cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Evolution for Global Business: A Synthetic Review of the Literature

This paper reviews the recent literature on business sustainability. While it is almost impossible to give a universally agreeable definition of “sustainability” due to its scope, depth, and inclusive nature, this paper reviews a fairly large set of research efforts, both empirical and normative, that examine the sustainability issue in regards to the theoretical development, the interface between business and society, the interrelationships among firms, markets, and the public interest, sustainability measurement and assessment, as well as the changes, developments, and evolution in recent years along those lines. The uniqueness of the study is to review the literature by following the developmental and evolutionary sequences in business sustainability in order to shed light on how the concept of corporate sustainability has evolved from the traditional shareholders-focused neoclassical view and how it is advanced from the ideas of environmentalism, stakeholder theory, and CSR.
Influence of Phase Stability on Radiation Damage Properties: Plutonium-Gallium Alloys

Modeling cascade and fission damage evolution of actinide materials of all kinds is essential for understanding their aging characteristics. As an example of how exotic some of the damage evolution behavior can be, plutonium-gallium (Pu-Ga) alloys in the δ-phase (fcc lattices) are explored. Aging emanates from the wide variety of spontaneous decay and fission products that, in the case of the Pu, are such species as helium (He) and uranium, among others, as well as interstitials, and vacancies. To aid in our understanding, the modified embedded atom method (MEAM) formalism is applied to the Pu-Ga-He system. The behavior of defects in the fcc (δ) phase of Pu-based materials is strongly influenced by the metastability of this phase. The influence of this metastability on minimum displacement threshold energy, point defect characteristics and He bubbles is delineated. The roles of short-range ordering and transformations of voids into stacking fault tetrahedra in the aging process are also examined.
Genetic Variability in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) I. Mutations Affecting Color Pattern

In order to develop a formal genetics for Aedes aegypti (L.), a search for mutations was initiated. Mosquitoes from eight laboratory strains were examined for variations in color pattern, and individuals showing a deviation from the wild type were selected and inbred to establish pure lines. Special techniques for the genetic manipulation of mosquitoes were developed. Nine inherited factors affecting color were isolated: (1) yellow larva, y, affecting color of the larval fat body; (2) gold mesonotum. G; (3) black palps, blp ; (4) white abdomen, W, a factor which increases white scaling on the abdominal tergites; (5) spot, s. sex-influenced factor affecting the lateral spots on the abdominal tergites; (6) black tarsi, blt ; (7) light foot, li, resulting in bleached scales of the fore legs of males; (8) speck, sp , a factor responsible for extra white scales on the female palp; and (9) black halteres, h. In some cases linkage tests have been performed, and most of these factors are now available for use as genetic markers.
DNA-Controlled Partition of Carbon Nanotubes in Polymer Aqueous Two-Phase Systems

Sorting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different chiralities is both scientifically interesting and technologically important. Recent studies have shown that polymer aqueous two-phase extraction is a very effective way to achieve nanotube sorting. However, works published to date have demonstrated only separation of surfactant-dispersed SWCNTs, and the mechanism of chirality-dependent SWCNT partition is not well understood. Here we report a systematic study of spontaneous partition of DNA-wrapped SWCNTs in several polymer aqueous two-phase systems. We show that partition of DNA-SWCNT hybrids in a given polymer two-phase system is strongly sequence-dependent and can be further modulated by salt and polymer additives. With the proper combination of DNA sequence, polymer two-phase system, and partition modulators, as many as 15 single-chirality nanotube species have been effectively purified from a synthetic mixture. As an attempt to provide a unified partition mechanism of SWCNTs dispersed by surfactants and by DNA, we present a qualitative analysis of solvation energy for SWCNT colloids in a polymer-modified aqueous phase. Our observation and analysis highlight the sensitive dependence of the hydration energy on the spatial distribution of hydrophilic functionalities.
Evaluation of standard and high-dose contrast-enhanced breath-hold liver magnetic resonance for visualization of metastatic disease in an animal model.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The ability of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to improve detection of liver metastases was evaluated in an experimental rabbit model. Scans using two different contrast doses, 0.1 and 0.3 mmol/kg, of a gadolinium chelate with extracellular distribution were compared to precontrast T2- and T1-weighted scans. METHODS Seven New Zealand White rabbits with VX-2 adenocarcinoma metastases to the liver were imaged at 1.5 tesla. Each animal was studied twice, on different days, to evaluate both contrast doses. Precontrast T2- and T1-weighted scans were compared to dynamic postcontrast T1-weighted scans obtained at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes after intravenous injection. All scans were acquired during suspended respiration. The contrast agent, Gd HP-DO3A (gadoteridol or ProHance), was administered as a bolus. Images were analyzed by region of interest measurements. RESULTS Injection of 0.3 mmol/kg Gd HP-DO3A produced liver enhancement which was statistically superior to 0.1 mmol/kg at all time points postcontrast. Enhancement of the paraspinous musculature at the higher dose was also statistically superior at all time points, with one exception (5 minutes postcontrast). Lesion detectability, evaluated by the signal difference over noise ratio, peaked at one minute postcontrast and was substantially greater at the higher contrast dose (31.4 +/- 8.3 at 0.3 mmol/kg versus 16.8 +/- 4.2 at 0.1 mmol/kg, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Using a rabbit model and breath-hold imaging technique, metastatic lesions in the liver were best visualized on early (1 minute) dynamic high dose (0.3 mmol/kg) postcontrast scans. Contrast dose and timing of image acquisition are critical issues for optimal liver lesion detection on magnetic resonance imaging.
Influence of Technological Media on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Materials for Fuel Cells

We study the influence of technological media of solid-oxide fuel cells on the mechanical and physical properties of Crofer JDA alloy and the materials based on the Ti3AlC2 -type MAX-phase. It is shown that Ti3AlC2 and Ti3AlC2 –Nb materials with a porosity of 1% are comparable with Crofer JDA alloy by electric conductivity but possess higher strength and heat resistance than this alloy for lower density. These results enable us to recommend the investigated materials for manufacturing the interconnects of solid-oxide fuel cells.
Wafer-scale fabrication and characterization of thin-film transistors with polythiophene-sorted semiconducting carbon nanotube networks.

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have great potential of becoming the channel material for future thin-film transistor technology. However, an effective sorting technique is needed to obtain high-quality semiconducting SWCNTs for optimal device performance. In our previous work, we reported a dispersion technique for semiconducting SWCNTs that relies on regioregular poly(3-dodecylthiophene) (rr-P3DDT) to form hybrid nanostructures. In this study, we demonstrate the scalability of those sorted CNT composite structures to form arrays of TFTs using standard lithographic techniques. The robustness of these CNT nanostructures was tested with Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscope images. Important trends in device properties were extracted by means of electrical measurements for different CNT concentrations and channel lengths (Lc). A statistical study provided an average mobility of 1 cm2/V·s and Ion/Ioff as high as 106 for short channel lengths (Lc = 1.5 μm) with 100% yield. Thi...
REASONS OF HEROIN USE DURING METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT AND EFFECT OF PERTINENT INTERVENTION ON IT

Objective:To understand the reasons of heroin use during methadone maintenance treatment(MMT) and the effect of pertinent intervention on it.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted on the reasons of heroin use during MMT among 120 patients.After the survey,they were randomly divided into two groups,one group was treated with MMT and pertinent intervention as well,and the other only treated with MMT.The quality of life,MMT efficacy and the effect of pertinent intervention were evaluated.Results:Psychological status,relationship with family and other drug users,bodily discomfort were the main reasons inducing heroin use during MMT;pertinent intervention improved the quality of life and raised the retention rate of MMT.Conclusion:Reasons causing drug use during MMT are various.Pertinent intervention on relapse can guarantee MMT efficacy.
Experimental Research on the Harmonic Oil Whip in Sliding Bearing-rotor System

In this paper,bearing-rotor test presented first-order natural frequency,1/2 and 1/3 harmonic oil whip as well as some nonlinearity such as bifurcation and chaos in oil whip.Moreover,the process and mechanism of sub-harmonic oil whip in rotor speed rising and drop was studied.According to the frequency locking of 1/2 and 1/3 harmonic oil whip,double low frequencies and amplitude-frequency bifurcation plots,further questions on bearing-rotor system nonlinear dynamics were presented.
Unique properties of R-type calcium currents in neocortical and neostriatal neurons.

Whole cell recordings from acutely dissociated neocortical pyramidal neurons and striatal medium spiny neurons exhibited a calcium-channel current resistant to known blockers of L-, N-, and P/Q-typ...
Phase I study of low-dose metronomic temozolomide for recurrent malignant gliomas

The treatment goal for recurrent malignant gliomas centers on disease stabilization while minimizing therapy-related side effects. Metronomic dosing of cytotoxic chemotherapy has emerged as a promising option to achieve this objective. This phase I study was performed using metronomic temozolomide (mTMZ) at 25 or 50 mg/m2/day continuously in 42-day cycles. Correlative studies were incorporated using arterial spin labeling MRI to assess tumor blood flow, analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 activities in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as surrogates for tumor angiogenesis and invasion, as well as determination of CSF soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha (sIL-2Rα) levels as a marker of immune modulation. Nine subjects were enrolled and toxicity consisted of primarily grade 1 or 2 hematological and gastrointestinal side effects; only one patient had a grade 3 elevated liver enzyme level that was reversible. Tumor blood flow was variable across subjects and time, with two experiencing a transient increase before a decrease to below baseline level while one exhibited a gradual drop in blood flow over time. MMP-2 activity correlated with overall survival but not with progression free survival, while MMP-9 activity did not correlate with either outcome parameters. Baseline CSF sIL-2Rα level was inversely correlated with time from initial diagnosis to first progression, suggesting that subjects with higher sIL-2Rα may have more aggressive disease. But they lived longer when treated with mTMZ, probably due to drug-related changes in T-cell constituency. mTMZ possesses efficacy against recurrent malignant gliomas by altering blood flow, slowing invasion and modulating antitumor immune function.
Recognizing the Best: The Productive and Counterproductive Effects of Relative Performance Recognition

I use a laboratory experiment to examine the productive and counterproductive effects of providing employees nonpecuniary recognition based on measures of relative performance. I find that, on average, recognition programs increase both productive efforts (those intended to increase one's own performance) and counterproductive efforts (those intended to decrease peer performance) in a setting where it is salient to employees that they can exert both productive and counterproductive efforts. Interestingly, I also find that these effects are moderated by the Dark Triad of personalities, a group of three personality traits. My study reveals that recognition programs mainly lead individuals who score lower on the Dark Triad to increase counterproductive efforts and those who score higher on the Dark Triad to increase productive efforts. These results contribute to the literature on relative performance information by demonstrating that recognition programs can have both productive and counterproductive effects. However, whether these programs produce mainly a productive or counterproductive effect depends on important personality characteristics of the employees.
From Shillington to Ipswich: John Updike’s Mid-Century Suburbia

Sociologist Ernest Manheim wrote in 1960 that “urban society is rapidly becoming American society” (228). In that same year, John Updike published Rabbit, Run—the first installment of what became h...
Consistent integration of experimental and ab initio data into effective physical models

We describe and test theoretical principles for consistent integration of experimental and ab initio data from diverse sources into a single statistical mechanical model. The approach is based on the recently introduced concept of statistical distance between partition functions, uses a simple vector algebra formalism to describe measurement outcomes and coarse-graining operations, and takes advantage of thermodynamic perturbation expressions for fast exploration of the model parameter space. The methodology is demonstrated on a combination of thermodynamic, structural, spectroscopic, and imaging pseudoexperimental data along with ab initio-type trajectories, which are incorporated into models describing the behavior of a near-critical fluid, liquid water, thin-film mixed oxides, and binary alloys. We evaluate how different target data constrain the model parameters and how the uncertainty associated with incomplete target information and limited sampling of the system’s phase space might influence the ch...
Using Backward Design in Education Research: A Research Methods Essay.

Education research within the STEM disciplines applies a scholarly approach to teaching and learning, with the intent of better understanding how people learn and of improving pedagogy at the undergraduate level. Most of the professionals practicing in this field have ‘crossed over’ from other disciplinary fields and thus have faced challenges in becoming experts in a new discipline. In this article, we offer a novel framework for approaching education research design called Backward Design in Education Research. It is patterned on backward curricular design and provides a three-step, systematic approach to designing education projects: 1) Define a research question that leads to a testable causal hypothesis based on a theoretical rationale; 2) Choose or design the assessment instruments to test the research hypothesis; and 3) Develop an experimental protocol that will be effective in testing the research hypothesis. This approach provides a systematic method to develop and carry out evidence-based research design.
Unlocking Reserve Assumptions Using Retrospective Analysis

In this paper, we define a retrospective accumulated net asset random variable and mathematically demonstrate that its expectation is the retrospective reserve which in turn is equivalent to the prospective reserve. We further explore various properties of this retrospective accumulated net asset random variable. In particular, we find and demonstrate that this retrospective random variable can be used as a tool for helping us extract historical information on the pattern and significance of deviation of actual experience from that assumed for reserving purposes. This information can subsequently guide us as to whether it becomes necessary to adjust prospective reserves and the procedure to do so. The paper concludes, as an illustration, with a model of a block of in force policies with actual experience different from reserving assumptions and a suggested methodology on how prospective reserves could be adjusted based on the realized retrospective accumulated net asset random variable.
Development of an efficient tightly coupled method for multiphysics reactor transient analysis

Abstract Picard Iteration is a widely used coupling method for multiphysics simulations. This method allows one to directly leverage existing and well-developed single-physics programs without re-writing large portions of the codes. In Picard Iteration, single-physics codes just iteratively pass solutions to each other as inputs until each code has reached a converged solution. However, multiphysics computation linked by Picard Iteration is susceptible to over-solving, which can make the overall computation much less efficient. Over-solving means that each single-physics code provides an accurate solution in each Picard Iteration, which is not necessary in practice. Solving the single-physics codes in an inexact manner, i.e. with relaxed termination criteria, can help avoid this problem. This work develops a modified Picard Iteration coupling method with adaptive, inexact termination criteria for the underlying single-physics codes. Also, nested within the inexact Picard Iteration, inexact Newton methods were applied in the single-physics codes. The effect on the overall computation efficiency due to the inexact (relaxed) termination criteria at both levels is investigated by applying them to solve reactor transient problems. A reactor dynamics problem with temperature feedback in one-dimensional slab geometry is used to scope the behavior of nested inexact solvers. Then these methods are applied to a larger two-dimensional Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) problem. Computational time savings reach 55% for the two-dimensional problem. Additionally, applying an inexact termination criterion (inexact Newton method) to each single-physics code results in a further time savings of up to 18%.
Machine learning in catalysis

Catalysis is a complex, multidimensional and multiscale field of research. Machine learning is helping to build better models, understand catalysis research and generate new knowledge about catalysis.
A reliable and resource aware framework for data dissemination in wireless sensor networks

Distinctive from traditional wireless ad hoc networks, wireless sensor networks (WSN) comprise a large number of low-cost miniaturized nodes each acting autonomously and equipped with short-range wireless communication mechanism, limited memory, processing power, and a physical sensing capability. Since sensor networks are resource constrained in terms of power, bandwidth and computational capability, an optimal system design radically changes the performance of the sensor network. Here, a comprehensive information dissemination scheme for wireless sensor networks is performed. Two main research issues are considered: (1) a collaborative flow of information packet/s from the source to sink and (2) energy efficiency of the sensor nodes and the entire system. For the first issue, we designed and evaluated a reactive and on-demand routing paradigm for distributed sensing applications. We name this scheme as IDLF-Information Dissemination via Label Forwarding. IDLF incorporates point to point data transmission where the source initiates the routing scheme and disseminates the information toward the sink (destination) node. Prior to transmission of actual data packet/s, a data tunnel is formed followed by the source node issuing small label information to its neighbors locally. These labels are in turn disseminated in the network. By using small size labels, IDLF avoids generation of unnecessary network traffic and transmission of duplicate packets to nodes. To study the impact of node failures and to improve the reliability of the network, we developed another scheme which is an extension to IDLF. This new scheme, RM-IDLF - Reliable Multipath Information dissemination by Label Forwarding, employ an alternate disjoint path. This alternate path scheme (RM-IDLF) may have a higher path cost in terms of energy consumption, but is more reliable in terms of data packet delivery to sink than the single path scheme (IDLF). In the latter scheme, the protocol establishes multiple (alternate) disjoint path/s from source to destination with negligible control overhead to balance load due to heavy data traffic among intermediate nodes from source to the destination. Another point of interest in this framework is the study of trade-offs between the achieved routing reliability using multiple disjoint path routing and extra energy consumption due to the use of additional path/s. Also, the effect of the failed nodes on the network performance is evaluated within the sensor system. Performance of the label dissemination scheme is evaluated and compared with the classic flooding and SPIN. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Genetic influence on carotid body structure in DBA/2J and A/J strains of mice.

The carotid body is a major chemosensory organ for hypoxia, hypercapnia and acidosis in the arterial blood (Fitzgerald and Shirahata 1997; Gonzalez et al., 1994). During hypoxia, the neural output from the carotid body increases and reflexly modifies several variables in the respiratory system. A prominent response is an increase in ventilation, but the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) among individuals varies widely (Eisele et al., 1992; Vizek et al., 1987). Studies in humans (Collins et al., 1978; Kawakami et al., 1982; Nishimura et al., 1991; Thomas et al., 1993) suggest that genetic factors significantly contribute to those differences. Similarly, studies in mice (Tankersley et al., 1994) and rats (Weil et al., 1998) clearly indicate that genetic determinants robustly influenced HVR. Among several inbred strains of mice the DBA/2J mice demonstrated the highest HVR and the A/J mice the lowest HVR (Tankersley et al., 1994). The differences in HVR between these two strains of mice may be closely related to the structural differences of the carotid body (Yamaguchi et al., 2003). The size of the carotid body and the quantity of glomus cells in the DBA/2J mice are significantly larger than those in the A/J mice. Those differences were clearly segregated between the strains, suggesting that genetic factors strongly influence the observed phenotypic differences between the DBA/2J and A/J mice. The purpose of the current study was to confirm that the morphological characteristic differences in the carotid body between the DBA/2J and A/J mice are controlled by genetic factors. Thus, we generated the first-filial progeny (F1) by a crossing the DBA/2J (female) and A/J (male) strains of mice, and examined the morphological differences of the carotid body in the DBA/2J, A/J and their F1 mice.
Incidence of thyroid function test abnormalities in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for cancer: A single institution retrospective review.

e14569Background: With the advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, thyroid function test abnormalities (TFTA) are common with reported incidence range of 2-15%. Our aim was to describe...
A Monte-Carlo-based and GPU-accelerated 4D-dose calculator for a pencil beam scanning proton therapy system.

Purpose The presence of respiratory motion during radiation treatment leads to degradation of the expected dose distribution, both for target coverage and healthy tissue sparing, particularly for techniques like pencil beam scanning proton therapy which have dynamic delivery systems. While tools exist to estimate this degraded four-dimensional (4D) dose, they typically have one or more deficiencies such as not including the particular effects from a dynamic delivery, using analytical dose calculations, and/or using nonphysical dose-accumulation methods. This work presents a clinically useful 4D-dose calculator that addresses each of these shortcomings. Methods To quickly compute the 4D dose, the three main tasks of the calculator were run on graphics processing units (GPUs). These tasks were (a) simulating the delivery of the plan using measured delivery parameters to distribute the plan amongst 4DCT phases characterizing the patient breathing, (b) using an in-house Monte Carlo simulation (MC) dose calculator to determine the dose delivered to each breathing phase, and (c) accumulating the doses from the various breathing phases onto a single phase for evaluation. The accumulation was performed by individually transferring the energy and mass of dose-grid subvoxels, a technique that models the transfer of dose in a more physically realistic manner. The calculator was run on three test cases, with lung, esophagus, and liver targets, respectively, to assess the various uncertainties in the beam delivery simulation as well as to characterize the dose-accumulation technique. Results Four-dimensional doses were successfully computed for the three test cases with computation times ranging from 4-6 min on a server with eight NVIDIA Titan X graphics cards; the most time-consuming component was the MC dose engine. The subvoxel-based dose-accumulation technique produced stable 4D-dose distributions at subvoxel scales of 0.5-1.0 mm without impairing the total computation time. The uncertainties in the beam delivery simulation led to moderate variations of the dose-volume histograms for these cases; the variations were reduced by implementing repainting or phase-gating motion mitigation techniques in the calculator. Conclusions A MC-based and GPU-accelerated 4D-dose calculator was developed to estimate the effects of respiratory motion on pencil beam scanning proton therapy treatments. After future validation, the calculator could be used to assess treatment plans and its quick runtime would make it easily usable in a future 4D-robust optimization system.
Burden Testing of Rare Variants Identified through Exome Sequencing via Publicly Available Control Data

The genetic causes of many Mendelian disorders remain undefined. Factors such as lack of large multiplex families, locus heterogeneity, and incomplete penetrance hamper these efforts for many disorders. Previous work suggests that gene-based burden testing—where the aggregate burden of rare, protein-altering variants in each gene is compared between case and control subjects—might overcome some of these limitations. The increasing availability of large-scale public sequencing databases such as Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) can enable burden testing using these databases as controls, obviating the need for additional control sequencing for each study. However, there exist various challenges with using public databases as controls, including lack of individual-level data, differences in ancestry, and differences in sequencing platforms and data processing. To illustrate the approach of using public data as controls, we analyzed whole-exome sequencing data from 393 individuals with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), a rare disorder with significant locus heterogeneity and incomplete penetrance against control subjects from gnomAD (n = 123,136). We leveraged presumably benign synonymous variants to calibrate our approach. Through iterative analyses, we systematically addressed and overcame various sources of artifact that can arise when using public control data. In particular, we introduce an approach for highly adaptable variant quality filtering that leads to well-calibrated results. Our approach “re-discovered” genes previously implicated in IHH (FGFR1, TACR3, GNRHR). Furthermore, we identified a significant burden in TYRO3, a gene implicated in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in mice. Finally, we developed a user-friendly software package TRAPD (Test Rare vAriants with Public Data) for performing gene-based burden testing against public databases.
2-D Layered Materials for Next-Generation Electronics: Opportunities and Challenges

Since the discovery of graphene in 2004, which proved the existence of 2-D crystals in nature, layered materials also known as van der Waals solids have received extensive reexamination, especially in the single-layer and multilayer forms because of their van der Waals type structure and unique properties that not only benefit many existing electronic components but also enable novel device concepts and design architectures. Numerous research efforts have been invested in these materials, and enormous quantities of results have been generated during the past 14 years. This paper provides an overview of the key physics and technology issues along with the most promising nanoelectronic applications of these materials and also identifies the challenges in this rapidly evolving field.
Cuban American College Students' Perceptions Surrounding Their Language and Cultural Identity.

Four waves of Cuban immigrants have arrived to the United States from the early 1960s with the fourth wave still in progress. The changing reasons these immigrants fled Cuba have resulted in divers...
Time-variation of Jupiter's internal magnetic field consistent with zonal wind advection

Determination of the time dependency (secular variation) of a planet’s magnetic field provides a window into understanding the dynamo responsible for generating its field. However, of the six Solar System planets with active dynamos, secular variation has been firmly established only for Earth. Here, we compare magnetic field observations of Jupiter from the Pioneer 10 and 11, Voyager 1 and Ulysses spacecraft (acquired 1973–1992) with a new Juno reference model (JRM09). We find a consistent, systematic change in Jupiter’s field over this 45-year time span, which cannot be explained by changes in the magnetospheric field or by changing the assumed rotation rate of Jupiter. Through a simplified forward model, we find that the inferred change in the field is consistent with advection of the field by Jupiter’s zonal winds, projected down to 93–95% of Jupiter’s radius (where the electrical conductivity of the hydrogen envelope becomes sufficient to advect the field). This result demonstrates that zonal wind interactions with Jupiter’s magnetic field are important and lends independent support to atmospheric and gravitational-field determinations of the profile of Jupiter’s deep winds.
Investigations in groundwater flow toward a spring in the Saphire area, Soufriere, Saint Lucia, West Indies

Abstract The Cocoa Grove Group is planning a housing development on approximately 5.5 acres in the area of Saphire, Diamond, Saint Lucia. Directly downhill of the property is a Water and Sewage Com...
Robotic Right Colectomy

Adoption of the robotic platform as a minimally invasive option for right colectomy has not been as rapid as for robotic rectal resections, possibly because laparoscopic technical challenges are more evident in the narrow confines of the pelvis. Even outside of the pelvis, where laparoscopic colectomies have been conducted since 1991, adoption of the laparoscopic approach appears to have plateaued at 50–60%, suggesting the need for a minimally invasive option that surgeons are more willing to embrace than the traditional open colectomy.
Pathogenic Processes Underlying Alzheimer’s Disease: Modeling the Effects of Amyloid Beta on Synaptic Transmission

The molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been and are still under heavy scrutiny to better understand what leads to the onset and progression of the disease, and to design and develop efficacious therapeutic strategies. These decade-long studies have taught us a lot regarding the various molecular pathways involved in the pathology, but a complete dynamic picture of the underlying pathological mechanisms is still missing.We propose to provide a technological answer to fill this gap by developing and using a computational approach that integrates AD-related experimental findings and their effects on multiple aspects of neuronal function. The present study focuses on implementing one known pathogenic process: the binding of amyloid beta, the hallmark of AD, on NMDA receptors, receptors present in the main type of excitatory synapses in the brain, thereby affecting synaptic transmission and downstream pathways. We describe model implementation and calibration; we then quantify the downstream effects of this disruption both in terms of electrical activity (changes in short-term spiking activity of the postsynaptic neuron), and biochemical pathways activation through changes in calcium dynamics (an important trigger to longer-term changes). The computational approach outlined constitutes an insightful instrument to examine the downstream consequences of multiple pathogenic dysfunctions on higher level observables and sets the path for in-silico discovery and testing of therapeutic agents.
Deep Learning Methods in Natural Language Processing

The purpose of this paper is to make a concise description of the current deep learning methods for natural language processing (NLP) and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. The research further discusses the applicability of each deep learning method in the context of natural language processing. Additionally, a series of significant advances that have driven the processing, understanding, and generation of natural language are also discussed.
$100-\mu\mathrm{m}$ -Thick High-Energy-Density Electroplated CoPt Permanent Magnets

This paper reports electroplated CoPt permanent magnets samples yielding thicknesses up to $100\ \mu\mathrm{m}$ , deposition rates up to $35\ \mu\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{h}$ , coercivities up to 1000 kA/m (1.25 T), remanences up to 0.8 T, and energy products up to 77 kJ/m3. The impact of electroplating bath temperature and glycine additives are systematically studied. Compared to prior work, these microfabricated magnets not only exhibit up to 10X increase in thickness without sacrificing magnetic performance, but also improve the areal magnetic energy density by 2X. Using a thick removeable SU-8 mold, these high-performing thick-film magnets are intended for magnetic microactuators, magnetic field sensors, energy conversion devices, and more.
Inferences about Target Marketing from Languages on Website and its Implications: An Abstract

A study was conducted to determine whether subjects will infer that a non-Hispanic dentist is making a special effort to target Hispanic consumers (ITM) when the home page of the dentist’s website says, “Hablamos Espanol.” Subjects did make this inference. In addition, subjects seeing this website rated the dentist less favorably and were less likely to intend to make an appointment with the dentist versus subjects seeing the same home page without “Hablamos Espanol.” Neither the perceived risk of the procedure (dental examination and X-rays costing $50 vs. a root canal and crown costing $2000) nor ethnocentrism-impacted responses.
PTPN11 Mutations in the Ras-MAPK Signaling Pathway Affect Human White Matter Microstructure.

We examined whether PTPN11 mutations affect the white matter connectivity of the developing human brain. Germline activating mutations to the PTPN11 gene cause overactivation of the Ras-Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase pathway. Activating mutations cause Noonan syndrome (NS), a developmental disorder associated with hyperactivity and cognitive weakness in attention, executive function, and memory. In mouse models of NS, PTPN11 mutations cause reduced axon myelination and white matter formation, while the effects of PTPN11 mutations on human white matter are largely unknown. For the first time, we assessed 17 children with NS (9 females, mean age, 8.68 ± 2.39) and 17 age- and sex-matched controls (9 female, mean age, 8.71 ± 2.40) using diffusion brain imaging for white matter connectivity and structural magnetic resonance imaging to characterize brain morphology. Children with NS showed widespread reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA; 82 613 voxels, t = 1.49, P < 0.05) and increases in radial diffusivity (RD; 94 044 voxels, t = 1.22, P < 0.05), denoting decreased white matter connectivity. In NS, the FA of the posterior thalamic radiation correlated positively with inhibition performance, whereas connectivity in the genu of the corpus callosum was inversely associated with auditory attention performance. Additionally, we observed negative and positive correlations, respectively, between memory and the cingulum hippocampus, and memory and the cingulum cingulate gyrus. These findings elucidate the neural mechanism underpinning the NS cognitive phenotype, and may serve as a brain-based biomarker.
Reinventing Teacher Education: Challenges for Our Troubled Times: Andrew David Gitlin, 2019. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt. 167 pp. $45

Over the past decades, there have been numerous calls to reform teacher education. Critics argue that teacher education is too disconnected from schools (Green, 2015), not rigorous enough (Ripley, ...
Resources and Costs Associated With Repeated Admissions to PICUs.

Objective To determine the costs and hospital resource use from all PICU patients readmitted with a PICU stay within 12 months of hospital index discharge. Design Cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study using Pediatric Health Information System. Setting Fifty-two tertiary children's hospitals. Subjects Pediatric patients under 18 years old admitted to the PICU from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Patient characteristics and costs of care were compared between those with readmission requiring PICU care and those with only a single PICU admission per annum. In this 2-year cohort, there were 239,157 index PICU patients of which 36,970 (15.5%) were readmitted and required PICU care during the 12 months following index admission. The total hospital cost for all index admissions and readmissions was $17.3 billion, of which 21.5% ($3.71 billion) were incurred during a readmission stay involving care in the PICU; of the 3,459,079 hospital days, 20.3% (702,200) were readmission days including those where PICU care was required. Of the readmitted patients, 11,703 (30.0%) received only PICU care, accounting for $662 million in costs and 110,215 PICU days. Although 43.6% of all costs were associated with patients who required readmission, these patients only accounted for 15.5% of the index patients and 28% of index hospitalization expenditures. More patients in the readmitted group had chronic complex conditions at index discharge compared with those not readmitted (83.9% vs 54.9%; p < 0.001). Compared with those discharged directly to home without home healthcare, patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility had 18% lower odds of readmission (odds ratio 0.82 [95% CI, 0.75-0.89]; p < 0.001) and those discharged home with home healthcare had 43% higher odds of readmission (odds ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.36-1.51]; p < 0.001). Conclusions Repeated admissions with PICU care resulted in significant direct medical costs and resource use for U.S. children's hospitals.
Effect of land consolidation project on detention of Oncomelania hupensis snails in flood at Yangtze River beach

Objective To explore the effect of land consolidation project on the detention of Oncomelania hupensis snails in the flood at the Yangtze River beach.Methods The land consolidation project including removing wild willow groves,cutting the high and filling the low,and improving the slope was carried out at the Yangtze River beach in 2011,and the status of snails was investigated before and after the project,respectively,at the end of the flood season.Results Before the project(2010),at the end of the flood season,the rate of the frames with snails was 96.5% and the snail density was 3.655/0.1m2. After the project (2012),at the end of the flood season in the same area,the rate of the frames with snails was 2.0% and the snail density was 0.015/0.1m2(χ2= 357.29,P 0.01).Conclusion The land consolidation has a significant effect on the detention of snails in the flood at the Yangtze River beach.
The role of frictional sliding in transverse failure of a titanium aluminide composite

Circumferential frictional sliding between the matrix and fibers in a titanium aluminide matrix composite has been measured during transverse loading using a displacement mapping method based on differential image analysis. Sliding was detected over all of the interface before initiation of the cracks that eventually caused failure. The results are compared with recent analytical solutions for the interfacial stresses that account for near-neighbor fiber interactions. The location at which sliding initiated coincided with the predicted position of maximum shear stress, while the calculated magnitude of the shear stress when sliding began was equal to the previously measured resistance to frictional sliding in the longitudinal direction. The results indicate that circumferential sliding has a strong influence on the local stress concentrations that lead to failure.
A Case Study on Inclusive Disaster Preparedness Planning in Upstate New York

In the spring of 2014 the Civil Rights and Disabilities Law Clinic (the Clinic) at Albany Law School, examined disaster planning in ten counties in upstate New York to evaluate the extent to which these counties were including individuals with disabilities in the disaster planning process, and in those counties where the inclusion of this population was not a part of disaster planning, to advocated for a more inclusive process. History shows that individuals with disabilities are disproportionately harmed by disasters with a mortality rate that is two to four times higher for individuals with disabilities. Through a number of cases across the county and major disasters in the last few decades, big cities are developing a greater awareness that particular attention to the needs of individuals with disabilities is critical for the preparation, remediation and management of disasters. However, Disasters are not experienced in cities alone. Small towns, suburban areas and rural areas can experience disasters as well. In these regions, lack of planning can also have tragic results. This article is broken into four parts. Part one contains a description of the Clinic’s project; part two addresses the legal issues. Part three reports on the information learned through the Clinic’s project and addresses why counties are facing possible litigation if they do not address the concerns identified and part four provides recommendations for how we might do better going forward. The aim of this article is to raise awareness and understanding, provide guidance for developing a municipal disaster preparedness process that is consistent with legal obligations created to protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities and recommend steps that will improve outcomes of future disasters.
A Social Process Model of Adolescent Deviance: Combining Social Control and Differential Association Perspectives

This paper examines social factors associated with changes in 2 forms of adolescent deviance, substance use and delinquency. Using longitudinal data, the research evaluates a model that combines ideas from 2 sociological explanations of crime. The model specifies 2 processes by which conventional social bonds reduce adolescent deviance over time: Strong social bonds indirectly reduce deviance by decreasing associations with deviant peers and by decreasing susceptibility to the negative influences of peers. The results of path analyses, using measures of peer deviance that are based on actual responses from the adolescents' close friends, support the conceptual model. Deviant friendships and susceptibility linked social bonds to both forms of problem behavior. Bonds were more consistently related to friends' substance use than to friends' delinquency. Supplementary analyses within gender subgroups indicate that the deviance of males was more strongly affected by the actions of friends than was deviance of females.
Integrative epigenomic and genomic filtering for methylation markers in hepatocellular carcinomas

Epigenome-wide studies in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have identified numerous genes with aberrant DNA methylation. However, methods for triaging functional candidate genes as useful biomarkers for epidemiological study have not yet been developed. We conducted targeted next-generation bisulfite sequencing (bis-seq) to investigate associations of DNA methylation and mRNA expression in HCC. Integrative analyses of epigenetic profiles with DNA copy number analysis were used to pinpoint functional genes regulated mainly by altered DNA methylation. Significant differences between HCC tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissue were observed for 28 bis-seq amplicons, with methylation differences varying from 12% to 43%. Available mRNA expression data in Oncomine were evaluated. Two candidate genes (GRASP and TSPYL5) were significantly under-expressed in HCC tumors in comparison with precursor and normal liver tissues. The expression levels in tumor tissues were, respectively, 1.828 and − 0.148, significantly lower than those in both precursor and normal liver tissue. Validations in an additional 42 paired tissues showed consistent under-expression in tumor tissue for GRASP (−7.49) and TSPYL5 (−9.71). A highly consistent DNA hypermethylation and mRNA repression pattern was obtained for both GRASP (69%) and TSPYL5 (73%), suggesting that their biological function is regulated by DNA methylation. Another two genes (RGS17 and NR2E1) at Chr6q showed significantly decreased DNA methylation in tumors with loss of DNA copy number compared to those without, suggesting alternative roles of DNA copy number losses and hypermethylation in the regulation of RGS17 and NR2E1. These results suggest that integrative analyses of epigenomic and genomic data provide an efficient way to filter functional biomarkers for future epidemiological studies in human cancers.
A Historical Overview

The observation that today’s children will be tomorrow’s adults has been made since the dawn of man. But it is only quite recently that serious, sophisticated attention has been paid to the factors involved in this transformation. The body of theory and practice we call child psychiatry has grown out of many diverse areas of study. As a subspe-cialty of general psychiatry, child psychiatry is a part of medicine. However, as a complex aggregate of knowledge and skills, it has borrowed freely from such fields as the moral and philosophical bases of child rearing, the study of child development, and education. Over the course of history, the underlying concepts, such as normalcy and deviation, have undergone many changes. The historic controversy over the primacy of nature versus nurture has just begun to be viewed as an error in conceptualizing the interdependent relationships between organisms and the environment. And, in recent times, there has been an awareness of the magnitude of our ignorance about the complex mechanisms of development.
Model-Based Computing: Using Concurrent Constraint Programming for Modeling and Model Compilation

Writing software for simulating, controlling or diagnosing real-world physical devices is non-trivial, as it requires encoding the complex interactions of device components and processes. Model-based computing is an approach to developing such software that employs multi-use declarative machine descriptions to derive information from which machine software can be constructed automatically. Specifically, we have been using this approach to develop code for scheduling reprographic machines.