cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling steady-state methanogenic degradation of phenols in groundwater

Abstract Field and microcosm observations of methanogenic phenolic compound degradation indicate that Monod kinetics governs the substrate disappearance but overestimates the observed biomass. In this paper we present modeling results from an ongoing multidisciplinary study of methanogenic biodegradation of phenolic compounds in a sand and gravel aquifer contaminated by chemicals and wastes used in wood treatment. Field disappearance rates of four phenols match those determined in batch microcosm studies previously performed by E.M. Godsy and coworkers. The degradation process appears to be at steady-state because even after a sustained influx over several decades, the contaminants still are disappearing in transport downgradient. The existence of a steady-state degradation profile of each substrate together with a low biomass density in the aquifer indicate that the bacteria population is exhibiting no net growth. This may be due to the oligotrophic nature of the biomass population in which utilization and growth are approximately independent of concentration for most of the concentration range. Thus a constant growth rate should exist over much of the contaminated area which may in turn be balanced by an unusually high decay or maintenance rate due to hostile conditions or predation.
Command shaping for flexible systems: A review of the first 50 years

The control of flexible systems is a large and important field of study. Unwanted transient deflection and residual vibration are detrimental to many systems ranging from nano-positioning devices to large industrial cranes. Thousands of researchers have worked diligently for decades to provide solutions to the challenging problems posed by flexible dynamic systems. The work can roughly be broken into three categories:1) Hardware design, 2) Feedback control, and 3) Command shaping. This paper provides a review of command-shaping research since it was first proposed in the late 1950’s. The important milestones of the research advancements, as well as application examples, are used to illustrate the developments in this important research field.
Song Learning and Production in the White-Crowned Sparrow: Parallels With Sexual Imprinting

Although vocal learning is widespread among birds, sexual imprinting appears to occur in more avian orders. The four features which LORENZ (1935) considered essentials of sexual imprinting have parallels in the song learning literature: these are 1. an early sensitive phase, 2. irreversibility, 3. completion of learning long before manifestation, 4. supraindividuality. These principles are still sound under certain experimental conditions, but LORENZ'S ideas require modification in light of more recent data derived from experiments and field observations. The aspects of sexual imprinting stressed by IMMELMANN (1972) are also examined. These include: 1. sex differences, 2. sibling effects, 3. social aspects, 4. stimulus filtering. The 'consolidation' effect described by IMMELMANN et al. (1991) finds a parallel in bird song in the phenomenon of 'matched countersinging'. It is concluded that the large variations encountered in both imprinting and song studies are not artifacts of subtle differences in experimental conditions, but represent true variation inherent in natural populations, and this variation is subject to the forces of natural selection.
Guest Editorial: Special Section on Laser Metrology Developments and Applications in the Automotive Industry

Laser metrology has experienced escalating research, development, and application within the automotive industry since its inception.
Direct solar spectral irradiance and transmittance measurements from 350 to 2500 nm.

A radiometrically stable, commercially available spectroradiometer was used in conjunction with a simple, custom-designed telescope to make spectrally continuous measurements of solar spectral transmittance and directly transmitted solar spectral irradiance. The wavelength range of the instrument is 350–2500 nm and the resolution is 3–11.7 nm. Laboratory radiometric calibrations show the instrument to be stable to better than 1.0% over a nine-month period. The instrument and telescope are highly portable, can be set up in a matter of minutes, and can be operated by one person. A method of absolute radiometric calibration that can be tied to published top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) solar spectra in valid Langley channels as well as regions of strong molecular absorption is also presented. High-altitude Langley plot calibration experiments indicate that this technique is limited ultimately by the current uncertainties in the TOA solar spectra, approximately 2–3%. Example comparisons of measured and modtran-modeled direct solar irradiance show that the model can be parameterized to agree with measurements over the large majority of the wavelength range to the 3% level for the two example cases shown. Side-by-side comparisons with a filter-based solar radiometer are in excellent agreement, with a mean absolute difference of τ = 0.0036 for eight overlapping wavelengths over three experiment days.
Use of edible coatings to preserve quality of lightly (and slightly) processed products

Lightly processed agricultural products present a special problem to the food industry and to scientists involved in postharvest and food technology research. Light or minimal processing includes cutting, slicing, coring, peeling, trimming, or sectioning of agricultural produce. These products have an active metabolism that can result in deteriorative changes, such as increased respiration and ethylene production. If not controlled, these changes can lead to rapid senescence and general deterioration of the product. In addition, the surface water activity of cut fruits and vegetables is generally quite high, inviting microbial attack, which further reduces product stability. Methods for control of these changes are numerous and can include the use of edible coatings. Also mentioned in this review are coating of nut products, and dried, dehydrated, and freeze-dried fruits. Technically, these are not considered to be minimally processed, but many of the problems and benefits of coating these products are similar to coating lightly processed products. Generally, the potential benefits of edible coatings for processed or lightly processed produce is to stabilize the product and thereby extend product shelf life. More specifically, coatings have the potential to reduce moisture loss, restrict oxygen entrance, lower respiration, retard ethylene production, seal in flavor volatiles, and carry additives that retard discoloration and microbial growth.
Manganese/Cerium Clusters Spanning a Range of Oxidation Levels and CeMn8, Ce2Mn4, and Ce6Mn4 Nuclearities: Structural, Magnetic, and EPR Properties

The syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties are reported for three new Ce/Mn clusters with different Ce/Mn ratios: [Ce6Mn4O12(O2CMe)10(NO3)4(py)4] (py = pyridine) (1), [CeMn8O8(O2CCH2tBu)12(DMF)14] (DMF = dimethylformamide) (2), and [Ce2Mn4O2(O2CMe)6(NO3)4(hmp)4] (3; hmp– is the anion of 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine). 1 and 2 were obtained from the reaction of CeIV with [Mn12O12(O2CMe)16(H2O)4] (MnIII8MnIV4) and [Mn8O2(O2CCH2tBu)14(tBuCH2CO2H)4] (MnII6MnIII2), respectively, whereas 3 resulted from the oxidation of MnII acetate with CeIV in the presence of hmpH. Cluster 1 possesses an unusual [Ce6Mn4O12]14+ core topology consisting of a [Ce6O8] face-capped octahedron, which is face-fused at each end to a [CeIV2MnIIIMnIVO4] cubane. Cluster 2 possesses a nonplanar, saddlelike loop of eight MnIII atoms bridged by eight μ3-O2– ions to a central CeIV atom. Cluster 3 is similar to 1 in possessing an octahedral core, but this is now a [Ce2Mn4] octahedron consisting of a CeIII atom on either side of a Mn4 para...
A Newin VivoMethod for Quantitative Analysis of Stroke Lesions Using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Microscopy

Using three-dimensional diffusion-weighted MR microscopy and a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia, we evaluated the statistical characteristics of two parameters: absolute stroke volumes and change in stroke volumes over 6 h of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. In all rats, the absolute stroke volumes increased linearly over the 6-h MCA occlusion time period. On average, stroke volume growth rate was 2.1 +/- 0.5%/h. Sample size power analysis of our data demonstrated that to demonstrate a 10% reduction of the 6-h volumes, sample size per group would require 29 animals (these calculations are based on alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.20 using normal approximation). A similar 30% reduction of stroke volume at 6 h poststroke (from approximately equal to 200 to 140 mm3) would, in our "slope model," translate into a reduction of stroke growth rate from the normal + 11.25 mm3/h (150 to 200 mm3 over 4 h) to 7 mm3/h (150 to 178 mm3 over 4 h); power analysis in this case demonstrated that sample size is reduced to 15 animals per group (these calculations are based on alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.20 using normal approximation). We conclude that from a statistical standpoint our study demonstrates that stroke growth rate might be a more suitable parameter for evaluating the effect of treatment in both clinical and experimental stroke trials.
Europium-sensitized luminescence determination of oxytetracycline in catfish muscle

Abstract An europium-sensitized time-resolved luminescence (TRL) method was developed to determine oxytetracycline (OTC) in cultivated catfish muscle. Extraction of OTC from fish muscle was performed with pH 4.0 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-McIlvaine buffer and clean up with hydrophilic–lipophilic balanced copolymer solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. The eluate was used without further concentration for TRL measurement in pH 9.0 micellar tris(hydroxylmethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) buffer. Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTACl) was used as surfactant and EDTA as a co-ligand. The excitation and emission wavelengths were set at 388 and 615 nm, respectively. The linear dynamic range was 0–1000 ng g−1 (R2=0.9995). The recovery was 92–112% in the fortification range of 50–200 ng g−1 and the limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 3 to 7 ng g−1. Incurred catfish samples were used to demonstrate the performance of the method around 100 ng g−1, the European Union maximum residue level.
HOMOLOGOUS RECOMBINATION BETWEEN AUTONOMOUSLY REPLICATING PLASMIDS IN MAMMALIAN CELLS

The ability of autonomously replicating plasmids to recombine in mammalian cells was investigated. Two deletion plasmids of the eukaryotic-prokaryotic shuttle vector pSV2neo were cotransfected into transformed monkey COS cells. Examination of the low molecular weight DNA isolated after 48 hr of incubation revealed that recombination between the plasmids had occurred. The DNA was also used to transform recA- E. coli . Yield of neo R colonies signified homologous recombination. Examination of the plasmid DNA from these colonies confirmed this view. Double-strand breaks in one or both of the input plasmids at the sites of deletion resulted in an enhancement of recombination frequency. The recombination process yielded monomeric and dimeric molecules. Examination of these molecules revealed that reciprocal recombination as well as gene conversion events were involved in the generation of plasmids bearing an intact neo gene. The COS cell system we describe is analogous to study of bacteriophage recombination and yeast random-spore analysis.
Characterization of Proteins Produced In Vitro by Periattachment Bovine Conceptuses

Bovine conceptuses from Days 16 (n = 4), 19 (n = 6), 22 (n = 3), and 24 (n = 4), and chorion from Day 69 (estrus/mating = Day 0) were cultured for 24 h in modified minimum essential medium (MEM) in the presence of radioactive L-leucine ((/sup 3/H) leucine) to characterize de novo synthesis and release of proteins. Proteins released into MEM were identified by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, fluorography, and gel and ion exchange chromatography. Major polypeptides identified in MEM were different from those identified in conceptus and chorionic tissues. Both uptake of (/sup 3/H) leucine and quality of polypeptides produced de novo and released into MEM were related to stage of conceptus development. Percent retention of (/sup 3/H) leucine in MEM was lowest in Day 16 cultures, increased in Days 19 and 22 cultures, and decreased in Day 24 cultures. Complexity of polypeptides increased after Day 16. Days 16, 19, 22 and 24 conceptus culture MEM was enriched in low-Mr, acidic polypeptides (Mr/isoelectric point ranges: 22K-26K/6.5-5.6, 20K-26K/5.5-5.4, and 16K-20K/5.0-4.5), which were not prominent products of Day 29 and 69 tissues. A high-Mr (Mr +/- SEM; 735K +/- 22K) glycoprotein was produced by all conceptus and chorionic tissues.more » The transient nature of production of low-Mr polypeptides suggests that they may be required during the periattachment period.« less
A 23GHz differential amplifier with monolithically integrated T-coils in 0.09/spl mu/m CMOS technology

We present a four-stage differential amplifier using coupled inductors in a T-coil configuration to match the capacitive load to the driving transistor. The chip was fabricated in a 90 nm CMOS technology and achieves a bandwidth of 23 GHz with a differential gain of 18 dB at 1.2 V supply voltage. At 10 V supply voltage, the circuit displays a bandwidth of 23 GHz with 15 dB gain at 54 mW dissipated power.
A New Synthesis of Tetrathiooxalate and Its Conversion to C3S52- and C4S62-

New chemical relationships have been established for C2-based carbon sulfides, as shown in the illustration below.
Long-term hydrologic and water quality responses following commercial clearcutting of mixed hardwoods on a southern Appalachian catchment

Long-term changes (20 years) in water yield, the storm hydrograph, stream inorganic chemistry, and sediment yield were analyzed for a 59 ha mixed hardwood covered catchment (Watershed 7) in the southern Appalachian mountains (USA) following clearcutting and cable logging. The first year after cutting, streamflow increased 26 cm or 28% above the flow expected if the forest had not been cut. In subsequent years, discharge increases declined at a rate of 5‐7 cm per year until the fifth year when changes in flow returned to baseline values. Later in forest succession, between ages 15 and 18 years, both significant increases and decreases in annual water yield were observed; these discharge dynamics are discussed in relation to vegetation regrowth dynamics. Flow responses predicted from an empirical regional scale model were within 17% of experimental values during the first 4 years of regrowth. Intra-annual analysis showed that proportionally larger increases (48%) in flow occurred in the low flow months of August‐October. Storm hydrograph analysis showed that, on an average, initial flow rate and peakflow rates increased 14‐15% and stormflow volume increased 10%. Analyses of stream solute concentrations and catchment nutrient fluxes showed small increases in nutrient losses following clearcutting and logging. Responses were largest the third year after treatment with annual values of 1.3, 2.4, 2.7, 3.2, 1.4, 0.39, and 2.1 kg ha ˇ1 for NO3-N, K, Na, Ca, Mg, S, and Cl, respectively. Explanations for the retention of nutrients and high ecosystem resistance and resilience are discussed in relation to internal biogeochemical cycles based on long-term process level studies on the catchment. A second, sustained pulse of NO3 ˇ to the stream (exceeding post-harvest values) observed later in succession is also discussed in the context of ecosystem processes. Large increases in sediment yield were measured immediately after road construction due to two major storm events. Subsequently, during logging, sediment yield from roads was greatly reduced and insignificant when logging activities were completed. In contrast, cumulative increases in sediment yield were observed downstream over the next 15 years which illustrate the lag between pulsed sediment inputs to a stream and the routing of sediments through a stream system. The relevance of sedimentation to stream sustainability is discussed in the context of long-term responses in the benthic invertebrate community structure and productivity measured on WS7. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Submicron diameter micropillar cavities with high quality factor and ultra-small mode volume

We theoretically demonstrated high quality factor (Q∼250,000) micropillar cavities with record low mode volume for a 340nm diameter titania/silica micropillar. It represents a three orders of magnitude Q/V enhancement compared to any previous micropillar cavities.
Rapid HIV tests

Abstract Standard tests for HIV infection have a number of characteristics that prolong turnaround time and that are felt to impair the public health response to HIV infection. New rapid tests have been developed that may address some of these issues. Although these tests have been FDA approved, the amount of scientific data available to prove their accuracy is limited. There are perceptions about the situations in which rapid testing should be of most value, and they appear to be well received by patients. Further scientific study is needed to truly understand the extent to which these tests should be implemented and in which clinical settings.
Source reduction of mosquito larval habitats has unexpected consequences on malaria transmission

Reduction of aquatic habitats through environmental management mitigates malaria transmission not only by reducing emergence of host-seeking mosquitoes, but also by increasing the amount of time required for vectors to locate oviposition sites. However, the consequence of source reduction on mosquito oviposition has largely been neglected in evaluations of environment-management programs. Here, by theoretically examining the relationship between the time spent for oviposition and the availability of aquatic habitats, we show that prolonged oviposition cycles induced by source reduction account for a great deal of reductions in the basic reproductive rate of malaria, especially when aquatic habitats are scarce and the mosquito's flight ability is limited. Neglecting this mechanism may lead to substantial underestimation of the impact of source reduction of aquatic habitats on malaria transmission. Our findings suggest that the prolonged duration of the gonotrophic cycle might be one of the important mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of environment-management interventions for malaria control.
The erosion of a method: examples from grounded theory

Since its original inception in the 1960s grounded theory has been widely used by many qualitative researchers. However, recently epistemologically different versions of grounded theory have been presented and this epistemological diversity among grounded theorists and the erosion of the method will be the major focus of this paper. The first section explores the question of what ‘erosion’ of grounded theory means for the practice of qualitative research and the epistemological assumptions embedded in different uses of grounded theory are discussed. Furthermore, three ways to use qualitative methods are conceptualized: epistemological, strategic and intuitive. Additionally, the first section describes the erosion that occurs when research methods are transferred from one epistemology to another. The second part of the paper raises the questions as to whether it is possible to transfer methods from one epistemological realm and theoretical stance to another one to do qualitative research situated therein a...
The shape effect of non-spherical projectiles in hypervelocity impacts

This paper provides qualitative and quantitative analyses of regular non-spherical projectile hypervelocity impacts on basic Whipple shields using test data obtained by light-gas guns, flat plate accelerators and shaped charge launchers. Surrogate cadmium and zinc test results are used to extend light-gas gun data beyond 8 km/s. Advanced Whipple shield derivatives are shown to be necessary to protect against non-spherical projectiles.
Recontextualizing Kenneth B. Clark : An Afrocentric perspective on the paradoxical legacy of a model psychologist-activist

Kenneth B. Clark, whose scientific and political legacy has been the subject of controversy over the years, presented as an important model of Afrocentric scientific praxis. Key characteristics of the Afrocentric scholar are outlined. Using Clark's academic and nonacademic writings as evidence, it is argued that Clark, though complex, exemplifies these characteristics. Clark's profound yet at times obscure vision of integration and his views on the role of empathy and respect in education are presented in detail. Clark's life and work are than reexamined and recast through the lens of W.E. Cross's (1971,1991) nigrescence model and the political-historical lens of the 2-phase Black social movement. It is concluded that academicians interested in promoting diversity, particularly within the social sciences, as well as psychologists looking for models of activist praxis, examine and learn from the life and work of Clark.
On Prepayment and Rollover Risk in the U.S. Credit Card Market

Prepayment risk is a major consideration in the US credit card market. According to industry studies, about 17% of balances are transferred annually. Using a dynamic model of repricing, this paper analyzes the impact of prepayment risk on the functioning of the credit card market. We show that the model can account for the level of balance transfers in the data and is also consistent with the observed change in the cross-sectional dispersion of credit card interest rates, which thus far has been attributed to a more precise pricing of default risk. Importantly, we show that the very features that allow our model to account for the cross-sectional features of the market unveil a novel source of macroeconomic fragility. We quantify the potential of this new channel to account for the observed deleveraging in the credit card market during the 2007-09 nancial crisis.
Development of high performance scientific components for interoperability of computing packages

Three major high performance quantum chemistry computational packages, NWChem, GAMESS and MPQC have been developed by different research efforts following different design patterns. The goal is to achieve interoperability among these packages by overcoming the challenges caused by the different communication patterns and software design of each of these packages. Developing a chemistry algorithm is a time consuming process; integration of large quantum chemistry packages will allow resource sharing and thus avoid reinvention of the wheel. Creating connections between these incompatible packages is the major motivation of our work. We achieve this interoperability by bringing the benefits of Component Based Software Engineering through a plug-and-play component framework called Common Component Architecture (CCA). In this paper, we present a strategy and process used for interfacing two widely used and important computational chemistry methodologies: Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Mechanics. This paper also demonstrates the performance evaluation of these CCA compliant components to show the feasibility of the proposed approach and finally discusses the current research issues.
Molecular weight sensing properties of ionic liquid-polymer composite films: theory and experiment

Ionic liquids (ILs) are rapidly emerging as important coating materials for highly sensitive chemical sensing devices. In this regard, we have previously demonstrated that a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coated with a binary mixture of an IL and cellulose acetate can be employed for detection and molecular weight estimation of organic vapors (J. Mater. Chem. 2012, 22, 13732). Herein, we report follow-up studies aimed at formulating the theoretical basis for our previously observed relationship between molecular weight and changes in the QCM parameters. In the current work, we have investigated the vapor sensing characteristics of a series of binary blends of ILs and polymers over a wider concentration range of analytes, and a quadratic equation for estimating the approximate molecular weight of an organic vapor is proposed. Additionally, the frequency (f) and dissipation factor (D) at multiple harmonics were measured by use of a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). These QCM-D data were then analyzed by fitting to various models. It is observed that the behavior of these films can be best described by use of the Maxwell viscoelastic model. In light of these observations, a plausible explanation for the correlation between the molecular weight of absorbed vapors and the QCM parameters is presented. Our previous findings appear to be a special case of this more general observation. Overall, these results underscore the true potential of IL-based composite materials for discrimination and molecular weight estimation of a broad range of chemical vapors.
The Early Organizational Management Theories: The Human Relations Movement & Business Ethical Practices Pioneered By Visionary Leader Mary Parker Follett

In today’s business environment, managers make crucial decisions that affect the longevity of their organizations. We propose that Mary Parker Follett’s theories enhance the perspective of ethical standards and promote an organization’s overall value. The 21 st century will require organizations to create overall value for all stakeholders; these constituent groups include employees, partnerships, national consumers, international consumers, domestic markets and global markets. The ethics in creating value for the organization is based on the internal and external perception of value by all stakeholders. The goal of this essay is to provide an understanding of the role of ethics in an organization.
MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF EVOLUTIONARY TRENDS IN THE CERATOPSIAN POSTCRANIAL SKELETON

Abstract The cranial anatomy of ceratopsian (“horned”) dinosaurs is well understood, but the postcranial skeleton has been largely ignored in previous studies of phylogeny, evolution, and function. In order to study morphological differences among ceratopsian postcranial elements and to compare evolutionary patterns, multivariate (Principal Components Analysis) and bivariate methods were used to analyze linear measurement data, and the shape methods Resistant-Fit Theta-Rho Analysis (RFTRA), Least-Squares Theta-Rho Analysis (LSTRA), and Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis (EDMA) were applied to biological landmark data. Results of the analyses show that size is the primary change through ceratopsian skeleton evolution. Elements display positive allometry, and increasing structural support is evident, especially in the radius and fibula. Phylogenetic distribution of ceratopsian postcrania agrees with the skull material included in recent cladistic analyses. Psittacosaurus elements are in many ways derived re...
Infrared extrapolations of quadrupole moments and transitions

We study the convergence of bound-state quadrupole moments in finite harmonic oscillator spaces. We derive an expression for the infrared extrapolation for the quadrupole moment of a nucleus and benchmark our results using different model interactions for the deuteron. We find good agreement between the analytically derived and numerically obtained convergence behavior. We also derive an extrapolation formula for electric quadrupole transitions and find good agreement with the numerical calculation of a simple system.
A molecular phylogenetic analysis of Speyeria and its implications for the management of the threatened Speyeria zerene hippolyta

The genetic structure of lineages can provide important information for delineating “evolutionarily significant units” (ESUs) for conservation, and for planning actions to protect and restore taxa threatened with extinction. Speyeria zerene hippolyta, the Oregon silverspot butterfly, is a U.S.A. federally threatened subspecies that is the focus of considerable conservation effort, but whose evolutionary relationships with other Speyeria taxa are not well-understood. We conducted a genetic analysis of nine Speyeria species and 25 subspecies from western U.S.A., using both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Our goal was to determine whether such data supported (a) S. z. hippolyta’s designation as an ESU, and (b) the current morphologically-based taxonomy of Speyeria spp. Our data for S. z. hippolyta were equivocal; while nuclear markers resolved all these individuals into a single clade, mtDNA data suggested the existence of two clades. Aside from S. cybele, which was consistently supported as monophyletic, our data provided little support for most of the species currently recognized for western U.S. Speyeria, including S. zerene, and even less for the many subspecies designations. These genetic findings stand in contrast to the morphological differences recognized by experts, and suggest a relatively recent origin for many of these taxa. Two of 66 individuals screened for Wolbachia infection tested positive for this symbiont. Our results provide no persuasive evidence that S. z. hippolyta should lose its status as an ESU, but they have important implications for ongoing management actions such as population augmentation.
Women's health issues and nuclear medicine, part II: women and breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This is the second article of a 4-part series on women9s health issues and nuclear medicine. This article reviews women and breast cancer. After reading this article the technologist will be able to: (a) discuss breast cancer statistics and potential risk factors for breast cancer; (b) describe the screening tools and diagnostic procedures used for early detection of breast cancer; and (c) explain the role of radionuclide breast tumor imaging in detecting breast cancer.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis (AIP)

Which of the following is the most common differential diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis?
Patient Selection for Hypofractionated Whole Breast Radiation Therapy for Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (HWBI) has been firmly established as a standard of care for postlumpectomy radiation for early-stage breast cancer, based in large part on the favorable 10-year results of prospective randomized trials from Canada and the United Kingdom. In the United States and other countries, the question now is no longer whether or not to do hypofractionation, but rather to which patients this should be offered instead of conventional fractionation. This chapter will review the criteria for patient selection to be used for the inclusion and exclusion of patients for whole breast hypofractionation in clinical practice today.
Necessity, Transparency, and Fragility in Simone Weil’s Conception of Ultimate Reality and Meaning

Etude des deux interpretations concurrentes de la philosophie de S. Weil qui s'apparentent aux deux interpretations du mythe platonicien de la caverne proposees par E. Fink et M. Heidegger. Adoptant une approche holiste qui examine les quatres etapes de la pensee de S. Weil a travers l'histoire de sa vie, l'A. retrace l'ascension cognitive de celle qui a su concilier une conception marxiste de la necessite du travail (agricole et ouvrier) avec une conception chretienne de la realite ultime definie par la relation a Dieu. A partir de l'analogie cartesienne de l'aveugle avec sa canne, l'A. montre que le pacifisme de S. Weil s'appuie sur l'idee d'une elucidation de l'opacite de l'experience par la raison qui rend transparente la fragilite du monde quotidien
Sizing of a hybrid power system for a house in Libya

This paper presents the design of a hybrid power system for a house in Tripoli-Libya using homer software and BEopt. According to general electrical company in Libya, the house consumes 7845kWh/year, and total area of the house is (1962ft2). The house is simulated using BEopt software. Insulated roof and walls are selected to reduce cooling demand. The hybrid power system proposed consists of a wind turbine, PV panels, and battery storage used when there is no sun and wind energy. That region has an average annual wind speed is above 4 m/s and the radiation of sun is about 7.1 kilowatt hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day). The proposed PV/wind hybrid power system will be installed on the house. The results show that the optimum configuration meets the house requirements. The lowest levelized cost energy is obtained for a system consisting of 2.8kW PV modules, three 400W wind generator and storage batteries using 56, 200Ah units.
Isolated Abducens Palsy as the First Presenting Sign of Multiple Sclerosis

While brain stem involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS) is relatively common, isolated cranial nerve palsies are rare, especially when they represent the initial presenting sign of a new diagnosis of MS. This report describes a patient with no prior history of MS whose sole presenting sign was an isolated abducens palsy. An enhancing pontine lesion was found on MRI which correlated with his abducens palsy, and additional nonactive lesions on MRI led to a diagnosis of MS. This case demonstrates the importance of considering MS as part of the differential diagnosis of patients with isolated cranial nerve palsies.
Large-scale solar panel mapping from aerial images using deep convolutional networks

Up-to-date maps of installed solar photovoltaic panels are a critical input for policy and financial assessment of solar distributed generation. However, such maps for large areas are not available. With high coverage and low cost, aerial images enable large-scale mapping, but it is highly difficult to automatically identify solar panels from images, which are small objects with varying appearances dispersed in complex scenes. We introduce a new approach based on deep convolutional networks, which effectively learns to delineate solar panels in aerial scenes. The approach is applied to mapping solar panels in imagery covering 200 square kilometers in two cities, using only 12 square kilometers of training data that are manually labeled. Results are generated efficiently with an accuracy comparable to manual mapping, demonstrating the effectiveness and scalability of our approach.
Ionization Study of Isomeric Molecules in Strong-field Laser Pulses

Through the use of the technique of time-of-flight mass spectroscopy, we obtain strong-field ionization yields for randomly oriented 1,2-dichloroethylene (1,2-DCE) (C2H2Cl2) and 2-butene (C4H8). We are interested in studying the effect of conformal structure in strong-field ionization and, in particular, the role of molecular polarity. That is, we can perform strong-field ionization studies in polar vs non-polar molecules that have the same chemical composition. We report our findings through the ionization yields and the ratio (trans/cis) of each stereoisomer pair as a function of intensity.
A phase II clinical and translational study of MK-2206 in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

e15133 Background: Up-regulation of the phosphoinositide-3 phosphate kinase (PI3K) pathway is associated with poor prognosis in NET cell lines. In patients treated with mTOR inhibitors, up-regulation of AKT may be a key driver in development of resistance. We hypothesized that blockade of AKT in patients with refractory NETs would result in eliminating one of the key drivers of tumor growth and prolong PFS. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of MK-2206, an orally active, allosteric Akt inhibitor of human Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3 as monotherapy in metastatic well differentiated progressive neuroendocrine patients. Methods: A phase II study was performed in which patients received MK-2206 at a dose of 200 mg PO once weekly. Archived pretreatment tumor tissue was obtained for putative biomarkers. Results: The study terminated early on the basis of a business decision by the sponsor. Eight patients were treated (6 carcinoid, 2 pNET); female, 25%; median age, 58.5 years, range 66-25). There were no complete or p...
Learning Deep Features for Hierarchical Classification of Mobile Phone Face Datasets in Heterogeneous Environments

In this paper, we propose a convolutional neuralnetwork (CNN) based, scenario-dependent and sensor (mobiledevice) adaptable hierarchical classification framework. Ourproposed framework is designed to automatically categorizeface data captured under various challenging conditions, beforethe FR algorithms (pre-processing, feature extraction andmatching) are used. First, a unique multi-sensor database (usingSamsung S4 Zoom, Nokia 1020, iPhone 5S and Samsung S5phones) is collected containing face images indoors, outdoors,with yaw angle from -90 to +90 and at two different distances,i.e. 1 and 10 meters. To cope with pose variations, face detectionand pose estimation algorithms are used for classifying thefacial images into a frontal or a non-frontal class. Next,our proposed framework is used where tri-level hierarchicalclassification is performed as follows: Level 1, face images areclassified based on phone type; Level 2, face images are furtherclassified into indoor and outdoor images; and finally, Level3 face images are classified into a close (1m) and a far, lowquality, (10m) distance categories respectively. Experimentalresults show that classification accuracy is scenario dependent,reaching from 95 to more than 98% accuracy for level 2and from 90 to more than 99% for level 3 classification. Aset of experiments is performed indicating that, the usage ofdata grouping before the face matching is performed, resultedin a significantly improved rank-1 identification rate whencompared to the original (all vs. all) biometric system.
Gentlemanly Terrorists: Political Violence and the Colonial State in India, 1919–1947

In Gentlemanly Terrorists, Durba Ghosh uncovers the critical place of revolutionary terrorism in the colonial and postcolonial history of modern India. She reveals how so-called 'Bhadralok dacoits' used assassinations, bomb attacks, and armed robberies to accelerate the departure of the British from India and how, in response, the colonial government effectively declared a state of emergency, suspending the rule of law and detaining hundreds of suspected terrorists. She charts how each measure of constitutional reform to expand Indian representation in 1919 and 1935 was accompanied by emergency legislation to suppress political activism by those considered a threat to the security of the state. Repressive legislation became increasingly seen as a necessary condition to British attempts to promote civic society and liberal governance in India. By placing political violence at the center of India's campaigns to win independence, this book reveals how terrorism shaped the modern nation-state in India.
Feminist Research Practices and Digital Archives

In this article I reflect on the process of conducting historical research in digital archives from a feminist perspective. After reviewing issues that arose in conjunction with the British Library...
Performing Ghana: the politics of being a black woman on the stage, 1966–1979

This article examines the politics of belonging for women in Ghana’s entertainment scene. As a result of instability while a series of different military and civilian leaders controlled the country...
Newly Diagnosed Meniere's Disease: Clinical Course With Initiation of Noninvasive Treatment Including an Accounting of Vestibular Migraine.

Objective:To describe the course of Meniere’s disease with noninvasive treatment during the first few years after initial diagnosis.Methods:A retrospective review of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed definite Meniere’s disease between 2013 and 2016 and a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Patients received a written plan for low sodium, water therapy, and treatment with a diuretic and/or betahistine. Subjects were screened and treated for vestibular migraine as needed. Vertigo control and hearing status at most recent follow-up were assessed.Results:Forty-four subjects had an average follow up of 24.3 months. Thirty-four percent had Meniere’s disease and vestibular migraine, and 84% had unilateral Meniere’s disease. Seventy-five percent had vertigo well controlled at most recent follow-up, with only noninvasive treatments. Age, gender, body mass index, presence of vestibular migraine, bilateral disease, and duration of follow-up did not predict noninvasive treatment failure. Worse hearing threshold at 2...
Can acute care surgeons perform while fatigued? An EAST multicenter study.

Background Fatigued surgeon performance has only been assessed in simulated sessions or retrospectively after a night on call. We hypothesized that objectively assessed fatigue of acute care surgeons affects patient outcome. Methods Five acute care surgery services prospectively identified emergency cases over 27 months. Emergency cases were defined by the surgeon identifying the patient as requiring immediate operation upon consultation or admission. Within 48 hours, surgeons reported sleep time accumulated before operation, if nonclinical delays to operation occurred, and patient volume during the shift. To maximize differences, fatigued surgeons were defined as performing a case after midnight without having slept in the prior 18 hours. Rested surgeons performed cases at or before 8 PM or after at least 3 hours of sleep before operation. A four-level ordinal scale was used to assign case complexity. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed to assess the impact of fatigue on mortality and major morbidity while controlling for center and patient level factors. Results Of 882 cases collected, 611 met criteria for fatigue or rested. Of these cases, 370 were performed at night and 182 by a fatigued surgeon. Rested surgeons were more likely to be operating on an older or female patient; other characteristics were similar. Mortality and major morbidity were similar between fatigued and rested surgeons (12.1% vs 12.1% and 46.9% vs 48.9%), respectively. After controlling for center and patient factors, surgeon fatigue did not affect mortality or major morbidity. Mortality variance was 6.30% and morbidity variance was 7.02% among centers. Conclusion Acute care surgeons have similar outcomes in a fatigued or rested state. Work schedules for acute care surgeons should not be adjusted to shifts less than 24 hours for the sole purpose of improving patient outcomes. Level of evidence Prognostic study, level IV.
Balancing Work and Family Lives

In a 1951 Fortune article, an IBM executive described his company’s pro-family policy. According to this policy, wives and children of “company men” should be included in the life of the corporation by the provision of country club facilities, picnics and parties, and special children’s clubs (Whyte, 1956). Then, the “work-family problem” was viewed primarily in terms of the conflict between the excessive work hours of career-oriented corporate men and the emotional needs of their wives and children. Corporations typically provided social resources for family members (Hill, 1970; Kimmelman, 1969; Whyte, 1956), and beyond that there was little acknowledgment that work could have a profound impact on family life and that family life could likewise have an impact on work.
THE FUTURE OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE

The strategic importance of polymers became evident during the Second World War through the invention of artificial rubber and led to the establishment of highly productive applied polymer research groups in industry and academe. Concurrently, polymer science, long viewed in academe as plebian technology that was unworthy of academic consideration, became a fully recognized research focus in many traditional research universities, with exciting new discoveries ranging from controlled, self-assembling molecular architectures to polymer based electronic and photonic devices. These discoveries are adding new dimensions to the potential utility of macromolecules. These issues are especially relevant for very high performance polymers, such as continuous fiber reinforced composites, materials designed for use under conditions of environmental extremes, and parts that need to function reliably for extended periods of time. Understanding of the interrelationships of processing, properties, and structure is the cornerstone of modern material science.
Beyond formal representation: Case studies of women's participation in civil society in Japan

Abstract Japan is the third wealthiest country in the world and its women are the most highly educated and literate among the 144 countries included in the 2017 Global Gender Equality report issued by the World Economic Forum. Yet, according to this report and the Inter-parliamentary Union's data on women across national legislatures, Japan ranked 114th out of 144 countries for gender equality, and 159th out of 193 countries 1 for the percentage of women in its national legislature. These international reports document persistent gaps in Japanese women's representation, rights, and opportunities in politics and the economy, yet by going beyond formal representation and a focus on the official institutions of political power in the society, which are and have been dominated by men, women's labor, leadership, and contributions become more visible. What are the implications for Japan's democracy when women's political participation and leadership are segregated into spaces outside of the formal institutions of power? Through three case studies, this article shows how and why some women engage in this sphere, and how their different identities and interests shape the nature and the meaning of their participation in civic life. Further, qualitative analysis provides insights into the complex and multidimensional ways in which women participate in political life in Japan.
Centrifugal Spinning—High Rate Production of Nanofibers

Abstract Nanofibers have attracted tremendous attention due to their flexibility, large surface area, and ease of modification, and they have been widely utilized in different applications such as filtration, tissue engineering, drug delivery, protective clothing, energy storage, etc. At this writing, the most commonly used method to produce nanofibers is electrospinning. However, the utilization of a high-voltage setup and the low production rate have become barriers to its use in large scale. Centrifugal spinning is an efficient approach to producing nanofibers from various materials. During centrifugal spinning, the polymer solution or polymer melt is ejected out of the rotating spinning head, and when the centrifugal force overcomes the surface tension of the polymer liquid material, the polymer jet undergoes a stretching process and is eventually deposited on the collector, forming solidified nanofibers. This chapter gives an overview of the history, working mechanism, influential parameters, and various applications of the centrifugal spinning method.
Evaluation of time-domain damping identification methods for flutter-constrained optimization

Abstract As engineers increasingly pursue air vehicle designs with slender, lightweight aerostructures, it has become necessary to model nonlinear aeroelastic effects earlier in the design process. As a result, high-fidelity analysis tools are required that can efficiently identify flutter within the flight envelope, and find design modifications to alleviate adverse aeroelastic behavior. To address these requirements, we have systematically evaluated automated methods to identify the damping of an aeroelastic system from a time-domain simulation. The techniques evaluated include the log decrement method, envelope function methods that use the Hilbert transformation, the half-power bandwidth method, and the matrix pencil method. The optimal approach was determined to be the matrix pencil method due to its robustness to noise and its ability to handle multi-component signals over short time simulations. Identification of the flutter boundary of the AGARD-445.6 wing is demonstrated with an automated method based on the adjoint sensitivities and the matrix pencil method. While the matrix pencil method is robust, identification of the flutter boundary using gradient-based optimization is shown to be sensitive to the initial dynamic pressure guess.