cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Historical Population Size Change and Differentiation of Relict Populations of the Endangered Giant Kangaroo Rat

From a conservation management perspective it is important to understand how genetic diversity is partitioned across a species' range, including 1) identification of evolutionarily distinct units versus those recently isolated through anthropogenic activities and 2) the relative genetic contributions among components of fragmented (meta)populations. To address these questions, we investigated the phylogeography and metapopulation structure among relict populations of the endangered giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) in the highly altered San Joaquin Desert Ecosystem. This keystone species underwent a ~97% range reduction over the past century, resulting in a current range that is highly fragmented, with 2 dominant northern and southern populations occurring 150 km apart. We sequenced >800 bp of mitochondrial DNA and genotyped 17 nuclear microsatellites in >275 D. ingens to assess the evolutionary relationship of these populations as well as the genetic structure within the northern metapopulation. A Bayesian Skyline Plot indicated that the species experienced a demographic expansion toward the end of the Pleistocene, with a recent population decline. Northern and southern D. ingens split 1857-13 443 years ago, prior to the massive conversion of the San Joaquin Valley to irrigated agriculture. We recommend that the northern and southern populations of D. ingens be re-classified as distinct population segments under the United States Endangered Species Act. We also observed population structure and asymmetrical migration within northern D. ingens where the Tumey Hills acted as a source contributing gene flow to all peripheral populations. This emphasized the importance of this location in the conservation of the metapopulation as a whole.
Aging in the Asian

The paper assesses the government expenditure effects from changing demographics in the Asian "Tiger" economies through 2050. With some exceptions, their limited social insurance commitments initially suggest that aging populations may not adversely affect fiscal balances. Yet for all the Tigers, changing illness patterns and medical modernization may combine with demographics to intensify budgetary pressures. The paper notes the implications of the Tigers` reliance on private sector pension and medical insurance systems; the need for an active public role; and the complications for fiscal analysis when private sector instruments are used, in a mandatory way, as public policy instruments.
Adjacency-faithfulness and conservative causal inference

Most causal discovery algorithms in the literature exploit an assumption usually referred to as the Causal Faithfulness or Stability Condition. In this paper, we highlight two components of the condition used in constraint-based algorithms, which we call "Adjacency-Faithfulness" and "Orientation-Faithfulness." We point out that assuming Adjacency-Faithfulness is true, it is possible to test the validity of Orientation-Faithfulness. Motivated by this observation, we explore the consequence of making only the Adjacency-Faithfulness assumption. We show that the familiar PC algorithm has to be modified to be correct under the weaker, Adjacency-Faithfulness assumption. The modified algorithm, called Conservative PC (CPC), checks whether Orientation-Faithfulness holds in the orientation phase, and if not, avoids drawing certain causal conclusions the PC algorithm would draw. However, if the stronger, standard causal Faithfulness condition actually obtains, the CPC algorithm outputs the same pattern as the PC algorithm does in the large sample limit. We also present a simulation study showing that the CPC algorithm runs almost as fast as the PC algorithm, and outputs significantly fewer false causal arrowheads than the PC algorithm does on realistic sample sizes.
Treatment of a Rat Model of LPS-Induced ARDS via Peritoneal Perfusion of Oxygen Microbubbles.

Abstract Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious respiratory condition that occurs in approximately 10% of patients entering intensive care units around the world, affecting nearly 190,000 patients annually in the United States. Owing to the severity of the condition, conventional methods of oxygenation are often insufficient. However, current alternate methods of oxygenation are associated with contraindications and a mortality rate near 50%. Therefore, a need exists for a safer and more effective method of oxygenation for patients with ARDS. In this work, the feasibility of using intraperitoneal perfusions of oxygen microbubbles—peritoneal microbubble oxygenation (PMO)—to treat lipopolysaccharide-induced ARDS was explored with the objective of showing restoration of normoxic conditions after a single bolus infusion of oxygen microbubbles. Male Wistar rats induced with ARDS via lipopolysaccharide inhalation were treated with PMO at 12-h intervals over a period of 48 h. Their physiological responses were monitored throughout the study, after which necropsy was performed. Response data were then compared with saline control and untreated groups. We conclude that rats experiencing moderate to severe ARDS that were treated with PMO experienced a survival rate 37% higher than animals not given treatment and exhibited increased peripheral blood oxygen saturation when compared with untreated and saline-treated groups. Moreover, those treated with PMO experienced a lower lung wet/dry ratio and less severe lung pathology, indicating a surprising improvement in lung health. Overall, this study demonstrates the ability of PMO to deliver life-sustaining supplemental oxygen to rats suffering from ARDS and warrants further work toward clinical translation.
Looking at Vatican I's Pastor aeternus 150 Years Later : A Fresh Consideration of the Council's Significance Yesterday and Today

Many pressing issues facing the church today require a deeper appreciation of Vatican I, marking its one hundred and fiftieth year. We can now return it to its context and accept its “incompleteness” rather than insist upon its “wrongness.” The distance provided by time shows that its teachings are not as rigid or extreme as they are often perceived to be, but rather stand open to significantly broader interpretations. Pastor Aeternus has faced Vatican II, the social leveling brought about by democracy and the mass media, and an erosion of confidence in hierarchical institutions. Yet the council cannot be left behind. This essay's goal is to contextualize Vatican I's voice so that we can hear what it intended to say in its own day and see how it might contribute to some of our own most urgent conversations today.
“Truth Is a Feeling in Your Gut”: Ronaldo Fryman, Conspiracy Theories, and Media Satire

Ziegler and Richards examine the portrayal of Ronaldo Fryman, a conspiracy theorist and blogger, in Steven Universe and in the paratextual book Keep Beach City Weird and the Tumblr blog of the same name, both attributed to Ronaldo. They argue that through his faulty, damaging, and narcissistic hypothesizing, Ronaldo is used to satirize not only conspiracy theorists but also forms of media including celebrity gossip and online fan-created paratexts, both of which share characteristics with conspiracy theorizing. These similarities involve the (often rhetorical) creation for participants of opportunities for power, privileged status, and cultural capital within economies of supposedly “secret” information. In contrast to Ronaldo, Steven himself provides a positive model for maturation in how he assimilates rather than rejects new, often uncomfortable secret information.
Daily watermelon consumption decreases plasma sVCAM-1 levels in overweight and obese postmenopausal women

Abstract Postmenopausal status is associated with an increase in total and abdominal body fat as well as increased incidence of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if watermelon supplementation affects select systemic markers of atherosclerosis and measures of insulin resistance in overweight and obese postmenopausal women. We hypothesized that overweight and obese postmenopausal women consuming 100% watermelon puree daily for 6 weeks would have improved levels of select systemic markers connected with cardiovascular disease without changing markers of insulin resistance. To test this hypothesis, overweight and obese postmenopausal women were recruited to participate in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group (no intervention) or the watermelon puree group (WM) for 6 weeks. Plasma concentration of markers connected with atherosclerosis and glycemic control were measured pre- and poststudy. A significant 6% decrease in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 occurred pre- to poststudy in WM, P = .003. The pattern of change in fasting blood glucose (P = .633), insulin (P = .158), and homeostatic model assessment–estimated insulin resistance (P = .174) did not differ between groups. Pre- to poststudy increases were measured in the fasting plasma concentration of l -arginine (8%, P = .005), cis-lycopene (32%, P = .003), and trans-lycopene (42%, P = .003) in WM. We conclude that 6 weeks of watermelon supplementation improved soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels, a marker connected to atherogenesis, independent of changes in body composition or glycemic control.
3 DIFFERENT PATHOLOGIES CAUSING LEFT VENTRICLE OUTFLOW OBSTRUCTION, A THERAPEUTIC DILEMMA

We present a scenario with multiple valvular pathologies where the next management step was unclear. 79-year-old women with history of moderate aortic stenosis presented with progressively worsening dyspnea and dizziness for 1 week. Physical examination was remarkable for 4/6 systolic murmur
Pedestrian Crash Analysis: Urban and Rural Areas in Louisiana

Pedestrian safety remains a crucial issue, considering that pedestrian fatalities are increasing faster than motorist fatalities. In 2016, pedestrian fatalities reached nearly 6000 in the United States, which is the highest annual record of pedestrian traffic fatalities in more than two decades. In Louisiana, pedestrian fatalities reached 110 in 2015, nearly 15% of total traffic fatalities. In the same year, the pedestrian fatality rate per 100, 000 populations in Louisiana reached a higher level (2.18) than the national average (1.67). While pedestrian crashes most frequently occur in urban areas, the fatal pedestrian crash rate is 1.5 in urban areas and 3.8 in rural areas, and the rural population is only 26.8%. To reduce pedestrian crashes, this paper presents an analysis of Louisiana pedestrian crashes (2006-2015) and investigates the pedestrian safety problem. In addition, the statistical relationship between pedestrian injury severity and contributing factors, including demographics, pedestrian behavior, and the built environment for urban and rural areas, is established using multinomial logit models. Fatal and severe crashes are strongly related to the alcohol or drug use and elderly age of pedestrians, regardless of their urban or rural locations. However, the pedestrian crashes in urban and rural areas have different characteristics. Variables such as pedestrian crossing/entering road away from intersections, walking in the roadway, dark-unlighted conditions, and speed limits greater than 60 mph are significant only in rural areas but not in urban areas. The findings of this study demonstrate some unique characteristics of Louisiana pedestrian crashes, which can help select the targeted countermeasures.
Architecture of Hydrated Multilayer Poly(methacrylic acid) Hydrogels: The Effect of Solution pH

We report on the evolution of the internal structure of dry and hydrated poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) hydrogels by quantifying the extent of layer interdiffusion in hydrogen-bonded (HB) films and ...
Evidence that an HDAC2-targeted ASO persistently upregulates cortical acetylcholine and dopamine signaling via a CREB | Gs positive feedback loop

Abstract Epigenetic modulation of neural circuits facilitates learning and memory. Here, we examined specific inhibition of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) expression in rats receiving a single intracerebroventricular injection of HDAC2-targeted anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASOs) one month prior to cognitive testing. The HDAC2 ASO-injected rats displayed increased novelty preference, decreased cortical and hippocampal HDAC2 mRNA and protein, and upregulated gene expression that persisted 1-month post-injection. Cortical RNA-seq revealed strongly increased transcription of a subset of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-response element binding (CREB) genes known to influence synaptic plasticity, along with dopamine (DRD1, DRD2) and adenosine (ADORA2A) G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Our analysis identified evidence of a positive-feedback loop that amplified expression of CREB-regulated Gs GPCRs and genes in cAMP/Gs/Gi signaling pathways. Additionally, we found differential expression of enzymes that shift neurotransmitter biosynthesis away from norepinephrine and toward dopamine and acetylcholine (DBH, CHAT). We also observed increased expression of genes important for neurotransmitter packaging (SV2C, VMAT) and release (SYT9). The data indicate that persistent inhibition of HDAC2 expression enables long-lived enhancement of aspects of cognition through increased cortical transcription of a subset of CREB-regulated genes amplified by a positive-feedback mechanism that increases synaptic plasticity and shifts neurotransmitter balance toward increased dopaminergic and cholinergic signaling.
Postpartum counseling in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk across the lifespan. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Heart Association emphasize the postpartum period as an important opportunity to identify and intervene women at high risk of future cardiovascular disease. Objective This study aimed to determine the proportion of women with documented counseling on risks and transitions of care after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at the postpartum visit. Study Design This was a retrospective longitudinal descriptive study of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who were enrolled in a text-based blood pressure program from September 2018 to February 2019. We abstracted counseling in the discharge summary and postpartum note from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was counseling at the postpartum visit defined as documentation of (1) follow-up with primary care or cardiology, (2) risk of cardiovascular disease, or (3) recommendation for aspirin in a future pregnancy. We assessed demographic and clinical factors that may influence counseling through multivariable logistic regression. We also compared the proportion of women counseled on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy vs contraception and glucose tolerance tests at the postpartum visit. Results Of 320 eligible women, most women had gestational hypertension or preeclampsia without severe features (64%). Postpartum visits were scheduled in our hospital system for 284 women, of whom 253 attended (89%). Documented counseling occurred for 62 women (25%). Counseling on follow-up with primary care or cardiology, cardiovascular disease risk, and aspirin in future pregnancies was documented for 51 (20%), 15 (6%), and 1 (0.4%), respectively. Only 1 woman had documented counseling on all 3 components. In multivariable analysis, black race remained an independent factor that increased the likelihood of counseling on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 2.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–5.83). Women were significantly less likely to be counseled on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy than on contraceptives (99%, P Conclusion Postpartum counseling on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy merits urgent improvement efforts among obstetrical care providers.
How do we like our online dates—customized or personalized? The differential effects of user vs. system tailoring on date preferences

Abstract Online dating apps offer two different options for filtering potential partners. One option is to allow users to directly specify their partner preferences (i.e., customization). Another is to allow the system to suggest potential dates based on their profile (i.e., personalization). This study examined if this difference in user vs. system tailoring will influence user perception regarding the quality of dates suggested by the app as well as the quality of the app service itself. Findings from a between-subjects experiment (N = 184) show that while personalization was higher than absence of tailoring, and customization was higher than personalization, the combination of the two led participants to perceive the highest proportion of date-worthy partners, significantly higher than the control condition (even though the gallery of potential dates was identical in all conditions). In addition, a significant moderation effect of power usage emerged, in that non-power users preferred the absence of tailoring over personalization, customization and the combination of the two.
Won’t You be My Neighbor? Neighborhood Characteristics Associated with Mass Shootings in the USA

We measure the association between neighborhood characteristics and mass shootings building on existing research on neighborhoods and social and economic composition and crime. Using publicly available national data from the Gun Violence Archive (2014–2019), we geocoded and merged mass shooting incidents with US Census American Community Survey data. Our bivariate results suggest that census tracts with a mass shooting are more economically disadvantaged and have greater concentrations of black and Hispanic residents. In multivariate models, the association with concentrated disadvantage is no longer significant and the likelihood of a mass shooting increases until the proportion of black residents reaches 80%, at which point the likelihood decreases, controlling for other community characteristics. Further, as the proportion of black residents and the level of disadvantage increase together, the odds of a mass shooting incident in that tract are reduced. To address and prevent mass shootings, an expanded theory of neighborhood crime that incorporates the unique nature of mass shootings needs to consider structural racism, racial dynamics, and protective factors in relationship to economic conditions.
Adaptive hopfield network

This paper proposes an innovative enhancement of the classical Hopfield network algorithm (and potentially its stochastic derivatives) with an "adaptation mechanism" to guide the neural search process towards high-quality solutions for large-scale static optimization problems. Specifically, a novel methodology that employs gradient-descent in the error space to adapt weights and constraint weight parameters in order to guide the network dynamics towards solutions is formulated. In doing so, a creative algebraic approach to define error values for each neuron without knowing the desired output values for the same is adapted.
Use of pet food-grade poultry by-product meal as an alternate protein source in weanling pig diets

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate pet food-grade poultry by-product meal (PBM) as a replacement protein source for fish meal (FM), blood meal (BM), and spray-dried plasma protein (SDPP) in weanling pig diets. In the first study, 200 crossbred pigs (initial BW = 6.5 kg) were weaned (21 d) and randomly allotted to one of four dietary treatments, which included a control and three test diets where PBM was substituted for FM, blood products, or both. Experimental diets were fed during Phase I (d 0 to 5 postweaning) and Phase II (d 5 to 19), and a common Phase III diet was fed from d 19 to 26. Overall (d 0 to 26), there was no difference in performance of pigs fed PBM in place of the other ingredients. However, during Phase I, BW (P < 0.05), ADG (P < 0.02), and intake (P < 0.001) in pigs fed diets containing SDPP were greater than those fed diets with PBM. In Exp. 2, the performance of pigs (n = 100, initial BW = 6.5 kg) fed diets containing 20% PBM (as-fed basis, replacing SDPP, BM, FM, and a portion of the soybean meal) in all phases of the nursery diet was compared with a group fed conventional diets without PBM. There were no differences in overall performance (d 0 to 26); however, ADG (P < 0.10) and feed intake were higher (P < 0.01) for pigs fed the conventional diet than for pigs fed the 20% PBM diet during Phase I (d 0 to 5). Experiment 3 was a slope-ratio assay to determine the ability of PBM to replace SDPP. A total of 320 pigs (initial BW = 7.32 kg) was weaned (21 d) and allotted to five treatment groups in three trials in a blocked design with product (SDPP or PBM) as the first factor, and lysine level (1.08, 1.28, 1.49%; as-fed basis) as the second factor. Growth rate increased with increasing lysine (P < 0.05), regardless of the source. These results indicate that PBM can be used in nursery diets in place of blood meal and fish meal without affecting performance. Furthermore, although feeding PBM in Phase I diets was not equivalent to SDPP during the first week, there was no overall difference in performance at the end of the nursery phase.
Earnings management and capital ratio management by different types of banks before and after SFAS no. 114

The study has three main objectives. First, it examines the differences in the banks' managers' behavior with respect to loan loss provisions of different types of banks. Second, it examines whether the level of capitalization, i.e. well/adequately capitalized and undercapitalized banks, will have an impact on managerial behavior of loan loss provisions determination. Third, it examines whether SFAS No. 114 modifies managerial loan loss provisions behavior. We define bank types on the basis of total assets as defined by regulatory agencies and define banks as well-, adequately- and under-capitalized as defined by FDICIA of 1991. Using a sample of U.S. commercial banks, we document evidence of earnings management and capital ratio management using loan loss provisions. We also show that the level of loan loss provisions depends on bank's type. Moreover, we show that both money center banks and regional banks use loan loss provisions to manage earnings before loan loss provisions and taxes and that community banks use loan loss provisions to manage total capital ratio. In addition, there is evidence that SFAS No. 114 have diminished managerial behavior with regard to earnings management and capital ratio management and that SFAS No. 114 has provided a closer link between level of loan loss provisions and the loan loss default variables.
Genetic algorithms approach for the evaluation of composite generation-transmission systems reliability worth

This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA) based method for evaluating reliability worth indices of composite power systems. The GA is used as a state sampling tool for the composite power system network. Two different approaches have been developed. In the first approach, GA samples failure states for each load level separately. Thus reliability worth indices are calculated for each load level and then combined to obtain the annual reliability worth indices. In the second approach, GA samples failure states with load buses assigned the maximum load state. Failures states are then reevaluated with lower load states until a success state is obtained or all load states have been considered. In both approaches GA is able to trace failure states in a more intelligent and faster manner than conventional methods. An optimization model based on linearized load flow is used for the evaluation of sampled states. Two different objectives are used in state evaluation. The first objective is to minimize load curtailment considering load category and load bus relative importance. The second objective is to minimize load interruption cost. Instead of using the raw interruption cost associated with failure state mean duration time, random sampling is used to calculate mean interruption cost associated with each failure state. Case studies on the RBTS test system considering different state evaluation methods and cost calculation methods are introduced. Results obtained from the two different approaches are compared and analyzed.
Structure and Depositional Patterns and Their Influence on the Hydraulic Conductivity of Fan-Deltas in Southern Puerto Rico

Subsurface data and results of surface geologic mapping indicate that areal variations in hydraulic conductivity of water-bearing strata in the semiarid alluvial plain of southern Puerto Rico may be controlled by geologic structure and depositional patterns. Six fan-deltas coalesce to form a narrow, 3- to 8-km-wide alluvial plain that extends eastward 70 km from Ponce to Patillas. These unconsolidated coastal alluvial fan deposits consist of a moderately thick (50 to 1,000 m) clastic sequence of Holocene to Miocene(?) age. The fan-deltas are bordered to the north by foothills and mountains of the Cordillera Central and to the south by the Caribbean Sea. Bedrock hills protrude through thinner parts of the alluvial plain, and northwest-trending strike-slip faults and northeast-trending cross faults of the great southern Puerto Rico fault zone extend beneath the alluvial cover.
Probing the Galactic Black Hole and Its Environment with the Orbits of Stars Experiencing Their Closest Approaches

The proximity of our Galaxy’s center presents an opportunity to build a case for a supermassive black hole and to study the black hole’s environment and its effects thereon with much higher spatial resolution than can be brought to bear on any other galaxy. In this talk, I reviewed the progress that has been made based on data obtained at the W. M. Keck 10 m telescope; a complementary experiment carried out at the NTT and VLT is covered by the talk presented by Schoedel.
Software maintenance features for library systems

The authors deal with the concept of managing software within a library system. Deleted parts, library blocking, and multiple maintenance support, three advanced features that can be implemented in many file-based library control systems, are discussed. They can provide programmers with a development and maintenance environment that will allow them to maximize time spent writing new code and minimize time spent maintaining multiple versions of old code. They can also help management get a better idea of the state of a particular project as it progresses through its life cycle. The concept of deleted parts involves retention of data on parts that previously existed in the library control system. Library blocking allows 'viewability' of parts in a library system to be controlled on a part-by-part basis. The multiple maintenance library concept helps maintain quality software by monitoring the library system for software changes. >
Mutations increasing autoinhibition inactivate tumour suppressors Smad2 and Smad4

Smad2 and Smad4 are related tumour-suppressor proteins, which, when stimulated by the growth factor TGF-beta, form a complex to inhibit growth. The effector function of Smad2 and Smad4 is located in the conserved carboxy-terminal domain (C domain) of these proteins and is inhibited by the presence of their amino-terminal domains (N domain). This inhibitory function of the N domain is shown here to involve an interaction with the C domain that prevents the association of Smad2 with Smad4. This inhibitory function is increased in tumour-derived forms of Smad2 and 4 that carry a missense mutation in a conserved N domain arginine residue. The mutant N domains have an increased affinity for their respective C domains, inhibit the Smad2-Smad4 interaction, and prevent TGF beta-induced Smad2-Smad4 association and signalling. Whereas mutations in the C domain disrupt the effector function of the Smad proteins, N-domain arginine mutations inhibit SMAD signalling through a gain of autoinhibitory function. Gain of autoinhibitory function is a new mechanism for inactivating tumour suppressors.
Management of Surgical Hemostasis: Topical Agents

Intraoperative control of bleeding during any surgical procedure is vital for achieving a positive patient outcome. Hemostasis can be achieved through practical and effective systemic or topical approaches. A variety of hemostatic methods can be employed, ranging from simple manual pressure application with one finger to electrical tissue cauterization, systemic administration of blood products, and systemic administration or topical application of procoagulation agents. The key to surgical success is critically dependent on knowledgeable use of a method appropriate for the level of bleeding experienced by the patient. Topical agents can be effective as adjuncts to aid in hemostasis when bleeding is not controllable with pressure application, vessel ligation, or electrocautery. Such adjunctive hemostatic treatments include topical gelatins, collagens, oxidized celluloses, thrombin and fibrin sealants, synthetic glues, and glutaraldehyde-based glues. As with the use of systemically delivered hemostatic agents, topical treatments also carry risks with their use, and their efficacy has not been extensively studied in large randomized, placebo-controlled prospective studies. The effective use of topical agents is highly dependent on the surgeon's experience or preference and their availability in the surgical setting. In this article, we review the currently available topical hemostatic agents, compare their efficacy, and give general recommendations for their use in the operating room.
A Phase I Cluster‐Based Method for Analyzing Nonparametric Profiles

A cluster-based method has been used successfully to analyze parametric profiles in Phase I of the profile monitoring process. Performance advantages have been demonstrated when using a cluster-based method of analyzing parametric profiles over a non-cluster based method with respect to more accurate estimates of the parameters and improved classification performance criteria. However, it is known that, in many cases, profiles can be better represented using a nonparametric method. In this study, we use the cluster-based method to analyze profiles that cannot be easily represented by a parametric function. The similarity matrix used during the clustering phase is based on the fits of the individual profiles with p-spline regression. The clustering phase will determine an initial main cluster set that contains greater than half of the total profiles in the historical data set. The profiles with in-control T2 statistics are sequentially added to the initial main cluster set, and upon completion of the algorithm, the profiles in the main cluster set are classified as the in-control profiles and the profiles not in the main cluster set are classified as out-of-control profiles. A Monte Carlo study demonstrates that the cluster-based method results in superior performance over a non-cluster based method with respect to better classification and higher power in detecting out-of-control profiles. Also, our Monte Carlo study shows that the cluster-based method has better performance than a non-cluster based method whether the model is correctly specified or not. We illustrate the use of our method with data from the automotive industry. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Observation and Dynamics of 1H NMR Spin Noise in Methanol

The observation of 1H spin noise in relation to prior established magnetization and radiation damping has revealed a correlated dynamics. The spin noise of methyl satellites in 13C-enriched methanol was observed in the presence of an antiphase magnetization, created by the combination of 1H–13C J coupling evolution and radiofrequency (RF) pulses. A gradient pulse was applied to remove residue spin coherence coming from the RF pulses, and as a result spin noise phenomena were uncovered. While magnetization was in an inverted metastable state, the spin–spin relaxation time was shortened to prevent a super radiation burst. The relation between magnetization, radiation damping, and absorption or emission of the spin noise of methyl satellites has been studied. In relation to magnetization and radiation damping, spin noise bump and dip have been observed simultaneously in the same molecule. Both can be created through a proper inversion of magnetization. The revealed spin noise dynamics of spin system coupling to the probe circuit via radiation damping allows performance of a transformation from dip into bump by proper application of pulses combined with 1H–13C J coupling evolution.
Data dimensionality reduction approach to improve feature selection performance using sparsified SVD

Feature selection is a technique of selecting a subset of relevant features for building robust learning models. In this paper, we developed a data dimensionality reduction approach using sparsified singular value decomposition (SSVD) technique to identify and remove trivial features before applying any advanced feature selection algorithm. First, we investigated how SSVD can be used to identify and remove nonessential features in order to facilitate feature selection performance. Second, we analyzed the application limitations and computing complexity. Next, a set of experiments were conducted and the empirical results show that applying feature selection techniques on the data of which the nonessential features are removed by the data dimensionality reduction approach generally results in better performance with significantly reduced computing time.
Erratum: Bonus of rebate?: The impact of income framing on spending and saving

Bonus of Rebate?: The Impact of Income Framing on Spending and Saving. By N. Epley, D. Mak and L. C. Idson (Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 213–227, 2006). DOI: 10.1002/bdm.519 The above paper was published with an error in the title. The title should read: Bonus or Rebate?: The Impact of Income Framing on Spending and Saving.
A general mathematical model for analyzing the performance of fuel-cell membrane-electrode assemblies

Abstract We have developed a general mathematical model to represent the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) of fuel-cell systems. The model is used to analyze the effects of various polarization resistances on cell performance. The model accommodates arbitrary gas mixtures on the anode and cathode sides of the MEA. Moreover, it accommodates a variety of porous electrode and electrolyte structures. Concentration overpotentials are based on a dusty-gas representation of transport through porous electrodes. The activation overpotentials are represented using the Butler–Volmer equation. Although the model is general, the emphasis in this paper is on solid-oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) systems for the direct electrochemical oxidation (DECO) of hydrocarbons.
Polybius' other view of Aetolia

The discovery and publication two decades ago of the Roman-Aetolian treaty of 212/11 has helped to place Polybius' reliability as a source under close scrutiny. As a result, his account of the confrontation between the Aetolians and Flamininus at Tempe, in 197, may not stand the test of a comparison. Yet in order to use the preserved inscription as a control for this specific event, Polybius' general feelings concerning Aetolian responsibility for the consequent Syrian War must also be considered. Historians have hitherto assumed that if Polybius is demonstrably antagonistic towards his northern neighbours when recording affairs of the third century, he must be equally so for those of the second century. A close examination of Polybius, however, will reveal substantial reasons for doubting such an assumption. For events of the third century, where he is most completely preserved, Polybius is indeed prejudiced against the Aetolians. He unleashes his venom both when following Aratus' Ὑπομνήματα to 220 and afterwards when employing various sources. To Polybius, the Aetolians are violent and aggressive in spirit (iv 3.5), cruel (iv 18.7–9), impious (iv 62.2), haughty (iv 64.8), inhuman (iv 67.3–4), and cowardly (iv 79.1). They are also natural revolutionaries (xiii 1.2), spendthrifts (xiii 1.1), and liars (iv 29.4–5). Though at times Polybius considers their behaviour scandalous (iv 27.1–8), he admits that the Greeks have become quite inured to it (iv 16.1–2). The most grievous faults of the Aetolians, however, are their desire for aggrandizement and lust for booty.
Modeling and Experimental Measurement of Scattering Effects in a High Parallel Fiber Imaging System

An array of 14.5μm diameter fibers is fabricated for coherent medical imaging applications. Signal strength and scattering levels from intralipid solutions are modeled using Monte Carlo propagation and verified with experimental measurements.
Scheduling semiconductor test operations: Minimizing maximum lateness and number of tardy jobs on a single machine

We examine a class of single-machine scheduling problems with sequence-dependent setup times that arise in the context of semiconductor test operations. We present heuristics for the problems of minimizing maximum lateness with dynamic arrivals and minimizing number of tardy jobs. We exploit special problem structure to derive worst-case error bounds. The special problem structure also enables us to derive dynamic programming procedures for the problems where all jobs are available simultaneously.
Energy-guided exploration of on-chip network design for exa-scale computing

Designing energy-efficient systems under tight performance and energy constraints becomes increasingly challenging for exascale computing. In particular, interconnecting hundreds of cores, caches, integrated memory and I/O controllers in energy efficient way stands out as a new challenge. This paper proposes hierarchical on-chip networks that take the proximity advantage between the cores in smaller clusters as a promising approach toward energy-efficient high performance computing. The design trade-offs of hierarchical interconnect architectures are studied using a fast and scalable design space exploration tool for exascale systems with number of cores in the order of thousands. In particular, we consider a system with 720 processing nodes and two-level network hierarchy. By supporting both traditional cache-based memory model and scratch pad memory (SPM) model, the target system architecture proves to be a good testbed for energy-guided exploration of hierarchical networks.
Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides in Engine Exhaust Gases by the Addition of Cyanuric Acid

Nitric oxide concentrations in a portion of the exhaust of a diesel engine operated with equivalence ratios between 0.25 and 0.75 were reduced by up to 98 percent by the addition of cyanuric acid. The cyanuric acid was combined with the exhaust gas in an electrically heated quartz flow reactor. The effects of the key process parameters (temperature, exhaust gas composition and residence time, and the overall engine equivalence ratio) on NO reduction by cyanuric acid are reported. Nitric oxide reduction was evident at flow reactor temperatures above 700 K. The maximum nitric oxide reduction varied from 80 percent for a reactor temperature of 1180 K and an engine equivalence ratio of 0.25 to 98 percent for a temperature of 1120 K and an equivalence ratio of 0.75. The temperature range over which 60 percent or greater nitric oxide reduction was obtained was 1100 to 1340 K. Increasing the exhaust gas carbon monoxide concentration lowered the required reactor temperature and increased the temperature range for significant nitric oxide reduction. Increasing the exhaust gas nitric oxide concentration lowered the ratio of cyanuric acid to nitric oxide required for maximum nitric oxide reduction.
General solution for diffusion‐controlled dissolution of spherical particles. 2. Evaluation of experimental data

Our general particle dissolution model unified three traditional particle dissolution models and predicted that dissolution rates depend on surface curvature. Spherical benzocaine particles were prepared with a hot-melt dispersion method and physicochemically characterized. Their dissolution behavior was studied to evaluate the general dissolution model. A flow-through dissolution test system was used which employed an HPLC pump, an HPLC UV detector, a cylindrical-shaped dissolution cell, and a data collection system. Single benzocaine particle dissolution profiles were determined at ambient temperature (22-23 degrees C) in water at a constant flow rate. Dissolution rate normalized by surface area was found to be particle radius-dependent and fitted well by the general particle dissolution model with a diffusion layer thickness of 110 microm and benzocaine diffusion coefficient of 1.4 x 10(-5) cm(2)/s. Analysis of literature particle dissolution data also supported this general model. Our general model accounts for literature reports of apparent diffusion layer thicknesses being smaller for small particles compared with large particles. This study supports the applicability of the general particle dissolution model for a flow-through dissolution test system.
Highly concurrent cache consistency for indices in client-server database systems

In this paper, we present four approaches to providing highly concurrent B+-tree indices in the context of a data-shipping, client-server OODBMS architecture. The first performs all index operations at the server, while the other approaches support varying degrees of client caching and usage of index pages. We have implemented the four approaches, as well as the 2PL approach, in the context of the SHORE OODB system at Wisconsin, and we present experimental results from a performance study based on running SHORE on an IBM SP2 multicomputer. Our results emphasize the need for non-2PL approaches and demonstrate the tradeoffs between 2PL, no-caching, and the three caching alternatives.
What and how do we communicate

Abstract: The rapid, inexpensive transmission of words and data, brought about by the internet and cheap computers, is changing the world faster than anything mankind has ever experienced, reaching into nearly every aspect of our lives, public and private, commercial and governmental. We are in an Information Age with an essentially instantaneous availability of large volumes of information and data. Technological pressures have their own momentum. The changes and improvements in data handling and information sharing will take place, however much or little we do in veterinary medicine, whether at the international or national levels. In addition, there are new superpowers emerging in the world. These are the small and medium third world countries that are gradually gaining democracy through political restructuring and involving the civil society in decision making. There are also the marginal pressure groups, once too small and insignificant to be noticed. These are changing the rules by which the way the world is governed and they are doing it now by the internet and banding together to serve their common interests. The rapid provision of accurate information on animal diseases is desirable goal from a public health as well as an economic viewpoint.
One-Dimensional Continuum Electronic Structure with the Density-Matrix Renormalization Group and Its Implications for Density-Functional Theory

We extend the density matrix renormalization group to compute exact ground states of continuum many-electron systems in one dimension with long-range interactions. We find the exact ground state of a chain of 100 strongly correlated artificial hydrogen atoms. The method can be used to simulate 1D cold atom systems and to study density-functional theory in an exact setting. To illustrate, we find an interacting, extended system which is an insulator but whose Kohn-Sham system is metallic.
Growth characteristics of low-nutrient bacteria from the north-east and central Pacific Ocean

Low-nutrient, or oligotrophic, marine bacteria, defined operationally as those which grow well in the dilute nutrient concentrations typical of natural seawaters, were found in waters of the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. All isolates tested grew in sterile unsuplemented seawater, ultraviolet-irradiated seawater, artificial seawater and charcoal-treated artificial seawater. Under optimal conditions, doubling times for low-nutrient bacteria were generally 2–5 h. Low-nutrient bacteria are heterotrophs responding to added organic substrates including glucose, proline, acetate, peptone, algal extract and yeast extract. Organic substrate concentrations (Ks values) necessary to yield half the maximum growth rates of low-nutrient bacteria ranged from 0.8–12 μg · 1−1 (0.2–4.9 μg C · 1−1). Bacterial inoculum size had little effect on doubling times, whereas low oxygen tensions and low temperatures reduced growth rates. Surfaces (glass beads) increased growth rates and maximum cell densities. The results of these laboratory studies indicate that low-nutrient bacteria play a major role in marine heterotrophic transformations of dissolved organic matter.
Primer on Fire Sprinkler Installation for Structural Engineers

Automatic sprinkler systems are considered to be one of the most important facilities for providing people with safety and protecting a structure and its contents from fire. Even old high-rise buildings are required to upgrade to fire safety provisions by installing sprinklers. In this paper, a comprehensive methodology for the design process of sprinkler systems is presented. Specifically, the paper discusses: (1) the requirement for automatic fire suppression systems according to the building groups, occupant load, or fire area and its location vis a vis the discharge level; (2) the design and installation of automatic sprinklers; and (3) the use and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems. The attempt is to consolidate various principles for sprinkler design and to propose further enhancement on the practical issues related to design by integrating it with other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, devices, and fixtures. Furthermore, practical recommendations are provided along with a brief...
Responses of Six and Ten-Week-Old Broilers to a Tryptic Digest of Bovine Growth Hormone

Abstract Crude bovine growth hormone (GH) initially purified by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with trypsin for 7 minutes. The bovine growth hormone digest (BGHD) was collected by lyophilization, dissolved in avian-Ringer’s solution and injected. Injections were given daily in the m. iliotibialis. Ten-week-old broilers were treated for 2, 4 or 6 weeks with 5 μg., 10 μg., 30 μg. or 50 μg. of BGHD/kg./day. Broilers, 6 weeks of age, were treated for 2 weeks with 50 μg. or 100 μg. BGHD/kg./day. Body weight and feed consumption were measured weekly. Dressed carcasses were ground and samples then taken for protein, fat and water analysis. The analyses were carried out using A.O.A.C. procedures and techniques. Feed conversion was improved significantly (P Analyses indicated carcass protein was increased 6% (P
Delayed Neurotoxicity of Phenylphosphonothioate Esters

Administration of a single oral dose of five phenylphosphonothioate esters produced delayed neurotoxicity in hens; their potency was, in descending order, cyanofenphos, EPN, desbromoleptophos, leptophos, and EPBP (Seven). Histological examination showed that in some hens there was marked axonal and myelin degeneration in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The results suggest that delayed neurotoxicity may be a general feature of phenylphosphonothioate insecticides.