cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical layer security in fiber-optic networks using optical signal processing

Using optical processing techniques, we experimentally enhance the physical layer security of optical communication systems. We exploit optical encryption using fiber nonlinearity to achieve real time data encryption. By implementing interleaved waveband switching modulation and variable two-code keying to the system, the security of the data is further enhanced. Based on spread spectrum, we also demonstrate optical steganography such that the stealth signal is transmitted underneath system noise. Optical steganography in WDM and optical CDMA systems is experimentally demonstrated. We also propose and study optical CDMA-based backup channels that improve service availability without wasting the bandwidth in the backup channel. The multi-layered security provided improves the confidentiality and availability of the network.
Structures of Bromoinated Oligothiophenes and Ethylenedioxythiophenes: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

In this work, we report the results of solid state structural study of a series of oligothiophenes and ethylenedioxythiophenes (EDOT) endowed with bromine atoms at different positions and in the presence/absence of the strong electron acceptor, the tricyanovinyl group (TCV). Five new compounds were synthesized, crystallized and their single crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. The impact of bromine atom(s) on solid state packing as viewed through analysis of intermolecular interactions is presented. Comparative study using experimental, computed and published data of closely related structures shows intra-molecular interactions involving Br in the presence of TCV and EDOT. Distances shorter that the summation of the Van der Waals radii were observed which indicate the role of Br…NC, S…S and Br…Br interactions in addition to pi stack formation and planarity of these compounds due to the presence of strong electron acceptors. Possible implications of how these structural features may impact charge transport in oligothiophenes will be discussed.
Viral and Immunologic Examination of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1—Infected, Persistently Seronegative Persons

Persons who were human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected but who remained persistently seronegative (HIPS) on HIV-1 antibody tests were examined through AIDS case surveillance. Six such individuals (HIPS-1 to -4, -7, and -9) were examined to determine whether their persistent seronegativity was attributable to immune dysfunction or infection with atypical HIV. Of the 6, 4 had antibody titers to at least 1 other common pathogen. In vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIPS-4 and HIPS-7 with pokeweed mitogen or phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (direct B cell mitogen) did not produce HIV-1-specific antibody. Reconstitution experiments with recombinant interleukin (rIL)-4 and rIL-12 also had no impact on antibody production. Virus isolates from HIPS-4 and -9 were R5X4-tropic, whereas HIPS-7 was CCR5-tropic only. Sequence analysis of long terminal repeat, p24, and env gp41 did not reveal any specific mutation, and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all 6 virus specimens were HIV-1 subtype B. These data suggest that the lack of a detectable antibody response in these patients may be the result of immune dysfunction.
Association of staphylococcal type-1 capsule-encoding genes with a discrete genetic element

Abstract Previous studies have shown that 13 genes located in a 14.6-kb region of the chromosome of Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) M are required for type-1 capsular polysaccharide (CP1) biosynthesis. In this report, a total of 17 Sa strains producing different CP serotypes were analyzed by Southern hybridization using DNA probes from the cap1 coding region and the flanking sequences. The results showed that the sequence encoding cap1 genes was specific to CP1-producing strains. In addition, DNA regions of at least 18 kb flanking the cap1 genes were absent in most of the non-type-I strains. These data suggest that the cap1 genes are associated with a chromosomally located discrete genetic element. One end of the element, referred to as the cap1 element, is located in a 1.7-kb fragment about 11.1 kb upstream from the first gene of the cap1 locus and the other end is located in a 0.8-kb region about 7.6 kb downstream from the last gene of the cap1 locus. Thus, the size of the cap1 element is between 33.3 and 35.8 kb.
Increase of γ-glutamyl-β-alanyl-histidine isopeptide in the macromolecular fraction of model chicken extract during heating and distribution in commercial chicken extracts

Abstract Changes in the amino acid composition and contents of gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanyl-histidine isopeptide in the macromolecular fraction were measured during heating of chicken extract. Increases of histidine, 1-methylhistidine, and beta-alanine were observed, suggesting that carnosine and anserine were incorporated into the macromolecular fraction. The increase of gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanylhistidine isopeptide in the macromolecular fraction of chicken extract was also observed during the heating process. Furthermore, measurement of gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanylhistidine isopeptide in commercial chicken extract showed that all kinds of chicken extract contained the above isopeptide (from 0.09 to 0.31 micromol/g DM in the macromolecular fraction). These results suggest that the formation of gamma-glutamyl-beta-alanyl-histidine and related isopeptides occur during heating of chicken extract.
Blood pressure responsiveness to obstructive events during sleep after chronic CPAP

The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) affects blood pressure (BP) responsiveness to obstructive events occurring on the first night of CPAP withdrawal in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) after chronic treatment. Thirteen male subjects with severe OSA underwent nocturnal polysomnography with beat­by­beat BP monitoring before treatment and after 4.9±3.4 months of home CPAP (mean daily use 5.1±1.7 h). Variations in oxyhaemoglobin saturation (Δ S a,O2), systolic (Δ P s), and diastolic (Δ P d) BP within nonrapid eye movement apnoeas and hypopnoeas were measured on a sample of pre­ and post­treatment events. In addition, a pretreatment sample was selected for Δ S a,O2 to match post­treatment events. The higher the mean Δ S a,O2 was in the full pretreatment sample, the more Δ S a,O2, Δ P s and Δ P d were attenuated after treatment. Mean Δ P s decreased from 47.3±8.5 in the full pretreatment sample to 42.2±6.9 in the selected pretreatment sample, to 31.5±5.9 mmHg in the post­treatment sample. The post­treatment value differed significantly from both the pretreatment values. The corresponding values for mean Δ P d were 27.0±3.5, 24.0±3.1 and 19.6±3.7 mmHg, with all values differing significantly from each other. Chronic continuous positive airway pressure is followed by a decrease in apnoea/hypopnoea­related blood pressure swings, possibly secondary to both reduced severity of event­related hypoxaemia and decreased responsiveness to obstructive events secondary to chronic prevention of nocturnal intermittent hypoxaemia. This study was performed for the “Protocollo d'intesa della Ricerca Finalizzata 2000”, developed with Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Convenzione ICS 030.7/RF 00.80.
Effects of Varying Explanations Given for a Provocation on Subsequent Hostility

Groups of junior high school students were highly criticized by the experimenter for their supposedly poor performance on a creative task, and another person then gave varying explanations for the ...
New perspectives on morphological variation in tridactyl footprints: clues to widespread convergence in developmental dynamics

It is well-known that the phalangeal formulae of the feet of dinosaurs and other vertebrates are relatively consistent within any given clade. Indeed, such similarities are part of the basis for alpha taxonomy (e.g., bird and non-avian theropod relationships). Developmental studies of the vertebrate foot support the view that morphological similarity owes as much to intrinsic (formal) developmental dynamics as to extrinsic (functional) influences. Thus, the morphologies of ornithopod, non-avian theropod and most bird feet are convergent (especially with respect to digits II-IV) despite significant differences in size and functional adaptation. Despite these "general" convergences, "detailed" variation in the morphology of tridactyl, mesaxonic, Triassic through recent non-avian dinosaur and bird tracks has allowed the diagnosis of hundreds of ichnotaxa, as well as the recognition of nearly continuous subtle variation in modern bird tracks. Several studies characterize this variation by measuring how far digit III projects anteriorly beyond lateral digit IV and medial digit II, creating an "anterior triangle" between the tips of digits II, III and IV (Weems, 1992). Differences in this projection of digit III highlight a polarity between strong mesaxony (strong central tendency) and weak mesaxony (weak central tendency). Early studies (Olsen, 1980) suggested that as theropod tracks in the Grallator-Eubrontes plexus increase in size, they shift from narrow to wide and from strongly to weakly mesaxonic. However, such polarities also reiterate (independent of size) among medium-sized and diminutive theropod tracks (e.g., Minisauripus). Such polarity also recurs among ornithopods, and is equally striking in extant birds (e.g., between passerines and members of the charadriiformes). Such "intrinsic" differences can only be partially attributed to functional variation in digit divarication caused by foot-substrate interaction. Moreover, such polarities in foot morphology give important clues to whole limb and whole body proportions, and suggest an intrinsic "lawfulness" to patterns of convergence.
A Critical Process Controlled by MalT and OmpR Is Revealed through Synthetic Lethality

The death of cells harboring defects in two distinct pathways implicates these pathways in the control of an essential process. Here we report that cells lacking OmpR and harboring constitutively active MalT undergo premature death that involves increased expression of the outer membrane porin LamB.
Pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery: risk factors, patient profiles, and contemporary management.

Background We aimed to review recent experience at our institution in the diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery and to identify risk factors for its development. Methods We searched our clinical database for patients 18 years or older who had cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 1993 through 2005. For patients with pericardial effusion (study group), medical records were reviewed to evaluate its manifestations and management. To identify risk factors for effusion, study patients were compared with patients without effusions. A second analysis compared the study group with a cohort without effusions who had routine postoperative echocardiographic examination. Results Of 21,416 patients identified, 327 (1.5%) had pericardial effusion (study group), 280 (86%) of whom had nonspecific symptoms. Clinical features of tamponade were documented in 138 patients (42%). Effusions were evacuated by echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis (n = 169, 52%) or surgical drainage (n = 75, 23%). Effusion resolved after left thoracocentesis for pleural effusion in 3 patients (1%); 67 patients (20%) were treated conservatively. In 13 cases (4%), recurrent effusion required drainage after initial pericardiocentesis. Independent risk factors for effusion were larger body surface area, pulmonary thromboembolism, hypertension, immunosuppression, renal failure, urgency of operation, cardiac operation other than coronary artery bypass grafting, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass. Previous cardiac operations were associated with lower risk of effusion. Conclusions In our study, pericardial effusion occurred in 1.5% of patients, and symptoms were nonspecific. Several factors, mainly related to preoperative characteristics and type of operation, predispose patients to effusion. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is effective and safe in these patients.
Roach Infestation Optimization

There are many function optimization algorithms based on the collective behavior of natural systems - Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) are two of the most popular. This paper presents a new adaptation of the PSO algorithm, entitled Roach Infestation Optimization (RIO), that is inspired by recent discoveries in the social behavior of cockroaches. We present the development of the simple behaviors of the individual agents, which emulate some of the discovered cockroach social behaviors. We also describe a ldquohungryrdquo version of the PSO and RIO, which we aptly call Hungry PSO and Hungry RIO. Comparisons with standard PSO show that Hungry PSO, RIO, and Hungry RIO are all more effective at finding the global optima of a suite of test functions.
Foam separation of complex anions: Silver thiosulfate

An experimental study is conducted of the ion flotation of Ag(S2O3)– and Ag(S2O3)23– from an aqueous solution at pH 4.5 with a cationic surfactant. For initial solutions 2.0 × 10−3 to 8.0 × 10−3 M in total silver, optimum silver flotation at foam cesssation is achieved at a molar thiosulfate to silver ratio (Th/Ag) of 0.75 and surfactant to silver ratio (EHDA/Ag) of 0.5, at Th/Ag = 1.0 and EHDA/Ag = 1.1, and at Th/Ag = 2.0 and EHDA/Ag = 2.2. The silver flotation is 99+, 98+, and 92+ % at the three sets of ratios, respectively. At Th/Ag > 2.0, highly efficient flotation cannot be achieved due to decreased particle size, and perhaps by competition with free S2O32− for the surfactant. The stoichiometry of the ion flotation product is established from relative silver and surfactant flotation rates. The stoichiometry is independent of foaming time, but is a strong linear function of EHDA/Ag and Th/Ag, in contrast to the stoichiometry of flotation products of other simple and complex anions. Rate data can be fit reasonably by a first-order reversible model. The rate constant is an inverse function of EHDA/Ag, indicating the desirability of pulsed surfactant addition. Results are discussed in terms of the average ligand number of silver, particle size, and surface potential measurements.
Controlling the selection stringency of phage display using a microfluidic device

We report the utilization of microfluidic technology to phage selection and demonstrate that accurate control of washing stringency in our microfluidic magnetic separator (MMS) directly impacts the diversity of isolated peptide sequences. Reproducible generation of magnetic and fluidic forces allows controlled washing conditions that enable rapid convergence of selected peptide sequences. These findings may provide a foundation for the development of automated microsystems for rapid in vitro directed evolution of affinity reagents.
Optimized Dispersion Compensation Using Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) can compensate for linear distortions, such as group-velocity dispersion (GVD) and polarization-mode dispersion (PMD), provided the cyclic prefix is sufficiently long. Typically, GVD is dominant, as it requires a longer cyclic prefix. Assuming coherent detection, we show how to analytically compute the minimum number of subcarriers and cyclic prefix length required to achieve a specified power penalty, trading off power penalties from the cyclic prefix and from residual inter-symbol interference (ISI) and inter-carrier interference (ICI). We derive an analytical expression for the power penalty from residual ISI and ICI.
A new grand mean palaeomagnetic pole for the 1.11 ga umkondo large igneous province with implications for palaeogeography and the geomagnetic field

© The Authors 2015. We present a new grand mean palaeomagnetic pole (Plong: 222.1°, Plat: -64.0°, A95: 2.6°, N = 49) for the ca. 1110 Ma Umkondo large igneous province (LIP) of the Kalahari Craton. Newpalaeomagnetic data from 24 sills in Botswana and compiled reprocessed existing data are used to develop a palaeomagnetic pole as the Fisher mean of cooling unit virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs). The mean and its associated uncertainty provide the best-constrained pole yet developed for the province. Comparing data from individual cooling units allows for evaluation of palaeosecular variation at this time in the Mesoproterozoic. The elongation of the population of VGPs is consistent with that predicted by the TK03.GAD model lending support to the dipolar nature of the field in the late Mesoproterozoic. In our new compilation, 4 of 59 (~7 per cent) of the igneous units have northerly declinations while the rest are southdirected indicating that a geomagnetic reversal occurred duringmagmatic activity. Interpreting which of these polarities corresponds with a normal or reversed geomagnetic field relative to other continents can constrain the relative orientations between cratons with time-equivalent data. This interpretation is particularly important in comparison to Laurentia as it bears on Kalahari's involvement and position in the supercontinent Rodinia. The dominance of southdirected declinations within the Umkondo Province was previously used to suggest that these directions are the same polarity as reversed directions from the early magmatic stage of the Keweenawan Midcontinent Rift of Laurentia. Two Umkondo sills with northerly declinations have U-Pb baddeleyite ages of ca. 1109 Ma that are temporally close to dated Midcontinent Rift units having reversed directions. Based on this comparison, and palaeomagnetic data from younger units in the Kalahari Craton, we favour the option in which the sites with northerly declinations from the Umkondo Province correspond to the reversed polarity directions from the early magmatic stage in the Midcontinent Rift. This interpretation allows for the Namaqua-Natal metamorphic belt of Kalahari to be a conjugate to the Grenville margin of North America and for Kalahari to have become conjoined with Laurentia within the supercontinent Rodinia subsequent to Umkondo LIP magmatic activity.
An examination of the elastic properties of tissue-mimicking phantoms using vibro-acoustography and a muscle motor system

Tissue hardness, often quantified in terms of elasticity, is an important differentiating criterion for pathological identity and is extensively used by surgeons for tumor localization. Delineation of malignant regions from benign regions is typically performed by visual inspection and palpation. Although practical, this method is highly subjective and does not provide quantitative metrics. We have previously reported on Vibro-Acoustography (VA) for tumor delineation. VA is unique in that it uses the specific, non-linear properties of tumor tissue in response to an amplitude modulated ultrasound beam to generate spatially resolved, high contrast maps of tissue. Although the lateral and axial resolutions (sub-millimeter and sub-centimeter, respectively) of VA have been extensively characterized, the relationship between static stiffness assessment (palpation) and dynamic stiffness characterization (VA) has not been explicitly established. Here we perform a correlative exploration of the static and dynamic properties of tissue-mimicking phantoms, specifically elasticity, using VA and a muscle motor system. Muscle motor systems, commonly used to probe the mechanical properties of materials, provide absolute, quantitative point measurements of the elastic modulus, analogous to Young's modulus, of a target. For phantoms of varying percent-by-weight concentrations, parallel VA and muscle motor studies conducted on 18 phantoms reveal a negative correlation (p < - 0.85) between mean signal amplitude levels observed with VA and calculated elastic modulus values from force vs. indentation depth curves. Comparison of these elasticity measurements may provide additional information to improve tissue modeling, system characterization, as well as offer valuable insights for in vivo applications, specifically surgical extirpation of tumors.
Understanding Sexual Minority Male Students' Meaning-Making about Their Multiple Identities: An Exploratory Comparative Study.

Abstract This exploratory comparative study examines the meaning-making experiences of six sexual minority males attending college or university in Canada or the United States. All of the participants identified as sexual minority males who were cisgender, out to family and/or friends, and between 20 and 24 years of age. In particular, the participants spoke about the intersections between their race, gender, and sexual orientation as salient aspects of their multiple identities. Using a blend of qualitative methods, including case study, phenomenology, and grounded theory, I identified four themes that emerged from the data: (1) engagement in a social justice curriculum; (2) involvement in LGBT student organizations or resource centres; (3) experiences of discrimination and dissonance; and (4) engagement in reflective dialogue. I discuss the implications of these themes for professional practice and future research. Resume La presente etude comparative exploratoire examine les experiences de recherche de signification de six hommes de minorite sexuelle frequentant des colleges ou des universites au Canada et aux Etats-Unis. Tous les participants se sont definis comme des hommes cisgenres âges entre 20 et 24 ans et ayant devoile leur homosexualite soit aux membres de leurs familles respectives, soit a des amis. Les participants ont entre autres identifie le recoupement de race, de genre et d’orientation sexuelle comme etant les principaux aspects de leurs multiples identites. A l’aide d’une variete de methodes qualitatives dont la phenomenologie, la theorie ancree et des etudes de cas, j’ai releve quatre themes recurrents parmi les donnees recueillies : (1) la participation a des programmes d’etudes en justice sociale; (2) l’implication dans des organisations estudiantines ou des centres de ressources pour LGBT; (3) l’experience de discrimination et de dissonance; et (4) l’engagement dans un dialogue reflechi. Je discute des consequences de ces themes en milieu professionnel et en prevision de futurs projets de recherche.
On-line monitoring for insulation state of capacitive equipments in Yinchuan Eastern 750 kV Substation

In order to ensure electrical equipmentss' safe and steady operation in Yinchuan Eastern 750 kV Substation,using advanced signal and measurement technology,phase metering benchmark acquisition technology,establishes the on-line monitoing system for insulation state of electrical equipments.realizes the on-line monitoring for bushing and CVT which on both sides of the high and medium voltage winding in 750 kV main transformer.The operation results show that the every target of on-line monitoring system has achieved the technical requires of real time monitoring for insulation state of capacitive equipments.
A neodymium-doped fiber laser and frequency doubling numerical simulation

On the basis of the rate equation and the optical transmission equation for a double-clad fiber laser,a mathematical model was established to calculate the output power for the optical fiber laser.Then,the distribution of output power along optical fiber and distributions of output power and pump power in different fiber lengths were simulated numerically for a neodymium-doped fiber laser.By taking a 808 nm semiconductor laser as pumping source.By taking a neodymium-doped double-clad fiber as gain medium and KTP crystal as a multiplier,the efficiency of doubling frequency and phase angle of the laser were calculated and simulated.Finally,the frequency doubling of fiber lasers was simulated.Experimental results show that the fiber laser can achieve visible light output in high efficiency.
Lymphocyte-associated antigens in patients with alveolar cell carcinoma

Antiserum produced in rabbits against a virus-like particle pellet recovered from human alveolar cell carcinoma (ACC) was used for the detection of lymphocyte-associated antigen in patients with ACC. The method used was direct immunofluorescence. The results demonstrate that lymphocytes from some patients with ACC possess antigen and the presence of lymphocyte fluorescence in patients with ACC suggests widespread or metastatic disease. The presence of antigen may be of both diagnostic and prognostic value.
AudioQuilt: 2D Arrangements of Audio Samples using Metric Learning and Kernelized Sorting.

The modern musician enjoys access to a staggering number of audio samples. Composition software can ship with many gigabytes of data, and there are many more to be found online. However, conventional methods for navigating these libraries are still quite rudimentary, and often involve scrolling through alphabetical lists. We present AudioQuilt, a system for sample exploration that allows audio clips to be sorted according to user taste, and arranged in any desired 2D formation such that similar samples are located near each other. Our method relies on two advances in machine learning. First, metric learning allows the user to shape the audio feature space to match their own preferences. Second, kernelized sorting finds an optimal arrangement for the samples in 2D. We demonstrate our system with three new interfaces for exploring audio samples, and evaluate the technology qualitatively and quantitatively via a pair of user studies.
The lives of LGBT older adults: Understanding challenges and resilience

Orel and Fruhauf's The Lives of LGBT Older Adults: Understanding Challenges and Resilience is a compilation of chapters (by various authors) that explore multiple aspects of the lives of lesbian, g...
The Genetic Basis of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, complex genetic disorder. Its inherited basis was established by studies demonstrating an increased prevalence of PCOS, hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and disordered insulin secretion in relatives of women with PCOS. To date, efforts to elucidate the genetic basis of PCOS have focused on candidate genes chosen from logical pathways, including steroid synthesis and action, insulin sensitivity and secretion, obesity and fuel regulation, gonadotropin production and action, and, most recently, cardiovascular risk modifiers. Although several positive results have been reported, no gene or genes are universally accepted as important in PCOS pathogenesis, largely because of lack of replication of positive results. This has resulted, in part, from various factors, most importantly inadequate coverage of genes by the analysis of only one or two variants and of small study cohorts in many studies. In the future, optimal application of the candidate gene approach using haplotype-based analyses, intermediate phenotypes, and internal replication of positive results will enhance gene discovery in PCOS, as will the application of pharmacogenetics and whole-genome analysis.
Latente Portocavale Encephalopathie

Die portocavale Encephalopathie wird nach dem klinischen Erscheinungsbild in die episodische und chronische Encephalopathie unterteilt. Es ist bisher wenig daruber bekannt, ob und in welcher Form es Ubergange gibt, bzw. wie weit es vor und zwischen den Episoden des exogenen Leberkomas zu cerebralen Ausfallserscheinungen kommt [1, 2]
The Citizen and the Sovereign Office in the Politics

Constitutions, we have seen, differ for several reasons, or, stated differently, they owe their identities to the operation of different causes. Of these the material cause is the one most intimately linked to species identity. We are now in a position to explore further the operation of this particular cause in Aristotle’s political science. Of the many material parts found in cities, two have a particular and essential bearing on species identity: political offices, on the one hand, and above all the sovereign office (to kurion), and citizens (politai), on the other. These two “parts” are fundamental in two senses: first, both are essentially and uniquely linked to the idea of constitution itself (e.g., IV. i 1289 a15–17); and second, they are, for this very reason, essentially linked to one another (e.g., III. i 1275 b19–20). A full and accurate grasp of what Aristotle understands by both of these material elements is thus indispensable to a full understanding of his constitutional theory. It should be apparent that both questions belong to what I have been calling “first-order” or “prior” doctrine in the Politics. As we move forward I will be treating these two parts as “formal” (connected as they are by definition to “constitution”) and “material” (not so connected).
Evolution of the Cryo-lesion

Expected results after freezing are erythema, urtication, and edema which may last for several days. If freezing is superficial, vesicles or bullae developed. Bullae may become hemorrhagic. When treating malignances, a more gelatinous appearance may result. The stroma is more resistant to freezing than the cellular elements. Healing for most lesions takes place within 2 weeks for benign or premalignant lesions to 4–6 weeks for malignant lesions. Systemic steroids may be used to prevent swelling around the periorbital area.
The Poisson Problem for the Lamé System on Low-dimensional Lipschitz Domains

where ν is the unit normal to ∂Ω and the superscript t indicates transposition (in this case, of the matrix ∇~u = (∂ju)j,α). Relying on the method of layer potentials and suitable Rellich-NecasPayne-Weinberger formulas, the boundary value problems (1.2)-(1.3) with ~ f = 0 and ~g ∈ L(∂Ω), 2− e 0) in [6]. More recently, the results for the Dirichlet problem (i.e., (1.2) with
Entangled photon generation in lithium niobate microdisk resonators through spontaneous parametric down conversion

Dispersion engineering enables phase matching for nonlinear down conversion from 775nm to the telecom c-band in lithium niobite microdisk resonators without periodic poling. High rates of spontaneous creation of entangled photon pairs is observed.
Alternative cDEP Design to Facilitate Cell Isolation for Identification by Raman Spectroscopy

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) uses non-uniform electric fields to cause motion in particles due to the particles’ intrinsic properties. As such, DEP is a well-suited label-free means for cell sorting. Of the various methods of implementing DEP, contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) is advantageous as it avoids common problems associated with DEP, such as electrode fouling and electrolysis. Unfortunately, cDEP devices can be difficult to fabricate, replicate, and reuse. In addition, the operating parameters are limited by the dielectric breakdown of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This study presents an alternative way to fabricate a cDEP device allowing for higher operating voltages, improved replication, and the opportunity for analysis using Raman spectroscopy. In this device, channels were formed in fused silica rather than PDMS. The device successfully trapped 3.3 μm polystyrene spheres for analysis by Raman spectroscopy. The successful implementation indicates the potential to use cDEP to isolate and identify biological samples on a single device.
Unlocking the hidden potential of data towards efficient buildings: Findings from a pilot study in India

Energy cost is one of the significant contributors to the operational expenses of commercial buildings. In developing countries facing problems of frequent power outages and deficient grid connectivity, diesel generators are used as backup power source which significantly increase the costs incurred in management of commercial establishments. Integration of information and communication technologies to building management systems provides a reliable platform to analyze various aspects of the building such as energy consumption trends and occupancy inferences thereby proposing reactive or pro-active strategies directed towards efficient and cost-effective building management. Usually, this potential of data available to building management agencies stays untapped in developing countries. In this paper, we take a data-driven approach to understand various operational aspects of a commercial establishment. To demonstrate the scope for optimization of building operations by exploiting the energy consumption data, a pilot study was conducted in an IT office building in India.
INFERENCE ON THE WEIBULL LOCATION PARAMETER

A simple method is proposed for testing the 2-parameter Weibull distribution against the 3-parameter alternative. It is based on the ratio of the maximum likelihood estimate of the shape parameter calculated with the observations censored at the r1th or..
A comprehensive cluster and classification mining procedure for daily stock market return forecasting

Abstract Data mining and big data analytic techniques are playing an important role in many application fields, including the financial markets. However, only few studies have focused on predicting daily stock market returns, and among these studies, the data mining procedures utilized are either incomplete or inefficient. This paper presents a comprehensive data mining process to forecast the daily direction of the S&P 500 Index ETF (SPY) return based on 60 financial and economical features. The fuzzy c-means method (FCM) is initially used to cluster the preprocessed data. A principal component analysis (PCA) is applied next to the entire data set and each of seven clusters. The dimension of the entire cleaned data set is then reduced according to the combining results from the entire data set and each cluster. Corresponding to different levels of the dimensionality reduction, twelve new data sets are generated from the entire cleaned data. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and logistic regression models are then used with the twelve transformed data sets for classification in order to forecast the daily direction of future market returns and indicate the efficiency of dimensionality reduction with PCA. A group of hypothesis tests are performed over the classification and simulation results to show that the ANNs give significantly higher classification accuracy than logistic regression, and that the trading strategies guided by the comprehensive cluster and classification mining procedure based on PCA and ANNs gain higher risk-adjusted profits than the comparison benchmarks, as well as those strategies guided by the forecasts based on PCA and logistic regression models.
Thermodynamik – chemische Reaktionen gehen mit Energieumwandlung einher

Die chemische Thermodynamik (Warmelehre) befasst sich mit den Gesetzmasigkeiten von Energieumwandlungsvorgangen bei chemischen Reaktionen. Da dabei die Warme eine entscheidende Rolle spielt, ist es das vorrangige Ziel der chemischen Thermodynamik, quantitative Zusammenhange zwischen Stoff- und Warmeumsatz herzustellen.
Women veterans and menopause: Knowledge and preferences.

ABSTRACTBackground: The increasing number and older age of women Veterans receiving care at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) requires health-care providers to adjust to their changing patient population. We explored women Veterans’ self-reported knowledge of menopause, current/preferred sources of menopausal health information, and perceptions/barriers regarding treatment of menopausal symptoms.Methods: Three focus groups were conducted at two South Florida VHA facilities in 2014, which included 30 women Veterans (aged 45–60 years) who visited VHA primary care clinics at least once in the past year.Results: Participants reported using various sources to obtain general and menopausal health information, particularly family, friends, and the internet. Some women also had discussions with their health-care providers, but believed not all VHA providers were knowledgeable about menopause. Most preferred older female providers, thinking they were better informed about menopausal issues. Women favored comple...
Comprehensive Utilization of Iron and Phosphorus from High-Phosphorus Refractory Iron Ore

An innovative process of coal-based reduction followed by magnetic separation and dephosphorization was developed to simultaneously recover iron and phosphorus from one typical high-phosphorus refractory iron ore. The experimental results showed that the iron minerals in iron ore were reduced to metallic iron during the coal-based reduction and the phosphorus was enriched in the metallic iron phase. The CaO-SiO2-FeO-Al2O3 slag system was used in the dephosphorization of metallic iron. A hot metal of 99.17% Fe and 0.10% P was produced with Fe recovery of 84.41%. Meanwhile, a dephosphorization slag of 5.72% P was obtained with P recovery of 67.23%. The contents of impurities in hot metal were very low, and it could be used as feedstock for steelmaking after a secondary refining. Phosphorus in the dephosphorization slag mainly existed in the form of a 5CaO·P2O5·SiO2 solid solution where the P2O5 content is 13.10%. At a slag particle size of 20.7 μm (90% passing), 94.54% of the P2O5 could be solubilized in citric acid, indicating the slag met the feedstock requirements in phosphate fertilizer production. Consequently, the proposed process achieved simultaneous Fe and P recovery, paving the way to comprehensive utilization of high-phosphorus refractory iron ore.
Folding of maltose binding protein outside of and in GroEL

We used hydrogen exchange–mass spectrometry (HX MS) and fluorescence to compare the folding of maltose binding protein (MBP) in free solution and in the GroEL/ES cavity. Upon refolding, MBP initially collapses into a dynamic molten globule-like ensemble, then forms an obligatory on-pathway native-like folding intermediate (1.2 seconds) that brings together sequentially remote segments and then folds globally after a long delay (30 seconds). A single valine to glycine mutation imposes a definable folding defect, slows early intermediate formation by 20-fold, and therefore subsequent global folding by approximately twofold. Simple encapsulation within GroEL repairs the folding defect and reestablishes fast folding, with or without ATP-driven cycling. Further examination exposes the structural mechanism. The early folding intermediate is stabilized by an organized cluster of 24 hydrophobic side chains. The cluster preexists in the collapsed ensemble before the H-bond formation seen by HX MS. The V9G mutation slows folding by disrupting the preintermediate cluster. GroEL restores wild-type folding rates by restabilizing the preintermediate, perhaps by a nonspecific equilibrium compression effect within its tightly confining central cavity. These results reveal an active GroEL function other than previously proposed mechanisms, suggesting that GroEL possesses different functionalities that are able to relieve different folding problems. The discovery of the preintermediate, its mutational destabilization, and its restoration by GroEL encapsulation was made possible by the measurement of a previously unexpected type of low-level HX protection, apparently not dependent on H-bonding, that may be characteristic of proteins in confined spaces.
Simulation Study of Light Scattering from Soot Agglomerates

Simulation studies can be of considerable help in clarifying measurement techniques in that “complete” information on the system being investigated is available. This point is illustrated here where a Langevin dynamics model of the formation of sooty smoke via an agglomeration process is used to determine what sort of information is available in light scattering measurements. [1] It is generally accepted that soot forms by agglomeration of small, roughly spherical particles which are composed mainly of carbon. [2] The typical size of these particles, which we refer to as primary particles, is on the order of 20–40 nm. These primary particles diffuse and occasionally stick together forming agglomerates which continue to diffuse and grow. The resulting clusters have an open structure which can be characterized by a fractal dimension, d, which is a useful statistical measure for classifying geometrically irregular objects. [3]
Estrogen Replacement, Oral

Oral estrogen replacement therapy is given to women who are estrogen deficient due to ovarian failure, most commonly at menopause. Estrogen is a reproductive hormone that also functions in the bones, the heart, the skin, and the brain.
The natural history of the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee: a review

The ACL-deficient knee has been a management dilemma for many years and, to this day, no refutable plan exists for treatment of this injury. No true prospective study has been performed that evaluates all types of individuals at a variety of activity levels, and, in this day of apparently reliable methods of reconstructing the ACL, it is doubtful that one will occur. The ACL injury is no longer a mystery to the general public; it has received extensive publicity because of injuries of professional athletes and the successful reconstruction in many of these athletes. This article has not completely cleared up the issue of the future of an ACL-deficient knee. It has provided, however, convincing evidence that an active individual with a nonfunctional ACL is susceptible to meniscus injury (R. Barrack, J. Bruckner, J. Kneisl, et al, personal communication, 1990). There is also the risk of more tears occurring with time. Bray and Dandy found in their follow-up of patients with ACL repairs that, if the pivot shift returned, these patients had a much higher incidence of meniscus tears. Many of these studies indicate that, if the meniscus cannot be repaired and requires partial meniscectomy or worse, the articular surface will deteriorate (R. Barrack, J. Bruckner, J. Kneisl, et al, personal communication, 1990). Satku et al showed only 11% incidence of radiographic changes in patients with ACL-deficient knees with no evidence of meniscus tears compared with 100% in those having meniscectomy more than 5 years previously. Activity levels in general also change following this injury. This is probably the most difficult area to assess. Even though a substantial number of persons returned to their preinjury level of activity, it is not always possible to determine if they are playing with the same behavior and attitude. In other words, athletes who are involved in sports with cutting and jumping may modify the need for these activities and yet remain relatively competitive depending on their previous level of skill and the position they play. It has also been shown that many athletes return to their preinjury level initially but with time have significant increase in their symptoms and must modify their level of participation. More individuals limited their activities from the beginning than returned to their preinjury level (R. Barrack, J. Bruckner, J. Kneisl, et al, personal communication, 1990). Instability varies in these individuals and, as in Chick and Jackson's patients, those with mild instability (no rotatory instability) may do reasonably well.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Establishment of Novel Mate-Recognition Systems in Introgressive Hybrid Drosophila Populations

Closely related species—for example, members of the same genus often coexist within small geographic areas. Drosophila pseudoobscura and D. persimilis can serve as a familiar example. Although their geographic distributions differ (Dobzhansky and Epling, 1944), as do their local spatial, feeding, and temporal preferences (Dobzhansky, 1951; Dobzhansky et al., 1956), members of these two species do nevertheless encounter one another where they occur sympatrically. They can, for example, be taken in the same trap. There, mating flies can be frequently observed, but when females are distributed individually among culture bottles, hybrid progeny are rarely encountered. Dobzhansky et al. (1968) report that among several thousand progenies examined over several decades, only two were of hybrid origin. [Reasons for believing that gene exchange between these species may be even rarer than these two cases would suggest are given by Dobzhansky (1951, 1973).] A preference for mating with a member of one’s own species (ethological isolation) is a necessary feature common to all congeneric species pairs living in sympatry.
The Instability of Two-Dimensional Laminar Separation

The separation of a two-dimensional laminar boundary layer under the influence of an external adverse pressure gradient was studied. The unsteady, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations were solved using a fractional timestep method. Because the grid resolution did not allow the small scale structures found in turbulence to develop, these computations studied the development of large-scale, laminar structures in the boundary layer.
To Commit or Not: Reputation and Preemption Strategies in Competing Technology Networks

When an incumbent technology network faces a new entrant with superior capabilities, it may choose to announce a technology improvement as a preemption strategy to avoid forfeiting users. While the incumbent faces the dilemma of how much improvement it should commit to, users face the challenge of deciding how to divide resources (e.g., time spent) between the two networks. Using a two-period decision theoretic model, where users can be loyalists (who always prefer the incumbent) or switchers (ready to switch to the new entrant and back under suitable conditions), we show that in the presence of high switching costs, a low or high reputation leads the incumbent to a pure strategy of committing to a given level of improvement in technological capability. However, an incumbent with moderate reputation may not commit to any particular level of improvement. Consumer welfare may be adversely affected as a result of chosen strategies.
DYSFUNCTION OF SUPPRESSOR MECHANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNODEFICIENCY AND AUTOIMMUNITY

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the disorders of suppressor mechanisms associated with primary immunodeficiency diseases, with the immunodeficiency associated with malignancy and with autoimmune disorders. Immune responses are similar to other complex biological processes in that they are controlled by a series of negative and positive regulatory factors. The primary immunological deficiency diseases in man associated with hypogammaglobulinemia have, in general, been thought of as primary disorders in the B-cell–plasma cell series involved in antibody production. An abnormality of suppressor T cells has also been demonstrated in association with other forms of humoral immunodeficiency associated with hypogammaglobulinemia. A significant group of the patients with common variable hypogammaglobulinemia may have a primary B-cell defect with the secondary development of circulating suppressor T cells.
Critical properties (Tc, Pc) of shale gas at the core scale

Abstract The transport properties of gas deviate from the nominal values, reported without confinements, when it is confined inside a nano-size conduit. This is because the interactions between the gas molecules and the conduit become more important than do those of the gas molecules with each other. The deviation is relevant to shale gas because of the ultra-narrow pore size in the matrix. With this in mind, we determine the critical temperature (Tc) and critical pressure (Pc) for shale formations in North America at the core scale. The shale formations are the Bakken, Barnett, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, Marcellus, Monterey, New Albany, Niobrara, Utica, Wolfcamp, and Woodford. The present study uses the acyclic pore model to account for the effective connectivity of shale samples at the core scale. It also differentiates between the pore-throat and pore-body size distributions. The former is used to derive the critical properties relevant to the fluid flow (displacement), and the latter is used to determine the effective properties relevant to the storage. Our study shows that the displacement-critical properties change significantly, whereas the storage-critical properties do not require modifications. Quantitative corrections of the critical properties for various formations are presented. The results have major applications in developing a realistic reservoir model for shale formations.