cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mixed alcohol dehydration over Brønsted and Lewis acidic catalysts

Abstract Mixed alcohols are attractive oxygenated products of biomass-derived syngas because they may be catalytically converted to a range of hydrocarbon products, including liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Catalytic dehydration to form olefins is a potential first step in the conversion of C2–C4 alcohols into longer-chain hydrocarbons. We describe here the physical and chemical characterization along with catalytic activity and selectivity of 4 Bronsted and Lewis acidic catalysts for the dehydration of two mixed alcohol feed streams that are representative of products from syngas conversion over K-CoMoS type catalysts (i.e., ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol and 2-methyl-1-propanol). Specifically, a Lewis acidic Zr-incorporated mesoporous silicate (Zr-KIT-6), a commercial Al-containing mesoporous silicate (Al-MCM-41), a commercial microporous aluminosilicate (HZSM-5), and a commercial microporous silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO-34) were tested for mixed alcohol dehydration at 250, 300 and 350 °C. The zeolite materials exhibited high activity (>98% ethanol conversion) at all temperatures while the mesoporous materials only displayed significant activity (>10% ethanol conversion) at or above 300 °C. The turnover frequencies for ethanol dehydration at 300 °C decreased in the following order: HZSM-5 > SAPO-34 > Al-MCM-41 > Zr-KIT-6, suggesting that Bronsted acidic sites are more active than Lewis acidic sites for alcohol dehydration. At 300 °C, SAPO-34 produced the highest yield of olefin products from both a water-free ethanol rich feed stream and a C3+-alcohol rich feed stream containing water. Post-reaction characterization indicated changes in the Bronsted-to-Lewis acidic site ratios for Zr-KIT-6, Al-MCM-41 and HZSM-5. Ammonia temperature programmed desorption indicated that the acid sites of post-reaction samples could be regenerated following treatment in air. The post-reaction SAPO-34 catalyst contained more aromatic, methylated aromatic and polyaromatic compounds than its zeolite counterpart HZSM-5, while no aromatic compounds were observed on post-reaction Al-MCM-41 or Zr-KIT-6 catalysts. Olefin yield at 300 °C over SAPO-34 (>95%) was comparable to published values for the methanol-to-olefins process, indicating the potential industrial application of mixed alcohol dehydration. Furthermore, the olefin product distribution over SAPO-34 was tunable by the composition of the alcohol feed mixture.
Metabolic Networks in Parkinson’s Disease

The idea that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a “network” disorder has emerged alongside our evolving understanding of the basal ganglia’s complex interconnections. The notion of a direct and indirect pathway has remained an important concept even as we have increasingly come to acknowledge the oversimplifications of the construct. Fortunately, metabolic brain imaging with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has allowed us to explore and expand upon these network ideas in novel ways. The application of network-oriented image analysis to FDG PET provides valuable information concerning functional connectivity and is thus particularly well suited to the study of complex brain disorders like PD and related parkinsonian syndromes. In this chapter, we will review these PD-related metabolic networks along with their research and clinical applications.
The Art of Intimacy in Jean-Jacques Rousseau

It is commonly held that intimacy has no role or presence in politics: intimate relationships have specific contours and dimensions meant to nourish individuals in private, not public, spheres and the influence of the passions over reason seems too dangerous for politics. Yet I believe intimacy underpins politics and its exile from the public realm that Hannah Arendt and Lauren Berlant advocate is both difficult and problematic. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Second Discourse demonstrates the way in which intimacy is inextricable from politics. Intimacy is my term for a phenomenon that Rousseau discloses but does not name: the collaboration of passions with imagination to develop relationships that have meaning. For Rousseau, intimacy is instrumental in both developing and diminishing communities because it develops both good and bad passions. In a word, it is morally bivalent but wholly entwined in the self and communities. Rousseau suggests that there is no way out of this conundrum, only the possibility of recognizing intimacy's presence and of treating it as an art in need of training.
What are We Gaining from Public Participation? Observations from Environmental Planning in the Great Lakes

Attention to the need for greater stakeholder involvement in environmental decisionmaking has been increasing in recent years. The authors draw on a number of cases of environmental planning in the Great Lakes Region in an attempt to understand the possible benefits stakeholder processes can bring to environmental decisionmaking. They outline benefits in four areas: (1) the quality of decisions, (2) the relationships among important players in the decisionmaking process, (3) the capacity for managing environmental problems, and (4) improvements in environmental quality. Although the research suggests that in a number of the cases studied there was a good outcome in the first three areas, there did not appear to be an obvious link between good participation and improvements in environmental quality through implementation of cleanup and restoration activities.
Inciting excitotoxic cytocide among central neurons.

One of my major research goals in recent years has been to answer a simple question: ‘Can one CNS neuron excite another CNS neuron to death?’ I suspect that the answer is yes, although admittedly the evidence is not all in. As a prime example, it seems likely that for millions of years, neurons in the brains of temporal lobe epileptics have been hyper-exciting their fellow neurons to death. In a series of animal studies, we have shown that regardless of the method used to stimulate limbic seizure activity, if such activity persists long enough (>1 hour), it results in a type of acute brain damage which ultrastructurally resembles that induced by the excitotoxic transmitters, glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp). Moreover, in some of our experiments the seizure activity was induced specifically in pathways thought to use Glu or Asp as transmitter and the brain damage observed was selectively localized to postsynaptic neurons innervated by such pathways. Thus, when I refer to ‘inciting excitotoxic cytocide among central neurons’, I am suggesting that one can, by appropriately stimulating seizure circuits in animal brain, cause certain neurons--those that use Glu or Asp as transmitter--to excite other central neurons to death. Here I will review evidence from animal research favoring an excitotoxic explanation for seizure-related brain damage (SRBD) and will also discuss recent evidence shedding new light on the mechanism(s) underlying excitotoxic phenomena.
Residents as Teachers: A Paradigm Viewed Positively by Medical Students in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Multiple pedagogical approaches are employed by medical students to prepare for the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Subject Exams. We investigated the utility of a resident-led educational review session on medical student NBME subject exam scores in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Residents in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine conducted a voluntary review session for medical students. Demographic information, NBME subject exam scores, and end-of-clerkship evaluation forms were collected for all students. Bivariate comparisons for students who attended and did not attend the sessions were performed. We considered a p-value < 0.05 as significant. Seventy-eight students attended one of the review sessions. Attendance was not associated with an improvement in NBME exam scores; however, the session was uniformly viewed positively by medical students. Creating structured educational formats to enhance resident teaching and medical student learning should be encouraged. The benefits may not be measurable by improvement in student performance on the NBME subject examination.
Nanoscale Vacuum Channel Transistor

Vacuum tubes that sparked the electronics era had given way to semiconductor transistors. Despite their faster operation and better immunity to noise and radiation compared to the transistors, the vacuum device technology became extinct due to the high power consumption, integration difficulties, and short lifetime of the vacuum tubes. We combine the best of vacuum tubes and modern silicon nanofabrication technology here. The surround gate nanoscale vacuum channel transistor consists of sharp source and drain electrodes separated by sub-50 nm vacuum channel with a source to gate distance of 10 nm. This transistor performs at a low voltage ( 3 microamperes). The nanoscale vacuum channel transistor can be a possible alternative to semiconductor transistors beyond Moore’s law.
Implementing Cloud Based Virtual Computer Network Labs for Online Education: Experiences from a Phased Approach

On-line instruction rather easily accommodates courses in some fields such as history, sociology, business administration and political sciences. However, it poses significant challenges for courses in technical fields that require hands-on experimentation. Courses in computer networking area constitute such an example. Given the demand for on-line courses and the trend for migration to online mode, there is a need to devise strategies that would allow students to conduct computing experiments remotely. Virtualization is a rapidly evolving technology that provides opportunities for online computer education. Through virtualization tools, it is possible to convert brick-and-mortar labs into virtual network labs. Using online virtual network lab tools, students may build, troubleshoot and test networks using their personal computers and, thereby, eliminate the commute to the labs. Cloud technology, another rapidly growing field, can help an organization achieve significant savings in IT services and infrastructure costs, as well as enhance IT support for organizational operations. Confluence of cloud and virtualization technologies present new opportunities for online education. However, there are significant issues to surmount in order to apply these technologies to computing-related courses and in particular to online computer networking courses. This paper presents experiences gained from transforming a traditional computer lab into an online virtual domain at the authors' university. The network lab described in this paper is utilized mostly for graduate computer networking, network security and wireless networking courses. The phased approach depicted in this paper should help academic institutions gain insights into technical and operational challenges in building and operating an online virtual lab.
Surprising formation of p-cymene in the oxidation of α-pinene in air by the atmospheric oxidants OH, O3, and NO3.

Anthropogenic sources release into the troposphere a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including aromatic hydrocarbons, whose major sources are believed to be combustion and the evapo...
Techniques for the difficult airway.

Purpose of reviewManagement of the difficult airway is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. An increasing array of advanced airway tools are available, but appropriate selection and application in the ICU remains poorly defined.Recent findingsDifficult airw
Motivation and performance in industrial selling: Present knowledge and needed research.

This position paper argues that current knowledge of the determinants of motivation and performance in industrial selling is woefully inadequate. As a first step toward improving this situation, th...
A regio- and stereo-selective annulation to form the ‘inside-out’ trans-bicyclo[9.2.1]tetradecane ring system

Abstract Molecules from the family of trans -bicycles (commonly known as ‘inside-out’ bicycles) include numerous biologically active natural products as well as various structurally interesting synthetic challenges. The current results describe a synthetic strategy to access the trans -bicyclo[9.2.1]tetradecane ring system, which has been relatively unexplored until now. This method utilizes the inherent reactivity of trisubstituted cyclopentanones to control an intramolecular macrocyclization and establish the bicyclic structure as a single isomer. The cyclopentanone precursor is readily accessible as a single enantiomer, and the full synthetic sequence provides a 9% overall yield (85% average yield per step) of the bicycle.
Vaginal Approach to Postsurgical Bladder Outlet Obstruction

Bladder outlet obstruction resulting in voiding dysfunction following anti-incontinence procedures can be a disappointing outcome for both patient and surgeon. When stress incontinence is replaced by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as frequency, urgency or urge incontinence, difficulty voiding, or urinary retention, the patient may have more severe complaints than at initial presentation. It is a challenging task for the clinician to decide what if any action to take and when to take it and by what approach. Several considerations are the type of anti-incontinence procedure, postoperative physical findings, the patient’s degree of bother, and any addition testing that may be performed. Recent work has focused on clarifying the etiology and incidence of this condition, as well as providing new definitions on bladder-outlet obstruction in women. In addition, effective, less invasive ways of treating this condition have been described. The prevailing doctrine is not to make a bad situation worse and to find the simplest solution that produces the least anxiety for the patient. The vaginal approach to sling incision and urethrolysis is appealing for this reason. This chapter discusses the incidence and etiology of postsurgical obstruction, the diagnostic evaluation, and the current management and treatment for this condition, with specific emphasis on the vaginal approach.
Near-field HF antenna pattern measurement with absolute gain calibration

A measurement method developed to extract the 3D antenna gain patterns of HF antennas is presented. The method employs a full hemispheric field probe measurement of an HF antenna on an outdoor antenna pattern range. A calibration method involving both simulation and measurement is used to transform antenna probe measurements into electric field quantities. The subsequent near-field electric field is extrapolated into the far-field using an established near-to-far-field transformation method.
Venue of receiving diabetes self-management education and training and its impact on oral diabetic medication adherence

Abstract Aims To determine predictors associated with the diabetes self-management education and training (DSME) venue and its impact on oral antidiabetic (OAD) medication adherence. Methods The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey household component (MEPS-HC) data (2010–2012) identified adults with diabetes prescribed OAD medication(s) who completed a supplemental Diabetes Care Survey (DCS). Based on the DCS responses to questions about the number and type of DSME venue(s), two groups were created: (1) multiple venues (a physician or health professional plus internet and/or group classes) vs (2) single venue (physician or health professional only). The medication possession ratio (MPR) measured medication adherence, with 0.80 the cut-point defining adherent. Logistic regression examined factors associated with the DSME venue and its effect on OAD medication adherence. Results Of the 2119 respondents, 41.6% received DSME from multiple venues. Age ( p =0.245), and venue showed no influence on adherence (OR: 0.92, 95% CI, 0.73–1.16). Conclusion Sociodemographic characteristics influence where adults with diabetes receive DSME. Adding different DSME venues may not address suboptimal OAD medication adherence.
Teaching Motivation and Emotion Psychology with Euthyphro

Young Euthyphro meets Socrates on the steps of the courthouse. Euthyphro’s father was punishing a slave who inadvertently died. Euthyphro believes this is stone cold murder and is determined to bring his father to justice in court. Socrates asks him a basic question of motivation, “Why are you doing what you are doing?” So begins a series of exchanges in which Socrates attempts to plumb the depths of Euthyphro’s motives. Students discuss questions such as, Are we always aware of why we’re doing what we’re doing? Are our motives rational? How do our emotions influence our motives? Students also read sections of the introductory text dealing with various theories of human motivation in psychology.
Microparticles as a Predictor of Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis in a Patient with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome.

Microparticles (MP) are cell membrane derived fragments released as a result of apoptosis or cellular activation that may be prothrombotic. Elevated numbers of microparticles may circulate in inflammatory and thrombophilic disorders. Here, we report a patient with Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) in whom increased levels of circulating microparticles preceded the onset of clinically-detectable deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The patient is a 36 year old Hispanic male with previously diagnosed APS (DRVVT ratio 2.6, ACA IgG > 120, and β 2 GPI IgG >100, IgA 74) complicated by several DVTs and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Due to thrombosis on warfarin and enoxaparin, he was maintained on chronic therapy with fondaparinux. Microparticle analysis on three separate occasions was performed as part of an ongoing study of MPs in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The first analysis was performed during routine follow-up when the patient was asymptomatic. The second analysis was performed when the patient presented with complaints of left lower extremity tightness. Physical exam was normal, and Doppler ultrasound of the left lower extremity revealed chronic venous changes but no evidence of acute thrombosis. The patient was followed with plans for serial ultrasound examination. However, two days after this visit, the patient presented with acute DVT, confirmed by venous ultrasound. He was treated with five days of intravenous unfractionated heparin followed by reinstitution of fondaparinux. The third MP analysis was performed two weeks after the diagnosis of DVT. Isolation of MP was performed using a modification of previously described methods [Dignat-George et al, Thromb Haemost 91:668, 2004 ]. Platelet free plasma (PFP) was labeled with monoclonal antibodies for CD 144 and CD 105 (against endothelial cell VE cadherin and endoglin, respectively), and CD 41 (against platelet integrin αIIb) and analyzed by flow cytometry the same day as collection. Results of these analyses, expressed as number of MP/ml of PFP, are listed below. These results demonstrate normal levels of circulating MPs in this APS patient while asymptomatic. However, endothelial cell and platelet MPs increased 20–35 fold prior to the development of venous-ultrasound detectable DVT, and decreased following therapy. While previous reports have documented elevated levels of MP in the setting of established thrombosis, we believe that this is the first description of a serial analysis of microparticles in an APS patient during an asymptomatic period, during incipient thrombosis not otherwise clinically diagnosable, and after treatment of acute DVT. MPs may prove to be a sensitive marker of incipient DVT in patients with negative vascular ultrasound studies.
Influence of Protein Scaffold on Side-Chain Transfer Free Energies

The process by which membrane proteins fold involves the burial of side chains into lipid bilayers. Both structure and function of membrane proteins depend on the magnitudes of side-chain transfer free energies (ΔΔGsco). In the absence of other interactions, ΔΔGsco is an independent property describing the energetics of an isolated side chain in the bilayer. However, in reality, side chains are attached to the peptide backbone and surrounded by other side chains in the protein scaffold in biology, which may alter the apparent ΔΔGsco. Previously we reported a whole protein water-to-bilayer hydrophobicity scale using the transmembrane β-barrel Escherichia coli OmpLA as a scaffold protein. To investigate how a different protein scaffold can modulate these energies, we measured ΔΔGsco for all 20 amino acids using the transmembrane β-barrel E. coli PagP as a scaffold protein. This study represents, to our knowledge, the first instance of ΔΔGsco measured in the same experimental conditions in two structurally and sequentially distinct protein scaffolds. Although the two hydrophobicity scales are strongly linearly correlated, we find that there are apparent scaffold induced changes in ΔΔGsco for more than half of the side chains, most of which are polar residues. We propose that the protein scaffold affects the ΔΔGsco of side chains that are buried in unfavorable environments by dictating the mechanisms by which the side chain can reach a more favorable environment and thus modulating the magnitude of ΔΔGsco.
Effect of magnetoelastic film thickness on power absorption in acoustically driven ferromagnetic resonance

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) traveling on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate are capable of exciting magnetoelastic ferromagnets into resonance. In this work, we explore the effects of magnetoelastic film thickness on the coupling of SAWs into such magnetic thin films. We find that power absorption as a function of film thickness begins to saturate above thicknesses of ≈20 nm. This is contrary to current models that predict an exponential increase of the absorption as a function of increasing film thickness. We show that the saturation happens due to an increase in the damping of the film beyond this thickness range.
CT scan incidental findings in trauma patients: does it impact hospital length of stay?

Background CT scans are heavily relied on for assessment of solid organ injuries complementing clinical examination. These CT scans could also reveal pathologies not related to trauma called incidental findings. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of these findings and their outcome on hospital services. Methods A retrospective chart review of prospectively collected data of the emergency department’s trauma database from January 2005 to December 2011 to evaluate incidental findings on CT scans on trauma admissions. These incidental findings were divided into three classes: class 1—minor degenerative, non-degenerative, normal variants or congenital finding that does not require further investigation or workup; class 2—findings not requiring urgent intervention with scheduled outpatient follow-up and class 3—all findings that require urgent evaluation/further investigation during the same hospital admission. One-year follow-up was done to review hospital length of stay, trauma clinic follow-up and post-trauma surgery. Results Of 1000 charts reviewed, 957 were selected after 43 patients were excluded due to incomplete documentation. Of the 957 patients, 385 (40%) were found to have incidental findings. A total of 560 incidental findings were found on the CT scan reports with one-third of patients having multiple findings (144 patients, 37.4%). The largest number of incidental findings were in class 2. The incidental group had significantly longer length of stay after adjusted multivariate analysis (8.7±0.48 vs 6.7±0.55, p=0.005). Conclusion The incidental findings are commonly found during CT imaging in trauma centers and our rate was 40%. Appropriate documentation, communication and follow-up of those findings is necessary. A classification system for these findings practiced nationwide will aid in categorizing the urgency of continued follow-up. This also will help decrease the length of hospital stay and healthcare cost. Level of evidence Level 4
The Use of Biogeographical Patterns to Assess Key Adaptations in Two Families of Birds

Adaptations can be thought of as evolutionary technologies that allow organisms to exploit their environment. Like human technologies, adaptations can be 9progressive9, increasing in their ability to accomplish a task. Progressive adaptations which also fundamentally alter the rules of trade-offs are known as key adaptations. Key adaptations allow a taxon to expand its niche space thereby radiating to larger species numbers and spread beyond its original range. If so, then of two otherwise ecologically equivalent taxa, the one with the greater geographical range may have a key adaptation. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the global biogeographic patterns of hummingbirds (Trochilidae) and sunbirds (Nectariniidae), ecologically equivalent families with distinct evolutionary technologies. Though many species of both families feed on nectar, hummingbirds also possess adaptations permitting hovering flight. We analyzed each family9s species diversity with latitude and elevation, charting how they decline with movement towards poles and peaks. Hummingbirds persist into higher elevation and more extreme latitudes than sunbirds, reaching their 50% species richness value at 22.14° and 2087 m versus 18.92° and 2533 m for sunbirds. Looking at morphology, the evolution of hovering is likely the constraint breaking adaptation that allowed hummingbirds to radiate into more species and inhabit more extreme climes than sunbirds. Comparing the biogeography of ecologically-equivalent taxa has the potential to reveal insights into the species adaptations and niche expansion.
Speed of antidepressant response to electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar disorder vs. major depressive disorder.

Abstract Aims We reviewed studies that reported speed of antidepressant response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in both bipolar depression (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods We identified English language reports allowing this comparison. Results Ten studies met our criteria. Four reported significantly faster response in BPD and in one there was trend for faster response. None reported evidence for slower response in BPD. Conclusion The findings support further study of speed of response to ECT in BPD.
The Estimation of Compensating Wage Differentials: Lessons From the Deadliest Catch

ABSTRACTI use longitudinal survey data from commercial fishing deckhands in the Alaskan Bering Sea to provide new insights on empirical methods commonly used to estimate compensating wage different...
Relativity, Rotation And Rigidity

Much of Essler's work has been devoted to bringing science andphilosophy together for the purpose of conceptual clarification. Oneparticularly interesting area for such cooperation between science andphilosophy has been relativity theory. In this paper I will consider oneinstance of such interplay: the transformation that our notions of rotationand rigidity have undergone in general relativity and what this process canteach us. I will start by saying a little about the physics of the situation andthen go on to some philosophical observations about meaning and theory.
Historical Aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

It would be impossible to cover in this book the thousands of articles that have been written on the subject of hyperactivity and related disorders over the last 50 to 60 yr. This chapter focuses on the early history, giving enough recent history to track major ideas and relations as the author sees them. But even here, there are problems. If one looks at the reference lists in books on this subject, it becomes immediately obvious that the lists are quite different, with each writer paying attention to his or her particular interests. Current research reports and hundreds of reviews of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) suffer from an immense historical amnesia. Concepts change, and many of the historical ideas are revisited and passed on cloaked in new terminology. The criteria now used to identify these children compared with those used some 50 yr ago, although more refined and less inclusive, are not all that different. You see a child in the cafeteria who is overly active, impulsive, and inattentive (three items); he will likely satisfy the current ADHD criteria. However, what was once largely speculation regarding a neurological basis and related genetic basis for ADHD is now supported by a large number of very good studies, which will be discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. Much has happened in the last 10 yr. And yet, there remains much to do for those of us who love unresolved issues.
Uptake of Major Nutrients by Estuarine Plants

Within the literature that treats the utilization of major nutrients by aquatic plants there is no evidence that the estuarine habitat is unique with regard to plant nutrition. In fact, observed patterns for the relationship between phytoplankton utilization of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus and the quantity or quality of these nutrients seem to apply generally for organisms of marine, estuarine, and fresh water origin.
Tebbe olefination (Petasis alkenylation)

The Petasis reagent (Me2TiCp2, dimethyltitanocene) undergoes similar olefi­nation reactions with ketones and aldehydes. The originally proposed mechanism [3] was very different from that of Tebbe olefination. However, later experimen­tal data seem to suggest that both Petasis and Tebbe olefination share the same mechanism, i.e. the carbene mechanism involving a four-membered titanium ox­ide ring intermediate [6].
SPread: Exploiting Fractal Social Community for Efficient Multi-Copy Routing in Taxi VDTNs

In this paper, we focus on the multi-copy routing in Vehicle Delay Tolerant Networks (VDTNs) consisted of taxis. Multi-copy routing can balance the network congestion caused by broadcasting and the efficiency limitation in single-copy routing. However, current multi-copy routing algorithms often let different copies of each packet search the destination node independently, which leads to a low utilization of copies. To solve this problem, we propose a fractal Social community based efficient multi-coPy routing algorithm in VDTNs, namely SPread, by taking advantage of social network features (i.e., weak ties and fractal community structure) measured in two large taxi-based Vehicle NETwork (VNET) traces. SPread carefully scatters different copies of each packet to different communities towards the destination community. This ensures that different copies search the destination community through different weak ties. For the routing of each copy, current routing algorithms either fail to exploit nodes’ reachability information to others (e.g., centrality based methods) or only use single-hop reachability information (e.g., community based methods). In order to overcome such drawbacks, inspired by the personalized PageRank algorithm, we design new algorithms for calculating vehicles’ multi-hop reachability to different communities/vehicles dynamically. Therefore, the routing efficiency of each copy can be enhanced. Furthermore, we propose an Advanced SPread (denoted by ASPread) by exploiting the spatio-contact correlation of the community and the different sizes of communities. ASPread also sends a larger number of copies of a packet to a community with a larger number of vehicles and vice versa. Finally, extensive trace-driven simulation demonstrates the high efficiency of SPread in comparison with state-of-the-art routing algorithms in DTNs, as well as the enhancement brought by ASPread.
Cognitive and Social Benefits among Underrepresented First-Year Biology Students in a Field Course: A Case Study of Experiential Learning in the Galápagos.

Student attrition is a persistent challenge in the life sciences, particularly among underrepresented minorities, first-generation students, and women. Experiential learning through short-term study abroad opportunities diversify curricula by immersing students into non-traditional academic environments. However, most experiential learning and study abroad opportunities are primarily available to upper-division undergraduates. Here, we present a qualitative analysis of an experiential learning opportunity offered exclusively to first-year U.S. undergraduate students from underrepresented demographics. We performed ethnographic observations of a 10-day field component in the Galapagos Islands, and analyzed self-reported survey results and field journals. Students consistently reported strong cognitive gains in their understanding of basic evolutionary concepts. Most students also benefited socially, although we observed higher variation in self-reported social gains. Our findings suggest that immersive field courses may increase scientific literacy and retention of underrepresented students by engaging them in experience-driven learning.
The ecological niche of Echinococcus multilocularis in North America: understanding biotic and abiotic determinants of parasite distribution with new records in New Mexico and Maryland, United States

Understanding the factors shaping the niche of parasites and its expression over geographical space and through time continues to be a modern scientific challenge with the results of research in this area directly influencing both theoretical and applied biology. This is especially important for proactive management of zoonotic parasites such as Echinococcus multilocularis, the etiologic agent of alveolar echinococcosis. Echinococcus multilocularis has a Holarctic distribution; with its geographic range and prevalence increasing recently in areas of the western Palearctic, while its distribution dynamics are poorly understood in the Nearctic. In this paper, we use an ecological niche modeling (ENM) approach to: i) estimate the current spatial distribution of suitable conditions for the parasite in the Nearctic. ii) Evaluate the abiotic and biotic factors influencing the species distribution. iii) Assess the potential impact of climatic change on the distribution of this species in the Nearctic. Additionally, we report two new occurrence records of this parasite that significantly expands its known geographic range. We reviewed the occurrence records of E. multilocularis for the Nearctic. This was complemented by two new records of the species from Maryland and New Mexico identified using morphology and multivariate morphometrics of the rostellar hooks. From these data we created two ENMs using the software Maxent. The first ENM included climatic variables, while the second included the same abiotic data plus biotic information consisting of four host community-related data sets. We evaluated model performance and variable importance to explore the relation of these variables to the parasite niche. Finally, we projected the resulting niche model onto future climate change scenarios. We found that an important portion of the Nearctic has suitable conditions for E. multilocularis with adequate habitat in the West and East of the continent where the parasite has not been detected. We also found that the proposed biotic variables improve the model performance and provide unique information, while the most critical abiotic variable was related to the amount of solar radiation. Finally, under the future emission scenarios explored, the distribution of suitable habitat for the parasite is predicted to increase by 56 % to 76 %. We obtained a robust model that provides detail on the distribution of suitable areas for E. multilocularis, including areas that have not been explored for the presence of the parasite. The host community variables included in this study seem a promising way to include biotic data for ecological parasite niche modeling.
Grasp Taxonomy for Robot Assistants Inferred from Finger Pressure and Flexion

Grasp is an integral part of manipulation actions in activities of daily living and programming by demonstration is a powerful paradigm for teaching the assistive robots how to perform a grasp. Since finger configuration and finger force are the fundamental features that need to be controlled during a grasp, using these variables is a natural choice for learning by demonstration. An important question then becomes whether the existing grasp taxonomies are appropriate when one considers these modalities. The goal of our paper is to answer this question by investigating grasp patterns that can be inferred from a static analysis of the grasp data, as the object is securely grasped. Human grasp data is measured using a newly developed data glove. The data includes pressure sensor measurements from eighteen areas of the hand, and measurements from bend sensors placed at finger joints. The pressure sensor measurements are calibrated and mapped into force by employing a novel data-driven approach. Unsupervised learning is used to identify patterns for different grasp types. Multiple clustering algorithms are used to partition the data. When the results are taken in aggregate, 25 human grasp types are reduced to 9 different clusters.
Use of machine learning to identify relevant research publications in clinical oncology.

6558Background: Finding high-quality science to support decisions for individual patients is challenging. Common approaches to assess clinical literature quality and relevance rely on bibliometrics...
A phase I study of convection-enhanced delivery of 124I-8H9 radio-labeled monoclonal antibody in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: An update with dose-response assessment.

2008Background: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) represents one of the most deadly central nervous system tumors of childhood with a median survival of less than 12 months. Convection-enhanc...
Perfluorodecalin to enhance reactive species delivery in plasma-biomaterial interactions

Author(s): Elg, DT; Graves, DB | Abstract: Treatment of biological tissue by non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas in air can often cause beneficial biological outcomes, commonly by generation and delivery of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Biological plasma treatment is often mediated through plasma-liquid interactions, wherein plasma-generated RONS are dissolved into the liquid phase and subsequently initiate liquid-phase chemistry. In this paper we report observations on plasma-liquid interactions using a biologically inert perfluorocarbon solvent - perfluorodecalin (PFD) - that is known to be useful in other biomedical applications. The present paper concerns thin films of liquid PFD applied to porous and non-porous surfaces and subsequent plasma exposure of these films. With PFD application as a thin film prior to plasma exposure, we observe evidence of delayed, but ultimately enhanced RONS delivery to non-porous surfaces and through porous underlying surfaces. We demonstrate that PFD dissolves and retains relatively high concentrations of plasma-produced RONS, especially NO2. When the thin liquid film of PFD evaporates during plasma exposure, there appears to be a relatively rapid release of dissolved RONS, potentially aiding certain applications.
Control of Bovine Leukemia Virus in Three US Dairy Herds by Culling ELISA-Positive Cows.

The objective of this trial was to evaluate a test-and-cull approach to controlling bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in US dairy herds with a low BLV prevalence. Despite worldwide distribution of the virus, 21 nations have eradicated BLV from their dairy cattle and are currently considered ‘BLV-free.’ In contrast, the US has attempted no industry-wide BLV control programs and has experienced an increase in BLV prevalence among dairy cows to about 40%. This raises concerns about production efficiency, herd health, and sustainability. In a pilot field trial with three Midwestern-US dairy herds, a test-and-cull approach using ELISA screening of milk samples was successful in reducing BLV prevalence in two herds. In the third herd, BLV prevalence increased following the introduction of infected heifers that were raised at an out-of-state calf raising facility. This trial demonstrated that a test-and-cull approach to BLV control can be successful in US dairy herds with low BLV prevalence, but ongoing surveillance is necessary to prevent reintroduction of the virus.
Bias Associated with Centrally Budgeted Expenditure Forecasts

For governments, the greatest financial risk is running out of money before the end of the fiscal year. Therefore, the tendency to underestimate revenue as a buffer against error and/or adverse events is pervasive and empirically verified across governments. However, there remains an outstanding and little researched issue as to whether that same risk-averse behavior extends to overestimating forecasted expenditures. Since appropriated funds allow expenditures to be designated by agency, it seems to create a moral hazard when expenditures are overestimated at the agency level to add an even larger buffer against forecast errors. Agencies generally spend more at the end of the fiscal year to avoid cuts in future forecasted expenditures and are unlikely to be the source of found savings. On the other hand, central budget offices, rather than agencies, control certain expenditure categories, allowing public officials rather than agency heads to retain discretion over this source of potential savings. This chapter examines the question as to whether there is evidence that centrally controlled expenditure accounts are overestimated while line-item accounts distributed to public agencies are not.
Testis-sparing surgery and scrotal violation for testicular masses suspicious for malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Radical inguinal orchiectomy is the standard of care for men diagnosed with a testicular mass suspicious for germ cell tumor (TGCT). Nontraditional approaches to management, including testis-sparing surgery (TSS) and scrotal orchiectomy, occur in clinical practice. We systematically reviewed studies evaluating outcomes after TSS and scrotal violation for the management of a suspected TGCT. We used PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (January 1980-December 2018) to search for studies addressing morbidity and oncologic outcomes after TSS or scrotal violation for testicular masses concerning for TGCT. Paired reviewers independently screened abstracts for inclusion, sequentially extracted data, and assessed study quality. Twenty-one studies were included (10 TSS, 11 scrotal violation). Risk of local recurrence after TSS on meta-analysis was 7.5% after 3 to 5 years (absolute proportion reported in studies: 10.9%). Aggregated rates of positive margins (1.4%) and testicular atrophy (2.8%) across studies were low with 7.1% of patients requiring subsequent androgen therapy. Scrotal violation led to a higher aggregate risk of local recurrence compared to no scrotal violation (2.5% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.001) but did not appear to impact subsequent metastasis and survival in the short term (3-5 years). Most patients received adjuvant therapy after scrotal violation with 9.3% found to harbor residual primary tumor after scrotal scar excision. TSS carries a quantifiable risk of local recurrence after 3 to 5 years despite the majority receiving adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy. Scrotal violation carries a risk of local recurrence but does not appear to impact subsequent metastasis and survival in the short term.
A temperature-sensitive mutant of Aspergillus nidulans reversibly blocked in nuclear division.

UVts 706 is a temperature-sensitive conditionally lethal mutant of A. nidulans which carries the gene bim-7 and is blocked in mitosis. At restrictive temperature chromosomal and spindle mitotic indices rise and nuclear division is inhibited. The block is reversible upon shifting back down to restrictive temperature: chromosome and spindle mitotic indices fall and nuclear division resumes. It is suggested that the primary block in this mutant may be upon the anaphase function of the mitotic spindle.
Comparison of Two Rating Approaches to Monitor Uncontrolled Culverts’ Flows Driven by Small Head Differences

AbstractThe smallest flows that can be rated using a distributed-type hydraulic rating, which must rely on head- and tailwater stages monitored at local stilling wells, are limited by the combined ...
Uniaxial compression of [001]-oriented CaFe2As2 single crystals: the effect of microstructure and temperature on superelasticity Part II: Modeling

Abstract Density functional theory (DFT) simulations are combined with analytical models to describe the impact that defects and temperature have on the mechanical response of [001]-oriented compression of CaFe2As2. Our experiments, described in a companion paper, demonstrate that the solution in which CaFe2As2 is grown (either in a Sn or FeAs solution), as well as post-growth heat treatment, can affect the mechanical response of these materials. To address these questions, we use DFT to understand the phase equilibria in the Ca-Fe-As systems and to determine which defect structures and precipitates should form in the FeAs-grown CaFe2As2. Our results demonstrate that FeAs and Fe should precipitate out of Fe-rich CaFe2As2 and that there should be a low-energy coherent interface between the precipitate and the CaFe2As2 matrix that influences what actually precipitates. Additionally, the simulations show that off-stoichiometric CaFe2As2 should occur through the formation of vacancies in the structure. The simulations of the mechanical response of CaFe2As2 demonstrate that the mechanical stiffening observed in experiments can be a result of point defects, the most likely source being As vacancies. Finally, by using free energy calculations within DFT, we show that the temperature-dependent stress-strain curves can be partially explained by the inclusion of vibrational entropy differences between the orthorhombic and collapsed tetragonal phases in CaFe2As2.
R2-RRT*: Reliability-Based Robust Mission Planning of Off-Road Autonomous Ground Vehicle Under Uncertain Terrain Environment

This article presents a reliable and robust rapidly exploring random tree (R2-RRT*) algorithm to tackle challenges in mission planning of off-road autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) under uncertain terrain environment. Two types of mobility reliability metrics, namely state mobility reliability (SMR) and mission mobility reliability (MMR), are first defined to quantify the mobility reliability of an AGV and to incorporate mobility reliability into mission planning. SMR measures the probability that a vehicle can pass through a specific location on a map of interest, whereas MMR quantifies mobility reliability of a mission path with the consideration of dependence of soil properties and slope over space. Based on the defined SMR and MMR metrics, two reliability-based robust mission planning models are developed to identify optimal paths that have robust travel time and satisfy specific reliability requirements. Moreover, a reliability-based path smoothing algorithm is developed to address the suboptimality of R2-RRT*. Results of a case study demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed models and algorithms.