cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High resistance to managed and natural forest fire in a rare rock-outcrop specialist herb (Boechera constancei, Brassicaceae)

Abstract Fire may increase the abundance of many understory plants in forested ecosystems, such as gap-dependent herbs that respond quickly to increased light availability. Fire may or may not benefit some rarer understory herbs, such as stress-tolerant species specializing on rock outcrops. The latter species may benefit less from post-fire increases in light, and their slow-growing life histories might impair their abilities to survive, recover, and/or increase their rates of growth and reproduction following fires. We examined the impacts of prescribed and natural fire on Boechera constancei (Brassicaceae), a rare herb growing on and around outcrops of infertile serpentine rock in upper montane conifer forests of the northern Sierra Nevada, California. We analyzed demographic transition rates of marked plants in response to experimental burns in winter 2012 and a subsequent lightning-caused fire in summer 2012. We measured leaf litter as a covariate, expecting that fire effects on B. constancei demography might be stronger in sites with more litter. Prescribed fire marginally decreased the fecundity of large individuals, but elasticity analyses found these rates to have no effect on estimated population growth, while the naturally occurring fire had no significant effects on demography. Leaf litter was not significant as a covariate in any analyses. Estimated population growth rates were thus unaffected by either prescribed or natural fire. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that rock outcrop specialists are relatively insensitive to disturbance, and we suggest that such species may often have little bearing on the ecological costs and benefits of fire in forested systems.
Excitonic effects in photovoltaic materials with large exciton binding energies

We investigate the effect of excitons on charge transport in photovoltaic materials with large exciton binding energies using Cu 2 O as a model system. We develop a thermodynamic model to estimate the fraction of excitons in Cu 2 O at quasi-equilibrium and find that over 20% of the generated population of carriers during photovoltaic operation could be excitons. Experiments show the presence of excitons at room temperature under visible light excitation and current collection due to excitons during device operation. This work demonstrates that excitons can play a fundamental role in photovoltaic materials with large exciton binding energies and lays the foundation for further studies.
Status Epilepticus Classification

Classifications of epileptic seizures and epilepsies have been developed by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Since the early classifications, there has always been a recognition that the classification scheme will change as more is learned about these disorders. The ILAE has also classified status epilepticus (SE), and this classification, too, has evolved over the last few decades. However, the latest ILAE classification of epilepsy from 2010 does not talk discuss SE, although it does address the definition of seizures [1]. The penultimate report from 2006 on the classification of epilepsy does discuss SE [2]. The older document will be used in this chapter with those definitions of SE [3], but with updated language to reflect the newer terminology related to seizures. The older document divided SE into nine areas. There are some additions to the 2006 classification system that have been included in this chapter, since new information has come out in the last 10 years. Please see Table 4.1 for a classification of SE.
User’s Self-Expression in Augmented Reality: An Abstract

This empirical study attempts to understand how augmented reality (AR) empowers the users to express themselves by using it. This study developed and tested a conceptual model that explained how augmented reality influences user satisfaction through identification. To test the hypotheses, a lab experiment of 99 college students was used. The results demonstrated that augmented reality significantly influenced identification, which in turn impacted on user satisfaction and purchase intention.
The Epicenter of Effectiveness and Efficiency in Health Care Delivery: The Evolving U.S. Health Workforce

This special issue has certainly added to the body of knowledge on the health care workforce. The concepts and findings presented here can assist researchers and policy makers alike as they continue their work to inform the field and engage in decision making. This becomes acutely important as we reflect on recent political events: On Nov. 8, 2016, the United States held a general election for its 45th President. One of the key policy issues during the campaign season was the fate of the Affordable Care Act. In the current policy and legislative climate, the future of our health care system is dramatically unclear. Regardless of what changes may come, one of the major drivers of demand for health care providers is the rapidly aging population. Barring any drastic population shifts, it is reasonable to expect that the need for a competent and flexible health care workforce will persist. The question of what policies and regulations will exist to help bolster the workforce in this sector, however, remains the great unknown.
Molecule binding parameter estimation from Surface Plasmon Resonance measurements

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a highly sensitive technique that utilizes the properties of surface plasmons to detect the subtle changes in mass caused by adsorption or desorption of molecules. The SPR technique is appealing because the amount of adsorption or desorption is detected in real time, without the need to label the adsorbate or prepare samples using a complex procedure. Although much progress has been made in the analysis of SPR images several challenges remain. In this paper, we addressed two of these challenges, 1) automatic detection of regions of interest (ROIs) and 2) accurate estimation of the molecular association and disassociation parameters. With hundreds of ROIs on a single SPR video frame image, our procedure to automatically detect the ROIs greatly reduces the labor and time. The gray level values of the ROIs were extracted over time and used to estimate the molecule binding parameters, which are vital in biosensing applications. The parameters were estimated using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and the standard Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm. A comparison of the results revealed that the PSO algorithm achieved a much lower mean squared error (MSE), and hence more accurate, than the LM algorithm for all of the active ROIs.
Critical Feminism in the Archives

Through the use of feminist historiography this article examines some of the myriad ways in which feminist praxis has pushed against, challenged, enriched, dismantled, assimilated or otherwise affected archival theory and practice. We contend that archival theory and practice have yet to fully engage with a feminist praxis that is aimed at more than attaining better representation of women in archives. We begin this piece by tracing the ways in which archives became embedded in feminist social movements and can be understood as critical tools and modes of self-representation and self-historicization. In the second section, we consider the explicit presence of feminist theory in archival studies literature and contemporary practice, the key focal points and arguments that have challenged traditional understandings of archival work around gender. We then address, in the third section, the expansive figure of the archives in humanities and social science literature. This piece contributes significantly to thinking on the ways in which these conversations in the archival turn can, at their best, expose blind spots within the archival literature and provide us with theoretical tools to tackle what we take for granted. Finally, we offer ways in which we see critical and intersectional feminist theory can contribute to existing archival discourse and practice, critiquing concepts that have remained unquestioned such as community and organization. This piece exposes the transformational potential of feminism for archives and of archives for dismantling the heteronormative, capitalist and racist patriarchy.
Factors Associated with Self-Estimated Breath Alcohol Concentration Among Bar Patrons.

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the context in which drinkers underestimate their breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in natural drinking environments. This study examined factors associated with bar patrons' self-estimated BrAC in high-risk college town settings. METHODS Guided interview and BrAC data were collected from 510 participants recruited as they exited bars located close to large universities: 1 in Florida and 1 in Texas. RESULTS Participants with the highest measured BrACs underestimated their BrAC levels the most. Findings from multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that BrAC (std β = 0.014, p < 0.001), number of alcoholic drinks consumed (std β = 0.006, p < 0.01), and perceived drunkenness (std β = 0.024, p < 0.001) had significant positive associations with BrAC self-estimates, where the regression coefficients were scaled by values approximately equal to each variable's interquartile range. Among the 321 participants with BrAC levels ≥ 0.08 g/dl, 21.2% believed their BrAC was below the legal per se driving limit of 0.08 g/dl. Results from a logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of perceived drunkenness were associated with better self-recognition that one's BrAC level exceeded the legal driving threshold (OR = 3.312, p < 0.001). Further, participants under 26 years of age had reduced odds of recognizing that their BrAC was greater than 0.079 g/dl (OR = 0.245, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the inaccuracy of self-estimated BrAC when drinking, particularly among younger drinkers. Adjusting for BrAC, situational factors were strongly associated with self-estimated BrAC. Future research is needed to better understand how altering drinking environments may improve accuracy of BrAC self-estimates and deter driving after drinking.
Nonlinear load-deflection and stiffness characteristics of coned springs in four primary configurations

Abstract Even though coned disk springs have been used as preload or isolation elements in mechanical design for over a century, prior research has used several simplifying assumptions in determining their static load-deflection relationships and their stiffness properties have been largely ignored. Accordingly, the entire displacement range is considered in this article, from fully unloaded height to flat height under quasi-static loading conditions. Friction is accounted for at the face-to-face disk spring contacts and at the disk spring edge-to-surface contacts, but is ignored in edge-to-edge contacts. New experimental results for a single coned disk element, the primary parallel stack configuration, and two primary series stack configurations are presented. Measured load-deflection characteristics are analyzed in the context of newly defined nine distinct regimes that are motivated by the physics. Hysteresis curves are also examined and compared with a refined load-deflection relation with interfacial and edge friction coefficients. Finally, a continuously nonlinear stiffness expression is analytically derived, which matches well with measurements but only over a limited range of displacements.
Requirements Prioritization in Agile: Use of Planning Poker for Maximizing Return on Investment

Agile Methodologies are gaining popularity at lightning pace and have provided software industry a way to deliver products incrementally at a rapid pace. With an attempt to welcome changing requirements and incremental delivery, requirements prioritization becomes vital for the success of the product and thereby the organization. However, prioritizing requirements can become a nightmare for product owners and there is no easy way to create a product backlog, 1 to n list of prioritized requirements. For an organization to succeed, it is crucial to work first on requirements that are not only of high value to the customer but also require minimum cost and effort in order to maximize their Return On Investment (ROI). Agile values and principles talk about software craftsmanship and ways to write good quality code and thereby minimize introduction of any new technical debt. However, no solution is described on how to handle existing technical debt for legacy projects. To maintain a sustainable pace, technical debt needs to be managed efficiently so that teams are not bogged down. This paper talks about estimating priority using planning poker, modified Fibonacci series cards, and provides a multi-phase solution to create a product backlog in order to maximize ROI. This paper also provides a method of handling and prioritizing technical debt and the impact of non-functional requirements on technical debt prioritization. The solution proposed is then substantiated using an industrial case study.
Neuro-doping: The rise of another loophole to get around anti-doping policies

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the emerging neuro-doping technology and its ability to enhance athletic performance, and to examine the physical and ethical risks associated with the technology. This study also suggests that sports governing bodies charged with anti-doping regulation begin to consider prohibiting the application of electrical stimulus to the brain as a means of physical manipulation aimed at enhancing performance.
Coccidioidomycosis: Increasing Incidence of an “Orphan” Disease in Response to Environmental Changes

The number of cases of reported coccidioidomycosis infection, also known as valley fever, has increased significantly in the southwestern USA since the late 1990s. The causative agent of the disease is a dimorphic, soil-dwelling fungus in the genus Coccidioides with two species C. immitis and C. posadasii that persist in dry soils in the form of arthroconidia that can become airborne when soil is disturbed. Excessive disturbance of native soils in Coccidioides endemic areas in California, Arizona, and also Mexico, mainly due to construction and agriculture, has resulted in increased dust emission in these locations. In addition, the prolonged and ongoing drought in the southwestern USA has led to an increased level of PM10 (particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter) pollution, which resulted in an increase in the amount of airborne arthroconidia of these pathogens which in turn led to the increase in disease incidence. Because coccidioidomycosis is not prevalent in the entire USA, research to elucidate the ecology of the pathogen, medical research to develop a vaccine against the disease, as well as the search for new antifungal drugs with less negative side effects in patients never attracted significant funding in the past. As a result, coccidioidomycosis is often named either an “orphan disease” or a “neglected disease.” In particular, a vaccine to protect humans from the pathogen has been elusive to date, and both accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease have remained difficult. Therefore, prevention of coccidioidomycosis through reasonable reduction of exposure is likely the best way to reduce disease incidence and the associated human, animal, as well as financial losses. Although the causal relationships between environmental factors and disease incidence are not well understood at this time, it is reasonable to assume that arthroconidia of Coccidioides spp. will be affected by factors that impact the organism’s life cycle as well as human exposure to airborne dust sources. The predicted climate change in the southwestern USA to a drier state in the future and increased soil disturbance due to dramatic population increase in Coccidioides endemic areas of California and Arizona will likely lead to further increase of coccidioidomycosis incidence and may even lead to the establishment of the pathogen in other areas where disease incidence has been traditionally low or nonexistent.
Optimizing Temperature and Oxygen Supports Long-term Culture of Human Islets.

Background: Islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type-1 diabetes; however, donor shortage is a concern. Even when a pancreas is available, low islet yield limits the success of transplantation. Islet culture enables pooling of multiple low-yield isolations into an effective islet mass, but isolated islets rapidly deteriorate under conventional culture conditions. Oxygen depletion in the islet core, which leads to central necrosis and volume loss, is one of the major reasons for this deterioration. Methods: To promote long-term culture of human islets in PIM-R medium (used for islet research), we adjusted temperature (12, 22, and 37°C) and oxygen concentration (21% and 50%). We simulated the oxygen distribution in islets based on islet oxygen consumption rate and dissolved oxygen in the medium. We determined the optimal conditions for oxygen distribution and volume maintenance in a 2-week culture and assessed viability and insulin secretion compared to noncultured islets. In vivo islet engraftment was assessed by transplantation into diabetic NOD-SCID mouse kidneys. We validated our results using CMRL 1066 medium (used for clinical islet transplantation). Results: Simulation revealed that 12°C–50% oxygen PIM-R culture supplied oxygen effectively into the islet core. This condition maintained islet volume at >90% for 2 weeks. There were no significant differences in viability and function in vitro or diabetic reversal rate in vivo between 2-week cultured and noncultured islets. Similar results were obtained using CMRL 1066. Conclusion: By optimizing temperature and oxygen concentration, we cultured human islets for 2 weeks with minimal loss of volume and function.
Moms in medicine: Job satisfaction among physician-mothers in obstetrics and gynecology

BACKGROUND Physician satisfaction is linked to positive patient outcomes. Mothers form an increasing fraction of the obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn) workforce. OBJECTIVE Define factors that affect physician satisfaction among ob/gyn physicians who are also mothers. METHODS We constructed and validated a Redcap survey and invited members of online ob/gyn-mom groups to participate. Characteristics of participants' professional and personal lives were evaluated for possible association with the satisfaction outcomes. Comparison testing was performed using Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, Student's t-test for parametric variables, and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test for non-parametric variables. RESULTS Responses were received from 232 participants. A majority reported being unsatisfied with their time to spend with children (66%), partner (70%), and on personal hobbies/activites (75%). Eighty-percent rate professional morale as very/somewhat positive. Women who rated their morale as very/somewhat positive worked fewer hours per week than women with neutral/negative responses (43.6 vs 49.7, p = 0.01). Women with positive morale were also less likely to work over 50 h/week (39.5% vs 56.8%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Ob/gyn physician-mothers have high professional morale but are dissatisfied with time for extra-professional activities. Longer clinical hours correlate with dissatisfaction based on several measurements.
Regulation of Human Cellular Immune Responses by Glucocorticosteroids

That glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are involved in the regulation of the immune response was implied by Dr. Addison as early as the 1850’s, in his observations on disease states which today carry his name. It was not until the 1930’s when it was demonstrated that GCS exhibit powerful thymolytic and lympholytic activities in vivo and later on (1940’s) in vitro. During the decade of 1940 Hench and his colleagues reported spectacular therapeutic effects of cortisone in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (1). During the next decade GCS were used extensively in the treatment of various immune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus. During the 1960’s several investigators started intensive studies aimed at the dissection of the metabolic effects of GCS on several cells (2–4). The decade of 1970’s saw elegant studies which addressed the question of the immunoregulation associated with GCS both in vitro and in vivo (5–8). GCS have been found to modulate every phase of human and animal immune responses. Several described effects of GCS on different phases of the immune response cannot be easily integrated to define the precise mechanism(s) of action of these agents. Studies in animals have helped significantly the understanding of the mode of action of GCS. The ultimate understanding of the modulation of the human immune response has been impeded by the different concentration ranges which obtain optimal effects in vivo and in vitro. In addition the interspecies differences in tissue sensitivity to GCS makes extrapolation of results from animal studies to humans difficult (8,9). The present chapter will update the current knowledge of the effects of GCS on the cellular immune response, i.e. effects on peripheral mononuclear cells, cytotoxic and proliferative responses, suppressor cell function, lymphokine production and B lymphocyte responses.
A Compartmental Model of the Cochlear Nucleus Stellate Cell: Responses to Constant and Amplitude-Modulated Tones

We developed a biologically plausible, compartmental model of stellate cells in the cochlear nucleus (CN) to investigate the effects of synaptic distribution on spike activity using constant and amplitude-modulated (AM) tones. Differences in the spatial distribution of excitatory auditory nerve (AN) inputs and inhibitory non-cochlear inputs evoke a range of post-stimulus time histogram (PSTH) chopper responses from sustained to transient to onset. These simulations illustrate how intrinsic membrane properties and non-linear dendritic processing of AN inputs determine the temporal responses characteristic of stellate cells observed in PSTHs and modulation transfer functions (MTFs).
Types of Fractures in Children

This chapter provides a summary of the various types of fractures seen in children. It serves as a basis for later evaluation of these fractures at different sites in the body.
Long-run overweight levels and convergence in body mass index.

Abstract We evaluate the hypothesis of convergence to an optimal long-run body weight worldwide. We formulate a simple rational non-addiction eating model to derive a testable equation that allows us to verify the existence of a long-run body weight as well as its estimation. We use a database of body mass index (BMI) estimates across countries over four decades published by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration. We find that BMIs converge among European countries but not in the rest of the world. Consistent with the theoretical model, our long-run estimates suggest that European nations will show an average BMI above healthy levels. In particular, females and males will show average BMIs classified as overweight levels (BMI = 28.3). Confidence intervals and sensitivity analysis suggest that males might reach long-term BMI levels associated with obesity (BMI > 30). We discuss the implications of our findings from the perspectives of health economics and economic development.
Radiation-balanced Yb:YAG disk laser.

A radiation-balanced Yb:YAG disk laser is demonstrated in an intracavity pumping geometry. Detailed analysis of the data reveals the feasibility of using the multi-kilowatt level “athermal” disk lasers with minimal modal instabilities, which arise from thermal lensing.
A large retrospective analysis of CDK 4/6 inhibitor retreatment in ER+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

1053Background: Sequential retreatment with endocrine therapy (ET) has been the clinical paradigm for ER+ MBC due to persistent dependence on hormone signaling. Recently CDK4/6i + ET have improved ...
idPAD: Paper Analytical Device for Presumptive Identification of Illicit Drugs.

As drug overdose deaths across the United States continue to rise, there is increasing interest in field testing of illicit substances. This work discusses a paper-based analytical device (idPAD) that can run a library of 12 colorimetric tests at the same time, each detecting different chemical functional groups and materials found in illicit drugs, distractor substances, and cutting agents. The idPAD requires no electricity, costs less than $2 USD, and requires minimal training to operate. The results of the 12 tests form a color barcode which is "read" by comparison to standard images. The accuracy of the idPAD was assessed using samples of heroin, cocaine HCl, crack, and methamphetamine at concentrations of 25%-100% in a lactose matrix, as well as pure lactose. Based on 840 "reads" by three different users, the idPAD showed 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting these drugs; the most common error was mistaking cocaine HCl for crack or crack for cocaine HCl. In a second step, samples of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine (n = 30) and distractor substances (pharmaceuticals, cutting agents, and other illicit drugs, n = 64) were tested by two readers, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97%. Targeted substances were detected reliably at 55-180 μg/lane, and the idPAD was found to be stable for at least 3 months when stored at room temperature. The library approach used in the idPAD may provide the accuracy and robustness necessary for a presumptive field drug test.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Infants Undergoing Truncus Arteriosus Repair.

Background Infants undergoing truncus arteriosus (TA) repair suffer one of the highest mortality rates of all congenital heart defects. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can support patients undergoing TA repair, but little is known about factors contributing to mortality in this cohort. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for mortality in infants with TA requiring perioperative ECMO. Methods Data from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization from 2002 to 2017 for infants less than 60 days old undergoing TA repair were analyzed. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and ECMO characteristics and complications were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate independent risk factors for mortality. Results Of 245 patients analyzed, 92 (37.6%) survived to discharge. Nonsurvivors had a lower weight and a longer ECMO duration. A higher proportion of nonsurvivors suffered complications on ECMO, including mechanical complications, circuit thrombus, bleeding, and need for renal replacement therapy. In multivariable analysis lower weight (odds ratio [OR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.95), duration of ECMO (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.02-1.18), need for renal replacement therapy (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.68-6.2), cardiopulmonary resuscitation on ECMO (OR, 11.52; 95% CI, 1.3-102.33), and infection on ECMO (OR, 4.47; 95% CI, 1.2-16.64) were independently associated with mortality. Conclusions Many factors associated with mortality for infants requiring perioperative ECMO with TA repair are related to complications suffered on ECMO. Thoughtful patient selection and meticulous ECMO management to prevent complications are essential in improving outcomes for these infants.
Subpicosecond HI elimination in the 266 nm photodissociation of branched iodoalkanes.

The 266 nm photodissociation dynamics of 1-iodopropane and 2-iodopropane were studied using photofragment translational energy spectroscopy using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoionization and electron impact ionization detection of products. The photochemistry of 1-iodopropane was found to be similar to that of iodomethane and iodoethane, with dominant production of I*(2P1/2), and no evidence ( 10.5%. The anisotropy (β) parameters for all channels approached the limiting value of 2.0, indicating that 1,2-HI elimination occurs on subpicosecond timescales, like direct C–I bond fission, following excitation to 3Q0. The HI translational energy and angular distributions were similar to those for I(2P3/2), suggesting that motion of the heavy I atom in HI is largely derived from the repulsive nature of the 1Q1 surface correlating to R + I with the light H atom picked up by ground state I late in the exit channel producing highly vibrationally excited HI.
Wake measurements of a dechirper jaw with nonzero tilt angle

The RadiaBeam/SLAC dechirper at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) is being used as a fast kicker, by inducing transverse wakefields, to, e.g., facilitate Fresh-slice, two-color laser operation. The dechirper jaws are independently adjustable at both ends, and it is difficult to avoid leaving residual (longitudinal) tilt in them during setup. In this report we develop a model independent method of removing unknown tilt in a jaw. In addition, for a short uniform bunch passing by a single dechirper plate, we derive an explicit analytical formula for the transverse wake kick as function of average plate offset and tilt angle. We perform wake kick measurements for the different dechirper jaws of the RadiaBeam/SLAC dechirper, and find that the agreement between measurement and theory is excellent.
African Americans Demonstrate Significantly Lower Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Compared to Non-African Americans.

Normal ranges of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) may vary by race. However, results from research studies are contradictory, and many of these studies have included only small numbers of African Americans. We investigated ALT values in patients without evidence of liver disease to determine whether normal ranges differ across race groups. We also evaluated whether a race- and sex-dependent upper limit of normal (ULN) would improve the ability of ALT to predict liver disease compared to the sex-dependent ULN currently in use. We identified ICD9 codes for liver conditions and diabetes in medical records from a sample of 6719 patients. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences in ALT log-transformed distributions by race. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether the addition of race to the current sex-dependent ULN improves the ability of ALT to predict liver disease (assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC)). Among 1200 patients with BMI 18.5 < 25 and no evidence of liver disease or type 2 diabetes in their medical record, African Americans demonstrated significantly lower ALT (23.47 IU/L; 95% CL 22.87–24.10) than a combined group of Asian American/White/Other patients (25.71 IU/L; 95% CL 24.69–26.77). This difference remained across BMI categories. The race- and sex-dependent model demonstrated significantly better predictive ability than the sex-dependent model (AUROC = 66.6% versus 59.6%, respectively; p < 0.0001). In a large, racially diverse sample, African Americans demonstrated significantly lower ALT compared to non-African Americans; this difference remained as BMI increased. The establishment of race-specific normal ranges for ALT could contribute to better screening and care for African American patients.
Partitioned GMMLogistic Regression Models for Longitudinal Data

This chapter presents the Partitioned GMM marginal model estimates for time-dependent covariates. It utilizes a recent test for valid moment conditions. Instead of grouping the valid moment conditions to obtain an average effect of the covariate on the response, a partitioning of the moment conditions is explored. This partitioning produces extra regression parameters for each covariate, with insight into each of the time-varying relationships inherent to longitudinal data. The moment conditions are grouped based on the time lag between the covariate and the response. Assume that the observations are correlated and the moment conditions are identified.
Ultra-Sensitive Microwave-Photonic Optical Fiber Interferometry Based on Phase-Shift Amplification

This paper proposes phase-shift-amplified optical fiber interferometry based on microwave photonics (MWP) for sensing applications with substantially-improved sensitivity. The principal idea of the system combines a destructive interference-based phase-shift amplification technique with optical carrier-based microwave interferometry (OCMI). The phase sensitivity of the OCMI system is significantly improved due to the phase amplifier, and more importantly, can be adjusted by simply varying the amplitude ratio of the two beams used in the interferometer. The amplification of the phase sensitivity is numerically investigated and experimentally demonstrated using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer for temperature and strain measurements. The measurement results accurately match theoretical predictions. Moreover, we demonstrate that light-scattering dots in the optical fiber core, created by tightly-focused femtosecond laser pulses, can be used to precisely tune the amplitude ratio of the two-beam interferometer. We postulate that amplification of several orders of magnitude in phase sensitivity can be achieved in the OCMI system by employing micromachining methods.
Using fractal self-similarity to increase precision of shrub biomass estimates.

We show that aerial tips are self-similar fractals of whole shrubs and present a field method that applies this fact to improves accuracy and precision of biomass estimates of tall-shrubs, defined here as those with diameter at root collar (DRC) ≥ 2.5 cm. Power function allometry of biomass to stem diameter generates a disproportionate prediction error that increases rapidly with diameter. Thus, biomass should be modeled as a single measure of stem diameter only if stem diameter is less than a threshold Dmax . When stem diameter exceeds Dmax , then the stem internode should be treated as a conic frustrum requiring two additional measures: a second, node-adjacent diameter and a length. If the second diameter is less than Dmax , then the power function allometry can be applied to the aerial tip; otherwise an additional internode is measured. This "two-component" allometry-internodes as frustra and aerial tips as shrubs-can reduce estimated biomass error propagated to the plot-level by as much as 50% or more where very large shrubs are present Dmax is any diameter such that the ratio of single-component to two-component uncertainty exceeds the ratio of two-component to single-component measurement time. Guidelines for estimating Dmax based on pilot field data are provided. Tall shrubs are increasing in abundance and distribution across Arctic, alpine, boreal, and dryland ecosystems. Estimating their biomass is important for both ecological studies and carbon accounting. Reducing field-sample prediction error increases precision in multi-stage modeling because additional measures efficiently improve plot-level biomass precision, reducing uncertainty for shrub biomass estimates.
What is Literary Activism? (Or Who keeps the housekeepers’ house?)

In August 2016, a four-day workshop brought together emerging and established African curators in Kampala under the label, the Arts Managers and Literary Entrepreneurs Workshop (AMLEW) to share kno...
Biosynthesis of linear protein nanoarrays using the flagellar axoneme

Applications in biotechnology and synthetic biology often make use of soluble proteins, but there are many potential advantages to anchoring enzymes to a stable substrate, including stability and the possibility for substrate channeling. To avoid the necessity of protein purification and chemical immobilization, there has been growing interest in bio-assembly of protein-containing nanoparticles, exploiting the self-assembly of viral capsid proteins or other proteins that form polyhedral structures. But these nanoparticle are limited in size which constrains the packaging and the accessibility of the proteins. The axoneme, the insoluble protein core of the eukaryotic flagellum or cilium, is a highly ordered protein structure that can be several microns in length, orders of magnitude larger than other types of nanoparticles. We show that when proteins of interest are fused to specific axonemal proteins and expressed in living cells, they become incorporated into linear arrays which have the advantages of high protein loading capacity, high stability, and single-step purification with retention of biomass. The arrays can be isolated as membrane enclosed vesicle or as exposed protein arrays. The approach is demonstrated for both fluorescent proteins and enzymes, and in the latter case it is found that incorporation into axoneme arrays provides increased stability for the enzyme.
Eye-Tracking Technology for Estimation of Cognitive Load After Traumatic Brain Injury

The goal of this study was to develop an eye-tracking based tool to measure cognitive effort as an approach to assess injury-related changes in brain function. A set of novel tasks were developed to examine changes in manual and saccadic reaction time under varying levels of cognitive load and cuing conditions. Twenty-six healthy individuals completed these working memory and continuous monitoring tasks while eye movements were recorded. Results indicate that these tasks, in combination with eye-tracking measures, are sensitive to cognitive difficulty as manual and saccadic response times increased under the higher load and invalid cuing conditions. These procedures show promise for utility in measuring cognitive effort and track the subtle changes associated with mild TBI.
Parallel Computation Models — Some Useful Questions

The Webster New Collegiate Dictionary defines the word model as, among other things, (1) a mathematical description of an entity; and (2) a pattern of something to be made. Scientists use the word in the first sense; their models are descriptive. Engineers use the word in the second sense; their models are prescriptive. Computer scientists, which are a little bit of both, use it in a hybrid sense: A computing model is an idealized description of real computers. This is the prevaling sense in areas with well established paradigms, such as sequential computing (with the Von Neumann computer paradigm). Computing models are also a prescription of how computers could, or should be built. This aspect is more important in parallel processing, where various paradigms are competing. Has complexity theory a role to play in the selection of such prescriptive model?
Ideais Contestados: entendendo as divergências morais sobre política educacional

No dia 23 de junho de 2003, a Suprema Corte dos Estados Unidos decidiu que a consideracao de raca e etnia na selecao de alunos para as universidades e constitucional'. Seria de se esperar que, apos essa decisao, os campos adversarios no debate sobre a acao afirmativa dariam sua disputa por encerrada. Mas nao foi isso que aconteceu. As decisoes sobre os dois casos da Universidade de Michigan nao encerraram o intenso conflito moral e politico sobre a acao afirmativa. Na verdade, a principal estrategia dos adversarios mudou: deixaram de lado os processos judiciais e passaram a promover plebiscitos em nivel estadual. O debate em tomo do tema e exemplo de uma duradoura divergencia de ordem moral que, provoca profundo conflito acerca de ideais como os da igualdade e da liberdade. O objetivo deste trabalho e examinar as raizes politicas e morais de divergencias sobre politicas educacionais. Meu argumento e que a compreensao da natureza da divergencia moral enriquece a discussao a respeito de controversias especificas, ligadas a politicas de tratamento etico dos estudantes. A fim de esclarecer os termos da divergencia moral sobre a acao afirmativa, investigo de que forma as principais teorias politicas de justica, que dominam o debate - a teoria politica libertaria e a teoria politica igualitaria - interpretam os ideais morais de igualdade e liberdade. Depois, examino a relacao entre a divergencia moral e a politica educacional, dedicando especial atencao a razao pela qual e importante entender e tratar desse tema.
A novel common mode multi-phase half-wave semi-synchronous rectifier for inductive power transfer applications

In this study, a novel common mode multi-phase half-wave semi-synchronous rectifier is investigated for applications in wireless energy transfer. The circuit is intended to alleviate variations of the load resistance or coupling coefficient factor while maintaining high efficiency. The proposed rectifier structure is based on the connection of semi-controlled multiple half-wave rectifier topology through multiple inductors. The receiver side semi-synchronous switches are controlled to increase the system efficiency by a symmetrical phase-shifted PWM signals in response to load variations. A 700 W laboratory prototype system is designed to validate the proposed topology in terms of current, power, and efficiency. Experimental results are provided for various loads using 8 inches air gap coreless transformer, which has dimension 2.5 by 2.5 feet, with a 120 V input and a maximum efficiency of 94.8 %.
Digital Neural Networks

1. Overview. 2. Neural Networks for Representation. 3. Unsupervised Networks for Association/Classification. 4. Supervised Networks for Classification. 5. Neural Networks for Generalization/Restoration. 6. Neural Net and Conventional Optimization Techniques. 7. Special-Purpose Supercomputers for Neural Nets.
MAST: manufacturing agent simulation tool

After a brief introduction to the area of holonic and multi-agent solutions for manufacturing, an agent-based simulation tool for manufacturing systems is presented. Programmed in JAVA and built on top of the JADE agent platform, the tool is designed mainly for the simulations of material handling systems. The user is provided with the agents for basic material handling components as for instance manufacturing-cell, conveyor belt, diverter, AGV etc. Combining these components together in the simulation GUI, various material handling system configurations can be modeled. In the simulation phase, the transportation of discrete entities among manufacturing cells is carried out by agents. The agents cooperate together via message sending using common knowledge ontology developed for material handling domain. Strong emphasis is laid on the failure detection and recovery and the dynamic reconfiguration issues.
All Work and No Play

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
On the Dirac monopole's concept

The Dirac monopole is discussed in view of the gauge invariance in Quantum Electrodynamics. It is shown the monopole existence implies the violation of the gauge invariance principle. The monopole field is essentially a longitudinal field and so a mass is naturally associated to it. Interpretation for the case the monopole charge is different from zero is addressed at the conclusion.
Preparation, Culture, and Immortalization of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts

Genetically manipulated transgenic and gene-targeted mouse models are indispensible tools used in defining the role of genes in development and organ function. Similarly, cells isolated from these mice bear the same genetic alterations and therefore can be extremely useful for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms and regulatory gene networks involving the mutated gene under well defined culture conditions. In this unit, detailed protocols regarding isolation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from mouse embryos, culture of MEFs, and immortalization of MEFs are described. These protocols should be particularly useful to those investigators who intend to establish primarily cultured MEFs and to immortalize primary MEFs into stable cell cultures with a permanent growth feature from wild-type and mutant mouse embryos.
Voriconazole: the newest triazole antifungal agent

Fungal infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality despite advances in medicine and the emergence of new antifungal agents (1). Immunocompromised patients are particularly at risk of developing these infections, with Candida and Aspergillus spp. being the mycoses most commonly identified (2). Patients who develop candidemia have a greater chance of prolonged hospitalization and have a mortality rate as high as 60%. In addition, the prevalence of Candida spp. that are resistant to triazole antifungal agents is increasing, making treatment options a concern. Aspergillosis carries a 100% mortality rate if left untreated (3). Although there are numerous treatment options, no broad-spectrum antifungal agents with an acceptable safety profile and with both intravenous and oral formulations are available at this time. Amphotericin B is currently the drug of choice for the treatment of systemic infections caused by Aspergillus and Candida spp. (2–4). However, the high incidence of toxicity associated with amphotericin B has limited its use in many patients. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B are better tolerated than conventional amphotericin B and have similar efficacy. However, these agents are costly and are generally reserved for second-line therapy in patients who did not respond to or could not tolerate conventional amphotericin B therapy. Caspofungin, an echinocandin antifungal agent, has in vitro activity against Aspergillus and Candida spp. However, due to a lack of clinical trials, it is generally reserved for aspergillosis that is refractory to other antifungal treatment. Fluconazole and itraconazole are triazole antifungal agents used in the treatment of fungal infections. They have both intravenous and oral formulations and favorable safety profiles. However, the triazoles' spectrum of activity is somewhat limited. Fluconazole is active mainly against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Itraconazole is most active against Aspergillus spp. and has greater activity than fluconazole against resistant strains of Candida spp. other than C. albicans (2). Voriconazole is the newest agent in the armamentarium against fungal infections. It is a triazole antifungal with a structure related to that of fluconazole and a spectrum of activity comparable to that of itraconazole. Voriconazole was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May 2002 for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and refractory infections of Scedosporium apiospermum and Fusarium spp. Studies have also shown it to be a promising agent for empiric treatment in febrile neutropenia.
Cleavage of Plasmid DNA by Eukaryotic Topoisomerase II

Topoisomerase II is an essential enzyme that is required for a number of critical nuclear processes. All of the catalytic functions of topoisomerase II require the enzyme to generate a transient double-stranded break in the backbone of the double helix. To maintain genomic integrity during the cleavage event, topoisomerase II forms covalent bonds between active site tyrosyl residues and the newly generated 5'-DNA termini. In addition to the critical cellular functions of the type II enzyme, several important anticancer drugs kill cells by increasing levels of covalent topoisomerase II-DNA cleavage complexes. Due to the physiological importance of topoisomerase II and its role in cancer chemotherapy, several methods have been developed to monitor the in vitro DNA cleavage activity of the type II enzyme. The plasmid-based system described in this chapter quantifies enzyme-mediated double-stranded DNA cleavage by monitoring the conversion of covalently closed supercoiled DNA to linear molecules. The assay is simple, straightforward, and does not require the use of radiolabeled substrates.