cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of tensile properties of polycarbonate films

The tensile properties of bisphenol A polycarbonate films were measured as a function of temperature from +25 to −180°C. The tensile properties at a given temperature were determined from the measured true stress-true strain behavior of the polycarbonate films by means of a photographic strain recording technique. The temperature dependence of the following tensile properties is presented: the yield stress, the fracture stress, the strain to yield, the cold-drawing strain, the fracture strain, and the strain-hardening rate.
Powerful cultural productions: Identity politics in diasporic same-sex South Asian weddings:

Queer diasporic subjects are multiply displaced and often excluded from familial, local, national, and transnational spheres. This ethnographic study examines five same-sex South Asian American Hin...
Periodontics in general practice: perspectives on nonsurgical therapy

This review critically analyzes the results of several research studies and describes in detail current knowledge in the area of nonsurgical periodontal therapy. The limitations of the procedure and the criteria that would indicate a need to proceed with surgery are defined. This judgment can have legal ramifications; therefore, the legal implications of unrecognized failures of nonsurgical treatments are also discussed, in addition to the role of nonsurgical therapy as a treatment performed in the dental office.
Making Implementation More Democratic through Action Implementation Research

Public administration scholars often associate increased public participation in policy implementation with the advancement of democratic values. Likewise, scholars engaged in the various forms of action research (AR) promote their efforts as a means to democratizing the research process or contributing to improved social outcomes. Despite these common interests in participation and democracy, there have been few attempts to apply AR methods to policy implementation problems. Drawing on Matland’s conflict-ambiguity matrix, we develop a framework for matching particular AR methods to specific policy implementation contexts.
Semi-leptonic decays of the ξ0 hyperon

Abstract The KTeV experiment at Fermilab was used to observe neutral Cascade hyperon beta decays. This is the first observation of such decays and a preliminary branching ratio for Ξ 0 → Σ + e − v ¯ e of 2.6 ± 0.2 (stat.) ± 0.3 (sys.) x 10−4 is reported. More important is that high statistics study of these decays can permit a detailed study of hyperon form factors that may lead to a better understanding of the role of the strong nuclear force in this electro-weak dominated decay.
Binding of pregnenolone and progesterone by prostatic "receptor" proteins.

Cytoplasm from rat prostate glands binds tritiated pregnenolone and progesterone (10−8m) during incubation in vitro. The responsible binding substance, recognized by its incorporation into a radioactive steroid-“receptor” complex, depends on intact sulfhydryl groups for the binding property. The “receptor,” not present in plasma, has been detected in prostate cytoplasm using sucrose density gradients, and has a molecular weight of 45,000–50,000. The binding is not inhibited by heating the cytoplasm to 60 C, by addition of ethanol up to 7%, nor by storage up to one week at 4 C. Binding does not alter the radioactive steroids. Testosterone, estradiol-17β, deoxycorticosterone and cortisol are not bound by the “receptor”; small amounts of androstenedione and dehydro-epiandrosterone appear to be bound. After the incubation of prostatic slices with pregnenolone and progesterone (10−8m), less “bound” radioactivity appeared in the cytoplasmic fraction than was observed after incubation of the steroids and the cyt...
A Low-Cost, Hands-on Module to Characterize Antimicrobial Compounds Using an Interdisciplinary, Biophysical Approach

We have developed a hands-on experimental module that combines biology experiments with a physics-based analytical model in order to characterize antimicrobial compounds. To understand antibiotic resistance, participants perform a disc diffusion assay to test the antimicrobial activity of different compounds and then apply a diffusion-based analytical model to gain insights into the behavior of the active antimicrobial component. In our experience, this module was robust, reproducible, and cost-effective, suggesting that it could be implemented in diverse settings such as undergraduate research, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) camps, school programs, and laboratory training workshops. By providing valuable interdisciplinary research experience in science outreach and education initiatives, this module addresses the paucity of structured training or education programs that integrate diverse scientific fields. Its low-cost requirements make it especially suitable for use in resource-limited settings.
Noninvasive assessment of testicular torsion in rabbits using frequency-domain near-infrared spectroscopy: prospects for pediatric urology

We present a quantitative near-IR spectroscopy study of the absolute values of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin before and after surgically induced testicular torsion in adult rabbits. Unilateral testicu- lar torsions 0, 540, or 720 deg on experimental testes and contralat- eral sham surgery on control testes are performed in four adult rabbits. A specially designed optical probe for measurements at multiple source-detector distances and a commercial frequency-domain tissue spectrometer are used to measure absolute values of testicular hemo- globin saturation. Our results show: 1 a consistent baseline absolute tissue hemoglobin saturation value of 78±5%, 2 a comparable tis- sue hemoglobin saturation of 77±6% after sham surgery, and 3 a significantly lower tissue hemoglobin saturation of 36±2% after 540- and 720-deg testicular torsion surgery. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of performing frequency-domain, multidistance near-IR spectroscopy for absolute testicular oximetry in the assessment of tes- ticular torsion. We conclude that near-IR spectroscopy has potential to serve as a clinical diagnostic and monitoring tool for the assessment of absolute testicular hemoglobin desaturation caused by torsion, with the possibility of serving as a complement to conventional color and spectral Doppler ultrasonography. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumenta-
Imaging limitations related to the skew invariant

It is the aim of this paper to call attention to and to suggest practical applications in imaging of the long known but neglected skeew invariant. For a ray passing through a rotationally symmetric optical system whose axis is the z- axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, the quantity S=n((beta) x-ay) where n is the refractive index and ((alpha) ,(beta) ) are direction cosines, is constant. Despite the generality of this result and the strength of the constrain that it expresses, this result is little used by optical designers, except with non-imaging systems. The skew invariant precludes perfect imaging of more than one object plane (except for the well-known special case of afocal system). With one perfect imaging plane, the skew invariant limits the quality possible on another plane. For a lens that images one plane the upper limits of imaging at another are restrained by the invariant. Similar restraints exist with two imperfectly images planes. Additional applications are speculated upon.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An examination of the interplay between corporate social responsibility, the brand’s home country, and consumer global identification

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine two contextual factors with respect to the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) messages on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions. First, the authors examine the interplay between CSR messages and country image, and second, how consumers’ global identity affects their response to CSR signals. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual framework is examined in two samples of US consumers evaluating a new foreign entrant into the US market. Findings – The empirical findings largely support the conceptual framework. Consistent with expectations, CSR and country image influence attitudes and purchase intentions. Most importantly, the authors also find a significant interaction effect between CSR and country of origin (COO). Further, consumers high on global identity are more responsive to positive CSR signals. These findings are confirmed in two complimentary studies. Practical implications – CSR has become an important strategic priority ...
Characterization of trace metals in airborne carbonaceous aerosols by single-particle EDX – Scanning Electron Microscopy

The presence of fine and ultrafine metal particles has been evidenced in size segregated airborne carbonaceous aerosols collected at one industrial and two background (urban and rural) sites during an extended field campaign in Central Italy. Analysis of the backscattered electrons (BSE) by SEM - EDX demonstrated an effective potential in evidencing main structural features of the metal content in identified carbon aerosols. Many observed ultrafine metal particles appear embedded in the skeleton of carbonaceous individual particles and aggregates in the coarse fraction, while the same is not evident in the case of mixed carbon-sulphates aerosol that has been detected in the submicron size. These carbon-sulphates formations include indeed nano-sized metal particles that appear physically combined but not embedded. Also, larger metal particles (ranging around 1 µm physical size) were observed close to carbon materials, but not included in their structure. Main compositional differences of metal particles with size segregation could be evidenced by energy - dispersive X ray spectrometry (EDX). Larger particles are mainly rich in Fe, frequently in presence of Mn, Cu, Cr and Zn in variable proportions; either oxidized or elemental metals were detected. On the other hand, ultrafine particles associated with carbon-sulphates aerosol are enriched in Pb and Zn, although the presence of other trace elements not detectable by SEM - EDX technique cannot be excluded. Moreover, Ce-enriched ultrafine particles were clearly determined in cenospheres. Conversely, inclusion of fine and ultrafine metal particles was rarely or not observed in soot aggregates.
Embryotoxicity of methyl mercuric chloride in golden hamsters.

Injection of 8 mg/kg methyl mercuric chloride ip in hamsters on day 5, 8, or 9 of pregnancy caused some maternal deaths, a high incidence of fetal resorption, decreased fetal weight, and moderate to high rates of malformation among surviving newborns. The most common malformations were clubfoot and hydrocephalus. When 4 mg/kg of methyl mercury was injected on day 8 maternal animals and their offspring did not differ from controls. A dose of 2 mg/kg daily from days 1 through 14 of pregnancy caused increases in maternal deaths, fetal resorptions, and malformations, but fetal weight was not affected.
Effects of Radio Collars on Survival and Lekking Behavior of Male Greater Sage-Grouse

Abstract. Monitoring of birds often requires the use of very-high-frequency radios or satellite telemetry to enhance detectability of individuals. An assumption implicit in such studies is that radio-marked individuals are representative of the population at whole, which requires that radios do not influence an individual's behavior or demographics. We present results from a capture—mark—recapture study of male Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), some radio collared, others only banded, in an experimental framework to assess whether radio collars influenced the birds' behavior or survival. We generated encounter histories of 906 male Greater Sage-Grouse and used a robust-design framework in program Mark to estimate probabilities of annual survival, detection, and temporary emigration from the lek for the radio-collared and banded segments of the sample population. Results of models suggested that seasonal detection rates at leks the year after capture were 3–5 times higher for males only band...
Exploring the use of little cigars by students at a historically black university.

INTRODUCTION Considerable evidence exists that little cigars are popular among African American adolescents and young adults who smoke. However, few studies have been published on the use of this tobacco product by young blacks in the United States. This research investigated little-cigar use among students at a historically black university in the southeastern United States. METHODS As a follow-up to a survey on tobacco use among freshmen that revealed unexpectedly high rates of little-cigar use, 3 focus groups were conducted with current or former smokers of little cigars. Topics included preferred brands of little cigars, preference for little cigars over cigarettes, social contexts for smoking little cigars, perceived health risks of smoking little cigars relative to smoking cigarettes, and thoughts about quitting. RESULTS Focus group participants preferred little cigars to cigarettes for various reasons, among them taste, smell, a better "buzz," social purposes, status, and perceptions that smoking little cigars is less addictive and less harmful than smoking cigarettes. Opinions on health risks varied; some participants believed that health risks can be reduced by removing the inner liner of little cigars. CONCLUSION Use of little cigars should be addressed in tobacco research, use prevention, and use cessation efforts, targeting students at historically black colleges and perhaps other young African Americans. Results also suggest that clear distinctions should be made among cigarettes, little cigars, and cigars, and that tobacco use prevention and cessation programs should debunk myths that little cigars are a safe alternative to cigarettes. Study findings should be confirmed and elucidated through additional research.
A pairwise probability approach to the likelihood of the paradox of voting

The paradox of voting (transitive individual preferences resulting in intransitive group preferences) is concealed by typical voting rules even when it exists. Consequently, researchers have developed theoretical solutions for the likelihood of the paradox which are based on the probability of individual preference orders. Here we develop a pairwise probability approach which depends only on the probability that one alternative is preferred to another; the likelihood of individual preference orders need not be specified. The results make the probability model more meaningful by establishing broad conditions under which the probability of the paradox is limited rather than varying between zero to one as in the unrestricted case. In addition, the maximum limiting probability of the paradox is shown to be smallest in the neutral case when all pairwise probabilities equal. 5.
Reducing the Framing Effect in Older and Younger Adults by Encouraging Analytic Processing

Objectives. The present study explored whether the framing effect could be reduced in older and younger adults using techniques that influenced the accessibility of information relevant to the decision-making processing. Accessibility was manipulated indirectly in Experiment 1 by having participants engage in concurrent tasks, and directly in Experiment 2, through an instructions manipulation that required participants to maintain a goal of analytic processing throughout the experimental trial. Methods. We tested 120 older and 120 younger adults in Experiment 1. Participants completed 28 decision trials while concurrently either performing a probability calculation task or a memory task. In Experiment 2, we tested 136 older and 136 younger adults. Participants completed 48 decision trials after either having been instructed to “think like a scientist” or base decisions on “gut reactions.” Results. Results demonstrated that the framing effect was reduced in older and younger adults in the probability calculation task in Experiment 1 and under the “think like a scientist” instructions manipulation in Experiment 2. Discussion. These results suggest that when information relevant to unbiased decision making was made more accessible, both older and younger adults were able to reduce susceptibility to the framing effect.
Multimodal Monitoring in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

In severely injured patients, the immediate goal of resuscitation is restoration and maintenance of adequate tissue metabolism by ensuring sufficient delivery of fuel, typically oxygen and glucose, to meet cellular metabolic demands. In neurocritical care, traditional goals of resuscitation—intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and the clinical examination—have been extrapolated from those of general critical care. These variables are analogous to central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, and urine output and are similarly crude. These distant surrogates for cerebral perfusion do not account for dynamic changes in cerebral autoregulation, tissue metabolic rate, cellular fuel use, and microcirculatory dysfunction, all of which impact tissue metabolic health. Although standard, it seems intuitively obvious that a uniform approach of maintaining ICP 60 mm Hg is overly simplistic. This approach does not address either significant baseline differences in patient physiology nor the complex, dynamic, and variable pathophysiological changes that ensue after severe brain injury. A more tailored therapeutic strategy that responds to multiple simultaneously measured and more relevant physiological variables is logically appealing. Until recently, however, the requisite individual patient physiology was inaccessible at the bedside. The emergence of technology that allows for continuous real-time bedside monitoring of cerebral physiology marks a new era in neurocritical care. These monitors facilitate assessment of therapeutic efficacy and may provide more relevant physiological end points for resuscitation. Combining these monitors in a multimodal approach allows for the practice of goal-directed cerebral resuscitation that emphasizes the individual patient's unique neurological and systemic physiology. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an example of a disease in which individualized goal-directed cerebral resuscitation using multimodality neuromonitoring might influence therapy and outcome. After initial patient stabilization and aneurysm exclusion from the circulation, care focuses on prevention of secondary neuronal injury. Of those who survive the initial hemorrhage, …
The Value of Quality: Stock Market Returns to Published Quality Reviews

Product quality is probably under-valued by firms because there is little consensus about appropriate measures and methods to research quality. The authors suggest that published ratings of a product's quality are a valid source of quality information with important strategic and financial impact. The authors test this thesis by an event analysis of abnormal returns to stock prices of firms whose new products are evaluated in the Wall Street Journal. Quality has a strong immediate effect on abnormal returns, which is substantially higher than that for other marketing events assessed in prior studies. In dollar terms, these returns translate into an average gain of $500 million for firms that got good reviews and an average loss of $200 million for firms that got bad reviews. Moreover, there are some important asymmetries. Rewards to small firms with good reviews of quality are greater than those to large firms with good reviews. On the other hand, large firms are penalized more by poor reviews of quality than they are rewarded for good reviews. The authors discuss the research, managerial, investing, and policy implications.
Mobility and Community in 1950s and 1960s Kabale, Uganda

This presentation considers how the small town of Kabale in southwestern Uganda provided an imaginary and a lived space for contests over consumption and community among peoples whose physical mobility, commercial entrepreneurship and political aloofness were consistent worries for Protectorate and post-independence administrators. Unlike many of Uganda’s other towns, Kabale’s fortunes did not rest primarily on the extraction of cash crops through unequal racialized licensing laws. Rather, Kigezi region was a hub of exchange for food crops, currency, migrant labor and minerals, often beyond the reach of state surveillance and taxation. For Banyakigezi and Indians of Kabale, whose commercial and familial networks extended across wide geographic areas, efforts to assert a moral community centered on a specific geographic place (Kabale) intensified with the rise of ‘Africanization’ and ‘integration’ in Uganda’s political discourse on urban commerce and sociability in the 1950s and 1960s. This presentation also examines the small town as a contested space in African history. Often considered a settler fantasy (free from the cosmopolitanism of the city or ancestral claims to land of the country), the town/trading center were subject to diverse claims that have animated Uganda’s political thought and the politics of daily life since the 1950s.
Adipose Tissue Hypoxia, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in Obese Insulin-Sensitive and Obese Insulin-Resistant Subjects.

Context: A substantial number of obese individuals are relatively insulin sensitive and the etiology for this variation remains unknown. Objective: The primary objective was to detect factors in adipose tissue differentiating obese insulin-sensitive (OBIS) from obese insulin-resistant (OBIR) individuals and investigate whether adipose tissue hypoxia is a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Design and Setting: This was a cross-sectional study in the general community. Participants: Subjects consisted of nondiabetic OBIS and OBIR subjects with similar body mass index, age, and total body fat but different insulin sensitivity index as well as lean insulin-sensitive subjects. Intervention(s): There were no interventions. Main Outcome Measure(s): We examined adipocytokines and the expression of candidate genes regulating hypoxia, inflammation, and lipogenesis in adipose tissue and adipose tissue oxygenation. Results: OBIS subjects had increased plasma adiponectin but similar plasma T...
Clinical treatment of adult women with ovarian germ cell tumors

The treatment of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors is one of the most notable success stories in the annals of gynecologic oncology. It is the constellation of host and tumor factors that combine to contribute to optimal outcomes in the majority of patients: rare tumors that principally occur in girls and young women, predominant unilaterality of the ovarian tumor that allows the potential for fertility-sparing surgery, relatively low frequency of advanced stage disease, excellent chemosensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy, excellent cure rates, and a relatively small incidence of severe late effects.
A Contribution to the Theory of Participant Observation

less prevalent. We know, in fact, that many of the mass suburbs were settled relatively recently. Although historical data on integration would have been difficult to obtain, data for determining whether an outlying county meets the standard "criteria of metropolitan character" were readily available. Had these criteria been applied, some of the outlying counties would undoubtedly have been disqualified; and, in fact, the distribution of S.M.A.'s among Bogue's six classes would have been affected somewhat because these classes were defined partly in terms of when an S.M.A. attained a total population of 100,000 or more. Many of my suggestions in this critique of research would require data that would be very difficult to obtain or could not readily be obtained until the 1960 Census. There is, however, a large amount of information concerning population redistribution within metropolitan areas that now exists on the punch cards of the 1950 Census. I refer to the 20-percent sample data on the county of residence in 1949 that were punched for metropolitan counties only. Thus, for multi-county S.M.A.'s, it would be possible to tabulate data on streams of migration between central counties and outlying counties within the S.M.A. Such tabulations were not part of the regular 1950 Census program on population mobility, but provisions were made on the punch cards for persons interested in particular metropolitan areas. Apparently, so far neither planning agencies nor sociologists have felt such tabulations were worth the cost. In conclusion, it should not be implied that there is a rigid dichotomy of producers and consumers in this field. Although, properly, the Census Bureau has usually waited for outside expressions of urgent need for a new or modified statistical area, it has occasionally been the innovator in an areal concept. Moreover, it is a consumer of its own data for many different purposes. Data produced by other agencies are used for such purposes as the definition of S.M.A.'s. There must be a continual interaction between the Census Bureau and research workers in universities, foundations, and other agencies if operational definitions and publication programs are to meet changing needs.
The Ecological Approach to Management of Insect Populations

The basic principle underlying insect control involves the management of at least some segment of the population in question. This is true regardless of the methods employed, as in every case the attempt is made to adjust population numbers. Whether it is best to do this directly, by the application of insecticides, or indirectly, through the manipulation of the habitat in which the insect lives, can only be determined by the nature of the problems involved. For example, it became evident some years ago that we could not satisfactorily and economically control rangeland-infesting grasshoppers by the use of insecticides alone—even if highly toxic and efficient materials became available—because of the vast areas involved and the low real or rental value of a large proportion of these lands. After considering and exploring many phases of the problem, the most reasonable avenue of approach appeared to be one aimed at preventing, in so far as possible, large population build-ups and supplementing the prevention program with chemical control in areas or under circumstances where prevention was either impractical or impossible. It will be seen that this approach involves the management of insect populations in their natural habitats and is dependent on the manipulation of those factors in the habitat which contribute to the occurrence of high population densities.
Reliability-based design optimization of wind turbine blades for fatigue life under dynamic wind load uncertainty

This paper studies reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of a 5-MW wind turbine blade for designing reliable as well as economical wind turbine blades. A novel dynamic wind load uncertainty model has been developed using 249 groups of wind data to consider wind load variation over a large spatiotemporal range. The probability of fatigue failure during a 20-year service life is estimated using the uncertainty model in the RBDO process and is reduced to meet a desired target reliability. Meanwhile, the cost of composite materials used in the blade is minimized by optimizing the composite laminate thicknesses of the blade. In order to obtain the RBDO optimum design efficiently, deterministic design optimization (DDO) of the 5-MW wind turbine blade is carried out first using the mean wind load obtained from the wind load uncertainty model. The RBDO is then initiated from the DDO optimum. During the RBDO iterations, fatigue hotspots for RBDO are identified among the laminate section points. For an efficient RBDO process, surrogate models of 10-min fatigue damages D10 at the hotspots are accurately created using the Kriging method. Using the wind load uncertainty model and surrogate models, probability of fatigue failure during a 20-year lifespan at the hotspots and the design sensitivities are calculated at given design points. Using the probability of fatigue failure and design sensitivity, RBDO of the 5-MW wind turbine blade has been successfully carried out, satisfying the target probability of failure of 2.275 %.
Cardiovascular Imaging with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

This article provides some examples of what the previous article outlined. The sections on Image Display and Myocardial Characterization contain numerous illustrations of gating, cross-sectional images, flow signals, and ischemic injury. The possibility of metabolic imaging with NMR and quantitating blood flow is also considered.
Comparative photoelectrochemical studies of regioregular polyhexylthiophene with microdiamond, nanodiamond and hexagonal boron nitride hybrid films

Abstract Recently, we have studied photoelectrochemical properties of films of nanodiamond (ND)-regioregular polyhexylthiophene (RRP3HT), ND-poly(3-dodecylthiophene), polyaniline, and other derivatives of polythiophene. The ND-RRP3HT, BN-RRP3HT and microdiamond (MD)-RRPHTH films were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques, respectively. The short circuit current, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) for MD-RRP3HT, ND-RRP3HT and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)-RRP3HT films were compared. The ND-RRP3HT nanostructured film revealed 8 to 20 times more photocurrent than most other nanostructured RRP3HT films in a photoelectrochemical cell. The ND-RRP3HT and hBN-RRP3HT films revealed improved efficiency compared to the MD-RRP3HT film. Due to the increased band gap, the hBN-RRP3HT have a higher PCE than ND as well as MD films. ND-RRP3HT and hBN-RRP3HT hybrid films exhibited comparable photoelectrochemical properties.
FitScale: Scalability of Legacy Applications Through Migration to Cloud

One of the key benefits of Cloud computing is elasticity, the ability of the system infrastructure to adapt to the workload changes by automatically adjusting the resources on-demand. Horizontal scaling refers to the method of adding or removing resources from the resource pool. As such it is appealing to enterprises who seek to migrate their legacy systems as it requires no application rewrite or refactoring. Vertical scaling approach offers a mechanism to maintain continuous performance while reducing resource cost through reconfiguration of the resource. The challenge is, however, in being able to automatically identify the right size of the target resource such as a VM or a container. Moreover, choice of scalability policies is not intuitive due to application complexity, topology and variability in system performance parameters that need to be considered.
Comparison of paper and automated fault isolation techniques

Current flight line maintenance troubleshooting uses static fault isolation trees contained in paper based technical manuals. Future troubleshooting trends will automate the flight line diagnosis of system failures using portable maintenance aides (PMAs). The authors compare and contrast the future automated diagnostic approach to the paper based methodology of today. Field experiment results are also presented that quantify the differences between these two troubleshooting approaches. These field experiments conducted at Luke Air Force Base showed that enhanced maintenance performance was achieved when a diverse work force was equipped with PMAs. >
Video tutorials revisited: The relationship between their use and library assessment quiz scores

ABSTRACTThere is considerable literature evaluating video tutorials. By the first decade of the twenty-first century, research established that online video tutorials performed as well as traditional face-to-face instruction. However, there is little evidence that students actually viewed the tutorials. This study compares postinstruction assessment quiz scores from one class over four semesters with usage statistics for five video tutorials during the same time frame. The data indicate that students do view the tutorials. However, the results also show that usage statistics, together with quiz scores, declined as students progressed through the five tutorials. Additionally, the study determined that there was no positive correlation between the number of viewings and postviewing assessment scores.
Hamilton’s law of varying action: Part II: Direct optimal control of linear systems

Abstract A direct optimal procedure is developed for the control of linear, time varying, spatially discrete mechanical systems. An assumed-time-modes method in which the dependent variables of the dynamics problem are expanded in terms of admissible basis functions in time is extended to include a similar representation of the control inputs. This approach, together with direct use of Hamilton’s law of varying action, allows explicita prioriintegration in time of the energy related quantities leading to the algebraic equations of motion, thus the conventional first order differential state equations are obviated. Expansion coefficients for the dependent variables and those for input forces constitute the states and controls, respectively. A typical performance measure of linear quadratic regulator theory is considered for the optimal control problem and it is transformed into an algebraic objective function by using the assumed-time-modes expansions. The resulting algebraic optimality problem yields closed-form solutions for the optimal control gains directly. Some computational aspects of the proposed methodology are pointed out; numerical solutions for single- and multi-degrees-of-freedom problems are included.
It's the Journey, Not the Destination: Judicial Preferences and the Decision-Making Process

Existing work analyzing judicial behavior has paid much attention to the relationship between political ideology and appellate case outcomes, ignoring for the most part the process that leads to such outcomes. This article seeks to fill this gap by exploring the relationship between the composition of appellate panels and their decision-making process. The results presented in the article suggest that panel ideology not only affects final case outcomes but also explains process-related variables, such as whether oral arguments are heard; whether opinions are published; the time taken to finalize an opinion; the ability to reach consensus; and reversal rates. Some of these process preferences are not readily explained by a panel's preference for a particular outcome – panels led by judges appointed by Democrat presidents take longer to prepare their opinions regardless of whether the outcome in case is liberal or conservative and choose to hold oral arguments more often than Republican-led panels when reviewing liberal as well as conservative lower court decisions. However, some of these process preferences do interact with and mediate judges’ preferences over specific case outcomes. In particular, unified Democrat-led panels are more likely to publish their liberal opinions and reverse non-liberal lower court decisions, a behavior that differs not only from Republican-led panels but also from split Democrat-led panels. This relationship between panel composition and publication rates underscores the limitations of utilizing samples of published opinions, as do many empirical studies of appellate decision-making. To highlight this point, the article shows how the analysis of the relationship between the composition of a panel and the panel's decision whether or not to reverse a lower court opinion is substantially different in a sample of published opinions relative to unpublished ones, appearing to be more ideologically driven in the former.
Dynamic molecular imaging of signal transduction pathways in vivo

ED03-02 Genetically-encoded imaging reporters introduced into cells and transgenic animals enable noninvasive, longitudinal studies of dynamic biological processes in intact cells and living animals. The most common reporters include firefly luciferase (bioluminescence imaging), green fluorescence protein (fluorescence imaging), Herpes Simplex Virus-1 thymidine kinase (positron emission tomography) and variants with enhanced spectral and kinetic properties optimized for use in vivo. When cloned into promoter/enhancer sequences or engineered into fusion proteins, imaging reporters enable fundamental processes such as transcriptional regulation, signal transduction cascades, protein-protein interactions, oncogenic transformation, immunologic response and targeted drug action to be temporally and spatially registered in vivo. Spying on cancer with genetically-encoded imaging reporters provides new insight into cell-specific molecular and regulatory machinery within the contextual environment of the whole animal.
Complex Sentences Continued: Noun Clauses

In this chapter we explore noun clauses. The chapter is divided into two main sections. Section 11.1 examines noun clauses in general, their function, some common types of noun clauses, and how they are formed. Section 11.2 explores a major subclass of noun clauses, reported speech, also known as indirect speech.
Writer's Cramp/Tremor

Writer's cramp and writer's tremor are disorders that may develop in association with the specific task of writing. These disorders are highly dependent on posture and are task specific. A diagnosis is made by having the patient pick up a pen and start writing. Within seconds, shaking or cramps occur. Anticholinergic medications can be helpful for some patients, but botulinum toxin injections are the preferred therapy. However, having the patient use a large pen that requires using different muscles is often the best therapy.
Polya properties in sequence spaces

Let V be a finite dimensional affine subspace of l1=l1 N and suppose thath∈l1/V. For 1<p<∞, leth p be the best lp-approximation toh from V andh ∞ be the strict best l∞-approximation toh from V. We show thath p converges toh ∞ at rate no worse than 1/p. A condition is given which is sufficient to guarantee that\(\mathop {\lim h^p }\limits_{p \to 1} \) exists.
Air environment and animal performance.

Rearing domestic animals under conditions of complete confinement subjects them to surroundings quite unlike their natural environments. Complete confinement limits the animal’s opportunity to seek more favorable environs, thus intensifying animal-environmental factors. The trend toward enclosed housing has led to the recognition of air quality as a potentially critical element in animal production. 1
A Survey of Jet Aircraft PM by TEM in APEX III

Based upon field testing during the NASA led APEX III campaign conducted in November 2005 at the NASA Glenn Research Center in coordination with Continental Airlines and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This paper reports observations of particulate emissions collected from a suite of jet engine aircraft to assess differences and similarities in soot macro- micro- and nanostructure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Aggregates are compact, primary particle sizes varied and nanostructure mixed. Comparisons are made to more familiar laboratory flame-generated soot as a well-studied point of reference. Results are interpreted in terms of turbulence interacting with the different stages of particle formation and growth.
Do We Know What We Mean? An Examination of the Use of the Phrase “Goals of Care” in the Literature

Abstract Background: There is no consensus approach to describe the process or components of goals of care (GOC) conversations. Objective: The objective was to review the utilization of the phrase ...
Understanding the Bound Triplet-Pair State in Singlet Fission

Singlet fission is a photophysical process in which two triplet excitons are produced from one singlet exciton. Understanding the details of this process, especially the properties of intermediates between singlet excitons and free triplet excitons, is particularly important to its optimization and application. Herein, we explore the bound triplet pair, m(T1T1), an important intermediate state in singlet fission. We highlight a growing number of studies indicating there is an energetic stabilization of triplet-pair states relative to free triplets. This stabilization enables endothermic singlet fission processes and often results in long lifetimes of the bound triplet-pair state. However, triplets in close proximity demonstrate heightened recombination and reduced excited-state lifetimes. The ubiquity of bound triplet-pair states in recent reports indicates the importance of this state, the need to discern it from free triplets, and the usefulness of having carefully tuned interactions between triplets produced by singlet fission.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretion of SDF-1α Modulates Endothelial Function in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background: Endothelial dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Allogeneic but not autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) improve endothelial function in DCM patients. We hypothesized that these effects are modulated by release of stromal derived factor-1α (SDF-1α). Methods: Plasma TNFα and endothelial progenitor cell-colony forming units (EPC-CFUs) were assessed at baseline and 3-months post-injection in a subset of POSEIDON-DCM patients that received autologous (n=11) or allogeneic (n=10) MSCs. SDF-1α secretion by MSCs, endothelial cell (EC) TNFα mRNA expression and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to SDF-1α were measured in vitro. Results: As previously shown, DCM patients (n=21) had reduced EPC-CFUs at baseline (3±3), which were restored to normal by allogeneic MSCs 3-months post-treatment (Δ10±4). DCM patients had elevated baseline plasma TNFα (n=15, 22±9.4pg/mL). Allogeneic MSCs (n=8) decreased, and autologous MSCs (n=7) increased, plasma TNFα (-7.1±3.1 vs. 22.2±17.1pg/mL respectively; P=0.0005). In culture, autologous MSCs (n=11) secreted higher levels of SDF-1α than allogeneic MSCs (n=6) [76.0 (63.7, 100.9) vs. 22.8 (7.2, 43.5) pg/mL, P=0.0002]. SDF-1α and plasma TNFα negatively correlated with EPC-CFUs in both treatment groups (R=-0.7, P=0.0004). ECs treated with 20ng SDF-1α expressed lower levels of TNFα mRNA than cells treated with 100ng (0.7±0.2 vs. 2.1±0.3, P=0.0008). SDF-1α at low but not high concentration inhibited the generation of ROS. Conclusions: MSC secretion of SDF-1α inversely correlates with EPC-CFU production in DCM patients and therefore may be a modulator of MSC therapeutic effect in this clinical setting. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01392625; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01392625
Sensitivity Analysis of Smap-Reflectometry (SMAP-R) Signals to Vegetation Water Content

Global Navigation Satellite System – Reflectometry (GNSSR) techniques have proven successful to retrieve several geophysical parameters such as, ocean wind speed, soil moisture, altimetry, wetland dynamics, snow depth estimations. In this paper, the L2C GPS signals measured from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) radar after its malfunction is used to investigate the effect of the vegetation water content on the electromagnetic signal. The SMAP-Reflectometry (SMAP-R) measurements are obtained at V and H polarizations allowing for not only signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis but also for polarimetric ratio (PR) studies.
Low-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Thin-Sheet Extruded Aluminum Alloy

In this work, we investigate a novel testing method for fatigue testing of a thin sheet under fully reversed conditions. Specifically, the fatigue behavior of thin-plate AA6082-T6 was characterized by laminating multiple thin gage specimens together to form a thicker specimen to prevent buckling under low-cycle fatigue testing. In this unique technique, ASTM E606 fatigue specimens were bonded together with a structural adhesive in double and triple laminates, and fatigue behavior was compared against monolithic control specimens. To quantify the fatigue behavior of the laminated AA6082, strain-controlled experiments were conducted, where the fatigue life experimental results exhibited comparable fatigue performance to the published literature. Postmortem analysis of the laminated AA6082 revealed a similar fatigue nucleation and crack growth damage mechanisms compared to the monolithic fatigue specimens. Lastly, a microstructure-sensitive fatigue life model was utilized to elucidate structure–property fatigue mechanism relations of the monolithic, double-, and triple-laminate specimens. The fatigue behavior of laminated specimens exhibits good correlation to wrought AA6082-T6 mechanical properties and thus suggests that laminating sheets together can be used to quantify fully reversed fatigue behavior of thin sheets that would otherwise buckle under compression loading.
O3E.4 Layoffs and the mental health and safety of remaining workers: a quasi-experimental study of the U.S. aluminum industry

Background Relatively few studies have examined the effects of layoffs on remaining workers, although the effects of layoffs and downsizing events may extend beyond those employees who lose their jobs. Methods We examined the effects of layoffs on mental healthcare utilization and injury risk among workers at 30 U.S. plants between 2003 and 2013. We defined layoffs as reductions in the hourly workforce of 20% or more at each plant. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we compared the change in outcomes during layoffs versus the same three-month period one year previously, accounting for secular trends with control plants. Results Our study population included 15 502 workers and seven layoff events between 2003 and 2012. Layoffs were associated with decreases in reported injuries (−0.006, 95% CI −0.013, 0.001), and increased probability of outpatient visits (0.010, 95% CI 0.003, 0.017) and prescriptions (0.014, 95% CI −0.0006, 0.027) for mental health. Among men, injury risk decreased more substantially (−0.010, 95% CI −0.018,–0.001) and among women the increase in outpatient visits was more pronounced (0.017, 95% CI 0.003, 0.031). Most notably, the observed increase in prescription utilization appeared attributable primarily to increased frequency of opioid prescriptions (0.016 95% CI 0.005–0.027). Conclusion Our results indicate an association between layoffs and remaining workers’ mental health and safety. However, decreased injury may reflect changes in reporting practices, and changes mental healthcare utilization may reflect changes in care-seeking. Future research on concordance of service utilization and underlying health and safety may yield valuable insight into the experiences employed workers in the wake of layoffs.
Teaching for Transformation

Critical pedagogy is evidenced by action or teaching for transformation. However, most traditional classrooms are concerned with teaching as transmission or teaching as transaction. Definitions and examples of transmission, transaction, and transformation are provided, and explicit examples of each type of classroom are explained in this chapter. What happens when teachers teach for transmission, for transaction, for transformation? The largest section of this chapter includes examples from transformative educators in settings and classrooms where they made transformation visible and easily described as they moved toward transformation.