cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ignition of hydrogen–air mixtures using pulsed nanosecond dielectric barrier plasma discharges in plane-to-plane geometry

Abstract Ignition of preheated (400–500 K) H 2 –air mixtures at low pressures (80–100 torr) excited by pulsed nanosecond dielectric barrier discharges is investigated through experiments and simulations. Time resolved absolute OH concentration and temperature data are obtained using Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) technique. Ignition is achieved in the decaying plasma after a burst of discharge pulses (repetition rate 10–40 kHz), with the time delay inferred from sudden rise in OH * emission. One-dimensional simulations are performed to obtain information about the plasma generated radicals and heat release across the discharge gap. A plasma fluid formulation is used with ions and neutral species at gas temperature, and electrons in non-equilibrium. An accurate reduced chemistry mechanism is developed through sensitivity analysis to expedite the plasma simulations. The model predictions show excellent agreement with experimental measurements, validating the numerical framework and chemistry data. The input pulse energy and ignition characteristics are found to be highly sensitive to uncertainties in dielectric properties. Ignition delay exhibits a threshold-like dependence on input plasma energy, and increases steeply as the number of pulses in the burst is reduced. The nanosecond plasma assisted ignition is achieved through a two-step process. Firstly, the burst of discharge pulses produce a large pool of radicals and provide an average temperature rise of ∼1–2 K/pulse. In the next step, if the temperature exceeds a threshold value of ∼700 K, significant heat release from partial fuel oxidation is triggered. The process becomes self-sustaining and the temperature continues to rise even after the plasma source is switched off, accelerating the conventional H 2 –O 2 chain branching pathways and leading to ignition. We provide conclusive evidence of large volume ignition with nanosecond plasma as opposed to thermal ignition at a hot-spot. Ignition is first observed at the center of the discharge gap, but the kernel expands rapidly to the entire volume, except near walls where heat losses keep the temperature low. It is demonstrated that the ignition occurs independently at different locations due to local plasma chemistry effects and heat transport does not play a significant role.
A phase II study of cladribine treatment for fludarabine refractory B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: results from CALGB Study 9211.

A phase II study of cladribine treatment for fludarabine refractory B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: results from CALGB Study 9211
The consequences of photoperiodism for organisms in new climates

A change in climate is known to affect seasonal timing (phenology) of the life stages of poikilothermic organisms whose development depends on temperature. Less understood is the potential for even greater disruption to the life cycle when a phenology shift exposes photoperiod-sensitive life stages to new day lengths. We present a conceptual framework and model to investigate the ways that photoperiod-cued diapause can interact with a change in climate or latitude to influence voltinism in poikilothermic organisms. Our degree-day phenology model combines detailed spatial climate data, latitude- and date-specific photoperiods, and development and photoperiod response parameters. As an example, we model the biological control beetle Galerucella calmariensis and map the number of generations expected following its introduction into diverse climates throughout the continental United States. Incorporation of photoperiodism results in a complex geography of voltinism that differs markedly from predictions of traditional phenology models. Facultative multivoltine species will be prone to univoltism when transported to either warmer or southern climates due to exposure of the sensitive stage to shorter day lengths. When moved to more northern locations, they may attempt too many generations for the season duration thereby exposing vulnerable life stages to harsh weather in the fall. We further show that even small changes in temperature can result in large and unexpected shifts in voltinism. Analogous effects may be expected for organisms from wide variety of taxa that use photoperiod as a seasonal cue during some stage of their life cycle. Our approach is useful for understanding the performance and impacts of introduced pests and beneficial organisms as well as for predicting responses of resident species to climate change and climate variability.
Surveying Police Officers

In 2013, the Chicago Police Department launched a broad new initiative aimed at resetting its relationship with the community and reforming the way it did business internally. Externally, the newly-arrived police chief could see that the relationship between the police and many poor and minority communities was broken. Internally, the organization needed modern leadership and management, a better personnel system, and a better-functioning disciplinary process. As one contribution to understanding the success or failure of this effort, I conducted a survey of Chicago police officers. The survey was designed to test a theory of organizational effectiveness called “procedural justice.” This approach promised to be useful for understanding police officers’ views the department’s internal and external problems. This chapter describes the development of the survey, how the data was collected, and a little of what I found.
Men, bone and estrogen: unresolved issues

Gonadal function has long been known to be important for skeletal health in men. Prepubertal hypogonadism is clearly associated with impairment in peak bone mass development and adult-onset hypogonadism with accelerated bone loss. Gonadal failure results in deficits in both androgen and estrogen action, but traditionally androgens were assumed to have the most important skeletal effect in men. Recently that model has been reconsidered as a variety of kinds of evidence have appeared to document a critical role for estrogen in bone physiology. As a result of this fresh perspective a host of interesting new dilemmas and hypotheses are being examined, including those related to the mechanisms of sex steroid action in bone, the origins of gender differences in skeletal morphology and physiology, and the role of estrogen in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in men with metabolic bone disorders.
New Data and New Questions: TRAC’s Contribution to Federal Sentencing

Even in an era of advisory federal guidelines, it is still easy to focus on the technical minutiae of the Guidelines. The minutiae still matter because the Supreme Court has told us the Guidelines must still be considered and calculated accurately. But the Sentencing Reform Act and its overarching—although often conflicting and widely debated—goals for sentencing demand more. We must continue to resist allowing the Guidelines’ trees to obscure the sentencing forest. Data can help us evaluate sentencing systems and guide sentencing decision-making. Generally speaking, more data is better; though, as we have previously written in these pages, ‘‘Information is a tool and not a panacea.’’ To what use will and should we put sentencing information? Our current federal sentencing structure developed partially out of a concern about unwarranted disparity, but it can be challenging to understand exactly how that concern should inform data collection, what the extant sentencing data truly reveal about unwarranted disparities, and what else should be considered in any analysis of sentencing decisions. This isue of FSR implicates all these matters as we take stock of an important new data set concerning federal sentencing outcomes in recent years. In March 2012, the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) released an analysis of more than 370,000 criminal cases sentenced in the federal courts during a five-year period. TRAC described its work as a ‘‘first-of-its-kind, judge-by-judge review of federal sentences imposed for drugs, white collar and other kinds of crimes,’’ and highlights from TRAC’s analysis were posted on its website under the heading ‘‘Surprising Judge-to-Judge Variations Documented in Federal Sentencing.’’ The press coverage of TRAC’s data spotlighted concerns about sentencing disparity; the Federal Public Defenders, in turn, were quick to issue a ‘‘Fact Sheet’’ spotlighting limitations and problems with TRAC’s raw data and initial analysis. Recognizing the import and potential impact of TRAC’s data, the Editors of FSR committed this issue primarily to the TRAC data and materials exploring the data’s meaning and import. The result is an issue brimming with updated data and expanded analyses from TRAC and the Defenders. In fact, this issue of FSR not only provides a guided tour of and a healthy debate between TRAC and the Defenders concerning the TRAC data, but also includes additional original commentary from others involved in the federal sentencing system concerning the TRAC data and its broader implications. These Editors’ Observations briefly highlight some of what the TRAC data do and do not add to our basic understanding of federal sentencing policies and practices in the post-Booker era. These Observations also suggest that, though new types of federal sentencing data should always be welcomed and assessed, it may now be time to ask (again) broader questions about the fundamental goals of the federal criminal justice system and Guideline sentencing practices.
Algebras having bases that consist solely of units

Algebras having bases that consist entirely of units (called invertible algebras) are studied. Among other results, it is shown that all finite-dimensional algebras over a field other than the binary field F2 have this property. Invertible finite-dimensional algebras over F2 are fully characterized. Examples of invertible algebras are shown to include all (non-trivial) matrix rings over arbitrary algebras. In addition, various families of algebras, including group rings and crossed products, are characterized in terms of invertibility. Invertibility of infinite-dimensional algebras is also explored.
Abstract 499: Salt-sensitivity During Aging: Good or Bad?

Angiotensin II AT1 receptor (AT1R) and dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) are key kidney receptors involved in sodium metabolism and blood pressure regulation. Recently, we reported that aging in Fischer 344 X Brown Norway (FBN) rats is associated with higher renal AT1R and diminished D1R functions, while in Fischer 344 (F344) rats it is associated with only diminished D1R function. We tested the hypothesis that FBN and not F344 rats are salt sensitive during aging. Old (21-24 month) FBN and F344 rat strains were fed with high salt (HS, 8% NaCl) for 4 weeks and different parameters were measured. Both day (in mmHg; Control vs HS: 119+2 vs. 125+2) and night (in mmHg; Control vs HS: 116+2 vs. 123+2) blood pressures (BP) increased with HS in FBNs. BP did not change with HS in F344 rats (in mmHg; Control vs HS: 110+7 vs 111+9). Despite a similar food intake, there were marked decrease in body weight gain (in gm; Control vs HS: 38+7 vs 18+5) as well as fasting levels of blood glucose (in mg/dl; Control vs HS: 127+6 vs 105 + 4) and triglyceride (in mg/dl; Control vs HS: 157+14 vs 90+7) in HS fed compared to control FBNs. Plasma insulin and blood HDL cholesterol levels remained unchanged between HS fed and control FBNs. These results, together with our previous report, suggest that (1) both higher renal AT1R and diminished D1R function contributes to salt-sensitive hypertension in aging. (2) FBN and F344 rats may serve as useful aging models to study molecular targets that leads to and protect from the development of salt-sensitive hypertension, respectively, and (3) HS via changes in metabolic process may produce some beneficial effects.
U:YLF, a Prospective 2.8 µm Laser Crystal

High emission cross section and very strong splitting of the ground state (1115 cm−1) make U3+:YLF a prospective laser crystal for quasi four level operation at ≈2.8 μm.
A pilot study to increase fruit and vegetable intake in pregnant latina women.

Previous studies have suggested that women have low dietary intake of fruits and vegetables. This study’s objective was to test the effectiveness of a novel nutrition intervention (education about ...
Implementing the World Report on Disability in West Africa: challenges and opportunities for Ghana.

ABSTRACTDisability issues have taken a prominent role on international stages in recent years. Beginning with the May 2005 World Health Assembly Resolution 58.23 and culminating in the June 2011 World Bank and World Health Organization World Report on Disability, comprehensive disability analyses fr
Altered activity-based sleep measures in rhesus monkeys following cocaine self-administration and abstinence

Abstract Background Impairments in sleep and cognitive function have been observed in patients with substance abuse disorders and may be potential factors contributing to drug relapse. In addition, sleep disruption may itself contribute to cognitive deficits. In the present study we examined the impact of prolonged cocaine self-administration and abstinence on actigraphy-based measures of night-time activity in rhesus macaques as an inferential measure of sleep, and determined whether sleep-efficiency correlated with cognitive impairments in the same subjects on drug free days. Methods Actigraphy data was obtained from a group of rhesus macaques intravenously self-administering cocaine (n = 6) and a control group (n = 5). Periods were evaluated during which the mean cumulative doses of cocaine were 3.0 + 0.0 and 4.5 + 0.2 mg/kg/day for 4 days (Tuesday–Thursday) each week. Results Actigraphy-based sleep efficiency decreased during days of cocaine self-administration in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this observation, sleep became more fragmented. Activity-based sleep efficiency normalized during the weekend without cocaine prior to cognitive assessment on Monday. The magnitude of activity-based sleep disruption during self-administration did not correlate with the level of cognitive impairment on drug free days. With continued self-administration, the impact of cocaine on activity-based sleep efficiency declined indicating the development of tolerance. Conclusions Cocaine self-administration disrupted sleep efficiency in rhesus macaques as measured by actigraphy, but normalized quickly in the absence of cocaine. The cognitive impairment observed on drug free days was unlikely to be related to disruption of the nightly activity patterns on days of cocaine self-administration.
Preparation of boric acid and magnesium sulfate monohydrate from boron-rich slag by sulfuric acid leaching method

The sulfuric acid was used to decomposing boron-rich slag. The best test conditions of the boron-rich slag sulfuric acid leaching were determined by single factor and orthogonal experiments. The high temperature crystallization preparation of magnesium sulfate monohydrate and low temperature crystallization preparation boric acid were developed by sulfuric acid leaching solution. The results show that the optimum parameters are leaching temperature of99 ℃the sulfuric acid theoretical of 95% dosage, leaching time of 90 min and leaching liquid to solid ratio of 6:1. Under these conditions, the leaching rates of B and Mg are 98.76% and 74.32%, respectively. The leaching rate of Mg predicted by gray relational theory and the predictive value is 75.06%. A good agreement between the actual and predicted results is obtained. The purity of magnesium sulfate monohydrate and boric acid obtained by this method are 95.42% and 99.27%,respectively.
Elements of the Echocardiographic Exam

Echocardiography encompasses resting and stress transthoracic cardiac ultrasound as well as transesophageal imaging, applications which collectively are essential for the evaluation and management of virtually every form of heart disease. Quality in echocardiography has many dimensions including patient selection, image acquisition, image interpretation, and results communication/reporting. Quality improvement tools and measures have been developed for each of these elements. This chapter provides an overview of echocardiographic methods and applications including different approaches to the use of cardiac ultrasound, advantages and disadvantages and contraindications to echocardiography.
Testing if Social Services Prevent Fatal Child Maltreatment Among a Sample of Children Previously Known to Child Protective Services

The purpose of this article was to examine the potential impact of child welfare services on the risk for fatal child maltreatment. This was conducted using a subsample of children who were identified as "prior victims" in the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System from 2008 to 2012. At the multivariate level, the analyses show that case management services act to protect children from death as do family support services, family preservation services, and foster care, but that the results vary by type of maltreatment experienced. The author recommends that before strong conclusions are drawn, additional research in this area is warranted.
Nutrient Dynamics and Decomposition of Riparian Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl. Leaves in Southern Illinois

Leaf litter quality and quantity can influence soil nutrient dynamics and stream productivity through decomposition and serving as allochthonous stream inputs. Leaf deposition, nitrogen (N)-resorption efficiency and proficiency, and decomposition rates were analyzed in riparian stands of Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl. in southern Illinois for the first time to determine potential nutrient cycling from riparian canebrake restoration. Leaf litter was collected from five established canebrakes monthly over one year and a decomposition study was conducted over 72 weeks. Live leaves, freshly senesced leaves, and decomposed leaves were analyzed for carbon (C) and N content. Leaf litterfall biomass peaked in November at twice the monthly average for all but one site, indicating a resemblance to deciduous leaf fall patterns. Nitrogen and C concentrations decreased 48% and 30%, respectively, between live leaves and 72 weeks following decomposition. High soil moisture appeared to slow decomposition rates, perhaps due to the creation of anaerobic conditions. Cane leaves have low resorption proficiency and nutrient-use proficiency, suggesting that these riparian canebrakes are not N limited. Giant cane should be considered in multispecies riparian buffer creation since it has this potential to supply carbon and nitrogen to the soil and to macroinvertebrates in the streams for a longer period of time and year round.
Labov's contributions to the study of African American Vernacular English: Pursuing linguistic and social equity†

Even before Labov's celebrated study of the Lower East Side (The Social Stratification of English in New York City) was published in 1966, he had begun research on African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in Harlem. His work there initiated a life-long study of the structural features, verbal artistry and language use of the African American speech community. It took him to other cities (e.g. Philadelphia) and states (e.g. California, Georgia, South Carolina), and led him to grapple with questions about how linguistics could be used to improve the teaching of reading to speakers of vernacular Englishes and to enhance the life chances of people of color. In this article, I review Labov's contributions to each of these issues, and to diachronic issues about the development of AAVE. Overall, this research considerably enriched his overall contribution to theoretical, methodological and applied aspects of sociolinguistics and the study of linguistic variation and change.
Use of Query Language Boolean Operators by Professionals

This study looks at the use of Boolean operators in query languages as a specific aspect of the human/machine interface. The difficulties casual users have with Boolean operators are often explained by the assumption that those users simply do not understand Boolean logic, and the difficulties would not be so prevalent if users applied themselves to understanding this logical system. We investigate the possibility that the issue is not simply misunderstanding on the user’s part, but perhaps a deeper, fundamental difference caused by the contextual and structural semantics of the user’s logic, which Boolean operators, functioning basically as keywords, fail to address.
An Icosahedral Quasicrystal and Its 1/0 Crystalline Approximant in the Ca–Au–Al System

A new icosahedral quasicrystalline phase, CaAu4.5–xAl1.5+x [0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.40(6); CaAu4.4Al1.6, aQC = 5.383(4) A, and Pm3 5], and its lowest-order 1/0 cubic crystalline approximant phase, CaAu3+xAl1–x [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.31(1); a = 9.0766(5)–9.1261(8) A, Pa3 (No. 205), and Pearson symbol cP40], have been discovered in the Ca-poor region of the Ca–Au–Al system. In the crystalline approximant, eight [Au3–xAl1+x] tetrahedra fill the unit cell, and each tetrahedron is surrounded by four Ca atoms, thus forming a three-dimensional network of {Ca4/4[Au3–xAl1+x]} tetrahedral stars. A computational study of Au and Al site preferences concurs with the experimental results, which indicate a preference for near-neighbor Au–Al interactions over Au–Au and Al–Al interactions. Analysis of the electronic density of states and the associated crystal orbital Hamilton population curves was used to rationalize the descriptions of CaAu4.5–xAl1.5+x [0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.46(6)] and CaAu3+xAl1–x [0 ≤ x ≤ 0.31(1)] as polar intermetallic species, ...
Tipping points? Curvilinear associations between activity level and mental development in toddlers.

Background The Theory of Optimal Stimulation (Zentall & Zentall, Psychological Bulletin, 94, 1983, 446) posits that the relation between activity level (AL) and cognitive performance follows an inverted U shape where midrange AL predicts better cognitive performance than AL at the extremes. Methods We explored this by fitting linear and quadratic models predicting mental development from AL assessed via multiple methods (parent ratings, observations, and actigraphs) and across multiple situations (laboratory play, laboratory test, home) in over 600 twins (2- and 3-year olds). Results Only observed AL in the laboratory was curvilinearly related to mental development scores. Results replicated across situations, age, and twin samples, providing strong support for the optimal stimulation model for this measure of AL in early childhood. Conclusions Different measures of AL provide different information. Observations of AL which include both qualitative and quantitative aspects of AL within structured situations are able to capture beneficial aspects of normative AL as well as detriments of both low and high AL.
Leukocyte telomere length and mortality among U.S. adults: Effect modification by physical activity behaviour.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mortality (outcome variable), with consideration by physical activity behaviour. Data from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were employed (N = 6,611; 20–85 yrs), with follow-up mortality assessment through 31 December 2006. DNA was extracted from whole blood to assess LTL via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Compared to those in the first LTL tertile, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality for those in the 2nd and 3rd LTL tertiles, respectively, was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.60–1.12; P = .22) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.50–1.14; P = .18). However, after adjustments, LTL tertile 3 (vs. 1) was associated with all-cause mortality (HR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14–0.93; P = .03) for those who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise. Similarly, LTL was associated with CVD-specific mortality for those who engaged in moderate-intensity exercise (HR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04–0.73; P = .02). ...
Prevention of Human Lymphoproliferative Tumor Formation in Ovarian Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts

Interest in preclinical drug development for ovarian cancer has stimulated development of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) or tumorgraft models. However, the unintended formation of human lymphoma in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected human lymphocytes can be problematic. In this study, we have characterized ovarian cancer PDXs which developed human lymphomas and explore methods to suppress lymphoproliferative growth. Fresh human ovarian tumors from 568 patients were transplanted intraperitoneally in SCID mice. A subset of PDX models demonstrated atypical patterns of dissemination with mediastinal masses, hepatosplenomegaly, and CD45-positive lymphoblastic atypia without ovarian tumor engraftment. Expression of human CD20 but not CD3 supported a B-cell lineage, and EBV genomes were detected in all lymphoproliferative tumors. Immunophenotyping confirmed monoclonal gene rearrangements consistent with B-cell lymphoma, and global gene expression patterns correlated well with other human lymphomas. The ability of rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, to suppress human lymphoproliferation from a patient's ovarian tumor in SCID mice and prevent growth of an established lymphoma led to a practice change with a goal to reduce the incidence of lymphomas. A single dose of rituximab during the primary tumor heterotransplantation process reduced the incidence of CD45-positive cells in subsequent PDX lines from 86.3% (n = 117 without rituximab) to 5.6% (n = 160 with rituximab), and the lymphoma rate declined from 11.1% to 1.88%. Taken together, investigators utilizing PDX models for research should routinely monitor for lymphoproliferative tumors and consider implementing methods to suppress their growth.
A Multi-Level Conceptual Model to Examine Child Welfare Worker Turnover and Retention Decisions

ABSTRACTThere is little disagreement about the importance of a healthy stable workforce in promoting effective provision of child welfare services. This review proposes a multi-level conceptual mod...
Artists and Accomplices

This chapter reviews the book’s key themes, summarizes best practices and productive strategies for musical artists, rethinks the nature of the audience, characterizes the enabling and constraining nature of digital technology, and offers recommendations for sustainable cultural industry. At its crux, this chapter argues we might better characterize the audience as accomplices to the artist. This revision informs future digital engagement, interrogates the tension between structure and agency, and highlights areas that prioritize community sustainability, including audience growth, technical support, financial support, and socio-emotional support. The link between sharing and value in the contemporary music economy is explored and, finally, the importance of non-profits and government support for robust and sustainable creative culture is recognized.
A comprehensive study of eleven feature selection algorithms and their impact on text classification

Feature selection has been routinely used as a preprocessing step to remove irrelevant features and conquer the “curse of dimensionality”. In contrast to dimensionality reduction techniques such as PCA, the resulting features from feature selection are selected from the original feature space; hence, easy to interpret. A large host of feature selection algorithms has been proposed in the literature. This has created a critical issue: which algorithm should one use? Moreover, how does a feature selection method affect the performance of a given classification algorithm? This paper addresses these issues by (1) presenting an open source software system that integrates eleven feature selection algorithms and five common classifiers; and (2) systematically comparing and evaluating the selected features and their impact over these five classifiers using five datasets. Specifically, this system includes ten commonly adopted filter-based feature selection algorithms: ChiSquare, Information Gain, Fisher Score, Gini Index, Kruskal-Wallis, Laplacian Score, ReliefF, FCBF, CFS, and mRmR. It also includes one state-of-the-art embedded approach built upon Random Forests. The five classifiers are SVM, Random Forests, Naive Bayes, kNN and C4.5 Decision Tree. Comprehensive evaluations consisting of around 1000 experiments were conducted over five text datasets. Several approximately equivalent groups (AEG), where algorithms in the same group select highly similar features, have been identified. Suitable feature-selection-classifier combinations have also been identified. For example, Chi-square and Information Gain form an AEG. Furthermore, Gini Index or Kruskal-Wallis together with SVM often produces classification performance that is comparable with or better than using all the original features. Such results will provide empirical guidelines for the data analytic community. The above software system is available at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ryw23s52e98uhrv/AAANpc0JU4x6r3Sfv4qB5ERna?dl=0
Thermally tunable VO2-SiO2 nanocomposite thin-film capacitors

We present a study of co-sputtered VO2-SiO2 nanocomposite dielectric thin-film media possessing continuous temperature tunability of the dielectric constant. The smooth thermal tunability is a result of the insulator-metal transition in the VO2 inclusions dispersed within an insulating matrix. We present a detailed comparison of the dielectric characteristics of this nanocomposite with those of a VO2 control layer and of VO2/SiO2 laminate multilayers of comparable overall thickness. We demonstrated a nanocomposite capacitor that has a thermal capacitance tunability of ∼60% between 25 °C and 100 °C at 1 MHz, with low leakage current. Such thermally tunable capacitors could find potential use in applications such as sensing, thermal cloaks, and phase-change energy storage devices.
U.S. Science and Engineering Workforce: Underrepresentation of Women and Minorities:

Increasingly, industrial leaders, governmental officials, and academic scholars have become concerned whether the United States can successfully compete in science and engineering (S&E) fields. Thi...
Gallotannin derivatives from mango (Mangifera indica L.) suppress adipogenesis and increase thermogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in part through the AMPK pathway

Abstract Expansion of adipose tissue in obesity is associated with dysregulation of adipokines, which can lead to long-term metabolic disorders. Gallotannin derivatives from mango possess anti-inflammatory activities, but their potential role in lipid metabolism is not well investigated. In this study, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were differentiated into adipocytes and treated with mango polyphenols (MG), or pyrogallol (PG) for 6 days. The anti-adipogenic activity of PG was demonstrated by reduced number of lipid droplets and expressions of adipogenic markers, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα). In mature adipocytes, PG promoted adipocyte browning and increased the expressions of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1). Knockdown of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α1 with siRNA partially abolished the effect of PG on adipogenesis. Results indicate that gallotannin derivatives modulate lipid metabolism, at least in part, though the AMPK pathway, and possess potential to prevent obesity-related conditions.
Mitigating risks, visible hans, inevitable disasters, and soft variables: Management research that matters to managers

Executive Overview Management researchers lament the fact that their work has so little impact on management practice. Practicing managers, so it is claimed, search for knowledge that will help them improve organizational performance but rarely consult the work of university-based researchers—work that they often find incomprehensible and irrelevant to their day-to-day challenges. Researchers assert that rather than being interested in systematic and long-term solutions, managers are generally infatuated with the latest fads and fashions in their search for quick fixes. We contend that management research can matter to managers, but for this to occur requires mutually beneficial partnerships involving managers and researchers, as well as the support of their organizations. To support our contention, we illustrate the importance of practice-relevant management research by drawing on four important contributions to management understanding that were prompted by the organizational experiences of a group of inquiring managers and curious researchers. Together these illustrations not only demonstrate how partnerships between practicing managers and management researchers can yield practice-relevant knowledge, but also provide insights into enhancing the likelihood that productive encounters will occur.
Modeling of Pollutant Formation near Lean Blow-Out in Gas Turbine Engines

Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of turbulent premixed combustion close to Lean Blow Out (LBO) in a gas turbine engine has been performed. Combustion near LBO is shown to occur in the broken reaction zone regime where classical flamelet assumption breaks down. A subgrid combustion model based on the linear-eddy mixing (LEM) model is implemented to simulate premixed combustion over a wide range of operational conditions, including combustion near LBO. Pollutant (CO and NO) formation is predicted using transport models and compared with data over a range of operating conditions. It is shown that inclusion of unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) due to local quenching is very important in the prediction of CO emission.
Maternal Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication encountered in pregnancy, and can have a wide range of prognostic implications, from completely benign to life threatening. It is important for obstetricians to be aware of the various causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, and to be able to diagnose and manage these patients. This article reviews the various causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, highlights clinical and laboratory features of the most common and most severe causes, and provides an overview of management for these disorders.
Prime Solutions for Extracorporeal Circulation

Various crystalloid and colloidal solutions, as well as various volumes of these solutions, are used to prime the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit. Several institutions have developed “standard” priming solutions and volumes for all adult patients, whereas other institutions base their primes on body weight and body surface area. The significant variability in both CPB prime content and volume is primarily caused by the lack of data from well-designed trials evaluating differences in patient outcomes. Several studies have been performed examining intermediate outcomes, such as biochemical markers, and special concerns, including transfusion requirements; however, much of the available data are inconsistent and inconclusive.
Power Control in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks: An Architectural Solution for a Melee of Multiple Agents, Cost Criteria, and Information Patterns

Wireless networking is a fertile source of problematical situations with multiple agents, multiple cost criteria, and multiple information patterns. It offers an arena for imaginative solutions for a range of problems.
Myocardial perfusion imaging with positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography: frequency and causes of disparate results.

The purpose of this study was to compare rubidium-82 PET with thallium-201 SPECT imaging in 150 patients. Both techniques followed a single dipyridamole-handgrip stress, and images were displayed using the same 3-dimensional format and quantitative colour scale. Coronary arteriography was employed to assign the correct diagnosis in situations of disparity. Results of PET and SPECT were at least partially concordant in 110 patients (73%), although 22 had more than one defect. A reversible perfusion defect was identified in 60 patients, but the scans were concordant in only 20 (33%). These disparities were chiefly due to false-negative SPECT imaging (22 patients, 55%), and probable delayed thallium redistri bution (13 patients, 33%). No patients had ischaemia correctly identified by SPECT in the presence of normal PET imaging. Persistent defects were identified in 91 patients, some of whom also had reversible defects, and the results were consistent in 54 (59%). Other than the delayed thallium redistribution group, the major categories causing disparities were false-positive (6 patients, 16%), and false negative SPECT (8 patients, 22%), attributable to attenuation and scatter. PET appears able to identify smaller, less ischaemic areas subtended by milder coronary stenoses. The availability of a true resting scan with Rb-PET enhances the discrimination between ischaemia and infarction. Attenuation correction, and the high energy photons of positron annihilation, yield more accurate evaluation of inferior wall defects and greater specificity in the presence of soft tissue attenuation.
Relation Between Electrical Properties and Microstructure of Barium Titanate

A simple theoretical appraisal shows how the square hysteresis loop of a ferroelectric crystal must be altered when randomly oriented crystals are assembled into a polycrystalline ceramic. The effect of particle size is discussed for grain boundary depolarization and demonstrated in barium titanate ceramics with average grain diameters differing by a factor of 100. The expected decrease in saturation polarization and susceptibility with decreasing grain size is observed in these samples. Contrary to the predictions of this model, the initial susceptibility can show a drastic increase with decreasing grain size. It returns to normal values only after aging. The explanation of this anomaly requires the application of domain theory, suggesting that it is associated with imperfections on an atomic scale.
Accumulation of Seed Vigour During Development and Maturation

Physiological maturity (PM, maximum accumulation of dry seed weight) represents maximum yield in grain crops and is proposed to represent maximum seed quality (germination and vigour) for planting purposes of all crops. We investigated the relationship of seed maturation to seed quality for five agronomic and four horticultural crops in several field environments. Annual evaluations of several soyabean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars were made from 1982 to 1992, while one single cross hybrid of maize (Zea mays L.) was tested from 1985 to 1994. All other crops were evaluated for two production years, except wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.) with one year. High seed viability occurred first (early in development) for all crops and was followed by maximum standard germination at or before PM in all crops except tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) and pepper (Capsicum spp). Maximum seed vigour occurred at or slightly before PM in crops harvested as dry seed, but after PM for crops with seed harvested from fleshy fruits (tomato, pepper). When soyabean and maize plants were stressed by defoliation, drought or high temperatures during seed development, seed maturation was accelerated, but maximum seed vigour occurred at or before PM. Thus, the maximum expression of seed vigour was closely related to the occurrence of PM in all crops harvested as dry seed.
Neuroarchitecture of the Drosophila central complex: A catalog of nodulus and asymmetrical body neurons and a revision of the protocerebral bridge catalog

The central complex, a set of neuropils in the center of the insect brain, plays a crucial role in spatial aspects of sensory integration and motor control. Stereotyped neurons interconnect these neuropils with one another and with accessory structures. We screened over 5,000 Drosophila melanogaster GAL4 lines for expression in two neuropils, the noduli (NO) of the central complex and the asymmetrical body (AB), and used multicolor stochastic labeling to analyze the morphology, polarity, and organization of individual cells in a subset of the GAL4 lines that showed expression in these neuropils. We identified nine NO and three AB cell types and describe them here. The morphology of the NO neurons suggests that they receive input primarily in the lateral accessory lobe and send output to each of the six paired noduli. We demonstrate that the AB is a bilateral structure which exhibits asymmetry in size between the left and right bodies. We show that the AB neurons directly connect the AB to the central complex and accessory neuropils, that they target both the left and right ABs, and that one cell type preferentially innervates the right AB. We propose that the AB be considered a central complex neuropil in Drosophila. Finally, we present highly restricted GAL4 lines for most identified protocerebral bridge, NO, and AB cell types. These lines, generated using the split-GAL4 method, will facilitate anatomical studies, behavioral assays, and physiological experiments.
Scarcity, sex, and spending: Recession cues increase women's desire for men owning luxury products and men's desire to buy them

Abstract Guided by insights from evolutionary models of women's mate preferences, we hypothesized resource scarcity cues will increase women's desire for men owning luxury products and men's desire to purchase them. We tested this hypothesis across three studies, using recession (versus control) cues to manipulate resource scarcity. The first study revealed that, after being primed with recession (versus control) cues, women (but not men) rated opposite-sex targets owning luxury brands as more attractive. The second study found recession cues increase men's, but not women's, desire for luxury, compared to budget, brand products. Finally, the third study demonstrated desire for luxury products under conditions of resource scarcity is driven by men highly motivated to attract short-term, sexual relationships. By showing how recessions influence women's mating psychology and men's consumer preferences, the current research provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between resource availability, mating psychology, and the consumption of luxury brands.
Stability Evaluation and Stabilization of a Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRPR) Targeting Imaging Pharmaceutical

The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) are identified as important targets on prostate cancer. Receptor-targeting radiolabeled imaging pharmaceuticals with high affinity and specificity are useful in studying and monitoring biological processes and responses. Two potential imaging pharmaceuticals, AMBA agonist (where AMBA = DO3A-CH2CO-G-[4-aminobenzyl]- Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-Met-NH2) and RM1 antagonist (where RM1 = DO3A-CH2CO-G-[4-aminobenzyl]-D-Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH2), have demonstrated high binding affinity (IC50) to GRP receptors and high tumor uptake. Antagonists, despite the poor tumor cell internalization properties, can show clearer images and pharmacokinetic profiles by virtue of their higher tumor uptake in animal models compared to agonists. For characterization, development, and translation of a potential imaging pharmaceutical into the clinic, it must be evaluated in a series of tests, including in vitro cell binding assays, in vitro buffer and serum stability studies, the biodistribution of the radiolabeled material, and finally imaging studies in preclinical animal models. Data related to acetate buffer, mouse, canine, and human sera stability of 177Lu-labeled RM1 are presented here and compared with the acetate buffer and sera stability data of AMBA agonist. The samples of 177Lu-labeled RM1 with a high radioconcentration degrade faster than low-radioconcentration samples upon storage at 2–8 °C. Addition of stabilizers, ascorbic acid and gentisic acid, improve the stability of 177Lu-labeled RM1 significantly with gentisic acid being more efficient than ascorbic acid as a stabilizer. The degradation kinetics of 177Lu-labeled AMBA and RM1 in sera follow the order (fastest to slowest): mouse > canine > human sera. Finally, 177Lu-labeled RM1 antagonist is slower to degrade in mouse, canine, and human sera than 177Lu-labeled AMBA agonist, further suggesting that an antagonist is a more promising candidate than agonist for the positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and therapy of prostate cancer patients.
Closing the Gap: Group-Aware Parallelization for the Secretary Problem with Biased Evaluations

The $k$-secretary problem deals with online selection of at most $k$ numerically scored candidates, where selection decisions are immediate upon their arrival and irrevocable, with the goal of maximizing total score. There is, however, wide prevalence of bias in evaluations of candidates from different demographic groups (e.g., gender, age, race), and the assumption of an algorithm observing their true score is unreasonable in practice. In this work, we propose a biased variant of the secretary problem where selection decisions must be made by observing biased scores only, and the goal is to maximize true score. We consider two models of bias: one where the amount of bias experienced is demographic group-dependent, and propose one which takes into account implicit bias and limitations of testing at the individual level. We posit that a desirable property for selection of candidates is ranked demographic parity (RDP), that is, parity of selection rates across within-group ranks and monotonicity in selection rates with rank. We show that bias-agnostic methods can be suboptimal in terms of performance and RDP, and propose group-aware parallelization (GAP), as an effective counter measure. We tweak GAP for both models of bias and for stochastic and adversarial group membership and score assignments, and develop algorithms that are order-optimal in terms of their competitive ratios. We give the first order-optimal algorithm for the $k$-secretary problem under partial ordinal information, which may be of independent interest. Finally, we perform a case study on real-world data to demonstrate the significant impact of our methods on selection rates across groups.
Location‐Routing with Conflicting Objectives: Coordinating eBeam Phytosanitary Treatment and Distribution of Mexican Import Commodities

We study a generalized location‐routing problem in which the key decisions are made by supply chain partners with conflicting objectives. The context of our problem is the irradiation by electron beam (eBeam) of fresh produce imported from Mexico to reduce the threat of insects and pests to the U.S. agriculture. Because too few irradiation facilities exist to serve the current demand, we focus on two parties to be coordinated: the eBeam Services Provider, who will choose the facilities’ locations and capacities, and the Distributor, who will determine routes for transporting fruits from Mexico to commercial hubs in the United States via these facilities. We demonstrate the value of cooperation and how that cooperation can be achieved and enforced for a supply chain that must coordinate the independent companies by the strategic decisions of facility location and capacity construction, as opposed to the more common coordination by capacity allocation or pricing. The parties’ interactions are modeled as a sequential game with perfect information. Specifically, we formulate the sequential and cooperative decision‐making problems as mixed‐integer programs, analyze the computational complexity of the problems, and conduct extensive computational experiments. Additionally, we detail three schemes by which the parties can engage in profitable and enforceable cooperation. These methods progressively increase each party’s commitment as trust is built and profits rise. Total cooperation increases overall profit by an average of 8.6%. Further, a stochastic program that uses sample average approximation is applied to demonstrate the results’ robustness to nature’s supply variations while maximizing the supply chain’s overall profit.