cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthetical Capability Evaluation of AA Gun Weapon System Based on Satisfaction Degree

The assignment of index weight is the key of synthetic capability evaluation of gun weapon system,and index weight has the complex relationship with attributes weight and many factors of evaluation objectivity and subjectivity,hence,it is very difficult to assign the index weights rationally.Based on optimal theory,the integrated ideal value and negative ideal value of evaluation scheme(weapon system) were acquired by means of solving a series of linear programs so as to set up a linear program about maximum scheme satisfaction degree,and the index weight with maximum satisfaction degree was obtained.Under the condition of insufficiency information of the index weights,the weapon system can also be evaluated synthetically.An example of numerical calculation showed that this method is simple,rational and effective.
Adam, Eve, and other ancestors: a story of human origins told by genes.

La biologie moleculaire et les etudes de l'evolution ont permis d'elucider le probleme de l'origine de l'humanite. Cependant, la place de l'Homme dans la nature et sa relation avec l'univers requierent bien plus que la biologie
Effect of Ladle Furnace Slag Composition in Si-Mn Killed Steel Transient Inclusion Changes

This work investigates the effect of slag composition in steel-slag and steel-inclusion reaction kinetics in silicon-manganese killed steels by using FactSage macros to simulate and predict inclusion composition and morphology changes during ladle treatment. Two different conditions of ladle treatment were simulated in regard to alumina and silica content in a basic slag. The simulated changes in inclusion chemical composition and phases, as well as total oxygen and dissolved aluminum in steel were compared. One experimental trial was made to simulate ladle steel-slag and steel-inclusion reactions using an induction furnace to simulate deoxidation and slag addition. The average steel mass transfer coefficient for the experimental setup was calculated from the analyzed aluminium pick-up by steel. Average inclusion composition was measured using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. The chemical compositions of the inclusions and the steel agreed with the FactSage macro simulations.
Isotope ratio characteristics and sensitivity for uranium determinations using a liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge ion source coupled to an Orbitrap mass analyzer

The continued development of the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) microplasma ion source, combined with Orbitrap™ mass spectrometry technology is described. Improved characterization of this new system for performing precise and accurate isotope ratio (IR) determinations is demonstrated. The instrumental parameters evaluated include the number of microscans and scans making up a data acquisition set, uranium concentration/signal level, sample make-up, and Fourier transform digitization window. A limiting precision of 0.41% relative standard deviation (RSD) can be achieved for a single determination with natural uranium, with a variability of 1.63% RSD over 10 separate analytical measurements, reflective of instrument drift. A study of matrix effects on IR measurements of U is also presented, highlighting the importance of pre-mass selection before injection into the Orbitrap MS. Dynamic range is demonstrated with response curves covering 4 orders of magnitude of concentration (∼1–1000 ng mL−1) and having an R2 value of >0.99. These results demonstrate the very promising pairing of the LS-APGD ionization source and the Orbitrap MS, pointing as well to definitive paths forward to better utilize both components in high quality isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS).
Examining the Concurrent Validity of the Trauma Symptoms Checklist for Children

Objective:The aim of this study is to examine the concurrent validity of the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC) using associated behavioral health diagnoses.Methods:The sample included 2,544 youth participating in a juvenile justice diversion program for youth with behavioral health issues. Youth received a full diagnostic assessment and completed the TSCC. Analyses of variance examined the relationship between TSCC subscale scores and behavioral health diagnoses.Results:The TSCC subscales were often able to differentiate between youth with and without Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnoses of different classes. For example, youth diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) reported significantly higher means on the TSCC Anxiety Scale than did youth without GAD.Conclusions:The TSCC is a popular trauma symptomatology screening tool, and the current study provides support for its concurrent validity with behavioral health diagnoses. The TSCC provides helpful informat...
GaN double heterojunction field effect transistor for microwave and millimeterwave power applications

We report development of a novel AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN double heterojunction field effect tansistor (DHFET) with improved device performance over the conventional single heterojunction GaN FET (SHFET). The GaN DHFETs with low Al content Al/sub 0.04/Ga/sub 0.96/N buffer layer exhibit three orders of magnitude lower subthreshold drain leakage current and almost three orders of magnitude higher buffer isolation than corresponding SHFET devices (600 M/spl Omega//sq. vs. 1 M/spl Omega//sq.). In GaN DHFET's with 0.15 /spl mu/m conventional T-gates we observed 30% improvement in saturated power density and 10% improvement in PAE at 10 GHz over a corresponding SHFET device.
Using SNPs to Characterize Genetic Effects in Clinical Trials

Characterizing the genetic basis of responses in clinical trials has been made substantially easier and more powerful through the use of single nucleotide polymorphism data. A million of more of these markers can now be scored cheaply with commercial SNP-chips and ten million or more additional SNPs can be inferred by imputation. These rich datasets offer a deep look at the human genome and they are likely to tag many of the response causal genes. It has already become common for SNP types to be included in drug box labels.The ease and low cost of obtaining SNP profiles in clinical trials comes with the price of noisy data: it is common to have to reject data at 10% of the assayed SNPs. However, those SNPs that pass rigorous data cleaning protocols not only offer the chance of identifying the genes that affect response variables but also may reveal information about the genetic architectures of the trial participants and the populations to which they belong, as well as the relationships among the participants. Among novel applications of SNP profiles is the ability to determine HLA type without expensive sequencing.
Capacitance build-up in electrical connectors due to vibration induce fretting corrosion

Fretting degradation is generally recognized as one of the major failure mechanisms for electrical connector systems. The major driver of fretting damage is relative motion at the contact interface, producing material displacement and transfer. For non-precious metal plated contact interfaces, this fretting damage serves to repeatedly expose fresh metal to atmospheric oxidation. The result is a substantial and rapid increase in contact resistance due to a localized buildup of an insulating layer. Relative motion at the contact interface can be induced by thermal expansion/contraction, vibration, or by a combination of the two mechanisms. There has been considerable recent work on this topic, including experimental investigations and model development work. Much of this previous work on fretting degradation has focused on the increase in electrical resistance resulting from the buildup of corrosion products (the insulating layer) in the interface between the blade and the receptacle. However, the physical separation of the blade and receptacle by the corrosion products also produces a capacitance effect that has not been previously explored in detail. The present study seeks to explore this phenomenon and develop an understanding of its significance. An experimental study was performed to investigate the fashion of the capacitance build-up subjected to vibration induced fretting motion. A simple model is also developed which relates the capacitance behavior to connector characteristic, vibration profile and resistance behavior. A series of experiments and simulation studies have been performed to explore the physical behavior of such systems and study the capacitance effects of the insulating layer. Of particular interest is the effect on signal phase and frequency response across the connector interface and how these effects might be employed to monitor the health of connector systems used for communication signals.
Should Nitrous Oxide Be Used for Laboring Patients

Nitrous oxide, long used during labor in Europe, is gaining popularity in the United States. It offers many beneficial attributes, with few drawbacks. Cost, safety, and side effect profiles are favorable. Analgesic effectiveness is highly variable, yet maternal satisfaction is often high among the women who choose to use it. Despite being less effective in treating labor pain than neuraxial analgesic modalities, nitrous oxide serves the needs and preferences of a subset of laboring parturients. Nitrous oxide should, therefore, be considered for inclusion in the repertoire of modalities used to alleviate pain and facilitate effective coping during labor.
Establishing interventions via a theory-driven single case design research cycle.

Abstract Recent studies have suggested single case design (SCD) intervention research is subject to publication bias, wherein studies are more likely to be published if they possess large or statistically significant effects and use rigorous experimental methods. The nature of SCD and the purposes for which it might be used could suggest that large effects and rigorous methods should not always be expected. The purpose of the current paper is to propose and describe a theory-driven cycle of SCD intervention research. The proposed SCD-specific cycle serves several purposes including (a) defining the purposes for which SCD research might be adopted, (b) specifying the types of evidence to be collected in establishing an intervention for applied use, and (c) illustrating the phases of SCD-based intervention research (i.e., development, efficacy, effectiveness, contextualization, and implementation). The proposed model is intended to serve as an intermediary between theory and research, facilitating the consi...
Decision Making in Interventional Oncology: Ablative Options in the Lung

Image-guided ablation is safe and effective for the treatment of both primary and metastatic tumors in the lung. This article reviews the three most commonly used ablative options: radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation. We describe the advantages of each ablation modality in the lung and how to choose the most appropriate ablation device based on patient and tumor characteristics. The optimal technique for lung ablation is discussed and technical tips for improving clinical outcome are described.
Performance clarity as a first-class design principle

Users often struggle to reason about the performance of today's systems. Without an understanding of what factors are most important to performance, users do not know how to tune their system's hardware and software configuration to improve performance. We argue that performance clarity -- making it easy to understand where bottlenecks lie and the performance implications of various system changes -- should be a first class design goal. To illustrate that this is possible, we propose an architecture for data analytics frameworks in which jobs are decomposed into schedulable units called monotasks that each consume a single resource. By untangling the use of different resources, using monotasks allows the system to trivially report time used on each resource and the resource bottleneck. Our prototype implementation of monotasks for Apache Spark is API-compatible and achieves performance parity with Spark, and yields a simple performance model that can predict the effects of future hardware and software changes.
A resistance model of integrated octagonal-shaped Hall sensor using JFET compact model

This paper presents a resistance model of integrated octagonal-shaped Hall sensor device. The nonlinear voltage dependent, temperature and parasitic junction (leakage & capacitance) effects are modeled using JFET compact model. The model topology consists of eight nonlinear resistor models with two types of resistance. This approach reduces the number of model parameters with sustaining high model accuracy and reduces the modeling time significantly. The JFET compact model is available in many commercial SPICE simulators, e.g. Eldo, Spectre or Hspice.
Autonomous System-of-Systems

The word "autonomous" means having the ability for self-governance and independent operation. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are systems that are required to exhibit requisite performance for extended durations with the desired level of reliability and safety under significant uncertainties in the environment, while compensating for system failures without external intervention. AVs today are network-enabled. Soon they will be able to communicate with other vehicles and structures in the immediate vicinity (for collision avoidance) and distant vehicles and structures (for congestion management). Most AV concepts employ a network connection to the cloud, other vehicles, and built-up structures. Most vehicle concepts today do not make autonomous decisions with respect to destination and route selection. This chapter briefly reviews AV trends and presents a system-of-systems (SoS) perspective for connected AVs. It then discusses the high-reliability imperative for AVs and presents a model-based approach for AV SoS engineering. It stresses the importance of formal modeling of AV-SoS in light of the need to formally verify system models and test system (model) behavior while assuring requisite flexibility to respond to failures and disruptions. It concludes with a discussion of lingering misconceptions, the issue of liability management, and outlook for the future.
Hominin expansion into Central Asia during the last interglacial

Abstract Central Asia was a likely gateway for hominin expansion. Obi-Rakhmat Grotto, northeastern Uzbekistan, has a deposit that contains the remains of a hominin child (OR-1) and more than 60,000 Paleolithic artifacts, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in Central Asia. Regionally, genetic data suggest hominin presence and human-Neanderthal interbreeding as far back as 100 ka, although, to date, absolute ages of hominin remains that old have not been known in the region. We present new uranium-series dates that constrain the age of the Obi-Rakhmat deposit to 98 ka towards the top and 109 ka for the layer containing OR-1, pushing hominin expansion into Central Asia minimally to 109 ± 2 ka, to a time, based on the genetic clock, of Neanderthal-modern human interbreeding. Our chronology establishes a minimum age of 98 ka for the well-developed lithic industry in Central Asia. The period covering the deposition of the sediments containing the artifacts and specimen OR-1 coincides with a warm and one of the most humid intervals of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 and last glacial period in the region, providing support for climate-driven hominin expansion.
The Role of EUS in Rectal Cancer and Fecal Incontinence

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has emerged as an important imaging tool used in the locoregional staging of rectal cancer and assists in selecting patients with advanced disease that may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy. Studies have shown EUS to have a T staging accuracy of 80–95% and an N staging accuracy of 70–80%. EUS with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) may improve accuracy in staging following surgery or neoadjuvant therapy by providing cytologic confirmation of malignancy. Future developments may include imaging with three-dimensional ultrasound and EUS-guided delivery of chemotherapeutic agents directly into tumors. In the evaluation of fecal incontinence, EUS provides information that is complementary to anorectal manometry and electromyography by providing direct views of the anal sphincter. EUS has been shown to be highly accurate (89–100%) in identifying internal or external anal sphincter defects. Furthermore, EUS has the potential to guide therapy with the delivery of injectable materials to fill sphincter defects.
A spin-glass model for semi-supervised community detection

Current modularity-based community detection methods show decreased performance as relational networks become increasingly noisy. These methods also yield a large number of diverse community structures as solutions, which is problematic for applications that impose constraints on the acceptable solutions or in cases where the user is focused on specific communities of interest. To address both of these problems, we develop a semi-supervised spin-glass model that enables current community detection methods to incorporate background knowledge in the forms of individual labels and pairwise constraints. Unlike current methods, our approach shows robust performance in the presence of noise in the relational network, and the ability to guide the discovery process toward specific community structures. We evaluate our algorithm on several benchmark networks and a new political sentiment network representing cooperative events between nations that was mined from news articles over six years.
ON ANISOTROPIC LINEAR VISCOELASTIC SOLIDS

Abstract The requirement that the work done to deform a virgin element be non-negative implies restrictions on the relaxation moduli of an anisotropic linear viscoelastic solid. The present paper is devoted to a study of these restrictions. It is shown that if the work is non-negative, then the tensor of relaxation moduli is fully symmetric at time zero and it can be represented by certain Fourier—Stieltjes integrals. Conversely, if the relaxation moduli are representable by the same Fourier—Stieltjes integrals, then the work done is non-negative. It is also shown, by means of a counter example, that the requirement of non-negative work is not sufficient to ensure the full symmetry of the tensor of relaxation moduli for all times.
Hurricane Hazel and a Long-Wave Outlook

It is believed that the severity of the storm hitting Canada on October 15, 1954 was due to the addition of an independent development to the dying hurricane Hazel. The problem of forecasting this event is discussed in the light of forecasts made at the time. The presence of a secondary development is verified.
Mineralization at oceanic transform faults and fracture zones

Abstract Mineral formation in the modern oceans can take place over millions of years as a result precipitation from ambient ocean water, or orders of magnitude more rapidly from hydrothermal activity related to magmatic and tectonic processes. Here, we review associations between transform faults and related fracture zones and marine minerals. We define marine transform faults as strike-slip or oblique faults that accommodate lateral offsets along plate boundaries or shifting crustal blocks, and fracture zones as relicts of transform faulting extending beyond mid-ocean ridge offsets. We consider specifically the modern ocean and exclude regions where the transform or fracture has clearly not generated the mineral deposit, such as the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone manganese nodule field. As a result, the summarized deposits are mainly hydrothermal in origin. Oceanic transform faulting has rarely been considered of interest for the mineralization and formation of ore deposits; however, there are locations in the modern oceans where transform faults and fracture zones are spatially related to mineral deposits. These occurrences suggest that transform faulting and fracture zones may be linked to mineralization at (A) intersections with other tectonic features, (B) where transform faults begin to resemble rifts through intra-transform crustal thinning, spreading, and the formation of pull-apart basins, and (C) as a result of serpentinization reactions due to exposure of deep-seated rocks by fracturing and faulting.
Setting the Occasion for Incentive Motivation: Implications for Addiction

The context in which reward-paired cues are encountered sets the occasion for appropriate reward-seeking but may also spur inappropriate behaviors such as the renewal of drug-seeking. The psychological processes underlying occasion setting remain unclear as contexts are diffuse and difficult to isolate from other stimuli. To overcome this, we modeled a context as a phasic and discrete event - an occasion setter - which allowed for control over its presentation and influence on cue-driven reward-seeking. This allowed us to directly assess how occasion setters, like contexts, regulate the predictive and motivational significance of Pavlovian cues. Male rats (n=50) were trained in a Pavlovian paradigm where the presentation of an ambiguous conditioned stimulus was reinforced only if preceded by an occasion setting cue. We assessed the motivational value of the occasion setter and conditioned stimulus alone or in combination using conditioned reinforcement. Rats showed enhanced conditioned approach to the reward port during the reward-adjacent conditioned stimulus when it was preceded by the occasion setter. When allowed the opportunity, rats responded more to obtain presentations of the conditioned stimulus in combination with the occasion setter than the conditioned stimulus alone. Critically, rats also worked to obtain presentations of the occasion setter alone more than the conditioned stimulus, and this was resistant to manipulations of the value of the occasion setter. We conclude that occasion setting can act via incentive motivational mechanisms and that, apart from resolving predictive information about ambiguous reward-paired cues, occasion setters themselves generate states of appetitive motivation that can facilitate reward-seeking.
Investigating the interaction between photosynthetic photon flux density and far-red radiation in petunia seedlings under sole-source lighting

The ratio of red (R; 600 to 700 nm) to far-red (FR; 700 to 800 nm) radiation regulates phytochrome-mediated photomorphogenic responses to promote radiation capture and survival under shade conditions. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) is also reduced under shade, making it less clear which shade-avoidance responses are mediated by PPFD, R:FR, or their interaction. We grew seedlings of petunia (Petunia × hybrida 'Wave Blue') at 20°C under six sole-source light-emitting diode (LED) treatments with an 18-h photoperiod. All treatments included 32 µmol m(‑2) s(-1) of blue radiation (LED emission peak = 447 nm) and different intensities (subscript in µmol m(-2) s(-1) of radiation from R (peak = 660 nm) and FR (peak = 731 nm) LEDs: R(64), R(64) + FR(32), R(64) + FR(64), R(256), R(256) + FR(128), and R(256) + FR(256). Stem length, individual leaf area, and shoot dry weight linearly decreased as the R:FR [or estimated phytochrome photoequilibria (PPE)] increased under PPFDs of 96 µmol m(-2) s(-1) (PPFD 96) or 288 µmol m(-2) s(-1) (PPFD 288). Independent of PPE, increasing PPFD decreased stem length and individual leaf area, while increasing shoot dry weight. In addition, inclusion of FR during seedling growth promoted flowering at both PPFDs, but to a greater extent under PPFD 96 than PPFD 288. We conclude that most shade-avoidance responses in petunia are mediated by a decrease in R:FR and PPFD individually, without interaction effects. An exception was for flowering, in which the promotive effect of FR was greater under the lower PPFD.
City power: urban governance in a global age

Urban scholars have long grappled with the argument that “urban governance” is an oxymoron – that cities cannot govern and that urban policy merely reflects external economic and political forces. ...
Analyzing human capital as a component of the aerotropolis model

Abstract A community's survival depends on trade and transportation. As competition in the global marketplace increased in the 21st century, the airport emerged as the fifth wave of transportation. The purpose of this quantitative, explanatory, quasi-experimental study was to determine the relationship between human capital development and the aerotropolis model airport performance. This study validated previous research that airports are important drivers of economic development. However, the study findings revealed a possible skills gap in the aerotropolis model. Findings also indicated cargo intensity at the aerotropolis model airport is less important to the economic success of the airport than passenger intensity.
Aromatase inhibitor use, side effects and discontinuation rates in gynecologic oncology patients.

OBJECTIVE Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are frequently prescribed in gynecologic oncology. We sought to define the frequency and duration of AI use, characterize AI side effects and determine the reasons for discontinuation in these patients. METHODS Uterine and ovarian cancer patients with AI use for gynecologic cancer therapy were identified retrospectively. Data were abstracted from the electronic medical record, including cancer type, stage, prior cancer treatments, body mass index, concurrent medications, prevalence of AI side effects before and during AI therapy, length of AI treatment and reason for AI discontinuation. RESULTS 146 women received AI therapy, with 68 for ovarian cancer (46.6%) and 78 for uterine cancer (53.4%). The majority (71.9%) had advanced stage disease at diagnosis. 54.1% noted AI-associated side effects within the first three visits after starting AI therapy. The most common side effects were arthralgias (29.5%), hot flashes (25.3%), new/worsening fatigue (16.4%), muscle or joint stiffness (8.2%) and myalgias (6.8%). The mean duration of therapy was 14.7 months. Gabapentin or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use was associated with decreased musculoskeletal side effects (gabapentin: p < .001, OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.94; SSRI: p < .001, OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.89). The most common reason for AI discontinuation was disease progression (87.9%), with 5.0% discontinuing due to side effects and 7.1% for other reasons. CONCLUSION AI therapy for gynecologic cancers is frequently associated with musculoskeletal side effects, but rarely leads to treatment discontinuation. Thus, AI side effects should be assessed in gynecologic cancer patients to allow potential mitigation of symptoms through adjunct therapies.
Stability Analysis of J -Controlled Crack Growth

The theoretical basis for use of the J-integral in crack growth analysis is discussed and conditions forJ-controlled growth are obtained. Calculations related to the stability of crack growth are carried out for several deeply cracked specimen configurations. Relatively simple formulas are obtained which, in certain cases, permit an assessment of stability using data from a single load-displacement record. Numerical results for a bend specimen and for a center-cracked specimen illustrate the influence of strain-hardening and system compliance on stability.
First-episode psychosis in the criminal justice system: identifying a critical intercept for early intervention.

Learning objective After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:Evaluate emerging concepts of identification, treatment and discharge planning for individuals who are experiencing a first psychotic episode while detained in the criminal justice system. Abstract The United States incarcerates more people than any other nation in the world. The system of jails and prisons that holds those individuals has become the largest provider of mental health care in the country, with rates of psychotic illness many times higher than in the community. A subset of this population includes individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis who are untreated and are new to the rules of institutional settings. Retrospective and anecdotal reports indicate that many individuals in the criminal justice system have first-episode psychosis, yet no published information is available about the actual rates. For these patients, behavior associated with psychotic symptoms may have led to their arrest, but correctional facilities are poorly equipped to identify their needs and to provide the type of comprehensive treatment needed to improve functional status, quality of life, and illness recovery. Even as first-episode programs are flourishing in community settings, we know little about how to identify, engage, possibly divert, and treat these patients in settings designed as punishment. Efforts should be made both to reduce the number of these individuals inappropriately prosecuted within the criminal justice system and to begin in-jail efforts to engage them in treatment, in anticipation of their eventual return to the community.
Relationship between Circulating Inflammatory Monocytes and Cardiovascular Disease Measures of Carotid Intimal Thickness.

Aims Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide despite improvements in the treatment of atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disease and major underlying cause of CVD. Monocytes, an innate immune cell type, are linked to CVD progression; however, given their heterogeneity, the association between distinct monocyte subsets and increased risk of CVD remains unclear. This study investigated the association between peripheral monocyte subpopulation numbers and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), a sensitive measure of CVD risk, in a cohort of adults recruited from the general population. Methods We used clinical data and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens from 67 individuals. cIMT was measured by high-resolution, B-mode, ultrasound images of the right carotid artery. PBMCs were stained with conjugated monoclonal antibodies to define monocyte subpopulations based on CD14 and CD16 co-expressions into classical (CD14＋＋CD16－), intermediate/inflammatory (CD14＋＋CD16＋), and non-classical/patrolling (CD14low/＋CD16＋＋) monocytes. Results We found a higher intermediate monocyte count was significantly correlated with increased right common carotid artery (RCCA) and right carotid bifurcation (RBIF) intima-media thickness (IMT) (p=0.004 and 0.006,respectively), even after adjusting for CVD-associated clinical data (p=0.006 and 0.004, respectively). Conclusion Our study demonstrated a strong correlation between inflammatory monocyte counts and cIMT. These results suggest that, in the general population, there is a relationship between intermediate monocyte expansion and elevated predictors for CVD risk, and intermediate monocytes may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and metabolic diseases. Strategies targeting inflammatory monocytes may be needed to slow CVD progression.
The interaction between lexical prominence and pre-boundary lengthening in Japanese

Pre-boundary lengthening, also known as phrase-final lengthening, is a well-established phenomenon. In stress languages, pre-boundary lengthening has been shown to interact with lexical prominence (i.e., stress), affecting the boundary-adjacent constriction gestures in stress-final words, but being attracted towards the stressed syllable when stress is non-final. However, the interaction between pre-boundary lengthening and lexical prominence in a language with lexical pitch accent, like Japanese, is not well understood. The current study uses kinematic data collected with Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA) to investigate this interaction in Japanese. We examine pre-boundary lengthening in trisyllabic phrase-final words as a factor of pitch accent position (initial-accented, medial-accented, final-accented, and no accent). Preliminary results based on duration measurements of the consonant constriction gestures comprising the phrase-final words show that in words with no pitch accent, pre-boundary lengthening has a progressive effect extending two syllables away from the right edge of the phrase, being strongest in the word-final syllable. If pitch accent is present, pre-boundary lengthening is affected by the former’s position. The lengthening effect is limited to the final syllable in initial- and medial-accented words, and disappears in final-accented words. Typological dimensions of the interaction between prominence and boundaries are discussed. [Work supported by NSF.]
The microcosmos of intratumor heterogeneity: the space-time of cancer evolution

The Cancer Genome Atlas consortium brought us terabytes of information about genetic alterations in different types of human tumors. While many cancer-driver genes have been identified through these efforts, interrogating cancer genomes has also shed new light on tumor complexity. Mutations were found to vary tremendously in their allelic frequencies within the same tumor. Based on those variant allelic frequencies grouping, an estimate of genetically distinct "clones" of cancer cells can be determined for each tumor. It was estimated that 4-8 clones are present in every human tumor. Presence of distinct clones, cells that differ in their genotype and/or phenotype, is one of the roots for the major challenge of effectively curing cancer patients. Any given treatment applied to a heterogeneous mixture of cancer cells will yield distinct responses in different cells and may be ineffective in killing particular clones. Moreover, in highly heterogeneous tumors, stochastically, there is a higher chance of presence of traits, such as point mutations in key receptor tyrosine kinases, that drive drug resistance. Thus, intratumor heterogeneity is like an arsenal, providing a variety of weapons for self-defense against cancer-targeted therapy. However, in this arsenal the supplies are constantly changing, as cancer cells are accumulating new mutations. What is also changing is the battlefield-the tumor microenvironment including all noncancerous cells within the tumor and surrounding tissue, which also contribute to the diversification of cancer's forces. In order to design more effective therapies that would target this ever-changing landscape, we need to learn more about the two elusive variables that shape the tumor ecosystem: the space-how could we exploit the organization of tumor microenvironment? and the time-how could we predict the changes in heterogeneous tumors?
Optimal Resource Allocation to Exploration and Exploitation in Hierarchical Structures

Ambidexterity literature presents conflicting theoretical perspectives regarding the optimal resource allocation of resources to exploration and exploitation in face of environmental turbulence. On...
Rotationally tunable polarization-insensitive metasurfaces for generating vortex beams

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light has been applied to a variety of areas such as optical tweezers, interferometry, and high-resolution microscopy.1, 2 Metasurfaces, two-dimensional engineered structures with subwavelength features, give access to tailored functionalities through highly efficient phase shifting and polarization conversion. However, conventional designs with a single metasurface element produce vortex beams with fixed OAM of e~ which limits the potential application areas. In this study, we propose and design a metasurface doublet lens structure having the property of generating variable modes controlled by the rotation angle. Inspired by Moir´e-lenses, the proposed structure consists of two all-dielectric metasurfaces where the second lens has the reverse phase profile compared to the first one. This causes the cancellation of the total phase shift at the nominal position. In our design, we rotate the second element with a discrete set of angles from 0 to 5.6 degrees with respect to the optical axis and obtain a set of the modes from e = 0 to 4. We demonstrate that the structure converts the input plane wave to the vortex beams with OAM modes as a function of the rotation angle. We model the unit cell structure working at wavelength 532 nm a with circular cross-section, fixed height and variable radius titanium dioxide nanopillar on a fused-silica substrate. Nanopillar locations are distributed in a square lattice form with subwavelength periodicity which is suitable for conventional microelectronics fabrication methods. We believe our design can be used in optical trapping to detect different sizes of micro-particles and to create reconfigurable microoptomechanical pumps.
Applying Black’s Theory of Law to Juvenile Justice Decisions

An abundance of research has examined the impact of legal and extra-legal variables on juvenile justice processing. Much of this research, whether explicitly or implicitly, investigates the extent to which extra-legal variables, such as race, ethnicity, and gender, impact decision making. Some of these studies have also considered how social situational factors shape outcomes. However, there remains a need for theoretical development to improve our understanding of how the social structure of a case influences processing. Informed by an interpretation of Black’s theory of law, the current study investigated the influence of family structure, school performance, prosocial activities, and demographic variables on intake and adjudication decisions in delinquency cases in a mid-Atlantic state. Overall, we found moderate support for Black’s theory. Findings suggested that race, gender, and age consistently conditioned juvenile justice processing, but that social situational variables had inconsistent effects on intake and adjudication. Implications for theory, policy, and practice are discussed.
Shaping Students’ Career Attitudes toward Professional Success: Examining the Role of Student-Faculty Interactions

This study examined the relationship between student-faculty interaction in college and students’ fourth-year career attitudes toward professional success. Results suggest that some interactions with faculty, such as frequency of student-faculty interaction, are positively associated with students’ fourth-year career attitudes toward professional success. Other interactions, such as personal discussions with faculty and research with a faculty member, are negatively associated with certain attitudes about professional success such as students’ desire to make a lot of money. These mixed findings suggest that faculty may have a role to play in shaping students’ career attitudes, but that interactions with faculty, depending on the type and context of the interaction, may encourage or discourage students’ attitudes regarding professional success.
Quantum Key Distribution

Conventional implementations of cryptography are only computationally secure. The security of quantum cryptography (QC), on the other hand, is based on the inherent uncertainty in quantum phenomena at the physical layer of a communication system.
A conceptual model of fertility concerns among adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Objective For adolescents and young adults (AYAs), cancer-related fertility concerns (FC) are salient, disruptive, and complex. Clinical communication about FC and fertility preservation options are suboptimal, increasing patient distress. The purpose of this study is to construct a conceptual model of FC among AYAs with cancer to inform future measurement development. Methods Concept elicitation interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of stakeholders: 36 AYAs (10 adolescents, 12 emerging adults, and 14 young adults), 36 AYA oncology health care providers, and 12 content experts in cancer-related infertility. The constant comparative method was used to identify themes and properties that illustrate AYAs' conceptualization and/or experience of FC. Results Thirteen themes characterized FC among AYAs with cancer, varying by stakeholder group and domain affiliations. Themes were grouped by four domains (e.g., affective, information, coping, and logistical), which organized the conceptual model. Affective experiences were further determined to be an important component within the other three domains. AYAs' fertility and fertility preservation experiences were shaped by communication factors and timing factors including placement along the lifespan/cancer continuum. Conclusions AYA FC are characterized by uncertainty and confusion that may contribute to future decisional regret or magnify feelings of loss. Results add to previous research by examining individual, relational, and health care factors that fluctuate to inform fertility preservation perceptions and decision-making across the AYA age spectrum. Findings will be used to develop and test new self-report measures of FC among AYAs with cancer and survivors using classic and modern measurement theory approaches.
Nature-Based Learning at an Urban Community College: A Case Study at the Central Park Zoo

There is rapidly growing research on the multiple benefits of nature-based experiences. Some institutions of higher education have incorporated these types of experiences in areas such as building ...
A5.1ms Low-Latency Face Detection Imager with In-Memory Charge-Domain Computing of Machine-Learning Classifiers

We present a CMOS imager for low-latency face detection empowered by parallel imaging and computing of machine-learning (ML) classifiers. The energy-efficient parallel operation and multi-scale detection eliminate image capture delay and significantly alleviate backend computational loads. The proposed pixel architecture, composed of dynamic samplers in a global shutter (GS) pixel array, allows for energy-efficient in-memory charge-domain computing of feature extraction and classification. The illumination-invariant detection was realized by using log-Haar features. A prototype 240×240 imager achieved an on-chip face detection latency of 5.1ms with a 97.9% true positive rate and 2% false positive rate at 120fps. Moreover, a dynamic nature of in-memory computing allows an energy efficiency of 419pJ/pixel for feature extraction and classification, leading to the smallest latency-energy product of 3.66ms∙nJ/pixel with digital backend processing.
Three-particle finite-volume formalism for π+π+K+ and related systems

We consider three-particle systems consisting of two identical particles and a third that is different, with all being spinless. Examples include ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{K}^{+}$ and ${K}^{+}{K}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$. We derive the formalism necessary to extract two- and three-particle infinite-volume scattering amplitudes from the spectrum of such systems in finite volume. We use a relativistic formalism based on an all-orders diagrammatic analysis in generic effective field theory, adopting the methodology used recently to study the case of three nondegenerate particles. We present both a direct derivation, and also a cross-check based on an appropriate limit and projection of the fully nondegenerate formalism. We also work out the threshold expansions for the three-particle K matrix that will be needed in practical applications, both for systems with two identical particles plus a third, and also for the fully nondegenerate theory.
Predicting outcomes in hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine.

BACKGROUND: Radioiodine (131 I) is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. After 131 I, however, euthyroidism is not always achieved, with 5% to 10% of cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid and 20% to 50% developing iatrogenic hypothyroidism. OBJECTIVES: To identify pretreatment factors that may help predict persistent hyperthyroidism and iatrogenic hypothyroidism after treatment of cats using a novel 131 I dosing algorithm. ANIMALS: One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with 131 I. METHODS: Prospective, before-and-after study. Pretreatment predictors (clinical, laboratory, scintigraphic, 131 I dose, 131 I uptake measurements) of treatment failure or iatrogenic hypothyroidism were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Cats that developed iatrogenic hypothyroidism were more likely to be older (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.17; P = .001), female (OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.54-2.70; P < .001), have detectable serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations (OR = 4.19; 95% CI, 2.0-8.81; P < .001), have bilateral thyroid nodules (OR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19-2.08; P < .001), have homogeneous, bilateral distribution of 99m Tc-pertechnetate uptake (OR = 2.93; 95% CI, 2.05-4.19; P < .001), have milder severity score (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49-0.79; P < .001), and have higher 131 I uptake (OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.75-3.28; P < .001). In contrast, cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid were more likely to be younger (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72-0.92; P < .001), have higher severity score (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.51-2.31; P < .001), and have lower 131 I uptake (OR = 3.50; 95% CI, 1.8-6.80; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Age, sex, serum TSH concentration, bilateral and homogeneous 99m Tc-pertechnetate uptake on scintigraphy, severity score, and percent 131 I uptake are all factors that might help predict outcome of 131 I treatment in hyperthyroid cats. Cats with persistent hyperthyroidism had many predictive factors that directly contrasted those of cats that developed 131 I-induced hypothyroidism.
Giardia and Giardiasis

Publisher Summary Organisms in the genus Giardia are widely distributed, flagellated protozoan parasites of all classes of vertebrates. Giardia is an intestinal protozoan parasite of humans.. Under appropriate conditions, they can cause disease. This chapter summarizes the progress in the study of Giardia and its relation with its host. Studies in this regard have resulted in a number of developments, most occurring within the past decade. These include (1) information regarding the nature of Giardia infection and disease, the host–parasite interaction, and the development of a mouse model of disease; (2) their axenic cultivation and the determination of conditions for excystment; (3) information regarding their spread via water, via sexual contact, and from one animal species to another; (4) data regarding the role of the immune system in affecting host susceptibility to these organisms and the possibility of severe disease in immunodeficient individuals; (5) recognition of the frequent difficulty in detecting this parasite, the introduction of a new method of obtaining trophozoites from the patient, and efforts to diagnose the infection immunologically; and (6) the demonstration that some Giardia infections are not eradicated with presently recommended drugs.
A General-purpose System for Teleoperation of the DRC-HUBO Humanoid Robot

We present a general system with a focus on addressing three events of the 2013 DARPA Robotics Challenge DRC trials: debris clearing, door opening, and wall breaking. Our hardware platform is DRC-HUBO, a redesigned model of the HUBO2+ humanoid robot developed by KAIST and Rainbow, Inc. Our system allowed a trio of operators to coordinate a 32 degree-of-freedom robot on a variety of complex mobile manipulation tasks using a single, unified approach. In addition to descriptions of the hardware and software, and results as deployed on the DRC-HUBO platform, we present some qualitative analysis of lessons learned from this demanding and difficult challenge.