cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Operational snow modeling: Addressing the challenges of an energy balance model for National Weather Service forecasts

Summary Prediction of snowmelt has become a critical issue in much of the western United States given the increasing demand for water supply, changing snow cover patterns, and the subsequent requirement of optimal reservoir operation. The increasing importance of hydrologic predictions necessitates that traditional forecasting systems be re-evaluated periodically to assure continued evolution of the operational systems given scientific advancements in hydrology. The National Weather Service (NWS) SNOW17, a conceptually based model used for operational prediction of snowmelt, has been relatively unchanged for decades. In this study, the Snow–Atmosphere–Soil Transfer (SAST) model, which employs the energy balance method, is evaluated against the SNOW17 for the simulation of seasonal snowpack (both accumulation and melt) and basin discharge. We investigate model performance over a 13-year period using data from two basins within the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed located in southwestern Idaho. Both models are coupled to the NWS runoff model [SACramento Soil Moisture Accounting model (SACSMA)] to simulate basin streamflow. Results indicate that while in many years simulated snowpack and streamflow are similar between the two modeling systems, the SAST more often overestimates SWE during the spring due to a lack of mid-winter melt in the model. The SAST also had more rapid spring melt rates than the SNOW17, leading to larger errors in the timing and amount of discharge on average. In general, the simpler SNOW17 performed consistently well, and in several years, better than, the SAST model. Input requirements and related uncertainties, and to a lesser extent calibration, are likely to be primary factors affecting the implementation of an energy balance model in operational streamflow prediction.
A simulation impact evaluation of rural income transfers in Malawi and Ghana

We use a disaggregated rural economy-wide modelling framework to simulate and compare the impacts of an input subsidy, cash transfer, and output price support on production and welfare in rural Malawi and Ghana. Household groups in the models are defined by their eligibility for current transfers. Simulations are calibrated to official government spending. No intervention appears as unequivocally superior. The impacts and efficiency of each transfer mechanism are shaped by the structure of the economy, market conditions, and programme design.
Influence of carbon black on processability of rubber stocks. V. Extrusion

A study of postextrusion relaxation (shrinkage) rates identified two separate processes, only one of which is influenced by carbon black structure and surface area. One of these processes is thought to be a solidlike fast elastic recovery and was found to be influenced by carbon black and polymer characteristics. The other process reflected slow randomization of oriented molecular chains: it was mainly influenced by polymer nature and carbon black had almost no effect. In the previous paper of this series, work with various carbon blacks in SBR–1500 indicated that both types of polymer deformation originate within the converging flow region at the die entrance, where extensional flow takes place. In the present work the extensional flow behavior of five polymers (filled with various carbon blacks) was examined at elevated temperatures. The magnitude of shrinkage caused by molecular alignment was related to extensional viscosity of the rubbers. This confirms the hypothesis stated above. Extensional viscosity was measured using the previously described instrument, which is inexpensive to construct, easy to operate, and can be attached to any standard stress–strain tester. The characteristics of extensional flow are defined and it is shown that for polymeric materials it differs substantially from shear flow, since a rapid orientation of the molecular chains takes place during the extensional flow. The effect of carbon black on the extensional viscosity at elevated temperatures is illustrated.
New evidence for monozygotic twins in the mouse: Twinning initiated in the late blastocyst can account for mirror image asymmetries

The 11.5-day twin mice reported here support one of the classically described mechanisms for mammalian monozygotic twinning: subdivision of the blastocyst inner cell mass at the stage of proamnion cavitation. This particular method for monozygotic twinning has the attraction of providing a hypothesis for mirror image translocation of asymmetric traits. Monozygotic twins in laboratory rodents at or near parturition have not been identified and only two prior descriptions, for 7.5- and 9.5-day mouse embryos, have been found in the literature. Experimentally induced twins having identical heredity, i.e., clones, would enable study of heritable and environmental regulation of the components of discordance. A set of twin mouse embryos at 11.5 days of gestation within a common yolk sac, and with shared vitelline and allantoic circulations, provides direct evidence that monozygotic twin mice can survive rotation within the common yolk sac and suggests a reasonable probability that they can survive to term.
LATITUDINAL VARIATION IN RATES OF OVERWINTER MORTALITY IN THE LIZARD UTA STANSBURIANA

The relatively shorter growing seasons, lower temperatures, and severe winter weather associated with higher latitudes have long been assumed to limit the size of populations, and therefore to constrain the geographical ranges of species. In particular, conspicuous instances of catastrophic mortality during periods of severe winter weather suggest that losses to “winterkill” may often determine latitudinal range limits. However, actual comparisons of overwinter mortality among latitudinally separated populations have been exceedingly rare, and no such study has focused on temperate-zone lizards, one of the groups thought to experience greater overwinter mortality at higher latitudes. Here we examine latitudinal variation in overwinter mortality among seven populations of the side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) along a transect spanning nearly 15° of latitude in the western United States. We used standard mark–recapture techniques to estimate daily mortality rates for the fall through spring (overwinte...
Xenorhabdus bovienii Strain Diversity Impacts Coevolution and Symbiotic Maintenance with Steinernema spp. Nematode Hosts

Microbial symbionts provide benefits that contribute to the ecology andfitness of host plants and animals. There- fore, the evolutionary success of plants and animals fundamentally depends on long-term maintenance of beneficial associa- tions. Most work investigating coevolution and symbiotic maintenance has focused on species-level associations, and studies are lacking that assess the impact of bacterial strain diversity on symbiotic associations within a coevolutionary framework. Here, we demonstrate thatfitness in mutualism varies depending on bacterial strain identity, and this is consistent with variation shaping phylogenetic patterns and maintenance throughfitness benefits. Through genome sequencing of nine bacterial symbi- ont strains and cophylogenetic analysis, we demonstrate diversity among Xenorhabdus bovienii bacteria. Further, we identified cocladogenesis between Steinernema feltiae nematode hosts and their corresponding X. bovienii symbiont strains, indicating potential specificity within the association. To test the specificity, we performed laboratory crosses of nematode hosts with na- tive and nonnative symbiont strains, which revealed that combinations with the native bacterial symbiont and closely related strains performed significantly better than those with more divergent symbionts. Through genomic analyses we also defined potential factors contributing to specificity between nematode hosts and bacterial symbionts. These results suggest that strain- level diversity (e.g., subspecies-level differences) in microbial symbionts can drive variation in the success of host-microbe asso- ciations, and this suggests that these differences in symbiotic success could contribute to maintenance of the symbiosis over an evolutionary time scale. IMPORTANCE Beneficial symbioses between microbes and plant or animal hosts are ubiquitous, and in these associations, micro- bial symbionts provide key benefits to their hosts. As such, host success is fundamentally dependent on long-term maintenance of beneficial associations. Prolonged association between partners in evolutionary time is expected to result in interactions in which only specific partners can fully support symbiosis. The contribution of bacterial strain diversity on specificity and coevo- lution in a beneficial symbiosis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that strain-level differences infitness benefits occur in beneficial host-microbe interactions, and this variation likely shapes phylogenetic patterns and symbiotic maintenance. This highlights that symbiont contributions to host biology can vary significantly based on very-fine-scale differences among members of a microbial species. Further, this work emphasizes the need for greater phylogenetic resolution when considering the causes and consequences of host-microbe interactions.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Failure Induced by Metal Hypersensitivity.

Patient: Female, 70 Final Diagnosis: Metal hypersensitivity Symptoms: Joint pain • swelling • instability Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Revision total knee arthroplasty Specialty: Orthopedics and Traumatology Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Metal hypersensitivity is an uncommon complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that can lead to significant functional impairment and aseptic prosthesis failure. Case Report: We describe a 70-year-old patient who presented with persistent pain, swelling, and instability 2 years after a primary TKA. The patient had a history of metal hypersensitivity following bilateral metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA) that was revised to ceramic-on-polyethylene implants. Knee radiographs showed severe osteolysis with implant loosening. Serum cobalt was elevated and serum chromium was significantly elevated, while joint aspiration and inflammatory marker levels ruled out a periprosthetic infection. Revision TKA was performed, with intraoperative tissue pathology and postoperative leukocyte transformation testing confirming metal hypersensitivity as the cause for aseptic implant failure. Conclusions: This case report demonstrates the clinical and laboratory signs that suggest metal hypersensitivity in total knee arthroplasty and the potential for joint function restoration with revision surgery.
The power spectral density of atmospheric temperature from time scales of 10−2 to 106 yr

After removing annual variability, power spectral analyses of local atmospheric temperature from hundreds of stations and ice core records have been carried out from time scales of 10−2 to 106 yr. A clear sequence of power-law behaviors is found as follows: (1) from 40 ka to 1 Ma a flat spectrum is observed; (2) from 2 ka to 40 ka the spectrum is proportional to f−2 where f is the frequency; and (3) below time scales of 2 ka the power spectrum is proportional to f−1/2. At time scales less than 1 month we observe that the power spectra of continental stations become proportional to f−3/2 while maritime stations continue to have power spectra proportional to f−1/2 down to time scales of 1 day. To explain these observations, we model the vertical transport of heat in the atmosphere as a stochastic diffusion process. The power spectrum of temperature fluctuations at the earth's surface expected from this model equation in a two-layer geometry with thermal and eddy diffusion properties appropriate to the atmosphere and the ocean and a radiation condition at the top of the atmosphere agrees with the observed spectrum. The difference in power spectra between continental and marine stations can be understood with this approach as a consequence of the air mass above a maritime station exchanging heat with both the atmosphere above and the ocean below while a continental station exchanges heat mostly with the atmosphere above.
How Entrepreneurship Evolves The Founders of New Magazines in America, 1741–1860

We craft a historically sensitive model of entrepreneurship linking individual actors to the evolving social structures they must navigate to acquire resources and launch new ventures. Theories of ...
HMM-based motion recognition system using segmented PCA

In this paper, we propose a novel technique for model-based recognition of complex object motion trajectories using hidden Markov models (HMM). We build our models on principal component analysis (PCA)-based representation of trajectories after segmenting them into small units of perceptually similar pieces of motions. These subtrajectories are then grouped using spectral clustering to decide on the number of states for each HMM representing a class of object motion. The hidden states of the HMMs are represented by Gaussian mixtures (GM's). This way the HMM topology as well as the parameters are automatically derived from the training data in a fully unsupervised sense. Experiments are performed on two data sets; the ASL data set (from UCI's KDD archives) consists of 207 trajectories depicting signs for three words, from Australian Sign Language (ASL); the HJSL data set contains 108 trajectories from sports videos. Our experiments yield an accuracy of 90+% performing much better than existing approaches.
Healing of partial thickness porcine skin wounds in a liquid environment

This study employs a liquid-tight vinyl chamber for the topical fluid-phase treatment of experimental wounds in pigs. Continuous treatment with normal saline significantly reduced the early progression of tissue destruction in partial thickness burns. Uncovered burns formed a deep layer of necrosis (0.49 ± 0.004 mm, mean ± SD) although burn wounds covered with empty chambers demonstrated less necrosis (0.14 ± 0.01 mm), fluid-treated wounds formed no eschar, and little tissue necrosis could be detected (<0.005 mm). Topical treatment with hypertonic dextran increased water flux across burn wounds by 0.24 ml/cm2/24 hr (mean, n = 95) over saline-treated wounds during the first 5 days after wounding. When partial thickness burn and excisional wounds were immersed in isotonic saline until healed, the daily efflux of water, protein, electrolytes, and glucose across the wound surface declined during healing to baseline values found in controls (saline-covered unwounded skin). The declining protein permeability was used as a reproducible, noninvasive, endogenous marker for the return of epithelial barrier function. Saline-treated excisional wounds healed within 8.6 ± 0.6 days (mean ± SD, n = 27) and burn wounds within 12.1 ± 1.4 days (mean ± SD, n = 15). Healing of fluid-treated wounds occurred without tissue maceration and showed less inflammation and less scar formation than healing of air exposed wounds (no attempt was made to compare rates of healing between air- and fluid-exposed wounds). We consider the fluid-filled chamber a potentially very useful diagnostic, monitoring, and delivery system for wound-healing research and for human wound therapy.
Correcting estimates of net primary production: are we overestimating plant production in rangelands?

This paper addresses the issue of the effect of random errors in field estimates of net primary production (NPP). This is a critical subject in range management because field estimates of plant production are regularly used to determine stocking rates, range condition, and animal consumption. What we show in this paper is that random errors associated with field estimates of NPP can result in a positive bias and thus an overestimation of NPP. Depending on the case, this overestimation has been reported as high as 700%. We present examples with overestimations in the 200% to 400% range. The overestimation in NPP increases with increases in biomass variances, frequency of sampling, and number of taxonomic (species) and tissue (live, dead, etc) components sampled. We (1) outline in nonmathematical terms the reasons behind overestimation in NPP and the analytical solutions designed to correct them; and (2) present applications of the analytical solution for adjustments to concrete cases. The adjustments for overestimation outlined in this paper do not guarantee an accurate estimate of NPP but eliminate an unneeded source of error. A computer program (for IBM(TM) compatible) designed to implement the necessary adjustments is available from the authors free of charge (send a blank diskette).
Late Axillary Recurrence After Negative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Uncommon.

This study was designed to determine the incidence of late axillary recurrence (AR) in patients with negative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and provide a comparison with SLNB positive patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all breast cancer patients with negative SLNB from January 1997 to December 2000 was performed on a large, institutional database. Primary outcome was cumulative incidence of AR as a first event with/without concurrent local recurrence. SLNB positive patients who went on to ALND during the same timeframe were comparatively analyzed. A total of 1529 eligible patients were identified (median age 58 years, median tumor size 1.0 cm): 1297 (85 %) underwent lumpectomy; 1099 (75 %) received adjuvant radiation; and 874 (80 %) were estrogen receptor-positive. At 10.8 (range 0–16) years median follow-up, overall incidence of AR as a first event was low (n = 13). Cumulative incidence was 0.6 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.2–0.9] 5 years after SLNB, and 0.9 % (95 % CI 0.4–1.4, 95 % CI 0.5–1.6) at 10 and 15 years. Late AR (>5 years after surgery) occurred in five patients. Median overall survival after AR was 4.6 years; median distant disease-free survival after AR was 3.8 years. Late AR was also low in a contemporaneous group of SLNB positive patients undergoing ALND. In this group, cumulative incidence of AR was 0.7 % (95 % CI 0.1–1.3) 5 years after surgery, and 0.8 % (95 % CI 0.2–1.5) at 10 and 15 years. Late AR after negative SLNB is rare; the majority of ARs are in the first 5 years after surgery. Prognosis after these events is poor. SLNB remains a safe and effective procedure for axillary evaluation in breast cancer.
Production of ultracold LiRb molecules by photoassociation

We report the first photoassociation of ultracold heteronuclear 7Li85Rb molecules in electronically excited states from a dual-species (7Li/85Rb) magneto-optical trap. We also determine the C6 dispersion coefficients for the 7Li (2S) + 85Rb (5P) asymptote.
Fabrication tolerances in As 2 S 3 negative-curvature antiresonant fibers.

We computationally investigate fabrication tolerances in As2S3 negative-curvature antiresonant tube-lattice fibers. Since the dominant loss mechanisms for silica in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) is material absorption, As2S3, which offers a reduced loss over that wavelength range, is a natural candidate for mid-IR antiresonant fibers. However, any fiber fabrication technology, including for soft glasses, will have imperfections. Therefore, it is important to know how imperfect fabrication will affect the results of a fiber design. We study perturbations to the fiber, including a nonconstant tube-wall thickness, a single cladding tube with a different radius, a single cladding tube with a different tube-wall thickness, and “key” sections in the jacket.
RBD--an emerging clue to neurodegenerative disorders.

19 years ago. 1 While rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disorder (RBD) was only first identified in the scientific literature in 1986, Schenck and Mahowald noted in their 2002 review of the disorder how Don Quixote was moving about and slaying evil giants on the high plateaus of Spain’s Castile-La Mancha even in his sleep; a sure sign he was in REM sleep, but had lost the normal muscle atonia associated with REM sleep. 2 The violent behavior of the errant knight is a hallmark of RBD, a behavior that can be acutely dangerous for the individual or his (almost 90% of people with RBD are male) bed partner. However, reports that RBD may be an early indicator for the later development of neurodegenerative disorders, 2 raises the possibility that RBD may be of much greater medical importance than just the danger associated with acting out one’s dreams. A paper in this issue of SLEEP by Consens et al 3 provides further evidence for a link between RBD and neurodegenerative disorder. This paper describes a quantitative method for assessing the severity of RBD polysomnographic (PSG) features in patients at risk for RBD secondary to neurodegenerative disorders. Conversely, there is now compelling evidence that RBD may be an initial manifestation of Parkinson disease (PD), as well as with a number of other neurological disorders, including narcolepsy, multiple symptom atrophy (MSA) and dementia. 2,4 The finding that RBD represents an early warning for the later development of devastating neurological disorders makes it imperative that valid and reliable methods be obtained for assessing patients at risk for RBD. The quantitative method for detecting RBD used by Consens et al involves 2 different PSG scores that measure tonic and phasic events associated with electromyography activity. If such a quantitative method, as originally described by Lapierre and Montplaisir, 5 can be used to detect possible RBD in otherwise healthy individuals, it could be an important tool to be used to guide early intervention therapies to delay and/or attenuate the future devel
EVALUATION OF THE COMATOSE PATIENT.

The authors discuss the value of a prepared methodical plan of action in evaluating the comatose patient. They stress the importance of first recognizing and correcting any respiratory or circulatory failure, and then thoroughly assessing the history and results of physical examination. Laboratory tests which are likely to yield maximal information in the shortest possible time while causing the least discomfort to the patient should be selected. The finding of an obvious abnormality early in the evaluation does not justify an incomplete appraisal since other diseases may be coexistent, particularly if the coma has been present for considerable time. Timely discovery of the cause of coma often will permit institution of lifesaving therapy.
Methane Ignition in a Shock Tube with High Levels of CO2 Dilution: Consideration of the Reflected-Shock Bifurcation

Experiments were performed in a shock-tube facility to examine experimentally the kinetic effect, if any, of excess amounts of CO2 as part of natural-gas-based fuel–oxidizer mixtures. An important aspect of these experiments was to also observe the role excess amounts of CO2 play in causing nonidealities, particularly shock bifurcation, in shock-tube experiments using real (nondilute) fuel–air mixtures. Mixtures were composed of methane fuel at an equivalence ratio of 0.5 to represent a typical natural gas in a modified “air” mixture designed to study the effect of large levels of CO2 dilution. These oxidizer compositions maintained constant levels of O2 while exchanging N2 for CO2 in stages to give oxidizer mixture concentrations ranging from (0.21O2 + 0.79N2) to (0.21O2 + 0.79CO2). Low-pressure and high-pressure (near 1 and 10 atm, respectively) experiments were conducted over an approximate temperature range of 1450 to 1900 K. Results showed that the observed effect of CO2 relating to reflected-shock b...
Θεωρητική και πραγματική συμμετοχή των πολιτών στα πολιτειακά όργανα της αθήνας στο δεύτερο ήμισυ του 5ου αιώνα π.χ.

H αθηναϊκή δημοκρατία του δeύτeρου μισού του 5 ου αιώνα eίναι αναμϕισβήτητα το σημαντικότeρο θέμα της eλληνικής κλασικής πeριόδου που αποτέλeσe διαχρονικά και παγκοσμίως αντικeίμeνο μeλέτης από λόγιους και eρeυνητές. πρόκeιται για την πιο πρωτότυπη και συγχρόνως πιο λeιτουργική μορϕή δημοκρατίας, τον πυρήνα eπάνω στον οποίο οικοδομήθηκαν οι σύγχρονeς δημοκρατίeς –οι οποίeς παρότι δανeίστηκαν πολλές ιδέeς από την κυτταρική δομή της, eλάχιστα μπόρeσαν να την προσeγγίσουν λeιτουργικά. Σκοπός του άρθρου eίναι να eξeτάσeι και να καταδeίξeι την πραγματική σχέση μeταξύ της θeωρητικής δυνατότητας/eυχέρeιας συμμeτοχής των eλeύθeρων πολιτών στα πολιτeιακά όργανα της αθήνας και της πραγματικής συμμeτοχής τους σe αυτά. Μeθοδολογικά ο eπιδιωκόμeνος σκοπός eπιτυγχάνeται μe τον eντοπισμό και την eμπeριστατωμένη ανάλυση των παραγόντων eκeίνων που eπηρέαζαν σe καθοριστικό βαθμό την eν λόγω συμμeτοχή. Η κριτική συστηματοποίηση των παραγόντων αυτών και η οπτική από την οποία eξeτάζονται αποτeλούν την κύρια συμβολή του άρθρου στον eπιστημονικό διάλογο. Προκeιμένου να διeυκολυνθeί η κατανόηση της eν λόγω σχέσης, σκιαγραϕούνται eν πρώτοις συνοπτικά η ιστορική eξέλιξη του θeσμού της άμeσης δημοκρατίας στην Αθήνα, το πλαίσιο λeιτουργίας της και η μορϕή έκϕρασης της λαϊκής κυριαρχίας κατά την eξeταζόμeνη πeρίοδο.
Conductivity mechanisms of isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs)

Isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs) are usually composites of adhesive resins with conductive fillers (mainly silver flakes). The adhesive pastes before cure usually have low electrical conductivity. The conductive adhesives become highly conductive only after the adhesives are cured and solidified. The mechanisms of conductivity achievement in conductive adhesives were discussed. Experiments were carefully designed in order to determine the roles of adhesive shrinkage and silver (Ag) flake lubricant removal on adhesive conductivity achievement during cure. The conductivity establishment of the selected adhesive pastes and the cure shrinkage of the corresponding adhesive resins during cure were studied. Then conductivity developments of some metallic fillers and ICA pastes with external pressures were studied by using a specially designed test device. In addition, conductivity, resin cure shrinkage, and Ag flake lubricant behavior of an ICA which was cured at room temperature (25/spl deg/C) were investigated. Based on the results, it was found that cure shrinkage of the resin, rather than lubricant removal, was the prerequisite for conductivity development of conductive adhesives. In addition, an explanation of how cure shrinkage could cause conductivity achievement of conductive adhesives during cure was proposed in this paper.
A Disequilibrium View

In his preface to The General Theory Keynes agonized over his ‘long struggle to escape … from habitual modes of thought and expression’. The difficulty, he said, ‘lies, not in the new ideas, but in escaping from the old ones, which ramify, for those brought up as most of us have been, into every corner of our minds’. It was the conventional wisdom of his time that Keynes attacked. Its inability to correct economic dysfunction, coupled with the heroic attempts of its defenders to shelter it from criticism, had led to what Keynes observed to be ‘deep divergences of opinion’ among the professional economists of his time.
Pragmatism and the Mass Public

This article examines public opinion as it relates to the primary tenets of the pragmatic philosophy. Anti-foundationalism, fallibilism, and an emphasis on practical consequences are observed in American public opinion. In addition, there is strong support for pragmatic politics in America. The evidence suggests that pragmatism is a common cultural attribute in American society.
An Economic Development of Two Countries: Ghana and Malaysia

Ghana and Malaysia had much in common four decades ago. They are both former colonies of the British Empire and they attained independence from Britain in the same year, 1957. Both independent countries began with a rich mix of resources, significant gold and foreign-currency reserves, strong British legal and political institutions, and similar educational systems. Malaysia had a GNP per capita of about US$200 and Ghana had a GNP per capita of US$170 in 1958.
Patterns of care in elderly patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A SEER-Medicare analysis.

5539 Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is predominantly a disease of the elderly, however age and co-morbidity may affect therapy decisions. The purpose of this study was to...
Gender and Subspecialty of Urology Faculty in Department-based Leadership Roles.

Objective To characterize the current gender and subspecialty of those holding academic departmental administrative and educational leadership roles in urology. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of U.S. Urology Residency Programs in 2016-2017. Inclusion criteria were participation in the Urology Residency Match Program and having a department of urology website. From June 1, 2016 to August 20, 2016, each department's website was queried. If information was missing or unclear, we reviewed faculty biographies and contacted residency program coordinators. Results We queried 124 urology residency programs. For administrative leadership roles, women comprised 3.3% of chairs, 4.5% of vice chairs, and 7.9% of division directors. For educational leadership roles, women comprised 9.4% of fellowship directors, 8.1% of residency directors, and 27.4% of medical student clerkship directors. The most common subspecialties for chairs included oncology (49.2%), endourology (16.4%), and female urology (7.4%). Among division directors, female urology had the highest representation of women (27.8%) followed by pediatric urology (9.8%), reconstruction (5%), endourology (4.3%), and andrology (4%). Conclusion Overall, women are disproportionately underrepresented when it comes to educational and administrative positions of urology departmental leadership. There is also a wide yet narrowing gender gap as more women are pursuing careers in this field. Given this upward trend we may see more women in positions of leadership over time. Future efforts should be made to help promote the advancement of women to positions of leadership.
A Working Module for the Neurovascular Unit in the Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus of the Preoptic Area

The neurovascular unit (NVU) can be conceptualized as a functional entity consisting of neurons, astrocytes, pericytes, and endothelial and smooth muscle cells that operate in concert to affect blood flow to a very circumscribed area. Although we are currently in a “golden era” of bioengineering, there are, as yet, no living NVUs-on-a-chip modules available and the development of a neural chip that would mimic NVUs is a seemingly lofty goal. The sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) is a tiny brain structure (between 0.001~0.007 mm3 in rats) with an assessable biological function (i.e., male sexual behavior). The present effort was undertaken to determine whether there are identifiable NVUs in the SDN-POA by assessing its vasculature relative to its known neural components. First, a thorough and systematic review of thousands of histologic and immunofluorescent images from 201 weanling and adult rats was undertaken to define the characteristics of the vessels supplying the SDN-POA: its primary supply artery/arteriole and capillaries are physically inseparable from their neural elements. A subsequent immunofluorescent study targeting α-smooth muscle actin confirmed the identity of an artery/arteriole supplying the SDN-POA. In reality, the predominant components of the SDN-POA are calbindin D28k-positive neurons that are comingled with tyrosine hydroxylase-positive projections. Finally, a schematic of an SDN-POA NVU is proposed as a working model of the basic building block of the CNS. Such modules could serve the study of neurovascular mechanisms and potentially inform the development of next generation bioengineered neural transplants, i.e., the construct of an NVU neural chip.
Field-test of the ASHRAE/CIBSE/USGBC performance measurement protocols: Part II advanced level energy protocols

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)/Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)/U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) performance measurement protocols provide a standardized set of protocols for measuring and comparing the operational performance of occupied commercial buildings. The ASHRAE performance measurement protocols have been developed at three levels of cost/accuracy, Basic (Indicative), Intermediate (Diagnostic), and Advanced (Investigative), for the following six performance categories: energy use, water use, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, and acoustics. This article presents the results of an effort to develop and apply a field test to evaluate the Advanced level of the performance measurement energy protocols in a case-study office building in Central Texas. The data collected include multi-year sub-hourly whole-building electricity data for the total and major end uses, thermal data for chillers and condensers...
Dynamic Tensile Experimental Techniques for Geomaterials: A Comprehensive Review

This review article is dedicated to the Dynamic Behavior of Materials Technical Division for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM). Understanding dynamic behavior of geomaterials is critical for analyzing and solving engineering problems of various applications related to underground explosions, seismic, airblast, and penetration events. Determining the dynamic tensile response of geomaterials has been a great challenge in experiments due to the nature of relatively low tensile strength and high brittleness. Various experimental approaches have been made in the past century, especially in the most recent half century, to understand the dynamic behavior of geomaterials in tension. In this review paper, we summarized the dynamic tensile experimental techniques for geomaterials that have been developed. The major dynamic tensile experimental techniques include dynamic direct tension, dynamic split tension, and spall tension. All three of the experimental techniques are based on Hopkinson or split Hopkinson (also known as Kolsky) bar techniques and principles. Uniqueness and limitations for each experimental technique are also discussed.
Full-chip ESD protection design verification method for HV ICs with multiple power domains

This paper reports a new full-chip circuit level electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit design verification technique for mixed-signal high-voltage (HV) high-power power management ICs (PMIC) featuring multiple power domains. This method, validated in a 28nm CMOS and 30V BCD process, can be used for design verification of PMIC system-on-a-chip (SoC) ICs for many applications, such as power electronics ICs for smart grids and power management ICs for smartphones.
On Fields of Argument as Propositional Systems

(1982). On Fields of Argument as Propositional Systems. The Journal of the American Forensic Association: Vol. 18, Review Symposium on Argument Fields, pp. 204-213.
Perforated gastric remnant ulcer after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Ulcer perforation in the excluded stomach and duodenum is a rare complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Pathogenesis of these ulcers are multifactorial. We report a case of perforated gastric remnant ulcer in a 54-year-old woman who had undergone a laparoscopic RYGB 5 years previously. The perforation was successfully repaired with an omental patch. We also present a review of the literature of similar cases.
Time series models for freeway incident detection

An autoregressive integrated moving average model of the form, ARIMA (0,1,3), is presented for describing the stochastic and dynamic behavior of freeway traffic volume and occupancy observations. The model is applied to the detection of freeway capacity-reducing incidents through the sudden and pulsed changes they generate in traffic stream time series data. An incident is detected if the observed value of traffic occupancy lies outside the probability limits constructed two standard errors away from the corresponding point forecast. The developed ARIMA occupancy algorithm has been found superior to the exponential and the California algorithms in terms of detection rate, false alarm rate, and mean time lag to detection. The analysis is based on surveillance data recorded at the Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Detroit freeway systems during the afternoon peak periods.
Dynamic mechanical behavior of flocked layer composite materials

Abstract A custom designed dynamic mechanical apparatus was constructed to measure the tan(δ) (loss tangent) properties of Flocked (layer) Energy Absorbing Materials (FEAM). Flocked Impact Energy Absorbing (IEA) materials derive their dynamic mechanical impact absorbing properties from the compressional deformation (bending , buckling) and inter-fiber friction of nominally upright flocked fibers in the flock fiber composite assembly. The reported work summarizes the dynamic mechanical, low strain, linear viscoelastic tan(δ) properties of FEAM composite layer structures at frequencies from 25 to 100 Hz and a temperature range of 0 °C–50 °C. The effect of tan(δ) at various flock densities (fibers/mm 2) was also measured. These studies were carried out to gain information and insight into the role that a material’s dynamic mechanical properties have on the overall IEA performance of sport (and military) apparel pad structures. Results show that the tan(δ) of FEAM materials increases as the measuring frequency and flocked layer’s flock density increase. Tan(δ)’s behavior at various temperatures (0 °C–50 °C) did not follow an expected trend; the highest tan(δ) value was observed to occur at room temperature. Nevertheless, the obtained tan(δ) information on these various FEAM configurations should provide some guidance in designing optimized FEAM sport (and military) pad IEA composites.
Launching Motivation for Mindfulness: Introducing Mindfulness to Early Childhood Preservice Teachers.

Mindfulness-based practices are thought to improve teacher well-being, which can contribute to a prosocial classroom environment and positive student outcomes. Teacher preparation programs could pr...
Spatial and Depth-Dependent Variations in Magma Volume Addition and Addition Rates to Continental Arcs: Application to Global CO 2 Fluxes since 750 Ma

Magma transfer from the mantle to the crust in arcs is an important step in the global cycling of elements and volatiles from Earth's interior to the atmosphere. Arc intrusive rocks dominate the total magma mass budget over extrusive rocks. However, their total volume and rate of addition is still poorly constrained, especially in continental arcs. We present lateral (forearc to backarc) and depth‐dependent (volcanics to deep crust) magma volume additions and arc‐wide magma addition rates (MARs) calculated from three continental arc crustal sections preserving magma flare‐up periods. We observe an increase in volume addition with depth and less magma added in the forearc (~15%) and backarc (~10% to 30%) compared to the main arc. Crustal‐wide MARs for each section are remarkably similar and around 0.7–0.9 km^3/km^2/Ma. MARs can be used to estimate CO_2 fluxes from continental arcs. With initial magma CO_2 contents of 1.5 wt.%, global continental arc lengths, and MARs, we calculate changes in C (Mt/year) released from continental arcs since 750 Ma. Calculated present‐day global C fluxes are similar to values constrained by other methods. Throughout the Phanerozoic, assuming equal durations of flare‐up and lull magmatism, calculated continental CO_2 flux rates vary between 4 and 18 Mt C/year with highest values in the Mesozoic. These fluxes are considered minima since the intake of mantle and/or crustal carbon is not considered. Magmatic episodicity in continental arcs and changes in arc thickness and width are critical to consider when calculating MARs through time.
Advances in Inhaled Medications

Over the past 5–10 years the methods for administering traditional asthma therapies have evolved rapidly. Inhaler design has improved, allowing for increased deposition of medicine in the lungs, and less in the oropharynx. Large, randomized trials and systematic reviews have improved our knowledge on dosing and frequency, making therapy adjustments more precise. Lastly, long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), which are traditionally used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were proven effective for patients with asthma. Even without the development of new medicines, there are now more options for treatment.
Omic-Sig: Utilizing Omics Data to Explore and Visualize Kinase-Substrate Interactions

Abstract Protein phosphorylation is one of the most prevalent post-translational modifications, resulting from the activity of protein kinases phosphorylating specific substrates. Multiple cellular processes are regulated via protein phosphorylation, with aberrant signaling driven by dysregulation of phosphorylation events and associating with disease progression (e.g., cancer). Mass spectrometry-based phosphoprotomics approaches can be leveraged for studying alterations of kinase-substrate activity in clinical cohorts. However, the information gained via interrogation of global proteomes and transcriptomes can offer additional insight into the interaction of kinases and their respective substrates. Therefore, we have developed the bioinformatics, data visualization software tool, Omic-Sig, which can stratify prominent phospho-substrates and their associated kinases based on differential abundances between case and control samples (e.g., tumors and their normal adjacent tissues from a cancer cohort) in a multi-omics fashion. Omic-Sig is available at https://github.com/hzhangjhu/Omic-Sig.
Suggestions for Law School Seminars

I have taught a number of law-school seminars over the last 18+ years. With quite direct inspiration from a teacher I had the good fortune to study under as a liberal-arts student at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, I offer a small number of focused suggestions to foster more informative, rewarding conversations in any conventional law school seminar.
A multinetwork inelastic model for the hysteretic response during cyclic loading of pig and rat skin

Abstract In this paper, we develop a 2-dimensional membrane model for the inelastic response of nominally leathery materials applicable to many tissues, particularly skin. These materials, while nominally elastic, show substantial and complex hysteretic response under cyclic loading (usually referred to as the Mullins-type softening). Furthermore, they exhibit both rate dependent behavior and permanent residual strain upon unloading. The proposed model is based on the notion of a multinetwork model composed of a background material and possibly many families of fibers with a superposed response. The rate dependent inelasticity and permanent strain are modeled through fiber slippage. We show the efficacy of the model by comparing with experiments in rat and pig skin under various cyclic loading conditions. The parameters of the modal are reasonably easy to measure directly from experiments. The key ingredients of the fiber part of the response are (1) a simple two-slope elastic response that accounts for the rapid stiffening response of the fibers, with smooth transition between the slack and stiff response representing the fiber recruitment (2) a non affine deformation of the fibers to account for the fiber slippage and recovery (3) a rapidly hardening response to account for the memory of the skin regarding its previous maximum stretched state. The entire framework is written in rate form and is easily implemented with an elementary integration scheme. The model is capable of simulating not only the overall behavior of the skin but internal minor hysteresis as well.
Introduction of Guest Editor Marcie Parker

I am pleased to introduce you to guest editor of this special issue on gambling and gaming disorders. Dr. Parker already is known to many of you already from her lengthy service to Issues in Mental...
Rethinking the intention to behavior link in information technology use: Critical review and research directions

Abstract Extant research on technology acceptance has devoted considerable attention to the relationship between behavioral intention (BI) and system use (SU) over time. However, the empirical results have been mixed—studies have found BI to both influence and not influence SU. Studies that examined the BI→SU relationship have employed different research models and research designs. Prior research models have examined direct effects on SU, indirect effects on SU through BI, the moderator effects on BI→SU, and the mediating role of BI in BI→SU. Studies have employed different types of respondents, information technologies, geographic regions, voluntariness, and measurement designs. This study proposes that such differences in research models and designs contribute to the mixed results for BI→SU, and reports a meta-analysis of findings reported in 113 prior studies along with a critical review of the BI→SU relationship. While no significant differences were found in the results for the BI→SU relationship across various research design characteristics, this study finds that the measurement of SU has been conflated with future and current or past behavior, direct and indirect effects on SU impact BI→SU, BI is modeled to fully and partially mediate the effects of other variables on SU, and moderators for the BI→SU relationship may be necessary. This study identifies several directions for future research and underlines the need to rethink the link between BI and SU.
Proteomic response of Escherichia coli to a membrane lytic and iron chelating truncated Amaranthus tricolor defensin.

Plant defensins are a broadly distributed family of antimicrobial peptides which have been primarily studied for agriculturally relevant antifungal activity. Recent studies have probed defensins against Gram-negative bacteria revealing evidence for multiple mechanisms of action including membrane lysis and ribosomal inhibition. Herein, a truncated synthetic analog containing the γ-core motif of Amaranthus tricolor DEF2 (Atr-DEF2) reveals Gram-negative antibacterial activity and its mechanism of action is probed via proteomics, outer membrane permeability studies, and iron reduction/chelation assays. Atr-DEF2(G39-C54) demonstrated activity against two Gram-negative human bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Quantitative proteomics revealed changes in the E. coli proteome in response to treatment of sub-lethal concentrations of the truncated defensin, including bacterial outer membrane (OM) and iron acquisition/processing related proteins. Modification of OM charge is a common response of Gram-negative bacteria to membrane lytic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to reduce electrostatic interactions, and this mechanism of action was confirmed for Atr-DEF2(G39-C54) via an N-phenylnaphthalen-1-amine uptake assay. Additionally, in vitro assays confirmed the capacity of Atr-DEF2(G39-C54) to reduce Fe3+ and chelate Fe2+ at cell culture relevant concentrations, thus limiting the availability of essential enzymatic cofactors. This study highlights the utility of plant defensin γ-core motif synthetic analogs for characterization of novel defensin activity. Proteomic changes in E. coli after treatment with Atr-DEF2(G39-C54) supported the hypothesis that membrane lysis is an important component of γ-core motif mediated antibacterial activity but also emphasized that other properties, such as metal sequestration, may contribute to a multifaceted mechanism of action.