cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic fracture of tungsten heavy alloys

Abstract Dynamic fracture of tungsten heavy alloys was induced by two different test techniques. The first was spall (e.g., 1-D strain fracture). The second was transverse impact, as occurs in a yawed penetrator. Spall failure is stress driven, and spall stress corresponds to the threshold for void formation, which is 2.6 GPa for a 91% WNiCo alloy and 2.1–2.5 GPa for a 95% WNiFe alloy. Yaw-induced fracture, on the other hand, is strain driven. Surface flaws can provide fracture sites. At the meso scale, grain cleavage is mainly responsible for transverse fracture. Grain fracture also appears to play a critical role in the initiation of spall fracture.
The response of the thyroid gland to thyrotropic hormone as an aid in the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary hypothyroidism.

THE differentiation of hypothyroidism of pituitary origin from that due to primary impairment of the thyroid gland may be very difficult. Proper treatment is dependent upon correct distinction of the two conditions. The problem is met whenever hypometabolism is encountered along with evidence of diminished function of other endocrine glands, such as the adrenal cortex or the gonads. One must first decide whether the hypometabolism is a result of hypothyroidism; for in many conditions, such as anorexia nervosa, severe hypometabolism may exist when there is ample laboratory evidence of a normally functioning thyroid gland. The usual laboratory data on thyroid function do not suffice to distinguish between primary thyroid failure and pituitary failure. The trends are the same in both, and elevated serum cholesterol and axillary hair loss also may prevail in both. Diminished function of other target glands of the pituitary favors a diagnosis of hypothyroidism of pituitary origin. However, there may be diminis...
Investigation of the staggered herringbone mixer with a simple analytical model.

An analytical model is presented for the three-dimensional flow in the recently introduced staggered herringbone mixer for microchannels. In this model, the flow in the cross-section of the channel is treated as a lid-driven cavity flow. The model is shown to reproduce the advection patterns that were observed experimentally in the staggered herringbone mixer. The model is then used to study the quality of mixing in this flow as a function of geometry. Analysis is performed with Poincare maps, mixing simulations, and residence time distributions. A range of optimal geometries is identified.
On the spannedness of adjunction of vector bundles

Let X be a smooth projective variety of dimension n defined over the field of complex numbers and E be an ample vector bundle on X. The linear system Kx + c](E) is called the adjoint bundle for vector bundle E. The nefness and the ampleness of the adjoint bundle Kx + cl(E) have been investigated by several authors ([ABW], [F], [P1], [YZ]). In this paper, we shall investigate the base-point freeness (spannedness) of the adjoint bundle Kx + c](E), i.e., we ask the following:
An asynchronous free-running arc, distributed energy railgun

Summary form only given. Experimental results utilizing a distributed energy scheme and free-running arc are presented. Analysis and observations of the issues associated with distributed energy switching of a plasma armature in the railgun will be explored. The use of a free running arc allows experiments to emulate a plasma armature railgun at high speeds (> 5 km/s) without the requirement of a large amount of stored energy. Diagnostics for this examination include rail and plasma current probes as well as independent Rogowski coils for each stage. The distributed system is comprised of four stages spaced uniformly along the rail length. Each stage contains a high voltage capacitor, an inductor, a phase controlled SCR, and a driver board for triggering. The high voltage capacitors used are capable of storing 50 kJ, but are typically charged to store less than 20 kJ. Fiber optic lines are integrated into the system to prevent misfire in the noisy EMI environment. Optimal switch timing is predicted by a computer simulation and tested for accuracy. The assembled railgun is 2.4 m long with a 1.7 cm times 1.7 cm bore cross section. The rails are made of machined UNS C11000 ETP copper. G-10 insulation contains the current probes and separates the Aluminum 6061-T6 outer support structure from the rails. Alumina ceramic inserts are secured by the G-10 and function to reduce in-bore ablation. A PVC chamber encloses the railgun and allows experiments to be conducted within the desired 1-10 torr environment. A plasma source at the breech reliably supplies plasma for each experimental test. The plasma injector is powered by a Marx generator to supply a 40 kV voltage and pulse length of 10 s. The coaxial injector is comprised of a tungsten rod, ceramic insulator, and stainless steel outer casing. Numerous experimental tests were conducted to investigate the dynamics of plasma armatures within a distributed energy source railgun. Variations of switch timing, bore pressure, current amplitude, and current pulse length within each stage have been tested. This data is analyzed to determine the effectiveness of a distributed energy system to suppress the plasma restrike phenomenon and increase plasma armature railgun performance.
The status of hoarding as a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Hoarding is considered by many to be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Yet although it is observed in people with OCD, hoarding symptoms also appear in a number of other psychological and psychiatric conditions. The present studies were conducted using samples of OCD patients, patients with other anxiety disorders, and a non-clinical sample to further elucidate the relationship between hoarding and OCD. Across two investigations, we found that (a) whereas OCD patients had higher scores than the other groups on non-hoarding symptoms, this was not the case for hoarding symptoms; (b) hoarding tended to correlate more weakly with other OCD symptoms (e.g., washing, checking) than these other symptoms intercorrelated; (c) items measuring hoarding had the weakest factor loadings when a measure of OCD symptoms was submitted to factor analysis; (d) hoarding symptoms were not correlated with global OCD or anxiety severity, whereas other OCD symptoms were; and (e) hoarding did not show consistent relationships with OCD-related cognitive variables. These results do not support a specific relationship between hoarding and OCD; and they call into question hoarding's status as a specific symptom of OCD. Results are also discussed in terms of the importance of functional assessment of hoarding and OCD symptoms.
Subclass discriminant analysis using dynamic cluster formation for EEG-based brain-computer interface

An important issue in pattern recognition is to extract features that have more discriminant power. In this context, one of the most effective approaches for optimal feature extraction is subclass discriminant analysis. However, in this approach, the major problem is to determine the optimal number of subclasses in each class. This paper presents a novel approach for efficient feature extraction via subclass discriminant analysis using dynamic cluster formation (DSDA). The main component of this paper is to design a method to automatically discover the optimal set of subclasses in each class. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by using the classification of EEG signals. The tasks to be discriminated are the imaginative hand movement and the resting state. The results demonstrate that the proposed method performed well in several experiments on different subjects and can improve the classification accuracy in the BCI systems.
Optical Imaging with a Cathepsin B Activated Probe for the Enhanced Detection of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma by Dual Channel Fluorescent Upper GI Endoscopy

Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma remains poor highlighting the importance of early detection. Although white light (WL) upper endoscopy can be used for screening of the esophagus, it has limited sensitivity for early stage disease. Thus, development of new imaging technology to improve the diagnostic capabilities of upper GI endoscopy for early detection of esophageal adenocarcinoma is an important unmet need. The goal of this study was to develop a method for the detection of malignant lesions in the esophagus using WL upper endoscopy combined with near infrared (NIR) imaging with a protease activatable probe (Prosense750) selective for cathepsin B (CTSB). An orthotopic murine model for distal esophageal adenocarcinoma was generated through the implantation of OE-33 and OE-19 human esophageal adenocarcinoma lines in immunocompromised mice. The mice were imaged simultaneously for WL and NIR signal using a custom-built dual channel upper GI endoscope. The presence of tumor was confirmed by histology and target to background ratios (TBR) were compared for both WL and NIR imaging. NIR imaging with ProSense750 significantly improved upon the TBRs of esophageal tumor foci, with a TBR of 3.64±0.14 and 4.50±0.11 for the OE-33 and OE-19 tumors respectively, compared to 0.88±0.04 and 0.81±0.02 TBR for WL imaging. The combination of protease probes with novel imaging devices has the potential to improve esophageal tumor detection by fluorescently highlighting neoplastic regions.
METAPHORS AND LEARNING NEW TEXT

In this study, we investigated the influence of metaphors on text processing. Sixtytwo graduate students were randomly assigned to three conditions that varied in the degree of explicitness provided between a metaphor and new information, both presented in the text. Differences in comprehension and overall number of ideas recalled were trivial among the three groups. In addition, there was a lack of total change in recall over time. However, a significant effect was found for the time by group interaction. In addition, both type of idea (main and minor, and metaphoric-linked and non-linked) by group interactions were significant, with the metaphor groups recalling more. Text supplements, such as metaphors, can direct the reader's attention to certain types of ideas. Metaphors and analogies are figurative language devices sometimes employed in instruction to provide an anchoring framework to facilitate understanding of new text and ideas (e.g., Bransford, Franks, Vye, & Sherwood, 1989). Examples are numerous in science texts in particular. For example, the motion of billiard balls has been linked to the motion of gas particles, heat flow has been related to the flow of water, and the solar system-atom analogy describes a relationship between planets orbiting the sun and electrons orbiting the nucleus (Gentner & Gentner, 1983; Kuhn, 1979; Oppenheimer, 1965). In reasoning by analogy/metaphors, the reader engages in a matching process between two systems (e.g., heat and water), and in doing so, will often make inferences about the new domain
Angiopoietin-2 Antagonists for Anti-Angiogenic Therapy

Interactions between Tie2, an endothelial cell-specific receptor tyrosine kinase, and its ligands the angiopoietins have been shown to play critical roles in multiple steps of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. These include the stabilization of immature vessels, the destabilization of mature vessels, and endothelial cell migration and survival. Angiopoietin 1 has been shown to be a Tie2 agonist, stimulating autophosphorylation and the activation of downstream signaling pathways responsible for the maturation and stabilization of the developing vasculature. In contrast, angiopoietin 2 is largely thought to function as a contextdependent antagonist of Tie2 signaling, inducing vascular plasticity and sensitivity to pro-angiogenic factors such as VEGF-A. Furthermore, Ang2 exhibits broad expression in the vasculature of human tumors but limited expression in normal tissues, suggesting it could be an attractive target for safe and effective anti-angiogenic therapy. Potent and specific antibodies and peptideFc fusion proteins neutralizing the interaction between Ang2 and Tie2 have now been developed. In a variety of nonclinical studies in rodents, treatment with these agents resulted in an inhibition of the growth of human tumor xenografts and an inhibition of VEGF-stimulated corneal angiogenesis. In addition, mechanism of action studies suggest that Ang2 antagonists achieve efficacy by targeting the tumor vasculature. Data in support of the clinical utility of Ang2 inhibition in the oncology setting is currently being collected, with AMG 386, an Ang2 inhibitor, having been advanced into phase I oncology clinical trials in patients with solid tumors.
Candida lusitaniae discitis after discogram in an immunocompetent patient.

Abstract Background context Discitis or epidural abscess after discogram is a rare but known complication. It is more commonly bacterial; however, fungal discitis has been previously reported in immunocompromised patients. The management of fungal discitis in immunocompetent patients is rarely presented or addressed in the literature. Purpose To present a rare atypical fungal discitis after routine discogram with a typical presentation in an immunocompetent host, review diagnostic and management guidelines for discitis, and provide recommendations for management of atypical discitis in immunocompetent patients. Study design Case report and review of the literature. Methods A 40-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of progressively worsening low back pain after a lumbar discogram. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed L3–L4 discitis without an epidural abscess. Left L3 and L4 hemilaminectomies with L3–L4 discectomy were performed. An inflammatory mass was seen in the L3–L4 disc space region extending to the left L3 foramen. Results Culture specimens obtained during surgery from both the disc and epidural space speciated to Candida lusitaniae . The patient completed a 6-month course of fluconazole therapy. At 2-year follow-up, she continued to be asymptomatic, without any recurrence of infection or neurologic sequelae. Conclusions We report a case of C. lusitaniae spondylodiscitis after discography in an immunocompetent patient with long-term follow-up. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for discitis in patients who undergo this procedure. If discitis is suspected, culture specimens must be evaluated for fungal and mycobacterial organisms, even in the immunocompetent host. With proper surveillance, surgical intervention, and appropriate postoperative follow-up, this complication can be effectively managed with excellent long-term outcome.
Design and architecture of a physiological digital human model

This article explains a modeling methodology of human physiology. An agent-based approach to a physiological digital human is proposed, and its design concept and architectural framework are discussed. The modeling is based on two types of agents: stationary agents which model human physiology, and mobile agents that model parameter interaction between the user and the human physiological model. The human thermoregulatory system is chosen as an example of model functions. A Java-based agent system is shown as an implementation of the model.
High Density Magnetically Confined Dry Etching of Metallization and Dielectrics in Gaas Device Technology

Dry etching of common masking materials used in GaAs device technology was examined down to temperatures of −30°C. The etch rates of SiNx, SiO2 and W in SF6/Ar are reduced below 0°C, but the anisotropy of the etching is improved at low temperature. Microwave enhancement of the SF6/Ar discharges produces increases in etch rates of several times at 25°C, but much lower increases at −30°C substrate temperature. The underlying GaAs surface shows increased S and F coverage after low temperature etching, but these species are readily removed either by an ex-situ wet chemical cleaning step or an in-situ H2 plasma exposure. Photoresist etching is less sensitive to temperature and anisotropic profiles are produced between −30 and + 60°C in pure 02 discharges.
Event-driven feedback tracking and control of tapping-mode atomic force microscopy

This paper presents an event-driven, discrete-in-time feedback strategy for tracking and stabilizing naturally occurring periodic oscillations in the probe-tip dynamics of atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilevers in tapping-mode operation. Specifically, robust dynamic tracking and stabilization is achieved by the imposition of discrete changes in the vertical offset between the cantilever support and the sample surface based on an estimated linearization of the system dynamics about a dynamically generated reference trajectory. Here, use is made not only of the oscillation amplitude, as is typical in commercial control implementations for AFMs, but also of the instantaneous phase information. It is shown that stabilization and desirable performance during surface scanning is possible, even in the presence of uncertainty and limited state access. In particular, the methodology enables robust tracking and use of low-contact-velocity periodic system responses that are unstable in the absence of control.
A critical role for regulatory T cell-mediated control of inflammation in the absence of commensal microbiota

Suppression mediated by regulatory T cells (T reg cells) represents a unique, cell-extrinsic mechanism of in-trans negative regulation that restrains multiple types of immune cells. The loss of T reg cells leads to fatal, highly aggressive, and widespread immune-mediated lesions. This severe autoimmunity may be driven by commensal microbiota, the largest source of non-self ligands activating the innate and adaptive immune systems. Alternatively, T reg cells may primarily restrain T cells with a diverse self–major histocompatibility complex (MHC)–restricted T cell receptor repertoire independently of commensal microbiota. In this study, we demonstrate that in germ-free (GF) mice, ablation of the otherwise fully functional T reg cells resulted in a systemic autoimmune lympho- and myeloproliferative syndrome and tissue inflammation comparable with those in T reg cell–ablated conventional mice. Importantly, there were two exceptions: in GF mice deprived of T reg cells, the inflammation in the small intestine was delayed, whereas exocrine pancreatitis was markedly accelerated compared with T reg cell–ablated conventional mice. These findings suggest that the main function of T reg cells is restraint of self-MHC–restricted T cell responsiveness, which, regardless of the presence of commensal microbiota, poses a threat of autoimmunity.
A two-stage perfusion fibrous bed bioreactor system for mass production of embryonic stem cells

Background: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have unlimited proliferation potential and can differentiate into all cell and tissue types, and thus are ideal sources for cell therapy and drug screening. Current supplies of ESCs are limited by the available cell sources and inefficient culture methods that grow ESCs on surfaces coated with expensive extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and in media containing expensive growth factors. Objective: To meet the demand for ESCs, it is necessary to develop an economical process for their mass production. Methods: We review the latest development in in vitro ESC culture and introduce a two-stage perfusion bioreactor system that uses 3-D fibrous matrices and conditioned media for production of ESCs. Results/conclusion: The two-stage process can produce billions of ESCs in a small bioreactor without using ECM proteins and growth factors, and is promising for further scale-up for clinical applications.
An architectural style for high-performance asymmetrical parallel computations

Researchers with deep knowledge of scientific domains are becoming more interested in developing highly-adaptive and irregular (asymmetrical) parallel computations, leading to development challenges for both delivery of data for computation and mapping of processes to physical resources. Using software engineering principles, we have developed a new communications protocol and architectural style for asymmetrical parallel computations called ADaPT.Utilizing the support of architecturally-aware middleware, we show that ADaPT provides a more efficient solution in terms of message passing and load balancing than asymmetrical parallel computations using collective calls in the Message-Passing Interface (MPI) or more advanced frameworks implementing explicit load-balancing policies. Additionally, developers using ADaPT gain significant windfall from good practices in software engineering, including implementation-level support of architectural artifacts and separation of computational loci from communication protocols.
Research support for effective state and community tobacco control programme response to electronic nicotine delivery systems

Objective To identify unmet research needs of state and community tobacco control practitioners pertaining to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or e-cigarettes) that would inform policy and practice efforts at the state and community levels, and to describe ENDS-related research and dissemination activities of the National Cancer Institute-funded State and Community Tobacco Control Research Initiative. Methods To determine specific research gaps relevant to state and community tobacco control practice, we analysed survey data collected from tobacco control programmes (TCPs) in all 50 US states and the District of Columbia (N=51). Survey items covered a range of ENDS issues: direct harm to users, harm of secondhand vapour, cessation, flavours, constituents and youth access. Results There is no ENDS topic on which a majority of state TCP managers feel very informed. They feel least informed about harms of secondhand vapour while also reporting that this information is among the most important for their programme. A majority (N=31) of respondents indicated needs for research on the implications of ENDS products for existing policies. Conclusions TCP managers report that ENDS research is highly important for practice and need research-based information to inform decision making around the inclusion of ENDS in existing tobacco control policies. For optimal relevance to state and community TCPs, research on ENDS should prioritise study of the health effects of ENDS use and secondhand exposure to ENDS vapour in the context of existing tobacco control policies.
Analysis of dynamic hashing with deferred splitting

Dynamic hashing with deferred splitting is a file organization scheme which increases storage utilization, as compared to standard dynamic hashing. In this scheme, splitting of a bucket is deferred if the bucket is full but its brother can accommodate new records. The performance of the scheme is analyzed. In a typical case the expected storage utilization increases from 69 to 76 percent.
Are they simply interested? An exploration of engineering students' most favorite classes

This work in progress explores how instructional strategies and technology use were related to engineering students' affinity toward a class. Instructional strategies, such as contextual problem-based learning and teamwork, can increase student interest in a topic. Additionally using different technological tools affects student interest and learning. However, instructors can be challenged to encourage and maintain student interest, which makes this study worthwhile to pursue. To our knowledge, there is a dearth of engineering education research exploring the relationship between instructional technology, instructional strategies, and engineering students' course favoritism. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying effective instructional strategies and the use of educational technology that helped make a class engineering students' favorite.
Unsuccessful Performance and Future Computer Self-Efficacy Estimations: Attributions and Generalization to Other Software Applications

Using data from 100 individuals, this study examined the role of performance attributions stability and locus of causality and computer self-efficacy CSE for spreadsheets and databases in the training context. The results show that both self-efficacy and attributions locus of causality and stability for unsuccessful performance on one software package affected future efficacy estimations for both the same software package spreadsheet as well as for a related software package database. These findings extend previous research by illustrating that through the generality of CSE estimations, users' performance on one software package are related to self-efficacy estimations on a different, distally similar, software application. This suggests that trainers and managers cannot overlook the importance of self-efficacy generality in the design of technology training initiatives. Early, unsuccessful experiences for those with limited technology experience can make it more challenging to adapt to, and learn to use, new technologies.
Mechanisms of the Soul - Tackling the Human Condition in Videogames

Focusing on games’ specific affective, procedural and metaphorical potential, this paper is going to explore three devices for the purposeful design of games that tackle the human condition. Device I “Fictional Alignment” matches game structures to fictional themes in order to expand games’ emotional palette through leveraging the affective strength of game emotions and shaping their meaning through fictional contextualization. Device II, “Procedurality”, discusses the potential and limits of procedural expression to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms inherent to the human condition. Device III, “Experiential Metaphor”, investigates the metaphorical potential of game aesthetics and how it can help to make abstract experiences such as emotional processes and mental states emotionally tangible. Since these devices are based on characteristics that coexist in games, they are not mutually exclusive. However, discussing them separately should facilitate their deliberate use.
Bake in .onion for Tear-Free and Stronger Website Authentication

Although their inherent authentication properties are generally overlooked in the shadow of the network-address hiding they provide, Tor's .onion services might just deliver stronger website authentication than existing alternatives.
Inferring the distances of fast radio bursts through associated 21-cm absorption

The distances of Fast Radio Burst (FRB) sources are currently unknown. We show that the 21-cm absorption line of hydrogen can be used to infer the redshifts of FRB sources, and determine whether they are Galactic or extragalactic. We calculate a probability of $\sim 10\%$ for the host galaxy of an FRB to exhibit a 21-cm absorption feature of equivalent width $\gtrsim 10 ~\mathrm{km}~\mathrm{s}^{-1}$. Arecibo, along with several future radio observatories, should be capable of detecting such associated 21-cm absorption signals for strong bursts of $\gtrsim {\rm several}~\mathrm{Jy}$ peak flux densities.
Four starry nights.

A first person narrative is presented in which the author discusses her experiences traveling to the Las Campanas Observatory on the Cerro Manqui mountain in Chile's Atacama Desert for the purposes of researching the evolution of the Milky Way Galaxy through the use of twin Magellan telescopes.
Mortgage in the Russian Federation in January-February 2014

In January-February 2014, Rb 198.175bn worth of 17,797 mortgage housing loans (MHL) were extended which is 1.4 times and 1.5 times more as regards the number of loans and in money terms, respectively, as compared to the indices of January-February 2013. As of March 1, 2014, the outstanding debt on MHL amounted to Rb 2,746 trillion which is 33.73% more than the respective debt as of March 1, 2013. Throughout 2013, the overdue debt as percentage of the outstanding debt on MHL in rubles kept falling and as of March 1, 2014 amounted to 0.98%, while that on MHL in foreign currency rose and as of March 1, 2014 amounted to 12.94%. The debt on MHL with payments overdue for over 180 days decreases as well and amounted to 1.77% of the total debt as of March 1, 2014. The weighted average rate for a month on loans extended from the beginning of the year amounted to 12.3% as of March 1, 2014 against 12.4% for the entire 2013.
Program on Recording Students'Classroom Grades

This article introduces a program that can record students'grades of classroom exercises and.The program has three main functions:select a student to be questioned,collect his mark and present all the marks,which not only frees teachers from busy collecting marks,but also finds a way to avoid the data from being changed by students.
Sent into Exile: Identity Re/Formation of Sultan Ali Dinar of Darfur, 1894-1916

Following the annexation of Darfur by the Mahdist forces in 1889; Ali Dinar was exiled in Omdurman from 1894 until the defeat of the Mahdists by the Anglo-Egyptian forces in 1898. Ali Dinars years of captivity in central Sudan has widened his perspectives of himself with regard to the polities of riverain Sudan, its cultures and religious practices. Upon his return to Darfur, Ali Dinar borrowed many cultural and religious symbols that he encountered in Omdurman some of which were Turkish, and others bear more resemblances to the riverain Sudan. The influence of this period upon Ali Dinars state of mind is evident in his subsequent correspondences, writings and practices which emphasized a direct lineage with the Prophet, showing great reverence for Sudanese leaders of Sufi sects and the prevalence of many cultural practices originally from central and northern Sudan. This paper which relies on archival research carried in Sudan will examine the impact captivity upon Ali Dinars self-perception of his identity and how this was translated into policies and practices. The paper will also discuss moves taken by other political and religious entities from Sudan and elsewhere in defining Ali Dinar as a riverain Sudanese and/or a Muslim scholar.
An Investigation of Sustainable Product Purchase Behavior: A Social Cognitive Perspective of Consumer Action

Environmentally friendly products have been available since the 1970s receiving both praise and skepticism on the part of consumers. More recently, product focus has shifted towards a product’s social, economic, and environmental concerns (sustainable products). While consumers admit they would buy sustainable products, this behavior is currently not occurring at the point of purchase. This research contributes to the existing literature by further exploring why a consumer’s likelihood to purchase sustainable products is not translated into actual sales. Based on an extensive review of the extant literature a theoretical model was developed and tested using an online survey distributed to employees from a Mid-Western community college. The results will be analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study contributes to the literature by answering calls from Henry (2009) to use social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) and Grant, Franklin, and Langford (2002) to use the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale in a research realm outside of psychology. Moreover, this research tests eco-labels as a antecedent of willingness-to-pay as called for by Laroche, Bergeron, and Barbaro-Forleo (2001). Other contributions of this study include extending the research examining sustainable consumption and using self-efficacy as a mediator. In summary, this research tests a theoretical model to gain insights into the factors influencing likelihood to purchase sustainable products. Overall, sustainability perceptions are strong predictors of likelihood to purchase sustainable products, explaining 63% of the variance.
Interactions of LH and hCG with Testicular Gonadotropin Receptors

Gonadal receptor sites for LH and hCG were originally demonstrated by morphological studies which employed a variety of labeled hormone preparations to show trophic hormone localization in cells concerned with steroid synthesis and secretion (1–4). Uptake of LH by the Leydig cells of the rat testis has been demonstrated in vivo (3), and in vitro with dispersions and cultures of the interstitial cell fraction of the testis (5,6). Interstitial cell dispersions prepared by teasing apart the testis tubules (7) retain the capacity for trophic hormone binding (6) and testosterone biosynthesis from labeled precursors (7,8), but show diminished quantitative responses to LH and hCG in terms of cyclic AMP (9) and testosterone production (10). The lability of the interstitial cells to physical dispersion is reflected in the corresponding loss of hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity during homogenization of the adult rat testis (10), and may reflect the presence of an inhibitory factor released during physical separation of the testis. In contrast, Leydig cells prepared by collagenase digestion of the rat testis display relatively high sensitivity to hCG stimulation in vitro.
The Gesture from Fukushima Daiichi: The Voice in Furukawa Hideo

In Philip Rouy’s film there is a gesture that compels us to confront the issues of the disasters of March 11, 2011—the earthquake, tsunami, and meltdown of Northeast Japan. This leads to an explication of Furukawa Hideo’s Horses, Horses, in the End the Light Remains Pure which also beckons and compels. This paper discusses how artists confront the question “What does one do?” in the face of the still ongoing disasters and considers how the genre of horror informs possible responses.
1973 Game Theory

Is life just a game? This question resonates on many levels. For animals, what if they play life like a game in which they have specific strategic and tactical choices? How could their choices be partly genetically programmed and partly contingent on circumstances? Game theory gives us tools to analyze just these sorts of problems.
Abstract 036: Family History of Hypertension and Sympathetic Neural Reactivity to Mental Stress in Humans

A number of recent studies have highlighted large inter-individual variability of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) responsiveness to mental stress in humans. It remains unclear if family history of hypertension (FHH+) influences this variability. The purpose of this study was to examine blood pressure (BP) and MSNA responsiveness to mental stress in a large and generalizable cohort of young adults, and control for a variety of baseline factors that can influence MSNA reactivity. We hypothesized that subjects with FHH+ would demonstrate greater sympathoexcitation to mental stress than subjects without a family history of hypertension (FHH-). A total of 85 subjects from recently published (within 3 yrs; n=37) and ongoing (n=48) studies were examined. Data are presented on 45 subjects with complete MSNA recordings (15 FHH+ subjects and 30 FHH- subjects; 31 men and 14 women; age, 18 to 33 years). Heart rate (HR), BP, and MSNA were recorded during five min of supine rest and five min of mental stress (via mental arithmetic). Age, sex, body mass index, baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP), and baseline HR were identified as covariates. Baseline MSNA and HR were not statistically different between FHH+ and FHH- groups (p>0.05), whereas MAP was higher in FHH+ (84±2 and 79±2 mmHg; p
Using choice models to inform large marine protected area design

Abstract During the last decade a number of Large Marine Protected Areas (LMPAs) – marine protected areas that exceed a minimum size threshold and are often in offshore or open ocean waters – have been designated in an effort to meet marine conservation objectives. Research on the human dimensions of LMPAs is limited, though comprehensive policy analysis requires an understanding of the full range of social, cultural and economic benefits associated with LMPA designation. This paper addresses this need by employing a stated preference choice experiment survey of U.S. west coast households to examine public preferences for different protected area designs sited off the U.S. west coast. Using data from over 3000 randomly selected households in California, Oregon, and Washington we estimate choice models and calculate economic values for a suite of LMPAs that vary in size and in the types of restrictions within area boundaries. Results show that the LMPA size yielding the highest value is ~15.6% of the west coast Federal waters. Results also underscore the importance of restriction type, as there are considerably different threshold sizes above which diminishing returns and negative economic values are derived from no-access reserves, no-take, and multiple-use designations. While the value of any specific configuration can be estimated using the model, results offer insight on optimal use designations from a public perspective for small ( 10%) LMPAs sited off the U.S. west coast.
Response Class in the Organizational Setting: The Effects of Location-Specific Feedback

Location-specific, publicly posted performance data were effective in improving and increasing interactions between staff and residents of an institutional residential program. The procedure used to provide the performance feedback to direct care staff also identified a response class in which feedback was not contingent but which covaried with the specified group of behaviors upon which the performance data was contingent. This unreinforced portion of the response class resulted in larger increases in rates of interactions than could have occurred if only those behaviors upon which the performance feedback was contingent had increased. In edthis study, not only the original purpose of improving staff-resident interactions was met, but an apparently unreinforced but work-related behavior was maintained. It is suggested that the identification and use of response classes in organizational settings is an efficient way to maintain work-related behavior. This study is the first deliberate identification and use of response class in an organizational setting.
Preparation, characterization, and structural analysis of d8 palladium and platinum compounds containing amino acid ester derivatized diimine ligands. Observation of liquid crystal behavior

Eight new compounds, M(pyca(CH2)xCOOR)Cl2, M = Pd, Pt; R = Me, Et; x = 2, 3, 5, 11, were prepared. The resulting new complexes were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and each was also st...
Vector field path following control for unmanned surface vehicles

Many ocean survey missions require an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) to accurately follow predefined paths, and thus, an efficient and robust path following control algorithm is essential for many applications. The Vector Field Method (VF) has been widely employed in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) community, and evaluating this well-accepted method for USVs will be of great interest for USV practitioners. In this paper, we will adapt and apply this algorithm on the USV path following problem. We provide a comprehensive study of the VF algorithm for tracking straight and circular paths, which includes searching the parameter space, doing simulation tests and carrying out field trials. Finally, a mock ocean survey task has been planned and the successful results prove the robustness and accuracy of the introduced VF algorithm.
Trends in Penile Prosthetics: Influence of Patient Demographics, Surgeon Volume, and Hospital Volume on Type of Penile Prosthesis Inserted in New York State.

Abstract Introduction Penile prostheses (PPs) are a discrete, well-tolerated treatment option for men with medical refractory erectile dysfunction. Despite the increasing prevalence of erectile dysfunction, multiple series evaluating inpatient data have found a decrease in the frequency of PP surgery during the past decade. Aims To investigate trends in PP surgery and factors affecting the choice of different PPs in New York State. Methods This study used the New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative (SPARCS) data cohort that includes longitudinal information on hospital discharges, ambulatory surgery, emergency department visits, and outpatient services. Patients older than 18 years who underwent inflatable or non-inflatable PP insertion from 2000 to 2014 were included in the study. Outcomes Influence of patient demographics, surgeon volume, and hospital volume on type of PP inserted. Results Since 2000, 14,114 patients received PP surgery in New York State; 12,352 PPs (88%) were inflatable and 1,762 (12%) were non-inflatable, with facility-level variation from 0% to 100%. There was an increasing trend in the number of annual procedures performed, with rates of non-inflatable PP insertion decreasing annually (P Clinical Implications Major influences in choice of PP inserted include racial and socioeconomic factors and surgeon and hospital surgical volume. Strengths and Limitations Use of the SPARCS database, which captures inpatient and outpatient services, allows for more accurate insight into trends in contrast to inpatient sampling alone. However, SPARCS is limited to patients within New York State and the results might not be generalizable to men in other states. Also, patient preference was not accounted for in these analyses, which can play a role in PP selection. Conclusions During the past 14 years, there has been an increasing trend in inflatable PP surgery for the management of erectile dysfunction. Most procedures are performed in the ambulatory setting and not previously captured by prior studies using inpatient data. Kashanian JA, Golan R, Sun T, et al. Trends in Penile Prosthetics: Influence of Patient Demographics, Surgeon Volume, and Hospital Volume on Type of Penile Prosthesis Inserted in New York State. J Sex Med 2018;15:245–250.
Registers in Infant Phonation

Summary The primary vocal registers of modal, falsetto, and fry have been studied in adults but not per se in infancy. The vocal ligament is thought to play a critical role in the modal-falsetto contrast but is still developing during infancy (Tateya and Tateya, 2015). 41 Cover tissues are also implicated in the modal-fry contrast, but the low fundamental frequency ( f o ) cutoff of 70 Hz, shared between genders, suggests a psychoacoustic basis for the contrast. Buder, Chorna, Oller, and Robinson (2008) 6 used the labels of “loft,” “modal,” and “pulse” for distinct vibratory regimes that appear to be identifiable based on spectrographic inspection of harmonic structure and auditory judgments in infants, but this work did not supply acoustic measurements to verify which of these nominally labeled regimes resembled adult registers. In this report, we identify clear transitions between registers within infant vocalizations and measure these registers and their transitions for f o and relative harmonic amplitudes (H1-H2). By selectively sampling first-year vocalizations, this manuscript quantifies acoustic patterns that correspond to vocal fold vibration types not previously cataloged in infancy. Results support a developmental basis for vocal registers, revealing that a well-developed ligament is not needed for loft-modal quality shifts as seen in harmonic amplitude measures. Results also reveal that a distinctively pulsatile register can occur in infants at a much higher f o than expected on psychoacoustic grounds. Overall results are consistent with cover tissues in infancy that are, for vibratory purposes, highly compliant and readily detached.
Carbon Sequestration in Grassland Soils

Grasslands, including rangelands, shrublands, pastureland, and cropland sown with pasture and fodder crops, cover 35 million km2 or 26% of the global ice-free land area. Grasslands support the livelihoods of 1 billion people with pastoralism (rising of livestock) being the most widespread human land-use system globally with 20 million km2 of grassland used for livestock feed production. The global is under pasture has, particularly, strongly increased since prehistoric times. Many grasslands have suffered losses of soil organic carbon (SOC) because of soil disturbance, vegetation degradation, fire, erosion, nutrient shortage, and water deficit. The nature, frequency, and intensity of disturbance may play a key role in the SOC balance of grassland. Less well known are the effects of disturbance processes on the soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stock. However, bedrock, irrigation practices, soil acidification, liming, and grazing management potentially affect the SIC stock of grassland. In comparison, better studied are the SOC dynamics in grassland. Grasslands have a high inherent SOC stock with up to 343 Pg SOC stored to 1 m depth with a sequestration rate of 0.5 Pg C yr−1. Grasslands sequester large amounts of SOC because of a high belowground C allocation, root turnover, and rhizodeposition. Grassland gross primary production (GPP) is the major natural soil C input and has been estimated at 31.3 Pg C yr−1 for tropical savannas and grasslands, and to 8.5 Pg C yr−1 for temperate grasslands and shrublands, respectively. The net primary production (NPP) of grassland denotes C assimilation by plants before losses caused by grazing, harvest, herbivory, mowing, and other processes. However, the numerous processes of NPP loss are among the reasons why direct measurements of NPP of grassland are challenging because not all of the biomass produced remains within the ecosystem. Further, all components of NPP of grassland must be measured in a single study. Additional research is also needed about the quantitative contribution of the major sources of SOC, and roots may play a critical role in maintaining SOC stocks in the future. Possible inputs of belowground C include: (i) incorporated surface plant residues, (ii) plant root litter and rhizodeposition, (iii) dung and urine of grazing animals, and (iv) black carbon (BC) in fire-affected grasslands. Grazing management must be targeted toward SOC sequestration due to the large global grazing land area and potential for considerable rates of increase in SOC stock.
Target Range Processing Pathways in the Auditory System of the Mustached Bat

Echolocating bats determine target range from the time interval between emitted sonar pulses and returning echoes. Long CF-FM bats determine range using cues provided by the FM components of their signals (Simmons, 1973). The mustached bat emits pulses consisting of four harmonics each containing a long constant frequency (CF) component followed by a brief, descending FM. Suga and his colleagues have shown that there are neurons in at least two fields of auditory cortex (FM-FM and DF) which only respond to second (FM2), third (FM3), or fourth (FM4) harmonic FM stimuli when preceded at a specific time interval by a first harmonic (FM1) stimulus (O’Neill & Suga, 1982; Suga et al., 1983; Suga, 1984). Each of these “FM-FM” neurons is tuned to a specific, or best, time delay, and the cortical fields in which they are located are organized by increasing best delay (“chronotopic” axis) in the rostrocaudal direction. Thus, there are at least two neural axes representing target distance (“odotopic axes”) in each hemisphere of the auditory cortex of the mustached bat.
Methods of solution for dynamic rational expectations models: A survey

Dynamic rational expectation models are more difficult to solve than standard dynamic models. These technical difficulties have probably hindered the development and use of such models at the empirical level. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the principal methods of solution to potential builders and users of such models.