cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Stability of Phlogopite in the Presence of Quartz and Diopside

The stability of phlogopite in the presence of quartz and diopside is of interest in the interpretation of biotite-bearing assemblages in granitic rocks and of biotite-clinopyroxene-amphibole assemblages in metamorphic rocks. This study, begun to compliment the studies of Luth (1967), Schairer (1954), and Shaw (1963), is now being abandoned and the results to date are presented herein. Numerous persons have contributed to the study. Starting materials were contributed by W.T. Pecora, J.F. Schairer, and H.S. Yoder. Laboratory assistance was provided by J.V. Chernosky, C.J. Duffy, H.R. Shaw, and J. Whitney. N. Chatterjee, W.C. Luth, and D.A. Hewitt discussed many aspects of the theoretical and applied aspects of the study. J.S. Huebner and M.E. Woodruff were particularly helpful in the acquisition of x-ray powder intensity data. J.V. Chernosky provided library access and working space at the Univ. of Maine, Orono, so that this manuscript could be finished in the midst of an active field season. Critical reviews by J.S. Huebner, R.A. Robie, D.B. Stewart and E-an Zen helped to improve the manuscript.
Defining, evaluating, and achieving accessible library resources: A review of theories and methods

The purpose of this paper is to review the library and information science literature related to the accessibility of digital resources by individuals with mental, physical or other impairments, to assess the state of research in the field and to explore new avenues for investigation.,There is an increasingly rich body of literature surrounding digital accessibility in libraries, ranging from practical guides for authors of Web content, to principles of universal design, to the ethical considerations of libraries subscribing to packages of digital content, to critical examinations of the accessibility guidelines themselves. This review is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive; less attention is given to studies of specific tools that will become quickly outdated, and more attention is given to underlying considerations and approaches that will remain relevant even as technologies change.,Many libraries and vendors have taken steps to provide equal access to websites and electronic resources in recent years. While the literature reflects an increasing level of critical engagement with concepts around disability and diversity, it also demonstrates methodological weaknesses in assessment projects that do not lead to meaningful accessibility.,This review offers theoretical and practical perspectives from recent work that can assist librarians in planning and decision-making, as they deal with an increasingly complex landscape of digital resources.
Internet of Things for a Smart Transportation System

Today, school buses transport millions of students to and from schools. Therefore, safety of school students is still a hot topic and the most imperative issue. The evolution of wireless location-based services has created consumer requests for availability of global positioning systems (GPS) in urban and indoor environments. Nowadays, there is a requirement to deliver a system for the school bus, that monitors its location and speed. This work investigates two different ways to track the vehicle through ordinary GPS, Assisted-GPS (AGPS). A-GPS improves startup performance (time-to-first-fix (TTFF)), of a GPS satellite-based positioning system in the downtown of big cities depending on 4G/LTE cellular networks. The proposed system is basically built using Raspberry Pi (3) with 4G model shield and important telematics technologies like Representational state transfer (RESTful API) which is the vital key for the Internet of Things (IoT) field.
A High‐Lignin‐Content, Removable, and Glycol‐Assisted Repairable Coating Based on Dynamic Covalent Bonds

Conventional thermoset coatings cannot be easily repaired and removed owing to their highly crosslinked structure. The investigation of repairable or removable coatings has been receiving extensive attention, but few reported coatings possess both features. In this work, a repairable and removable coating was developed through the curing of a modified Kraft lignin (L-COOH) with poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEG-epoxy) in the presence of zinc catalyst. The L-COOH was prepared by functionalization of Kraft lignin with carboxylic acid groups. The cured material had a high lignin content (>47 wt %). At elevated temperatures (>140 °C), dynamic transesterification in the cured network was activated, which resulted in fast stress relaxation and imparted excellent repairability. If the vitrimer system was used as a coating for tin plates, it provided adequate hardness and adhesion properties. In addition, the lignin-PEG coating could be easily removed from the tin plate by using a mild (0.01-0.1 m) NaOH aqueous solution owing to the unique swelling ability of the coating in alkaline aqueous solution. With the assistance of ethylene glycol, this coating could achieve stress-free repairability in 15 min. This work demonstrates the first lignin-based repair- and removable epoxy coating based on vitrimer chemistry.
Toward a Rhetoric of DNA: The Advent of CRISPR

The nucleic acid DNA, which contains an organism’s genetic information, consists of a four-letter alphabet that has until recently been characterized as a read-only text. The development of a quick, inexpensive DNA targeting and manipulation technique called CRISPR, pronounced “crisper,” though, has changed DNA from this arhetorical, read-only data set, as it has been characterized in the rhetoric literature to date, to a fully rhetorical text—one that can be not only read but created, interpreted, copied, altered, and stored as well. The Book of Nature, an idea with roots in antiquity but popularized during the nineteenth century, provides proof of concept in the form of an historical and theoretical context in which DNA can be viewed in this light. Once ensconced in the Book of Nature, DNA can longer be considered a code; rather, it is a text. DNA text has structural components that are similar to those of traditional text, and now, with CRISPR, it also has purposes, audiences, and stakeholders. Given the enormous potential of DNA text for both good and ill, rhetoricians of science and medicine must participate in discussions of the complex literacy, policy, and ethics issues this new form of text brings about.
A Multi-Parametric optimization approach for bilevel mixed-integer linear and quadratic programming problems

Abstract Optimization problems involving two decision makers at two different decision levels are referred to as bi-level programming problems. In this work, we present novel algorithms for the exact and global solution of two classes of bi-level programming problems, namely (i) bi-level mixed-integer linear programming problems (B-MILP) and (ii) bi-level mixed-integer convex quadratic programming problems (B-MIQP) containing both integer and bounded continuous variables at both optimization levels. Based on multi-parametric programming theory, the main idea is to recast the lower level problem as a multi-parametric programming problem, in which the optimization variables of the upper level problem are considered as bounded parameters for the lower level. The resulting exact multi-parametric mixed-integer linear or quadratic solutions are then substituted into the upper level problem, which can be solved as a set of single-level, independent, deterministic mixed-integer optimization problems. Extensions to problems including right-hand-side uncertainty on both lower and upper levels are also discussed. Finally, computational implementation and studies are presented through test problems.
Abstract MP72: The Effects of Antihypertensive Class on Falls, Syncope, and Orthostatic Hypotension in Older Adults: the ALLHAT Trial

Background: Hypertension treatment is believed to contribute to falls, syncope, and orthostatic hypotension (OH), common events among older adults. Whether choice of antihypertensive agent influenc...
BLEEDING DUODENAL DIVERTICULUM. REPORT OF A CASE.

1. Major gastrointestinal bleeding is a serious but infrequent complication of duodenal diverticula. 2. Diverticula of the third (horizontal) and fourth (ascending) portions of the duodenum at Treitz's angle figure conspicuously in the collected case histories of bleeding. This predilection is explained by the great vascularity of the diverticular bed near Treitz's angle. 3. Diverticula of the third and fourth portions of the duodenum should, if symptomatic, be operated upon. They can be excised with safety. The surgical approach to the diverticula of the third and fourth portions is outlined briefly. 4. The case history of a large bilobed diverticulum of the ascending portion of the duodenum near Treitz's angle is reported. The diverticulum was associated with recurring melena, which required in the course of 15 months 21 blood transfusions. The bleeding did not recur after resection of the diverticulum.
“Being uncomfortable is important”: the potential of study abroad for preservice English teachers

Study abroad programs offer undergraduate students multiple benefits by providing academic, professional and personal learning experiences that cannot be fully replicated in the domestic university...
Optically active C 3 -symmetric triarylphosphines in asymmetric allylations

Abstract A new class of optically active, monodentate, C3-symmetric ligands for asymmetric catalysis, 1–3, were prepared via routes involving asymmetric reduction of aryl ketones ( Scheme 1 , Scheme 2 , Scheme 3 ) Download : Download high-res image (151KB) Download : Download full-size image Scheme 1 . Syntheses of ligands 1. Download : Download high-res image (164KB) Download : Download full-size image Scheme 2 . Syntheses of ligands 2. Download : Download high-res image (217KB) Download : Download full-size image Scheme 3 . Syntheses of ligands 3. . Single crystal X-ray structures of trans-PdCl2(phosphine)2 complexes of ligands 1a, 2a and 3a showed that the ligands do not adopt perfect C3-symmetric conformations in the solid state; in fact, all three have one aromatic ring lying ‘face-on’ to the metal. Circular dichroism studies of the same complexes provided some evidence for an aromatic ordering effect for complex 22, but none for 21 and 23. Palladium catalyzed allylation reactions using ligands 1–3 showed that encouraging enantioselectivities could be obtained, particularly for cyclic, allylic substrates.
Mistrust of Researchers Correlates with Stroke Knowledge among Minority Seniors in a Community Intervention Trial.

Abstract Background Medical mistrust influences patients’ treatment seeking, adherence, health behaviors, and minority participation in research studies. However, medical mistrust remains understudied within neurological diseases like stroke despite disproportionately affecting minority populations. Objective This study examines the relationship of medical mistrust with stroke knowledge among Black, Latino, Korean, and Chinese-Americans. Methods Subjects greater than 60 years were enrolled from senior centers to test a culturally-tailored educational curriculum around stroke risk reduction in a randomized controlled trial. A Trust Physician Scale and a modified Trust of Medical Researchers Scale measured medical mistrust. The Stroke Action Test instrument measured stroke knowledge, focusing on intent to call 911 appropriately when presented with stroke symptoms. Results Of 225 subjects, 69.5% were female (n = 157) with an average age of 73.7 years (standard deviation 6.7). Blacks had highest trust scores of physicians relative to Latino/a, Korean or Chinese subjects (P Conclusions Among minority seniors participating in a randomized controlled trial, decreased trust of researchers, not physicians, was associated with low baseline knowledge of stroke symptoms. Those least acculturated to US culture may be a particular focus for trust building intervention. Future studies should examine whether researcher mistrust is disproportionately preventing those with the largest knowledge gaps from participating in trials.
Indocyanine Green J Aggregates in Polymersomes for Near-Infrared Photoacoustic Imaging

Clinical translation of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) has been limited by the lack of near-infrared (NIR) contrast agents with low toxicity required for regulatory approval. Herein, J aggregates of indocyanine green (ICG) with strong NIR absorbance were encapsulated at high loadings within small 77 nm polymersomes (nanocapsules) composed of poly(lactide-co-glycolide-b-poly(ethylene glycol)) (PLGA-b-PEG) bilayers, thus enabling PAI of of breast and ovarian cancer cells with high specificity and a sensitivity at the level of ∼100 total cells. All of the major components of the polymersomes are FDA approved and used in the clinic. During formation of polymersomes with a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion process, loss of ICG from the ICG J aggregates was minimized by coating them with a layer of branched polyethylenimine and by providing excess "sacrificial" ICG to adsorb at the oil-water interfaces. The encapsulated J aggregates were protected against dissociation by the polymersome shell for 24 h in 100% fetal bovine serum, after which the polymersomes biodegraded and the J aggregates dissociated to ICG monomers.
Adherence to treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review.

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders of women of reproductive age. Treatment plans for this chronic condition frequently include long-term use of a combination of medication and lifestyle interventions. However, treatment outcomes are dependent on adherence to treatment regimens. This study aimed to systematically review the literature for reported adherence to treatments for PCOS. Methods A systematic search of Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts from inception until January 2019 utilizing the terms PCOS, adherence, and patient compliance was conducted. A total of 179 possible articles were identified. Results Fourteen articles reporting adherence data were included in the review. Self-report was the most commonly reported method of measuring adherence. Adherence to lifestyle interventions, such as prescribed diets and physical activity, was reported in ten studies and adherence to medications was reported in seven studies, with some reporting both. Conclusions Minimal data are available regarding factors associated with adherence in patients with PCOS. Diverse methods of adherence assessment are utilized. Future studies of PCOS treatments should effectively assess and report adherence data as it is essential to evaluating the effectiveness of PCOS treatments and is critically needed to guide clinician efforts to facilitate optimal outcomes for patients.
Preoperative Medical Referral Prior to Hepatopancreatic Surgery—Is It Worth it?

Many patients who present for complex surgery have underlying medical comorbidities. While surgeons often refer these patients to medical appointments for preoperative “optimization” or “clearance,” the actual impact of these visits remains poorly examined. The objective of the current study was to define the potential benefit of preoperative medical appointments on outcomes and costs associated with hepatopancreatic (HP) surgery. Patients with modifiable comorbidities undergoing HP surgery were identified in the Medicare claims data. The association of preoperative non-surgical visit and postoperative outcomes and expenditures was assessed using inverse propensity treatment weighting analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Among the 5574 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent a hepatopancreatic surgery, one in seven patients (n = 830, 14.9%) was “optimized” preoperatively. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, age (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.03; p = 0.006) and higher comorbidity burden (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05; p = 0.007) were associated with modest increased odds of being referred in the preoperative period for a non-surgical evaluation; the factor most associated with preoperative non-surgical visit was male patient sex (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.14–1.56; p < 0.001). After adjustment for competing risk factors and random site effect, patients with an “optimization” visit had 28% lower odds (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.59–0.86; p < 0.001) of experiencing an operative complication. Additionally, patients who had a non-surgical visit had 13% higher median total expenditures compared with individuals who did not undergo an “optimization” visit (p < 0.05). In conclusion, roughly one in seven Medicare beneficiaries who underwent HP surgery may have been risk stratified by a non-surgical provider prior to surgery. Preoperative evaluation was associated with modestly lower odds of complications following HP surgery and higher Medicare expenditures. Further research is needed to determine its routine utility as a means to decrease the morbidity surrounding HP surgery.
Constant Volume Ring Shear Specimen Trimming and Testing

The constant volume ring shear (CVRS) apparatus can use intact/undisturbed specimens to measure the peak and residual undrained shear strengths to estimate the post-peak strength reduction for seismic stability and permanent deformation analyses. A trimming apparatus and specimen container were fabricated to allow the trimming of an intact annular specimen directly into a container that is used for the shearing phase of the test. This article describes the specimen trimming, recommendations for handling and converting the trimming apparatus to the shearing container, which can be done either by hand or with a specially prepared trimmer holder, and suggestions for maintaining an undrained or constant volume shear condition. CVRS undrained peak and residual shear strengths for soils with different plasticity and clay size fractions are presented, and they are in agreement with peak undrained strength ratios from direct simple shear tests. This article also introduces correlations for peak and residual undrained shear strength ratios as a function of plasticity index for verification of future test results and planning level design.
Harnessing deep learning for physics-informed prediction of composite strength with microstructural uncertainties

Abstract Representative volume elements (RVEs) are commonly utilized to analyze the effective properties of fiber reinforced composites based on their repetitive microstructures and the constituent fiber and matrix properties. Intrinsically, the randomness of fiber distribution exists in composites even though the manufacturing process is strictly controlled. Such microstructural uncertainties essentially render the composite strength stochastic and difficult to characterize. In this research, a physics-informed deep learning framework is developed to analyze the variation of the strength of composite material with microstructural uncertainties. A random fiber packing algorithm is employed to sample the RVE images that are subsequently subjected to composite progressive damage analysis using the finite element method. The input–output relations acquired from this first-principle analysis are used as training data to facilitate deep learning that is capable of directly predicting the composite strength based on the RVE image. Two neural network architectures, a customized convolutional neural network (CNN) and a VGG16 transfer learning neural network, are established, with the view to unleashing the power of deep learning with small data size. This new framework significantly expedites the uncertainty analysis. It can directly take the spatial uncertainties in RVEs into account, outperforming other uncertainty quantification approaches. Systematic case investigations are conducted, in which the statistical cross-validation confirms the validity of the method. Owing to the highly efficient emulation, one can further carry out convergence analysis for uncertainty quantification. The results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness and capability of the proposed new framework for composite strength prediction. This framework is generic, which can be potentially extended into uncertainty quantification of other composite properties.
COVID-19 Strikes U.S. Higher Education: An Opportunity to Center International Students and Their Diverse Needs

International students have contributed to the internationalization and diversification of U.S. higher education; yet, when COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus) struck, it became evident that this subset of the U.S. higher education student population was left unaccounted for and unprotected. This manuscript underscores the unimaginable damage and disruption that can occur when a global crisis of the highest magnitude meets under preparedness, pre-existing discrimination, and impulsive policy-making. It also highlights, for context, past crises and their impacts on international students, thus establishing a trend which places international students at the epicenter of the blow’s concomitant with crises of different nature. Moreover, the manuscript provides considerations higher education stakeholders should reflect upon, as well as the following implications for higher education institutions: a) Establish support systems, b) create a sustainable emergency/crisis relief fund, c) seek and maintain non-local partnerships, d) get in good trouble, and e) develop intervention programs. In enacting these tangible solutions, institutions would be able to guide, serve, and support international students more effectively during and after crises.
AI Soft Law and the Mitigation of Product Liability Risk

Artificial intelligence systems present various types of risks, but are generally not subject to comprehensive government regulation at this time. Soft law measures such as private standards have been developed to fill this governance gap, but a major limitation of such standards is that they are not directly enforceable, and so many companies may not comply with them. This article examines the thesis that compliance with soft law standards may provide some protection from product liability, thus providing additional incentive for companies to adopt and comply with such standards. Using U.S. case law as the focus of analysis, compliance with private standards does not provide an absolute shield against liability, but can provide persuasive evidence of due care that can diminish liability risks in most U.S. state jurisdictions. Conversely, while failure to abide by soft law standards does not automatically result in liability, it can provide probative evidence that a company has not exercised due care, and thus should be held liable. Moreover, compliance with soft law standards can provide an effective defense against punitive damages in many States if a company’s AI system does harm people or property and is held liable for compensating such damages. These findings suggest that protecting against such liability provides a powerful incentive for companies to comply with soft law standards.
Optimizing Hepatitis B Virus Screening in the United States Using a Simple Demographics-Based Model.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects over 290 million people globally and only 10% have been diagnosed, presenting a severe gap that must be addressed. We developed logistic regression and machine learning (random forest) models to accurately identify patients with HBV, using only easily-obtained demographic data from a population-based data set. APPROACH & RESULTS We identified participants with data on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), birth year, sex, race/ethnicity, and birthplace from 10 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2018) and divided them into two cohorts: training (cycles 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10; n = 39,119) and validation (cycles 1, 4, 7, 9; n = 21,569). We then developed and tested our two models. The overall cohort was 49.2% male, 39.7% White, 23.2% Black, 29.6% Hispanic, and 7.5% Asian/Other, with a median birth year of 1973. In multivariable logistic regression, the following factors were associated with HBV infection: birth year 1991 or after (adjusted OR [aOR] of 0.28, P < 0.001), male sex (aOR 1.49, P = 0.0080), Black and Asian/Other vs. White (aOR 5.23 and 9.13, P < 0.001 for both), and being United States-born (vs. foreign-born) (aOR 0.14, P < 0.001). We found that the machine learning model consistently outperformed the logistic regression model, with higher AUROC values (0.83 vs. 0.75 in validation cohort, P < 0.001) and better differentiation of high and low risk individuals. CONCLUSIONS Our machine learning model provides a simple, targeted approach to HBV screening, using only easily-obtained demographic data.
Establishing and maintaining a remote vascular surgery aortic program: a single-center 5-year experience at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Abstract Objective We sought to detail the process of establishing a surgical aortic telehealth program and report the outcomes of a 5-year experience. Methods A telehealth program was established between two regional Veterans Affairs hospitals, one of which was without a comprehensive aortic surgical program, until such a program was established at the referring institution. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent aortic surgery from 2014 to 2019. The operative data, demographics, perioperative complications, and follow-up data were reviewed. Results From 2014 to 2019, 109 patients underwent aortic surgery for occlusive and aneurysmal disease. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up were done remotely via telehealth. The median age of the patients was 68 years, 107 were men (98.2%), 28 (25.7%) underwent open aortic repair, and 81 (74.3%) underwent endovascular repair. Of the 109 patients, 101 (92.7%) had a median follow-up of 24.3 months, 5 (4.6%) were lost to follow-up or were noncompliant, 2 (1.8%) were noncompliant with their follow-up imaging studies but responded to telephone interviews, and 1 (0.9%) moved to another state. At the 30-day follow-up, eight patients (7.3%) required readmission. Four complications were managed locally, and four patients (3.6%) required transfer back to the operative hospital for additional care. Conclusions Telehealth is a great tool to provide perioperative care and long-term follow-up for patients with aortic pathologies in remote locations. Most postoperative care and complications can be managed remotely, and patient compliance for long-term follow-up is high.
CIDS Calculations on Quartz at Hard X-Ray Wavelengths

When the prospect of performing optical activity experiments at short wavelengths is discussed, it is natural to ask how large optical activity effects will be at short wavelengths, and what is the mechanism by which these effects arise? As a first step toward answering these questions, we report here an attempt to calculate the circular intensity differential scattering (CIDS) of α-quartz, an optically active crystal with a helical unit cell. The calculation was ultimately not quantitatively successful, and a somewhat different approach is perhaps necessary. But despite these shortcomings some useful conclusions can be drawn, especially concerning the mechanism by which optical activity arises at X-ray wavelengths.
Glycoprotein synthesis in cells infected with vaccinia virus: I. Non-virion glycoproteins

Abstract When vaccinia-virus infected HeLa cells were incubated in medium containing radioactively labeled glucosamine, the specific activity of the UDP- N -acetylhexosamine pool increased linearly at a rate similar to that of uninfected cells. Nevertheless, starting at 2 hr after infection, hexosamines were incorporated into glycoproteins at a progressively lower rate. Furthermore, from electrophoretic analysis it appeared as though synthesis of the major glycoproteins of uninfected cells was arrested and new glycoproteins were labeled. After equilibrium centrifugation the major vaccinia-induced glycoproteins did not sediment with infectious virus but a large portion was recovered from fractions rich in cell membranes and containing particulate material. Glycoproteins of similar electrophoretic mobilities were made in vaccinia-infected HeLa and chick cells. Both actinomycin D and cycloheximide inhibited the labeling of all virus-induced glycoproteins whereas rifamycin derivatives had a selective effect.
Theoretical Models for Type I and Type II Supernova

Recent theoretical progress in understanding the origin and nature of Type I and Type II supernovae is discussed. New Type II presupernova models characterized by a variety of iron core masses at the time of collapse are presented and the sensitivity to the reaction rate 12C(α, γ)16O explained. Stars heavier than about 20 M⊙ must explode by a “delayed” mechanism not directly related to the hydrodynamical core bounce and a subset is likely to leave black hole remnants. The isotopic nucleosynthesis expected from these massive stellar explosions is in striking agreement with the sun. Type I supernovae result when an accreting white dwarf undergoes a thermonuclear explosion. The critical role of the velocity of the deflagration front in determining the light curve, spectrum, and, especially, isotopic nucleosynthesis in these models is explored.
Job Security Legislation and Job Duration: Evidence From the UK

Job security legislation in most countries causes firing costs to rise with job duration. I analyze a 1999 British policy change that lowered from two to one year the tenure necessary for a worker to be able to sue their employer for unfair dismissal. Empirical results show a 29% decrease in the firing hazard for workers with one to two years of tenure relative to workers with higher tenure. The firing hazard for workers with zero to one year of tenure also decreased, which is consistent with better recruitment. Unemployment duration decreased after the policy change, training increased, and wages were unaffected.
Microbial Contamination in Sprouts: How Effective Is Seed Disinfection Treatment?

Microbial contamination of sprouts by Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157 : H7 has been a common cause of foodborne diseases and a continuing challenge to the sprout industry. Seed disinfection treatment has been recommended as a major intervention step in a multihurdle approach to reduce the risk of illness associated with contaminated sprouts. U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite as an example treatment in its recommendation for seed treatment and this treatment has been considered the reference standard for seed disinfection treatment for over a decade. However, promising new disinfection treatments have emerged in recent years. In this study, we summarized published data and compared the efficacies of different disinfection methods in the reduction of microbial contamination on seeds. Our findings suggest that while biological interventions such as competitive exclusion and certain chemical treatments appear to be similar to 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite for seed disinfection, physical methods especially high pressure may be more effective than the reference standard regardless of the type of bacteria or seed. The combination of 2 or more treatments, sequentially or simultaneously, may further improve disinfection results. Since treatments with high levels of chemical disinfectants, especially 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite, can pose environmental and worker safety risks, alternative intervention approaches should be considered. Additional studies to confirm the greater efficacy of certain physical and combined seed disinfection treatments and to identify other effective management strategies are needed to further improve sprout safety.
The Effect of Age on Lower Urinary Tract Function: A Study in Women

OBJECTIVES: To identify age-associated changes in female lower urinary tract function across a wide age spectrum, controlling for detrusor overactivity (DO). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of DO and aging. Eligible volunteers were stratified by age group and presence of DO. SETTING: Community-based volunteers, evaluated in research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-five ambulatory, nondemented, community-dwelling female volunteers, with and without bladder symptoms suggestive of DO, recruited by advertising, mean age 54 (range 22–90); 75% Caucasian, 21% African American. MEASUREMENTS: Comprehensive assessment included bladder diary, uroflowmetry, and detailed videourodynamics. Predefined urodynamic and diary variables were examined for association with age and DO. Mean values of these variables were calculated for subgroups aged 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and 60 and older (14 subjects ≥70). RESULTS: Maximum urethral closure pressure, detrusor contraction strength, and urine flow rate declined significantly with age (P<.001, P<.001, P=.006, respectively), regardless of whether DO was present. Most elderly individuals continued to empty their bladder almost completely, with normal voiding frequency. Mean number of nocturnal voids was less than one in all age groups. Bladder capacity did not decrease with age (mean 522 mL in oldest group) but was smaller in subjects with DO. Bladder sensation diminished significantly with age (P<.001) but was stronger in subjects with DO. CONCLUSION: Female bladder and urethral function appear to deteriorate throughout adult life, whether DO is present or not. Specifically, detrusor contractility, bladder sensation, and urethral pressure decline. The common belief that bladder capacity shrinks with age may be related to DO rather than to aging itself.
AlGaAs-InGaAs SHEP's for space applications

The authors propose a novel class of cascade photovoltaics which are intended to overcome two problems with current cascade solar cell designs: poor upper subcell performance and excessive joule losses in the intercell ohmic contact (IOC). The devices feature multijunction upper subcells which improve spectral response by reducing the mean collection distance for photogenerated carriers. They circumvent the need for a monolithic IOC by using npn and pnp three-terminal cells arranged in a complementary configuration. Emphasis is on the AlGaAs-InGaAs system, which allows optimal partitioning of the solar spectrum to attain maximum possible efficiency for a two-gap cascade design. Computer simulations of these cells show that one-sun beginning-of-life efficiencies in excess of 27 percent are possible.
Recombinant‐DNA‐derived bovine growth hormone from Escherichia coli

The isolation of bacterially synthesized, recombinant-DNA-derived, bovine growth hormone (r-bGH) with native structure is described. The r-bGH is found in insoluble form, in a pellet fraction, after cell breakage and centrifugation. Cell envelope components (protein, lipid, endotoxin) and nucleic acids are selectively removed from the pellet fraction by an EDTA/lysozyme/deoxycholate extraction. We demonstrate that the r-bGH is largely reduced until solubilized using 6 M guanidine/HCl. Air oxidation is then carried out, in the presence of the guanidine/HCl. The oxidation results in a mixture of about one-third disulfide-linked oligomers and two-thirds oxidized monomer. The latter may include some incorrectly oxidized material, but appears to be mostly correctly oxidized. The oxidized monomer is isolated by gel filtration in the presence of guanidine/HCl. Subsequent guanidine/HCl removal leads to refolded, oxidized r-bGH. All steps in the procedure, in particular the oxidation and refolding steps, can be carried out at relatively high protein concentrations.
Intraindividual Personality Profiles Associated With Realistic Interests

Investigations of the link between the Big Five personality traits and vocational interests have typically found no consistent relationships between personality traits and Realistic interests. The ...
A practical approach to inquiry-based learning in linear algebra

Linear algebra has become one of the most useful fields of mathematics since last decade, yet students still have trouble seeing the connection between some of the abstract concepts and real-world applications. In this article, we propose the use of thought-provoking questions in lesson designs to allow two-way communications between instructors and students as well as the use of simple applications to motivate learning and keep students engaged. An illustrative lesson for learning matrix multiplication and a lesson for understanding the practical meaning of orthogonal projection that are motivated by applications in image processing are presented along with a ready-to-use MATLAB code for completeness.
Stars of strange matter

Abstract We investigate suggestions that quark matter with strangeness per baryon of order unity may be stable. We model this matter at nuclear matter densities as a gas of close packed Λ-particles. From the known mass of the Λ-particle we obtain an estimate of the energy and chemical potential of strange matter at nuclear densities. These are sufficiently high to preclude any phase transition from neutron matter to strange matter in the region near nucleon matter density. Including effects from gluon exchange phenomenologically, we investigate higher densities, consistently making approximations which underestimate the density of transition. In this way we find a transition density ρtr≳7ρ0, where ρ0 is nuclear matter density is not far from the maximum density in the center of the most massive neutron stars that can be constructed. Since we have underestimated ρtr and still find it to be ∼7ρ0, we do not believe that the transition from neutron to quark matter is likely in neutron stars. Moreover, measured masses of observed neutron stars are ≅1.4 M⊙, where M⊙ is the solar mass. For such masses, the central (maximum) density is ρc
Preliminary findings on the role of neuropeptide suppression by topical agents in the management of rheumatoid arthritis

Recent research has established a close pathophysiological relationship between pain and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Specifically, substance P (SP), the neurotransmitter present in sensory neurons innervating synovial joints, has been implicated in RA pain and inflammation. In addition, elevated levels of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, IL-1β, and neopterin have been noted in synovial membranes of patients with RA. This 6-week, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, randomized study was designed to determine if topical 0.075% capsaicin cream could affect SP, PGE 2 , IL-6, IL-1β, and neopterin levels and white blood cell counts in human synovial fluid. Clinical effects were also assessed. Analysis of synovial fluid showed that topical capsaicin caused greater reductions of inflammatory mediators than did vehicle. These results suggest that the therapeutic benefit of topical capasicin may be associated with the reduction of inflammatory mediators in synovial fluid of arthritic joints.
The temporal course of radiation effect on glycine transport in ascites tumour cells.

SummaryEhrlich ascites-tumour cells were irradiated with 3, 6 or 10 kR in vitro under conditions (concentrated cell suspension, relative hypoxia) in which no acute diminution of glycine transport occurred. The ability to transport glycine was found to decrease progressively as a function of time after irradiation, and was dependent on exposure. This effect of irradiation appears to involve the active transport system per se, since the data are not explicable on the basis of: (1) cell death, (2) alterations in population density, (3) increased passive membrane permeability to glycine or (4) ageing of the cell population.
The Role of the Near Upstream Sequence in Hypoxia-Induced Expression of the Erythropoietin Gene

Transcription of the erythropoietin (epo) gene is regulated in response to tissue hypoxia. In this study we show that constructs containing 117 bp of the epo promoter sequence cloned upstream of a luciferase reporter, respond to hypoxia when transfected into the human hepatoma cell line, Hep3B. The sequence -61 to -45 (EP17) relative to the transcription start of the murine epo gene imparted an approximately 4-fold induction of reporter gene expression due to hypoxia. Internal deletion of EP17 resulted in loss of induction by hypoxia without altering basal expression of the 117 bp epo promoter reporter construct. Mutagenesis studies showed that the bases at positions -53, -59, from -49 to -51 and from -55 to -57 are essential for hypoxic induction. The EP17 sequence is required for the 3' enhancer element of the epo gene to be maximally functional. Gel shift and UV cross-linking experiments showed the presence in Hep3B nuclear extracts, of two protein factors with approximate molecular weights of 52 kDa and 25 kDa that bind to EP17. Introduction of specific mutations in the EP17 region that abolish induction by hypoxia, also eliminated the binding of one or both of these factors. These experiments demonstrate a role for the proximal region of the epo promoter in hypoxic induction of the epo gene.
The Influence of Modeling on Children's Creative Performance.

AbstractThree randomly assigned groups of sixth grade students watched a videotaped white female model present sets of responses to a creativity test categorized as low flexibility-low originality, high flexibility-low originality, and high flexibility-high originality. A randomly assigned control group viewed the same videotaped model giving instructions but not creative responses. Subjects then responded to the Unusual Uses and Just Suppose tests from the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Modeling did have an effect on children’s creative performance, but direction and magnitude of the effect were dependent upon sex, race, creativity traits measured, and test used.
Ozone consumption and volatile byproduct formation from surface reactions with aircraft cabin materials and clothing fabrics

Abstract We measured ozone consumption and byproduct formation on materials commonly found in aircraft cabins at flight-relevant conditions. Two series of small-chamber experiments were conducted, with most runs at low relative humidity (10%) and high air-exchange rate (∼20 h−1). New and used cabin materials (seat fabric, carpet, and plastic) and laundered and worn clothing fabrics (cotton, polyester, and wool) were studied. We measured ozone deposition to many material samples, and we measured ozone uptake and primary and secondary emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a subset of samples. Deposition velocities ranged from 0.06 to 0.54 cm s−1. Emissions of VOCs were higher with ozone than without ozone in every case. The most commonly detected secondary emissions were C1 through C10 saturated aldehydes and the squalene oxidation products 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and acetone. For the compounds measured, summed VOC emission rates in the presence of 55–128 ppb (residual level) ozone ranged from 1.0 to 8.9 μmol h−1 m−2. Total byproduct yield ranged from 0.07 to 0.24 moles of product volatilized per mole of ozone consumed. Results were used to estimate the relative contribution of different materials to ozone deposition and byproduct emissions in a typical aircraft cabin. The dominant contributor to both was clothing fabrics, followed by seat fabric. Results indicate that ozone reactions with surfaces substantially reduce the ozone concentration in the cabin but also generate volatile byproducts of potential concern for the health and comfort of passengers and crew.
A Bijective Proof of the Hook Formula for the Number of Column Strict Tableaux with Bounded Entries

A formula for the generating function for the number of column strict tableaux of a fixed shape λ with entries bounded by some positive number a was proved by Littlewood and given an expression in terms of the hook and content numbers of the Ferrers diagram of shape A by Stanley. We give a bijective proof of this formula and in the process give a combinatorial explanation for the appearance of the hook and content numbers in the formula.
Density homogeneity in a laser cavity due to energy release.

Density gradients, which refract laser light within the cavity, degrade beam quality. In addition to wall influences and viscous effects which cause density gradients, there is another mechanism. This mechanism, which is due to wakes and compression waves from heat (vibration energy to translation and rotation) addition in a supersonic stream, appears to have been overlooked. The appropriate equation is stated and discussed. A semigraphical solution procedure is outlined. Contours of constant density have been calculated for circular and rectangular cavities. Graphs of the isodensity contours are given.
Ethics Teaching in Undergraduate Engineering Education

This paper asks how undergraduate engineering education supports students' ethical development, broadly defined, in a diverse sample of U.S. engineering schools and offers an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of those efforts. The paper draws on observational case studies that were based on site visits to undergraduate mechanical and electrical engineering programs at seven universities or engineering schools in the U.S. It begins by proposing professional codes of ethics in engineering as a useful framework for thinking about the goals for student learning in the area of ethics and professional responsibility. The paper then discusses how and to what degree these goals are being addressed in the case study schools, with additional context provided through reference to published research in the field. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening the teaching of engineering ethics and professional responsibility.
On-board hyperspectral compression and analysis system for the NEMO satellite

The primary mission of the Naval EarthMap Observer (NEMO) is to demonstrate the importance of hyperspectral imagery in characterizing the littoral battlespace environment and littoral model development. NEMO will demonstrate real time on-board processing and compression of hyperspectral data with real-time tactical downlink of ocean and surveillance products directly from the spacecraft to the field. The NRL's Optical Real-time Adaptive Spectral Identification System (ORASIS) will be deployed on a 3.8 Gflop multiprocessing computer, the Imagery On-Board Processor (IOBP), for automated data analysis, feature extraction and compression. NEMO's wide area coverage (106 km2 imaged per day), as well as power and cost constraints require data compression between 10:1 and 20:1. The NEMO Sensor Imaging Payload (SIP) consists of two primary sensors: first, the Coastal Ocean Imaging Spectrograph (COIS) is a hyperspectral imager which records 60 spectral bands in the VNIR (400 to 1000 nm) and 150 bands in the SWIR (1000 to 2500 nm), with a GSD of either 30 or 60 meters; and second, the 5 m GSD Panchromatic Imaging Camera (PIC). This paper describes the design and implementation of the data processing hardware and software for the NEMO satellite.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Expression Profiling and Lung Cancer Development

Recent lung cancer research has been directed to using molecular approaches to facilitate early diagnosis, to identify clinically relevant biological factors associated with histologic heterogeneity, and to identify novel therapeutic agents. This research takes advantage of technical advances that allow rapid high throughput assays to interrogate the genome, proteome, and epigenome. In this review of gene expression profiling in lung carcinogenesis, we will focus upon recent advances in the understanding of malignant transformation of lung epithelial cells and of lung cancer differentiation and progression. These studies have provided important information about the genomic alterations of tobacco smoke-associated airway field carcinogenesis and about the developmental pathways that mediate lung tumor invasion and histologic differentiation in response to injury.