cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ejection fraction image: A noninvasive index of regional left ventricular wall motion

Abstract The clinical value of the ejection fraction image, a computerized radionuclide measurement of regional left ventricular wall motion, was assessed in 34 patients. From gated modified left anterior oblique images of the cardiac blood pool, regional ejection fraction images were created. Left ventricular wall motion was classified with ejection fraction imaging as normal, hypokinetic or akinetic in each of three left ventricular regions. Wall motion was similarly characterized with regional analysis (segmental axis shortening, extent of akinetic segments) of contrast angiograms. Results of ejection fraction imaging were assessed in comparison with angiographic analyses. Seventeen patients had asynergy on contrast ventriculography; the other 17 had normal wall motion. There was agreement between the contrast and radionuclide ventriculograms as to presence of asynergy in 33 of 34 patients. In 92 of 102 (90 percent) left ventricular regions evaluated with both contrast and radionuclide methods, the ejection fraction image and contrast angiogram were in agreement regarding presence or absence of wall motion abnormalities. Of 43 abnormal angiographic wall motion descriptions in 35 ventricular regions (8 regions contained both hypokinetic and akinetic segments), 35 (81 percent) were similarly identified with the ejection fraction image. These results suggest that the ejection fraction image is a sensitive indicator of regional left ventricular wall motion.
Policy Domain-Specific Ideology: When Interest Group Scores Offer More Insight

Scholars have long argued over the dimensionality of legislative voting. Using scores from ten groups, this research note shows that analysis of even basically unidimensional voting can benefit from consideration of domain-specific ideology. Although correlations between interest group scores and DW-NOMINATE—the most widely used measure of congressional ideology—are generally high, I find several areas of concern. First, correlations have increased over time, suggesting a need for caution when using the more general scores for historical analysis. Second, the policy-specific interest group scores differ substantially on aggregate measures, such as the location of the median, that political scientists use to test models of the political process. Third, at least one policy area where party is crosscutting, agriculture, is not well captured by NOMINATE scores. This research note concludes with an example of how the use of domain-specific group scores can shed light on the role of party and constituency in voting. La dimensionalidad de la votacion legislativa ha sido un tema de debate entre investigadores. Usando puntuaciones de diez grupos estas notas de investigacion muestran que incluso un analisis unidimensional de la votacion puede beneficiarse si se considera un area de ideologia especifico. Aunque las correlaciones entre las puntuaciones de los grupos de interes y NOMINATE—la medida mas usada para estimar la ideologia congresional—son generalmente altas, encuentro muchas areas de preocupacion. Primero, las correlaciones han aumentado con el tiempo, sugiriendo la necesidad de precaucion al usar las puntuaciones mas generales para un analisis historico. Segundo, las puntuaciones de los grupos de interes con politicas especificas difieren significativamente en medidas agregadas, tales como la localizacion de la mediana, que los politologos usan para probar modelos del proceso politico. Tercero, al menos un area en donde el partido es transversal, agricultura, no es correctamente capturada por la puntuacion NOMINATE. El investigacion concluye con un ejemplo de como el uso puntuaciones de grupos con areas especificas puede esclarecer el papel de la afiliacion partidaria y distrito electoral en las votaciones.
Buckling of cylindrical sandwich shells with metal foam cores

Buckling of cylindrical sandwich shells subject to axial compression is addressed for shells having foamed metal cores. Optimal face sheet thickness, core thickness and core density are obtained which minimize the weight of a geometrically perfect shell with a specified load carrying capacity. Constraints imposed by wrinkling and yielding of the face sheets and yielding of the core are all considered. The range of the structural load index is identified for which the sandwich shells have a competitive weight advantage over stringer stiffened shells. In most of this range, the minimum weight design has elastic buckling simultaneous with face sheet yielding. Imperfection sensitivity of the shells is assessed with special emphasis on the role of plasticity in degrading strength, especially in light of the coincidence of elastic buckling and face sheet yielding in the optimally designed perfect shell. The purpose is to examine the interaction between imperfections and plastic yielding to see if buckling load knockdowns should be larger than those expected for elastic shells.
An examination of four differencing schemes for some elliptic-type convection equations

The work presented here is a comparative study of four differencing schemes for some elliptic-type equations involving fluid flow and heat transfer. The differencing schemes under consideration are...
Nsec1 Binds a Closed Conformation of Syntaxin1a

The Sec1 family of proteins is proposed to function in vesicle trafficking by forming complexes with target membrane SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor [NSF] attachment protein [SNAP] receptors) of the syntaxin family. Here, we demonstrate, by using in vitro binding assays, nondenaturing gel electrophoresis, and specific neurotoxin treatment, that the interaction of syntaxin1A with the core SNARE components, SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kD) and VAMP2 (vesicle-associated membrane protein 2), precludes the interaction with nSec1 (also called Munc18 and rbSec1). Inversely, association of nSec1 and syntaxin1A prevents assembly of the ternary SNARE complex. Furthermore, using chemical cross-linking of rat brain membranes, we identified nSec1 complexes containing syntaxin1A, but not SNAP-25 or VAMP2. These results support the hypothesis that Sec1 proteins function as syntaxin chaperons during vesicle docking, priming, and membrane fusion.
A particle-filtering approach for on-line fault diagnosis and failure prognosis

This paper introduces an on-line particle-filtering (PF)-based framework for fault diagnosis and failure prognosis in non-linear, non-Gaussian systems. This framework considers the implementation of two autonomous modules. A fault detection and identification (FDI) module uses a hybrid state-space model of the plant and a PF algorithm to estimate the state probability density function (pdf) of the system and calculates the probability of a fault condition in realtime. Once the anomalous condition is detected, the available state pdf estimates are used as initial conditions in prognostic routines. The failure prognostic module, on the other hand, predicts the evolution in time of the fault indicator and computes the pdf of the remaining useful life (RUL) of the faulty subsystem, using a non-linear state-space model (with unknown time-varying parameters) and a PF algorithm that updates the current state estimate. The outcome of the prognosis module provides information about the precision and accuracy of long-term predictions, RUL expectations and 95% confidence intervals for the condition under study. Data from a seeded fault test for a UH-60 planetary gear plate are used to validate the proposed approach.
Closing the Social Class Achievement Gap for First-Generation Students in Undergraduate Biology

Many students start college intending to pursue a career in the biosciences, but too many abandon this goal because they struggle in introductory biology. Interventions have been developed to close achievement gaps for underrepresented minority students and women, but no prior research has attempted to close the gap for first-generation students, a population that accounts for nearly a fifth of college students. We report a values affirmation intervention conducted with 798 U.S. students (154 first-generation) in an introductory biology course for majors. For first-generation students, values affirmation significantly improved final course grades and retention in the second course in the biology sequence, as well as overall GPA for the semester. This brief intervention narrowed the achievement gap between first-generation and continuing generation students for course grades by 50% and increased retention in a critical gateway course by 20%. Our results suggest that educators can expand the pipeline for first-generation students to continue studying in the biosciences with psychological interventions.
Effects of Long-Term, High-Altitude Hypoxia on Tension and Intracellular Calcium Responses in Coronary Arteries of Fetal and Adult Sheep

We have previously shown that after exposure to long-term hypoxia, fetal coronary flow is maintained at control levels despite a 25% reduction in cardiac output. We also demonstrated that coronary vascular rings isolated from the long-term hypoxic fetuses and studied in well-oxygenated bath system displayed significantly reduced depolarization-induced contraction strength in response to KCl. To study the mechanism of reduced fetal coronary vascular responses to KCl-induced contractions following exposure to long-term hypoxia, we measured tension and intracellular calcium simultaneously, as well as L-type Ca2+ channel density and sensitivity. Pregnant ewes were housed at altitude (3820 m) for approximately 110 days. At 138 to 141 days of gestation, long-term hypoxic and control animals were killed and fetal and adult left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was isolated and studied in a well-oxygenated bath system. Tension and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) were measured simultaneously in response to increasing concentrations of KCl and, in addition, the sensitivity to the calcium channel blocker nifedipine was measured at a half maximal concentration of KCl. We also measured L-type Ca2+ channel density with (+)-[3H]PN200-110. L-type Ca2+ channel density was decreased by ~31% in the long-term hypoxic fetal, but not adult, LAD. Tension in the long-term hypoxic fetal and adult LAD was significantly lower at all concentrations of KCl. [Ca2+]i was lower at rest in both fetal and adult LAD from long-term hypoxic animals and increased to lower levels at all concentrations of KCl. The ratio of tension to [Ca2+]i was also lower at all concentrations of KCl. Sensitivity to nifedipine was unchanged. The reduced L-type Ca2+ channel density and the reduced [Ca2+]i response to KCl, as well as the reduced tension response to [Ca 2+]i, could potentially be involved in the reduction in depolarization-induced contractions in LAD from long-term hypoxic fetuses. In hypoxic adults, reduced [Ca2+]i and reduced tension response to [Ca2+]i may be involved in the lower tension response to KCl-induced contractions.
Cells in cryptophycin-induced cell-cycle arrest are susceptible to apoptosis

Exposure of murine leukemia L1210 cells to the antitumor antibiotic cryptophycin 52 (C52) led to cell-cycle arrest at the prometaphase/metaphase interface within 18 h, but apoptotic nuclei did not appear until 36 h later. To determine whether accumulation of cells in early metaphase might have delayed the apoptotic process, cells were treated with C52 for 18 h and a photodynamic process was used to initiate the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. Apoptosis was observed within 60 min, indicating that the slow apoptotic response was not caused by an impaired ability of genomic DNA to undergo endonucleosomal cleavage during cell-cycle arrest induced by cryptophycin 52.
Groups That Work (and Those That Don't)

This article presents a review of the book “Groups That Work (And Those That Don't),” by Richard Hackman.
EFFECTS OF EXPERIMENTAL WARMING ON PLANT REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY IN A SUBALPINE MEADOW

Increasing “greenhouse” gases are predicted to warm the earth by several degrees Celsius during the coming century. At high elevations one likely result is a longer snow-free season, which will affect plant growth and reproduction. We studied flowering and fruiting of 10 angiosperm species in a subalpine meadow over 4 yr, focusing on plant responses to warming by overhead heaters. The 10 species reproduced in a predictable sequence during 3–4 mo between spring snowmelt and fall frosts. Experimental warming advanced the date of snowmelt by almost 1 wk on average, relative to controls, and similarly advanced the mean timing of plant reproduction. This phenological shift was entirely explained by earlier snowmelt in the case of six plant species that flowered early in the season, whereas four later-flowering species apparently responded to other cues. Experimental warming had no detectable effect on the duration of flowering and fruiting, even though natural conditions of early snowmelt were associated with ...
The Rapid Impact on Mortality Rates of a Dedicated Care Team Including Trauma and Emergency Physicians at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract Background: Trauma center designation can result in improved patient outcomes after injuries. Whereas the presence of trauma teams has been associated with improved trauma patient outcomes, the specific components, including the role of emergency medicine (EM)-trained, board-certified emergency physicians, have not been defined. Objective: To assess the outcomes of patients before and after the establishment of a dedicated trauma team that incorporated full-time EM-trained physicians with trauma specialists at a Level I trauma center at an academic institution. Methods: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected trauma registry data was performed to compare mortality rates of all treated trauma patients before and after this intervention. Results: The establishment of a dedicated specialty trauma team incorporating full-time EM presence including EM-trained, board-certified emergency physicians was associated with a reduction in overall non-DOA (dead on arrival) mortality rate from 6.0% to 4.1% from the time period preceding (1999–2000) to the time period after (2002–2003) this intervention (1.9% absolute reduction in mortality, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7%–3.0%). Among patients who were most severely injured (Injury Severity Score [ISS] ≥ 25), mortality rates decreased from 30.2% to 22.0% (8.3% absolute reduction in mortality, 95% CI 2.1%–14.4%). In comparison, there was minimal change in national mortality rates for patients with ISS ≥ 25 during the same time period (33% to 34%). Conclusions: The implementation of a dedicated full-time trauma team incorporating both trauma surgeons and EM-trained, board-certified or -eligible emergency physicians was associated with improved mortality rates in trauma patients treated at a Level I academic medical center, including those patients presenting with the most severe injuries.
THE INFLUENCE OF CORTICO-ADRENAL EXTRACT ON THE COURSE OF BACTERIAL INTOXICATIONS IN GUINEA PIGS1

That the secretions of the adrenal cortex play a significant role in the resistance of the body to infectious processes seems fairly well established. Morphological findings, both in animal and human material have shown that the adrenal gland, particularly the cortex, is severely injured in acute fulminating intoxications. In chronic infections, an hypertrophy of the cortex is frequently observed. Experimentally, the investigations of Lewis (1), Marine (2), Scott (3), and others have shown that adrenalectomy results in a marked decrease in the natural resistance of animals to bacterial toxins, drugs, and infections. Perla and Marmorston-Gottesman (4) demonstrated that the ability of adrenalectomized rats to produce antibodies is markedly diminished. The administration of potent extracts of the cortex to adrenalectomized animals has been found by Scott and Bradford (5) and Perla and Marmorston-Gottesman (6) to raise the resistance of the animals to within normal values. In 1933, Scott, Bradford, Hartman, a...
Providing VCR functionality in a constant quality video-on-demand transportation service

Bandwidth smoothing techniques for the delivery of prerecorded compressed video have been shown to be effective in reducing the network bandwidth required for video playback, however, they can limit the ability of the user to interactively modify the playback in the manner familiar from VCR operations. We examine the impacts that VCR functions have on the smoothed delivery of stored video. We introduce the notion of VCR window, which allows users to have full VCR functionality in a limited window while not requiring increases in the bandwidth reservations. In addition, we introduce a resource reservation scheme that can be used with the VCR window for the delivery of stored video. To test the applicability of the VCR window in video on demand systems, we have digitized 15 full length movies for experimental data. Our results indicate that time limited VCR functionality can be provided while retaining a fairly high network utilization.
Microbiological Contamination and Primal Cut Yields of Skinned and Scalded Pork Carcasses

Microbiological contamination was determined in core samples from the surface of the ham, shoulder, belly and back of skinned and scalded pork carcasses. Aerobic plate counts of mesophilic organisms indicated that ham and shoulder areas of scalded carcasses had higher bacterial numbers than skinned carcasses. Contamination on the back of the carcass was similar for skinned and scalded carcasses, while skinned carcass bellies had slightly higher counts than did scalded bellies. Numbers of psychrotrophic bacteria were negligible in all cases. Weights of primal cuts were compared in skinned and scalded carcasses by alternately skinning one side of each of 23 pork carcasses, while the other side was left skin-on. Belly, picnic shoulder and ham yields were less for skinned sides, while the loin and Boston shoulder were not affected.
An object-based approach to implementing distributed concurrency control

Distributed concurrency control has been implemented by representing in-progress transactions as simulated objects, called transaction objects, that use normal message passing facilities. The implementation of an optimistic mechanism has been completed using transaction objects and a two-phase locking mechanism has been designed. The tradeoffs made and lessons learned, dealing with transactions both on objects and as objects, are discussed. >
Interactions Between Limb Regeneration and Molting in Decapod Crustaceans1

Abstract Molting and regeneration of lost appendages are tightly-coupled, hormonally-regulated processes in decapod crustaceans. Precocious molts are induced by eyestalk ablation, which reduces circulating molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH) and results in an immediate rise in hemolymph ecdysteroids. Precocious molts are also induced by autotomy of 5–8 walking legs; adult land crabs (Gecarcinus lateralis) molt 6–8 wk after multiple leg autotomy (MLA). Autotomy of one or more of the 1° limb buds (LBs) that form after MLA before a critical period interrupts proecdysis until 2° LBs re-regenerate and grow to the approximate size of those lost. Based on these observations, Skinner proposed that limb buds produce two factors that control proecdysial events. Limb Autotomy Factor–Anecdysis (LAFan), produced by 1° LBs when at least five legs are autotomized, stimulates anecdysial animals to enter proecdysis. Limb Autotomy Factor–Proecdysis (LAFpro), produced by 2° LBs in premolt animals when at least one 1° LB is autoto...
The neurofibromatosis-2 homologue, Merlin, and the tumor suppressor expanded function together in Drosophila to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation

Neurofibromatosis-2 is an inherited disorder characterized by the development of benign schwannomas and other Schwann-cell-derived tumors associated with the central nervous system. The Neurofibromatosis-2 tumor suppressor gene encodes Merlin, a member of the Protein 4.1 superfamily most closely related to Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin. This discovery suggested a novel function for Protein 4.1 family members in the regulation of cell proliferation; proteins in this family were previously thought to function primarily to link transmembrane proteins to underlying cortical actin. To understand the basic cellular functions of Merlin, we are investigating a Drosophila Neurofibromatosis-2 homologue, Merlin. Loss of Merlin function in Drosophila results in hyperplasia of the affected tissue without significant disruptions in differentiation. Similar phenotypes have been observed for mutations in another Protein 4.1 superfamily member in Drosophila, expanded. Because of the phenotypic and structural similarities between Merlin and expanded, we asked whether Merlin and Expanded function together to regulate cell proliferation. In this study, we demonstrate that recessive loss of function of either Merlin or expanded can dominantly enhance the phenotypes associated with mutations in the other. Consistent with this genetic interaction, we determined that Merlin and Expanded colocalize in Drosophila tissues and cells, and physically interact through a conserved N-terminal region of Expanded, characteristic of the Protein 4.1 family, and the C-terminal domain of Merlin. Loss of function of both Merlin and expanded in clones revealed that these proteins function to regulate differentiation in addition to proliferation in Drosophila. Further genetic analyses suggest a role for Merlin and Expanded specifically in Decapentaplegic-mediated differentiation events. These results indicate that Merlin and Expanded function together to regulate proliferation and differentiation, and have implications for understanding the functions of other Protein 4.1 superfamily members.
Computer Viruses and Worms

Computer viruses are programs that copy themselves onto other programs. When the host program is run, the virus also runs, and as a consequence of its execution it makes further copies of itself. Most viruses also have other effects, such as erasing or damaging files, displaying rude words or pictures, or even damaging the computer or monitor itself.
DAB(389)IL2 (denileukin diftitox) suppresses growth of melanoma metastases

18010 Background: CD4+CD25high regulatory T (Treg) cells have been found to suppress the activation of anti-tumor effector T cells. Depletion of Treg cells using anti-CD25 antibodies can induce a C...
The Merger of Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation (C): Post-Merger Experience

This case summarizes the implementation of the plan for integrating the two merging firms, Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation. Also, the case surveys the financial performance and share price performance of the firm over the five years following merger. The record was generally positive and invites students to reflect upon the drivers of M&A success. The specific tasks for the students include:1. Identify key issues that arose in the post-merger integration process and the style with which the integration plans were implemented. The new firm encountered a number of serious hurdles (such as the turmoil following the collapse of Long Term Capital Management, in which ex-UBS held an investment position) that might have derailed the integration. How the executives responded to these hurdles illustrates the kind of crisis management that post-merger integration may entail. 2. Evaluate the degree of success of the integration. This task invites students to define "success" in M&A. The case contains information that can permit students to derive conclusions in financial, strategic, and organizational terms.The (A) case in the series describes the proposed terms of merger and invites students to value the benefits of the deal and assess the strategic motives. The (B) case summarizes the integration planning process and issues that had to be resolved before the merger could be implemented. It is recommended that the instructor distribute the (A) case for advance preparation by students and hold the (B) and (C) cases for discussion after the (A) case.The cases about the UBS-SBC merger were prepared to serve a number of learning objectives:A. Exercise skills of valuation and strategic analysis. The cases assume that students have been exposed to standard concepts in these areas and are ready to apply them.B. Survey the often arduous process by which M&A deals are developed and then implemented. These cases give detailed insight into the risks and difficulties of transaction management.C. Explore the terms of merger and the wide range of choice in transaction design. A key lesson here is that "a deal" consists of much more than price. Students will see that issues regarding form of payment, governance, and social terms are vital aspects of a deal.D. Consider the enormous challenges of post-merger integration. The case reports the integration strategies adopted in various lines of business and thereby affords the opportunity for comparing the motives and effects of different integration strategies.
Acute Effects of Thirty Minutes of Light-Intensity, Intermittent Exercise on Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Background and Purpose. Currently, there is no consensus on exercise prescription for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This investigation examined whether light-intensity, intermittent physical activity exacerbated symptoms in patients with CFS immediately following exercise to 7 days following exercise. Subjects. Subjects were 9 women (mean age=44.2 years, SD=8.4, range=29-56; mean weight=74.2 kg, SD=18.8, range=56.36-110.91; and mean height=1.63 m, SD=0.8, range=1.55-1.78) and 1 man (age=48 years, weight=97.1 kg, and height=1.98 m) who met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's criteria for CFS. Methods. Subjects performed 10 discontinuous 3-minute exercise bouts (separated by 3 minutes of recovery) at a self-selected, comfortable walking pace on a treadmill. Oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate were measured every minute during the exercise session. To assess degree of disability, general health status, activity level, symptoms, and mood, subjects completed various questionnaires before and after exercise. Results. Results indicated that degree of disability, general health status, symptoms, and mood did not change immediately and up to 7 days following exercise. Conclusion and Discussion. Thirty minutes of intermittent walking did not exacerbate symptoms in subjects with CFS. The physiological data did not show any abnormal response to exercise. Although this study did not determine whether 30 minutes of continuous versus intermittent exercise would exacerbate symptoms, all 10 subjects felt that they could not exercise continuously for 30 minutes without experiencing symptom exacerbation. Despite this limitation, the results indicate that some individuals with CFS may be able to use low-level, intermittent exercise without exacerbating their symptoms.
Recent Theoretical Developments in the Kinetics of First Order Phase Transitions

The study of pattern formation in nature is one of the most fascinating fields in modern physics. The subject includes a large number of disparate phenomena, such as the growth of snowflakes, Rayleigh-Benard thermoconvections, phase separation in polymer blends and the early stages of the inflationary universe. Although such problems have important differences, they share several common features, one being the formation of ordered structures from initially disordered states. As well, the dynamical description of such phenomena typically involves nonlinear equations of motion.
Roll-Yaw Coupled Vibration of the Rotor System With Breathing Crack and Unbalance Mass

This paper develops a new finite element rotor model with consideration of the coupling effect of rolling and yawing motion. The crack model is built using released strain energy concept in fracture mechanics. The nonlinear breathing behavior of cracks on the rotor shaft is simulated through Zero Stress Intensity Factor (SIF) method. The vibration responses of rotor system are solved by Newmark Integration method for both nominal and damaged system. With the yawing motion, the additional force will be induced for beam element and center disk. Incorporated with breathing crack model, the breathing behavior of crack is comprehensively studied in terms of the rolling rate, yawing rate and yawing acceleration. The clear understanding of crack breathing behavior is beneficial for the damage detection and health monitoring of the rotor system.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
P-Val: Antifuse-Based Package-Level Defense Against Counterfeit ICs

The rapidly growing incidences of counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs) pose a significant threat to the semiconductor industry. These ICs may suffer from functional, performance, or reliability issues and can affect chip manufacturers, system designers as well as end users. The standard chip/package level structural and functional tests are often inadequate in detecting various forms of counterfeit ICs. Moreover, existing design for security approaches are usually not attractive due to additional design modifications, hardware overhead, test cost, and inadequate robustness. In this paper, we propose a novel, low-overhead package-level IC integrity validation approach, referred to as P-Val, for unified protection against two primary forms of counterfeiting attacks: 1) recycling and 2) cloning. Protection against recycled/remarked chips is achieved through a unique active defense that inserts antifuses (AFs) (one-time programmable) to few select pins inside the package. It effectively disables the functionality or “locks” these pins, which need to be programmed before first-time use to make a chip functional in a system. To protect against cloned ICs, intrinsic random variations in programmed resistances of AFs connected to some of the remaining IC pins are exploited to create unique chip-specific signatures for authentication. P-Val requires no die-level design modifications and remains effective for legacy designs. Moreover, we show that it is effective for small chips with just few pins including analog ICs, where common authentication approaches fail to work. We discuss optimal choice of AF structure and program parameters; their integration in IC packages; and the signature generation/verification process. Through mathematical analysis and simulation results, we demonstrate that the proposed mechanism provides high level of protection against counterfeiting attacks at ultralow overhead (<0.05% package area).
Management implications of temporally and spatially varying catchability for the Gulf of Mexico menhaden fishery

Abstract Catchability relates fishing effort to fishing mortality, and is an important component in fishery stock assessment models. Mis-specifying catchability can lead to inaccurate estimation of model parameters and bias in the determination of stock status. The Gulf of Mexico has one of the largest seasonal occurrences of hypoxia in the world and it overlaps in time and space with the Gulf menhaden Brevoortia patronus fishery, potentially leading to temporal and spatial patterns in stock distribution and thus catchability. These patterns are not currently modeled in the Gulf menhaden stock assessment. To better understand the implications of spatial and temporal patterns in catchability due to hypoxia, we constructed an operating model of Gulf menhaden fishery dynamics under various assumptions of spatial coverages and temporal patterns, and used the output from the operating model as input into estimation models with alternative approaches on modeling catchability. Under the most extreme assumptions about the spatial coverage and magnitude of variation in catchability, median absolute error in estimates of fishing mortality and spawning stock reference points (F30% and S30%) was 73% and 29%, respectively, and median absolute error in estimates of fishing mortality and spawning stock based stock status was 23% and 79%, supporting the notion that errors in catchability are important. Under more reasonable assumptions, median absolute error declined to 20% and 2.9% for F30% and S30%, respectively, and to 3.8% and 2.4% for fishing mortality and spawning stock-based stock status, respectively. Modeling catchability as a random walk further reduced median absolute error to 5.0% for F30% and 1.4% for S30%, but slightly increased median absolute error for stock status indicators to 4.0% and 3.3%. Our results show generally that the spatial coverage, temporal pattern, and estimation approach of catchability affects the influence of mis-specifying catchability; and show specifically that the Gulf menhaden stock assessment is robust to the effects of hypoxia on catchability if assuming random-walk catchability.
STUDIES ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOIL CHANGE FOR DIFFERENT LAND-USE PATTERNS IN RED EARTH HILLY AREA OF CHINA

In this paper, changes in soil properties and soil quality were quantitatively studied after the natural sparse shrubby-grass land and poor cultivated land had been converted into more than ten land use patterns in Qianyanzhou Experiment Station (QYZES), a typical area in red earth hills of South China. A small watershed soil information system (QYZES) and soil change data bases were developed for evaluating, monitoring, and mapping the soil changes under various soil types and land–use patterns. Process of change in soil C and N was simulated and predicted by modeling. Some liner equations were developed to forecast the element migration in ecosystems by rainfall, runoff, and soil leachate. Relative soil quality index (RSQI) was defined and proposed to evaluate soil quality and its changes.
Excitonic Superconductivity in Layer Structures

Many different theories have been presented at this Conference to try to account for the high transition temperatures, Tc, of the recently discovered copper oxide compounds. Present evidence is that the properties are consistent with a normal BCS superconductor, but with the attractive interaction that accounts for the pairing mediated by something other than phonons. Non-phonon mechanisms were suggested not long after the BCS theory was first presented. Two of the most prominent were those of Little,1 who suggested linear metallic chains surrounded by polarizable ligands, and by Ginzburg,2 who suggested a sandwich-like layer structure of metallic layers between which there are polarizable layers.
The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Vast amounts of ore are mined to produce usable stocks of uranium due to the low concentration of uranium in the ores. The worldwide distribution of uranium ore is discussed. Next, the steps in preparing this material for processing in enrichment plants are described. Enrichment technologies, including gaseous diffusion, centrifuges, electromagnetic separation, and laser isotope separation, are described. The concept of the Separative Work Unit, or SWU, is introduced, and the mass balance calculations for an enrichment cascade are given. The proliferation potential for each of these schemes is described. Reactors are used to make plutonium, and the features making reactor types attractive or unattractive for weapon-grade plutonium production are described. Conversion of military material to civilian use is discussed, and proliferation risks in the waste stream are assessed.
Perceptions About Sexual Offenses: Misconceptions, Punitiveness, and Public Sentiment

Decades of research on public opinion about crime reveal varying, yet relatively punitive attitudes that are often riddled with misconceptions. Sparked by the increased media and legislative attention devoted to sex offenders beginning in the 1990s, researchers began to more closely examine public opinion about sexual offenses. Findings suggest the public adheres to several misconceptions about sexual offenses and supports harsh sanctions for offenders. However, further research is warranted to more closely examine the relationships among these variables. Thus, the goal of the present study was to survey Pennsylvania residents to examine the degree to which misconceptions about sexual offenses inform punitiveness. The results supported the hypotheses in that a high level of support for misconceptions and punitiveness was identified, and adherence to misconceptions was the strongest predictor of punitiveness. These findings demonstrate a clear need for educational and awareness efforts to dispel public mis...
Creation of the American Board of Ophthalmology: The Role of the American Ophthalmological Society

The American Ophthalmological Society (AOS) is 1 of the 3 founding organizations of the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), in addition to the Section on Ophthalmology of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. The early history of the AOS and its role in the founding of the ABO are addressed in this article.
"I never felt targeted as an Asian... until I went to a gay pub" : Sexual racism and the aesthetic geographies of the bad encounter

Encounters across difference—in city spaces marked by diverse migration trajectories, cultural differences, and racialized hierarchies—have captured the attention of urban scholars concerned with b...
Impact of hormone receptor (HR) status on clinicopathological features, patterns of recurrence, and clinical outcomes among patients (pts) with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2) breast cancer (BC) in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

599 Background: According to gene expression profiling, HER2+ BC is heterogeneous and appears to diverge by HR status. Methods: We evaluated 3394 pts who presented to NCCN centers with stage I-III ...
Fundamental Causes of the Global Patterns of Species Range and Richness1

Global patterns of species range and richness are a consequence of many interacting factors, including environmental conditions, competition, geographical area, and historical/evolutionary development. Two widely studied global patterns of distribution are the latitudinal and elevation gradients of species range and richness. The fundamental mechanisms by which environment and physiology of the plants themselves interact to generate global-scale correlations between increased species range or decreased species richness and latitude/elevation have not previously been established. This paper develops the hypothesis that the primary climatic variables determining global-scale gradients in ectotherm species range and richness are temperature (T) and temperature variability (ΔT), and that the primary physiological variable defining adaptation of ectotherms to temperature is respiratory energy metabolism. This hypothesis is based on a postulate that adaptation of ectotherms to latitudinal/altitudinal gradients of T and ΔT leads to corresponding gradients in properties of energy metabolism. The gradients of metabolic properties give rise to gradients of species range and richness that are observed on a global scale. We demonstrate that natural selection results in ectotherms with metabolic properties matched to their environment and that energy use efficiency and the temperature range allowing growth are inversely related. Thus, opposing selective pressures to increase metabolic energy-use-efficiency or to increase the probability of surviving climate extremes control adaptation of ectotherms to climate. The principles developed in this paper yield fundamental laws of ecology that allow calculation of the contributions of global temperature patterns to the formation of gradients of species range and diversity. Relative values of richness and range are calculated solely from data on abiotic variables. Predictions agree with known patterns of ectotherm distribution.
Baseline Features of the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP III) Cohort: Differences with Age

Background The effect of age on asthma severity is poorly understood. Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the baseline features of severe and nonsevere asthma in the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) III cohort, and examine in cross section the effects of age on those features. Methods SARP III is a National Institutes of Health/National Heart Lung Blood Institute multisite 3-year cohort study conducted to investigate mechanisms of severe asthma. The sample included 188 children (111 severe, 77 nonsevere) and 526 adults (313 severe, 213 nonsevere) characterized for demographic features, symptoms, health care utilization, lung function, and inflammatory markers compared by age and severity. Results Compared with children with nonsevere asthma, children with severe asthma had more symptoms and more historical exacerbations, but no difference in body weight, post-bronchodilator lung function, or inflammatory markers. After childhood, and increasing with age, the cohort had a higher proportion of women, less allergen sensitization, and overall fewer blood eosinophils. Enrollment of participants with severe asthma was highest in middle-aged adults, who were older, more obese, with greater airflow limitation and higher blood eosinophils, but less allergen sensitization than adults with nonsevere asthma. Conclusions The phenotypic features of asthma differ by severity and with advancing age. With advancing age, patients with severe asthma are more obese, have greater airflow limitation, less allergen sensitization, and variable type 2 inflammation. Novel mechanisms besides type 2 inflammatory pathways may inform the severe asthma phenotype with advancing age.
Measures of network centricity for edge deployment of IoT applications

Edge Computing is a scheme to improve the performance, latency and security guidelines for IoT applications. However, edge deployment of an application also comes with additional complexity in management, an increased attack surface for security vulnerability, and could potentially result in a more expensive solution. As a result, the conditions under which an edge deployment of IoT applications delivers a better solution is not always obvious. Metrics which would be able to predict whether or not an IoT application is suitable for edge deployment can provide useful insights to address this question. In this paper, we examine the key performance indicators for IoT applications, namely the responsiveness, scalability and cost models for different types of IoT applications. Our analysis identifies that network centrality of an IoT application is a key characteristic which determines whether or not an IoT application is a good candidate for edge deployment. We discuss the different measures of network centrality that can be used to characterize applications, and the relative performance of edge deployment compared to centralized deployment for various IoT applications.
Sensitivity analysis of Jacobian determinant used in treatment planning for lung cancer

Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) is regularly used to visualize tumor motion in radiation therapy for lung cancer. These 4DCT images can be analyzed to estimate local ventilation by finding a dense correspondence map between the end inhalation and the end exhalation CT image volumes using deformable image registration. Lung regions with ventilation values above a threshold are labeled as regions of high pulmonary function and are avoided when possible in the radiation plan. This paper investigates a sensitivity analysis of the relative Jacobian error to small registration errors. We present a linear approximation of the relative Jacobian error. Next, we give a formula for the sensitivity of the relative Jacobian error with respect to the Jacobian of perturbation displacement field. Preliminary sensitivity analysis results are presented using 4DCT scans from 10 individuals. For each subject, we generated 6400 random smooth biologically plausible perturbation vector fields using a cubic B-spline model. We showed that the correlation between the Jacobian determinant and the Frobenius norm of the sensitivity matrix is close to -1, which implies that the relative Jacobian error in high-functional regions is less sensitive to noise. We also showed that small displacement errors on the average of 0.53 mm may lead to a 10% relative change in Jacobian determinant. We finally showed that the average relative Jacobian error and the sensitivity of the system for all subjects are positively correlated (close to +1), i.e. regions with high sensitivity has more error in Jacobian determinant on average.
Sixty Years After Tetralogy of Fallot Correction.

This report describes one of the early cases of open surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot performed by C. Walton Lillehei and colleagues at the University of Minnesota and discusses findings from the patient's follow-up 60 years later.
“Use Words Only If Necessary”: The Strategic Silence of Organized Religion in Contemporary Europe

The consideration of religious variables in comparative politics entered the scholarly discussion relatively late, but several important works over the past few years have considered the possibilities and obstacles religion presents to a democratic society. Among other concerns, this scholarship asks how the work of religious interest associations might promote greater social capital, civic engagement, empowerment, and participation among the poor and other socially marginalized groups. This literature builds on both the social capital and democratic deepening approaches and is consistent with the concepts of muted vibrancy and strategic silence. This introduction presents the case-studies in the volume, asking whether the concepts of muted vibrancy and strategic silence help to provide a robust theoretical understanding of the role of faith-based organizations in contemporary European society.
Beyond Semiological Reductionism

The problems to which philosophy addresses itself resist solution and recur for two reasons. The first is grounded in the brute fact which can be expressed by saying that the world is transcendent or by saying that human cognition is finite. The second reason for the perennial nature of philosophical problems follows from the nature of cognition, specifically from the fact that the paradigms through which cognition proceeds conceal the world in the process of revealing it. Paradigms capture generic features by obscuring specific differences. Furthermore, to the extent that we accept the paradigms which govern our thought, that acceptance conceals a closure that attenuates our openness to other paradigms; it dispels our wonder before the recalcitrant data that resist the governing paradigm.
N Storage and Cycling in Vegetation of a Forested Wetland: Implications for Watershed N Processing

Pools and fluxes of N in wetland vegetation and soils were compared with an adjacent upland site to assess the relative importance of wetland versus upland landscapes in watershed N- retention in the Adirondack Mountains of New York (U.S.A.). The majority of N storage occurred in forest soils and wetland peat deposits (96 and 99% of total N in upland forests and wetlands, respectively). Annual N-uptake (49 kg N ha 1 yr 1 ) was greater for wetland vegetation than that of upland vegetation (30 kg N ha 1 yr 1 ). In the wetland the supply of N from mineralization (36 kg Nh a 1 yr 1 ) was less than N-uptake; in contrast, upland N mineralization (76 kg N ha 1 yr 1 ) exceeded N vegetation uptake. Annual N-storage in peat was small due to low peat accretion rates. Wetlands acted as a sink for N and stored a disproportionally high fraction (15%) of catchment N in relation to their relatively small surface area (4%) within the catchment.
Bohr and the Realism Debates

The day before his death Niels Bohr said, in an interview with Thomas Kuhn: There are all kinds of people, but I think it would be reasonable to say that no man who is a philosopher really understands what one means by the complementary description ... they did not see that it was an objective description, and that it was the only possible objective description. (Bohr, AHQP, interview 5, p. 3)