levels related to personal narratives) is needed. Some experts point out that success can be explained in the dynamics of the daily journey of the business persons than in trying to explain them into personality categories. The growth of entrepreneurial personality can be understood in accordance with the identity of the community and local culture. The wholeness of a person being an entrepreneur is a process of forming and revealing the development of an entrepreneurial personality. Personality growth will be revealed along the journey of life, following the same pattern in a narrative life story that is influenced by socio-cultural aspects. These patterns can be expressed in archetype. Entrepreneurs also share a set of cultural and social values, some of which are based on the values held by the community. However, research on entrepreneurial personality as a whole in the context of Indonesian culture, is still needed This study aims to look at entrepreneurship as the dynamic’s perspective of the personality narrative life stories and archetype of the cultural context in Indonesia. In addition, this study seeks non-economic factors, such as entrepreneurial personality and culture, affect the dynamics of the performance of a startup business. Through the study of archetype theory and narrative life story, it can be proposed a measuring tool that can explain the concept of entrepreneurial archetype personality in the Indonesian context. This archetype personality measurement tool uses a life story perspective that sees the dynamics of entrepreneurial journey as an archetype hero journey
Phenotypes and endotypes in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Abstract Objective To improve understanding of the heterogeneous presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and its different potential phenotypes and endotypes. Data Sources We reviewed studies addressing EoE genetics, risks, natural history, treatment, phenotype, or endotype to assess data relating to differences in the presentation of EoE in children and adults. This review was restricted to articles in the English language. Study Selections Data source abstracts, pertinent articles, and book chapters meeting the objectives were critically reviewed. Results Data to support differing phenotypes and endotypes in EoE are emerging, but findings are based on multiple studies and therefore sometimes incomparable. Like other atopic disorders EoE is a complex disease with diverse clinical presentations (phenotypes) based on response to therapy, natural history, and association with atopic comorbidities. Different pathogenetic mechanisms (endotypes) may drive the multiple phenotypes. T Helper type 2 inflammation, epithelial barrier defects, enhanced fibrosis, and association with rare monogenetic diseases are the most described endotypes in EoE. Conclusion Eosinophilic esophagitis is an atopic disorder that is increasing in prevalence and can be difficult to treat. Better understanding of phenotypes and endotypes in EoE may enable future care to be individualized more effectively, resulting in shorter time to remission and fewer endoscopies.