cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of Contract Evolution

Contract scholarship has given little attention to the production process for contracts. The usual assumption is that the parties will construct the contract ex nihilo, choosing all the terms so that they will maximize the surplus from the contract. In fact, parties draft most contracts by slightly modifying the terms of contracts that they have used in the past, or that other parties have used in related transactions. A small literature on boilerplate recognizes this phenomenon, but little empirical work examines the process. This Article provides an empirical analysis by drawing on a data set of sovereign bonds. We show that exogenous factors are key determinants in the evolution of these contracts. We find an evolutionary pattern that roughly separates into three stages. Stage one where a particular standard form dominates; stage two where there are external shocks and marginal players experiment with deviations from the standard form; and stage three where a new standard emerges. The pattern confirms roughly to the S curve commonly described in the product innovation literature. We also find that more marginal law firms are likely to be leaders in innovation at early stages of the innovation cycle but that dominant law firms are the leaders at later stages.
Examining the Characteristics of Male Sexual Assault Targets in a Southern Maximum-Security Prison

Studies concerning inmate-on-inmate sexual assaults within male correctional facilities are sparse in the sociological and correctional literatures. Only a few studies have specifically examined the characteristics of male inmate sexual assault targets. The current research sought to address this gap by providing an examination of factors related to victimization likelihood. Using data gathered in March 2000 from 142 inmates (18% return rate) in one Southern maximum-security prison, the authors examined demographic and behavioral characteristics of male inmate sexual targets. Based on inmates’ self-reports of sexual victimization—threatened and/or forced sexual assault encounters—correlates of victimization were identified. Approximately 18% of the inmates reported inmate-on-inmate sexual threats, and 8.5% reported that they had been sexually assaulted by another inmate while incarcerated.
Reflective Teaching in the Early Years: A Case for Mentoring Diverse Educators

Student diversity in classrooms is on the rise and with it, a need for teachers who recognize the needs of diverse student populations. Teacher retention is a national crisis, with teachers of color at especially high risk for leaving the teaching profession early. This case study describes a collaborative mentoring approach used by a primary grades Latina teacher and two university professors. This approach focused on reflective discussion of classroom events and addressed the challenges of teaching for understanding in an age of accountability and changing demographics. Findings indicate that the beginning teacher’s enthusiasm combined with the expertise of teacher educators benefited the teacher, the students, other teachers in the school, and the participating university professors. Implications of this case study point towards the need to mentor diverse educators in the early years.
Random stimulus generation using entropy and XOR constraints

Despite the growing research effort in formal verification, constraint-based random simulation remains an integral part of design validation, especially for large design components where formal techniques do not scale. However, stimulating important aspects of a design to uncover bugs often requires the construction of complex constraints to guide stimulus generation. We propose Toggle, a stimulus generation engine, which features (1) an entropy-based coverage analysis to efficiently find portions of the design inadequately sensitized by simulation and (2) a novel strategy to automatically stimulate these portions through a specialized SAT algorithm that uses small randomized XOR constraints. As our experimental results demonstrate, Toggle requires minimal input from the verification engineer, and significantly improves the coverage qualities of the generated stimuli when compared to plain random simulation.
Temporal Variability in the Spatial Distribution of an Eastern Red Cedar-Chinquapin Oak Woodland in Virginia

Abstract Juniperus virginiana-Quercus muehlenbergii woodlands form isolated, rare communities limited to calcium-rich cliffs and rock outcrops within the larger matrix of Quercus-Carya forests in the central and southern Appalachians. The objective of this paper was to identify compositional, environmental, and age changes across the ecotone between a woodlands community and an adjacent forest at Pedlar Hills Natural Area Preserve, Virginia. We established eight belt transects from the Juniperus virginiana-Quercus muehlenbergii woodlands into the surrounding Quercus-Carya forest. All trees within transects were identified and cored to determine age. We determined soil depth, percent rock cover, slope, and aspect and recorded the location and species of all cut stumps. The woodland-forest ecotones that appeared to be relatively static were all located along physical boundaries such as ridgelines or rivers. In areas lacking physical boundaries, the forest-woodlands ecotone has shifted in the past 50 years. ...
Emergent weed communities associated with tomato production systems in Indiana

Abstract Weed species respond to the cumulative effect of multiple practices employed within weed management systems. However, this response is rarely studied at the system level, and the relationships between weed communities and management systems in crops are not well understood. We used multivariate analyses to assess relationships among tomato management systems and weed species identified through on-farm sampling of 59 fields. Giant foxtail, common lambsquarters, prickly sida, and carpetweed were common in all systems. Eastern black nightshade was common in the conventional processing and mixed fresh-market systems but largely absent from the organic system. Barnyardgrass and goosegrass were common in the organic fresh-market system but not in the other systems. Canonical correspondence analysis identified distinct associations between specific species and the management systems. Common purslane was strongly associated with the rain-fed, mixed fresh-market system, and barnyardgrass, goosegrass, yell...
Learning from demonstration in spatial exploration

We present the initial stage of our research on Learning from Demonstration algorithms. We have implemented an algorithm based on Confident Execution, one of the components of the Confidence-Based Autonomy algorithm developed by Chernova and Veloso. Our preliminary experiments were conducted first in simulation and then using a Sony AIBO ERS-7 robot. So far, our robot has been able to learn crude navigation strategies, despite limited trials. We are currently working on improving our implementation by including additional features that describe more broadly the state of the agent. Our long term goal is to incorporate Learning from Demonstration techniques in our HRTeam (human/multi-robot) framework.
Modern approaches to HLA-haploidentical blood or marrow transplantation

Allogeneic blood or bone-marrow transplantation (alloBMT) is a potentially curative treatment for a variety of haematological malignancies and nonmalignant diseases. Historically, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched siblings have been the preferred source of donor cells owing to superior outcomes compared with alloBMT using other donors. Although only approximately one-third of patients have an HLA-matched sibling, nearly all patients have HLA-haploidentical related donors. Early studies using HLA-haploidentical alloBMT resulted in unacceptably high rates of graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), leading to high nonrelapse mortality and consequently poor survival. Several novel approaches to HLA-haploidentical alloBMT have yielded encouraging results with high rates of successful engraftment, effective GVHD control and favourable outcomes. In fact, outcomes of several retrospective comparative studies seem similar to those seen using other allograft sources, including those of HLA-matched-sibling alloBMT. In this Review, we provide an overview of the three most-developed approaches to HLA-haploidentical alloBMT: T-cell depletion with 'megadose' CD34(+) cells; granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-primed allografts combined with intensive pharmacological immunosuppression, including antithymocyte globulin; and high-dose, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide. We review the preclinical and biological data supporting each approach, results from major clinical studies, and completed or ongoing clinical studies comparing these approaches with other alloBMT platforms.
Methotrexate therapy of metastatic choriocarcinoma.

Abstract A patient with choriocarcinoma extensively metastatic to the lungs (and probably pelvis), with elevated urinary gonadotropin titers, has been treated with Methotrexate. The drug was administered orally in intermittent high-dose courses. Regression of tumor masses and fall of gonadotrophin excretion followed. This experience confirms that reported by Li, Hertz, and Spencer. 4
Assessing and Mapping the Availability of the Female Condom in the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

This study assessed and mapped the availability of the female condom in relation to the male condom and HIV prevalence in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, which has a high density of HIV. One percent of the 1228 service providers contacted sold/provided the female condom and 77 % sold/provided the male condom. The lack of availability of the female condom suggests this product will have no public health impact on reducing HIV and that interventions that promote use of the female condom are not sustainable in this high-risk area. Our findings may help policy makers increase female condom availability in this area.
Capabilities Based Assessments Made Easy

The process prescribed in this workbook is a departure from traditional CBAs. That being said, it has been vetted through the Joint Requirements Oversight Council's (JROC) Joint Analytic Data Management (JADM) Council and was implemented for the Homeland Defense/ Civil Support (CBA). It was also nominated at the 76th Military Operations Research Society (MORS) Symposium at the US Coast Guard Academy for the Richard Barchi Prize in 2008. The process promises to speed up the time required to conduct a CBA by helping you avoid common pitfalls with lessons learned from past CBA practices, and by providing you with a 6-month license to a Microsoft Excel®-based program to help automate the risk-assessment component of the CBA. Whether you are a government employee conducting a CBA or a government contractor providing CBA support or writing a proposal, this workbook will help you devise a better approach to CBAs and better ensure success in your endeavors.
Predicting outcomes in glioblastoma patients using computerized analysis of tumor shape: preliminary data

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor characterized by very poor survival. However, while some patients survive only a few months, some might live for multiple years. Accurate prognosis of survival and stratification of patients allows for making more personalized treatment decisions and moves treatment of GBM one step closer toward the paradigm of precision medicine. While some molecular biomarkers are being investigated, medical imaging remains significantly underutilized for prognostication in GBM. In this study, we investigated whether computer analysis of tumor shape can contribute toward accurate prognosis of outcomes. Specifically, we implemented applied computer algorithms to extract 5 shape features from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for 22 GBM patients. Then, we determined whether each one of the features can accurately distinguish between patients with good and poor outcomes. We found that that one of the 5 analyzed features showed prognostic value of survival. The prognostic feature describes how well the 3D tumor shape fills its minimum bounding ellipsoid. Specifically, for low values (less or equal than the median) the proportion of patients that survived more than a year was 27% while for high values (higher than median) the proportion of patients with survival of more than 1 year was 82%. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) even though the number of patients analyzed in this pilot study was low. We concluded that computerized, 3D analysis of tumor shape in MRI may strongly contribute to accurate prognostication and stratification of patients for therapy in GBM.
Virtual Lab Activities for a Distance Course in Fluid Power

Virtual lab activities utilizing simulation software are gaining in popularity and importance. Simulation software can be purchased in sufficient quantities to allow every student in a class to perform lab activities rather than doing physical labs with limited equipment and a team approach, providing uncertainty as to who is really doing the work. Another advantage would be using the software across several locations throughout a region and pairing it with software like Adobe Connect or two-way video in some distance education format. Students in multiple locations can connect via computer and can perform lab activities in synchronous or asynchronous sessions. Actual physical lab activities could be included in the course on a limited basis to accommodate students from several locations. This work will investigate simulation software available for use with fluid power and discuss strategies for incorporating into appropriate classes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Abstract 4946: Control of cellular proliferation by ERK: A quantitative analysis in single cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The EGF-stimulated ERK/MAPK system is a key conduit for physiological growth signals. We have used a combination of live and fixed single-cell measurements to determine the quantitative operating principles of this pathway under long-term stimulation by physiological levels of EGF, revealing three essential properties of the network. First, the extracellular concentration of EGF is encoded, at different points in the network, by distinct frequency- and amplitude-modulated responses. Second, control of cellular proliferation is controlled predominantly by the lower end of the pathway's dynamic range, necessitating nearly complete inhibition of the pathway to elicit growth arrest. Third, the diverse phenotypic outputs of the pathway are controlled by different segments of the overall dynamic range, with distinct molecular targets engaged at different thresholds. These properties have direct relevance to strategies for therapeutic inhibition of the ERK/MAPK network. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4946. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4946
Effect of congeners of polybrominated biphenyls on hatchability of chicken eggs. I. 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl vs. PBB.

SummaryThe major component, 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (HBB-4) of the polybrominated biphenyl fireMaster FF-1, involved in the contamination problem in Michigan, did not produce either an edema in embryos and newly-hatched chicks or a decline in hatchability when fed to laying chickens. However, fireMaster FF-1, containing an equivalent level of the HBB-4 isomer caused the expected deleterious effects.
Vector investigation of Xicheng district in Beijing in 2009

Objective To investigate constitution and seasonal fluctuation of vector of Xicheng district in 2009,then provide scientific basis and proposal for vector control and prevention of vector-borne diseases. Methods Light trap,cage trap,mouse trap and mucilage glue trap were used to catch mosquitoes,flies,rodents and cockroaches respectively.Results The mosquitoes were mainly Culex pipiens pallens and Aedes albopictus,Culex pipiens pallens was 81.04%.The flies were mainly flesh fly,Lucilia sericata,Calliphoridae,Musca domestica and Fanniacanicularis,the flesh fly was 43.76%.The rodents were mainly Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus which was 50% respectively.The cockroach was all Blattella germanica.The active peak of mosquitoes was in late August.The two peaks of fly were in late May and late August,and the latter's peak was higher.The cockroach's two peaks were in February and September,and the latter's peak was higher.Under the influence of deratization in spring and autumn,seasonality of rodents was unconspicuous.Conclusion Culex pipiens pallens,flesh fly,Blattella germanica,Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus are dominant species.Mosquitoes,flies and cockroach's seasonality are obvious while rodents not.
Design and fabrication of silicon-tessellated structures for monocentric imagers

Compared with conventional planar optical image sensors, a curved focal plane array can simplify the lens design and improve the field of view. In this paper, we introduce the design and implementation of a segmented, hemispherical, CMOS-compatible silicon image plane for a 10-mm diameter spherical monocentric lens. To conform to the hemispherical focal plane of the lens, we use flexible gores that consist of arrays of spring-connected silicon hexagons. Mechanical functionality is demonstrated by assembling the 20-μm-thick silicon gores into a hemispherical test fixture. We have also fabricated and tested a photodiode array on a silicon-on-insulator substrate for use with the curved imager. Optical testing shows that the fabricated photodiodes achieve good performance; the hemispherical imager enables a compact 160 ° field of view camera with >80% fill factor using a single spherical lens. US researchers have developed a curved photodetector array that could lead to miniature monocentric imagers. Silicon imagers in cell-phone cameras are planar grids of photodetectors, requiring flat imaging planes and complex lens designs to correct for aberrations. The curved imager would allow a simple, compact, and wide field-of-view spherical lens to be used instead of conventional lens stacks. Roger Howe and co-workers from Stanford University, California, have created a tessellated thin silicon array of optoelectronic devices that can conform to a 10-mm-diameter ball lens. The team constructed the photodetectors on a silicon-on-insulator substrate. The 20-μ-thick device layer was etched into gore segments consisting of arrays of spring-connected hexagons. These interconnected, compliant segments were released from the substrate and assembled onto the hemispherical mounting surface for the ball lens.
Combined serum and bone marrow radioimmunoassays for prostatic acid phosphatase.

AbstractCombined serum and bone marrow radioimmunoassays for prostatic acid phosphatase provide a unique means for the early diagnosis and more accurate clinical staging of prostatic cancer. The combined screening technique appears to be helpful, particularly in providing a clinical assessment of the presence or absence of early, subclinical lymphatic and bone marrow metastases. Low titer elevations of bone marrow prostatic acid phosphatase by radioimmunoassay have been observed commonly in clinically understaged C prostatic cancer with normal technetium bone scans, indicating the presence of unrecognized stage D disease with bone metastases. The combined screening method also is of distinct clinical value in the early diagnosis of prostatic cancer and in monitoring the effects of specific therapy. In therapeutically responsive patients marked suppression of serum and bone marrow prostatic acid phosphatase is observed regularly with the radioimmunochemical method under study.
The Role of Hox in Pisiform and Calcaneus Growth Plate Formation and the Nature of the Zeugopod/Autopod Boundary

The mesopodium forms at the boundary between the zeugopod and autopod and is composed of short nodular bones that typically lack growth plates. Hoxa11 and Hoxa13 are expressed in mutually exclusive proximal-distal domains that demarcate the zeugopod/autopod boundary. Similarly, Hoxd genes are deployed in two distinct phases during limb development. The early phase corresponds to proximal segments including the zeugopod, and a late phase occurs in the digits. This arrangement produces a gap of low Hoxd expression that is traditionally viewed to correspond to the mesopodium. In contrast to the other mesopodials, the mammalian pisiform and calcaneus form true growth plates. We show that these bones, along with other proximal mesopodials, develop within the Hoxa11 and Hoxd11 expression domains. We also observe that the pisiform growth plate becomes disorganized with Hoxa11 or Hoxd11 loss of function, indicating a direct role for Hox11 in its development. Hoxa13 loss of function has minimal effect on the pisiform and proximal calcaneus as these bones still form secondary centers and undergo longitudinal growth. Consideration of the phenotypes resulting from hypodactyly (Hd) and synpolydactyly homolog (spdh) mutations, which result from altered HOXA13 and HOXD13 proteins, respectively, confirms that Hox13 plays a limited role in the development of the pisiform and calcaneus and suggests that they lie within the early phase of Hox expression. Therefore, with respect to patterns of ossification and gene expression, these bones share much more in common with the zeugopod than the autopod. Such an interpretation fits with the timing of autopod origins during tetrapod evolution.
Protecting Retailers Against Contagion: Exploring the Shielding Role of Marketing in the Negative Spillover of the Target Customer Data Breach

The authors examine the effect of a major customer data breach at a US retail firm on the market value of other US retailers. Using the massive breach at Target Corporation in the year 2013 as their empirical context, the authors discover the existence of a strong industry-wide contagion effect; the results from an event study of 168 publicly listed US retail firms indicate that the Target breach resulted in negative abnormal returns for other US retailers. The authors also explore the role played by marketing factors in insulating some retailers from this contagion effect. They find empirical evidence that retailers where the marketing function held a high degree of influence in the top management team (TMT), those with strong marketing capabilities, and those with strong corporate social performance (CSP), experienced less negative abnormal returns surrounding the news of the Target breach. These results highlight the shielding benefit that strong marketing resources and high corporate citizenship provide to retailers in the backdrop of an industry counterpart’s customer data breach.
Factors associated with decisional regret among patients undergoing major thoracic and abdominal operations

Background No study has specifically investigated patient attitudes on decisional regret concerning major operative procedures. The objective of the present study was to define the prevalence of regret among patients who had undergone a major abdominal or thoracic operative procedure and to identify factors associated with postoperative regret. Methods Decisional regret was assessed using the validated Decision Regret Scale, which consisted of 5 items with Likert-scale responses. Data on preoperative decision-making preferences and postoperative regret, quality of life, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were collected and analyzed. Results Overall, 157 (68.9%) patients agreed to participate and completed the survey, while 12 (5.3%) patients declined citing lack of time or interest. The types of operative procedures varied, with 65 (41.7%) patients undergoing a thoracic operation, 59 (37.8%) resection of the pancreas, liver or bile duct, and 32 (20.5%) patients having a colorectal/enteric operation. Although most patients (n = 98, 62.4%) expressed no degree of regret, a subset of patients did; specifically, 59 (37.6%) patients conveyed a varied degree of postoperative regret, with 20 (12.7%) patients expressing a moderate degree of regret, and 13 patients (8.3%) experiencing substantial regret. Postoperative regret was associated with a history of postoperative complications (odds ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 1.2–17.7, P Conclusion Patient-reported decisional regret after major abdominal and thoracic operations was present in 37% of patients, with roughly 1 in 12 patients reporting substantial regret and distress over the decision to have undergone operation. Discordance between patients' preferred and actual involvement in operative decision-making was associated with postoperative regret, as was poor quality of life, anxiety, and depression.
Improved measurement of extracellular enzymatic activities in subsurface sediments using competitive desorption treatment

Extracellular enzymatic activities initiate microbially-driven heterotrophic carbon cycling in subsurface sediments. While measurement of hydrolytic activities in sediments is fundamental to our understanding of carbon cycling, these measurements are often technically difficult due to sorption of organic substrates to the sediment matrix. Most methods that measure hydrolysis of organic substrates in sediments rely on recovery of a fluorophore or fluorescently-labeled target substrate from a sediment incubation. The tendency for substrates to sorb to sediments results in lower recovery of an added substrate, and can result in data that are unusable or difficult to interpret. We developed a treatment using competitive desorption of a fluorescently-labeled, high molecular weight organic substrate that improves recovery of the labeled substrate from sediment subsamples. Competitive desorption treatment improved recovery of the fluorescent substrate by a median of 66%, expanded the range of sediments for which activity measurements could be made, and was effective in sediments from a broad range of geochemical contexts. More reliable measurements of hydrolytic activities in sediments will yield usable and more easily interpretable data from a wider range of sedimentary environments, enabling better understanding of microbially-catalyzed carbon cycling in subsurface environments.
Renaming Streets, Inverting Perspectives: Acts of Postcolonial Memory Citizenship In Berlin

In October 2004, the local assemblyman Christoph Ziermann proposed a motion to rename “Mohrenstrase” (Blackamoor Street) in the city center of Berlin (BVV- Mitte, “Drucksache 1507/II”) and thereby set in train a debate about how to deal with the colonial past of Germany and the material and semantic marks of this past, present in public space. The proposal was discussed heatedly in the media, within the local assembly, in public meetings, in university departments, by historians and linguists, by postcolonial and anti-racist activists, by developmental non-profit organizations, by local politicians, and also by a newly founded citizens’ initiative, garnering much attention. After much attention was given to “Mohrenstrase,” the issue of renaming, finally came to include the so-called African quarter in the north of Berlin, where several streets named after former colonial regions and, most notably, after colonial actors are located.
Benign vascular lesions of the breast diagnosed by core needle biopsy do not require excision.

Aims Surgical excision of all benign vascular lesions of the breast identified by core needle biopsy has been recommended in the past to rule out a more serious lesion. In this study we investigated the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings in patients diagnosed with a benign vascular lesion at our institution to assess whether excision may be spared for lesions without atypia. Methods and results We searched the electronic medical record for patients with a vascular lesion of the breast diagnosed between 2000 and 2015. The study population consisted of 84 patients, 83 females and 1 male. The index diagnoses included 76 benign vascular lesions, 5 vascular lesions with cytologic atypia, and 3 angiosarcomas. A radiologist reviewed all pre and post-biopsy imaging studies; all cases had concordant radiologic and pathologic findings. Based on radiologic and histologic correlation, the vascular lesion accounted for the radiologic target in 40 (48%) cases and was deemed an incidental finding in 44 (52%). 7 of 32 (22%) targeted and 10 of 44 (23%) incidental benign vascular lesions underwent surgical excision; there were no upgrades at excision. No recurrences or clinical events were observed in patients with a targeted or incidental benign vascular lesion with a median followup of 39 months and 40.6 months, respectively. Conclusion Our data suggest that benign vascular lesions diagnosed on core biopsy with concordant radiologic and pathologic findings do not warrant surgical excision. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Reliability and environmental benefits of energy storage systems in firming up wind generation

This paper presents a method to evaluate the reliability and environmental benefits of energy storage systems (ESSs) applied in firming up grid connected wind farms. Due to the variability and uncertainty of wind energy, ESSs have the potential to play a significant role in firming up the output power of wind farms. In this context, determining the size of ESSs in terms of rated power and energy is a crucial factor. In this paper, a method to quantify the necessary ESSs to firm up wind generation or to meet a certain reliability target is discussed. Also, this paper presents a method to evaluate the monetary benefits of both reliability improvement and emission reduction. Sequential Monte Carlo simulation and optimal power flow calculations are carried out in evaluating system reliability and the monetary benefits. The proposed method is demonstrated on the IEEE reliability test system (IEEE-RTS) to determine the reliability and environmental benefits from a wind farm with energy storage system.
Enhanced Chemoselectivity in Pt–Fe@mSiO 2 Bimetallic Nanoparticles in the Absence of Surface Modifying Ligands

Noble metal-based bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using colloidal methods always contain organic capping agents. These NPs show high selectivities in many chemoselective hydrogenation reactions benefitting from both capping agents and secondary metals. However, it is challenging to separately identify the role of the secondary metal and the capping agents in the bimetallic NPs because the complete removal of the capping agents can often cause their aggregation or structural/compositional changes. Herein we report the synthesis of Pt5Fex (x = 1, 2 and 4) bimetallic NPs capped by an inorganic mesoporous silica (mSiO2) shell, which could prevent NP aggregation during high-temperature treatment to remove capping agents. Using these Pt5Fex@mSiO2 NPs with a clean surface, we could demonstrate the role played independently by the bimetallic composition in the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde and furfural. Understanding the functions of the secondary metal and the surface modifying ligands on the selectivity enhancement of bimetallic NPs is necessary for the design of high-performance chemoselective catalysts.
Evidence for Migration of IgA Bearing Lymphocytes between Peripheral Muscosal Sites

Abstract The mouse adoptive transfer system was employed to compare the homing properties of labeled mammary gland, mesenteric lymph node and peripheral lymph node cell populations. The homing properties of mammary gland cells to lacrimal glands, salivary glands and small intestine was similar to mesenteric lymph node cells. Preliminary evidence suggests that an IgA-bearing population of mammary gland cells was responsible for homing. The data suggests that cell traffic between peripheral mucosal sites is an additional mechanism controlling the expression of IgA antibodies in secretions.
Visualizing the Topology of Symmetric, Second-Order, Time-Varying Two-Dimensional Tensor Fields

We introduce the underlying theory behind degenerate points in 2D tensor fields to study the local field properties in the vicinity of linear and nonlinear singularities. The structural stability of these features and their corresponding separatrices are also analyzed. From here, we highlight the main techniques for visualizing and simplifying the topology of both static and time-varying 2D tensor fields.
Modeling the Impact of Information on Inventories

In this chapter, we study models of supply chains that focus on the impact of demand information on demand uncertainty and the consequent impact on the inventory levels required to maximize expected profit. We will also focus on the different impacts of information on the manufacturer and the buyer expected profits. This permits us to study the effect of contractual agreements between the buyer and the supplier that may be required to share the benefits of information on a supply chain. The bulk of the material in this chapter is derived from Eppen and Iyer (1997a), (1997b) and Iyer and Bergen (1997).
Clinically Excellent Use of the Electronic Health Record: Review

Background: The transition to the electronic health record (EHR) has brought forth a rapid cultural shift in the world of medicine, presenting both new challenges as well as opportunities for improving health care. As clinicians work to adapt to the changes imposed by the EHR, identification of best practices around the clinically excellent use of the EHR is needed. Objective: Using the domains of clinical excellence previously defined by the Johns Hopkins Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence, this review aims to identify best practices around the clinically excellent use of the EHR. Methods: The authors searched the PubMed database, using keywords related to clinical excellence domains and the EHR, to capture the English-language, peer-reviewed literature published between January 1, 2000, and August 2, 2016. One author independently reviewed each article and extracted relevant data. Results: The search identified 606 titles, with the majority (393/606, 64.9%) in the domain of communication and interpersonal skills. Twenty-eight of the 606 (4.6%) titles were excluded from full-text review, primarily due to lack of availability of the full-text article. The remaining 578 full-text articles reviewed were related to clinical excellence generally (3/578, 0.5%) or the specific domains of communication and interpersonal skills (380/578, 65.7%), diagnostic acumen (31/578, 5.4%), skillful negotiation of the health care system (4/578, 0.7%), scholarly approach to clinical practice (41/578, 7.1%), professionalism and humanism (2/578, 0.4%), knowledge (97/578, 16.8%), and passion for clinical medicine (20/578, 3.5%). Conclusions: Results suggest that as familiarity and expertise are developed, clinicians are leveraging the EHR to provide clinically excellent care. Best practices identified included deliberate physical configuration of the clinical space to involve sharing the screen with patients and limiting EHR use during difficult and emotional topics. Promising horizons for the EHR include the ability to augment participation in pragmatic trials, identify adverse drug effects, correlate genomic data to clinical outcomes, and follow data-driven guidelines. Clinician and patient satisfaction with the EHR has generally improved with time, and hopefully continued clinician, and patient input will lead to a system that satisfies all.
Excipients used in oral nanocarrier-based formulations

Abstract The focus of this chapter is to provide a detailed understanding of the type, properties, advantages, and limitations of excipients in an array of oral nanocarriers. Excipients typically used in oral nanocarriers include: emulsifiers, solubilizing agents, stabilizers, targeting ligands, polymers, and lipids. Excipient properties that have a significant effect on the critical quality attributes of the various nanocarrier systems will be examined. The pros and cons of the excipients utilized in oral nanocarriers will be discussed. In addition, the safety aspects of excipients in oral nanocarriers and the current regulatory status of these excipients in various countries, will be discussed.
First report of Bursaphelenchus antoniae from Pinus strobus in the U.S.

Juvenile, female and male nematodes were discovered in wood chips of white pine Pinus strobus from Ashley Falls, MA. Initial observations suggested these nematodes might be PWN, but closer morphological and molecular characterization proved otherwise. Comparison of measured features with those in the literature indicated this nematode population had some unique characteristics. The specimens were identified as Bursaphelenchus antoniae Penas et al., 2006 based on 18S rDNA molecular sequence vs only 95% similarity with PWN B. xylophilus. Compared to the previously described Portuguese population of B. antoniae, the sequences generated for the MA population were 98.3% similar in the ITS1, 2 rDNA and 99.9% similar for 28S rDNA. There was 99.2% similarity between the COI sequences of the US and Portuguese isolates of B. antoniae. This population has morphology consistent with that of Penas et al., 2006; however, the female tail on this MA pine population is mucronate and more attenuated than in B. antoniae from Portuguese P. pinaster found in association with Hylobius sp. Ecological associations of both populations of B. antoniae are discussed. Juvenile, female and male nematodes were discovered in wood chips of white pine Pinus strobus from Ashley Falls, MA. Initial observations suggested these nematodes might be PWN, but closer morphological and molecular characterization proved otherwise. Comparison of measured features with those in the literature indicated this nematode population had some unique characteristics. The specimens were identified as Bursaphelenchus antoniae Penas et al., 2006 based on 18S rDNA molecular sequence vs only 95% similarity with PWN B. xylophilus. Compared to the previously described Portuguese population of B. antoniae, the sequences generated for the MA population were 98.3% similar in the ITS1, 2 rDNA and 99.9% similar for 28S rDNA. There was 99.2% similarity between the COI sequences of the US and Portuguese isolates of B. antoniae. This population has morphology consistent with that of Penas et al., 2006; however, the female tail on this MA pine population is mucronate and more attenuated than in B. antoniae from Portuguese P. pinaster found in association with Hylobius sp. Ecological associations of both populations of B. antoniae are discussed.
Showrooming: the effect of gender

ABSTRACTShowrooming, or shopping in bricks-and-mortar stores and receiving their services without payment, but purchasing from a lower-priced online retailer, can be detrimental to the survival of ...
Assessing the Use of Virtual Reality Technology in Teaching Marine Ecological Concepts

Virtual reality environments are becoming increasingly popular as educational tools, but it remains unclear when these environments enhance learning or when they are a distraction from the learning process. We compared two different methods for teaching ecological concepts about the rocky intertidal zone by comparing an experimental (virtual) class with a control (traditional) type of class. We investigated whether cognitive (i.e., knowledge) and affective (i.e., attitudes, perceptions) outcomes are enhanced when students use lesson plans presented in a virtual reality environment compared with lesson plans facilitated via traditional methods. We also assessed the extent to which these attributes are enhanced when students create their own virtual tours as part of a field-based learning experience. The experimental group showed significantly higher maintenance of knowledge gain than the traditional group at the conclusion of the study, but there were no other significant differences among treatment groups. Feedback from teachers reported that students were more engaged, had better recall, and enjoyed the change from the traditional lecture style. Lack of statistically different scores measuring excitement suggests a need for improvement in the design and implementation of these virtual environments to maximize their appeal to students. However, our results suggest that virtual reality technologies provide an innovative alternative to standard lesson plans that can help improve knowledge retention about ecological concepts.
Side-to-side superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass technique: Application of fourth generation bypass in a case of adult moyamoya disease

Background Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cause of cerebral hemorrhage and ischemia. Spontaneous development of collateral supply from the external carotid artery (ECA) may limit the use of donor arteries used in standard direct bypass techniques. Objective To identify the technical feasibility of side-to-side (S-S) superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass and demonstrate the application of fourth generational bypass techniques in the treatment of MMD. Methods S-S bypass was performed in order to maintain distal outflow in the donor STA. Fourth generation bypass techniques, including atypical anastomosis construction and intraluminal suturing were utilized. Results The novel S-S STA-MCA bypass was performed, with patent flow in both recipient MCA and endogenous ECA-ICA collaterals supplied by the distal STA. Technical nuances, including proper alignment of donor vessel, tension reduction, and S-S anastomosis construction with intraluminal suturing technique are essential for successful bypass. Unique flow properties of this bypass were identified, resulting in flow augmentation to the recipient territory compared to standard end-to-side (E-S) techniques. Conclusion Fourth generational bypass techniques can be successfully applied to MMD, allowing for novel bypass construction. S-S anastomosis can result in potentially beneficial flow properties compared to standard E-S constructions.
Using Open-Source Videos to Flip a First-Year College Physics Class

Flipped classrooms provide students the opportunity to collaboratively solve challenging problems in class with help and scaffolding available from instructors. Because there are many ways to structure a flipped course, research on the effectiveness of flipping classrooms has produced mixed results. Therefore, it is important for researchers to describe the class structure when evaluating the flipped classroom format. This enables other instructors to determine which approach is best suited to their particular teaching style. The current paper describes and evaluates the use of existing open-source (stand-alone) videos when flipping an introductory physics classroom. Over 4 years, data was gathered via three methods including a survey measuring self-reported student perceptions of the course (n = 48), performance on a concept inventory (n = 113), and institutional records (n = 298) to provide a holistic view of the effects of flipping the class. Results indicated that students regularly watched and took notes on the videos, but not all the students enjoyed the flipped classroom format. Despite fewer topics being covered in the flipped version of the class, there were no statistically significant differences in concept inventory performance before and after the course was flipped. Students had higher grades in the associated laboratory course and in subsequent quantitative reasoning courses after the course was flipped. There were no statistically significant differences between grades in subsequent physics courses or based on gender after the course was flipped. Additional implications of the study are also presented.
Receipt of substance-use services by caregivers involved in the child-welfare system

Abstract The present study of children’s caregivers involved in child welfare examined the factors associated with their receiving services for substance use. Our sample of 1445 such caregivers for whom maltreatment had been substantiated was extracted from a national data set. The results of generalized estimating equations showed that caregivers’ receipt of substance use services was associated positively with nonmedical use of medication; with number of services needed; and with inclusion of substance use services in the case plan. Additionally, caregivers’ receipt of substance use services was associated negatively with lack of access to such services; with refusal of services; with physical and with sexual maltreatment; and with child’s placement in parent’s home. No significant associations appear to link receipt of substance use services to gender, race/ethnicity, education, family income, health insurance status, or caseworker–caregiver engagement. The findings imply the importance of identifying need for substance use services among caregivers involved in child welfare and mandating services for them. As well, they imply the need for child welfare professionals to collaborate and coordinate with other professionals.
Combined Cr and S poisoning behaviors of La1−xSrxMnO3±δ and La1−xSrxCo1−yFeyO3−δ cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Although the individual effects of airborne Cr and S contaminants on SOFC cathode performance degradation have been extensively studied, the combined effects of Cr and S contaminants remain largely unexplored. Under the real SOFC operating condition where the Cr and S species coexist, their effects may compete, affecting the poisoning behavior. Our investigation reveals that the combined Cr and S poisoning behavior of LSCF remains different from those of individual Cr and S poisonings, while the combined poisoning mechanism of LSM is equivalent to the sum of those of individual Cr and S effects. For LSCF electrode, gaseous Cr species are deposited mainly at the LSCF/GDC interface by electrochemical reduction, rather than forming SrCrO4 on LSCF surfaces (as in the case of Cr-only poisoning), indicating no reaction between Cr vapors and SrO on the LSCF surface. Thermodynamic analysis demonstrates that the SrO on LSCF surface absorbs SO2 (g) and thereby loses the Cr-gettering effect, allowing Cr vapors to flow through LSCF and to reach the LSCF/GDC interface where the Cr deposition occurs. Unlike LSCF, LSM electrode shows cumulative effects of Cr and S, as Cr accumulation occurs at the triple-phase boundary and S absorption takes place at localized Sr-rich regions.
Contemporary evaluation and management of tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to describe the contemporary evaluation and management of tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma with an emphasis on the clinical features. Recent findings Tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common aggressive subtype. Within the last few years, the diagnostic criteria for this entity have evolved. Studies have elucidated a better understanding of the clinical implications and pathophysiology of this variant. In this review, the studies presented reflect cumulative and aggregated data from metaanalyses, systematic reviews, and large database investigations utilizing the current diagnostic criteria. Summary Overall, tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma represents an aggressive subtype of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma with more prevalent high-risk features and a poorer clinical outcome.