cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Freeform fabrication of non-metallic objects by selective laser sintering and infiltration

Silicon infiltrated silicon carbide parts have been manufactured using selective laser sintering (SLS). The processing route has been defined, including post-processing steps: formation of a green part from silicon carbide powder using a phenolic binder, infiltration with a transient epoxy binder, dissociation of the binders thermally to create a brown part, heating the brown part to the infiltration temperature and infiltrating with molten silicon. A dimensional analysis study was performed. Cubes 25.4 mm on each side were selective laser sintered and measured after each processing step. The largest dilatation (volume strain), 7.3%, was associated with creation of the green part relative to the computer solid model. The smallest dilatation, -6%, was associated with binder dissociation shrinkage. These volume strains nominally offset, resulting in creation of nonmetallic parts with small dimensional errors relative to the computer solid model. This research was funded by the National Science Foundation under grant award DMI-0522176.
Screening for bipolar disorder with the Mood Disorders Questionnaire: a review.

Background: Several research reports have suggested that bipolar disorder is underrecognized. Recommendations for improving the detection of bipolar disorder include the use of screening questionnaires. The Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ) has been the most widely studied screening instrument for bipolar disorder, with nearly two dozen published reports on its performance. We reviewed the literature on the MDQ's performance to assess its utility as a screening instrument. Methods: We conducted a Medline search on the terms Mood Disorders Questionnaire, MDQ, screening AND bipolar disorder, and recognition AND bipolar disorder. Only studies of adults were included. Results: Across all studies the sensitivity of the MDQ was 61.3%; specificity, 87.5%; positive predictive value, 58.0%; and negative predictive value, 88.9%. Compared to the studies using the MDQ for psychiatric outpatients, studies using it in the general population found it to have much lower sensitivity and positive predictive value, and hig...
GTP avoidance in Tetrahymena thermophila requires tyrosine kinase activity, intracellular calcium, NOS, and guanylyl cyclase

Guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) is a chemorepellent in Tetrahymena thermophila that has been shown to stimulate cell division as well as ciliary reversal. Previous studies have proposed that GTP avoidance is linked to a receptor-mediated, calcium-based depolarization. However, the intracellular mechanisms involved in GTP avoidance have not been previously documented. In this study, we examine the hypothesis that GTP signals through a tyrosine kinase pathway in T. thermophila. Using behavioral assays, enzyme immunosorbent assays, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, we present data that implicate a tyrosine kinase, phospholipase C, intracellular calcium, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and guanylyl cyclase in GTP signaling. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein eliminates GTP avoidance in Tetrahymena in behavioral assays. Similarly, pharmacological inhibitors of phospholipase C, NOS, and guanylyl cyclase all eliminated Tetrahymena avoidance to GTP. Immunofluorescence data shows evidence of tyrosine kinase activity in the cilia, suggesting that this enzyme activity could be directly involved in ciliary reversal.
Molybdena on Silica Catalysts: Role of Preparation Methods on the Structure-Selectivity Properties for the Oxidation of Methanol

A series of MoO{sub 3}/SiO{sub 2} samples prepared by several research groups, employing different silicas and preparation methods, have been studied by in situ Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, and methanol oxidation as a probe reaction. The in situ Raman spectroscopy studies show that under dehydrated conditions the molecular structure of the silica-supported molybdenum oxide surface species is independent of the preparation methods used in the present study. The surface molybdenum oxide species is assigned to an isolated, highly distorted octahedral mono-oxo Mo structure. The appearance of new structures in some samples is due to the presence of calcium impurities in the silica supports which result in the formation of calcium molybdate. Neither the preparation method nor the specific silica used affected the methanol oxidation activity of the MoO{sub 3}/SiO{sub 2} catalysts. The surface molybdenum oxide coverage on silica is the only relevant factor that determines the catalytic properties during methanol oxidation. In situ Raman spectroscopy during methanol oxidation shows aggregation of surface molybdenum oxide species to crystalline beta-MoO{sub 3}. The extent of aggregation increases with the surface molybdenum coverage, even at very low coverages, and accounts for the decrease in the methanol oxidation catalytic activity with increasing surface molybdenummore » coverage. 56 refs., 12 figs., 4 tabs.« less
Effects of spatial coherence of incident field on reflection and transmission

Abstract Effects of spatial coherence of an incident field on reflection and transmission at a stratified medium are studied. General formulas are derived for the radiant intensities of the reflected and transmitted fields in terms of the angular correlation function of the incident field. This function depends on the degree of spatial coherence of the source. An expression is obtained for the ratio of the total power of the reflected field to that of the incident field as a functional of the angular correlation function of the incident field. Explicit results are obtained for reflection of radiation generated by some model sources. Numerical results are presented for reflection at a dielectric half space and on a homogeneous dielectric slab. It is found that the effects are significant when the correlation distance of the source is small, of the order of a wavelength.
The binding of N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate to aspartate carbamoyltransferase of Escherchia Coli

Abstract A more precise description of the binding of N-(phosphonacetyl)- L-aspartate to the catalytic chains of aspartate carbamoyltransferase clarifies aspects of the specificity of this enzyme toward its substrates, carbamoylphosphate and L-aspartate, and suggests a catalytic role for His-134.
Sex‐based pharmacokinetics of intravenous levofloxacin (LEV) in healthy subjects

The influence of sex on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of IV LEV has not been well characterized, despite an apparent increased susceptibility of women to fluoroquinolone toxicity. PURPOSE To determine potential sex-based differences in the PK of LEV following systemic administration. METHODS Twenty healthy subjects (11M, 9F), received a single 500mg IV dose of LEV. Serum and urine were collected over 36 hr and LEV concentrations were determined by HPLC. A compartmental PK analysis was performed with ADAPT II and mean unadjusted and weight-adjusted parameter estimates were obtained. RESULTS The mean + SD weights were 75.1 + 11.8 and 63.3 + 10.3 kg for males and females, respectively (p=0.04). A 2 compartment model best fit the data; median (range) r2=0.996 (0.990–0.999). The PK analysis (see Table) revealed statistically significant differences in estimated PK parameters except t1/2. Weight-adjusted VSS for males and females were 1.59 + 0.11 and 1.28 + 0.15 L/kg, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Differences exist in LEV PK between males and females following IV administration. Fixed IV doses of LEV will lead to greater drug exposure in females. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P66–P66; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.247 Table 1. Data presented as median (IQR) or mean + SD if normally distributed CLS† (L/hr) VC† (L) VSS† (L) CLR† (L/hr) Cmax† (mg/L) t1/2 (hr) † p < 0.05 based on t-test or nonparametric equivalent. Males 11.7 ± 2.1 55.0 ± 22.3 118.8 ± 17.7 10.2 ± 2.1 5.5 ± 0.5 7.3 (6.7, 8.3) Females 9.1 ± 1.1 30.2 ± 21.0 80.6 ± 12.7 7.2 ± 1.7 8.0 ± 2.6 6.4 (5.9, 7.1)
Hematoma Risk Should Not Preclude the Use of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis

TO THE EDITOR: We congratulate Patronella et al on their recent article entitled “Thromboembolism in high-risk aesthetic surgery: Experience with 17 patients in a review of 3871 consecutive cases” ( Aesthet Surg J 2008;28:648–655), which provides a clear set of guidelines to minimize venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in ambulatory aesthetic surgery. With regard to prophylaxis and the risk of reoperative hematoma, the authors noted that: “…in the senior author's experience…if this medication [postoperative prophylactic low-molecular weight heparin] is given in the high-risk patients who are having additional breast procedures, a higher …
Plasmon response of nanoshell dopants in organic films: a simulation study

We examine the effect of an embedding medium refractive index on the plasmon resonant properties of silica core-gold shell nanoshells. The plasmon response is shifted to longer wavelengths with increasing refractive index of the dielectric host matrix, increasing in overall amplitude for nanoparticles in the dipole limit. For nanoshells of constant core-shell ratio, this plasmon shift increases with absolute particle size. We also observe that the plasmon shift is the same for nanoparticles of the same size, independent of core-shell ratio. For larger nanoshells we observe an increase in amplitude of the quadrupole plasmon resonance relative to the dipole plasmon.
Photochemical degradation of flavins. IV. Studies of the anaerobic photolysis of riboflavin.

A variety of substances which quench the fluorescence of riboflavin decrease the rate of anaerobic photobleaching (photolysis) of the flavin at concentrations which have little effect on the fluorescence. A semi-quantitative estimate of the yield of various products of photolysis using thin layer chromatography and autoradiography with C14-labelled riboflavin shows that at least ten radioactive products are formed. Whereas the yield of most of these is decreased by low concentrations of quenchers, such as phenol, some are decreased only at quencher concentrations high enough to decrease the fluorescence significantly. The effects of quenchers on the phosphorescence and ESR signal induced by light were also observed. It is concluded that lumichrome arises, in part, from degradation of the excited singlet state, but that 9-formylmethylflavin and other products arise through the triplet state. A major product of anaerobic photolysis is a substance moving just ahead of riboflavin on chromatograms and which, like 9-formylmethylflavin, is destroyed by treatment with sodium hydroxide. Effects of varying the nature of the solvent, the flavin structure and the pH are reported, and the kinetics of processes involved in the primary photochemical acts and in quenching are discussed.
How Does the Context of Reception Matter? The Role of Residential Enclaves in Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy Among Mexican-Origin Mothers

This study investigated whether and how different patterns of group exposure within residential contexts (i.e., living in a Mexican immigrant enclave, a Mexican ethnic enclave, a pan-Hispanic enclave, or a non-Hispanic white neighborhood) are associated with smoking during pregnancy among Mexican-origin mothers. Using a hierarchical linear modeling approach, we found that Mexican-origin mothers’ residential contexts are important for understanding their smoking during pregnancy. Residence in an ethnic enclave is associated with decreased odds of smoking during pregnancy, while residence in a non-Hispanic white neighborhood is associated with increased odds of smoking during pregnancy, above and beyond the mothers’ individual characteristics. The magnitude of the associations between residence in an ethnic enclave and smoking during pregnancy is similar across the different types of ethnic enclaves examined. The important roles of inter- and intra-group exposures suggests that in order to help Mexican-origin women, policy makers should more carefully design place-based programs and interventions that target geographic areas and the specific types of residential contexts in which women are at greater risk.
Image segmentation of liver fibrosis.

Summary Quantitation of connective tissue versus parenchymal tissue compartments is important in assessment of fibrosis (scarring) and its progression in liver disease. This paper presents a two-step algorithm for quantifying fibrosis in liver biopsies stained with Sirius red. With this staining technique, collagen and cell nuclei appear similarly stained, whereas cytoplasm appears pale. The first step of the algorithm is to separate similarly stained areas occupied by collagen and hepatocyte nuclei. Since the total area of the combined collagen and cell nuclei is usually much smaller than the remaining liver parenchyma, a non-linear intensity mapping is applied to enhance the smaller cluster in order to match the larger one in both intensity and size. The second step is to differentiate the fibrotic areas usually having irregular shapes from hepatocyte nuclei that have relatively uniform size and have circular shape. The proposed algorithm has been applied to quantify the development of progressive fibrosis and its possible regression in liver biopsy specimens from patients with parenteral-induced liver injury undergoing intestinal transplantation.
Language variation and change in the urban midwest: The case of St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri, though located in the central Midlands, is a complex city dialectally. Nevertheless, over the past 50 years most dialectologists and sociolinguists have identified the area as primarily a Northern or Northern/North Midland speech island in a sea of Southern and especially South Midland forms. This article is concerned with whether the city's strong affinity for the Northern/North Midland dialect continues into the 21st century. Small pieces of evidence presented over the last generation regarding the evolution of the area's language have shown that different features of its pronunciation, grammar, and lexicon are variously shifting both toward and away from a Northern/North Midland standard. More comprehensive evidence from a dialectological/sociolinguistic survey completed in 1982–1983 and replicated in 2001, however, suggests that overall the Northern/North Midland standard has been not only preserved, but greatly strengthened.
An emissive and pH switchable hydrazone-based hydrogel

A serendipitous discovery has led to a new hydrazone-based low molecular weight fluorescent super-hydrogelator. The gelation and emission properties can be switched “ON” and “OFF” using pH, enabling the sensing of biogenic amines emanating from spoiled cod.
The influence of variables on Boolean functions

Methods from harmonic analysis are used to prove some general theorems on Boolean functions. These connections with harmonic analysis viewed by the authors are very promising; besides the results on Boolean functions they enable them to prove theorems on the rapid mixing of the random walk on the cube and in the extremal theory of finite sets. >
Exploring the Work and Family Relationship Gender Differences in the Influence of Parenthood and Social Support on Job Satisfaction

This article examines gender differences in the influence of parenthood and social support on job satisfaction. This is important because there is ample evidence that work and family roles are managed and coordinated differently by men and women and therefore that home roles influence men's and women's job satisfaction differentially. Using a large random sample of the Toronto metropolitan area, gender differences in the impact of parenthood and social support from partners and coworkers on job satisfaction, controlling for job demands, are examined. Results indicate that mothers have higher job satisfaction than fathers and nonmothers. Coworker support is more important for men's job satisfaction than partner support. Partner support is highly significant for women's job satisfaction, whereas the influence of coworker support varies as a function of partner support. Implications for an understanding of gender differences in job satisfaction and in the experience of dual roles are discussed.
The Use of Gliding Cylclograms in the Biomechanical Analysis of Movements

After a brief review of the optical recording methods of movements, the use of gliding cyclograms in biomechanical analysis of work is discussed. The gliding cyclogram method consists in recording of sequent positions of the moving body segments on photographic film which is transported at a constant speed. The very short exposures are provided by a rotating slotted disk which is fixed in front of the lens of the cyclograph. Examples of hammer stroke investigations and study of its efficiency, determination of optimum height for wood splitting block and an activity analysis of flax scutcher are given.
Do Degree Maps Facilitate Student Success

The purpose of this mixed method study was to explore the potential impact of degree maps on facilitating student success. The concept grew out of quantitative evidence suggesting students using degree maps are more likely to enroll in our programs, continue in our programs, register for more classes per term, and have better graduation rates than those students who do not use a degree map. Our methodology included qualitative coding of focus group responses (n = 28) then using those emerging themes to inform a survey instrument to collect student perceptions about the degree map’s impact (n = 211). This study’s findings suggest the degree map is a powerful communication tool for advisors to help students through class selection and sequencing. The results provide insight into the differences between undergraduate and graduate student’s needs.
The effects of thermodynamic stability on wind properties in different low mass black hole binary states

We present a systematic theory-motivated study of the thermodynamic stability condition as an explanation for the observed accretion disk wind signatures in different states of low mass black hole binaries (BHB). The variability in observed ions is conventionally explained either by variations in the driving mechanisms or th e changes in the ionizing flux or due to density effects, whilst thermodynamic stability con siderations have been largely ignored. It would appear that the observability of particular ions in different BHB states can be accounted for through simple thermodynamic considerations in the static limit. Our calculations predict that in the disk dominated soft thermal an d intermediate states, the wind should be thermodynamically stable and hence observable. On the other hand, in the powerlaw dominated spectrally hard state the wind is found to be thermodynamically unstable for a certain range of 3.55 � log� � 4.20. In the spectrally hard state, a large number of the Helike and H-like ions (including e.g. Fe XXV, Ar XVIII and S XV have peak ion fractions in the unstable ionization parameter (�) range, making these ions undetectable. Our theoretical predictions have clear corroboration in the literature rep orting differences in wind ion observability as the BHBs transition through the accretion st ates (Lee et al. 2002; Miller et al. 2008; Neilsen & Lee 2009; Blum et al. 2010; Ponti et al. 2012; Neilsen & Homan 2012). While this effect may not be the only one responsible for the observed gradient in the wind properties as a function of the accretion state in BHBs, it is clear that its inclusion in the calculations is crucial to understanding the link between the e nvironment of the compact object and its accretion processes.
Simvastatin is associated with reduced risk of acute pancreatitis: findings from a regional integrated healthcare system

Objective To characterise the relationship between simvastatin and risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study (2006–2012) on data from an integrated healthcare system in southern California. Exposure to simvastatin was calculated from time of initial dispensation until 60 days following prescription termination. AP cases were defined by ICD-9 CM 577.0 and serum lipase≥3 times normal. Patients were censored at death, last follow-up, and onset of AP or end-of-study. Incidence rate of pancreatitis among simvastatin users was compared with the adult reference population. Robust Poisson regression was used to generate risk ratio (RR) estimates for simvastatin use adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, gallstone-related disorders, hypertriglyceridaemia, smoking and alcohol dependence. Analysis was repeated for atorvastatin. Results Among 3 967 859 adult patients (median duration of follow-up of 3.4 years), 6399 developed an initial episode of AP. A total of 707 236 patients received simvastatin during the study period. Patients that received simvastatin were more likely to have gallstone-related disorders, alcohol dependence or hypertriglyceridaemia compared with the reference population. Nevertheless, risk of AP was significantly reduced with simvastatin use, crude incidence rate ratio 0.626 (95% CL 0.588, 0.668), p Conclusions Use of simvastatin was independently associated with reduced risk of AP in this integrated healthcare setting. Similar findings for atorvastatin suggest a possible class effect.
Hydrologic and Vegetation Effects on Water Column Phosphorus in Wetland Mesocosms

Historic phosphorus (P) loading from agricultural areas has been identified as one of the major causes for ecological changes occurring in the Florida Everglades. The restoration plan for the Everglades includes construction of large stormwater treatment areas (STAs) to intercept and treat this relatively high nutrient water down to very low total P (TP) concentrations. One such STA has been in operation for approximately 10 yr and contains both emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV) and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities. The surface water TP concentrations in areas near the outflow range from 0.02 to 0.05 mg TP L 21 . To simulate these areas, we investigated the interaction of vegetation type; EAV or SAV; and hydrology; continuously flooded or periodic drawdown; on the P removal capacity in mesocosms packed with peat soil obtained from STA-1W. The surface waterhadlowTPconcentrationswithanannualmean50.023mgL 21 . For SRP and TP, hydrologic fluctuations alone had no discernable impactonPtreatmentwhilevegetationtypeshowedasignificantimpact. Influent soluble reactive P (SRP) decreased by 49% for the SAV treatments comparedwith 41%for the EAVtreatments,irrespectiveof hydrology treatment. The reduction of dissolved organic P (DOP) was also higher for the SAV treatment averaging 33% while showing a reduction of 11% for the EAV treatments. There was no significant difference in the treatment efficiency of particulate P (PP) across the treatments. For TP, SAV treatments removed 45% of TP while EAV removed significantly less at 34%. By mass calculations, the EAV required 85% more P for plant growth than was removed from the water column in 1 yr compared with only 47% for the SAV. Therefore, the EAV ‘‘mined’’ substantially more P from the relatively stable peat soil, translocating it into the detrital pool.
Prostatic abscess due to Aspergillus fumigatus: TRUS and MR imaging findings.

Prostatic abscess is uncommon and has declined in frequency in the postantibiotic era.1 Since the advent of antibiotics, the type of infecting organism has changed from primarily Neisseria gonorrhoeae to coliform bacteria, with Escherichia coli being most common.1 Recently, a few cases of fungal prostatic abscesses have been described.2,3 We present a case of prostatic abscess due to Aspergillus fumigatus imaged with TRUS and MR. Upon review of the literature, one previous case report of prostatic abscess due to Aspergillus was found; however, imaging was not performed. In our case, the imaging was helpful in diagnosing a prostatic abscess, in distinguishing it from prostatitis, and in timing surgical intervention. Overlapping clinical manifestations of prostatic abscess and prostatitis often render them indistinguishable clinically. This distinction is important to the clinician because a prostatic abscess requires drainage, as opposed to prostatitis, which is managed conservatively with antimicrobial agents. Additionally, this case demonstrates the utility of imaging in helping to assess response to therapy in the immunocompromised host.
Study of the Beam Breakup Mode in Linear Induction Accelerators for Heavy Ions

A simple theoretical study and numerical estimate is presented for the transverse amplitude growth of a nonrelativistic heavy ion beam in an induction linac, as envisaged for use in commercial power plants, due to the nonregenerative coherent beam breakup mode. An equivalent electrical circuit has been used to represent the accelerating induction modules. Our calculation shows that for the parameters of interest, the beam breakup amplitude for a heavy ion beam grows extremely slowly in the time scales of interest, to magnitudes insignificant for transport purposes. It is concluded that the coherent beam breakup mode does not pose any serious threat to the stability of a high current (kA) heavy ion beam in an induction linac.
Consciousness and Self in Animals: Some Reflections

In this essay I argue that many nonhuman animal beings are conscious and have some sense of self. Rather than ask whether they are conscious, I adopt an evolutionary perspective and ask why consciousness and a sense of self evolved—what are they good for? Comparative studies of animal cognition, ethological investigations that explore what it is like to be a certain animal, are useful for answering this question. Charles Darwin argued that the differences in cognitive abilities and emotions among animals are differences in degree rather than differences in kind, and his view cautions against the unyielding claim that humans, and perhaps other great apes and cetaceans, are the only species in which a sense of self-awareness has evolved. I conclude that there are degrees of consciousness and self among animals and that it is likely that no animal has the same highly developed sense of self as that displayed by most humans. Many animals have a sense of “body-ness” or “mine-ness” but not a sense of “I-ness.” Darwin's ideas about evolutionary continuity, together with empirical data (“science sense”) and common sense, will help us learn more about consciousness and self in animals. Answers to challenging questions about animal self-awareness have wide-ranging significance, because they are often used as the litmus test for determining and defending the sorts of treatments to which animals can be morally subjected.
Analytical study of the performance surface of blind equalizer in a cosine modulated multicarrier communication system

A recent development in the literature has proposed a cosine modulated filter bank-based multicarrier modulation technique with blind equalization capability. However, convergence studies of the proposed blind equalizer have been carried out through computer simulations only. We present a thorough study of the blind equalizer by analyzing its associated cost function and show that it has two global minima and two saddle points.
Detection of conspecific and heterospecific alarm signals by juvenile pumpkinseed under weak acidic conditions

Under neutral (pH 7.0) conditions, juvenile pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus exhibited significant antipredator responses, of similar intensities, to the chemical alarm cues of conspecifics, an allopatric congener the green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus and the artificial alarm cue of a sympairic prey guild member (Cyprinidae, hypoxanthine-3-N-oxide). Under weakly acidic conditions (pH 6.0), however, no increase in antipredator behaviour was seen in response to hypoxanthinc-3-N-oxide and a quantitatively weaker response was found in response to conspecific and congener cues. suggesting that the use of chemical alarm cues by some prey fishes may he impaired by acid precipitation.
Changes in regional myocardial volume during the cardiac cycle : implications for transmural blood flow and cardiac structure

Although previous studies report a reduction in myocardial volume during systole, myocardial volume changes during the cardiac cycle have not been quantitatively analyzed with high spatiotemporal r...
Experimental study of overwrite mechanism in perpendicular recording

In this paper, we present an experimental study of the overwrite mechanism in perpendicular recording, utilizing a scanning contact recording tester. It is found when writing new data over existing old data in a Stoner-Wohlfarth like perpendicular medium, the on-track remanence level (the regions between two adjacent transitions) of the new transitions is modulated by the old data pattern. This is because of the relatively poorer effective write field in the middle of the pole-tip footprint. It is argued that the demagnetization field from the residual magnetization pattern underneath the middle of the pole-tip region significantly affects the writing at the trailing edge, resulting in the observed modulation The phenomenon becomes less pronounced when the magnetic reversal becomes less dependent on the field angle.
Implementing fault-tolerant services using state machines: beyond replication

This paper describes a method to implement fault-tolerant services in distributed systems based on the idea of fused state machines. The theory of fused state machines uses a combination of coding theory and replication to ensure efficiency as well as savings in storage and messages during normal operations. Fused state machines may incur higher overhead during recovery from crash or Byzantine faults, but that may be acceptable if the probability of fault is low. Assuming n different state machines, pure replication based schemes require n(f +1) replicas to tolerate f crash faults in a system and n(2f + 1) replicas to tolerate f Byzantine faults. For crash faults, we give an algorithm that requires the optimal f backup state machines for tolerating f faults in the system of n machines. For Byzantine faults, we propose an algorithm that requires only nf + f additional state machines, as opposed to 2nf state machines. Our algorithm combines ideas from coding theory with replication to provide low overhead during normal operation while keeping the number of copies required to tolerate f faults small.
XOR MACs: New Methods for Message Authentication Using Finite Pseudorandom Functions

We describe a new approach for authenticating a message using a finite pseudorandom function (PRF). Our "XOR MACs" have several nice features, including parallelisability, incrementality, and provable security. The finite PRF can be "instantiated" via DES (yielding an alternative to the CBC MAC), via the compression function of MD5 (yielding an alternative to various "keyed MD5" constructions), or in a variety of other ways. The proven security is quantitative, expressing the adversary's inability to forge in terms of her (presumed) inability to break the underlying finite PRF. This is backed by attacks showing the analysis is tight. Our proofs exploit linear algebraic techniques.
Genetic counseling for FTD/ALS caused by the C9ORF72 hexanucleotide expansion

Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are related but distinct neurodegenerative diseases. The identification of a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in a noncoding region of the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) gene as a common cause of FTD/ALS, familial FTD, and familial ALS marks the culmination of many years of investigation. This confirms the linkage of disease to chromosome 9 in large, multigenerational families with FTD and ALS, and it promotes deeper understanding of the diseases' shared molecular FTLD-TDP pathology. The discovery of the C9ORF72 repeat expansion has significant implications not only for familial FTD and ALS, but also for sporadic disease. Clinical and pathological correlates of the repeat expansion are being reported but remain to be refined, and a genetic test to detect the expansion has only recently become clinically available. Consequently, individuals and their families who are considering genetic testing for the C9ORF72 expansion should receive genetic counseling to discuss the risks, benefits, and limitations of testing. The following review aims to describe genetic counseling considerations for individuals at risk for a C9ORF72 repeat expansion.
Air-Impregnated Nanoporous Anodic Aluminum Oxide Layers for Enhancing the Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum

Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide layers were fabricated on aluminum substrates with systematically varied pore diameters (20–80 nm) and oxide thicknesses (150–500 nm) by controlling the anodizing voltage and time and subsequent pore-widening process conditions. The porous nanostructures were then coated with a thin (only a couple of nanometers thick) Teflon film to make the surface hydrophobic and trap air in the pores. The corrosion resistance of the aluminum substrate was evaluated by a potentiodynamic polarization measurement in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution (saltwater). Results showed that the hydrophobic nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide layer significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the aluminum substrate compared to a hydrophilic oxide layer of the same nanostructures, to bare (nonanodized) aluminum with only a natural oxide layer on top, and to the latter coated with a thin Teflon film. The hydrophobic nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide layer with the largest pore diameter and the thickest oxide l...
In-field logic updates while system operates

This paper discusses embedded flash memory, massively parallel interfaces, JTAG I/O features and the right software. (8 pages)
Ion Beam Damage of Polymer Surfaces: Insights from Molecular-Dynamics Simulation

Molecular-dynamics simulations are used to model the bombardment of crystalline polyethylene by carbon and rare-gas atoms with kinetic energies between 20 eV and 80 eV. The simulations predict substantial near-surface damage, including radical formation via loss of hydrogen from the chains, insertion of carbon into the polymer backbone, and chain crosslinking. For the rare gas atoms, the observed chemical dynamics are dependent on the mass of bombarding species, with the ratio of broken carbon-hydrogen to carbon-carbon bonds decreasing with increasing mass. The total number of bonds broken, however, is a linear function of kinetic energy with the lighter species having a higher slope and lower threshold energy for inducing damage.
Weight, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating: Asian American women’s perspectives.

Asian American women experience disordered eating and body dissatisfaction, which puts them at risk for eating disorders and medical complications, as well as depression, anxiety, and related mental health issues. Help-seeking is low, and clinician bias hampers referral for adequate treatment, suggesting need for greater understanding of cultural context. Asian Americans experience many of the same risk factors as do other groups; however, research has not examined their phenomenological experiences of these issues in the cultural context, or their perceptions of what has helped them heal. To address this gap in the literature, modified consensual qualitative analysis (CQR-M) was used to analyze written narratives from 109 Asian American women who identified as having had concerns with weight, body, or eating, out of 354 Asian American women who responded to an online survey on eating behaviors and attitudes, and family relationships. They were asked to describe (a) any problems with weight, body, and eating; (b) their perceptions of the causes; and (c) their perceptions of what had helped them heal (if that was the case). Results indicated that weight gain, mild body dissatisfaction, and desire to be thinner were the most common experiences, and nearly one quarter had engaged in disordered eating. Participants’ perceptions of the causes included Asian culture’s emphasis on thinness, family criticism of weight, developmental events, and comparison to other Asian women. They reported that positive changes came primarily from social support, increased physical activity, and a shift toward internal validation. Implications for clinical practice are provided.
Amphibian habitat creation on postindustrial landscapes: a case study in a reclaimed coal strip-mine area1

Although habitat loss is a major driver of amphibian and reptile declines globally, a subset of postindustrial landscapes, reclaimed and restored, are creating habitat for these animals in the Unit...
Field Test and Research on the Switching Figure of On-Ioad Tap Changer

In this paper, the principle and method for the test on switching figure of on-load tap changer (OLTC) are introduced. On the basis of analyzing the problems in field, the methods for estimating the condition of OLTC are presented.
Patterns of Variation in ASL Semantic Classifiers: Native and nonnative VEHICLE handshapes

This study examines handshape use in the American Sign Language Semantic “Classifier” VEHICLE. Elicited narratives from three adult populations (Deaf native, hearing native, and hearing nonnative) were analyzed to assess the allowable variation within group and across groups. While all groups displayed variation, Deaf natives produced the least amount, hearing natives produced more, and hearing nonnatives produced the most. While degree of nativeness was important, additional motivations for variation included articulation pressures, discourse factors, and vehicle type. These findings expand our understanding of systematic variation to a portion of ASL’s lexicon previously thought to contain little or no possible variation.
Behold the Power of the Donut: A Successful Case Study of a DE Library, Departmental, and Faculty & Student Collaborations

ABSTRACTCreating and maintaining a successful library distance education program, even given ideal variables, can be a huge challenge. This article will discuss how the library distance program was planned, implemented, and evaluated in a three-year span. A staff of three–five librarians utilized organizational partnerships, grassroots marketing and easy-to-use software to plan and implement the program. Key features of the plan will be discussed, including a books-by-mail system, interlibrary loan, online workshop creation, online streaming events, general distance learner engagement, and faculty inclusion. This case study is unique due to the accelerated development of the program, with success in less than three years, and the size of the online population served, approximately 15,000. Examples of unique collaborations with other university functions will also be shared, including career development, graduation, orientation, and touring.
Effects of preventive online mindfulness interventions on stress and mindfulness: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Empirical evidence suggested that mind-body interventions can be effectively delivered online. This study aimed to examine whether preventive online mindfulness interventions (POMI) for non-clinical populations improve short- and long-term outcomes for perceived-stress (primary) and mindfulness (secondary). Systematic search of four electronic databases, manuscript reference lists, and journal content lists was conducted in 2016, using 21 search-terms. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating effects of POMI in non-clinical populations with adequately reported perceived-stress and mindfulness measures pre- and post-intervention were included. Random-effects models utilized for all effect-size estimations with meta-regression performed for mean age and %females. Participants were volunteers (adults; predominantly female) from academic, workplace, or community settings. Most interventions utilized simplified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction protocols over 2–12 week periods. Post-intervention, significant medium effect found for perceived-stress (g = 0.432), with moderate heterogeneity and significant, but small, effect size for mindfulness (g = 0.275) with low heterogeneity; highest effects were for middle-aged individuals. At follow-up, significant large effect found for perceived-stress (g = 0.699) with low heterogeneity and significant medium effect (g = 0.466) for mindfulness with high heterogeneity. No publication bias was found for perceived-stress; publication bias found for mindfulness outcomes led to underestimation of effects, not overestimation. Number of eligible RCTs was low with inadequate data reporting in some studies. POMI had substantial stress reduction effects and some mindfulness improvement effects. POMI can be a more convenient and cost-effective strategy, compared to traditional face-to-face interventions, especially in the context of busy, hard-to-reach, but digitally-accessible populations.
WARFARIN USE AND PROGRESSION OF MITRAL ANNULAR CALCIFICATION

Background: Warfarin is known to affect the synthesis and function of the vitamin K dependent matrix Gla-protein, which is a potent inhibitor of tissue calcification. Clinical association of warfarin use and degree of mitral annular calcification (MAC) progression is not known. Methods: Database
Multi-wavelength laser transmitter for the two-step laser time-of-flight mass spectrometer

We are developing a multi-wavelength laser for the two-step laser time-of-flight mass-spectrometer (L2MS). The L2MS is designed to detect hydrocarbons in organically-doped analog minerals, including cryogenic Ocean World-relevant ices and mixtures for future astrobiology missions.
Freedom and Klugheit in Kant’s Anthropology Lectures

Kant holds in his works on morality that prudence is not free, because only action under the moral law is free. He also holds that acting on prudent reasons is incompatible with the moral law. If one explores his lectures on anthropology, however, one has reason to believe that not only is prudent action free in some sense as freedom of choice, but it is also not incompatible with moral action, since it does not necessitate using other human beings as mere means, even though it is about using other human beings as ends to one’s happiness. This article will show how Kant holds these positions in his lectures on anthropology.
The Use of Laboratory Tests in Equine Practice

The use of laboratory tests has become commonplace and a necessity in progressive clinical veterinary practice. The information gained from selecting appropriate laboratory tests is invaluable in making an accurate diagnosis, establishing a prognosis, and monitoring response to therapy. Acquisition of reliable laboratory results depends on a thorough understanding of those factors that may affect laboratory data other than the disease process being investigated. The proper use of laboratory tests gives the clinician an added dimension to clinical practice that is both informative and intellectually rewarding.
The Role of Accompaniment Quality in the Evaluation of Solo Instrumental Performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of accompaniment quality on the evaluation of solo instrumental performance. Undergraduate instrumental music education majors (N = 71) listened ...
No Difference in Effectiveness of 8 vs 12 Weeks of Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for Treatment of Hepatitis C in Black Patients.

Background & Aims Treatment with the combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; some patients can be treated with an 8-week course. Guidelines recommend a 12-week treatment course for black patients, but studies have not compared the effectiveness of 8 vs 12 weeks in black patients who are otherwise eligible for an 8-week treatment regimen. Methods We conducted an observational study of Kaiser Permanente Northern California members with HCV genotype 1 infection who were eligible for 8 weeks of treatment with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (treatment-naive, no cirrhosis, no HIV infection, level of HCV RNA 2 analyses to compare sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) among patients treated for 8 vs 12 weeks, and adjusted Poisson models to identify factors associated with receipt of 12 weeks of therapy among patients eligible for 8 weeks. Results Of 2653 patients eligible for 8 weeks of treatment with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir, 1958 (73.8%) received 8 weeks of treatment and 695 (26.2%) received 12 weeks; the proportions of patients with SVR12 were 96.3% and 96.3%, respectively ( P = .94). Among 435 black patients eligible for the 8-week treatment regimen, there was no difference in the proportions who achieved an SVR12 following 8 vs 12 weeks' treatment (95.6% vs 95.8%; P = .90). Male sex, higher transient elastography or FIB-4 scores, higher INR and level of bilirubin, lower level of albumin, obesity, diabetes, and ≥15 alcohol drinks consumed/week were independently associated with receiving 12 weeks of treatment among patients eligible for the 8-week treatment regimen, but were not associated with reduced SVR12 after 8 weeks of treatment. Conclusion In an observational study of patients who received ledipasvir and sofosbuvir treatment for HCV genotype 1 infection, we found that contrary to guidelines, 8-week and 12-week treatment regimens do not result in statistically significant differences in SVR12 in black patients. Patient characteristics were associated with receipt of 12-week regimens among patients eligible for 8 weeks, but were not associated with reduced SVR12 after 8 weeks. Shorter treatment courses might therefore be more widely used without compromising treatment effectiveness.
Serious Illness and End-of-Life Quality for US Foster Children: A National Study:

Background:Of the nearly 500 000 children in foster care, several hundred children die each year. Their quality of life at end of life is a matter of their foster care experience.Objectives:The pur...
Development of a backscattering sensor for gas distribution pipes

Abstract The development of a gamma backscattering sensor for determining the wall thickness of gas distribution pipes is described. The results from test bed experiments, the methods for data analysis, and the anticipated performance of the sensor are discussed.
The Use of Online Services to Encourage Exploration of Ego-Dystonic Sexual Interests

One of the most difficult sexual relationship pressures a couple can face is that when one partner desires to engage in a particular sexual activity and the other partner is unable or unwilling to comply. In some cases, this unwillingness is due to nervousness caused by believing that the partner's desired behavior is statistically or otherwise abnormal. Such reluctance can be addressed by demonstrating to the reluctant partner that the behavior desired by his/her partner is not unique, nor even statistically abnormal. One newly available means of doing this is to introduce both partners to online services (e.g., the Internet). Internet newsgroups exist that deal with virtually every legal paraphilia. Other online services (e.g., CompuServe, America Online, Prodigy) feature similar areas, places where partners can explore their ideas in comfort, safety, and anonymity. A case study is presented that shows how these services can be used to help partners overcome irrational concerns regarding the “normalcy” ...
Inner Products and Hilbert Spaces

In a normed vector space each vector has an assigned length, and from this we obtain the distance from \( x \) to \( y \) as the length of the vector \( x \) \( - \) \( y \).
Random sequential adsorption and its long-time limit

We discuss random sequential adsorption (RSA), a model of an irreversible adsorption process of large noninteracting molecules on a solid surface, and discuss an algorithm that efficiently simulates the RSA process in the long-time limit.