cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study of Nanoparticle Coating Technology to Control Product Corrosion in Aerospace Industry

The product corrosion causes safety issues in flight vehicles and capital losses in aerospace industry. Since some geometrical surfaces and shapes such as hidden slot and pocket structure can easily contain moisture droplets and air impurity, the corrosion caused by chemical composite in aerospace products can be accelerated leading sudden flight vehicle failure and even personal fatal injury. Nanoparticle coating technology is a relatively new and efficient methodology in anti-corrosion since it can distribute very small material particles in complex geometrical structures to produce extremely durable and very strong surface coating to significantly decrease product corrosion. This paper studies the anti-corrosion mechanism in order to reduce corrosion damage by applying computer-aided simulation and prototype testing to verify nanoparticle coating performance. Both computer-aided simulation and prototype testing show close results which validate the methodology introduced in this research and demonstrate superior corrosion-resistant performance of nanoparticle coating to current regular coating methodologies.
Preparation, Characterization, and Postsynthetic Modification of Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthetic Experiments for an Undergraduate Laboratory Course in Inorganic Chemistry.

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials that are composed of an infinite array of metal nodes (single ions or clusters) linked to one another by polyfunctional organic compounds. ...
Optimum substrate size and specific anomer requirements for the reducing-end glycoside hydrolase di-N-acetylchitobiase.

Di-N-acetylchitobiase is a family 18 glycoside hydrolase that splits the reducing-end GlcNAc from chitooligosaccharides. The enzyme hydrolyzed only the α-anomer of five tested substrates, chitin di- through hexasaccharide. In all cases the glycosyl fragment retained its β-configuration while the split monosaccharide was α-D-GlcNAc. Chitobiose was hydrolyzed less than half as fast as the other larger substrates. All four of them, tri- to hexasaccharide, reacted at the same rate. The biochemical behavior of di-N-acetylchitobiase indicates it has three subsites, −2, −1, +1, in which the reducing-end trimer of any sized chitooligosaccharide is bound. The +1 site is specific for an α-anomer.
Empirical correlates of the MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales in mental health, forensic, and nonclinical settings: an introduction.

We introduce 3 studies of the empirical correlates of the MMPI–2 Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales: a study by Arbisi, Sellbom, and Ben-Porath (2008/this issue) that expands the range of correlates of the RC scale in mental health settings; an investigation by Sellbom, Ben-Porath, Baum, Erez, and Gregory (2008/this issue) of the empirical correlates of the scales in a forensic setting; and a study by Forbey and Ben-Porath (2008/this issue) examining convergent and discriminant validities of the RC scale in a nonclinical setting. To serve as a general introduction to the 3 new empirical studies presented in this special section, we begin with a review of the existing literature on the RC scales and briefly describe these studies.
Monitoring Acoustic Emission in Cross-Ply Graphite/Epoxy Laminates During Fatigue Loading

Destructive and nondestructive examinations of composite laminates subjected to exter nal loading have indicated that these materials contain a large number of cracks, both on the micro- and macro-scales. Consequently, a significant amount of emission can be generated during fatigue loading not only by damage accumulation (progression) but also by the continuous friction that results from the fracture surfaces grating against each other. Consequently, in order to monitor fatigue damage progression in composite laminates by acoustic emission (AE), the emission caused by the fretting should be distinguished from that generated by actual damage growth.
Investigation of acoustic sensing for laser machining processes Part 2: Laser grooving and cutting

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of acoustic sensing for laser grooving and cutting processes. Theoretical models of the interaction between the coaxial gas jet and the erosion front were developed using the wave equation to relate acoustic emission to the geometry of the groove or kerf. Theoretical estimates are compared with experimental results for acrylic, aluminum oxide and stainless steel. Process control schemes for groove depth regulation for laser grooving and beam break-through regulation for laser cutting are introduced.
Extraneous pollen advantage in Phlox cuspidata

Incipient incompatibility barriers often are the incidental by-products of divergent evolution. Accordingly, one expects pollen from outside of a population to be less successful than pollen from the same population or to be similar to it. Contrary to expectation, we find that in the predominantly self-fertilising Phlox cuspidata, alien pollen typically is at an advantage. We crossed greenhouse grown plants with pollen from their own populations and pollen from other populations, and determined the germination percentage of pollen grains on stigmas. Alien pollen had higher germination rates in 13 of the 14 populations, and for 10 populations the differences were statistically significant. Over all populations, the mean germination was 27·1 per cent for alien pollen versus 20·8 per cent for local pollen, a statistically significant difference. There was no relationship between the germination of alien pollen and the distance between pollen source and recipient.
Molecular abnormalities in the expression of HLA class-I antigens by melanoma cells

Testing of a panel of cultured human melanoma cells with radiolabelled anti-HLA-class-I monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in a binding assay has shown lack of reactivity of FO-I and SK-MEL-33 cells and low reactivity of SK-MEK-19 cells. SDS-PAGE analysis of the components immunoprecipitated from the 3 intrinsically radiolabelled melanoma cell lines by antibodies to the 2 subunits of HLA-class-I antigens has not detected beta 2-mu in the immunoprecipitates from melanoma cells FO-I and SK-MEL-33 and only a low level of HLA-class-I heavy chain in the immunoprecipitate from SK-MEL-19 cells. Northern blotting analysis with probes specific for HLA-class-I heavy chain and for beta 2-mu indicates that the abnormalities in HLA-class-I-antigen expression reflects a defect at the transcriptional level in FO-I cells and at the post-transcriptional level in SK-MEL-19 and in SK-MEL-33 cells. FO-I, SK-MEL-19 and SK-MEL-33 cells represent useful models to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of HLA-class-I-antigen expression which is often associated with malignant transformation of melanocytes and to characterize the role of HLA-class-I antigens in the biology of melanoma cells and in their interactions with effector cells.
Facing the Flames

On the Fireline . Living and Dying with Wildland Firefighters. By Matthew Desmond . University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2007. 379 pp. $24, £15. ISBN 9780226144085. Incorporating his own experiences from time spent as a seasonal firefighter in Arizona, Desmond provides a sociological analysis of his fellow firefighters to argue against explanations for risk-taking that stress traits such as courage, toughness, and aggressiveness or cold calculations by individuals.
Response of stream macroinvertebrate assemblages to erosion control structures in a wastewater dominated urban stream in the southwestern U.S.

Effects of stream erosion control struc- tures on aquatic macroinvertebrates were studied (2000-2009) in a wastewater dominated drainage (Wash) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mainstem sites with and without structures, wastewater treatment plant outfalls, a reference site above treatment plant inputs, and tributary sites were sampled. Ordination sug- gested hydrology and channel characteristics (current velocity, stream depth, and width), and water quality (conductivity) were primary factors in organizing macroinvertebrate communities, with some variables altered at structures. Treatment plant inputs changed hydrology (increased flows), water chemistry (con- ductivity decreased below treatment plants), and temperature. Assemblages differed between site types, with midges and damselflies important at tributary sites and Fallceon mayflies and Smicridea caddisflies common at erosion control structures. Locally unique communities developed at structures which also may have facilitated exotic species invasions. Analyses showed that taxa richness increased over time at these sites and differed significantly from richness at sites without structures. Structures appeared important in retaining organic matter and, among mainstem sites, coarse particulate organic matter was highest, but variable, at structures and at wetlands above the structures. Erosion control structures, coupled with warm effluent, high base- flows, and altered water quality resulted in develop- ment of a macroinvertebrate community that did not trend towards reference or tributary sites. In this case, ecological communities at structures used for river restoration were not on a continuum between dis- turbed and reference sites. Goal setting of community responses at these structures would have required insight beyond the simple use of reference site attributes.
New Treatments for Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection

To provide information for the formulation of treatment guidelines, we review recently published articles and abstracts on advances in the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection. We ask specific questions about new treatments that are answered on the basis of the results of clinical trials and efficacy studies. New, potentially effective treatments for C. trachomatis genital infection include azithromycin and ofloxacin. Clinical studies indicate that the efficacy of these agents is equivalent to that of the current recommended agent doxycycline. Both azithromycin and ofloxacin are substantially more expensive than doxycycline. Azithromycin has the advantage of being given as a single dose, while doxycycline and ofloxacin are administered for 1 week. Issues of compliance, cost, and toxicity for specific patients should be considered when deciding whether to treat C. trachomatis genital infections with these agents.
A crowdsourcing framework for the production and use of film and television data

This paper outlines a framework that would enable the detailed indexing of film and television media through crowdsourcing. By making it easier to generate detailed data about these media on a large scale, fans and scholars can more efficiently produce a wide range of artifacts that reflect their interests in this content. Our development of a test collection included detailed indexing of 12 feature films and 8 television programs. We describe the conditions that make crowdsourcing an ideal approach for accomplishing this work on a larger scale; present a three-level development framework; and discuss how automated indexing, crowdsourcing quality, and copyright concerns might influence continued development of the project. Our framework highlights the potential of both multimedia indexing and crowdsourcing and can serve as a model for others embarking on projects that involve indexing, annotating, or labeling large multimedia collections.
Learning to BREATHE: A Pilot Trial of a Mindfulness Curriculum for Adolescents

This study reports the results of a pilot trial of Learning to BREATHE, a mindfulness curriculum for adolescents created for a classroom setting. The primary goal of the program is to support the development of emotion regulation skills through the practice of mindfulness, which has been described as intentional, non-judgmental awareness of present-moment experience. The total class of 120 seniors (average age 17.4 years) from a private girls' school participated as part of their health curriculum. Relative to controls, participants reported decreased negative affect and increased feelings of calmness, relaxation, and self-acceptance. Improvements in emotion regulation and decreases in tiredness and aches and pains were significant in the treatment group at the conclusion of the program. Qualitative feedback indicated a high degree of program satisfaction. The results suggest that mindfulness is a potentially promising method for enhancing adolescents' emotion regulation and well-being.
Stressful Experiences of Masculinity Among U.S.-Born and Immigrant Asian American Men:

Explaining how stereotypes and norms influence role-identities during reflected appraisal processes, we develop a theory about diverse groups of minority men—the “minority masculinity stress theory”—and apply it to Asian American men. We conceptually integrate hegemonic masculinity, stereotypes, and mental health to examine how Asian American men experience masculinity and how their experiences are uniquely stressful. We analyze elicited text from an open-ended questionnaire to explain two experiences of masculinity-related stress: trying to live up to the masculine ideal and enacting work-related role-identities. Regarding the former, we discuss four illustrations—toughness, body image, restrictive emotionality, and heterosexuality—and two involving the latter—achiever and provider. We found that Asian American men receive stereotypical reflected appraisals that contradict potentially positive self-concepts and emphasize achievement beyond typical standards of hegemonic masculinity. Moreover, Asian Ameri...
Expansion of donor hepatocytes after recombinant adenovirus‐induced liver regeneration in mice

Hepatocyte transplantation is a potential form of therapy for patients with genetic hepatodeficiency disorders. Unfortunately, hepatocellular transplantation has been limited because of the relatively low numbers of donor cells that can ultimately take up residence in the host liver. To give the donor cells a proliferative stimulus, a recombinant adenovirus vector that expresses a nonsecreted urokinase (urokinase-type plasminogen activator) was transduced into the livers of recipient animals before transplantation. Because urokinase production in hepatocytes causes the slow turnover of hepatocytes, 2 days after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into the livers of recipient mice, 2 × 106 congenic donor cells tagged with β-galactosidase (β-Gal) reporter were implanted via the portal vein. As a result, on average, 8.6% of the recipient hepatocytes in the livers were derived from donor cells–a 20-fold increase compared with control animals in which no proliferative stimulus was present.
Aberrant Patterning of Neuromuscular Synapses in Choline Acetyltransferase-Deficient Mice

In this study we examined the developmental roles of acetylcholine (ACh) by establishing and analyzing mice lacking choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the biosynthetic enzyme for ACh. As predicted, ChAT-deficient embryos lack both spontaneous and nerve-evoked postsynaptic potentials in muscle and die at birth. In mutant embryos, abnormally increased nerve branching occurs on contact with muscle, and hyperinnervation continues throughout subsequent prenatal development. Postsynaptically, ACh receptor clusters are markedly increased in number and occupy a broader muscle territory in the mutants. Concomitantly, the mutants have significantly more motor neurons than normal. At an ultrastructural level, nerve terminals are smaller in mutant neuromuscular junctions, and they make fewer synaptic contacts to the postsynaptic muscle membrane, although all of the typical synaptic components are present in the mutant. These results indicate that ChAT is uniquely essential for the patterning and formation of mammalian neuromuscular synapses.
Edge Strength Testing of Thin Glasses

Following a brief history of various tests for measuring edge strength, we present the theory and application of four-point vertical bend test (VBT). The latter is similar to a standard four-point bend test except that the specimen is turned on its edge so as to permit application of uniform tension to a majority of the edge flaws. The article cautions against lateral buckling of the VBT specimen, resulting in failure initiation from the “compression” edge, if its dimensions are not optimized. We provide guidelines for designing the width and thickness of the VBT specimen relative to its length, which obviates the onset of lateral buckling. Three simple inspections to verify the validity of VBT include the shape of load versus deflection curve, location of failure origin, and fracture pattern. Two examples, one involving edge quality of an aluminosilicate glass and the other involving factors that affect edge strength of automotive glass, help illustrate the application of VBT.
Placing Nature(s) on Safari

Unlike destination-based tourism, safari, by definition, implies perpetual mobility. This historically layered process of continuous movement across and through specific landscapes defines the safa...
Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Application in Vascular Medicine

For more than a decade now, biology and therapeutic efficacy of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were largely driven by the first observations of Ashara et al. in identifying EPCs in adult peripheral blood (PB) and were shown to derive from bone marrow (BM) further migrating and incorporating into foci of physiological or pathological neovascularization. As a matter of fact, postnatal neovascularization was believed to be established by the mechanism of “angiogenesis,” by in situ proliferation and migration of preexisting endothelial cells (ECs). However, the finding that EPCs can home to sites of neovascularization and differentiate into ECs in situ is consistent with “vasculogenesis”; a critical paradigm has been demonstrated in embryonic neovascularization and also shown recently for the adult organism in which a pool of progenitor cells contributes to postnatal neovascular formation. The discovery of EPCs has therefore considerably changed our understanding of adult blood vessel formation. Furthermore, we and other groups envisage the potential of EPC to improve the clinical applicability in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.
Cellular Statistical Models of Broken Cloud Fields. Part I: Theory

A new analytical statistical model describing the structure of broken cloud fields is presented. It depends on two parameters (cell size and occupancy probability) and provides chord distributions of clouds and gaps between them by length, as well as the cloud fraction distribution. This approach is based on the assumption that the structure of a cloud field is determined by a semiregular grid of cells (an abstraction of the atmospheric convective cells), which are filled with cloud with some probability. First, a simple discrete model is introduced, where clouds and gaps can occupy an integer number of cells, and then a continuous analog is developed, allowing for arbitrary cloud and gap sizes. The influence of a finite sample size on the retrieved statistics is also described.
Expression of T/NK-Cell and Plasma Cell Antigens in Nonhematopoietic Epithelioid Neoplasms

We studied the expression of CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD56, and CD138 in 447 cases of common human neoplasms with epithelioid features. CD2, CD3, CD4, and CD8 antigens were detected in none of 447 cases of nonhematopoietic tumors. CD5 and CD7 antigens were expressed in 12.3% and 19.5% of cases of nonhematopoietic tumors, respectively. Their expression was found primarily in adenocarcinomas from the gastrointestinal tract, breast, and female reproductive organs. The high expression of CD5 and CD7 antigen in pancreatic ductal carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma and high expression of CD7 in epithelioid sarcoma may have diagnostic value. One quarter of cases were positive for CD56. Overexpression of CD56 antigen was detected mainly in neuroendocrine tumors or adenocarcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation. Its consistent overexpression in adrenal cortical and thyroid tumors may have diagnostic usefulness. Virtually all tumor types studied were CD138+ with a variable positivity rate. The negative staining of CD138 in malignant mesothelioma may be useful for separating mesothelioma from metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Learning-related representational changes reveal dissociable integration and separation signatures in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex

The episodic memory system enables accurate retrieval while maintaining flexibility by representing both specific episodes and generalizations across events. Although theories suggest that the hippocampus (HPC) is dedicated to represent specific episodes while the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) generalizes, other accounts posit that HPC can also integrate related memories. Here we use high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans to examine how representations of memory elements change to either differentiate or generalize across related events. We show that while posterior HPC and anterior MPFC maintain distinct memories for individual events, anterior HPC and posterior MPFC integrate across memories. Integration is particularly likely for established memories versus those encoded simultaneously, highlighting the greater impact of prior knowledge on new encoding. We also show dissociable coding signatures in ventrolateral PFC, a region previously implicated in interference resolution. These data highlight how memory elements are represented to simultaneously promote generalization across memories and protect from interference.
The Identity of Sitophilus oryzae

Reliable external characters were found that make it possible to separate specimens of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), from specimens of S. zeamais Motschulsky, and to determine that the lectotype of Curculiooryza L. represents the species commonly called the “small strain.”
Soil Physical and Moisture Properties

Any science has key basic concepts that should be mastered before pursuing additional ones. This chapter describes in simplified terms, the key components involved with soil physical and moisture properties. Soil physical properties covered in this chapter include soil particle analysis, soil particle and bulk density, soil porosity, and the relationship between soil volume and soil mass. When exploring soil moisture properties, topics covered include describing soil moisture, plant-available water, soil water potential and its components, infiltration and percolation rates, water movement in soil, perched water table, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and soil moisture retention curves. The chapter then integrates these basic components into applied useful principles and practices which subsequent chapters will be built upon. The chapter especially covers and explains the usefulness of constructing and interpreting soil moisture retention curves and how this information is critical to the successful evaluation of a rootzone soil mixture. Numerous examples are covered in the chapter with applied questions at the end it. The chapter also includes figures and illustrations to help explain and understand many of the key concepts introduced.
ANGER, FAITH, AND FORGIVENESS

Right after our tragedy, my idea of forgiveness was to be free of this thing,?the anger, the pain, the absorption. . . . The second level was realizing how the word forgiveness applies to the rela tionship between the victim and the offender. How it means accepting and working on that relationship after a murder. The latter is more complicated. Now I think I see that forgiveness is more of integrating the experience into my life in a controlled way, rather than letting it go or escaping it. ?Wilma Derfaen
Copper tetradentate N2Py2 complexes with pendant bases in the secondary coordination sphere: improved ligand synthesis and protonation studies

AbstractAn improved preparation for a tetradentate neutral N2Py2 ligand with two dimethylamine functionalities in the secondary coordination sphere (LDMA) is reported. This synthetic route uses cheaper and more readily available precursors with fewer steps and greater overall yield. The synthesis and characterization of the corresponding Cu(II) and Cu(I) complexes of this ligand and its analog lacking pendant bases (LH) are also described. The cyclic voltammograms indicate that the Cu(II/I) couple for the LDMA complex is over 400 mV positive of the quasi-reversible Cu(II/I) couple for the LH complex. Structural characterization indicates this is likely a result of steric effects in [Cu(LDMA)]2+ that are not present in the [Cu(LH)]2+ complex. Protonation of both diamagnetic Cu(I) complexes is cleanly reversible. 1H NMR spectroscopic studies of the protonated complexes reveals that protonation occurs on the tertiary amines in the ligand backbone for both complexes.
Seeing and Believing: Social Influences on Language Processing

Real-time language processing is typically embedded in a complex social world. Any instance of language comprehension in such circumstances is imbued with many potential social cues that can influence the production and interpretation of language. We review the literature suggesting that social cues indeed influence language processes in various ways. These cues extend from low-level perceptual variables, such as the perception of another’s gaze, to higher-level cues, such as knowledge of another’s belief states or knowledge. We offer a selective review of both laboratory and ecological interaction research showing that our language processes are indeed impacted by subtle social cuing, if the conditions are right. We end by discussing some theoretical implications of these many influences on language processing, looking to a self-organisation account of how levels interact and shape natural language usage.
Poster Abstract: A Unified Distributed Control Framework for Inverter-Based Islanded Microgrid

Control of microgrid has received considerable research attention in recent years. Various distributed control methods have been proposed in the literature to achieve power sharing, frequency synchronization, and other control objectives for AC islanded microgrids. This poster will present a general control design framework that unifies many of the existing methods in the literature. We will also show that such a unified structure will enable us to identify common fundamental challenges of microgrid control problems and allow us to recover the existing control results in a unified way with many interesting extensions.
Trauma Surgeon Decision-Making: Surviving Outside the Realm of the Evidence Based

Trauma surgery is inherently a decision intense specialty and trauma surgeons make impactful decisions on a nearly constant basis. Rarely are sufficient data and time available to weigh options, thus the individual trauma surgeon is left to act based on his or her best judgment and experience. Decision-making is not a homogeneous process with widely agreed-upon principles and processes and there has been little research into how trauma surgeons make decisions. The current state of decision-making in trauma surgery consists of making do without either comprehensive baseline data or the luxury of enough time to gather needed information. Although consensus guidelines and algorithms are helpful, trauma surgeons must still make decisions on a regular basis without the benefit of a full dataset and under time pressures. This chapter attempts to provide an overview of theoretical constructs proposed for modeling decision-making, incorporate a brief review of the evolution of trauma decision-making, and incorporate the author’s personal viewpoints as a practicing trauma surgeon.
Anterior Sacroiliac Dislocation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Injuries to the sacroiliac joints are most commonly caused by high-energy trauma. Orthopaedic traumatologists frequently treat sacroiliac dislocations and fracture-dislocations as part of the spectrum of pelvic ring injuries. Typical sacroiliac joint dislocations are posterior; anterior dislocations are extremely rare. As with posterior dislocations, these are high-energy injuries with concomitant visceral, neurologic, and other osseous injuries. We describe a case of anterior sacroiliac dislocation that was treated with a closed reduction and percutaneous fixation in a trauma patient with multiple injuries. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and she provided consent. A twenty-one-year-old unrestrained driver was involved in a head-on collision with a tree at an unknown speed after reportedly attempting to avoid pedestrians in the road. She was initially evaluated in Mexico and was transferred to our level-I trauma center twelve hours after the accident. On admission to the trauma bay, the initial vital signs were blood pressure of 122/70 mm Hg, heart rate of 94 bpm, respiration of 24 bpm, and oxygen saturation of 100% on 2 L per nasal cannula. The initial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were 10.9 g/dL and 31.6%, respectively. On examination, the patient was alert and oriented with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. The spine was nontender, but she did have tenderness to palpation in the left sacroiliac region with accompanying ecchymosis posteriorly. The pelvis was unstable with lateral and anteroposterior compression. The patient had complete loss of sensation and motor function of the left lower extremity, although she had normal peripheral pulses in all four extremities. Perineal examination revealed no open wounds; however, there was left labial swelling and ecchymosis. A Foley catheter had been placed prior to arrival, and gross blood was identified in the urine. The stool guaiac test was negative, …
Integrating resident digital sketch maps with expert knowledge to assess spatial knowledge of flood risk: A case study of participatory mapping in Newport Beach, California

Public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) have been increasingly used to assess resident spatial knowledge of environmental hazards and to validate and supplement expert estimates of hazardous areas with local knowledge, but few studies have demonstrated methods for directly comparing local and expert knowledge of the spatial distribution of hazards. This study collected PPGIS digital sketch maps of flood-prone areas from 166 residents living adjacent to the Newport Bay Estuary in Southern California to examine variations in spatial knowledge of flood risk. First, we assessed agreement among participants and found that residents of areas with a higher percentage of homeowner, older, and higher income residents had greater agreement regarding areas at risk of flooding. Second, we introduced composite indices to assess the agreement between participant sketches of flood-prone areas with modeled estimates of the distribution of flood hazards, and found that the level of agreement between local and expert knowledge varied by the scale of analysis and by personal and contextual factors. Respondents with higher educational attainment, household income, and homeownership were associated with greater agreement between resident sketch maps and expert estimates of hazardous areas. Results inform spatial aspects of flood risk planning and communication by demonstrating how digital sketch maps can be used to identify potential shortcomings of expert hazard models, as well as hazardous areas where resident risk perception may be weak.
Which Factors Shape and Limit the Role of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s Advisory Committees?

There is a current debate about conflict of interest among external government advisors in the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One point of focus has been the industry affiliations of advisory committee members to the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). The concern is that such affiliations may introduce a bias into a committee’s recommendation to either approve or not approve an individual drug. Missing from this debate is an understanding of how federal legislation and other political institutions have influenced the structure, functions, and activities of these advisory committees over time. This paper examines the factors that have shaped and limited the role of CDER’s advisory committees. The discussion shows how federal legislation initially created a role for these committees and how federal rules and regulations have further defined and constrained that role over time. The paper also describes how administrative procedures employed by the FDA are used to manage conflicts of interest and how these procedures may reduce the likelihood of any bias affecting drug approval decisions.
The Interaction between Prenatal and Socioeconomic Effects on Growth and Development in Childhood

It has long been known that socioeconomic status (SES) has considerable influence on both size and growth. In the days of the Czars and the Emperors, children whose fathers held menial occupations were systematically smaller than those of the professional class (cf Krogman, 1941). More than 80 years later, in the Ten-State Nutrition Survey of the United States, low per-capita income and low income-to-needs ratios were still associated with smaller size and with delayed ossification timing (Garn and Clark, 1975). It can also be shown that poverty is more growth-depressing for males than for females, even in intrauterine life (Garn, Shaw and McCabe, 1977a).
Chartindex - a contextual approach to automated standards-based encoding of clinical documents

Introduction. Structured and encoded clinical information is critical to implementing intelligent clinical applications and clinical research. However, large amounts of important clinical information are still in unstructured free-text clinical documents, difficult to retrieve and exchange, and need to be encoded into structured form. This dissertation presents new methods to improve automated encoding of narrative clinical documents using controlled terminologies, with a focus on improving encoding precision, and the corresponding findings. Methods. I implemented a scalable mechanism to reliably convert semi-structured clinical documents into a standard document model, the HL7 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA), with document sections properly represented according to their canonical types. I also carried out a pilot study on a contextual encoding method, which leveraged the information on document section types. As an approach to improving the encoding precision, I explored a new method of improving general-purpose medical text processing---parse each sentence using a high-performance statistical natural language parser augmented with a comprehensive biomedical lexicon. To further improve encoding precision, I devised a novel hybrid approach to detecting negations in clinical documents. This approach first classified a sentence according to a syntactical negation categorization using regular expression matching; then it located negated phrases in parse trees using a grammatical approach. Results. The pilot study on contextual indexing showed that significant improvements on indexing precision were achieved with limited negative impact on indexing recalls for most types of radiology reports and report sections. After augmenting the general-purpose statistical parser with a standard biomedical lexicon, the F-1 measure was improved from 86.7% to 92.8% for base noun phrases. The hybrid approach for negation detection achieved a sensitivity of 92.6% (95% CI 90.9-93.4%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.6% (95% CI 96.9-99.4%) and a specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 99.7-99.9%). Conclusions. The standards-based contextual indexing approach, together with the new approach of medical text processing and the new method of negation detection have been shown to be promising in the improvement of indexing precisions. The structural information in sentence parse trees enables precise information extractions such as detecting negated biomedical terms.
Adolescents with Disabilities

Adolescents with disabilities face many challenges common to their typically developing peers. However, the ways that they resolve them may differ. The focus of this narrative overview was to summarize results from the disabilities in adolescence literature, highlight common research directions, evaluate the overall big picture of this literature, and draw conclusions based on general interpretations. Evidence suggests that the literature in this field of study is lacking. Suggestions for improvement include increasing the number of studies that focus specifically on adolescence across the various types of disabilities, establishing a theoretical base to anchor research, forming cohesion across disabilities among researchers, and taking a comprehensive approach to intervention studies. By addressing these issues in future research, scholarly knowledge will be increased, but more importantly, the lives of young people with disabilities can be greatly enhanced.
Genetic Modifiers of Cerebrovascular Large Vessel Stenosis in Sickle Cell Anemia.

Abstract Cerebrovascular disease is a common complication in sickle cell anemia (SCA) with overt stroke occuring in 10% of patients and silent stroke in 24% of patients by age 20 years. Etiologies of overt stroke in SCA are heterogenous and include stenosis of large arteries, hemorrhage, hypertensive and hypoxic encephalopathy. Candidate genes identified as possible modifiers of overt stroke in SCA include adenylate cyclase 9 (ADCY9, rs731471 intron C/T), endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE-1, rs212527, intron A/G), Klotho (KL, rs480780, intron C/A), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1, rs1799768, − 675 4/5,), transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3, rs284157, intron G/A), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF, rs1800629,-308 G/A), and interlukin 4 receptor (IL4R, rs1805015, 503S/P). We examined the association of these candidate genes in a cohort of patients with SCA and stenosis of large cerebral vessels who are followed at a single institution. Patients with stenosis (n = 42, male = 22) were identified as having overt stroke (n = 29) or positive transcranial Doppler (TCD) (n = 13). The mean age at time of stroke or (+) TCD was 7.8 years. All had large vessel stenosis on magnetic resonance angiogram imaging (MRA). A control group of patients with SCA and normal TCD were identified (n = 71, males = 46, mean age = 14.8 years).This control group has passed through the peak years of stroke risk, ages 2–10 years. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotypic using novel Taqman assays. Genotypic associations were determined using logistic regression analysis with odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals, and p-values reported. Among the candidate genes only ADYC9 (OR = 2.75, CI 1.2–6.3, p = 0.017) and TGFBR3 (OR = 2.33, CI 1.0–5.3, p = 0.043) had significant association with stenosis of large vessels in SCA. ADYC9 is a membrane-associated enzyme that catalyzes cAMP formation, which is critical for neuronal signaling and survival. TGFBR3 has a role in cardiac endothelial cell transformation to mesenchyme. Genotypic studies of a complex trait such as stroke in SCA will eventually lead to early diagnosis and new or early interventions. However, such genetic studies require clear definitions of phenotypic subtypes based on neuroimaging studies, including MRA.
Refractive Index Seen by a Probe Beam Interacting with a Laser-Plasma System.

We report the first complete set of measurements of a laser-plasma optical system's refractive index, as seen by a second probe laser beam, as a function of the relative wavelength shift between the two laser beams. Both the imaginary and real refractive index components are found to be in good agreement with linear theory using plasma parameters measured by optical Thomson scattering and interferometry; the former is in contrast to previous work and has implications for crossed-beam energy transfer in indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion, and the latter is measured for the first time. The data include the first demonstration of a laser-plasma polarizer with $85%--87%$ extinction for the particular laser and plasma parameters used in this experiment, complementing the existing suite of high-power, tunable, and ultrafast plasma-based photonic devices.
Diamond: automating data management and storage for wide-area, reactive applications

Users of today's popular wide-area apps (e.g., Twitter, Google Docs, and Words with Friends) must no longer save and reload when updating shared data; instead, these applications are reactive, providing the illusion of continuous synchronization across mobile devices and the cloud. Achieving this illusion poses a complex distributed data management problem for programmers. This paper presents the first reactive data management service, called Diamond, which provides persistent cloud storage, reliable synchronization between storage and mobile devices, and automated execution of application code in response to shared data updates. We demonstrate that Diamond greatly simplifies the design of reactive applications, strengthens distributed data sharing guarantees, and supports automated reactivity with low performance overhead.
An Exploration of Collaboration Risk in Joint Ventures: Perceptions of Risk by Local Economic Development Officials:

This study explores the nature of “collaboration” risk in joint ventures and the factors that affect local development officials’ perceptions of these risks. Extant research on barriers to joint venture formation clearly indicates an important role for collaboration risk, but a systematic examination of the factors shaping local officials’ perceptions of this risk is lacking. The authors propose that their perceptions of the region’s norms regarding interlocal collaboration, the structure of the communication networks they have created with other local officials, and differences in the racial composition of their own cities are important factors shaping their perceptions of collaboration risk. The findings provide researchers with a basis for understanding the dimensions of collaboration risk in joint ventures and highlight the importance of the regional climate of cooperation among municipal leaders in shaping these perceptions. The two measures capturing the environment for collaboration in the region h...
Growing Blackgum Whips in Ground Beds Increases Survival and Growth Following Transplanting to Field

Abstract Difficult-to-transplant species can be produced in containers and transplanted with high survival. However, circling roots can develop even in containers designed to prevent root malformation, requiring root pruning before transplanting and this results in transplant shock. In order to determine the effect of different containers and substrates on whip growth and survival after transplanting, blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica Marsh.) whips were grown in four container types (Spinout®-treated plastic, tall or short fiber containers or in ground beds) and two substrates (pine bark: Com-Til™ and Haydite: Com-Til™). Container-grown whips were overwintered in unheated polyhouses; bed-grown were overwintered out-of-doors with no winter protection. Two year branched whips grown in Haydite: Com-Til™ were bare rooted and root pruned before transplanting. Whips grown in containers required root pruning to correct root malformation, while whips grown in pine bark: Com-Til™ in ground beds were root pruned as part of...
From the Cuckoo's Egg to Global Surveillance: Cyber Espionage that Becomes Prohibited Intervention

In 1986, the first documented case of cyber espionage marked the beginning of what is now commonly referred to as cyber warfare. In fact, cyber espionage generally continues to be the most common manifestation of cyber warfare today. Recent examples confirm the extent of the phenomenon and its consequences, from the multiple high-profile Chinese operations observed since 2003, to the 2013 Snowden disclosures of the U.S. National Security Agency’s mass-scale foreign surveillance programs, and the recent Democratic National Committee hack attributed to Russia in the context of the 2016 U.S. Presidential election campaign. The international legality of espionage is at best uncertain. As technology now allows for unprecedented mass-scale and long-distance data-collection, the international community must address legal uncertainty if it is to preserve international peace and security. While foreign surveillance has prompted a fair amount of literature on the extraterritorial applicability of human rights treaty law, this paper offers to focus on sovereignty implications. By placing espionage law within the framework of non-intervention, it provides a workable alternative in the response to mass-scale spying operations that does not involve the unrealistic consideration of all forms of espionage as inherent violations of political independence and territorial integrity. This paper also offers a reflection on the importance of clarity and predictability of the norm as a prerequisite for compliance, and suggests several strategies to achieve such compliance under international law in the context of cyber espionage.
Performance Measurement and Evaluation in Human-in-the-Loop Simulations

A prerequisite for designers of the complex systems is a proper understanding of human performance characteristics. While human factor texts provide some insights into basic performance issues, the emergence of highly automated computing systems have fundamentally altered the way humans work. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to quantify and analyze human performance in human-in-the-loop simulations based on over ten years of research experience. The approach is centered on a measurement construct, called a time window, which enables a functional relationship between constraints on operator activities and time availability. A blackboard model is presented as the mechanism to generate, maintain, and complete time windows. To demonstrate the utility of time windows, an existing implementation in a real-time human-in-the-loop simulation is also described. An extension of time windows to measure team performance is also discussed. Using time window outcomes, samples of previous analyses are presented to exhibit the potential of the construct.
Returns to investment in education

Returns to investment in education based on human capital theory have been estimated systematically since the 1950s. In the 60-plus year history of such estimates, there have been several compilations in the literature. This paper reviews and highlights the latest trends and patterns based on a database of 1,120 estimates in 139 countries. The review shows that the private average global rate of return to one extra year of schooling is about 9 percent a year and very stable over decades. Private returns to higher education have increased over time, raising issues of financing and equity. Social returns to schooling remain high, above 10 percent at the secondary and higher education levels. Women continue to experience higher average rates of return to schooling, showing that girls' education remains a priority. Returns are higher in low-income countries. Those employed in the private sector of the economy enjoy higher returns than those in the public sector, lending support to the productive value of education.