cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of a novel AB2 monomer and corresponding hyperbranched poly(arylene ether phosphine oxide)s

A novel AB 2 monomer, 4-(fluorophenyl)-4',4-(bishydroxyphenyl) phosphine oxide, was synthesized. The monomer was successfully polymerized to a modest molecular weight with various catalysts, including K 2 CO 3 and Cs 2 CO 3 /Mg(OH) 2 Hyperbranched polymers exhibited exceptionally high thermal stability and solubility in conventional polar organic solvents and basic water solutions.
Chronic oral inflammation and the progression of periodontal pathology in the third molar region.

Purpose: To assess the association between risk markers of chronic oral inflammation and changes over time in periodontal probing depth (PD) in the third molar region, the distal of a second molar, or around a third molar. Subjects and Methods: The data from these analyses are part of a study of subjects enrolled with 4 asymptomatic third molars with adjacent second molars in an institutional review board-approved longitudinal trial. Full-mouth periodontal probing was conducted at enrollment and follow-up. Enrollment levels of periodontal pathogens and gingival crevicular fluid inflammatory mediators were assayed as indicators of the degree of oral inflammation. Subjects were categorized as those who had at least a 2 mm change in periodontal PD between baseline and follow-up in the third molar region and those who did not. The relationship between aggregated subject baseline PD, levels of periodontal pathogens, and gingival crevicular fluid IL-1β, and the proportion of subjects with changes in PD ≥2 mm versus those with PD <2 mm were compared with Cochran-Mantel-Haenzsel statistics. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Risk assessment models for a change in PD ≥2 mm were developed using logistic regression analysis. Results: Twenty-four percent of 254 subjects exhibited a change in PD from baseline to follow-up of ≥2 mm in the third molar region. Of these, 95% had a baseline PD of ≥4 mm. Both high (≥10 5 ) "orange" and "red" complex bacteria and PD of ≥4 mm detected at enrollment were significantly associated with a change in PD ≥2 mm. Odds of a change in PD ≥2 mm were increased if baseline pathogen levels were ≥10 5 or a PD of ≥4 mm was detected at enrollment. Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with chronic oral inflammation leading to a progression of periodontal disease in the third molar region.
Defoliation Effects on Herbage Production and Root Growth of Wet Meadow Forage Species

Abstract Root growth is important to the competitive ability of plants, and understanding how herbage defoliation affects root growth has implications for development of management strategies. Objectives were to determine the effects of defoliation intensity and frequency on root characteristics and herbage production of slender wheatgrass ( Elymus trachycaulus [Link.] Shinners), Nebraska sedge ( Carex nebrascensis C. Dewey), and “Steadfast” birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.). Plants of each species were transplanted into containers that had been placed in the ground at wet meadow field sites the prior year. There were eight replications of a control and five defoliation treatments, which were combinations of different frequencies (two or five times) and intensities (light or heavy) and haying. Treatments were applied for a single growing season, and aboveground biomass was collected. Containers were extracted in October, and plant crowns, rhizomes, and roots were separated from the soil. Defoliation treatment did not affect total root weight, length, and surface area of Nebraska sedge or birdsfoot trefoil ( P >0.10). Slender wheatgrass total root weight was less when defoliated five times (4.46 g·container −1 ) than when defoliated twice (6.62 g·container −1 ) during the growing season. More frequent defoliation of slender wheatgrass also reduced length (20%) and surface area (21%) compared to less frequent defoliation. However, defoliation frequency did not affect aboveground biomass. Defoliation intensity did not affect aboveground production or root characteristics of the three species. Abundant soil moisture in meadows likely buffers negative effects of defoliation. For all species, two defoliation events (e.g., haying followed by grazing) does not appear to negatively affect root growth and herbage production.
Short-term effects of commercial fishing on the distribution and abundance of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)

Replicate acoustic surveys conducted near Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA, during summers 2001, 2004, and 2006 showed that the short-term effect of commercial fishing activities on walleye pollock (Ther...
Purification and Characterization of Four β-Expansins (Zea m 1 Isoforms) from Maize Pollen

Four proteins with wall extension activity on grass cell walls were purified from maize ( Zea mays ) pollen by conventional column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Each is a basic glycoprotein (isoelectric point = 9.1–9.5) of approximately 28 kD and was identified by immunoblot analysis as an isoform of Zea m 1, the major group 1 allergen of maize pollen and member of the β-expansin family. Four distinctive cDNAs for Zea m 1 were identified by cDNA library screening and by GenBank analysis. One pair (GenBank accession nos. AY104999 and AY104125) was much closer in sequence to well-characterized allergens such as Lol p 1 and Phl p 1 from ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) and Phleum pretense , whereas a second pair was much more divergent. The N-terminal sequence and mass spectrometry fingerprint of the most abundant isoform (Zea m 1d) matched that predicted for AY197353, whereas N-terminal sequences of the other isoforms matched or nearly matched AY104999 and AY104125. Highly purified Zea m 1d induced extension of a variety of grass walls but not dicot walls. Wall extension activity of Zea m 1d was biphasic with respect to protein concentration, had a broad pH optimum between 5 and 6, required more than 50 μg mL -1 for high activity, and led to cell wall breakage after only approximately 10% extension. These characteristics differ from those of α-expansins. Some of the distinctive properties of Zea m 1 may not be typical of β-expansins as a class but may relate to the specialized function of this β-expansin in pollen function.
Design of a forearm-mounted directional skin stretch device

Haptic devices have the ability to convey information to users through touch. Often, this method of communication can be preferable to more traditional means of communication, such as visual or audio displays. For example, a haptic device could provide directional skin stretch to communicate navigational cues as an alternative to audio commands. Prior work has shown that directional skin stretch applied on the fingertips can be accurately recognized with displacements less than 0.2 mm. While the fingertips excel at accurately discerning direction cues, it is often desirable to leave the fingers unencumbered for other tasks. This desire has motivated an effort to explore other locations to which direction cues can be applied. Studies of human sensitivity indicate that the hand or forearm may be a good location for skin stretch cues. Based on this information, a portable device was designed that applies direction cues to the forearm. The process of designing this device began with testing to estimate the magnitude of skin stretch required to accurately convey direction cues for a variety of forearm and hand locations. Based on these results, a forearm-mounted skin stretch prototype capable of 2 mm skin displacements was designed and fabricated. A qualitative evaluation of an initial prototype contributed several useful insights that aided in the design of the final device prototype.
The Complexity of Improvisation and the Improvisation of Complexity: Social Science, Art and Creativity

The concept of improvisation has become increasingly popular in the discourse of organizational theory. This paper explores several aspects of improvisation, in the context of musical, organizational, and everyday activities, in order to address some of the philosophical and practical issues relevant to this emerging interest. Connections are made between the modernist concept of organization and scholarly inquiry, and postmodern or complexity-based approaches that stress creativity as an emergent property of the relationship between order and disorder. It concludes by suggesting that the study of improvisation demands a profound immersion in (inster-)subjectivity, emotions, time, aesthetics, performance, and social creativity, none of which have traditionally been the focus of organization and management studies, or the social sciences in general. It also suggests that the practice of social sciences itself should reflect upon, and attempt to incorporate these elements.
Validity in Psychological Testing and Scientific Realism

Recent work in the conceptual foundations of psychometrics has concerned the question of validity. Borsboom and colleagues have challenged what they claim is the dominant theory of validity, that of Samuel Messick. In this paper I present Borsboom et al.’s concept of validity as a property of measurement instruments as well as Messick’s concept of validity as a property of interpretive inferences. I then relate their concepts of validity to scientific realism in the philosophy of science. I argue that there can be valid psychometric tests, in Borsboom et al.’s sense, only if some version of scientific realism is true. I argue that in Borsboom et al.’s and Messick’s approaches to validity, one finds the essential ingredients for a realist philosophy of science in psychological assessment. Borsboom et al. contribute semantic and ontological components while Messick provides the methodological tools for constructing an epistemology of psychological measurement. Though Borsboom et al. present their approach a...
Steering nonholonomic systems in chained form

The authors introduce a nilpotent form, called a chained form, for nonholonomic control systems. For the case of a nonholonomic system with two inputs, they give constructive conditions for the existence of a feedback transformation which puts the system into chained form, and show how to steer the system between arbitrary states. Examples are presented for steering a car and a car with a trailer attached: other examples can be found in the areas of space robotics and multifingered robot hands. The present results also have applications in the area of nilpotentization of distributions of vector fields on R/sup n/. >
Market Dependence and Economic Events

Recent studies on stock market pricing have rejected the random walk model for short-term periods and have concentrated on long-term persistent or mean-reverting dependence. The problem with these studies is that their statistical results can be biased by the shorter term dependence. Rather than trying to develop a unified theory that explains both short- and long-term dependence, current studies use different methodologies to correct for the short-term dependence while trying to test for long-term dependence. This paper uses a sequential information theory to focus attention on short-term dependence effects. This theory states that the market process is a nonstationary mean process surrounded by a nonstationary autocovariance error process. A nonstationary mean process implies short-term dependence resulting from changing economic events (new information). Long-term persistent dependence then derives from nonperiodic economic cycles. A new empirical approach, a cross-sectional autocorrelation coefficient is used since it is free from the stationarity problems of previous techniques.
FDTD analysis of active circuits with equivalent current source approach

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is a powerful electromagnetic wave simulator. Recently, it has been extended to include lumped device and active device to provide field simulations for microwave active circuits. For active circuits, the performance of the entire circuit depends dominantly on the active device. For accurate analysis, the interaction between the active device and electromagnetic field appears to be important in the simulation. In this paper, the implementation of the equivalent current sources in the FDTD method to model the interaction of three-terminal active devices and electromagnetic fields is investigated.
Peripheral peptide YY inhibits propulsive colonic motor function through Y2 receptor in conscious mice.

Peptide YY (PYY) antisecretory effect on intestinal epithelia is well established, whereas less is known about its actions to influence colonic motility in conscious animals. We characterized chang...
Testing Metglas for use in DARHT accelerator cells

Summary form only given. The Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrotest Facility [DARHT] at Los Alamos will use two induction linacs to produce high-energy electron beams. The electron beams will be used to generate X-rays from a bremsstrahlung target. Those X-rays will be used to generate radiographs. The first accelerator is operational now, operating with a 60-nanosecond electron beam. The second accelerator is under construction. It will operate with a 2-microsecond electron beam. The 88 induction cells of the second axis accelerator require a total Metglas capacity of approximately 40 volt seconds of flux. Four Metglas cores are used in each of the 5-foot diameter accelerator cells. Each Metglas core weighs approximately 3000 pounds. This paper presents the measurement techniques and results of the Metglas tests. Routine automated analysis and archival of the pulse data provided hysteresis curves, loss curves and total flux swing in the operating regime. Results of the tests were used to help the manufacturer improve quality control and increase the average flux swing of the cores. Results of the tests were used to match Metglas cores and to assemble accelerator cells with equal volt-second ratings.
Effectiveness of GF-120 fruit fly bait spray applied to border area plants for control of melon flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

In a field study in Hawaii, color-marked protein-deprived and protein-fed female melon flies, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett, were released within canopies of unsprayed sorghum plants (a nonhost of melon flies) outside of a border area of unsprayed or bait-sprayed sorghum plants or open space that surrounded cucumbers, a favored host of melon flies. Application of bait spray to sorghum or sugarcane surrounding host plants of melon flies is a common practice for melon fly control in Hawaii. GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait spray proved very effective in preventing protein-deprived females from alighting on cucumbers (23% of released females were observed dead on bait-sprayed sorghum; 0% were observed alive on cucumbers), but proved less effective in suppressing protein-fed females (14% of released females were observed dead on bait-sprayed sorghum; 11% were observed alive on cucumbers). No females were found dead on unsprayed sorghum. Compared with open space surrounding cucumbers, the presence of unsprayed sorghum as surrounding border area neither significantly enhanced nor significantly inhibited the ability of either type of female with respect to finding cucumbers. Greenhouse cage assays revealed that compared with droplets of water, droplets of GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait spray were highly attractive to protein-deprived females within 1 h of bait spray application to sorghum, but lost about half of their attractiveness within 5 h and all of it within 24 h under the dry greenhouse conditions used for maintaining baited-sprayed sorghum plants in these assays. Laboratory cup assays showed that bait spray droplets remained highly toxic to protein-deprived females 24 h after application, but lost nearly half of their toxicity within 4 d under laboratory exposure and nearly all of it after approximately 8 mm of rainfall. Combined findings suggest that application of GF-120 Fruit Fly Bait spray to nonhost plants for melon fly control either be made often enough to overcome loss of attractiveness of bait spray droplets to females or that bait spray be applied to nonhost plants that are themselves attractive to the females.
Regional Private Sector Assessment Reports

Opportunities to accelerate private sector growth.The global slowdown has severely affected Antigua and Barbuda’s economy through its impact on tourist arrivals, FDI inflows and remittances, and fiscal revenue. Real GDP contracted by 7% in 2009 after expanding on average by about 6% during the previous 5 years. Following a spike in 2008, inflation has remained in the low single digits despite a 20% increase in fuel prices and higher consumption taxes. The recession and associated fiscal crisis coincides with mounting problems in the financial sector — the collapse of the Stanford Group (the largest private conglomerate) and of the Trinidad-based CL Financial Group. Locally incorporated banks with large exposure to the government have experienced a decline in deposits, which have subsequently stabilized.Real GDP growth, driven by tourism and construction, has declined since 2006 and at a faster rate than in other ECCU countries. The external current account deficit narrowed, reflecting a decline in FDI. Private sector credit slowed, following a period of strong growth accompanied by a sharp decline in private investment. The fiscal deficit rose to abnormally high levels owing to a drop in revenue and a sharp rise in expenditure particularly in capital outlays and transfers. As a result, public debt remains high despite debt forgiveness in 2005.
Metabolic network-guided binning of metagenomic sequence fragments.

MOTIVATION Most microbes on Earth have never been grown in a laboratory, and can only be studied through DNA sequences. Environmental DNA sequence samples are complex mixtures of fragments from many different species, often unknown. There is a pressing need for methods that can reliably reconstruct genomes from complex metagenomic samples in order to address questions in ecology, bioremediation, and human health. RESULTS We present the SOrting by NEtwork Completion (SONEC) approach for assigning reactions to incomplete metabolic networks based on a metabolite connectivity score. We successfully demonstrate proof of concept in a set of 100 genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions, and delineate the variables that impact reaction assignment accuracy. We further demonstrate the integration of SONEC with existing approaches (such as cross-sample scaffold abundance profile clustering) on a set of 94 metagenomic samples from the Human Microbiome Project. We show that not only does SONEC aid in reconstructing species-level genomes, but it also improves functional predictions made with the resulting metabolic networks. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The datasets and code presented in this work are available at: https://bitbucket.org/mattbiggs/sorting_by_network_completion/ CONTACT papin@virginia.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Surface Deformation in a Circular Quasi-Isotropic Laminate Due to Additional Resin Layers

Previous research shows that the flexural stiffnesses in quasi-isotropic laminates depend strongly on direction corresponding to a circle in the polar stiffness diagram [Ref. 1]. This reveals that it may be a poor assumption to use continuous fiber reinforced plastics for emerging applications in large telescopes. Previous work [Ref. 2] shows that out of plane surface deformations in π/n laminates, where n=3, 4, and 6, lead to unacceptable surface waviness hindering diffraction-limited performance required in precision optics. Within the industry, it is believed that high surface frequency due to fiber print-through can be eliminated by applying sufficient resin rich layer of more than 10-mil [Ref. 6]. In this paper, the effects of resin thickness of 5-mil up to 20-mil on the surface of a π/4 laminate were evaluated to quantify the magnitude of surface undulations. Also, the applicability of various graded and intermediate resin material properties are performed to determine which variables have the most positive influence on the surface deformations and to see feasibility of various mitigation techniques for fiber print-through. Numerical results show that the increased resin buffer layers have more adverse effects on surface quality of the composite mirror, particularly in variable environment conditions. Experiments on a π/4 quasiisotropic laminate fabricated from Bennett Optic Research (BOR) are performed to explore actual surface qualities of the quasi-isotropic mirror. The experimental results reveal that the unfavorable sinusoidal surface undulations identified in previous work [Ref. 2] do exist and that radial variations are more dramatic in the angular orientations ±15o from one of the defined lamina orientations.
Being Aggrieved, Faith Crises, and Racism

In this article, I depict the notion of being aggrieved and its relation to crises in or struggles of , faith, using racism to illustrate my claims. I begin the discussion by explaining what I mean by being aggrieved and its relation to faith vis-a-vis racism, relying on theological, philosophical, and psychological frameworks. In the second section of the paper, the faith journey of Malcolm X serves to illustrate this hermeneutical perspective. More specifically, I argue that his faith journey, marred by experiences of racism, led him to a faith wherein his experiences of being aggrieved no longer meant that his being was being aggrieved.
Sounds Big: The Effects of Acoustic Pitch on Product Perceptions

AbstractThere is meaning in sound that transcends language. Structural differences in the sound of a spokesperson’s voice or a piece of background music can influence a consumer’s perception of product attributes through cross-modal inference. This article examines how differences in acoustic pitch in marketing communications influence consumer’s perceptions of product size. Through six studies, the authors find that when associated with a product, lower pitch in voice or music leads consumers to infer a larger product size. Furthermore, evidence shows that this pitch–size effect occurs through a process of visual mental imagery, which can be facilitated through stronger visualization cues delivered via auditory channels and reduced when size perceptions are assessed directly in the presence of visual product information. The cross-modal effects between auditory stimuli and physical products represent an unexplored influence on consumer perception and behavior with important managerial and theoretical imp...
Framing a mystery: Information subsidies and media coverage of Malaysia airlines flight 370

Abstract This study examines from an information subsidies and framing theory perspective the media coverage of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Through a content analysis of Malaysian government information subsidies (N = 78), and Malaysian (N = 155) and Chinese (N = 93) newspaper articles, findings include differences of crisis frames and risk roles, the absence of crisis cause did not detract from attribution of responsibility in regard to risk arbiters’ potential solutions to managing the crisis, among other key findings. Implications include the need for the inclusion of an unknown crisis type to the crisis communication typologies and models and theories, as well as supporting the argument of previous studies in regard to media coverage partially determined by the country’s media system and Palmlund’s (1992, 2010) generic roles of societal evaluations of risk.
New directions for high-Q optical micro-resonators: Soliton-based optical clocks to compact Sagnac gyros

Like a tuning fork for light, optical resonators have a characteristic set of frequencies at which it is possible to confine light waves. At these frequencies, optical energy can be efficiently stored for lengths of time characterized by the resonator Q factor, roughly the storage time in cycles of oscillation. In the last ten years there has been remarkable progress in boosting this storage time in micro and millimeter-scale optical resonators. Chip-based devices have attained Q factors of nearly 1 billion and micro-machined crystalline devices have provided Qs exceeding 100 billion. The resulting long, energy-storage times combined with small form factors have made it possible to access a wide range of nonlinear phenomena and to create laser devices that operate with remarkably low turn-on powers. Also, new science has resulted from radiation-pressure coupling of optical and mechanical degrees-of-freedom in the resonators themselves.
Quantitative measurement of cerebral blood volume using velocity-selective pulse trains.

Purpose To develop a non-contrast-enhanced MRI method for cerebral blood volume (CBV) mapping using velocity-selective (VS) pulse trains. Methods The new pulse sequence applied velocity-sensitive gradient waveforms in the VS label modules and velocity-compensated ones in the control scans. Sensitivities to the gradient imperfections (e.g., eddy currents) were evaluated through phantom studies. CBV quantification procedures based on simulated labeling efficiencies for arteriolar, capillary, and venular blood as a function of cutoff velocity (Vc) are presented. Experiments were conducted on healthy volunteers at 3T to examine the effects of unbalanced diffusion weighting, cerebrospinal (CSF) contamination and variation of Vc. Results Phantom results of the used VS pulse trains demonstrated robustness to eddy currents. The mean CBV values of gray matter and white matter for the experiments using Vc = 3.5 mm/s and velocity-compensated control with CSF-nulling were 5.1 ± 0.6 mL/100 g and 2.4 ± 0.2 mL/100 g, respectively, which were 23% and 32% lower than results from the experiment with velocity-insensitive control, corresponding to 29% and 25% lower in averaged temporal signal-to-noise ratio values. Conclusion A novel technique using VS pulse trains was demonstrated for CBV mapping. The results were both qualitatively and quantitatively close to those from existing methods. Magn Reson Med 77:92-101, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 5 Isolates from California, USA.

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus causes a variety of human diseases ranging in severity. The pathogenicity of S. aureus can be partially attributed to the acquisition of mobile genetic elements. In this report, we provide two complete genome sequences from human clinical S. aureus isolates.
Long-Term Learning Gains and Career Development in Smithsonian-Mason Semester Alumni

BRIEF SESSION DESCRIPTION:This session will discuss the results of an assessment of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation semester programs for undergraduate research, particularly how experimental education and student-driven research can expand student perspectives and lead to professional and personal opportunities for student growth and development.________________________________________________________________FULL ABSTRACT: Since its inception in 2008, the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) has offered semester programs for undergraduates that integrate hands-on, multidisciplinary study with topic-focused case studies. Our courses emphasize experiential, solutions-oriented learning and include Mason and Smithsonian researchers and experts in our teaching. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs, including preparing alumni to find employment in the field of conservation and/or engage personally with conservation issues, we performed an assessment of the long-term learning gains and career development outcomes of program alumni. To evaluate these alumni perspectives, we performed a series of telephone interviews with 50 alumni from program years 2008 to 2015. Interview data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology (Saldana, 2008), which begins with generative questions about the data and leads to the development of theories of the data that are grounded in evidence from the interviews. Major findings from interview data indicate that experiential education, an emphasis on student-driven research, and a multi-disciplinary approach to conservation expanded student perspectives and led to professional and personal opportunities in the field of conservation after their departure from our programs. Specifically, alumni are using the skills they developed in the semester in their professional careers and have incorporated conservation principles into their daily lives. The results of this analysis will inform the curricular development in our upcoming programs as we implement additional semester programs and short summer courses over the upcoming academic year.AÂ References:Saldana, J. (2008). Coding manual for qualitative researchers. Book. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.For more information about experiential learning:AÂ https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/teaching/experiential-learning
Cardiovascular screening practices in US National Governing Bodies and National Paralympic Committees

Cardiovascular screening in athletes has been a source of controversy within the sports medicine community. Annual screening inclusive of ECG is currently required by all major professional sports leagues in the USA and recommended by the IOC.1 In 2016, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) published a statement on cardiovascular screening, recognising knowledge gaps and advocating for medical providers caring for competitive athletes to consider important factors when determining an individualised cardiovascular screening strategy. These include the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the specific athlete population, the available resources and cardiology infrastructure for screening and secondary evaluations.2 The purpose of this investigation was to determine the cardiovascular screening practices of the US National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and National Paralympic Committees (NPCs). This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board from the …
Ultra High Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Historical Perspective

As one recalls the 1970s and some of the first steps in magnetic resonance imaging [1]–[4], it is easy to discern the great strides that have been made in this discipline over the past 30 years [5]–[7]. Early coarse and grainy results [4] have given way to exquisite anatomical and functional images [5]–[7]. The availability of MRI is now synonymous with quality of medical care, even within the rural hospital setting, and the 1.5 Tesla scanner has become a workhorse of the modern radiological exam. With the exception of CT, and this primarily in the abdomen, no other radiological modality can compete with MRI, not only in terms of the breadth of exams currently possible, but also in the future promise of the technique. Indeed, it seems that every year new clinical applications join the arsenal of MRI exams. Soon, it is anticipated that MRI will be able to fully scan the entire body [8] in great detail, including the most difficult thoracic [9]–[17] and abdominal locations [18]–[22]. Technical advancements forged and tested in the research laboratories of the world [23]–[40] continue to add to the versatility and power of MRI scanners. Nonetheless, what is perhaps most fascinating relative to the evolution of MRI is the seemingly untapped potential that remains. The spawning of new techniques may well open up tremendous venues for MRI in the coming decades. Thus, the clinical horizon is imperceptible. One is left only with the realization that future progress may well surpass all contributions to date.
Prospects in Adaptive Optics for Solar Applications

We review the theoretical perspective for problems in adaptive optics, outline recent progress, and consider its application in the infrared. Techniques in adaptive optics are on the threshold of revolutionizing modern astronomy. These techniques are particularly applicable in the infrared, where refractive effects of turbulence are reduced, characteristic cell sizes are greater, and the isoplanatic patch diameter is increased. Adaptive techniques could be especially appropriate for modern large solar telescopes now under consideration that could operate in the infrared.
Evolutionary Ecology of Plant Signals and Toxins: A Conceptual Framework

Plants are capable of acquiring information from other plants, but are they able to send signals and communicate with them? Evolutionary biologists define biological communication as information transmission that is fashioned or maintained by natural selection and signals as traits whose value to the signaler is that they convey information to receivers. Plants, then, can be said to communicate if the signaling plant derives a fitness benefit from conveying information to other plants. Examples for interplant communication that fit these definitions potentially include territorial root communications, self/non-self recognition between roots and associated with self-incompatibility, volatile signals that induce defenses against herbivores, signals from ovules to mother plants, signals associated with root graft formation, and male to female signals during pollen competition. Natural selection would favor signals that are costly to the signaler and therefore are likely to convey reliable information because they cannot be easily faked. Toxins in low concentrations may commonly act as signals between plants rather than as inhibitory allelochemicals. This explains why toxic concentrations of plant allelochemicals are rarely found in natural coevolved systems.
The Effects of a Learning Station on the Completion and Accuracy of Math Homework for Middle School Students

We studied the effects of a Learning Station on the completion and accuracy of math homework of middle school students who had chronic homework problems. The Learning Station was a three sided free-standing panel with theoretically and empirically-based components involving (a) stimulation (color, music, activity breaks, and choice) and (b) self-attention (mirror and self-monitoring). Two students who used the Station tripled their accuracy and the amount of homework completed as assessed in a multiple baseline across participants design. One student with high academic abilities elected not to use the intervention, because he worked quickly (albeit carelessly) at school to complete his homework during baseline and during intervention. The practical and research implications of the findings are discussed.
Radiation-Induced Sarcoma following Prolonged Coronary Stent Placement.

Radiation exposure for the average coronary stent placement varies based on a number of factors but typically amounts to 6–11 mSv per patient (compared to 3 mSv background). As with all procedures which utilize radiation, there is an inherent risk of genetic mutation and the possible development of malignancy. Here, we present the case of a 75-year-old male who presented with an exophytic mass on his back following prolonged coronary catheterization with a radiation burn seven years prior. Biopsy of the lesion revealed the mass was consistent with an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma emanating from the site of the radiation burn. After staging studies demonstrated no evidence of metastatic disease, radical excision with negative margins was performed. This case demonstrates that despite the rarity of radiation injury, each incidence necessitates strict monitoring of radiation exposure and continual follow-up due to the risk of malignancy.
Engineered T Cells in Synovial Sarcoma: Persistence Pays Off!

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive malignancy that typically affects adolescents and young adults and is associated with poor prognosis. Although SS has failed to respond to immune checkpoint blockade, other strategies designed to generate an immune response, including adoptive cell therapies targeting the cancer testis antigen NY-ESO-1, have shown encouraging results. In this issue, D'Angelo and colleagues confirm the safety and feasibility of adoptive T-cell therapy with autologous T cells engineered to express NY-ESO-1c259, an affinity-enhanced T-cell receptor recognizing an HLA-A2-restricted NY-ESO-1-derived peptide, and demonstrate encouraging antitumor responses in 50% of treated patients, particularly in the setting of persistence of polyfunctional NY-ESO-1c259-expressing T cells in circulation for at least 6 months. Cancer Discov; 8(8); 914-7. ©2018 AACR.See related article by D'Angelo et al., p. 944.
Study on Nature-inspired Fractal Design-based Flexible Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Fabricated using Additive Manufacturing

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) are third generation solar cells used as an alternative to traditional silicon solar cells. DSSCs are characterized by their durability, easy handling and ability to perform better under diverse lighting conditions which makes them an ideal choice for indoor applications. However, DSSCs suffer from several limitations including low efficiencies, susceptibility to electrolyte leakage under extreme weather conditions, and the need for expensive materials and fabrication techniques which limits their large-scale industrial applications. Addressing these limitations through efficient design and manufacturing techniques are critical in ensuring that the DSSCs transform from the current small-scale laboratory levels to sizeable industrial production. This research attempts to address some of these significant limitations by introducing the concepts of nature-inspired fractal-based design followed by the additive manufacturing process to fabricate cost-effective, flexible counter electrodes for DSSCs. The new conceptual fractal-based design counter electrodes overcome the limitations of conventional planar designs by significantly increasing the number of active reaction sites which enhances the catalytic activity thereby improving the performance. The fabrication of these innovative fractal designs is realized through cost-effective manufacturing techniques including additive manufacturing and selective electrochemical co-deposition processes. The results of the study suggest that the fractal-based counter electrodes perform better than conventional designs. Additionally, the fractal designs and additive manufacturing technology help in addressing the problems of electrolyte leakage, cost of fabrication, and scalability of DSSCs.
Thinking in Transit

This essay explores the situation of thinking and writing while in motion between places. Building on the authors’ experiences as philosophers who commute regularly, they explore what it means to do creative work while being conveyed by vehicles that mediate their direct contact with the earth, freeing them to think and write otherwise than when engaged in more fully practical ways. They identify three parameters of this situation: movement across space and in time, the suspension of body mass, and the transportation of this mass in a manner that releases new energies and new directions of thought. They conclude that serious writing need not happen in the traditional sedentary manner—in libraries and personal studies—but can be done, and sometimes done better, in transit.
Comparing satisfaction, alliance and intervention components in electronically delivered and in-person brief interventions for substance use among childbearing-aged women.

Abstract Electronic delivery of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (e-SBIRT) may be a low-cost and high-reach method for screening and brief intervention in health care settings. However, its relative acceptability, ability to build a therapeutic alliance, and delivery of key intervention components compared to in-person SBIRT (SBIRT) is unclear. The association of these factors with intervention outcomes is also not known. We compared SBIRT and e-SBIRT on satisfaction, alliance, and receipt of intervention components, and evaluated the extent to which these intervention dimensions were related to later substance use. Data were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial (N = 439) examining SBIRT, e-SBIRT, and enhanced usual care for childbearing-aged women in two reproductive healthcare clinics (see Martino et al. (2018) for main trial findings). Participants receiving SBIRT or e-SBIRT (N = 270) rated satisfaction and alliance following a single-session, brief intervention, based on motivational interviewing that targeted hazardous substance use (tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs and prescribed medications). Trained raters coded audio-recorded SBIRT sessions for the presence of six major intervention components, and evaluated the occurrence of these components in the e-SBIRT software. Overall, participants in both groups reported strong satisfaction (on average, “considerably” to “extremely” satisfied) and perceived working alliance (on average, “very often” to “always” allied). SBIRT participants provided higher overall alliance ratings, felt more encouraged to make their own decisions, and rated the intervention's likely helpfulness to other women higher. Fewer e-SBIRT participants received intervention components focusing on personalized feedback, developing importance of and confidence in making changes to substance use, and developing a plan to change, compared to SBIRT participants. However, e-SBIRT participants were equally or more likely to receive components seeking to help them understand their use, discussing reasons for use, and summarizing and supporting what the patients elected to do. Notably, satisfaction, alliance, and number of intervention components received were not associated with total days of substance use. Although we found no evidence that the intervention characteristics evaluated in this study were associated with outcomes, acceptability and alliance may have other important implications. Findings suggest areas for improvement with respect to e-SBIRT satisfaction and alliance formation. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT01539525
A Developmental Perspective on Victimization Faced by Gender Nonconforming Youth

The present chapter focuses on the myriad ways young people are victimized for exhibiting gender nonconformity. First, the gender socialization process and the roles of parents and peers are discussed. Subsequent sections focus on the nature of discrimination and victimization motivated by gender nonconformity, and the particularly high risk of gender-related discrimination faced by sexual minority (i.e., individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or other sexual orientation that is not heterosexual) and gender minority youth (i.e., those who identify as transgender, agender, genderfluid, or another category that is not cisgender). Next, the negative outcomes associated with both gender-nonconformity and gender-conformity are described, followed by a review of literature on variation in experiences related to gender nonconformity across birth-assigned sex. The chapter concludes with implications for intervention and policy, with an emphasis on school-based strategies.
The Realities of a Learning Skills Center in a College without a Campus.

ABSTRACT The Learning Skills Center (LSC) of Whatcom, Washington, Community College is a service, not a place. The college campus is the whole county and the LSC is offered in more than one location in the county. The disadvantages of the scattered-campus LSC include complicated decentralized record-keeping, the necessity of duplicated services and personnel, and the complexities of supervising and coordinating operations at several locations. However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The public supports and appreciates services brought close to them. The duplication of services means the student has an opportunity to be exposed to different personalities and methods of teaching. The public benefits from the need to hire extra paraprofessionals in the various centers. Graduate credit given by a nearby state university for tutoring in the program provides an opportunity for practical experience in adult education. The variety of teaching guarantees flexibility and creativity. Holding classes in buildings ctNer than school buildings often has a beneficial effect for students with negative feelings toward school systems. Finally, the teachers and administrators in a college without a campus feel a great deal of responsibility for the success of the students and the system.
A Phase II Study of Cabozantinib and Androgen Ablation in Patients with Hormone-Naïve Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Cabozantinib, an oral inhibitor of c-MET/VEGFR2 signaling, improved progression-free survival (mPFS) but not overall survival (OS) in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. We evaluated cabozantinib plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in hormone-naive metastatic prostate cancer (HNMPCa). Patients and Methods: Patients received ADT plus cabozantinib starting at 60 mg daily. The primary endpoint was castrate-resistant PFS by radiographic criteria, clinical progression, or receipt of additional therapy. Secondary endpoints included OS, safety, radiographic responses, and biomarker modulation. Results: Sixty-two patients received treatment. With a median follow-up of 31.2 months, the mPFS was 16.1 months (95% CI, 14.6–22.7 months), and mOS was not reached. Reductions in PSA ≥ 90%, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase ≥ 50%, and urine N-telopeptides ≥ 50% occurred in 83%, 87%, and 86% of evaluable patients, respectively. Responses in bone scan and measurable disease were observed in 81% of and 90% of evaluable patients, respectively. Most common grade 3 adverse events were hypertension (19%), diarrhea (6%), and thromboembolic events (6%), and dose reductions occurred in 85% of patients. Analysis of baseline cytokine and angiogenic factors (CAFs) revealed that higher plasma concentrations of Lumican, CXCL5, CD25, and CD30 were associated with shorter PFS as was high tumor expression of pFGFR1. Conclusions: Cabozantinib plus ADT has promising clinical activity in HNMPCa. CAF profiles and tissue markers suggest candidate prognostic and predictive markers of cabozantinib benefit and provide insights for rational therapy combinations.
The effect of load sequence on the statistical fatigue of composites

A theoretical model to predict the effect of loading sequence on the statistical distributions of the fatigue life and the residual strength under n-stress levels of cyclic loading is derived on the basis of a three-parameter model. In particular, the dual stress fatigue cumulative damage is studied, showing that the Miner's sum (the cumulative damage sum at fatigue failure) is a statistical variable. It is proved theoretically that the Miner's sum is always greater than or equal to unity for the high-low load sequence, while it is always smaller than or equal to unity for the low-high load sequence, with the deviation from unity increasing as the difference between the high and the low stress levels increases. An experimental test program using graphite/epoxy angle-ply laminates, carried out to generate statistically meaningful data for verifying the proposed model, is discussed.