cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave chemical sensing using an 3–18 GHz wideband overmoded coaxial cable

A room-temperature chirped pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer was recently demonstrated using a WRD750 double ridge waveguide. The operation frequency range, 7.5 GHz to 18 GHz, is limited by the waveguide, and the effective sensing area is confined within the small region between the two ridges. This paper shows a new overmoded coaxial cable spectrometer design utilizing a Hamming function tapered transmission line method that provides smooth tapering to increase the spectrometer's bandwidth by 43%. The successful spectra measurement in this paper proves the application of using the overmoded coaxial cable as a chemical sensor.
Characterizing Sub-Daily Flow Regimes: Implications of Hydrologic Resolution on Ecohydrology Studies

Natural variability in flow is a primary factor controlling geomorphic and ecological processes in riverine ecosystems. Within the hydropower industry, there is growing pressure from environmental groups and natural resource managers to change reservoir releases from daily peaking to run-of-river operations on the basis of the assumption that downstream biological communities will improve under a more natural flow regime. In this paper, we discuss the importance of assessing sub-daily flows for understanding the physical and ecological dynamics within river systems. We present a variety of metrics for characterizing sub-daily flow variation and use these metrics to evaluate general trends among streams affected by peaking hydroelectric projects, run-of-river projects and streams that are largely unaffected by flow altering activities. Univariate and multivariate techniques were used to assess similarity among different stream types on the basis of these sub-daily metrics. For comparison, similar analyses were performed using analogous metrics calculated with mean daily flow values. Our results confirm that sub-daily flow metrics reveal variation among and within streams that are not captured by daily flow statistics. Using sub-daily flow statistics, we were able to quantify the degree of difference between unaltered and peaking streams and the amount of similarity between unaltered and run-of-river streams. The sub-daily statistics were largely uncorrelated with daily statistics of similar scope. On short temporal scales, sub-daily statistics reveal the relatively constant nature of unaltered stream reaches and the highly variable nature of hydropower-affected streams, whereas daily statistics show just the opposite over longer temporal scales. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
CAD of nonlinear PID controllers for highly nonlinear servo systems

A new computer-aided and systematic nonlinear PID controller design methodology for use with highly nonlinear, deterministic, time-invariant, and single-axis servo systems is developed. The methodology is based on a time-domain technique. The methodology and the associated software are demonstrated by solving a problem of the sort encountered in robotics. The overall behavior of the feedback system with the synthesized controller is compared and contrasted with results previously obtained using a frequency domain approach. >
Has Growing Income Inequality Polarized the American Electorate? Class, Party, and Ideological Polarization*

Objectives We investigate whether growing income inequality has heightened differences in economic interests between “the haves” and “the have nots” and if this class polarization has increased ideological polarization in the electorate. Methods We examine the trend in ideological orientation among low- and high-income voters from 1972 to 2008. Results While both income inequality and ideological polarization have increased in recent years, this analysis indicates that the growth in ideological polarization is not the result of growing income inequality. The well-off have not become significantly more conservative and less liberal nor have those on the lower rungs of the economic ladder become significantly more liberal and less conservative. Conclusion The analysis indicates that ideological polarization is the result of the increased polarization of the political parties, not class polarization.
Mood state and recent cocaine use are not associated with levels of cocaine cue reactivity

Eighty-one cocaine-dependent outpatients were assessed for their reactions to cocaine-related cues in a laboratory setting. All subjects contributed a urine sample prior to the session. Compared with non-drug control cues, the cocaine stimuli produced increases in physiological arousal, self-reports of high, craving, and withdrawal, and self-reports of negative mood. Subjects who tested cocaine-positive on the day of testing differed only in skin resistance responding from those who tested cocaine-negative. Changes in cue-induced physiological and self-report measures were also not associated with between-subject variations in mood as measured by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire administered prior to cue assessment. Thus, variations in baseline mood and recent cocaine use history do not introduce an additional source of variability in cue reactivity measurements. However, negative mood states at the start of a session were associated with higher levels of self-reported craving, high, and withdrawal both before and after cue exposure.
Root Dynamics of Cultivar and Non‐Cultivar Population Sources of Two Dominant Grasses during Initial Establishment of Tallgrass Prairie

Dominance of warm-season grasses modulates tallgrass prairie ecosystem structure and function. Reintroduction of these grasses is a widespread practice to conserve soil and restore prairie ecosystems degraded from human land use changes. Seed sources for reintroduction of dominant prairie grass species include local (non-cultivar) and selected (cultivar) populations. The primary objective of this study was to quantify whether intraspecific variation in developing root systems exists between population sources (non-cultivar and cultivar) of two dominant grasses (Sorghastrum nutans and Schizachyrium scoparium) widely used in restoration. Non-cultivar and cultivar grass seedlings of both species were isolated in an experimental prairie restoration at the Konza Prairie Biological Station. We measured above- and belowground net primary production (ANPP and BNPP, respectively), root architecture, and root tissue quality, as well as soil moisture and plant available inorganic nitrogen (N) in soil associated with each species and source at the end of the first growing season. Cultivars had greater root length, surface area, and volume than non-cultivars. Available inorganic N and soil moisture were present in lower amounts in soil proximal to roots of cultivars than non-cultivars. Additionally, soil NO3–N was negatively correlated with root volume in S. nutans cultivars. While cultivars had greater BNPP than non-cultivars, this was not reflected aboveground root structure, as ANPP was similar between cultivars and non-cultivars. Intraspecific variation in belowground root structure and function exists between cultivar and non-cultivar sources of the dominant prairie grasses during initial reestablishment of tallgrass prairie. Population source selection should be considered in setting restoration goals and objectives.
New Insights into the Post-Translational Regulation of DNA Damage Response and Double-Strand Break Repair in Caenorhabditis elegans

Although a growing number of studies have reported the importance of SUMOylation in genome maintenance and DNA double-strand break repair (DSBR), relevant target proteins and how this modification regulates their functions are yet to be clarified. Here, we analyzed SUMOylation of ZTF-8, the homolog of mammalian RHINO, to test the functional significance of this protein modification in the DSBR and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways in the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. We found that ZTF-8 is a direct target for SUMOylation in vivo and that its modification is required for DNA damage checkpoint induced apoptosis and DSBR. Non-SUMOylatable mutants of ZTF-8 mimic the phenotypes observed in ztf-8 null mutants, including reduced fertility, impaired DNA damage repair, and defective DNA damage checkpoint activation. However, while mutants for components acting in the SUMOylation pathway fail to properly localize ZTF-8, its localization is not altered in the ZTF-8 non-SUMOylatable mutants. Taken together, these data show that direct SUMOylation of ZTF-8 is required for its function in DSBR as well as DDR but not its localization. ZTF-8’s human ortholog is enriched in the germline, but its meiotic role as well as its post-translational modification has never been explored. Therefore, our discovery may assist in understanding the regulatory mechanism of this protein in DSBR and DDR in the germline.
Homogeneous point mutation detection by quantum dot-mediated two-color fluorescence coincidence analysis

This report describes a new genotyping method capable of detecting low-abundant point mutations in a homogeneous, separation-free format. The method is based on integration of oligonucleotide ligation with a semiconductor quantum dot (QD)-mediated two-color fluorescence coincidence detection scheme. Surface-functionalized QDs are used to capture fluorophore-labeled ligation products, forming QD-oligonucleotide nanoassemblies. The presence of such nanoassemblies and thereby the genotype of the sample is determined by detecting the simultaneous emissions of QDs and fluorophores that occurs whenever a single nanoassembly flows through the femtoliter measurement volume of a confocal fluorescence detection system. The ability of this method to detect single events enables analysis of target signals with a multiple-parameter (intensities and count rates of the digitized target signals) approach to enhance assay sensitivity and specificity. We demonstrate that this new method is capable of detecting zeptomoles of targets and achieve an allele discrimination selectivity factor >10 5 .
From Model to Practice: Language Variation in Education

The chapters in this volume have attempted to highlight some of the important social issues that have developed as a result of the spread of Englishes and to pro- pose new ways of viewing language and of teaching language. Starting with the Introduction, Mahboob presents a model of language variation that provides an um- brella for the inclusion of scholars working within the frameworks of WE, English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), International English, ESP, NNEST, ESL, EFL, TESL, TEFL, sociolinguistics, and even English academic writing. Simply put, Mahboob's model of domains clarifies why the above scholars have appeared to be at cross-purposes: WE research has focused on the local domains, 1-5, while ELF and International English scholars have addressed the global do- mains, 5-8. ESP is concerned with the specialized uses of domains, particularly 3 and 4, and those in academic writing have obviously paid attention to written texts in domains 7 and 8. As long as these scholars worked in their separate areas, they had little reason to interact with the scholarship in other areas, but the global mobility of students and teachers into multilingual contexts and domains outside of their local contexts and domains of origin and has brought to light sociolinguistic conflicts, which are the source of much of the NNEST literature and are the starting point for this book. The Chapters in Sect. I focus on sociolinguistic issues of Englishes in multilin- gual contexts, namely speaker identity, language or variety prestige, and linguistic discrimination or maltreatment. In the first three chapters we can see that speaker identity in new contexts is a dynamic process in that learners' choice of friends affects their linguistic choices (Wolfram) and in that proficient speakers may be
Factor VIII-related Antigen in Canine Endothelial Neoplasms: An Immunohistochemical Study

Canine vascular tumors (47 hemangiomas, 36 hemangiosarcomas) were investigated for the endothelial cell marker factor VIII-related antigen (F VIII RAg). The primary antibody was a commercial rabbit anti-human (r/h) F VIII RAg antiserum. All (100%) hemangiomas and 32 (89%) of 36 hemangiosarcomas stained for F VIII RAg. One hemangiosarcoma (3%) was negative, and three tumors (8%) were equivocal in staining. Rarely, the interpretation of stained immature endothelial cells was difficult. The r/h F VIII RAg antibody was a positive marker of normal, reactive, and neoplastic endothelial cells in the dog.
Nutrition and Physical Activity in Child Care: Results from an Environmental Intervention

Background With evidence of increased levels of obesity in younger children, the child-care setting is an important intervention target. Few environmental interventions exist, and none target both diet and physical activity. The Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) intervention was developed to fill this research and practice gap. Design Randomized controlled. Setting/participants Health professionals (child-care health consultants) serving child-care centers in North Carolina were recruited ( n =30), randomly assigned into intervention or delayed-intervention control groups, and trained to implement the NAP SACC program. Up to three child-care centers were recruited ( n =84) from each consultant's existing caseload. Intervention Implemented in 2005, the NAP SACC intervention includes an environmental self-assessment, selection of areas for change, continuing education workshops, targeted technical assistance, and re-evaluation. Implementation occurred over a 6-month period. Main outcome measures An observational instrument, Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO), provided objective evidence of intervention impact and was completed by trained research staff blinded to study assignment. Data were collected in 2005 and 2006. Statistical analyses were conducted in 2006. Results Intention-to-treat analysis results were nonsignificant. Exploratory analyses using only centers that completed most of the NAP SACC program suggest an intervention effect. Conclusions Factors in the intervention design, the fidelity of implementation, the selection of outcome measure, or a combination of these may have contributed to the lack of intervention effect observed. Because of this study's use of existing public health infrastructure and its potential for implementation, future studies should address strategies for improving effectiveness.
Symmetry concepts for the geometric analysis of mixing flows

Much of the recent analysis of chaotic mixing has focused on utilizing tools and techniques imported from dynamical systems theory. However, most techniques require detailed information about the velocity field or fluid motion and are restricted to conditions where the ‘degree of chaos’ is small. Symmetries provide a method of analysis without specific reference to exact mathematical expressions. Symmetry concepts are illustrated in terms of a prototypical system called the eggbeater flow. Although a family of 32 different eggbeater flows can be constructed, symmetry arguments reveal that only four of these are independent. These flows serve to illustrate the role of islands in mixing. If a flow possesses symmetry, islands are found in symmetric arrangements, the simplest cases being reflections and rotational symmetries. A knowledge of symmetries provides the basis for systematic methods for destroying islands. These ideas are developed in terms of the eggbeater flows, and are subsequently extended to a class of three-dimensional continuous throughput flows - duct flows - which are of a more practical interest from an engineering viewpoint. Three such duct flows are studied. Using symmetries, we show that these flows are topologically identical to the eggbeater flows, even though their geometries and flow mechanisms are quite different from the eggbeater flows. Lastly, we demonstrate how the same methodology for destroying islands and enhancing mixing in the eggbeater flows can be applied to duct flows.
Pesticides associated with Wheeze among Commercial Pesticide Applicators in the Agricultural Health Study

Pesticides are potential risk factors for respiratory disease among farmers, but farmers are also exposed to other respiratory toxicants. To explore the association of pesticides with wheeze in a population without other farming exposures, the authors analyzed data from 2,255 Iowa commercial pesticide applicators enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study. Controlling for age, smoking status, asthma and atopy history, and body mass index, the authors calculated odds ratios for the relationship between wheeze and 36 individual pesticides participants had used during the year before enrollment (1993-1997). Eight of 16 herbicides were associated with wheeze in single-agent models; however, the risk was almost exclusively associated with the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl (odds ratio (OR) = 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25, 2.10). Inclusion of chlorimuron-ethyl in models for the other herbicides virtually eliminated the associations. The odds ratios for four organophosphate insecticides (terbufos, fonofos, chlorpyrifos, and phorate) were elevated when these chemicals were modeled individually and remained elevated, though attenuated somewhat, when chlorimuron-ethyl was included. The association for dichlorvos, another organophosphate insecticide, was not attenuated by chlorimuron-ethyl (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.66). Dose-response trends were observed for chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorpyrifos, and phorate; the strongest odds ratio was for applying chlorpyrifos on more than 40 days per year (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.65). These results add to the emerging literature linking organophosphate insecticides and respiratory health and suggest a role for chlorimuron-ethyl.
Repair of circuits by laser seeding and constriction induced plating

A method of repairing circuit opens on printed circuit boards which is particularly suitable for low-melting-point substrates with small linewidth is proposed. The two-step repair process involves depositing a solid film organometallic over the open defect and forming a metallic layer by localized laser pyrolysis. After cleaning, the part is immersed in acid copper electrolyte and an increasing alternating current passed through the defective line. As a consequence of the construction-induced temperature rise, copper deposition occurs at the defect which restores the electrical and mechanical integrity of defective copper circuitry. Factors determining the selection of suitable precursors are discussed, and three potential compounds for laser seeding are evaluated. The process has been demonstrated on low-melting-point dielectrics such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, and glass-epoxy and has been found suitable for linewidths as small as 25 mu m. >
Interconversions of steroids by intact bovine sperm and epididymal tissue.

Dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, 3o-androstanediol, etiocholoanolone and 3o-etiocholanediol were used as substrates to determine the potential of intact bovine testicular and ejaculated sperm and of epididymal tissue to interconvert androgens by oxidation-reduction of carbon-carbon and carbon-oxygen bonds such as C45, C56, C3 and C1 �. Few qualitative differences in the steroid interconverting enzyme systems �re found between testicular snd ejaculated sperm. Sperm contain C3 and C1 7-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases and probably both sperm celltypes contain a � -3-ketosteroid5o-oxidoreductase activeon androstenedione. However, the parallelconversion of testosteroneto dihydrotestosterone or other 5o-reduced androgens was not detected. Epididymal tissue incubated in vitro readily converted testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and other 5a-reduced metabolites.
Barriers to Repair in Maxillofacial Trauma

ImportanceMultiple factors can be associated with the delayed repair of maxillofacial injuries that may be associated with increased morbidity. ObjectiveTo assess factors affecting timing of repair...
Application of Island Biogeographic Theory to Pests of Cultivated Crops

Data on the colonization and extinction of arthropods on Spartina alterniflora and soybeans are used to investigate the value of applying equilibrium biogeographic theory to the pests of cultivated crops. Care must be taken in the design, definition of terms, and evaluation of results of such attempts at practical applications of the equilibrium model because many potentially troublesome results are not obvious a priori. Equilibrium biogeographic theory is an extension, but not a substitute for, careful study of the natural history of the system in question.
The effects of nitrogen source upon respiration of Neurospora crassa.

Neurospora crassa exhibits two forms of respiration: 1) cyanidesensitive; and 2) cyanide-resistant, salicyl hydroxamate-sensitive. The respiration of wild-type conidia can be made to resemble that of the conidia of extrachromosomal mutants by the appropriate selection of the preculture medium. This effect is not permanent, however; the normal wild-type respiratory pattern is re-established in growing mycelia. Moreover, the respiration of stationary phase wild-type mycelia can be made to mimic that of extrachromosomal mutant conidia. The nitrogen source and concentration appear to regulate the amount and form of respiration in wild-type. The mutants appear to be altered in such regulation.
Predictive modeling of product returns for remanufacturing

As awareness of environmental issues increases, the pressures from the public and policy makers have forced OEMs to consider remanufacturing as the key product design option. In order to make the remanufacturing operations more profitable, forecasting product returns is critical with regards to the uncertainty in quantity and timing. This paper proposes a predictive model selection algorithm to deal with the uncertainty by identifying better predictive models. Unlike other major approaches in literature (distributed lag model or DLM), the predictive model selection algorithm focuses on the predictive power over new or future returns. The proposed algorithm extends the set of candidate models that should be considered: autoregressive integrated moving average or ARIMA (previous returns for future returns), DLM (previous sales for future returns), and mixed model (both previous sales and returns for future returns). The prediction performance measure from holdout samples is used to find a better model among them. The case study of reusable bottles shows that one of the candidate models, ARIMA, can predict better than the DLM depending on the relationships between returns and sales. The univariate model is widely unexplored due to the criticism that the model cannot utilize the previous sales. Another candidate model, mixed model, can provide a chance to find a better predictive model by combining the ARIMA and DLM. The case study also shows that the DLM in the predictive model selection algorithm can provide a good predictive performance when there are relatively strong and static relationships between returns and sales.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Experiments On, And A Two-Component Model For, The Behavior Of Water Nano-Films On Metals

By means of the hoop apparatus, contact resistance and coefficient of friction of fiber bundles on a solid substrate have been determined in air at different humidities. The results can be explained by a two-component model, comprising (i) a double molecular layer of adsorbed water at contact spots and (ii) a zone about each contact spot within which excess adsorbed moisture which has been squeezed out from the load-bearing area bypasses the spot.
Present situation of accidental injury among students in Pudong New Area of Shanghai in 2011

[Objective]To understand the present situation and characteristics of accidental injury among students in different types of schools in Pudong New Area,analyze the time,place and active state of injuries,provide the basis for carrying out related intervention strategies.[Methods]By using the cluster sampling,the accidental injuries occurred in 423 632 students from primary and secondary schools,secondary technical schools,vocational technical schools and colleges in Pudong New Area in 2011 were investigated and analyzed.[Results]A total of 857 students had accidental injuries in 2011,and the incidence rate was 0.20%(857/423 632).There was significant difference in incidence rate of accidental injuries between male and female students(χ2=193.516,P 0.01).The difference in incidence rate of accidental injuries among different academic stages was significant(χ2 =361.021,P 0.01).[Conclusion]The schools should further strengthen the safety education,develop related measures according to the characteristics of sports activities of students with different sex and age,and improve students' cognitive ability and self protection ability by health education and peer education,so as to prevent the accidental injury.
Jia Pingwa and the Cultural Significance of His Literature

Jia Pinwa,together with his literature,has become a unique cultural phenomenon,from which derives unending arguments.However,Jia Pingwa,experiencing hardships and brilliance,always a everlasting desire for literature.He is a man of diversified talents and is nicknamed "Unusual Talent" or "Unique Talent".His works,diversified,are important achievements in the development of literature culture.Jia Pingwa and his literature has,for many years,been leading root literature,literature on agriculture,countryside and farmers,pioneer literature,representing the highest level of Chinese writers.Jia Pingwa,together his works,have intrigued the national confidence and pride,and people's attention to literature,improved the fame and influence of Chinese language literature.The study of Jia Pingwa(study of Jia in short) has become a important study in modern literature and shows great cultural significance.Therefore,it is necessary to view and evaluate it in new light.
FRPOLY: a benchmark revisited

The FRPOLY Lisp performance benchmark [3] was based on a circa-1968 piece of code for computing powers of polynomials. We address two questions: (a) What algorithm would you use if you really wanted to compute powers of polynomials fast? and (b) Given that Common Lisp supports many types of data structures other than the simple lists used for the benchmark, what more efficient representations might be appropriate to use for polynomials?
Depth Perception in Media Design: From Sensory Psychology Cues to Interactive Tools

AbstractConsiderable research in sensory psychology has demonstrated the ability to generate depth perception in media by manipulating the physical presentation, relative motion, or pictorial qualities of objects. These research results can enable educational developers to create more realistic educational materials when depth perception is key to comprehension. Developers may also utilize research results and modern software tools to create exploratory environments for learners to alter, position, or interact with spatial elements in a scene.
Reading Interventions for Students in Early Primary Grades

Learning to read is a foundational skill that is critical to academic success. Yet, it is a skill that eludes many children. Children who have difficulty learning to read need instruction that is balanced, systematic and explicit. This chapter provides an overview of literacy development, with special attention to universal features across languages. It describes the characteristics of effective reading instruction within a response to instruction framework and recommends attention to both the content and delivery of instruction. Assessment is an essential component of sound instruction. Thus, a discussion of assessment for both screening and progress monitoring purposes is included. The final section identifies additional factors that must be considered when determining children’s need for additional instruction.
34 – Human Rights and Women's Health

During the 1990s, human rights had become a primary organizing principle and/or rhetorical strategy employed by a range of different actors who engage with women's health issues from strikingly varied positions. Virtually every human right has health consequences when it is violated. A mere listing of a few rights codified in international law makes this immediately apparent: the right to food, the right to housing, the right to health care, the right to be free from torture. It takes little imagination to spin out a range of health consequences that might attend to the violation of each of these rights. Sometimes the connection requires a bit more elaboration. For example, there are studies showing how violations of freedom of speech and information are implicated in famines—with obvious ghastly implications for a population's health. Thus, at the simplest level, human rights (or, rather, the violation of each of them) can be seen as a typology of risk factors for different health conditions. One can think the fulfillment of different human rights as factors that contribute to good health in specific identifiable ways.
Quantum theory: no problem

The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, as laid down by Niels Bohr in the 1930s, has survived intact despite the thousands of experimental tests that have since been performed. Granted, it flies in the face of common sense, stating as it does that you cannot predict with certainty the outcome of any experiment, you can only assign a probability. You cannot simultaneously know the position of a particle and also its velocity. By determining the state of one photon here on Earth, you fix the state of its entangled partner on Alpha Centauri – an action-at-a-distance effect that Einstein called "spooky".
“Ignorance” Versus “Stupidity”—The Basic Disagreement

(1979). “Ignorance” Versus “Stupidity”—The Basic Disagreement. School Psychology Review: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 218-223.
Development of machine learning methodology for polymer gels screening for injection wells

Abstract Conformance improvement by polymer gels continues to gain momentum in the field of water management in mature oilfields. A key component for a successful treatment is the identification of the most appropriate gel technology for a targeted reservoir. Advanced approaches provide efficient screening and ranking tools; however, to the best of our knowledge, no such approaches have been developed for polymer gels so far. In this study, we utilized a machine-learning technique to develop an advanced selection methodology for the application of polymer gels in injection wells. Historical data of four in-situ gel systems including bulk gels, high temperature bulk gels, colloidal dispersion gels, and weak gels were used to train logistic regression models. Data sets of 19 property or parameter were tested for potential outliers, missing values were imputed, and some variables were categorized in order to treat data gaps. To identify the most discriminating variables, the univariate entropy R 2 , stepwise regression, and area under ROC curve (AUC) heuristic technique were employed. The candidate variables were then modified according to some considerations like the match of univariate logistic probability to conformance engineering considerations. To consider the regional tendencies in application of polymer gels, we developed three probabilistic models that include different number of treating technologies. Furthermore, to meet the new developments in the application of some gel systems, we constructed a variant model without the treatment timing indicator (water cut) for each main logistic classifier. Results show that logistic classification models and their variants correctly predict the proper gel technology in more than 85% of projects in the training and validation samples with a minimum AUC of 0.9375. We also used a prediction profiler to visually monitor performances of the classifiers and certain tendencies were identified by the investigation of the mispredicted projects. The novelty of the new methodology is its capability to predict the most applicable gel technology for undiagnosed injection wells.
Packing Problems in Data Communications

On October 16, 1987 Michael Honig from Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) reported on ongoing research in signal processing and posed some open problems. The presentation in sections 2.1–2.3 is based on his lecture notes and preprint [1].
The microbial metabolite desaminotyrosine protects from influenza through type I interferon

The microbiota is known to modulate the host response to influenza infection through as-yet-unclear mechanisms. We hypothesized that components of the microbiota exert effects through type I interferon (IFN), a hypothesis supported by analysis of influenza in a gain-of-function genetic mouse model. Here we show that a microbially associated metabolite, desaminotyrosine (DAT), protects from influenza through augmentation of type I IFN signaling and diminution of lung immunopathology. A specific human-associated gut microbe, Clostridium orbiscindens, produced DAT and rescued antibiotic-treated influenza-infected mice. DAT protected the host by priming the amplification loop of type I IFN signaling. These findings show that specific components of the enteric microbiota have distal effects on responses to lethal infections through modulation of type I IFN.
Queueing Theory and Other Probability Questions

Queueing theory is the theory of standing in lines. We stand in lines waiting for a teller machine at a bank, in checkout lines at grocery stores, and in many other places. Switch computer jobs are in a queue. Processing incoming data events in an experiment may involve queueing theory. We start with an example of this latter process.
Introduction to the Scientific Problem

Stars are the basic building blocks that drive the evolution of the Universe. Although dark matter and dark energy possess the largest share of energy-matter content at present – 23% and 72% respectively [192] – the former only interacts gravitationally and its effects are negligible on scales relevant to the interior of galaxies, while very little is known about the latter. On the other hand, the much smaller share of “normal” atoms in the Universe is the main agent responsible for driving its evolution.
Markov network structure discovery using independence tests

We investigate efficient algorithms for learning the structure of a Markov network from data using the independence-based approach. Such algorithms conduct a series of conditional independence tests on data, successively restricting the set of possible structures until there is only a single structure consistent with the outcomes of the conditional independence tests executed (if possible). As Pearl has shown, the instances of the conditional independence relation in any domain are theoretically interdependent, made explicit in his well-known conditional independence axioms. The first couple of algorithms we discuss, GSMN and GSIMN, exploit Pearl's independence axioms to reduce the number of tests required to learn a Markov network. This is useful in domains where independence tests are expensive, such as cases of very large data sets or distributed data. Subsequently, we explore how these axioms can be exploited to "correct" the outcome of unreliable statistical independence tests, such as in applications where little data is available. We show how the problem of incorrect tests can be mapped to inference in inconsistent knowledge bases, a problem studied extensively in the field of non-monotonic logic. We present an algorithm for inferring independence values based on a sub-class of non-monotonic logics: the argumentation framework. Our results show the advantage of using our approach in the learning of structures, with improvements in the accuracy of learned networks of up to 20%. As an alternative to logic-based interdependence among independence tests, we also explore probabilistic interdependence. Our algorithm, called PFMN, takes a Bayesian particle filtering approach, using a population of Markov network structures to maintain the posterior probability distribution over them given the outcomes of the tests performed. The result is an approximate algorithm (due to the use of particle filtering) that is useful in domains where independence tests are expensive.
Predictors of Coping with Work Stress: The Influences of Sex, Gender Role, Social Desirability, and Locus of Control

This investigation examined the influence of 4 personal attributes—sex, gender role, social desirability, and locus of control—as predictors of coping with work stress. Participants were 208 employed adult students (154 females and 54 males), primarily European Americans (90.4%) from working-class backgrounds. Theresults indicated that men were more likely to use alcohol and women more likely to use direct action. Femininity and/or masculinity scores predicted control-related coping butwere unrelated to escape-related coping. High social desirability scores predicted direct action coping, whereas low scores predicted alcohol use. In terms of locus of control, an internal orientation predicted help-seeking and positive thinking, a powerful others orientation predicted avoidance/resignation, and a chance orientation predicted alcohol use.
Motion Estimation and Compensation with Neural Fuzzy Systems

This chapter shows how neural fuzzy systems can improve motion estimation and compensation for video compression. Motion estimation and compensation are key parts of video compression. They help remove temporal redundancies in images. Most motion estimation algorithms neglect the strong-temporal correlations within the motion field. The search windows stay the same through the image sequences and the estimation needs heavy computation. We use an unsupervised neural vector quantizer system can use the temporal correlation of the motion field to estimate the motion vectors. First-order and second-order statistics of the motion vectors give ellipsoidal search windows. This algorithm reduces the search area and entropy and gives clustered motion fields. Motion-compensated video coding further assumes that each block of pixels moves with uniform translational motion. This often does not hold and can produce block artifacts. We use a supervised neural fuzzy system to compensate for the overlapped block motion. This fuzzy system uses the motion vectors of neighboring blocks to map the prior frame’s pixel values to the current pixel value. The neural fuzzy system used 196 rules that came from the prior decoded frame. The fuzzy system learns and updates its rules as it decodes the image. The fuzzy system also improved the compensation accuracy. The appendix derives both the fuzzy system and the supervised neural-like learning laws that tune its parameters.
Comparison of Laser and Phenol Chemical Peel

Photodamaged skin and wrinkled skin are signs of aging that humans have, for centuries, sought to diminish. The innate desire to look as youthful as possible for as long as possible is not new. The ancient Egyptians used acidic substances from wine in an attempt to improve aging skin. Milk, wine, as well as various fruits and vegetables have been applied to the skin by various cultures over the centuries.
Chapter 27: Reactions of Interest in Medicinal Chemistry

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews methods for the synthesis of α-methylene lactones and the utility of sodium cyanoborohydride as a selective reducing agent. Under C–C Bond Formations, metalated dithianes find extended use as synthetic intermediates. Readily prepared from aldehydes, the metalated intermediates react with a great variety of non-enolitable acylating reagents such as carbon dioxide, ethyl chlorocarbonate, acetylchloride, dimethylformamide, and ethyl cyclohexane-carboxylate. It has been observed that Vinyl copper compounds prepared in the presence of magnesium halides react smoothly with a variety of 1-halo-1-alkynes under very mild conditions to give the conjugated enynes in uniformly high yields. An efficient method for isopropylidination of ketones allows entry into tetraalkylalkenes, usually difficult to prepare by other methods. Researches indicate that Monolithium acetylide and vinyllithium react rapidly with trialkylboranes to produce the lithium ethynyl- and ethenyltrialkylboranes, respectively. Protonation of these species with concentrated hydrochloric acid at low temperature provides directly the borane species with the opposite regiochemistry from that realized in hydroboration of terminal acetylenes or olefins. Several new reagents for the selective brodnation of C–H α to a carbonyl function have been reported. One of these, P-carboxy-ethyltriphenylphosphonium perbromide, is a stable crystalline salt that is easily prepared and is indifferent to double bonds. Reactions of all functional groups, fatty acid esters, Methylthiotrimethylsilane, and several improved chemical procedures have been useful to add values to medicinal chemistry.
Experimental investigation of cranial fracture initiation in blunt human head impacts.

Abstract The relationship between the point of blunt impact and the location of cranial fracture initiation continues to be poorly understood. The current study used high-speed video to capture cranial fracture initiation and propagation in impact experiments on twelve unembalmed, intact human cadaver heads. Video footage provided direct evidence that blunt cranial impacts can produce linear fractures initiating peripheral to the impact site. Four tests produced only remote peripheral linear fractures with no damage at the known point of impact, demonstrating that the pattern of linear fractures does not necessarily indicate impact site. The range of variation observed in these experiments suggests that cranial fracture formation is more complex than it is typically described in the current literature. Differences in biomechanical and fracture results obtained with three different shaped implements provided evidence that impact surface is one important factor influencing the outcomes of blunt cranial impacts.
Abstract P1-04-01: Estrogen receptor β agonists inhibits syngeneic mammary tumor growth through cell-cycle arrest by modulating cell-cycle regulators

Breast Cancer is the main cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. The estrogen receptors (ER9s) play an important role in normal mammary gland development, as well as in breast cancer. Estrogen Receptor α is expressed in 70% of breast cancers, where it contributes to increased cell proliferation and decreased cell death. Endocrine therapies such as anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors target ERα signaling and improve outcomes of these patients. Syngeneic, immunocompetent mouse models are essential for elucidating the mechanisms and for evaluating novel strategies for the treatment of breast cancer. In contrast to the tumor-inducing role of ERα, ERβ has been shown to have tumor suppressive activities in various cancer, including the breast cancer. Compounds that selectively activate ERβ hold promise because they could potentially avoid the unwanted effects of ERα activation, while exploiting the tumor-suppressive function of ERβ. In the present study, we assessed the antitumor effects of ERβ agonists using three different syngeneic mouse models; D2A1 (BALB/c) and MM51 (FVB) syngeneic models and ex-vivo culture of highly metastatic cell line E0771 (C57/B6). Effect on in vitro cancer cell growth was evaluated by cell proliferation and clonogenic assays. Cell cycle distribution was analysed by flow cytometry. Our results demonstrate that ERβ agonists LY500307 and S-Equol not only inhibited the growth of all three mouse mammary tumor cell lines, but also reduced the colony formation ability. ERβ agonists also induced the cell-cycle arrest in time and dose-dependent manner. In mechanistic studies, ERβ agonists LY500307 and S-Equol, modulated the protein levels of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) (4, 6, and 2), cyclins (D1 and E), in a differential manner in these three cell lines. Our in vivo studies of D2A1 and MM51 cells demonstrates that ERβ agonist LY500307 inhibited the tumor growth and the effect was more pronounce in combination with aromatase inhibitor letrozole. Ex-vivo model of E0771 cells showed that LY500307 has potential to dramatically reduce the proliferation of mouse mammary tumor growth.Together, these results identify potential molecular targets and anticancer effects of ERβ agonists in mouse mammary tumors. Citation Format: Ramasamy K, Samayoa C, Krishnegowda NK, Thurlapati A, Vadlamudi RK, Tekmal RR. Estrogen receptor β agonists inhibits syngeneic mammary tumor growth through cell-cycle arrest by modulating cell-cycle regulators [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-04-01.
Are You Tired of Hearing about Fatigue? The Effects of Survey Response Fatigue on Data Quality

Research has demonstrated the adverse impact of mental fatigue on many behaviors. This paper draws on Conservation of Resources Theory, Ego Depletion Theory, and prior research on the negative effe...
Conclusion: Women’s Reflections on Wartime Experiences

In an extensive synthesis of this first comparative study of its kind, concluding remarks in this chapter illustrate how Charlotte Delbo, Noor Inayat Khan, and Germaine Tillion were committed to numerous forms of resistance as soon as they learned of the enemy incursion into Western Europe. This chapter offers insights into each writer’s personal engagements in resistance activities in order to measure the historical, literary, and autobiographical significance of her works from a fresh perspective. It also offers suggestions for potential future studies of women writers who resisted enemy oppression during World War II and the Holocaust.
Predictors of All-Cause Mortality after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Assessing the Role of Psoas Muscle Cross-Sectional Area.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate psoas muscle area (PMA) as a predictor of all-cause mortality after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and compare it with other predictor variables. Material and Methods Retrospective review of 407 patients who underwent EVAR over a 7-year period was performed. Demographics, comorbidity variables, and outcomes were collected. Preprocedure computed tomography scans were used to measure the PMA. Descriptive statistics summarized the demographic information and predictor variables. Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses were performed. The main outcome measure was survival time. Results Median survival time for patients with PMA in the lowest quartile of the distribution (≤1442 mm2) was 65.5 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 37.7–78.9) vs 91.2 months (95% CI 77.9–110.0 when PMA >1442 mm2). Multivariate analysis revealed lower PMA was associated with decreased survival (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.68; 95% CI 1.15–2.40, P = .006). Similarly, the presence of coronary artery disease (AHR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.35, P = .045) and statin use after EVAR were associated with decreased survival (AHR 2.36, 95% CI 1.24–4.49, P = .009). Hyperlipidemia was associated with increased survival after EVAR (AHR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33–0.81, P = .004). Compared with patients with low body mass index (BMI) ( Conclusions Although PMA is a risk factor for decreased survival time, other factors such as patient hyperlipidemia, presence of coronary artery disease, post-EVAR statin use, and BMI are also predictive of postoperative mortality.