cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Completeness bounds and sequentialization for model checking of interacting firmware and hardware

An emerging trend in system design is to implement complex system management functions in firmware (FW). This changing design scenario requires support for verifying FW in the context of its hardware (HW) environment. As shown in previous work, there is value in a unified HW-FW model for driving the verification tasks. This model can help identify specific commonly-occurring interaction patterns between the HW and FW. These patterns enable pruning the verification search space as demonstrated in previous work in automating FW test generation using concolic testing. In this work, we introduce a bounded model checking (BMC)-based methodology for FW verification. Although BMC is effective for finding bugs by unrolling the underlying transition system up to some bound, it requires a completeness threshold on the bound to ensure complete verification. We show how commonly occurring FW code patterns can be exploited, using inexpensive static analysis techniques, to determine this completeness bound. Further, we show how this bound analysis, combined with the interaction patterns in the unified HW-FW model, is used to sequen-tialize the concurrent FW and HW code, i.e., to derive a sequential program that represents the parallel interaction of the FW and HW. This enables the direct application of standard software model checkers such as CBMC on this sequentialized program. We have automated this process by implementing: (i) a static completeness bound analyzer on top of the tool Frama-C, and (ii) a sequentializer to generate code for verification by the CBMC model checker. We evaluate the resulting tool using three real FW benchmarks, each consisting of a Linux device driver and its interacting QEMU-emulated HW code with multiple correctness properties. We successfully computed the BMC completeness bounds for 41 out of 46 properties and completed model checking for 12 out of 16 FW transactions.
Method of leptin dosing, strain, and group housing influence leptin sensitivity in high-fat-fed weanling mice.

High-fat diets are reported to induce resistance to peripherally administered leptin. In an attempt to develop a model of juvenile diet-induced obesity, mice were weaned onto high-fat diet. Male and female, 35-day-old, C57BL/6J high-fat (45% kcal fat) diet-fed mice housed individually on grid floors did not decrease food intake or body weight in response to intraperitoneal (30 μg), lateral ventricle (5 μg), or third ventricle (0.5 μg) injections of leptin. Body weight and fat were significantly reduced by 13-day intraperitoneal infusions of 10 μg leptin/day, which doubled circulating leptin. Leptin infusion also reduced body fat in weanling, high-fat diet-fed NIH Swiss mice. Group housing mice on bedding prevented loss of fat in high-fat diet-fed male and female NIH Swiss and female C57BL/6J mice. These results indicate that peripherally infused leptin reduces fat in part by increasing thermogenesis and that inhibition of food intake in high-fat diet-fed mice requires either chronic activation of central leptin receptors or is independent of receptors that inhibit feeding in response to an acute central injection of leptin.
Genetic Disruption of Poly (ADP-Ribose) Synthetase Inhibits the Expression of P-Selectin and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

The nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS) has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury and circulatory shock. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PARS activity may modulate endothelial-neutrophil interaction. We present evidence that genetic disruption of PARS provides protection against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury by inhibiting the expression of P-selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and, consequently, by inhibiting the recruitment of neutrophils into the jeopardized tissue. Furthermore, using in vitro studies, we demonstrate that in fibroblasts lacking a functional gene for PARS, cytokine-stimulated expression of ICAM-1 is significantly reduced compared with fibroblasts from animals with a normal genotype. Similarly, in cultured human endothelial cells, oxidative- or cytokine-dependent expression of P-selectin and ICAM-1 is reduced by pharmacological inhibition of PARS by 3-aminobenzamide. These findings provide the first direct evidence that PARS activation participates in neutrophil-mediated myocardial damage by regulating the expression of P-selectin and ICAM-1 in ischemic and reperfused myocardium, and they also provide the basis for a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of reperfusion injury.
Thermodynamics of the oxide solid solution (CoxFe1-x)1-ΔO at 1200°C

Abstract Thermogravimetric experiments have been performed to establish the stability limit of the solid solution (Co x Fe 1− x ) 1−Δ O with x ⩾ 0.6 towards metallic alloys at 1200°C. The effect of the nonstoichiometry of the solid solution (Co x Fe 1− x ) 1−Δ O on the activity of their components, a CoO and a Feo at 1200°C has been calculated. The activities were calculated using Gibbs-Duhem relations and the free energy of mixing in the solid solution due to nonstoichiometry changes was obtained. In calculations of phase equilibria in iron-containing, nonstoichiometric oxide solid solutions of the type (A x Fe 1− x ) 1−Δ O, sometimes it has been assumed that the nonstoichiometry of such solid solutions can be described by assuming that only the disorder of the component FeO contributes to it and that this contribution is proportional to the iron content at given temperature, pressure and oxygen activity. In this paper, the errors in calculations of the free energy of mixing of solid solutions caused by using this assumption are determined. With the activities of the oxide components in the rock-salt structure phase and in the spinel phase, the miscibility gap between these two phases has been determined.
The effect of switching costs on intent to switch: an application in IS service provision markets

The focus of this research is to evaluate the relationship between switching costs and customers' intent to switch service providers. Results indicate that service satisfaction both mediates and moderates the relationship and that attractiveness of alternatives moderates but does not mediate the relationship.
Environmental controls over bacterial communities in polar desert soils

Productivity-diversity theory has proven informative to many investigations seeking to understand drivers of spatial patterns in biotic communities and relationships between resource availability and community structure documented for a wide variety of taxa. For soil bacteria, availability of organic matter is one such resource known to influence diversity and community structure. Here we describe the influence of environmental gradients on soil bacterial communities of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, a model ecosystem that hosts simple, microbially-dominated foodwebs believed to be primarily structured by abiotic drivers such as water, organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity. We sampled 48 locations exhibiting orders of magnitude ranges in primary production and soil geochemistry (pH and electrical conductivity) over local and regional scales. Our findings show that environmental gradients imposed by cryptogam productivity and regional variation in geochemistry influence the diversity and structure of soil bacterial communities. Responses of soil bacterial richness to carbon content illustrate a productivity-diversity relationship, while bacterial community structure primarily responds to soil pH and electrical conductivity. This diversity response to resource availability and a community structure response to environmental severity suggests a need for careful consideration of how microbial communities and associated functions may respond to shifting environmental conditions resulting from human activity and climate variability.
Intravenous and intratracheal administration of trimetoquinol, a fast-acting short-lived bronchodilator in horses with 'heaves'

Summary Reason for performing study: Trimetoquinol (TMQ) is a potent β-adrenoceptor agonist bronchodilator used in human medicine but has not been evaluated for potential use as a therapeutic agent for horses with ‘heaves’. Objectives: To assess the pharmacodynamics of TMQ in horses with ‘heaves’ to determine potential therapeutic effects. Methods: Increasing doses of TMQ were administered to horses with ‘heaves’ by i.v. and intratracheal (i.t.) routes. Doses ranged 0.001–0.2 μg/kg bwt i.v. and 0.01–2 μg/kg bwt i.t. Cardiac and airways effects were assessed by measurement of heart rate (HR) and maximal change in pleural pressure (ΔPplmax), respectively. Side effects of sweating, agitation and muscle trembling were scored subjectively. Duration of action to i.v. (0.2 μg/kg bwt) and i.t. (2 μg/kg bwt) TMQ was evaluated over 6 h. Results: Intravenous TMQ was an exceptionally potent cardiac stimulant. Heart rate increased at 0.01 μg/kg bwt, and was still increasing after administration of highest dose, 0.2 μg/kg bwt. Airway bronchodilation, measured as a decrease in ΔPplmax, also commenced at 0.01 μg/kg bwt. By the i.t. route, TMQ was 50–100-fold less potent than by i.v. Side effects included sweating, agitation and muscle trembling. Overall, the onset of HR and bronchodilator effects was rapid, within about 3 min, but effects were over at 2 h. Conclusion: When administered i.v. and i.t., TMQ is a highly potent cardiac stimulant and a modest bronchodilator. It may not be an appropriate pharmacological agent by i.v. and i.t. routes for the alleviation of signs in horses with ‘heaves’. Further studies of TMQ by oral and aerosol routes are necessary. Potential relevance: In horses, TMQ is a fast-acting bronchodilator with a short duration of action. It could be used as a rescue agent during an episode of ‘heaves’. The i.v. and i.t. administration of TMQ is associated with side effects, similar to those reported for all other β-agonists. However, other routes, such as aerosol and oral, may prove useful and safe for the alleviation of bronchoconstriction typical of ‘heaves’.
Does the Conversion from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 Restart the Clock for Objecting to Exemptions

Creditors in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases often let their right to object to a debtor's claimed exemptions lapse. When Chapter 11 cases are converted to Chapter 7 cases, courts traditionally have held that creditors receive another period within which to object, but two recent appellate decisions hold otherwise. This article examines the arguments for and against reopening the objection period, and concludes that the period should not be reopened upon conversion.
The Evolution of the Harrington Instrumentation Technique in Scoliosis

Four major modifications in the operative management of scoliosis, using Harrington instrumentation, are described with the results each modification brought about. The final regimen, used in 109 patients, included a dowel articular-process fusion and a lateral gutter fusion, as well as the Harrington apparatus and cast. A 65 per cent curve correction was obtained with the regimen.
Re-examining the Policies in the Humanitarian Aid Sector – A Call for Greater “Value Rationality”

Faith-based giving in the U.S. constitutes over one-third of all charity (Giving USA, 2013). The proliferation of policy initiatives that promoted faith-based giving and giving to humanitarian aid organizations post George W Bush’s establishment of the Office of Faith-based initiatives and community Partnerships has been controversial, to say the least. But despite this, the sector has been robust. One segment of philanthropy that has been unnecessarily controversial is that of Islamic charity. With the attacks of September 11, 2001, there were a slew of legislative as well as Executive reforms that put Islamic charities under the scanner. Executive Order 13224 and the subsequent initiatives under the PATRIOT Act have reduced donations to Islamic charities, in the initial year. In this short paper, I argue that some of the restrictive measures in place – that apply to NGOs working in conflict zones – should be removed, so aid can reach the beneficiaries, so that NGOs’ offering this aid to not fear being targeted by U.S. law enforcement authorities. Given the massive refugee crisis we are witnessing, the role of Muslim NGOs in conflict zones may become crucial for long-term rehabilitation and resettlement.
The effects of tegmental lesions on the reward properties of septal stimulation

Lesions in the ventral tegmentum attenuated, and in some cases completely destroyed the reward properties of septal self-stimulation. Lesions in the dorsal mesencephalon (which included damage to the dorsal tegmentum) did not have this effect. It is likely that it was the locus of the tegmental damage rather than the extent which was important. Also, the attenuation in self stimulation behavior was not due to a general depression in activity, or ability to perform the response consequent to the lesion.
Head-bobs in birds: the eyes have it

![][1] The term head-bobbing, used for the apparent back and forth movement of the head of some birds while walking on the ground (think pigeons), is a bit of a misnomer. These birds don't actually bob their heads back and forth – instead, they move their body forward, leaving the
Reduced Lymphatic Drainage from Hamster Cheek Pouch

SummaryUsing a newly constructed, transparent isolation chamber preventing diffusion of India ink to adjacent tissues of the hamster mouth and neck, egression of dye to the regional, ipsilateral, submental lymph nodes takes place, but in a reduced fashion. It is suggested that the so-called “immunologically privileged” character of the hamster cheek pouch is related to a delayed and reduced lymphatic drainage from this site.
The Development of Research and Application of Thermal Properties Models of Ice Slurry

Ice slurry has widely been used in various indirect refrigeration systems recently,due to its good liquidity,heat-carry characteristics and heat transfer characteristics.In this paper,mathematical models of its thermal properties are reviewed generally,then the calculation procedure of its thermal properties is introduced briefly.Basic thermal properties data of ice slurry which use ethyl alcohol as its additive have been calculated according to the procedure,and then are compared with that of ethyl alcohol.Next,the advantages of ice slurry thermal properties are analyzed according to the comparison,then the disadvantage of the research and research prospects in future are introduced.Finally,some key issues about the thermal properties of ice slurry are presented.
Substance P effects on developing thymocytes in hindlimb unloaded rats.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of substance P (SP) on the immune system in a condition similar to microgravity. We analyzed immune disturbances caused by subjecting Fischer 344 rats to a 45 degrees antiorthostatic suspension technique, otherwise known as the hindlimb unloading (HU) model. METHODS Four groups of rats were assigned to either the prone control non-substance P group (P-NSP), prone control substance P group (P-SP), hindlimb unloaded non-substance P (HU-NSP) or the hindlimb unloaded substance P group (HU-SP). SP was administered at 10 ml of a 1 micromol x L(-1) concentration for 15 min x d(-1). HU and SP exposure for all groups lasted 16 d. After 16 d, 500 microl of blood was obtained to assay for both T-cell phenotype and corticosterone (CS) levels. Thymus lobes were excised in order to examine T-cell phenotype. Thymocytes were counted and stained for lymphocyte markers (CD4, CD8, and CD3). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to determine significance between groups (p < or = 0.05). RESULTS HU-NSP rats showed a decrease in thymic CD4+CD8 +/- cells from 85.51 +/- 1.9% to 62.06 +/- 1.9% when compared with P-NSP rats. SP reversed these effects and returned CD4+CD8+ cells to control levels (76.60 +/- 1.9%). DISCUSSION Daily SP treatment was found to reverse the deleterious effects caused by HU and corticosterone in rat thymic immune cells. SP could prove to be an effective means for keeping the immune system functioning at normal levels in microgravity, allowing astronauts to stay in space longer and maintain a more productive immune system.
Linkages between young adult dating partners’ daily alcoholic drinks: risk for alcohol problems as a moderator

AbstractDating relationships during young adulthood provide an important interpersonal context for individuals’ health behaviors, including alcohol use. To better understand dating partners’ alcohol-use associations and implications, this study examined within-couple daily linkages between daily alcoholic drinks reported by males and females and further investigated the potential role of hazardous drinking as a moderator of the daily links. Dyadic data from 57 young adult, heterosexual couples were obtained across global self-report questionnaires and daily-diary methods. Multilevel modeling results indicated positive within-couple associations between dating partners’ reports of daily drinks, such that on days when males and females reported drinking more than their average number of daily drinks, their partner also drank more. In addition, both males’ and females’ elevated risks for hazardous drinking moderated these associations by weakening the positive within-couple links between partners’ daily drin...
Lanthanide- and Group 3 Metallocene Catalysis in Small Molecule Synthesis

Although the polymerization prowess of organolanthanide complexes has been known for some time, efforts to apply these catalysts to small molecule synthesis have only recently begun. The selectivity of these metallocenes is predominantly steric in nature, and they are compatible with a wide variety of organic functional groups. A review of their use in olefin hydrogenation, hydrosilylation, and polyene cyclization with emphasis on chemoselectivity and diastereoselectivity is presented here. The various ways in which the catalysts and reagents can be tuned to produce the desired products is also discussed.
Digital Morphing Wing: Active Wing Shaping Concept Using Composite Lattice-Based Cellular Structures

Abstract We describe an approach for the discrete and reversible assembly of tunable and actively deformable structures using modular building block parts for robotic applications. The primary technical challenge addressed by this work is the use of this method to design and fabricate low density, highly compliant robotic structures with spatially tuned stiffness. This approach offers a number of potential advantages over more conventional methods for constructing compliant robots. The discrete assembly reduces manufacturing complexity, as relatively simple parts can be batch-produced and joined to make complex structures. Global mechanical properties can be tuned based on sub-part ordering and geometry, because local stiffness and density can be independently set to a wide range of values and varied spatially. The structure's intrinsic modularity can significantly simplify analysis and simulation. Simple analytical models for the behavior of each building block type can be calibrated with empirical testi...
Evaluation of three non‐genetically modified soybean cultivars as ingredients and a yeast‐based additive as a supplement in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Two growth trials and a physiology assessment were conducted to evaluate three non-genetically modified (GM) soybean cultivars as ingredients in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. In addition, a commercially available fermented yeast product was evaluated as dietary supplement. For the growth trials (46 and 35 days, respectively, for trials 1 and 2), the basal diet was primarily composed of soybean meal (SBM), fishmeal (FM), whole wheat, corn protein concentrate, poultry meal (PM, pet food grade) and corn starch. Non-GM cultivars were processed with novel methodologies to produce Navita™ ingredients (N1, N2 and N3) which were incorporated at low (L) or high (H) levels into the experimental diets, in partial replacement of FM and full replacement of conventional SBM. The last two formulations incorporated the fermented yeast for a total of nine experimental diets (Table 1). Results from the growth trials indicate that shrimp fed diet 5 (HN2) exhibited significantly lower (p < .05) weight gain as compared to shrimp fed diets 1 and 2 (basal and LN1, respectively) in trial 1, as well as compared to animals fed diets 1, 2, 3 and 8 (basal, LN1, HN1 and basal + yeast) in trial 2. The feed conversion ratio significantly increased for shrimp fed diet 5, in contrast with shrimp fed diets 1, 2, 3 and 8 in trials 1 and 2, as well as compared to shrimp fed diets diet 6 (LN3) in trial 2. For the physiological assessment (stress and immune responses), only the effects of diets 1, 3, 8 and 9 (basal, HN1, basal + yeast and HN1 + yeast, respectively) were investigated. Granular cell counts were significantly higher for shrimp fed the yeast-containing diets. Haemolymph glucose and haemolymph packed cell volume were significantly reduced for shrimp fed diets 3, 8 and 9. No significant differences were observed in total haemocyte counts, hyaline cells counts, semi-granular cells counts, haemolymph protein, haemocyte phagocytic capacity and haemocyte respiratory burst activity. Results of this work indicate that selective soy breeding technology coupled with novel processing options has the potential to increase the nutritional value of conventional SBM for shrimp feeds. Trends on immune responses were more difficult to elucidate possibly due to the limited length of the feeding trial.
Methylation differences reveal heterogeneity in preterm pathophysiology: results from bipartite network analyses.

Background Recent studies have shown that epigenetic differences can increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (PTB). However, little is known about heterogeneity underlying such epigenetic differences, which could lead to hypotheses for biological pathways in specific patient subgroups, and corresponding targeted interventions critical for precision medicine. Using bipartite network analysis of fetal DNA methylation data we demonstrate a novel method for classification of PTB. Methods The data consisted of DNA methylation across the genome (HumanMethylation450 BeadChip) in cord blood from 50 African-American subjects consisting of 22 cases of early spontaneous PTB (24-34 weeks of gestation) and 28 controls (>39 weeks of gestation). These data were analyzed using a combination of (1) a supervised method to select the top 10 significant methylation sites, (2) unsupervised "subject-variable" bipartite networks to visualize and quantitatively analyze how those 10 methylation sites co-occurred across all the subjects, and across only the cases with the goal of analyzing subgroups and their underlying pathways, and (3) a simple linear regression to test whether there was an association between the total methylation in the cases, and gestational age. Results The bipartite network analysis of all subjects and significant methylation sites revealed statistically significant clustering consisting of an inverse symmetrical relationship in the methylation profiles between a case-enriched subgroup and a control-enriched subgroup: the former was predominantly hypermethylated across seven methylation sites, and hypomethylated across three methylation sites, whereas the latter was predominantly hypomethylated across the above seven methylation sites and hypermethylated across the three methylation sites. Furthermore, the analysis of only cases revealed one subgroup that was predominantly hypomethylated across seven methylation sites, and another subgroup that was hypomethylated across all methylation sites suggesting the presence of heterogeneity in PTB pathophysiology. Finally, the analysis found a strong inverse linear relationship between total methylation and gestational age suggesting that methylation differences could be used as predictive markers for gestational length. Conclusions The results demonstrate that unsupervised bipartite networks helped to identify a complex but comprehensible data-driven hypotheses related to patient subgroups and inferences about their underlying pathways, and therefore were an effective complement to supervised approaches currently used.
Mass Spectrometric Methods for Biomolecular Characterization

Mass spectrometry has long been viewed to possess the ability to readily contribute to the rapid, sensitive and accurate characterization of biomolecules. However, it has been only within the last decade, with the advent of electrospray ionization (ESI) [1] and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) [2] mass spectrometries, that routine biomolecular analyses at physiological levels have become a reality. Indeed, these techniques have opened the door to the regular practice of biological mass spectrometry (at the bench level), and in doing so, have paved the way for a number of mass spectrometric-based methods directed at the intricate investigation of biomolecular structure and function. Generally, these methods revolve around the combination of other analytical techniques or methodologies (e.g. chromatography, electrophoresis, enzymatic/chemical treatment of analyte) with mass spectrometry. In order to achieve the highest levels of analytical performance, the integration of techniques must be performed in manners which minimize sample losses, maintain a desired rapidity, and preserve a high level of accuracy.
Calculating metabolic energy expenditure across a wide range of exercise intensities: the equation matters

We compared 10 published equations for calculating energy expenditure from oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production using data for 10 high-caliber male distance runners over a wide range of running velocities. We found up to a 5.2% difference in calculated metabolic rate between 2 widely used equations. We urge our fellow researchers abandon out-of-date equations with published acknowledgments of errors or inappropriate biochemical/physical assumptions.
“You Cannot Escape Your Moles”: The Becoming-Animal of Günter Eich’s Late Literary Texts

The unique symbiotic relationship that animals form with Gunter Eich’s literary texts can deepen our understanding of Eich’s poetology and the general crisis of language in post-World War II German literature, shedding some light on the zoopoetic possibilities of animals in/as texts, their capacity to unsettle hegemonic power discourses, and their potential to expand language beyond the limitations of anthropocentric logic. Focusing on Eich’s later literary animals (specifically the poem “Pigeons” as well as selected Moles), this article explores how Eich’s zoopoetics reveal the role of language as cocomplicit in abusive power systems, as well as how animality in/as text enables a kind of writing that transcends power discourses and offers us a “line of flight” as postulated by Deleuze and Guattari.
Differentiated network services for data-intensive science using application-aware SDN

Data-intensive science projects rely on scalable, high-performance, fault-tolerant protocols for transferring large-volume data over a high-bandwidth, high-delay wide area network (WAN). The commonly used protocol for WAN data distribution is the GridFTP protocol. GridFTP uses encrypted sessions for data transfers and does not exchange any information with the network-layer resulting in reduced flexibility for network management at the site-level. We propose an application-aware software-defined networking (SDN) approach for providing differentiated network services for high-energy physics projects such as Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) and Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). We demonstrate a policy-driven approach for differentiating network traffic by exploiting application- and network-layer collaboration to achieve accurate accounting of resources used by each project. We implement two strategies, a 7-3 queuing system, and a 10-3 queuing system, and show that the 10-3 strategy provides an additional capacity improvement of 11.74% over the 7-3 strategy.
Characterizing hydrodynamical fluctuations in heavy-ion collisions from effective field theory approach

Abstract Hydrodynamic fluctuations are found to be important in many situations such as cosmology, condensed matter system and heavy-ion collisions. Recently, an effective field theory for fluctuating dissipative hydrodynamics has been developed in 1511.03646 and 1701.07817 . We apply this theory to investigate nontrivial consequences of hydrodynamic fluctuations on the Bjorken expanding quark gluon plasma (QGP). In particular, we explore nontrivial effects due to interactions among hydrodynamical variables and noises which are systematically incorporated in the present framework but are not fully captured in conventional approaches.
A phenomenological understanding of the influence of processing methods on creep of Cu-8Cr-4Nb (GRCop-84)

Abstract Steady-state creep behavior of rolled Cu-8Cr-4Nb (GRCop-84) production sheet was systematically studied at temperatures from 673 to 1073 K (0.50–0.79 Tm). Threshold behavior was observed at high temperatures and low stresses which can be phenomenologically described by a threshold stress model. The threshold stress obtained by a non-linear regression method ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 of the Orowan stress, which suggests that dislocations locally climb over particles with an activation energy approximately equal to that of lattice diffusion. Power-law breakdown was observed at low temperatures and high stresses, which can be phenomenologically described by a hyperbolic sine model. A unifying model is proposed to predict the creep properties of both the production sheet and previously-studied extruded material. Generally, GRCop-84 production sheet creeps faster than the extruded form due to the difference in crystallographic texture. No observable effects caused by microstructural differences are noted to influence the steady-state creep behavior of the two differently processed forms of GRCop-84. The post-fracture morphology of the production sheet closely resembles that of the extruded material indicating ductile fracture caused by micro-void coalescence.
Enhancing Oxygen Exchange Activity by Tailoring Perovskite Surfaces

A detailed understanding of the effects of surface chemical and geometric composition is essential for understanding the electrochemical performance of the perovskite (ABO3) oxides commonly used as electrocatalysts in the cathodes of ceramic fuel cells. Herein, we report how the addition of submonolayer quantities of A- and B-site cations affects the rate of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of Sr-doped LaFeO3 (LSF), LaMnO3 (LSM), and LaCoO3 (LSCo). Density functional theory calculations were performed to determine the stability of different active sites on a collection of surfaces. With LSF and LSM, rates for the ORR are significantly higher on the A-site terminated surface, while surface termination is less important for LSCo. Our findings highlight the importance of tailoring the surface termination of the perovskite to obtain its ultimate ORR performance.
Sham Marriage and Privilege

United States v. Fomichev, 899 F.3d 766 (9th Cir. 2018), discusses the effect that a sham marriage has on marital privileges. The court draws a line between the spousal immunity (or spousal witness) privilege and the marital communications privilege.
Ant Biodiversity in the Northern Black Hills, South Dakota (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

The Black Hills are a mountain island surrounded by prairie on the eastern edge of the Rockies. The ant fauna of this area is known only from collections in the southern Black Hills and surrounding plains. To assess ant biodiversity and activity levels in the northern Black Hills, ants were collected monthly from April through September 2016 at two sites (1250 m ponderosa pine – common juniper forest and 2060 m aspen-pine forest). At each site, collections were made by opportunity collections and using 40 pitfall and 50 baited traps along perpendicular transect lines. We collected a total of 6180 ants. At the lower elevation, we identified nine genera consisting of 21 species in comparison to the higher elevation where we found only seven genera consisting of 13 species. Fourteen species and three genera were unique to the lower site while six species and one genus were unique to the higher site. Species accumulation graphs and richness estimates based on incidence data suggest more than 67% of the total number of species were collected at each of the sites. Diversity and evenness averages over the season are not significantly different between the two sites. Some of the species we collected are new records for South Dakota, with one well outside its known range.
ReducedSqNet: A Shallow Architecture for CIFAR-10

The field of computer vision and its sub discipline: classification, object detection and semantic segmentation have seen tremendous growth since the introduction of convolution neural network. Despite of these success, the deployment of convolution neural networks on an embedded device or micro architecture system has been a matter of concern as convolution neural networks are memory and computationally expensive. Several advanced technique used to address this issues are: pruning based on ranks of filters, use of compact convolution filters, quantization, sharing and encoding filter weights. This paper focuses on using compact convolution filter to reduce the number of parameters in the model. The architecture proposed in the paper is a shallow counter part of the SqueezeNet architecture adapted for the CIFAR-10 dataset. The paper discusses the following: performance of the proposed architecture ReducedSqNet trained from scratch on the CIFAR-10 dataset, adaptation of the proposed network architecture to achieve better accuracy than the baseline network trained from scratch using a specific dataset and thus finally conclude with the tailoring of an architecture for specific dataset results in an overall improved performance.
Sirtuin 6 and renal injury: another link in the β-catenin chain?

A protective role for sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) in the context of chronic renal injury is reported by Cai et al. in this issue of Kidney International. The mechanism is thought to be mediated by Sirt6's deacetylase activity, specifically on β-catenin target genes. This commentary discusses these results and the interaction between Sirt6 and β-catenin within the broader context of β-catenin signaling and injury.
Perception and Acoustic Studies of Vowel Intelligibility in Dysphonic Speech.

Summary Purpose This study aimed to (1) examine the effect of dysphonia and background noise on the identifiability of vowels, and (2) evaluate the relationship between the degree of vowel intelligibility and vowel-related acoustic measurements. Method A speech perception experiment was conducted with speech samples collected from 10 adult females with healthy voices and 10 adult females with dysphonia. The speech material was 11 vowels of American English in /h/-vowel-/d/ format. Cafeteria noise was added to these samples at a signal-to-noise ratio of −6 dB. A total of 10 adults with normal hearing participated in a speech perception experiment, in which the vowels were presented with and without the noise. F1 and F2 frequencies of the vowels were measured, and their relationships with the vowel intelligibility were statistically evaluated. Results The group-level analysis showed that vowel intelligibility was lower in dysphonic speech than normal speech, both in quiet and at signal-to-noise ratio of −6 dB. The intelligibility was higher for the high vowels than the low vowels. In general, the vowel confusion pattern was similar between normal and dysphonic speech. However, data from a speaker with severe diplophonia showed a distinct confusion pattern. Voice quality ratings did not significantly correlate with the vowel intelligibility. There was a significant correlation between F2 and the vowel intelligibility in quiet. A post-hoc acoustic analysis revealed that vowels of the speakers with lower vowel intelligibility had lower acoustic energy above 1 kHz. Conclusion Dysphonia negatively affects vowel intelligibility. Low vowels were more vulnerable to the effect of dysphonia than high vowels. Among different types of dysphonic voice qualities, diplophonia appears to be particularly detrimental to vowel intelligibility. F2 significantly correlated with vowel intelligibility; however, this result requires a careful interpretation. Given that the acoustic energy above 1 kHz resulted in better intelligibility in noise, a treatment strategy that targets this frequency region may help improve intelligibility in noise. Future studies should examine the generalizability of this finding to different age and gender groups, and intelligibility as a whole.
Enabling fast charging of lithium-ion batteries through secondary-/dual- pore network: Part II - numerical model

Abstract To increase the market share of electric vehicles, it is desirable to reduce the battery charge times, which are significantly limited by poor electrolyte transport. A high rate charging is achievable by using expensive and low energy density cells with thin electrodes. For higher energy density cells, new electrolytes with improved conductivity and diffusivity and/or electrodes with advanced architecture are required to boost the electrolyte transport, leading to a more uniform utilization of active materials. In our previous work, an analytical model was developed to investigate the effect of secondary pore network (SPN) on electrolyte transport and the configuration of SPN was optimized by enforcing equal characteristic diffusion times in through-plane and in-plane directions. To evaluate the effect of SPN on the fast-charging capability of lithium-ion batteries, a 2D physics-based electrochemical model is developed with SPN in either one or both electrodes. The effect of SPN on cell energy density and lithium plating is investigated for cells with different loadings and electrode porosities. Combining SPN with elevated charging temperatures, the model predicts that the volumetric discharge energy density of a 3 mA h/cm2 cell can reach 270 Wh/L after a 6C constant-current charging.
TREATMENT OF SUBACUTE FONTAN FAILURE USING A CATHETER-BASED APPROACH TO FONTAN TAKEDOWN

Following Fontan palliation for univentricular congenital heart disease (uCHD), life-threatening complications related to this unique physiology often develop. Surgical takedown (TD) is associated with a 40% mortality, and few options exist for refractory Fontan failure. A 5-year-old with
Using Stubble Height to Monitor Livestock Disturbance Near Streams: How a Recent Critique is Relevant to the Protection of Cold-water Salmonids

On the Ground • The measurement of utilization and residual vegetation (stubble height) is a valuable tool in managing livestock disturbance but it is often improperly measured, and results misinterpreted. A common situation for these concerns is when stubble height protocols and rationales used for terrestrial areas are applied to riparian zones and the protection of fish habitat. • Protocols used to assess stubble height near streams and serve as a surrogate for fish habitat may differ from approaches used to protect upland plant vigor. Measurements of stubble height designed to protect fish habitat can include the measurement of all herbaceous vegetation along the greenline and should be evaluated following the removal of livestock and after the growing season ends. • In allotments with threatened salmonids or other at-risk aquatic species, stubble heights necessary to protect fish habitat may exceed what is necessary to maintain forage production for livestock. Properly determined and applied near stream stubble height standards can protect important fish habitats while providing accountability for grazing management. Consistent livestock management above standards will improve salmonid habitats and undermine arguments used by organizations that would like to limit livestock grazing on public lands. • If range conservationists and fisheries biologists work together to develop monitoring protocols for stubble height or other metrics that can be used to improve fish habitat, the application of proper standards to manage livestock disturbance near streams should benefit the fish, the land management agencies, and the ranchers that rely on grazing public lands.
Advances in Financial Machine Learning: Lecture 8/10 (seminar slides)

Machine learning (ML) is changing virtually every aspect of our lives. Today ML algorithms accomplish tasks that until recently only expert humans could perform. As it relates to finance, this is the most exciting time to adopt a disruptive technology that will transform how everyone invests for generations. In this course, we discuss scientifically sound ML tools that have been successfully applied to the management of large pools of funds.
Reprogramming Müller Glia to Regenerate Retinal Neurons

In humans, various genetic defects or age-related diseases, such as diabetic retinopathies, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, cause the death of retinal neurons and profound vision loss. One approach to treating these diseases is to utilize stem and progenitor cells to replace neurons in situ, with the expectation that new neurons will create new synaptic circuits or integrate into existing ones. Reprogramming non-neuronal cells in vivo into stem or progenitor cells is one strategy for replacing lost neurons. Zebrafish have become a valuable model for investigating cellular reprogramming and retinal regeneration. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding spontaneous reprogramming of Muller glia in zebrafish and compares this knowledge to research efforts directed toward reprogramming Muller glia in mammals. Intensive research using these animal models has revealed shared molecular mechanisms that make Muller glia attractive targets for cellular reprogramming and highlighted the potential for curing degenerative retinal diseases from intrinsic cellular sources.
Abstract 15626: Visualizing Self-reported Symptom Status Can Support Self-management for Heart Failure Patients

Introduction: Symptom self-management is important in heart failure (HF) but challenging given the high prevalence of associated cognitive impairment. Visualizations may support symptom self-manage...
Evaluation and remediation of post-wildfire slope stability

Catastrophic mudflows and landslides triggered by rainfall can occur suddenly and move with high speed, damaging electrical and civil infrastructure and threatening human and wildlife. Due to the climate change and extreme weather increase, it is likely that wildfires and consequently mudflows will increase in frequency in the future. The risk of mudflows and landslides increases in post-wildfire areas mainly because of water repellent soil which forms on slopes. Water repellency, or hydrophobicity, can occur due to the burning of the accumulated organic matter in soil. Hydrophobicity repels water and prevents infiltration of water into the soil, which results in soil erosion, mudflows and landslides. In this study, a series of experimental laboratory tests are conducted on regular, hydrophobic and Xanthan gum-treated hydrophobic sand. Xanthan gum, which is an environmentally friendly biopolymer, can be substituted for chemical material used for soil improvement and decrease the CO2 emissions and enhance environmental slope protection. Xanthan gum can enhance the inter-particle cohesion and can hold a large amount of water and consequently help the recovery of the vegetation. Contact angle, direct shear and rain simulation tests are conducted on samples. Results show that in Xanthan gum treated slope the rate of erosion and the risk of mudflow decreases. It is also observed that the Xanthan gum treated sample can retain more water and consequently decreases the rate of wind erosion and helps the dust-control in burned areas.
Blue Clues - A toddler with cyanosis following model glue ingestion

INTRODUCTION Hydrocarbon ingestions in pediatrics are rare, but have high risk of morbidity and mortality due to respiratory failure. Hypoxemia following hydrocarbon ingestions is most commonly associated with aspiration pneumonitis. We describe a patient who ingested a hydrocarbon-containing glue accelerator and was found to have methemoglobinemia as the primary cause of her hypoxemia. CASE REPORT A 21-month-old healthy girl was discovered playing with model airplanes with an open bottle of “Insta Set” glue accelerator in her hands, and residual glue on her shirt, followed by emesis of sticky …
Analysis of Accounting Transactions

Accounting transactions are the “raw data” of accounting system, but the idiosyncratic vernacular of accounting, and spotty empirical study of distributions and characteristics of accounting transactions mean that statistical methods that are applied in other disciplines are likely to prove suboptimal, and even counterproductive in auditing. This chapter delineates the idiosyncrasies of accounting transactions and summaries, and describes tools to cost-effectively prepare and render decisions from client accounting data.
Mapper - a Novel Capability to Support Nuclear Model Validation and Mapping of Biases and Uncertainties

This paper overviews the initial results of a new project at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, supported via an internal seed funding program, to develop a novel computational capability for model validation: MAPPER. MAPPER will eliminate the need for empirical criteria such as the similarity indices often employed to identify applicable experiments for given application conditions. To achieve this, MAPPER uses an information-theoretic approach based on the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence principle to combine responses of available or planned experiments with application responses of interest. This is accomplished with a training set of samples generated using randomized experiment execution and application of high-fidelity analysis models. These samples are condensed using reduced order modeling techniques in the form of a joint probability distribution function (PDF) connecting each application response of interest with a new effective experimental response. MAPPER’s initial objective will be to support confirmation of criticality safety analysis of storage facilities which require known keff biases for safe operation. This paper reports some of the initial results obtained with MAPPER as applied to a set of critical experiments for which existing similarity-based methods have been shown to provide inaccurate estimates of the biases.
Imaging CAR T-cell kinetics in solid tumors: Translational implications.

Summary Success in solid tumor chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy requires overcoming several barriers, including lung sequestration, inefficient accumulation within the tumor, and target-antigen heterogeneity. Understanding CAR T-cell kinetics can assist in the interpretation of therapy response and limitations and thereby facilitate developing successful strategies to treat solid tumors. As T-cell therapy response varies across metastatic sites, the assessment of CAR T-cell kinetics by peripheral blood analysis or a single-site tumor biopsy is inadequate for interpretation of therapy response. The use of tumor imaging alone has also proven to be insufficient to interpret response to therapy. To address these limitations, we conducted dual tumor and T-cell imaging by use of a bioluminescent reporter and positron emission tomography in clinically relevant mouse models of pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. We observed that the mode of delivery of T cells (systemic versus regional), T-cell activation status (presence or absence of antigen-expressing tumor), and tumor-antigen expression heterogeneity influence T-cell kinetics. The observations from our study underscore the need to identify and develop a T-cell reporter—in addition to standard parameters of tumor imaging and antitumor efficacy—that can be used for repeat imaging without compromising the efficacy of CAR T cells in vivo.