cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spline Interpolation and Best Quadrature Formulae

The spline interpolation formula. A spline function S(x), of degree k(≧0), having the knots $$x_0 < x_1 < \cdots < x_n ,$$ (1) is by definition a function of the class C k−1 which reduces to a polynomial of degree not exceeding k in each of the n+2 intervals in which the points (1) divide the real axis. The function S(x) is seen to depend linearly on n+k +1 parameters. In [5, Theorem 2, p. 258] are given the precise conditions under which we can interpolate uniquely by S(x) arbitrarily given ordinates at n+k +1 points on the real axis.
Total daily physical activity and the risk of AD and cognitive decline in older adults

Objective: Studies examining the link between objective measures of total daily physical activity and incident Alzheimer disease (AD) are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that an objective measure of total daily physical activity predicts incident AD and cognitive decline. Methods: Total daily exercise and nonexercise physical activity was measured continuously for up to 10 days with actigraphy (Actical®; Philips Healthcare, Bend, OR) from 716 older individuals without dementia participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a prospective, observational cohort study. All participants underwent structured annual clinical examination including a battery of 19 cognitive tests. Results: During an average follow-up of about 4 years, 71 subjects developed clinical AD. In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for age, sex, and education, total daily physical activity was associated with incident AD (hazard ratio = 0.477; 95% confidence interval 0.273–0.832). The association remained after adjusting for self-report physical, social, and cognitive activities, as well as current level of motor function, depressive symptoms, chronic health conditions, and APOE allele status. In a linear mixed-effect model, the level of total daily physical activity was associated with the rate of global cognitive decline (estimate 0.033, SE 0.012, p = 0.007). Conclusions: A higher level of total daily physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of AD.
Integration Strategy and Case Study in Financial Industry

According to the results of our research, enterprise integration in a component-based environment need validation, design and provision stages to achieve its business goal. Our current research has extended to the service virtualization which is the final stage in service provisioning. This research paper reviews our previous work and use examples in the financial industry to demonstrate how services are derived from business components, and how they are designed and produced in achieving service virtualization
Simulation-Based Testing of Distributed Systems

Developers of distributed systems routinely construct discrete-event simulations to help them understand and evaluate the behavior of inter-component protocols. Typically written using an imperative programming language, these simulations capture basic algorithmic functionality at the same time as they focus attention on properties critical to distribution, including topology, timing, bandwidth, and overall scalability. We ask the following question: Can simulations also be used to help in the testing of distributed-system implementations? Because simulations amount to specifications of intended behavior, the code of a simulation can be viewed as an operational, albeit non-traditional, formal model. We claim that this kind of model, when used within a specification-based testing regime, provides developers with the foundations of a powerful new method for selecting eective test suites. The primary tool used in our method is a fault-based analysis of the simulation code in which a set of mutants are generated using standard codemutation techniques. The analysis can be used to rate the eectiveness of a test suite, as well as the criterion used to form it. We substantiate our claim through experiments performed on the simulations and implementations of two dierent distributed systems.
Influence of White-tailed Deer Digestion on Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum: Fabaceae Muhl. ex A. Eaton) Germination

We compared the germination rates of running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) seeds that had been passed through the digestive tract of a captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with those that had not. We found no significant difference among germination rates of seeds passed through deer and those not, nor with seeds that were cold-stratified prior to planting and those that were not. Although white-tailed deer are viable vectors for running buffalo clover seed, our data suggest that the rates of ingested seed germination and survival are low. Dispersal and establishment of new populations by white-tailed deer herbivory may not contribute quickly or significantly to the recovery of running buffalo clover at present.
Paul Seymour: Graph Minors

This chapter discusses an intensive theorem by the combinatorial logician Martin Grohe, building on Seymour’s pathbreaking work with Neil Robertson on the complexity of properties defined by excluding graph minors. No one has ever provided a logic that captures polynomial-time decidability on graphs without referencing an ordering of the vertices; Grohe’s theorem does so with restriction to minor-excluding graphs. One deep consequence is that the notoriously open Graph Isomorphism problem becomes polynomial-time decidable for graphs that obey the “promise” of excluding any fixed graph H as a minor.
Incremental value of cystatin C over conventional renal metrics for predicting clinical response and outcomes in cardiac resynchronization therapy: The BIOCRT study

Abstract Background Despite the benefit of CRT in select patients with heart failure (HF), there remains significant need for predicting those at risk for adverse outcomes for this effective but costly therapy. CysC, an emerging marker of renal function, is predictive of worsening symptoms and mortality in patients with HF. This study assessed the utility of baseline and serial measures of cystatin C (CysC), compared to conventional creatinine-based measures of renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR), in predicting clinical outcomes following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Methods In 133 patients, we measured peripheral venous (PV) and coronary sinus (CS) CysC concentrations and peripheral creatinine levels at the time of CRT implant. Study endpoints included clinical response to CRT at 6months and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 2years. Results While all 3 renal metrics were predictive of MACE (all adjusted p≤0.02), only CysC was associated with CRT non-response at 6months (adjusted odds ratio 3.6, p=0.02). CysC improved prediction of CRT non-response (p≤0.003) in net reclassification index analysis compared to models utilizing standard renal metrics. Serial CysC >1mg/L was associated with 6-month CRT non-response and reduced 6-minute walk distance as well as 2-year MACE (all p≤0.04). Conclusion In patients undergoing CRT, CysC demonstrated incremental benefit in the prediction of CRT non-response when compared to standard metrics of renal function. Baseline and serial measures of elevated CysC were predictive of CRT non-response and functional status at 6months as well as long-term clinical outcomes.
Upper airway muscle responsiveness to rising PCO(2) during NREM sleep.

Although pharyngeal muscles respond robustly to increasing Pco 2 during wakefulness, the effect of hypercapnia on upper airway muscle activation during sleep has not been carefully assessed. This m...
NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It serves both as a critical coenzyme for enzymes that fuel reduction-oxidation reactions, carrying electrons from one reaction to another, and as a cosubstrate for other enzymes such as the sirtuins and poly(adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerases. Cellular NAD + concentrations change during aging, and modulation of NAD + usage or production can prolong both health span and life span. Here we review factors that regulate NAD + and discuss how supplementation with NAD + precursors may represent a new therapeutic opportunity for aging and its associated disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases.
A game theoretic approach for energy-efficient communications in multi-hop cognitive radio networks

In multi-hop cognitive radio networks, it is a challenge to improve the energy efficiency of the radio nodes. To address this challenge, in this paper, we propose a two-level Stackelberg game model, where the primary users and the secondary users act as the leaders and the followers, respectively. Based on the game model, our proposed scheme not only considers the power allocation problem for secondary users but also takes into account the price of spectrum. First, we give the cognitive radio network model, and show how to set up the game theoretic model in multi-hop cognitive radio networks. We then analyze this problem and show the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium point for the game. We also study the impact of the spectrum price of the primary users in the cognitive radio network and study how to select the best price for the primary users to maximize their own profit. Finally, we implement simulations to show the performance of our schemes. Our work gives an insight on how to improve the energy efficiency and allocate spectrum resources in multi-hop cognitive radio networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative antigenicity of native and "desialized" orosomucoid in rabbits.

SummaryNeuraminidase treatment of orosomucoid from human plasma results in an increase in the antigenicity of the glycoprotein in rabbits. Native and desialized orosomucoid react in a qualitatively and quantitatively similar manner with antibodies to the normal or desialized antigen. Thus the sialic acid, though a terminal sugar, is not an important determinant antigenic group.
Interpreting an Architectural Past: Ram Raz and the Treatise in South Asia

T he process of modern knowledge-making in late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century South Asia was closely connected to the experience of British colonialism.1 Driven by an interest to control and comprehend their emerging empire in the subcontinent, British colonial administrators and military officers set about collecting physical vestiges of the country’s past and categorizing information on its geography, history, and culture.2 Their efforts were mediated and supported by the efforts of Indian informants and assistants, and existing contexts, relationships, and connections were irrevocably altered. While the British might have been highly critical of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century South Asian life, the activities and publications of organizations such as the Asiatic (formerly Asiatick) Society held that “the arts and sciences of ancient India were of the highest standard.”3 For the orientalists who held this view, the source of such knowledge resided in so-called ancient texts.4 As an extension of this idea, architectural treatises written in the Sanskrit language came to be viewed as critical sources of knowledge. Apart from their intrinsic value as texts, treatises could provide evidence that the design and ornamentation of buildings (particularly Hindu temples), was an intellectual exercise rooted in the subcontinent’s unadulterated “classical,” and more significantly, “Hindu” past. A desire to elevate architecture to the rarefied realm of philosophy also drove the effort to closely align building practices and treatises. As an Enlightenment preoccupation with classification extended to British attempts at comprehending all aspects of South Asian society, it resulted in the region being perceived primarily in terms of divisions along boundaries of religion and caste.5 Within this scheme, Hindus and Muslims occupied different social realms and were presumed to have inherited different histories. More specifically, Hindus were supposedly privy to a pre-Islamic religious, cultural, and Sanskrit linguistic heritage that the orientalists …
Integrated lotsizing and scheduling for multi-variety batch production by turns in chemical industry

A continuous-time mixed integer linear programming model and an improved two-dimensional particle warm optimization(PSO) algorithm are designed to tackle integrated lotsizing and scheduling for multi-variety batch production by turns in chemical industry after analyzing the characteristics of multistage, shared equipments, material input and output fluctuant conversion rate, inventory limitation and product changeover. The coding scheme of particles is designed in terms of the processing state of production units, while an effective decoding procedure translates a particle into a feasible lotsizing and scheduling solution. The improved PSO algorithm incorporates contraction operators to improve the intensification ability of the algorithm. In addition, divergence operators and velocity disturbance strategies are also introduced into the PSO algorithm to keep the diversity of the swarm. Computational results show the good performance of the proposed PSO algorithm.
Decency, Evolved: The Eighth Amendment Right to Transition in Prison

The United States is beginning to change how it treats transgender people within its prison system. Both state and federal corrections officials, policymakers, and judges are grappling with difficult questions about how to provide medical care, housing, and other basic services to transgender inmates, without undermining prison security — or sparking a lawsuit. And with transgender rights becoming a more frequent topic of debate in American culture, these issues appear unlikely to disappear. Transgender prisoners, meanwhile, are stuck in a virtual purgatory of identity while they await access to numerous forms of necessary medical care. Particularly those prisoners experiencing the condition known as gender dysphoria. However, barring substantive changes to prison health care policies from the top, the most direct way for this group to obtain large-scale changes to this system may be through the courts. But by what means?The Eighth Amendment may hold the key to a form of immediate relief. This Comment argues that all U.S. prisons have a constitutional obligation to provide transgender prisoners with access to treatments like hormone replacement therapy and sex reassignment surgery in response to a diagnosed case of gender dysphoria. By weaving Chief Justice Warren’s famous “evolving standards of decency” benchmark into contemporary Eighth Amendment case law, this Comment provides a workable, clear-cut standard for assessing a transgender inmate’s claim that he or she has been unconstitutionally denied access to medical care.
Automatic seagrass pattern identification on sonar images

Natural and human-induced disturbances are resulting in degradation and loss of seagrass. Freshwater flooding, severe meteorological events and invasive species are among the major natural disturbances. Human-induced disturbances are mainly due to boat propeller scars in the shallow seagrass meadows and anchor scars in the deeper areas. Therefore, there is a vital need to map seagrass ecosystems in order to determine worldwide abundance and distribution. Currently there is no established method for mapping the pothole or scars in seagrass. One of the most precise sensors to map the seagrass disturbance is side scan sonar. Here we propose an automatic method which detects seagrass potholes in sonar images. Side scan sonar images are notorious for having speckle noise and uneven illumination across the image. Moreover, disturbance presents complex patterns where most segmentation techniques will fail. In this paper, by applying mathematical morphology technique and calculating the local standard deviation of the image, the images were enhanced and the pothole patterns were identified. The proposed method was applied on sonar images taken from Laguna Madre in Texas. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry for Untargeted Drug Screening

While gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) continues to be the forensic standard for toxicology, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem MS offers significant operational advantages for targeted confirmatory analysis. LC-high-resolution (HR)-MS has recently been available that offers advantages for untargeted analysis. HR-MS analyzers include the Orbitrap and time-of-flight MS. These instruments are capable of detecting 1 ppm mass resolution. Following soft ionization, this enables the assignment of exact molecular formula, limiting the number of candidate compounds. With this technique, presumptive identification of unknowns can be conducted without the need to match MS library spectra or comparison against known standards. For clinical toxicology, this can greatly expand on the number of drugs and metabolites that can be detected and reported on a presumptive basis. Definitive assignments of the compound's identity can be retrospectively determined with acquisition of the appropriate reference standard.
How VR technology will transform healthcare

The deepest and most significant impact or VR technology will be in the area of clinical medicine and healthcare. VR technology will dramatically impact medical assessments, clinical care, preventive health and wellness, and will help facilitate the shift of the locus of medical care from the clinic to the home.
Spatio-Temporal Feature Exploration in Combined Particle/Volume Reference Frames

The use of large-scale scientific simulations that can represent physical systems using both particle and volume data simultaneously is gaining popularity as each of these reference frames has an inherent set of advantages when studying different phenomena. Furthermore, being able to study the dynamic evolution of these time varying data types is an integral part of nearly all scientific endeavors. However, the techniques available to scientists generally limit them to studying each reference frame separately making it difficult to draw connections between the two. In this work we present a novel method of feature exploration that can be used to investigate spatio-temporal patterns in both data types simultaneously. More specifically, we focus on how spatio-temporal subsets can be identified from both reference frames, and develop new ways of visually presenting the embedded information to a user in an intuitive manner. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method using case studies of real world scientific datasets and illustrate the new types of exploration and analyses that can be achieved through this technique.
THE ASSOCIATION OF THICK LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY WITH CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES IN HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION: INSIGHTS FROM THE TOPCAT TRIAL

Background: In the general population, a 4-tiered classification of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which accounts for the presence of left ventricular (LV) dilation in addition to increased relative wall thickness (RWT), provided additional prognostic information beyond the conventional 2-
Validation and Use of the Multidimensional Wellness Inventory in Collegiate Student-Athletes and First-Generation Students.

ABSTRACTBackground: In some professions, wellness has become shorthand for physical fitness and nutrition but dimensions outside the physical are equally important. As wellness models continue to materialize, a validated instrument is needed to substantiate the characteristics of a multidimensional wellness model. Purpose: This 2-pronged study focused on the testing of the factor structure of the Multidimensional Wellness Inventory (MDWI) and comparisons between student-athletes (SAs) and nonathletes (NAs) as well as first-generation (FGs) and non-first-generation students (NFGs). Methods: Part I tested the construct validity of the instrument using confirmatory factor analysis (N = 1699). Part II compared wellness scores among SAs, NAs, FGs, and NFGs using independent sample t tests (N = 990). Results: Part I revealed that a revised factor structure for the MDWI was preferred. Part II showed statistically significant differences in 5 of 9 wellness constructs. FGs did not have statistically significant di...
Internalizing Weight Stigma: Prevalence and Sociodemographic Considerations in US Adults

Objective This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the presence, severity, and sociodemographic correlates of weight bias internalization (WBI) across three distinct samples of US adults. Methods Levels of WBI were compared in (1) a sample of adults with obesity and heightened risk of weight stigma (N = 456), (2) an online community sample (N = 519), and (3) a national online panel (N = 2,529). Samples 2 and 3 comprised adults with and without obesity. Participants completed identical self-report measures, including demographic variables and weight-related factors, to determine their relationship with low, mean, and high levels of WBI. Results At least 44% of adults across samples endorsed mean levels of WBI (as determined by sample 3). The highest levels of WBI were endorsed by approximately one in five adults in the general population samples and by 52% in the sample of adults with obesity. Individuals with the highest WBI were white, had less education and income, were currently trying to lose weight, and had higher BMIs, higher self-perceived weight, and previous experiences of weight stigma (especially teasing). Conclusions Internalized weight bias is prevalent among women and men and across body weight categories. Findings provide a foundation to better understand characteristics of individuals who are at risk for internalizing weight bias.
Manganese–Oxygen Intermediates in O–O Bond Activation and Hydrogen-Atom Transfer Reactions

ConspectusBiological systems capitalize on the redox versatility of manganese to perform reactions involving dioxygen and its derivatives superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and water. The reactions of manganese enzymes influence both human health and the global energy cycle. Important examples include the detoxification of reactive oxygen species by manganese superoxide dismutase, biosynthesis by manganese ribonucleotide reductase and manganese lipoxygenase, and water splitting by the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II. Although these enzymes perform very different reactions and employ structurally distinct active sites, manganese intermediates with peroxo, hydroxo, and oxo ligation are commonly proposed in catalytic mechanisms. These intermediates are also postulated in mechanisms of synthetic manganese oxidation catalysts, which are of interest due to the earth abundance of manganese. In this Account, we describe our recent efforts toward understanding O–O bond activation pathways of MnIII-peroxo add...
Social motivation and health in college club swimming.

Objective: Participation in recreational sport clubs on campus is a popular student activity nationwide. These sport-based organizations provide a host of benefits within recognized dimensions of h...
Effect of a Skating Unit on Fitness in Fifth Grade Students

This study investigated the effect of a skating unit on cardiovascular fitness, eyes-closed static balance, explosive power, and agility in fifth graders. During a 6-week skating unit (12 lessons), 71students (Mage = 10.34 years, range: 10–12 years) participated during regularly scheduled physical education classes. Three classes were involved, one serving as the control group and the other two as experimental groups (roller skating and in-line skating). The control group had no access to roller or in-line skates during class time, rather the curriculum consisted of soccer, dance, and softball. The experimental groups participated in a specifically designed skating curriculum adapted with permission from Skatetime and Skate in School. Results showed that the roller skating group had longer static balance times than the in-line skating group. Even though other factors reported nonsignificance, difference scores illustrated gains after intervention, suggesting that a skating unit could induce improvements. Further research examining significance between roller skating and in-line skating is warranted. Subscribe to TPE
Interhemispheric dominance switching in a neural network model for birdsong.

In this report, we propose a two-hemisphere neural network model for the bilaterally symmetrical song system underlying birdsong in the male zebra finch. This model captures the behavioral effects ...
Spatially-Explicit Population Models with Complex Decisions

Many approaches exist for modeling the response of animals to environmental condition and change. Regardless of the model selected, uncertainty is a major component in the modeling of complex physical-biological relationships. Structured methods exist for handling uncertainty in these modeling studies, and can facilitate decision-making among stakeholders with differing values. We describe two different approaches for modeling population response to environmental pattern. Then, we propose a simple means for incorporating uncertainty into the modeling process using structured and transparent means. First, a model formula is selected and applied with a structured uncertainty analysis during parameterization. Second, Monte Carlo simulation is applied to propagate the uncertainties in the model outputs induced by the uncertain inputs. Finally, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is applied to prioritize model forecasts (i.e., of the likely input conditions) according to perceived value, relevance, accuracy, and uncertainty. The structure discussed is simple and can be modified in many ways to meet the demands of a particular study. This paper provides (1) a brief look at alternatives for modeling animal populations and (2) how these types of models can be applied within a structured and transparent framework for handling uncertainty that saves time, money, and effort.
Microsurgical Aspects of Face Transplantation

Performing a face transplant requires expertise in both facial reconstruction and microvascular technique. The best way to approach the microsurgical aspects of face transplantation is to break them into smaller parts. Defining microsurgery loosely as procedures typically done under a microscope, this chapter will describe the details dealing with the arteries, veins, and nerves of face transplantation from anatomy to the technical aspects.
chapter 12 – Conversations with Lana

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some of the parameters of conversations with Lana. One of the most interesting developments to come out of this study was Lana's change in strategy during the first half of Experiment I. Lana initially responded to questions that were inappropriate to the time of day by going along with them; that is, if she were asked whether she wanted to eat in the morning, she would request food and if she were asked whether she wanted to drink in the afternoon, she would request a drink. She then stopped complying in such situations and began stating that she did not want to do what was being asked of her. It is interesting that this change did not occur until after she had positive results from her two requests that the water be removed from the machine. Perhaps her success with these two requests for the removal of an unwanted item gave her a feeling of greater control over the situation. This infuriated Lana, as evidenced by increased screaming, and she then had to ask to move back into the room before any other question could be answered. Still she persisted in using out-of in this manner. The increase in the variety of Lana's sentences may have been because of her sense of increasing control and probably also to an increasing awareness of the possibilities afforded her through the use of her language system. Her use of negation tends to support this idea as do her requests for the removal of unwanted items from the vending devices.
Phosphate Transporters in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis

In the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis the reciprocal exchange of nutrients results in a nutritional benefit for both symbionts. The fungus acquires carbon from plant and the plant obtains mineral nutrients from the fungus. While there is evidence for the transfer of phosphorus (P), nitrogen, zinc and copper, current data suggest that P is transferred in the highest quantities and that symbiotic P transfer occurs in the vast majority of AM symbioses. Symbiotic phosphate Pi transfer requires transport proteins to move Pi across the membranes of the AM fungus and plant. In recent years, there has been tremendous progress in the identification of plant and fungal Pi transporter proteins involved in symbiotic Pi transport. Coupled with the physiological data a greater understanding of symbiotic Pi transfer has emerged. Here we summarize the current data about Pi transporters and their expression patterns and roles in AM symbiosis.
Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions Reflect Audiometric Patterns of Age-Related Hearing Loss.

Distinct forms of age-related hearing loss are hypothesized based on evidence from animal models of aging, which are identifiable in human audiograms. The Sensory phenotype results from damage (e.g...
Regression Models for Estimating Kinematic Gait Parameters with Instrumented Footwear

Quantitative gait assessment typically involves optical motion capture systems and force plates, which result in high operating costs. Footwear-based motion tracking systems can provide a portable and affordable solution for real-time gait analysis in unconstrained environments. However, the relatively low accuracy of these systems still represents a barrier to their widespread use. In this paper, we show that linear and learning-based regression models can substantially improve the raw estimates of a set of kinematic gait parameters obtained with instrumented insoles (SportSole) from a group of $\mathbf{N}=\pmb{9}$ healthy subjects who walked at different speeds. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models are compared in terms of accuracy, precision, and robustness to change in gait speed, using gold-standard equipment to generate reference data. Results indicate that SVR is superior to LASSO. Indeed, the mean absolute errors (MAE) in stride length, velocity and foot-ground clearance were $\pmb{1.28}\pm\pmb{0.19\%}. \pmb{1.62}\pm\pmb{0.42\%}$ and $\pmb{3.72}\pm \pmb{0.87\%}$ for LASSO, $\pmb{1.06}\pm\pmb{0.08\%}. \pmb{1.13}\pm\pmb{0.08\%}$ and $\pmb{3.00}\pm\pmb{0.87\%}$ for SVR, respectively. These findings provide further evidence that footwear-based systems may represent valid alternatives to laboratory equipment for assessing a basic set of gait parameters in unconstrained environments.
A 20 GHz Landing Probe Design Based on Pogo-pins

A landing probe design is proposed in this paper based on pogo-pins. Landing probes are usually used to obtain TDR and S-parameters of the device under test (DUT) so that the performance of the DUT can be evaluated. This design has two major advantages. First, it is durable. Second, it can be easily integrated into automated testing systems. The designed probe works well up to 20 GHz, which is validated by measurement.
CoNiO/NiO and NiMn Exchange Biasing Materials

As recording densities rapidly rise, inductive heads are no longer suited for read-back of data due to their lower signal level and the associated poor bit error rates. Read-only heads based on the anisotropic (AMR) and giant magnetoresistive (GMR) effects are gradually coming into use. Heads based on these phenomena are able to provide adequate signal levels at high areal densities [1]. These types of heads are susceptible to noise arising out of domain wall motion. Several schemes exist for suppressing this ‘Barkhausen’ noise and they work by forcing the NiFe sensor layer into a single domain state. One of the more common methods for domain stabilization, utilizes an antiferromagnetic layer to exchange couple the NiFe. In addition to the need of a domain stabilization layer, GMR based spin-valve heads require a layer for pinning one magnetic layer. FeMn, a commonly used exchange biasing material, has poor corrosion properties and a low blocking temperature of 150° C [2] and thus substitute materials for FeMn are of great interest. Three possible alternates are CoNiO, NiO, and NiMn.
Discussion on “Order-of-Addition Experiments: A review and some new thoughts”

First, we would like to commend the authors on their thought-provoking presentation of an important, but under-investigated area of process improvement and design of experiments. For the selected P...
Closing the gap between oral lexicons and sight vocabulary: Examining speech recognition technologies:

Hey Siri, Alexa, Google, can you help me learn to read? Speech recognition apps can take dictation. Elementary, middle, high school students, and adults, who struggle to read can dictate to speech ...
Polarographic reduction of aldehydes and ketones

Abstract In acidic media, at pH 7 the first reduction step involves hydrogenolysis of the trifluoromethyl group of the unprotonated form of I to yield acetophenone, which can undergo further reduction at more negative potentials. Reduction of both the carbonyl group at lower pH and of the C—F bonds in the unprotonated form are accompanied by hydration-dehydration equilibria. At pH > 7 these reactions involve addition of water and of hydroxide ions. The increase of current at pH > 8 is due to a shift of the equilibria in favor of the geminal diol anion of I; the decrease at pH > 10 is due to an increase in the rate of the addition of hydroxide ions with increasing pH. Spectrophotometric measurements at μ = 0.1 gave the following values for the acid dissociation constant of the geminal diol of I: K 2 = 6.4 × 10 -11 in 2% ethanol and 5 × 10 -12 in 40% ethanol. Formation of the hemiketal results in an increase of the absorbance of the free carbonyl form with increasing ethanol concentration. Formation of the hydrate and hemiketal of I in dimethylformamide is compared.
Importance of outliers: A three-dimensional study of coarsening in α -phase iron

Grain coarsening behavior in an $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-phase iron sample is studied in three dimensions using high energy x-ray diffraction microscopy. 4971 grains that are entirely inside the sample are segmented in the initial state and 3905 remain after annealing. A matching procedure was used to track 3299 grains between the two states while the remainder were either consumed by neighbors or the tracking algorithm failed to correlate them. During the single annealing treatment, the average grain volume increased by 13%. Statistical analysis in each state yields subtle changes in the grain size and nearest neighbor number distributions. Correlating topological features with volume changes between states, the average behavior is seen to be consistent with an isotropic model of curvature driven coarsening, but the dispersion of volume changes in each topological class is comparable to the overall trend in the average behaviors. Thus, the topological characterizations used here are not predictive of the behavior of individual grains under the isotropic assumption. Examination of anecdotal cases allows understanding of some outliers but others appear counter to an isotropic theory.
NMDAR Hypofunction Animal Models of Schizophrenia

The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction hypothesis has been proposed to help understand the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This hypothesis was based on early observations that NMDAR antagonists could induce a full range of symptoms of schizophrenia in normal human subjects. Accumulating evidence in humans and animal studies points to NMDAR hypofunctionality as a convergence point for various symptoms of schizophrenia. Here we review animal models of NMDAR hypofunction generated by pharmacological and genetic approaches, and how they relate to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In addition, we discuss the limitations of animal models of NMDAR hypofunction and their potential utility for therapeutic applications.
Ferrocene: To Infinity and Back Again

Abstract Ferrocene and ferrocene-derived ligands are capable of a wide variety of coordination modes. The flexible coordination exhibited by these compounds leads to a range of interesting structures ranging from small molecules to large coordination polymers. These compounds are used in a variety of applications ranging from photosensors to catalysts. This chapter presents some of the interesting developments in coordination compounds of ferrocene-based ligands from 2003 to 2018.
Extracting beat from a crowd of loosely coupled, concurrent periodic stimuli

In a musical ensemble, performers try to synchronize to a governing tempo by resolving differences in sound-onset timing from individual players even without a conductor's cue. Listeners and players alike must construct an internalized sense of when the beat occurs and adapt to that information dynamically as the performance goes on. Here, we examined this process by simulating individual sound onset timings with an ensemble of 40 virtual “metronomes” around 90 bpm with which we asked listeners to tap along for an approximately 10-beat duration. We manipulated coupling strength at five levels (very-weak, weak, medium, strong, perfect) where stronger coupling corresponds to a more definitively periodic beat. The inter tap interval (ITI) from 8 subjects were analyzed in three segments of the trial duration [early (tap 1–3), middle (4–6), and late (7–9)]. Also, the phase coherence of taps between listeners was compared to the stimulus density. Stronger coupling resulted in more stable ITI, while ITI became shorter in later segments for the medium and weak conditions. Interestingly, taps coincided with the greatest stimulus density for weaker coupling, whereas taps led ahead for stronger coupling. The results suggest that listeners could maintain a collective beat perception but less anticipatorily for less-synchronized sounds.In a musical ensemble, performers try to synchronize to a governing tempo by resolving differences in sound-onset timing from individual players even without a conductor's cue. Listeners and players alike must construct an internalized sense of when the beat occurs and adapt to that information dynamically as the performance goes on. Here, we examined this process by simulating individual sound onset timings with an ensemble of 40 virtual “metronomes” around 90 bpm with which we asked listeners to tap along for an approximately 10-beat duration. We manipulated coupling strength at five levels (very-weak, weak, medium, strong, perfect) where stronger coupling corresponds to a more definitively periodic beat. The inter tap interval (ITI) from 8 subjects were analyzed in three segments of the trial duration [early (tap 1–3), middle (4–6), and late (7–9)]. Also, the phase coherence of taps between listeners was compared to the stimulus density. Stronger coupling resulted in more stable ITI, while ITI became s...
Production of Organic Acids via Autofermentation of Microalgae: A Promising Approach for Sustainable Algal Biorefineries

We demonstrate a facile and simple method for the direct conversion of microalgae biomass into organic acids via self-anaerobic metabolism in the dark (autofermentation). This one-step method does ...
The "Hip Fracture" Bundle-Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Introduction:With growing popularity and success of alternative-payment models (APMs) in elective total joint arthroplasties, there has been recent discussion on the probability of implementing APM...
Surgical treatment for prosthetic heart valve dysfunction

Objective To review our clinical experience with 41 reoperatioas of prosthetic heart valve dysfunction be-tween October 1996 and October2008. Methods There were 16 malas and 25 females with an average age of (44.5±12.6)years. All 41 patients underwent reoperation under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, including 38 heart valve replace-ments, 2 disc rotations and cut of the excessive knot in 1 case. There were 13 emergency and 28 elective procedures. Results The median time for extubation was 15.3 hours and tracheostomy was needed in 5 cases. There were 6 deaths, all of which occurred in emergency cases, with a mortality rate of 15.4%. No death occurred in patients implanted with a bioprosthetic valve previously. Postoperative complications included 1 infective endocarditis, 1 intractable hiccup and 1 wound infection. Conclusion Prosthetic heart valve dysfunction is catastrophic. Early diagnosis and reoperation is mandatory. Key words: Heart valve prosthesis; Heart valve prosthesis implantation ; Postoperative complications
Assessing National Utilization Trends and Outcomes of Robotic and Endoscopic Thyroidectomy in the United States

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate trends and outcomes of surgical approaches to thyroid surgery. We hypothesized that there have been changes over time in the utilization of approaches to thyroidectomy...
Validation of a novel method to create temporal records of hormone concentrations from the claws of ringed and bearded seals.

Ringed (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) inhabit vast and often remote areas in the Arctic, making it difficult to obtain long-term physiological information concerning health and reproduction. These seals are experiencing climate-driven changes in their habitat that could result in physiological stress. Chronic physiological stress can lead to immunosuppression, decreased reproduction and decreased growth. Recently, keratin has become a popular matrix to measure steroid hormones, such as stress-related cortisol and reproduction-related progesterone. We developed and validated methods to extract cortisol and progesterone from the claws of adult female ringed (n = 20) and bearded (n = 3) seals using enzyme immunosorbent assays. As ringed and bearded seal claws grow, a pair of dark- and light-colored bands of keratin is deposited annually providing a guide for sampling. Two processing methods were evaluated, removal of claw material with a grinding bit or grinding followed by mechanical pulverization (102 paired samples from six claws, two each from three seals). Adding the mechanical pulverization step resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in hormone extraction. Progesterone from the proximal claw band was evaluated to biologically validate claw material as a measure of pregnancy in ringed seals (n = 14). Claws from pregnant seals had significantly higher claw progesterone concentrations than from non-pregnant seals. This suggests that the elevated progesterone associated with gestation was reflected in the claws, and that the most proximal claw band was indicative of pregnancy status at time of death. Thus, although the sample size was low and the collection dates unbalanced, this study demonstrates the potential to use claws to examine an extended time series (up to 12 yrs) of cortisol and progesterone concentrations in ringed and bearded seal claws.
Spirituality and mental health.

In many contexts, emotional ailments have been considered problems of religious or spiritual origin. Historically, religious groups were often the primary providers of mental health care. This chan...
Retrospective analysis of 450 emergency department dermatology consultations: An analysis of in-person and teledermatology consultations from 2015 to 2019.

IntroductionDermatologic complaints are a common reason for emergency department visits.MethodsRetrospective chart review from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. Patients in the Mayo Clinic Emerge...
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Tubal Anastomosis

Study Objective To demonstrate a technique for tubal anastomosis. Design A video description of steps of a technique for minimally invasive tubal anastomosis. Setting video description of surgical technique using robotic assistance. Patients or Participants A 33-years old female with past history of sterilization with partial salpingectomy and no other infertility factors who decided to regain her fertility potential, underwent a laparoscopic tubal anastomosis. Interventions Laparoscopic tubal anastomosis with robotic assistance. Measurements and Main Results Description of surgical technique using surgical video. Conclusion tubal anastomosis using robotic assistance is a reproducible minimally invasive approach.
Evaluating tie support at railway bridge transitions

This paper compares the behavior of three different railway bridge transition zones to illustrate how poor tie support affects track performance. The three bridge transitions consist of a high-speed passenger line, a freight line, and a spur track. All bridge transitions were instrumented with accelerometers that allow tie support and track performance to be non-invasively evaluated by analyzing the measured acceleration magnitudes and vibration frequencies in the frequency domain. The results show tracks with good tie support display tie accelerations below 5 g and small vertical displacements during train loading whereas approaches with poor tie support display accelerations generally greater than 5 g. These results are used to evaluate other transition zones and identify problematic track locations that require repair procedures to retain acceptable track geometry.
Mixed severity fire effects within the Rim fire: Relative importance of local climate, fire weather, topography, and forest structure

Abstract Recent and projected increases in the frequency and severity of large wildfires in the western U.S. makes understanding the factors that strongly affect landscape fire patterns a management priority for optimizing treatment location. We compared the influence of variations in the local environment on burn severity patterns on the large 2013 Rim fire that burned under extreme drought with those of previous smaller fires for a study area in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA. Although much of the Rim fire burned during plume-dominated conditions resulting in large high-severity patches, our study area burned under milder fire weather resulting in a mix of fire severities. In our study area the Rim fire produced a higher proportion of moderate- and high-severity effects than occurred in previous fires. Random forest modeling explained up to 63% of the Rim fire burn variance using seven predictors: time since previous fire, actual evapotranspiration (AET), climatic water deficit (Deficit), previous maximum burn severity, burning index, slope position, and solar radiation. Models using only a subset of biophysical predictors (AET, Deficit, slope position and steepness, and solar radiation) explained 55% of the Rim fire and 58% of the maximum fire burn severity of previous fires. The relationship of burn severity to patterns of AET, however, reversed for the Rim fire (positive) compared to earlier fires (negative). Measurements of pre-Rim fire forest structure from LiDAR did not improve our ability to explain burn severity patterns. We found that accounting for spatial autocorrelation in burn severity and biophysical environment was important to model quality and stability. Our results suggest water balance and topography can help predict likely burn severity patterns under moderate climate and fire weather conditions, providing managers with general guidance for prioritizing fuel treatments and identifying where fire is less likely to burn with higher severities even for locations with higher forest density and canopy cover.
Thirsting and hypernatremic dehydration--a form of child abuse.

Three cases of hypernatremic dehydration following periodic water deprivation by psychotic mothers are presented as examples of child abuse. This represents a previously unreported form of child abuse and a previously unrecognized cause of hypernatremia in children in the range from 2 to 8 years of age. From the acute changes in body weight and sodium concentration in serum in the period of hydration, it was deduced that the dehydration sustained by these children was not associated with NaCl deficits.