cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Segregation of Aerosols by Cloud-Nucleating Activity. Part I: Design, Construction, and Testing of A High-Flux Thermal Diffusion Cloud Chamber for Mass Separation

Abstract We describe a thermal diffusion cloud chamber operated in series with an aerodynamic dichotomous separator that can segregate aerosol particles by their abilities to nucleate cloud droplets. The apparatus takes advantage of compensating gradients in flow velocities and supersaturations to operate with an effective aperture of 70 cm2 and high flow rates (up to 50 L min−1) to produce narrow distributions of 4–5 μm diameter droplets grown from those particles which would nucleate clouds at a range of supersaturations from 0 to 1%. Subsequent aerodynamic separation of these large droplets from unactivated smaller aerosol particles is achieved with efficiencies exceeding 90%, by mass, at a supersaturation of 0.64% (+0, −0.3%).
A Nonparametric Test For Homogeneity Of Variances: Application To GPAs Of Students Across Academic Majors

We propose a nonparametric (or distribution-free) procedure for testing the equality of several population variances (or scale parameters). The proposed test is a modification of Bakir’s (1989, Commun. Statist., Simul-Comp., 18, 757-775) analysis of means by ranks (ANOMR) procedure for testing the equality of several population means. A proof is given to establish the distribution-free property of the modified procedure. The proposed procedure is then applied to test whether or not the variability in the grade point averages (GPAs) of students differs across five business academic majors. We collect the GPAs (observations) of a random sample of students from each major under study. The absolute deviations of the observations from the overall median of the combined sample are then calculated and ranked from least to largest. The average ranks and two decision lines are then plotted on a graph paper to detect not only the existence of significant differences among variances, but also to pinpoint which variances are causing those differences.
BREEDING DUCKS AND THEIR HABITATS IN THE HIGH PLAINS OF TEXAS

Abstract The High Plains of Texas is one of the southernmost nontraditional breeding areas for many duck species in North America. Because of a paucity of information on breeding ducks there, we conducted roadside surveys of breeding ducks and their habitats during May and June from 1988 through 1992. Breeding pairs of 15 species were observed on 6 types of ponds (natural and man-made wetlands containing surface water). Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) density ranged from 9.1 to 23.1 pairs/100 km2, and density for all species combined ranged from 14.8 to 46.7 pairs/100 km2 (all years and survey periods included). Occupancy rates were highest on playa lakes and impoundments, though all pond types had occupancy rates exceeding 26% (all surveys and years). Duck pairs per occupied pond were highest on playa lakes (>7 and >4 on May and June surveys, respectively), followed by impoundments (>5 and >2) and entrenched draws (>2 and >3). Although the density of breeding pairs in the High Plains of Texas (47 pairs/100 ...
On Aggressive Behavior and Brain Disease — Some Questions and Possible Relationships Derived from the Study of Men and Monkeys

This paper addresses the issue of the relationship between violent or aggressive behavior and disease of the brain, and in particular focuses on the question of the relationship between epilepsy and pathological aggressive behavior. I should say at the outset that there are relatively few things that can be said with certainty in this area; for the most part there are a great many unanswered questions, but they are in large measure researchable. Hopefully we can spell out some of the dimensions of parameters of that research.
Screening of Mixed-Metal Oxide Species for Catalytic Ex Situ Vapor-Phase Deoxygenation of Cellulose by py-GC/MS Coupled with Multivariate Analysis

We present an investigation related to catalytic upgrading of cellulose pyrolysis vapors using mixed-metal oxide catalysts derived from layered double hydroxide precursors. We performed principal component analysis on the pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry data to elucidate changes in the product slate between noncatalytic fast pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis using the oxides of magnesium, aluminum, and zinc, and catalytic pyrolysis using our synthesized mixed-metal oxides containing the same cations. Our investigations demonstrate that the mixed-metal species behave differently than even a physical mixture of their monometal counterparts, and that they are capable of producing more furanic compounds by fast pyrolysis of cellulose. We also demonstrate that the metal ratio and identity in these catalysts impart different selectivities to the resulting product slates. Taken together, these data establish the utility of the mixed-metal oxide catalysts in producing a liquid product with low oxygen ...
Hemorrhagic pituitary apoplexy in an 18 year-old male presenting as non-ketotic hyperglycemic coma (NKHC)

Pituitary apoplexy is an acute clinical event usually caused by hemorrhage or infarction in a pituitary adenoma. We report the unusual case of hemorrhagic pituitary apoplexy in an 18 year-old male with previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with unexplained hyperglycemia (glucose 49.2 mmol/l [887 mg/dl]) and obtundation and in whom an initial diagnosis of non-ketotic hyperglycemic coma (NKHC) was made. MRI revealed a heterogeneous mass arising from an expanded sella turcica into the suprasellar cistern. Despite well-controlled glucose levels on continuous insulin infusion, dexamethasone, and initiation of bromoergocriptine (parlodel) therapy, the patient's vision and pupillary responses deteriorated acutely. Following emergency transphenoidal surgery, the patient's vision and mental status improved. Data confirmed preoperative panhypopituitarism; serum prolactin was 396 ng/ml (microg/l). Immunostudies demonstrated tumoral labeling for prolactin, but not for ACTH, GH, TSH, LH, FSH, or P53.
Research of Design of Engineering Order Execution Monitor for Single Aircraft

Engineering order is the most complex one in the engineering document.The design of engineering order monitor flow is proposed and the efficient monitor of engineering order execution monitor for single aircraft is achieved based on the analysis of the elements of engineering order including effectivity,time limitation,and the flow including compile,feedback and postponement.The flow could be expanded to fit all the other engineering document to achieve the monitor of the execution of all engineering document.
Selection of Aluminium Cable Steel Reinforced with Large Cross-Section in UHVDC Power Transmission Lines

Conductor selection is critical in the design of UHVDC power transmission project,which should not only meet the requirements of electrical and mechanical performance of transmission lines,also should be economic. The technical economy of conductors with different cross-section( 1 000 mm2and 1 250 mm2) and multiple bundled in ± 800 kV and ± 1 100 kV DC transmission lines were compared and analyzed,based on the economic calculation method of total life cycle. The analysis results show that the conductor selection is strongly influenced by power loss hour and feed-in-tariff price,so the conductor selection should comprehensively consider all the factors to determine a reasonable conductor scheme.
Hierarchical Replica Location Approach Based on Load Balance

This paper presents a hierarchical replica location approach based on load balance——RepliLoc.In RepliLoc, replica location isdivided into two layers, one is community layer, and the other community alliance layer.Application layer broadcast is used to locate replica oncommunity layer and matching prefix routing algorithms of Tapestry is used to achieve replica location on community alliance layer.Replicalocation messages are distributed evenly on each node by usiing Hash function and matching prefix to achieve storage load balance.Replica locationis localized by community to achieve computational load balance.
Medical Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults

Chronic rhinosinusitis can be refractory and has detrimental effects not only on symptoms, but also on work absences, work productivity, annual productivity costs, and disease-specific quality of life measures. The pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis continues to evolve. There is evidence that it is driven by various inflammatory pathways and host factors and is not merely an infectious problem, although pathogens, including bacterial biofilms, may certainly contribute to this inflammatory cascade and to treatment resistance. Given this, medical management should be tailored to the specific comorbidities and problems in an individual patient. In addition to treating acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis with amoxicillin-clavulanate, second or third generation cephalosporins, or fluoroquinolones, one must consider if nasal polyps are present, when symptoms and disease severity correlate to mucosal eosinophilia, and there is the best evidence for intranasal corticosteroids and saline irrigation. Asthma worsens severity of chronic rhinosinusitis and it is felt to be mediated by increased leukotrienes, when leukotriene antagonists may be utilized. Cystic fibrosis has a genetic defect and increased mucin, which are potential treatment targets with dornase alfa showing efficacy. Other comorbidities that may impact treatment include allergies, ciliary dyskinesia, immunodeficiency, and possibly allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.
Investigation of Modeling for Non-Premixed Turbulent Combustion

A method for predicting filtered chemical species concentrations and filtered reaction rates in Large-Eddy Simulations of non-premixed, non-isothermal, turbulent reacting flows has been demonstrated to be quite accurate for higher Damkohler numbers. This subgrid-scale model is based on flamelet theory and uses presumed forms for both the dissipation rate and subgrid-scale probability density function of a conserved scalar. Inputs to the model are the chemistry rates, the Favre-filtered scalar, and its subgrid-scale variance and filtered dissipation rate. In this paper, models for the filtered dissipation rate and subgrid-scale variance are evaluated by filtering data from 5123-point Direct Numerical Simulations of a single-step, isothermal reaction developing in the isotropic, incompressible, decaying turbulence field of Comte-Bellot and Corrsin. Both the subgrid-scale variance and the filtered dissipation rate models (the ”sub-models”) are found to be reasonably accurate. The effect of the errors introduced by the sub-models on the overall model is found to be small, and the overall model is shown to accurately predict the spatial average of the filtered species concentrations over a wide range of times.
Recurrence of Metabolic Disorders After Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) has been the preferred method for the treatment of patients with end-stage liver disease of variety of causes. Recurrence of the primary disease after liver transplantation is well known and is more common in certain etiologies of liver disease than others. Transplantation of liver for metabolic disorders not only replaces the diseased liver and corrects the metabolic defect, but also cures the disease permanently and potentially reverses the consequences and complications of the initial abnormalities depending on the severity of the complications, reversibility, and time interval between the diagnosis of the problem and replacement of the liver.
Clinical, Sonographic, and Pathological Characteristics of RAS-Positive Versus BRAF-Positive Thyroid Carcinoma.

Context: Mutations in the BRAF and RAS oncogenes are responsible for most well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Yet, our clinical understanding of how BRAF-positive and RAS-positive thyroid cancers differ is incomplete. Objective: We correlated clinical, radiographic, and pathological findings from patients with thyroid cancer harboring a BRAF or RAS mutation. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Academic, tertiary care hospital. Patients: A total of 101 consecutive patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Main Outcome Measure: We compared the clinical, sonographic, and pathological characteristics of patients with BRAF-positive cancer to those with RAS-positive cancer. Results: Of 101 patients harboring these mutations, 71 were BRAF-positive, whereas 30 were RAS-positive. Upon sonographic evaluation, RAS-positive nodules were significantly larger (P = .04), although BRAF-positive nodules were more likely to harbor concerning sonographic characteristics (hypoechogenicity [P < .001]; irregular...
Rank Reduction For Broadband Waves Incident On A Linear Receiving Aperture

following form: Express a vector function a(t) (or a matrix A) as the product of a constant, rectangular Vandermonde matrix V and a vector function c(t) (or a matrix C). Transformations can be applied to a(t) (or A) to change V, potentially reducing its rank. In processing multichannel outputs from a linear receiving aperture, such a transformation can reduce the rank to the number of plane wave sources present, irrespective of the number of frequencies that each source emits.
Reading Mathematics, Constructing Physics: Fourier and His Readers, 1822–1850

Historians consider that early nineteenth-century French mathematical physics is one of the roots of modern theoretical physics. This is problematic: French mathematical physics is mathematics, not physics. What evolved from this mathematics was the first logically defensible form of the calculus.
ChemoID assay for glioblastoma.

e13028 Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBMs) are brain tumors with low survival rates due to the presence of chemoresistant Glioma Cancer Stem-Like Cells (GCSLCs). Development of a test that i...
The Endless Pursuit of Universal Sense in Friedrich Schlegel’s Political and Aesthetic Thought

Friedrich Schlegel defines and advocates Republican politics, based on a series of ideals that have not yet been realized in the world (freedom, representation, equality), following the tradition of Kant and Rousseau. However, since these ideals cannot be determined to exist in any empirical context, we can only intuit them through a mode of aesthetic experience. Schlegel uses the Romantic ideas of fiction and fragment to analyze aesthetic experience as a mode of experience in which we encounter the relation between the ideal and sensible. Even though we do not ever experience the ideal in the sensible, we have the potential to sense certain events or objects as ‘infinite approximation’ to the ideal. This capacity for aesthetic experience rests on a non-cognitive capacity for agreement within judgment, which Kant calls sensus communis. But unlike Kant, Schlegel regards this sensus communis not as a talent or faculty but as a product of the education that we undergo in our encounter with great works of art.
How Does FDI Respond to the Size of Shadow Economy: An Empirical Analysis under a Gravity Model Setting

Using a panel study under a gravity model setting focusing on data from 1999 to 2007 for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, we show that the size of the shadow economy in the host economy relative to the investor economy can play a significant role in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows. We further explore nonlinearities in how shadow economy differentials affect incoming FDI. Our results match the theoretical predictions which highlight that opportunities for tax evasion can have an impact on the activities of Multinational Corporations.
Replacement-Locks and Dam No. 26: Plans Considered

The existing Lock and Dam No. 26 on the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois has reached its practical capacity and has had a history of settlement and foundation problems to the extent that the integrity of the structure is questionable. Several alternate plans of replacement were considered including dam rehabilitation and lock replacement in the existing location, and complete replacement of both locks and dam at sites both upstream and downstream. Special studies of lock arrangement considering the views of two boat pilots are described. Other studies including a water model test and a cost comparison by a construction consultant are described. The selected plan and some of its unusual features are presented.
Serpentine, Iron-rich Phyllosilicates and Fayalite Produced by Hydration and Mg Depletion of Peridotite, Duluth Complex, Minnesota, USA

Serpentine formed from Fe-rich igneous forsterite (Fa 38–43 ) in two samples of peridotite from the Layered Series of the Duluth igneous complex, Minnesota, is enriched to at least 30% of the Fe end-member. In addition to lizardite, chrysotile, and clinochlore, electron microprobe and transmission electron microscope study reveals the presence of metamorphic fayalite (Fa 53–80 ) and Fe-rich phyllosilicates such as magnesian hisingerite, low-Al ferrosaponite, and chamosite. These phyllosilicates are physically mixed on a nano-scale (in part interlayered) with the serpentine. Chlorite and serpentine compositions tend to mirror the bimodal frequency of Fa% in olivine, suggesting a measure of local FeMg –1 exchange equilibrium. A trioctahedral, ferrian ferrosaponite is believed to have replaced the hisingerite, and a more Si-rich ferrosaponite has filled pores in chrysotile and locally replaced it. Both varieties of ferrosaponite are attended unevenly by the presence of up to 1 wt % Na 2 O and K 2 O. Mixtures of lizardite with hisingerite show a gradual increase in Ca toward the latter up to 0·08 atoms per formula unit (1·5 wt % CaO). The presence of 10 and 13 wt % MgO in hisingerite indicates at least 25 and 34 mol % solid solution of Mg-serpentine. Both saponite and hisingerite probably contribute to the yellow color of alteration in thin section. The abundance of Fe-rich phyllosilicates (X Fe = 0·5–0·9) and magnetite in the phyllosilicate microveins argues for a loss of Mg from the rock accompanying the hydrous alteration. This mass change accounts for the growth of magnesian fayalite as a unique product of a low-temperature hydration reaction that ordinarily only consumes olivine. The removal of Mg is inferred to have taken place initially at low fO 2 and temperature very roughly 300°C, under the action of an infiltrating acidic, aqueous fluid. This fluid was probably influenced by nearby concentrations of Cu–Ni sulfides, or alternatively it was derived from underlying graphitic, sulfidic metapelites. Mg loss accompanying serpentinization is not exclusively a feature of hydrospheric alteration; it can instead be induced by a hydrothermal fluid of hitherto unrecognized composition. Growth of hisingerite and ferrosaponite (and its partial oxidation) is inferred to have taken place at a late stage under cooler and more oxidizing conditions. Similar MgFe-phyllosilicates and ferroan olivine are found in terrestrial ore deposits, on the ancient (Noachian) cratered surface of Mars, and in Martian meteorites (nakhlites). Other layered ultramafic–mafic intrusions, zoned intrusions, and ophiolites with Cu–Ni sulfide concentrations may conceivably be found locally to show the same style of serpentinization with major Mg depletion.
Sediment Provenance and Properties

Thickness, depths, ages, and structural features of sedimentary strata on the ocean floor were presented in the previous chapter on the basis of geophysical measurements and drill holes. This chapter is intended to provide information on physical, chemical, and biological compositions of the sediments and inferences about sources, pathways, and rates of deposition of the sediments and their components. Most of this information is better obtained from surface sediments, because vastly more surface samples and short cores are available than samples from deeper and older sediments that are obtained from drill holes and at places where tectonic movements or ocean-floor erosion has exposed older strata in outcrop. Finally, a knowledge of modern surface sediments is needed in order to be able to recognize abnormal properties of older sediments that may indicate changes in sources and depositional conditions.
An Inexpensive Device for Programming Ratio Reinforcement

A deck of playing cards mounted on a refillable calendar base can be used to program a broad range of fixed and variable ratio schedules of reinforcement for a large number of behaviors in nearly any environment. Although the device has certain limitations, it is often a useful alternative to more expensive, complicated equipment.
Stimulus Control of the Pigeon’s Ability to Peck Multiple Relocating Targets: Stereotypy Prevents Effective Strategies

Four experiments investigated the pigeon’s ability to earn food by pecking at specific keys within a 3 × 3 spatial array, given that the position of the S + stimuli varied as a function of time. In Experiment 1, three of the nine keys of the response panel displayed a red hue (S + ). The other six keys presented a green hue (S−). Every t sec, the S + stimuli moved up one horizontal row on the keys. Three pigeons were trained to peck each of the three S + stimuli before any of them had been present on an upper level key for t sec. Pecks to S − stimuli also counted as errors. The birds made few errors with t > 1 s. Each bird developed a particular, stereotyped three component response sequence that it emitted during the majority of the trials. In Experiment 2, these sequences were maintained although different stimulus arrays and novel S + and S− stimuli were presented; and perseveration in these sequences cost reinforcers. Short t values were employed in Experiment 3 in an effort to reduce response stereotypy. Although performance accuracy (errorless trials) decreased to about 50%, the dominant sequences remained intact. Experiment 4 required the birds to peck an additional key in order to increase t before pecking the S+ stimuli. Each bird reliably pecked this key and then emitted the dominant response sequences that had emerged earlier.
Ownership structure and investment decisions of Chinese SOEs

Abstract In this paper we examine the relation between ownership structure and overinvestment decisions by Chinese state owned enterprises (SOEs). We hypothesize that state owners, the largest block holders, are more committed to pursue their own sociopolitical agenda than maximizing wealth of its shareholders and show that the relation between state ownership and overinvestment is positive. We also hypothesize that managerial owners, who too receive non-negotiable shares, would discourage overinvestment lest it should inhibit the firm’s ability to pay dividends. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find a negative relation between management ownership and overinvestment. Conversely, our results show that the state ownership has a negative impact while managerial ownership has a positive effect on underinvestment decisions.
GEEORD: A SAS macro for analyzing ordinal response variables with repeated measures through proportional odds, partial proportional odds, or non-proportional odds models

Abstract Background and objective A SAS macro, GEEORD, has been developed for the analysis of ordinal responses with repeated measures through a regression model that flexibly allows the proportional odds assumption to apply (or not) separately for each explanatory variable. Methods and results Previously utilized in an analysis of a longitudinal orthognathic surgery clinical trial by Preisser et al. [1,2], the basis of GEEORD is the generalized estimating equations (GEE) method for cumulative logits models described by Lipsitz et al. [3]. The macro extends the capabilities for modeling correlated ordinal data of GEECAT, a SAS macro that allows the user to model correlated categorical response data [4]. The macro applies to independent ordinal responses as a special case. Applications and conclusions Examples are provided to demonstrate the convenient application of GEEORD to two different datasets. The macro's features are illustrated in fitting models to ordinal response variables in univariate and repeated measures settings; this includes the capacity to fit the non-proportional odds model, the partial proportional odds model, and the proportional odds model. The macro additionally provides relevant tests of the proportional odds assumption.
Formatting an experiential learning education module to encourage dysphagia assessment in apheresis patients

Background Dysphagia screening is oftentimes a focus of hospitalized patients, but dysphagia can also occur in outpatient settings. Dysphagia can be overlooked by nurses and clinicians, and it is therefore important to educate nurses on the importance of dysphagia screenings. Methods This was a randomized prospective pilot study to compare the effect of experiential learning versus traditional PowerPoint learning regarding nurses' attitudes towards performing dysphagia screening in an outpatient setting. Twelve pre and post-test surveys were collected from nurses working in outpatient apheresis about their attitudes towards dysphagia screening. Additionally, 128 electronic medical records (EMR) were reviewed to determine if education increased the occurrence of dysphagia screening. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the pre vs. post-test group scores (P < .001), but due to small sample size, there was insufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis that nurses had changed their attitudes towards dysphagia screening. Comparing documentation of dysphagia assessment in the EMR, there was not a significant difference in practice before or after the educational intervention (P = 0.18). Conclusions The study results showed that the both types of teaching strategies are possible with nurses and they were receptive to both. Although the results of this study did not show a significant difference in practice, more research is needed to determine how to raise awareness and put this into practice.
The Strategic Task Overload Model: History, Status, Challenges, and Extensions into New Domains:

In this symposium we present the history, current status and challenges of the Strategic Task Overload Management (STOM) model of task switching, positing that parameters of priority, interest diff...
Environmental Change and Human Mobility: Trends, Law and Policy

Enhancing the protection of persons displaced by natural disasters and the impacts of climate change will require sustained attention. This article identifies practical solutions, many of which are currently under consideration by governments and international organizations, to improve the lives of millions of people affected by environmental crises. It begins with a brief overview of why people move, the nature of those movements, and the relationship between human mobility and adaptation to environmental change by highlighting three types of mobility – migration, displacement and planned relocation. Next, the international and regional level will be discussed, with particular focus on legislative and policy frameworks for addressing human mobility in the context of environmental change. The article identifies gaps in existing frameworks as well as recent efforts to address them, particularly through mini-multilateral initiatives aimed at identifying principles and practices that should guide governmental action. The article concludes that efforts to improve responses require a better evidence base than currently exists on issues such as the environmental determinants of migration, displacement and planned relocation; the multi-faceted ways in which environmental factors relate to the many other causes of population movements in the cases of human mobility; and the impact of such movements on the well-being of migrants, communities of origin, and communities of destination.
The paths of mortality: how understanding the biology of aging can help explain systems behavior of single cells.

Abstract Aging is a fundamental aspect of life, yet also one of the most confounding. In individual cells, aging results in a progressive decline which affects all organelles and reduces a cell's ability to maintain homeostasis. Because of the interconnected nature of cellular systems, the failure of even a single organelle can have cascading effects. We are just beginning to understand the dramatic physiological changes that occur during aging. Because most aging research has focused on population dynamics, or differences between wild-type and mutant populations, single-cell behavior has been largely overlooked. An open question is whether aging cells are defined by predictable sequences of physiological changes, or whether they proceed along divergent aging trajectories defined by whichever system begins to fail first. Can aging be best characterized by a cell-cycle like model with stereotyped states all cells progress through, or a Waddington landscape with divergent trajectories? Here we present work on understanding the changing physiological states of aging cells, why it will impact systems and synthetic biologists, and how the systems community can contribute significantly to the study of aging.
Performance appraisal fairness, leader member exchange and motivation to improve performance: A study of US and Mexican employees

Abstract In this research, we examine the relationship between three dimensions of performance appraisal fairness (distributive, procedural and interactive fairness), leader-member exchange (LMX) and motivation to improve performance among a sample of US and Mexico employees. We hypothesized that all the fairness dimensions will be positively related to LMX and that LMX will be positively related to motivation to improve performance for employees in both countries. Further, we proposed that national culture will moderate these effects such that, the relationships between fairness dimensions and LMX, as well as between LMX and motivation to improve performance will be stronger for the employees in the US. A survey of employees in the US (N = 219) and Mexico (N = 203) provided support for most of the hypothesized relationships. We discussed implications of this research and the universality of the relationships between fairness, LMX, and motivation to improve performance across the two countries.
Enthalpy of formation of U3Si2: A high-temperature drop calorimetry study

Abstract U3Si2 is presently receiving consideration as a high density light water reactor fuel. A reliable knowledge of the formation enthalpy of U3Si2 not only helps study the thermal stability but also facilitate the modeling efforts by serving as a benchmark parameter for thermodynamic calculations of phase equilibria at high temperatures. Previous high temperature thermal analysis on U3Si2 laid the basis for us to conduct two types of high-temperature drop calorimetric measurements to determine its enthalpy of formation: oxide-melt drop-solution calorimetry and transposed temperature drop calorimetry, from which the results obtained are consistent. The determined standard enthalpy of formation of U3Si2 per mole atom, −33.2 ± 3.1 kJ/mol⋅at.%, is in good agreement with previously reported values obtained by other techniques. Our drop calorimetry methods will be used for thermodynamic studies of other U-Si compounds whose enthalpies of formation are not available.
Ensemble Network for Region Identification in Breast Histopathology Slides

Accurate analysis of tissue structures in breast cancer histopathology slides is crucial for staging treatments and predicting outcome. Such analysis depends on identification of tissue architecture in different regions, and determining the different types of cancer morphology which includes in-situ carcinoma, invasive tumor, and benign tumor. We propose an automated classification method for identifying these micro-architectures using an ensemble of convolutional neural networks. This ensemble is constructed by combining multiple networks, trained using different data subset sampling and image perturbation models. Our proposed approach results in a high performing detector with robustness to data variations.
How Models of Feedback Systems can Help the Practical Biologist

The fundamental importance of feedback systems -- especially regulatory feedback systems -- is universally recognized by engineers and biologists alike. In order to regulate the temperature of a room, the engineer links together certain well-defined components (thermostat, electrical relay, oil burner, air-circulating fan) to make a feedback loop. An important feature of such man-made loops is that they are actuated by error, defined as the difference between the actual value of the regulated variable (here room temperature) and the desired or setpoint value (here the chosen setting of the thermostat). As the room cools, the error soon becomes large enough to be sensed by the thermostat, the thermostat signals the furnace to fire, hot air is circulated, and the room warms up until the error becomes small enough to turn off the thermostat again. Engineers have developed a powerful array of mathematical techniques which allow them to analyze in detail the time-dependent behaviour of such regulatory systems, and to predict how well the system will perform under a variety of circumstances.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Galectin Binding Glycopolymers

Chemoenzymatic synthesis is an important strategy for the formation of glycopolymers. The use of a smaller number of traditional chemical steps and enzyme catalyzed reactions increases the yield of glycopolymer that can be produced by reducing the overall number of synthetic steps. In addition, chemoenzymatic routes are likely to be more accessible to those without a background in carbohydrate synthesis, making glycopolymers more available for studies across a broader range of scientists. Here, the enzymatic addition of galactose to N-acetylglucosamine functionalized glycodendrimers reduced the requisite number of synthetic steps for the full chemical synthesis of N-acetyl lactosamine (Lac NAc) functionalized dendrimers to four steps. Unpurified cell lysate was used in the enzyme catalyzed glycosylation, and product glycodendrimers were readily purified by dialysis after enzymatic degradation of all protein components of the lysate in the crude reaction mixture. Lac NAc functionalized dendrimers were used very effectively in homotypic cancer cellular aggregation assays and were found to either inhibit or enhance galectin-3 mediated cancer cellular aggregation, with differences in outcomes dependent on the generation of Lac NAc functionalized dendrimers that were used.
Surgeon and Caregiver Agreement on the Goals and Indications for Scoliosis Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Abstract Study Design Prospective multicenter comparative study. Objectives We aimed 1) to survey surgeons and caregivers to rank the surgical indications for spinal fusion of pediatric patients with neuromuscular scoliosis secondary to cerebral palsy in order of importance and 2) to characterize the agreement of surgeons and caregivers on major (top three) indications. Summary of Background Data Surgery for spinal deformity in children with cerebral palsy is a multifaceted and individualized decision that may lead to miscommunication during informed consent. Little data exist on communication effectiveness between surgeon and caregiver during preoperative discussion. Methods This is a multicenter, prospective survey of Harms Study Group patient caregivers and their surgeons. Participants ranked their most important of 15 indications in descending level of importance, where the top 3 selections were considered major indications for surgery for the particular patient in question. Demographic and other perioperative factors were recorded. Surgeon-caregiver agreement on major indications was determined, taking into account preoperative factors and intersurgeon differences. Results 126 surgeon-caregiver pairs responded. The greatest percentage agreement that an indication was major was “to improve sitting” (69.0% major, 0.8% nonmajor), followed by “to prevent pulmonary compromise” (33.3% major, 24.6% nonmajor), “to improve pain” (31.7% major, 20.6% nonmajor), and “to improve head control/position” (20.7% major, 69.0% nonmajor). Preoperative pain showed an association with surgeon-caregiver agreement on pain as a major indication (p=.004), and intersurgeon differences in agreement on gastrointestinal and pain considerations existed (p=.002, p=.007, respectively). Conclusions Surgeon-caregiver agreement is greater where literature support for a particular surgical indication is strong (ie, spinal fusion’s known improvement of sitting posture in children with neuromuscular scoliosis). Stronger literature support may bolster surgeons’ confidence in recommending a particular procedure, fostering greater communication, understanding, and agreement on surgical necessity between caregivers and surgeons. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective comparative study.
Ultraviolet disinfection impacts the microbial community composition and function of treated wastewater effluent and the receiving urban river

Background In the United States, an estimated 14,748 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) provide wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal service to more than 230 million people. The quality of treated wastewater is often assessed by the presence or absence of fecal indicator bacteria. UV disinfection of wastewater is a common final treatment step used by many wastewater treatment plants in order to reduce fecal coliform bacteria and other pathogens; however, its potential impacts on the total effluent bacterial community are seemingly varied. This is especially important given that urban WWTPs typically return treated effluent to coastal and riverine environments and thus are a major source of microorganisms, genes, and chemical compounds to these systems. Following rainfall, stormflow conditions can result in substantial increases to effluent flow into combined systems. Methods Here, we conducted a lab-scale UV disinfection on WWTP effluent using UV dosage of 100 mJ/cm2 and monitored the active microbiome in UV-treated effluent and untreated effluent over the course of 48 h post-exposure using 16S rRNA sequencing. In addition, we simulated stormflow conditions with effluent UV-treated and untreated effluent additions to river water and compared the microbial communities to those in baseflow river water. We also tracked the functional profiles of genes involved in tetracycline resistance (tetW) and nitrification (amoA) in these microcosms using RT-qPCR. Results We showed that while some organisms, such as members of the Bacteroidetes, are inhibited by UV disinfection and overall diversity of the microbial community decreases following treatment, many organisms not only survive, but remain active. These include common WWTP-derived organisms such as Comamonadaceae and Pseudomonas. When combined with river water to mimic stormflow conditions, these organisms can persist in the environment and potentially enhance microbial functions such as nitrification and antibiotic resistance.
Effect of two tourniquet techniques on peripheral intravenous cannulation success: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objectives Peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulation is the most common procedure performed in the emergency department (ED). Elastic tourniquets (ETs) and blood pressure cuffs (BPCs) are frequently used for venodilation. Although BPCs lead to increased venodilation and decreased compressibility, it is unclear whether this translates into a meaningful patient-centered outcome. This study aimed to determine whether one method is superior for success on the first attempt. Methods This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial in the ED of a tertiary care center. A convenience sample of adult patients was randomly assigned to an ET or BPC with a cover concealing the type of tourniquet. The primary outcome was success rate on the first attempt. Secondary outcomes were number of attempts, number of providers, and rate of rescue techniques. Results Of the 121 patients enrolled, 119 qualified for analysis. In the ET group, 42 of 59 patients (71%) had successful IV cannulation on first attempt compared with 43 of 60 (72%) in the BPC group (P = .95). The number of attempts (P = .87), number of nurses (P = .67), and use of rescue techniques (P = .32) did not differ significantly. A history of difficult IV access and site other than the antecubital vein were associated with decreased success. Conclusions ETs and BPCs performed similarly in providing venodilation for successful peripheral IV cannulation. History of difficult IV access and IV site are important factors in determining the likelihood of success.
The role of gut microbiota in shaping the relapse-remitting and chronic-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis in mouse models.

Using a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), we evaluated the role of gut microbiota in modulating chronic-progressive (CP) versus relapse-remitting (RR) forms of the disease. We hypothesized that clinical courses of EAE may be shaped by differential gut microbiota. Metagenomic sequencing of prokaryotic 16S rRNA present in feces from naive mice and those exhibiting CP-EAE or RR-EAE revealed significantly diverse microbial populations. Microbiota composition was considerably different between naive strains of mice, suggesting microbial components present in homeostatic conditions may prime mice for divergent courses of disease. Additionally, there were differentially abundant bacteria in CP and RR forms of EAE, indicating a potential role for gut microbiota in shaping tolerant or remittance-favoring, and pathogenic or pro-inflammatory-promoting conditions. Furthermore, immunization to induce EAE led to significant alterations in gut microbiota, some were shared between disease courses and others were course-specific, supporting a role for gut microbial composition in EAE pathogenesis. Moreover, using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) coupled with effect size measurement (LEfSe) to analyze microbial content, biomarkers of each naive and disease states were identified. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that gut microbiota may determine the susceptibility to CP or RR forms of EAE.
Convergence and Adaptation for Utility Optimal Opportunistic Scheduling

This paper considers the fundamental convergence time for opportunistic scheduling over time-varying channels. The channel state probabilities are unknown and algorithms must perform some type of estimation and learning while they make decisions to optimize network utility. Existing schemes can achieve a utility within $\epsilon $ of optimality, for any desired $\epsilon >0$ , with convergence and adaptation times of $O(1/\epsilon ^{2})$ . This paper shows that if the utility function is concave and smooth, then $O(\log (1/\epsilon)/\epsilon)$ convergence time is possible via an existing stochastic variation on the Frank-Wolfe algorithm, called the RUN algorithm. Furthermore, a converse result is proven to show it is impossible for any algorithm to have convergence time better than $O(1/\epsilon)$ , provided the algorithm has no a-priori knowledge of channel state probabilities. Hence, RUN is within a logarithmic factor of convergence time optimality. However, RUN has a vanishing stepsize and hence has an infinite adaptation time. Using stochastic Frank-Wolfe with a fixed stepsize yields improved $O(1/\epsilon ^{2})$ adaptation time, but convergence time increases to $O(1/\epsilon ^{2})$ , similar to existing drift-plus-penalty based algorithms. This raises important open questions regarding optimal adaptation.
Negative-Stain Transmission Electron Microscopy of Molecular Complexes for Image Analysis by 2D Class Averaging.

Negative-stain transmission electron microscopy (EM) is a technique that has provided nanometer resolution images of macromolecules for about 60 years. Developments in cryo-EM image processing have maximized the information gained from averaging large numbers of particles. These developments can now be applied back to negative-stain image analysis to ascertain domain level molecular structure (10 to 20 A) more quickly and efficiently than possible by atomic resolution cryo-EM. Using uranyl acetate stained molecular complexes of influenza hemagglutinin bound to Fab 441D6, we describe a simple and efficient means to collect several hundred micrographs with SerialEM. Using RELION, we illustrate how tens of thousands of complexes can be auto-picked and classified to accurately describe the domain level topology of this unconventional hemagglutinin head-domain epitope. By comparing to the cryo-EM density map of the same complex, we show that questions about epitope mapping and conformational heterogeneity can readily be answered by this negative-stain method. © 2019 The Authors.
The other way: immersive VR storytelling through biking

“The Other Way” is a VR interactive storytelling experience created on HTC Vive. The major interaction is biking. We used a VR tracker tied to a user’s foot to calculate the padding speed and installed another tracker on the bike’s handlebar to obtain its turning direction. By lifting the wheel from the ground, users can physically bike to explore the VR world.The story tells a little girl who lost her way in a park and tries to overcome her fear and find her mom. In the experience, users would immerse themselves as the little girl, and bike in a beautiful and windy forest to find their ways out. The experience creates a novel approach of interacting with the virtual reality and allows a fully immersive biking experience that merges the physical and digital world. To further provide users with more realistic experience, we even explored placing a fan in front of the user, which offers users an illusion of blowing wind and a sense of speed. The story is built in an open world, and there is no single way to complete the story, as such, it holds a unique experience for every audience every time.
Empirical Analysis of Retail Customers' Adoption of Internet Banking Services in Nigeria

There are ample evidences that the external environments have always thrown challenges even to the best business organisation. And the various stories from around the world of business give credence to these challenges. Today, as always, the increasing speed and scale of changes, which has become part of every business cycle, means threats and opportunities arise faster and more often. As rising competitive intensity forces even the best businesses to return to basics, the old adage that past successes has never guaranteed future success is never truer There are ample evidences that the external environments have always thrown challenges even to the best business organisation. And the various stories from around the world of business give credence to these challenges. Today, as always, the increasing speed and scale of changes, which has become part of every business cycle, means threats and opportunities arise faster and more often. As rising competitive intensity forces even the best businesses to return to basics, the old adage that past successes has never guaranteed future success is never truer.
Bioinspired Light-Driven Soft Robots by a Facile Two-Mode Laser Engraving and Cutting Process

We present a light-driven soft robot fabricated by a facile, two-mode laser engraving and cutting process to emulate the crawling motion of inchworm. A porous laser-induced graphene layer is introduced as both a pliable photothermal absorber and a faster heat dissipation material through its high specific surface area. The robot structure is defined and cut via a laser cutting operation, which is very easy to implement to make complex structures. Continuous robot motion of the prototype soft robots under light stimulation has achieved a speed of ∼26 mm/min and a cooling process of 5 s. We envision this fabrication approach and operation principle can be extended as a tool for the advancements of the developing soft robots.