cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of the Computer Network Dynamic Congestion Table Algorthm

A comparison of the performance of the Dynamic Congestion Table (DCT) Algorithm, a computer network congestion control algorithm's delay table entry generation subalgorithm, is made here with a Pascal implementation of the present ARPANET SPF Algorithm (infinite buffer). The parameters of global throughput, delay, and power versus load are evaluated for 10 and 20 node sections of the ARPANET, using M/M/1 service and imterarrival distributions for the computer node (IMP) buffer to obtain computer node mean waiting time. The communication processor and channel delays are determined by the respective probabilistically weighted computer node mean waiting time. Point to point message path delays in the computer network are modeled by the repetitive occurrence of these three component delays in each path. The mathematical structure of two Moore Probabilistic Automatons (MPA) represents the three basic computer network component delays in each path. The probability values of the entries of each of the component MPA are converted to delay entries by the queueing theory node buffer delay computation. The end to end path delay is obtained from a cascaded MPA probability transition matrix, i.e., the multiplication of the individual computer network component MPA matrices. The DCT Algorithm is topology independent and therefore applicable to all centralized and distributed store and forward computer networks. The results indicate higher global throughput and lower global delay for a given load, and significant storage reduction using the DCT Algorithm computation compared to the current ARPANET SPF routing algorithm delay measurement technique.
Transcriptional activation of the alpha 1(I) procollagen gene in systemic sclerosis dermal fibroblasts. Role of intronic sequences.

Objective. To investigate the transcriptional regulation of the α(1) procollagen gene (COL1A1) in cultured dermal fibroblasts from patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) of recent onset and to evaluate the role that intronic sequences may play in the upregulated expression of COL1A1 in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Methods. Dermal fibroblasts from 6 patients with diffuse SSc of recent onset and from 3 healthy individuals were studied. The steady-state levels of α1(I) procollagen messenger RNA were evaluated by Northern hybridization analysis, and the transcriptional regulation of COL1A1 was examined by transient transfection experiments with deletion constructs containing portions of COL1A1 promoter (with 5′ end points at -5.3 kb, -2.3 kb, and -804 bp and 3′ end point at +42 bp) ligated to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. To examine the role of intronic sequences, constructs containing, in addition to the COL1A1 promoter, a portion of the first intron (+380 bp to +1,440 bp) cloned in front of the CAT gene were transfected. The efficiency of transfections was normalized relative to the net amount of CAT plasmid actually transfected into recipient cells, determined by a modified Southern hybridization procedure. Results. Maximal CAT activity was observed with constructs extending from -804 bp to +42 bp in both normal and SSc fibroblasts. However, the activity driven by this construct was 80–110% higher in SSc fibroblasts. The CAT activity driven by a construct with a 5′ end point at -5.3 kb was only 15–20% higher in SSc cells, and the CAT activity driven by a construct with a 5′ end point -5.3 kb was only 15–20% higher in SSc cells, and the CAT activity driven by a construct with a 5′ end point -2.3 kb was 35-45% higher in SSc fibroblasts. The CAT activity driven by the -804-bp promoter construct was increased up to 4-fold in SSc fibroblasts in comparison with normal cells when the intronic segment spanning +380 bp to +1,440 bp was included in the transfected construct. Conclusion. The results directly demonstrate the transcriptional activation of COL1A1 in dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients. The data also indicate that first-intron sequences of COL1A1 are required for maximal transcriptional activity of the collagen gene and may play an important role in the up-regulation of its expression in SSc fibroblasts.
Effects of Fish Oil Sparing on Fillet Fatty Acid Composition in Hybrid Striped Bass Are Influenced by Dietary Levels of Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids

AbstractWe assessed the growth performance and fillet fatty acid composition of hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis; initial weight = 29.1 ± 0.2 g [mean ± SE]) fed diets containing only menhaden fish oil (100 FISH); fully hydrogenated saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich soybean oil (100 SFA SOY); 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, or 0:100 blends of fish oil and standard C18 polyunsaturated fatty acid (C18 PUFA)-rich soybean oil (25 PUFA SOY, 50 PUFA SOY, 75 PUFA SOY, 100 PUFA SOY); or nonhydrogenated monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich soybean oil (25 MUFA SOY, 50 MUFA SOY, 75 MUFA SOY, 100 MUFA SOY) for 8 weeks. Feed conversion ratio varied, with the 100 SFA SOY feed yielding a significantly greater value (1.3) than the rest of the feeds (0.9–1.0). Although significant treatment effects were not observed for weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, or organosomatic indices, some variation was observed, suggesting some minor (albeit not significant) loss of growth performa...
Determination of Radial Distribution of Volume Radiance of a Luminous Medium Confined in a Glass Cylinder

Experimental problems in connection with the measurement of the correct radial distribution of volume radiance ∊(r) of luminous media contained in a glass cylinder are discussed and the magnitude of the profile correction necessitated by the presence of the glass wall is determined for a particular case.
Empire's Children: Race, Filiation, and Citizenship in the French Colonies

Emmanuelle Saada, Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 2012, 339 pages, $27.50, 0226733084 Empire's children is an elegant translation of Emmanuelle Saada's 2008 book Les enfants de la colonie and...
Interleukin-1 induces c-Fos immunoreactivity in primary afferent neurons of the vagus nerve.

Peripheral administration of bacterial endotoxin, an immune stimulant, induces evidence of activation in vagal primary afferent neurons. To determine whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is part of the molecular pathway leading to this activation, we assessed the expression of the neuronal activation marker c-Fos in vagal primary afferent neurons after intraperitoneal injections of IL-1β (2 μg/kg). IL-1β, but not vehicle, induced c-Fos expression, demonstrating that IL-1β is likely an important signal from the immune system to the vagus nerve, and thus the brain.
Algebraic Functions, Calculus Style

We investigate the structure and properties of the explicit algebraic functions described in calculus texts and their relation to algebraic functions. A structure theorem enables us to construct a large number of examples. An example of an algebraic function that is not explicitly algebraic is studied, and an abstract algebraic context is provided for the theory.
DF directed multipath equalization

This paper addresses the problem of equalizing a (narrow-band) multipath channel using data from an array of sensors. By exploiting the structure inherent in the data, it is shown that the number of multipath rays that can be uniquely identified is on the order of the number of data samples collected, rather than the number of sensors as in most direction finding applications. Two equalization algorithms are presented, both based on a frequency domain representation of the data and the availability of array calibration data. The performance of these algorithms is compared with that of several other recently developed equalization techniques, and is shown to be superior provided the calibration data is reasonably accurate. >
Visualizing chaos: Lyapunov surfaces and volumes

The use of a graphic technique to visualize chaos for a dual-parameter one-dimensional map is described. It involves plotting the Lyapunov exponent with both height and color in a three-dimensional map, as a function of the two parameters. Color is determined using a geographic lookup table. A graphics supercomputer can rotate the map in real time. The technique demonstrates graphically interesting behavior in chaotic systems. >
Fabrication of 3-dimensional silicon microelectrode arrays using micro electro discharge machining for neural applications

Ultra high aspect ratio microelectrodes are designed and fabricated to record and stimulate neural signals from deeper areas of the brain and nerves and also to provide a new research tool to the neuroscience community. We present a fabrication process to build ultra high aspect ratio silicon based microelectrode arrays for the neural applications. The µ-wire electrical discharge machining (µ-WEDM) process enables machining electrodes from highly conductive bulk silicon. The electrodes are electrically isolated near their base by glass. Thin, needleshaped and smooth silicon microelectrodes are realized with an optimized chemical etching process.
MicroRNA-181b regulates NF-κB–mediated vascular inflammation

EC activation and dysfunction have been linked to a variety of vascular inflammatory disease states. The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in vascular EC activation and inflammation remains poorly understood. Herein, we report that microRNA-181b (miR-181b) serves as a potent regulator of downstream NF-κB signaling in the vascular endothelium by targeting importin-α3, a protein that is required for nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Overexpression of miR-181b inhibited importin-α3 expression and an enriched set of NF-κB–responsive genes such as adhesion molecules VCAM-1 and E-selectin in ECs in vitro and in vivo. In addition, treatment of mice with proinflammatory stimuli reduced miR-181b expression. Rescue of miR-181b levels by systemic administration of miR-181b “mimics” reduced downstream NF-κB signaling and leukocyte influx in the vascular endothelium and decreased lung injury and mortality in endotoxemic mice. In contrast, miR-181b inhibition exacerbated endotoxin-induced NF-κB activity, leukocyte influx, and lung injury. Finally, we observed that critically ill patients with sepsis had reduced levels of miR-181b compared with control intensive care unit (ICU) subjects. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that miR-181b regulates NF-κB–mediated EC activation and vascular inflammation in response to proinflammatory stimuli and that rescue of miR-181b expression could provide a new target for antiinflammatory therapy and critical illness.
Limiting Densities for Dense Random Packing of Spheres

Theoretical packing densities are derived for dense random packing of hard spheres for single-valued and for multivalued particle diameters. The optimum particle-size distribution for maximum density is calculated. The results are compared with packing densities for close-packed arrangements. The results may be useful in estimating inhomogeneities in density of green-powder compacts. They may also be useful in understanding the role of particle rearrangement during sintering.
Low-Power Clock Tree Design for Pre-Bond Testing of 3-D Stacked ICs

Pre-bond testing of 3-D stacked integrated circuits (ICs) involves testing each individual die before bonding. The overall yield of 3-D ICs improves with pre-bond testability because manufacturers can avoid stacking defective dies with good ones. However, pre-bond testability presents unique challenges to 3-D clock tree design. First, each die needs a complete 2-D clock tree to enable pre-bond test. Second, the entire 3-D stack needs a complete 3-D clock tree for post-bond test and operation. In the case of a two-die stack, a straightforward solution is to have two complete 2-D clock trees connected with a single through-silicon-via (TSV). We show that this solution suffers from long wirelength (WL) and high clock power consumption. Our algorithm improves on this solution, minimizes the overall WL and clock power consumption, and provides both pre-bond testability and post-bond operability with minimum skew and constrained slew. Compared with the single-TSV solution, SPICE simulation results show that our multi-TSV approach significantly reduces the clock power by up to 15.9% for two-die and 29.7% for four-die stacks. In addition, the WL is reduced by up to 24.4% and 42.0%.
Circadian Blood Pressure Overswinging in a Physically Fit, Normotensive African American Woman*

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured in a physically fit, normotensive postmenopausal African American woman, before and after 15 weeks of aerobic training. Mean BP, HR, and HR variability were normal at the outset and were further improved by training. Training had no effect on circadian BP variation, which exceeded gender- and age-specified limits, indicative of circadian hyperamplitude tension (CHAT). A 12-week treatment with the β1-adrenoceptor blocker atenolol, 14 months post-training, normalized CHAT and HR variability and further reduced BP and HR. These results suggest β1-adrenergic mediation of CHAT and its refractoriness to exercise training.
Board-Level Area Array Interconnect Reliability

The objective of reliability engineering is to provide the capability of predicting the percentage of field cumulative failures at the end of life with a certain degree of confidence, based on the statistical distribution of the data and on the acceleration factor determined by testing. There are, therefore, bounds on confidence limits which accompany the median time-to-failure, the standard deviation of the data and projected fail fraction. As with the die-level, board level area-array solder joint, tests are used to verify semi-empirical models based on failure data.
Before, During and After: The Need for Long-term Monitoring in Invasive Plant Species Management

The invasion of non-indigenous plants is considered one of the primary threats to rare and endangered species as well as to the integrity and function of North American ecosystems. However, many of the suspected negative ecosystem impacts are based on anecdotal evidence. For example, there is almost unanimous agreement among natural resource managers of the detrimental ecological impacts of species such as Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), Phragmites australis (common reed) and Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) but convincing documentation is scarce. Experimental and theoretical ecology predicts large ecosystem impacts of the most widespread invasive species. However, it is difficult to prioritize control of species that occur at intermediate densities. Long-term monitoring before and during the invasion as well as before, during and after any control attempts can provide valuable ecological information. In particular, it is important to understand how changes in the abundance of species influence ecosystem properties and processes which, in turn, will help guide management decisions. Ideally, this monitoring has to go beyond 'simple’ impacts on plant communities, involve cross-disciplinary teams of scientists and should incorporate many different taxa and their interactions. Monitoring design and data collection should be sophisticated enough to allow statistically sound data analysis. The available information will be paramount in (1) developing new political and scientific guidelines in invasive species management, (2) helping resolve potential conflicts of interest and (3) helping change public attitudes regarding growth, sale, and control of non-indigenous species.
HIMA: A Hypervisor-Based Integrity Measurement Agent

Integrity measurement is a key issue in building trust in distributed systems. A good solution to integrity measurement has to provide both strong isolation between the measurement agent and the measurement target and Time of Check to Time of Use (TOCTTOU) consistency (i.e., the consistency between measured version and executed version throughout the lifetime of the target). Unfortunately, none of the previous approaches provide (or can be easily modified to provide) both capabilities. This paper presents HIMA, a hypervisor-based agent that measures the integrity of Virtual Machines (VMs) running on top of the hypervisor, which provides both capabilities identified above. HIMA performs two complementary tasks: (1) active monitoring of critical guest events and (2) guest memory protection. The former guarantees that the integrity measures are refreshed whenever the guest VM memory layout changes (e.g., upon creation of processes), while the latter ensures that integrity measurement of user programs cannot be bypassed without HIMA's knowledge. This paper also reports the experimental evaluation of a HIMA prototype using both micro-benchmark and application benchmark; the experimental results indicate that HIMA is a practical solution for real world applications.
Fuel Rail Pressure Rise during Cold Start of a Gasoline Direct Injection Engine

Gasoline direct injection provides reduced engine emissions, increased power, and increased fuel economy as compared to port fuel injection (PFI). Reduced emissions are largely due to starting the engine using high fuel pressure (up to 150 bar) and injecting into the compression stroke. During a cold start, fuel pressure must be increased from lift pump pressure (typically 4 to 6 bar) to desired injection pressure (typically 25 bar minimum). Start times are therefore impacted by the high pressure pump's ability to quickly build fuel pressure during crank. This study investigates the temperature and pressure affects during engine soak which allow vapor and air to form in the fuel system. Vapor and/or air in the system cause a slower fuel pressure build and increases start times. The scope of the problem and possible solutions were determined using theoretical and empirical testing. By preventing air and vapor formation in the fuel system, reduced and more consistent start times are achieved.
Nitrogen: some practical solutions for the poultry industry

Over four million tonnes of poultry manure are produced annually in the UK, containing about 100000 tonnes of nitrogen (N). During the housing, storage and land spreading of poultry manures, ammoni...
Production and cycling of natural microbial exopolymers (EPS) within a marine stromatolite

Extracellular polymeric secretions (EPS) that are produced by cyanobacteria represent potential structuring agents in the formation of marine stromatolites. The abundance, production, and degradation of EPS in the upper layers of a microbial mat forming shallow subtidal stromatolites at Highborne Cay, Bahamas, were determined using 14 C tracer experiments and were integrated with measurements of other microbial community parameters. The upper regions of a Type 2 [Reid, R.P., Visscher, P.T., Decho, A.W., Stolz, J., Bebout, B., MacIntyre, I.G., Dupraz, C., Pinckney, J., Paerl, H., Prufert-Bebout, L., Steppe, T., Des Marais, D., 2000. The role of microbes in accretion, lamination and early lithification of modern marine stromatolites. Nature (London) 406, 989–992] stromatolite mat exhibited a distinct layering of alternating bgreenQ cyanobacteria-rich layers (Layers 1 and 3) and bwhiteQ layers (Layers 2 and 4), and the natural abundance of EPS varied significantly depending on the mat layer. The highest EPS abundance occurred in Layer 2. The production of new EPS, as estimated by the incorporation of 14 C-bicarbonate into EPS, occurred in all layers examined, with the highest production in Layer 1 and during periods of photosynthesis (i.e., daylight hours). A large pool (i.e., up to 49%) of the total 14 Cbicarbonate uptake was released as low molecular-weight (MW) dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This DOC was rapidly mineralized to CO2 by heterotrophic bacteria. EPS degradation, as determined by the conversion of 14 C-EPS to 14 CO2, was slowest in Layer 2. Results of slurry experiments, examining O2 uptake following additions of organic substrates, including EPS, supported this degradation trend and further demonstrated selective utilization by heterotrophs of specific monomers, such as acetate, ethanol, and uronic acids. Results indicated that natural EPS may be rapidly transformed post-secretion by heterotrophic degradation, specifically by sulfate-reducing bacteria, to a more-refractory remnant polymer that is relatively slow to accumulate. A mass balance analysis suggested that a layer-specific pattern in EPS and low-MW DOC turnover may contribute to major carbonate precipitation events within stromatolites. Our findings represent the first estimate of EPS
Health Literacy Levels Among Adult Support Group Members and the General Adult Public : A Focus Group Approach

ABSTRACT Health literacy has been identified as lacking in 47% of Americans (The National Academies, 2004). While health literacy reports of studies conducted in the southern section of the United States are available (DeWalt et al., 2004; Kennen et al. 2005), this research team found limited research that provides health literacy levels of the southeast, rural Georgia population. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine and compare health literacy of health-related support group members and non group members in southeast Georgia utilizing a focus group methodology developed by Kreuger (1994). After Institutional Review Board approval at a local university, the research team utilized 5-10 established Health-related Support Groups of 6-10 individuals in the southeastern part of the United States. An additional four focus groups composed of persons not associated with a health-related support group were also used for comparative purposes. Participants were recruited with the assistance of local health care providers. The initial open-ended questions consisted of items such as: “Describe your experience reading health resources.” "What makes a health resource difficult to read, as well as easy to read?" The moderator utilized additional probing questions and reframing comments as necessary (Kreuger, 1994). The data were analyzed by the qualitative content analysis method described by Berg (1989). The themes that emerged across groups reflected confusion about medication directions, health terms, and communication from health care providers and doubt about the integrity of and inability to read the small print of health information. Prevention and faith in God were identified as important to self-care. Rationales for themes and future research ideas are discussed.
Understanding Effects of Feedback on Group Collaboration

Small group collaboration is vital for any type of organization to function successfully. Feedback on group dynamics has been proven to help with the performance of collaboration. We use sociometric sensors to detect group dynamics and use the data to give real-time feedback to people. We are especially interested in the effect of feedback on distributed collaboration. The goal is to bridge the gap in distributed groups by detecting and communicating social signals. We conducted an initial experiment to test the effects of feedback on brainstorming and problem solving tasks. The results show that real-time feedback changes speaking time and interactivity level of groups. Also in groups with one or more dominant people, the feedback effectively reduced the dynamical difference between co-located and distributed collaboration as well as the behavioral difference between dominant and non-dominant people. Interestingly, feedback had a different effect depending on the type of meeting and types of personality. We intend to continue this direction of research by personalizing the visualization by automatically detecting type of meeting and personality. Moreover we propose to demonstrate the correlation of group dynamics with higher level characteristics such as performance, inter-
Dopaminergic Agents in Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep: Response and Complications of Extended Treatment in 49 Cases

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurosensorimotor disorder that presents with paresthesias, sleep disturbances and, in most cases, periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). Although many treatments have been described, interest has recently been focused on dopaminergic mechanisms of etiology and treatment. The dopamine agonists L-dopa/carbidopa, bromocriptine mesylate or both were initiated in 49 patients with RLS/PLMS who sought consultation at a sleep disorders center. This retrospective study describes the symptoms, time course of response and complications in 36 men and 13 women with a mean age of 53.9 years. Only 47 of the patients were available for extended follow-up. The most common presenting complaints were the sensation of restless legs and sleep maintenance insomnia lasting over 20 years. In the extended follow-up group of 47, four failed to respond to L-dopa or bromocriptine, five discontinued treatment because of side effects and two reported loss of therapeutic effect within the first month. Between month one and six, only three additional subjects discontinued treatment. At a mean follow-up of 283 days (SD 316), 33 patients continued on L-dopa/carbidopa at a mean bedtime dose of 160 mg L-dopa (SD 300). Treatment-emergent morning leg restlessness developed in eight patients, seven of whom required daytime medication for relief. Other side effects, generally nausea, occurred in only eight of 43 patients. Psychiatric side effects of dyskinesia were not seen. The > 70% long-term response is comparable to other studies in the literature.
VDL2 power control

Currently U.S and European data communications initiatives are counting on extensive use of Very High Frequency Digital Link Mode 2 (VDL2) subnetworks for both Air Traffic Control and Aeronautical Operational Control. As a consequence of potential demand, channel congestion is emerging as a serious issue resulting in message delays longer than required. Although adding more VDL2 frequencies can mitigate channel congestion, the VHF spectrum is a limited resource. In this paper, we present a VDL2 power control mechanism that increases the VDL2 channel spatial capacity by controlling the VDL2 transmission power. This method has the potential to significantly increase the VDL2 spectrum efficiency, alleviate the VDL2 channel congestion, and satisfy subnetwork performance requirements.
What's wrong with animal by-products?

Without looking beyond the conditions under which laying hens typically live in the contemporary U.S. egg industry, we can understand why the production and consumption of “factory farmed” eggs could be judged immoral. However, the question, “What (if anything) is wrong with animal by-products?” cannot always be adequately answered by looking at the conditions under which animals live out their productive lives. For the dairy industry looks benign in those terms, but if we look beyond the conditions under which milk cows live, we can better understand some animal rights activists' reasons for objecting to dairy products. The contemporary U.S. dairy industry requires a slaughter industry between one-seventh and one-third the size of the contemporary beef industry. Today, beef slaughter is vastly more humane than poultry slaughter, but if today's beef slaughter industry is judged emmoral, the contemporary dairy industry should be judged similarly immoral, because the two are wedded. This is the deep reason for moral suspicion of the dairy industry.
Zeolite-Based Process for CO2 Capture from High-Pressure, Moderate-Temperature Gas Streams

A novel CO2 capture process was developed using a zeolite suitable for CO2 removal at warm-gas temperatures in high-pressure coal gasification gas streams. The process involves sorption of CO2 at 150 °C and regeneration at 350 °C. Regeneration at 350 °C removes the moisture absorbed during CO2 sorption. This sorption temperature is ideal for CO2 removal downstream of the water gas shift reactor in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant but is also applicable to other warm gas cleanup processes. Most solvent-based processes require energy-intensive drying to remove moisture prior to CO2 removal. Using zeolites for CO2 capture at 150 °C and regeneration at 350 °C eliminates the problem with moisture in the gas stream traditionally causing deactivation of the zeolite. The results of using this capture scheme in an IGCC power plant is advantageous because of the high-pressure CO2 product stream and because removal of CO2 and H2O from the syngas generates high-quality H2 for the combustio...
Comparative study of GC/QTOF-MS and GC/Q-MS in human metabonomics of urine

Objective To perform a comparative study in human urine metabolomics with gas chromatography/quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(GC/QTOF-MS) and gas chromatography/quadrupole mass spectrometry(GC/Q-MS). Methods The mass spectrum data of 94 samples from environmental cadmium exposure group and control group was collected by GC/QTOFMS and GC/Q-MS, and the differences of urine metabolic profile in two groups were evaluated by the total ion chromatography(TIC) spectrum and the pattern recognition models(partial least square, PLS) based on the raw mass spectrometry data. Results The peaks in TIC acquired by GC/QTOF-MS were more than by GC/Q-MS,the GC/QTOF-MS partial least square model(R2Y=0.757,Q2=0.5) was better than GC/Q-MS model(R2Y=0.875,Q2=0.558). Conclusion GC/QTOF-MS is advanced in resolution and mass accuracy than GC/Q-MS,and is very suitable for metabolite structural identification in metabonomics,the fragment ions acquired by GC/QTOF-MS are more than by GC/Q-MS for its high resolution and ions acquisition principle,which significantly strengthens the collinear relations among the fragment ions contrast to GC/Q-MS,the collinear relations may decrease the prediction of the pattern recognition model,but GC/QTOF-MS is still full of prospect in metabonomics for its stronger capability in metabolite structural identification
Nonprovability of Certain Combinatorial Properties of Finite Trees

Abstract In this paper we exposit some as yet unpublished results of Harvey Friedman. These results provide the most dramatic examples so far known of mathematically meaningful theorems of finite combinatorics which are unprovable in certain logical systems. The relevant logical systems, ATR 0 and Π 1 1 -CA 0 , are well known as relatively strong fragments of second order arithmetic. The unprovable combinatorial theorems are concerned with embeddability properties of finite trees. Friedman's methods are based in part on the existence of a close relationship between finite trees on the one hand, and systems of ordinal notations which occur in Gentzen-style proof theory on the other.
Providing Assurance for Sustainability Reports: An Instructional Case

ABSTRACT: Due to increased interest in sustainability from non-governmental organizations (NGO), investors, and other stakeholders, many companies prepare sustainability reports, sometimes with third-party assurance as to the veracity of their claims. This instructional case provides a challenging and enriching experience for students in which the provision of assurance services on nonfinancial sustainability reporting is addressed. The case involves determining the procedures necessary to provide assurance on a sustainability report where procedures are non-standard and may vary substantially from client to client. To arrive at a solution, students are required to familiarize themselves with sustainability reporting in general and use judgment in deciding the most appropriate type of assurance and related procedures to provide. Students are also asked to discuss a number of related topics including the need for assurance in this area and auditor independence issues. This instructional resource provides s...
Recent advances in sturgeon nutrition

Sturgeons are fish species of biological and economical importance, and most of them are endangered, vulnerable or rare because of their large size, late sexual maturity, long period between spawning, and longevity. These unique biological characteristics make them highly susceptible to overfishing, degradation of habitat and spawning ground, and contamination of water and sediments by pollutants. The objective of the current review is not to exhaustively include all studies on sturgeon nutrient requirements and utilizations conducted under laboratory conditions, but to critique some studies and update previous reviews. The goal is to provide a basis for recommendations for future research so that these important fish species can be managed and produced sustainably. Energy, protein, lipid carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral requirements and utilizations were reviewed or critiqued. Future studies to develop suitable chemically defined diets to support good growth of sturgeon are urgently needed. Furthermore, future experiments should be designed systematically with more consideration on within and among studies and within and among different species of sturgeon. Finally, future experiments should be designed with a systematic approach with multiple doses (inputs) and multiple responses (outputs) at several levels of hierarchical organization in a biological system using traditional biochemical and modern molecular techniques and computer modeling with proper experimental design and methodology. This approach will provide a more realistic and holistic understanding of the mechanisms of nutrient requirements and utilizations, which will help us better manage wild sturgeon stocks and produce sturgeon more efficiently and sustainably under aquaculture conditions.
10‐3: Invited Paper: Organic Vapor Jet Printing, a Solvent‐Less, Mask‐Less Patterning Technology for OLED Displays

Organic Vapor Jet Printing (OVJP) is a solvent-less, mask-less printing technology for depositing patterned small molecule organic materials to manufacture large area side by side R-G-B OLED displays. This paper discusses a brief history of OVJP, describes recent technology advances and describes prospects for large area mass production systems.
Vibracore splitting jig

A lightweight, inexpensive jig for splitting 7.6 cm diameter vibracores is described. The advantage of the jig is its simplicity, low cost and portability to the coring site whether on land, ice or a boat. Core splitting at the coring site can guide additional coring activity, similar to other coring devices that extrude sediment as part of the coring process. The simple jig ensures straight and even cuts through the aluminum tube wall, leading to precise core splitting in the field or lab.
Euhaplorchis californiensis Cercariae Exhibit Positive Phototaxis and Negative Geotaxis

Abstract Parasites often use external cues to identify and move toward environments where they are likely to encounter suitable hosts. The trematode parasite Euhaplorchis californiensis produces cercariae that emerge from California horn snails (Cerithideopsis californica [= Cerithidea californica]) to infect California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis) as second intermediate hosts. Based upon work on a congeneric Euhaplorchis species from Florida, and based on the ecology of its killifish host, we hypothesized that E. californiensis cercariae in southern California estuaries are positively phototactic and negatively geotactic, using both sunlight and gravity to guide their movement to the upper water column. To distinguish positive phototaxis from negative geotaxis, we first quantified E. californiensis movement in response to light along a horizontal plane and determined they were positively phototactic. In a second experiment, we quantified E. californiensis movement along a vertical plane in response t...
Using high variability phonetic training to train non-tonal listeners with no musical background to perceive lexical tones

Previous research has not extensively investigated whether High Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) is effective in training listeners with no musical background and no prior experience with a tone language in their identification of non-native lexical tones. In this study, it was investigated whether HVPT is applicable to the acquisition of non-native tones by such listeners. Twenty-one speakers of American English were trained in eight sessions using the HVPT approach to identify Mandarin tones in monosyllabic words. Ten of the participants were exposed to words produced by multiple talkers (MT condition), and eleven participants were exposed to words produced by a single talker (ST condition). The listeners’ identification accuracy revealed an average 44% increase from the pretest to the posttest for the MT condition and an average 30% increase for the ST condition. The improvement also generalized to new monosyllabic words produced by a familiar talker and those produced by two unfamiliar talkers. Th...
Disability Simulations: Using the Social Model of Disability to Update an Experiential Educational Practice

Disability simulation as a form of experiential learning has been a popular way for students to Ȝlearn what it is like to have a disabilityȝ in many different educational curricula from nursing to ...
Approximating Constrained Hand Paths Via Kinematic Synthesis with Contact Specifications

This chapter presents part of our recent efforts in developing computational models of human motor coordination with reduced mobility. A recently developed kinematic synthesis is implemented to approximate natural human hand profiles with an elbow joint constraint. The constraint condition holds the hand on a spherical workspace centered at the shoulder. The assumption that the hand is in contact with the surface during the entire movement, allows us to describe the contact condition by using higher order kinematic constraints such as velocities and accelerations. By adopting contact specifications at an initial and a final task positions, kinematic synthesis and path planning techniques enable us to generate an entire hand path connecting the two positions. It was found that the proposed method closely approximates an actual human hand path, obtained experimentally.
Prospective Blinded Evaluation of Patient-Physician Agreement Using the Summary Outcome Determination (SOD) Score.

Abstract Objective To determine whether the Summary Outcome Determination (SOD) score demonstrates a high level of physician-patient agreement in a prospective setting with multiple raters. Patients and Methods For this study, 100 patients who were being evaluated at various intervals following shoulder or elbow surgery were prospectively enrolled from May 30, 2017, through August 31, 2017. The patients’ attending physicians and a member of their team (physician assistant, resident, fellow, medical student) assigned categorical and numerical SOD scores while blinded to the scores given by each other. All scores were analyzed among raters, assessing internal consistencies, agreement, and reliability. Results The mean follow-up (interval between surgery and completion of the survey) was 31 months, with a range of 1 to 220 months. The intraclass correlation coefficient for patient and physician numerical scores was excellent at 0.82. The weighted κ value for categorical scores was 0.64. Bland-Altman analysis revealed low average discrepancy at 0.6 with a 95% CI of −3.3 to 4.5. The Cronbach α value was 0.94, indicating strong internal validity. The categorical physician-patient agreement occurred within one category 96% of the time. Conclusion This study found that the SOD score has strong agreement with excellent intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted κ values, indicating substantial agreement, reproducibility (shown by low average error), and strong internal validity. With promising results in the prospective setting, the SOD score was found to be an easy to use outcome measure with reliable agreement between patient and physician. This score has potential to be a metric revealing the “value” of a specific surgical intervention.
Affect as Information in the Decision to Use Technology

Individuals use affect (i.e. feelings) as information in the decision-making process, including the decision to use technology. Researchers acknowledge that individuals make judgments after first assessing their feelings. Those feelings then become important in the formation of attitudes toward the target. This research applies the affect as information theory in the evaluation of user responses toward a new technology, RedTacton, which uses the human body for broadband networking. The hypotheses propose relationships among traditional TAM variables (i.e. perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intent) and perceived enjoyment, positive affect and negative affect. A structural equations model is tested based on a random sampling of 358 individuals in the U.S. The results show that affect has a positive impact on both user enjoyment and perceptions of the usefulness of the technology. Implications of the results for the design of technology and for maximizing technology use are presented.
Association of Racial Bias with Burnout among Resident Physicians

Importance Burnout, a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decreased sense of efficacy, is common among resident physicians, and negative emotional states may increase the expression of prejudices, which are associated with racial disparities in health care. Whether racial bias varies by symptoms of burnout among resident physicians is unknown. Objective To assess the association between burnout and explicit and implicit racial biases toward black people in resident physicians. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study obtained data from surveys completed by first-year medical students and resident physicians in the United States as part of the Cognitive Habits and Growth Evaluation Study. Participants were followed up from enrollment in 2010 to 2011 through 2017. Participants completed questionnaires at year 4 of medical school as well as at the second and third years of residency. Only data from resident physicians who self-identified as belonging to a racial group other than black (n = 3392) were included in the analyses because of scarce evidence of racial bias in the care provided to black patients by black physicians. Resident physicians training in radiology or pathology were excluded because they provided less direct patient interaction. Main Outcomes and Measures Burnout symptoms were measured by 2 single-item measures from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Explicit attitudes about white and black people were measured by a feeling thermometer (FT, from 0 to 100 points, ranging from very cold or unfavorable [lowest score] to very warm or favorable [highest score]; included in the second-year [R2] and third-year [R3] questionnaires). The R2 Questionnaire included a racial Implicit Association Test (IAT; range: –2 to 2). Results Among the 3392 nonblack resident physician respondents, 1693 (49.9%) were male, 1964 (57.9%) were younger than 30 years, and 2362 (69.6%) self-identified as belonging to the white race. In this cohort, 1529 of 3380 resident physicians (45.2%) had symptoms of burnout and 1394 of 3377 resident physicians (41.3%) had depression. From this group, 12 did not complete the burnout items and 15 did not complete the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) items. The mean (SD) FT score toward black people was 77.9 (21.0) and toward white people was 81.1 (20.1), and the mean (SD) racial IAT score was 0.4 (0.4). Burnout at the R2 Questionnaire time point was associated with greater explicit and implicit racial biases. In multivariable analyses adjusting for demographics, specialty, depression, and FT scores toward white people, resident physicians with burnout had greater explicit racial bias (difference in FT score, –2.40; 95% CI, –3.42 to –1.37;P Conclusions and Relevance Among resident physicians, symptoms of burnout appeared to be associated with greater explicit and implicit racial biases; given the high prevalence of burnout and the negative implications of bias for medical care, symptoms of burnout may be factors in racial disparities in health care.
The role of proton therapy in pediatric malignancies: Recent advances and future directions

Proton radiotherapy has promised an advantage in safely treating pediatric malignancies with an increased capability to spare normal tissues, reducing the risk of both acute and late toxicity. The past decade has seen the proliferation of more than 30 proton facilities in the United States, with increased capacity to provide access to approximately 3,000 children per year who will require radiotherapy for their disease. We provide a review of the initial efforts to describe outcomes after proton therapy across the common pediatric disease sites. We discuss the main attempts to assess comparative efficacy between proton and photon radiotherapy concerning toxicity. We also discuss recent efforts of multi-institutional registries aimed at accelerating research to better define the optimal treatment paradigm for children requiring radiotherapy for cure.
“Don’t Mention the Idea of a Social Science”: The Legacy of an Idea

This essay focuses on the predominantly negative receptions of Peter Winch’s The Idea of a Social Science and Its Relation to Philosophy in the philosophy of social science, argues how these involve a general misreading of the book and concludes with how the book can continue to be relevant for contemporary philosophy of social science and critical social inquiry. Resisting the canonical reception in the philosophy of social science, it follows the strands in the book that emphasize the inseparability of good social inquiry from philosophy as sharing in a specific type of ethical orientation. After a brief summarizing commentary of the book, the essay characterizes the various negative appropriations of ISS as either epistemological or ontological readings that read it as offering a general foundation of social inquiry that implies a general cultural relativism and conservatism about social change. The essay argues against these readings by following the strands in the book that focus on the irreducibly ethical character of philosophical and social inquiry, further supported by external sources. The essay then concludes with opening the work up to current debates in the philosophy of social science and critical social theory, thus arguing for the book’s continued relevance.
Market Discipline and Bank Diversification

Can banks be induced to adopt an efficient risk-taking via market discipline? We seek an answer to this question within the context of banks diversifying into the other bank’s asset, which may potentially intensify a systemic risk. The central results of the paper are as follows. When creditors punish the bank’s excessive risk exposure by demanding higher risk premium, the bank owners’ optimal diversification will coincide with the diversification that maximizes the combined value of debt and equity. However, market discipline is effective in aligning the bank shareholders’ interest to that of the creditors only when the bank leverage ratios are at some modest levels. In addition, the effectiveness improves when diversification through securitization is allowed since tranching bank debt into a senior and a junior tranches enables avoiding the dark side of diversification and hence ensures both the individual and social optimality. While supporting capital adequacy and disclosure requirements of Basel III, our analysis warns the consequence of public backstops, that feeds the notion of ‘too-big-to-fail’, in undermining creditors’ incentive to monitor the banks and hence encouraging the latter to adopt excessive and socially sub-optimal risk-taking.