cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconciling Environmentalism and the Left: Perspectives on Democracy and Social Justice in British Columbia's Environmental Movement

The article examines how political ideas of environmentalists support as well as impede relations between the environmental movement and other progressive movements. This requires examination of the role and meaning of social justice and democracy in the discourse of environmentalism. This study focuses such an examination on a sample of environmental activists in British Columbia. Q methodology is used to discern patterns of association between particular sets of environmental ideas, and beliefs and values related to democracy and social justice. The authors identify four environmental/political perspectives: alienated ecocentrism, civic communitarianism, insider preservationism and green egalitarianism. These perspectives share a perception of justice focused on fair democratic procedures. Fairness is linked to inclusion and equal treatment.
1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane Tetrabromide

[7726-95-6] C26H24Br4P2 (MW 718.04) InChI = 1S/C26H24P2.2Br2/c1-5-13-23(14-6-1)27(24-15-7-2-8-16-24)21-22-28(25-17-9-3-10-18-25)26-19-11-4-12-20-26;2*1-2/h1-20H,21-22H2;; InChIKey = NMRKFQBGSCFFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent capable of effecting the conversion of alcohols and tetrahydropyranyl ethers into bromides rapidly and efficiently in the presence of other sensitive functional groups1) Solubility: sol CH2Cl2. Preparative Method: generated in situ by treatment of 1,2-bis(triphenylphosphino)ethane with 2 equiv of bromine in dry dichloromethane at 0 °C under an inert atmosphere.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the usual care should be taken to avoid contact of the skin with liquid bromine.
High-speed DNA-based rolling motors powered by RNase H.

A DNA-based rolling motor that is powered by RNA hydrolysis has a maximum speed and processivity that is three orders of magnitude greater than conventional DNA-based walkers.
Mindless Intelligence

AI has stalled because of its preoccupation with simulating the human mind. By studying intelligence in natural systems, outside the mind, we can reinvigorate the field
CHROMOSOMAL EVIDENCE FOR PARALLEL EVOLUTION OF SHELL SCULPTURE PATTERN IN GONIOBASIS.

The complex patterns of geographic variation exhibited by many groups of freshwater molluscs present some extremely difficult evolutionary and taxonomic problems. A common pattern among members of the gastropod family Pleuroceridae (Mesogastropoda) is the downstream replacement of a relatively smooth-shelled form or species by a more sculptured form or species (Adams, 1915; Goodrich, 1934, 1935; Rosewater, 1960). This pattern is displayed by the pleurocerid species Goniobasis fioridensis (Reeve) and Goniobasis dickinsoni Clench and Turner in the Chipola River drainage and Holmes Creek: two adjacent streams that occur in different river basins in the Florida panhandle. The Chipola River is in the Apalachicola River Basin, and Holmes Creek is in the Choctawhatchee River Basin. Goniobasis dickinsoni occurs in the upper reaches of the Chipola River and some upper tributaries of the Choctawhatchee River Basin, including Holmes Creek. Goniobasis fioridensis occurs in lower reaches of Holmes Creek and the Chipola River as well as in most Florida river systems lying to the east (Clench and Turner, 1956). The shells of G. dickinsoni are smooth or have faint to moderate ribs on the whorls. Goniobasis fioridensis shells are heavily sculptured with ribs intersecting spiral cords to form nodules (Fig. 1). These "species" intergrade where their ranges overlap within the Chipola River drainage. Adult shells with sculpture patterns varying between those of G. dickinsoni and G. floridensis are found in this intergrade zone; which, following the terminology of Woodruff (1973), may be called a zone of widespread sympatric hybridization. These species do not intergrade in shell sculpture where their ranges overlap in Holmes Creek. An electrophoretic analysis of 18 allozyme loci (Chambers, 1980) indicated little divergence between these species in the Choctawhatchee and Apalachicola river basins. Genetic distance values, as measured by the genetic distance index (D) of Nei (1972), between samples of these different species ranged from 0.008 to 0.068. Genetic distances between samples of G. dickinsoni from the two different basins were 0.057 and 0.072. Genetic distances between G. floridensis samples from these different basins were 0.046 and 0.060. These values are comparable to the average values calculated for conspecific populations of other animal species (Ayala, 1975). Since nearly all common alleles were shared by populations of the two species, there is little or no allozyme evidence for reproductive isolation between them. The present study was undertaken to determine if chromosomal differences might explain the different relationships of the two forms within the two different river basins. The results of the karyotypic analysis indicate that, although there is no evidence for chromosomal involvement in divergence between forms, there is chromosomal divergence between populations from Holmes Creek and the Chipola River drainage that suggests the parallel evolution of similar shell sculpture patterns.
Hypothalamic Somatostatin and LH-RH after Hypophysectomy, in Hyper- or Hypo-Thyroidism, and during Anesthesia in Rats

SummaryTwenty-four days after hy-pophysectomy both hypothalamic somatostatin and LH-RH contents decreased to 1/3 of the control values in male rats. The LH-RH remained unchanged thereafter, whereas the somatostatin continued to fall until 2.5 months after hypophysectomy. The hypothalamic somatostatin and LH-RH contents in 117 day old rats (24.5 and 6.0 ng, respectively) were significantly lower than those in 59-day-old rats (49 and 9.1 ng, respectively).Thyroidectomy and excess of T4 did not modify the hypothalamic somatostatin in LH-RH content. On the other hand, an injection of Nembutal or urethane altered the hypothalamic somatostatin content, but not the LH-RH content. After urethane injection the somatostatin content did not change at 5 min as compared with the level at 0 time, but showed a decrease at 10 min. This was associated with a rapid fall of serum GH level which remained low thereafter. The hypothalamic somatostatin then increased stepwise. Nembutal caused a decrease of the hypothalamic soma...
Evaluation of present model for promoting HB awareness rate in poverty-stricken areas

Objective To evaluate current propaganda mode for promoting HB prevention in national poverty counties in Chongqing,thus to research a more useful health education strategy of HB prevention.Methods Random sampling method was adopted to select 1 000 residents and 550 doctors in vaccination in two national poverty counties to take questionnaire investigation.Results After the health education on HB,the residents' awareness rate of HB related knowledge was obviously increased from 72.55% to 82.82%(P0.05),and doctors' knowledge about HB was also increased from 96.36% to 98.00%,especially the knowledge related to HB vaccine(P0.05).Conclusions The current propaganda mode of HB prevention is effective and feasible,so that awareness of knowledge about HB improves both in residents and doctors,but different health education strategies should be carried out in residents with different culture backgrounds or occupations.Being a qualified diffuser,the doctors should reinforce their responsibility and strengthen their study on knowledge about HB.
Smart Growth: Applying the US Experience to the Romanian Context

The paper concerns itself with the notion of smart growth in the United States, focusing on the states’ approaches involving this vision. American communities are facing many negative consequences of the current pattern of growth, namely urban sprawl. Over the last decade, sustainable development has emerged worldwide not only as a viable solution to combat sprawl but also as a new pattern of development. One can argue that the American experience with regard to combating the negative effects the growth has on cities, communities and environment is relevant for other countries as well. The negative consequences of growth are similar everywhere, therefore an analysis of one nation efforts would provide useful tools for other countries. Romania should understand that growth could have not only positive benefits but also negative effects on environment, economy, community life, and public health. The main question of the paper refers to the rationales for adopting smart growth principles. After an overview of the concept, several states’ efforts regarding smart growth in the U.S. are examined. Based on these findings, and the smart growth literature, a framework of factors, and conditions will be developed in order to help interested nations understand better the smart growth phenomenon in the U.S. Then, the validity of the elements of the framework for the Romanian context will be analyzed in order to explore the likeness of adoptining such a smart growth philosophy in Romania.
Approximation of the vth Root of N

We present a class of functions gK(w), K ≥ 2, for which the recursive sequences wn + 1 = gK(wn) converge to N1/v with relative error . Newton's method results when K = 2. The coefficients of the gK(w) form a triangle, which is Pascal's for v = 2. In this case, if w1 = x1/y1, where x1, y1 is the first positive solution of Pell's equation x2 − Ny2 = 1, then wn + 1 = xn + 1/yn + 1 is the Knpth or 2Knpth convergent of the continued fraction for , its period p being even or odd.
Developmental aspects and mechanisms of rat caudal hypothalamic neuronal responses to hypoxia.

Developmental aspects and mechanisms of rat caudal hypothalamic neuronal responses to hypoxia. Previous reports from this laboratory have shown that a high percentage of neurons in the caudal hypot...
Equity in the Online Classroom: Adolescent to Adult

This chapter focuses on issues of equity of access, participation, and performance assessment of adult learners in the online classroom. Areas of focus include enrollment, discussion participation, collaborative peer activities, evaluation of assignments, and meeting the needs of students with disabilities. Specific current inequities in the traditional classroom are noted in each of these areas. The chapter highlights how the online classroom equalizes access and learning opportunities for adult learners whose needs may not be fully met in traditional face-to-face learning settings. It also identifies strategies for online instructors to use in maximizing learning opportunities for all students.
Rosenzweig's Bible: Scripture in The Star of Redemption

I n a long letter to his friend and physician richard Koch written a year before his death, Rosenzweig reviewed the path leading from the intellectual and religious crisis of his young adulthood to his final project, the Bible translation. This retrospective of his trajectory gives us a lens into Rosenzweig's own view of his writings and life ambitions. In Rosenzweig's eyes, his intellectual career represented the unfurling of a single continuous concern. Where the reader today might see a diverse corpus, including a philosophical-theological hybrid tome, translations of medieval Hebrew poetry, essays on education, and other miscellany, Rosenzweig himself saw coherence: Things in life don't happen so decisively. One slips into new epochs of one's life and the so-called “decision” is usually merely the number of a sum whose terms have long since been drawn up by life. … My autobiographical philosophy of history (retrospective, like all philosophy of history) runs as follows: upon suddenly becoming converted to philosophy in 1913 …, the plan for my “lifework” came to me. I must have notes for it somewhere, probably in cards with notes on them which I sent (from corporal Rosenzweig) to Mr. Franz Rosenzweig in Kassel; I would provide details for the plan only once I was seventy, as before then I certainly wouldn't have amassed the necessary knowledge. The plan was for a book de omnibus rebus et quibusdam aliis , as the Star later became – but in the form of a Bible commentary; hence the prolonged studies. I believe it was to have three volumes: the first would concern the weekly sections from the Torah; the second, the prophetic writings that accompany them; and third, the holiday readings and special scrolls. Ten years ago, I very hastily wrote the commentary without the text (luckily, as it turned out). And now (strangely enough, as is fairly evident from the above), I've come to the text itself, leaving out the commentary. From which we say that in every case, what is omitted is, of course, always latent within .…
Effects of a parent-implemented intervention on the academic readiness skills of five Puerto Rican kindergarten students in an urban school.

Despite strong research support for the benefits of parent involvement, Hispanic parents typically are less involved with their children's education and perceive more barriers to involvement than m...
Reasons that post-secondary culinary students enrolled in for-profit educational institutions drop out and methods that can be used to increase retention rates

Reasons that Post-secondary Culinary Students Enrolled in For-profit Educational Institutions Drop Out and Methods That Can Be Used to Increase Retention Rates
Keynote speaker 2: Secure software engineering in the cloud

In this talk, I investigate the problem of developing secure development of cloud-based enterprise applications. Consistency, availability, and durability are investigated for web service transactions. I propose an approach that matches the availability of the popular lazy replica update propagation method while increasing durability and consistency. My replica update propagation method is called the Buddy System, which requires that updates are preserved synchronously in two replicas. The first implementation schedules fine-grained WS transactions. In these transactions, each activity is a low-level database operation. Later I consider each transaction as a black box, with only the corresponding Metadata, expressed as UML specifications, as transaction semantics. I refer to these WS transactions as coarse-grained WS transactions. The Buddy System can handle these course grained WS Transactions, using UML stereotypes that allow scheduling semantics to be embedded into the design model. I show that my approach guarantees one-copy serializability, matches the performance of the lazy update propagation methods, and increases durability in the presence of hardware failures. The talk will conclude with current work investigating consistency guarantees for integration of external systems, cloud-based data models and payment security.
Evaluation of phenotypic traits and blight-resistance in an American chestnut backcross orchard in Georgia

Abstract American chestnut ( Castanea dentata ) was once a cultural, ecological, and economic staple of hardwood forests of the Eastern United States; however, chestnut blight caused by Cryphonectria parasitica has severely threatened its significance. The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a non-profit organization that has focused on backcross breeding as a means of restoring C. dentata to the wild. A major goal of this breeding program has been to introduce blight resistance from Chinese chestnut [ Castanea mollissima ] while recovering “American chestnut” morphology by backcrossing with C. dentata . The Berry College backcross orchard, in northwest Georgia, was the first such orchard established by TACF with the goal of producing advanced hybrids derived from crosses with wild C. dentata from Georgia (part of TACF’s state chapter program). In 2008, three lines of third backcross (BC3) hybrids were planted at the orchard along with F1, C. mollissima , and C. dentata controls. The theoretical model for the backcross breeding program predicts intermediate blight resistance, at best, in BC3 trees, along with an otherwise American chestnut morphology. This paper focuses on the degree to which this combination of desired traits has been found among the first lines of BC3 trees generated in Georgia. Trees were inoculated with blight in May 2013 (at age 4–5 yrs), and blight resistance was evaluated in October 2013 and March 2014 and used to calculate an average blight-susceptibility index (BSI). In September 2013, branch samples were collected and used to evaluate 20 leaf, stem, and bud traits known to differ consistently between C. mollissima and C. dentata . The average of standardized scores for morphological traits was used as an index of species identity (ISI) for each tree. On average, BC3 lines showed significant morphological differences when compared with Chinese chestnut lines, nesting morphologically with American chestnuts. Each BC3 line contained some trees with both intermediate blight resistance and morphological traits similar to C. dentata , supporting the prediction that both sets of traits have been advanced using the backcross methodology. These results are discussed in relationship to currently evolving understanding of the genetics of blight resistance and with respect to other traits needed for successful restoration in the southern United States.
An Assessment of Database-Validated microRNA Target Genes in Normal Colonic Mucosa: Implications for Pathway Analysis

Background: Determination of functional pathways regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs), while an essential step in developing therapeutics, is challenging. Some miRNAs have been studied extensively; others have limited information. In this study, we focus on 254 miRNAs previously identified as being associated with colorectal cancer and their database-identified validated target genes. Methods: We use RNA-Seq data to evaluate messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for 157 subjects who also had miRNA expression data. In the replication phase of the study, we replicated associations between 254 miRNAs associated with colorectal cancer and mRNA expression of database-identified target genes in normal colonic mucosa. In the discovery phase of the study, we evaluated expression of 18 miRNAs (those with 20 or fewer database-identified target genes along with miR-21-5p, miR-215-5p, and miR-124-3p which have more than 500 database-identified target genes) with expression of 17 434 mRNAs to identify new targets in colon tissue. Seed region matches between miRNA and newly identified targeted mRNA were used to help determine direct miRNA-mRNA associations. Results: From the replication of the 121 miRNAs that had at least 1 database-identified target gene using mRNA expression methods, 97.9% were expressed in normal colonic mucosa. Of the 8622 target miRNA-mRNA associations identified in the database, 2658 (30.2%) were associated with gene expression in normal colonic mucosa after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Of the 133 miRNAs with database-identified target genes by non-mRNA expression methods, 97.2% were expressed in normal colonic mucosa. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, 2416 miRNA-mRNA associations remained significant (19.8%). Results from the discovery phase based on detailed examination of 18 miRNAs identified more than 80 000 miRNA-mRNA associations that had not previously linked to the miRNA. Of these miRNA-mRNA associations, 15.6% and 14.8% had seed matches for CRCh38 and CRCh37, respectively. Conclusions: Our data suggest that miRNA target gene databases are incomplete; pathways derived from these databases have similar deficiencies. Although we know a lot about several miRNAs, little is known about other miRNAs in terms of their targeted genes. We encourage others to use their data to continue to further identify and validate miRNA-targeted genes.
Rheology of long discontinuous fiber thermoplastic composites

Publisher Summary This chapter investigates the elongational flow behavior of two long discontinuous fiber thermoplastic melt system (LDFMS). It includes fabrication of a model system from nylon fibers and a low density polyethylene (PE) matrix with fiber aspect ratios of 25 and 100. Tensile extension of each LDFMS is compared to a micromechanics model of relative fiber motion with appropriate constitutive relations considered. The results are discussed with regard to the measured rheology of the polymers and implications for formability and future research. The chapter reviews the literature of thethe shear and elongational properties of neat and filled polymer melts to show the generally understood properties of these systems. The material preparation steps for making long fiber reinforced melts are discussed. The experimental procedures are listed for each device applied to the investigation. Possible models of extension behavior of filled systems are presented with a check of the data. These include the test and model results for both the nylon/polyethylene (N/PE) and long-discontinuous-fiber/polyetherketoneketone (LDF/PEKK) systems. Then the implications of applying these results to process models are discussed. The prospect of timber experiments with new fiber patterns is presented. The chapter also presents a method of investigating microrheology and LCP/fiber interaction.
Effect of Dynamic Changes in Anterior Cruciate Ligament In Situ Graft Force on the Biological Healing Response of the Graft-Tunnel Interface.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts that are placed for reconstruction are subject to complex forces. Current “anatomic” ACL reconstruction techniques may result in greater in situ g...
Energy Based Limits on Computing Capacity and on Human Computing Ability

Many forecasts and predictions have been made about the impact of the growth over time in processing capacity of computers. In this talk we introduce bounds on future processing capacity and analyze the possibilities for their realization in the long run. The analysis shows the existence of hard limits on the progress in processing capacity which in turn generates bounds on future computing capacity. The results show that it is unlikely that some of the predictions on computing capabilities will not be achieved in the long run. The capacity bounds are not based on architectural and engineering considerations, they stem from fundamental physical limitations, which generate the tight bounds. We show that the bounds will be reached much faster than expected when compared to using simple traditional forecasting methods.
Dealing with the risk of organizational espionage

This paper reviews the issues involved with espionage in organizations. The dimensions of information are described as well as a brief history of espionage. There are multiple detection tools available to the organization that can be implemented, with caution. False information can often reveal a wolf in the flock, deception tools are effective as well through the use of honeypots and bugs/cameras can be revealing to "snoop" on employees however, organizations should sweep for bugs, not plant them in the workforce.Countermeasures are defined in the McCumber Cube and duplicated in the MSR model. The MSR model expands on the McCumber cube with an inclusion of a fourth dimension of time as conditions change over time. The countermeasures available are technology, policy and procedures and people issues. People issues are the most important as most organizations implemented technology and policies; however people are still the weak link. These countermeasures must be implemented with caution to not promote low trust in the workforce.
Simulation of quasi-static axisymmetric collapse of granular columns using smoothed particle hydrodynamics and discrete element methods

Flow of granular materials under different conditions poses significant challenges to engineers as their behavior can vary from solid-like to fluid-like. The quasi-static axisymmetric collapse of granular columns is an interesting case of granular flow relevant to the active deformation of retaining structures. This study aims to shed light on this type of collapse using numerical simulations including the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method in the continuum framework and the discrete element method (DEM) in the discrete framework. Three-dimensional SPH and DEM models are developed to investigate the quasi-static axisymmetric collapse of granular columns, which is initiated by slowly expanding the cylindrical wall of the column. The Drucker–Prager constitutive model with non-associated flow rule is implemented into SPH formulations to model elastoplastic behavior of granular material. The linear contact model is used in DEM simulations with calibrated contact stiffness parameters. The effects of particle shape and hysteretic contact behavior in the DEM model are indirectly considered through reducing particle rotational velocities by a calibrated constant factor at every time step. Using the developed models, the final deposit profile (e.g., height, runout distance, repose angle), non-deformed region, collapse pattern and energy dissipation for different initial aspect ratios are investigated. In addition, final height, runout distance and energy dissipation are theoretically derived and are found to be in good agreement with SPH and DEM simulations. Results show that the quasi-static axisymmetric collapse can be modeled using both the continuum and discrete frameworks as long as appropriate constitutive models or contact behaviors are implemented. However, DEM simulations are more capable of capturing particle-level behaviors, such as the sharp edges of the free surface and flow front. Results demonstrate that quasi-static granular collapse is qualitatively similar to the dynamic collapse, but results in smaller runout distances for all aspect ratios.
Undertriage after severe injury among United States trauma centers and the impact on mortality

Abstract Introduction Severely injured patients should receive definitive care at high acuity trauma centers. The purposes of this study were to determine the undertriage (UT) rate within a national sample of trauma centers and to identify characteristics of UT patients. Methods Severely injured adults ≥16 years were identified from the 2010-2012 NTDB. UT was defined as those who received definitive care or died at hospitals without state or ACS level I or II verification. Risk factors for UTT and the impact of UT on mortality were determined. Results Of 348,394 severely injured patients, 11,578 (3.3%) were UT. Older, less severely injured, and certain minority patients were most likely to be UT. After risk adjustment, predictors of UT included increased age and minority race. Increased injury severity and comorbidity were protective (all p Conclusion The low UT rate in this study demonstrates the effectiveness of triage practices amongst ACS and state verified centers however age, race, and insurance disparities in UT should be improved.
Standard MIDI Files

In this chapter we discuss the time information encoded in Standard MIDI Files. We begin by explaining the importance of storing time information in Standard MIDI Files, then describe the treatment of time in MIDI, and finally provide details of how time information is defined within Standard MIDI Files.
Unprecedented Capillary Evaporative Heat Flux in Nanochannels

Thermal management has become the bottleneck for the further advancement of electronic devices. Evaporation with nanometer fluid thickness is one of the most promising approaches to address this thermal management problem in current and future technologies. Here, thin-film evaporation in nanochannels under absolute negative pressure was studied in steady-state conditions. An unprecedented average interfacial −2 heat flux of 11 $\pm$ 2 kWcm, corresponding to a liquid velocity −1 of 0.204 ms, is maintained in the nanochannels for an extended period of time. The outward transport of vapor from the interface is both advective and diffusion controlled. The momentum transport of liquid to the liquid-vapor interface is the step in the evaporation process that limits steady-state evaporation. The concept and platform developed in this study provide a rational method for the design of thermal management technologies in high-performance electronics/photonics.
Chitin Derivatives III Formation of Amidized Homologs of Chitosan

The kinetics of the formation of amidized homologs of chitosan from the ionic complexes of chitosan with four alkanoic acids, formic, acetic, propionic and butyric acid, have been studied. Their degrees of substitution (DS) and their thermal transitions have been investigated. The results suggest that heating of N-acylates of chitosan produces amidized chitosan homologs with DS ranging between 0.1 and 0.6 as determined by solid state NMR. Thermal analysis by DMTA revealed that the ionic complexes of chitosan with formic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, as well as the respective amidized chitosan homologs, display two transitions designated as α- and β-relaxation. There was no indication of melting. The β-relaxations of the ionic complexes were more pronounced than those of their respective amidized chitosan derivatives. The ultimate T g of the amidized chitosan homologs declined stepwise with acyl substituent size. The T g-behavior was attributed to both substituent size and DS. Kinetic analysis using T g-changes with heating time can be used to describe the kinetics of amidization. The formation of amidized chitosan homologs followed first order rate kinetics in a two-stage process, as was reported previously. The activation energy for amidization was constant irrespective of the acid used in the chitosan complex as well as the DS at ultimate T g. It was 14±1kcal/mol initially and 21±2kcal/mol in the second stage. Since the transition from first to second stage occurs after the change from rubbery to glassy state (vitrification), vitrification is suspected to be responsible for the two-stage kinetics.
Faculty self-reported use of quantitative and data analysis skills in undergraduate geoscience courses

Quantitative literacy is a foundational component of success in STEM disciplines and in life. Quantitative concepts and data-rich activities in undergraduate geoscience courses can strengthen geosc...
Bayesian estimation of single ply anisotropic elastic constants from spherical indentations on multi-laminate polymer-matrix fiber-reinforced composite samples

In this paper, the application of a recently formulated two-step Bayesian framework to the estimation of effective anisotropic elastic constants of single plies within a multi-laminate polymer matrix composite is demonstrated, while using previously reported spherical indentation measurements within singular plies. Experimental spherical indentation measurements within the epoxy/fiber plies are inherently noisy due to local variation of the fiber volume fraction underneath the indenter. This paper demonstrates that the usage of a two-step Bayesian framework enables the extraction of reliable point estimates (and associated distributions) for the effective elastic constants from indentation modulus measurements conducted within single plies at different angles to the fiber orientations. The first step of the two-step Bayesian framework establishes the effective elastic indentation modulus of a single ply as a function of its intrinsic elastic stiffness parameters and the angle between the indentation direction and the fiber orientation using a database of suitable finite element simulations. The second step involves the calibration of the indentation measurements from a given set of multi-laminate samples to the reduced-order model established in the first step. The second step is accomplished by sampling the posterior distribution of the single ply elastic parameters via Monte Carlo Markov Chain methods. This new framework is demonstrated in this study for an IM7/977-3 carbon fiber/epoxy multi-laminate sample.
Prolonged Exposure and Sertraline Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Also Improve Multiple Indicators of Social Functioning

Trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently also suffer from difficulties in social functioning that range across emotional, cognitive, and environmental domains. A detailed evaluation of the differential impacts of effective PTSD treatments on social functioning is needed. Men and women (N = 200) with chronic PTSD received 10 weeks of prolonged exposure (PE) or sertraline in a randomized clinical trial and were followed for 24 months. A secondary data analysis examined changes in social functioning with regard to fear of intimacy; receipt of social support; and distress, avoidance, and negative cognitions in social situations. Effects were examined between treatments over time, controlling for baseline functioning. There were large, durable improvements across all indices. Compared to sertraline, PE was more efficient at reducing fear of intimacy and distress from negative social cognitions by posttreatment, ds = 0.94-1.14. Patients who received sertraline continued to improve over the course of follow-up, ds = 0.54-1.17. The differential speed of therapeutic effects may argue for more direct mechanisms in cognitive behavioral interventions versus cascade effects in serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Notably, both treatments produced substantial social benefits for trauma survivors with social functioning difficulties, and effect sizes were comparable to typical reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Endoscopic scores in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Endoscopy plays a key role in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, disease monitoring, assessment of treatment response, and prognosis in both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite interobserver variability and emerging histologic scores, white-light-endoscopy-based semi-quantification of mucosal inflammation has been set as a gold standard. Various disease activity scores have been developed for CD, UC, and pouchitis. Commonly used endoscopy scores for CD are the CD Endoscopic Index of Severity, Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease, and postoperative Rutgeerts Score; for UC, the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore and modified Mayo Endoscopic Subscore; and for pouchitis, the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index. Theese scores have been extrapolated in the patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal tract, including those with ileostomies, cuffitis, or CD of the pouch. The features and utilization of these scores are illustrated with text, tables, and figures in this chapter.
Overcoming Rayleigh–Plateau instabilities: Stabilizing and destabilizing liquid-metal streams via electrochemical oxidation

Liquids typically form droplets when exiting a nozzle. Jets––cylindrical streams of fluid—can form transiently at higher fluid velocities, yet interfacial tension rapidly drives jet breakup into droplets via the Rayleigh–Plateau instability. Liquid metal is an unlikely candidate to form stable jets since it has enormous interfacial tension and low viscosity. We report that electrochemical anodization significantly lowers the effective tension of a stream of metal, transitioning it from droplets to long (long lifetime and length) wires with 100-μm diameters without the need for high velocities. Whereas surface minimization drives Rayleigh–Plateau instabilities, these streams of metal increase in surface area when laid flat upon a surface due to the low tension. The ability to tune interfacial tension over at least three orders of magnitude using modest potential (
A Discriminative Classification-Based Approach to Information State Updates for a Multi-Domain Dialog System.

We propose a discriminative classification approach for updating the current information state of a multi-domain dialog system based on user responses. Our method uses a set of lexical and domain independent features to compare the spoken language understanding (SLU) output for the current user turn with the previous information state. We then update the information state accordingly, employing a discriminative machine learning approach. Using a data set collected from our conversational interaction system, we investigate the impact of features based on context dependent and context independent SLU tagging schemas. We show that the proposed approach outperforms two non-trivial baselines, one based on manually crafted rules and the other on classification with lexical features alone. Furthermore, such an approach allows the addition of new domains to the dialog manager in a seamless way.
GH directly inhibits steatosis and liver injury in a sex-dependent and IGF1-independent manner.

A reduction in hepatocyte growth hormone (GH)-signaling promotes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, debate remains as to the relative contribution of the direct effects of GH on hepatocyte function versus indirect effects, via alterations in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1). To isolate the role of hepatocyte GH receptor (GHR) signaling, independent of changes in IGF1, mice with adult-onset, hepatocyte-specific GHR knockdown (aHepGHRkd) were treated with a vector expressing rat IGF1 targeted specifically to hepatocytes. Compared to GHR-intact mice, aHepGHRkd reduced circulating IGF1 and elevated GH. In male aHepGHRkd, the shift in IGF1/GH did not alter plasma glucose or non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), but was associated with increased insulin, enhanced systemic lipid oxidation and reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) mass. Livers of male aHepGHRkd exhibited steatosis associated with increased de novo lipogenesis, hepatocyte ballooning and inflammation. In female aHepGHRkd, hepatic GHR protein levels were not detectable, but moderate levels of IGF1 were maintained, with minimal alterations in systemic metabolism and no evidence of steatosis. Reconstitution of hepatocyte IGF1 in male aHepGHRkd lowered GH and normalized insulin, whole body lipid utilization and WAT mass. However, IGF1 reconstitution did not reduce steatosis or eliminate liver injury. RNAseq analysis showed IGF1 reconstitution did not impact aHepGHRkd-induced changes in liver gene expression, despite changes in systemic metabolism. These results demonstrate the impact of aHepGHRkd is sexually dimorphic and the steatosis and liver injury observed in male aHepGHRkd mice is autonomous of IGF1, suggesting GH acts directly on the adult hepatocyte to control NAFLD progression.
Factors Impacting Chemical and Microbiological Quality of Wash Water during Simulated Dump Tank Wash of Grape Tomatoes

Fresh and fresh-cut tomatoes are high in phytonutrients. But the illness outbreaks associated with contaminated tomatoes have significantly impacted public health and the industry's economic well-being. Scientific information is critically needed to develop an effective, practical food safety standard to reduce pathogen contamination. The aim of this study was to assess factors impacting the deterioration of tomato wash water quality and indigenous microorganisms during a simulated dump tank washing process. Freshly harvested grape tomatoes were sorted into four groups: prime, defective, under-ripened, and non-tomato debris. Tomatoes with leaf-stem harvest debris, combined or separately, were washed in tap water with or without free chlorine (FC). Water samples were analyzed for total dissolved solids, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, and chlorine demand. Microbial populations in water and on tomatoes as impacted by chlorine concentration and water filtration (300 µm) were also determined. Results showed that field debris and defective tomatoes were the major contributors to microbial counts in wash water. Field debris, although only accounting for <1% of the total weight of harvested material, contributed 37.84% of total dissolved solids, 46.15% of turbidity, 48.77% of chemical oxygen demand, and 50.55% of chlorine demand in the wash water. Water quality deterioration was proportional to the cumulative quantity of tomatoes and debris washed, and FC at 5 mg/L or higher significantly reduced the Enterobacteriaceae, aerobic mesophilic bacteria, and yeast and mold populations. This study underscores the importance to minimize the presence of field debris and defective fruits from harvested grape tomatoes in order to reduce the microbial load and wash water quality deterioration of water quality in post-harvest tomato washing. This information is beneficial to the development of data-driven harvesting and packinghouse food safety practices for grape tomatoes.
The NF-[Formula: see text]B Signaling and Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin Signaling in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells in Response to Bioactive Components from Mushroom Antrodia Camphorata.

Breast cancer is the leading cancer, accounting for approximately 15% cancer deaths in women worldwide. This study investigated the anti-inflammation and anticancer properties of two bioactive components from Antrodia camphorata(AC), a rare medicinal mushroom natively grown in Taiwan and commonly used in Chinese traditional medicine. The anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic functions of Antroquinonol (AQ) and 4-Acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) from AC were examined on breast cancer cell line MCF-7 with/without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. Among nine inflammatory mediators (IL6, IL10, IL1[Formula: see text], IFN[Formula: see text], PTGS2, TGF[Formula: see text]1, TNF-[Formula: see text], CCL2 andCSF1) examined, AQ inhibited two of them (IL-10 and PTGS2), while 4-AAQB inhibited three of them (IL-10, PTGS2 andTNF-[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]i 0.05). TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulated expressions of five mediators (IL6, IL10, IFN[Formula: see text], PTGS2, and CCL2), and AQ and 4-AAQB inhibited IL6 elevation ([Formula: see text]i 0.05). Both components inhibited aromatase expression with/without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation, with 4-AAQB to be more effective ([Formula: see text]i 0.05). For immune checkpoint CD47, both components inhibited CD47 expression ([Formula: see text]i 0.05), but it did not respond to TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. For Wnt/[Formula: see text]- catenin signaling downstream genes (CCND1, C-MYC and AXIN2), both components have significant or marginal inhibitory effect on C-MYC in the condition with/without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. The luciferase assay demonstrated that both components exhibited inhibitory effect on NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling and Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling in the condition without TNF-[Formula: see text] stimulation. In conclusion, our results displayed an overall pattern that AQ and 4-AAQB possess potential anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic functions in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and warranted further in vivo pre-clinical and clinical studies to explore their anticancer properties.
Structural Performance of Sections Treated with Thin Overlays for Pavement Preservation

Over the last decades, increased efforts have been made to identify cost-effective alternatives to achieve a longer pavement life by applying preservation treatments. The application of thin overla...
Peripheral Markers of Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction Show Independent but Additive Relationships with Brain-Based Biomarkers in Association with Functional Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular dysfunction confers risk for functional decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the clinical interplay of these two pathogenic processes is not well understood. OBJECTIVE We utilized Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data to examine associations between peripherally derived soluble cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and clinical diagnostic indicators of AD. METHODS Using generalized linear regression models, we examined cross-sectional relationships of soluble plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and E-Selectin to baseline diagnosis and functional impairment (clinical dementia rating sum-of-boxes, CDR-SB) in the ADNI cohort (n = 112 AD, n = 396 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), n = 58 cognitively normal). We further analyzed associations of these biomarkers with brain-based AD biomarkers in a subset with available cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data (n = 351). p-values derived from main effects and interaction terms from the linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables for significance (significance level was set at 0.05 a priori for all analysis). RESULTS Higher mean VCAM-1 (p = 0.0026) and ICAM-1 (p = 0.0189) levels were found in AD versus MCI groups; however, not in MCI versus cognitively normal groups. Only VCAM-1 was linked with CDR-SB scores (p = 0.0157), and APOE ɛ4 genotype modified this effect. We observed independent, additive associations when VCAM-1 and CSF amyloid-β (Aβ42), total tau, phosphorylated tau (P-tau), or P-tau/Aβ42 (all < p = 0.01) were combined in a CDR-SB model; ICAM-1 showed a similar pattern, but to a lesser extent. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate independent associations of plasma-based vascular biomarkers and CSF biomarkers with AD-related clinical impairment.
Trends in Brachial Plexus Surgery: Characterizing Contemporary Practices for Exploration of Supraclavicular Plexus.

BackgroundThere is variability in treatment strategies for patients with brachial plexus injury (BPI). We used qualitative research methods to better understand surgeons’ rationale for treatment ap...
Mycoplasma and Hemophilus

Respiratory disease causes the highest economic loss of feedlot diseases. Diagnosis of infectious diseases occurring in feedlot environments tends to focus primarily on respiratory pathogens. The role of viral entities, including infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), parainfluenza-3 (PI3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), in conjunction with Pasteurella hemolytica in respiratory disease is well documented. They are generally regarded by veterinary clinicians as the primary pathogens involved in feedlot respiratory disease. Presence and involvement of other pathogens has been acknowledged and documented. However, their importance, incidence, pathogenicity, and cost to the industry are less well understood. Diagnostic investigations involving feedlot pathogens of lesser overall economic importance are important in order to address issues including therapy, prevention, and prognosis. Unusually high morbidity and/or mortality in some animal populations give them critical importance in some cases. Client education is also important in order to communicate occurrence of losses that at times mimic more common disease entities or present new diagnostic challenges. Mycoplasma bovis and Hemophilus somnus are two organisms that produce clinical and subclinical disease resulting in feedlot morbidity and mortality, with accompanying economic loss.
Clinical Practice of Forensic Neuropsychology: An Evidence-Based Approach

The Neuropsychological Exam. Assessment of Neurocognitive Symptom Validity. Assessment of Symptom Validity through Psychological Symptom Overreport Measures. Assessment of Symptom Validity through Psychodiagnostic and PTSD Symptom Measures. Test Scoring/Interpretation and the Neuropsychological Report. Seven Common Flaws in Forensic Neuropsychological Reports. The Special Problem of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation. Testimony: Protecting Your Data and Conclusions from Attack.