cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of the transmission electron microscope in analyzing slip propagation across interfaces

Abstract The process of slip transmission across interfaces in polycrystalline materials depends on the nature of the individual boundaries. The observation and characterization of such slip propagation events can only be done in quantitative detail in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). It has been shown that the ability of different interfaces to sustain applied stresses can be measured using TEM data and anisotropic elastic calculations of the stresses around the interface, and this approach has been used to formulate predictive models for the most likely form that this propagation will take. In this manuscript the emphasis is on the role of the TEM in this procedure, which is described with particular attention paid to the limitations of the technique. The value of using additional complementary methods, such as in situ deformation experiments, is also pointed out.
Calibration-free device sizing using an inverse geometry x-ray system.

Purpose: Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) can be used to support device size selection for cardiovascular interventions. The accuracy of QCA measurements using conventional x-ray fluoroscopy depends on proper calibration using a reference object and avoiding vessel foreshortening. The authors have developed a novel interventional device sizing method using the inverse geometry scanning-beam digital x-ray (SBDX) fluoroscopy system. The proposed method can measure the diameter and length of vessel segments without imaging a reference object and when vessels appear foreshortened. Methods: SBDX creates multiple tomosynthetic x-ray images corresponding to planes through the patient volume. The structures that lie in the plane are in focus and the features above and below the plane are blurred. Three-dimensional localization of the vessel edges was performed by examining the degree of blurring at each image plane. A 3D vessel centerline was created and used to determine vessel magnification and angulation relative to the image planes. Diameter measurements were performed using a model-based method and length measurements were calculated from the 3D centerline. Phantom validation was performed by measuring the diameter and length of vessel segments with nominal diameters ranging from 0.5 to 2.8 mm and nominal lengths of 42 mm. The phantoms were imaged atmore » a range of positions between the source and the detector ({+-}16 cm relative to isocenter) and with a range of foreshortening angles (0 deg. - 75 deg.). Results: Changes in vessel phantom position created magnifications ranging from 87% to 118% relative to isocenter magnification. Average diameter errors were less than 0.15 mm. Average length measurements were within 1% (0.3 mm) of the true length. No trends were observed between measurement accuracy and magnification. Changes in vessel phantom orientation resulted in decreased apparent length down to 28% of the original nonforeshortened length. Average diameter errors were less than 0.25 mm across all vessel angulations; errors were less than 0.1 mm for smaller diameter vessels and low to moderate vessel angles. Diameter errors increased with true diameter and vessel angle relative to the image plane. Average length measurement errors were also within 1% (0.3 mm) for each angulation. Conclusions: Tomosynthetic imaging with SBDX can accurately measure dimensions of vessels in various magnifications and angulations without calibration. This method may be more accurate and convenient than conventional QCA techniques.« less
Metabolic Dysfunction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Previously considered a disease isolated to the pulmonary circulation, pulmonary arterial hypertension is now being recognized as a systemic disorder that is associated with significant metabolic dysfunction. Numerous animal models have demonstrated the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension following the onset of insulin resistance, indicating that insulin resistance may be causal. Recent publications highlighting alterations in aerobic glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the pulmonary circulation and right ventricle have expanded our understanding of the complex pathobiology of this disease. By targeting these derangements in metabolism, numerous researchers are investigating noninvasive techniques to monitor disease activity and therapeutics that address the underlying metabolic condition. In the following review, we will explore pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the metabolic dysfunction seen in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Effect of Parental Participation on Hospitalized Child Behavior

A short-term longitudinal descriptive evaluation of current levels of parents' participation in the care of a child hospitalized with leukemia was conducted to identify varying levels of parent participation and their relationship to the child's behavior during hospitalization. A positive relationship between the number of activities a parent participates in and the child's behavior during hospitalization was revealed.
Do worsening knee radiographs mean greater chances of severe functional limitation

Objective. Development of functional limitation is thought to be unrelated to changes in severity of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. We evaluated the relationship of change in radiographic OA to the incidence of severe functional limitation. Methods. Participants of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, a cohort study of persons with or at high risk of knee OA, were evaluated at 0 and 30 months. Subjects were classified as having no, incident, stable, or worsening radiographic OA. Incidence of severe functional limitation was defined by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function scores (>36.1/68) and walking speed (<1.0 meter/second) at 30 months. The relationship of the change in radiographic OA to the incidence of severe functional limitation was evaluated by calculating risk ratios adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Of the 2,210 subjects included (mean age 62 years, mean body mass index 30 kg/m 2 , 60% women), 53% had no, 6% had incident, 14% had stable, and 27% had worsening radiographic OA. Persons with incident radiographic OA had 1.9 and 1.8 times the risk by WOMAC physical function score and walking speed, respectively, to have incident severe functional limitation compared with those with no radiographic OA over 30 months. Compared with those with stable radiographic OA, persons with worsening radiographic OA had 2.2 and 2.3 times the risk of incident severe functional limitation, respectively. Conclusion. Changes in structural disease are associated with the development of severe functional limitations in persons with or even at high risk of knee OA.
Lithographic evaluation of a DUV carbon attenuated phase shift mask

Abstract A DUV (248 nm) attenuated phase shift mask (APSM) using a hydrogenated amorphous carbon film was fabricated and its lithographic performance was evaluated against a binary Cr mask. The attenuated mask transmittance was ∼6.4% with a phase angle of ∼180±3°. Exposures on DUV photoresist were performed using an excimer laser stepper on contact vias arranged in both isolated and dense patterns. The depth-of-focus (DOF) process window of the APSM was found to increase significantly with decreasing partial coherence (σ=0.3) for isolated contact vias. The top down SEM measurements show an approximately 30% improvement in DOF over the full range when the APSM is used instead of the binary mask. For smaller contacts around 200 nm, DOF process window improvement can be as high as 100%. The smallest vias printed were ∼150 nm in diameter. At higher exposure dose, sidelobes printing was clearly visible showing an asymmetric “3-leaf clover” pattern behaviour. This non-ideal behaviour is attributed to lens aberrations of the stepper. For dense contact via patterns, a significantly greater process window was found at a higher partial coherence (σ=0.6) when compared to a lower σ. This occurs because in a dense pattern the sidelobes, which tend to print more at a lower partial coherence, overlap between the vias enhancing their printing in the DUV resist.
Implementation of a subgradient projection algorithm

This paper discusses the implementation of an algorithm due to Sreedharan [8] for the minimization, subject to linear constraints, of an objective function composed of the sum of a piecewise-affine, convex function with a smooth, strictly convex function. Successful techniques for two subproblems arising in the algorithm, a projection problem and a line search problem, are described in detail. Computational experience with the algorithm on several test problems is presented.
Allyl ethyl carbonate as an additive for lithium-ion battery electrolytes

Abstract The role of allyl ethyl carbonate (AEC) as an additive in electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries is investigated. The 1.0 M LiPF 6 in propylene carbonate (PC): diethyl carbonate (DEC) (3:2 in volume) electrolyte containing AEC can suppress the co-intercalation of PC and inhibit the decomposition of electrolytes during the first lithium intercalation. A graphitic anode (MCMB-2528, mesocarbon microbeads) in a PC-based electrolyte exhibits a high reversible capacity of 320 mAh g −1 . The reduction potential of AEC is 1.5 V versus Li|Li + as determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The morphology and structure of graphite electrodes after the first charge–discharge cycle are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). AEC decomposes and forms a proper solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film on the MCMB surface. The SEI film not only prevents exfoliation of the graphite electrode but also stabilizes the electrolyte. AEC helps to improve the cycleability of lithium-ion batteries to a considerable extent.
Work in progress - impact of research technologies on service learning

While the effect of service learning in technology-based curriculum has been documented, it is as yet unknown what benefits or challenges are felt by the students when the technologies being applied in their service learning course lie in the research domain. We investigate these questions through a study carried out in the context of a service learning program called EPICS, in which teams of undergraduates develop real systems to address engineering and computing-based needs for a local community partner. Through a questionnaire, we study the studentspsila perception of the availability of resources and skills for their project, and their perception of the value add of the project to their curriculum. The experimental group consists of teams that use cutting-edge research technologies in their projects. The control group consists of teams that develop prototypes using mature technologies. The study uncovered that neither group of students felt hampered by a lack of resources or skills. However, the control group felt greater ease in dealing with the community partner. It is hoped that this effort will serve to increase the viability of integrating research and service learning activities.
Design and implementation of a flexible controller for robot manipulators

This paper deals with the design and implementation of a flexible controller which is suitable for different types of robots and control algorithms. The flexible controller allows use of different control modes at the various joints of the robot. The controller uses a multiprocessor architecture for the individual control of each joint. The DSP56001 digital signal processor is selected as the host processor, executes control algorithms and gives trajectory orders to each joint. The HCTL-1100 is selected as the joint processor and is capable of operating in different modes can be connected directly to an incremental optical encoder, provides the user with options to fit different specialized applications and eliminates extra hardware.
Adherence enhancers in pill-related clinical trials: A health behavior in cancer prevention model-based approach

Preventing non-adherence and treating adherence failure are important to consider in designing community-based clinical trials. The approach and methods for managing adherence are vital. This paper describes a practical and theoretically-based strategy for managing adherence in a small cancer prevention trial with subjects (n = 40) taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, piroxicam. Average daily pill intake adherence was exceptionally high (97.4%) as measured by self-report calendar. Thus, the generalized adherence enhancement approach used in this study may have been a related factor, although statistical model-testing was not possible in this small trial. The generalized intervention took into account factors such as the potential barriers and benefits of being in the study, self-efficacy and satisfaction with the participant/staff relationship. These and other theoretical variables were incorporated into an overall adherence strategy that is discussed.
Preoperative Oral Supplement With Immunonutrients in Cancer Patients

Background: Early postoperative enteral nutrition with immune-enhancing supplements has helped to restore immune function and reduce infectious complications in patients with cancer undergoing major gastrointestinal operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of similar supplements (containing arginine and arginine plus omega-3 fatty acids) given preoperatively for 1 week before cancer surgery. Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded study, patients scheduled to undergo elective resection of upper gastrointestinal tumors were given one of three different oral liquid supplemental diets (control, arginine, arginine plus omega-3 fatty acids) to be taken each day for 7 days before surgery. Blood samples were obtained upon enrollment, on the morning of surgery, and on postoperative day 1 for analysis of immunologic function. Results: Mean serum ornithine (a metabolite of arginine) levels were significantly higher compared with controls, but no significant increase in mean serum argi...
Net-based force-directed macrocell placement for wirelength optimization

We propose a net-based hierarchical macrocell placement such that "net placement" dictates the cell placement. The proposed approach has four phases. 1) Net clustering and net-level floorplanning phase: a weighted net dependency graph is built from the input register-transfer-level netlist. Clusters of nets are then formed by clique partitioning and a net-cluster level floorplan is obtained by simulated annealing. The floorplan defines the regions where the nets in each cluster must be routed. 2) Force-directed net placement phase: a force-directed net placement is performed which yields a coarse net-level placement without consideration for the cell placement. 3) Iterative net terminal and cell placement phase: a force-directed net and cell placement is performed iteratively. The terminals of a net are free to move under the influence of forces in the quest for optimal wire length. The cells with high net length cost may "jump" out of local minima by ignoring the rejection forces. The overlaps are reduced by employing electrostatic rejection forces. 4) Overlap removal and input/output (I/O) pin assignment phase: Overlap removal is performed by a grid-based heuristic. I/O pin assignment is performed by minimum-weight bipartite matching. Placements generated by the proposed approach are compared with those generated by Cadence Silicon Ensemble and the O-tree floorplanning algorithm. On average, the proposed approach improves both the total wire length and longest wire length by 18.9% and 28.3%, respectively, with an average penalty of 5.6% area overhead.
Disputing Limited Liability

This project presents six years of hand-collected federal district court data to analyze the first representative sample of veil piercing litigation. Our method identifies veil piercing complaints through Westlaw's trial pleadings database and codes each case through a detailed examination of PACER records. We test a variety of hypotheses to understand how such litigations are resolved. We find that plaintiffs succeed quite often in veil piercing litigation, if success is defined as winning on motions that do not terminate a case. A variety of legal and extra-legal factors predict such interstitial veil piercing successes. Voluntary creditor causes of action promote veil piercing; LLCs are in very limited circumstances better insulated from veil piercing claims than corporations; undercapitalization is strongly associated with success while conclusory grounds like "facade" and "sham" are not; and defendants' legal sophistication is predictive of plaintiff failure. Extra-legal factors play a more striking and counterintuitive role. Plaintiffs suing companies with few employees are much more likely to win veil piercing motions, and obtain relief in cases, than plaintiffs suing companies employing many workers. This results holds even when controlling for legally-relevant variables. Contrary to both theory and previous empirical work, we also find that judicial liberalism is inversely related to the likelihood of plaintiff success. Our results call into question existing normative and descriptive approaches to the disputation of limited liability and contribute to more general scholarship about selection effects and judicial behavior. They do not provide any easy answers to the question of what defendants can do to insulate themselves from veil piercing. Our analysis suggests: Very little, apart from being very big.
"Locking" Dynamics and Mitigation Schemes in Distributed Power Control for Wireless Networks

Power-controlled multiple access (PCMA) is a distributed algorithm for transmitter power control of autonomous communication links in wireless networks. By allowing links to trade off transmission power for packet delay, PCMA has been demonstrated to outperform standard approaches (e.g., the Foschini-Miljanic constant signal-to-interference ratio algorithm) in terms of maximum throughput, especially in cases of high interference. However, recent experiments have revealed that as interference grows higher, links using PCMA may "lock" into inefficient power evolution patterns which compromise network performance. In this paper, we explore this locking dynamic, which is caused by the highly non-linear nature of PCMA. We then propose simple randomization-based mitigation mechanisms to alleviate locking behavior, and we demonstrate that these mechanisms can substantially improve PCMA efficiency.
Topological constraints are major determinants of tRNA tertiary structure and dynamics and provide basis for tertiary folding cooperativity

Recent studies have shown that basic steric and connectivity constraints encoded at the secondary structure level are key determinants of 3D structure and dynamics in simple two-way RNA junctions. However, the role of these topological constraints in higher order RNA junctions remains poorly understood. Here, we use a specialized coarse-grained molecular dynamics model to directly probe the thermodynamic contributions of topological constraints in defining the 3D architecture and dynamics of transfer RNA (tRNA). Topological constraints alone restrict tRNA's allowed conformational space by over an order of magnitude and strongly discriminate against formation of non-native tertiary contacts, providing a sequence independent source of folding specificity. Topological constraints also give rise to long-range correlations between the relative orientation of tRNA's helices, which in turn provides a mechanism for encoding thermodynamic cooperativity between distinct tertiary interactions. These aspects of topological constraints make it such that only several tertiary interactions are needed to confine tRNA to its native global structure and specify functionally important 3D dynamics. We further show that topological constraints are conserved across tRNA's different naturally occurring secondary structures. Taken together, our results emphasize the central role of secondary-structure-encoded topological constraints in defining RNA 3D structure, dynamics and folding.
Shoe-Surface Friction Influences Movement Strategies During a Sidestep Cutting Task Implications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk

BackgroundIncreasing the coefficient of friction of the shoe-surface interaction has been shown to lead to increased incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, but the causes for this increase are unknown. Previous studies indicate that specific biomechanical measures during landing are associated with an increased risk for ACL injury.HypothesisAt foot contact during a sidestep cutting task, subjects use different movement strategies for shoe-surface conditions with a high coefficient of friction (COF) relative to a low friction condition. Specifically, the study tested for significant differences in knee kinematics, external knee moments, and the position of the center of mass for different COFs.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsTwenty-two healthy subjects (11 male) were evaluated performing a 30° sidestep cutting task on a low friction surface (0.38) and a high friction surface (0.87) at a constant speed. An 8-camera markerless motion capture system combined with 2 force plates...
Techniques for synthesizing binaries to an advanced register/memory structure

Recent works demonstrate several benefits of synthesizing software binaries onto FPGA hardware, including incorporating hardware design into established software tool flows with minimal impact, porting existing binaries to FPGAs, and even dynamically synthesizing software kernels to faster FPGA coprocessors. Those works showed that standard binary decompilation methods can recover enough high-level control information to result in reasonably-efficient hardware. However, recent synthesis methods for FPGAs utilize advanced memory structures, such as a "smart buffer," that require recovery of additional high-level information, specifically information about loops and arrays. We incorporate decompilation techniques into an existing binary synthesis tool flow to recover loops and arrays in order to take advantage of advanced memory structures when performing synthesis from a binary. We demonstrate through experiments on six benchmarks that our methods improve binary synthesis performance by 53%, by making effective use of smart buffers. Furthermore, we compare the binary results using smart buffers with results of synthesis directly from the original C code for the benchmarks, and show that our methods achieved almost identical performance results with only 10% area overhead.
Impact of SWMM Catchment Discretization: Case Study in Syracuse, New York

AbstractThis study examined how the level of catchment discretization influenced the model parameterization and output uncertainty of the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) 5.0. Two catchment delineations for a highly urbanized sewershed in Syracuse, New York were developed: (1) the macroscale model containing a minimum required number of subcatchments to retain the original sewer network properties; and (2) the microscale model in which each subcatchment was defined for a unique soil and land-use combination. For both scales, the model parameters were calibrated and the uncertainty of model outputs was quantified using the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) methodology. Then, calibrated posterior parameter sets were applied at micro- and macroscales individually to a second sewershed, which was also delineated at both micro- and macroscales, to test observed versus simulated flows. The results indicated that the catchment disaggregation level had a great impact on both parameterization...
Layout optimization method to equalize the best-focus position of different patterns

In optical lithography for microchip manufacturing, it is important that the focal ranges of all patterns in the layout be closely aligned in order to maximize a common process window. In practice, large pattern-dependent variations in the position of the best focus are observed, which have been traced back to phase errors induced on the image-forming beams by scattering from mask topography. We show that this degradation mechanism can be exploited as a source of corrective phase shift, allowing pattern-dependent focus shifts to be controlled purely by changing the details of the mask layout, without requiring a significant change in the mask-making process. Phase distortions in the imaging beams are corrected by the optimized insertion of orthogonally oriented subresolution jogs into existing edges in the layout, thereby introducing a tailored scatter contribution whose quadrature component has the opposite sign from that of the primary edge.
Attributability in the Face of Uncertainty

frequent question asked of physicians in occupational medicine and in other specialties is whether, in their opinion, an individual with a particular disease or set of symptoms has this as the result of a particular occupational exposure. This situation usually arises when workman’s compensation is involved or where legal suits are filed against employers and others for disease caused by employment with them or caused by use of their products. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how epidemiologic data can be used to make statements about causality in a particular case. I will deal with the relationship between asbestos exposure and lung cancer, since this illustrates the methodology I wish to present and, in addition, permits me to draw upon a wealth of data now available about asbestos dust exposure and lung cancer. The central problem is that the lung can respond in only a limited number of ways to external agents. Since such agents far outnumber these responses it is not always clear, given a specific response, what agent was involved. Diseases such as asbestosis, where the name of the disease specifies the etiology, may be notable exceptions. Even here, however, if (in the case of asbestosis) only the effects of the physical properties of fibers are responsible, some fiber other than asbestos might be etiologically important. Where lung cancer is seen in an asbestos worker, or a person otherwise exposed to asbestos, it cannot be stated with certainty that a cause-effect relationship is present. To do so would imply that the asbestos exposure somehow blocked the possible effects of all other cancer-causing agents. On the other hand, some statements can be made, based on epideiniologic studies, as to the probability that a particular case was caused by this exposure.
GLP-1 receptor signaling is not required for reduced body weight after RYGB in rodents

Exaggerated GLP-1 and PYY secretion is thought to be a major mechanism in the reduced food intake and body weight after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Here, we use complementary pharmacological and genetic loss-of-function approaches to test the role of increased signaling by these gut hormones in high-fat diet-induced obese rodents. Chronic brain infusion of a supramaximal dose of the selective GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-9–39 into the lateral cerebral ventricle significantly increased food intake and body weight in both RYGB and sham-operated rats, suggesting that, while contributing to the physiological control of food intake and body weight, central GLP-1 receptor signaling tone is not the critical mechanism uniquely responsible for the body weight-lowering effects of RYGB. Central infusion of the selective Y2R-antagonist BIIE0246 had no effect in either group, suggesting that it is not critical for the effects of RYGB on body weight under the conditions tested. In a recently established mouse model of RYGB that closely mimics surgery and weight loss dynamics in humans, obese GLP-1R-deficient mice lost the same amount of body weight and fat mass and maintained similarly lower body weight compared with wild-type mice. Together, the results surprisingly provide no support for important individual roles of either gut hormone in the specific mechanisms by which RYGB rats settle at a lower body weight. It is likely that the beneficial effects of bariatric surgeries are expressed through complex mechanisms that require combination approaches for their identification.
Data-Based Meridional Overturning Streamfunctions for the Global Ocean

Abstract The meridional overturning circulation for the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans is computed from absolute geostrophic velocity estimates based on hydrographic data and from climatological Ekman transports. The Atlantic overturn includes the expected North Atlantic Deep Water formation (including Labrador Sea Water and Nordic Sea Overflow Water), with an amplitude of about 18 Sv through most of the Atlantic and an error of the order of 3–5 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). The Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (Antarctic Bottom Water) flows north with about 8 Sv of upwelling and a southward return in the South Atlantic, and 6 Sv extending to and upwelling in the North Atlantic. The northward flow of 8 Sv in the upper layer in the Atlantic (sea surface through the Antarctic Intermediate Water) is transformed to lower density in the Tropics before losing buoyancy in the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current. The Pacific overturning streamfunction includes 10 Sv of Lower Circumpolar Deep Water flowing north in...
Soy Protein Products, Processing, and Utilization

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of soy protein products, their processing, and utilization. The term, “soy proteins” typically refers to processed, dry soybean products other than animal feed meals. Many types of protein products are produced for use in human and pet foods and in milk replacers and starter feeds for young animals. Some soy protein products are also used in bio-based products, such as plastics, adhesives, and paper coatings, and others are being aggressively researched by industry and public-sector research institutions, especially recently as petroleum prices rise. The chapter highlights many soy protein products and their uses. It also describes their preparation and the methods used in their preparation and it highlights the processing of Soybeans (SB) and soy protein products and various processing methods. Soy proteins are accepted in many applications because they provide desirable functionalities (performance properties) in fabricated foods at less cost than animal-source alternatives, such as dried milk solids, casein, egg yolks, egg whites, or gelatin. Mimicking more expensive animal proteins has long been an objective of processing soy proteins. The chapter further presents various applications of soy proteins.
Clinical features of joint symptoms observed in the ‘Arimidex’, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination (ATAC) trial

551 Background: Aromatase inhibitors have been associated with higher rates of adverse events associated with the joints, or ‘joint symptoms’ (JS) than tamoxifen. Details of these were reviewed in ...
In search of optimal human-expert system explanations: empirical studies of human-human and human-expert system interactions

In this project explanations were studied along a continuum ranging from human-human interactions to human-expert system interactions with the goal of identifying features of successful expert system explanations. The project consisted of five distinct phases or steps: (a) defining what a successful explanation entails, (b) observing human-human explanation and formulating hypotheses about the features of successful explanations, (c) testing hypotheses formulated in step b, (d) extending results to an expert system domain and testing again, and (e) from this empirical data, formulating recommendations for expert system explanation designers. The progressive nature of this study allowed conclusions to be drawn about both human-human and human-expert system interactions and the role explanations play in these exchanges. The most salient conclusion drawn from these studies was that explanatory interactions are complex and explanation success is dependent on more than just features of the explanations involved. Individual differences such as an explanation recipient's initial abilities and their participation level in the interaction influence their understanding and performance as much, if not more so, than explanation features. Consistently subjects' participation level interacted with explanation content level. Individuals who are active participants in interactions with an expert perform better when given explanations with low levels of content, whereas passive participants benefit from explanations with high levels of content. Overall, an active participation level increases performance and understanding in human-human interactions, but this result does not generalize to human-expert system interactions where an active participation style is detrimental to performance. This and other inconsistencies between human-human and human-expert system interactions are discussed as well as the advantages of the research approach employed in this project. Finally, recommendations based on the results of these studies are provided for expert system explanation designers.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Taxonomically Unique Neisseria Strain Isolated from a Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Egg on the North Slope of Alaska.

ABSTRACT We report here the draft genome sequence of a unique Neisseria strain that was isolated from a greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) egg. The sequencing was performed with an Illumina MiSeq system, and the sequence consists of 275 contigs. The total genome is 2,397,978 bp long and has a G+C content of 46.4%.
Yukos, Investment Round-Tripping, and the Evolving Public/Private Paradigms

The 2014 Yukos arbitration awards are powerful illustrations of the benefits, under the traditional canon of investment arbitration, of domestic investment round-tripping through offshore companies. The paradox is that such structures are now increasingly viewed as susceptible to misuse and targeted by global transparency initiatives. Investment round-tripping is at the crossroads of two opposing legal paradigms: the public law paradigm, which looks through corporate entities that are devoid of economic substance, and the private law paradigm, which favors party autonomy and upholds the private ordering of investment structures. This article examines how these paradigms are evolving in contiguous legal disciplines that fall on opposite sides of the public/private divide (corporate law, tax, money-laundering regulations and investment arbitration). It advocates more adherence to the public law paradigm in investment arbitration, an evolution that would restrict access to the institution by round-tripping investment structures but cleaves more closely to contemporary policy views (including those expressed in the design of new investment treaties).
Analysis of Aircraft Multiple Engine Configurations for Fault Tolerant Control

In this paper, a formal framework is presented that allows to analyze the potential of using engine thrust control for aircraft actuator failure accommodation. Three sets of parameters have been identified as critical: number of engines and their position, engine thrust and throttle dynamics, and type and severity of the actuator failure. A mathematical model was developed that allows to determine the values of some of the parameters when the other are imposed and to construct envelopes under actuator failure conditions. A Matlab/Simulink simulation environment was built including the model of a large transport that can accommodate up to ten engines. Failures on the rudder, left or right aileron, or left or right elev ator were implemented.he simulation env ironment was used to ve rify the analytical results and demonstrate the fault tolerant capabilities of multiple engine configurations.
Controlled Agility: Frequency-Agile Planar Filters with Advanced Features

High-performance filters with electronically controlled transfer functions are needed for future microwave systems. In commercial applications, frequency agility is necessary to address ever-evolving standards and an increasingly congested spectrum, while military requirements include cosite interference mitigation for broadband systems and adjacent-channel simultaneous transmit and receive. These filters will enable new system architectures, which will, in turn, allow for improved performance and new capabilities. For example, as analog-to-digital converter (ADC) technology continues to advance, it is expected that, eventually, intermediate-frequency (IF) stages will not be needed; instead, direct detect schemes could be used, with the entire radio-frequency (RF) chain consisting basically of an ADC preceded by a filter. This places very high performance requirements on the filter, not only in terms of loss and selectivity but also frequency agility. Optimally, these filters would be tunable in the sense that center frequency and/or bandwidth can be changed, as well as reconfigurable in the sense that transfer function order and/or number and location of transmission zeroes can be changed. A filter that is both electronically tunable and reconfigurable allows the filter to be optimized for a given application or spectral situation [1].
In vitro Effects of Low-Level Laser Irradiation on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells:Biological Characteristics

Objective To investigate the influence of low-level laser irradiation(LLLI) at different energy densities on proliferation and secretion of rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).Methods BMSCs used to irradiate were from second generation SD rats(passage 2,P2).A 635 nm indium-gallium-arsenate-phosphate(InGaAsP) diode laser with 60 mW optical power was used as the source of irradiation at continuous and non-contact mode.After 24 hour incubation period,production of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and nerve growth factor(NGF) in the culture medium was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Cell proliferation was assessed by using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine(BrdU) cell proliferation assay.Results LLLI at 635 nm wave length could affect proliferation of rat BMSCs in vitro and the energy density of 0.5 J/cm2 was found to an optimal value to significantly stimulate proliferation of BMSCs as compared to non-irradiated group and the other irradiated groups.VEGF and NGF could be secreted by BMSCs and significant stimulation of VEGF and NGF secretion was obtained with the samples irradiated at the energy density of 5.0 J/cm2.Conclusions Our results indicated that LLLI at 635 nm wave length could significantly increase proliferation and secretion of rat BMSCs in vitro in a dose-dependent manner.
Readily implementable techniques can cut annual CO 2 emissions from the production of concrete by over 20

Due to its prevalence in modern infrastructure, concrete is experiencing the most rapid increase in consumption among globally common structural materials; however, the production of concrete results in approximately 8.6% of all anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Many methods have been developed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of concrete. These methods range from the replacement of inefficient manufacturing equipment to alternative binders and the use of breakthrough technologies; nevertheless, many of these methods have barriers to implementation. In this research, we examine the extent to which the increased use of several currently implemented methods can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in concrete material production without requiring new technologies, changes in production, or novel material use. This research shows that, through increased use of common supplementary cementitious materials, appropriate selection of proportions for cement replacement, and increased concrete design age, 24% of greenhouse gas emissions from global concrete production or 650 million tonnes (Mt) CO2-eq can be eliminated annually.
"Quantum-states-as-information" meets Wigner's friend: A comment on Hagar and Hemmo

This is a comment on the paper by Hagar and Hemmo (quant-ph/0512095) in which they suggest that information-theoretic approaches to quantum theory are incomplete.
Something of Our Ancestors

Brother and Sisters, Cousins, Nephews and Nieces and all who are before me as such. I rejoice that I am connected with you, as there are three branches here, descendants of Father Phinehas, and Mother Susannah Goddard Howe. It might be interesting for me to speak as I am the oldest – I will communicate something of our ancestors to the Great Grand Children. Concerning my Great Grand Father Goddard I will give you a little history of his character as well as others of our ancestors, for some of you have to be baptized for some who are dead and worthy of it. Elder John Haven, at a meeting of the Haven, Young, and Richards families, formerly of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, at Nauvoo, Illinois, January 8, 1845 H istorians long have agreed that the conditions of life in the turmoil of postrevolutionary America, both in the commercialfarming districts of the Burned-over District and in the hardscrabble midwestern frontier, explain the emergence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this interpretation, the appeal of a message of prophecy, restoration, and eventually divinization stemmed from the uniquely disordered conditions of the early-nineteenth-century frontier and of a rapidly democratizing society. People found refuge from a disordered world in the authoritative pronouncements of the prophet Joseph Smith. Certainly, Mormonism was fundamentally shaped by the environment in which it emerged, and the particular circumstances of time and place must be kept clearly in view.
Discourse Analysis Provides a Qualitative Means for Recognizing Christodemocratic Assumptions Behind Political Activism

This book analyzes America’s Christian Right through a different lens. Rather than focusing on correlated demographic data or electoral success, it investigates assumptions and their byproducts. This chapter explains the qualitative methodology of discourse analysis and explains how it is used to examine the messaging of the CR. Discourse analysis mitigates two potential traps: the potential to quote mine for the most egregious messaging and the unintended impression that the beliefs and ends of any group are monolithic. Discourse analysis allows an observer to account for the presence and prevalence of assumptions within rhetoric and place those assumptions within a theoretically comparative context.
Intellectual and Artistic Activity

Mamlūk Egypt began its history under proud and triumphant rulers who had cleared Syria of the last vestiges of Frankish dominion and had successfully stood between the Mongols and world power. By the end of the period, however, with its military oligarchy, factions among the dominant caste, debased coinage, high taxation, insecurity of life and property, occasional plague and famine and frequent revolts, both Egypt and its dependency Syria were all but ruined. Especially in the valley of the Nile persistence of outworn ancient superstition and magic, coupled with the triumph of reactionary orthodoxy, hindered scientific advance. Under these conditions no intellectual activity of high order could be expected. In fact the whole Arab world had by the beginning of the thirteenth century lost the intellectual hegemony it had maintained since the eighth.1 Mental fatigue induced by generations of effort and moral lassitude consequent upon the accumulation of wealth and power were evident everywhere.
Improving calculus explanations through peer review

Abstract This paper describes Peer-Assisted Reflection (PAR), a peer-review activity designed to help students explain mathematics. PAR was implemented in a single experimental section during two consecutive semesters (phases) of introductory college calculus. During the second semester (Phase II), students were explicitly taught how to provide better feedback to each other. As a result, the amount and quality of feedback provided by Phase II students was significantly improved from Phase I. During both phases, students who used PAR had significantly better explanations than a comparison group that did not include PAR, indicating that student explanations can be improved with relatively little intervention. To capture these improvements, I introduce a new analytic scheme that defines explanation as a cluster concept along four dimensions. This context-neutral scheme operationalizes explanations in a way that growth can be captured longitudinally.
Prediction and synthesis of prosodic effects on spectral balance of vowels

Linguistic control factors such as word stress and phrase-finality affect not only duration and pitch, but also spectral structure and spectral dynamics. We propose methods for predicting and synthesizing prosodic effects on spectral balance: (i) a new multi-dimensional measure of spectral balance, in which energy is measured in five "formant frequency range" bands; (ii) statistical methods for analyzing the effects of multiple interacting factors on spectral balance; (iii) a method for synthesizing speech whose spectral balance is controlled by prosodic factors.
Urinary bladder hypertrophy characteristic of male ROMK Bartter's mice does not occur in female mice.

The renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK; Kir1.1) plays an important role in Na+ and K+ homeostasis. ROMK knockout (KO) mice show a similar phenotype to Bartter’s syndrome of salt wasting ...
Development and validation of the Problematic Media Use Measure: A parent report measure of screen media “addiction” in children.

Although problematic media use among adolescents is of wide interest, less is known regarding problematic media use among younger children. The current study reports on the development and validation of a parent-report measure of one potential aspect of children's problematic use-screen media addiction-via the Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM). Items were based on the nine criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder in the DSM-5. The first study describes the development and preliminary validation of the PMUM in a sample of 291 mothers. Mothers (80.8% identified as White) of children 4 through 11 years of age completed the PMUM and measures of child screen time and child psychosocial functioning. EFA indicated a unidimensional construct of screen media addiction. The final versions of the PMUM (27 items) and PMUM Short Form (PMUM-SF, 9 items) evidenced high internal consistency (Cronbach α = .97 and α = .93, respectively). Regression analyses were conducted to examine convergent validity of the PMUM with indicators of child psychosocial functioning. Convergent validity was supported and the PMUM scales also independently predicted children's total difficulties in functioning, over and above hours of screen time, indicating incremental validity. The second study sought to confirm the factor structure of the PMUM-SF and test for measurement invariance across gender. In a sample of 632 parents, we confirmed the factor structure of the PMUM-SF and found measurement invariance for boys and girls. These studies support the use of the PMUM-SF as a measure of screen media addiction in children ages 4 through 11 years old.