cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mineral physics test of a pyrolite mantle

An homogeneous upper mantle chemical composition defined by the pyrolite model is compatible with the observed seismic velocities. Such a test is now possible for depths to 670 km as a result of new mineral elasticity and phase equilibria data. Three specific criteria for comparing the mineralogical velocity model with that of the mantle include i) the velocity jump at the 400 km discontinuity, ii) the velocity increase between 400 and 670 km, and iii) the absolute value of velocity in the 300 to 400 km region (shallower than the discontinuity). The first criterion is sensitive to the olivine content of the mantle and the pressure derivatives of the elastic properties of the high pressure phase. The application of this criterion suggests a mantle with 40 - 65% olivine by volume. The second criterion is sensitive to the details of the pyroxene to garnet transformation and the relative abundances of the pyroxenes and garnet. The third criterion depends on details of this transformation as well as iron content and the temperature of the mantle.
Hormonal regulation of chemosignal-stimulated precopulatory behaviors in male housemice (Mus musculus).

Abstract Five experiments examined the hormonal regulation of the precopulatory reproductive behavior of male housemice of two genotypes ( DBA 2 J inbreds and C 57 BL 6 J × AKR/J hybrids). The two precopulatory behaviors examined were preferences for female urinary odors and ultrasonic courtship vocalizations to anesthetized females. The preferences were then used to make inferences about odor attractiveness. Gonadally intact hybrid males were highly attracted to the airborne urinary odors of female mice but were either indifferent to, or exhibited less attraction to, male urinary odors. Castration decreased male attraction to female odor such that castrated males were equally attracted to male and female odors. Normal levels of attraction could be maintained in castrated hybrid males by Silastic implants of either testosterone or estradiol. While Silastic implants of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were also effective in maintaining attraction in hybrids, this hormone was ineffective in inbreds. The effectiveness of estradiol, DHT, and testosterone in maintaining attraction following castration was paralleled in castrated hybrids by the effects of these hormones in maintaining courtship vocalizations to females. In contrast to the genotype-specific effects of DHT upon behavior, DHT was effective in both genotypes in maintaining seminal vesicle weight. Estradiol, on the other hand, which was quite effective in maintaining both precopulatory behaviors in hybrids, had little effect upon seminal vesicle weight. Thus these experiments dissociate the behavioral effects of steroids from their effects upon peripheral morphology. We suggest that testosterone can activate precopulatory behaviors following either aromatization or 5-α reduction but that genetic variability somehow gives rise to strain differences in DHT responsiveness.
The Relationship of Noncredible Performance to Continuous Performance Test Scores in Adults Referred for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Evaluation

Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults is complicated by the fact that neither symptom report nor neuropsychological findings are specific to the diagnosis. Few studies have addressed the possibility that noncredible performance influences the effectiveness of neuropsychological test findings in ADHD assessment. The present study utilized archival data on Conner's Continuous Performance Test (CPT) scores from young adults referred for concerns about ADHD at two different universities, who were divided into three groups: (1) those who failed a measure of noncredible performance (the Word Memory Test; WMT), (2) those who met diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and (3) controls with psychological symptoms who did not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. More individuals who failed the WMT were also clinically impaired on the CPT than individuals diagnosed with ADHD and individuals with psychological symptoms, who could not be distinguished from each other. Results demonstrate the importance of assessing for noncredible performance before interpreting neuropsychological test scores in ADHD assessment. Results also emphasize the importance of considering other disorders that can impact CPT performance prior to interpreting CPT impairment as indicative of ADHD.
Career Exploration and Self-Efficacy of High School Students: Are There Urban/Suburban Differences?:

Career exploration and career decision-making self-efficacy differences between urban and suburban high school students were investigated. The relationship of career exploration to career decision-...
Correct Logos and Truth in Gorgias' Encomium of Helen

Abstract This paper argues against the tendency to interpret Gorgias' view of logos as a techne of persuasion which relies on opinion ( doxa ) and rests on deception either deliberately or incidentally in order to function. Rather, Gorgias appears to be making a connection between truthful speech ( alethes logos ) and correct speech ( orthos logos ). Gorgias' insistence on correctness of speech surfaces not only in the Encomium of Helen , but also in the Funeral Oration fragment and in Agathon's parody of Gorgianic rhetoric in Plato's Symposium . Correct speech goes beyond the effectiveness of language and into the domain of ethical correctness and responsibility.
Improve the plastic market efficiency by using consortium and negotiation agents for Small and Medium Enterprises

With the development of the Internet and technology, the traditional market has become an electronic market, and the value of trading has become more than a traditional market. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) e-commerce has been growing rapidly and more businesses have used the e-commerce for selling and buying goods or services. Consequently, most of the plastic e-marketplaces only allow the large companies to search the product and then contact the other large companies by email or phone. The e-marketplace needs automated or intelligent agents; 1) in order to automated purchasing consortium among the SMEs, 2) in order to conduct automated negotiations between the buyers and the seller. However, this paper implements an automated consortium agent among buyers to build a consortium for SMEs and automated negotiation agent allows SMEs and/or large Enterprises (LEs) to negotiate with the seller. Also, the efficiency of the simulated system in the plastic market is demonstrated by a series of simulations in which the result is negotiation between SMEs with the seller and LE with the seller.
My health, my life: a web-based health monitoring application

Using a handwritten journal to track meals, exercise, and weight is a common practice in the dieting and exercise industry. However, one major problem with using these journals is that they do not simplify the laborious process of calculating the nutritional content of a meal. In addition, the journals are difficult to share with other people, especially asynchronously. The "My Health, My Life" web application helps users reach their goals by simplifying the data entry process, while also connecting the user with professionals and people who have similar interests and goals.
Shear response of carbon fiber composite octet-truss lattice structures

Abstract Ultralight three dimensional space filling octet-truss lattice structures have been fabricated from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates using a mechanical snap-fitting and adhesive bonding technique. The lattice structures moduli and strengths have been measured during (0 0 1) in-plane shear as a function of the lattice relative density ( ρ ¯ ). Their strength was determined by the activation of two strut failure modes: elastic buckling of the struts governed the response when ρ ¯ 5 % , while delamination failure controlled the strength for 16 % > ρ ¯ > 5 % . The measured shear strengths are shown to be well predicted by micromechanics models based on the elastic buckling and delamination failure of the struts. Snap-fit CFRP octet-truss lattice structures with densities of 24–230 kg m −3 are found to have mechanical properties superior to polymer and metal foams, and are competitive with Balsa wood and recently reported Ti–6Al–4V octet-truss lattices. They provide new opportunities for ultra-lightweight multi-axially loaded structures.
Signaling Networks Determining Life Span

The health of an organism is orchestrated by a multitude of molecular and biochemical networks responsible for ensuring homeostasis within cells and tissues. However, upon aging, a progressive failure in the maintenance of this homeostatic balance occurs in response to a variety of endogenous and environmental stresses, allowing the accumulation of damage, the physiological decline of individual tissues, and susceptibility to diseases. What are the molecular and cellular signaling events that control the aging process and how can this knowledge help design therapeutic strategies to combat age-associated diseases? Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolutionarily conserved biological processes that alter the rate of aging and discuss their link to disease prevention and the extension of healthy life span.
The Proper Role of Courts: The Mistakes of the Supreme Court in Leegin

Separation of powers matters. Accordingly, each branch of the federal government should remain faithful to its institutional role. However, in the 2007 case of Leegin Creative Leather Products v. PSKS, Inc., the Supreme Court betrayed this founding principle. In Leegin, the Court disturbed nearly 100 years of antitrust jurisprudence by overruling Dr. Miles Medical Co. v. John D. Park & Sons Co. The issue before the Court centered on this question: should minimum resale pricing agreements between manufacturer and distributor be considered per se illegal? Dr. Miles said yes; in Leegin, the Court said no. This disagreement is hardly remarkable. The Court frequently reverses its prior precedent. The twist in Leegin, though, is that Congress expressly endorsed the Dr. Miles rule. In passing the Consumer Goods Pricing Act of 1975, Congress clearly indicated its policy preference that the practice of vertical price-fixing should remain unlawful. It is axiomatic that responsibility for framing economic policy for the nation rests with Congress and the President, not the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, in the field of antitrust, because of the Sherman Act's broad generalities, the Court has always had more leeway to fill in the blanks left open by Congress. But this freedom to fill the void when faced with legislative silence does not give legitimacy to the Court taking the next step, namely substituting its own judgment over a contrary judgment of Congress. And this next step is exactly the path the Court traveled down in Leegin. The Article explains the mistakes made by the Court in embarking on this journey. Moreover, the Article discusses the perils that follow when the Court decides it is accountable to no other branch but itself.
Neuroendoscopy for Intraventricular Tumor Resection

n recent decades, the endoscope has become an increasingly important tool in the armamentarium of the neurosurI geon. In pediatrics in particular, intraventricular endoscopy has become a routine part of neurosurgical practice and training. Improvements in image quality, ergonomics of endoscope use, neuronavigation, and a host of other technical factors have contributed to an ever-expanding range of indications for endoscopic treatment of intraventricular pathology. In addition, based in part of the remarkable success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)/choroid plexus cauterization in treating hydrocephalus in Uganda, North American centers are beginning to expand the use of endoscopic treatment for hydrocephalus as well. The natural consequence of these developments is increasing familiarity of pediatric neurosurgeons with using the endoscope and increasing comfort in using the endoscope for more complex undertakings, particularly the resection of intraventricular tumors. There are several important factors, however, that must be considered to maximize the chances of successful intraventricular neuroendoscopy.
A chronic neural interface to the macaque dorsal column nuclei

The dorsal column nuclei (DCN) of the brain stem contain secondary afferent neurons, which process ascending somatosensory information. Most of the known physiology of the DCN in primates has been ...
Characterization of optical-surface-imaging-based spirometry for respiratory surrogating in radiotherapy

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive characterization of a novel respiratory surrogate that uses optical surfaceimaging (OSI) for accurate tidal volume (TV) measurement, dynamic airflow (TV′) calculation, and quantitative breathing pattern(BP) estimation during free breathing (FB), belly breathing (BB), chest breathing (CB), and breath hold (BH). Methods: Optical surfaceimaging, which captures all respiration-induced torso surface motion, was applied to measure respiratory TV, TV′, and BP in three common breathing patterns. Eleven healthy volunteers participated in breathing experiments with concurrent OSI-based and conventional spirometric measurements under an institutional review board approved protocol. This OSI-based technique measures dynamic TV from torso volume change (ΔVtorso = TV) in reference to full exhalation and airflow (TV′ = dTV/dt). Volume conservation, excluding exchanging air, was applied for OSI-based measurements under negligible pleural pressure variation in FB, BB, and CB. To demonstrate volume conservation, a constant TV was measured during BH while the chest and belly are moving (“pretended” respiration). To assess the accuracy of OSI-based spirometry, a conventional spirometer was used as the standard for both TV and TV′. Using OSI, BP was measured as BPOSI = ΔVchest/ΔVtorso and BP can be visualized using BPSHI = SHIchest/(SHIchest + SHIbelly), where surface height index (SHI) is defined as the mean vertical distance within a region of interest on the torso surface. A software tool was developed for OSI image processing, volume calculation, and BP visualization, and another tool was implemented for data acquisition using a Bernoulli-type spirometer. Results: The accuracy of the OSI-based spirometry is −21 ± 33 cm3 or −3.5% ± 6.3% averaged from 11 volunteers with 76 ± 28 breathing cycles on average in FB. Breathing variations between two separate acquisitions with approximate 30-min intervals are substantial: −1% ± 34% (ranging from −64% to 40%) in TV, 4% ± 20% (ranging from −50% to 26%) in breathing period (T), and −1% ± 34% (ranging from −49% to 44%) in BP. The airflow accuracy and variation (between two exercises) are −1 ± 54 cm3/s and −5% ± 30%, respectively. The slope of linear regression between OSI–TV and spirometric TV is 0.93 (R2 = 0.95) for FB, 0.96 (R2 = 0.98) for BB, and 0.95 (R2 = 0.95) for CB. The correlation between the two spirometric measurements is 0.98 ± 0.01. BP increases from BB, FB to CB, while TV increases from FB, BB, to CB. Under BH, 4% volume variation (range) on average was observed. Conclusions: The OSI-based technique provides an accurate measurement of tidal volume, airflow rate, and breathing pattern; all affect internal organ motion. This technique can be applied to various breathing patterns, including FB, BB, and CB. Substantial breathing irregularities and irreproducibility were observed and quantified with the OSI-based technique. These breathing parameters are useful to quantify breathing conditions, which could be used for effective tumor motion predictions.
Developing Copy Tests that Estimate Brand Usage

When the objective of an advertising campaign is to increase the consumption or usage frequency of a package good, copy testing measures must be sensitive to this objective. Since measuring actual usage can be prohibitive in terms of time and money, we present two measures which can be examined in a laboratory -- cognitive responses and usage-intentions. Two different laboratory studies underscore the factors that influence the sensitivity and validity of these two different types of measures. With measures of usage intention, one’s usage frequency of the target brand determines the appropriate measure question. With cognitive responses, the sensitivity is determined by the specificity of the elicitation procedure. Methodological and measurement implications are suggested along with a general method for further testing of stylized measures such as usage.
Color harmonies in packaging

The goal of this research was to determine whether or not there was a difference between consumer preferences for color harmonies for products where external labels and visible product existed simultaneously. Using established color theory, transparent packages containing visible products with colored labels were evaluated. Eye tracking metrics and overall preference testing were used to assess these products. Eye tracking data yielded quantitative data that was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance. A post experiment survey was given to participants to collect demographics and additional data was completed through chi-squared tests for association. No significant difference was found between color harmonies and preference, nor was there significance for the eye tracking metrics. These results of no significance are ideal for designers because it gives them the freedom to use their judgment when designing packaging labels. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 50–59, 2017
Collaborative Governance Concepts for Successful Network Leadership

State and local governments across the United States have increasingly utilized collaborative, interorganizational approaches to the delivery of public services. This shift in governance structure ...
Light and Electron-Microscopic Studies of Cystidia in Phanerochaete Chrysosporium

Cystidia are large sterile hyphal terminations situated between basidia and usually projecting above them. From a taxonomic standpoint, the varied morphology of cystidia constitutes important an diagnostic aid in distinguishing genera and species of the Homobasidiomycetidae (Lentz, 1971); however, the conceptual understanding of the functional role and significance of cystidia has scarcely been advanced beyond the ideas of Buller (1924). Studies on the ultrastructural morphology of cystidia are few in number and they have been conducted on members of the Agaricaceae (Gull and Newsam, 1975; Thielke, 1972). This study examines the cytology and ultrastructure of the nonincrusted cystidia of Phanerochaete chrysosporium Burds., a basidiomycetous wood-decay fungus and member of the Corticiaceae.
Social Capital, E-Government, and Fiscal Transparency in the States

Transparency is one requisite of democratic governance. Many American states have implemented online checkbooks and similar forms of fiscal e-transparency, but not universally or with uniformly high quality. This article seeks to explain why. Correlation and regression results support hypotheses that higher-quality implementation responds to lower state levels of social capital, more traditionalistic political cultures, greater perceptions of official corruption, and larger populations.
A single radial haemolysis technique for the measurement of antibody to Mycoplasma bovis in bovine sera

A single radial haemolysis in gel technique is described for assaying antibody to Mycoplasma bovis ( M agalactiae subsp bovis ) in bovine sera. The test, which should be particularly useful for screening large numbers of serum samples, is sensitive, simple to perform and highly reproducible.
Comparative analysis reveals migratory swallows (Hirundinidae) have less pointed wings than residents

The correlation between migration and wing pointedness, a pattern generally attributed to the need to reduce drag during powered straight-line flight, is well established in avian ecomorphology. However, most studies investigating this pattern have focused on relatively rounded-wing taxa, which employ different flight modes during foraging and migration. The basic assumption that migrants have comparatively pointed wings has not been questioned by analysing taxa with similar migratory and foraging flight. This study examines the correlation between migration and wing shape in swallows (Hirundinidae), a family with relatively pointed wings in which foraging flight resembles migratory flight. Using a phylogeny-based analysis, we compare the wing shape of species pairs with varying migratory habits in eight swallow genera. Surprisingly, migratory swallows have less pointed wings than sedentary species, and wing pointedness declines linearly with increasing migratory distance. This study represents the first published result documenting a reversal of the correlation between migration and wing pointedness found in other avian taxa. Interpreting this reversal requires a more nuanced understanding of wing ecomorphology; we hypothesize that inclement weather conditions on the breeding grounds and/or the roosting habits of migratory swallows create conflicting selective pressures that increase the cost of wing pointedness in migratory swallows.
Criminal justice plannimg: Case for a comprehensive approach

All too often the task accomplishment of one actor in the criminal justice system is frustrated by the actions of other components of the system. Decisions within the components of the criminal justice system often are not made from a stystemic perspective, therefore frustrating the objective of reducing crime. While there may be an abundance of people concerned with a plethora of small problems and roles, what is lacking is a group of officials viewing the system in its totality. By failing to develop a holistic approach within which to analyze the problems each component of the criminal justice has, these problems will not be successfully resolved.
Wholeness and holiness: The spiritual dimension of eudaimonics.

In this chapter, we offer an understanding of optimal functioning as wholeness in an individual’s orienting system, which is comprised of values, beliefs, practices, emotions, and relationships that offer direction and stability in the search for significance. To begin unpacking the meaning of wholeness and its relationship to eudaimonia, we focus on five sets of elements that distinguish greater wholeness from greater brokenness: (a) purposive vs. aimless; (b) broad and deep vs. narrow and shallow; (c) flexible and enduring vs. rigid and unstable; (d) balanced, cohesive, and discerning vs. imbalanced, incohesive, and non-reflective; (e) benevolent and life-affirming vs. non-benevolent and life-limiting. Because wholeness is intimately tied to holiness, our discussion of these elements highlights dynamic contributions from spirituality and religion. In addition, we examine how people may achieve greater wholeness in their lives, emphasizing the vital role of spiritual struggles in this process. Finally, points of convergence and divergence among wholeness, optimal functioning, and eudaimonia are discussed, in addition to the utility of wholeness in distinguishing eudaimonic and hedonic approaches to well-being.
Losing Time and Space: Experiencing Immersion

The sense of immersion—the feeling of losing track of time and space—is something all of us have experienced. Whether it is through a film, an interactive game, or hiking in a landscape, these immersive experiences have been sought after since the beginning of humankind to open our minds to new possibilities and expand perceptions of our world. This article explores the role of art in crafting immersive experiences and how a variety of mediums activate our senses in very different ways.
Quality competition and market segmentation in the security software market

In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented growth in the security software market. This market is now fiercely competitive with hundreds of nearly identical products; yet, the price is high and coverage low. Although recent research has examined such idiosyncrasies and found the existence of a negative network effect as a possible explanation, several important questions still remain: (1) What possibly discourages product differentiation in such a competitive market? (2) Why is versioning absent here? (3) How does the presence of free alternatives in this market impact its structure? We develop a comprehensive oligopoly model, with endogenous quality and versioning decisions, to address these issues. Our analyses reveal that, although the presence of numerous competitors leads to a greater need to differentiate, the network effect in this market works as a counterweight, incentivizing vendors to sacrifice differentiation in favor of collocating in the top end of the quality spectrum. We explain the reasons and implications of this important finding. We further show that this result is robust and applicable even when versioning by competing vendors or the presence of free software is taken into consideration. Furthermore, given that the presence of free software actually intensifies competitive pressure and heightens the need to differentiate, the role of the network effect in abating differentiation becomes even more discernible.
Sleep restriction and circadian effects on social decisions

Abstract Our study examines how chronic sleep restriction and suboptimal times-of-day affect decisions in a classic set of social tasks. We experimentally manipulate and objectively measured sleep in 184 young-adult subjects, who were also randomly assigned an early morning or late evening experiment session during which decision tasks were administered. Sleep restriction and suboptimal time-of-day are both estimated to either directly or indirectly (via an impact on sleepiness) reduce altruism, trust, and trustworthiness. We conclude that commonly experienced adverse sleep states, most notably chronic sleep restriction, significantly reduce prosocial behaviors, and can therefore limit benefits from short-term social interactions.
Recognizing social touch gestures using recurrent and convolutional neural networks

Deep learning approaches have been used to perform classification in several applications with high-dimensional input data. In this paper, we investigate the potential for deep learning for classifying affective touch on robotic skin in a social setting. Three models are considered, a convolutional neural network, a convolutional-recurrent neural network and an autoencoder-recurrent neural network. These models are evaluated on two publicly available affective touch datasets, and compared with models built to classify the same datasets. The deep learning approaches provide a similar level of accuracy, and allows gestures to be predicted in real-time at a rate of 6 to 9 Hertz. The memory requirements of the models demonstrate that they can be implemented on small, inexpensive microcontrollers, demonstrating that classification can be performed in the skin itself by collocating computing elements with the sensor array.
Investor Moral Hazard and ECB Monetary Policy Response

This paper develops a model of ECB bailout response to the European sovereign debt markets. The model shows that the ECBs’ approach to bailouts helped prevent investor moral hazard by helping to add a distortion. This research seeks to answer the question: Was the ECB able to abate the Moral Hazard when performing a bailout. This research finds that the ECB, through the use of a voting mechanism, was generally able to abate the moral hazard when performing the bailout during the 2007 European Sovereign Debt Crisis.
Teaching children with autism to request help with difficult tasks

We taught three children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to request help using an interrupted chain procedure during which we manipulated task materials such that the child was either incapable or capable of independently completing a link of a behavior chain. We initially observed undesirable generalization of requests for help during capable trials when teaching was introduced during incapable trials for two participants and to a lesser extent for the third participant. However, with repeated exposure to differential prompting and reinforcement across incapable and capable trials, differential responding was observed across EO-present and EO-absent trials for all three participants during both teaching sets and one generalization set that was never exposed to teaching procedures. These findings suggest that it is important to consider the antecedent conditions under which the response should occur when teaching children to request help.
Template switching causes artificial junction formation and false identification of circular RNAs

Hundreds of thousands of putative circular RNAs have been identified through deep sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. However, the circularity of these putative RNA circles has not been experimentally validated due to limited methodologies currently available. We reported here that the template-switching capability of commonly used reverse transcriptases (e.g., SuperScript II) leads to the formation of artificial junction sequences, and consequently misclassification of large linear RNAs as RNA circles. Use of reverse transcriptases without terminal transferase activity (e.g., MonsterScript) for cDNA synthesis is critical for the identification of physiological circular RNAs. We also report two methods, MonsterScript junction PCR and high-resolution melting curve analyses, which can reliably distinguish circular RNAs from their linear forms and thus, can be used to discover and validate true circular RNAs.
Understanding Lesbian Women

Lesbian women are as diverse in childhood histories, personality characteristics, and relationship styles as heterosexual women. Social workers can offer lesbians particular assistance in issues re...
Wind Power Plant Monitoring Project Annual Report

The intermittent nature of the wind resource, together with short-term power fluctuations, are the two principal issues facing a utility with wind power plants in its power grid. To mitigate these issues, utilities, wind power plant developers, and operators need to understand the nature of wind power fluctuations and how they affect the electrical power system, as well as to analyze ancillary service requirements with real wind power plant output data. To provide the necessary data, NREL conducted a study to collect at least 2 years of long-term, high-frequency (1-hertz [Hz]) data from several medium- to large-scale wind power plants with different wind resources, terrain features, and turbine types. Researchers then analyzed the data for power fluctuations, frequency distribution of wind power (by deriving a probability distribution function of wind power plant output variations), spatial and temporal diversity of wind power, and wind power capacity credit issues. Results of these analyses can provide data on the potential effects of wind power plants on power system regulation.
„Corporate Size — How big is beautiful?“ — Ein Zwischenbericht

Seit Anbeginn der Betriebswirtschaft steht die Frage, weshalb Unternehmen existieren und bis zu welcher Grose sie wachsen, im Vordergrund einer Reihe von Forschungsvorhaben. In seinem wegweisenden Aufsatz „The Nature of the Firm“ konnte Ronald Coase 1937 als Erster hierfur uberzeugende Erklarungsansatze liefern. Auch wenn seit dem immer wieder Fragen der Existenz von Unternehmen und ihrer optimalen Grose aufgegriffen wurden, war es bis heute nicht moglich, ein geschlossenes Theoriegebaude zu errichten.
A review of instruments assessing public health preparedness.

Objectives.The purpose of this study was to review instruments that assess the level of preparedness of state and local public health departments to respond to health threats such as bioterrorism.M...
Fluorescence Detection of Totally Reflected EXAFS (FREXAFS) at Interfaces

A new detection scheme for measuring the EXAFS signal at interfaces is described. By totally reflecting the x rays at the interface and detecting the signal by fluorescence, an improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio by three orders of magnitude compared with electron detection is attained for a 1.5 monolayer of Au atoms.
Incidence of postoperative posterior capsular opacification following treatment with diclofenac 0.1% and ketorolac 0.5% ophthalmic solutions: 3-year randomized, double-masked, prospective clinical investigation.

PURPOSE: Laboratory studies in experimental animals suggest that use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs decreases the incidence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) following cataract surgery. Recently the incidence of PCO following cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation was reported to be no different following postoperative treatment with diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren, Ciba Vision) or with dexamethasone 0.1% (Maxidex, Alcon). We studied the incidence of PCO in patients following treatment with diclofenac 0.1% and ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% (Acular, Allergan) ophthalmic solutions 3 years after cataract surgery and implantation of a foldable silicone intraocular lens. METHODS: A total of 120 patients underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable silicone intracular lens. Patients were treated with either diclofenac 0.1% ophthalmic solution or 0.5% ketorolac ophthalmic solution 4 times daily for 30 days in a double-masked, randomized fashion during the postoperative period. Patients were examined 3 years following surgery by a masked observer who determined which patients received YAG capsulotomies and graded any existing PCO. RESULTS: Each treatment group had 12% YAG capsulotomies 3 years following surgery. Although PCO was present more often with diclofenac treatment (25/62) than with ketorolac treatment (16/58), this difference is not statistically significant (P = .142). Patients tolerated both treatments well without a difference in toxic effects or tolerability. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not demonstrate a difference in the ability of diclofenac or ketorolac ophthalmic solutions to prevent PCO following cataract extraction and implantation of an intraocular lens. Both treatment regimens were equally well tolerated.
Checking how fact-checkers check:

Fact-checking has gained prominence as a movement for revitalizing truth-seeking ideals in journalism. While fact-checkers are often assumed to code facts accurately, few studies have formally asse...
A Single-Step Bidirectional Switch Commutation Strategy for PWM Controlled AC/DC Resonant Converters

AC/DC conversion may be achieved using single-stage, PWM-controlled resonant converters and has been a topic in new areas of research. Replacing either of the two bridges of a resonant converter with a single-phase matrix converter, comprised of bidirectional switching cells, has permitted the use of these topologies in AC/DC conversion applications. However, the commutation of the current during switching transitions may create catastrophic inductive voltage spiking. Traditional four-step commutation patterns increase switching losses and deadtime between switching states, which leads to increased diode conduction losses. A new one-step commutation pattern requiring only bus voltage sensing for AC/DC resonant converters with PWM control is presented in this work. This new commutation pattern is examined under four possible operating states and Matlab/Simulink® simulations are presented to establish its feasibility. A testbed is constructed to capture the key current commutation waveforms to validate the proposed commutation strategy in real-world applications.
In situ product recovery of bio-based ethyl esters via hybrid extraction-distillation

In situ product recovery (ISPR) of bio-based chemicals from microbial cultivation is a means to improve titer, rate, and yield because it alleviates end product inhibition. Metabolic engineering for the production of bio-based esters has recently received considerable attention because esters can serve as platform chemicals with applications as bio-based fuels, plastic monomers, fragrances, flavors, and solvents. The separation of ethyl esters from microbial cultures is generally achieved by condensing esters from the exhaust gas of a bioreactor. However, the separation of ethyl esters by in situ extraction rather than exhaust gas stripping may achieve a more energy efficient means to recover pure esters because extraction effectively decreases the energy requirements of downstream distillation. To that end, this study develops a hybrid extraction-distillation (HED)-ISPR process for the recovery of pure bio-based esters by determining extraction equilibrium and distillation energy requirements as a function of the ester bioprocess titer. This work shows that the energy requirements of the HED-ISPR process for volatile esters such as ethyl acetate is ∼30-fold less than the energy requirements of the conventional gas-stripping process due to several factors including the reduced water content in downstream distillation and the high driving force of ester extraction. Furthermore, the HED-ISPR system for esters is compared to a previously reported HED-ISPR process for carboxylic acids, which are chemical derivatives of esters. Several green chemistry benefits are predicted for bio-based ester recovery relative to carboxylic acid recovery. Namely, HED-ISPR allows for the use of more benign solvents, decouples the downstream impact of the bioproduction pH, and lowers the downstream energy requirement for ethyl acetate compared to its carboxylic acid derivative by 3.6-fold.
A Day in the Life: Personas of Professional Communicators at Work:

This article uses personas to illustrate the range of technical communication knowledge work developed through its practitioners—to articulate the functions, characteristics, traits, skills, and wo...
Parthanatos as a Cell Death Pathway Underlying Retinal Disease.

Parthanatos is a programmed cell death pathway mediated by the effects of pathogenically high levels of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) activity. This process underlies a broad range of diseases affecting many tissues and organs across the body, including the retina. This chapter reviews mechanisms that are currently understood to drive parthanatos in the context of retinal diseases associated with this form of cell death. Toxicity of upregulated poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) content, NAD+ and ATP depletion, translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) to the nucleus, and loss of glycolytic function are discussed. Since therapies that preserve vulnerable cells remain elusive for the vast majority of retinal diseases, pharmacologically blocking parthanatos may be an effective treatment strategy for cases in which this process contributes to pathogenesis.
The Extended High Order Sandwich Panel Theory for the Static and Dynamic Analysis of Sandwich Structures

The Extended High Order Sandwich Panel Theory (EHSAPT) is a structural theory that includes the transverse shear and the in-plane rigidity of the core as well as the compressibility of the core in the transverse direction. It was introduced several years ago and was proven to be the most accurate sandwich structural theory by comparing its predictions to the ones from corresponding elasticity solutions. It is especially noteworthy that this theory is very accurate not only for the softer cores but also for the cases of stiffer cores, for which cases the other available sandwich structural theories cannot predict correctly the stress fields involved. Thus, this theory can be used with any combinations of core and face sheets and not only the very soft cores that the other theories demand. The theory is derived so that all core/face displacement continuity conditions are fulfilled. In this review article the basic premises of the theory are outlined in both its nonlinear static and dynamic versions for a one-dimensional (beam or wide plate) configuration and its accuracy is validated by considering the cases of static distributed loading, dynamic blast loading and wrinkling behavior. These results are compared with the corresponding ones from the elasticity solution. Furthermore, the results using the classical sandwich model without shear, the first order shear and the earlier High-Order sandwich panel theory (HSAPT) are also presented for completeness. Finally, it should be noted that the theory is formulated for sandwich panels with a generally asymmetric geometric layout.
Sequencing and Structure Probing of Long RNAs Using MarathonRT: A Next-Generation Reverse Transcriptase

Abstract Reverse transcriptase (RT) enzymes are indispensable tools for interrogating diverse aspects of RNA metabolism and transcriptome composition. Due to the growing interest in sequence and structural complexity of long RNA molecules, processive RT enzymes are now required for preserving linkage and information content in mixed populations of transcripts, and the low-processivity RT enzymes that are commercially available cannot meet this need. MarathonRT is encoded within a eubacterial group II intron, and it has been shown to efficiently copy highly structured long RNA molecules in a single pass. In this work, we systematically characterize MarathonRT as a tool enzyme and optimize its performance in a variety of applications that include single-cycle reverse transcription of long RNAs, dimethyl sulfate mutational profiling (DMS-MaP), selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension and mutational profiling (SHAPE-MaP), using ultra-long amplicons and the detection of natural RNA base modifications. By diversifying MarathonRT reaction protocols, we provide an upgraded suite of tools for cutting-edge RNA research and clinical application.
Carbonic Anhydrase-IX Guided Albumin Nanoparticles for Hypoxia-mediated Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Killing and Imaging of Patient-derived Tumor

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is considered as the most onerous cancer subtype, lacking the estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Evaluating new markers is an unmet need for improving targeted therapy against TNBC. TNBC depends on several factors, including hypoxia development, which contributes to therapy resistance, immune evasion, and tumor stroma formation. In this study, we studied the curcumin analogue (3,4-Difluorobenzylidene Curcumin; CDF) encapsulated bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticle for tumor targeting. For tumor targeting, we conjugated Acetazolamide (ATZ) with CDF and encapsulated it in the BSA to form a nanoparticle (namely BSA-CDF-ATZ). The in vitro cytotoxicity study suggested that BSA-CDF-ATZ is more efficient when compared to free CDF. The BSA-CDF-ATZ nanoparticles showed significantly higher cell killing in hypoxic conditions compared to normoxic conditions, suggesting better internalization of the nanoparticles into cancer cells under hypoxia. Fluorescent-dye labeled BSA-CDF-ATZ revealed higher cell uptake of the nanoparticle compared to free dye indicative of better delivery, substantiated by a high rate of apoptosis-mediated cell death compared to free CDF. The significantly higher tumor accumulation and low liver and spleen uptake in TNBC patient-derived tumor xenograft models confirm the significant potential of BSA-CDF-ATZ for targeted TNBC imaging and therapy.
Physics teacher isolation, contextual characteristics, and student performance

School locale and student socioeconomic status are the main predictors of the performance of high school physics students.
Transforming growth factor beta signaling and decidual integrity in mice

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling regulates multifaceted reproductive processes. It has been shown that the type 1 receptor of TGFβ (TGFBR1) is indispensable for female reproductive tract development, implantation, placental development, and fertility. However, the role of TGFβ signaling in decidual development and function remains poorly defined. Our objective is to determine the impact of uterine-specific deletion of Tgfbr1 on decidual integrity, with a focus on the cellular and molecular properties of the decidua during development. Our results show that the developmental dynamics of the decidua is altered in TGFBR1 conditionally depleted uteri from embryonic day (E) 5.5 to E8.5, substantiated by downregulation of genes associated with inflammatory responses and uterine natural killer cell abundance, reduced presence of nondecidualized fibroblasts in the antimesometrial region, and altered decidual cell development. Notably, conditional ablation of TGFBR1 results in the formation of decidua containing more abundant alpha smooth muscle actin (ACTA2)-positive cells at the peripheral region of the antimesometrial side versus controls at E6.5-E8.5. This finding is corroborated by upregulation of a subset of smooth muscle marker genes in Tgfbr1 conditionally deleted decidua at E6.5 and E8.5. Moreover, increased cell proliferation and enhanced decidual ERK1/2 signaling were found in Tgfbr1 conditional knockout mice upon decidual regression. In summary, conditional ablation of TGFBR1 in the uterus profoundly impacts the cellular and molecular properties of the decidua. Our results suggest that TGFBR1 in uterine epithelial and stromal compartments is important for the integrity of the decidua, a transient but crucial structure that supports embryo development.
Generation of High-Field Single-Cycle Terahertz Pulses at 100 kHz

High-field single-cycle terahertz pulses were generated through optical rectification in LiNbO 3 at 100 kHz with 144 mW maximum power using a high energy, spectrally broadened, sub-100 fs Yb:YAG amplifier system for tilted pulse front pumping.
Full-field flicker evoked changes in parafoveal retinal blood flow.

When retinal activity is increased by exposure to dynamic visual stimuli, blood vessels dilate and the flow of blood within vessels increases to meet the oxygen and glucose demands of the neurons. This relationship is termed ‘neurovascular coupling’ and it is critical for regulating control of the human retinal vasculature. In this study, we used a recently developed technique based on a dual-beam adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope to measure changes in red blood cell velocities, vessel diameter, and flow in interconnected small parafoveal retinal vessels (< 50 µm) of nine healthy participants. A full-field flicker stimulus was presented onto the retina to induce a vascular response to neural activity. Flicker stimulation increased blood velocity, vessel diameter, and therefore flow in arterioles, capillaries, and venules in all nine subjects. ANOVA and post hoc t-test showed significant increases in velocity and flow in arterioles and venules. These measurements indicate that the mechanism of neurovascular coupling systematically affects the vascular response in small retinal vessels in order to maintain hemodynamic regulation in the retina when exposed to visual stimulation, in our case flicker. Our findings may provide insight into future investigations on the impairments of neurovascular coupling from vascular diseases such as diabetic mellitus.
Use of CARG toxicity tool to predict chemotherapy toxicity in older veterans to facilitate better treatment outcomes.

244Background: Traditionally the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status has been used to assess objective patient well- being and to determine whether geriatric patients can t...