cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure dependence of coherence-incoherence crossover behavior in KFe2As2 observed by resistivity and 75As-NMR/NQR

We present the results of $^{75}\mathrm{As}$ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR), and resistivity measurements in ${\mathrm{KFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ under pressure ($p$). The temperature dependence of the NMR shift, nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time (${T}_{1}$), and resistivity show a crossover between a high-temperature incoherent, local-moment behavior and a low-temperature coherent behavior at a crossover temperature (${T}^{*}$). ${T}^{*}$ is found to increase monotonically with pressure, consistent with increasing hybridization between localized $3d$ orbital-derived bands with the itinerant electron bands. No anomaly in ${T}^{*}$ is seen at the critical pressure ${p}_{\mathrm{c}}=1.8$ GPa where a change of slope of the superconducting (SC) transition temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}(p)$ has been observed. In contrast, ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}(p)$ seems to correlate with antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations in the normal state as measured by the NQR $1/{T}_{1}$ data, although such a correlation cannot be seen in the replacement effects of $A$ in the $A{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ ($A=\text{K}$, Rb, Cs) family. In the superconducting state, two ${T}_{1}$ components are observed at low temperatures, suggesting the existence of two distinct local electronic environments. The temperature dependence of the short ${T}_{1\mathrm{s}}$ indicates a nearly gapless state below ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}$. On the other hand, the temperature dependence of the long component $1/{T}_{1\mathrm{L}}$ implies a large reduction in the density of states at the Fermi level due to the SC gap formation. These results suggest a real-space modulation of the local SC gap structure in ${\mathrm{KFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ under pressure.
Syringofibroadenoma arising adjacent to verrucous carcinoma: Is it a reactive process, malignant transformation, or collision tumor?

Eccrine syringofibroadenoma (ESFA) is a rare, benign tumor showing acrosyringeal or sweat gland differentiation with variable clinical presentations, but distinct histopathological features. Rarely, ESFA coexists with a malignancy such as a squamous cell carcinoma or porocarcinoma. Herein, we report the first case of an ESFA associated with a verrucous carcinoma in a 46-year-old female on the right foot. It is unclear whether it represents a reactive process, a malignant transformation or a collision tumor. We recommend ESFA be completely excised if possible or closely followed given its association with a developing carcinoma.
Immunochemical Analysis of Lipopolysaccharides with 2-D Gel Electrophoresis and Monoclonal Antibodies

Phenol extracted, alkali treated lipopolysaccharide from vaccine strain (S19) Brucella abortus was demonstrated by twodimensional gel electrophoresis to have at least ten silvers taining analogues. When tested on nitrocellulose immune blots all ten were antigenically reactive with bovine anti-B. abortus polyclonal sera, but only six reacted with murine monoclonal anti-O-antigen antibody. Analogues of LPS focusing at distinct pIs were polydisperse and in several cases polyionic, suggesting the incorporation of groups in the 0-antigen side chain which modified the pl. Analogues focusing at different pIs were concluded to arise from differences in either core or O-antigen side chain structure. While no qualitative differences were observed, LPS from a pathogenic B. abortus strain (S2308) had lesser amounts of analogues 1,2,5,6, and 8 t ha n S19 when examined by 2-D Gel.
Validity of Achievement Gains on High-Stakes Tests

Achievement tests are increasingly being used to hold schools and individual educators accountable. This has been a cornerstone of policy in the US and England for years and is rapidly becoming a focus of reform in many nations. One consequence of the pressure to raise scores on specific tests has been score inflation. This inflation is highly variable, but in some cases has been large and rapid. This article provides some examples of the problem and a framework for understanding how inflation comes about. It explains why traditional validation is insufficient to validate gains under high-stakes conditions and offers suggestions for research, evaluation, and test design.
Physicochemical and nutritional properties of extrudates from food grade distiller's dried grains, garbanzo flour, and corn grits.

Distiller's dried grains and garbanzo flour were blended with corn grits for the development of extruded snacks using a single screw extruder. Distiller's dried grains were processed for food application and termed as food grade distiller's dried grains or FDDG. Effects of different level of FDDG addition (0%-20%) and extrusion process parameters such as barrel and die temperature (100-140°C), screw speed (100-200 rpm), and feed moisture content (14%-20% wet basis) on the physical properties (expansion ratio, bulk density, color parameters), functional properties (water absorption and solubility indices), and nutritional properties (total dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber and protein content) of the extrudates were investigated and optimized using response surface methodology. FDDG incorporation had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the total dietary fiber, color parameters, water solubility, and water absorption indices of the extruded snacks. Desirable expanded extrudates with a high level of total dietary fiber and protein were obtained with blends containing 20% FDDG extruded at 140°C extrusion temperature, 167 rpm screw speed, and 19% feed moisture content. Results indicate garbanzo flour, and FDDG can be successfully blended with corn grits to produce nutritious gluten-free extruded snacks which are high in protein and dietary fiber.
Biomarker-based treatment selection: A precision medicine approach for depression

Abstract Among treatment-seeking patients with depression, approximately two thirds of individuals do not remit following first-line therapeutic treatment, likely because of the inherent heterogeneity of major depressive disorder. Identification of clinical or biological features that predict how a patient will respond to treatment could enhance the remission/response rate and reduce unwanted side effects. While many studies have reported on predictors of treatment response, relatively few have focused on moderators or mediators of treatment response—i.e., characteristics that have predictive value regarding how a patient will respond differentially to specific medications. Biological markers of depression—such as genetics, neurophysiology, blood-based markers, and brain activity—enable objective measurement or characterization and may represent ideal biomarkers for predicting differential treatment response. In this chapter, we discuss ongoing and recently completed clinical trials that focus on progressing precision medicine in depression.
Synthesis of the sterically congested diarylphosphines ArTrip2P(Ph)H(ArTrip2=C6H3-2,6(C6H2-2,4,6-Pri3)) and ArMes2P(Ph)H(ArMes2=C6H3-2,6(C6H2-2,4,6-Me3)) and the monomeric Sn(II)-diphosphide [ArMes2P(Ph)]2Sn

Abstract The very sterically encumbered secondary chlorophosphines Ar Trip 2 P ( Ph ) Cl ( Ar Trip 2 = C 6 H 3 - 2 , 6 ( C 6 H 2 - 2 , 4 , 6 - Pr i 3 ) ) and Ar Mes 2 P ( Ph ) Cl ( Ar Mes 2 = C 6 H 3 - 2 , 6 ( C 6 H 2 - 2 , 4 , 6 - Me 3 ) ) were prepared from the respective aryllithium precursors and PhPCl2. Subsequent reduction of the chlorophosphines with Li[AlH4] yielded the corresponding phosphines ArylP(Ph)H in high yield; these afforded the lithium salts ArylP(Ph)Li upon treatment with nBuLi, and the synthesis and structural characterization of the monomeric terphenyl phosphide { [ Ar Mes 2 P ( Ph ) ] Li ( THF ) 2 } are described. Reaction of two equivalents of the lithium phosphide with SnCl2 afforded a rare example of a monomeric Sn(II)-diphosphide, [ Ar Mes 2 P ( Ph ) ] 2 Sn .
Exploring Understanding of "Understanding": The Paradigm Case of Biobank Consent Comprehension.

Data documenting poor understanding among research participants and real-time efforts to assess comprehension in large-scale studies are focusing new attention on informed consent comprehension. Wi...
Lanthanide–transition metal carbonyl complexes: architectures derived from isocarbonyl polymeric arrays

Abstract New lanthanide−transition metal (Ln–M) carbonyl compounds were prepared and the structural relationships of the metal combinations were discerned. Numerous compounds derived from combinations of divalent lanthanides with transition metal carbonyls in groups 7–9 were isolated. Three different types of interactions were observed: (1) Ln–M direct bonds, (2) ionic associations, and (3) carbonyl or cyanide linkers between the metals. These assorted Ln–M interactions influence the assembly of the compounds, and discrete molecules or polymeric arrays were encountered. The extended arrays formed from isocarbonyl linkages can function as heterogeneous catalyst precursors. To cite this article: S. Liu et al., C. R. Chimie 8 (2005).
UV and infrared absorption spectra and 248 nm photolysis of maleic anhydride (C4H2O3)

Abstract Maleic anhydride (C2H2(CO)2O, Furan-2,5-dione) is emitted into or formed in the atmosphere during bio-mass burning events as well as being a photochemical degradation product of some aromatic volatile organic compounds. The photochemical fate of maleic anhydride, however, is presently not well enough characterized to enable modeling of its impact on the environment and human health. Maleic anhydride is a strong UV absorbing molecule with a continuous spectrum that extends well into the long-wavelength atmospheric actinic region, >295 nm. In this study, the room temperature UV and infrared absorption spectra of maleic anhydride were measured and quantified using several complementary calibration methods. In addition, photolysis quantum yields and stable end-product yields were measured following its 248 nm pulsed laser photolysis. Photoproducts were measured at room temperature using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detection under slow flow conditions at total pressures in the range 100–600 Torr (Syn. Air). The maleic anhydride photolysis quantum yield was determined to be 0.85 ± 0.20, independent of pressure, with CO, CO2, and acetylene (C2H2) photo-products formed with a 1:1:1 stoichiometric ratio and a yield of 1 ± 0.15, independent of total pressure.
The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales: sensitivity, responsiveness, and impact on clinical decision-making.

The PedsQLTM 4.0 (Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM) Generic Core Scales are child self-report and parent proxy-report scales developed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents ages 2–18. The PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales consist of 23 items applicable for healthy school and community populations and pediatric populations with acute and chronic health conditions. The 4 PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales (Physical, Emotional, Social, School) were administered to 209 children and 269 parents (289 subjects accrued overall) recruited from pediatric cardiology, orthopedics, and rheumatology clinics. Sensitivity, responsiveness, and the impact on clinical decision-making were determined. The PedsQLTM was differentially sensitive to increasing degrees of cardiac disease severity in the cardiology clinic setting and responsive to clinical change over time in the pediatric orthopedics clinic setting. In the pediatric rheumatology clinic setting, the PedsQLTM demonstrated an impact on clinical decision-making, resulting in subsequent increases in HRQOL.
The legacy of slavery on hate crime in the United States

Abstract Does slavery play a role in explaining why some areas are more prone to hate crimes? Using county-level data on slavery in 1860, I find evidence that U.S. counties with a higher share of slaves in the population more than 150 years ago are more likely to observe hate crime incidents today. One percentage point increase in the share of slaves in the population in 1860 is associated with 0.018 more hate crime incidents per 100,000 population directed at blacks today. Additionally, there is evidence that slavery is associated with more hate crime incidents directed towards Jews and LGBT population. This result supports previous studies which find persistence in cultural norms and racial attitudes.
Added Diagnostic Utility of Clinical Metagenomics for the Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Adults

Background In the evaluation of community-acquired pneumonia, 30% to 60% of cases remain undiagnosed, despite extensive conventional microbiologic testing (CMT). Clinical metagenomics (CM) is an unbiased pathogen detection method that can increase diagnostic yield. Research Question Does adding clinical metagenomics to conventional microbiologic testing improve the diagnostic yield for pneumonia in immunocompromised adults? Study Design and Methods We performed a noninterventional prospective study of immunocompromised adults with pneumonia who underwent bronchoscopy and BAL over 2 years. CMT was performed per standard of care. A commercial CM test was performed on residual BAL fluid. Final microbiologic diagnoses were based on CMT vs CMT + CM. Final clinical diagnoses for CMT and CMT + CM were made based on laboratory results in conjunction with clinical and radiologic findings. Hypothetical impact of CMT + CM on management and antimicrobial stewardship was also assessed. Results A total of 30 immunocompromised adult patients (31 episodes of pneumonia) were included. Final microbiologic diagnoses were made in 11 cases (35%) with the use of CMT and in 18 cases (58%) with the use of CMT + CM. Bacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in five cases (16%) by CMT and in 13 cases (42%) by CMT + CM; fungal pneumonia was diagnosed in six cases (19%) by CMT and in seven cases (23%) by CMT + CM, and viral pneumonia was diagnosed in two cases (6%) by CMT and in five cases (16%) by CMT + CM. The hypothetical impact of CMT + CM on management was deemed probable in one case, possible in eight cases, and unlikely in two cases, whereas the impact on antimicrobial stewardship was possible in 13 cases and unlikely in seven cases. Final clinical diagnoses were made in 20 of 31 cases (65%) based on CMT and in 23 of 31 cases (74%) based on CMT + CM. Interpretation CMT + CM increased diagnostic yield in immunocompromised adults with pneumonia from 35% to 58%, mostly by the detection of additional bacterial causes but was less useful for fungal pneumonia.
Pregnancy as a period of risk, adaptation, and resilience for mothers and infants.

The pregnancy period represents a unique window of opportunity to identify risks to both the fetus and mother and to deter the intergenerational transmission of adversity and mental health problems. Although the maternal–fetal dyad is especially vulnerable to the effects of stress during pregnancy, less is known about how the dyad is also receptive to salutary, resilience-promoting influences. The present review adopts life span and intergenerational perspectives to review four key areas of research. The first part describes how pregnancy is a sensitive period for both the mother and fetus. In the second part, the focus is on antecedents of maternal prenatal risks pertaining to prenatal stress response systems and mental health. The third part then turns to elucidating how these alterations in prenatal stress physiology and mental health problems may affect infant and child outcomes. The fourth part underscores how pregnancy is also a time of heightened fetal receptivity to maternal and environmental signals, with profound implications for adaptation. This section also reviews empirical evidence of promotive and protective factors that buffer the mother and fetus from developmental and adaptational problems and covers a sample of rigorous evidence-based prenatal interventions that prevent maladaptation in the maternal–fetal dyad before babies are born. Finally, recommendations elaborate on how to further strengthen understanding of pregnancy as a period of multilevel risk and resilience, enhance comprehensive prenatal screening, and expand on prenatal interventions to promote maternal–fetal adaptation before birth.
Consistency and local conservation in finite-element simulation of flow in porous media

Computational models of subsurface flow involve the coupling between fluid velocity and transport equations. While solving these problems independently can be challenging, we expose the additional complication associated with coupling them. We focus on numerical methods that can readily accommodate unstructured meshes, with emphasis on the mixed finite-element method for the velocity-pressure formulation. The transport equation is discretized using continuous and discontinuous finite elements, and also finite volumes. We theoretically identify the discrete requirements, in space and time, to be satisfied for the constant-preserving test to pass when coupling these two discrete entities: a unit tracer concentration should be discretely preserved to machine precision under the right conditions. In our work, the constant-preserving test is referred to as the consistency test. In particular, we show that a discrete formulation that relies entirely on continuous finite elements is consistent. The overarching conclusion is that consistency is achieved when the discrete tracer equation reduces to the discrete pressure equation upon setting the tracer concentration to one. Equivalently, we conclude that consistency is achieved when coupling discrete formulations that rely on identical local-conservation properties. In explaining this result, we also make yet another attempt at debunking the myth that continuous finite elements are not locally conservative and cannot be used for flow simulation. We emphasize that continuous finite elements are locally conservative in a way that is derived from the discrete form, but not in a finite-volume sense, that is, not by computing the integral of the normal velocity on any element boundary.
Feed Network Optimization For Currents In Amplitude Based Beam Steerable Arrays

Beam steering which is achieved conventionally using phase shifters can also be achieved by using attenuators in the feed network in Amplitude Steerable arrays. These attenuators provide the necessary weights to the signals entering the antenna elements. The effect of mutual coupling is much more pronounced in the amplitude steerable arrays due to closer spacing which manifests as currents to the elements being changed. This paper addresses a method to compensate for the effect of mutual coupling on the currents by designing an algorithm that optimizes the characteristics of the attenuators in the feed network in order to ensure proper currents are delivered to the antennas.
Effects of process interruptions on microstructure and mechanical properties of three face centered cubic alloys processed by laser powder bed fusion

Abstract Many factors can influence the thermal history during laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) that contribute to the microstructure and mechanical performance of produced components. These factors can include process parameters, geometry, feedstock characteristics, and more. In this work, we report on the effect that process interruptions have on the thermal history during L-PBF fabrication of simple geometries made out of three alloys of interest: AlSi10Mg, Inconel 718 and Inconel 625. Systematic experiments were carried out with programmed process interruptions lasting one hour and simulating a stop to refill the system with powder, or an unexpected power outage. Specimens produced through these experiments enabled studying microstructural differences using microscopy techniques, and the evaluation of tensile and hardness properties when compared to uninterrupted controls. The findings from this study indicate that there were no distinguishable microstructural differences from interrupted specimens and uninterrupted controls for all three materials. Also, although Inconel 718 interrupted specimens showed a slight reduction in ultimate tensile strength and elongation, these properties remained essentially unchanged for AlSi10Mg and Inconel 625. Although a more comprehensive study is still required that accounts for the effect of thermal post-processing and other factors, the results described here provide several observations of the potential effects of process interruptions, and the implications towards process validation and quality assurance of L-PBF.
A Decision Tree for Retrosynthetic Analysis

When organic students are asked to design a total synthesis of a molecule, they are often overwhelmed by the multitude of possible transformations. A decision tree is a useful tool to break complex problems up into simpler steps and scaffold the thinking process that many seasoned chemists take for granted. While many comprehensive resources present the logic and reaction strategies of retrosynthetic analysis, students still require scaffolded training in analyzing the functional group patterns of a molecule to arrive at the most prudent reaction. This work presents a 1-page flowchart that is readily implemented by undergraduates, organizes content, and ultimately helps students gain an appreciation for the more systematic aspects of retrosynthesis and organic synthesis more broadly.
Proper Orthogonal Decomposition for Reduced Order Dynamic Modeling of Vapor Compression Systems

Abstract A computationally efficient but accurate dynamic modeling approach for vapor compression systems is important for many applications. Nonlinear model order reduction techniques which generate reduced order models based on high fidelity vapor compression cycle (VCC) models are attractive for the purposes. In this paper, a number of technical challenges of applying model order reduction methods to VCCs are described and corresponding solution approaches are presented. It starts with a reformulation of a standard finite volume heat exchanger model for matching the baseline model reduction structure. Reduced order models for evaporator and condenser are constructed from numerical snapshots of the high fidelity models using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD). Methodologies for system stability and numerical efficiency of POD reduced order models are described. The reduced order heat exchanger models are then coupled with quasi-static models of other components to form a reduced order cycle model. Transient simulations were conducted over a wide range of operating conditions and results were compared with the full order model as well as measurements. The validation results indicate that the reduced order model can execute much faster than a high-fidelity finite volume model with negligible prediction errors.
FTIR Investigation of the Interfacial Properties and Mechanisms of CO2 Sorption in Porous Ionic Liquids

Abstract Porous liquids, which are liquids with permanent porosity, have received significant attention as a new class of materials with the potential for far-reaching impacts in a variety of applications including gas separation. In this work, in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements were conducted to investigate the mechanism of carbon dioxide absorption in a porous ionic liquid consisting of ZIF-8 combined with 8,8′-(3,6-dioxaoctane-1,8-diyl)bis(1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-en-8-ium) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([DBU-PEG][(Tf2N)2]). While the vibrational modes of the pure ionic liquid remain relatively unchanged, the incorporation of carbon dioxide leads to slight structural fluctuations in the ZIF-8 framework whether it is pure solid or as integrated into the porous ionic liquid. The analysis of the vibrational modes of the porous ionic liquid suggests that the interaction of the CO2 occurs more strongly with the ring structure of the ZIF-8 framework. The splitting of the asymmetric stretch of the CO2 into multiple peaks upon sorption indicate the presence of multiple environments, which could be a combination of free and physisorbed CO2 or simply multiple binding sites within the porous ionic liquid. A better understanding of gas sorption mechanisms in this unique material could lead to new porous ionic liquids with enhanced separations properties.
Insurance type is associated with appropriate use of surgical and adjuvant care for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Abstract Background We aimed to characterize the association between differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patient insurance status and appropriateness of therapy (AOT) regarding extent of thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for DTC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2016. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for AOT, as defined by the American Thyroid Association guidelines, and hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) were calculated. A difference-in-differences (DD) analysis examined the association of Medicaid expansion with outcomes for low-income patients aged Results A total of 224,500 patients were included. Medicaid and uninsured patients were at increased risk of undergoing inappropriate therapy, including inappropriate lobectomy (Medicaid 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–1.54; uninsured 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05–1.60), and under-treatment with RAI (Medicaid 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14–1.26; uninsured 1.44, 95% CI: 1.33–1.55). Inappropriate lobectomy (HR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7–2.3, P Conclusion Medicaid and uninsured patients are at significantly increased odds of receiving inappropriate treatment for DTC; both groups are at a survival disadvantage compared with Medicare and those privately insured.
Revisiting and Unpacking the Mental Illness and Solitary Confinement Relationship

There is mixed evidence on whether incarcerated persons with mental illnesses have increased odds of being placed in solitary confinement. This study answered this question using a large system-wid...
Optimization of Random Motheye Structures for Silica Windows with Normally Incident Light

We computationally investigate random motheye structures for fused silica from 0.4 to 1.0 μm. We found that increasing the randomness of the diameter and height can further suppress the reflection at the air-glass interface.
Der Einfluß von Laxantien auf die Passagezeit von Flüssigkeiten im menschlichen Jejunum

Die Beschleunigung der Passage von Nahrungsbestandteilen im Darm galt bis zu den Untersuchungen von Forth et al. [7] und von Hofmann und seiner Arbeitsgruppe [12] als das wirksame Prinzip von Abfuhrmitteln. Bei Durchsicht der Literatur fiel auf, das diese auch heute noch gelegentlich vertretene Theorie wegen Fehlens geeigneter Untersuchungen, namlich der Messung der propulsiven Motilitat, praktisch unbewiesen war. Es gab lediglich klinische Beobachtungen, das laxierend wirkende Verbindungen wie einige Gallensauren und Fettsauren die Motilitat des Darmes steigern konnten [2, 3, 4, 9, 17] sowie tierexperimentelle Berichte, die Veranderungen einzelner oder mehrerer Parameter der Motilitat wie Muskeltonus, elektrische Erregbarkeit und ahnliches unter der Einwirkung von Laxantien beschrieben [5, 8, 9, 13, 16]. In der vorliegenden Studie wird uber den Einflus von 5 mM/1 Taurodesoxycholat (TDCA), 5 mM/1 Ricinoleat (RA) und 70 mM/1 Magnesiumsulfat (MgSO4) auf den propulsiven Transport von Flussigkeiten im Jejunum des Menschen berichtet.
Imaging of the Gallbladder

Right upper quadrant pain is one of the most common clinical presentations, and the gallbladder is one of the most frequently imaged organs in this setting. There are numerous radiographic tests for evaluation of the gallbladder. This section discusses each of these briefly, but is certainly not complete in its coverage of the various limitations and sequencing of these tests. Of note, radiology is not the only specialty to image the gallbladder as emergency department physicians and surgeons commonly image this organ at the bedside using ultrasound.
Lyapounov numbers for the almost periodic Schrodinger equation

On considere l'operateur de Schrodinger presque periodique L=−d 2 |d| 2 +q(t) ou q(t) est continue et Bohr presque periodique. On associe a cet operateur le nombre rotation α(λ) (λ∈R), α(λ)=−lim t→∞ θ(t)/t, θ(t)=arg(Φ(t)+iΦ'(t)) et Φ¬=0 satisfait LΦ=λΦ•α(λ)=lime →o ω(λ+te). On etudie la partie reelle −Reω(z) et sa valeur limite β(λ) (λ∈R)
Soil Resource Conservation

Soil is a finite and a nonrenewable resource, unequally distributed geographically, and fragile to misuse and mismanagement. It is a complete form of degradation leading to loss in productivity on-site, and pollution of water and air off-site. Soils need to be used, improved and restored. Keywords: soil erosion; productivity; soil degradation; restoration; soil quality
Scalable clock synchronization in wireless networks with low-duty-cycle radio operations

This paper presents LDSP (i.e., low-duty-cycle synchronization protocol), a design that enables scalable clock synchronization in wireless networks with low-duty-cycle radio operations. LDSP prevents exponential error proliferation of many available solutions, if applied in the low-duty-cycle scenario, by introducing a new mechanism of parallel synchronization that is naturally immune to excessive message delays widely existing in such networks. The key novelty behind LDSP is its separation of clock drift rate estimation from the error polluted global reference time in a unique manner, which helps eliminate compound errors that would otherwise amplify aggressively over the message delay at each hop during time dissemination. With LDSP, the time error is bounded to low-order polynomial growth as O(h√h), where h is the hop distance to the reference node, according to theoretical analysis verified by numerical simulation. To evaluate, LDSP was implemented on two hardware platforms equipped with different driven clock sources and compared with representative synchronization protocols via experiments in both indoor and outdoor environments. Results show that the proposed design is practical, effective, and features significantly improved scalability under real-world conditions.
Altered host immune responses to membrane vesicles from Salmonella and Gram-negative pathogens

Membrane vesicles (MVs), discrete nano-structures produced from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella enterica Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), strongly activate dendritic cells (DCs), contain major antigens (Ags) recognized by Salmonella-specific B-cells and CD4+ T-cells, and provide protection against S. Typhimurium challenge in a mouse model. With this in mind, we hypothesized that alterations to the gene expression profile of bacteria will be reflected in the immunologic response to MVs. To test this, we assessed the ability of MVs from wild-type (WT) S. Typhimurium or a strain with a phenotype mimicking the intracellular-phase of S. Typhimurium (PhoP(c)) to activate dendritic cells and initiate a strong inflammatory response. MVs, isolated from wild-type and PhoP(c)S. Typhimurium (WTMVs and PhoPcMVs, respectively) had pro-inflammatory properties consistent with the parental bacterial strains: PhoPcMVs were less stimulatory for DC activation in vitro and were impaired for subsequent inflammatory responses compared to WTMVs. Interestingly, the reduced pro-inflammatory properties of PhoPcMVs did not completely rely on signals through TLR4, the receptor for LPS. Nonetheless, both WTMVs and PhoPcMVs contained abundant immunogenic antigens capable of being recognized by memory-immune CD4+ T-cells from mice previously infected with S. Typhimurium. Furthermore, we analyzed a suite of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and their purified MVs for their ability to activate DCs and stimulate inflammation in a manner consistent with the known inflammatory properties of the parental strains, as shown for S. Typhimurium. Finally, analysis of the potential vaccine utility of S. Typhimurium MVs revealed their capacity to encapsulate an exogenous model antigen and stimulate antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. Taken together, our results demonstrate the dependence of bacterial cell gene expression for MV immunogenicity and subsequent in vitro immunologic response, as well as their potential utility as a vaccine platform.
Pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Research on pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is reviewed in this article. Many recent articles in this area highlight the existence of key differences between the adult and pediatric forms of the illness. This review article provides an overview of pediatric ME/ CFS, including epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and prognosis. Challenges to the field are identified with the hope that in the future pediatric cases of ME/CFS can be more accurately diagnosed and successfully managed.
Drafting in Doha: An Assessment of the Darfur Peace Process and Ceasefire Agreements

In the spring of 2010, in Doha, Qatar, the major parties to the Darfur conflict signed a series of framework and ceasefire agreements. The Doha Agreements comprise the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) Framework, the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) Framework, and the LJM Ceasefire Agreements. These accords served two principal purposes. The first and more obvious was to establish a cessation of hostilities and lay the foundation for the negotiation of a comprehensive peace agreement. Critical to each are provisions relating to Security Sector Reform (SSR) and the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) of combatants. Well drafted SSR and DDR provisions, even at the very early stages of a peace process, encourage stabilization in the conflict region and the implementation of the agreement in a sustainable manner. The Doha Agreements, though including occasional language relating to SSR and DDR, largely missed the opportunity to set the framework for mechanisms that would bind the parties to the sustainable deescalation of the conflict.
Diffusive Ion Acceleration by CME‐Driven Shocks

The acceleration of solar energetic ions in "gradual" events at coronal/ interplanetary shocks is reviewed including: a brief observational motivation for a shock origin of gradual events, the historical development of the theory of shock acceleration as applied to solar energetic particles, the basic features of the process of diffusive shock acceleration (first-order Fermi acceleration at the shock, wave excitation by the energetic protons, magnetic focusing and upstream escape of the ions), challenges to developing a successful theory, the basic equations of ion transport and acceleration, and current theoretical research. Finally, outstanding issues which must be addressed by future work are listed including: ion injection into the process of diffusive shock acceleration, careful evaluation of the wave intensity upstream of the shock, acceleration and injection at quasi-perpendicular shocks, long-time behavior of gradual events, the inclusion of wave propagation velocities in the effective shock compression ratio, and a rigorous treatment of the time-dependence.
Altered factor VII activity in hemophilia.

Factor VII levels have been studied in hemophilia A and B plasmas and normal controls in a controlled, prospective study. Three assay methods were used: a standard clotting assay (FVIIc-A); a modified clotting assay (FVIIc-B) (Seligsohn et al, Blood 52:978–988, 1978); and a coupled amidolytic assay. By the FVIIc-B assay, the hemophilic plasmas were significantly lower than in the normal group (68.2 +/- 3.3% [SE] and 83.5 +/- 3.8%, respectively; P less than .01). The amidolytic assay, however, which measures total factor VII regardless of its activity state (factor VII or VIIa), was higher in the patient group than in the control group (126.9 +/- 9.6% and 99.4 +/- 5.7%, respectively; P less than .01). Control experiments showed that the differences in FVIIc-B activity were not caused by artifactual activation of factor VII ex vivo in the control group. The mean FVIIc-A assay of hemophilic plasmas (126.3 +/- 6.5%) agreed closely with the amidolytic assay, suggesting that the FVIIc-A method is also insensitive to the factor VII activity state. These data support the hypothesis that the FVIIc-B assay is more sensitive to the presence of factor VIIa. The increased sensitivity of the FVIIc-B assay to factor VII activation was confirmed by comparison of the two clotting assays on plasma subjected to activation in glass at 4 degrees C. The results of this study indicate that factor VII in hemophilic plasma is less activated than in normal plasma. Whether this contributes to the bleeding diathesis of hemophilia is unknown. However, it does provide evidence for the idea that factor VII in vivo is normally subject to some degree of activation by an enzyme (or enzymes) generated by a turnover of the intrinsic pathway.
CBFβ is a facultative Runx partner in the sea urchin embryo

Runx proteins are developmentally important metazoan transcription factors that form a heterodimeric complex with the non-homologous protein Core Binding Factor β (CBFβ). CBFβ allosterically enhances Runx DNA binding but does not bind DNA itself. We report the initial characterization of SpCBFβ, the heterodimeric partner of SpRunt-1 from the sea urchin Stronylocentrotus purpuratus. SpCBFβ is remarkably similar to its mammalian homologues, and like them it enhances the DNA binding of the Runt domain. SpCBFβ is entirely of zygotic provenance and its expression is similar that of SpRunt-1, accumulating globally at late blastula stage then later localizing to endoderm and oral ectoderm. Unlike SpRunt-1, however, SpCBFβ is enriched in the endodermal mid- and hindgut of the pluteus larva, and is not highly expressed in the foregut and ciliated band. We showed previously that morpholino antisense-mediated knockdown of SpRunt-1 leads to differentiation defects, as well as to extensive post-blastula stage apoptosis caused by under-expression of the Runx target gene SpPKC1. In contrast, we show here that knockdown of SpCBFβ does not negatively impact cell survival or SpPKC1 expression, although it does lead to differentiation defects similar to those associated with SpRunt-1 deficiency. Moreover, SpRunt-1 containing a single amino acid substitution that abolishes its ability to interact with SpCBFβ retains the ability to rescue cell survival in SpRunt-1 morphant embryos. Chromatin immunoprecipitation shows that while the CyIIIa promoter engages both proteins, the SpPKC1 promoter only engages SpRunt-1. SpCBFβ is a facultative Runx partner that appears to be required specifically for cell differentiation.
The effects of powered ankle-foot orthoses on joint kinematics and muscle activation during walking in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury

Background Powered lower limb orthoses could reduce therapist labor during gait rehabilitation after neurological injury. However, it is not clear how patients respond to powered assistance during stepping. Patients might allow the orthoses to drive the movement pattern and reduce their muscle activation. The goal of this study was to test the effects of robotic assistance in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury using pneumatically powered ankle-foot orthoses.
Cartels by Another Name: Should Licensed Occupations Face Antitrust Scrutiny?

It has been over a hundred years since George Bernard Shaw wrote that "All professions are a conspiracy against the laity." Since then the number of occupations and the percentage of workers subject to occupational licensing has exploded; nearly one third of the U.S. workforce is now licensed, up from five percent in the 1950s. Through occupational licensing boards, states endow cosmetologists, veterinary doctors, medical doctors, or florists, with the authority to decide who may practice their art. It can't surprise when licensing boards comprised of competitors exclude competition and regulate in ways that raise their profit. The result for consumers is higher prices and less choice, as licensing raises wages by 18% and bars competition from unlicensed workers. For African-style hair braiders, the result is either an illicit business or thousands of hours of irrelevant training imposed by a cosmetology board. For lawyers, the result is less competition from tax accountants, paralegals and out of state lawyers.The great accomplishment of the Sherman Act has been to make cartels per se illegal and relatively scarce. Unless the cartel is managed by a professional licensing board. Most jurisdictions consider such boards, as creations of states, to be exempted from antitrust scrutiny by the state action doctrine, leaving would-be competitors and consumers no recourse against their cartel activity.We contend that the state action doctrine should not prevent antitrust suits against state licensing boards that are composed of private competitors deputized to regulate their own competition and to outright exclude those who compete with them, often with the threat of criminal sanction. At most, state action should immunize licensing boards from the per se rule and require plaintiffs to prove their case under the rule of reason. We argue that the Fourth Circuit’s recent case upholding an FTC antitrust suit against a licensing board — creating a circuit split and becoming the only circuit to deny state action immunity to a licensing board — is a step in the right direction but not far enough. The Supreme Court should take the split as an opportunity to clarify that when competitors hold the reins to their own competition, they must answer to Senator Sherman.
Observations of a Corporate Facilitator

Management simulations are widely used in industry for training and development and for encouraging a top management perspective. This article discusses several questions related to the administration and educational effectiveness of simulations from the perspective of a corporate facilitator and the experience of 15 classes using a total enterprise game. Observations about value, team size and selection, number of sessions, the role of the facilitator, and model design are offered, leading to a discussion about the need for industry and academic game users to collaborate on the major research questions.
Nonnegative matrix factorization with matrix exponentiation

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) has been successfully applied to different domains as a technique able to find part-based linear representations for nonnegative data. However, when extra constraints are incorporated into NMF, simple gradient descent optimization can be inefficient for high-dimensional problems, due to the overhead to enforce the nonnegativity constraints. We describe an alternative formulation based on matrix exponentiation, where the nonnegativity constraints are enforced implicitly, and a direct gradient descent algorithm can have better efficiency. In numerical experiments, such a reformulation leads to significant improvement in running time.
Distribution and Aspects of Life History and Morphology of the Cyprinid Fish Notropis semperasper Endemic to the Upper James River Drainage, Virginia

The roughhead shiner, Notropis semperasper, is known only from nine streams of the upper James River drainage in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province of Virginia. It typically inhabits warm, usually clear, medium to wide sections of these streams where there is moderate gradient and hard bottom with little siltation. Slow to moderate currents of pools and backwaters are preferred. It was proposed for inclusion on lists of threatened species; new data shift it to borderline status, not clearly warranting continuation on such lists. It should, however, be monitored because of environmental modifications completed, under construction, and proposed for occupied streams.
Increased Leaching of As, Se, Mo, and V from High Calcium Coal Ash Containing Trona Reaction Products

The trona (trisodium hydrogendicarbonate dihydrate) injection method is being tested to control SOx emission from coal-fired power plants. A pair of moderately high calcium coal fly ashes, with and without trona injection, were used to determine the impact of trona injection on the leaching characteristics of anionic elements, including As, Se, Mo, and V, under different pH conditions. The results showed that trona ash (trona reaction products captured with fly ash) leached significantly more As, Se, Mo, and V than the control fly ash did, especially under the natural pH condition. In addition, trona ash had a significantly greater soluble fraction than the control ash. Further investigation indicated that greater amounts of the studied anionic elements in the trona ash were associated with the soluble, trona reaction products. Moreover, the insoluble fraction of the trona ash lost its capability to adsorb these elements under the natural pH condition. The competition from other major anions in the trona ...
Sewer Rehabilitation Using an Ultraviolet-Cured GFR Cured-in-Place Pipe

AbstractLack of knowledge about the performance of emerging sewer rehabilitation technologies represents a critical shortcoming in the water infrastructure industry. This has led the leading aging water infrastructure research organizations to develop pipe rehabilitation technology demonstration programs. Specific scenarios of interest include technologies applicable to challenging site conditions and pipes with challenging configurations. The results of these programs are intended to enhance the industry’s awareness of available technologies and their capabilities. This paper describes the demonstration of an emerging ultraviolet (UV)-cured, glass fiber–reinforced (GFR) cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology used to rehabilitate 271 m (888 ft) of 250-mm (10-in.) clay pipe in Frisco, Texas. This technology met the utility owner’s requirements, and mechanical testing showed that the liner exceeded the minimum design requirements. A key takeaway from this project was the importance of using the proper test m...
Quality Training for Infant Caregivers.

Training for caregivers of infants and toddlers is a national need, since this is the fastest growing area of child care sought. Trainees will need to know in detail about Eriksonian and Piagetian theory, in order to be sensitive to the tasks and the gains of each stage of the first years of life. Research findings that are important for caregivers relate to the importance of bodyloving, sensitivity to infant signals, and prompt responsiveness to infant needs for ensuring later emotional mental health, problem-solving competency, and ego-resiliency in the preschool years. Personal and contexual ways that trainers can foster competence in caregivers are explained. These include modeling positive interactions with infants and parents, exploring beliefs, values, and feelings, and praising trainees as they try new ways to embed curricular goals into daily routines with babies.
Analytical Sensitivity of Acoustic Power Radiated from Plates

A general formulation to obtain the analytical expressions for the sensitivity of the acoustic power radiated by a vibrating structure to one of its design variables is described. The formulation, which is based on finite elements, is applied to both single frequency and broad band harmonic excitation of plates. The sensitivity coefficients indicate the effect of changing various design or modeling parameters on the acoustic power and can be used to optimize the structure for minimum sound radiation. Analytical sensitivity estimates are compared with finite difference values. Results show that analytical sensitivity analysis is important from both computational time and accuracy points of view