cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Objective psychomotor skills assessment of experienced and novice flexible endoscopists with a virtual reality simulator.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the GI Mentor II virtual reality simulator can distinguish the psychomotor skills of intermediately experienced endoscopists from those of novices, and do so with a high level of consistency and reliability. A total of five intermediate and nine novice endoscopists were evaluated using the EndoBubble abstract psychomotor task. Each subject performed three repetitions of the task. Performance and error data were recorded for each trial. The intermediate group performed better than the novice group in each trial. The differences were significant in trial 1 for balloons popped (P = .001), completion time (P = .04), and errors (P = .03). Trial 2 showed significance only for balloons popped (P = .002). Trial 3 showed significance for balloons popped (P = .004) and errors (P = .008). The novice group showed significant improvement between trials 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). No improvement was noted in the intermediate group. Measures of consistency and reliability were greater than 0.8 in both groups with the exception of novice completion time where test-retest reliability was 0.74. The GI Mentor II simulator can distinguish between novice and intermediate endoscopists. The simulator assesses skills with levels of consistency and reliability required for high-stakes assessment.
Discussion of Clinical Neuroendocrinology Section

The three papers by Drs. Besser, Yen and Muller are elegant examples of current work in clinical neuroendocrinology. They illustrate the powerful insights and tools that basic research has given to the clinical investigator, outline the scope of the major questions in pituitary regulation that are still unresolved, and anticipate some of the clinical benefits that have followed elucidation of the mechanisms of hypothalamic-pituitary regulation. Dr. Besser ascribes the beginnings of clinical neuroendocrinology to the introduction of synthetic hypothalamic releasing hormones and of dopamine agonists into clinical medicine. To be sure, these events must be considered to be a watershed in development of clinical neuroendocrinology for they mark the introduction of specific pharmacological tools into diagnosis and treatment, but the origins of clinical neuroendocrinology reach back much further. Perhaps these origins can be found in the writings of Vesalius(1543) who described the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid into the nose, hence the term pituitary (mucous, pituita, Gr.) or even earlier, in the writings of Aristotle, (384–322, B.C.), a doctor’s son who described pseudocyesis and the effects of castration on sex drive in animals and in man.
A multicenter study of neurocognition in children with hypertension: Methods, challenges, and solutions

Hypertensive adults demonstrate decreased performance on neurocognitive testing compared with that of normotensive controls. There is now emerging, preliminary evidence that children with hypertension also manifest neurocognitive differences when compared with normotensive controls, findings postulated to potentially represent early signs of hypertensive target organ damage to the brain. However, reports in children to date have been limited to database and single-center studies. We have established an ongoing, prospective, multicenter study of neurocognition in children with primary hypertension. This article outlines the study methods, with particular attention to the unique challenges in this area of clinical research. We highlight aspects of the study design that are specifically designed as solutions to these challenges.
Manufacturing cost of active-matrix liquid-crystal displays as a function of plant capacity

This work models the cost of 10-in class active-matrix liquid-crystal display (AM-LCD) manufacturing as a function of plant capacity for both first generation plants in 1993 and second generation plants in 1995. In order to model manufacturing costs as a function of plant capacity, this work distinguishes between capacity-dependent and capacity-independent costs. Among the costs included in our model are the costs of capital equipment, materials and labor. Decreases in materials and components costs and improvements in process yield are shown to be the primary factors driving reductions in manufacturing cost per display for large-scale plants. The minimum efficient scale is found to be roughly 57000 displays per month for a first generation plant and roughly 150000 displays per month for a second generation plant.
Microtubule assembly is regulated by externally applied strain in cultured smooth muscle cells

Mechanical forces clearly regulate the development and phenotype of a variety of tissues and cultured cells. However, it is not clear how mechanical information is transduced intracellularly to alter cellular function. Thermodynamic modeling predicts that mechanical forces influence microtubule assembly, and hence suggest microtubules as one potential cytoskeletal target for mechanical signals. In this study, the assembly of microtubules was analyzed in rat aortic smooth muscle cells cultured on silicon rubber substrates exposed to step increases in applied strain. Cytoskeletal and total cellular protein fractions were extracted from the cells following application of the external strain, and tubulin levels were quantified biochemically via a competitive ELISA and western blotting using bovine brain tubulin as a standard. In the first set of experiments, smooth muscle cells were subjected to a step-increase in strain and the distribution of tubulin between monomeric, polymeric, and total cellular pools was followed with time. Microtubule mass increased rapidly following application of the strain, with a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in microtubule mass from 373+/-32 pg/cell (t=0) to 514+/-30 pg/cell (t=15 minutes). In parallel, the amount of soluble tubulin decreased approximately fivefold. The microtubule mass decreased after 1 hour to a value of 437+/-24 pg/cell. In the second set of experiments, smooth muscle cells were subjected to increasing doses of externally applied strain using a custom-built strain device. Monomeric, polymeric, and total tubulin fractions were extracted after 15 minutes of applied strain and quantified as for the earlier experiments. Microtubule mass increased with increasing strain while total cellular tubulin levels remained essentially constant at all strain levels. These findings are consistent with a thermodynamic model which predicts that microtubule assembly is promoted as a cell is stretched and compressional loads on the microtubules are presumably relieved. Furthermore, these data suggest microtubules are a potential target for translating changes in externally applied mechanical stimuli to alterations in cellular phenotype.
Equity in Social Risk: Some Empirical Observations

In societal risk analysis the equity of the distribution of risks is often an important consideration owing to the special nature of health risks. We empirically validate some assumptions about equity that have been discussed in the decision analytic literature. Our results show that the way fatalities are distributed throughout a society is considered along with the number of fatalities in evaluating alternative policies involving mortality risks. The concepts of ex ante equity and ex post equity are both shown to be important in judgments of fairness. We next present a decision model based on multiattribute preference theory incorporating the number of fatalities, as well as ex ante equity and ex post equity. When ex ante equity and ex post equity are positively weighted in this fair-risk model, options with more equal risk distributions are ranked higher. Next we empirically show that the distribution of benefits has an impact on judgments of fairness. The fair-risk model does not include information on the benefits distribution, so it would apply when benefits are distributed equally or when the decision maker wishes to not include benefits in the model. We briefly discuss how the notion of proportional equity can incorporate benefits into judgments of the fairness of risk distributions. We then include benefits in a more general model in which fair risk-benefit combinations are those that are exchange equitable. A key implication of this envy-free risk–benefit model is that an unequal distribution of risks may be preferred if it is accompanied by a compensatory differential in benefits consistent with peoples' preference tradeoffs between received benefits and assumed risks. Finally, we discuss how perceived deservedness may influence judgments about equity. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of research on alternative notions of equity for policy makers dealing with social risks.
On the maximum likelihood duty cycle of an appliance and its validation

A physically based load model that incorporates the effects of random variations of load behavior is used to derive the probability density function (PDF) of the duty cycle of a residential thermostat-controlled heating unit. The PDF of the duty cycle is a function of the house parameters, outside temperature, and the statistics of random influences on the load. From the PDF, the maximum likelihood estimate of the duty cycle is deduced numerically. Simulations using real data were carried out to assess the influence of the temperature gradient, appliance rating, and the random disturbance. Two households were selected for verifying the maximum-likelihood duty cycle prediction of heat pumps during winter. Very good correlation exists between the prediction and measurement. >
The Variabilty of Wind-Aided Free-Burning Fires

Abstract An empirical representation of the power spectral density of horizontal gustiness near
Mechanical Characterization for Identifying an Appropriate Thermal Cycle for Curing Ceramic/Glass Composite Seals

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) require seals that can function in severe environments at elevated temperatures. Sealing remains a significant issue for all types of planar SOFCs. In fact seals could be considered the most critical component for commercializing the entire SOFC technology. Not only do inadequate seals present a barrier to commercialization of SOFCs, but there are also significant and interesting fundamental issues in materials selection, characterization, and design. The present research focuses on a novel ceramic/glass composite seal that is produced by roller compaction. It was found that the high heating and cooling rates during binder burnout cycles resulted in seals that were significantly weaker in compression. Post-test analysis showed that the number of micro-voids and other surface anomalies increased significantly with faster heating and cooling rates. By studying the microstructures, surface topography, and mechanical responses of seals cured at different rates, the current research proposes an appropriate thermal cycle for curing the green seals. Seals, thus cured, include minimum micro-voids and surface anomalies and have better compressive mechanical response. These properties would help provide better sealing performance and increased longevity at SOFC operating conditions.
Step and Flash Imprint Lithography modeling and process development

Step and Flash Imprint Lithography (SFIL) is a low pressure, room temperature process capable of faithfully reproducing nanometer scale features. By eliminating expensive imaging optics, SFIL is able to realize this pattern transfer at low cost. Previous work has described the SFIL process in detail including a general process description, etch transfer processes, initial defect studies, polymerization kinetics, and device demonstrations. This paper documents photopolymerization induced shrinkage of the etch barrier and its effect on pattern fidelity and line profile. Results from finite element and mesoscale models are compared to imprinted etch barriers of varying shrinkage.
Clumpy Galaxies in the Early Universe

Clumpy galaxies are prominent in the early Universe. We present morphological and photometric properties of a wide range of galaxy types and their star-forming clumps in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. Sizes, scale lengths, and scale heights suggest that galaxies grow by a factor of 2 from z = 4 to the present, and that thick disks are present in the early Universe. The largest clumps of star formation are 107–109M⊙ in different galaxies, much more massive than large star-forming complexes in local galaxies. Dissolved clumps may account for both the exponential disks and the early thick disks of spirals and proto-spiral galaxies.
Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Arthroplasty: Clinical Review

In contrast to cervical and lumbar fusion procedures, the principal aim of disk arthroplasty is to recapitulate the normal kinematics and biomechanics of the spinal segment affected. Following decompression of the neural elements, disk arthroplasty allows restoration of disk height and maintenance of spinal alignment. Based on clinical observations and biomechanical testing, the anticipated advantage of arthroplasty over standard arthrodesis techniques has been a proposed reduction in the development of symptomatic ALD. In this review of cervical and lumbar disk arthroplasty, we highlight the clinical results and experience with standard fusion techniques, incidence of ALD in the population of patients with surgical fusion, and indications for arthroplasty, as well as the biomechanical and clinical outcomes following arthroplasty. In addition, we introduce the devices currently available and provide a critical appraisal of the clinical evidence regarding arthroplasty procedures.
Different effects of transcriptional regulators MarA, SoxS and Rob on susceptibility of Escherichia coli to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs): Rob-dependent CAMP induction of the marRAB operon

Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), a component of the mammalian immune system, protect the host from bacterial infections. The roles of the Escherichia coli transcriptional regulators MarA, SoxS and Rob in susceptibility to these peptides were examined. Overexpression of marA, either in an antibiotic-resistant marR mutant or from a plasmid, decreased bacterial susceptibility to CAMPs. Overexpression of the soxS gene from a plasmid, which decreased susceptibility to antibiotics, unexpectedly caused no decrease in CAMP susceptibility; instead it produced increased susceptibility to different CAMPs. Deletion or overexpression of rob had little effect on CAMP susceptibility. The marRAB operon was upregulated when E. coli was incubated in sublethal amounts of CAMPs polymyxin B, LL-37 or human β-defensin-1; however, this upregulation required Rob. Deletion of acrAB increased bacterial susceptibility to polymyxin B, LL-37 and human β-defensin-1 peptides. Deletion of tolC yielded an even greater increase in susceptibility to these peptides and also led to increased susceptibility to human α-defensin-2. Inhibition of cellular proton-motive force increased peptide susceptibility for wild-type and acrAB deletion strains; however, it decreased susceptibility of tolC mutants. These findings demonstrate that CAMPs are both inducers of marA-mediated drug resistance through interaction with Rob and also substrates for efflux in E. coli. The three related transcriptional regulators show different effects on bacterial cell susceptibility to CAMPs.
Radial Artery Free and T Graft Patency as Coronary Artery Bypass Conduit Over a 15-Year Period

Background—The radial artery is often used as the second arterial graft for coronary artery bypass grafting. Little is known about the differences in long-term patency between radial free and T grafts. This study was performed to determine long-term radial artery patency over a 15-year period. Methods and Results—Radial arteries were used as free grafts or T grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting over a 15-year period. Patients were contacted to determine if postoperative cardiac catheterization was performed and examination of any reports and films was performed. Grafts were graded as patent, luminal irregularity, or occluded. Each sequential graft was counted separately. Between September 1993 and December 2008, 13 926 patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and 3248 patients had at least one radial artery graft used as a conduit. Catheterizations were performed at a mean of 7.4±3.8 years (range, 3 days to 14.4 years) on 372 radial artery grafts (103 free and 269 T) in 215 patien...
Adaptive inter-router links for low-power, area-efficient and reliable Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures

The increasing wire delay constraints in deep sub-micron VLSI designs have led to the emergence of scalable and modular Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures. As the power consumption, area overhead and performance of the entire NoC is influenced by the router buffers, research efforts have targeted optimized router buffer design. In this paper, we propose iDEAL - inter-router, dual-function energy and area-efficient links capable of data transmission as well as data storage when required. iDEAL enables a reduction in the router buffer size by controlling the repeaters along the links to adaptively function as link buffers during congestion, thereby achieving nearly 30% savings in overall network power and 35% reduction in area with only a marginal 1 -- 3% drop in performance. In addition, aggressive speculative flow control further improves the performance of iDEAL. Moreover, the significant reduction in power consumption and area provides sufficient headroom for monitoring Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) effects in order to improve circuit reliability at reduced feature sizes.
RASP 2.8: A new generation of floating-gate based field programmable analog array

The RASP 2.8 is a very powerful reconfigurable analog computing platform with thirty-two computational analog blocks (CABs). Each CAB has a wide variety of sub-circuits ranging in granularity from multipliers and programmable offset wide linear range Gm blocks to NMOS and PMOS transistors. The programmable interconnects and circuit elements in the CAB are implemented using floating gate transistors. This system exhibits significant performance enhancements over its predecessor in terms of achievable signal bandwidth (> 50 MHz), accuracy (> 9 bits), dynamic range (> 7 decades of current), speed of floating-gate programming (> 200 gates/sec) and isolation between ON and OFF switches. The improved bandwidth is primarily due to an improved routing fabric that includes nearest neighbor connections. Programming performance improved drastically by implementing the entire algorithm on-chip with an SPI digital interface. Several complex system examples are presented.
Uranium recovery from seawater: development of fiber adsorbents prepared via atom-transfer radical polymerization

A novel adsorbent preparation method using atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) combined with radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) was developed to synthesize an adsorbent for uranium recovery from seawater. The ATRP method allowed a much higher degree of grafting on the adsorbent fibers (595–2818%) than that allowed by RIGP alone. The adsorbents were prepared with varied compositions of amidoxime groups and hydrophilic acrylate groups. The successful preparation revealed that both ligand density and hydrophilicity were critical for optimal performance of the adsorbents. Adsorbents synthesized in this study showed a relatively high performance (141–179 mg g−1 at 49–62% adsorption) in laboratory screening tests using a uranium concentration of ∼6 ppm. This performance is much higher than that of known commercial adsorbents. However, actual seawater experiment showed impeded performance compared to the recently reported high-surface-area-fiber adsorbents, due to slow adsorption kinetics. The impeded performance motivated the investigation of the effect of hydrophilic block addition on the graft chain terminus. The addition of a hydrophilic block on the graft chain terminus nearly doubled the uranium adsorption capacity in seawater, from 1.56 mg g−1 to 3.02 mg g−1. The investigation revealed the importance of polymer chain conformation, in addition to the ligand and hydrophilic group ratio, for advanced adsorbent synthesis for uranium recovery from seawater.
A fatal case of large ball valve thrombus in the left atrium in a young girl.

A 17-year-old female presented to the cardiac outpatient department with dyspnoea NYHA grade IV for the past 1 month. The patient reported a history of breathlessness for the past 5 years. On examination, the pulse rate was 90/min, regular with frequent ectopics, and BP was 90/50 mmHg. On cardiovascular examination, S1 and P2 were loud with mid diastolic murmur (MDM), pan systolic murmur (PSM) and early diastolic murmur (EDM) heard. Electrocardiography (ECG) showed normal sinus rhythm (NSM) with huge P wave. Echocardiography examination revealed severe mitral stenosis (MS) (mitral valve area (MVA): 0.65 cm2 by planimetry, Fig. 1A; a mean gradient of 33 mmHg across mitral valve, Fig. 1B), severe pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), significant tricuspid stenosis (TS), severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and mild pulmonary regurgitation (PR). There was a large ball-shaped left atrium (LA) thrombus (3.65×3.55 cm), which was freely mobile and intermittently obstructing mitral orifice (Fig. 2A and B; Videos 1 and 2). The patient was immediately referred for open mitral commissurotomy/mitral valve replacement (OMC/MVR), aortic valve replacement (AVR), tricuspid valve repair and LA clot removal. The patient succumbed to sudden cardiac death before surgery could be performed. This case was an unusual fatal presentation of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) with severe multivalvular involvement with a large ball valve thrombus at such a young age (1, 2, 3). Figure 1 (A) Planimetry of the mitral valve and (B) pressure gradient across the mitral valve. Figure 2 (A) Apical four chamber (AP4C) and (B) modified parasternal short axis (PSAX) view showing a large left atrium (LA) thrombus. Video 1 AP4C view showing a large ball valve thrombus in the LA. Download Video 1 via http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/ERP-14-0064-v1 Download Video 1 Video 2 Modified PSAX view showing a large ball valve thrombus and a clear left atrial appendage (LAA). Download Video 2 via http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/ERP-14-0064-v2 Download Video 2
Reconceptualizing Value Creation with Limited Resources

In traditional economics and finance the notion of value creation is virtually synonymous with the net present value of cash flows. Such a characterization implies that all of the uses of resource inputs, such as raw material and energy, are known and that their value is priced into commodities markets. It also fails to allow for the opportunity cost associated with the depletion of resources which, with advancing technology, might reasonably have future uses far greater in value than can be achieved at present with current technology. Stated differently, in traditional valuation analysis the option value associated with scarce resources –when new technology or knowledge can be applied to them– is not addressed. In the present work, we define technology leverage as representative of this effect. We then address the problem of sustainability of organizations by stating four propositions and examining their implications for government policy and for firm governance.
Subpicosecond Pulses From A Synchronously Mode-Locked Traveling-Wave Ring Dye Laser

A synchronously-pumped, ring dye laser has produced pulses as short as 0.65 picoseconds with peak powers over 4 kilowatts and with improved tuneability and average powers when compared with linear dye lasers.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Who Controls the Past

A modern, complex, information-rich society requires that archivists reexamine their role as selectors. The changing structure of modern institutions and the use of sophisticated technologies have altered the nature of records, and only a small portion of the vast documentation can be kept. Archivists are challenged to select a lasting record, but they lack techniques to support this decision-making. Documentation strategies are proposed to respond to these problems.
Active Transport across Intestinal Epithelia and Other Bifacial Cell Systems

In Chapter 11 the subject of selective solute accumulation and exclusion in isolated cells was extensively discussed. The weight of evidence supports the view that the asymmetry in the distribution of ions and other solutes across the surface of living cells is not the result of the continuous operation of pumps or active transport, but rather is an expression of a metastable equilbrium in which selective adsorption raises the intracellular solute level and partial exclusion from cell water reduces the intracellular solute level. Together these two mechanisms produce the great variety of solute distribution patterns seen in living cells. Cells like frog muscles, squid axons, and red blood cells are typically “solid bodies” surrounded by a single interface with the cells’ aqueous environment. We refer to these cells as unifacial cells.
Elevated temperature tensile tests on DU–10Mo rolled foils

Abstract Studies were completed to obtain tensile mechanical properties for uranium-10 wt.% molybdenum (U 10Mo) foils which were subjected to four different thermomechanical processing conditions. U Mo alloy foils are being investigated to support fuel conversion of high power research reactors from their current high enriched fuel form to a low enriched fuel form. Mechanical properties of the fuel foil have an effect on irradiation performance and fuel fabrication and therefore are required to support modeling and qualification of new low-enriched uranium monolithic fuel plate designs. The data contained in this document contributes to fuel qualification by fulfilling the requirement that physical properties related to fuel meat be established. It is expected that depleted uranium-10 wt% Mo (DU–10Mo) mechanical behavior is representative of the low-enriched U 10Mo to be used in actual fuel plates; therefore DU–10Mo was studied to simplify material processing, handling, and testing requirements. In this report, the different thermomechanical treatments included variations of wrought hot and cold rolling reduction and post rolling annealing. Each of the four foils was hot rolled. After hot rolling reduction, three of the four foils were further reduced by cold rolling. One of the three was reduced a further 20% by cold rolling, and the remaining two were reduced 50% by cold rolling. Following cold rolling reduction, one of the two foils which had been reduced 50% by cold rolling was annealed at 650 °C. Performing this analysis allows assessment of the impact of foil fabrication history on the resultant tensile properties DU–10Mo fuel foils. Tensile properties of DU–10Mo at room temperature through approximately 400 °C determined from the tests conducted herein suggest the material is stronger and has lower ductility than what has been reported previously in the literature. The explanation for these differences has yet to be determined, but is likely related to differences in grain size and/or impurity content, and variation in fabrication history. At the highest temperatures tested (550 °C) better agreement between the values reported here and available literature was found. As expected, yield and ultimate tensile strength decreased with increasing test temperature. Generally, the yield stress for all foil processing conditions was found to be in the range of 1100 MPa for room temperature tests, and in the range of 200 MPa for tests conducted at 550 °C. Ultimate tensile stress was in the range of 1175 MPa at room temperature, decreasing to approximately 225 MPa at 550 °C. Elongation increased significantly, from 0 to 2% at room temperature to 50% or more for the tests at 550 °C.
Obstacle Avoidance System for a Quadrotor UAV

The implementation of the S&C capability was based on the Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree (RRT) and optimal path algorithms. Both of these algorithms required that a map of the surroundings be known prior to navigating between two or more designated waypoints. The location of the quadrotor was determined using IMU data and quadrotor dynamics. The RRT algorithm makes use of a randomly growing space-filling tree that expands to cover unexplored regions of the environment. Each node in this tree is represented as an intermediate waypoint. The optimal path algorithm chooses the shortest route from the starting location and a target waypoint, which is manually specified in the code. The final result of the optimal path algorithm is shown for a sample case, where the quadrotor must navigate between two rooms that is connected by an open doorway. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE & BEHAVIOR: The functional behavior of the individual components are shown in Figure 4 below. The autopilot provides IMU data which are used to obtain the quadrotor’s position relative to its starting location. This is calculated from the dynamics equations of the quadrotor. The quadrotor then computes the distance to the next waypoint, changes its heading, and flies there using the built-in PID control system. This process is continued until the target waypoint is reached. The sonars assist in altitude maintenance and in keeping the quadrotor at a safe distance from walls or obstacles. Figure 1. Quadrotor RESULTS & ANALYSIS: The algorithm and functionality of the quadrotor was tested as follows. The algorithm was regression tested to check for bugs. Meanwhile, the quadrotor was bench-tested to see its response to nearby obstacles. The algorithms were then implemented onto the autopilot and several flight tests were done in the hallways of the apartments at Cal Poly Pomona’s Village residential area. Overall, adequate results have not been obtained to gauge the success of the obstacle avoidance capability and testing is still ongoing. The following issues were detected. The quadrotor was found to drift in autonomous mode and could not maintain a steady position. This is due to the sensitivity of the sonar, as shown in Figure 5. Drifting was also due to the quadrotor’s propeller wash when in close proximity to the ground. In addition, the quadrotor position measurements were not accurate. The position was inaccurate by a few centimeters. This caused the quadrotor to miss its intermediate and target waypoints. Finally, the quadrotor only responded to static obstacles (i.e. obstacles that were already known to exist on the environment map). Unknown obstacles that were detected during navigation (pop-up obstacles) caused the quadrotor to stop and fail to pursue its target waypoint.
Evaluation of catalyst acidity and substrate electronic effects in a hydrogen bond-catalyzed enantioselective reaction.

A modular catalyst structure was applied to evaluate the effects of catalyst acidity in a hydrogen bond-catalyzed hetero Diels−Alder reaction. Linear free energy relationships between catalyst acidity and both rate and enantioselectivity were observed, where greater catalyst acidity leads to increased activity and enantioselectivity. A relationship between reactant electronic nature and rate was also observed, although there is no such correlation to enantioselectivity, indicating the system is under catalyst control.
A precise method to measure the trunk diameter of standing tree using total station

Considering that the trunk diameter is an important indicator in the forest resources survey,a new precise method based on Tie Distance principle was introduced to measure the trunk diameter of the standing tree. The theoretical accuracy of this method was validated by using instrument of South Total Station NTS-3401 with non-prism,and the actual accuracy was analyzed combining with real measured values. The results showed that the mean square error of theoretical accuracy with the South Total Station NTS-3401 was less than 0. 4 mm. In order to verify the accuracy with South Total Station NTS-3401,the mean value of measured results for three time with DBH( diameter at breast height) ruler was used as the real data,and the real error was within 1 mm,which meets the requirement of forestry measurement,that nearest to 1 mm. Therefore the method of the total station satisfies the accuracy requirement of millimeter level in measuring the diameter of standing trees in forestry measurement,and could solve the difficulty of non-contact measuring the diameter of trunk at the part higher than over 2 m.
On Social Change and Social Science Research in Africa

Since its establishment in 1966, the Research Liaison Committee has been charged by the members of the African Studies Association with the responsibility of finding ways to strengthen collaboration among African scholars and scholars from North America engaged in African research. The R.L.C, has been the principal instrument of the African Studies Association for informing and advising its members about research projects conducted in Africa by African, American, and other scholars; about the programs and facilities of research centers and institutes located in Africa; about the policies and procedures of governments and universities in Africa with respect to research and the activities of foreign research workers; and about the special needs and priority concerns of the governmental and academic research communities in Africa. The obverse of these responsibilities has been the effort by the R.L.C, to improve the means of communication with African research centers and to increase their familiarity with the capabilities and interests of American scholars concerned with Africa, particularly in the social sciences, the humanities, and in the broad field of development research. The R.L.C. has found two principal means of carrying out these responsibilities. First, it has entered into cooperation with groups of research centers in Africa, and with councils of scholars and directors of research institutes, to enlarge the exchange of information between the scholarly communities of Africa and North America; a notable example is the collaboration with the Council of Directors of Economic and Social Research Institutes in Africa (CODESRIA), whose chairman, Dr. H. M. A. Onitiri of the University of Ibadan, visited major centers of African studies in the United States in the spring of 1969 as a guest of the African Studies Association.
Inverse Trigonometric Functions

This chapter provides an overview on inverse trigonometric functions. To define an inverse trigonometric function, one must insist that for each number in its domain, there corresponds only one number in its range. The domain of the inverse function must be the range of the trigonometric function, and vice versa. The need for such precise definitions of the inverse trigonometric functions is the necessity of avoiding any inconsistency in their applications. To define the inverse trigonometric function, one must restrict the domain of the sine function. This chapter also illustrates the graphs of the four inverse trigonometric functions, namely, arcsin, arctan, arccos, and arccot, with the corresponding graphs of the trigonometric functions sketched in dotted lines. It also illustrates the method of solution of equations of inverse trigonometric functions and general solutions of trigonometric equations with examples.
Ni(dmgH)2 complex coupled with metal-organic frameworks MIL-101(Cr) for photocatalytic H2 evolution under visible light irradiation

Abstract Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been tremendously used as photocatalysts for H 2 generation in recent years. Lacking native active sites (so-called co-catalyst) for H 2 generation motivates the incorporation of noble metals and their molecular complexes, hydrogenase active site mimics into MOFs to promote H 2 generation. We herein report an noble-metal-free photocatalytic H 2 generation system consisting of Erythrosin B dye-sensitized MIL-101(Cr) as a light absorber and Ni(dmgH) 2 as a co-catalyst. It is found that Ni(dmgH) 2 can serve as an efficient co-catalyst to boost H 2 generation in the presence of triethanolamine (TEOA) as an electron donor under visible light irradiation. The optimal MIL-101(Cr)/Ni(dmgH) 2 hybrid (5 wt% Ni(dmgH) 2 ) displays a hydrogen H 2 rate of 45.5 μmol h −1 , which is 10 times greater than the control sample without Ni(dmgH) 2 loading. This paper provides a novel design route for active H 2 generation systems by combining molecular complexes of earth-abundant metal and MOFs photocatalysts.
Temperature dependence of the yield strength of aluminum thin films: Multiscale modeling approach

Abstract Modeling deformation at elevated temperatures using discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) is a recent area of high interest. However, the literature dedicated to this subject fails to address the variations of DDD parameters with temperature. This study aims to investigate the effect of temperature on the yield strength of aluminum thin films in two-dimensional DDD simulations. To this end, the temperature dependence of DDD parameters has been studied using molecular dynamics, three-dimensional DDD simulations, and the existing experimental results. Based on these calculations, we observed 18% decrease in the yield strength when temperature was increased from 100 K to 600 K.
Hybrid normed ideal perturbations of n-tuples of operators II: weak wave operators

We prove a general weak existence theorem for wave operators for hybrid normed ideal perturbations. We then use this result to prove the invariance of Lebesgue absolutely continuous parts of n-tuples of commuting hermitian operators under hybrid normed ideal perturbations from a class studied in the first paper of this series.
Challenges in using the Arden Syntax for computer-based nosocomial infection surveillance.

CONTEXT: Detection of outbreaks of infection in the hospital typically requires daily manual review of microbiology laboratory test results. This process is time-consuming, tedious, prone to error and may miss trends in infection. A standard formalism for procedural knowledge representation, the Arden Syntax, provides a vehicle for implementing algorithms for detecting such infections. OBJECTIVE: To design and implement a computer-based system for detection of concerning patterns of infection or antibiotic resistance. SETTING: Computer-based event monitor and central patient data repository at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center (CPMC). RESULTS: We designed a two-phase system, including initial filtering of individual patient laboratory results by Arden Syntax Medical Logic Modules (MLMs) and subsequent aggregation and analysis across patients and locations using a statistical monitor. Preliminary data for the filtration phase demonstrate a 94.8% reduction in the volume of messages that must be considered in surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Filtering raw laboratory results using a standard formalism eases the process of aggregating data across patients and sites as well as detecting trends in infection. There is a need for augmenting such formalisms in order to enable population-based decision support.
Collaborative Governance and Disaster Recovery: The National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) in the U.S.

Disasters impact communities and individuals and disrupt social-technical systems and community functions. Consequences of disasters can be minimized if communities and people reduce their vulnerabilities and increase their resilience. Disaster response received significant attention from the researchers and practitioners alike. In a sense it is easy to study short term disaster response. Investment in immediate disaster response also makes sense for policy makers. Unfortunately research on disaster recovery is very limited and it is considered the ignored phase of emergency management and existing knowledge and applied research of this phase is seriously lagging behind compared to what is required today. Disaster recovery is usually perceived and understood as a slow phase that begins after critical decisions and needs are met after a disaster. There is also a perceived notion that the government agencies at all levels have committed resources more to disaster response and relief efforts and less to recovery (and mitigation) efforts. Thus it is important to pay heed to this crucial phase of managing disasters. Recovery is a long process that offers ample opportunity to rebuild and redevelop resilient and sustainable communities. The chapter highlights that a shared effort to redevelop, restore, and rebuild a community requires effective intergovernmental and cross-sector collaboration and cooperation. Recent recovery experiences in the US, especially post-Katrina, have shown a considerable lack of coordination between different government agencies as well as political conflicts in planning and executing recovery efforts. The complex nature of recovery planning and efforts requires pre-disaster and post-disaster collaboration between different stakeholders including private, public, nonprofit organizations and citizens. This chapter focuses on collaborative governance principles applied to disaster recovery using the recent National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) in the U.S. as an example. The development of NDRF is also included briefly in the chapter. This chapter is important to gauge the usefulness of a national level recovery framework. This framework may assist in altering the general perception about the Federal government’s lack of effort and planning towards disaster recovery.
Thermionic cooling efficiency of functionalized carbon nanotube thin films

A large thermionic cooling effect is observed from a functionalized carbon nanotube cathode surface, and the cooling efficiency, defined as thermionic cooling power as a percentage of total input heating power to the surface, is reported. The cathode consists of a thin tungsten ribbon covered with low work function barium strontium oxide coated carbon nanotubes. It has both a low work function surface and a large Schottky field effect induced by the carbon nanotubes. The combination of the two leads to a strong thermionic emission and hence a relatively large thermionic cooling effect and high cooling efficiency. Detailed measurements of the cathode temperature profiles are presented together with the analysis of the cooling efficiency. The highest cooling efficiency obtained in this study is 5.9% at 1099 °C of cathode temperature and 114.5 mA of thermionic emission current. The dependencies of the cooling efficiency on the cathode temperature and on the emission current are also presented. Prospects of further improvements are discussed as well.
Use of intraosseous hypertonic saline in critically ill patients.

Background:Rapid administration of hypertonic saline 23.4% is crucial in treatment of herniation syndromes. Hypertonic 23.4% saline must be administered via a central line. In cases where central l...
Hepatitis C testing and patient characteristics in Washington state's prisons between 2012 and 2016.

Introduction There is no widely accepted testing approach for hepatitis C virus infection in correctional settings, and many U.S. prisons do not provide routine testing. The aim of this study was to determine the most effective hepatitis C virus testing strategy in one U.S. state prison and describe the population with reactive testing. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed using individuals entering the Washington State prison system, which routinely offers hepatitis C virus testing, to compare routine opt-out with current recommendations for risk-based and one-time testing for individuals born between 1945 and 1965. Additionally, liver fibrosis stage was characterized using aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and Fibrosis-4 index. Analyses were conducted in 2017. Results Between 2012 and 2016, a total of 24,567 (83%) individuals were tested for the hepatitis C virus antibody and 4,921 (20%) were reactive (test was positive). There were 2,403 (49%) that had hepatitis C virus RNA testing, with 1,727 (72%) showing chronic infection. Reactive antibody was more prevalent in individuals born between 1945 and 1965 compared with other years (44% vs 17%); however, most cases (72%) were outside of this cohort. Up to 35% of positive reactive tests would be missed with testing targeted by birth cohort and risk behavior. Of chronically infected individuals, 23% had at least moderate liver fibrosis. Conclusions Targeted testing in the Washington State prison system missed a substantial proportion of hepatitis C virus cases; of those with reactive testing, a sizeable proportion of people had at least moderate liver disease, placing them at risk for complications. Routine testing at entry should be considered by U.S. state prisons.
Science Policy Training for a New Physician Leader: Description and Framework of a Novel Climate and Health Science Policy Fellowship

The accelerating health impacts of climate change are undermining global health, and the roles of the health sector in addressing the many challenges of climate change are being articulated by governments, multilateral institutions, and professional societies. Given the paucity of physician engagement on this issue to date, there now exists a clear need for health professionals to meet this new challenge with the development and cultivation of new knowledge and skill sets in public health, environmental science, policy, and communication. We describe a novel GME fellowship in climate and health science policy, designed to train a new generation of clinicians to provide the necessary perspective and skills for effective leadership in this field. This fellowship identifies available university resources and leverages external collaborations (government, medical consortiums, affiliate institutions in public health, and environmental science), which we describe as being replicatable to similar training programs of any number of medical specialties and likewise bring meaningful opportunities to their respective training programs and academic departments. The creation of this novel fellowship in climate and health policy provides a roadmap and potential path for similar programs to join us in addressing the defining health issue of this generation and many to follow.
Cavity-induced excitation of Dirac plasmons on graphene for tunable, polarization, and angle-independent enhanced light absorption (Conference Presentation)

The fast carrier relaxation time, high carrier mobility and electrostatic tunability make graphene a prospective ideal material for electronics and optoelectronics. However, its low optical absorption is a big obstacle. Moreover, for using graphene in the large area optoelectronic devices, any scheme for enhancing the light-matter interaction in graphene should be polarization and incident angle-independent. Here, we demonstrate a novel design of an optical cavity-coupled hexagonal nanohole and nanodisk array to excite Dirac plasmon. We compare the Dirac plasmon lifetimes of the graphene nanohole and nanodisk arrays and their role in the enhanced light-matter interaction. Coupling the patterned graphene to an optical cavity creates a temporal and spatial overlap between the graphene plasmon and cavity modes. This complex geometry gives rise to an unprecedented polarization independent light absorption of 60% on nanohole and 90% on nanodisk arrays in low carrier mobility CVD-grown monolayer graphene in the 8-12 um atmospheric transparent infrared imaging band. Electrostatically doping of the patterned graphene tune the surface plasmon resonance wavelength up to 2.5 um by applying a small gate voltage (4V). We show theoretically, and also for the first time the experimental results of the enhanced light absorption for the non-normal incidence. While the light absorption up to 40° (incident angle) is almost constant, the trend of the angular optical response for s- and p-polarized light are different which is validated by our analytical coupled-dipole approximation modeling. This electronically tunable wide angle extraordinary light absorption paves the path towards new generation of graphene-based optoelectronics devices.