cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The utility of explicit rate-based flow control in mobile ad hoc networks

Flow control in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) must face many new challenges such as frequent rerouting and bandwidth variation of the wireless links. TCP's implicit AIMD flow control performs poorly in this environment, because it often cannot keep up with the dynamics of the network. This paper explores the potential utility of explicit flow control in the MANET domain. To this end, we propose an end-to-end rate-based flow control scheme (called EXACT), where a flow's allowed rate is explicitly conveyed from intermediate routers to the end-hosts in each data packet's special control header. As a result, EXACT reacts quickly and precisely to re-routing and bandwidth variation, which makes it especially suitable for a dynamic MANET network and also discusses several supporting mechanisms required for such a scheme at the MAC and the transport layers. By ns-2 simulations, we show that EXACT outperforms TCP in terms of fairness and efficiency, especially in a highly dynamic MANET environment.
Redox regulation of signal transduction in smooth muscle cells: distinct effects of PKC-down regulation and PKC inhibitors on oxidant induced MAP kinase.

AbstractReactive oxygen species function as signaling molecules, and are known to be generated under both normal and pathological conditions. Using vascular smooth muscle cells, we have demonstrated an increase in mitogen activated protein kinase activity in response to oxidants. Mitogen activated protein kinase activity increased linearly with time in cells treated with pervanadate. Hydrogen peroxide also caused rapid induction of mitogen activated protein kinase. Protein kinase C down regulation partially decreased induction of mitogen activated protein kinase activity by oxidants, and the Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin. Protein kinase C inhibitors, compound-3 and bisindolylmaleimide did not inhibit oxidant induced mitogen activated protein kinase activity, where as calphostin C activated it. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein, herbimycin A and tyrphostin caused 50% inhibition of oxidant induced mitogen activated protein kinase activation. These results suggest that oxidant-induced mitogen activated pr...
Net Hepatic Gluconeogenic Amino Acid Uptake in Response to Peripheral versus Portal Amino Acid Infusion in Conscious Dogs

These studies were conducted to determine the effect of route of gluconeogenic amino acid delivery on the hepatic uptake of the amino acids. After a sampling period with no experimental intervention (basal period), conscious dogs deprived of food for 42 h received somatostatin, intraportal infusions of insulin (3-fold basal) and glucagon (basal), and a peripheral infusion of glucose to increase the hepatic glucose load 1.5-fold basal for 240 min. A mixture of alanine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, serine and threonine was infused intraportally at 7.6 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1) (PorAA group, n = 6) or peripherally at 8.1 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1) (PerAA, n = 6), to match the hepatic load of gluconeogenic amino acids in PorAA. During the infusion period, there were no differences in PerAA and PorAA, respectively, with regard to arterial plasma insulin (144 +/- 18 and 162 +/- 18 pmol/L), glucagon (51 +/- 8 and 47 +/- 11 ng/L), hepatic glucose load (199.8 +/- 22.2 and 210.9 +/- 16.6 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1)), net hepatic glucose uptake (2.8 +/- 2.2 and 2.2 +/- 1.7 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1)), hepatic load of amino acids (68 +/- 14 and 62 +/- 7 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1)), or net hepatic glycogen synthesis (11.1 +/- 2.2 and 8.9 +/- 2.2 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1)). The net hepatic uptake of glutamine (2.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.3 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1)) and the net hepatic fractional extractions of glutamine (0.11 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.02) and serine (0.41 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.34 +/- 0.02) were greater in PorAA than in PerAA (P < 0.05). We speculate that one or more of the amino acids in the mixture causes enhancement of the net hepatic uptake and fractional extraction of glutamine, and perhaps other gluconeogenic amino acids, during intraportal amino acid delivery.
Dictionary learning from sparsely corrupted or compressed signals

In this paper, we investigate dictionary learning (DL) from sparsely corrupted or compressed signals. We consider three cases: I) the training signals are corrupted, and the locations of the corruptions are known, II) the locations of the sparse corruptions are unknown, and III) DL from compressed measurements, as it occurs in blind compressive sensing. We develop two efficient DL algorithms that are capable of learning dictionaries from sparsely corrupted or compressed measurements. Empirical phase transitions and an in-painting example demonstrate the capabilities of our algorithms.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique with a wide variety of applications, from structural elucidation of complex molecules, to 3D-imaging of fresh tissue, to simple ingredient assays for quality assurance. NMR differs from most other forms of spectroscopy because the nucleus is the subject of analysis and the excitation step uses radio-frequency electromagnetic energy. Whereas other spectroscopy techniques may be used to determine the nature of the functional groups present in a sample, only NMR spectroscopy can provide the data necessary to determine the complete structure of a molecule. The NMR instrument consists of a cryomagnet with the transmitter and receiver antennae in the central bore, an electronics console with the transmitter and receiver hardware, and a data/work station that controls all the functions of the instrument. In addition to NMR spectrometers, with both solids and liquids applications, there are other related instruments, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that are based on the same principles, but yield different information. This chapter covers the basic principles and applications of NMR spectroscopy, as well as a brief description of relaxometry, MRI, and the use of NMR as part of a rapid moisture and fat analysis system.
Is the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale Measuring Anxiety or Language Skills

Fi$y-four students were followed over 10 years and tested with native language measures in first through fifth grades and measures offoreign language apti- tude and foreign language proficiency in high school. All students had completed two years of Spanish, French, or German. Students were divided into three groups based on their scores on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). Findings showed that the low anxious group scored signijicantly higher than the high anxious group on all native language measures beginning in second grade. The low anxious group scored signijicantly higher than the high anxious group on all measures offoreign language proficiency and foreign language aptitude, and also achieved higher foreign language course grades. Few dijjerences were found between the low anxious and average anxious groups on the native language and foreign language testing measures. Findings also showed that the FLCAS was negatively correlated with native language measures of reading, spelling, and vocabulary as early as the beginning offirst grade. The results suggest that the FLCAS is likely to be measuring students' perceptions of their language learning skills, and that language skills are likely to be a confounding variable in thefindings of researchers who suggest that anxiety plays a primary role in foreign language proficiency and achievement.
Comments on Hodrick and Srivastava

In their paper ‘The Covariation of Risk Premiums and Expected Future Spot Exchange Rates,’ Robert Hodrick and Sanjay Srivastava provided a useful analysis of one of the key questions that have occupied the center stage of research in exchange rate economics. In recent years various attempts have been made to account for the determinants and the statistical properties of the discrepancies between forward exchange rates and expected future spot rates a discrepancy which is frequently referred to as the risk premium. In an earlier work E. Fama (1984) found that the covariance between the risk premium and the expected rate of change of the exchange rate was negative. In their own contribution Hodrick and Srivastava clarify the theoretical circumstances under which the finding of the negative covariance can be rationalized, and they demonstrate by means of alternative econometric techniques that Fama’s findings are robust. In my subsequent comments I discuss some of the theoretical issues underlying the analysis as well as additional aspects concerning the empirical work.
Dynamic response to strike-slip tectonic control on the deposition and evolution of the Baranof Fan, Gulf of Alaska

The Baranof Fan is one of three large deep-sea fans in the Gulf of Alaska, and is a key component in understanding large-scale erosion and sedimentation patterns for southeast Alaska and western Canada. We integrate new and existing seismic reflection profiles to provide new constraints on the Baranof Fan area, geometry, volume, and channel development. We estimate the fan’s area and total sediment volume to be ∼323,000 km 2 and ∼301,000 km 3 , respectively, making it among the largest deep-sea fans in the world. We show that the Baranof Fan consists of channel-levee deposits from at least three distinct aggradational channel systems: the currently active Horizon and Mukluk channels, and the waning system we call the Baranof channel. The oldest sedimentary deposits are in the northern fan, and the youngest deposits at the fan’s southern extent; in addition, the channels seem to avulse southward consistently through time. We suggest that Baranof Fan sediment is sourced from the Coast Mountains in southeastern Alaska, transported offshore most recently via fjord to glacial sea valley conduits. Because of the translation of the Pacific plate northwest past sediment sources on the North American plate along the Queen Charlotte strike-slip fault, we suggest that new channel formation, channel beheadings, and southward-migrating channel avulsions have been influenced by regional tectonics. Using a simplified tectonic reconstruction assuming a constant Pacific plate motion of 4.4 cm/yr, we estimate that Baranof Fan deposition initiated ca. 7 Ma.
Not Just Horsing Around: The Impact of Equine-Assisted Learning on Levels of Hope and Depression in At-Risk Adolescents.

Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an experiential modality which utilizes horses to provide a unique learning experience for personal growth. Research by Damon et al. (Appl Dev Sci 7:119–128, 2003) suggests a positive relationship between hope and positive developmental trajectories. Hagen et al. (Am J Orthopsychiatr 75:211–219, 2005) showed hope to be a protective factor associated with adaptive functioning in at-risk youth. Ashby et al. (J Couns Dev 89:131–139, 2011) found a significant inverse relationship between hope and depression: as hope increases, depression decreases. The current study investigates the impact of a non-riding EAL curriculum entitled L.A.S.S.O. (Leading Adolescents to Successful School Outcomes) on levels of hope and depression in at-risk youth. The study uses an experimental design with longitudinal, repeated measures. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Participants in the treatment received 5 weeks of EAL, while participants in the control group received treatment as usual. Repeated measures ANOVA of participants’ levels of hope and depression showed statistically significant improvements in the treatment group as compared with the control group. Even a brief (5-week) intervention of EAL had a positive impact on the lives and attitudes of at-risk adolescents, with increased levels of hope and decreased levels of depression.
The cardiac sodium channel: gating function and molecular pharmacology.

Cardiac sodium (Na) channels are dynamic molecules that undergo rapid structural changes in response to the changing electrical field in the myocardium. Inherited mutations in SCN5A, the gene encoding the cardiac Na channel, provoke life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, often by modifying these voltage-dependent conformational changes. These disorders (i.e. the long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome) may serve as valuable models for understanding the mechanistic linkages between Na channel dysfunction and cardiac arrhythmias in more common, acquired conditions such as cardiac ischemia. In addition, the balance between therapeutic and adverse effects from Na channel blockade by antiarrhythmic compounds may be shifted by subtle alterations in Na channel function. This review examines recent studies that tie key loci in the Na channel primary sequence to its dynamic function, while examining the emerging themes linking Na channel structure, function, and pharmacology to inherited and acquired disorders of cardiac excitability.
The Dropout in Alcoholism Research: A Brief Report

Compared to 148 alcoholic men who were successfully followed up after 1 year in a controlled treatment evaluation study, the 18 treatment dropouts reported somewhat less alcohol impairment due to drinking and lower scores on measures of psychopathology when first seen.
A Ciência da Cultura? Computação Social, Humanidades Digitais e Analítica Cultural

This article discusses the characteristics of two of the main approaches of research related to the study of broad data bases: Social Computing and Digital Humanities. It shows how these perspectives developed so far, pointing out opportunities and ideas not yet explored, which indicate other dimensions concerning how these approaches can be valid for cultural analysis and for the development of a culture science.
Effects of Prostacyclin on Rat Seminal Vesicle Contractility in Vitro

Prostacyclin (PGI2) caused a dose-dependent increase in the tonus of the rat seminal vesicle (RSV) in vitro. The sensitivity of the RSV to the prostaglandins examined was: PGE2 > PGI2 > 6-keto PGF1α.
Station Site Optimization in Bike Sharing Systems

Bike sharing systems, aiming at providing the missing links in the public transportation systems, are becoming popular in urban cities. In an ideal bike sharing network, the station locations are usually selected in a way that there are balanced pick-ups and drop-offs among stations. This can help avoid expensive re-balancing operations and maintain high user satisfaction. However, it is a challenging task to develop such an efficient bike sharing system with appropriate station locations. Indeed, the bike station demand is influenced by multiple factors of surrounding environment and complex public transportation networks. Limited efforts have been made to develop demand-and-balance prediction models for bike sharing systems by considering all these factors. To this end, in this paper, we propose a bike sharing network optimization approach by considering multiple influential factors. The goal is to enhance the quality and efficiency of the bike sharing service by selecting the right station locations. Along this line, we first extract fine-grained discriminative features from human mobility data, point of interests (POI), as well as station network structures. Then, prediction models based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are developed for predicting station demand and balance. In addition, based on the learned patterns of station demand and balance, a genetic algorithm based optimization model is built to choose a set of stations from a large number of candidates in a way such that the station usage is maximized and the number of unbalanced stations is minimized. Finally, the extensive experimental results on the NYC CitiBike sharing system show the advantages of our approach for optimizing the station site allocation in terms of the bike usage as well as the required re-balancing efforts.
The Influence Of Real Estate Sales Managers Supervisory Behaviors On The Role Clarity And Job Satisfaction Of Real Estate Salespeople

This study examined the influence of the sales managers supervisory style on the role clarity and job satisfaction of a group of full-time real estate salespeople. The results show that the salespersons self-esteem, need for role clarity, experience, and self-perceived performance moderate the relationship between supervisory behavior and salespeoples job attitudes. Real estate salespeople have more positive job attitudes when the sales manager is supportive of their behavior rather than when the sales manager tries to structure their jobs.
Detection and prevalence of UMP synthase deficiency among dairy cattle

A partial deficiency of UMP synthase has been detected in Holstein dairy cattle. Since affected females secrete milk with elevated concentrations of orotate, milk orotate was used to screen for the condition among 880 cows in 17 randomly selected Holstein herds in Illinois. Mean orotate was 85.0 +/- 1.5 microgram/ml milk and 17 cows had milk orotate in excess of 170 micrograms/ml. Including the latter animals, 42 cows were evaluated for erythrocyte UMP synthase and 15 were found to be partially deficient. Thus, at least 1.7 percent of all cows had the condition; this is a minimal estimate because the initial screen was milk orotate and this may be low, particularly early in lactation. Deficient cows had half the level of UMP synthase as normal, nondeficient cows (1.30 +/- 0.06 vs. 2.79 +/- 0.10 units/ml). The binomial classification of deficient versus normal accounted for 72 percent of the variation noted in UMP synthase. Milk orotate was significantly elevated in deficient cows (337.8 +/- 31.3 micrograms/ml), validating its use as a screening device. Urinary orotate also was higher for deficient cows (28.4 +/- 5.2 vs. 9.2 +/- 0.8 micrograms/ml) and differentiated the two groups as well as milk orotate. Normal and deficient cows did not differ in milk lactose concentrations. Erythrocyte UMP synthase also was measured in 85 Holstein bulls used for artificial insemination and 6 had low levels of UMP synthase (1.39 +/- 0.19 vs. 2.92 +/- 0.05 units/ml); the binomial classification accounted for 42 percent of the variation. The partially deficient animals identified appear to be heterozygotes for a condition expected to be lethal in the homozygous state.
A technique for quantitative measurement of endotoxin in human plasma.

ConclusionThe modifications of the Limulus lysate techniques described in this report make this test useful for in vitro quantitation of endotoxin in plasma as well as in saline.1. The specificity of the test for endotoxin as distinguished from other bacterial toxins and other bacterial substances has been demonstrated.2. Accuracy of the technique can be confirmed by serial dilutions of known standards of endotoxin in plasma.3. The end point is discrete and easily recognizable at levels of 0.005 to 0.001 μg/ml of plasma, a sensitivity comparable to the most sensitive of all well-documented bioassays.4. The speed and simplicity of the technique as modified, together with its specificity and sensitivity, give it considerably greater clinical and research potential for the quantitative measurement of circulating endotoxin than other available methods.
PARENTAL RECOGNITION OF OFFSPRING IN THE CLIFF SWALLOW

We examined variation in the calls and facial patterns of Cliff Swallow (Hi- rundo pyrrhonota) chicks to test the prediction that, in species in which dependent young intermingle, coloniality necessitates parent-offspring recognition and thus favors the evo- lution of highly variable "signature" traits. The calls of Cliff Swallow chicks were found to be highly distinctive: interindividual variation was significantly greater than intraindividual variation for five measured parameters. Playback experiments indicated that parents could locate their chicks by these signature calls alone. We found that chick faces were individually distinctive as well. Chick faces could be readily distinguished by human observers, although we did not test whether or not Cliff Swallow parents actually use this information. Studies of several swallow species implicate coloniality as the variable in this family that separates species with distinctive chick signatures and strong parental recognition (Cliff Swallows and Bank Swallows (Riparia riparia)) from species in which these traits are weak or absent (North- ern Rough-winged Swallows (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) and Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica)). Received 9 December 1982, accepted 11 April 1983.
Spin Coating of 3D Printed Cardiovascular Anatomical Models, Controlling Material Properties on Complex Shapes

Developing effective in vitro models of cardiovascular anatomy for surgical procedure evaluations and medical device performance verification is challenging. This is due to the complex geometry, anisotropic material properties, and spatial variation in material properties. The ability to control these effects enables the production of high fidelity models that can exhibit the proper normal and disease states of these tissues for robust in vitro analysis of the fluid-structure interactions taking place in this region. Proposed is a robotic spin coating system that utilizes 3D printed anatomical models to provide the surface mold. The coating is applied according to the desired properties in the region of the model and allowed to cure. During the layering process, application of different materials in targeted regions of the model allow for pathophysiological structures to be embodied (e.g. calcifications, plaque). The subsequent thin walled model is removed from the 3D printed structure either through peeling or dissolution of the underlying mold. Inflation tests illustrate the region material property differences that are consistent with the in silico model and FEA results used to design the appropriate material property regions. The resulting models will be used for evaluation of corrective surgery procedures and assessment of medical device interactions with a variety of tissue properties.
The Empirical Foundations of Telemedicine Interventions in Primary Care.

Abstract Introduction: This article presents the scientific evidence for the merits of telemedicine interventions in primary care. Although there is no uniform and consistent definition of primary care, most agree that it occupies a central role in the healthcare system as first contact for patients seeking care, as well as gatekeeper and coordinator of care. It enables and supports patient-centered care, the medical home, managed care, accountable care, and population health. Increasing concerns about sustainability and the anticipated shortages of primary care physicians have sparked interest in exploring the potential of telemedicine in addressing many of the challenges facing primary care in the United States and the world. Materials and Methods: The findings are based on a systematic review of scientific studies published from 2005 through 2015. The initial search yielded 2,308 articles, with 86 meeting the inclusion criteria. Evidence is organized and evaluated according to feasibility/acceptance, i...
After School English Language Learning in China

Despite the call for reduction of school hours and homework load in recent educational reforms in China, after school learning of English has received even more attention. English learning during after school time has been proposed as a way to change the quality of education and to enrich student learning beyond rote memorization. This chapter explores the phenomenon of after school English language learning in China. The author situates out-of-school learning in the historical and social contexts of the ancient Chinese Imperial Civil Examination and the current high-stakes annual College Entrance Examination. After school English language learning is explored at the elementary, middle school, high school, and college levels. The author discusses after school activities or programs in terms of their supportive role in addressing regular curriculum standards and identified issues. Types of after school activities are outlined related to student characteristics, needs, and proficiency levels.
How much does curation cost

NIH administrators have recently expressed concerns about the cost of curation for biological databases. However, they did not articulate the exact costs of curation. Here we calculate the cost of biocuration of articles for the EcoCyc database as $219 per article over a 5-year period. That cost is 6-15% of the cost of open-access publication fees for publishing biomedical articles, and we estimate that cost is 0.088% of the cost of the overall research project that generated the experimental results. Thus, curation costs are small in an absolute sense, and represent a miniscule fraction of the cost of the research.
Parent and Provider Experience and Shared Understanding After a Family-Centered Nighttime Communication Intervention

Abstract Objective To assess parent and provider experience and shared understanding after a family-centered, multidisciplinary nighttime communication intervention (nurse–physician brief, family huddle, family update sheet). Methods We performed a prospective intervention study at a children's hospital from May 2013 to October 2013 (preintervention period) and May 2014 to October 2014 (postintervention period). Participants included 464 parents, 176 nurses, and 52 resident physicians of 582 hospitalized 0- to 17-year-old patients. Pre- versus postintervention, we compared parent/provider top-box scores (eg, "excellent") for experience with communication across several domains; and level of agreement (shared understanding) between parent, nurse, and resident reports of patients' reason for admission, overnight medical plan, and overall medical plan, as rated independently by blinded clinician reviewers (agreement = 74.7%, kappa = .60). Results Top-box parent experience improved for 1 of 4 domains: Experience and Communication With Nighttime Doctors (23.6% to 31.5%). Top-box provider experience improved for all 3 domains, including Communication and Shared Understanding With Families (resident rated, 16.5% to 35.1%; nurse rated, 32.2% to 37.9%) and Experience, Communication, and Shared Understanding With Other Providers (resident rated, 20.3% to 35.0%; nurse rated, 14.7% to 21.5%). Independently rated shared understanding remained unchanged for most domains but improved for parent–nurse composite shared understanding (summed agreement for reason for admission, overall plan, and overnight plan; 36.2% to 48.2%) and nurse–resident shared understanding regarding reason for admission (67.1% to 71.2%) and regarding overall medical plan (45.0% to 58.6%). All P Conclusions A family-centered, multidisciplinary nighttime communication intervention was associated with improvements in some, but not all, domains of parent/provider experience and shared understanding, particularly provider experience and nurse–family shared understanding. The intervention was promising but requires further refinement.
Development and Implementation of a School-Wide Institute for Excellence in Education to Enable Educational Scholarship by Medical School Faculty

ABSTRACTProblem: Educational scholarship is an important component for faculty at Academic Medical Centers, especially those with single-track promotion systems. Yet, faculty may lack the skills an...
Measuring 3D molecular orientation and rotational mobility using a Tri-spot point spread function

We present a method to measure the molecular orientation and rotational mobility of single-molecule emitters by designing and implementing a Tri-spot point spread function. It can measure all degrees of freedom related to molecular orientation and rotational mobility. Its design is optimized by maximizing the theoretical limit of its measurement precision. We evaluate the precision and accuracy of the Tri-spot PSF by measuring the orientation and effective rotational mobility of single fluorescent molecules embedded in a polymer matrix.
Automation for Instruction Enhancing Feedback: (Abstract Only)

Automated feedback needs instructor input to be most effective. The increasing demand in computing education necessitates automated feedback systems for teaching programming. However, most current automated feedback tools do not incorporate instructor input. Great strides are being made with identification and code edit steps for automated student feedback, but tools for instructor crafted feedback are lacking in the field of computing. My research, currently targeted at novice programmers aims to close that gap with a hybrid approach of a teacher in the loop feedback system I facilitate writing instructor feedback delivered to students in an automated fashion to give meaningful, instruction enhancing feedback. I also evaluate these mechanisms in classrooms by measuring learning gains, student perception, and other metrics.
Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) dispersions in aqueous solution and electronic transport properties when dried as thin film conductors

Obtaining uniformly dispersed SWNT within an aqueous mixture for subsequent use as a dried coating in electronic biosensors is a challenge. The objective of this study is to relate SWNT dispersion ...
“There’s no such thing as Asian”: A membership categorization analysis of cross-cultural adaptation in an Asian American business community

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the relationship between communication and cross-cultural adaptation through conducting a membership categorization analysis of interactions among members of an Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC). Analysis of audio-and-video-recorded data gathered during ethnographic fieldwork illustrates how immigrant AACC members adapt to US notions of race through adopting the “Asian” racial category yet define “Asian” in creative ways that meet institutional goals. AACC members also resist US essentialist racial ideology through identifying with ethnic categories that help members meet situated institutional goals. Overall, this paper highlights how members routinely switch among racial, ethnic, and professional identity categories when navigating structural constraints of racial ideology during cross-cultural adaptation in institutional contexts.
Ordinary p -Adic Automorphic Forms

We first describe a formal theory of false automorphic forms and find a set of conditions for nearly ordinary p-adic cusp forms to have vertical control. After this, we describe deformation theory by Serre-Tate of abelian varieties in order to prove the divisibility by the character value μ(ξ) in (5.40) of the Hecke operator associated with an element ξ of the expanding semi-group D in Section 5.1.2. By this, we have well-defined p-integral Hecke operators T p (ξ) on coherent cohomology groups and therefore well-defined nearly p-ordinary automorphic forms. Verifying the set of conditions on sections of automorphic vector bundles of a given (projective) Shimura variety of PEL type, we prove the vertical control theorem for automorphic forms on the Shimura varieties. We also state a similar result for quasi-projective Shimura varieties of quasi-split unitary groups without a detailed proof. At the end, we prove the irreducibility of the Igusa tower over the ordinary locus of symplectic and unitary Shimura varieties, reducing the problem to the Siegel modular case. By means of the Serre-Tate deformation coordinates, even when the Shimura variety does not have a cusp, we are able to define an analogue of the p-adic valuation v (in (4.36)) of its arithmetic automorphic function field; so, the irreducibility can be proven even for projective symplectic and unitary Shimura varieties of PEL type.
The Present as a Key to the Past

Ramapithecus punjabicus, Sivapithecus indiens, and Gigantopithecus bilaspurensis are three mediumto large-sized apes from the middle Miocene (about 8–10 mya). In recent years, one or another of these species has been proposed to be the earliest known hominid (Simons, 1977; Kay, 1982), a common ancestor of all modern hominids and great apes (Greenfield, 1980), closely related to the ancestory of the orangutan (Andrews and Cronin, 1982; Landau et al., 1982), or perhaps a side branch with no modern descendants (Zihlman and Lowenstein, 1979). These species are best known from deposits in Pakistan and India, and almost exclusively as teeth and facial bones. Their interrelationships are controversial, recent workers suggesting that R. punjabicus and S. indicus are simply males and females of a single species (de Bonis and Melentis, 1980), separate species from one genus (Greenfield, 1979; Andrews
Endoscopic Sphincterotomy with an Intact Gallbladder

Endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy may be done without sequelae in the presence of a normal gallbladder. Endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones as a preoperative procedure is not routinely indicated. It is not clear whether it is beneficial for elderly high-risk patients. However, endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy appears to be a valuable treatment for cholangitis and gallstone pancreatitis with or without intact gallbladder. When common bile duct stones are removed leaving cholelithiasis, patients develop symptoms at about the same rate as patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis.
Continuous Variable-Quantum Key Distribution Based on Kramers-Kronig Scheme

We propose and experimentally investigate a Kramers-kronig scheme based CV-QKD system, which is featured with low complexity, free of phase noise, and low detection noise. Four-state and eight state CV-QKD protocols are experimentally verified with high secure key rate.
Neurobiological studies of trauma-related psychopathology: a public health perspective

The societal burden of psychiatric disorders that result after exposure to psychological trauma is enormous. The study of trauma-related disorders using neurobiological and public health approaches...
SU‐E‐T‐380: Modeling MLC Leaf End in 2D for Sliding Window IMRT and Arc Therapy

Purpose: To develop a 2D geometric model for MLC accounting for leaf end dose leakage for IMRT and arc therapy. Methods: Leaf‐end dose leakage is one of the problems for MLC dose calculation and modeling. Dosimetric leaf gap used to model the MLC and to count for leakage in dose calculation, but may not be accurate for smaller leaf gaps. We propose another geometric modeling method to compensate for the MLC round‐shape leaf ends dose leakage, and improve the accuracy of dose calculation and dose verification. A triangular function is used to geometrically model the MLC leaf end leakage in the leaf motion direction, and a step function is used in the perpendicular direction. Dose measurements with different leaf gap, different window width, and different window height were conducted, and the results were used to fit the analytical model to get the model parameters. Results: Analytical models have been obtained for stop‐and‐shoot and dynamic modes for MLC motion. Parameters a=0.4, lw=5.0 mm for 6X and a=0.54, lw=4.1 mm for 15x were obtained from the fitting process. The proposed MLC leaf end model improves the dose profile at the two ends of the sliding window opening. This improvement is especially significant for smaller sliding window openings, which are commonly used for highly modulated IMRT plans and arc therapy plans. Conclusion: This work models the MLC round leaf end shape and movement pattern for IMRT dose calculation. The theory, as well as the results in this work provides a useful tool for photon beam IMRT dose calculation and verification.
Carrier Lifetime Measurement in Ultrathin FD-SOI Using Virtual Diodes

In ultrathin fully depleted SOI PIN structures with underlapped gate, the front and back gates can be biased such as to emulate electrostatic diodes. The gate-induced electrons and holes result in a virtual P-N junction in the center of an undoped body. The current–voltage I – V curves are essentially diode-like but reconfigurable via gate voltage tuning. The virtual P-N and P-I-N diodes are used, for the first time, to evaluate the carrier lifetime in ultrathin SOI layers. This paper presents novel experiments and simulations. The transition between recombination and diffusion current in I – V characteristics enables quick lifetime extraction. A more evolved and accurate technique consists in monitoring the reverse recovery current in virtual diodes. This method reveals a very short carrier lifetime in 7-nm-thick SOI layers where surface recombination prevails. This result is confirmed by adapting a P-I-N-diode technique to sub-10 nm films.
SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: A COMPARISON OF INTERACTIVE TELEVISION, FACE-TO-FACE INSTRUCTION, AND THE TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM

Literature on social work student experiences in distance education is limited, as are studies of student experiences using valid comparison groups. This study compares three groups of students in a research methods course. One group took the course in a classroom from which interactive television (ITV) broadcasts originated; another group participated in the same section from a remote site; and a third group enrolled in a different section using an ITV-free classroom. Students reported very favorable and comparable experiences—no statistically significant differences found. Regardless of setting, the majority of students indicated they would enroll again in courses offered in their respective formats.
Regional airflow obstruction after bronchoconstriction and subsequent bronchodilation in subjects without pulmonary disease.

In normal subjects bronchoconstricted with methacholine and subsequently treated with albuterol, not all regions of the healthy lung returned to their prebronchoconstricted specific ventilation aft...
BUILDING AND DWELLING: Ethics for the City: By RICHARD SENNETT. xiv and 343 pp.; ills., index. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2018. $30.00 (cloth), ISBN 9780374200336.

In 1961, the New York Times published a review of Jane Jacobs’ recently released The Death and Life of Great American Cities. In it, the prescient reviewer (an MIT urban studies professor) mused th...
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour masquerading as a diverticular bleed

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) only account for a small percentage of gastrointestinal malignancies with a wide range of clinical presentations depending on the location and size of the tumour. Herein, we present the case of a 55-year-old woman with occult gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) despite imaging and two separate oesophagogastroduodenoscopy colonoscopies. On double-balloon enteroscopy, an oozing diverticular-appearing lesion in the ileum was identified which on laparoscopy was connected to a large pelvic GIST. This case highlights the importance of considering GISTs in patients with occult GIB, as a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis.
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING IN A DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS COURSE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses mathematical modeling in a differential equations course. It describes linear motion for falling bodies. It is an application for which the modeling is easy. The chapter presents a method to study the growth of bacterial populations, which is of interest for pollution studies. In certain bacterial colonies, toxic substances are produced by the bacteria that become a limiting factor to their further growth. There is a mathematical relationship that describes the interaction between the number of organisms in the culture and the concentration of the toxic metabolic product. It states that the number of organisms would increase at a rate that is proportional to the number present at any time and decrease at a rate that is proportional to the concentration of the toxic substance.
Temperature, topography, soil characteristics, and NDVI drive habitat preferences of a shade‐tolerant invasive grass

Aim Despite the large literature documenting the negative effects of invasive grasses, we lack an understanding of the drivers of their habitat suitability, especially for shade-tolerant species that do not respond positively to canopy disturbance. We aimed to understand the environmental niche and potential spatial distribution of a relatively new invasive species, wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) Roem. & Schult, WLBG) by leveraging data available at two different spatial scales. Location Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Methods Maximum entropy modeling (Maxent) was used to predict the habitat suitability of WLBG at the regional scale and the landscape scale. Following variable evaluation, model calibration, and model evaluation, final models were created using 1,000 replicates and projected to each study area. Results At the regional scale, our best models show that suitability for WLBG was driven by relatively high annual mean temperatures, low temperature seasonality and monthly range, low slope, and high cumulative Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). At the landscape scale, suitability was highest near roads and streams, far from trails, at low elevations, in sandy, moist soil, and in areas with high NDVI. Main Conclusions We found that invasion potential of this relatively new invader appears high in productive, mesic habitats at low slope and elevations. At the regional scale, our model predicted areas of suitable habitat far outside areas where WLBG has been reported, including large portions of Virginia and West Virginia, suggests serious potential for spread. However, large portions of this area carry a high extrapolation risk and should therefore be interpreted with caution. In contrast, at the landscape level, the suitability of WLBG is largely restricted to areas near current presence points, suggesting that the expansion risk of this species within Shenandoah National Park is somewhat limited.
Nonlinear vibration analysis of vortex-induced vibrations in overhead power lines with nonlinear vibration absorbers

Vortex-induced vibrations are one of the major factors in fatigue failure of power transmission lines and can be mitigated using vibration absorbers in the form of Stockbridge dampers. Since power transmission lines play an important role in modern infrastructure, a thorough understanding of the nonlinear dynamical interactions between conductors, dampers, and wind forces is crucial. Although different nonlinear models exist for conductor vibration with attached dampers or under wind force, no work combines all these nonlinearities in a single model and examines the dynamics of the conductor along with dampers. In an attempt to fill this gap, this work combines the nonlinearities from the mid-plane stretching of the conductor, equivalent cubic stiffness of the Stockbridge damper, and fluctuating lift force modeled as a Van der Pol oscillator in a single model to investigate the nonlinear vortex-induced vibrations. In this work, the conductor is modeled as a simply supported beam and the Stockbridge damper as a mass–spring–damper–mass system with a combination of cubic and linear stiffness. The governing equations of motion are solved analytically using the method of multiple scales for the case of primary resonance between the fluctuating lift-force and conductor. Analytical findings are further validated by comparing against the numerical integration of a reduced-order system, and the results show an excellent match. The analysis is extended by conducting a parametric study to investigate the effect of different system parameters on the frequency response curves. These findings are promising and further provide a direction to design an optimal vibration absorber.
To Do or to Have? That is the Question

Do experiences make people happier than material possessions? In two surveys, respondents from various demographic groups indicated that experiential purchases – those made with the primary intention of acquiring a life experience – made them happier than material purchases. In a follow-up laboratory experiment, participants experienced more positive feelings after pondering an experiential purchase than after pondering a material purchase. In another experiment, participants were more likely to anticipate that experiences would make them happier than material possessions after adopting a temporally distant, versus a temporally proximate, perspective. The discussion focuses on evidence that experiences make people happier because they are more open to positive reinterpretations, are a more meaningful part of one’s identity, and contribute more to successful social relationships.
Call them COVIDiots: Exploring the effects of aggressive communication style and psychological distance in the communication of COVID-19.

This study examined the influences of perceived distance to communicator on the effects of aggressive style (i.e. personal attacks and intense languages) in communicating scientific issues such as COVID-19 to the public. With a multi-site experiment (N = 464), we found that aggression led to a heightened violation of expected social norm regarding communication styles. However, the interpretation of violation varied depending on the individual's perceived distance to the communicator. Close distance articulated the urgency and severity of COVID-19 risks conveyed with aggression, which further increased compliance with the message. Far distance perception amplified aggression's negative influence on writer likeability. The findings showed that aggressive communication may generate positive outcomes when dealing with public understanding of scientific issues such as COVID-19, but communicators need to build a closer connection with their audience.
Examining the role of wind in human illness due to pesticide drift in Washington state, 2000-2015.

Pesticides play an important role in protecting the food supply and the public’s health from pests and diseases. By their nature, pesticides can be toxic to unintended target organisms. Changing winds contribute to pesticide drift— the off-target movement of pesticides—and can result in occupational and bystander illness. We systematically linked historical weather data to documented pesticide drift illnesses. We used Washington State Department of Health data to identify 252 drift events that included 690 confirmed cases of illness from 2000 to 2015. To characterize wind speed and direction at the time of the events, we paired these data with meteorological data from a network of 171 state weather stations. We report descriptive statistics and the spatio-temporal extent of drift events and compare applicator-reported weather conditions to those from nearby meteorological stations. Most drift events occurred in tree fruit (151/252 = 60%). Ground spraying and aerial applications accounted for 68% and 23% of events, respectively; 69% of confirmed cases were workers, and 31% were bystanders. Confirmed cases were highest in 2014 (129) from 22 events. Complete applicator spray records were available for 57 drift events (23%). Average applicator-reported wind speeds were about 0.9 m •sec− 1 (2 mi •hr− 1) lower than corresponding speeds from the nearest weather station values. Drift events result from a complex array of factors in the agricultural setting. We used known spatio-temporal aspects of drift and historical weather data to characterize these events, but additional research is needed to put our findings into practice. Particularly critical for this analysis is more accurate and complete information about location, time, wind speed, and wind direction. Our findings can be incorporated into new training materials to improve the practice of pesticide application and for better documentation of spray drift events. A precision agriculture approach offers technological solutions that simplify the task of tracking pesticide spraying and weather conditions. Public health investigators will benefit from improved meteorological data and accurate application records. Growers, applicators, and surrounding communities will also benefit from the explanatory and predictive potential of wind ramping studies.