cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An elastic exoskeleton for assisting human running

This paper presents the design and preliminary evaluation of an elastic lower-body exoskeleton (eExo). Human legs behave in a spring-like fashion while running. We selected a design that relied solely on material elasticity to store and release energy during the stance phase of running. The exoskeleton included a novel knee joint with a cam and a Bowden cable transferring energy to and from a waist-mounted extension spring. We used a friction-lock clutch controlled by hip angle via a pneumatic cylinder to release the cable during swing phase for free movement of the leg. The design also incorporated a composite leaf spring to store and release energy in the distal portion of the exoskeleton about the foot and ankle. Preliminary test data for our target subject showed that his typical leg deflection was 0.11 m with leg stiffness of 16 kN/m while running at 3.0 m/s. We used these values to set the desired stiffness (60±15% of the normal leg stiffness, or 9.6±2.4 kN/m) and deflection (0.11 m) of the exoskeleton. We created simplified multi-body and full finite element quasi-static models to achieve the desired system stiffness and validate our results, respectively. The final design model had an overall stiffness of 7.3 kN/m, which was within the desired range. We fabricated a single-leg prototype of the exo–skeleton that weighed 7.1 kg. We tested the exoskeleton stiffness quasi-statically and found a stiffness of 3.6 kN/m. While running, the exoskeleton provided ∼30% of the total leg stiffness for two subjects. Although the stiffness was lower than desired, the fabricated prototype demonstrated the ability of a quasi-passive exoskeleton to provide a significant portion of an individual’s leg stiffness while running.© 2009 ASME
Comparative Value, from Standpoint of Public Health, of Smears, Cultures and Complement Fixation in the Diagnosis of Chronic Gonorrhea in Women

In the first part of this article are reported the results which have been obtained in the application of the cultural methods of Torrey and Buckell1 to the diagnosis of cases of chronic gonorrhea in women, and in the second part, a comparative study of the relative values, from public health standpoint, of smears, cultures and complement-fixation tests in the diagnosis and control of such cases is presented. The patients were prostitutes who had received a court sentence.* * 1. Cultural Results.?As it was not feasible to seed the culture plates immediately after obtaining specimens from these cases, it was necessary to devise a procedure through which the viability of any gonococci present in the discharges, on the swabs, would be preserved during the period occupied in transporting them to the laboratory. A method which proved satisfactory is described in the article referred to. The plates should be poured at least 2 or 3 hours before they are to be streaked. After seeding, they are placed in an incubator in which the air is kept very moist and the temperature at 36 to 37 C. It is seldom worth while to attempt fishings from the plates after only 24 hours' incubation as the gonococcus colonies are frequently very small?barely visible to the naked eye?and not particularly characteristic. After 48 hours, however, the colonies have generally assumed a typical appear-
Destruction of pancreatic acinar tissue by DL-ethionine.

Summary1. The effects of daily administration of 50 or 100 mg of dl-ethionine on the rat pancreas is described.2. Degenerative changes in the acinar tissue occurred as early as 12 hours after a single injection of 50 mg dl-ethionine.3. Daily injections of 50 or 100 mg in non-fasted rats, for 2 weeks, resulted in almost complete obliteration of the acinar tissue accompanied by fibrous proliferation.4. No histological evidence of islet damage was observed with these dosages.
Study and manufacture of individual protective articles for radio interventional operaters

Objective To provide the possible finest individual protective articles dealing with the radiation protection for the radio interventional operaters.Methods Methods of the study include (1) establishing the virtual conditions of radio interventional operations; (2) measuring the protective efficacy of the lead rubber of different depthes for different parts of the radio interventional operaters; (3) determining the most rational protective depthes; and (4) designing probably the most perfect structure of the protective articles on the basis of analizing the corresponding products both at home and abroad, collecting the opinions of the radio interventional operaters and other specialists, and in line with the principle of safety, lightness, comfortability convenience. Results Series of protective articles including protective hat, neck scarf, glasses, and other clothings were manufactured. Conclusions These protective articles could ensure safety for the radio interventional operaters, reduce the operaters′ load and, facilitate radio interventional operations.
Amorphous Mixed-Metal Oxide Thin Films from Aqueous Solution Precursors with Near-Atomic Smoothness

Thin films with tunable and homogeneous composition are required for many applications. We report the synthesis and characterization of a new class of compositionally homogeneous thin films that are amorphous solid solutions of Al2O3 and transition metal oxides (TMOx) including VOx, CrOx, MnOx, Fe2O3, CoOx, NiO, CuOx, and ZnO. The synthesis is enabled by the rapid decomposition of molecular transition-metal nitrates TM(NO3)x at low temperature along with precondensed oligomeric Al(OH)x(NO3)3–x cluster species, both of which can be processed from aq solution. The films are dense, ultrasmooth (Rrms < 1 nm, near 0.1 nm in many cases), and atomically mixed amorphous metal-oxide alloys over a large composition range. We assess the chemical principles that favor the formation of amorphous homogeneous films over rougher phase-segregated nanocrystalline films. The synthesis is easily extended to other compositions of transition and main-group metal oxides. To demonstrate versatility, we synthesized amorphous V0.1...
Mechanisms of Transcriptional Regulation and Transformation by HOXA9

Abstract SCI-30 HOXA9 plays important roles in both development and hematopoiesis and is overexpressed in more than 50 percent of acute myeloid leukemias (AML). Nearly all cases of AML with mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) translocations show increased HOXA9 expression, as well as cases with mutation of the nucleophosmin gene NPM1 , overexpression of CDX2 , and fusions of NUP98 . In most cases, upregulation of HOXA9 is accompanied by upregulation of its homeodomain-containing cofactor MEIS1, which directly interacts with HOXA9. While HOXA9 alone is sufficient for transformation of hematopoietic stem cells in culture, the addition of MEIS1 increases the transformation efficiency and results in rapidly fatal leukemias in transplanted animals. Despite the crucial role that HOXA9 plays in development, hematopoiesis, and leukemia, its transcriptional targets and mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We have used ChIP-seq to identify Hoxa9 and Meis1 binding sites on a genome-wide level in myeloblastic cells, profiled their associated epigenetic modifications, identified the target genes regulated by HOXA9 and identified HOXA9 interacting proteins. HOXA9 and MEIS1 cobind at hundreds of promoter distal, highly evolutionarily conserved sites showing high levels of histone H3K4 monomethylation and CBP/P300 binding. These include many proleukemogenic gene loci, such as Erg , Flt3 , Myb , Lmo2 , and Sox4 . In addition, HOXA9 binding sites overlap a subset of enhancers previously implicated in myeloid differentiation and inflammation. HOXA9 binding at enhancers stabilizes association of MEIS1 and lineage-restricted transcription factors, including C/EBPα, PU.1, and STAT5A/B thereby promoting CBP/p300 recruitment, histone acetylation, and transcriptional activation. Current efforts are focused on using both biochemical and genetic approaches to assess the role of HOXA9 “enhanceosome” components C/EBPα, PU.1, and STAT5A/B in transcriptional regulation and leukemogenesis. Studies to date suggest that C/EBPα and PU.1 binding can occur in the absence of HOXA9/MEIS1, supporting a model in which these proteins act as pioneer transcription factors for establishment of poised, but not activated, HOXA9-regulated enhancers. Work is under way to assess the impact of high-level HOXA9 and MEIS1 on enhanceosome assembly and the role of recruitment of transcriptional coactivators involved in target gene up- or downregulation, including histone acetyltransferases and chromatin remodeling complexes. Collectively, our findings suggest that HOXA9-regulated enhancers are a fundamental mechanism of HOX-mediated transcription in normal development that is deregulated in leukemia. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Electrostatic Effects on the Conformation and Elasticity of Hyaluronic Acid, a Moderately Flexible Polyelectrolyte

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a charged polysaccharide with an intrinsic stiffness intermediate between flexible and semiflexible polymers. To investigate the interplay of that stiffness with solution electrostatic interactions, we perform single-molecule stretching measurements on HA over 4 decades of monovalent ionic strength. We observe a low-force (<1 pN), salt-sensitive swollen (Pincus) elasticity regime and use a rescaling analysis to show that the data are inconsistent with a quadratic, “OSF” dependence of the chain’s persistence length on the solution Debye length. Instead, the persistence length varies nearly linearly with Debye length. The chain’s high-force (1–10 pN) elastic response deviates from exact worm-like chain models, even after accounting for electrostatic effects; the failure of these models emphasizes the utility of both low-force data and a robust scaling-based analysis scheme. Our results give insight into electrostatic effects in an intermediately stiff polymer as well as demonstrating...
Distribution of Language Measures among Individuals with and without Non-Fluent Aphasia

Existing studies report varied findings on the features that influence a non-fluent aphasia diagnosis, due to the numerous measurements and aphasia classifications available. This study applies Mann-Whitney U test to evaluate the distribution of 32 language measures among 78 individuals with and without non-fluent aphasia in the AphasiaBank corpus. The results highlight the different distribution of verbs, auxiliaries, and present participles between the two populations. Future studies will combine the results of this study with the measures speech therapist deem most informative, to generate a tool for visually synthesizing the AphasiaBank data.
Interactive, Language-neutral Flowcharts and Pseudocode for Teaching Core CS0/1 Programming Concepts: (Abstract Only)

Introductory programming courses often use a full-featured programming language, such as Python, Java, or C++, wherein students concurrently learn programming concepts along with language syntax. However, many instructors believe that learning programming concepts first, then learning a specific language's syntax, may be more effective than learning both concurrently. Thus, some courses first teach programming via flowcharts and pseudocode. Some tools and materials support teaching programming via flowcharts, but we felt much improvement was needed. Therefore, we developed a new flowchart language, named Coral-Charts, specifically intended to teach fundamental programming constructs like assignments, branches, loops, functions, and arrays. We developed a web-based graphical simulator for Coral-Charts; no local tool installation is necessary (unlike the most common existing flowchart tool). The simulator always displays the values of variables, which helps students comprehend the impact of statements. The simulator enforces a layout that intentionally mirrors textual code's top-to-bottom execution and sub-statement indentation, easing the transition to a textual language. Furthermore, we defined a new pseudocode-like language, named Coral (corallanguage.org), that is executable and that matches Coral-Charts. Syntax is ultra-simple and only essential constructs are included. Certain features automatically detect or eliminate many new-learner errors. Students can type Coral code, from which a Coral-Charts flowchart is auto-generated, and students can execute both the code and flowcharts. Coral was carefully designed to naturally lead into languages Python, Java, or C++. Coral and Coral-Charts are used in the textbook Fundamental Programming Concepts (zybooks.com/catalog/fundamental-programming-concepts). We welcome feedback on the approach and potential collaborators in implementing experiments.
Anesthetic Considerations in the Patient with an Implanted Cardiac Device

As implanted cardiac devices become more complex and commonplace, it is imperative for the anesthesia team to understand the different types of implanted devices and how to best manage them in the perioperative period. Understanding the standard nomenclature used to describe device function is an essential part of caring for these patients. Electromagnetic interference can play a large role in disrupting proper device function in the operating room. Placing a magnet on an implanted device can cause differential responses depending on the device that is implanted. The anesthesia team may have to consult with the hospital cardiology team to help reprogram the device prior to and after the operation.
Failure of Tumor Immunity Resulting from Inaccessibility of Activated Lymphocytes to Solid Tumors

Tumor-associated antigens can be demonstrated on different tumors in mice and humans1. However, immune responses to tumor antigens have typically shown low efficacy and do not prevent tumor growth in immunocompetent hosts. Many factors contribute to the escape of tumors from immunological control, including defects in antigen-presentation and expression of immunosuppressive molecules. In addition, tumors might have developed alternative intrinsic mechanisms against increased exposure to leukocytes.
Heteronomous Humans and Autonomous Agents: Toward Artificial Relational Intelligence

The notion of “autonomy” is a central concept and a generative metaphor in many AI approaches and systems. It also embodies a tension that is inherent to a persistent and sustained trend in AI that can be called “autonomist AI,” whose objective is to build systems that are, on the one hand, complex and intelligent enough to initiate actions on their own, and, on the other, simple enough to be understandable and controllable by human beings. Tracing the origins of autonomist AI in some of the basic tenets of modernity, I show how the above tension is manifested in theories of affect, morality, and knowledge. I argue that these tensions arise largely because of adherence to a substantivist view, and propose a reversal to what I call Artificial Relational Intelligence.
From a Monooxygenase to an Oxidase: The P-450 BM3 Mutant T268A

P-450s are heme monooxygenases that are widely distributed among living organisms. The P-450 catalytic cycle requires an input of two electrons and a molecule of oxygen. The generic reaction is the insertion of an oxygen atom in a substrate and the release of a water molecule. If the catalytic cycle does not complete successfully, the available electrons can generate reduced oxygen species like peroxide, superoxide, or water. These reactions are defined as uncoupled. Understanding how uncoupling can occur and the role of the side-chain amino acids around the heme is of great importance for describing the catalytic cycle. P-450 BM3 is a soluble P-450 isolated from Bacillus megaterium. It catalyzes hydroxylation of various fatty acids, as well as epoxidations of double bonds. We have constructed the mutant T268A and analyzed the effect on arachidonic acid (AA) and palmitic acid (PA) binding and metabolism. Data indicate that the mutation changes the binding and the coupling for both AA and PA metabolism. Cumene hydroperoxide-driven reactions are unaffected in the mutant. These data support the hypothesis of a role of T-268 in maintaining substrate position so that the reaction can be fully coupled. The role of substrate movement in generating active oxygen species is discussed.
Theoretical Predictions of the Vibrational Frequencies of Singlet Li4

The geometry of the singlet ground state of Li4, has been optimized using gradient methods in a 6–21G and 6–21G* basis using MICROMOLE and HONDO/5 computer programs respectively. The geometries were exhaustively optimized to provide the best energy minimum point at which to calculate the force constant matrix from a finite gradient difference and thus estimate the vibrational frequencies of the cluster. The lowest energy vibration is estimated as 100 to 106 cm in energy and offers a vibronic mechanism to a quasi-tetrahedral triplet state. The triplet geometry was optimized in an ST0–6G basis and both singlet and triplet geometries were compared in a Van Duijneveldt (10s, 2p/4s, 1p) basis with configuration interaction (C.I.) treatment including valence shell single, double, and selected quadruple excitations. The 99 C.I. singlet energy at the 6–21G geometry is -29.782356 au and the 100 C.I. triplet energy at the ST0–6G geometry is -29.754456 au. Three quadruple excitations contributed only 0.064 ev to the singlet, and split-double (11) excitations were more important than quadruple excitations in the triplet C.I. This study suggests an electronic singlet-triplet transition in Li4 at about 0.8 ev (1550 nm. wavelength) which may couple with a vibrational mode of about 100 cm-1.
Portrait of a Second-Grade Problem Poser.

Although some students might struggle with problem posing, the positive effects on student learning and abilities may be far reaching for those who engage in this activity. Problem posing requires students to create their own problems rather than to solve problems posed by others. Problem posing is not regularly taught; however, reform proponent groups recognize problem posing as a strategy that should be integrated more routinely into mathematics classrooms. A single case study was conducted in conjunction with a larger quasi-experimental study in which mathematics education researchers worked with groups of 2nd-5th grade students twice a week over the course of a semester. For the single case study, two of the researchers randomly selected one second-grade student and examined the student’s progress as she engaged in problem-posing activities during the semester. Based on the student’s work, some possible elements of the lesson that impacted her engagement and performance were identified. Results from this case study indicate that problem posing for this student was an effective tool with which to evaluate misconceptions and to explore her informal mathematics understanding.
Clinical outcomes of Β-blocker therapy in cocaine-associated heart failure.

Abstract Background Cocaine is associated with deleterious effects in the heart, including HFrEF. Although β-blockers are recommended for this condition in other populations, their use is discouraged in cocaine users due to the possibility of exacerbating cocaine-related cardiovascular complications. This study was designed to determine if patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who continue to use cocaine have better outcomes when they receive β-blocker therapy than when they do not. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 72 β-blocker-naive patients with HFrEF and active cocaine use. Patients who were prescribed β-blockers as part of their therapy were compared to those who were not, and clinical and structural outcomes were compared after 12 months of treatment. Results When patients with HFrEF and active cocaine use received β-blocker therapy, they were more likely to have an improvement in their New York Heart Association functional class (p = 0.0106) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.0031) than when they did not receive β-antagonists. In addition, the risk of cocaine-related cardiovascular events (p = 0.0086) and of heart failure hospitalizations (p = 0.0383) was significantly lower in patients who received β-blockade than those who did not. Conclusions β-Blocker therapy is associated with improvement in the exercise tolerance and the left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with HFrEF and active cocaine use. They are also associated with a lower incidence of cocaine-related cardiovascular events and HFrEF-related readmissions.
Radiation therapy is not an independent risk factor for decreased sexual function in women with gynecologic cancers.

Abstract Aim To evaluate the associations of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intracavitary brachytherapy (IB) with decreased sexual function. Background There’s inconsistent evidence on whether radiation for gynecologic cancers has an impact on sexual health. IB, an underutilized treatment modality, is thought to have less adverse effects than EBRT. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study examining decreased sexual function following radiation for gynecologic cancers. A decrease in sexual function was measured as a change in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) from before to after treatment, with a significant decrease determined by Reliable Change Index Statistic (RCIS). Chi-square and t-tests were employed. Results 171 women completed the survey; 35% (n = 60) received radiation, of whom 29 received EBRT and IB (48%), 15 EBRT alone (25%), 16 IB alone (27%). Women who received radiation had similar rates of decreased sexual function as women who did not (47% vs. 38%, P = 0.262). EBRT and IB had similar rates of decreased sexual function compared to women with no radiation (50% vs. 38% P = 0.166 and 47% vs. 38% P = 0.309). Women experiencing decreased sexual function were more likely to be under 50 years old (OR 5.4, 95%CI 1.6–18.1), have received chemotherapy (OR 5.7, 95%CI 1.4–22.9), and have cervical cancer (OR 7.8, 95%CI 2.1–28.8). Conclusions Treatment with EBRT or IB does not appear to impair sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer. Age less than 50, concurrent chemotherapy, and cervical cancer may place women with gynecologic cancer at higher risk for decreased sexual function following radiation.
Evaluation of Near Isoline Corn Rootworm Traited and Refuge Corn Hybrids in Combination With Soil Insecticides at Planting for Larval Corn Rootworm Control, 2015

Near isoline corn rootworm (CRW), traited and refuge corn hybrids in combination with soil insecticides were evaluated for effectiveness of larval CRW control near Clay Center, NE during 2015. Trial site was late-planted corn and pumpkins (insecticide free) during 2014. Experimental design was a RCB with four replicates. Plot size was 4 rows × ∼70 ft length with 30-inch row spacing. Soil type was a Crete silt loam. ‘NK N68B-3122’ (contains AgriSure 3122 insect and herbicide traits), ‘NK N68B-3000GT’ (contains AgriSure 3000GT insect and herbicide traits), and ‘NK N68B-GT’ (contains AgriSure …
The incest wound in Hindi cinema: childhood trauma and feminist futures in Monsoon Wedding and Highway

In this essay we ask questions about the ideological and diagnostic function that the incest trope serves in post-liberalization India-based cinema. We examine Monsoon Wedding and Highway to argue ...
Whose (Extended) Mind Is It, Anyway?

Presentations of the extended mind thesis are often ambiguous between two versions of that thesis. According to the first, the extension of mind consists in the supervenience base of human individuals’ mental states extending beyond the skull and into artifacts in the outside world. According to a second interpretation, human individuals sometimes participate in broader cognitive systems that are themselves the subjects of extended mental states. This ambiguity, I suggest, contributes to several of the most serious criticisms of the extended mind thesis, for these criticisms only apply to the first interpretation of the thesis. In what follows, I argue that several significant objections to the extended mind thesis fail to undermine the latter interpretation of that thesis. Having defended the second interpretation, I argue that the extension of mind does not involve the extension of self. Consequently, the subject of extended mental states is not the same individual whose causal coupling with external artifacts gives rise to extended mentality.
Hudson Bay was not deglaciated during MIS-3

Abstract The debate over the dimensions of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Middle Wisconsinan has been reinvigorated recently by a claim that Hudson Bay was deglaciated sometime between 57 and 29 ka, based on 735 published dates purported to support a dramatic reduction of the ice sheet. We review the evidence and conclude that an ice-free Hudson Bay in the proposed time window is inconsistent with major plumes of sediment-laden icebergs and meltwater (i.e. Heinrich events) derived from a Hudson Strait ice stream that deposited clastic layers on the sea floor from NE North America to the coast of Europe. We also show that almost all of the 735 published dates are either irrelevant to the claim of an ice-free Hudson Bay, or are mis-interpreted. A careful evaluation of the ∼40 14C ages on Hudson Bay Lowland wood, the most reliable medium for 14C dating sites >∼35 ka, suggests that only two of these dates can be plausibly considered to be finite ages, while the rest of those 14C ages can only be taken at best as minimum limiting ages. Collectively, the sum of the stratigraphic and geochronologic data from the Hudson Bay Lowlands indicate that Hudson Bay was likely deglaciated during Marine Isotope Stage 5a, consistent with Late Quaternary sea-level records, high Northern Hemisphere summer insolation and relatively high atmospheric CO2. But coupled with the nature of Heinrich events we conclude that Hudson Bay remained under a thick Laurentide Ice Sheet throughout MIS-3.
Syntheses and crystal structures of 2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane-5-carb­oxy­lic acid and 2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane-5-carb­oxy­lic anhydride

In 2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane-5-carb­oxy­lic acid, C8H14O4, the carboxyl group occupies an equatorial position on the 1,3-dioxane ring. In the crystal, O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds form chains of mol­ecules, which are linked into a three-dimensional network by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The asymmetric unit of 2,2,5-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane-5-carb­oxy­lic anhydride, C16H26O7, consists of two independent mol­ecules, which are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, these units are connected into corrugated layers two mol­ecules thick and parallel to the ab plane by additional C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Pool boiling of R515A, R1234ze(E), and R1233zd(E) on a reentrant cavity surface

Abstract This paper quantifies the pool boiling performance of R515A, R1234ze(E), and R1233zd(E) on a flattened, horizontal Turbo-ESP surface for air-conditioning. The measured boiling curve for R515A had roughly a 14 % larger heat flux than that of R1234ze(E) for heat fluxes greater than 45 kWm−2. For heat fluxes between 14 kWm−2 and 85 kWm−2, R515A and R1234ze(E) exhibited a heat flux that was 33 % and 17 % larger than that for R134a. The heat flux of R1233zd(E) was roughly 18 % larger than that for R123 between 30 kWm−2 and 87 kWm−2. A pool boiling model that was previously developed for pure and mixed refrigerants on the Turbo-ESP surface was improved by nondimensionalizing the model constants and improving their statistical significance. The model was used to show that the vapor Prandtl number and the product of the latent heat and vapor density significantly influenced the boiling heat flux.
Groundwater Controls on Wetland Vegetation of a Ridge-and-Swale Chronosequence in a Lake Michigan Embayment

A chronosequence of wetland swales between beach ridges in the Manistique/Thompson embayments of Lake Michigan contains plant communities that differ across the strandplain. We characterized vegetation in 33 swales and compared distribution with previously reported groundwater flow systems. Older swales near a groundwater divide created by the peak Nipissing ridge receive local flows and hold sedge/leatherleaf floating mats that transition to swamp. Farther lakeward, another groundwater divide is created by discharge of calcareous waters released by termination of an underlying clay confining layer, resulting in swales dominated by northern white cedar. Cedar swamp continues lakeward in swales having flow-through calcareous groundwater, but several swales are perched above those flows. Farther lakeward, a large amalgamated beach ridge creates another groundwater divide with discharges that again support cedar swamp. Calcareous discharge from the confined aquifer, with downslope flow-through waters, then supports more cedar swamp. Flow-through waters meet yet another calcareous discharge, resulting in ponding and development of floating mats. Finally, a deep regional aquifer discharges at the Lake Michigan shore and supports marsh/shoreline species. Our results have implications for assessing potential responses to climate change, interpretation of past climate changes in paleoecological studies, and management of wetlands facing future climate changes.
Sensory Balancing Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This article presents information on the impact of hyper or hypo-sensory responses and specific strategies that can balance the systems. We examine the five sensory systems (tactile, auditory, visu...
Analysis of Research and Scholarship Criteria Within Promotion and Tenure Documents of US Pharmacy Schools

Objective. To describe criteria for evaluating faculty scholarship within the promotion and tenure guidance documents of US schools and colleges of pharmacy. Methods. Promotion and tenure documents were obtained from the websites of US pharmacy schools or requested via electronic mail, and institutional characteristics were collected from publicly available online data. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to systematically catalogue document characteristics and criteria for promotion and tenure. Results. Promotion and tenure guidance documents from 121 (85%) of 142 pharmacy schools were analyzed. Institutions were 55% public and equally distributed across Carnegie institutional classifications as well as geographic and extramural funding stratifications. Publications (94%) and grants and contracts (87%) were the most frequently included criteria for faculty advancement. More than 50% of schools recognized the criteria within promotion and tenure guidance documents but did not explicitly require faculty to achieve them before receiving promotion and/or tenure. For institutions that required publications for advancement, the most frequently required criterion was publication in peer-reviewed journals (47%). Few schools (22%) documented a specific number of required publications. Conclusion. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of scholarship criteria in academic pharmacy promotion and tenure guidance documents. There was wide variability among scholarship criteria, and documents often lacked specific language defining scholarship requirements. As a result, faculty may find the documents less helpful for self-assessment and preparation toward promotion and/or tenure. These benchmark data can assist pharmacy faculty and administrators in developing and revising promotion and tenure guidance documents to include clear criteria and better align with peer institutions.
Thermochemical interaction of biofuel impurities with yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings

Abstract Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) protect superalloy components from the extreme heat in gas turbines. Airborne contaminants that interact with TBCs during flight, such as CMAS particulate where C is calcia, M is magnesia, A is alumina, and S is silica, degrade these ceramic coatings. Biofuels can directly introduce some or all these same impurities into the gas turbine based on their starting biomass, how they were harvested, and the synthesizing process. Because the impurities are unreacted until combustion, new combinations of these impurities can form harmful deposits with compositions such as S, C–S, C-A, C-A-S, and C-M-S. In this study, we applied combinations of precursors for C, M, A, and S impurities to the surface of a TBC with subsequent ablation to ~1400 °C. Observations revealed that the TBCs delaminated by two failure mechanisms dependent on the impurities applied. In the first case, impurity combination(s) of S, C-A, and C–S interacted thermochemically with the topcoat, ultimately causing the spallation of the TBC. The second failure mechanism was characterized by molten impurities infiltrating the topcoat and inducing the propagation of cracks in the proximity of the bondcoat through a thermomechanical interaction with the TBC. This occurred for impurity combinations of C-A-S, C-M-S, and C-M-A-S. Regardless of the interaction type, different combinations of impurities common to biofuels can accelerate failure and reduce lifetimes of TBCs.
A Randomized Feasibility Trial Comparing Surveillance Regimens for Patients with Low and Low-Intermediate Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Background Surveillance regimens for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are disparate and controlled trials could inform guidelines. The feasibility of randomizing patients to variable frequency surveillance is unknown. Objectives To determine patient willingness to randomization to high frequency (HF) versus low frequency (LF) surveillance regimen for NMIBC and compare patient comfort and healthcare costs across regimens. Methods A non-blinded, two-arm, randomized-controlled study of patients with low or low-intermediate risk NMIBC was conducted at two institutions where patients were offered randomization to HF vs. LF surveillance following initial tumor resection. The HF group underwent cystoscopy every three months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 2 years, then annually. The LF group underwent cystoscopy at 9 months following the 3-month cystoscopy, then annually. Assuming 75% of patients approached would agree to enrollment, a sample size of n = 35 patients per arm provided a one-sided 95% exact Clopper-Pearson confidence lower-limit of 60%. Results Of 70 patients approached, 45 (64.3%) agreed to participate and 25 (35.7%) declined enrollment due to preference for HF. Twelve biopsies were performed, including 4 (19%) of 21 patients in the HF group and 8 (33.3%) of 24 patients in the LF group. Disease recurrence (low grade Ta) was observed in 3 (14.3%) and 5 (20.8%) patients in the HF and LF groups, respectively. No patients experienced high grade recurrence or progression. Both groups had similar patient-reported procedure-related discomfort and quality of life measures over time. Patient out-of-pocket cost and healthcare systems costs were $383.80 more per patient annually in the HF group. Conclusions Randomization to variable frequency surveillance is challenging as over a third of patients declined participation. However, these data provide important preliminary insights into the potential effects of surveillance frequency on oncologic and economic outcomes in patients with low and low-intermediate risk bladder cancer.
Elastic anisotropy of shales: the role of crack alignment and compliance ratio

Cracks, broadly defined as compliant discontinuities, are a major cause of elastic anisotropy. However, few models are available for quantifying crack properties relevant to anisotropy. We develope...
The effects of acid rain on nitrogen fixation in Western Washington coniferous forests

We investigated both the current status of N2 fixation in western Washington forests, and the potential effects of acid rain on this vital process.
Hydrocarbon group-type analyses by on-line multi-dimensional chromatography

Abstract An on-line multi-dimensional chromatographic system, coupling high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary gas chromatography (GC) is described. The system is controlled by a microprocessor and can be automated. The application of this system to hydrocarbon group-type analysis is demonstrated by using HPLC on silica gel to fractionate petroleum samples into saturates, unsaturates, aromatics and polar compound, followed by the characterization of these groups by capillary GC with flame-ionization detection. Analyses of gasoline and diesel fuel are demonstrated.
Clenbuterol-induced fiber type transition in the soleus of adult rats

This study examined the effects of 6 weeks of treatment with the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, clenbuterol, on the soleus muscle of adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals (4 months old) were divided into two groups: clenbuterol treated (CL, n = 7) (2 mg.kg-1 body mass injected subcutaneously every other day), and control (CON, n = 7) (injected with isotonic saline). Post-treatment body weights were approximately 5% greater in the CL group compared to CON (P < 0.05). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of soleus myofibrillar protein indicated a clenbuterol-induced decrease (P < 0.05) in the relative percentage of type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) with a concomitant increase (P < 0.05) in type IIdx MHC, while the proportion of type IIa MHC was unaffected. ATPase fiber typing revealed increases (P < 0.05) in the proportion of type II fibers expressed both as a percentage of total fiber number and total cross-sectional area (CSA). Finally, mean type II fiber CSA was approximately 25% greater (P < 0.05) in the CL groups as compared to the CON group. These data indicate that clenbuterol treatment results in alterations in the MHC phenotype and an increased proportion of type II fiber CSA in the soleus of adult rats. These observations were due to an increase in the total number of type II fibers, as well as hypertrophy of these fibers. Thus, the relative increase in the number of histochemically determined type II fibers and the emergence of the normally unexpressed type IIdx MHC isoform in the soleus suggest a clenbuterol-induced transition of muscle fiber phenotype as well as selective hypertrophy of the type II fibers.
Mobilizing Lurkers with a Targeted Task

Users of online communities are commonly classified into active members versus lurkers. In this work we experiment with a method designed to encourage lurkers to share their acquired social capital with a community through lightweight contribution. The findings from our experiment demonstrate the importance of exploring new ways lurker populations can offer additional benefits to online communities.
A Political Science of Punishment: Francis Lieber and the Discipline of American Prisons

This article examines the history of political science in relation to the history of the prison. It considers how theories of the state in political science have assumed that proper states should punish with prisons, and traces these ideas to the work of Francis Lieber, the first academic political scientist in the USA. Because his ideas about prison reform were central to his conceptualization of the discipline as a science of punishment, his theory of the state is an understudied part of the history of mass incarceration. Lieber argued that the state had a moral duty to punish its citizens with the prison, and an obligation to manage the risks of democracy through the prison's principles of scientific certainty, less eligibility, and disciplinary solitude. By examining the life and work of Francis Lieber, this article offers new ways of thinking about political science's past, and its status as part of the history of the American prison.
Acid Free Processing of Superconducting RF Cavities by Extended Mechanical Polishing (XMP).

We detail the attempts to remove the need for chemistry after extended mechanical polishing (XMP). It would be beneficial to remove chemistry after the XMP process because; the process would be more environmental friendly, it would require much less infrastructure and would be less technically involved opening up avenues for cavity processing at more industrial partners and facilities in general. Also the XMP process would be cheaper without the post-XMP chemistry step. Recent results have shown that fine mechanical polishing after electropolishing does not appreciably decrease cavity performance. And cavities processed completely with XMP, heat treatment and no chemistry have quality factors in excess of 2x1010 and reach accelerating gradients as high as 30 MV/m.
Echinococcus of the heart: An unusual tumor of the heart and liver☆

Abstract Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in the management of a young woman with hepatic and cardiac echinococcal cysts are discussed. Complications of these rare cardiac lesions, 1 of which occurred in this patient, are reviewed. The efficacy of angiographic procedures in diagnosis and localization of the cysts is discussed, and a sequential approach in the radiologic study is suggested.
Coevolution of Decision‐Making and Social Environments

Social scientists have a longstanding theoretical interest in the relationship between individual behavior and social dynamics. A growing body of work demonstrates that, when human behavior is interdependent—that is, what one person does depends on the past, present, or anticipated future actions of others—there is not a simple or linear relationship between the choices of individuals and their collective consequences. Outside of the academy, policy makers are increasingly aware that well-intentioned interventions can backfire if they fail to account for how people change their behavior in response to the intervention. This type of problem requires a systematic modeling approach. Our entry provides a brief introduction to a growing body of research that brings together two disparate literatures—studies of decision-making and studies of the interplay between individuals' decisions and features of the social environment—through dynamic computational modeling. Cognitive scientists characterize human decision-making under uncertainty using heuristics, rules-of-thumb that produce satisfactory choices quickly and with limited information. The heuristics we use and information samples we gather have profound consequences for the choices we make. At the same time, the social context defined by the choices of others feeds back to affect individual decision-making. In recent years, there has been growing interest in methods such as agent-based modeling and systems dynamics that can capture the dynamic interplay between individuals' choices and features of the environment. However, historically these approaches have not been grounded in cognitively plausible models of human behavior. We identify areas of high potential for future research, and lay out a preliminary framework to help guide understanding of the decision-making process and its consequences in different social domains. Keywords: agent-based modeling; heuristics; social dynamics; decision-making; micro–macro linkages
Renal Leiomyosarcoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Leiomyosarcoma of the kidney is a rare entity, and our understanding of this type of renal sarcomas is limited. A 46-year-old Caucasian male presented with a chief complaint of right flank pain for 1 month. He came to our facility for an additional opinion regarding the management of his renal mass. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed an enhancing, heterogeneous right renal mass, consistent with the features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Robotic-assisted total nephrectomy of the right kidney revealed a tan mass with central necrosis that involved the upper pole of the kidney. Based on gross specimen observation and immunochemical analysis, the patient was diagnosed with high-grade leiomyosarcoma. While the prognosis is poor, radical nephrectomy remains the treatment of choice. The potential benefits of adjuvant therapy should be discussed with selected patients. World J Nephrol Urol. 2015;4(2):213-217 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/wjnu214w
A GENERALIZED VARIATIONAL METHOD FOR REACTOR ANALYSIS

A technique designated as the generalized variational method (GVM) is described. The analysis is based on the variational approach and is an outgrowth of investigation in the hypercircle method. In essence, the GVM consists of considering the trial functions that appear symmetrically (quadratically) in a positive-semidefinite variational principle as independent functions. A proposition is proved to demonstrate generally that the approximate eigenvalue obtained from the GVM is at least as accurate as the geometric average of the associated approximate eigenvalues. Also, a conjecture is proposed that the accuracy of the generalized variational eigenvalue is comparable to that of a variational result employing a trial function incorporating the dimensionality of both associated trial functions. The application of the GVM to the perturbationvariational method yields results that establish the method. The generalized method completes the perturbationvariational method by providing the even-order approximate results. For illustration, the GVM is employed to solve a bare reactor with a grey control sheet. Using RayleighRitz optimized cosine series and optimized pyramid functions as associated solutions, the generalized variattonal eigenvalue accuracy indicates the effective combination of the dimensionalities of the associated trial functions. (auth)
Romancing the Drone: Military Desire and Anthropophobia from SAGE to Swarm

This article provides an historical account of the U.S. military’s creation of and reliance upon Earth observation media to orient their ability to conduct first the Cold War and then the War on Terror. Two technological case studies are provided: 1) an account of the development of the Semi-Automated Ground Environment (SAGE) system developed to automate the surveillance necessary for anti-nuclear bomber defence; and 2) a brief history of drone development from the nineteenth century to the present war on terror. These observational media systems provide evidence of how Kittler’s two claims regarding media development merge in the teleology of the digital and the “war answer” in which warfare has come to be autonomously guided by computerized media. Cet article offre un compte-rendu historique de la creation de medias d’observation de la planete par l’armee americaine et de la dependance de celle-ci sur ces medias pendant la Guerre froide et, par la suite, la Guerre contre le terrorisme. Deux etudes de cas sur la technologie s’ensuivent : 1) la presentation du Systeme d’infrastructure semi-automatique au sol (SAGE), developpe afin d’automatiser la surveillance requise pour se defendre contre des bombardiers munis d’armes nucleaires; et 2) une breve histoire du developpement des drones a partir du dix-neuvieme siecle jusqu’a la Guerre contre le terrorisme actuelle. Ces systemes d’observation montrent comment les deux affirmations de Friedrich Kittler sur le developpement des medias convergent vers une teleologie du numerique et une « reponse guerriere », ou la guerre se fait desormais par ordinateur.