cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speech acts, attitudes, and scientific practice: Can Searle handle ‘Assuming for the sake of Hypothesis’?

There are certain illocutionary acts (such as hypothesizing, conjecturing, speculating, guessing, and the like) that, contrary to John Searle’s (1969, 1975, 1979) speech act theory, cannot be correctly classified as assertives. Searle’s sincerity and essential conditions on assertives require, plausibly, that we believe our assertions and that we are committed to their truth. Yet it is a commonly accepted scientific practice to propose and investigate an hypothesis without believing it or being at all committed to its truth. Searle’s attempt to accommodate such conjectural acts by claiming that the degree of belief and of commitment expressed by some assertives “may approach or even reach zero” (1979: 13) is unsuccessful, since it evacuates his thesis that these are substantive necessary conditions on assertives of any force. The illocutionary acts in question are central to scientific activity and so cannot be plausibly ignored by a theory of speech acts. The problem is not limited simply to Searle’s theory, since even theories which depart markedly from Searle’s in other respects are often committed to similar characterizations of assertion.
Rethinking NGOs: The Economy of Survival and Global Governance

This article explores the concept of “global politics,” an evolving set of systems that undermine our traditional view of government. These underlying systems, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), exert great influence on the power and actions of nation-states. Thus, while current global politics are largely dependent on the actions and strategies of nation-states, nation-states are not the only actors at work. The article argues for a view of global politics that takes these other systems, particularly NGOs, into account.
2010 American Society for Clinical Investigation Presidential Address: Lessons of our fathers

First, let me begin by apologizing to Beth McNally, our vice president, to my mother and to my wife, and to all the other women who may be offended by the title of my talk today. I mean no insult or discrimination. Rather, I chose this title because I would like to dedicate my comments to the memory of my own father, Franklin Epstein (Figure ​(Figure1),1), who was a long-standing member of these associations. Over more than 50 years, I don’t believe he ever missed a meeting, and I grew up hearing the stories from Atlantic City and even visiting there myself as a child. My father was vice president of the ASCI in 1970 during the tumultuous days of Vietnam and stood at this podium when a vote was taken to denounce the war. He was on the editorial board of the JCI, and I note that his certificate for that service was signed by Paul Marks, the ASCI president in 1972 and the father of this year’s Korsmeyer Award winner, Andy Marks. My father was sitting here in the audience three years ago when my election to the vice presidency was made public (Figure ​(Figure2);2); he had been too polite to ask me or anyone else about the result of the ballot before it was publicly announced, and I had been too preoccupied to tell him that I had been elected. I will not soon forget the proud look in his eye, and I regret deeply that he did not survive long enough to join us today.
Dimensions of Student Engagement in American Community Colleges: Using the Community College Student Report in Research and Practice.

The Community College Student Report (CCSR) is a widely-used survey instrument. This article examines the reliability and validity of the instrument to assess its usefulness in institutional research and practice. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrate that factor analytic models adequately represent underlying constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis is also used to demonstrate measurement invariance across sex, part- and full-time status, and year of administration. The constructs have reasonable internal reliability and test-retest reliability. Grade point average was regressed on latent factors and consistently demonstrated a positive association with latent engagement constructs. These analyses establish the CCSR as a reliable instrument that can be used to inform institutional decision-making with regard to teaching practices, campus design, and institutional culture. Additionally, these analyses establish constructs that can be used for research with community college students.
The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture in Asia

Abstract Asian agriculture is responsible for two thirds of global agricultural GDP. There have been numerous studies exploring the impact of climate change on crops in specific locations in Asia but no study has yet analyzed crops across the entire continent. This study relies on a Ricardian study of China that estimated climate coefficients for Chinese crops. These coefficients are then used to interpolate potential climate damages across the continent. With carbon fertilization, the model predicts small aggregate effects with a 1.5°C warming but damages of about US$84 billion with 3°C warming. India is predicted to be especially vulnerable.
Stress‐induced growth of aluminum nanowires with a range of cross‐sections

The use of aluminum (Al) as a plasmonic building block has drawn increasing attention of late, due to its natural abundance, and extended tunability into the ultraviolet range. However, a controllable way to grow Al nanowires (NWs) in a bottom-up manner has not been reported. Here a facile, stress-induced growth process for Al nanowires, influenced by the concentration of applied hydrofluoric acid, is reported. Physical characterizations show the nanowires to be polycrystalline fcc Al with ultrasmooth surfaces, with many possible cross-section geometries, making them potential candidates for Al plasmonic investigations and applications. Dark-field optical analysis of a crescent-shaped Al NW demonstrates its plasmonic nature. These results may stimulate new interest in the fabrication of unconventional, nearly one dimensional Al nanostructures.
The role of physicians in assessing older drivers: barriers, opportunities, and strategies.

Background: Evaluation of the older driver is a difficult task for primary care physicians. We investigated the physician-perceived barriers to assessing older drivers in primary care practice. Methods: Twenty family physicians whose patients had completed a clinical questionnaire and neuropsychological tests participated in one of 2 focus groups. Physicians were asked about barriers to assessing older drivers in primary care and the usefulness of neuropsychological tests for assessing driving ability. Results: A number of themes emerged related to barriers in the assessment of the older driver. Major themes included concerns about being liable for the results of driving related screening and about patients reacting unfavorably to a driving assessment including cognitive tests. Physicians uniformly agreed that a protocol to guide driving assessment would be useful. Conclusions: Physicians encounter a number of barriers to assessing older drivers but recognize the importance of driving within the context of geriatric functional assessment.
Lateral gene transfer of a dermonecrotic toxin between spiders and bacteria

Motivation: Spiders in the genus Loxosceles, including the notoriously toxic brown recluse, cause severe necrotic skin lesions owing to the presence of a venom enzyme called sphingomyelinase D (SMaseD). This enzyme activity is unknown elsewhere in the animal kingdom but is shared with strains of pathogenic Corynebacteria that cause various illnesses in farm animals. The presence of the same toxic activity only in distantly related organisms poses an interesting and medically important question in molecular evolution. Results: We use superpositions of recently determined structures and sequence comparisons to infer that both bacterial and spider SMaseDs originated from a common, broadly conserved domain family, the glycerophosphoryl diester phosphodiesterases. We also identify a unique sequence/structure motif present in both SMaseDs but not in the ancestral family, supporting SMaseD origin through a single divergence event in either bacteria or spiders, followed by lateral gene transfer from one lineage to the other. Contact: cordes@email.arizona.edu; binford@lclark.edu
Correlates of care for young men with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.

Introduction: In progressive conditions, such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD), the need for care may outpace care use. We examined correlates that contribute to utilization of needed care. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted on use of care among 34 young men with DBMD who were born before 1982. Results: Disease severity, per capita income, and presence of other relatives with DBMD predicted greater use of services. Race/ethnicity, acculturation, and level of caregiver education did not significantly predict service utilization. Conclusions: We identified disparities in receipt of healthcare and related services in adult men with DBMD that can affect quality of life. Despite the high disease severity identified in this population, these men utilized only half of the services available to individuals with significant progressive conditions. Providers should be aware of low service utilization and focus on awareness and assistance to ensure access to available care. Muscle Nerve 49: 21–25, 2014
Preparation and characterization of isolubilized L‐amino acid oxidase

The enzyme L-amino acid oxidase of Crotalus adamanteus was covalently coupled to porous 96% silica glass particles. The insolubilized enzyme was active on several L-amino acids including: leucine, isoleucine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tryptophane, and methionine. No activity was observed with D-amino acids, L-asparagine, or L-proline. Maximum activity was observed at pH 7.8. Stability of the enzyme derivative was demonstrated by continuous operation of an enzyme column for 35 days, during which the bound enzyme oxidized over 5000 times its own weight of substrate.
Violence in the Workplace: Identifying Costs and Preventative Solutions

Employers are legally responsible for providing a safe working environment for their employees. The National Crime Victimization Survey, as well as other surveys, shows that workplace violence is increasing. In the aftermath of violent incidents, businesses spend billions of dollars each year on medical costs, legal fees, and repairs to property and equipment. Companies are also losing huge sums of money because of changes in productivity during and after a violent incident. Workplace violence and the costs associated with it, however, may be reduced if companies take a proactive approach to dealing with the issue. Developing a workplace violence prevention program is one preventative solution to workplace violence. This kind of program includes a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace violence, the development of a threat assessment team, employee hiring and termination policies, guidelines for assessing hazards, training, record-keeping, incident-reporting, and follow-up procedures.
Enhancement of Treatment Adherence Among Patients With Bipolar Disorder

OBJECTIVE: Because about one-third of persons with bipolar illness take less than 30 percent of their medication and because nonadherence is associated with rehospitalization and suicide, the literature was searched to identify controlled studies of enhancement of treatment adherence among persons with bipolar disorder. METHODS: Studies published up to October 2003 were evaluated. Those selected for review were controlled trials that used samples of adults with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and that measured adherence to either mood-stabilizing medication or psychotherapy. Information was extracted on the diagnostic composition and size of the study group, the type and duration of the intervention, the method of measuring adherence, and outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Although the literature on enhancing treatment adherence among persons with bipolar disorder is limited, the existing data are promising and demonstrate development over time in our understanding of how best to ma...
Non-Additive Genetic Variance of Eight-Week Body Weight as Studied by the Analysis of Diallel Matings

Abstract Recently, Brunson et al. (1956) studying body weight and breast angle on ten-week broilers and Goodman et al. (1957) studying eight-week body weight on broilers, concluded that non-additive genetic variance, as measured by the sire × dam interaction component, was either small or non-existent in these traits mentioned. Kan et al. (1959) obtained similar results on body weight in chickens from the study of a series of diallel matings. However, the same study presented evidence of considerable non-additiveness in gene actions on three body measurements. In a study on egg production traits, Jerome et al. (1956) found an exceptionally high proportion of dominance variance in first year egg production and considerable dominance in mature body weight and first four months of egg production. A diallel experiment was initiated at the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 1957 employing two closed populations of chickens, namely, the University of Arkansas White …
Individual Roles and Approaches to Public Engagement in a Community-University Partnership in a Rural California Town

This case study examines the roles that a professor, graduate student, consultant, and community education specialist at a public university in California have played in a partnership with an elementary school and a community-based organization in a nearby rural town. The case reveals that individuals’ roles and approaches to public engagement evolve over time and differ markedly. Moreover, the actions of university personnel espousing community-driven partnerships may unconsciously reflect hierarchical power relations. The article discusses implications for community-university partnerships, especially in rural areas. University personnel should decide who is responsible for taking initiative in establishing the partnership and setting the partnership agenda, consider how to exercise power in supportive and directive ways, and coordinate their activities. Coordination among personnel and academic departments is especially important in rural communities, where school staff and community leaders and residents may become overwhelmed with multiple requests to participate in projects and research.
A note on Clebsch-Gordan series

The purpose of this note is to make explicit some of the implicit conjectures and questions in Baclawski, Adv. in Appl. Math.5 (1984), 416-432. While one of the conjectures can be stated entirely in combinatorial terms, the others involve a mixture of combinatorics, algebra, and Lie theory.
Reinterpreting disability: changes in supplemental security income for children.

On February 20, 1990, in Sullivan v Zebley, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the Social Security Administration9s criteria for determining eligibility of children with disabilities for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This dramatic decision held that the existing regulations for the program discriminated against children, because children were required to meet a stricter standard than adults who applied for SSI. This decision overturned the current rules and procedures for the determination of access to a major federal benefits program and, in most states, to additional benefits through assured Medicaid eligibility. The Court also mandated that the Social Security Administration make changes that will significantly alter and liberalize access for children. Because many pediatricians may be unaware of the issues and the potential advantages for children in their care, we summarize below some of the pertinent background and implications of this landmark decision. BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION The Supplemental Security Income Program of the Social Security Administration, enacted by Congress in 1972, provides an income supplement to lower income disabled Americans, both children and adults. Persons older than 18 years of age who have a health problem that causes major disability and prevents participation in substantial gainful activity may receive cash benefits as part of a social policy effort that began in the Roosevelt era of the 1930s, although specific disability programs did not begin until the 1960s. Children also may receive cash benefits under certain similar conditions. The SSI program was designed primarily as a social benefit program to improve the financial standing of aged, blind, and disabled individuals, but it also brings automatic eligibility for Medicaid for individuals who qualify for SSI in 31 states and the District of Columbia.
Persistence in the Face of Academic Challenge for Economically Disadvantaged Children.

This study examined persistence in the face of academic challenge for economically disadvantaged children. Participants included 103 children attending Head Start preschools, as well as their caregivers and teachers. Child tasks measured persistence in the face of academic challenge as well as emergent implicit theories of intelligence. Caregiver interviews provided information about poverty risks. Teacher interviews measured child attention problems. A cumulative index of poverty risks, as well as teacher-reported child attention problems and child emergent implicit theories of intelligence predicted persistence in the face of challenge. Implications concern conceptualizing persistence in the face of academic challenge, understanding diversity in educational outcomes for economically disadvantaged children and closing the achievement gap.
Learnability, negative evidence and the L2 acquisition of the English passive:

An issue currently being debated in second language acquisition research is whether negative evidence (i.e., information to the learner that his or her utterance is ungrammatical) plays a positive ...
Decision Making and the Law

Reaching an accurate outcome is a central goal of the American trial. But structural features of the legal system, in combination with the cognitive shortcomings of legal actors, hinder the search for truth. Regarding the legal system, various rules and policies restrict decision makers’ access to evidence, violate the laws of probability, and limit the evidentiary concerns that may be considered on appeal. Regarding legal actors, informational deficits (particularly regarding scientific and statistical evidence) and cognitive biases of police investigators, witnesses (lay and expert), attorneys, judges, and jurors pose serious obstacles. We conclude by suggesting that research in judgment and decision making may hold the key to understanding legal decisions and increasing their accuracy.
Models for Sustainable Open Educational Resources

This paper depicts the sustainability of Open Educational Resources (OERs) in terms of the three models: funding, technical, and content. Discussion and recommendations are focused on the sustainability of OERs and the requirement that we think of OERs as only part of a larger picture – one that includes volunteers and incentives, community and partnerships, co-production and sharing, distributed management and control.
Refractory ascites associated with polycystic liver disease. Treatment with peritoneovenous shunt.

Fibropolycystic liver disease is an uncommon entity. In approximately 50% of cases, the liver cysts are associated with polycystic kidney disease (1, 2). Polycystic kidney disease is usually clinically silent early in life, although chronic renal failure frequently occurs later in life (2, 3). Polycystic liver disease is', also usually asymptomatic and functional impairment is rare (1-3). In a series of 158 patients with documented autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, liver cysts were found in 46 (29%) and only five patients complained of right upper quadrant discomfort (2). Serum bilirubin was normal in all 42 patients in whom it was tested, and esophageal varices were not detected in any of the 15 patients with liver cysts who had barium swallows (2). However, Wittig et al (5) presented a case of obstructive jaundice due to compression of the common bile duct by hepatic cysts. Portal hypertension has been infrequently reported in fibropolycystic disease of the liver and can be a cause of bleeding esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, and hypersplenism (6-10). We present a patient with fibropolycystic kidney and liver disease with portal hypertension, intractable ascites, respiratory distress, and renal dysfunction. Insertion of a peritoneovenous shunt reduced ascites, resulting in improved renal function and relief of respiraIory symptoms.
Stability-driven nonnegative matrix factorization to interpret spatial gene expression and build local gene networks

Spatial gene expression patterns enable the detection of local covariability and are extremely useful for identifying local gene interactions during normal development. The abundance of spatial expression data in recent years has led to the modeling and analysis of regulatory networks. The inherent complexity of such data makes it a challenge to extract biological information. We developed staNMF, a method that combines a scalable implementation of nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) with a new stability-driven model selection criterion. When applied to a set ofDrosophilaearly embryonic spatial gene expression images, one of the largest datasets of its kind, staNMF identified 21 principal patterns (PP). Providing a compact yet biologically interpretable representation ofDrosophilaexpression patterns, PP are comparable to a fate map generated experimentally by laser ablation and show exceptional promise as a data-driven alternative to manual annotations. Our analysis mapped genes to cell-fate programs and assigned putative biological roles to uncharacterized genes. Finally, we used the PP to generate local transcription factor regulatory networks. Spatially local correlation networks were constructed for six PP that span along the embryonic anterior-posterior axis. Using a two-tail 5% cutoff on correlation, we reproduced 10 of the 11 links in the well-studied gap gene network. The performance of PP with theDrosophiladata suggests that staNMF provides informative decompositions and constitutes a useful computational lens through which to extract biological insight from complex and often noisy gene expression data.
EFFECT OF MOON PHASE ON THE EFFICACY OF CHLORPYIFOS BAIT AND BIFENTHRIN FOR CONTROLLING NYMPH AND ADULT MOLE CRICKETS ON A GOLF COURSE, 1998

EFFECT OF MOON PHASE ON THE EFFICACY OF CHLORPYIFOS BAIT AND BIFENTHRIN FOR CONTROLLING NYMPH AND ADULT MOLE CRICKETS ON A GOLF COURSE, 1998: chlorpyrifos (Snare Mole Cricket Bait) and bifenthrin (Talstar) were applied at three different moon phases for controlling nymphs and adults of the mole crickets Scapteriscus vicinus and S. borellii) on a fairway of Angel's Trace Golf Links in Brunswick County, NC. Plots 20 ft x 20 ft were established in an areas showing relatively uniform mole cricket damage. Chlorpyrifos and bifenthrin were applied on 14 Aug (quarter moon), 21 Aug (new moon), and 4 Sep (full moon) 1998 using a Turf Gator boom sprayer delivering 23 gpa at 50 psi with ten 8003vs nozzles. Irrigation was applied to the plots after treatment with bifenthrin only. Soapy water flush sampling indicated that the population was approximately 89% TMC and 11% MC. Air and soil temperature at the time of application for new moon, quarter moon, and full moon were 90°F and 87°F, 92°F and 87°F, and 84° F and 80°F, respectively. Soil at the test site was classified as mineral soil with pH 6.5 and 0.41% humic matter. Mole cricket damage was rated at five randomly selected spots per replicate before and after insecticide application. Damage was rated on a 0-9 scale based on the occurrence of fresh damage in the nine subgrids of 1 x 1 m grid frame, where 0 = no damage and 9 = severe damage. The five grid ratings per replicate were averaged. All data were transformed (square root of X + 0.5 or arcsine for percentage data) prior to ANOVA and Waller-Duncan K-ratio T test.
MP80-09 IS EXTRAPERITONEAL ROBOT-ASSISTED RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY CONTRAINDICATED IN THE SETTING OF PRIOR INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR WITH MESH?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Urinary incontinence post radical prostatectomy is a common complication regardless of approach, with significant negative impact on health-related quality of life. Although 12-month continence rates range from 85-95% in established studies, few patients are continent in the early postoperative period. The posterior reconstruction of Denonvilliers’ musculofascial plate (PRDMP) may improve the early return to urinary continence, though reports in the literature have been mixed, warranting further study. Weaknesses in previous studies of PRDMP included varied definitions of continence, differing surgeon experience, lack of randomization, and insufficient statistical power. We compared the PRDMP versus standard urethrovesical anastomosis during robotassisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: Patients with clinically localized prostate cancer scheduled for RARP were prospectively recruited in clinic and randomly allocated to PRDMP or conventional anastomosis. Patients were blinded to allocation status and the surgeon was informed immediately before the case to minimize bias. All cases were performed by a highvolume surgeon at a tertiary healthcare center. Our primary outcome was assessed by using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite Short Form (EPIC-26) survey at baseline and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12-months postoperatively. Continence was defined as an answer of 0-1 safety pad per day. The trial is powered to detect a significant improvement in continence of 40-75% at 3 months with an a level of 0.05 at 80%, requiring 65 patients per group for power. We have oversampled to account for attrition. Follow-up interviews were done via telephone. RESULTS: Recruitment occurred from April 2014 to July 2015, with a total N1⁄4164. We currently have 6-month follow-up data available on 55 patients in the PRDMP group and 42 in the control group. At months 2, 3, 4, and 6, use of pads for the intervention group and the control group at 0-1 per day (measured continence) was 36.5% and 37.5%, 60.7% and 60.5%, 72.6% and 65.7%, and 83% and 76.5%, respectively CONCLUSIONS: Interim analysis of this RCT suggests a trend toward the PRPMD being more effective than conventional anastomosis in terms of early return to continence following RARP, but more so as the data reached the fourth month. The two groups were also not equal in size. Final analysis at the completion of this RCT is required to establish statistical significance of these findings.
The Glory of God is a Human Being Fully Alive: Predictors of Positive Versus Negative Mental Health Among Clergy

Clergy fulfill vital societal functions as meaning makers and community builders. Partly because of their important roles, clergy frequently encounter stressful situations. Further, studies suggest that clergy experience high rates of depression. Despite this, few studies have examined protective factors for clergy that may increase their positive mental health. We invited all United Methodist clergy in North Carolina to participate in a survey. Of church-serving clergy, 85 percent responded (n = 1,476). Hierarchical multiple regression was used to assess the predictors of three positive and four negative mental health outcomes. The three sets of predictors were: demographics, which explained 2–10 percent of the variances; variables typically related to mental health (social support, social isolation, and financial stress), which explained 14–41 percent of the variances; and clergy-specific variables, which explained 14–20 percent of the variances, indicating the importance of measuring occupation-specific variables. Some variables (e.g., congregation demands) significantly related to both positive and negative mental health, whereas others (e.g., positive congregations, congregation support) significantly related primarily to positive mental health. In addition to their intervention implications, these findings support separate consideration for negative versus positive mental health.
Diphenylhydantoin—Induced Hepatic Necrosis

In a patient taking diphenylhydantoin, what looks like German measles could be the first evidence of a hepatotoxic reaction that is fatal in 40% of cases. In the case described, death occurred in a setting of profound toxemia rather than hepatic failure even though hepatic necrosis was striking.
Measurements of Intracellular Calcium Signals in Polarized Primary Cultures of Normal and Cystic Fibrosis Human Airway Epithelia

The airways are continuously challenged by a variety of stimuli including bacteria, viruses, allergens, and inflammatory factors that act as agonists for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Intracellular calcium (Ca(2+) (i)) mobilization in airway epithelia in response to extracellular stimuli regulates key airway innate defense functions, e.g., Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) secretion, ciliary beating, mucin secretion, and inflammatory responses. Because Ca(2+) (i) mobilization in response to luminal stimuli is larger in CF vs. normal human airway epithelia, alterations in Ca(2+) (i) signals have been associated with the pathogenesis of CF airway disease. Hence, assessment of Ca(2+) (i) signaling has become an important area of CF research. This chapter will focus on measurements of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Ca(2+) signals resulting from GPCR activation in polarized primary cultures of normal and CF human bronchial epithelia (HBE).
Pharmacokinetics of all-trans-retinoic acid : clinical implications in acute promyelocytic leukemia

Continuous daily treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia has been associated with a marked decline in the plasma drug concentration at the time of relapse. Recent pharmacologic studies have attempted to determine the reasons for the progressive reduction of plasma concentrations of the drug. A decrease in plasma concentrations over time may be attributed to either upregulation of metabolism or downregulation of absorption. The effect of intravenous ATRA was examined in Rhesus monkeys to help differentiate between these possibilities and to better establish the metabolism of ATRA. Findings were consistent with a capacity-limited (saturable) elimination process. A subsequent study with Rhesus monkeys demonstrated that this capacity-limited elimination process can be induced. Two potential ways of overcoming decreased plasma levels are suggested by the explanations for rapid elimination of ATRA: administration of a P-450 inhibitor such as ketoconazole to block oxidation of the drug, or use of an intermittent dosing schedule. Studies are currently under way to examine the effectiveness and tolerability of these methods.
The Niwot Ridge Subalpine Forest US-NR1 AmeriFlux site – Part 1: Data acquisition and site record-keeping

Abstract. The Niwot Ridge Subalpine Forest AmeriFlux site (US-NR1) has been measuring eddy-covariance ecosystem fluxes of carbon dioxide, heat, and water vapor since 1 November 1998. Throughout this 17-year period there have been changes to the instrumentation and improvements to the data acquisition system. Here, in Part 1 of this three-part series of papers, we describe the hardware and software used for data-collection and metadata documentation. We made changes to the data acquisition system that aimed to reduce the system complexity, increase redundancy, and be as independent as possible from any network outages. Changes to facilitate these improvements were (1) switching to a PC/104-based computer running the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) In-Situ Data Acquisition Software (NIDAS) that saves the high-frequency data locally and over the network, and (2) time-tagging individual 10 Hz serial data samples using network time protocol (NTP) coupled to a GPS-based clock, providing a network-independent, accurate time base. Since making these improvements almost 2 years ago, the successful capture of high-rate data has been better than 99.98 %. We also provide philosophical concepts that shaped our design of the data system and are applicable to many different types of environmental data collection.
When will Baseball Start Using Their Heads on Helmet Safety

The need for head protection in all sports has become a frontline issue with concussion studies showing brain damage issues in many sports, but in baseball the traditionalist views have kept the concerns at bay. Only until traumatic brain damage or death occurs is it discussed on a national level. This article discusses the subject of helmet protection in high school baseball and the need for helmets on defensive players in the field. With other sports like football, hockey, cricket, skiing and snowboarding, and lacrosse all mandating helmet use, the number of documented cases of head injuries in baseball continues to rise despite technology getting more advanced every day. This article puts forth the argument for defensive players and base coaches to have mandatory helmet use while in the field. It documents examples of injuries in baseball, as well as the arguments and rule differences from organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), the American Legion Baseball program and Major League Baseball (MLB) regarding safety and helmet use. It also discusses changes made at all the different levels to promote safety, but also points out how there is no consistency between groups and the different levels of the sport of baseball.
Automated variable aortic control versus complete aortic occlusion in a swine model of hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND Future endovascular hemorrhage control devices will require features that mitigate the adverse effects of vessel occlusion. Permissive regional hypoperfusion (PRH) with variable aortic control (VAC) is a novel strategy to minimize hemorrhage and reduce the ischemic burden of complete aortic occlusion (AO). The objective of this study was to compare PRH with VAC to AO in a lethal model of hemorrhage. METHODS Twenty-five swine underwent cannulation of the supraceliac aorta, with diversion of aortic flow through an automated extracorporeal circuit. After creation of uncontrolled liver hemorrhage, animals were randomized to 90 minutes of treatment: Control (full, unregulated flow; n = 5), AO (no flow; n = 10), and PRH with VAC (dynamic distal flow initiated after 20 minutes of AO; n = 10). In the PRH group, distal flow rates were regulated between 100 and 300 mL/min based on a desired, preset range of proximal mean arterial pressure (MAP). At 90 minutes, damage control surgery, resuscitation, and restoration of full flow ensued. Critical care continued for 4.5 hours or until death. Hemodynamic parameters and markers of ischemia were recorded. RESULTS Study survival was 0%, 50%, and 90% for control, AO, and VAC, respectively (p < 0.01). During intervention, VAC resulted in more physiologic proximal MAP (84 ± 18 mm Hg vs. 105 ± 9 mm Hg, p < 0.01) and higher renal blood flow than AO animals (p = 0.02). During critical care, VAC resulted in higher proximal MAP (73 ± 8 mm Hg vs. 50 ± 6 mm Hg, p < 0.01), carotid and renal blood flow (p < 0.01), lactate clearance (p < 0.01), and urine output (p < 0.01) than AO despite requiring half the volume of crystalloids to maintain proximal MAP ≥50 mm Hg (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Permissive regional hypoperfusion with variable aortic control minimizes the adverse effects of distal ischemia, optimizes proximal pressure to the brain and heart, and prevents exsanguination in this model of lethal hemorrhage. These findings provide foundational knowledge for the continued development of this novel paradigm and inform next-generation endovascular designs.
Evaluating Regularizers for Estimating Distributions of Amino Acids

This paper makes a quantitative comparison of different methods, called regularizers, for estimating the distribution of amino acids in a specific context, given a very small sampie of amino acids from that distribution. The regulaxizers considered here axe zero-offsets, pseudocounts, substitution matrices (with several vaxiants), and Dirichlet mizture reg. ularizers. Each regularizer is evaluated based on how well it estimates the distributions of the columns of a multiple alignment-specifically, the expected encoding cost per amino acid using the regularizer and all possible samples from each column. In general, pseudocounts give the lowest encoding costs for samples of size zero, substitution matrices give the lowest encoding costs for samples of size one, and Dirichlet mixtures give the lowest for larger samples. One of the substitution matrix variants, which added pseudocounts and scaled counts, does almost as well as the best known Dirichlet mixtures, but with a lower computation cost.
Network attribute selection, classification and accuracy (NASCA) procedure for intrusion detection systems

With the progressive development of network applications and software dependency, we need to discover more advanced methods for protecting our systems. Each industry is equally affected, and regardless of whether we consider the vulnerability of the government or each individual household or company, we have to find a sophisticated and secure way to defend our systems. The starting point is to create a reliable intrusion detection mechanism that will help us to identify the attack at a very early stage; otherwise in the cyber security space the intrusion can affect the system negatively, which can cause enormous consequences and damage the system's privacy, security or financial stability. This paper proposes a concise, and easy to use statistical learning procedure, abbreviated NASCA, which is a four-stage intrusion detection method that can successfully detect unwanted intrusion to our systems. The model is static, but it can be adapted to a dynamic set up.
Effectiveness of a Cocaine Hydrolase for Cocaine Toxicity Treatment in Male and Female Rats

Development of a truly effective medication for treatment of cocaine abuse has been a grand challenge. There is no FDA-approved therapeutic agent specific for cocaine addiction or overdose. An enzyme therapy using an efficient cocaine-metabolizing enzyme could be a promising treatment strategy for cocaine overdose and addiction. One of our previously designed cocaine hydrolases (CocHs), known as CocH1, was fused with human serum albumin (HSA) to prolong the biological half-life. The fusion protein CocH1-HSA is an investigational new drug (IND) approved by the FDA for clinical trials in cocaine addiction treatment, but not in cocaine overdose/toxicity treatment. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of CocH1-HSA and its effectiveness for cocaine toxicity treatment in male and female rats and demonstrate the clinical potential. The data demonstrate that enzyme CocH1-HSA has very similar pharmacokinetic profile in male and female rats. For both male and female rats, the enzyme can rapidly eliminate cocaine even if the cocaine dose is as high as 180 mg/kg (LD100). Based on the animal data, whenever the enzyme is given to a living subject, the remaining cocaine in the body will be converted rapidly to physiologically inactive metabolites and, thus, reverse the cocaine toxicity and help the subject to recover. So, an enzyme therapy using CocH1-HSA can effectively treat cocaine toxicity and prevent the subject from further damage by cocaine. The data obtained clearly demonstrate the promising clinical potential of CocH1-HSA in cocaine overdose treatment for both genders.
Transmission Line Pulse Test Method for Estimating SEB Performance of $n$ -Channel Lateral DMOS Power Transistors

A novel wafer-level method is described for predicting lateral-diffused MOS transistor single-event burnout (SEB) levels to assist device engineers in the development phase of radiation-hardened power transistors. The method uses a transmission-line pulse (TLP) tester together with scribe-line transistor test structures. Technology computer-aided design (TCAD) is used to estimate static $I_{d} - V_{\mathrm {dss}}$ behavior and device transient response to heavy ion strikes. Various comparisons are made between TCAD, TLP measurements, and heavy ion testing. TCAD simulations provide physical justification for using TLP measurements to estimate SEB.
Risk Stratification for Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Objectives Venous thromboembolism (VTE) contributes to significant patient morbidity, yet the incidence of VTE following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is unknown. Quality improvement criteria are prompting increased standardization of perioperative VTE prophylaxis. Risk stratification for VTE may better define best practice measures to balance limiting VTE development with avoiding unnecessary chemoprophylaxis. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary institution. Subjects and Methods Adult patients who underwent ESS without perioperative chemoprophylaxis from 2008 to 2016 were evaluated. Identification of VTE was performed via screening diagnosis and procedure codes and clinical records, with subsequent confirmation of true-positive VTE. Data for individual Caprini scores were abstracted from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was development of VTE within 30 days following ESS relative to the Caprini score. Results A total of 2369 ESS cases were evaluated. While initial screening identified multiple potential VTE events, in-depth medical record review confirmed only 4 true VTE (0.17%). The VTE rate among cases with a Caprini score of .5). Conclusions In the absence of perioperative chemoprophylaxis, postoperative VTE following ESS is extremely rare, particularly for patients carrying low-to-moderate Caprini scores. Risk stratification based on these data can assist in the design of VTE prophylaxis guidelines for ESS patients.
Towards a biohybrid sensing platform built on impedance-based bacterial flagellar motor tachometry

Though the chemotaxis sensing system of Escherichia coli is known to approach fundamental biosensing limits, few attempts have been made to co-opt it as the front end for a biohybrid sensor. We propose a biohybrid sensor that electrochemically monitors chemotactic bacterial flagellar motor (BFM) rotation speed and direction to infer analyte concentration for a low-power, fast, and sensitive response. We first present the design and fabrication of a four point impedimetric array that uses current injection electrodes to circumvent electrode polarization screening, enabling solution resistance monitoring within a four-micron by four-micron region. We then demonstrate the first lithographically patterned silica shaft encoders for the BFM, which utilize localized biotin-avidin chemistry to selectively bind to the BFM and encode rotation. When these two components are integrated by bringing the rotating encoders in proximity with the microelectrodes, they will comprise an electrochemical method for observing the BFM. Such an impedance-based biohybrid sensor obviates the need for a microscope and in principle may be multiplexed and scaled to large arrays of bacterial cells, enabling the development of deployable low-power and fast sensing systems that directly observe the BFM to infer analyte concentration.
Service learning in computing: creating computer science pipeline by attracting and engaging high school students

Service learning can be defined as a partnership to meet both the learning goals of the students and needs of a community. Various studies [5][6][7] have reported positive impact of service learning on student attitudes associated with success and retention in computer science. Several researchers found that bringing their students' personal experience of Computer Science to middle and high school students gets students excited about computer science [8][9][10]. Since the fall of 2016, Computer Information Systems department at SUNY Buffalo State College has been offering an elective course titled 'Service Learning in Computing'. The goal of this course is manifold: 1) to introduce undergraduate students to community engagement through offering coding sessions for high school students; 2) to build a computer science pipeline by promoting computing and computer programing to secondary school students; 3) to broaden participation and awareness in computing among the high school students, learning from their near-peer undergraduate student mentors; 4) to develop leadership, team skills and civic responsibility for undergraduate students using experiential learning techniques.
ELECTROCHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS IN NONIONIC MICROEMULSIONS

Specific ion electrode, conductivity and some limited polarographic measurements have been performed on oil in water microemulsions stabilized by various tween surfactants and pentanol. The phase volumes studied were generally in the range 0.25-0.75. The sodium ion electrode gave the same results in all three systems examined, while the fluoride ion electrode data reflected the composition of the continuous phase. The conductivity and polarographic data indicated that the effective relative microviscosity of the continuous phase has the same functional form as the relative bulk viscosity of a suspension of random spheres.
Firefighting and the Heart: Implications for Prevention.

Article, see p 1284 Firefighting is widely recognized as a hazardous occupation. In particular, fire scenes are unpredictable and dangerous environments characterized by loud noise, high temperatures, flames, smoke with gaseous and particulate toxicants, and potential structural instability of affected buildings, among other hazards. Accordingly, during fire suppression, firefighters are at risk for various injuries, including burns, trauma, and smoke inhalation. Although less intuitive, the strenuous physical activity, emotional stress, and environmental pollutants encountered while fighting a fire place considerable strain on the cardiovascular system, and each of these exposures can act alone or in concert to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among susceptible individuals.1,2 The investigation of Hunter et al3 in this issue of Circulation solidifies and expands a growing body of science elucidating the pathophysiologic mechanisms1,2,4 through which fire-suppression activities markedly increase the risk of CVD events among firefighters: 10- to >100-fold greater risk compared with nonemergency fire department duties.2,5 We use the term “fire-suppression activities” broadly here to refer to firefighting with the use of hoses and application of water, as well as to refer to forcible entry, building ventilation, and search and rescue operations at a fire scene, while distinguishing this class of duty from additional jobs performed by firefighters, such as medical and other calls. Structural fire-suppression activities are usually preceded by an alarm response, which produces an adrenergic “fight-or-flight” reaction with prominent sympathetic arousal.1,2,4 The increases in heart rate and blood pressure continue until scene arrival, where suppressing a fire requires significant aerobic effort (stair and ladder climbing), anaerobic power (forcible entry, search and rescue operations), and static exertion (heavy materials handling, cutting and chopping to ventilate the building, and advancing charged hoselines). The …
Laboratory Drainage Performance of a New Geotextile with Wicking Fabric

AbstractGeotextiles are commonly used in road design to provide mechanical and hydraulic functions due to their high strength and porous properties. The long-term performance of a soil–geotextile s...