cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"100% of anything looks good": the appeal of one hundred percent

People overweight certainty, even when certainty is only an illusion. A vaccine that was described as 100% effective against 70% of disease targets was preferred to one described as 70% effective against 100% of disease targets (Studies 1 and 2). The appeal of 100% extends beyond the probability attribute. In Study 2, participants preferred both of the vaccines above to normatively equivalent vaccines that were less than 100% effective toward fewer than 100% of targets. In Study 3, participants preferred a 100% discount on a cup of coffee every 10 days to other more frequent, but lower amount, discounts. This preference evaporated, however, when savings were framed as points rather than as percentage discounts. We propose that people view 100% as a salient reference point and overweight it in those domains where it cannot be exceeded (e.g., probability, discount); the overweighting is weaker in domains where 100% can be exceeded (e.g., target range, points).
Conflicting Equalities? Cultural Group Rights and Sex Equality

This article explores the tensions within multiculturalist theory between the aspiration to promote cultural recognition and the need to promote and protect women's concern with issues of sex and gender inequality. The article asseses the three main approaches to the reconciliation of sexual equality and group rights; according priority to the traditional values and practices of cultural groups; accepting collective and cultural rights but within a framework international human rights; and finally, the acceptance of group rights subject to respect for individual rights and freedoms. By focusing on the experience of aboriginal women activists in Canadian politics and their struggle to preserve constitutional sex equality, this article argues that only the third approach provides adequate safeguards for women in their public and private roles.
The Crystal Structure of D7r4, a Salivary Biogenic Amine-binding Protein from the Malaria Mosquito Anopheles gambiae

The D7-related (D7r) proteins of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae have been shown to bind the biogenic amines serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine with high affinity. One member of the group (D7r1 or hamadarin) has also been shown to have an anticoagulant/antikinin activity. To understand the mechanistic details of its antihemostatic/anti-inflammatory effects, we have determined the crystal structure of one member of this group, D7r4, along with the structures of ligand complexes with serotonin, tryptamine, histamine, and norepinephrine. The D7 fold consists of an arrangement of eight α-helices stabilized by three disulfide bonds. The structure is similar to those of the arthropod odorant-binding proteins, a relationship that had been predicted based on sequence comparisons. Although odorant-binding proteins commonly have six α-helices, D7r4 has eight, resulting in significantly different positioning and structure of the ligand binding pocket. The pocket itself is lined by hydrophobic side chains along with polar and charged groups oriented to form hydrogen bonds with the aliphatic amino group and with groups on the aromatic portions of the ligands. These structures, along with accompanying mutagenesis studies, have allowed us to identify critical residues for biogenic amine binding and to predict which members of the large D7 protein family found in blood-feeding nematocerous Diptera will function as biogenic amine-binding proteins.
A comparison of statistically-based and neural network models of plasma etch behavior

A neural network modeling methodology is applied to the removal of polysilicon films by plasma etching. For a polysilicon etch in a CCl/sub 4//He/O/sub 4/ plasma, the etch rate, uniformity, and selectivity to both silicon dioxide and photoresist were modeled as a function of RF power, pressure, electrode spacing, and the three gas flows. Neural process models were subsequently compared to models derived by response surface methodology (RSM) for the same data. It was demonstrated that the neural models possess significantly superior performance. Furthermore, the derivation of accurate neural models was shown to require fewer training experiments. As a result, neural network modeling promises to be a faster, more efficient, and less expensive method of process characterization. >
From Independence to Conciliationism: An Obituary

Conciliationists about peer disagreement hold that when one disagrees with an epistemic peer about some proposition p, one should significantly change one's view about p. Many arguments for conciliationism appeal to a principle Christensen [2011] dubs Independence. Independence says that evaluations of the beliefs of those with whom one disagrees should not be made on the basis of one's initial reasoning about p. In this paper, I show that this principle is false. I also show that two weaker principles that vindicate conciliationism are either false, unmotivated, or both.
Image quality aware metrics for performance specification of ADC array in 3D CMOS imagers

A three-dimensional (3D) CMOS imager constructed from stacking a pixel array of image sensors, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) array, and an image signal processor (ISP) array is promising for high throughput imaging applications. The design specifications of the ADC array in the imager, which jointly and concurrently converts the pixel data to produce a final image, must consider both intra-ADC linearity and inter-ADC uniformity. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the image quality and the linearity of individual ADCs as well as the uniformity of neighboring ADCs in the array. With the insights to this relationship, the specification requirements for the ADC array can be derived based on a desired level of image quality.
Application of three-dimensional kinematic imaging to analysis of seismic reflection data from the Nevada Test Site

Abstract Three-dimensional kinematic migration produces a “best-fit” migrated surface, in three-dimensions, of any chosen reflector. The data are the travel times of all observed reflections and diffractions produced by the reflector. Source/receiver configurations are arbitrary, but should be arranged to provide good spatial sampling of the reflector. Each observation contributes an ellipsoid containing all possible reflection points. From this family of ellipsoids, the optimal reflector surface (the envelope of the family) is estimated by use of a statistical imaging condition. The “best-fit” position and shape of the reflector surface is obtained by defining a regular ( x, y ) grid over the region of interest and estimating the reflector depth beneath each grid point from the distribution of ellipsoids that are present there. The imaging criterion is implemented at each grid point by convolution of a Gaussian with the vector of ellipsoid depths. The width of the Gaussian is chosen to correspond to the scale of the features one wishes to resolve in the image. For each grid point, the migrated image is located at the depth at which the convolution is a maximum. The algorithm is applied to both synthetic and real data. The synthetic data are constructed by ray tracing in a known structure. The real data are from a seismic survey at the Nevada Test Site; here, a reflector is imaged and interpreted as the surface of a high velocity Paleozoic dolomite that is overlain by low-velocity tuffs.
The Postdispersion Coalescence Phenomenon in Polymer-Polymer Blends

Abstract Three novel experimental techniques have been developed to study the phase separation dynamics and morphology of polymer-polymer blends. Samples prepared from different materials by different methods appear to follow the same phase transformation behavior. The minor phase, dispersed as discrete particles, may change its phase morphology by aggregation and coalescence. The aggregation process involves the change in either particle location (small particles may translate) or particle geometry (to reduce interfacial area). Once the interparticle contact is effected, the flattened interface will break and allow for sintering of particles. The particle size distribution is more or less random and tends to broaden with time. The volume fraction of the second phase has a substantial effect on its growth rate. It has been demonstrated that a combination of hot-staged optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-speed cinematography, and the three novel sample preparation techniques facilita...
Sample surveys for family planning research in Taiwan.

I have been able only to illustrate the many practical and theoretical problems with which surveys can deal in studying family planning in developing countries. These illustrations may document the basis for believing that social survey specialists have an unusual opportunity to combine service and science in the study of one of the most important problems of our time. (excerpt)
Production of anxiety behavior and avoidance conditioning by stimulation of bulbar reticular formation.

ConclusionsBehavioral responses, characterized by signs of anxiety, do not solely originate from suprabulbar sites, but also may be produced from ventromedial reticular areas of the medulla. The close correspondence between median response latencies in avoidance conditioning produced during stimulation in this region of the medulla and time intervals elapsing between initial increased arousal and appearance of overt signs of apprehension resulting from the same stimulation, suggests development of a negative “effect” resulting in avoidance behavior rather than direct induction of complex motor responses. Absence of directional tendencies in random escape experiments implies that classical ascending sensory pathways are not directly involved in these effects. Apparently the medullary reticular formation not only participates in respiratory, vasomotor and spinal reflex events but is also involved in certain aspects of conscious behavior associated with emotional signs.
A novel technique for split-thickness skin donor site pain control: subcutaneous catheters for continuous local anesthetic infusion.

Abstract : Pain after split-thickness skin grafting can be severe. The current management of donor site pain is limited to oral and parenteral narcotics and nonnarcotic adjuncts, topical analgesics, and regional and axial anesthesia.1 The ON-Q Postop Pain Relief System (I-Flow Corporation, Lake Forest, CA) consists of an ON-Q pump and Soaker catheter designed to deliver a continuous infusion of local anesthetic to a surgical site. The device is Food and Drug Administration approved for postoperative/postinjury pain control and has been described after laparotomy, thoracotomy, inguinal hernia repair, and rib fractures.2 4 We describe our experience at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) with the use of subcutaneous catheter placement for continuous infusion of local anesthetic placed deep to lower extremity split-thickness skin graft donor sites. Standard excisional preparation of a skin or soft tissue wound is carried out. A split-thickness donor site is chosen, typically from the upper lateral thigh, and skin is harvested at a depth of 0.010 inches. Autografting is completed and the grafted wounds are dressed. The local anesthetic infusion catheters are then inserted in the subcutaneous space deep to the skin donor site via palpation as the included introducer and needle are advanced. Of note, when using the sharp (as opposed to the blunt tip) introducer, 2 to 3 cm of the distal end of the Soaker catheter must be trimmed to allow it to pass through the introducer and remain with its perforated portion entirely within the subcutaneous space deep to the donor site. The insertion site is placed 2 to 5 cm cephalad to the most proximal portion of the donor site. Two (optionally, only one) 10-cm catheters are passed in parallel, one medially and one laterally, to cover the entire field of a 200- cm2 donor site (Figure 1). The catheters are primed with 2 ml of 1 4% bupivacaine and attached to the ON-Q Pain Pump device, which infuses at a rate of 4 ml/hr.
Cross Flow Heat Exchanger Modeling of Transient Temperature Input Conditions

The effectiveness of heat exchangers strongly influences the thermal performance of data center cooling systems. Rear door heat exchangers, in-row and overhead coolers, and fully contained water cooled cabinets are some examples of liquid and hybrid cooling systems used in data centers. Modeling the dynamic behavior of heat exchangers is important for the design of control strategies to improve energy efficiency. In this paper, an existing 2-D model of the transient temperature response of an unmixed-unmixed cross flow heat exchanger, of the type that is widely used in data center cooling equipment, is solved numerically. A detailed analysis of the transient response to a step, ramp, or exponential change in the hot fluid inlet temperature is conducted. The heat capacity rate ratio (E), thermal resistance (R), capacitance ratio (V), and number of transfer units are varied over a wide range to determine their influence on the heat exchanger dynamic thermal performance under different transient input conditions. In addition, the thermal response to the magnitude and time period of the transient input functions are evaluated. The modeling results are used to analyze specific data center cooling scenarios, and provide a means for predicting the transient behavior of heat exchangers used in data center cooling equipment.
Serological differentiation of primary atypical pneumonia from virus pneumonia of the psittacosis group.

SummaryIn 11 cases of primary atypical pneumonia with increases in neutralizing antibodies for the virus propagated in chick embryos no significant development of complement-fixing antibodies for agents of the psittacosis group were found. Ten of the patients had cold hemagglutinins and 7 showed significant titers of agglutinins for the indifferent streptococcus No. 344. In an additional 10 cases of virus pneumonia where the presence of an agent of the psittacosis group was demonstrated by virus isolation or complement fixation, no significant development of neutralizing antibodies for the virus of atypical pneumonia occurred. The serum of one of the latter 10 patients showed streptococcal agglutination at a dilution of 1:20 without change in titer.
Heterogeneity depth localization using Near Infrared Time Resolved Spectroscopy (NIR-TRS).

Time Resolved Spectroscopy (TRS) introduces a sharp pulse of light into a system, and an attenuated broadened output is measured and analyzed. Previous studies (Kang et al., 1994) have shown that TRS is useful for both homogeneous system characterization, and two-dimensional heterogeneity localization. Recently, frequency response analysis theory has been used to reduce Near Infrared (NIR) TRS spectra for more efficient characterization (Kang et al., 1994; Kang et al., 1996). The advantage of using frequency response analysis is that five engineering parameters, used to identify and characterize the system, can be obtained from a single spectrum. The use of frequency response analysis also allows for the calculation of two of these parameters, the magnitude ratio (MR) and the phase shift (φ), over a range of modulation frequencies from one spectrum. The MR is defined as the ratio of the output to the input photon counts at a particular modulation frequency, and is useful for two-dimensional heterogeneity localization. The output spectrum lags behind the input by a phase shift (φ), which is also a function of the modulated frequency and provides useful information on the heterogeneity depth. Another parameter analyzed in this study is the time constant (τ), defined as the response time of the system to an input disturbance, and it is independent of modulation frequency.
Flexible eclectic psychotherapy (FEP): A model for psychotherapy integration

Introduction Most experienced psychotherapists use an eclectic approach in their practice, combining techniques of different schools of psychotherapy to treat their patients. However, there are no good teaching models to train the new generation of psychotherapists in the technique of psychotherapy integration. FEP is a form of psychotherapy that combines techniques from four different psychotherapies: psychodynamics, CBT, IPT and supportive therapy. It also incorporates mindfulness, motivational interviewing, exercise and nutrition. A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial to the success of FEP. Techniques are tailored to the patient's current clinical state. Several techniques from different psychotherapies may be used in the same session. The therapist is empathic, flexible adaptive to the patient's needs and assumes an active role in the therapeutic process. Objective To present a model of psychotherapy integration that can be used by psychotherapists in their clinical practice. Aims We aim to present a model of psychotherapy integration that can be taught and implemented by psychotherapists in their clinical practice. Results We present ten case examples were FEP was effective clinically and we compare it to the standard of care received by these patients and show the savings to the healthcare system. Conclusion The results of our study suggest that FEP could be a cost effective treatment that could be added to the psychotherapists toolbox. Teaching and training methods, like manuals and workshops can be developed to train the new generation of psychotherapists.
Token Causal Powers

AbstractThis paper proposes that the relation between property instances and token causal powers is akin to the relation between primary substances and property instances on the Aristotelian account of property instantiation. This view permits an individual to have two tokens of the same type of causal power. Paul Audi has argued that this cannot be: two tokens of the same power type are discernible, he claims, only if they are borne by discernible individuals (Audi 2012, 666). In the context of this criticism, he proposes that power tokens are individuated in part by the individuals bearing them. This paper responds to Audi’s criticism and argues against his preferred view. This paper thus establishes a theory of token causal powers where previously the literature contained only a presumed view and Audi’s objections.
Alternative multivariate stable distributions and their applications to financial modeling

It is commonly accepted that the distribution of returns on many financial assets is nonnormal. Mandelbrot [5] and Fama [2] proposed the α-stable distribution for modeling stock returns. In [9] we find that the geometric summation scheme provides a better model for univariate stock index data than various stable alternatives, including the α-stable model. Here we extend the geometric summation model to multivariate settings which allows us to model portfolios of financial assets.
CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT, SHORT TERM MEMORY AND ATTENTION IN REVERBERATING NEURAL NETWORKS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses contrast enhancement, short-term memory, and attention in reverberating neural networks. It describes mechanisms for parallel processing of patterned information in the presence of noise, highlighting the way in which significant information can be given greater weight and unimportant information can be suppressed. It also explains the way in which a channel can be defined by interactions within a field of cell populations such that varying the number of active cells and intensity of activation does not disrupt decision making downstream in the network. This mechanism has been used to help synthesize networks in which drives, reinforcement, and motivation interact to focus attention on cues important to the network at any given time. Also, this mechanism can be used to generate various perceptual invariances such as color and brightness constancy and contract.
TCT-738 The Degree of Right-to-Left Shunt is Associated with Visual Aura Due to Migraine

Cardiac or pulmonary right-to-left shunt (RLS) is associated with aura with or without migraine headache. A quantitative relation between visual aura and degree of RLS is not completely established. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the degree of RLS and visual aura with
Sleep in Children with Psychiatric Disorders

Sleep disorders are very common in children and adolescents with psychiatric disturbances. Associations between primary sleep disorders and underlying psychiatric disorders are well documented in literature. There is a significant neurocognitive burden associated with underlying sleep disorders that often translates into daytime behavioral problems. Treatment of primary sleep disorders often leads to improvement in sleep patterns and psychiatric symptoms in children. Sleep problems frequently coexist with psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, and mood disorders. Behavioral interventions are considered first line treatment in children with sleep difficulties, and there are a few psychopharmacologic options in resistant cases. There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for insomnia in children.
Companionship and time investment in social fields at different life cycle stages: Implications for activity and travel modeling and simulation

Abstract In this paper, we employ structural regression models to identify the differences and commonalities among life cycle stages in daily interpersonal contacts and their activity-travel time allocation. The daily contacts (with family, friends, schoolmates, co-workers, clubmates, and others), duration of activities by type, and travel time are the endogenous variables of the system. Life-cycle stages, day of the week, and accessibility are the exogenous variables. The model finds life-cycle dependent roles in interpersonal interactions and intra-household contacts and friends are significant in explaining service, shopping, home-leisure, and out of home social activity durations. Moreover, the many significant indirect paths of this model show we should include human interactions and paths of influence in activity models. We also compare the direct and indirect influence between two models, one that includes number of daily contacts and a second model without daily contacts. Three groups are found as the most sensitive in allocation of time when controlling for daily contacts and they are children younger than 17 years, persons in home duties, and college students. In addition, allocation of time to discretionary activities is the most sensitive to specifications that control for number of daily contacts.
Carbon nanotube wires with continuous current rating exceeding 20 Amperes

A process to fabricate carbon nanotube (CNT) wires with diameters greater than 1 cm and continuous current carrying capability exceeding 20 A is demonstrated. Wires larger than 5 mm are formed using a multi-step radial densification process that begins with a densified CNT wire core followed by successive wrapping of additional CNT material to increase the wire size. This process allows for a wide range of wire diameters to be fabricated, with and without potassium tetrabromoaurate (KAuBr4) chemical doping, and the resulting electrical and thermal properties to be characterized. Electrical measurements are performed with on/off current steps to obtain the maximum current before reaching a peak CNT wire temperature of 100 °C and before failure, yielding values of instantaneous currents in excess of 45 A for KAuBr4 doped CNT wires with a diameter of 6 mm achieved prior to failure. The peak temperature of the wires at failure (∼530 °C) is correlated with the primary decomposition peak observed in thermal gra...
Urinary retention with glans hypervascularization after penile arterialization.

AbstractPenile revascularization is a relatively new treatment for impotence. Glanular hypervascularization is a known complication of a venous arterialization procedure and it requires surgery for cure. A case in which delayed glanular hypervascularization caused urinary retention is presented. Ligation of the distal deep dorsal vein via the retro-coronal plexus resulted in cure.
Reading and Interpreting Ethnography

Ethnography is an approach to understanding cultural life that is founded on the researcher’s participation, with the goal of understanding not simply what people are doing, but how they experience what they do. The researcher participates in the life of the target people, both to serve as a stimulus (asking questions) that generates reactions and insights and to fully engage in the evolution and understanding of what is happening.
Building the African Novel on Quick sand: Politics of Language, Identity, and Ownership

African literary criticism, while useful as a postcolonial tool, has failed the African literary tradition on two fronts: by periodizing the African literary tradition as Achebe to Adichie, leaving out early South African Writing, diaspora African literature, and literature in African languages; and by privileging the African realist political novel in English, leaving behind other genres such as popular and science fictions. Thinking through questions of language, identity, and ownership, Mukoma Wa Ngugi makes the argument for reading early South African Literature (late 1800s–early1940s) within the African literary tradition by reading it alongside the literature of decolonization (1950s–1980s) and contemporary transnational literature (1990s–present). He questions an African literary criticism that ignores its literary history while confining African literature to the Makerere generation of writers and the realist political novel in English.
Demand for democracy in resilient authoritarianism: evidence from rural China

This article investigates the sources of public demand for democratic institutions under authoritarian rule. While a growing body of literature recognizes that in authoritarian polities such as Chi...
Evaluation of Microencapsulated Corrosion Inhibitors in Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures are vital to the US infrastructure due to their relatively low cost, durability, and high strength. However, when concrete cracks, the steel reinforcement is susceptible to corrosion due to the ingress of harmful agents. The resulting corrosion products occupy a greater volume than the steel reinforcement, leading to an expansion that creates tensile stresses within the concrete matrix, causing further deterioration through cracking, delamination, and spalling. In order to mitigate corrosion, this study aims to develop and characterize the performance of encapsulated calcium nitrate tetrahydrate embedded in reinforced concrete beams for corrosion inhibition at varying concentrations (as a percentage by weight of cement). The corrosion and inhibitor penetration mechanism between microcapsules/concrete and rebar/concrete interfaces was preliminarily characterized using an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. In addition, the effects of the microcapsules on the concrete properties, such as the compressive strength and surface resistivity, were evaluated.
Isolated follicle-stimulating hormone deficiency in man

Two men with serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) persistently below 3 mIU/ml and normal levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), growth hormone, prolactin, cortisol, and testosterone are reported. The intravenous administration of thyrotropin-releasing factor led to a normal increase in TSH and prolactin levels. Gonadotropin-releasing factor stimulation resulted in a net increase of 2 mIU/ml and 25 mIU/ml for FSH and LH, respectively. The administration of clomiphene resulted in a normal FSH increase in both patients, an LH increase in one, and a serum testosterone increase in the other. These results suggest a possible defect for FSH production at a level above the pituitary. Semen analyses revealed abnormalities in motility and morphology. A testicular biopsy from one patient revealed delayed maturation of spermatogenesis. It is recommended that serum FSH determinations be included in studies of male infertility patients.
Behavioral responses of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) to recreational boat sounds.

Anthropogenic sound caused by recreational boat traffic is a major concern for many marine animals because it may alter their behavior, mask sounds necessary for survival, and cause hearing loss. These alterations could potentially lower the chance of survival for individuals and lead to population declines. In this study, the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in Barnegat Bay, NJ, is used as a model organism to understand how boat engine sound influences behavior. Previously, we used the auditory brain stem response (ABR) technique to determine that terrapins can hear a limited range of low-frequency tones less than 1,000 Hz. Most anthropogenic activities such as recreational boating also produce sound with low-frequency components (Richardson and Wursig 1997).
Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review

Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often begins during adolescence or early adulthood and persists throughout the lifespan. Randomized controlled trials support the efficacy of select...
Tricky “Ticcy” Case: Tics/Tourette Syndrome with Co-occurring OCD

Tourette syndrome and related tic disorders are complex, neuropsychiatric conditions that likely arise from fronto-subcortical circuit dysfunction. Individuals with these disorders often have additional neuropsychiatric comorbidities such as obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Given their presumed overlapping genetic and neurodevelopmental origins, it is common for individuals to struggle with symptoms that overlap these diagnostic categories. As a result, careful attention must be paid to complete a thorough evaluation inclusive of these and other neuropsychiatric comorbidities, the presence of which helps to guide appropriate treatment, which includes specific psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic interventions for each of these disorders. This case of a young man exemplifies the complex and evolving experience of individuals struggling with Tourette syndrome and related disorders. His and his family’s stories provide a lesson in the natural history and diagnostic process of these neuropsychiatric conditions and serve as a starting point for discussion of neuropathological correlates and an in-depth discussion of pharmaco- and psychotherapeutic management.
The optimal mating distance resulting from heterosis and genetic incompatibility

Theory predicts that the fitness of an individual is maximized when the genetic distance between its parents (i.e., mating distance) is neither too small nor too large. However, decades of research have generally failed to validate this prediction or identify the optimal mating distance (OMD). Respectively analyzing large numbers of crosses of fungal, plant, and animal model organisms, we indeed find the hybrid phenotypic value a humped quadratic polynomial function of the mating distance for the vast majority of fitness-related traits examined, with different traits of the same species exhibiting similar OMDs. OMDs are generally slightly greater than the nucleotide diversities of the species concerned but smaller than the observed maximal intraspecific genetic distances. Hence, the benefit of heterosis is at least partially offset by the harm of genetic incompatibility even within species. These results have multiple theoretical and practical implications for speciation, conservation, and agriculture.
Toward Lifelong Excellence: Navigating the Engineering-Business Space

Nearly all engineers will have to navigate the engineering-business nexus, especially at critical moments in their careers. This chapter adopts an engineer’s perspective and his or her resources qua engineer to develop an extended understanding of what it means to flourish in this space. As members of a profession, engineers are given some guidance on what is needed to succeed as an engineer. In both the United States and Europe, these expectations are most developed in student or program outcomes, ABET (a)–(k) and EUR-ACE, respectively. While both organizations encourage technical engineering expertise and lifelong learning, engineers are largely left to their own devices after graduation as the scope of professional concern shrinks to a list of prohibitive and preventive injunctions—do not practice outside one’s competence, protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, etc.—that are applicable to engineers of all stripes. Such a retreat is understandable, given the vastly different contingencies of engineering work. Yet this movement underemphasizes important aspects of an engineer’s personal and professional development at the same time that engineers must navigate a staggering number of degrees of freedom that arise as engineering work intersects with business and social constraints and opportunities. A coherent approach to lifelong technical and non-technical development can be formed by integrating W. D. Ross’s formulation of duty ethics with elements of virtue ethics. Ross’s prima facie duties provide a theoretical framework for organizing the competing demands placed on an individual in the engineering-business nexus that extend beyond preventive-prohibitive concerns. Virtue ethics captures the longitudinal dimension of character and intellectual development over a lifetime through its emphasis on realization of potential, the development of habits, and the concepts of internal goods and practice. This framework can be used by individual engineers to evaluate their educational and career options and to navigate commercial, entrepreneurial, and social spaces in ways that are congruent with their personal ethics and that further develop their professions.
Novel, Facile Back Surface Treatment for CdTe Solar Cells

Formation of a Te-rich surface on the CdTe absorber is beneficial to the formation of a low barrier contact at the back junction in CdTe solar cells. Regardless of the CdTe fabrication method, surface etching processes are widely used to form Te-rich surfaces. Here, we show that methylammonium iodide (CH3NH31, MAl) can simply and controllably react with the CdTe surface to produce elemental tellurium. Both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed formation of a Te layer. Devices constructed with the MAl-treated CdTe absorber exhibited higher photovoltaic parameters of open circuit voltage $(\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{o}\mathrm{c}})$ and fill factor (FF) relative to similar devices prepared without the MAI treatment. This indicates a reduction in the Schottky barrier at the back contact due to the MAI surface treatment. CdTe samples that were treated with 125 mM MAI solution and heated to 150 °C for 10 minutes showed the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.5% while without treating the standard device efficiency was 12.7%.
An automatic and objective approach to hydro-flatten high resolution topographic data

Abstract Hydro-flattening is an operation required to generate deliverable terrain products after lidar survey collections that usually entails extensive manual intervention. In this paper, we develop new modules of GeoNet, a computational tool for the automatic extraction of geomorphic channel features from high resolution topography, for detecting channel banks and produce a hydro-flattened Digital Terrain Model (DTM). We first review the original GeoNet workflow and then describe how it has been modified to extract channels as the least-cost-paths from given channel heads to outlets. A new code component enables hydro-flattening on a given reference network based on curvature and connectivity. A raster-based routine for extracting the geomorphic channel zone based on a statistical analysis of slope has also been added. We test our new components using three different test cases. Compared to manually delineated hydro-flattened zones and satellite imagery, our results show high consistency and the capability of our method to automatically hydro-flatten high resolution topographic data.
Deep convolutional neural network for segmentation of thoracic organs-at-risk using cropped 3D images.

Purpose Automatic segmentation of organs-at-risk (OARs) is a key step in radiation treatment planning to reduce human efforts and bias. Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) have shown great success in many medical image segmentation applications but there are still challenges in dealing with large 3D images for optimal results. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel DCNN method for thoracic OARs segmentation using cropped 3D images. Methods To segment the five organs (left and right lungs, heart, esophagus and spinal cord) from the thoracic CT scans, preprocessing to unify the voxel spacing and intensity was first performed, a 3D U-Net was then trained on resampled thoracic images to localize each organ, then the original images were cropped to only contain one organ and served as the input to each individual organ segmentation network. The segmentation maps were then merged to get the final results. The network structures were optimized for each step, as well as the training and testing strategies. A novel testing augmentation with multiple iterations of image cropping was used. The networks were trained on 36 thoracic CT scans with expert annotations provided by the organizers of the 2017 AAPM Thoracic Auto-segmentation Challenge and tested on the challenge testing dataset as well as a private dataset. Results The proposed method earned second place in the live phase of the challenge and first place in the subsequent ongoing phase using a newly developed testing augmentation approach. It showed superior-than-human performance on average in terms of Dice scores (spinal cord: 0.893 ± 0.044, right lung: 0.972 ± 0.021, left lung: 0.979 ± 0.008, heart: 0.925 ± 0.015, esophagus: 0.726 ± 0.094), mean surface distance (spinal cord: 0.662 ± 0.248 mm, right lung: 0.933 ± 0.574 mm, left lung: 0.586 ± 0.285 mm, heart: 2.297 ± 0.492 mm, esophagus: 2.341 ± 2.380 mm) and 95% Hausdorff distance (spinal cord: 1.893 ± 0.627 mm, right lung: 3.958 ± 2.845 mm, left lung: 2.103 ± 0.938 mm, heart: 6.570 ± 1.501 mm, esophagus: 8.714 ± 10.588 mm). It also achieved good performance in the private dataset and reduced the editing time to 7.5 min per patient following automatic segmentation. Conclusions The proposed DCNN method demonstrated good performance in automatic OAR segmentation from thoracic CT scans. It has the potential for eventual clinical adoption of deep learning in radiation treatment planning due to improved accuracy and reduced cost for OAR segmentation.
Temporal characterization of optic fissure basement membrane composition suggests nidogen may be an initial target of remodeling

Fusion of the optic fissure is necessary to complete retinal morphogenesis and ensure proper function of the optic stalk. Failure of this event leads to congenital coloboma, one of the leading causes of pediatric blindness. Mechanistically it is widely accepted that the basement membrane (BM) surrounding the maturing retina needs to be remodeled within the fissure in order to facilitate subsequent epithelial sheet fusion. However, the mechanism driving BM remodeling has yet to be elucidated. As a first step to understanding this critical molecular event we comprehensively characterized the core composition of optic fissure BMs in the zebrafish embryos. Zebrafish optic fissure BMs were found to express laminin a1, a4, b1a, c1 and c3, nidogen 1a, 1b and 2a, collagen IV a1 and a2 as well as perlecan. Furthermore, we observed that laminin, perlecan and collagen IV expression persists in the fissure during fusion, up to 56 hpf, while nidogen expression is downregulated upon initiation of fusion, at 36 hpf. Using immunohistochemistry we also show that nidogen is removed from the BM prior to that of laminin, indicating that remodeling of the BM is an ordered event. Lastly, we characterized retinal morphogenesis in the absence of nidogen function and documented retinal malformation similar to what is observed in laminin mutants. Taken together, we propose a model of BM remodeling where nidogen acts as a linchpin during initiation of optic fissure fusion.
Proton pump inhibitors and 180-day mortality in the elderly after Clostridium difficile treatment

There is a reported association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) exposure and increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), but less is known about how this class of medications taken during treatment might influence mortality after CDI. Here we examine 180-day mortality rates in a cohort of CDI elders and its association with exposure to PPIs. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of elderly patients (> 65 years of age) diagnosed and treated for CDI in the years 2014–2016 (n = 874) in the Umass Memorial Health Care system, which represents both academic and community healthcare. Patient characteristics and medication use was extracted from the electronic medical record (EMR) and 6 month mortality data was obtained via the Center for Disease Control National Death Index. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios associated with medication exposures and other relevant variables. Of the 874 elderly adults treated for CDI, 180-day all-cause mortality was 12.4%. Exposure to a PPI was associated with a 55% reduced risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.72). In our Cox model, increasing age (aHR 1.45; 95% CI 1.14–1.84), those with severe CDI infections (aHR 1.87; 95% CI 1.22–2.88), and those with hospital acquired CDI (aHR 3.01; 95% CI 1.81–4.99) also had increased 180 day mortality risk. There were similar associations noted with both 90 day and 1-year mortality. Use of PPIs during CDI treatment in elderly patients is associated with decreased 180-day mortality. Although use of PPIs has been associated with an increased risk of CDI, it appears to be protective against mortality when used during the treatment phase.
Advances in monitoring technologies for corrosion inhibitor performance

Corrosion monitoring systems provide an operator with cost-effective and safe application of corrosion inhibitors. A proper corrosion monitoring program for inhibitors requires risk assessment. A monitoring system needs a clear set of objectives. Corrosion monitoring devices must be placed at locations where the system experiences the highest corrosion risk. Corrosion and phenomena related to corrosion need to be monitored regularly. Corrosion monitoring must be coordinated with system inspection. The information obtained through monitoring and inspection must be collected and organized to optimize corrosion inhibitor dosages and schedule facility inspections in a safe and economic way.
Substrate Design Enables Heterobifunctional, Dual "Click" Antibody Modification via Microbial Transglutaminase.

Site-specific modification of native antibodies has proven advantageous, as it enhances the properties of antibody-based bioconjugates without the need to manipulate the genetic code. However, native antibody modification is typically limited to strategies that introduce a single functional handle. In this work, we addressed this limitation by designing heterobifunctional substrates for microbial transglutaminase (MTG) that contain both azide and methyltetrazine "click" handles. Structure-conjugation relationships for these substrates were evaluated using the Her2-targeted antibody trastuzumab. Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to demonstrate that these chemical handles are mutually orthogonal. This orthogonality was leveraged for the one-pot synthesis of a bifunctional antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). This ADC, containing a maytansine-derived payload and a hydrophobicity-masking polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chain, demonstrated potent in vitro activity in SKOV3 cells. These studies establish the dual "click" approach as a powerful technique in the toolbox for native antibody modification.
Fabrication of Contact Lens Device with Integrated Microtubes for in Situ Extended Drug Delivery for Ocular Disease Treatment

Drug delivery is a difficult task in ocular therapeutics due to the physiological and anatomical constraints of the eye. The correct therapeutic concentration of a drug at the required site of action is difficult to obtain. For instance, only <1% of a topically administered drug reaches the aqueous humor. Herein, we report a new type of contact lens device with integrated microtubes as drug containers, which can provide a simple, noninvasive, extended drug release up to 40 days with higher bioavailability and lower risk for adverse effects.
Patient-Centered Medical Home and Up-To-Date on Screening for Breast and Colorectal Cancer.

Introduction Effectiveness of the patient-centered medical home model for promoting cancer screening utilization is uncertain, with prior research showing mixed results. Using national patient–provider pair data, this study examined whether having a patient-centered medical home–certified provider influences receipt of recommended screening for breast and colorectal cancer. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 2019 on data from the 2015–2016 Medical Organizational Survey and Medicare Expenditure Panel Survey. Participants included U.S. adults aged 50–75 years who met screening guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Multivariable regression models estimated the up-to-date rates of breast cancer and colorectal cancer screening between the patient-centered medical home and non–patient-centered medical home groups. Results The study sample comprised 4,052 patient–provider pairs, representing a weighted 40.1 million screening-eligible individuals cared for by 2,314 practices. Of those, 1,909 (48.2%) were cared for by patient-centered medical home–certified providers. Unadjusted up-to-date rates were similar between patient-centered medical homes and non–patient-centered medical homes (breast cancer screening, 85.4% vs 83.4%; colorectal cancer screening, 73.3% vs 73.3%). Adjusted analysis indicated no significant differences in rates of breast cancer (p=0.228) or colorectal cancer screening (p=0.878). In subgroup analyses, however, having a patient-centered medical home–certified provider was associated with higher screening rates among individuals aged 50–64 years and those with a private plan for breast cancer and among other racial/ethnic minorities for colorectal cancer. Conclusions Obtaining care from a patient-centered medical home–certified provider is not associated with increased breast cancer or colorectal cancer screening uptake. Findings of this study suggest that tailoring cancer screening strategies to patient mix may be needed to improve cancer screening utilization in patient-centered medical homes.