cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antenna-in-Package Design Considerations for Ka-Band 5G Communication Applications

Phased-array modules at frequencies >20 GHz are expected to play an important role for 5G applications. Antenna-in-package (AiP) is a reliable and cost-effective method to realize these phased arrays. This paper introduces a practical Ka-band AiP structure and discusses the antenna element design and implementation tradeoffs. The AiP design is based on multilayer organic buildup substrates that are suitable for phased-array module integration needs and supports both horizontal and vertical polarizations. Measurement results from the fabricated antenna prototypes show 0.8 GHz return loss bandwidth and 3.8-dBi peak gain at 30.5 GHz. Simulation results agree with the measured ones.
Increased susceptibility to structural acute kidney injury in a mouse model of presymptomatic cardiomyopathy

The early events that signal renal dysfunction in presymptomatic heart failure are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that functional and mechanistic changes occur in the kidney that precede the dev...
Controversy matters: Impacts of topic and solution controversy on the perceived credibility of a scientist who advocates.

In this article, we focus on the potential influence of a scientist’s advocacy position on the public’s perceived credibility of scientists as a whole. Further, we examine how the scientist’s solution position (information only, non-controversial, and controversial) affects the public’s perception of the scientist’s motivation for sharing information about specific issues (flu, marijuana, climate change, severe weather). Finally, we assess how perceived motivations mediate the relationship between solution position and credibility. Using data from a quota sample of American adults obtained by Qualtrics (n = 2,453), we found that in some conditions advocating for a solution positively predicted credibility, while in one condition, it negatively predicted scientist credibility. We also found that the influence of solution position on perceived credibility was mediated by several motivation perceptions; most notably through perception that the scientist was motivated to: (a) serve the public and (b) persuade the public. Further results and implications are discussed.
Experimental Investigation of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack using Direct Reforming Natural Gas

In this study, a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack has been successfully fabricated and tested by using direct natural gas. The main objective of this research was to achieve optimal long-term performance of the SOFC stack without carbon deposition by using low-cost natural gas as a fuel. The stack configuration was improved by a new interconnect design and made of cost-effective raw materials. In this respect, the stack showed maximum power of 31 W while 33 A current was applied at a flow rate of 1000 ccm for H2 (as fuel) and oxygen. Then, humidified natural gas was employed as an internal reforming technique, which showed degradation of 1.4% after 24 h. Maximum obtained power was 32 W under 33 A current at a flow rate of 1000 ccm. After 48 h of operation, 34 W of power was achieved at the current of 38 A. Therefore, the power was increased from 32 to 34 W after 48 h of operation in upper current. Finally, a suitable SOFC stack made of cost effective materials and using direct natural gas under appropriate conditions was fabricated and developed in this research.
Time-dependent moments of the monoenergetic transport equation in spherical and cylindrical geometry

The time-dependent spatial-Legendre moments for the monoenergetic transport equation in spherical geometry are expressed in terms of the half- and logarithmically weighted-Legendre moments of the flux in plane geometry. In cylindrical geometry, the moments are shown to be directly proportional to those in spherical geometry.
Taking no for an answer-refusal of life-sustaining treatment.

If treatment may prolong death rather than saving a life, physicians must honor the informed refusal of life-sustaining intervention. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Acoustic emissions from pressurized microballoons

Microballoons are tiny, hollow, thin-walled, glass spheres ranging in diameter from ~ 1 to 160 μm. They are commercially available in bulk for use as low cost, lightweight filler to be mixed with resins and other materials. As reported last year, the unique properties of microballoons have been exploited in a number of instances for recording the maximum of a pressure excursion [1]. To understand the technique, consider first what happens when microballoons are mixed in a carrier fluid, placed on the surface of an Acoustic Emission (AE) transducer and then subjected to a pneumatic pressure. Since the microballoons within a typical sample exhibit a random distribution of rupture strengths, the weakest burst first as the pressure increases. As the microballoons break they give rise to AE events which are easily detected by the transducer. A typical plot of the number of events versus pressure is presented in Fig. 1. If the mixture had been pre-pressurized to Po, little AE activity would have occurred on the ramp up to Po (the weaker balloons having already burst), followed by an abrupt onset in AE. This manifestation of the Kaiser Effect [2] is evident in the data of Fig. 2, where Po = 100 psi. In this manner, Po, the maximum pressure to which the mixture has been subjected, can be determined by detecting the abrupt onset of AE events upon repressurization of the mixture. A mixture, such as grease and microballoons, for instance, can therefore be placed at strategic locations on a structure to be “read” at a future date to determine the maximum pressure to which each location had been subjected.
Guided-Wave Propagation of Terahertz-Bandwidth Electrical Pulses

One of the most important future considerations for workers in the key technology areas of communications and computing will be the transmission of high-bandwidth electromagnetic signals. While all-optical or hybrid optoelectronic systems will play a significant role in advanced systems, it should be possible to continue to utilize high-speed semiconductor electronics and high-bandwidth transmission structures for even extremely high-frequency circuits. The investigation of the guided transmission of ultrashort electrical pulses provides researchers with an understanding of the various effects that contribute to the degradation of signals as they propagate. Problems can arise, for instance, due to the conductors, the substrate, or the geometry of the guide. Such studies also suggest measures that can be undertaken to maintain the fidelity of a propagating waveform. In this paper, we describe how short electrical signals, generated and detected using optoelectronic techniques, can be made to reveal the characteristics of transmission lines and other components at frequencies that reach the terahertz regime.
The DSM-5 approach to the evaluation of traumatic brain injury and its neuropsychiatric sequelae

Introduction: The advent of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is accompanied by substantial changes in the approach taken in this manual to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its neuropsychiatric sequelae. Objective: This article reviews the issues pertaining to the treatment of TBI in the DSM-5, and changes relative to the outgoing DSM-IV-TR. The primary context for discussion of TBI in the DSM-5 is the section on Neurocognitive Disorders, where a basic framework is provided for the retrospective diagnosis of TBI and characterization of the clinical presentation as a Mild or Major Neurocognitive Disorder. The distinctions between these conditions rest not on the initial severity of TBI but instead on the severity of posttraumatic cognitive impairments and their effects on everyday function. The text succinctly reviews the epidemiology, phenomenology, and natural history of TBI and highlights the need to consider the differential diagnosis for persistent postconcussive symptoms. Conclusion: The approach taken to the diagnosis of TBI and its neuropsychiatric consequences in the DSM-5 is improved substantially over that of the DSM-IV-TR, and it is likely to improve the evaluations of persons with TBI by mental health professionals. However, challenges borne of this approach are likely to be revealed as it is implemented in everyday practice and will guide the development of this section of DSM-5.1.
Using Cognitive Computing for the Control Room of the Future

Abstract Chemical manufacturing processes are often complex and large-scale, with many variables to monitor and control. The startup and shutdown of process units can be particularly challenging, with specific and coordinated sequences of events to assure safety while completing operation goals in a reasonable amount of time. Recent advances in cognitive computing, “big data” and process data analytics have great potential to improving the transient operation of chemical processes. A framework to study process startups, shutdowns and abnormal events using graph theory, cognitive computing and machine learning is presented. Preliminary results based on a simple two-tank problem show the usefulness of graph-based analyses. The procedure detects a sensor fault and startup protocol deviations. Ongoing research tests the proposed strategy on more realistic larger scale chemical processes.
Abstract 605: Association of blood lipid profile and lung cancer risk: Results from the Southern Community Cohort Study

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. African Americans (AAs) have a higher incidence rate than any other racial group. Lipid metabolism and homeostasis play important roles in the growth of cancer cells and the regulation of membrane proteins. Some previous epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between blood lipid levels and lung cancer risk; however, the results were inconsistent, and few explored patterns among AAs. To investigate the association of blood lipid levels and lung cancer risk, particularly in a low socioeconomic population and AAs, we conducted a nested case-control study using resources from the Southern Community Cohort Study, a well-characterized prospective cohort study of approximately 86,000 adult men and women, two-thirds of whom are AAs. Blood lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TRIG), and lipoprotein-a (Lp-a), were measured in 372 lung cancer cases and 721 matched controls. AAs had lower median levels of TRIG, and higher levels of HDL and Lp-a than European Americans (EAs). Conditional logistic regression analysis revealed an inverse association between TC and lung cancer risk, with an adjusted OR for the highest vs. lowest tertiles of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.45-0.99). This association was observed in both AAs and EAs, but was only statistically significant in EAs. Further stratified analysis found that this association was only significant in cases that were diagnosed within 2 years of blood collection. No significant associations of other lipid markers with lung cancer risk were observed. The findings from our study suggest that the inverse associations between TC and lung cancer risk more likely resulted from cancerous occurrence and progression and associated lifestyle changes rather than being indicative of causal markers. Citation Format: Yan Sun, Jie Wu, Hyung-Suk Yoon, Wei Zheng, William J. Blot, Qiuyin Cai. Association of blood lipid profile and lung cancer risk: Results from the Southern Community Cohort Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 605.
Movement and performance predict widespread cortical activity in a visual detection task

Abstract Recent studies in mice reveal widespread cortical signals during task performance, however the various task-related and task-independent processes underlying this activity are incompletely understood. Here we recorded wide-field neural activity, as revealed by GCaMP6s, from dorsal cortex while simultaneously monitoring orofacial movements, walking, and arousal (pupil diameter) of head-fixed mice performing a Go/NoGo visual detection task and examined the ability of task performance and spontaneous or task-related movements to predict cortical activity. A linear model was able to explain a significant fraction (33-55% of variance) of widefield dorsal cortical activity, with the largest factors being movements (facial, walk, eye), response choice (hit, miss, false alarm), and arousal, and indicate that a significant fraction of trial-to-trial variability arises from both spontaneous and task-related changes in state (e.g. movements, arousal). Importantly, secondary motor cortex was highly correlated with lick rate, critical for optimal task performance (high d’), and was the first region to significantly predict the lick response on target trials. These findings suggest that secondary motor cortex is critically involved in the decision and performance of learned movements and indicate that a significant fraction of trial-to-trial variation in cortical activity results from spontaneous and task-related movements and variations in behavioral/arousal state.
Explaining variations in scale shifting: The role of spatiality, topography and infrastructure in global literary fields

Abstract What makes it possible for authors from what Pascale Casanova called “literarily impoverished” nations to scale shift and gain recognition in the global literary world? While prior scholarship offers many answers, it does not pay sufficient attention to the characteristics of the spaces within which literary circulation takes place. This article focuses on the spatial parameters and properties of literary circulation. Using the case of Lebanon, I argue for the need to (1) empirically determine the spaces and scales of circulation, (2) investigate the role of trans-regional fields in analyses of literary circulation, and (3) examine the ways in which the topographical properties of fields and the infrastructures which constitute them influence scale shifting.
Abstract 238: Automating Medical Record Matching: A Key Component of an Automated Cardiac Arrest Registry

Introduction: An automated registry for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can facilitate cardiac arrest research and emergency medical services (EMS) and community health quality improvement programs....
Active Words in Dangerous Times: Beyond Liberal Models of Dialogue in Politics and Pedagogy.

Dialogue is a category that is central to politics, media, and education, and yet in all of these domains it can be confusing and ambiguous. Starting from a critical framework built on the work of ...
Intermediated Asymmetric Information, Compensation, and Career Prospects

Adverse selection harms workers, but benefits firms able to identify talent. An informed intermediary expropriates its agents' ability by threatening to fire and expose them to undervaluation of their skill. An agent's track record gradually reduces the intermediary's information advantage. We show that in response, the intermediary starts churning well-performing agents she knows to be less skilled. Despite leading to an accelerated reduction in information advantage, such selectivity boosts profits as retained agents accept below-reservation wages to build a reputation faster. Agents prefer starting their careers working for an intermediary, as benefits from building reputation faster more than offsets expropriation costs. We derive implications of this mechanism for pay-for- performance sensitivity, bonuses, and turnover. Our analysis applies to professions where talent is essential, and performance is publicly observable, such as asset management, legal partnerships, and accounting firms.
Effects of red wine on accelerated gastric emptying following Nissen fundoplication

Alcohol consumption and the effects on the gastrointestinal tract are well known. The deleterious effects of alcohol leading to mortality are most apparent on the liver and pancreas. However, heavy alcohol consumption may have a significant impact on the luminal gastrointestinal tract.1 Alcohol consumption has the most significant effects on esophageal, gastric, and small intestinal motility as well as stimulating acid secretion and increasing intestinal permeability.2–4 Previous investigations have suggested that alcohol’s effect on gastric and small bowel motility may be related to the absolute level of alcohol concentration. Low alcohol concentrations have been shown to accelerate gastric emptying whereas high doses of alcohol delay gastric emptying and slow small bowel motility and transit.5 6 The effects of acute and chronic …
Are Nongrafting Solutions Viable for Dental Implant Treatment in Limited Bone Volume

Dental implant therapies must be planned and executed to meet both the immediate and longer-term expectations of patients. The early developmental success of dental implants was dependent on the quality and quantity of a patient's bone. Implants were commonly placed into the parasymphyseal mandibular and anterior maxillary bone. Building on this success, bone grafting allowed patients lacking sufficient bone to obtain implant-supported prosthetic solutions for treatment of partial or complete edentulism. More recently, several nongrafting solutions for implant therapy, including pterygoid implants, zygomatic implants, tilted implants, and short implants, have reported success. This article will consider the rationale for graftless solutions in implant therapy as well as the data supporting the use of various graftless protocols as alternatives to grafting and conventional dental implant therapy. It will discuss factors concerning graftless versus grafted approaches to treatment of patients with limited bone volume and will describe the use of short dental implants as a graftless solution in the edentulous maxilla.
Students' Perspectives and Concerns for the 2020 to 2021 Radiation Oncology Interview Season.

Background Recently, the Coalition for Physician Accountability Work Group on Medical Students in the Class of 2021 recommended limiting visiting medical student rotations, conducting virtual residency interviews, and delaying the standard application timeline due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These changes create both challenges and opportunities for medical students and radiation oncology residency programs. We conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to prepare for a virtual recruitment season, including a focus group of senior medical students seeking careers in oncology. Methods A single 1.5-hour focus group was conducted with 10 third- and fourth-year medical students using Zoom videoconferencing software. Participants shared opinions relating to visibility of residency programs, virtual clerkship experiences, expectations for program websites, and remote interviews. The focus group recording was transcribed and analyzed independently by 2 authors. Participants' statements were abstracted into themes via inductive content analysis. Results Inductive content analysis of the focus group transcript identified several potential challenges surrounding virtual recruitment, including learning the culture of a program and/or city, obtaining accurate information about training programs, and uncertainty surrounding the best way to present themselves during a virtual interview season. In the present environment, the focus group participants anticipate relying more on departmental websites and telecommunications since in-person interactions will be limited. In addition, students perceived that the educational yield of a virtual clerkship would be low, particularly if an in-person rotation had already been completed at another institution. Conclusion With the COVID-19 crisis limiting visiting student rotations and programs transitioning to hosting remote interviews, we recommend programs focus resources towards portraying the culture of their program and city, accurately depicting program information, and offering virtual electives or virtual interaction to increase applicant exposure to residency program culture.
Students' Use of Chemistry Core Ideas to Explain the Structure and Stability of DNA.

Students tend to think of their science courses as isolated and unrelated to each other, making it difficult for them to see connections across disciplines. In addition, many existing science assessments target rote memorization and algorithmic problem-solving skills. Here, we describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of an activity aimed to help students integrate knowledge across introductory chemistry and biology courses. The activity design and evaluation of students' responses were guided by the Framework for K-12 Science Education as the understanding of core ideas and crosscutting concepts and the development of scientific practices are essential for students at all levels. In this activity, students are asked to use their understanding of noncovalent interactions to explain (a) why the boiling point differs for two pure substances (chemistry phenomenon) and (b) why temperature and base pair composition affects the stability of DNA (biological phenomenon). The activity was implemented at two different institutions (N = 441) in both introductory chemistry and biology courses. Students' overall performance suggests that they can provide sophisticated responses that incorporate their understanding of noncovalent interactions and energy to explain the chemistry phenomenon, but have difficulties integrating the same knowledge to explain the biological phenomenon. Our findings reinforce the notion that students should be provided with opportunities in the classroom to purposefully practice and support the use and integration of knowledge from multiple disciplines. Students' evaluations of the activity indicated that they found it to be interesting and helpful for making connections across disciplines.
Effective host-directed therapy for tuberculosis by targeted depletion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells using a diphtheria toxin-based fusion protein

ABSTRACT Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are present in elevated numbers in TB patients and have been found to be permissive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) proliferation. To determine whether depletion of MDSCs may improve host control of TB, we used a novel diphtheria toxin-based fusion protein known as DABIL-4 that targets and depletes IL-4-receptor positive cells. We show that DABIL-4 depletes both PMN-MDSCs and M-MDSC in the mouse TB model, and that it reduces the lung bacillary burden of Mtb. These results indicate that MDSC-depleting therapies targeting the IL4 receptor are beneficial in TB and offer an avenue towards host-directed TB therapy.
Surgical Anatomy: Orchiectomy and Fertility Preservation Options

Simple bilateral orchiectomy provides an effective means of achieving castrate levels of testosterone, allowing transgender female patients to use a lower dose of estrogen and discontinue spironolactone. There is a current lack of evidence regarding the superiority of staged (early) orchiectomy—through an inguinal or scrotal approach—over single-stage orchiectomy and vaginoplasty. Therefore, the choice of technique and approach is based on patient preference and surgeon experience. Patients undergoing feminizing surgery should be informed about options for fertility preservation, including sperm cryopreservation, testicular sperm extraction, and testicular tissue cryopreservation.
Precautionary Savings and the Stock-Bond Covariance

I show that the precautionary savings motive can account for high-frequency variation in the stock-bond covariance. An increase in the price of risk lowers risky asset prices on account of an increase in risk premia; it lowers bond yields on account of the precautionary savings component. Consequently, a price of risk shock moves risky and safe asset prices in the opposite direction. Times when the price of risk is volatile see a more negative stock-bond covariance. I demonstrate that a model calibrated to match the equity risk premium fits well the recent evidence on stock-bond covariance. Empirically, I show that stock-bond covariance co-moves with credit spreads and can predict excess returns on risky bonds and on bond-like stocks. The calibrated model underlines the first-order effect of risk compensation on safe rates.
Proposals for Improved Regulation of Harmful Content Online

This paper presents seven proposals for how internet companies can more effectively address harmful content on their platforms, protect freedom of expression, and provide a better experience for their users.
Learning to design effective professional development: The influence of integrating a coaching tool with an elementary mathematics specialist course assignment

As content-specific educational coaches, elementary mathematics specialists (EMSs) have emerged as school-based professionals who are needs-driven and work closely with school stakeholders in regard to mathematics teaching and learning. While leading mathematics education organizations have identified the specialized knowledge and skills required for EMS positions, how to best prepare these individuals is knowledge that the field is still exploring. This paper first presents a theoretical model for EMS preparation that aligns an emerging coaching tool, the Decision-Making Protocol for Mathematics Coaching (Baker & Knapp, 2019, [DMPMC]) with the Professional Development Design Framework (Loucks-Horsley et al. in Designing professional development for teachers of science and mathematics, Corwin Press, 2010). The paper then presents a descriptive case study that examines the application of this model in an EMS preparation course. The findings indicate that assessing the coaching situation fostered administrative partnerships, revisiting goals increased specificity of anticipated outcomes, and applying research-informed practices increased EMS self-efficacy and advanced coaching agendas. Taken together, these findings suggest that integrating the DMPMC into an EMS preparation course led to positive changes in EMS candidate learning of professional development design. Notably, this is one of the first studies that documents the influence of a coaching education tool on EMS candidates’ professional development design.
Remembering Bill Helmreich and His Ethnography Lessons

Bill Helmreich, ethnographer extraordinaire, passed away due to COVID-19 complications. Walking nearly every inch of New York City and writing about his adventures in fieldnote format, he published several books in what he often referred to as “the city nobody knows” series. Bill hoped to galvanize ethnographers to gather systematic snapshots of other cities around the world and create a lasting sociological account of these places. Upon penning his last book, he made plans to steer his attention to Los Angeles. This essay is a reflection on the lessons I learned from Bill, including his “walk and chat” method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Qualitative Inquiry is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Chlorisondamine, a sympathetic ganglionic blocker, moderates the effects of whole-body irradiation (WBI) on early host defense to a live bacterial challenge

There is a growing consensus that long-term deficits in the brain are due to dynamic interactions between multiple neural and immune cell types. Specifically, radiation induces an inflammatory response, including changes in neuromodulatory pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion. The purpose of this study was to establish that there is sympathetic involvement in radiation-induced decrements early in in vivo immune function host defense. Female, 8-9 week-old C57BL/6J mice were exposed to whole-body irradiation (WBI). There were 8 groups with radiation (0 vs. 3 Gy protons), immune challenge (Escherichia coli) and exposure to the sympathetic ganglionic blocker, chlorisondamine (1 mg/kg weight, i.p.), as independent variables. Ten days post-irradiation, mice were inoculated with E. coli intraperitoneally and sacrificed 90-120 min later. The data suggest that radiation-induced changes in immune function may in part be mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Briefly, we found that radiation augments the bacteria-induced inflammatory cytokine response, particularly those cytokines involved in innate immunity. However, this augmentation can be reduced by the ganglionic blockade.
Ultrastructural Aspects of Pollen Dimorphism

Publisher Summary Pollen dimorphism is a developmental syndrome operating against the synchronous stream, putting individual spores or groups of spores out of phase with each other and with the investing tapetum such that they are prevented from participating in the rest of the pollen program. If the desynchronization is not lethal the excluded spores continue to express their own particular individuality, undergoing further division in the ways outlined. The extent of the dimorphism is genetically determined, but the actual numbers of excluded spores which survive to anthesis depend upon the way plants are cultivated and the environmental conditions to which they are subjected, not only before and during meiosis, but also after meiosis. Desynchronization may introduce an element of competition into the spore sacs and reveals anomalies in polarity or introduces configurations that can easily be misconstrued as such anomalies. Two schemes are proposed in the chapter serving as working hypotheses for future study. In scheme I, a single developmental break is envisaged toward the end of the G, interphase of the spore cycle. Spores not affected by the break forge ahead and the gametophyte program is duly initiated. Affected spores lag behind and are excluded from the gametophyte program. In scheme II, more than one developmental break is envisaged. Limits are not precisely defined, ostensibly allowing for greater latitude in interpretation and giving some flexibility to meet differences that exist between species and genera.
Performance and capacity of a voice/data CDMA system with variable bit rate sources

Publisher Summary The chapter provides a step in studying the interplay among different types of services in a DS-CDMA system. It develops a generalized Erlang capacity formulation for voice and generalized data. The calculations are reduced to using means and variances. As data, but not voice, can be delayed, emphasis is on voice outage probability in anticipation of control strategies for data. One such data control strategy, using related analysis methodology, is studied. The analytic simplicity is achieved using an approximation. This approximation was also used in a somewhat different way, for an Erlang-capacity-type problem for packet CDMA. The chapter illustrates the formulation with a CELP speech coder and fax. The chapter provides the general formulation and gives the source models for voice and fax.
Fast Kinetics of Fe2+ Oxidation in Packed-Bed Reactors

Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was used in fixed-film bioreactors to oxidize ferrous sulfate to ferric sulfate. Glass beads, ion-exchange resin, and activated-carbon particles were tested as support matrix materials. Activated carbon was tested in both a packed-bed bioreactor and a fluidized-bed bioreactor; the other matrix materials were used in packed-bed reactors. Activated carbon displayed the most suitable characteristics for use as a support matrix of T. ferrooxidans fixed-film formation. The reactors were operated within a pH range of 1.35 to 1.5, which effectively reduced the amount of ferric iron precipitation and eliminated diffusion control of mass transfer due to precipitation. The activated-carbon packed-bed reactor displayed the most favorable biomass holdup and kinetic performance related to ferrous sulfate oxidation. The fastest kinetic performance achieved with the activated-carbon packed-bed bioreactor was 78 g of Fe2+ oxidized per liter per h (1,400 mmol of Fe2+ oxidized per liter per h) at a true dilution rate of 40/h, which represents a hydraulic retention time of 1.5 min.
Explosive Generation of High Magnetic Fields in Large Volumes and Solid State Applications

Various methods of producing ultra-high magnetic fields by explosive flux compression are described. A survey is made of the kinds of high magnetic field solid state data obtained in such fields by various groups. Preliminary results are given for the magnetic phase boundary that separates the spin-flop and paramagnetic regions of MnF2.
Learning style based innovations to improve retention of female engineering students in the Synthesis Coalition

The paper describes the use of integrative multimedia courseware designed to scaffold student learning and accommodate learning style differences. Synthesis courseware aimed at improving the retention of under-represented engineers has been further designed to work effectively in a range of educational settings, including classroom, high-tech small study groups and self-paced individualized learning. As an example, the paper focuses on the spatial reasoning project aimed at improving the retention of female engineering students through scaffolding students in spatial reasoning. The courseware described can be found on the NEEDS (National Engineering Delivery System) database of engineering courseware.
A Feature-Based Reuse Library

Software reuse is widely recognized as a solution to improving software productivity, quality and reliability. While there have been high expectations for the benefit of software reuse, the actual gain has been relatively small. One of the problems is that code components are typically developed with an application-orientation without consideration of reuse. As a result, they are generally difficult to identify for reuse even though they are quite reusable. One approach to this problem is to search for code component based on software system features where features are a composite set of predefined facet attributes. To support feature-based reuse, a feature-based reuse library (FRL) is proposed.
Steinhaus tiling problem and integral quadratic forms

A lattice L in R n is said to be equivalent to an integral lattice if there exists a real number r such that the dot product of any pair of vectors in rL is an integer. We show that if n ≥ 3 and L is equivalent to an integral lattice, then there is no measurable Steinhaus set for L, a set which no matter how translated and rotated contains exactly one vector in L.
Allergic mucin with and without fungus: a comparative clinicopathologic analysis.

Abstract Context.—Allergic mucin, a lamellated collection of inspissated inflammatory debris, has been a hallmark of allergic fungal sinusitis. While its identification is a clue for pathologists to search for fungi, and directs clinicians toward specific therapy and follow-up, recent reports describe cases with allergic mucin but without concomitant fungus. The absence of such organisms in otherwise typical allergic mucin brings into question the role of fungi in allergic fungal sinusitis. Objectives.—To study clinical and pathologic differences between patients with allergic mucin in surgical nasal resection specimens and to elucidate the role of fungus in allergic sinusitis. Design.—Patients with histologic evidence of allergic mucin, with and without fungus, were identified and retrieved from the surgical pathology files of a tertiary-care institution. The patients were separated into 2 groups for analysis, and their clinical and pathologic findings were reviewed and compared. Setting.—Tertiary-care i...
Asymptotically Compatible Schemes for Peridynamics Based on Numerical Quadratures

We present some studies of numerical schemes for nonlocal peridynamic and nonlocal diffusion models. We describe asymptotically compatible (AC) schemes recently developed for robust discretizations of nonlocal models. The AC schemes for peridynamic models provide convergent approximations to nonlocal models associated with fixed horizon parameter as well as their limiting local models. We illustrate what quadrature based discretizations can be AC schemes and what may fail to be AC.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Evidence of incomplete cortical modulation of autonomic responses in 11-to 16-year-old adolescents

This study examines response differentiation in the sympathetically innervated skin conductance response (SCR). Differentiation in such systems has been ascribed to cortical inhibitory control over subcortical autonomic centers. Developmental study of such differentiation thus provides information on cortical development and the maturation of cortical control over subcortical centers. Previous investigators have focused on the simple level of differentiation involved in discriminating response on one side the body from that on the other. In such studies several investigators reported more diffuse response among young children; some reported adultlike differentiation by approximately age 10. The present study examines a more complex instance of differentiation, the quantitative modulation of response from a given site in order to produce SCR amplitudes proportionate to the information value of the eliciting stimulus. Relatively large amplitude SCRs elicited by imperative PRESS-SIGNALS of varying information value were studied, together with smaller SCRs elicited by NONPRESS-SIGNALS also varying in information value, in two adolescent groups, aged 11–16 years, and in a young adult sample. In contrast to earlier work, the present study demonstrates a continuing difference between adolescents and adults. Adults showed consistent differentiation, with SCR amplitude reflecting changes in stimulus information values for both PRESS- and NONPRESS-SIGNALS. Adolescents displayed differentiation only for SCRs elicited by NONPRESS-SIGNALS: Response to PRESS-SIGNALS did not reflect stimulus information values, even though reaction time data demonstrated that PRESS-SIGNAL information was being registered cortically. The degree of cortical control present in these adolescents, enabling them to display differentiated SCRs to NONPRESS-SIGNALS, would likely be sufficient to allow simple left-right discrimination, perhaps accounting for the “adultlike” reactions previously reported for this age group. The inability of the adolescents to sustain SCR differentiation when large amplitude responses were elicited by the PRESS-SIGNALS might reflect the inability of still immature cortical controls to cope with sizable sympathetic output. A “critical level” of sympathetic “arousal” may exist for adolescents in this age range, above which cortical inhibitory controls may become ineffective.
Curtovirus Infection of Chile Pepper in New Mexico.

Creamer, R., Hubble, H., and Lewis, A. 2005. Curtovirus infection of chile pepper in New Mexico. Plant Dis. 89:480-486. Chile pepper-producing areas of southern New Mexico (NM) were surveyed during 2001 and 2002 to identify which curtoviruses were infecting chile peppers and to determine the distribution of the viruses among fields. Plants with symptoms resembling Beet curly top virus (BCTV) were collected from 10 fields and tested for the presence of curtoviruses by polymerase chain reaction using primers designed to detect a portion of the coat protein (cp) gene, and tested for specific curtoviruses using primers designed to detect to a portion of the replication-associated protein (rep) gene. All amplicons were sequenced and compared with curtoviruses for which complete sequences were available. Amplification was successful from 79.5% of the chile pepper samples. Analysis of the CP sequences showed that more than 92% of the NM field isolates shared high (98 to 100%) amino acid identity with well-characterized curtoviruses. However, eight NM isolates displayed a distinct CP sequence that shared only 86 to 88% amino acid identity with those curtoviruses. Comparison of the rep gene sequence showed that 18.5% of the NM field isolates tested shared 98 to 100% amino acid identity with Beet mild curly top virus (BMCTV), 48% shared 96 to 97% amino acid identity with Beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV), and 32% shared 93 to 97% amino acid identity with BMCTV and BSCTV. Although the distribution of curtoviruses was not identical among all fields sampled, little or no spatial patterns were found among the field isolates. This study revealed the complexity of curtoviruses in a single crop and limited geographical area.
Enhancing the Survival of Full‐Thickness Grafts

The primary factors relating to the survival of full-thickness skin grafts have been discussed in addition to preoperative planning considerations, technical considerations, and postoperative care techniques that minimize problems. Postoperative dermabrasion revision to improve subjective appearance is useful in most cases to maximize final cosmetic results. Careful attention to all the factors relating to full-thickness skin graft survival is mandatory for optimum success when performing this surgical procedure.
An Opportunity to Ensure High-Quality Melanoma Care Through the Use of a Preoperative Treatment Algorithm

Studies have demonstrated variable adherence to published melanoma treatment guidelines. Payers have used algorithms to preapprove certain tests and treatments. Our objective was to develop a preoperative treatment assessment algorithm to ensure patients with melanoma receive recommended care. A treatment algorithm was developed using existing guidelines. Records of patients presenting with melanoma between September 2010 and May 2012 were reviewed. Surgical care was classified as having been adherent or nonadherent with the guideline-based algorithm. The algorithm was incorporated into a Web site for preoperative treatment verification. A treatment algorithm was developed on the basis of three critical pieces of preoperative data: Breslow thickness, presence of adverse primary tumor prognostic factors, and regional lymph node metastases. Treatment options included wide local excision (WLE), sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and completion/formal lymph node dissection. Of 328 patients evaluated, 316 (96 %) were treated according to the guideline-based algorithm. Causes of variation from predicted treatment included patient preference, severe comorbidities, difficult tumor location, and uncertain depth. All departures (n = 12) were in clinically node-negative patients: six patients did not undergo SLNB as indicated, and six underwent SLNB that was not concordant with the algorithm. An algorithm-embedded Web site was designed for preoperative verification of planned procedures. As a proof of principle, an algorithm was developed to preoperatively verify that proposed melanoma treatments are concordant with established guidelines. These three pieces of information could be required during precertification, and nonconcordant treatment plans could prompt a peer-to-peer discussion. After additional pilot testing, the algorithm could offer a novel approach for quality improvement and provide a preoperative, prospective safeguard to ensure high-quality care for melanoma patients.
Surface treatment of flexor tendon autografts with carbodiimide-derivatized hyaluronic Acid. An in vivo canine model.

Background: Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that restrictive adhesions and poor digital motion are common complications after extrasynovial tendon grafting in an intrasynovial environment. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that surface modification of an extrasynovial tendon with use of a carbodiimide-derivatized hyaluronic acid-gelatin polymer (cd-HA) improves gliding ability and digital function after tendon grafting in a canine model in vivo. Methods: The peroneus longus tendons from both hindpaws of twenty-four dogs were harvested and transplanted to replace the flexor digitorum profundus tendons in the second and fifth digits of one forepaw. Prior to grafting, one of the peroneus longus tendons was coated with cd-HA, which consists of 1% hyaluronic acid, 10% gelatin, 0.25% 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), and 0.25% N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS), while the other was immersed in saline solution only. Eight dogs were killed at one, three, and six weeks. Digital normalized work of flexion, tendon gliding resistance, and hyaluronic acid quantification (with the hyaluronic acid-binding-protein staining technique) were the outcome measures. Results: The normalized work of flexion of the tendons treated with cd-HA was significantly lower than that of the saline-solution-treated controls at each time-point (p < 0.05). The gliding resistance of the cd-HA group was significantly lower than that of the saline-solution group at three and six weeks (p < 0.05). The ratio between the intensity of staining of the cd-HA-treated tendons with that of the saline-solution-treated controls was significantly greater at time-0 than at three or six weeks (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between time-0 and one-week values. Conclusions: Treating the surface of an extrasynovial tendon autograft with a carbodiimide-derivatized hyaluronic acid-gelatin polymer decreases digital work of flexion and tendon gliding resistance in this flexor tendon graft model in vivo. Clinical Relevance: cd-HA gelatin may provide surgeons with a new and useful method to improve the quality of tendon graft surgery.
Sociology of Sport in the United States

This paper updates and extends previous analyses of the sociology of sport in the United States. It provides a chronology of major events in the history of the field as well as a description of the...
Dimensions of Adolescent Alienation.

A review of the psychological, sociological and educational literature indicated that the various conceptualizations of "alienation" could be fitted into five tentative categories appearing to have...
Myofibroma in the palm presenting with median nerve compression symptoms.

Myofibroma and myofibromatosis have been described under different names since 1951. These lesions are a benign fibroblastic and myofibroblastic proliferation containing a biphasic presentation of spindle-shaped cells surrounding a central zone of less differentiated cells focally arranged in a hemangiopericytoma-like pattern.1–4 Classically, these lesions are described in children younger than 2 years, with two thirds present at birth, and rarely in adults. Myofibromatosis constitute the majority of soft-tissue tumors usually seen in the new born. Infantile/congenital myofibromatosis is said to be genetically transmitted.5 The typical clinical presentation shows variable growth pattern of a painless purple to pink soft-tissue mass, often showing secondary ulceration. Controversy exists as to an autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance vs sporadic occurrence. Sixty-one cases of myofibromas were reviewed by Chung and Enzinger5 in 1981. They distinguished 2 forms: multicentric and solitary. They found that 75% were multicentric and 25% solitary. The multicentric form occurred almost exclusively in neonates and infants. The solitary form was predominantly found in the first year of life but also can occur in adolescence and young adults.5–8 In nonvisceral myofibromas, the prognosis is good. The lesions usually regress spontaneously and do not recur postoperatively.5