cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerating the development of next-generation solid-state lighting sources

Solid-state lighting (SSL) is a pivotal emerging technology that promises to fundamentally alter and improve lighting systems of the future. Successful development and commercialization of SSL technology will require coordinated efforts that leverage the strengths and capabilities of industry, research and academic organizations, national laboratories, and government. This paper discusses the U.S. Department of Energy's role as a catalyst in accelerating SSL technology advances. Through DOE's SSL R&D program, the collaborative efforts of our nation's best and brightest lighting experts are moving this promising technology from the laboratory to the marketplace.
The Influence of Family Structure Characteristics on the Child-Rearing Behaviors of African American Mothers

Recognition of the diversity of African American families increases our understanding of the socialization within these families. Family characteristics that influence socialization includefamily structure variables such as number of adult and child family members and amount offamily income. More likely than not, because the earliest primary caretaker of a child is the mother, socialization begins through maternal caretaking. Mothers'perceived performance of childrearing behaviors are thus dependent upon the support of other adults in the household. Using a probability survey sample of African American households, this study examined the relative influence of number of adults, number of children, mother's education, andfamily income on a mother's perceptions ofperformance of her child-rearing behaviors. As expected, results indicate thatfamily structure variables were related to mothers'performance of child-rearing behaviors.
How Do Inpatients With Bipolar Disorder Evaluate Diagnostically Homogeneous Groups

1. The results of this study suggest that inpatients with bipolar disorder consider diagnostically homogeneous group therapy to be beneficial. All the patients who responded to the overall helpfulness criterion indicated that the group was helpful to them, and most indicated that it was very helpful. 2. Although relating with others may have been important to participants, it is easy to appreciate that understanding the disorder would be a top priority for inpatients. 3. Inpatients with bipolar disorder might benefit from groups that are structured to include topic-oriented didactic and discussion components.
High Average Power Scaling of a Compact, Q-Switched, Diode Pumped, Nd:YAG Laser

Scaling an altimeter laser to high repetition rates is investigated. We acquired 2.4 mJ at 975 Hz. Induced thermal effects and performance limits are identified.
Network entropy: A system-theoretic perspective

In this paper, we highlight the importance of two measures associated with networked dynamic systems, namely the loop entropy and the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy, that quantify the notion of information content in the network. We then proceed to show connections between these measures and certain system theoretic properties that these networks exhibit for two classes of network dynamics. Throughout the paper, we also provide relevant bounds and insights into what these network measures quantify.
Pink mould of pecan kernels in the southeastern USA is associated with scab, above-normal temperatures, and humidity during nut maturation

SummaryPink mould is a disease caused by the common saprophytic fungus Trichothecium roseum (Pers.:Fr.). Pink mould rarely infects kernels of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangeh.) C. Koch] in the southeastern USA, but the disease was a major problem in 2002. T. roseum enters the pecan fruit via scab lesions on the shuck caused by the fungus Fusicladoporium effusum, (G. Winters) Partridge & Morgan-Jones. This study examined the association between pink mould and weather during nut maturation. Average daily temperatures and two or more consecutive days of rainfall were identified as critical factors in 2002, and were compared with weather data between 1963 – 2001 when there was no recorded evidence of pink mould. Both the average daily temperatures and the number of consecutive rainy days during nut maturation were above the 40-year average in 2002. Consecutive rainy days during the nut drying period in 2002 were more than double the 40-year mean, implicating humidity as a critical factor in mould developmen...
Inhibition of Development in a Field Population of Horn Flies Treated with Diflubenzuron

Development was inhibited in Haematobia irritans (L.) population when range cattle were treated with 0.5 or 1.0% sprays of diflubenzuron ( N -(4-chlorophenyl)- N ′-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)urea). The 1% spray treatment resulted in failure of the eggs to hatch or in failure of the larvae to develop into pupae. Thus, adult emergence was virtually eliminated for 4 wk after treatment, sufficient time to break the life cycle. A bioassay showed that toxic levels of diflubenzuron or its metabolites remained in the manure for 15 days following a 1% spray treatment of the animals.
Cystic malformations of the posterior cranial fossa originating from a defect of the posterior membranous area. Mega cisterna magna and persisting Blake's pouch: Two separate entities

Cystic malformations of the posterior cranial fossa are all but arachnoid cysts contained within the general context of the Dandy-Walker complex and may be further classified in two groups on the basis of their embryological origin: anomalies of the anterior membranous area (AMA) and anomalies of the posterior membranous area (PMA). Whether the latter group of malformations can be regarded as separate entities is still quite controversial. The present authors give a detailed account of the various embryological stages in the formation of the posterior cranial fossa and its contents and propose the identification of two anomalies derived from a defect of the PMA: the mega cisterna magna (MCM) and the persisting Blake's pouch, a new entity with different MRI features from MCM. Criteria for their recognition are discussed, stressing the capital importance of a differential diagnosis in view of the radically different therapeutic approach.
The Pure Theory of Elevators

PUZZLE 1. It has often been noted that, unless you are waiting at either the bottom floor or at the top floor of a building, the next elevator is almost always going in the wrong direction. (See e.g., [1], 10-1 1.) On the other hand it seems reasonable, since what goes down must come up (the author is indebted to Miss Shari Shreiber for pointing this out to him), and conversely, that it ought to be just as easy (i.e., take just as long) to get an elevator going up as one going down. How can both of these things be true?
Results of Occupational Hazards Monitoring and Health Surveillance in Wuqing District of Tianjin City during 2006-2009

[Objective]To learn the distribution of occupational hazards in industrial enterprises of Wuqing District and its effect on workers' health,and provide an objective basis for development of occupational disease prevention plans. [Methods]Statistic analysis was made on the occupational hazards monitoring results and health surveillance results of workers with exposure from 2006 to 2009. [Results]The average qualified rate of occupational hazards monitoring was 85.75%,without case report. [Conclusion]Most occupational hazards are benzene,toluene and xylene in monitoring,the qualified rate of dust is lowest.It is necessary to strengthen the rate of enterprise monitoring and health surveillance.Pneumoconiosis is the key for prevention.
Synergistic regulation of ANF in isolated rat hearts

The interaction between cardiac sympathetic stimulation of atrial natriuretic factors (ANF) release and left atrial stretch was examined in groups (n = 5 or 6) of isolated, perfused (10 ml/min), paced rat hearts. Left atrial stretch, produced by an increase in atrial pressure of 1.1 +/- 0.2 mmHg over 8 min, transiently (4 min) increased ANF release by 46 +/- 4% over baseline (220 pg/ml buffer; P < 0.05). Infusion of 1 microM norepinephrine (NE) over 28 min caused a sustained increase in ANF release of 76 +/- 10% (P < 0.05). Atrial stretch plus NE caused additive effects on ANF release during stretch but 2.4 times the additive effects after stretch (P < 0.05). To examine whether resting tension modulates the ANF response to sympathetic stimulation, the left atrium was stretched throughout the experiment by increasing the atrial pressure by 1–1.5 mmHg. Infusion of 1 microM NE over 28 min increased ANF release by 216 +/- 46% (P < 0.01) in the prestretched heart, compared with a calculated summed increase of ...
The effects of pharmacological opioid blockade on neural measures of drug cue-reactivity in humans

Interactions between dopaminergic and opioidergic systems have been implicated in the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse. The present study investigated the effects of opioid blockade, via naltrexone, on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures during methamphetamine cue-reactivity to elucidate the role of endogenous opioids in the neural systems underlying drug craving. To investigate this question, non-treatment seeking individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (N=23; 74% male, mean age=34.70 (SD=8.95)) were recruited for a randomized, placebo controlled, within-subject design and underwent a visual methamphetamine cue-reactivity task during two blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) fMRI sessions following 3 days of naltrexone (50 mg) and matched time for placebo. fMRI analyses tested naltrexone-induced differences in BOLD activation and functional connectivity during cue processing. The results showed that naltrexone administration reduced cue-reactivity in sensorimotor regions and related to altered functional connectivity of dorsal striatum, ventral tegmental area, and precuneus with frontal, visual, sensory, and motor-related regions. Naltrexone also weakened the associations between subjective craving and precuneus functional connectivity with sensorimotor regions and strengthened the associations between subjective craving and dorsal striatum and precuneus connectivity with frontal regions. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that opioidergic blockade alters neural responses to drug cues in humans with methamphetamine addiction and suggests that naltrexone may be reducing drug cue salience by decreasing the involvement of sensorimotor regions and by engaging greater frontal regulation over salience attribution.
The Interaction of Teacher and Student Social Styles and Learning Styles on Learning Outcomes of the Basic Communication Course

REFLECTIVE CONCEPTUALIZATION OBSERVATION Figure 1 Learning Style Quadrants BASIC COURSE COMMUNICATION ANNUAL 9 Smilowitz and Phelps: The Interaction of Teacher and Student Social Styles and Learning Published by eCommons, 1989 Teacher/Student Social and Learning Style8 169
Management of patients with colorectal liver metastasis in eleven questions and answers

Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is the most frequent indication for liver resection in many centers. Recent improvements in oncology, surgery, interventional radiology, pathology and anesthesiology allow curative treatment in a larger proportion of patients with CRLM. Areas covered: We illustrate the various aspects of the management of CRLM through 11 questions that summarize the topic, from the current obtained survival to future perspectives such as transplantation. The limits of a curative treatment are also presented from different angles, such as the benefits of pathology, the surgical options for extreme resections, the available chemotherapies and their efficacy, or the non-surgical ablative treatments. Expert commentary: Given the increasing therapeutic possibilities, we strengthen the importance to analyze the situation of each patient with CRLM in a dedicated multidisciplinary team, in order to offer the best individualized treatment combination.
Organocatalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization: Perspectives on Catalyst Design and Performance

The recent development of organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP) represents a significant advancement in the field of controlled radical polymerizations. A number of classes of photoredox catalysts have been employed thus far in O-ATRP. Analysis of the proposed mechanism gives insight into the relevant photophysical and chemical properties that determine catalyst performance. Discussion of each of the classes of O-ATRP catalysts highlights their previous uses, their roles in the development of O-ATRP, and the distinctive properties that govern their polymerization behavior, leading to a set of design principles for O-ATRP catalysts. Remaining challenges for O-ATRP are presented, as well as prospects for further improvement in the application scope of O-ATRP.
Stunning neutrophils changes the forecast: No more showers

Metoprolol inhibits neutrophil-platelet interactions and reduces microvascular obstructions after acute myocardial infarction.
Connecting the Arrows – Geography, Culture, Institutions and Economic Development

The threads from the previous chapters are tied together to suggest that geography, culture and institutions together play a pivotal role in influencing economic development outcomes. In addition to directly influencing output, geography has proximate effects via culture and institutions. Empirical analyses also verify that aspects of culture affect the quality of institutions and directly influence modern economic development. Since the cultural data used is for preindustrial societies it avoids the reverse influence of economic progress on cultural values. Together the findings help explain the early divergence in standards of living across the world and also why these disparities are persistent. They also suggest that successful policies aimed at improving development outcomes should reflect the geographical constraints and cultural and institutional frameworks in which they are to take effect.
Genome Sequence of Oxalobacter formigenes Strain OXCC13.

ABSTRACT The lack of Oxalobacter formigenes colonization in the human gut is generally acknowledged as a risk factor for kidney stone formation since this microorganism can play an important role in oxalate homeostasis. Here, we present the genome sequence of OXCC13, a human strain isolated from an individual residing in Germany.
Ir-Catalyzed Enantioselective, Intramolecular Silylation of Methyl C-H Bonds.

We report highly enantioselective intramolecular, silylations of unactivated, primary C(sp3)–H bonds. The reactions form dihydrobenzosiloles in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities by functionalization of enantiotopic methyl groups under mild conditions. The reaction is catalyzed by an iridium complex generated from [Ir(COD)OMe]2 and chiral dinitrogen ligands that we recently disclosed. The C–Si bonds in the enantioenriched dihydrobenzosiloles were further transformed to C–Cl, C–Br, C–I, and C–O bonds in final products. The potential of this reaction was illustrated by sequential C(sp3)–H and C(sp2)–H silylations and functionalizations, as well as diastereoselective C–H silylations of a chiral, natural-product derivative containing multiple types of C–H bonds. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that C–H cleavage is the rate-determining step.
Time-Temperature Analysis, DMA and Compression in PBXs

The mechanical response of plastic-bonded explosives (PBXs) is highly complex and depends on a number of factors including, but not limited to temperature, strain rate and binders. In this work, we have measured and analyzed the mechanical properties of LX-14, which contains 95.5 wt% HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine) and 4.5 wt% Estane 5702, with no additional plasticizer. We are interested to compare LX-14 with PBX 9501 (95 wt% HMX, 2.5 wt% Estane 5703 and 2.5 wt% nitroplasticizer), which has a relatively high content of plasticizer. The measurements span a wide range of strain rates and temperatures. We have applied time-temperature analysis on the LX-14 mechanical properties, i.e. dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements and quasi-static uniaxial compression to form satisfactory master curves, and these data are compared with those from PBX 9501. A unique inhomogeneity is observed in the LX-14 compression data as a function of the specimen location.
Non-intrusive measurement of wall shear stress in flow channels

Abstract Flow shear stress measurement plays an important role in the characterization of macro and microfluidic systems. Many currently used wall shear sensors quantify local shear stress with the use of fluid-disruptive probes, unless installed accurately flush to the channel surface. Non-intrusive shear stress measurement systems capable of quantifying the shear stress vector field in larger areas are highly desirable. The present study reports on non-intrusive direct measurement of wall shear stress under pressure-driven fluid flows with the use of particle imaging velocimetry and Fourier transform traction cytometry. This method uses the known mechanical properties of a soft substrate strained under the flow to quantify the shear stress field. Under fully developed pressure-driven laminar flows of different flow rates in a rectangular channel, the average magnitude of wall shear stress thus obtained matched with the theoretical results obtained for Poiseuille flow. The major advantage of this method is the direct experimental characterization of wall shear stress vector field without disruption of the flow itself. The method shows promise in the characterization of shear flow in diverse areas such as aerospace and bioengineering.
Comparative Study of Alkali-Activated Natural Pozzolan and Fly Ash Mortars

AbstractOwing to the considerable CO2 emission resulting from portland cement (PC) production, a great deal of research has been devoted to finding alternative binders, among which alkali-activated...
Rational Approximants of Hypergeometric Series in ℂN

Rational Approximants to two variable Appell hypergeometric series are discussed. A number of examples showing the first few elements of Pade-type table, which depends on a suitable choice of an index set Eμν, is given. An example is constructed to verify Montessus de Ballore 2 theorem in ℂ2.
New Activities in the Manufacturing Domain to Support the Concurrent Engineering Process

Instilling productivity into the engineering process is addressed through the application of a concurrent engineering process. Parallel activities are designed into the engineering process providing high benefits in product value. Knowledge-based tools and methods along with new architectures for information handling improve the chance of successfully implementing a concurrent engineering process and further improving the productivity of engineering activities. This paper takes a look at creative activities that can be applied to the engineering process for the generic development of new products. These new activities are viewed from the manufacturing domain and seek to explore nontraditional roles in the early and late stages of product development.
Nocturia and associated mortality: observational data from the REDUCE trial

Nocturia (voids arising from sleep) is a ubiquitous phenomenon reflecting many diverse conditions but whether it has significance in its own right remains uncertain. We examined whether nocturia was an independent risk factor for mortality These were observational analyses employing primarily North American and European participants and included 7343 men, aged 50–75 years participating in the REDUCE (Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events) trial. Cox proportional hazards models were used to test the association between baseline nocturia (voiding ≥3 times per night) and all-cause mortality. Potential confounding variables included: age; race; region of origin; treatment group; self-reported coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease; smoking; alcohol use; prostate volume; and diuretics. Self-reported sleep quality, as measured with the Medical Outcomes Study sleep scale, was entered as a final step in the model. Nocturia was associated with increased mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.72; 95% CI 1.15–2.55) independent from demographics and medical comorbidities. Inclusion of disturbed sleep in the model reduced the magnitude of the association (HR = 1.43; 95% CI 0.93–2.19). Although the findings are limited to men, half of whom ingested dutasteride, the interruption of sleep by nocturia may have long-term impact on health and may warrant targeted intervention.
Frequency Synchronization and Control for a 6.78 MHz WPT Active Rectifier

Resonant magnetic wireless power transfer (WPT) has potential to improve spatial freedom, allow simultaneous charging of multiple devices, and increase circuit power density. However, many obstacles must first be overcome before the benefits of this technology are fully realized. Due to the high frequency of the WPT carrier, autonomous receiver-side synchronization and control presents significant difficulties. This work addresses the control strategy of a 6.78 MHz GaN-based synchronous WPT rectifier. A zero-crossing current sensing scheme is used to both synchronize the receiver switching frequency and to enable control of its input phase. The rectifier is shown to be capable of regulating its output voltage by changing its input phase, highlighting the value of a circuit that has real-time control over the reactive part of its input impedance. The current sensing, frequency synchronization, and input phase control capabilities of the circuit are demonstrated experimentally and discussed in detail.
Coherences of Bacteriochlorophyll a Uncovered Using 3D-Electronic Spectroscopy

Mapping the multidimensional energy landscape of photosynthetic systems is crucial for understanding their high efficiencies. Multidimensional coherent spectroscopy is well suited to this task but has difficulty distinguishing between vibrational and electronic degrees of freedom. In pigment–protein complexes, energy differences between vibrations within a single electronic manifold are similar to differences between electronic states, leading to ambiguous assignments of spectral features and diverging physical interpretations. An important control experiment is that of the pigment monomer, but previous attempts using multidimensional coherent spectroscopy lacked the sensitivity to capture the relevant spectroscopic signatures. Here we apply a variety of methods to rapidly acquire 3D electronic–vibrational spectra in seconds, leading to a mapping of the vibrational states of Bacteriochlorophyll a (BChla) in solution. Using this information, we can distinguish features of proteins containing BChla from the...
Examining HPV Awareness, Sexual Behavior, and Intent to Receive the HPV Vaccine Among Racial/Ethnic Male College Students 18–27 years:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness and vaccination among males in the general population is low. Men in general, but particularly racial/ethnic men, are disproportionately affected by HPV. The purpose of this article is to examine college males' (a) HPV awareness, (b) sexual behaviors, and (c) intention to receive the HPV vaccination. A non-probability sample of all students who self-reported their race/ethnicity and were attending a university in Southeastern United States were contacted by the university registrar's office and recruited to participate in the 15-minute survey. Males, ages 18-27 years ( N = 190), were identified for this study. χ2, t-tests, and binomial logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between knowing about HPV and HPV vaccine and the intent to receive the HPV vaccination. Findings indicated that 67.4% of the sample identified as Hispanic or Black. Among all men, 73.2% reported previous sexual experience and 49.5% were currently sexually active. There were 79.5% who had previous knowledge about HPV and 55.8% had knowledge about the HPV vaccine; 71.1% of the sample did not intend to receive the vaccine. Hispanic and Black men were less likely to identify as virgins, more likely to be sexually active, and more likely to have sexual experiences at an earlier age compared to White, Asian, and other men. Men with previous HPV vaccine knowledge (28.4%) were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine compared to men who did not have previous knowledge about the vaccine (14.9%). Providing males with information about HPV, its transmission, and possible HPV-related outcomes may increase HPV vaccine uptake.
Guidance and selection history in hybrid foraging visual search

In Hybrid Foraging tasks, observers search for multiple instances of several types of target. Collecting all the dirty laundry and kitchenware out of a child’s room would be a real-world example. How are such foraging episodes structured? A series of four experiments shows that selection of one item from the display makes it more likely that the next item will be of the same type. This pattern holds if the targets are defined by basic features like color and shape but not if they are defined by their identity (e.g., the letters p & d). Additionally, switching between target types during search is expensive in time, with longer response times between successive selections if the target type changes than if they are the same. Finally, the decision to leave a screen/patch for the next screen in these foraging tasks is imperfectly consistent with the predictions of optimal foraging theory. The results of these hybrid foraging studies cast new light on the ways in which prior selection history guides subsequent visual search in general.
Programming for Maintenance: An Investigation of Delayed Intermittent Reinforcement and Common Stimuli to Create Indiscriminable Contingencies

Generalization across time or maintenance of behavior change is a fundamental concern for behavior analysts and educators that remains insufficiently understood. This study examined the maintenance of mathematics responding during and following delayed intermittent reinforcement when common stimuli were programmed across the treatment and maintenance phases. Two third-grade girls who were referred by their classroom teacher due to concerns in the area of mathematics participated. Students were exposed to baseline, contingent reinforcement, delayed intermittent reinforcement, and a maintenance condition. The maintenance condition followed exposure to delayed intermittent reinforcement and included common stimuli from the reinforcement condition, but did not include a contingency for correct responding. Both students exhibited substantial prolonged maintenance during this condition. Implications of these results for future research examining maintenance and applied programming for maintenance are discussed.
Living with the Skeptics: A Personal Journey

This chapter is a personal reflection written by a faculty member who was one of the early pioneers of online teaching at Hostos Community. She starts with the technology of 1995, when her journey with online teaching began. Professor Figueroa recounts her comfort level with technology beginning as a high school shorthand and typing teacher and moving through more advanced technology in her classes. She discusses the various early online management systems in the 1990s and their evolution to the present learning management system. She also discusses the value and importance of training the faculty in the theory, use, and purpose of online learning and reflects on the personal growth she experienced in the delivery and use of various teaching tools in the online environment, as she mentored the faculty planning to teach online. She concludes the chapter by addressing her commitment to work with faculty who are interested in teaching online and dismisses the need to “convert” faculty who are unwilling to teach online.
Truth and Credibility in Science

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 23, pp. 15926–15932, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Modeling the Spine Using Finite Element Models: Considerations and Cautions

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool in the arsenal of researchers interested in understanding biomechanics. With an established protocol and track-record in engineering design, FEA can be implemented to explore questions related to morphology where more traditional approaches are difficult to use. Three inputs are required for FEA: geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions. Geometry is the most tractable as it can be obtained from standard imaging procedures. Material properties (e.g., Young’s Modulus) can be acquired from direct assessment (via empirical testing) or from examination of analogous structures with known properties. Boundary conditions are the applied loads and physical constraints.
Age and Lymphovascular Invasion Accurately Predict Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in T2 Melanoma Patients

The risk of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in melanoma is related directly to tumor thickness and inversely to age. The authors hypothesized that for T2 (thickness 1.1–2.0 mm) melanoma, age, and other factors may be able to identify a cohort of patients with a low risk of SLN metastases. The authors developed logistic regression models to predict positive SLNs in patients undergoing SLN biopsy for T2 melanoma using the National Cancer Database. Classification and regression-tree analysis were used to identify groups of patients with high and low risk for SLN metastases. The prediction model then was applied to a separate data set from a multicenter randomized clinical trial. The study identified 12,918 patients with T2 melanoma undergoing SLN biopsy with clinically node-negative melanoma. In the multivariable analysis, increasing thickness, younger age, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), mitotic rate of 1/mm2 or more, axial location, and Clark level of 4 or 5 were independent risk factors for SLN metastases. A cohort based on age (> 56 years) and no LVI was identified with a relatively low risk (7.8%; 95% confidence interval 7.2–8.4%) of SLN metastases. The independent data set of 1531 patients with T2 melanoma confirmed these findings. Among elderly patients (age > 75 years) with melanoma 1.2 mm or smaller and no LVI, the risk of a positive SLN was 4.9% (95% confidence interval 3.3–7.1%). Younger age and LVI are powerful predictors of SLN metastases for patients with T2 melanoma. This prediction model can inform shared decision-making regarding whether to perform SLN biopsy for older patients with otherwise low-risk T2 melanoma.
Electronic Structure and Phase Stability of Yb-filled CoSb3 Skutterudite Thermoelectrics from First Principles

Filling the large voids in the crystal structure of the skutterudite CoSb3 with rattler atoms R provides an avenue for both increasing carrier concentration and disrupting lattice heat transport, l...
Overview of Reactor Systems and Operational Environments for Structural Materials in Fusion Reactors

Abstract This chapter presents an overview of the conditions that structural materials being developed for fusion power reactor applications would encounter. We begin by briefly describing the relevant plasma physics that dictate the fusion environment, which drive microstructure evolutions in structural alloys. The fundamentals of radiation damage in the fusion environment are discussed, but the reader is referred to a much more detailed treatment of this topic given in Chapter 5 . Our intent is to highlight the most important degradation mechanisms operating in the fusion environment. We compare and contrast the fusion environment with that found in existing and proposed advanced fission energy systems, highlighting in particular the role that gaseous and solid transmutation products have on property evolution. The majority of the chapter is devoted to a presentation of the principal structural material choices for major subsystems of a fusion power reactor, such as the first wall/blanket, divertor, and vacuum vessel (VV). Our aim is to highlight the essential features of the material choices for each subsystem, and not to delve into the details, since other chapters address each class of structural alloys in greater depth. The emphasis is on the implication of the environment to the basic physical and mechanical properties requirements of these materials and challenges they face specific to the fusion environment.
Fostering inclusion and diversity through research, teaching, mentoring, and outreach

I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) Prize for Excellence in Inclusivity. Thank you to the ASCB for recognizing the contributions of faculty to inclusion and diversity in STEM and the importance of this for the advancement of science. Thank you to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for your generous support of inclusivity. The prize money will be used to fund outreach activities aimed at increasing inclusion in science and to create research opportunities for students from underrepresented groups in the sciences. In this essay, I share bits of my life's story that I hope will resonate with a broad audience, especially students from underrepresented groups in STEM, and that drive my passion for inclusion and diversity. I provide points of consideration for students to enhance their preparation for science careers and for faculty to improve the current landscape of inclusion and diversity in STEM.
Light scattering study of highly absorptive, non-fractal, hematite aggregates

Abstract We present measurements of the scattered light intensity by aerosolized hematite aggregate particles. The measurements were made at a wavelength of 532 nm in the scattering angle range from 0.32° to 157°. Hematite has high values of the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index m = n + iκ = 3 + i0.5 at the studied wavelength. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) indicated that the particles were aggregates whereas the optical microscope pictures showed that the aerosol had a bimodal distribution with effective mean diameters of roughly 1 and 10 µm. This is consistent with the light scattering results which displayed two Guinier regimes. The aggregates were composed of smaller grains with an approximate size of 200 nm. Ultra Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (USAXS) indicate that the aggregates were uniform and non-fractal. Mie calculations for a sphere equivalent to the aggregate size were compared to the experimentally observed results. The observed results showed an enhanced backscattering, whereas the Mie calculations did not due to the large imaginary part of the refractive index. Hematite aggregates were simulated by assuming they were composed of spherical monomers inside a spherical volume. Then the light scattering was calculated using the T-matrix method for these simulated aggregates. The calculated results show an enhanced backscattering. We present a dimensional analysis to estimate the extent of multiple scattering within the aggregate and find a correlation between the average number of scattering events within the aggregate and the enhancement in the backscattering.
Abstract WP381: Modafinil in Recovery After Stroke: A Retrospective Study

Background: Acute rehabilitation is known to enhance stroke recovery. However, post-stroke lethargy and fatigue can hinder participation in rehabilitation therapies. We hypothesized that in patient...
Medical image tomography: A statistically tailored neural network approach

xi GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Objective 1 Dissertation Organization 1 LITERATURE REVIEW 3 Background of Nuclear Medical Tomography 3 Smgle Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) 4 Artificial Neural Networks 8 Massively Parallel Computmg 10 Neiu'al Network Applications ID Medicine 13 GENERAL DISCUSSION 14 Medical Tomography.. 14 Artificial Neural Networks 15 Massively Parallel Processing....... 17 NEURAL NETWORK RECONSTRUCTION OF SPECT IMAGES 18 Abstract 18 Introduction .19 Background: Backpropagation Neiu'al Network 21 Forward propagation ...21 Error backpropagation 24 Mathematical Methods 27
Russian Strategic Narratives on R2P in the ‘Near Abroad’

This article assesses Russian strategic narratives towards its interventions in Georgia (2008) and Ukraine (2014–16) based on a new database of 50 statements posted on the websites of the Russian Mission to the United Nations and the President of Russia homepage. By looking more broadly at Russian strategic narratives aimed at persuading other global actors and publics abroad and at home, this article identifies how Russia attempted to develop a story that could win global acceptance. This analysis shows that contrary to traditional Russian emphasis on sovereign responsibility and non-intervention, Russia supported claims for self-determination by separatist groups in Georgia and Ukraine. Russia used deception and disinformation in its strategic narratives as it mis-characterized these conflicts using Responsibility to Protect (R2P) language, yet mostly justified its own interventions through references to other sources of international law. Russian strategic narratives focused on delegitimizing the perceived opponents, making the case for the appropriateness of its own actions, and projecting what it proposed as the proper solution to the conflicts. It largely avoided making any references to its own involvement in the Donbas at all. Additionally, Russia’s focus on the protection of co-ethnics and Russian-speakers is reminiscent of interventions in the pre-R2P era.
The Role of Value-Based Payment in Promoting Innovation to Address Social Risks: A Cross-Sectional Study of Social Risk Screening by US Physicians.

Policy Points One of the most important possibilities of value-based payment is its potential to spur innovation in upstream prevention, such as attention to social needs that lead to poor health. Screening patients for social risks such as housing instability and food insecurity represents an early step physician practices can take to address social needs. At present, adoption of social risk screening by physician practices is linked with having high innovation capacity and focusing on low-income populations, but not exposure to value-based payment. Expanding social risk screening by physician practices may require standardization and technical assistance for practices that have less innovative capacity. CONTEXT One of the most important possibilities of value-based payment is its potential to spur innovation in upstream prevention, such as attention to social needs that lead to poor health. However, there is uncertainty about the conditions under which value-based payment will encourage health care providers to innovate to address upstream social risks. METHODS We used the 2017-2018 National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems (NSHOS), a nationally representative survey of physician practices (n = 2,178), to ascertain (1) the number of social risks for which practices systematically screen patients; (2) the extent of practices' participation in value-based payment models; and (3) measures of practices' capacity for innovation. We used multivariate regression models to examine predictors of social risk screening. FINDINGS On average, physician practices systematically screened for 2.4 out of 7 (34%) social risks assessed by the survey. In the fully adjusted model, implementing social risk screening was not associated with the practices' overall exposure to value-based payment. Being in the top quartile on any of three innovation capacity scales, however, was associated with screening for 0.95 to 1.00 additional social risk (p < 0.001 for all three results) relative to the bottom quartile. In subanalysis examining specific payment models, participating in a Medicaid accountable care organization was associated with screening for 0.37 more social risks (p = 0.015). Expecting more exposure to accountable care in the future was associated with greater social risk screening, but the effect size was small compared with practices' capacity for innovation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that implementation of social risk screening-an initial step in enhancing awareness of social needs in health care-is not associated with overall exposure to value-based payment for physician practices. Expanding social risk screening by physician practices may require standardized approaches and implementation assistance to reduce the level of innovative capacity required.
Systematic review of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplementation effects on leptin, adiponectin, and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio.

Abstract Increasing evidence suggests that adipokines, leptin and adiponectin, produced and secreted by adipocytes, are involved in regulating systemic inflammation and may be important targets for interventions to reduce the chronic systemic inflammation linked to some conditions common in aging (e.g., atherosclerosis). Lower leptin levels and higher adiponectin levels in peripheral circulation have been associated with less systemic inflammation. While some studies have shown that marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and/or docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) have effects on leptin and adiponectin in the context of inflammation, the extent of their effects remain unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize findings from randomized, controlled trials that measured effects of EPA+DHA supplementation on circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin to determine the state of the science. PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Trials were searched up to June 2018 for studies meeting inclusion criteria. Thirty-one studies included in this review were conducted in 16 countries. Eighteen studies reported lower leptin and/or higher adiponectin levels with EPA+DHA supplementation versus placebo at study end point (9 reported statistically significant differences), but doses, supplementation duration, and population characteristics varied across studies. In 9 studies reporting significantly lower leptin and/or higher adiponectin levels the EPA+DHA dose was 0.52 to 4.2 g/day for 4 to 24 weeks. Additional studies are warranted which assess dose parameters and patient populations similar to studies reporting significant effects of EPA+DHA on leptin or adiponectin in order to evaluate the extent of reproducibility before recommending EPA+DHA as a therapy to target these adipokines.
A Narrative Study of Refugee Adult Learners’ Experiences in a Southeastern U.S. Community College

Imagine having to abandon your home and all that is familiar in search of safety. How would you perceive yourself in a new country, learning a new language and trying to build a new life? Millions ...
Colchicine as an Alternative First-Line Treatment of Sclerosing Mesenteritis: A Retrospective Study

Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare condition characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrotic changes of the mesentery. To determine the long-term management and outcomes of patients with sclerosing mesenteritis. Patients with biopsy-proven sclerosing mesenteritis at the Mayo Clinic between January 2006 and December 2016 were identified. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. One hundred and three patients were identified, median age 68.0 years (range 35.0–85.3). Most patients were symptomatic (87.4%) at presentation. Patients received no treatment (52.4%), medical therapy (42.7%) or surgery (4.9%) on initial diagnosis. The most common initial regimens were prednisone plus tamoxifen (41.9%), prednisone alone (23.3%), and prednisone plus colchicine (11.6%) with 55.6%, 57.2%, and 60% of patients improving, respectively, p = 0.85 for a difference in response rates. At least half of the patients responded to prednisone plus tamoxifen, prednisone plus colchicine, or prednisone alone at 6.0, 7.2, and 8.4 months, respectively. At a median follow-up of 45.6 months (95% CI 24.1–69.7), 65.4% of patients were receiving medical therapy. Of those receiving tamoxifen-based, steroid-based, or steroid-sparing regimens, 100%, 87.5%, and 77.8% had improved by their last follow-up appointment respectively, p = 0.15. Prednisone plus colchicine has a similar efficacy to prednisone plus tamoxifen for the initial and long-term treatment of sclerosing mesenteritis. The majority of patients were initiated on medical therapy over the long term with most reporting symptomatic improvement within a year. Death from SM was rare.
The Use of Ultrasonic Harmonic Generation to Determine Crack Opening Conditions in Compact Tension Specimens

In 1971, Elber reported the discovery of a crack closure phenomenon that occurs with fatigue. He noted that closure of the crack planes near the crack tip can occur while the applied stress is still tensile [1]. The existence of a closure stress opens the way of defining an effective stress intensity factor, Keff, given by, $$ {K_{{eff}}} = \left( {\sigma - {\sigma_{{closure}}}} \right){\left( {\pi a} \right)^{{1/2}}} $$ where σ is the applied tensile stress, σclosure is the crack closure stress, and a is the crack half length. The stress intensity factor is useful in correlating fatigue crack propagation data, especially after overloads [2]. The precision of Keff depends upon how well one can determine σclosure However it is difficult to experimentally determine σclosure, since conventional crack opening determination is imprecise. The purpose of this paper is to present an ultrasonic technique that shows promise as a means to accurately determine when the crack is open.
Esophageal Anastomotic Leak

Anastomotic leak is an important complication that can lead to significant increased morbidity and mortality following esophagectomy. Mortality rates after a leak may be as high as 40 %.This dreaded complication can, additionally, result in increased hospital length of stay, anastomotic strictures, and a significant increase in cost. Prompt recognition, either by physical exam or via routine postoperative imaging, can result in a considerable improvement in postoperative course. In this chapter, we discuss the risk factors, presentation, identification, and management of anastomotic leaks after esophagectomy.
Introduction, Notation, and Background

This book is concerned with the problem of determining the asymptotic behavior of solutions of non-autonomous systems of linear differential and linear difference equations. It has been observed from the work by Poincare and Perron that there is a very close and symbiotic relationship between many results for differential and difference equations, and we wish to further demonstrate this by treating the asymptotic theories here in parallel. In Chaps. 2, 4, 6, and 8 we will discuss topics related to asymptotic behavior of solutions of differential equations, and in Chaps. 3, 5, 7, and 9 some corresponding results for difference equations. In Chap. 10 we will show how some of these results can be simultaneously treated within the framework of so-called dynamic equations on time scales.