cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An energy efficient framework using non-volatile flash memory for networked storage systems

In the past decade parallel disk systems have been highly scalable and able to alleviate the problem of disk I/O bottleneck, thereby being widely used to support a wide range of data- intensive applications. Optimizing energy consumption in parallel disk systems has strong impacts on the cost of backup power-generation and cooling equipment, because a significant fraction of the operation cost of data centres is due to energy consumption and cooling. Although a variety of parallel disk systems were developed to achieve high performance and energy efficiency, most existing parallel disk systems lack an adaptive way to conserve energy in dynamically changing workload conditions. To remedy this deficiency, we proposed an energy efficient framework. In the framework, we developed an adaptive energy conservation mechanism that makes use of the Dynamic Voltage Scaling Mechanism to conserve energy in parallel disk systems without sacrificing performance. The framework leverages the adaptor to dynamically choose the most appropriate voltage supplies for parallel disks while guaranteeing specified performance for example disk request’s desired response time. We conduct extensive experiments to quantitatively evaluate the performance of the proposed framework. To validate our framework, we developed an energy aware algorithm that integrates DVS with flash (DCAPS for short).
Do wealth disparities contribute to health disparities within racial/ethnic groups?

Background Though wide disparities in wealth have been documented across racial/ethnic groups, it is largely unknown whether differences in wealth are associated with health disparities within racial/ethnic groups. Methods Data from the Survey of Consumer Finances (2004, ages 25–64) and the Health and Retirement Survey (2004, ages 50+), containing a wide range of assets and debts variables, were used to calculate net worth (a standard measure of wealth). Among non-Hispanic black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations, we tested whether wealth was associated with self-reported poor/fair health status after accounting for income and education. Results Except among the younger Hispanic population, net worth was significantly associated with poor/fair health status within each racial/ethnic group in both data sets. Adding net worth attenuated the association between education and poor/fair health (in all racial/ethnic groups) and between income and poor/fair health (except among older Hispanics). Conclusions The results add to the literature indicating the importance of including measures of wealth in health research for what they may reveal about disparities not only between but also within different racial/ethnic groups.
The problem with privacy

We survey issues of privacy, particularly in light of increased concerns for national security. We discuss privacy in two contexts: large distributed information systems and sensor webs. Both of these lead to direct Internet applications.
The Physician and Teacher as Team: Assessing the Effects of Medication

Although medication is often prescribed to enhance the learning potential of children, procedures for obtaining feedback from teachers on drug effectiveness have been largely ignored. The value of teachers' informal feedback to physicians has been limited due to its subjectivity. The procedures described represent one of a number of potential methods by which the teacher and physician can work as a team to provide the best drug dosage for each child. - G.M.S.
Multi-GHz SiGe design methodologies for reconfigurable computing

A high-speed and low-power Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is the dream of digital designers. The availability of Silicon Germanium (SiGe) Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) devices has opened a door for GHz FPGAs [3, 4]. In the past, high static power consumption discouraged the significant scale-up of bipolar FPGAs. This paper details new ideas to reduce power and layout area in designing high-speed SiGe BiCMOS FPGAs. The paper explains new methods to reduce circuitry and utilize novel serial dual configuration planes to achieve an efficient programmability. In addition, new layout techniques are developed to reduce the bipolar areas. Several SiGe FPGA test chips based on Xilinx 6200 and Virtex Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) have been fabricated for demonstration.
A quasistatic implementation of the concurrent atomistic-continuum method for FCC crystals

Abstract In recent years, numerous partitioned-domain methods have been developed to describe dislocation behavior at length scales that are usually inaccessible to most classical atomistic methods. These methods retain full atomistic detail in regions of interest while using a continuum description to reduce the computational burden elsewhere. In most of these methods, however, lattice defects in the continuum are either implemented via constitutive relations, lattice elasticity with dislocation field interactions, or are not permitted at all. In such approaches, the transit of dislocations across the atomistic/continuum interface appeals to approximate heuristics intended to minimize the effects of the interface due to the change from atomistic to continuum degrees of freedom. The concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) method, originally developed for addressing dynamic dislocation behavior by Xiong et al. (2011), permits dislocations to propagate in a continuum domain that employs a piecewise continuous finite element description with interelement displacement discontinuities. The method avoids ghost forces at interface between atomistically resolved and coarse-grained domains. CAC has subsequently been used to investigate complex dislocation behavior in face-centered cubic (FCC) metals (Xiong et al., 2012b,a,c, 2015). In this paper, we propose a quasistatic 3-D method to carry out sequential energy-minimized simulations at 0 K. This facilitates study of structure evolution along minimum energy pathways, avoiding over-driven conditions of high rate molecular dynamics. Parallelization steps in code implementation are described. Applications are presented for the quasistatic CAC method in FCC metal plasticity. Comparisons are made with a fully-resolved atomistic method for generalized stacking fault energy, core structure and stress field of a single 60° mixed type dislocation, surface indentation, and 60° mixed type dislocation migration through the interface between atomistic and coarse-grained domains. It is shown that 3-D CAC simulations are useful in substantially reducing the number of degrees of freedom while preserving key characteristics of dislocation structure, stacking faults, and plasticity, including the net Burgers vector and long range fields of interacting dislocations.
Spatially shaping the longitudinal focal distribution into a horseshoe-shaped profile

A novel three-dimensional laser focus, with a horseshoe-shaped longitudinal intensity profile, was realized experimentally from a single laser beam by the incoherent coaxial combination of Laguerre-Gaussian and Gaussian modes generated from segmented optical elements.
HYPERTENSION, ANOTHER COMPLICATION OF THE LEG-LENGTHENING PROCEDURE. REPORT OF A CASE.

A case of hypertension complicating femoral lengthening is reported. Femoral lengthening is a difficult and formidable procedure plagued by numerous complications. It should be undertaken by only the most experienced surgeons. When entertaining the idea of doing such a procedure one must think long and carefully, leaving plenty of room to retreat. Hypertension should be added to the list of complications. The exact mechanism of the hypertension is as yet unknown.
Nitric oxide differentially affects proteasome activator 28 after arterial injury in type 1 and type 2 diabetic rats.

Abstract Background Diabetic patients display aggressive restenosis after vascular interventions, likely because of proproliferative influences of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. We have shown that nitric oxide (NO) inhibits neointimal hyperplasia in type 2, but not in type 1, diabetic rats. Here, we examined proteasome activator 28 (PA28) after arterial injury in different diabetic environments, with or without NO. We hypothesize that NO differentially affects PA28 levels based on metabolic environment. Materials and methods Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) lysates from male, nondiabetic Lean Zucker (LZ) and Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were assayed for 26S proteasome activity with or without PA28 and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine. LZ and ZDF VSMCs were treated with (Z)-1-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate for 24 h. Balloon-injured carotid arteries from LZ, streptozotocin-injected LZ (STZ, type 1), and ZDF (type 2) rats treated with disodium 1-[2-(carboxylato)pyrrolidin-1-iyl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate were harvested at 3 or 14 d. PA28α was assessed by Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. Results S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine reversed PA28-stimulated increases in 26S proteasome activity in LZ and ZDF VSMCs. Increased (Z)-1-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate lowered PA28α in LZ VSMCs but increased PA28α in ZDF VSMCs. At 3 d after injury, disodium 1-[2-(carboxylato)pyrrolidin-1-iyl]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate potentiated injury-induced PA28α decreases in LZ, STZ, and ZDF rats, suggesting VSMCs, depleted at this early time point, are major sources of PA28α. At 14 d after injury, total PA28α staining returned to baseline. However, although intimal and medial PA28α staining increased in injured STZ rats, adventitial PA28α staining increased in injured ZDF rats. Conclusions PA28 dysregulation may explain the differential ability of NO to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in type 1 versus type 2 diabetes.
Effect of Immobilization on Oxygen Uptake of Skeletal Muscle.

Summary1. Following tenotomy of the gastrocnemius muscle of the rat the cytochrome oxidase activity of the muscle decreases progressively. 2. The oxygen uptake of the denervated hemidiaphragm of the rat decreases with time of denervation. This suggests that in this tissue at least passive exercise does not prevent the decline in oxygen uptake, although it may retard it somewhat. 3. The Qo2 of hemidiaphragms measured in a medium containing 0.2% glucose does not differ significatly from the Qo2 of hemidiaphragms measured in a glucose free medium.
Using federal x-ray, electron, and neutron facilities

Through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the federal government supports the operation of x-ray, electron microscopy, and neutron facilities at an annual cost of more than $200 million. The relationship between users and collaborators outside the laboratories and the scientific staff within the laboratories is subject to staff responsibilities in meeting laboratory objectives, protection of intellectual rights, fair competition, safety in the work place, and individual responsibility. And, because these facilities are supported by tax dollars, they must adhere to legislative intent. The sidebar presents brief history of these facilities.
Analysis of Stilbene Residues in Aquacultured Finfish Using LC-MS/MS

This analytical method was developed for the determination of three stilbene residues, diethylstilbestrol (DES), dienestrol (DEN), and hexestrol (HEX), in edible tissues of finfish including catfish, salmon, trout, and tilapia. Fortified fish samples were extracted with acetonitrile and further cleaned up using silica solid phase extraction columns. Stilbene residues were separated from matrix components by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography on a C8 column and analyzed using a tandem mass spectrometer with negative electrospray ionization. The overall average residue recoveries using post-fortified matrix-matched calibrants were 119, 99, and 104% with %RSDs of 18, 11, and 15% for DEN, DES, and HEX, respectively. Method detection limits of DEN, DES, and HEX in each matrix were found to be at or below 0.21 ng/g, and the limit of quantification averaged 0.3 ng/g and ranged from 0.18 to 0.65 ng/g for all analytes in all matrices.
Pain and Suicidal Behavior in Primary Care Patients: Mediating Role of Interpersonal Needs

Individuals experiencing chronic pain are at greater risk for suicidal behavior. The mechanism of action for this association is unexplored, but may involve the influence of pain on interpersonal functioning. We examined the mediating role of unsatisfied interpersonal needs on the relation between pain severity and interference, and suicidal behavior. Low income, uninsured participants completed self-report measures of pain severity and interference, thwarted interpersonal needs and suicidal behavior. Our hypotheses were partially supported; in simple mediation models, an indirect only effect existed for both thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness in the relation between pain severity and pain interference and suicidal behavior. These effects did not persist in multiple mediation analyses. Our findings suggest that, for patients experiencing pain, assessment and improvement of the quantity and quality of interpersonal relationships may reduce risk for suicide ideation and attempts.
Game Theory-based Intelligent QoS Static Traffic Grooming Scheme

Supporting QoS and improving bandwidth utilization are necessary in IP/DWDM optical Internet.This paper with the introduction of game theory and layered graph,proposes a static traffic grooming scheme based on artificial immune algorithm to minimize network resource occupancy and maximize comprehensive QoS satisfaction degree,achieving Nash equilibrium between network provider utility and user utility.Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is both feasible and effective.
Effects of Different Methods on Removing Pigment Interference in Formaldehyde Content Detection

Pigments interfered with the formaldehyde content detection of vegetable products.In the paper,we studied the effects of three different methods on removing pigment interference in the formaldehyde content detection,to determine the suitable method of removing pigment interference.The results showed that,the deproteinization method was a better way to remove the pigment interference in the formaldehyde content detection.
Vitamin D, rickets, and osteomalacia

Rickets and osteomalacia result from a variety of inherited and acquired conditions, but affected individuals present with striking stereotypical features. In most cases, the bone disease can be cured, or at least improved, with appropriate therapy for the specific metabolic abnormality. In this article, the author provides a discussion of vitamin D metabolism and a detailed description of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of rickets and osteomalacia. He stresses the importance of orthopedic surgeons' awareness of these metabolic problems so that they may play a more active role in the diagnosis of these disorders and the effective management of the skeletal complications.
Will passengers trust driverless vehicles? Removing the steering wheel and pedals

Driverless passenger vehicles are an emerging technology and a near-term eventuality. As such, the role of someone onboard the vehicle will change from the active role of a driver to the passive role of a passenger. The goal of this work is to provide an initial assessment of this interaction, with a specific focus on the impact of different available control interfaces on trust, usability, and performance. Participants interacted with two simulated driverless passenger vehicles that were designed to mirror a real-world prototype vehicle for Soldier transit on a U.S. military installation. Vehicle 1 had a traditional wheel and pedal control interface, as well as two buttons to disengage or re-engage the vehicle's automation system. Vehicle 2 only had the button system available with which to disengage the automation and bring the vehicle to a safe stop in the simulation and then re-engage. Both vehicles were designed to function optimally throughout the virtual environment. Findings suggested equal trust and usability ratings between the two vehicles. However, participants tended to intervene more often with the traditional control interface. Individual differences and preference ratings are reported.
Hydrophilic, Bactericidal Nanoheater-Enabled Reverse Osmosis Membranes to Improve Fouling Resistance

Polyamide (PA) semipermeable membranes typically used for reverse osmosis water treatment processes are prone to fouling, which reduces the amount and quality of water produced. By synergistically coupling the photothermal and bactericidal properties of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, gold nanostars (AuNS), and hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) on PA reverse osmosis membrane surfaces, we have dramatically improved fouling resistance of these membranes. Batch fouling experiments from three classes of fouling are presented: mineral scaling (CaCO3 and CaSO4), organic fouling (humic acid), and biofouling (Escherichia coli). Systematic analyses and a variety of complementary techniques were used to elucidate fouling resistance mechanisms from each layer of modification on the membrane surface. Both mineral scaling and organic fouling were significantly reduced in PA–GO–AuNS–PEG membranes compared to other membranes. The PA–GO–AuNS–PEG membrane was also effective in killing all near-surface bacteria compare...
HIV Infection and Survival of Lymphoma Patients in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has extended the life expectancy of patients with HIV/AIDS to approach that of the general population. However, it remains unclear whether HIV infection affects the survival of patients with lymphoma in the HAART era.Methods: Patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Burkitt lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), or follicular lymphoma during 2004-2011 were identified from the National Cancer Database. Survival analyses were conducted, where each HIV-infected patient was propensity score matched to a HIV-uninfected patient on the basis of demographic factors, clinical features, and treatment characteristics.Results: Among 179,520 patients, the prevalence of HIV-infection ranged from 1.0% for follicular lymphoma, 3.3% for PTCL, 4.7% for Hodgkin lymphoma, 5.4% for DLBCL, to 29% for Burkitt lymphoma. HIV infection was significantly associated with inferior overall survival for patients with each lymphoma subtype: Hodgkin lymphoma [HR, 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-1.74], DLBCL (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.80-2.11), Burkitt lymphoma (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.24-1.73), PTCL (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.14-1.79), and follicular lymphoma (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.04-2.00).Conclusions: HIV/AIDS continues to be independently associated with increased risk of death among patients with lymphoma in the HAART era in the United States, and the association varies by lymphoma histologic subtype.Impact: Examination of effective management strategies for patients with HIV/AIDS-associated lymphoma and enrollment of patients in prospective clinical trials are needed to improve patient outcomes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(3); 303-11. ©2016 AACR.
Gait and tremor assessment for patients with Parkinson’s disease using wearable sensors ☆

Abstract Typically, subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD) display instances of tremor at an early stage of the disease and later on develop gait impairments and postural instability. In this research, we have investigated the effect of using both gait and tremor features for an early detection and monitoring of PD. Various features were extracted from the data collected from the wearable sensors and further analyzed using statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to find the most significant features that would best distinguish between the two groups: subjects with PD and healthy control subjects. The analysis of our results shows that the features of step distance, stance and swing phases, heel and normalized heel forces contributed more significantly to achieving a better classification between the two groups in comparison with other features. Moreover, the tremor analysis based on the frequency-domain characteristics of the signal including amplitude, power distribution, frequency dispersion, and median frequency was carried out to identify PD tremor from atypical Parkinsonism tremor.
Reconnecting Youth: Promoting emotional competence and social support to improve academic achievement

Abstract Previous research indicates that students who drop out of high school are at risk for a number of negative outcomes. Both ecological and individual risk factors contribute to students' propensity for dropout. This study examined the effectiveness of a targeted dropout prevention program at improving academic achievement and investigated whether improved social support and emotional competencies partially mediated the association between intervention participation and student outcomes. A sample of 110 middle and high school students (55 intervention participants and 55 students in a matched control group) completed surveys investigating their social-emotional assets and schools provided academic data for participants. Structural equation modeling revealed that students who participated in the program had higher academic achievement compared to the control group. Prior levels of academic achievement moderated the effectiveness of the program with students with low initial levels of academic achievement benefiting more. Emotional competencies and social support did not mediate the relation between participation and achievement. The intervention was related to improved academic achievement among participants; however, the means by which it was effective was unclear. Given the evidence that the program was more effective for some students than others, targeting interventions to meet specific needs of students may be advantageous.
Modeling neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases with human iPSCs

Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, are complex and heterogeneous disorders that affect a large portion of the world's population. While the causes are still poorly understood, currently available treatments are limited; the development of rational therapeutics based on an understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is imperative. The breakthrough technology of deriving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from somatic cells of healthy subjects or patients, offers an unprecedented opportunity to recapitulate both normal and pathological development of human tissue, thereby opening up a new avenue for disease modeling and drug development in a more genetically tractable and disease-relevant system. Here, I review the recent progress in the use of human iPSCs for modeling neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders and developing novel therapeutic strategies, and discuss challenges in this rapidly moving field. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exposure to the Herbicide Atrazine Nonlinearly Affects Tadpole Corticosterone Levels

Abstract To determine whether the herbicide, atrazine, affects the stress hormone corticosterone, we exposed Osteopilus septentrionalis (Cuban Treefrog) tadpoles to four concentrations of atrazine and two controls (water and acetone) for three time durations (4, 28, and 100 h). Atrazine concentration, but not exposure duration, had significant nonlinear effects on whole-body corticosterone. Relative to controls, intermediate concentrations of atrazine (10.2 and 50.6 μg/L) tended to lower corticosterone, whereas the lowest (0.1 μg/L) and highest atrazine concentrations (102 μg/L) elevated corticosterone. These results indicate that atrazine exposure might dysregulate corticosterone, a hormone integral to vertebrate immunity, neurogenesis, and health.
Big Data Acquisition and Processing in Real-Time

Coherent-STEAM is a quantitative phase microscopy technique for label-free analysis of up to 100,000 cells per second in flow. Here, we introduce a data acquisition scheme that enables interruptionless storage of Coherent-STEAM cell images. Our proof of principle demonstration is capable of saving 10.8 TB of cell images in an hour, i.e., pictures of every single cell in 2.7 mL of a sample.
The Lords of Tetzcoco: The Transformation of Indigenous Rule in Postconquest Central Mexico

Tetzcoco was one of the most important cities of the pre-Hispanic Aztec Empire. When the Spaniards arrived in 1519, the indigenous hereditary nobles that governed Tetzcoco faced both opportunities and challenges, and were forced to adapt from the very moment of contact. This book examines how the city's nobility navigated this tumultuous period of conquest and colonialism, and negotiated a place for themselves under Spanish rule. While Tetzcoco's native nobles experienced a remarkable degree of continuity with the pre-contact period, especially in the first few decades after conquest, various forces and issues, such as changing access to economic resources, interethnic marriage, and intra-familial conflict, transformed Tetzcoco's ruling family into colonial subjects by the century's end.
A Meta-Analysis of Pair-Programming in Computer Programming Courses: Implications for Educational Practice

Several experiments on the effects of pair programming versus solo programming in the context of education have been reported in the research literature. We present a meta-analysis of these studies that accounted for 18 manuscripts with 28 independent effect sizes in the domains of programming assignments, exams, passing rates, and affective measures. In total, our sample accounts for N = 3,308 students either using pair programming as a treatment variable or using traditional solo programming in the context of a computing course. Our findings suggest positive results in favor of pair programming in three of four domains with exception to affective measures. We provide a comprehensive review of our results and discuss our findings.
Anion Resistant Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst in Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell

Phosphoric acid fuel cells are successfully used as energy conversion technologies in stationary power applications. However, decreased proton conductivity and lower oxygen permeability of phosphoric-acid-imbibed membranes require prohibitive loadings of the traditional noble-metal-based electrocatalyst, such as platinum supported on carbon. Additionally, specific adsorption of phosphate anions on the catalyst results in a surface poisoning that further reduces electrocatalytic activity. Here we report a nonplatinum group metal (non-PGM) electrocatalyst as an alternative cathode electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in phosphoric acid fuel cells. The non-PGM was prepared in a one-pot synthesis using a metal organic framework and iron salt precursor. Phosphate anion poisoning was monitored electrochemically and spectroscopically in reference to the current state-of-the-art Pt-based catalyst at room temperature. Unlike Pt-based catalysts that are prone to phosphate poisoning, the non-PGM electrocatalyst exhi...
Micro-scale damage characterized within part of a dismembered positive flower structure, San Jacinto fault, southern California, USA

Abstract To better understand the processes that control sub-grain fracturing in fault damage zones, we studied micro-scale damage in sandstones adjacent to the San Jacinto fault (SJF) where it is exhumed from a total depth of ∼220 m beneath a northeast-verging thrust that comprises part of a relic and dismembered flower structure. The thrust places high grade gneiss of the pre-middle Cretaceous Burnt Valley complex over sedimentary rocks of the Pleistocene Bautista Formation. An ∼10–12 cm thick zone of cataclasite is present along the northeast side of the fault adjacent to a narrow black ultracataclasite core. Non-pervasive microscopic damage, characterized by pulverized sand grains, extends outward from the zone of cataclasites tens of meters. Such textures are better developed in sandstones that contain
CVD in Electronic Applications: Conductors, Insulators, and Diffusion Barriers

This chapter discusses the role of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in electronic applications. It plays an important part in the design and processing of advanced electronic conductors and insulators as well as related structures, such as diffusion barriers and high thermal conductivity substrates (heat-sinks). Materials such as titanium nitride, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, diamond, and aluminum nitride are very useful and are all produced by CVD. The step coverage and conformity of electrical conductors requires the ability to coat a surface with a smooth film of constant thickness, and to fill a contact opening (interconnection) evenly. These are the major considerations for a given conductor material and the deposition process. The thin films of electrical insulators are essential elements in the designing and fabrication of electronic components. The most widely used insulator materials—silicon oxide and silicon nitride—are produced by CVD.
Identification of Nodal Metastases: The role of Iron Oxide Enhanced MRI

The natural history of invasive bladder cancer follows a pathway of progression in which tumor involving the primary tumor advances to the regional lymph nodes and then to distant sites. The overall lymph node positive rate in large radical cystectomy series is approximately 20–25%. Most of the involved lymph nodes are not suspected prior to surgery and are only found on pathologic evaluation after cystectomy. Currently size criteria alone are used to distinguish normal from potentially involved lymph nodes. Significant understaging continues to limit the overall accuracy of clinical staging. Advances in imaging techniques, particularly MRI using novel enhancing agents, have the potential for dramatically improving lymph node staging. The development of lymphotrophic iron oxide nanoparticles have provided an additional imaging option for the detection of malignant lymph nodes in bladder cancer patients.
Effects of situational self-handicapping and state self-confidence on the physical performance of young participants

Self-handicapping represents a self-protective attributional process wherein performance obstacles are claimed in order to buffer one’s self from the threat of potential failure within an evaluative context. The present study sought to determine the performance-related consequences of self-handicapping and state self-confidence among 189 physical education students participating in a running task. As self-protective strategies are thought to impact performance largely as a function of personal efficacy expectations, particular interest was paid to the moderating effects of self-confidence on the relationship between self-handicapping and performance. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that beyond the effects of gender, situational self-handicapping had a positive impact on performance among runners with relatively low self-confidence, whereas this relationship was largely absent in the high confidence group. The possible motivational and attentional mechanisms underlying this moderator effect are discussed.
Numerical Modelling of Front Contact Alignment for High Efficiency Cd1-xZnxTe and Cd1-xMgxTe Solar Cells for Tandem Devices

Wide bandgap Cd1-xZnxTe (CZT) and Cd1-xMgxTe (CMT) have drawn attention as top cells in tandem devices. These materials allow tuning of the band gap over a wide range by controlling the Zn or Mg concentration with little alteration to the base CdTe properties. Historically, CdS has been used as a heterojunction partner for CZT or CMT devices. However, these devices show a significant lower open circuit voltage (VOC) than expected for wide bandgap absorbers. Recent modelling work suggests that poor band alignment between the CdS emitter and absorber results in a high concentration of holes at the interface, which increased recombination and limits the VOC. This recombination should be exacerbated for wider bandgap absorbers such as CZT and CMT. In this study, we use numerical simulations with SCAPS-1D software to investigate the band alignment in the front contacts for wider bandgap CdTe based absorbers. Results show that by replacing the CdS with a wide bandgap emitter layer, the VOC can be greatly improved, though under certain conditions, the fill factor remains sensitive to the location of the emitter conduction band. As a result, different transparent front contacts were also investigated to determine a device structure required to produce a high performance CZT or CMT top-cell for tandems devices.
Surgery vs Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Low-risk papillary thyroid carcinomas (LR-PTC, tumors ≤1.5 cm) cause virtually no deaths, and are rapidly increasing in incidence due to overdiagnosis of subclinical disease. Herein we review the evidence base and the rationale behind a strategy of active surveillance of LR-PTC. We review natural history studies by Ito et al. and Tuttle et al., which to date form the backbone of literate on the subject. These studies provide good evidence supporting the hypothesis that LR-PTC is not a deadly disease even when observed. There is little additional evidence on patient reported outcomes (PROs, e.g. quality of life) and cost issues as they relate to an active surveillance strategy. We compare this body of literature to evidence regarding surgery for LR-PTC.
An examination of mindfulness skills in terms of affect tolerance among individuals with elevated levels of health anxiety.

Background and Objectives: Affect tolerance factors, including anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and emotional distress tolerance, have been implicated in the exacerbation of health ...
Modularity lifting theorems for ordinary Galois representations

We generalize results of Clozel, Harris and Taylor by proving modularity lifting theorems for ordinary l-adic Galois representations of any dimension of an imaginary CM or totally real number field. The main theorems are obtained by establishing an $$R^{{{\mathrm{red}}}}={\mathbb {T}}$$ theorem over a Hida family. A key part of the proof is to construct appropriate ordinary lifting rings at the primes dividing l and to determine their irreducible components.
An Interrogation of Shared and Unique Copy Number Variants Across Genetically Distinct Zebrafish Strains.

Abstract Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a widely utilized model system for human disorders, but common laboratory strains have distinct behavioral and physiological differences. Accompanying these kno...
When an Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Resolves, What Remains?:

A chart review was performed of 38 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by 3 years of age at an inner-city developmental program who subsequently experienced resolution of ASD symptomatology and no longer met diagnostic criteria for ASD at follow-up an average of 4 years later. Demographic, developmental/cognitive data, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule data as available were reviewed from the initial diagnostic evaluation and at the time of follow-up. Services received by the children between the time of diagnosis and follow-up, educational setting at the time of follow-up, and emotional/behavioral and learning diagnoses made by the multidisciplinary team at follow-up were reviewed. The findings indicate that residual emotional/behavioral and learning problems were present at follow-up in the vast majority of children in this group and that the majority continued to require educational support.
Complementary therapies for patients with systemic sclerosis

Patients with systemic sclerosis often seek information regarding complementary and nutrition-based therapy. Some study results have shown that vitamins D and E, probiotics, turmeric, l-arginine, e...
Control of the nonlinear dynamics of a truck and trailer combination

The directional instability problem of a truck and trailer combination in a forward motion has been investigated by developing a dynamic model of the planar rigid-body dynamics of the system. Two control strategies have been devised based on the reference model following controller configuration. The main objective of the controllers is to ensure that the nonlinear model follows the desired response generated by a linearized version of the truck and trailer model. The first RFMC uses an integral-plus-state feedback controller for its compensator, which was designed based on the eigenstructure assignment methodology. The second RFMC relies on a sliding mode compensator. The control inputs were applied through the actuation of differential wheel torques. Different driving scenarios and road conditions, such as braking and accelerating maneuver with a flat tire on a dry road, and a double-lane change maneuver on a slippery road, were considered. Overall, the simulation results demonstrated the superiority of the sliding mode controller over the integral-plus-state feedback controller in ensuring better tracking of the truck and trailer combination to a target path under different driving maneuvers.
Magnetically driven phonon instability enables the metal–insulator transition in h-FeS

Hexagonal iron sulfide exhibits a fascinating coexistence of metal–insulator, structural and magnetic transitions, reflecting an intimate interplay of its spin, phonon and charge degrees of freedom. Here, we show how a subtle competition of energetic and entropic free-energy components governs its thermodynamics and the sequence of phase transitions it undergoes upon cooling. By means of comprehensive neutron and X-ray scattering measurements, and supported by first-principles electronic structure simulations, we identify the critical role of the coupling between antiferromagnetic ordering and instabilities of anharmonic phonons in the metallic phase in driving the metal–insulator transition. The antiferromagnetic ordering enables the emergence of two zone-boundary soft phonons, whose coupling to a zone-centre mode drives the lattice distortion opening the electronic bandgap. Simultaneously, spin–lattice coupling opens a gap in the magnon spectrum that controls the entropy component of the metal–insulator transition free energy. These results reveal the importance of spin–phonon coupling to tune anharmonic effects, thus opening new avenues to design novel technologically important materials harbouring the metal–insulator transition and magnetoelectric behaviours. A detailed and systematic X-ray and neutron scattering study of hexagonal iron sulfide uncovers the critical role of spin–phonon coupling in promoting the metal–insulator transition in this system.
Room for improvement in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure reporting: a review of hemodynamic tracings at a large academic medical center:

To describe the frequency with which pulmonary capillary wedge pressure measurements, obtained during right heart catheterization, are falsely elevated and to educate operators on techniques to imp...
Role of Organic and Eco-Friendly Inhibitors on the Corrosion Mitigation of Steel in Acidic Environments—A State-of-Art Review

Steel has versatile application in chemical, structure and construction industries owing to its mechanical properties. However, it is susceptible to corrosion in acid environments. Thus, it requires to protect the steel from corrosion. Different types of corrosion resistance steel, coatings and inhibitors are developed to mitigate the corrosion, but, inhibitor is the best remedies to control the corrosion of steel in acid condition. Moreover, organic and green inhibitors used in acid condition for descaling, acid pickling, pipelines, boiler tubes and oil-wells. Organic inhibitors reduce the dissolution of steel in acid but, it is hazardous, expensive and needs expertise to synthesize the inhibitor. Therefore, there is utmost required to study and compile the latest research about the eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors, which showed more than 90% corrosion inhibition efficiency. In the present study, I have reviewed the state-of-arts, and compile the latest development in organic and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor used in acid environment as well as suggested about the future scope and role of green inhibitor for sustainable society, which is economical, less hazardous and readily available from the natural sources.
The impact of COVID-19 on energy consumption in the United States: An overview

Lockdown measures and mobility restrictions implemented to combat the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus have impacted energy consumption patterns, particularly in the United States. A review of available data and literature on the impact of the pandemic on energy consumption is performed to understand the current knowledge on this topic. The overall decline of energy use during lockdown restrictions can best be identified through the analysis of energy consumption by source and enduser breakdown. Using monthly energy consumption data, the total 9-months use between January and September for the years 2015-2020 are calculated for each end-use. The cumulative consumption within these 9 months of the petroleum, natural gas, biomass, and electricity energy by the various end-use sectors are compared to identify a shift in use throughout time with the calculation of the percent change from 2019 to 2020. The analysis shows that the transportation sector experienced the most dramatic decline, having a subsequent impact on the primary energy it uses. A steep decline in the use of petroleum and natural gas by the transportation sector has had an inevitable impact on the emission of carbon dioxide and other air pollutants during the pandemic. Additionally, the most current data for the consumption of electricity by each state and each end-user in the times before and during the pandemic highlights the impact of specific lockdown procedures on energy use. The average total consumption for each state was found for the years 2015-2019. This result is used calculation of yearly growth rate and average annual growth rate in 2020 for each state and end-user. The total average annual growth rate for 2020 was used to find a correlation coefficient between COVID-19 case and death rates as well as population density and lockdown duration. To further examine the relationship a correlation coefficient was calculated between the 2020 average annual growth rate for all sectors and average annual growth rate for each individual end-user. Copyright © 2021 by ASME.
High and Low Arousal Daily Affect Dynamics Vary Across the Adult Lifespan.

Objectives Age differences in affective experience across adulthood are widely documented. According to Russell's (2003) circumplex model, affect consists of two aspects-valence (positive vs. negative) and arousal (low activation vs. high activation). Prior research on age differences has primarily focused on the valence aspect. However, little is known about age differences in daily affect of high and low arousal. Method The present study examined age differences in daily dynamics (i.e., mean levels, variability, and inertia) of negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA) of high and low arousal in a sample of 492 adults aged 21 to 91. Participants completed daily affect ratings for 21 consecutive days. Results Age was negatively and linearly related to mean levels of both high-arousal and low-arousal NA. Both high-arousal and low-arousal PA mean levels showed increases after middle age. Further, age was related to lower variability in both NA and PA regardless of arousal. Additionally, high-arousal NA inertia showed a linear decrease with age whereas low-arousal PA inertia showed an inverted-U pattern with age. After controlling for mean levels of affect, the associations between age and affect variability remained significant whereas the associations between age and affect inertia did not. Discussion The affective profile of older age is characterized by lower mean levels of NA, higher mean levels of PA, lower affect variability, and less persistence in high-arousal NA and low-arousal PA in daily life. Our results contribute to a nuanced understanding of which affective processes improve with age and which do not.
Decision Tree Pruning Using Expert Knowledge

Decision tree technology has proven to be a valuable way of capturing human decision making within a computer. How to prune the decision tree is one of the research directions of the decision tree technique, but the idea of cost-sensitive pruning has received much less attention than other pruning techniques even though additional flexibility and increased performance can be obtained from this method. This dissertation reports on a study of cost-sensitive methods for decision tree pruning. A decision tree pruning algorithm called KBP1.0, which includes four cost-sensitive methods, is developed. The intelligent inexact classification is used for first time in KBP1.0 to prune the decision tree. Using expert knowledge in decision tree pruning is discussed for the first time. By comparing the cost-sensitive pruning methods in KBP1.0 with other traditional pruning methods on benchmark data sets, the advantage and disadvantage of cost-sensitive methods in KBP1.0 have been summarized. This research will enhance our understanding of the theory, design and implementation of decision tree pruning using expert knowledge.
Assessing American Sign Language

This chapter presents an historical account of the progress in the development of measures for assessing first language abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). In the past sign language assessment efforts were limited as they were largely based on the translation of extant measures developed for assessing English abilities. In the past two decades, the growing understanding of the linguistic properties of ASL and other signed languages and of language assessment in general has paved the way for significant progress in developing assessments for ASL and other signed languages. In order to provide a complete picture of a child's language abilities and knowledge, it is necessary that assessments include both receptive and expressive components. Such components must take into consideration vocabulary knowledge (both its extent and depth) as well as phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic knowledge. Because ASL exists in the visual modality and does not have a written form, the optimal presentation mode of any ASL assessment instrument must be video based. It is important that the material used to carry out language assessment is in a recorded format such that the test taker is not subject to memory constraints that may compromise language performance. While this chapter focuses on assessments of ASL, many points about ASL assessment can and should be extrapolated to what we should think about for assessments of other signed languages. Furthermore, this chapter also emphasizes that it is important for the purpose of developing assessment to be cognizant of the modality difference between signed and spoken languages. Language takes advantage of the affordances given to it by its modality, but these differences disappear when one is attuned to the deeper levels of meaning. Developing signed language assessments based on known linguistic structures will allow us to gain the clearest picture of the language knowledge and abilities of Deaf children. Keywords: Assessment evaluation; First language acquisition; Sign language
Operator theoretic solution to the MIMO extension of ORDAP

In this paper we consider the MIMO form of the optimal robust disturbance attenuation problem (ORDAP) posed by Zames and Owen. In particular, an operator theoretic solution is developed solving the problem exactly. The solution is given in terms of an operator defined on particular Banach space versions of matrix valued H2 spaces. The results obtained here generalize similar results obtained for SISO systems and a particular version of the MIMO two-disc problem.