cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlations of Na+-Li+ Exchange Activity With Na+ and Li+ Binding and Phospholipid Composition in Erythrocyte Membranes of White Hypertensive and Normotensive Individuals A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Investigation

Abstract Enhanced Na+-Li+ exchange activity has been reported in red blood cells (RBCs) of white patients with essential hypertension compared with RBCs of normotensive individuals. To understand the factors responsible for this finding, we applied novel and conventional spectroscopic and kinetic methods to blood samples from 10 hypertensive and 10 normotensive individuals. We measured the kinetic parameters ( V std, V max, and K m) for RBC Na+-Li+ exchange by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and used 23Na and 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation methods to measure Na+ and Li+ binding to RBC membranes as well as 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure membrane phospholipid compositions. We found significant differences between the two groups for the affinity of Na+ for the RBC membrane (0.202±0.054 mmol/L−1 for hypertensive patients versus 0.296±0.071 mmol/L−1 for normotensive subjects, P <.005). The kinetic parameters of RBC Na+-Li+ exchange ( V std, V max, and K m) were 0.32±0.09 and 0.66±0.17 mmol Li+/L cell·h and 160±62 mmol/L, respectively, for hypertensive patients versus 0.21±0.06 and 0.32±0.14 mmol Li+/L cell·h and 86±69 mmol/L for normotensive subjects ( P <.05). The fractions of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine were 0.153±0.009 and 0.294±0.016 for hypertensive patients versus 0.138±0.013 and 0.325±0.018 for normotensive subjects ( P <.05). The Na+ binding constants were negatively correlated with the K m values for both the hypertensive ( r =−.61, P =.01) and normotensive ( r =−.43, P =.04) groups. Changes in lipid-protein interactions in the RBC membranes of hypertensive patients appear to be responsible for weaker Na+ binding to the membrane and for the faster rates of RBC Na+-Li+ exchange.
Genetic incompatibility between Pieris callidice and Pieris occidentalis nelsoni: differentiation within a periglacial relict complex (Lepidoptera: Pieridae).

Pieris callidice from the French Alps was hybridized with the phenotypically similar P . occidentalis nelsoni from Fairbanks, Alaska in order to examine the degree of genetic divergence within a group of Pleistocene origin. Egg hatch for the cross nelsoni male × callidice female was zero. In the reciprocal cross, egg hatch was normal, but most of the larvae failed to feed on the normal host-plant of nelsoni , and died. The hybrid pupae and the single adult were intermediate between the parents. It is inferred that P . callidice and P . o . nelsoni are more divergent genetically and physiologically than phenotypically.
Absence of inelastic collapse in a realistic three ball model

Inelastic collapse, the process in which a number of partially inelastic balls dissipate their energy through an infinite number of collisions in a finite amount of time, is studied for three balls on an infinite line and on a ring (i.e., a line segment with periodic boundary conditions). Inelastic collapse has been shown to exist for systems in which collisions occur with a coefficient of restitution $r$ independent of the relative velocities of the colliding particles. In the present study, a more realistic model is assumed for $r:$ $r=1$ for relative velocity equal to zero, and $r$ decreases monotonically for increasing relative velocity. With this model, inelastic collapse does not occur for three balls on a line or a ring.
Mating system structure and population density in a polygynous lizard, Sauromalus obesus (= ater)

Increases in population density often are associated with a change in mating system structure in numerous taxa. Typically, male interactions are minimal in extremely low density populations. As density increases, males exhibit territoriality but if density becomes too high, the energetic cost of defending a territory will eventually outweigh the reproductive benefits associated with territoriality. Consequently, males in high density populations may abandon territoriality and adopt dominance polygyny, lekking behavior, or scramble competition. We investigated the relationship between population density and mating system structure in three populations of the chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus (= ater), near Phoenix, Arizona. Densities in the Phoenix Mountains (2.7 chuckwallas/ha) were lower than any population previously studied. In the Santan Mountains (10.9 chuckwallas/ha), densities were similar to populations studied in the Mojave Desert, and in the South Mountains (65 chuckwallas/ha), densities were the highest yet recorded. Male mating behavior was examined by determining home range overlap and by making direct behavioral observations. Male home range size decreased with increasing population density. There was little overlap in home ranges among males in all three populations, whereas home ranges of males and females consistently overlapped, indicating that males were strictly territorial. This conclusion was supported by behavioral observations of interactions among individuals in a natural setting. The number of females wihin male territories was correlated with food resources (plants) in all three populations. Female home range size appeard to be related to food resources whereas male home ranges appeared to be related to female distribution, population density, and geology. The retention of territoriality in spite of high population densities raises new questions about the relationship between density and resource defense. Copyright 2002.
Heart valve function: a biomechanical perspective

Heart valves (HVs) are cardiac structures whose physiological function is to ensure directed blood flow through the heart over the cardiac cycle. While primarily passive structures that are driven by forces exerted by the surrounding blood and heart, this description does not adequately describe their elegant and complex biomechanical function. Moreover, they must replicate their cyclic function over an entire lifetime, with an estimated total functional demand of least 3×109 cycles. As in many physiological systems, one can approach HV biomechanics from a multi-length-scale approach, since mechanical stimuli occur and have biological impact at the organ, tissue and cellular scales. The present review focuses on the functional biomechanics of HVs. Specifically, we refer to the unique aspects of valvular function, and how the mechanical and mechanobiological behaviours of the constituent biological materials (e.g. extracellular matrix proteins and cells) achieve this remarkable feat. While we focus on the work from the authors' respective laboratories, the works of most investigators known to the authors have been included whenever appropriate. We conclude with a summary and underscore important future trends.
Excess postexercise oxygen consumption and recovery rate in trained and untrained subjects

Short, Kevin R., and Darlene A. Sedlock. Excess postexercise oxygen consumption and recovery rate in trained and untrained subjects. J. Appl. Physiol.83(1): 153–159, 1997.—The purpose of this study...
Understanding the Nonlinear Dynamics of Liquid Flow with Surge Tanks

The problem considered here is that of a pressurized surge tank with a constant inlet mass flow rate and an outlet mass flow rate through a circular channel. The dynamic behaviour of this system can be influenced by the liquid height inside the surge tank, the inlet and outlet mass flow rates, the gas pressure in the surge tank, and the liquid kinetic energy that is often neglected in textbooks and fluid dynamics literature. The model considers a constant density liquid in laminar flow and investigates the nonlinear effects of liquid height in the pressurized surge tank, mass flow rates, gas pressure, and kinetic energy on the system behaviour. Also, the model is investigated for scenarios that manifest in oscillatory behaviour.
Phase-Selective Crystallization of Perylene on Monolayer Templates

The planar aromatic hydrocarbon perylene serves as the core unit in many photoconductive and electronic materials. Perylene crystallizes in two polymorphic forms, α and β, which grow concomitantly from many solvents. Crystallization in the presence of a small library of gold–thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and functionalized siloxanes identified conditions under which phase pure material can be obtained. Au-biphenylthiol SAM templates nucleated phase pure α-perylene with preferred alignment along the α-(100) plane. Siloxanes with terminal amino functionalities proved to be effective templates for the generation of phase pure β-perylene aligned along β-(100). Phase mixtures grew on most other templates examined. Comparison of the morphologies and nucleation densities of crystals grown under various conditions suggests that the phase selectivity observed on these templates is also sensitive to solvent choice and solute concentration.
Viscosity Reduction Capability of Lignin to Polyacrylamide

The existing problem that the viscosity of polymer is too high that affects the oil recovery efficiency, so it is posed a issue to reduce the viscosity of polymer.lignin is used in tertiary oil recovery as a cheap surface active agent.It has a extensive expecting of used in oil field.The viscosity of HPAM of same concentration and same volume is reduce faster when mixed with more lignin.The conclusion of HPAM viscosity reduction experiment show that effect is HClNaS2O8NaClO.
Projected Nesterov's Proximal-Gradient Algorithm for Sparse Signal Recovery

We develop a projected Nesterov's proximal-gradient (PNPG) approach for sparse signal reconstruction that combines adaptive step size with Nesterov's momentum acceleration. The objective function that we wish to minimize is the sum of a convex differentiable data-fidelity (negative log-likelihood (NLL)) term and a convex regularization term. We apply sparse signal regularization where the signal belongs to a closed convex set within the closure of the domain of the NLL; the convex-set constraint facilitates flexible NLL domains and accurate signal recovery. Signal sparsity is imposed using the $\boldsymbol{\ell }_1$ -norm penalty on the signal's linear transform coefficients. The PNPG approach employs a projected Nesterov's acceleration step with restart and a duality-based inner iteration to compute the proximal mapping. We propose an adaptive step-size selection scheme to obtain a good local majorizing function of the NLL and reduce the time spent backtracking. Thanks to step-size adaptation, PNPG converges faster than the methods that do not adjust to the local curvature of the NLL. We present an integrated derivation of the momentum acceleration and proofs of $\boldsymbol{\mathcal {O}(k^{-2})}$ objective function convergence rate and convergence of the iterates, which account for adaptive step size, inexactness of the iterative proximal mapping, and the convex-set constraint. The tuning of PNPG is largely application independent. Tomographic and compressed-sensing reconstruction experiments with Poisson generalized linear and Gaussian linear measurement models demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach.
Can you Hear me Now ? Antecedents of Slogan Recall

Slogans are very important in brand building, and recall is considered one of the best measures of their success. Slogans are often used to prime brand associations. For example, ‘Built Ford tough’ attributes the specific attribute of toughness to Ford. Boush (1993) studied the effect of priming advertising slogans on consumers’ perceptions of brand extensions. Respondents were exposed to slogans that primed certain attributes of the brands. When asked later to rate potential extensions of the brands, ones that had characteristics in common with the primed attributes were rated more favorably than those without.
Using Learning-To-Rank to Enhance NLM Medical Text Indexer Results

For almost 15 years, the NLM Medical Text Indexer (MTI) system has been providing assistance to NLM Indexers, Catalogers, and the History of Medicine Division (HMD) in the task of indexing the ever increasing number of MEDLINE citations, with MTI’s role continuously expanding by providing more extensive and specialized coverage of the MEDLINE collection. The BioASQ Challenge has been a tremendous benefit by expanding the knowledge of leading-edge indexing research. In this paper we present an indexing approach based on the Learning to Rank methodology which was successfully applied to the indexing task by several participants of recent Challenges. The proposed solution is designed to enhance the results that come from MTI by combining strengths of MTI with additional sources of evidence to produce a more accurate list of top MeSH Heading candidates for a MEDLINE citation being indexed. It incorporates novel Learning to Rank features and other enhancements to produce performance superior to that of MTI, both overall and for two specific classes of MeSH Headings for which MTI has shown poor performance.
Pharmacokinetics and Dosing of Anti-infective Drugs in Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Review of the Current Literature.

Abstract Purpose Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a cardiopulmonary bypass device that is used to temporarily support the most critically ill of patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Infection and its sequelae may be an indication for ECMO or infections may be acquired while on ECMO and are associated with a mortality >50%. Effective therapy requires optimal dosing. However, optimal dosing can be different in patients on ECMO because the ECMO circuit can alter drug pharmacokinetics. This review assessed the current literature for pharmacokinetic data and subsequent dosing recommendations for anti-infective drugs in patients on ECMO. Methods We searched the PubMed and Embase databases (1965 to February 2016) and included case reports, case series, or studies that provided pharmacokinetic data for anti-infective drugs including antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals being used to treat patients of all age groups on ECMO. Pharmacokinetic parameters and dosing recommendations based on these data are presented. Findings The majority of data on this topic comes from neonatal studies of antibiotics from the 1980s and 1990s. These studies generally demonstrate a larger volume of distribution due to ECMO and therefore higher doses are needed initially. More adult data are now emerging, but with a predominance of case reports and case series without comparison with critically ill controls. The available pharmacokinetic analyses do suggest that volume of distribution and clearance are unchanged in the adult population, and therefore dosing recommendations largely remain unchanged. There is a lack of data on children older than 1 year of age. The data support the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring when available in this population of patients. Implications This review found reasonably robust dosing recommendations for some drugs and scant or no data for other important anti-infectives. In order to better determine optimal dosing for patients on ECMO, a systematic approach is needed. Approaches that combine ex vivo ECMO experiments, animal studies, specialized pharmacokinetic modeling, and human clinical trials are being developed.
Abstract 3253: Metastasis suppression by non-KP54 kisspeptins

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA The KISS1 metastasis suppressor blocks metastasis by inhibiting colonization at secondary sites. KISS1 activity requires secretion and extracellular processing by furin into kisspeptins. Kisspeptin-54 (KP54; G68 to F121) binds a G-protein coupled receptor, KISS1R, and the mechanism of metastasis suppression has been assumed to be through the receptor. However, KISS1 is cleaved into kisspeptins outside of the cell, and KISS1R expression is not required for metastasis suppression. Therefore, an alternate hypothesis is that a non-KISS1R binding kisspeptin(s) is responsible for metastasis suppression. To test this hypothesis, we engineered all ten of the possible kisspeptins predicted from known dibasic cleavage sites (M1-Q145; M1-R56; M1-R67; M1-R124; R56-R67; G68-F121; E55-F121; E55-Q145; G68-Q145; E125-Q145) downstream of the KISS1 secretion signal peptide (designated KMP1 to KMP10, respectively) and expressed each individually in B16-F10 melanoma cells. Expression was confirmed by immunoblot and/or RT-QPCR analysis. Following intravenous injection, experimental lung metastases were quantified. KP54 expression suppressed metastasis. Some KMP lacking the KISS1R ligand suppressed metastasis as well as KP54 and full-length KISS1 (p<0.05). Specifically, the N-terminal kisspeptin (M1 - R56) dramatically suppressed metastasis. This suggests that the mechanism of action for metastasis suppression by KISS1 does not necessarily require activation of KISS1R by the peptide ligand but also leaves the possibility for additional receptors. Alternatively, KISS1/KMP interactions with other intracellular proteins may be required for metastasis suppressor activity. Support: CA134981, Natl Fndn Cancer Res, Komen SAC11037, KS Bioscience Auth, P30-CA168524, Steiner Family Fund. Citation Format: Kelsey R. Hampton, Keke M. Pounds, Andrew P. Tremblath, Danny R. Welch. Metastasis suppression by non-KP54 kisspeptins. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3253. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3253
Numerical modeling of cryogenic fracturing process on laboratory-scale Niobrara shale samples

Abstract Cryogenic fracturing is a new fracturing concept that uses cryogenic fluids as fracturing fluids. Its mechanism rests on the effect of a thermal shock (sharp thermal gradient) introduced by cryogen on the hot surface of reservoir rock. Fractures can then be initiated and propagated due to strong local tensile stress. The objective of this research is to simulate the cryogenic fracturing experiments on Niobrara shale samples. The experimental processes are simulated under different conditions and matched with the actual experiment results. The influences of different confining stress, injection pressure and failure criteria are identified by comparing results from modeling and experiments. The simulation tool developed can also predict the distribution of artificial fractured samples.
Hydride CVD Hetero-epitaxy of B12P2 on 4H-SiC

Abstract Icosahedral boron phosphide (B12P2) is a wide bandgap semiconductor (3.35 eV) that has been reported to “self-heal” from high-energy electron bombardment, making it attractive for potential use in radioisotope batteries, radiation detection, or in electronics in high radiation environments. This study focused on improving B12P2 hetero-epitaxial films by growing on 4H-SiC substrates over the temperature range of 1250–1450 °C using B2H6 and PH3 precursors in a H2 carrier gas. XRD scans and Laue transmission photographs revealed that the epitaxial relationship was ( 0001 ) 〈 11 2 ¯ 0 〉 B 12 P 2 ∥ ( 0001 ) 〈 11 2 ¯ 0 〉 4 H − SiC . The film morphology and crystallinity were investigated as a function of growth temperature and growth time. At 1250 °C, films tended to form rough, polycrystalline layers, but at 1300 and 1350 °C, films were continuous and comparatively smooth ( R RMS ≤ 7 nm ). At 1400 or 1450 °C, the films grew in islands that coalesced as the films became thicker. Using XRD rocking curves to evaluate the crystal quality, 1300 °C was the optimum growth temperature tested. At 1300 °C, the rocking curve FWHM decreased with increasing film thickness from 1494 arcsec for a 1.1 μm thick film to 954 arcsec for a 2.7 µm thick film, suggesting a reduction in defects with thickness.
Perils and pitfalls in quantitative PET phantom measurements.

2512 Objectives This work reports both strategies for accurate and reproducible PET phantom measurements, and also identifies several subtle, but correctable pitfalls associated with the filling and imaging of common phantom platforms. Methods Three common PET phantoms (NEMA IQ phantom, 20cm uniformity phantom, and CTN oncology phantom) were routinely imaged on four PET/CT scanner systems to assess scanner performance. However, several unexpected pitfalls were encountered. 1) Some of the FDG in the aqueous solution in the phantom was metabolized by the microorganisms that were living on the surface of the phantom walls. A detailed sanitization with a safe bleach dilution is now routinely performed. 2) The PET scanner’s nonlinear response to total activity in the FOV unexpectedly impacted quantitation. Consequently, the scanner’s count rate response to varying activity was mapped and an optimal, no-defect, activity range was identified. 3) PET/CT scanner’s inaccuracy in the assessment of attenuation correction of epoxy and other phantom materials was investigated. 4) Ga-68 alone and its solution forms with EDTA and DOTATOC were examined for their binding with acrylic phantom walls. Results After phantom sanitization, quantitative errors reaching as high as 12% were resolved to less than 2%. Careful cross calibration and regular quantitative performance monitoring resulted in consistent results (within ±2%) over time. Dose calibrator geometry effects were reported to be up to 5% for differing syringe volume, so constant volumes are now used. Scanner count rate effect was on the order of 1% per mCi. Conclusions PET/CT scanners when appropriately cared for are remarkably stable quantitatively accurate measurement devices. Phantom studies, when carefully performed can not only characterize the quantitative performance, but serve as an early warning to problems in accuracy and consistency when arising.
Significance and context in GIS-based spatial archaeology: A case study from Southeastern North America

Over 30 years ago, Kintigh and Ammerman (1982) outlined and applied a heuristic approach to spatial archaeology that balanced quantitative analyses and culturally and historically contextualized archaeology. The theoretical and methodological messages were that we need to do more than “eyeball” spatial patterns, we need to apply the proper analyses based on the characteristics of our datasets, and we need to ensure that our models, quantitative analyses, and resulting interpretations are based in the proper cultural and historical contexts. My goal in this paper is to examine how two of the concepts in this approach, significance and context, apply to a modern spatial archaeology that heavily utilizes geospatial computing tools. Although these tools help to solve several concerns that existed in the field 30 years ago, they can also cause others, such as mistaking autocorrelation for correlation or confusion about which of the multitude of available analytical tools is appropriate for particular questions and datasets. In this paper, I present a simplified version of the methodology I have used to address these concerns. I use archaeological, historical, and GIS-modeled data to compare the regional patterning of hierarchical and egalitarian societies in southeastern North America to examine why hierarchical sociopolitical organizations may have arose where they did. I end with a critical review of this approach and a discussion of how such research can be improved moving forward.
Population variation in skeletal sexual dimorphism

Research has documented considerable population variation in sexual dimorphism related to human growth and development. This variation represents both genetic and environmental factors which impact methodologies used to estimate sex from human skeletal remains. This article provides an overview of known variation in skeletal sexual dimorphism among populations through documented research on samples from around the world. Variation in juvenile growth patterns of populations and differences in adult skeletal size and characteristics are discussed. This recognized variation should be considered by forensic anthropologists when estimating sex from skeletal remains and appropriate population-specific data should be utilized.
Specific Locus Mutations in the Monitoring of Human Populations for Genetic Damage

My primary argument in this paper is that in terms of the genetic monitoring of human populations, induced somatic mutation must be our major future concern. This is not to say that germ cell effects in humans are medically trivial. It is simply to say that the best evidence we now have is that somatic mutation may be a major cause of disease, particularly in genetically at-risk persons. We have no such evidence for the effects of induced germinal mutations in man; and I would, therefore, submit that our focus in future research efforts should be the identification of these genetically at-risk individuals.
Hospital-Associated Hypernatremia Spectrum and Clinical Outcomes in an Unselected Cohort

Abstract Background Although hypernatremia is associated with adverse outcomes, most studies examined selected populations. Methods Discharge data of 19,072 unselected hospitalized adults were analyzed. The crude relationship between serum sodium [Na + ] and mortality defined hypernatremia as serum [Na + ] >142 mEq/L. Patients with community-acquired hypernatremia or hospital-acquired hypernatremia were compared with normonatremic patients (admission [Na + ] 138-142 mEq/L) regarding in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Patients with community-acquired hypernatremia whose hypernatremia worsened during hospitalization were compared with those without aggravation. Results Community-acquired hypernatremia occurred in 21% of hospitalized patients and was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-2.01) for in-hospital mortality and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.32-1.56) for discharge to a short-/long-term care facility and an adjusted 10% (95% CI, 7-13) increase in length of stay. Hospital-acquired hypernatremia developed in 25.9% of hospitalized patients and was associated with an adjusted OR of 3.17 (95% CI, 2.45-4.09) for in-hospital mortality and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.32-1.59) for discharge to a facility, and an adjusted 49% (95% CI, 44-53) increase in length of stay. Hospital-aggravated hypernatremia developed in 11.7% of patients with community-acquired hypernatremia and was associated with greater risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.32-2.56) and discharge to a facility (adjusted OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.71-2.69), and an adjusted 16% (95% CI, 7-27) increase in length of stay. Conclusions The hypernatremia spectrum in unselected hospitalized patients is independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality and heightened resource consumption.
“Reclaiming” Disability in Critical Qualitative Research: Introduction to the Special Issue:

This article introduces the special issue, “Reclaiming” Disability in Critical Qualitative Research, which aims to center disability and disabled people in critical qualitative research. More parti...
The Commodity Spectrum

Capital begins with the observation that, in societies where it is produced on a capitalist basis, wealth takes the social form of the commodity. As value, a commodity is a fetish: “A commodity appears at first sight an extremely obvious, trivial thing. But its analysis brings out that it is a very strange thing, abounding in metaphysical subtleties and theological niceties” (163). The simple commodity of the beginning of Capital is not simple; it turns out to be commodity capital , pregnant with surplus-value. Drawing on Veblen’s conception of wealth as an honor fetish, Jean Baudrillard made the conception of the commodity as a use-value with an exchange value more complex by including sign value . But wealth trades as a commodity only temporarily and with qualifications as it circulates and goes out of circulation—and sometimes back in. What we purchase generally becomes—and may remain—an ex-commodity. Purchases that fill our home or surround us at work are enjoyed or used productively; they are not up for sale. Marx must have chuckled when observing that commodities in the making are not handled within a firm as commodities: the next worker in the process neither buys nor sells what she’s working on. Many market participants are firms, some not-for-profit, most for-profit; commodities produced by not-for-profits differ from those produced by for-profits in that their sale does not yield surplus value. We may wonder how much difference that makes. Wealth not on the market is not separable from social form. We recognize the value of products in the private sphere of consumption or while working in a firm or factory. This recognition is made explicit when we list and price our valuables for a homeowner’s insurance policy or when inventory is taken on the job. Privileged consumers buy commodities for domestic use, say a home, jewelry, or fine art, knowing that such wealth doubles as a store of value or even speculating that its value will increase. Value is strange, but we do not need a theory to perceive its presence around us. Like gravity before Newton, value surrounds us, as familiar as it is mysterious. Quasi-commodities of various sorts involve more than being willing and able to pay the price. Being willing to pay tuition at Princeton is not enough; one must first be admitted. Paying tuition gets you a seat in a class but does not guarantee any credit hours: you have to pass the course. Commodities are strange by virtue of their social form, but pressures to commodify creates strange commodities. Patrick Murray (jpm@creighton.edu) Jeanne Schuler (jschuler@creighton.edu) Department of Philosophy Creighton University Omaha, NE 68178
Real-time forecasting and visualization toolkit for multi-seasonal time series

Abstract Many environmental data sets are driven by multiple superimposed periods, yet most time series analysis software packages only support single-seasonality. The objective of this research was to develop a software toolkit utilizing multi-seasonal Autoregressive Integrated (msARI) models. A toolkit in MATLAB was developed for msARI-based identification, estimation, forecasting, and visualization. In the toolkit, an adaptive forecasting routine uses a continual event loop for real-time data acquisition and parameter re-estimation. A statistical quality control algorithm monitors model performance and re-estimates parameters when necessary. A set of visualization tools provide animated graphical representations of forecasts, prediction intervals and key performance metrics. The toolkit was applied to three case studies: electricity demands, water demands, and sewer flows. The analysis of the results demonstrated that the explicit modeling of multi-seasonality improved model predictions. Therefore, the msARI software presents a promising tool for modeling and predicting real-time data series.
High Density Alkyl Diamondoid Fuels Synthesized by Catalytic Cracking of Alkanes in the Presence of Adamantane

Alkyl diamondoid fuel mixtures have been prepared under moderate conditions by AlBr3 catalyzed cracking of nonane and heptane in the presence of adamantane. The fuel mixture prepared with heptane as the alkyl source (HA) contains primarily 1-ethyl-3-methyl adamantane and 1-propyladamantane, while the mixture prepared from nonane (NA) contains primarily C13–C15 alkyl diamondoids. Both fuel mixtures exhibit densities greater than 0.9 g/mL and volumetric net heats of combustion approximately 10 and 6% higher than conventional jet and diesel fuels, respectively. The structural diversity of the fuel blends and presence of multiple branch sites lead to lower viscosities compared to pure alkyl diamondoid fuels. The lower molecular weight blend, HA, exhibits a 40 °C kinematic viscosity of 3.22 mm2 s–1, well within the specification for diesel fuel, and both blends have derived cetane numbers of >42, suggesting that they can be used directly in conventional diesel engines.
Mixture modeling, sparse covariance estimation and parallel computing in bayesian analysis

Mixture modeling of continuous data is an extremely effective and popular method for density estimation and clustering. However as the size of the data grows, both in terms of dimension and number of observations, many modeling and computational problems arise. In the Bayesian setting, computational methods for posterior inference become intractable as the number of observations and/or possible clusters gets large. Furthermore, relabeling in sampling methods is increasingly difficult to address as the data gets large. This thesis addresses computational and methodological solutions to these problems by utilizing modern computational hardware and new methodology. Novel approaches for parsimonious covariance modeling and information sharing across multiple data sets are then built upon these computational improvements. Chapter 1 introduces the fundamental modeling approaches in mixture modeling including Dirichlet processes and posterior inference using Gibbs sampling. Chapter 2 describes the utilization of graphical processing units for massive gains in computational performance in both mixture models and general Bayesian modeling. Chapter 3 introduces a new relabeling approach in mixture modeling that can be scaled far beyond current methodology to massive data and high dimensional settings. Chapter 4 generalizes chapters 2 and 3 to the hierarchical Dirichlet process setting to "borrow strength" from multiple studies in classification problems in flow cytometry. Chapter 5 develops a novel approach for sparse covariance estimation using sparse, full rank, orthogonal matrix estimation. These new methods are applied to a mixture modeling with measurement error setting for classification. Finally, Chapter 6 summarizes the work given in this thesis and outlines exciting areas for future research.
Thomas Kuhn and Interdisciplinary Conversation: Why Historians and Philosophers of Science Stopped Talking to One Another

This paper looks back to Thomas S. Kuhn’s seminal work of 1962, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, as a landmark in the relations between history and philosophy of science. I propose that Kuhn’s book, though read both by historians and by philosophers, contributed to the process by which they have developed largely separate concerns in recent decades. Kuhn was a committed participant in interdisciplinary discourse, and yet his book was read in fundamentally different ways in the two disciplinary communities. To understand how this happened, I propose that we need to modify Kuhn’s own categories of historical analysis to recognize the bearing on disciplinary communities of factors that he discounted as “external.” I argue that philosophers and historians approached Kuhn’s work with preoccupations shaped by the cultural and political context of Cold War debates about science, though that context yielded very different orientations in the two communities.
Validation of BWR spent nuclear fuel isotopic predictions with applications to burnup credit

Abstract Validating boiling water reactor (BWR) spent nuclear fuel inventory calculations is challenging due to the complexity of BWR assembly designs, the lack of publicly available radiochemical assay measurements, and limited access to documentation on fuel design and operating conditions. This study compiled and evaluated experimental data on measured nuclide concentrations in commercial spent fuel for 77 fuel samples that cover a wide range of modern assembly designs and operating conditions. These data were used to validate predictions of the isotopic content using the SCALE Polaris lattice physics depletion code. The isotopic bias and uncertainties derived from comparisons of calculated and measured nuclide concentrations are applied to estimate the combined effect on the effective neutron multiplication factor for a representative burnup credit spent nuclear fuel storage system. The experimental data, validation results, model uncertainties, and uncertainty analysis results for a cask burnup credit application system are described.
Spatially-dependent patterns of plant recovery and sediment accretion following multiple disturbances in a Gulf Coast tidal marsh

Coastal wetlands are projected to experience increases in anthropogenic and climatic disturbances, which may alter plant-sediment feedbacks critical for maintaining marsh resilience to sea level. To study the effects of disturbance on ecogeomorphic processes, we examined aboveground plant responses and sediment accretion in three locations relative to the shoreline (low, mid, and high) within a tidal marsh at Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi, USA. This study site was affected by two hurricanes in the fall of 2008, and subsequently burned as part of a controlled experiment in January 2009, permitting examination of the effects of two disturbance types on aboveground plant responses and vertical accretion. Fire and hurricanes affected these response variables differently, with effects dependent on location within the marsh. Fire significantly reduced standing aboveground biomass, and subsequent recovery of vegetation relative to pre-burn levels was faster in low marsh plots nearest to the shore than in high marsh plots closest to the marsh-pine ecotone. Hurricanes introduced sediment to the marsh platform, resulting in greater accretion in low marsh plots that had more standing biomass and higher stem densities than high marsh plots. Collectively, these results demonstrate that disturbances can heterogeneously affect surface soil-building processes in marshes through effects on sediment and organic matter accumulation, which may have important consequences for surface elevation maintenance in coastal marshes.
PANDORA: a parallelizing approximation-discovery framework (WIP paper)

In this paper, we introduce PANDORA---a framework that complements existing parallelizing compilers by automatically discovering application- and architecture-specialized approximations. We demonstrate that PANDORA creates approximations that extract massive amounts of parallelism from inherently sequential code by eliminating loop-carried dependencies---a long-time goal of the compiler research community. Compared to exact parallel baselines, preliminary results show speedups ranging from 2.3x to 81x with acceptable error for many usage scenarios.
Influences of Modal Coupling on Experimentally Extracted Nonlinear Modal Models

Research has shown that mechanical structures can be modeled as a combination of weakly nonlinear uncoupled modal models. These modal models can take many forms such as a basic cubic stiffness and damping force model, or a modal Iwan model. This method relies on two assumptions: (1) the mode shapes of the structure are not amplitude dependent, and (2) the modes of the structure do not couple or interact in the amplitude range of interest. Recently, a hypothesis was proposed that when multiple modes are excited that exercise the same nonlinear joint, the modes begin to couple. This hypothesis is tested on a physical system using a series of narrow-band excitation techniques via a modal shaker and broad-band excitation from a modal hammer. The resulting amplitude dependent stiffness and damping from the various excitation types are used to characterize the degree of modal coupling. Significant modal coupling is observed between three of the low order modes of a cylindrical structure with a beam connected to a plate on its end, which exhibits nonlinearity due to micro-slip in bolted joints.
FNEE1 Arkansas EFNEP's Transition to Online Training Shows Positive Feedback

Objective To maximize the efficiency of training provided to Arkansas EFNEP employees using an online interactivity format. Use of Theory or Research The Arkansas Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) state staff is responsible for program training for EFNEP Educators across 17 counties in Arkansas. As a team, we concluded that our program training needed greater continuity. Arkansas EFNEP changed to an online training delivery method (rather than all face-to-face) in hopes that this would make better use of time and money. Further, the EFNEP Educators will obtain a great conceptual knowledge of their role in a shorter amount of time and be able to work independently sooner. Target Audience The target audience is the Arkansas EFNEP Educators. Program Description Each newly hired EFNEP Educator has responsibility for completion of all online training modules housed through the University of Arkansas Extension website. Once the Educator has received access to this website, they can begin training. The training is divided into five modules, which are the five key areas of the Educators job responsibilities. Once they complete a module, state staff will schedule a Zoom session with the Educator to follow up with any questions and provide a preview for the next module. The training can be completed in one to two weeks. Results At the conclusion of the training, the employee completes an evaluation. The evaluations rate the training based on the improvement of the employee's knowledge, the instruction, the employee's perception of the ability to complete their jobs tasks, the presentation of information, and suggestions for improvement. To date, evaluations have provided positive feedback. Conclusions The online delivery method chosen for the EFNEP training has shown very positive results. The Educators can complete training in shorter amount of time with more focus and consistency. Funding Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Effects of Agricultural Pollutants on Stress Hormones and Viral Infection in Larval Salamanders

Declines in amphibians are a global problem, influenced by complex local factors. While many factors contribute to these declines, much attention has been focused on the roles of contaminants and pathogens. Throughout eastern South Dakota, row-crop farming has contributed to habitat degradation for many amphibians, often through increases in environmental contaminants. For two years we visited four wetlands (two reference wetlands, two agricultural wetlands) to measure water-borne corticosterone (CORT) release rates and ranavirus in larval Western Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium). We found that both water-borne CORT release rates and ranavirus infection load were greater in larval salamanders from agricultural wetlands compared to reference wetlands. We also found that water-borne CORT release rates were greater in ranavirus-infected individuals compared to uninfected individuals and that water-borne CORT is positively correlated with ranavirus infection load. Though the causal relationships among contaminants, CORT, and ranavirus infection are difficult to determine, chronically elevated CORT is known to be immunosuppressive and may result in high infection loads. This study further describes the negative effects of crop production on amphibian health, provides the first evidence of ranavirus in South Dakota, and supports the use of water-borne CORT as a biomarker of amphibian population health in row-crop landscapes.
The utility of the “Glowing Head” mouse for breast cancer metastasis research

The expression of cellular reporters to label cancer cells, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) and luciferase, can stimulate immune responses and effect tumor growth. Recently, a mouse model that expresses GFP and luciferase in the anterior pituitary gland was generated to tolerize mice to these proteins; the “Glowing Head” mouse. Mice were obtained from a commercial vendor, bred, and then used for tumor growth and metastasis studies. The transgene expression of luciferase was assessed within tumor-naive mice as well as mice with mammary tumors or metastases. Tumor-free mice with white fur, compared to black fur, allowed for stronger luciferase transgene expression to be observed in the pituitary, sternum, and femur. Growth of four different luciferase-expressing mouse cancer cell lines readily occurred in the mammary gland. Though sternum expression of the luciferase transgene occurred in cancer-free mice, growth or death of luciferase positive cancer cells in the lung could be observed. Liver metastases seeded by portal vein injections of luciferase positive cancer cell lines were completely distinct from luciferase transgene expression. Though lung and brain metastasis studies have limitations, the Glowing Head mouse can be useful to inhibit immune system rejection of luciferase or GFP expressing cancer cells. This mouse model is most beneficial for studies of mammary tumors and liver metastases.
Anesthetic Care During Posterior Spinal Fusion in an Adolescent With Ebstein's Anomaly.

Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare form of cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) that involves malformation and dysfunction of the tricuspid valve and right ventricle (RV). The severity of the defect impacts clinical presentation, survival, and treatment options. Presentation during the neonatal period with hypoxemia and cyanosis is noted in patients with severe tricuspid valve malformation, a hypoplastic RV, or RV outflow tract obstruction. However, presentation later in infancy is more common when there is a moderate tricuspid valve malformation and no associated RV outflow tract obstruction. Although Ebstein’s anomaly is not generally associated with other congenital defects, patients may occasionally require surgery for other comorbid conditions. We describe the perioperative anesthetic management of an adolescent with Ebstein’s anomaly for posterior spinal fusion. Previous reports of anesthetic care in this clinical scenario are reviewed, anesthetic considerations discussed, and options for intraoperative monitoring and anesthetic care presented. J Med Cases. 2020;11(3):68-72 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3449
Chapter 4 – Determinants

This chapter introduces the determinant. It begins by giving the definition of the determinant in terms of sums of permutations, an unwieldy way to compute it. This definition provides a formula for the determinant of a 2 × 2 and a 3 × 3 matrix, and these motivate expansion by minors. Expansion by minors is presented in general form and used to provide a simple means of computing the determinant of a lower and upper triangular matrix and a diagonal matrix. After presenting the adjoint, the chapter shows how to compute the inverse using the adjoint. Cramer’s rule is presented, and it is made clear it should be used only for theoretical purposes for matrices larger than 3 × 3.The chapter shows how the determinant is evaluated in practice using row operations and that the results may be slightly in error due to computer arithmetic with a fixed number of digits. The chapter concludes with an interesting encryption method that uses the determinant.