cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On diagnosis and predictability of partially-observed discrete-event systems

In this thesis problems of diagnosis and prediction of event sequences in dynamic systems modeled using discrete-event formalisms are studied. Monolithic and distributed on-line fault detection and isolation of modular dynamic systems modeled as sets of partially-observed place-bordered Petri nets are considered. The common places among the set of Petri nets modeling a system capture coupling of various system components. The transitions are labeled by events, some of which are unobservable, i.e., not directly recorded by the sensors attached to the system. The events whose occurrences must be diagnosed have unobservable transition labels. These events model faults or other significant changes in the system state. The existing theory of diagnosis of discrete-event systems is extended in the context of the above model. The modular structure of the system is exploited by a distributed algorithm for fault diagnosis. A Petri net diagnoser is associated to every Petri net and the diagnosers communicate in real-time during the diagnostic process when the token count of common places changes. A merge function is defined to combine the individual diagnoser states and recover the complete diagnoser state that would be obtained under a monolithic approach. Strategies that reduce the communication overhead are presented. The software implementation of the distributed algorithm is discussed. The problem of diagnosis of a pattern of events in a partially-observed discrete-event system is studied. Two different types of pattern diagnosability are defined in the context of formal languages: (i) S-type for patterns in the form of subsequences of sequences of events and (ii) T-type for patterns in the form of substrings of sequences of events. These two notions of pattern diagnosability generalize the notion of diagnosability of single events in prior works. Implementable necessary and sufficient conditions for both types of pattern diagnosability in systems modeled by regular languages are presented. Finally, the problem of predicting occurrences of a significant event in a discrete-event system is considered. The notion of predictability of event occurrences in a system is defined in the context of formal languages. The predictability of a language is a stronger condition than the diagnosability of the language. Implementable necessary and sufficient conditions for predictability of event occurrences in systems modeled by regular languages are presented. It is shown that predictability in systems modeled by regular languages can be tested in polynomial-time.
The Kinetics of H2–D2 Exchange over Pd, Cu, and PdCu Surfaces

PdCu alloy membranes are promising candidates for hydrogen separation from H2S-containing gas mixtures. Dissociative H2 adsorption and associative desorption are important steps in the process of hydrogen transport across PdCu membranes; however, the kinetics of H2 adsorption and desorption on PdCu surfaces are not well understood. In this work, the kinetics and energetics of H2 adsorption and desorption on Pd, Cu, and PdCu surfaces are investigated by microkinetic analysis of H2–D2 exchange (H2 + D2 → 2HD) over fixed beds of Pd, Cu, Pd70Cu30, and Pd47Cu53 foils at near-ambient pressure and temperatures in the range 300–900 K. The rate of H2–D2 exchange over Cu, which is the least active H2–D2 exchange catalyst used in this study, is limited by the rate of H2 adsorption due to the large activation barrier to dissociative H2 adsorption on Cu (ΔEads⧧ = 0.54 ± 0.06 eV). The Cu content of the PdCu alloys and the crystal structures of the Pd-hydride phases (α- and β-PdH) and of Pd47Cu53 (body-centered cubic an...
Autofluorescence imaging of the retina

Lipofuscin is a fluorescent pigment that accumulates throughout life in the pigmented epithelium cells of the retina. Imaging of this fluorescence provides a unique modality to assess health of these cells in retinal dystrophy’s and age related degeneration of the retina.
Applied Research on Dust Removal Technology and Equipment in Coal Mine ZhaoGezhuang Drivage Working Face

The digging working face dust is an important work of the coal mine safety production,This paper mainly introduces the self-excitation type water film dust remover dust removal principle,structure characteristics and the working mechanism,analyzes the process parameters of ventilation and dust removal system of tunneling working surface,which is applied to practice on the tunneling working surface in Zhaogezhuang mine of Kailuan Group.It reaches a better dust removing effect,improves the working environment of the workers effectively and protects the health of staff,ensures the safety of the mine production.
Abstract 29: Innovative iPhone App Enhances Reliable and Economical Transmission of High-quality ECG Images on Standard Cell Phone Networks

Introduction: Transmission of pre-hospital ECG images to STEMI treatment centers aids in optimizing STEMI reperfusion times by promoting activation of the STEMI treatment process prior to patient arrival. Several proprietary systems have been designed for this purpose but they are expensive and incur substantial ongoing system costs. ECG photo images may also be sent by personal cell phone but require large file sizes to maintain diagnostic clarity, which results in lower reliability and speed and greater process variability. Hypothesis: A low-cost iPhone app that optimizes speed and reliability of the ECG pre-hospital transmission process could be developed to address many of these issues and provide an acceptable alternative to commercially available systems. Methods: A faculty/student team designed an iPhone app that takes a photo of the ECG, centers the image and reduces image size to < 30 kb with minimal loss of detail. The image is then sent over cell phone networks to a secure server. Successful transmission is noted with visual and audio cues to the user. The app terminates the send cycle after 120 seconds if not successful. Average time to obtain and initiate ECG transmission is 8-11 seconds. Testing: App image transmission was compared to four different photo sizes utilizing three cell phone networks. Fifty standardized physical waypoints were utilized and multiple test cycles were completed at each waypoint, totaling over 1500 separate transmission attempts. Acceptable success was defined as transmission within 120 seconds. Results: Image transmission via the app consistently outperformed standard photo transmission of all size photos with the difference becoming more marked as photo file size increased. This effect was seen within all cell phone networks. The app was significantly faster, exhibited substantially less standard deviation and had less than a 0.5% failure rate at 120 seconds, compared to failure rates of 3%, 71.2% and 15.5% for full-sized photos on the three networks tested. Average transmission times were also documented. (See figure I). Conclusion: The iPhone app outperformed the standard photo-to-email process -even in high signal-intensity suburban environments. Phase II testing is now underway in rural areas and other signal-limited environments. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
U.S. government export control reform initiative — Impacts on satellites, space technology and aircraft

On May 14, 2014, the Department of State and Department of Commerce published final rules transferring certain satellites, satellite components and space technology from the United States Munitions List (USML) controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to the Commerce Control List (CCL) controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These rules are the product of extensive work between President Obama's Administration and Congress, in consultation with industry, to reform the regulations governing the export of satellites and satellite-related items. These changes are meant to reform the current export control regime to improve the competitiveness of industry while ensuring that sensitive technology is protected for national security reasons. [1]. Prior to the initiation of the Export Control Reform (ECR) Initiative in 2010, the U.S.'s export control system operated under 1970's statutory authorities and had been increased and changed by every President since President Kennedy, resulting in a complex, overregulated and bureaucratic system that inhibited U.S. businesses and universities from competing internationally [2]. In 1999, a satellite export ban was put in place after engineers working for American aerospace companies were accused of leaking sensitive missile technology to the Chinese government. Congress pushed to categorize communications satellites as weapons and initiated an export ban in order to keep China from learning more U.S. secrets [3]. As a result, all satellites, regardless of use, and all satellite components, parts, systems, and technologies had been controlled at the highest level under the Department of State's U. S. Munitions List (USML) until May 14, 2014 [3]. A 2012 report from the Aerospace Industries Association estimated that U.S. manufacturers lost $21 billion in satellite revenue from 1999–2009, costing the industry approximately 9,000 jobs each year. U.S. companies controlled 73 percent of the worldwide satellite export business in 1995, but by 2005 — just six years after the ban — that share had plummeted to 25 percent [3]. This paper will provide an update on the Export Control Reform Initiative, six years after it initially began, specifically focusing on changes to commercial satellite, space technology, and aircraft controls that have made a profound impact on government and industry.
Consumer Credit Regulation

In order to promulgate effective consumer credit regulation, policy makers must understand the factors behind the supply of and demand for consumer credit as well as the economic and sociological benefits and detriments of consumer borrowing and lending. After an explanation of each of these factors and of the various types of consumer finance, this chapter suggests a regulatory approach that will reduce the damage but allow beneficial transactions to continue to occur. This inquiry includes the burgeoning field of behavioral economics which seeks insight into how and why individuals make the decisions we make. The chapter also sheds light on the macro and micro sociological and economic impacts of these choices.
Advantages of SiGe-pnp over Si-pnp for analog and RF enhanced CBiCMOS and Complementary Bipolar design usage

The evolution of silicon and silicon-germanium pnp transistors is reviewed in this paper. The motivation for SiGe-pnp transistors in Complementary Bipolar (CBi) and CBiCMOS is discussed with a view on device parametric parameters that help gage the usefulness of these devices in analog and RF design. We review the basic process architectures and process building blocks for CBiCMOS. SiGe-pnp versus Si-pnp performance metrics are highlighted followed by a discussion on circuit blocks that benefit from having near matched complementary bipolar transistors.
At loggerheads over international bycatch: Initial effects of a unilaterally imposed bycatch reduction policy

Abstract The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) is the primary law that codifies marine fisheries management in United States federal waters. The MSA was amended in 2006 with Section 610, an international provision that directs the Secretary of Commerce to unilaterally identify foreign nations engaged in the incidental capture (bycatch) of protected living marine resources (PLMRs) under specific conditions. In 2013 the United States identified Mexico for bycatch of a PLMR – the North Pacific loggerhead turtle – representing the first time a nation has been identified for bycatch under section 610. This paper evaluates the initial effects of the identification on loggerhead bycatch management efforts in Mexico and provides policy recommendations for improving the law and its implementation. In the wake of the unilateral identification, Mexico downplayed and denied the bycatch problem that their agencies had previously accepted and cancelled a bycatch research partnership between their federal fisheries science agency and U.S. researchers. Moreover, fishers invested in bycatch reduction and monitoring programs ceased to participate, jeopardizing their understanding of the problem and their co-development of bycatch solutions. However, the identification and subsequent consultation process ultimately resulted in Mexico implementing federal loggerhead bycatch regulations that are temporarily comparable with relevant U.S. measures. These regulations establish a temporary fisheries reserve (authorized for two years) that includes monitoring of bycatch, a loggerhead bycatch mortality cap, temporal and spatial restrictions on fishing gear and practices, and a closure of all finfish fisheries during the summer of 2016. As a result, turtle bycatch was likely substantially reduced in 2016, but at the cost of artisanal fishers' entire seasonal income. Policy recommendations are made, highlighting the need to: 1) better assess the socioeconomic, political, and environmental consequences associated with using the threat of trade sanctions to compel nations to reduce their bycatch; and 2) facilitate a more consistent consideration of bycatch data across nations such that the current policy does not create a disincentive for other nations to assess or report PLMR bycatch.
Performance estimation for threat detection in CT systems

Detecting the presence of hazardous materials in suitcases and carry-on luggage is an important problem in aviation security. As the set of threats is expanding, there is a corresponding need to increase the capabilities of explosive detection systems to address these threats. However, there is a lack of principled tools for predicting the performance of alternative designs for detection systems. In this paper, we describe an approach for computing bounds on the achievable classification performance of material discrimination systems based on empirical statistics that estimate the f-divergence of the underlying features. Our approach can be used to examine alternative physical observation modalities and measurement configurations, as well as variations in reconstruction and feature extraction algorithms.
SDN/NFV futures: Moving beyond initial deployments

We provide a brief overview of Verizon's initial SDN/NFV deployments and then describe future directions being evaluated and implemented to expand the SDN/NFV infrastructure's usefullness. We will discuss ideas for implementing performance-sensitive VNFs, to include optical network elements, and using SDN/NFV to improve infrastructure security.
An efficient framework for rapid life assessment in industrial applications: Fatigue crack growth

Abstract In the last 30 years closed form solutions for stress intensity factors (Sih, 1973) [1] have been used extensively in crack propagation life assessment. While these low runtime solutions are very attractive for probabilistic type life assessments, they are constrained to simple geometries and loading conditions that would limit their application at component level. More recently, traditional 3D finite element techniques were developed to model incremental crack growth and estimate life. In contrast to the closed form solutions, finite element simulations can be more accurate capturing geometry and loading conditions but at a high runtime cost. An alternate method to make use of accurate 3D finite element based stress intensity factor solutions in a more efficient manner and to determine crack propagation life is proposed here. Bayesian hybrid modeling is utilized in this approach to provide a balance between the two techniques. Several Mode-I examples are presented herein to set a benchmark on accuracy and runtime efficiency of the proposed method.
Association of Lymph Node Density With Survival of Patients With Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Importance Lymph node metastases are common in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), yet the impact of nodal metastases on survival remains unclear. Lymph node density (LND) is the ratio between the number of positive lymph nodes excised and the total number of excised lymph nodes. Lymph node density has been suggested as a prognostic factor in many types of cancer. Objective To evaluate the prognostic role of LND in PTC. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study reviewed medical records of patients with PTC who were treated at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015. Survival and recurrence outcomes were calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Significant variables on univariate analysis were subjected to a Cox proportional hazards regression multivariate model. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary study outcome was disease-specific survival (DSS); other measurements included overall survival (OS). Results The study cohort included data for 2542 patients (1801 [71%] female; median age, 48 years [range, 18-97 years]) with a median follow-up of 55 months (range, 4-192 months). The 10-year disease-specific survival rate was 98% for patients with LND of 0.19 or less, compared with 90% for those with LND greater than 0.19 (effect size, 8%; 95% CI, 4%-15%). The 10-year overall survival was 87% for patients with LND of 0.19 or less, compared with 79% for patients with LND greater than 0.19 (effect size, 8%; 95% CI, 3%-15%). Multivariable analysis revealed that LND greater than 0.19 was independently associated with an adverse DSS (hazard ratio [HR], 4.11; 95% CI, 2.11-8.97) and OS (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.24-4.11). Subgroup analysis of patients with 18 or more lymph nodes analyzed revealed that LND greater than 0.19 remained a significant marker for DSS (HR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.36-9.81) and OS (HR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.12-5.34). Incorporating LND into the current American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system successfully stratified risk groups compared with the traditional TNM staging system. Conclusions and Relevance This single-institute study demonstrates the reproducibility of LND as a predictor of outcomes in PTC. Lymph node density can potentially assist in identifying patients with poorer survival who may benefit from more aggressive adjuvant therapy.
An Overview of Approaches for Genetic Monitoring of Humans

The subject of monitoring human populations for mutation has been much discussed in recent years and, I am pleased to say, some progress has been made in developing techniques and in implementing programs. Both the techniques and the programs are still very limited, and this review must still give more attention to possibilities than to existing programs.
Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth: Recent Reference Works in Religious Studies

Several useful multi-volume reference works have been published during the past 2 years. This review essay profiles several of these resources and introduces them to theological librarians and thei...
Synergistic effect of iron diselenide decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes for enhanced heterogeneous electron transfer and electrochemical hydrogen evolution

Abstract Iron diselenide (FeSe2) has been of recent interest as a potentially useful electrode material. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the synergistic effect between multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and FeSe2 in a form of MWCNT/FeSe2 composite, for the heterogeneous electron transfer (HET) reaction with the [Ru(NH3)6]3+/2+ redox probe and the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic media. Plain FeSe2 and the MWCNT/FeSe2 composite were synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method. Although all electrode materials (pristine MWCNT, FeSe2, and MWCNT/FeSe2) show a quasi-reversible electrode behavior, MWCNT/FeSe2 has a smaller peak separation potential and exhibits an enhanced HET rate constant, k0 = 5.4 × 10−3 cm/s, which is 3.2 and 1.6 times higher than that of FeSe2 and MWCNT, respectively. Similarly, the HER performance of the composite demonstrates a smaller Tafel slope of 70 mV/dec and a reduced overpotential. We anticipate that such promising outcome can be further improved by employing different morphologies of FeSe2 and engineered interaction with other conductive supports suitable for their applications in electrochemical sensing and energy conversion.
Looking at Architecture With Ruskin

widely been recognized, and not merely in the large and fascinating domain of psychology itself; in the employment of psychoanalysis in neighboring fields, such as history, there is much room for work and some hope for fame. Farber, I submit, has chosen another way: of correcting what needs no correction, certainly not in his way. It is, thus, only in the margins of his exposition, not in its heart, that Lying, Despair, Jealousy, Envy, Sex, Suicide, Drugs, and the Good Life is rewarding. There is no index.
The Economics of Sleep: An Application to Student Achievement

The economics of sleep has received relatively little attention in economics despite the fact that nearly a third of a person's life is spent in slumber. Results from other disciplines suggest that sleep affects productivity and the quality of life in general (Webb, 1993). Sleep patterns appear to have a genetic component, but individual choice also plays an important role (Webb, 1993; Benca, 1993; Partinen et al, 1983). Biddle and Hamermesh (1990) posit a simple economic model that accounts for the endogenous nature of sleep choice, but empirical work on the subject has been very limited. The causal effect of sleep on educational outcomes is of particular interest because of its effect on human capital formation. Although there has been no nationally representative study on the topic, small scale district and school level studies suggest that lack of sleep reduces attendance, increases tardiness, and lowers grades of adolescent students. Furthermore, lack of sleep in youth is correlated with health and behavioral problems such as moodiness, depression, difficulty controlling behavior, and increased frustration, all of which make learning in school difficult (National Sleep Foundation; Mitru, Millrood, and Mateika (2002)). In this paper we explore the relationship between sleep and student performance on standardized tests and other educational outcomes using nationally representative data. In contrast to previous work, we account for the potential endogeneity of sleep patterns on educational outcomes using an instrumental variables strategy. One unique instrument for sleep we have available is the start time of a student's school. Our study uses a unique data source to examine the relation between sleep patterns of adolescents and academic achievement. The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) recently released the results of the Child Development Supplement (CDS I and II). The CDS was developed was developed to gain information and understanding of the process of human capital formation within households. In the most recent wave, 2,017 families provide information on 2,908 children/adolescents aged 5-18 years. A unique feature of the CDS that we take advantage of is the Time Diary data. Survey respondents were asked to keep a time diary of all activities for 24 hours for one weekday day and one weekend day. We will use the detailed information contained in the time diary to learn about the sleep patterns of the respondents. The CDS also contains several measures of cognitive ability which we use as outcome variables: symbolic learning, comprehension and vocabulary skills, and mathematics. The CDS is also a rich source of information about the student and the student's family which we will use as control variables in our regressions.
A Computationally Efficient Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Algorithm with Guaranteed Stability

A novel Nonlinear Model Predictive Control algorithm is proposed for control of large nonlinear constrained systems. The basic idea is to calculate exactly the first control move, which is implemented, and approximate all other control moves which are never implemented. Regardless of the control horizon, the number of decision variables for the on-line optimization problem equals the number of manipulated variables, resulting in significant savings in on-line computational time. Asymptotic stability of the closed loop system is guaranteed if and only if the on-line optimization problem is feasible initially, under reasonable assumptions. The feasibility for a practical implementation of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on two examples including the Tennessee-Eastman Challenge problem involving ten inputs and ten outputs.
Book Review: Larry D. Kramer's 'The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial Review'

Larry Kramer’s The People Themselves: Popular Constitutionalism and Judicial Review (“The People”) provides a provocative account of the historical development of judicial review filtered through the lens of "Popular Constitutionalism," or popular sovereignty. In so doing, The People makes the case for eliminating the Supreme Court’s final interpretive authority over the Constitution by adding a fourth and final tier of review by the American public. Kramer argues that this correction is vital because it would allow the public to reclaim its diminishing role in the constitutional process.
Germinal-center-derived B-cell memory.

B cell memory is characterized by persistent levels of Ag-specific serum antibody (Ab) following immunization and the ability to rapidly produce Ab upon secondary Ag exposure1. During primary immune responses in mammals, B cell activation occurs within or at the border of T cell-rich periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths following cognate interaction with CD4 TH cells2,3. This interaction induces B lymphocytes to differentiate into either foci of antibody-forming cells (AFC) found in red pulp and follicular borders or germinal center (GC) B cells located within secondary follicles2, 3, 4. The primary foci response in mice is relatively short lived (5–10 days); in contrast, the GC response is a more sustained program of cellular differentiation in which extensive B cell proliferation, somatic hypermutation of IgV gene segments, and memory cell selection occurs4, 5, 6, 7, 8. While GC B cells are readily identified using cell surface attributes, no such markers have been identified on murine memory B cells. The inability to reliably identify memory B cells has hampered the study of memory B cell development and differentiation.
CHAPTER 58 – Signal Transduction of Cardiac Myocyte Hypertrophy

This chapter briefly discusses the molecular phenotype and the model systems of cardiac hypertrophy, and it discusses the signaling mechanisms of cell surface receptors, mainly those coupled with the G q isoform of trimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins—G-proteins—and intracellular signaling pathways that are likely to be involved in the phenotypic alteration of the cardiac myocyte in hypertrophic response. The cardiac myocyte intrinsically possesses the ability to undergo hypertrophy when exposed to mechanical stretch without extracardiac neurohumoral factors. Mechanical stretch of cardiac myocytes grown on an elastic silicone membrane is sufficient to induce a hypertrophic response, such as immediate-early gene induction, increase in protein synthesis, and fetal gene induction. The activation of the G q -coupled receptor cross-activates the EGF receptor and induces the increase in phosphotyrosine content in cardiac myocytes and activation of Ras, which is classically placed under the growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase pathway. The activated tyrosine kinase domain further phosphorylates multiple tyrosines of the receptor and adapter molecules, such as Shc and IRS 1, to create docking sites for the downstream molecules on, or near, the cytosolic surface of the plasma membrane. The mechanism for G q -mediated activation of the tyrosine kinase pathway may involve nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, such as Src, FAK, JAK, and PYK2 families, or cross-activation of receptor tyrosine kinases.
A Survey of GPU Implementations for Hyperspectral Image Classification in Remote Sensing

Effective classification algorithm is a key to extracting interesting and useful information from hyperspectral images (HSI). Many researchers have worked on developing effective algorithms for HSI...
Nuclear Motion in the Intramolecular Dihydrogen-Bound Regime of an Aminoborane Complex.

The 1,3-diaza-2,4-diborobutane (NBNB) molecule serves as the smallest model complex of an intramolecular “dihydrogen bond,” which involves a nominally hydrogen-bonding interaction between amine and borane hydrogen atoms. In the present study, the role of this dihydrogen bond in influencing the inherent molecular dynamics of NBNB is investigated computationally with ab initio molecular dynamics and path integral molecular dynamics techniques, as well as vibrational spectra analysis and static quantum chemistry computations. These simulations indicate that the dihydrogen-bonding interaction impacts both the high- and low-frequency motions of the molecule, with the dominant motions involving low-frequency backbone isomerization and terminal amine rotation. Geometric isotope effects were found to be modest. The analysis also addresses the paradoxical fostering of amine rotation via a relatively strong dihydrogen bond interaction. Electrostatic and geometric factors most directly explain this effect, and altho...
Reactionary Nationalism and Fascism: The German Case

This article focuses on the complex relationship between National Socialists and reactionary nationalists, including members and supporters of the conservative German National People’s Party and the conservative bourgeoisie between 1929 and the onset of World War II. Commonalities—such as a shared extreme nationalism, a preference for authoritarian solutions, support for rearmament, and strong revisionist goals regarding Versailles—are deceptive. The Nazis’ social revolutionary ideology fuelled their animosity towards the conservative establishment and led to ongoing political tensions. The Nazi-conservative relationship was lopsided since, despite Nazi attacks, conservatives sought to minimalize friction and basked in the illusion that the Nazis could be tamed despite clear signs to the contrary. With few exceptions, conservatives continued to cooperate with the National Socialist regime, even after the writing was on the wall in 1933.
8T SRAM Cell as a Multibit Dot-Product Engine for Beyond Von Neumann Computing

Large-scale digital computing almost exclusively relies on the von Neumann architecture, which comprises separate units for storage and computations. The energy-expensive transfer of data from the memory units to the computing cores results in the well-known von Neumann bottleneck. Various approaches aimed toward bypassing the von Neumann bottleneck are being extensively explored in the literature. These include in-memory computing based on CMOS and beyond CMOS technologies, wherein by making modifications to the memory array, vector computations can be carried out as close to the memory units as possible. Interestingly, in-memory techniques based on CMOS technology are of special importance due to the ubiquitous presence of field-effect transistors and the resultant ease of large-scale manufacturing and commercialization. On the other hand, perhaps the most important computation required for applications such as machine learning, etc., comprises the dot-product operation. Emerging nonvolatile memristive technologies have been shown to be very efficient in computing analog dot products in an in situ fashion. The memristive analog computation of the dot product results in much faster operation as opposed to digital vector in-memory bitwise Boolean computations. However, challenges with respect to large-scale manufacturing coupled with the limited endurance of memristors have hindered rapid commercialization of memristive-based computing solutions. In this paper, we show that the standard 8 transistor (8T) digital SRAM array can be configured as an analoglike in-memory multibit dot-product engine (DPE). By applying appropriate analog voltages to the read ports of the 8T SRAM array and sensing the output current, an approximate analog–digital DPE can be implemented. We present two different configurations for enabling multibit dot-product computations in the 8T SRAM cell array, without modifying the standard bit-cell structure. We also demonstrate the robustness of the present proposal in presence of nonidealities such as the effect of line resistances and transistor threshold voltage variations. Since our proposal preserves the standard 8T-SRAM array structure, it can be used as a storage element with standard read–write instructions and also as an on-demand analoglike dot-product accelerator.
Secretome-Based Prediction of Three-Dimensional Hepatic Microtissue Physiological Relevance

Early biomarkers for indication of the complex physiological relevance (CPR) of a three-dimensional (3D) tissue model are needed. CPR is detected late in culture and requires different analytical techniques. Albumin production, CYP3A4 expression, and formation of bile canaliculi structures are commonly used to compare in vitro hepatic cells to their in vivo counterpart. A universal biomarker independent of cell type would bring this to a common detection platform. We make the case that these hepatic characteristics are not sufficient to differentiate traditional (2D) cell culture from the more complex 3D culture. We explored cytokine secretion profile (secretome) for its potential as a 3D early culture biomarker. PDGF-AB/BB and VEGF were found to be upregulated in 3D compared to 2D cultures at early time points (day 3 and 4). These observations provide a foundation upon which in vivo validation of cytokines can lead to physiologically relevant 3D in vitro cell culture.
GFCCLib: Scalable and efficient coupled-cluster Green's function library for accurately tackling many-body electronic structure problems

Abstract Coupled-cluster Green's function (GFCC) calculation has drawn much attention in the recent years for targeting the molecular and material electronic structure problems from a many-body perspective in a systematically improvable way. However, GFCC calculations on scientific computing clusters usually suffer from expensive higher dimensional tensor contractions in the complex space, expensive inter-process communication, and severe load imbalance, which limits it's use for tackling electronic structure problems. Here we present a numerical library prototype that is specifically designed for large-scale GFCC calculations. The design of the library is focused on a systematically optimal computing strategy to improve its scalability and efficiency. The performance of the library is demonstrated by the relevant profiling analysis of running GFCC calculations on remote giant computing clusters. The capability of the library is highlighted by computing a wide near valence band of a fullerene C60 molecule for the first time at the GFCCSD level that shows excellent agreement with the experimental spectrum. Program summary Program Title: GFCCLib CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/j594wydctd.1 Code Ocean capsule: https://doi.org/10.24433/CO.5131827.v1 Licensing provisions: MIT License Programming language: C++ Nature of problem: The applications of coupled cluster Green's function on large scale molecular electronic structure problems suffer from expensive higher dimensional tensor contractions in the complex space, expensive inter-process communication, and severe load imbalance. Tackling these issues are a key step in building high-performance coupled cluster Green's function library for its routine use in large scale molecular science. Solution method: We have developed a C++ library for large scale molecular GFCC calculations on high-performance computing clusters. We provide implementations for high dimensional tensor algebra for many-body methods (TAMM), Cholesky decomposition of high dimensional electron repulsion integral tensors, process group technique for mitigating load imbalance. The library is written in C++. The source code, tutorials and documentation are provided online. A continuous integration mechanism is set up to automatically run a series of regression tests and check code coverage when the codebase is updated.
The Public’s Influence on the U.S. District Courts in Discrimination Cases

Do judges follow public opinion when they decide cases that present related issues over which the public has differing ideological views? This study addresses this question by comparing the U.S. Di...
Crowdsourcing Exams to Increase Student Engagement in an Online Information Technology Class: An Experience Report

To achieve better success rates in online courses, we need to cultivate student engagement. Students learn more when they are actively engaged. However, most instructors still use traditional lecture methods. Because instructors have not embraced active learning in their face-to-face classes, many are finding it challenging to incorporate active learning into their courses as they move online. Prior research has found that although students learn more from active learning activities, they do not feel like they are learning more, which can have a detrimental impact to their satisfaction with the activity and the course. Studies have found that with more training and promotion, students’ attitudes can change; however, this takes additional time and effort which instructors and students can find discouraging. Our research reports on the experience of using a crowdsourcing activity to create exam questions. Without any promotion from the instructor, students reported that this activity helped them feel engaged with the course materials and helped them learn. We discuss the contributing factors that added to student positivity, as well as challenges in adopting this active learning method.
Evaluating the risk of QTc prolongation associated with hydroxychloroquine use with antidepressants in lupus patients with fibromyalgia.

ObjectiveHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to its immunomodulatory properties. Antidepressants are commonly used in patients with fibro...
Party Competition between Unequals: AN UNEQUAL BATTLE OF OPPOSING FORCES: MAINSTREAM PARTY STRATEGIES AND THE SUCCESS OF THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL PARTY

There is a changing mood in Scotland. Every Liberal, Socialist, of which ever variety of Socialist you mean, every Conservative has changed over the last few years, and we must accept that those changes are in part a response to some of the things that the Scottish National Party have been saying.…If we do not recognise it and we do not do something about it, the Scottish National Party is sitting there, vulture-like, hairy kneed vulture-like, waiting to pounce. And pounce it did. By the time Alistair Smith issued this warning to his fellow members of the Conservative Party in 1976, the Scottish National Party had already emerged as an unexpected and almost unstoppable force. Although it never gained a national average of more than 3 percent, its true menace is revealed in the vote percentages it obtained in Scottish seats – the seats in which it competed. Between 1970 and 1997, the SNP consistently captured more than 11 percent of the vote in Scotland, with an average vote of 18.8 percent. In the October 1974 General Election, it achieved its peak vote of 30.4 percent, just 6 percentage points shy of Labour's electoral plurality. In this same election, the ethnoterritorial party surpassed the Conservatives to become the second most popular party in Scotland. Although support for the SNP would decline somewhat in the 1980s, the party reasserted its strength on the Scottish electoral scene in the 1990s.
Licht und Leben

Von dem Augenblick an, wo der primitive Mensch eigene Moglichkeiten in sich fuhlte, den Fugungen seiner Umgebung zu widerstehen, war und ist er bemuht, fur sich und seine Nachkommen eine kunstliche Welt aufzubauen. Standig ist er daran, die Geheimnisse der Natur zu erforschen und sie seinen Zwecken dienlich zu machen. Das der Mensch ein Geschopf der Natur ist und von ihren Gesetzen abhangig bleibt, ist wohl eine unumstosliche Erkenntnis; trotzdem muste er auf Grund der Kenntnis dieser Gesetze und der durch die naturliche Umgebung empfangenen Eindrucke imstande sein, sich eine bessere Umwelt zurechtzuzimmern, als sie ihm die Natur von Anfang an zugewiesen hat.
Magnetization Transfer Imaging

Although conventional MRI cannot establish the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques are making it possible to study these processes in vivo. Among the quantitative MRI techniques, magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) has been the most extensively applied to the assessment of multiple sclerosis (MS), due to its sensitivity to the most destructive pathological substrates of the disease. This chapter outlines the major contributions of MTI in detecting and monitoring neurodegeneration in MS and other CNS diseases.
Iconicity and Viewpoint in Determining Word Order in Japanese Dative Construction

While some linguists in earlier work consider this alternation, which is often referred to as “dative shift,” to be an optional movement, recently a number of scholars have pointed out some semantic, discourse-pragmatic and cognitive factors that influence this alternation, such as: context, animacy, referentiality, topicality, accessibility and weight or heaviness of NPs (e.g. Collins 1995; Givon 1984; Smyth, et al. 1979; Thompson and Koide 1987; Thompson 1990, 1995; Wierzbicka 1986). Japanese also has three-argument dative clauses which have at least two possible orderings: goal-patient or patient-goal as demonstrated in (2):
Location, Location, Location: The Impact of Guideline Grid Location on the Value of Sentencing Enhancements

A long literature provides empirical estimates of differential treatment (by race and other factors) in the criminal justice system, taking sentencing rules as given. This article considers the disparate impact of the rules, rather than their implementation, by providing a quantitative assessment of the Maryland sentencing grid for person offenses using the distribution of defendants on the grid. The basic insight is that movement along the grid itself (either across rows or across columns) is nonlinear in sentence lengths (in both absolute magnitudes and percent terms). As a result, an additional point results in a different increase in the recommended sentence length depending on the other factors that are present. Because the distribution of factors is not random, factors like weapon use that appear to have equal weight in the formula developed by policymakers turn out to have very different weights in practice.
Some Effects of Acth, Cortisone, Progesterone and Testosterone on Sebaceous Glands in the White Rat1

Sebaceous glands which are relatively small during childhood start to grow rapidly with the onset of puberty. At the same time there is a considerable increase in the amount of sebum excreted to the skin surface. This sebaceous gland hyper function is the cause of seborrhea in adolescents and is a maj or component of juvenile acne vulgaris.
The Future of Social Work in the United States: Implications for Field Education

This article discusses six major developments shaping the future of social work practice and education in the United States, with particular attention to their implications for field education. These include economic globalization, the changing political climate, the growing use of technology, demographic shifts and their impact on cities, the changing nature of social service agencies, and changes in universities. The article analyzes how these sweeping changes compel social work educators to reassess their underlying assumptions and, based upon this analysis, suggests some calculated risks to take.
Determination of therapeutic oligonucleotides using capillary gel electrophoresis

Oligonucleotides have developed into highly versatile and selective therapeutics over the past 20 years. More than five discrete mechanisms of action have been reported and more than 10 different chemical modifications have been used to extend their in vivo half-life and reduce their toxicity. Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) has been used extensively for the quantitative analysis of oligonucleotide therapeutics in both preclinical and clinical studies since the 1990s. The success of CGE is based on its extraordinary resolving power, which allows for the simultaneous determination of the parent drug and its metabolites. More recently, capillary gel electrophoresis has seen renewed interest with the emergence of replaceable gels with single-base resolving power and new capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry interfaces. This review discusses the bioanalysis of therapeutic oligonucleotides showing the evolution of the field over the past two decades leading to the current new approaches. Included in this review are topics such as different gel types, sample introduction modes, sample extraction procedures, separation conditions and detection methods used in CGE, along with discussions of the successes and limitations associated with each. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algorithm for simulation of nonlinear mechanical systems using energy and force similarity of its elements

Abstract An algorithm, based upon energy and force equilibrium, is proposed to evaluate the frequency response characteristics of nonlinear mechanical systems with symmetric and asymmetric dissipative and restoring elements. Dual stage dampers and hardening springs with symmetric or asymmetric characteristics are characterized by an array of local equivalent linear coefficients, using the methodology based upon principle of energy similarity. Frequency response characteristics of a dynamical system comprising nonlinear symmetric and asymmetric damping and hardening spring are evaluated, and compared to those determined from direct integration of the nonlinear system equations. An error analysis is performed to determine the magnitude of error between the nonlinear and local equivalent linear forces. The average force error is then integrated within the local equivalent algorithm to achieve the force similarity between the nonlinear and linear elements. The results revealed that the proposed algorithm can accurately estimate the frequency response characteristics of the nonlinear systems in a highly efficient manner. The algorithm based upon energy similarity alone yields slight error near the resonant frequencies, while the analysis based on the combined energy and force similarity can reduce this error considerably.
Comparison of the effects of lower monohydric alcohols and inositol hexaphosphate on the oxidation of hemoglobin by menadione.

Abstract Analyses of optical absorption spectra show that the lower monohydric alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1- and 2-propanol and 1-butanol) exert two distinct effects upon the oxidation of oxyhemoglobin by menadione. As chain length increases from one to three carbons, the rate of oxidation decreases. In contrast, as chain length increases, hemichrome production is enhanced along with the tendency for the oxidized hemoglobin to precipitate. Inositol hexaphosphate, which shifts the hemogiobin-oxygen dissociation curve far to the right, also increases the rate of oxidation. However, the ability of methanol and ethanol to alter oxidation rates is greater than that of IHP, and does not correlate with their effect on oxygen affinity. The effect of these alcohols on rate of oxidation appears related primarily to their capacity for direct binding to the ferric iron-heme complex as it forms. Increased hemichrome formation, in higher alcohols, and subsequent precipitation, is primarily a solvent effect associated with increasing hydrophobicity. Menadione-induced oxidation may require deoxyhemoglobin in the presence of a small amount of oxygen in order to proceed.