cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reassessment of the Uncertainties of the NRC Cryogenic Current Comparator and Quantum Hall Resistance Standard

This paper describes the main sources of error in the NRC Cryogenic Current Comparator (CCC) and Quantum Hall Resistance Standard (QHR) systems and reports their estimated uncertainty. The CCC type B uncertainty is evaluated to be 0.26 parts in 109, with the largest contribution being the effect of a noise-induced offset in the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID). The relative uncertainty of the QHR system is estimated at $0.28 \times 10^{-9}$ , with comparable contributions from leakage resistances between the leads and finite dissipation on the QHR sample.
Investor-state dispute settlement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership

This chapter critically examines the intellectual property rights holders' growing use of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) to resolve international intellectual property disputes. It begins by highlighting the criticisms of ISDS, including those that are related to the arbitration process, the arbitrators' interpretations and final arbitral outcomes. The chapter then examines the various upgrades that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement has provided to the ISDS mechanism. It concludes by outlining the conceptual and institutional improvements that could strengthen ISDS. This chapter retains its analytical focus on the TPP investment chapter despite the United States' withdrawal from the pact in January 2017. The retained focus is due largely to the adoption of that chapter as part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which was established among the eleven remaining TPP partners in January 2018. The only provisions in the original investment chapter that the CPTPP has suspended are those concerning "investment agreement" and "investment authorisation."
Examining University Ranking Metrics: Articulating Issues of Size and Web Dependency

Universities pay serious attention to a wide variety of rankings in comparison with other national or international universities. Such ranking is used for peer comparisons, funds' acquisition and distribution, hiring, recruiting, and more. Several organizations or websites evaluate and publish those rankings yearly. In this paper, we evaluated those ranking models. We showed influence of University size, and web presence as two major contributing factors. We noticed while most ranking metrics claim that such two factors have no significant impact on their overall ranking methods, we showed in this paper that such dependency is significant. We also proposed methods to normalize or equalize such influences and showed that such methods are feasible and hence should be adopted.
Model Selection and Biased Estimation

In Chap. 3 we learned that multiple regression is a powerful tool for modeling the contribution a variable makes to the prediction of a criterion holding other variables constant. Given this ability, it might seem that adding predictors to a regression model is always beneficial, but this is not the case. Part of the problem is collinearity. As discussed in Chap. 5, when the predictors are strongly related, their regression coefficients become unstable and their standard errors become inflated. But even when collinearity is not an issue, adding predictors to a regression equation can sometimes do more harm than good. To understand why, we turn to a discussion of prediction error and model complexity.
1,4-Dioxane-contaminated groundwater remediation in the anode chamber of a microbial fuel cell.

A two-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) was used for the first time for the remediation of an emerging contaminant-1,4-dioxane in its anode chamber. Groundwater historically detected 1,4-dioxane contamination was sampled from a Superfund site. Comparative study was carried out between metabolic (i.e., 1,4-dioxane as sole carbon source) and cometabolic (i.e., 1,4-dioxane and methanol as carbon sources) anodic degradations. It was found that cometabolic degradation increased 1,4-dioxane removal by 10%-52% after 7 days and increased maximum power production of the MFC by 18% to 88.9 mW/m3 . Oxalic acid was detected as a main metabolic degradation product. Beside oxalic acid, acetic acid and isopropanol were also detected as main products for cometabolic degradation. The presence of a biofilm for 1,4-dioxane anodic degradation was observed by a scanning electron microscopy. Phyla of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, as well as a variety of species, were identified for the first time-especially Rikenella sp. and Solitalea canadensis, whose relative abundances were the highest of 18.8% and 24.0% for metabolic and cometabolic degradation, respectively. This study provided an innovative and sustainable approach for 1,4-dioxane anodic biodegradation, which would be potentially utilized for remediation of groundwater contaminated by 1,4-dioxane. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Groundwater contaminated with 1,4-dioxane was remediated in the anode chamber of a two-chambered microbial fuel cell. Cometabolic pathway increased 1,4-dioxane removal and power production of the MFC compared to metabolic pathway. The presence of a biofilm for 1,4-dioxane anodic degradation was observed, and oxalic acid was a main degradation product. This study would be potentially utilized for 1,4-dioxane-contaminated groundwater remediation with simultaneous energy production. External voltage supply for bioelectrochemical remediation of groundwater would potentially be reduced when treating chlorinated hydrocarbons co-occurred with 1,4-dioxane.
Mutation of Hybrid Regime and Quo Vadis Bangladesh

In the concluding chapter, two questions are addressed: What is the pathway of a hybrid regime? What are the possible scenarios of Bangladeshi politics? The first has remained unexplored in the extant literature on hybrid regimes. This chapter argues that the hybrid regime has the possibility of mutating into an authoritarian system of governance. As for the future of Bangladeshi politics, two scenarios are considered: further sliding toward authoritarian with the hollowing of institutions like elections or restraint of the incumbent’s penchant for coercion as the mode of governance and striving for national reconciliation and unity.
Synthesis and fluorine NMR chemical shifts for a series of exo-3,3-difluorotricyclo[3.2.1.02,4]octyl derivatives

Abstract The Diels–Alder cycloaddition of 1,2-dihalo-3,3-difluorocyclopropenes 1 to a series of five-membered ring dienes stereoselectively provided the corresponding exo-2,4-dihalo-3,3-difluorotricyclo[3.2.1.0 2,4 ]oct-6-ene adducts. Removal of the C2, C4 halogens(bromine or chlorine) before or after saturation of the C6, C7 double bond afforded a variety of gem -difluorocyclopropyl derivatives in the analogous tricyclic manifold. The 19 F and 1 H NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants are listed for each of these tricyclic systems.
Image Quality Evaluation Study of an RF-Penetrable Brain PET Insert: A Phantom Assessment Toward Clinical Translation

This work presents imaging studies from a brain dedicated radio frequency (RF)-penetrable PET insert compatible with clinical whole-body MRI systems. The brain dedicated PET system is composed of 16 detector modules. Each module employs an array of 3.2 x 3.2 x 20 mm3 LYSO crystal elements which are 1-1 coupled to arrays of silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). Front-end electronics multiplex the output of 128 pixels to 16 vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL). The VSCELs generate unique optical output patterns per pixel which are passed via fiber optics to an external DAQ. To achieve RF-penetrability of the body coil RF excitation signal and maintain MRI compatibility, the modules in the assembled system are electrically isolated from the MRI and spaced with 1 mm gaps for the RF fields to enter. The PET system has an internal diameter of 32 cm which is reduced to 28 cm due to the addition of a very thin phased array receive coil. Two phantoms were imaged using the brain dedicated PET system: a custom 3D printed resolution phantom, and the Hoffman brain phantom. The resolution phantom had hot rods with diameters of 5.2 mm, 4.2 mm, 3.2 mm, and 2.8 mm, and a single cold rod region with rods of 4.2 mm diameters. For a gold standard, images from a GE Signa system were acquired and compared to the results of the dedicated brain PET insert. In comparison, the dedicated brain PET system was able to visualize the smallest hot rod feature (2.8 mm) whereas the GE Signa system was not and showed much better resolution and contrast for all rods, including the 4.2 mm diameter cold rod pattern. However, the Hoffman brain phantom scan was of higher quality in the GE system most likely due to the application of accurate image corrections (e.g. random, scatter, attenuation, and deadtime correction). Future work will focus on the inclusion of image correction in the processing workflow of the dedicated brain PET system to realize the benefit from its higher intrinsic spatial resolution.
Simulation of circulating tumor cell transport and adhesion in cell suspensions in microfluidic devices.

Understanding cell transport and adhesion dynamics under flow is important for many biotransport problems. We investigated the influence of cell size, ligand coating density, micropost size, and intercellular collisions on circulating tumor cell adhesion and transport in microfluidic devices. The cells were modeled as coarse-grained cell membranes and the adhesion was modeled as pairwise interacting potentials, while the fluid was solved using the lattice Boltzmann method. The coupling between the cell and the fluid was achieved through the immersed boundary method. The cell showed transient rolling adhesion in high shear regions and firm adhesion in low shear regions. The adhesive force for rolling cells on a micropost was increasing before the cell reached the crest of the post and then decreasing afterward. The adhesive strength for cells increases with ligand coating density. Cell trajectories in a microfluidic device with a shifted post design were studied as well. At low concentrations, the majority of the cells follow streamlines closely. However, the intercellular collision and collision from red blood cells impacted the cell trajectories. An L 2 norm of | e | was defined to characterize the difference between the cell trajectories and the associated streamlines. It was shown that | e | L 2 increases with micropost sizes and cell concentrations.
Design, and Control of a SiC Isolated Bidirectional Power Converter for V2L Applications to both DC and AC Load

EV can help export its unused energy to the external load (such as home appliance) when the vehicle is stationary. Hence a bidirectional power converter with such function is of need. Due to the safety concern, a galvanic isolation transformer is required. This paper presents an isolated universal power converter which can perform vehicle to load (V2L) feature for both AC load and DC load in one single unit. Design details such as SiC MOSFET gate drive and high frequency isolation transformer are disclosed in this paper. Control algorithm and analysis for both operation modes are also performed. Experimental results are shown to validate the hardware design and control algorithm development.
Mineral nutrient deficiencies in quinoa grown in hydroponics with single nutrient salt/acid/chelate sources

Major crop nutrient symptoms are well documented. In contrast, there is often minimal or no similar information for minor crops, including quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). This knowledge gap can...
Nickel nano-dot arrays on silicon substrate fabrication and surface charge distribution

We report a simple and feasible technique for the formation of well-distributed nickel nanodot arrays on both oxidized and unoxidized silicon substrate by a conventional annealing process. The shape and distribution of nickel nanodots were maintained by adjusting annealing temperature, time and the SiO2 buffer layer thickness in between nickel film and the silicon substrate. The diffusion of nickel into the silicon is significantly reduced when the nickel film on the oxidized silicon substrate is annealed at high temperature. From this conventional annealing technique, we achieve a maximum nickel nanodots density up to (7.94±1.92) nanodot counts/µm2 on the oxidized silicon substrate with a well-defined spherical shape by adjusting the thickness of nickel film as well as buffer SiO2 layer. In the next experiment, the surface charge distribution on the nickel nanodot arrays were characterized through the Kelvin probe force microscope (KPFM) on tapping mode. It is found that the nickel nanodots can store and release the electric charges under an applied bias voltage.
Persistent changes in extracellular lactate dynamics following synaptic potentiation

Abstract A diverse array of neurometabolic coupling mechanisms exist within the brain to ensure that sufficient metabolite availability is present to meet both acute and chronic energetic demands. Excitatory synaptic activity, which produces the majority of the brain’s energetic demands, triggers a rapid metabolic response including a characteristic shift towards aerobic glycolysis. Herein, astrocytically derived lactate appears to serve as an important metabolite to meet the extensive metabolic needs of activated neurons. Despite a wealth of literature characterizing lactate’s role in mediating these acute metabolic needs, the extent to which lactate supports chronic energetic demands of neurons remains unclear. We hypothesized that synaptic potentiation, a ubiquitous brain phenomenon that can produce chronic alterations in synaptic activity, could necessitate persistent alterations in brain energetics. In freely-behaving rats, we induced long-term potentiation (LTP) of synapses within the dentate gyrus through high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of the medial perforant pathway. Before, during, and after LTP induction, we continuously recorded extracellular lactate concentrations within the dentate gyrus to assess how changes in synaptic strength alter local glycolytic activity. Synaptic potentiation 1) altered the acute response of extracellular lactate to transient neuronal activation as evident by a larger initial dip and subsequent overshoot and 2) chronically increased local lactate availability. Although synapses were potentiated immediately following HFS, observed changes in lactate dynamics were only evident beginning ~24 h later. Once observed, however, both synaptic potentiation and altered lactate dynamics persisted for the duration of the experiment (~72 h). Persistent alterations in synaptic strength, therefore, appear to be associated with metabolic plasticity in the form of persistent augmentation of glycolytic activity.
Theoretical Limits of Power Transfer in Capacitive Wireless Charging Systems

This paper presents an analytical framework to determine the theoretical limits on the maximum power that can be delivered by capacitive wireless power transfer (WPT) systems suitable for electric vehicle (EV) charging. This framework yields analytical expressions for the output power and efficiency of a capacitive WPT system as functions of its geometrical and electrical parameters. The limits on system performance are imposed by physical constraints such as air breakdown, and application-specific constraints such as minimum acceptable system efficiency and allowable fringing field levels. The proposed analytical framework is used to predict and compare the maximum power transfer capability of different capacitive WPT systems designed to charge EVs with different chassis sizes and ground clearances. The analytical framework is validated using three 13.56-MHz 12-cm air-gap prototype capacitive WPT systems with power levels ranging from 800 W to 3.7 kW.
Acquisition of Diffusion MRI Data

Abstract This chapter breaks down acquisition considerations for diffusion MRI into the three key components of diffusion-weighted pulse sequences: (I) diffusion encoding, (II) signal refocusing, and (III) image encoding. The first section describes strategies to sensitize the MR signal to the diffusive motion of water molecules using linear magnetic field gradients. The second section discusses how signal refocusing techniques can be tailored to accommodate the desired diffusion encoding and/or mitigate image artifacts. The third section describes rapid image readout strategies commonly employed for diffusion MRI. Standard single-shot echo-planar imaging is discussed along with advancements in accelerated imaging and encoding strategies which aim to address its shortcomings. The fourth section addresses hardware and system limitations and their effect on diffusion MRI. The final section is devoted to a brief summary of considerations for acquiring diffusion MRI outside of the brain.
An improved method for specific-target preamplification PCR analysis of single blastocysts useful for embryo sexing and high-throughput gene expression analysis

Gene expression analysis in preimplantation embryos has been used for answering fundamental questions related to development, prediction of pregnancy outcome, and other topics. Limited amounts of mRNA in preimplantation embryos hinders progress in studying the preimplantation embryo. Here, a method was developed involving direct synthesis and specific-target preamplification (STA) of cDNA for gene expression analysis in single blastocysts. Effective cell lysis and genomic DNA removal steps were incorporated into the method. In addition, conditions for real-time PCR of cDNA generated from these processes were improved. By using this system, reliable embryo sexing results based on expression of sex-chromosome linked genes was demonstrated. Calibration curve analysis of PCR results using the Fluidigm Biomark microfluidic platform (Fluidigm, South San Francisco, CA) was performed to evaluate 96 STA cDNA from single blastocysts. In total, 93.75% of the genes were validated. Robust amplification was detected even when STA cDNA from a single blastocyst was diluted 1,024-fold. Further analysis showed that within-assay variation increased when cycle threshold values exceeded 18. Overall, STA quantitative real-time PCR analysis was shown to be useful for analysis of gene expression of multiple specific targets in single blastocysts.
Salinity and stable isotope dataset for Guayas estuary waters.

Abstract The Guayas estuary is an ecologically and economically vital, large estuarine system located on the western coast of South America. A suite of ∼400 water samples was collected and analyzed to enable investigation of the sources of water types within this estuary, as well as environmental processes active within various portions of it. These samples were obtained at sites distributed across the major areas of the inner and outer portions of the estuary at the ends of consecutive dry (December/January) and rainy (May) seasons. At each site, Van Dorn bottles were lowered into the water from a boat (or bridge) and then triggered when they reached specified depths. When the Van Dorn bottles were brought back aboard the boat, aliquots of water from them were promptly sealed in glass containers for later analysis. These were transported to onshore laboratories where their salinities, and their oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) isotopic compositions were measured. Established analytical procedures and standards were employed to obtain a robust set of resultant data. The samples, analyses, and data presented here support the associated research article, “Stable isotope evidence for the origins of waters in the Guayas estuary and Gulf of Guayaquil” [1] , to which readers are referred for interpretation.
Off Label Use of StarClose for Superior Gluteal Artery Puncture Closure Following Embolisation of an Internal Iliac Artery Type II Endoleak.

Introduction Embolisation of type II internal iliac artery endoleaks is challenging given limited options for obtaining transarterial access and for achieving access site haemostasis. Report An 86 year old woman who had undergone endovascular repair for an aorto-iliac aneurysm was found to have serial enlargement of the left common iliac artery portion of the aneurysm observed over a period of two years. At the time of the initial repair, the left internal iliac artery was embolised using coils, and then was covered by extending the iliac limb endoprosthesis into the external iliac artery. However, computed tomography angiography showed recanalisation of the previously coiled left internal iliac artery, thus allowing contrast to flow into the left common iliac aneurysm sac. Given that the internal iliac artery origin was covered and there was no visible collateral pathway, direct puncture of the superior gluteal artery was selected to access the left internal iliac artery in a retrograde fashion. This presented a challenge in terms of achieving haemostasis given the deep position of the arterial access site, which was unlikely to be amenable to manual compression. Off label StarClose was chosen for closure of the superior gluteal arterial access, with successful haemostasis and preserved patency of the vessel. Discussion Off label StarClose was used successfully to obtain haemostasis after obtaining percutaneous transgluteal access to the superior gluteal artery in order to embolise a type II endoleak arising from the internal iliac artery. Keywords: StarClose; Iliac artery type II endoleak; Arterial closure device; Haemostasis; Superiorgluteal artery
Genetic manipulation of adhesion GPCR CD97/ADGRE5 modulates invasion in patient-derived glioma stem cells.

Effective glioblastoma (GBM) treatment is limited by high invasiveness and heterogeneity. Current therapies target proliferating Glioma Stem Cell (GSC) subpopulations while sparing invading GSCs, which eventually engender tumor recurrence after treatment. Surface receptor CD97/ADRGE5 is associated with invasion and metastasis regulation in non-CNS cancers. Although CD97 expression level positively correlates with poor GBM patient prognosis, its role in this tumor is unclear. Here, we examined CD97 function in primary patient-derived GSCs (pdGSCs) obtained from five GBM tumors, belonging to three major genetic subtypes. We compared endogenous CD97 levels in pdGSCs to the corresponding patient MRI’s radiographic invasion pattern aggressiveness. We manipulated CD97 levels in these pdGSCs by knockdown and overexpression and analyzed: (i) stem and subtype marker expression, (ii) in vitro invasive properties, and (iii) cell proliferation. Endogenous CD97 levels in pdGSCs positively correlated with radiographic invasion pattern aggressiveness on patient MRIs, and in vitro invasion rate. CD97 knockdown decreased pdGSC invasion rates in vitro, most markedly in mesenchymal subtype pdGSCs, as well as classical subtype pdGSCs. Invasion rates in vitro increased after CD97 overexpression predominately in proneural subtype pdGSCs. In the pdGSC line with the lowest endogenous CD97 level, CD97 overexpression increased the proliferation rate almost threefold. For the first time in pdGSCs, we have shown that CD97 knockdown decreases and overexpression increases invasion rate in vitro. The effect of CD97 on invasion is pdGSC subtype-dependent. Future in vivo and mechanistic studies are needed for validation. Pharmacologic CD97 inhibitors should be identified, as they may potentially therapeutically diminish GBM invasion.
Optimal Control of Closed Quantum Systems via B-Splines with Carrier Waves

We consider the optimal control problem of determining electromagnetic pulses for implementing logical gates in a closed quantum system, where the Hamiltonian models the dynamics of coupled superconducting qudits. The quantum state is governed by Schrodinger's equation, which we formulate in terms of the real and imaginary parts of the state vector and solve by the Stormer-Verlet scheme, which is a symplectic partitioned Runge-Kutta method. A novel parameterization of the control functions based on B-splines with carrier waves is introduced. The carrier waves are used to trigger the resonant frequencies in the system Hamiltonian, and the B-spline functions specify their amplitude and phase. This approach allows the number of control parameters to be independent of, and significantly smaller than, the number of time steps for integrating Schrodinger's equation. We present numerical examples of how the proposed technique can be combined with an interior point L-BFGS algorithm for realizing quantum gates, and generalize our approach to calculate risk-neutral controls that are resilient to noise in the Hamiltonian model. The proposed method is also shown to compare favorably with QuTiP/pulse\_optim and Grape-Tensorflow.
Disparities in the frequency of tobacco products use by sexual identity status.

Abstract Background Largely absent from the literature are studies examining differences in tobacco use frequency among sexual minority populations versus heterosexuals. The current study examined the frequency of tobacco product use (i.e., cigarette, e-cigarettes and cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah, and heated tobacco products) among sexual minority students versus heterosexuals (straight). Methods Data from the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey (n = 14,531) were analyzed to examine the association between sexual identity (lesbian or gay, bisexual, not sure, and heterosexual or straight) and tobacco use frequency. Negative binomial regression and zero-inflated negative binomial models were used to assess the association between sexual identity and each tobacco use frequency among current and ever users. Results Current e-cigarettes users who identified as gay or lesbian used e-cigarette more frequently than heterosexual students. Multivariable count regression analysis showed that the e-cigarette use frequency in the past 30 days was significantly higher for gays or lesbians (IRR 1.45, 95% CI, 1.19–1.76) compared to heterosexuals. Similarly, gay or lesbian students who were current hookah users on average reported 81% more days of hookah use (IRR, 1.81, 95% CI, 1.08–3.03). The frequency of cigarette smoking was also significantly higher among bisexual cigarette smokers. No significant differences were found in other tobacco product use frequencies between sexual minority and heterosexual youths. Conclusion Sexual identity was associated with tobacco use frequency, especially for e-cigarettes and hookah. Elevated tobacco use among sexual minority groups deserves special consideration among a population group that is highly vulnerable to marketing and advertisement targeting.
User performance on laptops vs. tablets: an experiment in the field

This research presents the results of a field experiment that measured users’ performance, satisfaction and confidence in completing a number of different Business Intelligence (BI) tasks using tab...
Feeding behavior and preference of horses fed rhizoma peanut hay

Abstract Rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth) has been used as alternative legume hay for horses; however, feeding behavior and preference of horses fed this hay in comparison to other commonly fed hays warrant investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding behavior and preference of mature horses with maintenance requirements fed RP ‘Florigraze’ hay compared with alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L. ‘Legendary XHD’) and bermudagrass (BMG, Cynodon dactylon L. ‘coastal’) hays. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (593 ± 40 kg; mean ± SD) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. Horses were individually housed in 5 × 4 m stalls bedded with wood shavings. Hays were offered to horses in 46 × 36 cm 66-L rubber-polyethylene containers. Hays were analyzed for chemical composition before the start of the study. After a 14-d diet adaptation, 24-h behavioral observations were conducted using scan sampling. Time spent feeding, inactive, and at other activities were recorded every 10 min. Three-choice preference tests were conducted for a 2-h duration twice daily on d 20 and 21 by simultaneously presenting 1 kg (as-fed basis) of all 3 hays. Horses’ first choice, hay consumption, and number of times each hay was smelled or tasted but left in preference for another hay were recorded. Preference data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while behavioral data and hay consumption were analyzed using repeated measures mixed model ANOVA. A hay x time-of-day effect was observed on feeding time (P = 0.0408), and ALF resulted in reduced feeding time 2 to 4 h after meals were offered compared to RP and BMG. Daily feeding time was shorter (P
Usability-In-Place-Remote Usability Testing Methods for Homebound Older Adults: Rapid Literature Review.

Background: Technology can benefit older adults in many ways, including by facilitating remote access to services, communication, and socialization for convenience or out of necessity when individuals are homebound. As people, especially older adults, self-quarantined and sheltered in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of usability-in-place became clear. To understand the remote use of technology in an ecologically valid manner, researchers and others must be able to test usability remotely. Objective: Our objective was to review practical approaches for and findings about remote usability testing, particularly remote usability testing with older adults. Methods: We performed a rapid review of the literature and reported on available methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and practical recommendations. This review also reported recommendations for usability testing with older adults from the literature. Results: Critically, we identified a gap in the literature—a lack of remote usability testing methods, tools, and strategies for older adults, despite this population’s increased remote technology use and needs (eg, due to disability or technology experience). We summarized existing remote usability methods that were found in the literature as well as guidelines that are available for conducting in-person usability testing with older adults. Conclusions: We call on the human factors research and practice community to address this gap to better support older adults and other homebound or mobility-restricted individuals.
Socio-spatial affiliation networks

We model a location-based social network as an affiliation network, where the affiliations are the locations visited by the users.We identify clear signs of location-based homophily.The type of common locations between users encodes more information about the social connections as compared to the number of common locations visited.Using only location information for users we provide a system that can recover the social ties between them. Location-based social networks (LBSNs) have recently attracted a lot of attention due to the number of novel services they can offer. Prior work on analysis of LBSNs has mainly focused on the social part of these systems. Even though it is important to know how different the structure of the social graph of an LBSN is as compared to the friendship-based social networks (SNs), it raises the interesting question of what kinds of linkages exist between locations and friendships. The main problem we are investigating is to identify such connections between the social and the spatial planes of an LBSN. In particular, in this paper we focus on answering the following general question "What are the bonds between the social and spatial information in an LBSN and what are the metrics that can reveal them?" In order to tackle this problem, we employ the idea of affiliation networks. Analyzing a dataset from a specific LBSN (Gowalla), we make two main interesting observations; (i) the social network exhibits signs of homophily with regards to the "places/venues" visited by the users, and (ii) the "nature" of the visited venues that are common to users is powerful and informative in revealing the social/spatial linkages. We further show that the "entropy" of a venue can be used to better connect spatial information with the existing social relations. The entropy records the diversity of a venue and requires only location history of users (it does not need temporal history). Finally, we provide a simple application of our findings for predicting existing friendship relations based on users' historic spatial information. We show that even with simple unsupervised or supervised learning models we can achieve significant improvement in prediction when we consider features that capture the "nature" of the venue as compared to the case where only apparent properties of the location history are used (e.g., number of common visits).
Strategies and rates of photoacclimation in two major Southern Ocean phytoplankton taxa: Phaeocystis antarctica (Haptophyta) and Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Bacillariophyceae)

We investigated rates and mechanisms of photoacclimation in cultures of Phaeocystis antarctica G. Karst. and Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Grunow) Willi Krieg, phytoplankton taxa that each dominate distinct areas of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. Both P. antarctica and F. cylindrus acclimated to increases in irradiance by reducing the effective size of the pigment antenna (σPSII) via xanthophyll-cycle activity and reductions in chl. While enhanced photoprotection facilitated increases in specific growth rate and eventually led to higher light-saturated photosynthetic rates (Pcellm) in P. antarctica, increases in those variables were much smaller in F. cylindrus. In response to a lower irradiance, relaxation of xanthophyll-cycle activity led to an increase in σPSII in both taxa, which occurred much more slowly in F. cylindrus. A surprising increase in specific growth rate over the first 36 h of acclimation in P. antarctica may have facilitated the significant reductions in Pcellm observed in that taxon. In general, P. antarctica acclimated more quickly to changes in irradiance than F. cylindrus, exhibited a wider range in photosynthetic rates, but was more susceptible to photoinhibition. This acclimation strategy is consistent with growth in deeply mixed water columns with variations in irradiance that allow time for repair. In contrast, the slower acclimation rates, extensive photoprotection, and low photoinhibition exhibited by F. cylindrus suggest that it does not require the same period for repair as P. antarctica and is best suited for growth in habitats with relatively uniform irradiance, such as shallow mixed layers or sea ice.
Evaluate interference in digital channels

Any future mobile satellite service (MSS) which is to provide simultaneous mobile communications for a large number of users will have to make very efficient use of the spectrum. As the spectrum available for an MSS is limited, the system's channels should be packed as closely together as possible, with minimum-width guard bands. In addition the employment of frequency reuse schemes is an important factor. Difficulties regarding these solutions are related to the introduction of interference in the link. A balance must be achieved between the competing aims of spectrum conservation and low interference. While the interference phenomenon in narrowband FM voice channels is reasonably well understood, very little effort, however, has been devoted to the problem in digital radios. Attention is given to work, which illuminates the effects of cochannel and adjacent channel interference on digital FM (FSK) radios.
Sub-micron range thickness measurements using a novel scanning heterodyne optical interferometer

Introduces a novel and highly accurate method of thickness measurement using a compact, high performance, scanning heterodyne optical interferometer. The instrument has the potential to measure thickness at an Angstrom resolution over a micron continuous thickness range. The instrument uses acousto-optic devices to implement rapid scanning for thickness measurements of the test medium. As the read optical beams scan the test medium for thickness assessment, the double Bragg diffraction makes the final interfering output beam stationary on the two high speed photo-detectors used for radio frequency signal generation via heterodyne detection. When a test medium is introduced in the read beam, an additional phase shift 2/spl pi/t(n-1)//spl lambda/ appears in the read beam as compared to the reference beam where t, n and /spl lambda/ are the thickness, refractive index and wavelength of the laser beam, respectively. This phase difference gives the thickness of the medium. Mechanical vibrations and thermal noise are eliminated via use of common optical and rf paths. A reflective design of the interferometer results in a compact and low component count instrument.
Priapism and Sickle‐Cell Anemia: Diagnosis and Nonsurgical Therapy

ABSTRACT Introduction Priapism describes a persistent erection lasting longer than 4 hours. Ischemic priapism and stuttering priapism are phenotypic manifestations of sickle‐cell disease (SCD). Aims To define the types of priapism associated with SCD, to address pathogenesis, and to recommend best practices. Sources Literature review and published clinical guidelines. Summary of Findings Priapism is a full or partial erection that persists more than 4 hours. There are three kinds of priapism: ischemic priapism (veno‐occlusive, low flow), stuttering priapism (recurrent ischemic priapism), and nonischemic priapism (arterial, high flow). Ischemic priapism is a pathologic phenotype of SCD. Ischemic priapism is a urologic emergency when untreated priapism results in corporal fibrosis and erectile dysfunction. The recommended treatment for ischemic priapism is decompression of the penis by needle aspiration and if needed, injection (or irrigation) with dilute sympathomimetic drugs. Stuttering priapism describes a pattern of recurring unwanted painful erections in men with SCD. Patients typically awaken with an erection that persists for several hours and becomes painful. The goals of managing stuttering ischemic priapism are: prevention of future episodes, preservation of erectile function, and balancing the risks vs. benefits of various treatment options. The current molecular hypothesis for stuttering priapism in SCD proposes that insufficient basal levels of phosphodiesterase type‐5 are available in the corpora to degrade cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Nocturnal erections result from normal neuronal production and surges of cGMP. In the context of SCD stuttering priapism, these nocturnal surges in cGMP go unchecked, resulting in stuttering priapism. Conclusions Considering the embarrassing nature of the problem and the dire consequences to erectile function, it is important to inform patients, parents, and providers about the relationship of SCD to prolonged painful erections. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical management of priapism are necessary to spare patients surgical interventions and preserve erectile function. Broderick GA. Priapism and sickle‐cell anemia: Diagnosis and nonsurgical therapy. J Sex Med 2012;9:88–103.
Localization of dopa decarboxylase in adult Aedes aegypti females

Adult Aedes aegypti females contain very low levels of dopa decarboxylase activity. However, after a blood meal the activity of this enzyme rises dramatically. 1 Most of the dopa decarboxylase activity is lost after females are allowed to oviposit. 2 The bulk of the dopa decarboxylase activity observable was accounted for by direct assay of mature ovaries. 3 Blood feeding did not stimulate any increase of dopa decarboxylase levels in ovariectomized females. 4 It was concluded that after a blood meal the enzyme eventually becomes incorporated into the mature oocyte to be used for subsequent sclerotization when it is oviposited. Furthermore the presence of an intact resting ovary is necessary in order for the observed blood feeding stimulation of enzymatic activity to occur. This suggests that the follicular epithelium of the ovary may be the site of synthesis or activation of dopa decarboxylase.
Determination of Fermi contour and spin polarization of ν =3/2 composite fermions via ballistic commensurability measurements

We report ballistic transport commensurability minima in the magnetoresistance of $\nu =3/2$ composite fermions (CFs). The CFs are formed in high-quality two-dimensional electron systems confined to wide GaAs quantum wells and subjected to an in-plane, unidirectional periodic potential modulation. We observe a slight asymmetry of the CF commensurability positions with respect to $\nu=3/2$, which we explain quantitatively by comparing three CF density models and concluding that the $\nu=3/2$ CFs are likely formed by the minority carriers in the upper energy spin state of the lowest Landau level. Our data also allow us to probe the shape and size of the CF Fermi contour. At a fixed electron density of $\simeq 1.8 \times 10^{11}$ cm$^{-2}$, as the quantum well width increases from 30 to 60 nm, the CFs show increasing spin-polarization. We attribute this to the enhancement of the Zeeman energy relative to the Coulomb energy in wider wells where the latter is softened because of the larger electron layer thickness. The application of an additional parallel magnetic field ($B_{||}$) leads to a significant distortion of the CF Fermi contour as $B_{||}$ couples to the CFs' out-of-plane orbital motion. The distortion is much more severe compared to the $\nu=1/2$ CF case at comparable $B_{||}$. Moreover, the applied $B_{||}$ further spin-polarizes the $\nu=3/2$ CFs as deduced from the positions of the commensurability minima.
Identity exploration in the dating domain: The role of attachment dimensions and parenting practices

We examined relations among perceived parenting practices (support and psychological control), attachment dimensions for romantic relationships (anxiety and avoidance) and exploration of the dating identity among actively dating adolescents in two high school aged samples. In the all female sample of Study 1 (n = 653) and the gender balanced sample of Study 2 (n = 1003), parenting practices contributed to adolescent exploration of the dating identity. Parent psychological control, but not parental support, also contributed to elevated feeling of avoidance and anxiety in romantic relationships. Avoidance, in turn, was related to less exploration of the dating identity while anxiety seemed to increase it. Gender moderated the model, with parenting practices predicting exploration only for girls and with the links for avoidance and anxiety with exploration stronger for boys than girls. Indirect effects for parenting practices through attachment dimensions on exploration of the dating identity were also noted.
Band-gap evolution, hybridization, and thermal stability of In x Ga 1¿x N alloys measured by soft X-ray emission and absorption

The electronic structure of ${\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{N}$ alloys with $(0l~xl~0.3)$ has been studied using synchrotron radiation excited soft x-ray emission and absorption spectroscopies. These spectroscopies allow the elementally resolved partial density of states of the valence and conduction bands to be measured. The x-ray absorption spectra indicate that the conduction band broadens considerably with increasing indium incorporation. The evolution of the band gap as a function of indium content derives primarily from this broadening of the conduction-band states. The emission spectra indicate that motion of the valence band makes a smaller contribution to the evolution of the band gap. This gap evolution differs from previous studies on the ${\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{N}$ alloy system, which observed a linear valence-band shift through the series $(0l~xl~1).$ For ${\mathrm{In}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{N}$ the valence band exhibits a large shift between $x=0$ and $x=0.1$ with minimal movement thereafter. We also report evidence of In $4d--\mathrm{N}$ $2p$ and Ga $3d--\mathrm{N}$ $2p$ hybridization. Finally, the thermal stability of an ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.11}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.89}\mathrm{N}$ film was investigated. Both emission and absorption spectra were found to have a temperature-dependent shift in energy, but the overall definition of the spectra was unaltered even at annealing temperatures well beyond the growth temperature of the film.
SMART-IO: SysteM-AwaRe Two-Level Data Organization for Efficient Scientific Analytics

Current I/O techniques have pushed the write performance close to the system peak, but they usually overlook the read side of problem. With the mounting needs of scientific discovery, it is important to provide good read performance for many common access patterns. Such demand requires an organization scheme that can effectively utilize the underlying storage system. However, the mismatch between conventional data layout on disk and common scientific access patterns leads to significant performance degradation when a subset of data is accessed. To this end, we design a system-aware Optimized Chunking model, which aims to find an optimized organization that can strike for a good balance between data transfer efficiency and processing overhead. To enable such model for scientific applications, we propose SMART-IO, a two-level data organization framework that can organize the blocks of multidimensional data efficiently. This scheme can adapt data layouts based on data characteristics and underlying storage systems, and enable efficient scientific analytics. Our experimental results demonstrate that SMART-IO can significantly improve the read performance for challenging access patterns, and speed up data analytics. For a mission critical combustion simulation code S3D, Smart-IO achieves up to 72 times speedup for planar reads of a 3-D variable compared to the logically contiguous data layout.
A survey of research in American zoos and aquariums

A 26-item questionnaire was distributed to 153 American zoos, aquariums, and animal parks. A response rate of 78% was achieved after a second mailing. The results indicate that most zoos encourage research and have engaged in recent research activities of some type. Behavioral and reproductive research are the most common types of scientific activity, while nonprimate mammals are the most likely research subjects. Research activity is correlated with attendance and with academic affiliations. Nearly half of the institutions surveyed reported that their research efforts were expanding.
Surgical management of infantile ulcerative enteritis

Abstract Infantile transmural ulcerative enteritis is a disorder of early infancy characterized by feeding difficulties, intermittent and progressive diarrhea, cachexia, anemia, abdominal distention, and small-bowel dilation which may progress to intestinal obstruction. The pathologic process, of unknown etiology, involves a transmural enteritis with deep undermining mucosal ulceration, not unlike that seen in Crohn's disease, except that granulomas are usually not present. The early stages of the disease may be reversible if the bowel is simply placed at rest by use of intravenous nutrition. In the later stages of the illness, there is progressive mechanical and functional intestinal obstruction due to inflammatory constriction of the distal small bowel and lack of effective peristalsis through the inflammed segments. The terminal stages are characterized by marked abdominal distention, complete obstruction, septicemia, and death. It is during the period of abdominal distention due to progressive intestinal obstruction that surgical intervention is of benefit. A cutaneous enterostomy proximal to the involved segments of small intestine serves to decompress the bowel, to minimize bacteremia, and to allow the distal inflamed intestine to heal. Total intravenous nutrition is mandatory for a period of several weeks until there is healing of the distal small bowel and closure of the enterostomy. In all surviving infants, bowel function has returned to normal and there have been no long-term sequelae or recurrences.