cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Trickle-Down Effect: Web Caching and Server Request Distribution

Web proxies and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are widely used to accelerate Web content delivery and to conserve Internet bandwidth. These caching agents are highly effective for static content, which is an important component of all Web-based services. This paper explores the effect of ubiquitous Web caching on the request patterns seen by other components of an end-to-end content delivery architecture, including Web server clusters and interior caches. In particular, object popularity distributions in the Web tend to be Zipf-like, but caches disproportionately absorb requests for the most popular objects, changing the reference properties of the filtered request stream in fundamental ways. We call this the trickle-down effect. This paper uses trace-driven simulation and synthetic traffic patterns to illustrate the trickle-down effect and to investigate its impact on other components of a content delivery architecture, focusing on the implications for request distribution strategies in server clusters.
Sharp Estimates in Smoothing Theorems for Schrödinger Semigroups

The smoothing properties of Schrodinger semigroups, e−tH, H=−12Δ+V, on the scale of Bessel potential spaces Lp, α are studied. We strengthen the (Lp−Lp, α)-smoothing theorem due to M. A. Kon and the author. The new version of this theorem contains a sharp time-estimate for the norm of the semigroup e−tH. We also get an estimate for the constants arising in the form-boundedness inequality for the Kato class potentials.
In vitro and in vivo characterization of a 99mTc complex with tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine (THP)

Abstract The water-soluble, monophosphine ligand tris (hydroxymethyl)phosphine (THMP) was complexed with 99m Tc. The 99m Tc-THMP was formed in high radiochemical purity by simply mixing 99m TcO 4 − with THMP over a wide pH range. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated the complex to be highly stable under the respective conditions. HPLC analysis indicated a singular species with a retention time identical to the known [ReO 2 (THMP) 4 ]I complex. Results show that the hydroxymethylphosphine functionality is attractive for use in designing new 99m Tc radiopharmaceuticals.
The median voter and the median consumer: Local private goods and population composition

Abstract When a product's product provision entails fixed costs, it will be made available only if a sufficient number of people want it. Some products are produced and consumed locally, so that provision requires not only a large group favoring the product but a large number nearby. Just as local governments provide public goods appealing to individuals sharing the median voter's preferences for local public goods, product markets may provide an analogous benefit to individuals sharing living communities whose consumers tend to share his preferences in private goods. Using zip code level data on chain restaurants and restaurants overall, this paper documents how the mix of locally available restaurants responds to the local mix of consumers, with three findings. First, based on survey data on chain restaurant patronage, restaurant preferences differ substantially by race and education. Second, there is a strong relationship between restaurants and population at the zip code level, suggesting that restaurants' geographic markets are small. Finally, the mix of locally available chain restaurants is sensitive to the zip code demographic mix by race and by education. Hence, differentiated product markets provide a benefit—proximity to preferred restaurants—to persons in geographic markets whose customers tend to share their preferences.
Direct distance measures in factor analysis spectral resolution

A factor analysis algorithm that estimates the spectra of mixture components using the set of most dissimilar rows and/or columns is described and illustrated. This algorithm uses the distance as a measure of spectral similarity and is suitable for application to a variety of the bilinear matrix-formatted data types produced by hyphenated and multidimensional analytical techniqes. The algorithm requires that the data matrix contain at least one row or column that corresponds to the pure spectrum of each component to effect accurate spectral resolution. The performance of the method is illustrated using the resolution of excitation and emission spectra of up to four components from experimental fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEMs). In the case of the EEM, characteristic bands in an emission spectrum effect resolution of the excitation spectrum of the corresponding component, while characteristic bands in an excitation spectrum lead to resolution of the corresponding emission spectrum. The use of the set of most dissimilar rows and columns to evaluate the degree of overlap in the component spectra and compare the quality of row and column solutions is also described.
Social Borderers: Themes of Conflict and Ambiguity in Greek Folk-song

Abstract The ‘Akritic cycle’ of Greek folk-songs consists of those texts in which scholars have found thematic resemblances to the epic poem of Digenes. The name Digenes itself has not been an essential criterion for the inclusion of a song in this category, although many of the songs do boast at least one seemingly Byzantine name; in a few cases, the name is that of Digenes; and other forms have been somewhat debatably claimed as corruptions of the latter. Like all learned taxonomies, the Akritic rubric involves a measure of distortion or oversimplification. True, the thematic resemblances exist, and are rarely likely to be the outcome of pure coincidence; but they can be matched against other, hardly less compelling similarities which violate the boundaries of the Akritic category.
Crystallization in oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers. I. Fundamental aspects

The nature of crystallization- and mobility-induced changes during annealing of melt-spun poly(ethylene terephthalate) precursor fibers of a range of orientations has been examined. The kinetics of crystallization and the accompanying orientational changes have been studied under conditions of constant, low tensile stress, with the accompanying dimensional changes and under a constraint against shrinkage in length, with the stress developed being monitored. The effects of precursor orientation and externally imposed constraints on the course of the fundamental crystallization and orientational relaxation processes are revealed. Oriented crystallization has been shown to have a significant effect on the stress developed and on the dimensions of oriented precursor fibers, with a strong tendency to spontaneously extend as a consequence of the reorientation of crystallizing segments predominantly along the preferred fiber direction. The sequence in which crystallization and major orientational relaxation, if any, occur is found to have a profound effect on the structure and thus the deformability of oriented fibers after annealing above the glass transition temperature.
Renaissance and renewal in management studies: Relevance regained

The study of management began many decades ago with close connections between research and practice and, in many instances, with a reformist orientation focused on improving the well-being of all organizational stakeholders. However, over time research has shifted to focus primarily on economic outcomes such as profits, productivity, and shareholder well-being as the dependent variables of most interest. Management research is also increasingly entranced with theory for its own sake and less interested in the concerns of professional practice. The renewal of management as an academic discipline can be accomplished primarily by making management research relevant again, a task that has important implications for both journals and faculty career processes. Increasing the relevance of management also entails more replication so there is more confidence in findings as well as greater attention to the social concerns - for instance, the well-being of employees - that stimulated much early management scholarship.
Implications of in situ thrombosis and distal embolization during superficial femoral artery endoluminal intervention.

Background Endoluminal therapy for superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusive disease is commonplace, but the incidence and outcomes of in situ thrombosis (IST) and distal embolization (DE) have not been well defined. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of IST and DE on long-term outcomes of SFA interventions. Methods A database of patients undergoing endovascular treatment of the SFA was queried. Patients who developed either IST treated by pharmacomechanical lytic therapy or DE were selected and compared to those without either event (control). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to assess time-dependent outcomes, with 2-year outcomes reported. Factor analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazard model for time-dependent variables. Results There were 818 limbs that underwent endovascular treatment for symptomatic SFA disease (59% for claudication and 41% rest pain and tissue loss). In the control group, 69% underwent angioplasty, 16% underwent primary stenting, and 15% underwent laser/directional atherectomy. In the IST group, these numbers were 41%, 28%, and 31%, respectively, while in the DE group they were 35%, 32%, and 33%, respectively. Overall the rates were 7.3% with 3.5% suffering IST (all treated with lytic therapy) and 3.8% suffering DE (68% treated percutaneously and the remainder treated by embolectomy). Females were more likely to experience either event. Compared to the control group, only one-third of the patients who suffered DE had primary angioplasty, whlle the remainder underwent primary stenting or laser/directional atherectomy. There was no difference in primary, assisted primary, or secondary patency rates between the control and DE groups. DE resulted in significantly lower limb salvage (87 ± 2% vs. 68 ± 8%, control vs. DE, p Conclusion DE during SFA interventions is associated with limb loss independently of preoperative runoff and subsequent intervention while the use pharmacomechanical lytic therapy for IST is associated with loss of patency but equivalent limb salvage and freedom from recurrent symptoms.
Beyond threaded discussion: Representational guidance in asynchronous collaborative learning environments

Although most online learning environments are predominately text based, researchers have argued that representational support for the conceptual structure of a problem would address problems of coherence and convergence that have been shown to be associated with threaded discussions and more effectively support collaborative knowledge construction. The study described in this paper sets out to investigate the merits of knowledge mapping representations as an adjunct to or replacement for threaded discussion in problem solving by asynchronously communicating dyads. Results show that users of knowledge maps created more hypotheses earlier in the experimental sessions and elaborated on them more than users of threaded discussions. Participants using knowledge maps were more likely to converge on the same conclusion and scored significantly higher on post-test questions that required integration of information distributed across dyads in a hidden profile design, suggesting that there was greater collaboration during the session. These results were most consistent when a knowledge map with embedded notes was the primary means of interaction rather than when it augmented a threaded discussion. The paper also offers a methodological contribution: a paradigm for practical experimental study of asynchronous collaboration. It is crucial to understand how to support collaborative knowledge construction in the asynchronous settings prevalent in online learning, yet prior experimental research has focused on face-to-face and synchronous collaboration due to the pragmatic problems of conducting controlled studies of asynchronous interaction. A protocol is outlined that enables study of asynchronous collaboration in a controlled setting.
Identification of FIP200 interaction with the TSC1–TSC2 complex and its role in regulation of cell size control

FIP200 (focal adhesion kinase [FAK] family interacting protein of 200 kD) is a newly identified protein that binds to the kinase domain of FAK and inhibits its kinase activity and associated cellular functions. Here, we identify an interaction between FIP200 and the TSC1–TSC2 complex through FIP200 binding to TSC1. We found that association of FIP200 with the TSC1–TSC2 complex correlated with its ability to increase cell size and up-regulate S6 kinase phosphorylation but was not involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous FIP200 by RNA interference reduced S6 kinase phosphorylation and cell size, which required TSC1 but was independent of FAK. Furthermore, overexpression of FIP200 reduced TSC1–TSC2 complex formation, although knockdown of endogenous FIP200 by RNA interference did not affect TSC1–TSC2 complex formation. Lastly, we showed that FIP200 is important in nutrient stimulation-induced, but not energy- or serum-induced, S6 kinase activation. Together, these results suggest a cellular function of FIP200 in the regulation of cell size by interaction with the TSC1–TSC2 complex.
On Analog Computer Generation of Continuous Functions

The generation of continuous functions by approximating them by solutions of linear constant-coefficient ordinary differential equations is discussed. The coefficients and initial conditions for these "differential approximations" can be found using "quasilinearization." An application to the problem of generating Bessel functions is described.
Scaling the spectral beam combining channels in a multiplexed volume Bragg grating

In order to generate high power laser radiation it is often necessary to combine multiple lasers into a single beam. The recent advances in high power spectral beam combining using multiplexed volume Bragg gratings recorded in photo-thermo-refractive glass are presented. The focus is on using multiple gratings recorded within the same volume to lower the complexity of the combining system. Combining of 420 W with 96% efficiency using a monolithic, multiplexed double grating recorded in PTR glass is demonstrated. A multiplexed quadruple grating that maintains high efficiency and good beam quality is demonstrated to pave a way for further scaling of combining channels.
Dynamic Decision and Data-Driven Strategies for the Optimal Management of Subsurface Geo-Systems*

Effective geo-system management involves understanding of the interplay between surface entities (e.g., locations of injection and production wells in an oil reservoir) and appropriately effecting subsurface characteristics. This in turn requires efficient integration of complex numerical models of the environment, optimization procedures, and decision making processes. The dynamic, data-driven application systems (DDDAS) paradigm offers a promising framework to address this requirement. To achieve this goal, we have developed advanced multi-physics, multi-scale, and multi-block numerical models and autonomic systems software for dynamic, data-driven applications systems. This work has enabled a new generation of data-driven, interactive and dynamically adaptive strategies for subsurface characterization and management. These strategies have been applied to different aspects of subsurface management in strategically important application areas, including simulation-based optimization for the optimal oil w...
Surface and profile soil moisture spatio-temporal analysis during an excessive rainfall period in the Southern Great Plains, USA

In this work we analyze the temporal stability of soil moisture at the field and watershed scales in the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW), as part of the remote sensing Cloud and Land Surface Interaction Campaign (CLASIC07) during June 2007 in south-central Oklahoma. Temporal stability of surface and profile soil moisture data were investigated for 20 LWREW soil moisture measurement stations. In addition, daily surface and profile soil moisture measurements were obtained in four 800 m by 800 m fields (remote sensing footprint), including two rangeland sites and two winter wheat fields. The work aimed to analyze the temporal stability of soil moisture at the watershed and field scale and to identify stations within the watershed, as well as locations within each field, that were representative of the mean areal soil moisture content. We also determined the relationship between sites found to be temporally stable for surface soil moisture versus those determined stable for average profile soil moisture content. For the unusually wet experimental period, results at the watershed scale show that LWREW stations 133 and 134 provided stable underestimates, while stations 132 and 154 provided stable overestimates of the watershed mean at all depths. In addition, station 136 had very high non-zero temporal stability at the 25 cm and 45 cm depths indicating that it could be used as representative watershed site provided a constant offset value is used to acquire a watershed mean soil water content value. In general, the deeper depths exhibited higher soil moisture spatial variability, as indicated by the higher standard deviations. At the field scale, measured average profile soil moisture was higher in the winter wheat fields than the rangeland fields with the majority of the winter wheat depth intervals having high non-zero temporal stability. Field scale temporal stability analysis revealed that 4 of the 16 sampling sites in the rangeland fields and 3 of the 16 sampling sites in the winter wheat fields either under or overestimated the field means in the 0–5 and 0–60 cm depth intervals. Field sites considered temporally stable for the surface soil moisture were not stable for the profile soil moisture, except for the LW45 field where two sites were stable at both the surface and profile soil moisture. This finding is significant in terms of soil moisture ground-truth sampling for calibrating and validating airborne remotely sensed soil moisture products under extremely wet conditions. In addition, identification of temporally stable sites at the watershed and field scales in the LWREW provide insight in determining future measurement station locations and field scale ground sampling protocol, as well as providing data sets for hydrologic modeling.
Spectral patterns and ultrafast dynamics in planar acetylene

A diabatic correlation diagram procedure is used to classify energy and intensity patterns in a planar model for coupled stretches and bends of acetylene using an effective spectroscopic fitting Hamiltonian. Analysis with polyad phase spheres accounts for the observed patterns in terms of classical phase space structure and bifurcations of the normal modes.
Kinetics of irreversible dissociation for proteins bound cooperatively to DNA

We consider the irreversible dissociation kinetics of proteins that bind cooperatively and nonspecifically to DNA. Our model consists of an infinitely long one-dimensional nucleic acid lattice on which are bound protein ligands. A set of adjacent bound proteins forms a cluster of length n. A protein molecule may dissociate from any site within the bound cluster, not only from the ends, as was assumed in a previous model of this process due to Lohman [(1983) Biopolymers22, 1697–1713]. By considering this additional pathway, we present a more general treatment of the dissociation kinetics of cooperatively bound ligands. We show that dissociation from the (n−2) internal positions of an n-cluster is an important pathway when the initial fractional saturation of the lattice is close to unity and the co operatively is low. When the fractional saturation is initially equal to 1 and the co operatively is low, our model does not give the zero-order dissociation kinetics predicted by the Lohman model.
Neural-Network Implementation Of A Scan-To-Scan Correlation Algorithm

This paper presents a neural-network approach to the problem of multi-target tracking. The problem is formulated analytically in terms of desired optima and constraints that make it suitable for solution using the neural-network formalism of Hopfield-Tank. The results of computer simulations of a network designed to solve the problem are presented.
Where Is the Evidence? A Systematic Review of Shared Decision Making and Patient Outcomes

Background. Despite widespread advocacy for shared decision making (SDM), the empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness to improve patient outcomes has not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the empirical evidence linking patient outcomes and SDM, when the decision-making process has been explicitly measured, and to identify under what measurement perspectives SDM is associated with which types of patient outcomes (affective-cognitive, behavioral, and health). Data Sources. PubMed (through December 2012) and hand search of article bibliographies. Study Selection. Studies were included if they empirically 1) measured SDM in the context of a patient-clinician interaction and 2) evaluated the relationship between SDM and at least 1 patient outcome. Data Extraction. Study results were categorized by SDM measurement perspective (patient-reported, clinician-reported, or observer-rated) and outcome type (affective-cognitive, behavioral, or health). Data Synt...
Flow-net methodology for accountability in wireless networks

Accountability implies that any entity should be held responsible for its own specific action or behavior so that the entity is part of larger chains of accountability. One of the goals of accountability is that once an event has transpired, the events that took place are traceable so that the causes can be determined afterward. The poor accountability provided by today's computers and networks wastes a great deal of money and effort; examples include activities to identify whether a system is under reconnaissance or attack, and the difficulties of distinguishing legitimate emails from phishing attacks. This is due to the simple fact that today's computing and network infrastructure was not built with accountability in mind. In this article we propose a novel methodology called flow-net for accountability. We apply this methodology to media access control and routing layers in wireless networks. We then compare the performance of flow-net with audit log files. This article presents a novel approach for traffic data collection that can also be used for forensics and intrusion detection purposes.
Effect of increased concentration of D-glucose or L-fucose on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cell monolayers and activation of nuclear factor-[kappa ]B☆

Abstract Increased adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells has been linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis in humans with diabetes. Previous studies have shown that increased concentration of glucose and subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species and the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-[kappa ]B (NF-[kappa ]B) may mediate this response. However, our studies have shown that in addition to glucose, other monosaccharides, such as L -fucose, which is increased in circulation in diabetes, may also contribute to the development of diabetic complications. In these studies, we examined the effect of an increased concentration of L-fucose on monocyte adhesion to cultured bovine aorta endothelial cells. Exposing cultured bovine aorta endothelial cells to an increased concentration of either glucose or L -fucose caused a concentration-dependent increase in adhesion of monocytes. The increase in monocyte adhesion induced by glucose or L -fucose was preceded by the activation to NF-[kappa ]B and the generation of reactive oxygen species. The combination of glucose and L -fucose at a submaximal concentration did not appear to have an additive effect on the induction of monocyte adhesion. The addition of [alpha ]-lipoic acid partially prevented the glucose and L -fucose[ndash ]induced activation of NF-[kappa ]B, generation of reactive oxygen species, and increase in monocyte adhesion. This suggests that the effect of an increased concentration of glucose or L -fucose on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells is at least partially due to the production oxygen-derived free radicals. Furthermore, these studies provide evidence that monosaccharides other than glucose that are increased in the circulation of humans with diabetes may contribute to vascular defects in diabetes.
An examination of the benefits of health promotion programs for the national fire service

Firefighters suffer from high prevalence of obesity, substandard fitness, and cardiovascular-related deaths. There have been a limited number of firefighter health promotion programs that have been developed and empirically-tested for this important occupational group. We evaluated the health of firefighters from departments with well-developed health promotion programs and compared them with those from departments not having such programs using a large national sample of career fire departments that varied in size and mission. We measured a broad array of important individual firefighter health outcomes (e.g., body composition, physical activity, and general and behavioral health) consistent with national fire service goals and addressed significant statistical limitations unaccounted for in previous studies. Using the approach of purposive sampling of heterogeneous instances, we selected and conducted a national evaluation of 10 departments already implementing wellness and fitness programs (Wellness Approach; WA) with 10 departments that did not (Standard). Participants were 1,002 male firefighters (WA n = 522; Standard n = 480) who underwent assessments including body composition, fitness, and general/behavioral health (e.g., injury, depressive symptoms). Firefighters in WA departments were healthier than their Standard department counterparts. For example, they were less likely to be obese (adjusted [A]OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.41-0.82), more likely to meet endurance capacity standards for firefighting (AOR = 5.19; 95% CI = 2.49-10.83) and have higher estimated VO2max (40.7 ± 0.6 vs. 37.5 ± 1.3 for firefighters in Standard departments; p = 0.001). In addition, WA firefighter were substantially less likely to smoke (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.17-0.54) or ever have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.14-0.52) and they expressed higher job satisfaction across several domains. However, WA firefighters were somewhat more likely to have reported an injury to Workers’ Compensation (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.05-2.90). It was notable that both groups evidenced high prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and binge drinking. Firefighters in departments selected based on having strong wellness programs (WA) were healthier along a number of dimensions important to firefighter wellness and operational readiness. However, several health areas require greater attention including problematic alcohol consumption and smokeless tobacco use, suggesting that more emphasis on these behavioral health issues is needed in the fire service.
Phonological Awareness: Explicit Instruction for Young Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children.

The goal of this study was to explore the development of spoken phonological awareness for deaf and hard-of-hearing children (DHH) with functional hearing (i.e., the ability to access spoken language through hearing). Teachers explicitly taught five preschoolers the phonological awareness skills of syllable segmentation, initial phoneme isolation, and rhyme discrimination in the context of a multifaceted emergent literacy intervention. Instruction occurred in settings where teachers used simultaneous communication or spoken language only. A multiple-baseline across skills design documented a functional relation between instruction and skill acquisition for those children who did not have the skills at baseline with one exception; one child did not meet criteria for syllable segmentation. These results were confirmed by changes on phonological awareness tests that were administered at the beginning and end of the school year. We found that DHH children who varied in primary communication mode, chronological age, and language ability all benefited from explicit instruction in phonological awareness.
Role of arachidonic acid lipoxygenase metabolites in acetylcholine-induced relaxations of mouse arteries

Arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites function as EDHFs in arteries of many species. They mediate cyclooxygenase (COX)- and nitric oxide (NO)-independent relaxations to acetylcholine (ACh). However, th...
Amylo-Oligosaccharide Formation from B. stearothermophilus α-Amylase Action on Starches

The action of α-amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus on starches is distinguished by early dominant quantities of maltohexaose (DP6), followed by its erosion and increases in amylo-oligosaccharides with various degrees of polymerization (DP): maltose (DP2), maltotriose (DP3) and maltopentose (DP5). Amylolysis of the starches at high substrate concentrations (20-30%) and elevated temperature (95°C) gave yields of 11–31% maltohexaose in the hydrolysate compositions. The a-amylolysis of jet-cooked ordinary, waxy and high-amylose corn starches is greater with the high-amylose starch than with the starches containing increasing quantities of amylopectin. Starch derivatives with hydroxypropyl groups greatly reduced amylolysis, but these groups did not alter the action patterns.
A BIST Technique for Crosstalk Noise Detection in FPGAs

As integrated circuits are migrated to more advanced technologies, it has become clear that crosstalk noise is an important phenomenon that must be taken into account. Also, crosstalk noise has emerged as a serious problem in recent years, because more and more devices and wires have been packed on electronic chips. Despite being more immune to crosstalk noise than their ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) counterparts, the dense interconnected structures of FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) invite more vulnerabilities to crosstalk noise. Due to the lack of electrical detail concerning FPGA devices it is quite difficult to test the faults caused by crosstalk noise. This paper proposes a new approach for detecting effects such as glitches and delays in transition due to crosstalk noise in FPGAs. This approach is similar to the BIST (built-in self test) technique in that it incorporates the test pattern generator to generate the test vectors and the analyzer to analyze the crosstalk faults without any extra overhead for testing.
Closed form evaluation of time domain fields due to Rao-Wilton-Glisson sources for use in marching-on-in-time based EFIE solvers

Often, spatial Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG) functions with polynomial temporal signatures are used in the construction of marching-on-in-time (MOT) based electric field integral equation (EFIE) solvers. While the efficient evaluation of fields generated by RWG sources with time-harmonic temporal dependence has been studied extensively, the same is not true for transient RWG sources. Here, it is shown that the convolution between RWG sources with polynomial signatures and the three-dimensional time domain free space Green's function can be evaluated exactly.
High-stability white-light interferometry with reference signal for real-time correction of scanning errors

White-light interferometry (WLI) for object topography measurements relies on an accurate rate of change of the optical path difference (OPD) between the object and reference beams. However, the motion of the scanner realizing the OPD change is not perfect, and scanning errors directly impact measurement accuracy. We describe a white-light interferometer that is capable of accounting for these errors and correcting them in real time through the monitoring of the scanner motion. This monitoring is achieved by embedding an additional high-coherence interferometer into the system. Besides allowing for monitoring the scanning progress, this system also provides the means to automatically calibrate the WLI. Significant improvements both in the accuracy and repeatability are demonstrated experimentally. Data analysis is discussed as well.
On the limits of resolution and visual angle in visualization

This article describes a perceptual level-of-detail approach for visualizing data. Properties of a dataset that cannot be resolved in the current display environment need not be shown, for example, when too few pixels are used to render a data element, or when the element's subtended visual angle falls below the acuity limits of our visual system. To identify these situations, we asked: (1) What type of information can a human user perceive in a particular display environmentq (2) Can we design visualizations that control what they represent relative to these limitsq and (3) Is it possible to dynamically update a visualization as the display environment changes, to continue to effectively utilize our perceptual abilitiesq To answer these questions, we conducted controlled experiments that identified the pixel resolution and subtended visual angle needed to distinguish different values of luminance, hue, size, and orientation. This information is summarized in a perceptual display hierarchy, a formalization describing how many pixels—resolution—and how much physical area on a viewer's retina—visual angle—is required for an element's visual properties to be readily seen. We demonstrate our theoretical results by visualizing historical climatology data from the International Panel for Climate Change.
Segmentation-based nonlinear image smoothing

One of the most commonly used image enhancement techniques is noise removal. The goal of a noise removal method is to remove noise while preserving the image structure. In this paper a segmentation-based image enhancement method is presented which confines image smoothing to the region interiors. Since the structure in the image is captured by segmentation, confining image smoothing to the region interiors does not cause any significant loss of this structure. In fact, region confined averaging enhances the contrast between boundaries, and hence sharpens the image at these boundaries. The result is an image with reduced noise, but that appears sharper than the original. >
High-performance photoconductive terahertz sources based on nanoscale contact electrode gratings

A photoconductive terahertz emitter based on nanoscale contact electrode gratings is presented and experimentally demonstrated. The nanoscale grating enables ultrafast and high quantum efficiency device operation simultaneously, by reducing the photo-generated carrier transport path to photoconductor contact electrodes. The presented photoconductor eliminates the need for a short-carrier lifetime semiconductor, which limits the efficiency of conventional photoconductive terahertz emitters. A photoconductive terahertz emitter based on the presented scheme is implemented and integrated with 0.5 THz dipole antenna arrays. Emitted radiation is characterized in a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy setup, measuring a full width at half maximum response time of 670 fs.
A simple aza-crown ether containing an anthraquinone fluorophore for the selective detection of Mg(II) in living cells

Abstract A new aza-crown ether anthraquinone-coupled chemosensor ( 2 ) has been synthesized and employed for the selective fluorescence detection of Mg(II) in the nanomolar range with limited interference by Ca(II) ion. The binding stoichiometry for the chemosensor with Mg(II) is found to be 2:1, and the binding constant was determined to be 2.9×10 9 M −2 and 5.1×10 9 M −2 in acetonitrile and DMSO, respectively. The chemosensor also shows negligible fluorescence enhancement from other alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metals. Chemosensor 2 has been used in the bioimaging of Mg(II) in embryonic mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cells at both native concentrations and cells incubated with excess Mg(II). The chemosensor can access Mg(II) ions in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of the cells. The corrected total cell fluorescence is also calculated to confirm the uptake of the chemosensor in living cells.
The Erdös — Wintner Theorem

In this chapter we begin the study of the distribution of the values of additive arithmetic functions with two theorems that have become classical. The proofs which we shall give differ considerably from those which were given in the original papers.
The Current Status of Crystallization and Morphology Poly-(Phosphazenes)

Polyphosphazenes with alkoxy and aryloxy substituents usually exhibit two first order temperatures namely: (i) a thermotropic T(1) transition and (ii) an upper melting or isotropization temperature, Tm. Along with the respective glass transition temperature, Tg, of each polymer, properties may be scaled linearly according to the side group chemistry of the substituent on the phosphorus in the -P=N- backbone. Whenever the monoclinic phase (<50% crystallinity) formed by solution crystallization is heated through T(1) side chain motion triggers backbone mobilization, chain unfolding and chain extension occurs with volume expansion upon traversing the T(1) temperature. Morphological investigations made by X-ray and electron diffraction, dilatometry and solid state MAS NMR techniques, provide evidence for a chain extended texture that prevails in the T(1)to Tm intervals. Below T(1), side chain crystallization occurs from chain extended 2D mesophase; this ordering process is kinetically controlled, and a chain extended 3D orthorhombic phase of much higher crystallinity occurs. Associated with this 3D phase are superimposed reflections from the mesogenic side groups. Above T(1) a hexatically packed thermotropic smectic mesophase with variously mobile side groups occurs. This smectic mesophase has been verified by optical microscopy and diffraction techniques is attributed to polyoxphosphazenes with flexible -0- linkages attached to the side group. Whenever the specimens are stretched at below T(1), or crystallized for long periods at/above T(1), smectic side chain ordering occurs and 4-point reflections appear in the diffraction pattern at d~0.44nm and this spacing is found to be independent of side group length used in this investigation.
Chapter 1, Introduction: Why a Broad Conception of Human Capital Is Needed

Mainstream economics’ concept of human capital unfortunately only emphasizes human cognitive development enabling growth in worker productivity and earnings. In light of recent research concerning neurodevelopment and early childhood development, it is apparent that the standard human capital has a far too limited conception of human capacities. Therefore, this book integrates the concepts of human capital and human development, an integration considering not only cognitive development but social, psychological, emotional, biological, and other noncognitive dimensions of development over the entire life cycle. This chapter begins by explaining about my early involvement with the human capital (HC) concept and defining important terms such as capital and standard HC. Standard HC is the HC concept that fits well with mainstream economics. The chapter then explains about the importance of the standard HC concept as well as its deficiencies. It explains about important nonstandard types of HC such as social capital and personal capital (also noncognitive HC). Further, it explains about the need for a broader concept of HC, a concept that is compatible with the kind of unified interdisciplinary behavioral science that Herbert Simon strived for. Lastly, it outlines the plan of the book, including the essence of the contribution of each chapter.
Correlates of Objective Performance Among Computer Salespeople: Tenure, Work Activities, and Turnover

AbstractThis exploratory study examines three correlates of objective sales performance: tenure, work activities, and organizational turnover. Analysis of the results of a time diary completed by 58 computer salespeople revealed three groups of work activities: contacting customers, processing orders, and dealing with co-workers. Higher sales performance was associated with additional time spent processing orders, but was unrelated to the time spent contacting customers or interacting with co-workers. Tenure at the company was positively related to sales performance. Lower sales performance was associated with turnover. Results are discussed in light of research and theory on sales performance.
Effectiveness of Program Modification Strategies of the Diabetes Prevention Program: A Systematic Review

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to review the effectiveness of commonly used program modifications classified under cultural adaptation and program translational strategies for the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in terms of risk reduction for type 2 diabetes.MethodsAuthors extracted data about weight, body mass index (BMI), and 5 areas of program modification strategies from 28 interventions and analyzed them in SPSS software. Bivariate analyses examined the odds of achieving a significant reduction in outcomes by each modification of the DPP and by presence of a maintenance component, as well as the mean reduction of weight and BMI by more versus fewer modifications and by the presence of a maintenance component.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in achieving a significant reduction in weight or BMI by any type of modification or by the presence of a maintenance component. Programs with fewer modifications reported significantly greater reduction in mean weight at 12 months...
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Gallstones

Spurred on by the discovery of "lithogenic bile" as a precursor, there has been much attention focused on the pathophysiology and treatment of gallstones. The article reviews the progress to date regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapy, and recurrence/prevention of gallstones.
Myth and Reality of Whistleblower Protections: Official Behavior at the Top

Reforms to laws and administrative procedures are needed to protect administrators who report state crimes against democracy. Without whistleblowers, such crimes are unlikely to be detected and investigated. The analysis describes cases of retaliation against administrators who have exposed SCADs in high office. Reforms are recommended to address witness protection, secrecy oaths, and presidential pardon powers.
Compositions of Poultry Offal Meals from Various Processing Plants

Abstract A study was conducted to determine amino acid compositions, proximate analyses and calcium and phosphorus concentrations of poultry offal meals obtained from three processing plants. Average lysine concentration was 2.127% and average methionine plus cystine content was 2.950%. Average arginine concentration was 3.588%. Calcium concentration was 1.63% and phosphorus concentration was 1.06%.
A phase II study of BAY 43-9006 (Sorafenib) in patients with relapsed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

17119 Background: Sorafenib is an inhibitor of multiple kinases including Raf-1 (C-Raf), b-Raf and pro-angiogenic tyrosine kinases (VEGFR-2/3 and PDGFR-β) and showed preclinical activity against NS...
Study of centralized protection based on digital substation

The present study status of digital substation is described in this paper. With the obvious deficiencies of unable information sharing in the microprocessor-based protection, a new concept of centralized protection is proposed. And the whole substation is taken as an integrated protection object to consider its full protection functions. The centralized protection chooses advanced intelligent primary equipments and reliable network as its basis. Logically, the protection scheme is constituted with two layers including the differential protection as interval-level unit and the network protection based on topology theory as system-level protection unit. In addition, the paper also introduces the hardware framework of centralized protection, object modeling as well as the realization of protection functions. Through tests, the feasibility of centralized protection based on digital substations is improved. The centralized protection based on digital substation, sharing a wide range of information, promotes relay’s performance, enhances the adaptation capacity of network operation mode change, and lowers long-term system running costs.
Nutrition as an Epigenetic Modifier in Aging and Autoimmunity

The importance of macronutrients in determining late-life disease development is well accepted. Recent years have seen an increasing appreciation of the role that micronutrients play in physiology and immunology. While our understanding of the mechanistic basis of micronutrients and diseases remains rudimentary, it is increasingly clear that nutritional factors may interact with genes and gene products through the epigenetic interface. Epigenetic marks are established in early development. Although epigenetic drift occurs along the way as we age, in part due to environmental stressors including diet, it is worth remembering that the human body, including the immune system, is most vulnerable to epigenetic stressors in utero. While speculative, it is reasonable to postulate that environmental factors, rather than alteration to our genetic makeup, are the prime reason for the rising incidence of autoimmune diseases. The available data suggest the possibility that we may be able to reduce the burden of immune-mediated disease by dietary manipulation, particularly during the critical period of immune system development in utero, and through public health policies.