cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photocyclization of 2-vinyldiphenylacetylenes and behavior of the isonaphthalene intermediates.

The conformation, electronic structure, spectroscopy, and unimolecular photoisomerization of 2-vinyldiphenylacetylene and two derivatives have been investigated. 2-Vinyldiphenylacetylene exists predominantly in a planar anti conformation. Introduction of an α-methyl substituent results in increased phenyl–vinyl dihedral angles for both syn and anti conformers, whereas a cyclic analog is constrained to a syn conformation with a large phenyl–vinyl dihedral angle. All three molecules undergo photocyclization to yield unstable cyclic allene (isonaphthalene) intermediates which undergo further reactions leading to stable products. Both the photocyclization process and behavior of the allene intermediate are dependent upon ground state conformation. The photophysical behavior of the 2-vinyl derivative, namely its short singlet lifetime and low fluorescence quantum yield, is similar to that of diphenylacetylene. It also has a low quantum yield for photocyclization. The 2-isopropenyl derivative and conformationally locked cyclic analog have relatively long singlet lifetimes and large quantum yields for fluorescence and cyclization. The difference in excited state behavior of the planar 2-vinylacetylene and its non-planar analogs is attributed to the effect of the phenyl–vinyl dihedral angle on the barriers for activated decay of the linear singlet state. However, the behavior of the 2-isopropenyl derivative does not appear to be dependent upon ground state conformation (synvs.anti). The cyclic allene intermediates undergo sequential protonation–deprotonation in methanol solution to yield stable products. The 2-vinyl derivative yields only the fully aromatized 2-phenylnaphthalene. However, the 2-isopropenyl and cyclic derivatives yield mixtures of fully and partially aromatized products. Preferential formation of the partially aromatized products is attributed to a stereoelectronic effect on the deprotonation step. In diethyl ether solution only the fully aromatized product is formed via a free radical mechanism.
A manufacturing-oriented environment for synthesis of fabrication processes

The process design aid (PDA), a design environment which bridges the gap between design and specification of semiconductor fabrication processes, is presented. The PDA uses a hierarchical process model supporting reuse of well-characterized process fragments; integrates design goals with process and simulation data in a single knowledge base; and provides direct support for the numerical optimization of process parameters and simulator calibration parameters. Details of a hierarchical, object-oriented process representation are discussed. Results of modeling a 0.8- mu m BiCMOS process with the PDA are presented, demonstrating automatic generation of consistent simulation and manufacturing specifications, efficient incremental simulation, and fast, interactive, closed-loop optimization of process parameters. >
Cell-cell interactions are essential for maintenance of hepatocyte function in collagen gel but not on matrigel

The objective of this study was to examine the importance of cellular aggregation for the maintenance of liver-specific functions in hepatocytes. We used two culture matrix systems (collagen sandwich and Matrigel) to examine the responsiveness of albumin secretory function in cultured rat hepatocytes under various seeding conditions. With high cell seeding, both culture systems elicited comparable levels of elevated function. Under conditions of sparse seeding, however, their responses were quite distinct: collagen sandwiched cells exhibited a significant deterioration in secretion, while Matrigel-cultured cells retained their basal levels of function. This indicates that a critical degree of cell-cell interactions is essential for promoting function in the collagen sandwich, and in the Matrigel-cultured cells functions may be preserved by constitutive matrix-related phenomena, even in the absence of aggregation. (c) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 56: 706-711, 1997.
Linewidth-insensitive coherent AM analog optical links using semiconductor lasers

Coherent AM analog optical links are analyzed taking into account laser phase noise. With the optimum selection of the IF bandwidth, coherent AM links can be made essentially independent of the laser linewidth. Under shot-noise-limited conditions, the fundamental limit of the dynamic range (FLDR) for coherent links is 148 dB-Hz per 1 mW of the received optical power versus 151 dB-Hz/mW for conventional direct detection links. However, when the received optical power is less than 1 mW, coherent links can improve the dynamic range by some 7 dB as compared to direct detection links. >
The evolutionarily conserved BMP-binding protein Twisted gastrulation promotes BMP signalling

Dorsal-ventral patterning in vertebrate and Drosophila embryos requires a conserved system of extracellular proteins to generate a positional information gradient. The components involved include bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP/Dpp), a BMP antagonist (Chordin/Short gastrulation; Chd/Sog) and a secreted metalloproteinase (Xolloid/Tolloid) that cleaves Chd/Sog. Here we describe Xenopus Twisted gastrulation (xTsg), another member of this signalling pathway. xTsg is expressed ventrally as part of the BMP-4 synexpression group and encodes a secreted BMP-binding protein that is a BMP signalling agonist. The data suggest a molecular mechanism by which xTsg dislodges latent BMPs bound to Chordin BMP-binding fragments generated by Xolloid cleavage, providing a permissive signal that allows high BMP signalling in the embryo. Drosophila Tsg also binds BMPs and is expressed dorsally, supporting the proposal that the dorsal-ventral axis was inverted in the course of animal evolution.
New phosphorus chemistry leads to unnatural aminoacid trimers

Unnatural or modified amino acids have become important biochemical vectors because of their potential utility in diagnostic or therapeutic medicine. Our ongoing research in hydroxymethyl phosphine chemistry has provided unique reaction pathways to produce unnatural aminoacid. The reaction of tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine (THP) with chiral aminoacid L-alanine produced trimeric alanine in excellent yields. The X-ray crystal structure of 1 shows an unusual layered structure with water molecules sandwiched between the layers. Implications of this new chemistry in such emerging areas as chiral technology and drug discovery will be presented.
Promoting Persistence Improving Adherence Through Choice of Drug Class

The complexity of therapeutic regimens, treatment sideeffects, cognitive impairment, misperceptions of the benefitsor risks of treatment, poor provider–patient relationships,cost, and difficulties accessing physicians or pharmacies allinfluence the ability of patients to take their medications asprescribed.
Structure and motion from uniform 3D acceleration

The author derives a multiframe feature-based closed form solution to the structure from motion problem when the camera and an object (or the environment) are undergoing uniform relative 3D acceleration. A central projection camera model is assumed, and no smoothness assumptions are imposed concerning object surfaces. It is assumed that a separate process has already performed motion correspondence and segmentation, and that sequences of features across at least three images are provided as input. The algorithm can process not only point features, but also line features as well. In addition, a given feature is not required to be visible in every frame. The (serial) computational complexity of the algorithm is proportional to the number of features being tracked times the number of frames. Test results are presented for synthetic and real data. >
Eudemian Ethics 1220b 11–13

When characterizing ta pathē in the Eudemian Ethics Aristotle claims that they are usually accompanied by perceptual pleasure or pain. He says:λέγω δ πάθη μν τ τοιατα, θυμν ϕόβον αἰδ πιθυμίαν, ὂλως οἶς ἒπeται ώς π τ πολὺ αἰσθητικ ήδον ἢ λύπη καθ' αὑτά.By affections I mean such things as anger, fear, shame, desire – in general anything which, as such, gives rise usually to perceptual pleasure and pain. (translation by Woods)
K-band operation of asymmetric Fabry-Perot modulators

The authors report preliminary high-frequency, small-signal optical measurements of asymmetric multiple-quantum well (MQW) Fabry-Perot electrooptic modulators which indicate that the electrical bandwidth for these devices is about 15 GHz at the onset of saturation, and as high as 21 GHz at low optical intensity-higher than any other measurements published to date. The modulators, 30 mu m*30 mu m in size, are integrated with on-chip microwave probe pads. The authors detail the fabrication process developed to achieve these high operating frequencies and predict from device models the maximum RC-limited operating frequencies for these devices. >
Identification of Actinomyces and Related Bacteria in Dental Calculus by the Fluorescent Antibody Technique

Calculus specimens were examined by direct fluorescent antibody techniques and cultural procedures for the presence of gram-positive filamentous or diphtheroid bacteria. Actinomyces israelii, A viscosus, A naeslundii, Arachnia propionica, Rothia dentocariosa, Bacterionema matruchotii, and Corynebacterium acnes were observed in and cultured from the majority of specimens, with more than one species present in every specimen.
WHEN RIGHTS CONFLICT

You and I are neighbors, with our houses situated closely together. You lead a group of rock musicians who can practice only in the evenings in your backyard; while I, on the other hand, enjoy nothing more than quiet evenings spent on my porch accompanied by the sounds of frogs and crickets. Presumably, you have a right to pursue your musical career, and I have a right quietly to enjoy my property. If we do indeed have these rights, however, then they seem to conflict with each other, in that your exercising your right is incompatible with my exercising mine.
Progressive Voices in Competition Law

If the only thing one knew about US antitrust law were the decision of the United States Supreme Court, you would have a decidedly unbalanced view of the law. Defendants have won the vast majority of cases in that court since the early 1990s. The tone of the majority opinions of the Court has increasingly echoed that of the Chicago School. In addition to the increasingly permissive use of the US rule of reason to justify joint conduct and the increasing acceptance (and even praise) of unilateral conduct by dominant firms, the court has crafted new procedural barriers for antitrust plaintiffs, particularly in the class action area. However, this view alone would give you a distorted vision of US antitrust law and policy. Economics continues to evolve beyond the Chicago School prescriptions of the 1970s and 1980s. Debate over proper antitrust policy has been renewed by the recent economic crisis, widening wealth inequality, financial firms deemed too big to fail or even criminally prosecuted, crony capitalism, and consolidation in key industries, such as telecommunications, finance, agricultural, and airlines. This short introductory introductory essay seeks to articulate what a progressive vision for competition policy means for current competition policy in the United States and abroad and highlight some of the outstanding recent contributions in the field that will be appearing shortly in a Spanish language competition law anthology entitled "Libre Competencia y la Sociedad Buena. Perspectivas Actuales en el Derecho de la Competencia", Fernando Araya (ed.), Universidad Alberto Hurtado, (Forthcoming, 2014). This anthology will present to a Spanish speaking audience previously published works by Thomas Nachbar, Maurice Stucke, Thomas Horton, Harry First, Frank Maier-Rigaud, Robert Lande, Joshua Davis, C. Mantzvino, and myself.
The Role of Religious Involvement in the Relationship Between Early Trauma and Health Outcomes Among Adult Survivors.

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of religious involvement and related indicators - religious coping, intrinsic religiosity, forgiveness and gratitude - in reducing the negative impact of early traumatic stress on the mental and physical health of adult survivors. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze self-reported data of 10,283 Seventh-day Adventist men and women across North America. The study also included an original analysis on a subsample (n = 496) of the larger group, examining diabetes risk factors in conjunction with Adverse Childhood Events (ACE) data. Higher early trauma scores were associated with decreased mental health (B = −1.93 p < .0001) and physical health (B = −1.53, p < .0001). The negative effect of early trauma on mental health was reduced by intrinsic religiosity (B = .52, p = .011), positive religious coping (B = .61, p = .025), forgiveness (B = .32 p = .025), and gratitude (B = .87 p = .001). Adult survivors of early trauma experienced worse mental and physical health; however, forgiveness, gratitude, positive religious coping, and intrinsic religiosity were protective against poor mental health. The findings support a holistic perspective in the care of childhood trauma survivors.
The Russian Banking Sector in April 2014

In April 2014, Russia’s banking sector witnessed a continuation of the trends observed over the several previous months: the share of state-owned banks continued to increase in all major segments of the banking services market; the growth rate of retail lending remained on the decline, while the quality of this type of lending continued to deteriorate – moreover, it grew increasingly dependent on allocations from money market regulators. The only positive factor worth mentioning was the discontinuation of private-customer deposit outflows. However, in spite of this positive development, the annual growth rate of the deposit base continued to decline.
Rising population of survivors of oral squamous cell cancer in the United States.

BACKGROUND The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and a subset of oral cavity cancer (OCC) is increasing in the United States. To the authors' knowledge, the presumed growing prevalence of survivors of OPC and OCC has not been investigated to date. METHODS Retrospective analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data (1975-2012) estimated changes in incidence, 5-year cause-specific survival, and prevalence for OPC and OCC. Changes in incidence, cause-specific survival and prevalence were estimated by linear regression and expressed as the percentage change (B). Differences in incidence trends over time were determined by joinpoint analysis. RESULTS The incidence of OPC increased by 62.6% from 1975 through 2012. Notable increases in OPC incidence were observed among men, white individuals, and those of younger ages. The 5-year survival for OPC increased significantly for all sexes, races, and individuals aged >30 years, with white individuals and males experiencing the largest increase in survival. By contrast, the incidence of OCC declined by 22.3% during the same time period. OCC incidence decreased across all groups but increased among individuals aged 30 to 39 years. Significant increases in survival were observed for OCC, except for those who were female, black, and aged <40 years. The prevalence of survivors of OPC increased from 2000 to 2012 (B, 115.1 per 100,000 individuals per year; P<.0001), whereas the prevalence of survivors of OCC significantly decreased (B, −15.8 per 100,000 individuals per year; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of survivors of OPC is increasing, whereas the prevalence of survivors of OCC is declining. These data portend significant implications for long-term care planning for survivors of OPC and OCC. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
On variance estimate for covariate adjustment by propensity score analysis

Propensity score (PS) methods have been used extensively to adjust for confounding factors in the statistical analysis of observational data in comparative effectiveness research. There are four major PS-based adjustment approaches: PS matching, PS stratification, covariate adjustment by PS, and PS-based inverse probability weighting. Though covariate adjustment by PS is one of the most frequently used PS-based methods in clinical research, the conventional variance estimation of the treatment effects estimate under covariate adjustment by PS is biased. As Stampf et al. have shown, this bias in variance estimation is likely to lead to invalid statistical inference and could result in erroneous public health conclusions (e.g., food and drug safety and adverse events surveillance). To address this issue, we propose a two-stage analytic procedure to develop a valid variance estimator for the covariate adjustment by PS analysis strategy. We also carry out a simple empirical bootstrap resampling scheme. Both proposed procedures are implemented in an R function for public use. Extensive simulation results demonstrate the bias in the conventional variance estimator and show that both proposed variance estimators offer valid estimates for the true variance, and they are robust to complex confounding structures. The proposed methods are illustrated for a post-surgery pain study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real-time fourier transform-second-harmonic generation imaging of collagen-based biological tissues

Based on the previously shown utility of Fourier transform-second-harmonic generation imaging to quantify collagen fiber organization, we developed a parallel processing algorithm to achieve real-time quantitative SHG imaging.
PALPATION OF INTRA-CARDIAC BLOOD FLOW, PRESSURE, CONTACT FORCE AND MOTOR REACTION TIME OF SUBJECTS USING A NOVEL HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM

SMART AF showed that consistent contact during ablation improves pulmonary vein (PV) isolation but use of contact force (CF) displays led to a 2.5% risk of tamponade and required procedural, ablation, fluoroscopy times of 3.7 +/- 1.4 h, 2.0 +/- 1 h and 41.5 +/- 26 min. When the HRS Consensus
Synthesis of c-di-GMP analogs with thiourea, urea, carbodiimide, and guanidinium linkages.

The first syntheses of neutral thiourea, urea, and carbodiimide analogs, along with two guanidinium analogs, of the bacterial signaling molecule cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) are reported. The key intermediate, obtained in nine steps, is a 3′-amino-5′-azido-3′,5′-dideoxy derivative. The 5′-azide serves as a masked amine from which the amine is obtained by Staudinger reduction, while the 3′-amine is converted to an isothiocyanate that, while stable to chromatography, and Staudinger conditions, nevertheless reacts well with the 5′-amine.
Damage and Yield Loss Induced by Stalk Borer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Field Corn

Injury by stalk borer, Papaipema nebris (Guenee), to two- to four-leaf stage field corn, Zea mays (L.), was studied to characterize plant damage and subsequent yield loss. Damage was categorized as uninfected (no damage), leaf-feeding, or dead heart (whorl death). Tissue yields of stalk, grain, and cob, and total dry weights were monitored. Yields of plants sustaining leaf-feeding damage alone were not significantly different from yields of uninfected plants. Plants with dead-heart damage, however, had significantly reduced yields compared to other plants for all yield parameters except stalk dry weight. In addition, plants experiencing dead-heart damage often were either barren or produced ears containing scattered kernels of grain, similar to corn plants having incomplete pollination. In the absence of mortality, yield compensation by healthy plants growing near damaged plants was not observed.
Anticipating the ultimate innovation, volitional evolution: can it not be promoted or attempted responsibly?

The aspiration for volitional evolution, or human evolution directed by humans themselves, has increased in philosophical, scientific, technical, and commercial literature. The prospect of shaping the very being who is the consumer of all other innovations offers great commercial potential, one to which all other innovations would in effect be subservient. Actually an amalgam of projected technical/commercial developments, this prospective innovation has practical and ethical ramifications. However, because it is often discussed in a scientific way (specifically that of evolutionary theory), it first calls for examination in terms of common scientific approaches to evolution. Yet, as evolutionary-theory controversies point up, evolution may be considered as neither a directed nor a directable process – a problem for the ontology of volitional evolution. One challenge for theories and programs aiming to implement the proposed innovation is then whether it is theoretically coherent. While I offer responses ...
Study on the Cold Tolerance Inheritance of the Rice Variety Dongye No.1 in Seedling Stage

Dongye No.1,a perennial japonica variety with strong cold tolerance,was derived from Dongxiang wild rice.The studies study on the cold tolerance inheritance of Dongye No.1 in the seedling stage was conducted by means of the progenies of crosses between Dongye No.1 and the two rice varieties with weaker cold tolerance such of Ganzaoxian-49 and Jingdao-0298.The results showed that the cold tolerance inheritance of Dongye No.1 belonged to the additive-dominant model in three-leaf stage,and governed by one pair of dominant nuclear genes.The cold tolerance in F1 hybrids was exceeded its parents.The cold tolerance of the first backcrosses was stronger than Dongye No.1 when it was used as the recurrent parent.Therefore,it is possible to develop strong cold tolerant indica varieties from the progenies of the crosses between Dongye No.1 and indica varieties.
Leptospirosis in Anyue County,2005-2011

Objective To analyze the prevalence of leptospirosis in Anyue county in 2005-2011,so as to provide scientific basis for pertinent prevention and control measures.Methods A total of 93 cases were analyzed with respects to epidemic characteristics and influencing factors.Results Totally 93 cases of leptospirosis were reported,with the highest amount in 2005(37 cases) and the lowest amount in 2010(5 cases).The mean annual incidence rate was 0.84 /105,and the mortality rate was 3.23%.Incidence showed seasonal distribution,mostly occurred within June to October,with the highest in September and accounted for 83.87%(78 /93).Cases within 50-59 age group accounted for 35.48% of the total(33 /93);male cases were more than females with a composition ratio of 2.32∶1.Occupational morbidity was mainly peasants,accounted for 81.72% of total cases.Conclusion Leptospirosis incidence in Anyue county stayed at a low level through 2005-2011,and showed a descending trend yearly.The vulnerable population was peasants,indicating further efforts in rural areas.
Engineering challenges for detectors at the ILC

Abstract Over the last years two proposals for experiments at the ILC have been developed, ILD and SID. Extensive R&D has been carried out around the world to develop the needed technologies. Furthermore a first round of engineering studies was made as part of the ILC TDR to understand the integration of these different sub-systems into coherent and integrated detector concepts. Among the key challenges for the sub detectors are the extreme low mass/low power requirements or the extreme channel densities needed in particle flow based detectors. Throughout these studies special care was taken to ensure that the engineering models and the simulation models, used in studies of the physics capabilities of the detectors, stay synchronized. In the near future, the models will need to be evolved to take the special requirements of the potential ILC site in Japan into account. The state of the integration of the detectors, and the future directions, will be discussed
Impact of Early Life Ketamine Exposure on the Developing Brain and Cognitive Sequelae: A Discussion of Apoptotic Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is commonly used in many pediatric procedures. Pediatric clinical retrospective data and studies in nonhuman primates have linked early life exposure to ketamine to neurocognitive deficits later in life. Furthermore, rodent studies report that prolonged/repeated exposure or exposure to high dose of ketamine early in life causes widespread apoptotic neurodegeneration. Here, we review both the clinical and preclinical data, which link early life ketamine exposure to neural deficits. Specifically, we will focus on (1) the cellular and molecular neurobiological mechanisms, which underlie the induction of apoptotic cascades in neurons of developing brain, and (2) identifying whether these consequences cause cognitive dysfunction that persists later on in life.
Rehabilitation for Adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of connective tissue disorders that is associated with a variety of impairments. These include osteoporosis, fractures, hypermobility and hypomobility, changes in muscle physiology and bony deformity. Most of the literature and focused research to date has been on children with osteoporosis with fewer studies on adults. This chapter will use data from the OI Registry, case experience and the available literature to discuss the incidents of the types of impairments that are experienced by adults with OI, the factors associated with aging and injuries that occur in individuals with OI, and suggest therapeutic interventions for management.
Photovoltaically Self-Charging Cells with WO3·H2O/CNTs/PVDF Composite.

Two-electrode photovoltaically self-charging cells (PSCs) possess compact structures for both energy conversion and storage with shared electrolyte and electrodes. It remains challenging to develop PSCs that are efficient in both energy conversion and storage. In this work, WO3·H2O nanoplates were synthesized by a modified acid-directed hydrothermal process and used to prepare a WO3·H2O/CNTs/PVDF composite film for energy storage in PSCs. The method with the assistance of polyethylenimine was essential to form smaller sized WO3·H2O nanoplates, thus larger surface area and higher columbic efficiency in cyclic voltammetry tests. Such an electrode composite made it more facile to assemble PSCs, which displayed an energy conversion efficiency of 2.12% with simultaneous energy storage of 1.38 C cm−2. Higher Li+ concentration in the electrolyte will be helpful to maintain the photocurrent at a larger value during irradiation. A higher performance of PSCs can be potentially obtained by optimizing the contact of electron collector and pseudocapacitive electrode materials.
The impact of fluorine on CMOS channel length and shallow junction formation

The effects of fluorine on shallow junction formation and CMOS channel length are evaluated in this report. In this study fluorine is implanted into the device LDD region. It was found that fluorine can significantly decrease the device channel length reduction and improve short channel behavior. It was also shown that fluorine can suppress dopant diffusion to form shallower junctions. These results may provide a new approach for relaxing thermal budget constraints and reducing short channel effects for scaling CMOS technologies to smaller dimensions. >
Embryonic axis formation in the zebrafish.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the zygotic events leading to axis formation in the zebrafish with a particular emphasis on the evidence provided from mutant analysis. Mutant analysis is performed with comparative ease due to the transparency of the relatively large and readily abundant embryos that are fertilized and outside the mother. The first morphological indication of axis formation is a thinning at the dorsal margin of the embryo at 30% epiboly, which becomes a thickening by 5 h postfertilization (hpf) and is termed the shield. The shield is established by the movements of cells during gastrulation from ventral and lateral regions to the dorsal side—the position of the future embryonic axis. The shield has the properties of the blastopore lip of the amphibian embryo, node of the mouse, or Henson's node of the chick, all of which have the ability to organize a secondary axis when transplanted to an ectopic position.
Spatial Root Zone Soil Water Content Estimation in Agricultural Lands Using Bayesian-Based Artificial Neural Networks and High- Resolution Visual, NIR, and Thermal Imagery

Soil moisture is an important parameter in irrigation scheduling and application. Knowledge of root zone volumetric water content can support decisions for more efficient irrigation management by enabling estimation of required water application rates at appropriate temporal and spatial scales. The study presented here proposes a data mining approach that combines known field conditions with remote sensing observations to provide probabilistic estimates of root zone soil moisture at three different depths in the root zone soil profile. Bayesian data mining algorithms were tested and calibrated to combine the remotely sensed spatial information with field measurements. The remote sensing platform used in this study, called AggieAir™, is an unmanned autonomous aerial system developed by the Utah Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University. Finally, a trapezoidal integration method was used to estimate volumetric water content (VWC) in the root zone using the results of the modelling approach at three different depths in the root zone soil profile. The results show the model could estimate the root zone VWC with good accuracy (RMSE =0.05, MAE = 0.04, r = 0.97, e = 0.92, R2 = 0.94). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust Wireless Localization: Attacks and Defenses

Many sensor applications are being developed that require the location of wireless devices, and localization schemes have been developed to meet this need. However, as location-based services become more prevalent, the localization infrastructure will become the target of malicious attacks. These attacks will not be conventional security threats, but rather threats that adversely affect the ability of localization schemes to provide trustworthy location information. This paper identifies a list of attacks that are unique to localization algorithms. Since these attacks are diverse in nature, and there may be many unforseen attacks that can bypass traditional security countermeasures, it is desirable to incorporate an additional layer in the data path to classify/clean the corrupted location data. To address these attacks, we outline a general framework for validating location information through data classification and data cleansing techniques. Consistency checking methods can be used to verify that physical measurements are consistent with each other and with physical reality. We then explore more powerful techniques that employ robust statistical methods to make localization schemes attack-tolerant. We examine two broad classes of localization: triangulation and RF-based fingerprinting methods. For triangulation-based localization, we propose an adaptive least squares and least median squares position estimator that has the computational advantages of least squares in the absence of attacks and is capable of switching to a robust mode when being attacked. We introduce robustness to fingerprinting localization through the use of a median-based distance metric. We evaluate our robust localization schemes under different threat conditions.
Response to Editas: Unexpected mutations after CRISPR-Cas9 editing in vivo

Here we provide additional confirmatory data and clarifying discussion, including sequencing data showing extensive heterozygous mutations throughout the genome in the CRISPR treated mice, which are all progeny of inbred mice purchased from a commercial vendor (JAX). The heterozygosity in these cases cannot be parentally inherited. The summary statements in our Correspondence reflect observations of a secondary outcome following successful achievement of the primary outcome using CRISPR to treat blindness in Pde6b/rd1 mice. As the scientific community considers the role of WGS in off-target analysis, future in vivo studies are needed where the design and primary outcome focuses on CRISPR off-targeting. We agree that a range of WGS controls are needed that include parents, different gRNAs, different versions of Cas9, and different in vivo protocols. We look forward to the publication of such studies. Combined, these results will be essential to fully understand off-targeting and can be used to create better algorithms for off-target prediction. Overall, we are optimistic that some form of CRISPR therapy will be successfully engineered to treat blindness.
Failure to Thrive and Preventive Mental Health: Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs

Mental disorders and dysfunctional parent-child relationships which have substantial economic and psychological costs to children, families and society often begin in the earliest years of life (Rexford et al., 1976) and present both short and long-term hazards to physical and psychological well being (Lipsitt, 1979; Drotar, in press). In light of the increasing numbers of American children who are vulnerable to severe disruptions in early nurturing (Garbarino, 1977; Nagi, 1977), investigations of developmental processes which underly resilience to early parent-child relationship disturbances are of primary relevance to preventive mental health. To the extent that the environmental and biological risks associated with resilient versus dysfunctional psychosocial outcomes in infants at risk can be documented, knowledge needed to develop preventive interventions to ameliorate the effects of disruptive early experience on children will be enhanced. Unfortunately, most childhood behavioral disorders associated with maladaptive parent-infant relationships cannot be reliably detected during critical periods of early development (Call, 1983). Hence, the absence of objective markers which signal high probability of psychosocial risk has been a considerable obstacle to research and intervention with infants at risk.
Mode-Decay Molecular Dynamics for Frequency-Dependent Phonon Scattering Rates

The thermal conductivity of crystalline materials can be determined in a statistical mechanical framework as long as phonon relaxation rates are known. Unfortunately, these quantities are difficult if not impossible to measure directly, and attempts to deduce these quantities yield gross averages not energy dependent relationships. Consequently, researchers often rely on heuristic models such as Holland’s suite of scattering rates for various phonon modes. A new molecular dynamics method was developed to estimate mode-dependent scattering rates by tracking the decay of an initially imposed standing wave. The wave vector is systematically changed and the corresponding decay is collected. Ultimately, the the thermal conductivity can be reconstructed using a Landauer formalism. The phonon scattering rates of a LJ crystal are calculated using this method. The standing wave decay approach allows scattering rates to be probed more directly than wave packet simulations, which are often used to obtain transmission coefficients.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The challenge of reforming land governance in Kenya under the 2010 Constitution

In August 2010, Kenya's citizens adopted a new Constitution. Intended to rein in an imperial presidency, the Constitution initiated one of the most ambitious governance reforms seen in Sub-Saharan Africa. ‘Devolution’ establishes 47 counties with extensive powers led by a directly elected governor and legislative assembly. The transition has exposed fault lines as actors struggle over the delineation of power. This paper presents the fight between the National Land Commission and the Ministry of Lands over the right to manage public land in the period 2013–2016. The paper argues that the difficulties associated with land reform arise because of the centrality of land allocation to the maintenance of power in the country. NLC's potential to transform land relations – by addressing land grabbing, effecting land redistribution, and ensuring land access by marginalised groups – is limited. This is due to the paucity of unallocated public land and the continued strength of Kenya's statist land tenure regime.
Proximal hyperspectral sensing of stomatal conductance to monitor the efficacy of exogenous abscisic acid applications in apple trees

Abstract Stomatal conductance is a critical regulating factor in plant water relations and responses to abiotic stress. Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the plant hormones that regulates stomatal conductance and leaf transpiration. The presence of endogenous or exogenous ABA induces stomatal closure, which reduces leaf transpiration rates and increases tolerance to abiotic stress. In this study, visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy, as well as proximal multispectral and thermal imaging were used to evaluate changes in stomatal conductance through exogenous ABA applications to apple trees. ABA was applied twice at 500 mg kg−1 in 2016, with five control and five ABA-treated trees in a three-year-old apple orchard. Proximal Vis-NIR spectral reflectance (350–2500 nm) data, and multispectral and thermal infrared images were acquired from control and treated trees after 1–3 days of exogenous ABA application to the trees. Ground reference stomatal conductance was also measured to compare the data with proximal sensing data. Partial least square regression (PLSR), linear support vector machines (SVM), and quadratic SVM algorithms were applied to classify the control and ABA-treated leaves, before and after feature selection using rank features technique and stepwise regression analysis. The average classification accuracy ranged between 80 and 85% at 3 days after treatment with the entire Vis-NIR spectra, while the accuracies ranged between 74 and 80% with five selected spectral bands. The ABA treatment effects could not be observed with crop water stress index extracted from thermal images, although the leaf temperature in ABA-treated trees were higher than the untreated control trees. Green normalized difference vegetation index extracted from multispectral images also did not show any differences between control and ABA-treated trees. Overall, results suggest that the hyperspectral Vis-NIR sensing was able to acquire spectral changes pertinent to the dynamic processes such as stomatal conductance, independent from non-responsive traditional vegetation indices that lacked responsive spectral bands.
Trump and the GOP agenda: implications for retirement policy.

This commentary provides background on the current state of American retirement, highlights recent efforts to reform retirement policy, and predicts what to expect under President Donald Trump. Ret...
Co-delivery of mRNA and SPIONs through amino-ester nanomaterials

Nanoparticles have been widely explored for combined therapeutic and diagnostic applications. For example, lipid-based nanoparticles have been used to encapsulate multiple types of agents and achieve multi-functions. Herein, we enabled a co-delivery of mRNA molecules and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) by using an amino-ester lipid-like nanomaterial. An orthogonal experimental design was used to identify the optimal formulation. The optimal formulation, MPA-Ab-8 LLNs, not only showed high encapsulation of both mRNA and SPIONs, but also increased the r2 relaxivity of SPIONs by more than 1.5-fold in vitro. MPA-Ab-8 LLNs effectively delivered mRNA and SPIONs into cells, and consequently induced high protein expression as well as strong MRI contrast. Consistent herewith, we observed both mRNA-mediated protein expression and an evident negative contrast enhancement of MRI signal in mice. In conclusion, amino-ester nanomaterials demonstrate great potential as delivery vehicles for theranostic applications.
Biomechanical evaluation of medial malleolus fractures treated with headless compression screws.

Purpose The gold standard for fixation of medial malleolus fractures has yet to be determined. Most agree the best results of displaced unstable ankle fractures are with open reduction and internal fixation. Hardware irritation necessitating screw removal is a known complication. An alternative fixation method of medial malleolar fractures has been described using headless compression screws. There are currently no biomechanical studies that assess the stability of this method. The purpose of the study is to complete a biomechanical evaluation of partially threaded cancellous screws (PT) and headless compression screws (HC) in an external rotation ankle fracture model. Methods Composite polyurethane sawbone models of tibia were obtained. A custom jig was created to ensure identical osteotomies. The models were fixed with either two partially threaded cancellous screws or two headless compression screws. The models were fitted into the Material Test System (MTS) machine and the force transducer was programed to apply axial offset. The two constructs were loaded until 5 mm of displacement occurred, our defined point of failure. The amount of force (Newtons) necessary to create fracture line displacement was recorded for each model. Results The axial rotational force to create facture displacement between 1 mm and 3 mm, between 1 mm and 5 mm, and between 3 mm and 5 mm were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for both models. The mean axial rotational force measured in Newtons at 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm of displacement for the PT was 149.32, 244.19 and 477.76 respectively. The mean axial rotational force measured in Newtons at 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm of displacement for the HC was 152.05, 224.07, and 498.31 respectively. Conclusion No statistically significant difference was found between the biomechanical properties of partially threaded cancellous screws and headless compression screws used in the fixation of medial malleolus fractures. These results support HC screws as a viable alternative in a biomechanical model of medial malleolus fractures.
Sr4 + nMn3+4Mn4+nO10 + 3n: a new homologous series of oxygen-vacancy-ordered perovskites built from Mn3+O5 pyramids and Mn4+O6 octahedra

A new homologous series of oxygen-vacancy-ordered perovskites with the formula Sr{sub 4+n}Mn{sub 4}{sup 3+}Mn{sub n}{sup 4+}O{sub 10+3n} is proposed based on the structural trends found for the recently described Sr{sub 4}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 10}, Sr{sub 5}Mn{sub 5}O{sub 13} and Sr{sub 7}Mn{sub 7}O{sub 19} compounds. These compounds correspond to n = 0 (Sr{sub 4}Mn{sub 4}{sup 3+}O{sub 10}), n = 1 (Sr{sub 5}Mn{sub 4}{sup 3+}Mn{sup 4+}O{sub 13}) and n = 3 (Sr{sub 7}Mn{sub 4}{sup 3+}Mn{sub 3}{sup 4+}O{sub 19}) members of the series. A linear set of four Mn{sup 3+}O{sub 5} pyramids placed on the ab plane and pointing along the +x, -y, +y, -x directions defines the n = 0 building block for the series. The nth members can be constructed from blocks containing four pyramids and n Mn{sup 4+}O{sub 6} octahedra with 2/m symmetry. Compounds in the related systems CaMnO{sub x} and LaCuO{sub x}, containing Mn{sup 3+} and Cu{sup 2+} pyramids and Mn{sup 4+} and Cu{sup 3+} octahedra have also been found to be members of the series. The size and charge of the A-site cation and the apical distortion of the pyramidally coordinated B-site cation are shown to be important factors in the stabilization of certain members of the series. Amore » qualitative explanation for the absence of some of the possible members of the series is presented based on these factors.« less
HIGHER K-FUNCTORS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the higher K -functors. It discusses the phenomenon of exact sequences connecting the functors K 0 and K 1 . The attempts to explain and extend these exact sequences depend on some notion of homotopy of the linear group of a ring. If R is a ring (without unit) and denote by FR is the free ring without unit on the set R , then FR is the augmentation ideal of the free associative algebra over Z (noncommuting polynomials) on the set R . The functor F sits in a cotriple ( F, ɛ, μ ), ɛ R : FR → R, μR : FR → F 2 R and, hence, gives rise to a simplicial resolution of the identity. Applying the functor Gl (generalized to rings without unit), one produces an augmented simplicial group GlF*R . It is found that if R is a (nonunital) ring, then the path ring ER is the ideal tR [ t ] in the polynomial ring R [ t ].
The problem of bird origins and early avian evolution

First discovered in 1860,Archaeopteryx has played a prominent role in discussions of avian origin especially during the 20th century. One of the most dramatic discoveries in modern ornithology involved the revelation of a completely new clade of Mesozoic birds, the enantiornithines, first described in 1981. Among the most spectacular of these early birds isConfuciusornis from the early Cretaceous of China. Enantiornithines are now known from every continent except Antarctica, and from the Lower to Upper Cretaceous. They were the predominant landbirds of the Mesozoic Era, and produced a vast adaptive radiation of varied morphological types.
Crime, Perceived Danger, and Adiposity: The Role of Gender.

Objectives: We examine whether police-reported crime is associated with adiposity and examine to what extent the association between crime and adiposity is explained by perceived neighborhood dange...
Fiduciary Principles in Unincorporated Entity Law

This book chapter, prepared for the Oxford Handbook of Fiduciary Law, provides a descriptive account of fiduciary principles in the context of unincorporated business entities, principally the general partnership, the limited partnership, and the limited liability company. Specifically, this chapter examines (a) the trigger for finding a fiduciary relationship within unincorporated entities; (b) the duty of loyalty; (c) the duty of care; (d) other related duties, including the duty of disclosure and duty of good faith and fair dealing; (e) the extent to which fiduciary principles in unincorporated entity law are mandatory or may be waived by contractual agreement among the participants within an entity; and (f) the remedies available for a breach of duty. As this chapter shows, although there exists a general degree of consistency in fiduciary principles across unincorporated entities, there is also a pervasive tension in the law between the desire to empower courts to police fiduciaries and the desire to ensure certainty and predictability in rights and obligations of the participants within the entity. This chapter covers both Delaware law as well as the various uniform statutes promulgated by the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) governing unincorporated entities. In doing so, this chapter offers a critique of the ULC's so-called “harmonization” amendments of 2013, which in the name of harmonization propose significant changes to each of its uniform statutes governing unincorporated entities.
Cerebral microhemorrhages and cerebral fat embolism in hemoglobin S-C disease.

A 40-year-old man with a history of ventricular septal defect (VSD) and hemoglobin S-C disease presented with progressively worsening headache, followed by sudden thunderclap headache and encephalopathy. The patient became comatose without any focal neurologic deficits and was intubated for airway protection. Chest X-ray was unremarkable.
Opportunistic memory

In this paper, we present a model of opportunistic planning that uses planning-time rear soning about the opportunities that might arise during plan execution. The model is composed of three parts: a planning-time mechanism that places blocked goals into memory for later activation, an understanding system that activates suspended goals as a byproduct of parsing the world, and an executiontime process for evaluating opportunities and merging newly activated goals into the planning/ execution agenda. We discuss this model in terms of examples from TRUCKER, a routescheduling system, and RUNNER, an errand planner.