cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Time of Our Lives: Recognizing the Contributions of Mannheim, Neugarten, and Riley to the Study of Aging

Time is central to the study of aging, but multiple dimensions of time, especially its subjective sense, merit more systematic attention in gerontology. This essay honors the intellectual legacy of Karl Mannheim, Bernice Neugarten, Matilda Riley, and others for drawing attention to the social dimensions of time relevant for the scientific study of aging. I summarize major contributions of these social scientists for the study of aging and note points of overlap and distinction. Although their writings have led gerontologists to think more systematically about life course timing and trajectories, there is relatively little empirical research on temporal perceptions in such trajectories and the interplay of objective and subjective elements of time.
Abdominal Wall Reconstruction With the Free Tensor Fascia Lata Musculofasciocutaneous Flap Using Intraperitoneal Gastroepiploic Recipient Vessels

The authors report their experience with a method for definitive abdominal wall reconstruction using the free tensor fascia lata musculofasciocutaneous flap anastomosed to the intraperitoneal gastroepiploic vessels. This is a single-stage reconstruction capable of reconstructing reliably a full-thickness defect involving any region of the abdominal wall. The fascial component of the flap reconstructs the abdominal wall with like tissue, and the cutaneous portion of the free tensor fascia lata provides a durable and aesthetically acceptable external cover. The intraperitoneal gastroepiploic artery and vein were the first-choice recipient vessels used in all three patients. These intraperitoneal recipient vessels allow uninterrupted fascial closure, restoring structural integrity to the abdominal wall, and allow the use of free flaps with short vascular pedicles. The authors present a series of three cases of full-thickness upper and lower abdominal wall reconstruction using this method, presenting its advantages compared with other methods.
Gaze-contingent real-time simulation of arbitrary visual fields

We describe an algorithm and software for creating variable resolution displays in real time, contingent upon the direction of gaze. The algorithm takes as input a video sequence and an arbitrary, real-valued, two-dimensional map that specifies a desired amount of filtering (blur) at each pixel location relative to direction of gaze. For each input video image the follow operations are performed: (1) the image is coded as a multi-resolution pyramid, (2) the gaze direction is measured, (3) the resolution map is shifted to the gaze direction, (4) the desired filtering at each pixel location is achieved by interpolating between levels of the pyramid using the resolution map, and (5) the interpolated image is displayed. The transfer function associated with each level of the pyramid is calibrated beforehand so that the interpolation produces exactly the desired amount of filtering at each pixel. This algorithm produces precision, artifactfree displays in 8-bit grayscale or 24-bit color. The software can process live or prerecorded video at over 60 frames per second on ordinary personal computers without special hardware. Direction of gaze for each processed video frame may be taken from an eye-tracker, from a sequence of directions saved on disk, or from another pointing device (such as a mouse). The software is demonstrated by simulating the visual fields of normals and of patients with low vision. We are currently using the software to precisely control retinal stimulation during complex tasks such as extended visual search.
Performance Characteristics of Hybrid MPI/OpenMP Scientific Applications on a Large-Scale Multithreaded BlueGene/Q Supercomputer

In this paper, we investigate the performance characteristics of five hybrid MPI/OpenMP scientific applications (two NAS Parallel benchmarks Multi-Zone SP-MZ and BT-MZ, an earthquake simulation PEQdyna, an aerospace application PMLB and a 3D particle-in-cell application GTC) on a large-scale multithreaded Blue Gene/Q supercomputer at Argonne National laboratory, and quantify the performance gap resulting from using different number of threads per node. We use performance tools and MPI profile and trace libraries available on the supercomputer to analyze and compare the performance of these hybrid scientific applications with increasing the number OpenMP threads per node, and find that increasing the number of threads to some extent saturates or worsens performance of these hybrid applications. For the strong-scaling hybrid scientific applications such as SP-MZ, BT-MZ, PEQdyna and PLMB, using 32 threads per node results in much better application efficiency than using 64 threads per node, and as increasing the number of threads per node, the FPU (Floating Point Unit) percentage decreases, and the MPI percentage (except PMLB) and IPC (Instructions per cycle) per core (except BT-MZ) increase. For the weak-scaling hybrid scientific application such as GTC, the performance trend (relative speedup) is very similar with increasing number of threads per node no matter how many nodes (32, 128, 512) are used.
Comparison of the FilmArray Respiratory Panel and Prodesse Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection of Respiratory Pathogens

We compared the diagnostic performance and overall respiratory pathogen detection rate of the premarket version of the FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) multiplex PCR assay (Idaho Technology, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT) with those of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared Prodesse ProFlu+, ProFAST+, ProParaflu+, Pro hMPV+, and ProAdeno+ real-time PCR assays (Gen-Probe, San Diego, CA). The assays were performed on a panel of 192 nasopharyngeal-secretion specimens collected from 81 children under 1 year of age with upper respiratory tract symptoms. To resolve discordant results and confirm pathogens detected only by the larger FilmArray panel, we performed laboratory-developed real-time PCR assays. Among viruses detectable by both commercial assays (adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, parainfluenza viruses 1 to 3, and respiratory syncytial virus), the FilmArray and Prodesse assays showed good overall agreement (181/192 [94.3%]; kappa = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.94). FilmArray RP detected more parainfluenza viruses 1 and 3 than ProParaflu+ (18 versus 13) while ProAdeno+ detected more adenoviruses (11 versus 6), but these differences were not statistically significant. Additionally, FilmArray RP detected 138 pathogens (confirmed as true positives) not included in the Prodesse assays (rhinovirus [RV]/enterovirus [EV], 118; bocavirus, 8; coronavirus, 7; parainfluenza virus 4, 4; Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 1). FilmArray RP was cleared by the FDA following the completion of this study. The FDA-cleared version includes the following targets: adenovirus, coronaviruses HKU1 and NL63, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), influenza A virus (to type level only), influenza A H1 seasonal virus, influenza A H3 seasonal virus, influenza A virus H1-2009, influenza B virus, parainfluenza viruses 1 to 4, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and RV/EV (no differentiation). The larger panel in the FilmArray RP assay allowed the detection of additional respiratory pathogens compared to the Prodesse assays. In this population of young children with upper respiratory tract infection, RV/EV accounted for the majority of the additional pathogens detected by FilmArray RP.
Orientation of amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) by tensile drawing, roll-drawing, and die-drawing

Orientation of initially amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) films and sheets was carried out by means of tensile drawing in a tensile tester, roll-drawing using a series of four rolling stations, and by die-drawing. The drawing temperature was 80 and 90°C and drawing rate ranged from 2 to 20 cm/min in the different processes. Crystallinity was observed to increase with draw ratio for all these processes. The onset of crystallinity development depends on the drawing rate. The glass transition temperature was essentially constant and crystallization temperature decreased with increasing draw ratio. The trans conformers content was observed to increase with draw ratio at the expense of the gauche conformers for the three processes. The orientation of the trans conformers increases readily from the beginning of draw and saturates rapidly. The orientation of the gauche conformers was negligible. Some differences are observed for the behavior of the 1020 and 730 cm -1 benzene ring bands, which may be due to differences in the benzene ring configuration at the surface as a result of different deformation mechanisms for the die and roll-drawing. However, further investigations to elucidate this hypothesis are needed. The mechanical properties obtained in the longitudinal direction increased for all the processes. In the transverse direction, the roll and die-drawing processes induced a decrease in modulus and strength with increasing draw ratio, similar to that observed for uniaxial orientation. This indicates that these processes are mainly uniaxial, despite the plane strain nature of the deformation.
Dopamine depletion causes fragmented clustering of neurons in the sensorimotor striatum: Evidence of lasting reorganization of corticostriatal input

Firing during sensorimotor exam was used to categorize single neurons in the lateral striatum of awake, unrestrained rats. Five rats received unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle to deplete striatal dopamine (DA; >98% depletion, postmortem assay). Three months after treatment, rats exhibited exaggerated rotational behavior induced by L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and contralateral sensory neglect. Electrode track “depth profiles” on the DA-depleted side showed fragmented clustering of neurons related to sensorimotor activity of single body parts (SBP neurons). Clusters were smaller than normal, and more SBP neurons were observed in isolation, outside of clusters. More body parts were represented per unit volume. No recovery in these measures was observed up to one year post lesion. Overall distributions of neurons related to different body parts were not altered. The fragmentation of SBP clusters after DA depletion indicates that a percentage of striatal SBP neurons switched responsiveness from one body part to one or more different body parts. Because the specific firing that characterizes striatal SBP neurons is mediated by corticostriatal inputs (Liles and Updyke [1985] Brain Res. 339:245–255), the data indicate that DA depletion resulted in a reorganization of corticostriatal connections, perhaps via unmasking or sprouting of connections to adjacent clusters of striatal neurons. After reorganization, sensory activity in a localized body part activates striatal neurons that have switched to that body part. In turn, switched signals sent from basal ganglia to premotor and motor neurons, which likely retain their original connections, would create mismatches in these normally precise topographic connections. Switched signals could partially explain parkinsonian deficits in motor functions involving somatosensory guidance and their intractability to L-DOPA therapy—particularly if the switching involves sprouting. J. Comp. Neurol. 452:24–37, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ab initio protein structure assembly using continuous structure fragments and optimized knowledge-based force field.

Ab initio protein folding is one of the major unsolved problems in computational biology due to the difficulties in force field design and conformational search. We developed a novel program, QUARK, for template-free protein structure prediction. Query sequences are first broken into fragments of 1–20 residues where multiple fragment structures are retrieved at each position from unrelated experimental structures. Full-length structure models are then assembled from fragments using replica-exchange Monte Carlo simulations, which are guided by a composite knowledge-based force field. A number of novel energy terms and Monte Carlo movements are introduced and the particular contributions to enhancing the efficiency of both force field and search engine are analyzed in detail. QUARK prediction procedure is depicted and tested on the structure modeling of 145 non-homologous proteins. Although no global templates are used and all fragments from experimental structures with template modeling score (TM-score) >0.5 are excluded, QUARK can successfully construct 3D models of correct folds in 1/3 cases of short proteins up to 100 residues. In the ninth community-wide Critical Assessment of protein Structure Prediction (CASP9) experiment, QUARK server outperformed the second and third best servers by 18% and 47% based on the cumulative Z-score of global distance test-total (GDT-TS) scores in the free modeling (FM) category. Although ab initio protein folding remains a significant challenge, these data demonstrate new progress towards the solution of the most important problem in the field.
A Reliability-Based Robust Design Methodology

Mathematical optimization plays an important role in engineering design, leading to greatly improved performance. Deterministic optimization however, can lead to undesired choices because it neglects input and model uncertainty. Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) and robust design improve optimization by considering uncertainty. A design is called reliable if it meets all performance targets in the presence of variation/uncertainty and robust if it is insensitive to variation/uncertainty. Ultimately, a design should be optimal, reliable, and robust. Usually, some of the deterministic optimality is traded-off in order for the design to be reliable and/or robust. This paper describes the state-of-the-art in assessing reliability and robustness in engineering design and proposes a new unifying formulation. The principles of deterministic optimality, reliability and robustness are first defined. Subsequently, the design compromises for simultaneously achieving optimality, reliability and robustness are illustrated. Emphasis is given to a unifying probabilistic optimization formulation for both reliability-based and robust design, including variation of all performance measures. The robust engineering problem is investigated as a part of a "generalized" RBDO problem. Because conventional RBDO optimizes the mean performance, its objective is only a function of deterministic design variables and the means of the random design variables. The conventional RBDO formulation is expanded to include performance variation as a design criterion. This results in a multi-objective optimization problem even with a single performance criterion. A preference aggregation method is used to compute the entire Pareto frontier efficiently. Examples illustrate the concepts and demonstrate their applicability.
Gastric adenocarcinoma: a comparison of the accuracy and economics of staging by computed tomography and surgery.

Abstract We studied a series of 22 patients with proven gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent upper gastrointestinal radiography, computed tomography, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and/or surgical exploration and resection. Based on the computed tomographic findings, gastric carcinoma was classified into one of four stages: stage 1, intraluminal masses without gastric wall thickening; stage 2, gastric wall thickening (> 1 cm) and exophytic masses; stage 3, gastric wall thickening and contiguous spread of tumor into adjacent organs such as the pancreas, spleen, liver, transverse mesocolon, or esophagus; and stage 4, gastric wall thickening with distant metastatic disease. The stage of gastric malignancy as determined by computed tomography was correlated with presenting symptoms, location of tumor, upper GI findings, endoscopy, and findings of surgical exploration. The cost and estimated initial saving realized by performing routine preoperative gastric computed tomographic examinations were analyzed. Our results indicated that computed tomographic staging of gastrointestinal malignancy correlated closely with surgical findings and compared with other modalities, local extension, regional adenopathy, and the size of the tumor mass were better evaluated by computed tomography. Computed tomographic staging of gastric tumors cost $7150 and resulted in an estimated initial savings of $35,000–$56,000. The results of this study indicated that computed tomography is an accurate, cost effective method of preoperatively staging gastric carcinoma, capable of providing staging information heretofore only available by surgical exploration.
Taguchi method or Compromise Programming as Robust Design optimization tool: The case of a flexible manufacturing system

Competitive advantage of a firm is usually reflected through its superiority in production resources and performance outcomes. In order to achieve high performance (e.g., productivity) and significantly improve product quality, major US industries have promoted and implemented Robust Design (RD) techniques during the last decade. RD is a cost-effective procedure for determining the optimal settings of the control factors that make the product performance insensitive to the influence of noise factors. In this research, we employ and compare two RD optimum-seeking methods to optimize a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Taguchi Method (TM), which uses robust design concept, i.e., Signal-To-Noise Ratio (S/N) to reduce the output variation, is applied first. Taguchi's approach to robust design drawn much criticism because it relies on the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for the optimization procedure. Because of this paramount criticism, a second method known as the Compromise Programming (CP) approach, i.e., the weighted Tchebycheff, is also used. This method formulates the robust design as a bi-objective robust design (BORD) problem by taking into account the two aspects of the RD problem, i.e. minimize the variation and optimize the mean. This approach seeks to determine the RD solution which is guaranteed to belong to the set of efficient solutions (Pareto points). Both methods use a RD formulation to determine an optimal and robust configuration of the system under study. The results gained through simulations and analytical formulations show that the current ways of handling the multiple aspects of the RD problem by using Taguchi's S/N ratio may not be adequate.
1D models for enzymatic biological fuel cells

Enzyme electrocatalysts offer a unique approach to fuel cell system design by broadening the range of fuel and oxidants available expanding the library of low cost organic and transition metal catalysts. Increased understanding of redox enzymes will further our ability to design catalyst active sites and possibly lead to breakthroughs in enzyme electrocatalytic technology. The design and analysis of bioelectrocatalytic systems, not only for fuel cells but also for biosensor and bioconversion applications, requires detailed quantitative understanding of the physicochemical phenomena controlling such systems (kinetics, mass transport etc.). Similarly, building real-world systems with bioelectrocatalysts requires engineering approaches to predict the effect of length scales on device performance. This article describes some modeling approaches for enzymatic fuel cells that are applicable to many other systems, including biosensors and bioreactors, with some emphasis on recent advances. We discuss basic thin film 1D models and their analytical and numerical solutions, and then introduce the treatment of porous bioelectrodes, which covers the vast majority of practical devices. Finally we describe one type of complete cell model.
Predominance of Central Self-Descriptive Adjectives in Random Time Interval Self-Reports

In studying self-concept, Gergen (1971) has identified self-attribute centrality as one of the three prominent factors affecting salience of self-attribute. The present study tested Gergen's assertion by using two different forms of self-assessment. The first was a general form in which the person gave an over-all self-description not tied to specific situations and in which he weighted each description in terms of its centrality to self-concept. In the second form, the person, using the over-all description as a source pool, repeatedly gave specific self-descriptions at randomly selected times of the day to provide a measure of the salience of specific aspects of the more general form. It was predicted than central aspects of self-concept would be more salient than less central aspects in the momentary self-descriptions of individuals. A secondary interest was whether the relationship between centrality and salience of an attribute would be greater for people who tended in general to be more aware of their own thoughts and feelings, i.e., higher on private self-consciousness (Fenigstein, Scheier, & Buss, 1975 ) . Forty undergraduate volunteers (20 males and 20 females), preselected for high or low private self-consciousness, described themselves using the Adjective Check List (Gough, 1952), marking adjectives that wer: "very descriptive" and those that were merely "descriptive." Subjects were then given a pouch containing an electronic random timer set at a mean 90-min. interval and a booklet in which each page listed the adjectives they had checked. Subjects carried the pouch for two days completing one page whenever the timer buzzed by describing themselves during the past 10 min. Results indicated no'.sex differences = .07), no differences due to level of private self-consciousness (F,.aa = 2.52), nor any interactions. However, results did indicate that, when subjects described themselves at specific moments in time, their self-descriptions contained a greater percentage of very descriptive adjectives than did the general description of self (K,sa = 13.63). These results support Gergen by suggesting that central aspects of self-concept identified through a general self-assessment technique are the aspects most likely to be predominant in the person's moment-by-moment self-assessments.
Introducing SE-FIT: Surface Evolver - Fluid Interface Tool for Studying Capillary Surfaces

As an efficient program for studying capillary surfaces, Surface Evolver (SE) has a steep learning curve and is without a user-friendly graphical user interface. Here, we describe a new SE-based program, the Surface Evolver - Fluid Interface Tool (SE-FIT, pronounced ‘see-fit’). SE-FIT has been developed to dramatically broaden the application of SE and provide a user-friendly tool for studying the shape and stability of capillary surfaces. SE-FIT retains the core strengths of SE but adds a Windows-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) to interface with SE’s command-line functions. SE-FIT uses an intermediate text file layer to communicate with SE, automatically generating session logs while ensuring seamless communication between SE and the GUI. Groups of pre-defined geometric elements, such as spacecraft propellant tanks, have been created to enable rapid assembly of user-specified configurations. More generally, certain CAD/CAM drawing files generated from third-party software can be imported as well. For run-time processing, a general convergence algorithm has been developed to make the convergence computation a real routine. Features that enable batch process of parameter sweeps have been created. A real-time total energy variation graph and a histogram table are made available as convergence diagnostic tools. SE-FIT features utility tools including a parameter list table and a file explorer. A built-in text editor is included to facilitate editing and debugging of SE geometry and script files. Post-processing features include exporting data such as the container and interface geometry as an image file, and other file formats for further CFD simulations or rendering. A standalone SE data-file viewer enables real-time graphical viewing. These and other features make SE-FIT a unique software tool for rapidly calculating the shape and stability of capillary surfaces in complex geometric settings with an efficiency at least an order of magnitude greater than that of existing CFD programs.
Synthesis and Properties of Metal–Ligand Complexes with Endohedral Amine Functionality

A series of tetracationic M2L4 palladium-pyridyl complexes with endohedral amine functionality have been synthesized. The complexes were analyzed by NMR techniques (including Diffusion NMR and 2D NOESY), electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. The solid state analysis shows a large change in crystal morphology upon introduction of the endohedral amine groups, caused by deleterious interactions between the amines and the triflate counterions from the coordination process. Combination of different ligands allows analysis of ligand exchange rates via NMR analysis, with half-lives on the order of 3 h, independent of the donor properties of the ligand. Self-sorting behavior is observed, with more electron-rich ligands being favored. The amine-containing and extended complexes are strongly fluorescent, giving quantum yields of up to 83%.
The Osservatore Romano and Fascism: The Beginning of a New Era in Church-State Relations, October 1922–July 1923

In July 1861, the Osservatore Romano was first issued with both the approval and financial assistance of Pope Pius IX. From the beginning, the Osservatore assumed an official character; it was to make the V atican's position clear on various issues and to engage in a special struggle with an antagonistic Italian government. A Catholic layman edited the paper under the general supervision of the Vatican Secretary of State. At times, the Secretary of State used the paper directly to write articles too important to be left to anyone else.1 In addition, the Osservatore was the only paper permitted to print official documents, letters, and encyclicals of the Holy See. The historian, therefore, will find this paper an extremely valuable source toward understanding the public attitude of the Vatican toward movements and issues in Italian politics through the years. Certainly, the major political movement experienced by the Italians in the twentieth century was Fascism. After King Victor Emmanuel III refused to sign a decree estab lishing martial law aimed at stopping the Fascist March on Rome and after the fall of the ineffective government of Luigi Facta, the King asked Benito Mussolini to form a government. With only thirty-five Fascists in the Chamber of Deputies, Mussolini found it necessary to form a coalition government on 30 October 1922. During the next
Is Every Continuous Function Uniformly Continuous

(1984). Is Every Continuous Function Uniformly Continuous? Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 169-173.
THE FATE OF EPIDERMAL DESMOSOMES IN MAMMALIAN SKIN.

1. The fine structure of epidermal desmosomes and hemi-desmosomes has been studied in the different layers of the epidermis of anterior abdominal wall skin of guinea-pigs. The tissue was embedded in epoxy resins and the sections were stained with uranyl acetate. 2. In the basal layer, the stratum spinosum and in the deeper layers of the stratum granulosum the desmosomes had the same characteristic structure. Each consisted of localized areas of thickening of the cell membrane of two contiguous keratinocytes. As seen in section the total width of the desmosome was about 700–850 A units. When cut tangentially the membrane thickenings were round or oval in shape and measured about 0.25–0.7 μ in diameter. In the intercellular interval between the thickenings and running parallel to them were situated three thin electron dense laminae. Converging to be attached to the intracellular surface of each thickening were bundles of tonofilaments. None of the tonofilaments crossed the intercellular space between the thickenings. 3. At the junction between the stratum granulosum and the stratum corneum the structure of the desmosomes changed. The cell membrane of the stratum corneum cell showed considerable overall thickening and the desmosomal thickening could no longer be identified. In many of the desmosomes the dense intercellular laminae were partly fused together and in some of them the process of fusion was complete. In the deeper layers of the stratum corneum the now fused laminae formed a single dense fusiform body between the apposed cell membranes. In the intermediate layers the solid bodies became enlarged and were oval in shape. In the superficial layers of the stratum corneum the interior of each body showed signs of breaking down leaving a well defined limiting membrane. In the region where exfoliation was occurring, the limiting membrane of the intercellular bodies degenerated and the vesicular structures ruptured. 4. Hemi-desmosomes were found on the part of the cell membrane of the keratinocyte adjacent to the basement membrane. Each consisted of a localized area of thickening of the cell membrane and a precisely apposed thickening of the basement membrane. Within the interval and lying close to the cell membrane thickening and parallel to it was a single thin electron dense lamina. 5. The dendritic cells of the epidermis were seen to be lying free between adjacent keratinocytes and the basement membrane, there being no desmosomes or hemi-desmosomes. The dendritic processes of these cells extended out between adjacent keratinocytes and insinuated themselves between adjacent desmosomes. 6. The functional significance of the desmosome and hemi-desmosome was considered. The relationship between the desmosome and its dynamic environment was discussed.
Wireframing for interactive & web-based geographic visualization: designing the NOAA Lake Level Viewer

In this article, we explore the potential of wireframe design and evaluation for interactive and web-based mapping through a case study on water level visualization. Specifically, our research info...
The Empirical Study of China's Modern Agriculture Construction

The paper analyzes and evaluates the construction of modern agriculture of all the provinces(districts/municipalities)with the employment of multivariable statistics method.According to the assessment we find:Modern agriculture reaches at the advanced level in Beijing and Shanghai;Modern agriculture reaches at the intermediate level in Tianjian,Zhejiang,Guangdong,Jiangshu;Modern agriculture reaches at the elementary level in Shandong,Heilongjiang,Liaoning,Fujian,Jiling,Shichuan;Modern agriculture only reaches at the starting point at Hebei,Anhui,Hunan,Hubei,Jiangxi,Henan,Chongqian,Guangxi,Shaanxi,Shanxi,Neimenggu,Yunnan,Hainan,Guizhou,Xinjiang,Gansu,Qianhai,Ningxia and Xizang.
Use, Misuse, and Limitations of Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) for Natural Resource Management

Detection of ecological thresholds has broad relevance to management of ecosystems. However, ecological community data present a distinct problem because current statistical methods used for identifying thresholds were not developed for analysis of multiple, individual species abundances. We developed a new method, Threshold Indicator Taxa ANalysis (TITAN), specifically to deal with some of the limitations of existing methods for estimating community thresholds. Our objectives in this chapter are to (1) summarize the theoretical basis for the method and related methods, (2) provide a brief overview of how it works, (3) use a real data set to illustrate an application of the method, and (4) conclude the chapter by addressing several issues related to the appropriate use of the method, misconceptions about how it works or what the results mean, and limitations that could lead to erroneous conclusions. We explain that step-function conceptualizations of community thresholds are not sufficiently inclusive of all the response forms that satisfy threshold criteria, how gradual responses of univariate community metrics do not rule out community thresholds, and that linear regression techniques do not provide an adequate test for the absence of thresholds, especially in the presence of long environmental gradients. We note substantial misunderstanding in the recent literature regarding appropriate use and interpretation of statistical change points identified by taxon-specific analysis in TITAN, that univariate community metrics are inappropriate response variables for such analyses, and that extreme variation in the density of the sample distribution can affect results of any method, including TITAN. We end by reminding users that despite the additional insight it brings to community analysis, TITAN is neither a causal analysis nor a black box for developing regulatory criteria. Instead, we intend TITAN to complement current analytical approaches, while highlighting assumptions and flaws in the broader paradigms in which they are often applied.
Biological Treatment of Leachates of Microaerobic Fermentation

Experiments in chapter 2 showed that pre-processing of fibrous lignocellulosic (FLC) materials by microaerobic fermentation (MF) was insufficient and may require more thorough leachate treatment to increase polymer degradation. Leachate processing is often performed through microbial methods facilitated by various aeration regimes. This research compared these aeration methods with a novel larvae-based processing biotechnology. The evolution of biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and pH were monitored. Microbial treatments stabilized pH and decreased leachate’s COD and BOD in about 2 months. Black Soldier fly larvae (BSFL) processing accelerated leachate treatment to within 2 7 days. Optimal processing occurred in treatments with the largest concentrations of BSFL (0.5 g/ml and 0.25 g/ml) followed by those with fewest larvae (0 g/ml and 0.005 g/ml). This suggests that low levels of BSFL can process leachate through a synergistic relationship with leachate microorganisms, while still producing valuable larval biomass. Finally, BSFL were shown to compete with naturally occurring leachate fungal species for essential nutrients. These data indicate that management of the leachate microbial community is needed to maintain optimal BSFL processing capacity in the Hermetia module of the integrated MF
Hadro-Production of Quarkonia in Fixed Target Experiments

In this talk I review the recent progress made in the calculations of quarkonia production in fixed target experiments. NRQCD organizes the calculations in a systematic expansion in αs and v, the relative velocity between the heavy quarks. Within this formalism there are octet contributions which are not included in the color singlet model. These contributions depend upon unknown matrix elements of local operators which are fit to the data. Using these fits, there are several predictions which do indeed improve agreement with the data. However, the prediction for the polarization of the produced states as well as the ratio of the χ1 to χ2 cross sections differ substantially from the data for the case of pion beams. Possible large corrections from higher twist effects are discussed as is the issue of the the proper choice of masses.
Chinese Americans’ Views and Use of Family Health History: A Qualitative Study

Objective Family health history (FHH) plays a significant role in early disease detection and prevention. Although Asian Americans are the fastest growing U.S. immigrant group, no data exists regarding Chinese Americans’ (the largest Asian subgroup) views and use of FHH. This study examines this important issue. Methods Forty-nine adults from southern U.S. Chinese American communities participated in this qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth interview study. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with a content analysis approach. Results Although the majority of participants perceived the importance of collecting FHH, most lacked FHH knowledge and failed to collect FHH information. Barriers affecting FHH collection and discussion among family members included long-distance separation from family members, self-defined “healthy family,” and Chinese cultural beliefs. Lack of doctors’ inquiries, never/rarely visiting physicians, self-defined “healthy family,” perceived insignificance of discussing FHH with doctors, and Chinese cultural beliefs were the obstacles in communicating FHH with physicians. Conclusions Chinese Americans had limited usage of their FHH and faced cultural, distance, knowledge-, and healthcare system-related barriers that influenced their FHH use. Developing FHH education programs for Chinese Americans is highly recommended.
Cord Blood Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Umbilical cord blood (CB) can provide a virtually unlimited source of diverse stem cells that can be used for hematologic transplants as well as in a variety of regenerative medicine applications. Cord blood units can be frozen and preserved in liquid nitrogen dewars for prolonged periods of time, having been frozen in time at the peak of their biological activity. Multipotent stem cells are available in large numbers in both umbilical cord blood (CB) and cord tissue (CT). CB stem cells are capable of giving rise to hematopoietic, epithelial, endothelial, and neural tissues both in vitro and in vivo. CT stem cells are capable of giving rise to various mesenchymal lineages, including bone, cartilage, and fat. Thus, CB and CT stem cells are candidates to develop stem-cell-based therapies for a wide variety of diseases, including cardiovascular, ophthalmic, orthopedic, neurological, and endocrine diseases. CB and CT have now been used in several regenerative medicine clinical studies, examples of which include cerebral palsy and non-healing bone fractures. CB and CT represent an invaluable source of stem cells that have both immediate and future applications for the individual donor.
Thermal stability of low-resistance Au Ohmic contacts to GeTe

Abstract Low-resistance Ohmic contacts for phase change materials (PCMs) such as GeTe are required for devices such as radio frequency switches. The contacts must also exhibit good thermal stability since the PCM is switched by heating. In this work, Au Ohmic contacts to GeTe have been examined, including the effect of pre-metallization surface preparation and annealing on the resistance of the contacts. Although some form of pre-metallization surface treatment must be performed after photolithography to produce contacts with low resistance, the contact resistance (Rc) and specific contact resistance (ρc) were insensitive to the pre-metallization surface treatment chosen, whether in-situ Ar+ plasma treatment was used, or UV-O3 treatments followed by immersion in deionized H2O, (NH4)2S, or HCl. In all cases, Rc was 0.007 ± 0.001 Ω·mm and ρc was 1.2–1.3 × 10− 8 Ω·cm2. Thermal stability was also investigated at 250, 300, and 350 °C for 30 min. The contact resistance increased as annealing temperature increased, and changes in the contacts were observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. No solid-state reaction occurred between Au and GeTe, even at 350 °C. Rather, the increase in resistance could be attributed to slit-like defects that appeared and grew in the Au layer, through which sublimation of Te occurred.
The Algae Foundation® and algal-based education initiatives

The Algae Foundation®, an American non-profit organization formed in February 2013, is developing a rich portfolio of algal-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives. The Algae Foundation’s efforts include the following: (1) formation of the Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC); (2) development of two community college degrees: (i) Algal Biology and Cultivation and (ii) Algal Biotechnology; (3) development of the Algae Cultivation Extension Short-courses (ACES); (4) kindergarten to 12th grade (K–12) algal-based STEM curriculum initiatives; (5) student scholarships; and (6) funding of the revision of the Industrial Algae Measurements publication. The Algae Foundation® has been supported by more than 50 volunteers dedicating their time and intellectual capital to achieving its stated goals. The ATEC effort has initiated its first degree program in Algal Biology and Cultivation at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), New Mexico, USA, in the Fall 2016 semester. The Algal Biotechnology degree program is scheduled to start in the Fall 2017 semester at Austin Community College (ACC), Texas, USA. A K–12 algal-based STEM initiative completed its pilot debut at the Aviara Oaks Middle School, Carlsbad, California, USA, in Spring 2016. The expansion of the algal curriculum K–12 program will reach 50 schools in 2017 to be followed by a national rollout in 2018.
Influence of ∗OH adsorbates on the potentiodynamics of the CO2 generation during the electro-oxidation of ethanol

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) are a promising technology for the generation of electricity via the direct conversion of ethanol into CO2, showing higher thermodynamic efficiency and volumetric energy density than hydrogen fuel cells. However, implementation of DEFCs is hampered by the low CO2 selectivity during the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Comprehensive understanding of the electro-kinetics and reaction pathways of CO2 generation via CC bond-breaking is not only a fundamental question for electro-catalysis, but also a key technological challenge since practical implementation of DEFC technology is contingent on its ability to selectively oxidize ethanol into CO2 to achieve exceptional energy density through 12-electron transfer reaction. Here, we present comprehensive in situ potentiodynamics studies of CO2 generation during the EOR on Pt, Pt/SnO2 and Pt/Rh/SnO2 catalysts using a house-made electrochemical cell equipped with a CO2 microelectrode. Highly sensitive CO2 measurements enable the real time detection of the partial pressure of CO2 during linear sweep voltammetry measurements, through which electro-kinetics details of CO2 generation can be obtained. In situ CO2 measurements provide the mechanistic understanding of potentiodynamics of the EOR, particularly the influence of ∗OH adsorbates on CO2 generation rate and selectivity. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations of Pt, Pt/SnO2, and Pt/Rh/SnO2 surfaces clarify reaction details over these catalysts. Our results show that at low potentials, inadequate ∗OH adsorbates impair the removal of reaction intermediates, and thus Pt/Rh/SnO2 exhibited the best performance toward CO2 generation, while at high potentials, Rh sites were overwhelmingly occupied (poisoned) by ∗OH adsorbates, and thus Pt/SnO2 exhibited the best performance toward CO2 generation.
The Aesthetics of Nature

Recent aesthetic thought has returned from the study of art to the aesthetics of nature as our own rootage. Animal monopolarity driven by need evolves into human bipolarity detached from need and oriented toward the Whole which grounds the capacity to transform nature for practical and for aesthetic purposes. This chapter looks at how the arts arise within the human relation to nature, drawing upon its rhythms and energies. We go back to pristine nature to escape from our daily lives, but we also bring nature into those lives through landscaping and gardening.
Factors associated with inter-arm blood pressure differences in patients admitted to critical care units.

Abstract Background Experts recommend obtaining one-time dual- (inter)-arm blood pressure (BP) measurements to predict cardiovascular morbidity risk. Objectives To determine differences in inter-arm systolic (S)/diastolic (D) BPs obtained simultaneously and sequentially and examine associations between patient factors and clinical outcomes and inter-arm BP differences. Method A comparative study of adults treated in intensive care; multivariable logistic models were created to determine the extent that inter-arm BP differences predicted outcomes. Results Of 427 adults in intensive care units, 31.8% had differences of >10 mmHg on simultaneous measurement and 35.1% had differences of >10 mmHg on sequential measurement; differences >15 mmHg were 17.9% and 19.8%, respectively. After controlling for patient factors, simultaneous inter-arm DBP differences >15 mmHg were associated with shorter hospital and longer intensive care length of stay (p = 0.031 and 0.029, respectively) and a 79% reduction in the likelihood of discharge to home (p = 0.009). Conclusions Simultaneous inter-arm DBP differences >15 mmHg were associated with clinical outcomes.
Extended endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial (EESI) approach for a complex pineal region tumour—a technical note

Endoscopic-assisted approaches have been shown to be a suitable alternative to the standard microscopic approach to pineal region tumours. With extension laterally into the ventricles, the 0° endoscope and microscope have significant limitations. We describe the extended endoscopic supracerebellar infratentorial (EESI) approach using angled endoscopes for a complex pineal region tumour that extended into the lateral ventricle. A 15-year-old boy presented with headaches and ataxia. MRI revealed a pineal region tumour extending into the lateral ventricle. The patient was positioned in the sitting position. The supracerebellar infratentorial corridor was accessed through a small craniotomy. The tumour was resected completely via the endoscope. Postoperatively, the patient’s symptoms resolved completely. We believe that this case highlights the benefit of using the endoscopic extended supracerebellar infratentorial (EESI) approach to resect pineal region lesions that extend beyond the midline.
Silage review: Recent advances and future technologies for whole-plant and fractionated corn silage harvesting

Over the last 25 years, whole-plant corn silage has become an important and popular feedstuff for dairy production. Copious research has been dedicated to the development and evaluation of alternatives to enhance the nutritive value of whole-plant corn silage. These efforts have been aimed at manipulating the physical and chemical characteristics of whole-plant corn silage in an effort to maximize dairy profitability. Results from this review indicate that optimization of harvest maturity, kernel processing, theoretical length of cut, and cutting height improve or maintain the nutritive value and milk production of lactating dairy cows. Technological advancements have been developed and made available to dairy producers and corn growers desiring to enhance fiber and starch digestibility of whole-plant corn silage. Future research should be directed toward further assessment of new processors available in the market and the development of assessment methods for optimization of crop processor settings, harvest efficiency, and nutritional modeling.
Finite Dimensional Indecomposable Representations of the Poincare Algebra

The Poincare algebra P = iso(3,1) is an example of a non-semi-simple Lie algebra. More precisely, it is a semi-direct product of the Lorentz algebra L = so(3,1) and the algebra of translations K in the 4-dimensional Minkowski’s space-time.
WAVE PROPAGATION PHENOMENA IN TWO-PHASE FLOW

Abstract This chapter presents data and a one-dimensional two-fluid model analysis of pressure and void waves. Both linear and nonlinear analysis are performed. The analytical linkage between standing and propagation pressure waves, as well as critical flow, is developed. The well-posedness of a two-fluid model is found to be determined by the void wave eigenvalues, which are, in turn, determined by the closure conditions. Moreover, the criterion for the formation of void shocks and solitons is given. It is shown that wave propagation phenomena may be quite sensitive to the closure laws used in the two-fluid models. As a consequence pressure and void wave data are very useful for two-fluid model assessment.
Colostomy and Ileostomy Care

Fecal diversion by means of a stoma has revolutionized the treatment of several abdominal conditions. Since its inception years ago, the use of fecal diversion has allowed clinicians the ability to treat conditions like gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, and others.