cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the extraction of circuit parameters of microstrip elements from MOM-Computed currents

Microstrip circuit elements and discontinuities are analyzed by an efficient moment method procedure that utilizes closed-form Green's functions and exploits symmetries to fill the moment matrix efficiently. Reciprocity is applied to derive a new formula for computing the "voltage" of a point on the microstrip surface, which is used, along with the computed currents, to calculate Z-parameters of the circuit elements. Computed circuit parameters are compared with results obtained independently by the least-squares Prony's method, and with measurements. >
Auditor-Provided Nonaudit Services and Audit Effectiveness and Efficiency: Evidence from Pre- and Post-SOX Audit Report Lags

SUMMARY: The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) effectively bars an auditor from providing nonaudit services to an audit client based on the belief that the resulting economic bonding undermines the auditor's independence and quality of the audit (U.S. House of Representatives 2002). The accounting profession has strongly debated this view and counter-argues that auditor-provided nonaudit services benefit the client. We contribute to this debate by examining the effect of auditor-provided nonaudit services on the effectiveness and efficiency of the audit. We find that higher nonaudit service fees are associated with shorter audit report lags—a potential indicator of audit efficiency—prior to the passage of SOX, but such effects dissipate after SOX. We find that discretionary accruals and financial restatements—potential indicators of audit effectiveness—do not increase when shorter audit lags occur in conjunction with high nonaudit service fees. We also find that the firms with the highest levels of nonaud...
Smoothing by spectral dispersion using random phase modulation for inertial confinement fusion

Summary form only given. Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) utilizing direct or indirect laser drive requires the target illumination to be uniform over a wide range of spatial frequencies. A number of approaches have been suggested to achieve the desired level of illumination uniformity. In this paper it is shown that implementing smoothing by spectral dispersion (SSD) with random-phase modulation (RPM) achieves the same smoothing rates at low spatial frequency as that of the induced spatial incoherence (ISI) method.
Excise Taxes and the Price Elasticity of Demand.

Although analysis of the imposition of an excise tax is widely used in economics courses, the consequences of a change in the tax rate—the more relevant case—are different and ignored. This article presents an effective way of teaching such a change.
Linking social cohesion and gender to intrapersonal and interactional empowerment: Support and new implications for theory

Empowerment is a social-action process through which people gain greater control, efficacy, and social justice. One way to develop empowerment is through active, meaningful participation in community groups and activities. Social cohesion is an emerging construct that expands the notion of community participation to include elements such as shared emotional commitment and reciprocity. This study extended previous research by examining the role of gender in the relationship between social cohesion and the intrapersonal and interactional components of psychological empowerment among a randomly selected sample of rural residents (n = 408). Findings support previous studies on intrapersonal empowerment but refute research on interactional empowerment. Implications for empowerment theory and practice are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 33: 233–244, 2005.
Rapid construction of sigmoid bladder augmentation using absorbable staples: long-term results and comparison to standard colocystoplasty in children with neurogenic bladder.

Abstract Objective Absorbable staples facilitate detubularization and reconfiguration of the bowel when performing augmentation colocystoplasty. We compared the outcomes of stapled sigmoid augmentation with standard sutured colocystoplasty. Materials and methods Between 2003 and 2011, 108 children underwent bladder augmentation at our institution. Colocystoplasty was used in 30 patients (27.8%). Medical charts of children who underwent stapled (n = 8) or sutured (n = 22) sigmoid augmentation were compared with regard to patient demographics and surgical complications, including anastomotic leak and urolithiasis. Results Eight children with underwent stapled sigmoid colocystoplasty. Average age at surgery was 8 years (range 4–17 years). Time to detubularize and refashion the bowel segment prior to augmentation was consistently under 5 min. Average length of follow-up was 44 months (range 12–80 months). One patient experienced anastomotic leak. Two of eight children (25%) in the stapled anastomosis cohort developed bladder stones. Twenty-two patients underwent standard sigmoid augmentation during the same time period (average age 8.2 years; range 4–16 years). One of 22 (4.5%) experienced anastomotic leak. Seven of 22 (31.8%) developed cystolithiasis. Conclusions Complications from stapled sigmoid anastomosis are similar to those from standard colocystoplasty. Use of absorbable staples decreases operating time by avoiding bowel spatulation and suturing, and should be considered in pediatric patients undergoing colocystoplasty.
Drug Use, Interpersonal Attraction, and Communication: Situational Factors as Predictors of Episodes of Unprotected Anal Intercourse among Latino Gay Men

It is important to understand situational factors linked to episodes of unprotected sexual intercourse among Latino gay men (LGM), who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in the U.S. Past research has suggested that participation in difficult sexual situations mediates the relationship between socio-cultural factors and sexual risk behaviors among LGM. This study examined drug use by self and sex partners, interpersonal factors, and other key variables, each examined at the situation-level of analysis, as predictors of episodes of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among LGM. Study participants included 270 LGM living in New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles who reported inconsistent condom use during anal intercourse in the last year. Men participated in structured interviews in which they were asked sets of detailed questions about their most recent episode of anal intercourse in which they used condoms, and their most recent anal intercourse episode in which they did not use condoms. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare the relevance of specific situational factors to participants’ episodes of UAI and protected anal intercourse. We found that drug use by a sex partner and lacks of discussions about condom use with partners, among other situational factors, were significantly related to episodes of UAI. The findings highlight the importance of considering the impact of sexual situations and interactions with sex partners when studying HIV risk among LGM and when designing interventions.
Microstructural Changes Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction during Standard Mortar Test

The microstructural development of mortar bars with silica glass aggregate undergoing alkali-silica reaction (ASR) under the conditions of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard Test C1260 was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and qualitative X-ray microanalysis. Cracking in the aggregate, the hydrated paste, and the paste-aggregate interface was important in the development of the microstructure. Cracks were characterized according to their location, their relationship to other cracks, and whether they are filled with ASR gel. Expansion of the bars was approximately 1% at 12 days and 2% at 53 days. They fell apart by 63 days. The bars contained two zones, an inner region that was undergoing ASR and an outer and much more highly damaged zone that extended further inward over time. Evidence of ASR was present even during the period when specimens were immersed in water, prior to immersion in NaOH solution.
Spotlight on cancer informatics.

Spotlight on Cancer Informatics is a new feature of Cancer Informatics designed to help build a sense of community among informatics researchers attempting to at once provide informatics services to cancer studies while simultaneously conducting independent research that leads to advances in informatics solution. Individuals are “Spotlighted” at the invitation of the Editor-in-Chief. To be considered for an invitation, please send a brief description of your research interests to moc.sserp-al@ofninac along with your curriculum vitae.
Future Themes in Sales and Sales Management: Complexity, Collaboration, and Accountability

The world of selling and sales management has changed dramatically in the past decade. Sales organizations face amore complex work environment marked by increasing customer expectations, frequent significant change, increasingly complex buying situations, and more diversity in their customer bases. Collaboration, both internal and external, is crucial in today’s sales environment More than ever, sales organizations, sales managers, and salespeople are accountable for their behavior and performance outcomes. Using the three themes of complexity, collaboration, and accountability, this paper discusses related managerial responses and future research opportunities.
Does the Degree of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Necrosis following Transarterial Chemoembolization Impact Patient Survival

Purpose. The association between transarterial chemoembolization- (TACE-) induced HCC tumor necrosis measured by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (mRECIST) and patient survival is poorly defined. We hypothesize that survival will be superior in HCC patients with increased TACE-induced tumor necrosis. Materials and Methods. TACE interventions were retrospectively reviewed. Tumor response was quantified via dichotomized (responders and nonresponders) and the four defined mRECIST categories. Results. Median survival following TACE was significantly greater in responders compared to nonresponders (20.8 months versus 14.9 months, p = 0.011). Survival outcomes also significantly varied among the four mRECIST categories (p = 0.0003): complete, 21.4 months; partial, 20.8; stable, 16.8; and progressive, 7.73. Only progressive disease demonstrated significantly worse survival when compared to complete response. Multivariable analysis showed that progressive disease, increasing total tumor diameter, and non-Child-Pugh class A were independent predictors of post-TACE mortality. Conclusions. Both dichotomized (responders and nonresponders) and the four defined mRECIST responses to TACE in patients with HCC were predictive of survival. The main driver of the survival analysis was poor survival in the progressive disease group. Surprisingly, there was small nonsignificant survival benefit between complete, partial, and stable disease groups. These findings may inform HCC treatment decisions following first TACE.
Markov Nonlinear System Estimation for Engine Performance Tracking

This paper presents a joint state and parameter estimation method for aircraft engine performance degradation tracking. Contrast to previously reported techniques on state estimation that view parameters in the state evolution model as constants, the method presented in this paper treats parameters as time-varying variables to account for varying degradation rates at different stages of engine operation. Transition of degradation stages and estimation of parameters are performed by particle filtering (PF) under the Bayesian inference framework. To address the sample impoverishment problem due to discrete resampling, which is inherent to PF, a continuous resampling strategy has been proposed, with the goal to improve estimation accuracy of PF. The algorithm has shown to be able to detect abrupt fault inception based on the residuals between the estimated results from the state evolution model and actual measurements. The developed technique is evaluated using data generated from a turbofan engine model. Simulation of engine output parameters over a series of flights with both nominal degradation and abrupt fault types has been conducted, and error within 1% for performance tracking and degradation prediction has been shown. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the developed technique in fault detection and degradation tracking in aircraft engines.
The Harmonization of European Securities Law

The European Union’s (EU) mission has been and continues to be the establishment of a single, internal market for financial services comprising the entire territory of its fifteen Member States. Achieving a single market was historically dependent on provision of market access and development of a comprehensive securities regulatory regime to displace or otherwise harmonize disparate national laws. Excluding the United Kingdom, the Member States prior to the 1990s had no significant retail securities markets, virtually no comprehensive securities regulation, and, consequently, no national securities commissions. Their stock exchanges were self-regulated with minimal, if any, governmental oversight. As a result, the EU’s challenges have been to legislate access, to legislate virtually the entire field of securities law, and to legislate regulatory harmony. Harmonization proved the most difficult and most improbable of these preconditions to a single market in financial services. Fortunately, the forces driving its achievement never yielded to the anti-harmonization view that a single, harmonized regulatory system would deny investors optimal choices among diverse national regimes and thus eliminate the supposed benefits of regulatory competition. Rather, the EU has steadfastly pursued the ultimate goal of maximum harmonization, both to unify fifteen markets into one and to prevent refragmentation of the emergent single market as a result of diverse nationalistic regulatory philosophies. In a meaningful sense, commonality has triumphed over diversity. This symposium essay first addresses the evolutionary history of harmonization of the Member States’ financial systems. After briefly evaluating the various directives aimed toward harmonization, the focus turns to contemporary measures aimed to achieve more expedient and efficient responses to the accelerating, evolutionary changes in European financial markets. While recognizing the EU’s considerable ongoing success in regulating and integrating its financial markets, the author concludes with recommendations for improvements in the legislative and regulatory processes aimed toward the continued development of regulatory harmonization.
Literacies: The purposes of literacies

Overview In this chapter, we take a look at the contemporary social changes mentioned in the previous chapter, including the changing purposes of literacies in everyday life. One of the primary functions of schools is to prepare learners for this ‘real world’ of communication – for work, citizenship and contemporary community life. Why literacies? Literacies and opportunity Why ‘literacies’? Or even more fundamentally, why education – in which literacy is considered to be one of the ‘basics’? Education provides access to opportunities in the form of better-paid employment , an improved chance to participate in civic life and personal growth. It also promises deeper understandings of the world, enabling people to do more for themselves and make a contribution to the lives of others. Literacies are central to these fundamental educational objectives. Education is a key site of social opportunity, even if the scales of opportunity are often unevenly balanced. Equity is a value that matters in a fair society, a principle that requires equivalent opportunities to be available to all, irrespective of their social origins or cultural background. A more ambitious goal of education may be for it to contribute to greater equality. Sometimes, all that it seems to achieve is an ongoing struggle to reduce the gap between the haves and the have-nots – hence, for example, the compensatory literacy programs, the remedial reading programs for children who have been ‘left behind’ and the special efforts made in schools in poor neighbourhoods.
Cellular Retinol-Binding Protein and Retinoic Acid-Binding Protein in Rat Testes: Effect of Retinol Depletion

Testes of rats contain two cellular binding proteins of interest in vitamin A metabolism. One protein binds retinoic acid with high specificity; the other binds retinol with high specificity. When the cellular retinol-binding protein was partially purified from rat testes, it exhibited fluorescence excitation and emission spectra similar to that of all-trans-retinol in hexane. Exposure of this preparation to UV light destroyed this fluorescence but spectra identical to the original were obtained after addition of retinol. Hexane extracts of the binding protein had fluorescence spectra identical to all-trans-retinol, suggesting that this compound is bound to the protein in vivo. Extracts of testes from retinol depleted rats were submitted to gel filtration but failed to show a retinol-like fluorescence at the elution position of retinol binding protein. This fluorescence was observed in the preparations from pair fed control animals. However, after addition of all-trans-retinol to the extracts from the depleted rats, fluorescence at that elution position was observed. This indicates that in testes of retinol depleted rats the cellular retinol binding protein is present but without bound retinol, in contrast to the non-depleted rats where 30-43% of the binding protein had bound retinol. The amounts of cellular retinol binding protein and retinoic acid binding protein in testes, as determined by sucrose gradient centrifugation, were found to be similar for retinol depleted and pair fed control rats.
The Distribution of Foraging Honey Bees from Colonies Used for Honeydew Melon Pollination

The distribution of foraging Apis mellifera L. was determined in a field (80.9 ha) of honeydew melons ( Cucumis melo L.) in which bees originated from 309 colonies located within a 2-km radius of the field, and other colonies beyond 2 km. Foraging bees (540) were captured and tagged with numbered, ferrous metal discs. These discs were recaptured by magnetic traps attached to hive entrances. Half of the recaptured tagged bees foraged within 305 m from the hives. Approximately 44.3% of the bees foraging in the field originated from hives adjacent to the field, 9.2% from apiaries within 2 km, and 46.5% from colonies >2 km from the field. A significantly longer flight range was found for pollen foragers than for nectar foragers. Only ca. 1% of the tagged bees originated from hives located at a 2nd melon field ca. 1 km distant. Preliminary data are given concerning the distribution of foragers to 3 species of competing feral vegetation.
Three-Dimensional Viscous ADI Algorithm and Strategies for Shape Optimization

A gradient-based shape optimization methodology based on quasi-analytical sensitivities has been extended for practical three-dimensional aerodynamic applications. The flow analysis has been rendered by a fully implicit, finite-volume formulation of the Euler and Thin-Layer Navier-Stokes (TLNS) equations. Initially, the viscous laminar flow analysis for a wing has been compared with an independent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code which has been extensively validated. The new procedure has been demonstrated in the design of a cranked arrow wing at Mach 2.4, with coarse- and fine-grid-based computations performed with Euler and TLNS equations. The influence of the initial constraints on the geometry and aerodynamics of the optimized shape has been explored. Various final shapes generated for an identical initial problem formulation but with different optimization path options '(coarse or fine grid, Euler or TLNS), have been aerodynamically evaluated via a common fine-grid TLNS-based analysis. The initial constraint conditions show significant bearing on the optimization results. Also, the results demonstrate that to produce an aerodynamical ly efficient design, it is imperative to include the viscous physics in the optimization procedure with the proper resolution. Based upon the present results, to better utilize the scarce computational resources, it is recommended that, a number of viscous coarse grid cases using either a preconditioned bi-conjugate gradient (PbCG) or an alternating-directionimplicit (ADI) method, should initially be employed to improve the optimization problem definition, the design space and the initial shape. Optimized shapes should subsequently be analyzed using a high fidelity (viscous with fine-grid resolution) flow analysis to evaluate their true performance potential. Finally, a viscous fine-grid-based shape optimization should be conducted, using an ADI method, to accurately obtain the final optimized shape.
The Politics of Economic Growth

Hugh G. J. Aitken, ed., The State and Economic Growth, New York, Social Science Research Council, I959, 389 pp. $3.75. Bert F. Hoselitz, Sociological Aspects of Economic Growth, Glencoe, Ill., The Free Press, i960, 250 pp. $5.00. Norman Jacobs, The Origin of Modern Capitalism in Eastern Asia, Hong Kong, Hong Kong University Press, i958, 243 pp. $3.50. Irwin T. Sanders, ed., Collectivization of Agriculture in Eastern Europe, Lexington, Ky., University of Kentucky Press, I957, 2I4 pp. $5.00. Nicolas Spulber, The Economics of Communist Eastern Europe, New York, Technology Press and John Wiley and Sons, I957, 525 pp. $I2.50.
Measurement of Isomer Cross Section for the ~(197)Au(n,2n)~(196m2)Au Reaction at around 14 MeV

The intensity of 196m2Au 148 keV γ-ray and time relation of intensity of 196gAu 356 keV γ-ray were measured with a HPGe detector. The cross section of 197Au(n,2n)196m2Au was obtained to be 182±15mb, by two methods with DT neutrons.
Covered cloacal exstrophy: another variation on the theme

Two cases showing many of the visceral features of exstrophy of the cloaca are described. In addition, there were the typical pelvic skeletal deformity and lumbosacral spina bifida but the abdominal wall was intact, although thin and weak. The embryogenesis is discussed. It is considered that the condition resulted from the breakdown of an infra-umbilical membrane at the 5 mm. stage. Later, mesodermal infiltration led to secondary closure of the membrane but visceral development was halted.
New evidence pyramid

A pyramid has expressed the idea of hierarchy of medical evidence for so long, that not all evidence is the same. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been placed at the top of this pyramid for several good reasons. However, there are several counterarguments to this placement. We suggest another way of looking at the evidence-based medicine pyramid and explain how systematic reviews and meta-analyses are tools for consuming evidence—that is, appraising, synthesising and applying evidence.
A Unique Product as a Perceived Advantage Among Small- and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Firms

A number of small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms perceive that they manufacture a unique product. This paper examines the statistically significant differences between those firms that perceive that one of their distinctive advantages is that they produce a unique product and those firms that do not perceive that they produce a unique product. The results indicate that the firms that perceive a unique product tend to have a wider national and international market perspective and to have somewhat different objectives than firms that do not have a unique product.
Commentary: Perception and Reality: Why a Wholly Empirical Paradigm is Needed to Understand Vision.

This commentary attempts to make two points: First, although Purves, Morgenstern, and Wojtach (PMW) are likely correct that the retinal image alone is an insufficient basis for successful visually guided action (Purves et al., 2015a, p. 1), their “vision as reflexive” strategy emphasizes the perceptual associations and neural portions of the visual system at the cost of understating the central role environmental information plays in vision. Second, although PMW are correct that early empirical strategies did not sufficiently incorporate neural aspects of the visual system (pp. 2–4), recent attempts to demonstrate how affordances relate to the nervous system help demonstrate that ecological psychology (EP, Gibson, 1966/1983, 1979/1986) remains a viable empirical framework for investigating and explaining vision.
Titanium, vanadium and chromium valences in silicates of ungrouped achondrite NWA 7325 and ureilite Y-791538 record highly-reduced origins

Abstract Titanium, Cr, and V valences were determined by applying micro-X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (micro-XANES) spectroscopy methods to individual grains of olivine and pyroxene in the ungrouped achondrite NWA 7325 and ureilite Y-791538, as well as to plagioclase in NWA 7325. The advantages of applying multiple, multivalent-element-based oxybarometers to individual grains are (1) the ability to cover the entire oxygen fugacity (fO2) range encountered in nature, and (2) the increased reliability from consistent results for semi-independent fO2 proxies. fO2 values were inferred from each mineral valence determination after correcting with available laboratory-experiment-derived, valence-specific partition coefficients to obtain melt valences and then calibrating with the fO2 values of the relevant equal species proportions points suggested for igneous (primarily basaltic) systems. The resulting olivine and pyroxene valences are highly reduced and similar in the two meteorites with substantial fractions of Cr2+, Ti3+ and V2+. The exception is Cr in NWA 7325 pyroxene which is much more oxidized than the Cr in its olivine. Chromium and Ti in plagioclase in NWA 7325 is relatively oxidized (V valence not determined). The anomalously oxidized Cr in NWA 7325 pyroxene may be due to a secondary reheating event that oxidized Cr in the pyroxene without similarly oxidizing Ti and V. Such a separation of the redox couples may be an effect of re-equilibration kinetics, where the valence of Cr would be more rapidly modified. These valences yielded similar mean fO2s for the two meteorites; IW-3.1 ± 0.2 for NWA 7325 and IW-2.8 ± 0.2 for Y-791538, consistent with an origin of NWA 7325 in either Mercury or an asteroid that experienced redox conditions similar to those on the ureilite parent body.
The Market Value of Who We Are: The Flow of Personal Data and Its Regulation in China

This article focuses on market-driven collection of personal data and its regulation in China. It argues that there is a growing demand for personal data from China’s advertising, marketing, and credit reporting businesses. Meanwhile, the rapid development of the Internet, notably social media and e-commerce, has generated very large pools of personal data on digital platforms. These two factors contribute to the fast growth of both legitimate and illegitimate collection and exploitation of personal information. Chinese laws and regulations lag behind the market and are not ready to regulate personal data as a key economic resource. They scatter in a wide array of economic and social sectors and lack a coherent structure and effective enforcement mechanism. Unspecified overarching rationale, ambivalent market regulation, inadequate enforcement, as well as safety risks of governmental databases are problems that hinder the protection of personal data in China. The role and implications of the new Internet Security Law, entering into force in June 2017, remain to be seen.
The Relative Irrelevance of the Establishment Clause

Despite the heated legal, political, and scholarly battles that rage around the Court’s Establishment Clause decisions, this Article contends that these decisions are actually quite tangential to the maintenance of the nonestablishment norm. The Article argues, first, that a pervasive feature of modern Establishment Clause jurisprudence is that the Court’s stated doctrine is underenforced; second, that there are some legitimate reasons for that underenforcement; and, third, that the Court’s decisions serve mostly as political markers that leave much pertinent activity wholly unregulated by law. By focusing not on what the Court is doing but on what it concertedly seeks not to do, the Article hopes to illuminate the relationship between law and politics in an era in which religious–political movements have become increasingly sophisticated. In light of these movements, the important question for scholars of the Establishment Clause is how the Court “manages establishment” in the political/legal culture outside constitutional law. The Article assesses four potential answers to this question and discusses a number of recent Establishment Clause decisions, paying special attention to disputes about the Ten Commandments, the Pledge of Allegiance, and faith-based initiatives. The Article concludes by suggesting how a self-conscious Supreme Court Justice might help maintain the constitutional settlement of nonestablishment despite the Court’s limited doctrinal influence.
Near Cloud: Low-cost Low-Power Cloud Implementation for Rural Area Connectivity and Data Processing

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) has enabled growth in developed countries and urban cities through improvements in communication systems, devices and applications. In rural areas, especially in developing countries, ICT penetration is not as high, often due to lack of available infrastructure and funding. With the increasing availability of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, low-cost large-scale deployments have become possible even in rural areas. We design, develop and implement, Near Cloud, a cloud-less platform that allows users and IoT devices to communicate and share information. This is built on top of a wireless mesh network (WMN) of low-cost, low-power IoT devices and deployed in areas where there is little to no Internet connectivity. To inject ICT and help bridge the digital divide in rural areas, Near Cloud provides functionalities such as web servers on nodes, accessibility to all users via Wi-Fi, and various data processing including image processing and machine learning. We will show applicability of Near Cloud in improving rural education, health care facilities, disaster response and agriculture.
Douglas-fir extractives inhibit saccharification

Abstract Phytochemical extractives can include hundreds of molecules in diverse classes—including soluble components such as flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and terpenes—and they make-up several percent of the non-carbohydrate dry mass in small diameter Douglas-fir forestry residues. We establish that aqueous extracts from the most extractive rich tissue of Douglas-fir, bark, are inhibitory at biofuel relevant concentrations and demonstrate the inhibition with initial rate saccharification experiments using Trichoderma reesei cellulases. Initial rates of carbohydrate production from crystalline cellulose and amorphous cellulose substrates suggest that exoglucanase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidases are each inhibited between 15 and 25% in the presence of bark extracts. We find that despite the chemical complexity of this feedstock, the bulk of the inhibition comes from tannins while other suspicious extractive components we tested produced no statistically significant inhibition (in conditions of up to 3 grams per liter dry extractives).
Viewing internal bubbling and microexplosions in combusting metal particles via x-ray phase contrast imaging

Abstract The combustion performance of metal particles for explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, and bio-agent defeat can be optimized by controlling the chemistry, size, and coatings of the particles. Many pure and composite metal fuels used in these applications have been observed to microexplode during combustion. This causes particles to fragment, revealing fresh surfaces, which may enhance burn rates and efficiencies. Despite these potential benefits, few have attempted to control the bubbling and the microexplosion of metal powders as they combust in molten states. Here, we choose Al:Zr composite powders as a representative system to study bubbling and microexplosions and to identify active mechanisms. Using synchrotron x-rays and phase contrast imaging, we observe molten metal particles of various sizes as they burn in air at temperatures ranging from 2700 to 3500 K. We characterize bubble nucleation and growth in the interior of the particles during the combustion process, and we identify heterogeneous nucleation, slow growth and coalescence of bubbles, as well as rapid bubble growth leading to microexplosions. Bubble growth rates and Laplace pressures are calculated, and we find that during slow expansion growth rates are similar to classical predictions of bubble growth in superheated liquids. For rapid expansions we find that a critical growth rate of ∼0.5 m s−1, independent of the initial particle size, is necessary to enable microexplosions. We calculate the rate of gas generation that is needed to enable this growth and we conclude that nitrogen is the gas most likely driving rapid bubble growth and fragmentation. These results provide the first in situ observations of the mechanisms that control bubbling and microexplosions during the combustion of metal particles.
Novel Uses of Stabilized Optical Frequency Combs: From Regional Methane Leak Source Identification to Diagnostics for Extreme Combustion

Recent advances in frequency comb technology are enabling new applications of laser absorption spectroscopy to practical environments. We describe two such applications-locating and sizing specific methane leaks across large regions, and diagnostic development for high pressure combustion systems.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN MORTALITY OVER TIME AND HOME DEATHS IN PHASE 1 OF THE NATIONAL PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY QUALITY IMPROVEMENT COLLABORATIVE

Quality improvement (QI) efforts in the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPC-QIC) decreased interstage (hospital discharge post-stage 1 to stage 2 palliation) mortality in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and variants from 9.5% to 5.3% starting in June
Sex, Age, Race/Ethnicity, Veteran Status, and the Likelihood of Reporting Cardiovascular Conditions in the National Health Interview Survey.

Background This study explores the likelihood of reporting the presence of cardiovascular health conditions in the National Health Interview Survey, with a focus on the moderating effects of veteran status, race/ethnicity, age, sex, and functional status. Method Data from the 2012-2015 National Health Interview Survey examine 5 cardiovascular health conditions/risk factors (hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart conditions, stroke, and heart attack). Results Age, sex, and functional status moderate the relationship between veteran status and cardiovascular conditions. Veterans who are younger (veteran × age) have a higher risk of reporting 1 cardiovascular condition compared with veterans who are older (relative risk [RR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-0.99). Veterans with functional limitations (veteran × functional status) are at a lower risk of reporting 3 or more cardiovascular conditions compared with veterans with no functional limitations (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.95). Interaction variables in the model (veteran × sex) show that female veterans had a higher risk than did female non-veterans of reporting 3 or more cardiovascular conditions compared with male veterans versus male non-veterans (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53-0.95). Race/ethnicity does not moderate the likelihood of reporting cardiovascular disease conditions in this sample. Conclusion This study demonstrates that previous military service is linked to the reporting of cardiovascular disease conditions by using nationally representative data to examine the moderating effects of veteran status on the relationship between race/ethnicity, sex, functional status, and age and cardiovascular disease for veterans living in the general US population. The findings suggest a waning healthy soldier effect for the youngest American veterans and indicate that female veterans' cardiovascular health is at greatest risk.
Accuracy and clinical implications of pre-operative breast core needle biopsy diagnoses of fibroepithelial neoplasms and sarcomatoid carcinomas.

Accurate classification of breast phyllodes tumors (PTs) on core biopsy can be challenging. The differential diagnosis of benign PT (BP) is fibroadenoma (FA), whereas the differential diagnosis of malignant PT (MP) is sarcomatoid (metaplastic) carcinoma (SC). Here, we compare the pre-excision core biopsy diagnosis and clinicopathologic features of histologically confirmed MP, borderline PT (BLP), BP, FA, and SC. Consecutive cases of 34 histologically confirmed PT (14 MP, 10 BLP, 10 BP), 13 SC, and 10 FA were identified. A core biopsy diagnosis of SC was made only in SC (77%, p = 0.003). The diagnosis “malignant neoplasm” or “atypical spindle cell neoplasm” was made in 100% MP and 23% SC, but no other tumor (p = 0.0001). The diagnosis “phyllodes tumor” was made only in PT (44% BLP, 11% BP, p = 0.06). The diagnosis “fibroepithelial lesion” was made in 44% BLP, 67% BP, and 29% FA. The diagnosis “FA” was made most commonly in FA (57%) (versus 22% BP and no other tumor; p = 0.002). Neoadjuvant therapy was given only in SC (23%, p = 0.03); adjuvant therapy was given in 46% SC and 13% MP (p = 0.04). A pre-operative core biopsy diagnosis of “malignant spindle cell neoplasm” separates MP and SC from BLP, BP, and FA. However, MP and SC can have overlapping features on core biopsy. Thus, one must be careful not to overcall SC on core biopsy, as patients diagnosed with SC may receive neoadjuvant therapy. A core biopsy diagnosis of “phyllodes tumor” is specific for PT and can guide treatment planning of a wide local excision.
Midazolam: an essential palliative care drug

Midazolam is a commonly used benzodiazepine in palliative care and is considered one of the four essential drugs needed for the promotion of quality care in dying patients. Acting on the benzodiazepine receptor, it promotes the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Gamma-aminobutyric acid action promotes sedative, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties. Midazolam has a faster onset and shorter duration of action than other benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam lending itself to greater flexibility in dosing than other benzodiazepines. The kidneys excrete midazolam and its active metabolite. Metabolism occurs in the liver by the P450 system. This article examines the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and clinical uses of midazolam in palliative care.
Lumateperone: A Novel Antipsychotic for Schizophrenia

Objective:To provide a concise review of the new Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antipsychotic, lumateperone, for use in schizophrenia.Data Sources:A literature search of PubMed was per...
Neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, and neurological outcomes associated with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency: Assessment considerations for nurse practitioners.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to review literature for neurocognitive, neuropsychiatric, neurological complications associated with phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. The goal is to familiarize nurse practitioners with treatment and monitoring guidelines for persons living with the disorder. Conclusions Appropriate treatment can maximize neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Practice implications Nurse practitioners can help persons with PAH deficiency through education and providing appropriate referrals and by supporting disease-specific treatment.
Voluntary and mandatory provision of common-pool resources with heterogeneous users

Abstract Common-pool resource (CPR) users often face two types of problems to solve: provision and appropriation. Provision problems are often solved through the voluntary or mandatory contribution of users. This paper uses a laboratory experiment to explore how the provision scheme shapes extraction choices by CPR users who are heterogeneous in wealth. Users’ choices are compared under three conditions. In the progressive- and regressive-tax conditions, users’ contribution to the provision of CPR is determined exogenously, and in the third condition, users endogenously choose their contribution level. The standard model of own-payoff-maximization and the behavioral models of inequality aversion and equity theory predict different patterns of choices for rich and poor users under each condition. Experimental results are consistent with the predictions of the inequality-aversion model and clearly refute the predictions of equity theory. Importantly, inequality aversion appears to be motivating choices differently in the exogenous- and endogenous-provision conditions: under the regressive- and progressive-tax conditions, extraction choices are consistent with inequality aversion motives, whereas in the endogenous treatment, contribution decisions are consistent with inequality aversion but extraction choices are not.
Beyond-the-Self Callings: The Role of a Transcendent Summons for Undergraduates and Working Adults:

Most scholars consider the “calling” construct to be multidimensional, yet very little research has examined the dimensions. Of the proposed dimensions, the most unique—and controversial—is a “tran...
The Politics of New Driving Technologies: Political Ideology and Autonomous Vehicle Adoption

Abstract Autonomous vehicles (AVs) typify the nexus of smart Internet-based technology and prior innovations in transportation. A challenge with AV research is that the technology is not yet readily available for consumers to experience. Thus, public perceptions of AVs are often assessed through survey research which has uncovered demographic and socio-economic differences in the willingness to adopt and pay for AVs. It has also provided information about the perceived benefits and risks associated with AVs and how these perceived benefits and risks affects support for self-driving car technology. More recently, studies have found that political ideology is linked to perceived concerns about self-driving cars but have not yet assessed whether this link extends to the intent to adopt AVs. Given this gap in our knowledge, the contributions of the present paper our twofold. One, we will assess whether political ideology impacts the intention to adopt AVs. Two, we will assess whether political ideology directly or indirectly affects the intention to adopt AVs. As regards the latter, we will conduct a mediation analysis with a path model to assess the extent that political ideology indirectly affects the intention to adopt via the perceived benefits and concerns survey respondents expressed about AVs. Our results reveal political ideology is an important predictor of individuals’ intent to adopt AVs, as characterized by both willingness to ride in and to own AVs. Specifically, compared to conservative participants, moderates and liberals reported higher AV adoption intentions. We also find that the effect of political ideology on AV adoption intention is mediated by participants’ perceived benefits and concerns about AVs. Compared to conservatives, political moderates reported AV adoption intention via higher perceived benefits about AVs. Compared to conservatives, liberals reported higher AV adoption intention through both higher perceived benefits and lower perceived concerns about AVs.
TraceSplitter: a new paradigm for downscaling traces

Realistic experimentation is a key component of systems research and industry prototyping, but experimental clusters are often too small to replay the high traffic rates found in production traces. Thus, it is often necessary to downscale traces to lower their arrival rate, and researchers/practitioners generally do this in an ad-hoc manner. For example, one practice is to multiply all arrival timestamps in a trace by a scaling factor to spread the load across a longer timespan. However, temporal patterns are skewed by this approach, which may lead to inappropriate conclusions about some system properties (e.g., the agility of auto-scaling). Another popular approach is to count the number of arrivals in fixed-sized time intervals and scale it according to some modeling assumptions. However, such approaches can eliminate or exaggerate the fine-grained burstiness in the trace depending on the time interval length. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the drawbacks of common downscaling techniques and propose new methods for realistically downscaling traces. We introduce a new paradigm for scaling traces that splits an original trace into multiple downscaled traces to accurately capture the characteristics of the original trace. Our key insight is that production traces are often generated by a cluster of service instances sitting behind a load balancer; by mimicking the load balancing used to split load across these instances, we can similarly split the production trace in a manner that captures the workload experienced by each service instance. Using production traces, synthetic traces, and a case study of an auto-scaling system, we identify and evaluate a variety of scenarios that show how our approach is superior to current approaches.
Plastic eschatology: On the foundations of Marcuse’s philosophical anthropology:

This article explores the complexities of Marcuse’s philosophical anthropology in light of Foucault’s criticisms of Marcuse and the Frankfurt School. While Marcuse’s theory of human nature is groun...
Soft X-Ray Depth-Dose Profiles in Satellite Surface Materials

High-altitude nuclear detonations release a significant portion of their energy as X-rays with a blackbody spectrum. Soft Xrays (near 1 ke V) are absorbed near the surface of materials, forming warm dense plasmas. These warm dense plasmas are highly ionized (4 electrons ionized in Cu at 1 e V) and emit radiation in the soft x-ray and ultraviolet range1. Satellites are particularly vulnerable to this physical phenomenon, as the plasma electrically couples solar cells, causing damaging short circuits. Such localized energy deposition produces defects and thermal stresses that can cause permanent degradation of surfaces.
Abbott preschool program longitudinal effects study year one findings

INTRODUCTION This study investigates the educational effects of a state-funded prekindergarten education program for children at ages 3 and 4 that came about as a result of a court order. As part of the landmark New Jersey Supreme Court school-funding case, Abbott v. Burke , the court established the Abbott Preschool Program. Beginning in the 1999–2000 school year, 3- and 4-year-old children in the highest poverty districts in the state were able to receive a high-quality preschool education that would prepare them to enter school with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Expectations: Standards of Quality (New Jersey Department of Education [NJDOE], 2004b) and the New Jersey Kindergarten Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJDOE, 2004a). Through a New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Human Services (DHS) partnership, Abbott preschool classrooms combine a DOE-funded 6-hour, 180-day component with a DHS-funded wrap-around program that provides daily before- and after-care and summer programs. In total, the full-day, full-year program is available 10 hours per day, 245 days a year. Enrollment in the Abbott Preschool Program has increased dramatically since its inception in 1999 (see Fig. 11.1). During the 2005–2006 school year, its seventh year, the 31 Abbott districts served more than 40,500 3- and 4-year-old children in preschool – 78% of a possible 52,160 children. The enrollment for the 2006–2007 school year was 39,678 children with a DOE budget of almost $500 million.