cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determining the crystal structure of cellulose IIII by modeling

Abstract Recently, a one-chain monoclinic unit cell for cellulose III I having P 2 1 symmetry and a single glucose in the asymmetric unit was proposed, based on high-resolution diffraction patterns. The new work challenged a two-chain structure that was published 25 years earlier, although it did not provide new three-dimensional coordinates. Our goals were to solve the structure by modeling, find whether modeling would reject the previously determined two-chain unit cell, and compare the model with the anticipated experimental structure. Combinations of three rotamers of the O-2, O-3, and O-6 hydroxyl groups produced 27 ‘up’ and 27 ‘down’ starting structures. Clusters (‘minicrystals’) of 13 cellotetraose chains terminated by methyl groups for each of the 54 starting structures were optimized with MM3(96). Hydroxyl groups on 16 of these 54 structures reoriented to give very similar hydrogen-bonding schemes in the interiors, along with the lowest energies. Hydrogen bonds included the usual intramolecular O-3H⋯O-5′ linkage, with O-6′ also accepting from O-3H. Interchain hydrogen bonds form an infinite, cooperative O-6H⋯O-2H⋯O-6 network. Direct comparison of total minicrystal energies for the one- and two-chain unit cell was inappropriate because the two-chain cell’s alternate chains are shifted 0.9 A along the z -axis. To get comparable energy values, models were built with both cellotetraose and cellohexaose chains. The differences in their energies represent the energies for the central layers of cellobiose units. The one-chain cell models had much lower energy. The eight best ‘up’ one-chain models agree reasonably well with the structure newly determined by experiment.
Exploratory Research on Changing Times Affecting Human Resource Management, Perceptions, and Professional Norms of Tennessee Park Rangers

As parks' fiscal resources dwindle, park management and frontline personnel are asked to do more with less. Park ranger efficiency and effectiveness must increase, and strategies to reduce resource impacts and overcome obstacles preventing successful resource preservation must be found. This study focused on the human resources of Tennessee State Parks: those personnel charged with preserving natural and cultural resources in the parks. In order to identify key trends that may help address personnel adaptations needed, this exploratory study gathered data on currently held beliefs and enacted behaviors, and issues in human resource management. An investigation into the cognitions, knowledge, perceptions, and professional norms affecting management strategies employed by the Division of Tennessee State Parks' rangers and managers was conducted using a voluntary, self-administered survey. Results indicate employee recruitment and selection, their compensation strategies and practices, and the successful fulfillment of the Division's mission is directly influenced by understaffing, time constraints, and politics. In addition, human resource diversity is lacking, resulting in professional acculturation and a reduction in optimum efficiency and effectiveness. Findings depict inconsistencies within management strategy use, and a need for professional development for the Division's human resources.
Relationship between depth perception and basketball-shooting performance over a competitive season.

Research supports the view that visual aaributes play an important role in skilled motor performance (2, 3). For the most part, studies of the relationship of various visual qualities to motor proficiency have been conducted in laboratories (4, 5). The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between depth perception and basketball-shooting performance during the course of a "competitive sezson." Prior to the 1980-81 Division I1 basketball season, depth-perception measures were obtained on the 12 women parsity basketball players attending the university. As a measure of depth perception, subjects were administered the Howard-Dolman test at distances of 15 ft. (DP15) and 20 ft. (DP20). Subjects were allowed four trials at each distance, two trials with the dowel starting in the most forward position and two trials with the dowel starting in the most rearward position. Depth perception was recorded as the error in absolute distance from exact alignment, thus a negative correlation would indicate a conceptually positive relationship. Test-retest procedures produced the following reliability coefficients: DP15 = .97, DP2O = .97, Depth Perception Total = .98 (pooled data from both 15-ft. and 20-ft. measures). Following the 23-game competitive season, "free-throw" shooting percentages and "field-goal" shooting percentages were calculated for each subject. The shooting percentages were rhen correlated with each of the three measures of depth perception. Spearman ps indicated significant relationships between free-throw shooting percentages wich DP15 (.69, p = .007) and with Total Depth Perception (.54, p = .03). No significant relationships were found between any of the measures of depth perception and field-goal shooting percentages. The present analysis contradicts earlier research (1, 4) and questions the assumed conceptually negative relationship between measures of depth perception and basketball free-throw shooting.
Comparison of Arylboron-Based Nucleophiles in Ni-Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling with Aryl Mesylates and Sulfamates

The efficiency of arylboron-based nucleophiles, boronic acid, potassium trifluoroborate, neopentylglycolboronate, and pinacol boronate in nickel-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions with the two C–O electrophiles, mesylates, and sulfamates was compared. Arylboronic acid is the most reactive and most atom-economic of the four boron species studied. Arylpotassium trifluoroborate cross-couples efficiently only in the presence of water. In the absence of water, aryl neopentylglycolboronate is more efficient, less expensive, and more atom-economic than aryl pinacolboronate.
Patient attitudes regarding the role of the pharmacist and interest in expanded pharmacist services.

Background:Pharmacists are consistently ranked among the most trusted professionals, and research shows high levels of satisfaction with pharmacist services. Studies have also shown that the public is generally unaware of the full range of roles and responsibilities of a pharmacist. The purpose of this study was to explore the public’s knowledge and attitudes regarding the role of the community pharmacist and to determine their likelihood of using expanded pharmacist services.Methods:Adults across Newfoundland and Labrador were surveyed by telephone. Survey questions addressed how frequently participants visited the pharmacy, understanding of duties undertaken by pharmacists, perceptions and attitudes regarding pharmacists as health care professionals, likelihood of using expanded pharmacist services and participant demographics. Comparisons were made between responses from urban and rural participants and frequent versus nonfrequent pharmacy users, to determine if there were any differences.Results:The m...
Observations on the structure of the skin of the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus (L).

Morphological and histochemical observations were realized on the body and fin skin of the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus. Attention was called to the following aspects:1. The presence and origin of a continuous mucous layer covering the superficial epithelium.2. The presence and characteristics of peculiar ridge-like structures on the superficial epithelium.3.The occurence of the so called “chloride cells” in this animal's epidermis.4. The presence of a cushion-like mucous connective tissue layer between the epidermis and the scales.5. An analysis of the scale's structure and its position in the dermis was performed.The functional significance of the above-mentioned structures is discussed.
Point-Counterpoint: The FDA Has a Role in Regulation of Laboratory-Developed Tests

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its draft guidance on the regulation of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) in October 2014, there has been a flurry of responses from commercial and hospital-based laboratory directors, clinicians, professional organizations, and diagnostic companies. The FDA defines an LDT as an "in vitrodiagnostic device that is intended for clinical use and is designed, manufactured, and used within a single laboratory." The draft guidance outlines a risk-based approach, with oversight of high-risk and moderate-risk tests being phased in over 9 years. High-risk tests would be regulated first and require premarket approval. Subsequently, moderate-risk tests would require a 510(k) premarket submission to the FDA and low-risk tests would need only to be registered. Oversight discretion would be exercised for LDTs focused on rare diseases (defined as fewer than 4,000 tests, not cases, per year nationally) and unmet clinical needs (defined as those tests for which there is no alternative FDA-cleared or -approved test). There was an open comment period followed by a public hearing in early January of 2015, and we are currently awaiting the final decision regarding the regulation of LDTs. Given that LDTs have been developed by many laboratories and are essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of an array of infectious diseases, changes in their regulation will have far-reaching implications for clinical microbiology laboratories. In this Point-Counterpoint, Angela Caliendo discusses the potential benefits of the FDA guidance for LDTs whereas Kim Hanson discusses the concerns associated with implementing the guidance and why these regulations may not improve clinical care.
Boll Weevil Movement from Hibernation Sites to Fruiting Cotton

Parcncia et al. (1963), in tests conducted near Waco, Texas, attempted to determine whether overwintered boll weevils, Anthonomns grandis Boheman, emerging from hibernation sites could find groups of plants more easily than single plants and whether weevils could be collected on greenhouse-grown fruiting plants before field-grown plants became available. In similar tests conducted from 1960–63 at Tallulah, La., greenhouse-grown fruiting (squaring) plants were used to study boll weevil movement from hibernation sites. Plants were inspected each day through the end of June for the presence of weevils. Results are reported herein.
ZOOMORPHIC ICONOGRAPHY ON PRECLASSIC HOHOKAM RED-ON-BUFF POTTERY: A WHOLE VESSEL STUDY FROM THE GILA RIVER BASIN

Zoomorphic iconography is a hallmark of Preclassic Hohokam red-on-buff pottery decoration, but quantified data have not been consistently collected by Hohokam archaeologists. This study presents an exploratory analysis of a tightly controlled set of data from several Preclassic Hohokam sites along the Gila River in central Arizona, including 133 whole vessels from mortuary contexts at the Grewe and Snaketown sites, and eight sites in the Gila Bend area. The data show a consistent preference for bird iconography among common vessel form classes across the region. These results support a shared ideology among different populations living in the GilaRiver basin before A.D. 1150, and merit further research.
Studies on patient cooperation in ulcer treatment. I. Observation of actual as compared to prescribed antacid intake on a hospital ward.

Summary A method has been described for determining how well a patient in the hospital follows his doctor's orders for medication. With this method, it was found that patients with peptic ulcer took less than half of the antacid prescribed by their ward physicians. Further, there was a surprising lack of relationship between the amount of antacid each patient took and the amount prescribed. Several explanations for patients' neglect of a regimen identified in earlier studies, were tested, but again, there was no significant relationship between the amount of medicine taken and length of illness, age, or symptoms on admission. The generality of these results remain to be demonstrated, but it is suggested that the important problem is to determine the cause of neglect of medications.
DISCUSSION 3: The Lower to Middle Paleolithic Transition

This paper presents a synthesis of the current state of knowledge about the Lower to Middle Paleolithic transition in Western Europe. The European Middle Paleolithic is defined by the appearance of Levallois technology by about 300,000 years ago and associated changes in the conception of tools. The Levallois technology is a major innovation of the Middle Pleistocene. The apparent continuity between the two major phases of the European Paleolithic based on the presence of bifaces in both periods is discussed and rejected. The Middle Paleolithic bifaces are quite different in conception from the classic Acheulian handaxes. The bifacial knives of the Keilmesser group in Central and Eastern Europe and the bifaces of the Mousterian of Acheulian Tradition in SW France have a standardized morphology and specific functions (for the MTA bifaces this is now confirmed by recent microwear analyses; Claud, 2008). Both kinds of tools were resharpened, modified and had a long use life. Other bifacial pieces had one or more working edges and can be typologically assimilated to flake tools. Current speculations about changes in hunting patterns and the reorganization of human societies around base camps in the Middle Pleistocene are discussed.
The Consumption Unit as a Member of the Distribution Channel

Conceptual treatments of the distribution channel have largely ignored the part played by consumers in the work of the channel. This paper examines their contribution at a conceptual level. By employing key concepts found useful in research based on the traditional channel, this study shows how the consumer unit can be readily included in channels research.
The seasonality of abortion in Kentucky

Abstract Objectives Abortion incidence is correlated with seasonal trends in conceptions and births. This retrospective review looks at monthly abortion incidence to detect a seasonal trend. Study design Data on abortion incidence in 2012 were obtained from the Kentucky Department of Vital Statistics. A regression analysis was performed to detect differences in abortion annualized rates by month. Results A total of 3810 abortions analyzed showed a trend in abortion incidence peaking in February and March with 444 and 378 abortions per month, respectively, compared to a mean of 299 in other months (p Conclusion The peak in first-trimester abortions correlate with the expected peaks of December conceptions. However, the same trend in second-trimester abortions suggests that women are delaying care.
Do Family Councils Really Work? The Need for Empirical Study

Governance continues to be among the most important issues facing family ­businesses. The widely accepted three-circle model of family, management, and ownership (Tagiuri and Davis 1996) employs a board of directors to address governance at the intersection of ownership and management; however, this significantly ignores the family’s interests. The family and the business are often so enmeshed that emotions are simply inevitable (Alderfer 1988). To correct for this oversight, family meetings, family councils, and family constitutions are often advised by family business consultants. Family councils are formed to benefit family members in the areas of planning, policy making, and strengthening business–family communication.
A Person-Centered Investigation of Achievement Motivation Goals and Correlates of Community College Student Achievement and Persistence:

Given low rates of student retention in community colleges, there has been growing interest in understanding characteristics that put students at-risk and that serve to buffer against academic diff...
Readmissions after Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation and Impact on Overall Survival.

Abstract Patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) have high rates of readmission, but the incidence after umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) is poorly described. The goal of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for readmission after UCBT and the impact of readmission on overall survival (OS). A retrospective review of patients receiving a UCBT at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Hospital between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 was performed. The readmission rates 30 days after discharge from the UCBT admission and at day +100 after the UCBT were examined. Reasons for readmission, as well as sociodemographic, disease-, and SCT-related variables were evaluated. Predictors of readmission and the impact of readmission on OS were identified using multivariate regression analysis. Of patients who received a UCBT, 42 of 126 patients (33.3%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge and 57 of 123 patients (46.3%) were readmitted by day +100 after transplantation. The most common causes for readmission were infection (38.3%), fever without a source (14.8%), and graft-versus-host disease (8.6%). Infection during the index admission was the only significant risk factor for readmission at both time points in a univariate and multivariate regression analysis (OR, 11.66; 95% CI, 2.77 to 49.13; P
Dipoles supporting multiple unique radiating modes on top of a high impedance surface

An array of planar dipole antennas with unique multiple radiating modes above a high impedance surface (HIS) is proposed. The antenna consists of 4 dipole antennas, each supporting a unique radiation mode. This design has an acceptable impedance matching at the design frequency (4.6 GHz). This array of dipoles was backed with a HIS structure to create a directional radiation pattern with improved directivity. The impedance matching and also the effect of the HIS reflector are discussed and presented here.
Notice of Release of 'Trailhead II' basin wildrye

‘Trailhead II’ basin wildrye ( Leymus cinereus (Scribn. & Merr.) A. Love [Poaceae]) is a tetraploid basin wildrye release for use in re-vegetation efforts on rangelands of western North America. Trailhead II is the result of 2 cycles of recurrent selection within the basin wildrye cultivar ‘Trailhead’ for rapid seedling emergence from deep seeding. Trailhead II is genetically distinct from Trailhead. Additionally, in comparisons between Trailhead II and Trailhead, Trailhead II possessed higher total emergence and more rapid emergence from deep seeding (7.6 cm [3 in]) and exhibited higher seedling establishment at 3 of 5 field sites where it was evaluated in Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. The release of Trailhead II basin wildrye improves this native germplasm to enhance the success of conservation and re-vegetation plantings in the Intermountain West and Northern Great Plains areas of the US and Canada.
Focal Cystic Pancreatic Lesion Follow-up Recommendations After Publication of ACR White Paper on Managing Incidental Findings

Abstract Purpose To describe the variation in radiologists' follow-up recommendations for focal cystic pancreatic lesions (FCPL) after publication of the 2010 ACR incidental findings White Paper and determine adherence to guidance of the ACR Incidental Findings Committee. Methods Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this retrospective, HIPAA-compliant observational study. Patients with FCPL were identified from abdominal CT and MRI reports generated in 2013 using natural language processing software. Patient-, lesion-, and radiologist-specific variables were recorded. Primary outcome was whether a follow-up recommendation was made, and if it included a specific study or intervention and recommended time for follow-up. χ 2 and logistic regression models were used to identify predictors and controlled for recommendation. These data were compared with 2009 data obtained before the White Paper's publication. Secondary outcome was adherence to the ACR's guidance. Results During calendar year 2013, 1,377 reports describing FCPLs were identified in 1,038 patients. After excluding examinations from low-volume readers (n = 80), radiologists recommended follow-up imaging in 13.5% (175/1,297) of cases, a decrease from 2009 when it was recommended in 23.7% (221/933) of cases ( P Conclusions Despite published guidance recommendations and reported awareness of them, fewer than half of follow-up recommendations for FCPL are consistent with the guidance and considerable variability persists among radiologists.
IKKalpha regulates G2/M cell cycle checkpoint through 14-3-3sigma independently of p53 in response to DNA damage

4261 A large proportion of the aggressive squamous cell carcinomas of humans and mice have been reported to express markedly reduced IKKα, implying that IKKα is involved in maintaining genomic stability in keratinocytes. However, whether IKKα loss increases genomic instability is unknown. In present study, we found that the level of 14-3-3σ was markedly lower in Ikk α -/- than in wild-type (WT) primary cultured keratinocytes, which was not caused by a defect in terminal differentiation in Ikk α -/- keratinocytes. Importantly, Ikk α -/- primary cultured keratinocytes showed a defect in the G2/M cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage. Enforced expression of IKKα, but not IKKβ, restored 14-3-3σ expression, and rescued the defect in the G2/M cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage in Ikk α -/- keratinocytes. Doxorubicin, a DNA damage reagent, induced the expression of p53 and p21 in both WT and Ikk α -/- keratinocytes, however, 14-3-3σ was only slightly induced in Ikk α -/- keratinocytes. These results indicate that downregulation of 14-3-3σ does not require the involvement of p53 in Ikk α -/- keratonocytes. Futhermore, we identified and discussed how IKKα regulates 14-3-3σ expression independently of p53 at transcriptional level. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel function of IKKα in cell cycle control through regulating 14-3-3σ expression in a p53-independent manner.
The time inconsistency of long constitutions: Evidence from the world

This article analyses the mechanisms establishing time consistency of constitutions. It explains why shorter and more locked constitutions are more likely to be time consistent (change less) and that long constitutions are more time inconsistent (change more, despite locking). Empirical evidence from all of the democratic countries in the world indicates that the length and locking of constitutions are not independent criteria, and that their combination leads to less time consistency. To address this inter-relationship, a measure of time inconsistency (a combination of locking and amendment rate) is developed and it is demonstrated that it is connected with the length of constitutions. The article shows how time inconsistency is incompatible with theories of ‘constitutional amendment culture’ not only at the theoretical level, but also empirically. Finally, the article proves that the empirical finding that the length of constitutions is related to lower per capita income and higher corruption are not only in agreement with time inconsistency arguments, but this also extends beyond OECD countries to all democracies.
Real-time collision avoidance algorithm on industrial manipulators

Safety is a fundamental issue in robotics, especially in the growing application of human-robot interaction (HRI), where collision avoidance is an important consideration. In this paper, a novel real-time velocity based collision avoidance planner is presented to address this problem. The proposed algorithm provides a solution to deal with both collision avoidance and reference tracking simultaneously. An invariant safe set is introduced to exclude the dangerous states that may lead to collision, and a smoothing function is introduced to adapt different reference commands and to preserve the invariant property of the safe set. A real-time experiment with a moving obstacle is conducted on FANUC LR Mate 200iD/7L.
Radionuclide imaging of the biliary tree

The new 99mTc biliary scintigraphy agents are highly sensitive and specific in detecting biliary tract disease and use of them is the initial procedure of choice in evaluating patients with suspected acute cholecystitis. Other clinically useful indications are evaluation of biliary kinetics; evaluation of patients with suspected traumatic bile leakage, gallbladder perforation, or postsurgical biliary tract complications; and evaluation of patients with suspected biliary obstruction. In 99mTc we have a simple radiopharmaceutical of low radiation for evaluating congenital abnormalities and neonatal jaundice. In the Orient 99mTc cholescintigraphy is extremely important in evaluating patients with suspected intrahepatic stones. The overall advantages of this technique include availability, safety, simplicity, and accuracy. In addition, it may be performed in those patients who are allergic to iodinated contrast agents.
Biliary secretion of organic anions in the dog: association with defined lipid particles.

Organic anions have recently been found to partition in vitro into various biliary lipid particulate species according to their relative hydrophobicities. To establish the physiological relevance of these observations, we intravenously injected various radiolabeled organic anions and assessed the distributions of parent compounds and their metabolites to lipid particles in canine bile. Partitioning into various biliary lipid particles was determined by gel permeation chromatography. Relative hydrophobicities of the various organic anions and their radiolabeled conjugates were determined by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. A strong positive correlation (P less than 0.001) was found between percent vesicular association and degree of hydrophobicity for a given organic anion and/or its more polar conjugate. We conclude that 1) the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance of organic anions is a key factor governing their partitioning to lipid particles secreted in bile; 2) the present study agrees well with our previously published in vitro observations; and 3) other chemical constituents, e.g., proteins, mucin, etc., appear to have little or no effect on organic anion transport in bile.
“Los olvidados” – An integrative review of the extant literature review on the forgotten ones in intercollegiate athletics

The article presents a review of the extant literature on Latinos/as in intercollegiate athletics in institutions of higher education (IHE). This integrative literature review examines information ...
Sustained stimulation of β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors leads to persistent functional pain and neuroinflammation.

Abstract Functional pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder, are associated with enhanced catecholamine tone and decreased levels of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; an enzyme that metabolizes catecholamines). Consistent with clinical syndromes, our lab has shown that sustained 14-day delivery of the COMT inhibitor OR486 in rodents results in pain at multiple body sites and pain-related volitional behaviors. The onset of COMT-dependent functional pain is mediated by peripheral β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors (β2- and β3ARs) through the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Here, we first sought to investigate the role of β2- and β3ARs and downstream mediators in the maintenance of persistent functional pain. We then aimed to characterize the resulting persistent inflammation in neural tissues (neuroinflammation), characterized by activated glial cells and phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Separate groups of rats were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps to deliver OR486 (15 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 14 days. The β2AR antagonist ICI118551 and β3AR antagonist SR59230A were co-administrated subcutaneously with OR486 or vehicle either on day 0 or day 7. The TNFα inhibitor Etanercept, the p38 inhibitor SB203580, or the ERK inhibitor U0126 were delivered intrathecally following OR486 cessation on day 14. Behavioral responses, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, glial cell activation, and MAPK phosphorylation were measured over the course of 35 days. Our results demonstrate that systemic delivery of OR486 leads to mechanical hypersensitivity that persists for at least 3 weeks after OR486 cessation. Corresponding increases in spinal TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, microglia and astrocyte activation, and neuronal p38 and ERK phosphorylation were observed on days 14–35. Persistent functional pain was alleviated by systemic delivery of ICI118551 and SR59230A beginning on day 0, but not day 7, and by spinal delivery of Etanercept or SB203580 beginning on day 14. These results suggest that peripheral β2- and β3ARs drive persistent COMT-dependent functional pain via increased activation of immune cells and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which promote neuroinflammation and nociceptor activation. Thus, therapies that resolve neuroinflammation may prove useful in the management of functional pain syndromes.
Comparison of the effect of LASIK parameters on the percent tissue altered (1-dimensional metric) versus percent volume altered (3-dimensional metric).

Purpose To determine the theoretical volumes of flap and tissue ablation altered during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) correction of myopic refractive errors. Setting Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France. Design Experimental study. Methods The theoretical volumes of the flap and ablated corneal lenticules for spherical myopic corrections were calculated by mathematical approximations based on a simplified geometric model. These results were then compared for various zone diameters, dioptric corrections, and the percentage of the volumes altered (PVA) with the percentage of tissue altered (PTA). Results The volume of the flap varied linearly with flap thickness and with the square of the flap diameter. The volume of ablated corneal tissue was estimated to be proportional to the magnitude of myopia treatment and to the 4th power of the treatment diameter. For the same depth of ablation, the volume of tissue ablated can vary significantly, depending on the magnitude of the correction and the optical zone diameter. As a result, the PTA calculation is not predictive of the actual PVA. Conclusions The flap diameters and the laser correction were the most important determinants of the PVA altered during LASIK surgery. New models estimating the volume of the flap and corneal tissue might be necessary to determine their influence on corneal biomechanical stability and each procedure's outcome.
Programmable Diagnostic Network Measurement with Localization and Traffic Observation

As networks become increasingly complex and pervasive, understanding and evaluating their running behavior and diagnosing configuration problems becomes more challenging and yet more important. This motivates a need to craft new diagnostic measurements suited to particular network environments and applications. However, once measurement protocols are in place on network devices it becomes difficult to modify them to new needs. Others have explored programmatic approaches that allow executing custom code at otherwise “unintelligent” network devices in order to provide configuration management and define new services. This approach can also be used to make meta-level observations from within a running network. We introduce a programmatic approach to diagnostic network measurement that offers such observation. It gives users a language in which to express measurements succinctly and an execution platform that enables network observation and localization of measurement. The design of the language and its platform are sketched with an example application.
GC/MS screening method for phthalate esters in children's toys.

Abstract Phthalate esters are commonly added into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as softeners to make the plastic material flexible. Phthalates are suspected cancer-causing agents and possible teratogens; they have been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as the underdevelopment of reproductive organs in humans and animals. Public safety concerns about human exposure to phthalates are on the rise because they do not chemically bond to PVC and leach from the material over time. Following the lead of the European Union and Japan in restricting the use of certain phthalates, a legal limit of 0.1% in children's toys was established by the California State Legislature (AB-1108). In addition to its mission to protect public health and the environment from toxic harm, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has been delegated the role of lead agency for consumer product safety. To support DTSC's Green Chemistry activities, the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Mobile Laboratory Team has developed an on-site screening method to monitor phthalates in children's toys. This method is simple, fast, and effective, with ample sensitivity to quantify the 6 restricted phthalates in children's toys at 100 ppm (limit of quantitation = 100 microg/g) which is 10 times lower than the legal allowable level of 0.1%. Additionally, the method has a high throughput capability and enables testing of approximately 6-10 samples per day, depending on the complexity of the sample matrix and concentration. This method is designed to survey the 6 phthalates in children's toys and other consumer products for compliance with the threshold of 0.1% (1000 ppm).
Why We Need Better Measures Of Research Impact in Advertising: Considerations for Best Practices To Expand Research's Reach

When it comes to measuring and assessing the impact and effectiveness of advertising research, we often see “who's who” reports of top-performing authors published in premier advertising journals as evidence of research impact. These data cannot tell us what influences advertising research has
Relationships between mechanical and transport properties in Marcellus shale

Abstract We explore relationships among bulk modulus, crack density, and permeability through repetitive loading of Marcellus shale. Cumulative cyclic stressing (22–26 MPa with confinement of 24 MPa) is applied at a frequency of 0.05 Hz over 100,000 cycles. Changes in acoustic velocities are used to follow changes in dynamic bulk modulus, Poisson ratio, and crack density and to correlate these with bedding-parallel measurements of methane permeability. The shale is represented as an orthotropic elastic medium containing a dominant, noninteracting fracture set separated by thin laminae. An effective continuum model links permeability evolution to the evolution of the bulk modulus and crack density. Bulk modulus is linearly related to crack density by a scaling parameter representing rock fabric and fracture geometry. The Poisson ratio and bulk modulus of the intact, uncracked shale are approximated from our data. We propose a method for tracking permeability evolution of finely laminated shales using acoustic waves.
Who Is Getting Lost? A Descriptive Study of Older Adults With Cognitive Loss

Date Presented 04/04/19 This exploratory study examined the relationship between getting lost and demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, education, marital status, cognition, and diagnosis in older adults with memory loss due to neurocognitive disorders. No significant factors account for the variation between those reporting getting lost and those who do not among a sample of 160 patients, although the travel subtask of the Cognitive Performance Test was associated with increased odds of getting lost. Primary Author and Speaker: Patricia Schaber
Graduate Level Distance Learning: Enhanced Student Experience, Significant Scalability Challenges: A Multiyear Case Study

This article describes our experiences and "lessons learned" providing degree-based distance (online) education to graduate students (studying business, law, and policy related to government contracts or public procurement). Temporal note: our pilot, and the five years of experience described in this case study, predate the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic emergency distance teaching transition. Among other things, we discuss our experiences with regard to fundamentally rethinking our pedagogical approach, "flipping the classroom," chunking, and scaffolded learning. We extol the benefits of working with, and being open to, advice from experienced instructional designers. We conclude that embracing distance education, at least in a hybrid form, offers exciting opportunities for more effective teaching and student learning. If thoughtfully and responsibly managed, the student learning experience in distance education not only compares favorably with, but may surpass, that found in the classic, amphitheater, quasi-Socratic or lecture-centric law course. Conversely, preparing to deliver and delivering quality distance education is time consuming, labor intensive, and, potentially, expensive and difficult. To reap the benefits and achieve the promise of distance education, law schools must embrace paradigm-shifting cultural change, a significant barrier for many faculty and institutions.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy in Patients with Multiply Relapsed or Refractory Extramedullary Leukemia.

ABSTRACT Autologous CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T lymphocyte (CAR-T) therapy is an approved and effective treatment for the management of patients with refractory and multiply relapsed B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Experience using this therapy in pediatric patients with extramedullary (EM) disease is limited, in part because these patients have frequently been excluded from clinical trials owing to concerns for an increased risk of immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). We infused 7 patients with refractory or multiply relapsed B-ALL who presented with isolated EM relapse with tisagenlecleucel. Six patients had isolated central nervous system (CNS) leukemia, and 1 patient had an isolated testicular relapse. An initial complete response was seen in all patients, with 5 patients remaining in CAR-T-induced remission at a median of 18 months from first infusion. Reversible ICANS was seen in 1 patient with CNS leukemia. Durable B cell aplasia occurred in 3 patients, with a median time to B cell recovery of 6.5 months in the other patients. These data suggest that CAR-T therapy has promising safety and efficacy in treating EM leukemia, although definitive conclusions are limited by the small size of the cohort and limited follow-up period.
Acute Kidney Injury After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who are too high risk for surgical valve replacement. Given the heavy burden of comorbidities associated with this population, there is much interest in identifying risk factors for adverse outcomes after TAVR, and one predictor that has repeatedly been identified is the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). Both patient-specific characteristics, such as age and baseline renal function, and intraprocedural factors, such as choice of access site, are associated with the development of AKI. Furthermore, patients who have advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or who develop a new dialysis requirement after TAVR are at particularly high risk of adverse events. Newer methods of identifying patients at risk of developing AKI, such as metabolite profiling, show a promise for improved pre-procedural risk stratification over traditional clinical factors. With an aging population and expanding indications for use, the number of patients receiving TAVR is expected to grow. Further investigations into identifying modifiable risk factors and strategies to limit post-TAVR AKI are needed.
Eviction and Segmented Housing Markets in Richmond, Virginia

This article examines the relationship between housing market segmentation and eviction in Richmond, Virginia. Housing market segmentation conceptualizes housing consumption through multiple distin...
Exploring the Role of Humidity, Temperature, and Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conductivity on SOFC Anode Electrocatalysis

Infiltration of nanoscale electrocatalysts into Ni/yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) cermets has been shown to improve the electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes. While infiltrated electrodes in SOFCs result in improved cell performance, long-term operation leads to coarsening of the infiltrated nanoparticles and negates the short-term performance improvements. This study explores the roles of humidity, temperature, and number of cycles of nanocatalyst infiltration in improving mixed conduction within the Ni-YSZ electrode. Two mixed conduction phases were studied: Gd0.1Ce0.9O2-δ (GDC) as an infiltrant into Ni-YSZ electrodes, and Ni/transition metal doped-YSZ electrodes infiltrated with Ni. Analysis of impedance data from these cells shows improved electrochemical performance in infiltrated cells with mixed conduction compared with infiltrated cells containing purely ionic and electronic conducting phases. Improved anode performance is attributed to the availability of electronic pathways through predominantly ionic-conducting phases to connect distant Ni nanoparticles and/or Ni grains.
Whoops! Something Went Wrong: Errors, Trust, and Trust Repair Strategies in Human Agent Teaming

Human interactions with computerized systems are shifting from using computers as tools, into collaborating with them as teammates via autonomous capabilities. Modern technological advances will inevitably lead to the integration of autonomous systems and will consequently increase the need for effective human agent teaming (HAT). One of the most paramount ideals human operators must discern is their perception of autonomous agents as equal team members. In order to instill this trust within human operators, it is necessary for HAT missions to apply the proper trust repair strategies after a team member commits a trust violation. Identifying the correct trust repair strategy is critical to advancing HAT and preventing degrading team performance or potential misuse. Based on the current literature, this paper addresses key components necessary for effective trust repair and the numerous variables that can further improve upcoming HAT operations. The impacting factors of HAT trust, trust repair strategies, and needed areas of future research are presented.
Recruitment process that attracts underrepresented students in graduate science and medical education programs.

While the population of minorities is increasing in the USA, the numbers obtaining advanced degrees in science/engineering and medicine are minimal. Underrepresented groups make up 19% of the USA l...
Writing Industrial Change in Urdu: Artisanship, Islam and Technology in Colonial India

Artisans in late nineteenth and early twentieth century India engaged with industrial change through vernacular-language manuals that explained new technologies and practices using regional cultura...
Copper, Indium, Tin, and Lead Complexes with Fluorinated Selenolate Ligands: Precursors to MSex

Reductive cleavage of C6F5SeSeC6F5 with elemental M (M = Cu, In, Sn, Pb) in pyridine results in the formation of (py)4Cu2(SeC6F5)2, (py)2In(SeC6F5)3, (py)2Sn(SeC6F5)2, and (py)2Pb(SeC6F5)2. Each group adopts a unique structure: the Cu(I) compound crystallizes as a dimer with a pair of bridging selenolates, two pyridine ligands coordinating to each Cu(I) ion, and a short Cu(I)-Cu(I) distance (2.595 A). The indium compound crystallizes as monometallic five-coordinate (py)2In(SeC6F5)3 in a geometry that approximates a trigonal bipyramidal structure with two axial pyridine ligands and three selenolates. The tin and lead derivatives (py)2M(SeC6F5)2 are also monomeric, but they adopt nearly octahedral geometries with trans pyridine ligands, a pair of cis-selenolates, and two "empty" cis-positions on the octahedron that are oriented toward extremely remote selenolates (M-Se = 3.79 A (Sn), 3.70 A (Pb)) from adjacent molecules. Two of the four compounds (Cu, In) exhibit intermolecular π-π stacking arrangements in the solid state, whereas the stacking of molecules for the other two compounds (Sn, Pb) appears to be based upon molecular shape and crystal packing forces. All compounds are volatile and decompose at elevated temperatures to give MSex and Se(C6F5)2.The electronic structures of the dimeric Cu compound and monomeric (py)2M(SeC6F5)2 (M = Sn, Pb) were examined with density functional theory calculations.
Anion binding to the Schiff base of the bacteriorhodopsin mutants Asp-85----Asn/Asp-212----Asn and Arg-82----Gln/Asp-85----Asn/Asp-212----Asn.

Abstract Studies of bacteriorhodopsin have indicated that the charge environment of the protonated Schiff base consists of residues Asp-85, Asp-212, and Arg-82. As shown recently (Marti, T., Rosselet, S. J., Otto, H., Heyn, M. P., and Khorana, H. G. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 18674-18683), in the double mutant Asp-85----Asn/Asp-212----Asn chromophore formation is restored in the presence of salts, suggesting that exogenous anions function as counterions to the protonated Schiff base. To investigate the role of Arg-82 and of the Schiff base in anion binding, we have prepared the triple mutant Arg-82----Gln/Asp-85----Asn/Asp-212----Asn and compared its properties with those of the Asp-85----Asn/Asp-212----Asn double mutant. Regeneration of the chromophore with absorption maximum near 560 nm occurs in the triple mutant in the presence of millimolar salt, whereas in the double mutant molar salt concentrations are required. Spectrometric titrations reveal that the pKa of Schiff base deprotonation is markedly reduced from 11.3 for the wild type to 4.9 for the triple mutant in 1 mM NaCl and to 5.5 for the double mutant in 10 mM NaCl. In both mutants, increasing the chloride concentration promotes protonation of the chromophore and results in a continuous rise of the Schiff base pKa, yielding a value of 8.4 and 7.6, respectively, in 4 M NaCl. The absorption maximum of the two mutants shows a progressive red shift, as the ionic radius of the halide increases in the sequence fluoride, chloride, bromide, and iodide. An identical spectral correlation in the presence of halides is observed for the acid-purple form of bacteriorhodopsin. We conclude, therefore, that upon neutralization of the two counterions Asp-85 and Asp-212 by mutation or by protonation at low pH, exogenous anions substitute as counterions by directly binding to the protonated Schiff base. This interaction may provide the basis for the proposed anion translocation by the acid-purple form of bacteriorhodopsin as well as by the related halorhodopsin.
Model generation and modification for dynamic systems from geometric data

We are experimenting with a prototype implementation of a simulation system for rigid body motion where the objects to be simulated are specified by a geometric description and a few symbolic data, such as object density, the type of hinge between certain bodies, and environmental factors. In our approach, the system automatically generates the appropriate mathematical model describing the current system dynamics, and revises the model so as to account for unanticipated changes in the system’s topology. For example, when simulating impact behavior, the system will not know in advance what objects might collide at which points, thus invalidating the usual approach of defining constraint forces between point pairs that are negligible except when the points are in close proximity. We describe the overall organization of the system, and give a general method to effect this self-modification. Focusing on characteristic cases such as gaining or losing contact and low-velocity collision, we discuss our experience with the system, its flexibilities, and its limitations.
The Complexity of the Fixed Point Property

It is NP-complete to determine whether a given ordered set has a fixed point free order-preserving self-map. On the way to this result, we establish the NP-completeness of a related problem: Given ordered sets P and Q with t-tuples (p 1, ... , p t) and (q 1, ... , q t) from P and Q respectively, is there an order-preserving map f: P→Q satisfying f(p i)≥q i for each i=1, ... , t?