cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling ferrocene reactions and iron nanoparticle formation: Application to CVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes

Abstract This paper presents a practically useful model that can predict the formation process and the growth rate of iron nanoparticles from ferrocene. There is a strong need to create such a model that can help improve the process of carbon nanotube (CNT) production by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and flame synthesis methods. This study serves this purpose. A simple reaction mechanism between ferrocene and hydrogen was proposed based on experimental and theoretical studies conducted by other researchers; then the method of moments with interpolative closure (MOMIC) was applied to compute the size distribution of iron particles. MOMIC was found to reproduce the result of a sectional method with better accuracy than a lognormal method. We simulated the isothermal decomposition of ferrocene and the consequent formation of iron particles with MOMIC; the computed diameter of iron particles agreed reasonably well with experimental data. Analytical solutions for particle diameter were obtained as a function of residence time, assuming monodisperse particles and a constant collision frequency function. They compared very well to the numerical prediction by a monodisperse model and reasonably well to that by MOMIC, suggesting the analytical solutions to be a simple first approximation in assessing the performance of CVD and flame synthesis methods of producing CNTs.
Epigenetic and genetic mechanisms in red cell biology.

Purpose of review Erythropoiesis, in which hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) generate lineage-committed progenitors that mature into erythrocytes, is regulated by numerous chromatin modifying and remodeling proteins. We will focus on how epigenetic and genetic mechanisms mesh to establish the erythroid transcriptome and how studying erythropoiesis can yield genomic principles. Recent findings Trans-acting factor binding to small DNA motifs (cis-elements) underlies regulatory complex assembly at specific chromatin sites, and therefore unique transcriptomes. As cis-elements are often very small, thousands or millions of copies of a given element reside in a genome. Chromatin restricts factor access in a context-dependent manner, and cis-element-binding factors recruit chromatin regulators that mediate functional outputs. Technologies to map chromatin attributes of loci in vivo, to edit genomes and to sequence whole genomes have been transformative in discovering critical cis-elements linked to human disease. Summary Cis-elements mediate chromatin-targeting specificity, and chromatin regulators dictate cis-element accessibility/function, illustrating an amalgamation of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Cis-elements often function ectopically when studied outside of their endogenous loci, and complex strategies to identify nonredundant cis-elements require further development. Facile genome-editing technologies provide a new approach to address this problem. Extending genetic analyses beyond exons and promoters will yield a rich pipeline of cis-element alterations with importance for red cell biology and disease.
Computational modeling of mechanical anisotropy in the cornea and sclera

Purpose To determine the biomechanical deformation of the cornea resulting from tissue cutting and removal by use of a new computational model and to investigate the effect of mechanical anisotrophy resulting from the fibrillar architecture. Setting Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. Methods A mathematical model for a typical lamella that explicitly accounts for the strain energy of the collagen fibrils, extrafibrillar matrix, and proteoglycan cross-linking was developed. A stromal model was then obtained by generalized averaging of the lamella properties through the stromal thickness, taking into account the preferred orientations of the collagen fibrils, which were obtained from x-ray scattering data. Results The model was used to predict astigmatism induced by a tunnel incision in the sclera, such as is used for cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. The amount of induced cylinder was in good agreement with published clinical data. Results show it is important for the model to incorporate preexisting corneal physiological stress caused by intraocular pressure. Conclusions The mathematical model described appears to provide a framework for further development, capturing the essential features of mechanical anisotropy of the cornea. The tunnel incision simulation indicated the importance of the anisotropy in this case.
A finite-element–alternating technique for evaluating mixed mode stress intensity factors for part-elliptical surface flaws

An alternating method, in conjunction with the finite element method and an analytical solution for an elliptical flaw in an infinite solid, is used to determine the mixed mode stress intensity factors for surface flaws. This finite element alternating method leads to an inexpensive procedure for routine evaluation of accurate stress intensity factors in complex structural components containing surface flaws and subject to mixed-mode loading. A variety of numerical examples is presented.
Early Design Phase Power Performance Trade-Offs Using In-Situ Macro Models

Early phase space exploration with a focus on power performance tradeoffs has been shown to enable faster design convergence. Tightly coupled physical design considerations and system level models are needed to guarantee time-to- market. This paper describes a methodology for early design space exploration. A Pareto-front analysis using the proposed methodology was applied to an industrial design to perform design space exploration. The obtained low power design solution improved the designers best solution by additionally reducing power by 6% with 2% performance impact. The optimal trade-off solution improved designers best by additionally trading off 1.7% and 2.8% performance for power savings of 8.5% and 7.6% respectively. The absolute amount achieved here is not as important as knowing what the desired design options should be for each functional block in the design very early in the design phase.
Vision Survival after Open Globe Injury Predicted by Classification and Regression Tree Analysis

Objective To assist ophthalmologists in treating ocular trauma patients, this study developed and validated a prognostic model to predict vision survival after open globe injury. Design Retrospective cohort review. Participants Two hundred fourteen patients who sought treatment at the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute with open globe injuries from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2004, were part of the data set used to build the classification tree model. Then, to validate the classification tree, 51 patients were followed up with the goal to compare their actual visual outcome with the outcome predicted by the tree grown from the classification and regression tree analysis. Methods Binary recursive partitioning was used to construct a classification tree to predict visual outcome after open globe injury. The retrospective cohort treated for open globe injury from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2004, was used to develop the prognostic tree and constitutes the training sample. A second independent sample of patient eyes seen from January 1, 2005, through October 15, 2005, was used to validate the prognostic tree. Main Outcome Measures Two main visual outcomes were assessed: vision survival (range, 20/20–light perception) and no vision (included no light perception, enucleation, and evisceration outcomes). Results A prognostic model for open globe injury outcome was constructed using 214 open globe injuries. Of 14 predictors determined to be associated with a no vision outcome in univariate analysis, presence of a relative afferent pupillary defect and poor initial visual acuity were the most predictive of complete loss of vision; presence of lid laceration and posterior wound location also predicted poor visual outcomes. In an independent cohort of 51 eyes, the prognostic model had 85.7% sensitivity to predict no vision correctly and 91.9% specificity to predict vision survival correctly. Conclusions The open globe injury prognostic model constructed in this study demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy and should be useful in counseling patients and making clinical decisions regarding open globe injury management.
WHEN SHOULD STANDARD ENGLISH BE TAUGHT TO SPEAKERS OF NONSTANDARD NEGRO DIALECT

Many culturally disadvantaged black children speak a variety of English which linguists have labeled “nonstandard Negro dialect.” Educators agree that the most significant education problem is to teach these children standard English; the age or grade level when this should be done, however, is controversial. The thesis of this paper is that disadvantaged black children should not be taught standard English until adolescence or the secondary grades. The paper specifically discusses some of the reasons standard English instruction should be delayed. The thesis is supported by discussing the difficulties of young children in learning another dialect of a language (because of the subtle differences between standard English and nonstandard Negro dialect); the difficulties of using second language instructional techniques (this is the only approach likely to be successful); and, the lack of a need and consequently motivation, for young disadvantaged black children to learn standard English.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is an Independent Predictor of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgery.

Objective To test the hypothesis that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery. Design Retrospective analysis. Setting Single-center university hospital. Participants Five hundred forty-five patients in sinus rhythm preoperatively undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement/repair, or combined valve/CABG surgery from January 2008 to April 2011. Interventions Retrospective review of medical records. Measurements and Main Results Postoperative atrial fibrillation was defined as atrial fibrillation requiring therapeutic intervention. Of 545 cardiac surgical patients, 226 (41%) patients developed POAF. The risk was higher in 72 OSA patients than 473 patients without OSA (67% v 38%, adjusted hazard ratio 1.83 [95% CI: 1.30-2.58], p<0.001). Of the 32 OSA patients who used home positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, 18 (56%) developed POAF compared with 29 of 38 (76%) patients who did not use PAP at home (unadjusted hazard ratio 0.63 [95% CI: 0.35-1.15], p = 0.13). Conclusion OSA is significantly associated with POAF in cardiac surgery patients. Further investigation is needed to determine whether or not use of positive airway pressure in OSA patients reduces the risk of POAF.
Evaluation of a Cellulose-Acetate Electrophoresis System for Serum Protein Fractionation

A rapid system for the quantitative fractionation of serum proteins by electrophoresis on cellulose-acetate membranes was evaluated and found to be quite precise. The reproducibility (coefficient of variation) of the routine fractionation of a control serum carried out 40 times during a 15-week period was 2.4% for albumin and 14.2, 6.0, 6.1, and 5.2%, respectively, for the α1-, α2-, β-, and γ-globulin fractions. Normal values are given for serum protein fractions (specimens from nonprofessional blood donors) obtained by cellulose acetate electrophoresis.
Beyond technology acceptance to effective technology use: a parsimonious and actionable model

Objective To develop and test a parsimonious and actionable model of effective technology use (ETU). Design Cross-sectional survey of primary care providers ( n = 53) in a large integrated health care organization that recently implemented new medication reconciliation technology. Methods Surveys assessed 5 technology-related perceptions (compatibility with work values, implementation climate, compatibility with work processes, perceived usefulness, and ease of use) and 1 outcome variable, ETU. ETU was measured as both consistency and quality of technology use. Results Compatibility with work values and implementation climate were found to have differential effects on consistency and quality of use. When implementation climate was strong, consistency of technology use was high. However, quality of technology use was high only when implementation climate was strong and values compatibility was high. This is an important finding and highlights the importance of users’ workplace values as a key determinant of quality of use. Conclusions To extend our effectiveness in implementing new health care information technology, we need parsimonious models that include actionable determinants of ETU and account for the differential effects of these determinants on the multiple dimensions of ETU.
Informing Shared Decisions about Advance Directives for Patients with Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Modeling Approach

Abstract Objective To estimate the survival and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of Full Code versus Do Not Intubate (DNI) advance directives in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to evaluate how patient preferences and place of residence influence these outcomes. Methods A Markov decision model using published data for COPD exacerbation outcomes. The advance directives that were modeled were as follows: DNI, allowing only noninvasive mechanical ventilation, or Full Code, allowing all forms of mechanical ventilation including invasive mechanical ventilation with endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion. Results In community-dwellers, Full Code resulted in a greater likelihood of survival and higher QALYs (4-year survival: 23% Full Code, 18% DNI; QALYs: 1.34 Full Code, 1.24 DNI). When considering patient preferences regarding complications, however, if patients were willing to give up >3 months of life expectancy to avoid ETT complications, or >1 month of life expectancy to avoid long-term institutionalization, DNI resulted in higher QALYs. For patients in long-term institutions, DNI resulted in a greater likelihood of survival and higher QALYs (4-year survival: 2% DNI, 1% Full Code; QALYs: 0.29 DNI, 0.24 Full Code). In sensitivity analyses, the model was sensitive to the probabilities of ETT complication and noninvasive mechanical ventilation failure and to patient preferences about ETT complications and long-term institutionalization. Conclusion Our model demonstrates that patient preferences regarding ETT complications and long-term institutionalization, as well as baseline place of residence, affect the advance directive recommendation when considered in terms of both survival and QALYs. Decision modeling can demonstrate the potential trade-off between survival and quality of life, using patient preferences and disease-specific data, to inform the shared advance directive decision.
The role of profit status under imperfect information: evidence from the treatment patterns of elderly medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for psychiatric diagnoses.

Medicare claims for elderly admitted for psychiatric care were used to estimate the impact of hospital profit status on costs, length of stay (LOS), and rehospitalizations. No evidence was found that not-for-profits (NFPs) treated sicker patients or had fewer rehospitalizations. For-profits (FPs) actually treated poorer patients. Longer LOS and lower daily costs of NFPs were attributable to their other characteristics, e.g. medical school affiliation. Instrumental variables (IV) estimates suggested that NFP general hospitals actually have lower adjusted costs. These findings fail to support concerns that FP growth leads to declining access and quality or contentions that NFPs are less efficient.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Channel Catfish Epidemic Isolate, Aeromonas hydrophila Strain ML09-119.

ABSTRACT Aeromonas hydrophila is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, mesophilic bacterium that infects both aquatic poikilothermic animals and mammals, including humans. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Aeromonas hydrophila strain ML09-119, which represents a clonal group of A. hydrophila isolates causing outbreaks of bacterial septicemia in channel catfish since 2009.
Choloepus hoffmanni (Pilosa: Megalonychidae)

Abstract Choloepus hoffmanni Peters, 1858 (Hoffmann's two-toed sloth) is 1 of 2 extant two-toed sloths. A high-canopy folivore, C. hoffmanni has a disjunct range with a northern population in Central America and northern South America and a southern population in South America. C. hoffmanni is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources because of its wide distribution.
Genetic transformation and gene silencing mediated by multiple copies of a transgene in eastern white pine

An efficient transgenic eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) plant regeneration system has been established using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3850-mediated transformation and the green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene as a reporter in this investigation. Stable integration of transgenes in the plant genome of pine was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Southern blot, and northern blot analyses. Transgene expression was analysed in pine T-DNA transformants carrying different numbers of copies of T-DNA insertions. Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) was mostly obtained in transgenic lines with more than three copies of T-DNA, but not in transgenic lines with one copy of T-DNA. In situ hybridization chromosome analysis of transgenic lines demonstrated that silenced transgenic lines had two or more T-DNA insertions in the same chromosome. These results suggest that two or more T-DNA insertions in the same chromosome facilitate efficient gene silencing in transgenic pine cells expressing green fluorescent protein. There were no differences in shoot differentiation and development between transgenic lines with multiple T-DNA copies and transgenic lines with one or two T-DNA copies.
Identification and molecular genetic analysis of multiple loci contributing to high-level tellurite resistance in Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1

The ability of the facultative photoheterotroph Rhodobacter sphaeroides to tolerate and reduce high levels of tellurite in addition to at least 10 other rare earth metal oxides and oxyanions has considerable potential for detoxification and bioremediation of contaminated environments. We report the identification and characterization of two loci involved in high-level tellurite resistance. The first locus contains four genes, two of which, trgAB, confer increased tellurite resistance when introduced into the related bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans. The trgAB-derived products display no significant homology to known proteins, but both are likely to be membrane-associated proteins. Immediately downstream of trgB, the cysK (cysteine synthase) and orf323 genes were identified. Disruption of the cysK gene resulted in decreased tellurite resistance in R. sphaeroides, confirming earlier observations on the importance of cysteine metabolism for high-level tellurite resistance. The second locus identified is represented by the telA gene, which is separated from trgAB by 115 kb. The telA gene product is 65% similar to the product of the klaB (telA) gene from the tellurite-resistance-encoding kilA operon from plasmid RK2. The genes immediately linked to the R. sphaeroides telA gene have no similarity to other components of the kilA operon. R. sphaeroides telA could not functionally substitute for the plasmid RK2 telA gene, indicating substantial functional divergence between the two gene products. However, inactivation of R. sphaeroides telA resulted in a significant decrease in tellurite resistance compared to the wild-type strain. Both cysK and telA null mutations readily gave rise to suppressors, suggesting that the phenomenon of high-level tellurite resistance in R. sphaeroides is complex and other, as yet uncharacterized, loci may be involved.
Association Between Food Insecurity and Serious Psychological Distress Among Hispanic Adults Living in Poverty.

Introduction Food insecurity has been associated with negative health outcomes, but the relationship between psychological distress and food insecurity among ethnic minorities has not been extensively examined in the literature. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether low food security and very low food security were significantly associated with past month serious psychological distress (SPD) among Hispanic adults living in poverty.
Second harmonic excitation spectroscopy in studies of Fano-type coupling in plasmonic arrays (Presentation Recording)

Scattering by plasmon resonances of metallic nanoparticles can be tailored by particle material, size, shape, and local as well as long-range order. In this presentation we discuss a series of experiments in which long-range Fano-type coupling between grating resonances and localized surface palsmon (LSP) resonances were studied using second harmonic excitation (SH-E) spectroscopy. By tuning the excitation wavelength of a femtosecond laser and measuring the relative second harmonic (SH) signal we demonstrated that when long-range grating resonances spectrally overlap with those of the LSPs, electromagnetic field enhancement occurs on the surface of the nanoparticles leading to an increase in nonlinear scattering. This effect has been demonstrated for periodic arrays of monomers and dimers, bi-periodic antenna arrays for multi-spectral focusing to a single point, and chirped nanoparticle structures for broadband field enhancement. Results are supported by finite difference time domain simulations showing that electromagnetic fields are enhanced close on the surface of the nanoparticles when long-range structural resonances are excited. These studies have revealed design principles for engineering the interplay of photonic and plasmonic coupling for future linear and nonlinear plasmonic devices.
Efficacy of Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs and Back School for Patients With Low Back Pain: A Meta-analysis

Background and Purpose. The use of back school as a treatment for low back pain is widespread, but determining the efficacy of this approach is complicated by variations in back schools and study methods across clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to synthesize existing evidence on the efficacy of back school as either a primary intervention or a part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for patients with low back pain. Methods. The results of 19 prospective randomized controlled trials were evaluated. Quantitative reviewing procedures were used to calculate the effect sizes that compared patients receiving back school with those in a control or comparison group. Effect sizes were computed for 206 hypothesis tests involving 2,373 patients. Results. The average effect size for comprehensive rehabilitation programs that included back school (d=0.28) was larger than the average effect size for programs that offered back school as the primary intervention (d=−0.14). When effect sizes were stratified by program type and outcome, the comprehensive programs were superior to primary back school programs with respect to pain reduction, increased spinal mobility, and increased strength. Both types of programs showed reasonable success with education/compliance outcomes (d=0.27–0.28). Lower effect sizes were found among the types of programs for disability and work/vocational outcomes (d≤.20). Conclusions and Discussion. Back schools were most efficacious when coupled with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Efficacy was supported for the treatment of pain and physical impairments and for education/compliance outcomes. Work/vocational and disability outcomes, however, were not improved substantially beyond control levels in comprehensive or primary back school programs.
Rejection mechanisms for contaminants in polyamide reverse osmosis membranes

Abstract Despite the success of reverse osmosis (RO) for water purification, the molecular-level physico-chemical processes of contaminant rejection are not well understood. Here we carry out non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations on a model polyamide RO membrane to understand the mechanisms of transport and rejection of both ionic and inorganic contaminants in water. While it is commonly presumed that the contaminant rejection rate is correlated with the dehydrated solute size, this approximation does not hold for the organic solutes and ions studied. In particular, the rejection of urea (2.4 A radius) is higher than ethanol (2.6 A radius), and the rejections for organic solutes (2.2–2.8 A radius) are lower than Na+ (1.4 A radius) or Cl− (2.3 A radius). We show that this can be explained in terms of the solute accessible intermolecular volume in the membrane and the solute-water pair interaction energy. If the smallest open spaces in the membrane's molecular structure are all larger than the solute size including its hydration shell, then the solute-water pair interaction energy does not matter. However, when the open spaces in the polymeric structure are such that solutes have to shed at least one water molecule to pass through a portion of the membrane molecular structure, as occurs in RO membranes, the pair interaction energy governs solute rejection. The high pair interaction energy for water molecules in the solvation shell for ions makes the water molecules difficult to shed, thus enhancing the rejection of ions. On the other hand, the organic solute-water interaction energies are governed by the water molecules that are hydrogen bonded to the solute. While these hydrogen bonds have pair interaction energies that are much larger than that of the non-hydrogen bonded water molecules in the solute solvation shell, they are significantly less than the ion-water pair interaction energy. Thus, organic solutes more easily shed water molecules than ions to pass through the RO membrane. Since urea molecules have more hydrogen-bonding sites than alcohol molecules, urea forms more hydrogen bonds with the membrane polymer chains leading to a higher rejection of urea than occurs for ethanol, a molecule of similar size but with fewer hydrogen bonding sites. These findings underline the importance of the solute's solvation shell and solute-water-membrane chemistry in the context of reverse osmosis, thus providing new insights into solute transport and rejection in RO membranes.
Field test and numerical modeling of vehicle impact on a boulder with impact-induced fractures

Landscape Vehicle Anti-Ram systems, typically comprising natural materials such as boulders, are effective in protecting sensitive structures against threats. However, fracturing of these materials under vehicular impact can be detrimental to the performance of Landscape Vehicle Anti-Ram systems. This study presents a field-scale crash test and LS-DYNA modeling of a Landscape Vehicle Anti-Ram system subjected to vehicular impact. The Landscape Vehicle Anti-Ram system consisted of three boulders connected through a reinforced concrete foundation embedded in compacted American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials soil. The central boulder fractured upon vehicular impact. An advanced material model was adopted to model the rock fracture and crushing. The global response of the truck, including cab deformation and dynamic penetration, from the simulation showed good agreement with the field observations. The failure patterns of the boulder, including the fracture plane and minor crushing,...
Choice Criteria, Decision Behavior, and Personality

Do expected value, maximin, coefficient of optimism, and minimax regret describe real-world decision making, or are these terms limited to theoretical reasoning? This article reports a study design...
Model project-based learning using real world projects in the Information Sciences and Technology curriculum

This paper reports on real world project based experience and learning with computer information science and technology projects and Penn State University campuses (Mont Alto & York). Working on the real world experiences improve the collaboration with industry and emphasizes on the team projects. This paper also deals with reasons for developing and implementing the real world project approach in IT project management, system analysis and design courses and Capstone project courses. It will also outline the modifications that were gained after the first experiences with this type of approach. Finally, we summarize the student’s perspectives and learning experiences, as well as faculty experiences with collaborating with industry. Keywords— Higher education, industry-university collaboration, team projects, project management , project based learning.
Simple preparation of polyelectrolyte complex beads for the long-term release of small molecules.

We report a simple method for preparing solid polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) beads, which provide effective barriers to diffusion and can be used for the multiple-day release of small molecules. Single-phase poly(allylamine) (PAH) and poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) mixtures were prepared at pH 11.6 (significantly above the effective pKa of PAH), where the PAH amine groups were deprotonated and therefore neutral. These mixtures were added dropwise into acid baths, whereupon the rapid acid diffusion into the polyelectrolyte droplets led to instant ionization of PAH amine groups and, thus, the formation of PEC beads (i.e., via phase inversion). In stark contrast to the PEC particles prepared through phase inversion in previous studies, which had (solvent-filled) capsule-like morphologies, these beads had solid internal structures. The solute permeabilities of these PEC matrices could be extensively tuned by air drying the beads, which led to the apparently-irreversible closure of pores. Thus, by tuning the dryi...
Effect of Concentration on the Interactions of Gold Nanoparticles with Model Cell Membranes: A QCM-D Study

The increasing applications of nanotechnology in everyday life require consideration of their interactions with living cells. There are different physical and chemical properties affecting the interactions of nanoparticles with cells, such as NP size, nature of functionalization or stabilizing groups, concentration, and the environment in which nanoparticles are interacting with cells. In this review, we summarize some of our previous studies done on the interactions of gold nanoparticles with supported lipid bilayers (SLB; models for cell membranes). These studies have been done via Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) and they include NPs ranging in size from 2 to 40 nm at several concentrations. Their interactions with a SLB composed of l-α-phosphatidylcholine were characterized. In order to better understand how NPs behave in the environment, these interactions were also studied in the presence of different types of natural organic matter (NOM), including Aldrich humic acid, Suwannee River humic acid standard, Suwannee River fulvic acid standard, and Elliot soil humic acid. Here we review our previous findings while focusing on an example of the effect of concentration on NP-SLB interaction.
RSK2 signals through stathmin to promote microtubule dynamics and tumor metastasis

Metastasis is responsible for >90% of cancer-related deaths. Complex signaling in cancer cells orchestrates the progression from a primary to a metastatic cancer. However, the mechanisms of these cellular changes remain elusive. We previously demonstrated that p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) promotes tumor metastasis. Here we investigated the role of RSK2 in the regulation of microtubule dynamics and its potential implication in cancer cell invasion and tumor metastasis. Stable knockdown of RSK2 disrupted microtubule stability and decreased phosphorylation of stathmin, a microtubule-destabilizing protein, at serine 16 in metastatic human cancer cells. We found that RSK2 directly binds and phosphorylates stathmin at the leading edge of cancer cells. Phosphorylation of stathmin by RSK2 reduced stathmin-mediated microtubule depolymerization. Moreover, overexpression of phospho-mimetic mutant stathmin S16D significantly rescued the decreased invasive and metastatic potential mediated by RSK2 knockdown in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, stathmin phosphorylation positively correlated with RSK2 expression and metastatic cancer progression in primary patient tumor samples. Our finding demonstrates that RSK2 directly phosphorylates stathmin and regulates microtubule polymerization to provide a pro-invasive and pro-metastatic advantage to cancer cells. Therefore, the RSK2-stathmin pathway represents a promising therapeutic target and a prognostic marker for metastatic human cancers.
Sandstone architecture of the Balder Formation depositional system, UK Quadrant 9 and adjacent areas

Within UK Quadrant 9 and adjacent areas, several recent hydrocarbon discoveries have been made in the Upper Paleocene Balder Formation. These sandstones were deposited mainly from high-density turbidity currents and have a complex geometry making them a difficult exploration target. However, the Balder Sands are considered to hold significant remaining oil and gas potential in what is now considered a ‘mature’ area. Detailed geoseismic studies have enabled a regional sub-surface model to be generated. The overall geometry of the system can be compared to that of a prograding slope produced by the aggradation of depositional channel systems. Moreover, similarities are observed with the Valencia margin off southeast Spain where large-scale erosive and depositional channel systems are recognized. The regional architecture is further compared to the Lowstand Wedge systems tract of Posamentier and Vail.
Predictors of short‐ and long‐term mortality in hospitalized veterans with elevated troponin

BACKGROUND Cardiac troponin elevation is associated with mortality. We compared the mortality risk related to elevated troponin from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-ACS causes in a hospitalized elderly veteran population. METHODS AND RESULTS As part of a quality initiative at our Veterans Affairs hospital, all patients with elevated troponin were evaluated by a cardiologist to determine if ACS was present and to recommend management. We selected a sample (n = 761) of consecutive patients studied between February 2006 and February 2007 and examined all-cause mortality over extended follow-up. Nearly all were men (99.1%), and about half had coronary disease (n = 385, 50.5%) and diabetes (n = 339, 44.4%). ACS patients had lower mortality that non-ACS patients. Mortality began to diverge at 30 days; at 1 year it was 42.0% versus 29.0% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.78) and at 6 years 77.7% versus 58.7% (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30-0.56). Cox regression models for mortality at multiple time points yielded several independent factors associated with mortality; however, the distribution of the factors was not sufficient to explain the observed difference in mortality. CONCLUSIONS In this elderly, male veteran population, mortality related to an elevated troponin was higher at 1 and 6 years for non-ACS patients compared with ACS patients. Factors independently associated with a higher mortality risk were predominantly markers of general systemic illness, but did not elucidate the reasons why troponin elevation secondary to non-ACS causes carries this higher risk. A better understanding of these cardiac troponin elevations and implications for future mortality requires additional investigation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Inside Patients’ Homes: A Metaphorical Analysis of Home Hospice Nurses’ Experiences Working With Dying Patients

This study examined the metaphors used by home hospice nurses when describing their experiences working with dying patients. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 home hospice ...
Detectors for in vivo range and dose verification in proton therapy

Particle detection instrumentation to address the in vivo verifications of proton dose and range is under development as part of a proton therapy research program focused on patient quality assurance. For in vivo proton range verification, a collimated gamma detector array is under construction to indirectly measure the position of the Bragg peak for each proton beam spot to within 1–2 mm precision. For dose flux verification, a proton fluence detector based on the technology of the Micromegas is under construction. This detector has an active area of about 100 cm2, coordinate resolution of better than 1 mm, and handling of incident proton beam fluxes of 109–1013 particles/s.
Addressing future demands: Development of an online gerontological nursing course

Nursing students often hold negative views of and do not want to work with older people. Innovative approaches to engage nursing students in geriatric content hold the potential to improve attitudes, a crucial step in meeting the aging population's healthcare needs. This article describes the process of developing, implementing and evaluating an online, undergraduate nursing gerontology course. Development was based on Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory. Student reflections collected from approximately 200 individuals over two semesters about knowledge gained and the effect on attitudes about aging and older adults are summarized.
A Computationally-Efficient Inverse Approach to Probabilistic Strain-Based Damage Diagnosis

This work presents a computationally-efficient inverse approach to probabilistic damage diagnosis. Given strain data at a limited number of measurement locations, Bayesian inference and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling are used to estimate probability distributions of the unknown location, size, and orientation of damage. Substantial computational speedup is obtained by replacing a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model with an efficient surrogate model. The approach is experimentally validated on cracked test specimens where full field strains are determined using digital image correlation (DIC). Access to full field DIC data allows for testing of different hypothetical sensor arrangements, facilitating the study of strain-based diagnosis effectiveness as the distance between damage and measurement locations increases. The ability of the framework to effectively perform both probabilistic damage localization and characterization in cracked plates is demonstrated and the impact of measurement location on uncertainty in the predictions is shown. Furthermore, the analysis time to produce these predictions is orders of magnitude less than a baseline Bayesian approach with the FE method by utilizing surrogate modeling and effective numerical sampling approaches.
Parallel Molecular Distributed Detection With Brownian Motion

This paper explores the in vivo distributed detection of an undesired biological agent’s (BAs) biomarkers by a group of biological sized nanomachines in an aqueous medium under drift. The term distributed, indicates that the system information relative to the BAs presence is dispersed across the collection of nanomachines, where each nanomachine possesses limited communication, computation, and movement capabilities. Using Brownian motion with drift, a probabilistic detection and optimal data fusion framework, coined molecular distributed detection, will be introduced that combines theory from both molecular communication and distributed detection. Using the optimal data fusion framework as a guide, simulation indicates that a sub-optimal fusion method exists, allowing for a significant reduction in implementation complexity while retaining BA detection accuracy.
Simple embedding scheme for the spectral properties of the single-impurity Anderson model

In this work we outline a simple and numerically inexpensive approach to describe the spectral features of the single-impurity Anderson model. The method combines aspects of the density-matrix embedding theory (DMET) approach with a spectral broadening approach inspired by those used in numerical renormalization-group methods. At zero temperature for a wide range of $U$, the spectral function produced by this approach is found to be in good agreement with general expectations as well as more advanced and complex numerical methods such as DMRG-based schemes. The theory developed here is simply transferable to more complex impurity problems.
Pattern recognition, neural networks, fuzzy control: what's next?

I discuss four technologies : fuzzy pattern recognition (numerical and syntactic), computational neural networks, and fuzzy control. I'm not sure what a critical review is, so let me warn you that this is not a survey of recent or important work in any of these fields. Infant technologies usually develop a lot of internal structure before they reach out towards applications in companion fields. The purpose of this article is to assess the maturation of these disciplines by giving two examples of cross fertilization between control and pattern recognition. First, I illustrate the use of pattern recognition - fuzzy clustering and feed forward neural networks - to help develop and represent fuzzy controllers. And second, I give an example of wave form analysis by syntactic pattern recognition that uses fuzzy control logic. I concludes with some ideas about what should happen next - and what may happen next - in terms of hybridization between the four disciplines.
Early Home Learning Environment Predicts Children's 5th Grade Academic Skills.

ABSTRACTWe examined whether the early learning environment predicts children’s 5th grade skills in 2,204 families from ethnically diverse, low-income backgrounds; tested the mediating roles of children’s pre-kindergarten school-related skills and later learning environment; and asked whether lagged associations generalize across White, Black, Hispanic English-speaking, and Hispanic Spanish-speaking samples. Children’s early learning environment comprised measures of literacy activities, the quality of mothers’ engagements with children, and learning materials assessed at 14 months, 2 and 3 years, and at pre-kindergarten; learning environments were again assessed in 5th grade. At pre-kindergarten and in 5th grade, children were assessed on pre-academic and academic skills respectively. Early learning environments predicted children’s 5th grade academic skills, and children’s pre-kindergarten skills and 5th grade learning environment mediated longitudinal associations. The early learning environment support...
The Life Table III

This chapter introduces one of the earliest contributions to life table analysis and three relatively recent developments. The first of the recent contributions, due to Keyfitz and Frauenthal (1975), is a series of n p x and n L x formulas which permit construction of life tables that use S-year age intervals, but are virtually indistinguishable from life tables using single year ages. The formulas have not replaced the NCHS reference series formulas for constructing in-tercensal life tables (Section 4.6), but could.
Neutral detergent fiber disappearance and gas and volatile fatty acid production during the in vitro fermentation of six forages

Samples of unfractionated forage and isolated NDF from six forages were fermented in vitro, and NDF disappearance and gas and VFA production were measured over time. Rates based on each of these data sets were calculated using a one-pool logistic model. The rates of NDF disappearance and gas and VFA production did not differ within each forage. Gas and VFA production were linearly related to NDF digestion. Gas yield was.35 mL/mg (r 2 =.92) of NDF digested for the isolated NDF. The amount of total VFA produced per milligram of NDF digested was more variable than gas (r 2 =.72), with a slope of .01 mmol VFA/mg of NDF digested. The relationship between gas and VFA production was linear (mean slope of 1.43 mmol gas/mmol VFA, r 2 =.69). The ratios of end products (gas and VFA) to NDF digestion and the ratio of acetate:propionate were variable during the first 8 h of fermentation but changed little after this time. Changes in the acetate: propionate ratio explained 23% of the variation in gas produced per millimole of total VFA detected.
Tecnologías blandas en la gestión administrativa de las empresas constructoras mipymes

Uno de los mas graves problemas al interior de las Empresas Constructoras Mipymes (en adelante ECM) es la baja capacidad tecnologica tanto administrativa como de produccion para competir exitosamente en un entorno altamente competitivo y globalizado, tal como se puede corroborar en el diagnostico de CAMACOL sobre el Sector de la Construccion y en especial de las empresas MYPYMES (Camara Colombiana de la Construccion [CAMACOL], 2010). El bajo nivel de inversion y desarrollo tecnologico a nivel organizativo y de produccion ha llevado a las ECM, a una relacion doblemente desigual de retraso respecto a los avances tecnologicos de los centros de produccion y al predomino del mercado por las empresas de gran tamano en el entorno nacional. A pesar de la importancia estrategica y preponderancia del Sector de la Construccion en la economia nacional, (Camara Colombiana de la Construccion [CAMACOL], 2010)2 y la baja participacion de las ECM en el PIB Nacional, (informe DANE 2014), (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadistica [DANE], 2013) 3 no se conocen estudios encaminados a indagar en esta problematica, que aborda los multiples aspectos de la gerencia de las Mypimes y a profundizar en las razones especificas que afectan la productividad de estas organizaciones. La investigacion busca obtener informacion sobre los efectos de la transferencia y aplicacion de tecnologias blandas – software en los procesos del entorno organizacional de las empresas constructoras, mediante la indagacion directa que permita caracterizar el fenomeno, las condiciones de aplicacion y la medicion de su efecto en la productividad del entorno organizativo.
Autogenous shrinkage of alkali activated slag mortars: Basic mechanisms and mitigation methods

Abstract This paper presents various mechanisms that can explain the cause of excessive autogenous shrinkage exhibited by alkali activated slag mortars (AASM) compared to Portland cement mortars (OPC). The influence of activator concentration parameters such as Na2O content and of the silica modulus (Ms) on the magnitude of autogenous shrinkage are evaluated, as are the proposed mechanisms. The results show that the shrinkage kinetics of AASM is strongly dependent upon the rate of reaction, internal relative humidity (RH) and surface tension of the pore solution. Pore size variation between AASM and OPC mortars and the corresponding tensile stresses based on the capillary tension approach were also calculated using experimentally measured internal RH and surface tension values. A higher amount of both Na2O and Ms. resulted in larger capillary stress resulting in greater autogenous shrinkage. Use of internal curing and of shrinkage reducing admixture were very effective in reducing the autogenous shrinkage of AASMs.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE PERCEIVED FAIRNESS OF WORKPLACE ROMANCE POLICIES

Fairness perceptions regarding several workplace romance policies (i.e., no action, counsel, verbal reprimand, written warning, transfer, terminate) applied to different types of couples (e.g., lateral vs. hierarchical) in a variety of situations (e.g., couple's performance improves vs. declines) were examined. We found the counsel policy was perceived more fair than any other policy. Stricter workplace romance policies (verbal reprimand, written warning, transfer) were perceived fair when the couple's performance declined or the romance was highly visible. Taking no action was perceived more fair than any other policy when the couple's performance improved. These results and others are discussed.