cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of the spatial scale and time dependency of tile drainage contribution to stream flow

Summary Tile drainage systems are pervasive in the Central U.S., significantly altering the hydrologic system. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of tile drainage systems on streamflow. A physically based coupled hydrologic model was applied to a 45 km 2 agricultural Iowa watershed. Tile drainage was incorporated though an equivalent porous medium approach, calibrated though numerical experimentation. Experimental results indicated that a significant increase in hydraulic conductivity of the equivalent medium layer was needed to achieve agreement in total outflow with an explicit numerical representation of a tiled system. Watershed scale analysis derived the tile drainage contribution to stream flow ( Q T / Q ) from a numerical tracer driven analysis of instream surface water. During precipitation events tile drainage represented 30% of stream flow, whereas during intervals between precipitations events, 61% of stream flow originated from the tile system. A division of event and non-event periods produced strong correlations between Q T / Q and drainage area, positive for events, and negative for non-events. The addition of precipitation into the system acted to saturate near surface soils, increase lateral soil water movement, and dilute the relatively stable instream tile flow. Increased intensity precipitation translated the Q T / Q relationship downward in a consistent manner. In non-event durations, flat upland areas contributed large contributions of tile flow, diluted by larger groundwater (non-tile) contribution to stream flow in the downstream steeper portion of the watershed. Study results provide new insights on the spatiotemporal response of tile drainage to precipitation and contributions of tile drainage to streamflow at a watershed scale, with results having important implications for nitrate transport.
Discussion of new technology for hydrogen production from coal gasification

Two methods for hydrogen production from coal gasification are introduced,and a new caol gasification technology which could bring coal gasified converted into hydrogen by outside heat is analyzed in detail.A new technological system of hydrogen production from coal is constructed,with the system simulated and analyzed,the results indicated that the gasification efficiency in the gasification furnace could reach 96.3%,and the thermal efficiency is up to 87.4%.The hydrogen yield of per ton coal increased by about 25% as compared with that of the present technology.
The phenomenological study of exergy transfer based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics

From the point of generalized force and flow,the common essence of transfer phenomenon is discussed,i.e,energy flow and exergy flow effected by all kinds of intensity potential field grads.The related theory of non-equilibrium thermodynamics is used to deduce the exergy transfer phenomenological equation influenced by multi-potential fields.According to the general step of analyzing irreversible process in non-equilibrium thermodynamics,two ways of determining force and flow in exergy transfer phenomenon equation are provided,which embodies the subject intersection of thermodynamics and transfer knowledge in exergy transfer study.The application analysis of thermoelectric coupling phenomenon shows that,the phenomenological equation of exergy transfer based on non-equilibrium thermodynamics can open out fully and thoroughly the coupling relations between irreversible effects.
Global stability predictions for flexible workpiece milling using time domain simulation

Abstract This paper describes the use of peak-to-peak (PTP) force diagrams for machining stability prediction and validates its suitability for milling processes where the workpiece is considerably more flexible than the machine-tool system. These diagrams result from numerous executions of a time domain simulation which includes both the tool and workpiece dynamics and a mechanistic force model. The applicability of the PTP force diagram is validated experimentally through peripheral milling tests of thin-walled structures. Measured and simulated cutting forces are compared. It is shown that the PTP diagrams offer the global stability information which is provided by the traditional lobe diagram, while preserving the detailed, local information provided by time domain simulation.
Experimental obstructive hydronephrosis in newborn rats. XI. A one-year follow-up study of renal function and morphology.

AbstractPartial obstruction of the left ureter was created in two-day-old rats and its effects on kidney function were studied with 99mTc-DMSA and 99mTc-DTPA after one, two, three and six weeks, and after one year. Kidneys from animals sacrificed at the age of six weeks or one year were also examined histologically. The obstructed renal pelvis was enlarged by about 35 times and there was a delayed excretion of 99mTc-DTPA during forced diuresis, indicating significant, chronic obstruction. The renal DMSA-uptake ratio (left kidney/(left and right kidney)) was reduced to about 40% from the first week of obstruction. The parenchymal weight ratio (expressed as above) was reduced to about 45% after both six weeks and one year. The glomerular filtration rate, examined during forced diuresis and calculated on the basis of uptake capacity, was lowered to 42% after six weeks but was not significantly reduced after one year of obstruction. The incidence figures for medullary hemorrhage or accumulation of iron pigmen...
How cost-effective are cover crops, wetlands, and two-stage ditches for nitrogen removal in the Mississippi River Basin?

Abstract Excess nitrogen (N) causes numerous water quality problems, and in the upper Mississippi River Basin, much of the excess N results from landscape modifications necessary for row crop agriculture. Several conservation practices reduce N export, but cost estimates for these practices are often lacking, which can inhibit decisions by farmers and policy-makers. Many practices are eligible for cost-share funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , but these programs do not usually cover the full cost, and so farmers need to be able to approximate their share of costs. In addition, cost estimates may help the USDA to set priorities and make programmatic decisions. We address lack of cost information by estimating the direct implementation costs and USDA program costs for three agricultural conservation practices: wetlands, cover crops, and two-stage ditches, over 10 and 50 year time horizons. We then compare these costs to the N removal effectiveness of each practice, in $ kg N−1 removed. Wetlands were the most cost-effective practice (in $ kg N−1 removed) over both time horizons. Over 50 years, the two-stage ditch ranked second in cost-effectiveness and cover crops were least cost-effective, while over 10 years, cover crops were second and two-stage ditches were least cost-effective. Finally, we note that these practices need not be used in isolation, but can be implemented simultaneously to maximize N removal. Overall, our analysis suggests that careful implementation can cost-effectively mitigate N pollution.
Pharmacological management of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Obesity is a growing health concern worldwide. Multiple guidelines are available to clinicians to help guide treatment of obesity.Areas covered: In their 2016 update, the American Diabetes Association included recommendations for the use of pharmacological agents in the treatment of obesity in patients with concurrent diabetes. Five agents have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are recommended by guidelines for the long-term treatment of obesity: orlistat, lorcaserin, phentermine/topiramate ER, naltrexone/bupropion, and liraglutide.Expert commentary: This article summarizes the current evidence available on the use of these agents in patients with diabetes.
High field assisted X-ray source

Pulsed-power generators can efficiently deliver tens of megajoules of energy to a load. However, technological constrains clamp the delivery time to 100 ns. At the other end of the spectrum, petawatt lasers are limited to energy below a kilojoule. Yet they can deliver it on picosecond time scales. Combining both systems would greatly increase their versatility. For instance, one could imagine developing a high energy x-ray source (E>50 keV) where a pulsed-power generator would pre-ionize a high-Z gas to electron densities above 1020 cm−3. Then, a high-power laser would push the ionization in the He-like regime only in a small channel surrounding the initial laser path. The bulk ionization, requiring copious amounts of energy, would be done by the pulsed-power machine. The rest of the ionization, requiring large electric fields, would be done locally by the laser.
The Economic Impact of Stolen Data Markets

This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the factors that may affect the price and profits received by data buyers and vendors within the market for stolen data. First, the issue of “lemon markets” is discussed, where the lack of information on the quality of data may lead to lower-priced data of low value dominating the market. Using linear regression models, we find that the price for dumps and eBay accounts are directly affected by social factors including the language of participants which may be a proxy for trust. Additionally, we discuss the challenges inherent in modeling the profit margins of data buyers and sellers. The prospective earnings of vendors are explored, suggesting they may make thousands of dollars depending on the product, while buyers could earn millions but face greater risk of economic loss.
A Statewide Parenting Alternative Sentencing Program: Description and Preliminary Outcomes

ABSTRACTThe Washington State Legislature created the Parenting Sentencing Alternative in 2010, authorizing a substitute to total confinement for parents of minor children. The Alternative is designed to strengthen family bonds and improve parenting skills to encourage successful reintegration. An overview of the Alternative’s history, design, and implementation is presented, followed by preliminary results from an impact evaluation. A case study of a successful participant is presented, and implications for the findings are discussed.
Child Life Specialists' Evaluation of Hospital Playroom Design: A Mixed Method Inquiry

This study uses the expertise of child life specialists to identify which elements support child life goals for hospitalized children. This study can be used to inform those interested in the optimal design of hospital playrooms. Ninety child life specialists were surveyed using a photograph methodology showing five actual child life playrooms from different hospitals. The participants were asked the following: rate each playroom on 14 dimensions; describe what was liked best about each playroom; and finally, rank order the playrooms based on their ability to support child life goals. Findings show that child life specialists were able to detect fine distinctions among hospital playrooms; thus, highlighting the important role that child life specialists can play in the design or modification of these spaces. Notably, using both Likert ratings and open-response questions, the value of biophilia in child life play spaces, specifically windows, light, and nature themes were revealed. In addition to biophilic attributes, the playrooms rated most favorably were those that contain pleasing color and decor and plenty of open space. Playrooms that promote sensory-motor and pretend play were also preferred.
Silsesquioxane nanoparticles with reactive internal functional groups

A series of silsesquioxane nanoparticles containing reactive internal organic functionalities throughout the entire particle body have been synthesized using a surfactant-free method with organosilanes as the sole precursors and a base catalyst. The organic functional groups incorporated are vinyl, allyl, mercapto, cyanoethyl, and cyanopropyl groups. The sizes and morphologies of the particles were characterized using SEM and nitrogen adsorption, while the compositions were confirmed using TGA, FT-IR, solid state NMR, and elemental analysis. The accessibility and reactivity of the functional groups inside the particles were demonstrated by performing bromination and reduction reactions in the interior of the particles.
Pharmacology of Non-opioid Intravenous Anesthetics

The development and progress in surgery would have been impossible without the development and introduction of new sedative-hypnotics. The early work was on barbiturates, then benzodiazepines followed by ketamine, etomidate, propofol, and recently dexmedetomidine was introduced. Barbiturates were the most commonly used general anesthesia induction agents but substituted now by propofol. The usage of propofol expanded to sedation during surgeries and procedures as well as in the intensive care unit (ICU) together with opioids and benzodiazepines. Ketamine is extensively utilized in asthmatic patients and in patients with hemodynamic instability. Etomidate took the place of ketamine for induction of general anesthesia in hemodynamically unstable patients due to the excellent hemodynamic stability it provides. Dexmedetomidine, although not used in general anesthesia induction, is widely used as a sedative during procedures where respiratory depression is not tolerated; it decreases the anesthetic requirement and its utilization has been extended to ICU sedation. The progress of work is still going on to provide us with a new generation of sedative-hypnotics to improve and avoid the side effects of currently available agents.
Medical Legal Issues with Biologic Agents in the Treatment of Psoriasis

Although biologic drugs have changed the face of psoriasis treatment, affording greater efficacy and enhancing quality of life, safety issues have been reported and the warning labels have expanded. A variety of issues are now linked to biologic associated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) blocker use. Litigation has occurred with the use of a variety of biologics. The published risks of these agents include the development of lupus and autoimmune-like syndromes, squamous cell cancer (SCC), histoplasmosis, and coccidioidomycosis. This chapter focuses on litigation related to the use of biologics in dermatology, approaches to reducing physician liability, and hypothetical lawsuits against a dermatologist using biologics.
Abstract WMP51: Risk and Timing of of Ischemic Stroke Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) has long been reported as a risk factor for ischemic stroke, but the magnitude and duration of risk remains uncertain. Methods: We performed a crossover-cohort study using inpatient and outpatient claims data from a nationally representative 5% sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2008 through 2014. We identified all patients ≥66 years of age with a first-recorded hospitalization for acute MI. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke. All predictors and outcomes were defined using previously validated ICD-9-CM codes. To exclude stroke that may have been due to percutaneous coronary intervention, we included only cases of ischemic stroke that occurred after discharge from the MI hospitalization. We compared the risk of ischemic stroke in successive 4-week periods during the 12 weeks after MI versus the corresponding 4-week periods 1 year later. To avoid immortal time bias, we limited our cohort to patients who remained alive and insured throughout the 15 month study period. Odds ratios (OR) and absolute risk differences were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel estimator for matched data. Results: We identified 22,798 patients with an acute MI in whom the mean age was 77.4 (±7.9) years and 50.3% were women. In the 12 weeks after discharge, 216 patients (0.95%) developed a stroke, as compared to 21 (0.09%) patients in the corresponding 12-week period 1 year later. The absolute increase in stroke risk was 0.45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.55%) in the first 4 weeks after acute MI compared to the 4-week time period 1 year later, corresponding to an OR of 18.2 (95% CI, 8.1-50.6). The absolute risk increase was 0.24% (95% CI, 0.16-0.31%) during weeks 5-8 (OR, 8.7; 95% CI, 4.0-22.6) and 0.17% (95% CI, 0.10-0.23%) during weeks 9-12 (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 2.7-14.1). Conclusions: Acute MI is associated with a substantially elevated short-term risk of ischemic stroke. This risk was independent of periprocedural stroke risk in the setting of coronary reperfusion therapies.
Resection of Metastatic Cancer in Castration-Resistant Patients

The scenario discussed in this chapter involves the management of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in the setting of prior prostatectomy with lymphadenectomy with likely disease recurrence in a pelvic lymph node. Treating this patient is both nuanced and complicated given the rapidly evolving management of advanced prostate cancer and paucity of data guiding salvage lymphadenectomy in the setting of CRPC. Options for treatment include multiple modalities, including systemic therapies (such as chemo- or hormonal therapy) that have proven efficacy in the metastatic CPRC setting, and localized treatment such as radiation or surgery. This chapter aims to outline the issues and reasoning behind various treatment options for patients with CRPC and local disease recurrence and specifically updates evidence related to salvage lymphadenectomy in this setting.
Existence and Continuation Properties of Solutions of a Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the existence and continuation properties of solutions of a nonlinear Volterra integral equation. The n -dimensional nonlinear integral equation of Volterra type, x ( t ) = f ( t ) + ( t, s, x ( s )) ds, t ∈ [0 , ∞ ), denoted by (E). There are derived sufficient conditions for a solution x ( t ) of equation (E) on its maximal interval of existence [0, T ) to possess the property that x ( f ) tends to the boundary of an open region as t → T – . For a general m n matrix M = [ M αβ ], the symbol M · ≥ · 0 signifies that the elements of M are real, and M αβ > 0 for α = 1,…, m , β = 1, …, n . For x ∈ R n , the symbol | x | is employed for the vector (| x α |), α = 1,…, n . The chapter presents hypothesis concerning the vector functions ƒ and g occurring in equation (E).
Alcohol and Cell Death

Alcohol is the most common toxicant humans deliberately expose themselves to. Gestational exposure to alcohol causes lifelong neurodevelopmental deficits collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). In the United States, FASDs are estimated to affect 10/1000 live births. No period in pregnancy or early postnatal development is immune to alcohol’s damage. Alcohol alters multiple events in neural development including proliferation, migration, synaptogenesis, and cell death. Alcohol has promiscuous activity on multiple proteins through interactions with specific binding sites. Recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of how alcohol causes neuronal death. The precise target and mechanism of action are determined by the cell type involved and its differentiation state. Some of the best documented mechanisms of alcohol-induced cell death are reviewed here. These include disruptions of the cell adhesion molecule L1, induction of calcium transients and suppressed nuclear β-catenin, dysregulation of nitric oxide-mediated signaling, and inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Interestingly, several of these pathways converge on the regulation of the neuroprotective signal Akt, suggesting that it may be a central effector in the sensitivity or resistance to ethanol-mediated cell death. Due to alcohol’s addictive properties, there is increased attention upon clinical interventions that ameliorate or repair alcohol’s neurodevelopmental damage. Some of the most promising include small peptide neurotrophins, choline supplementation, modulation of NMDAR activity, and maternal iron status. This improved understanding of alcohol’s neurotoxicity contributes to better diagnosis and treatment of those with FASD, with the goal of reducing the emotional and financial burdens of this common neurodevelopmental disorder.
Pediatric percutaneous renal biopsies: comparison of complications between real-time ultrasound guidance and pre-procedure ultrasound-aided skin-marking techniques

Percutaneous renal biopsy is a commonly performed procedure that guides decision-making for children with renal disease. To compare complications from renal biopsies using real-time ultrasound (US) guidance versus pre-procedure US-aided skin-marking in children. We conducted a priori power analysis using a risk-adjusted model, which indicated we needed a sample size of 643–714 procedures (effect size: 0.8). Then we retrospectively identified consecutive patients who underwent a percutaneous renal biopsy from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2016. We categorized complications according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) criteria and compared rates using the Fisher exact test. We analyzed complication predictors using multivariate regression. The study consisted of 701 percutaneous renal biopsies in 553 patients: 313 used real-time US guidance and 388 used pre-procedure US-aided skin-marking. Among the 254/701 (36%) complications, 56/313 (18%) resulted from real-time US guidance and 198/388 (51%) from pre-procedure US-aided skin-marking (P<0.001). In the US real-time guidance group, 39/56 (70%) complications were SIR A, 8/56 (14%) SIR B, 6/56 (11%) SIR C and 3/56 (5%) SIR D. Among the pre-procedure US-aided skin-marking group, 139/198 (70%) complications were SIR A, 47/198 (24%) SIR B, 11/198 (6%) SIR C and 1/198 (1%) SIR D. Complications between the two groups were significantly different regarding SIR A (P<0.001) and SIR B complications (P<0.001) but not major complications. Multivariate regression demonstrated that complications were higher using US-aided pre-procedure skin-marking (odds ratio [OR]=6.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.86, 10.27) than with US real-time guidance. Children and young adults who underwent real-time US-guided percutaneous renal biopsies had significantly fewer minor complications, including those requiring follow-up medical care, compared to those who underwent percutaneous renal biopsies with pre-procedure US-aided skin-marking. No difference was detected in the incidence of major complications.
Sequential compression across latent space dimensions enhances gene expression signatures

Abstract Background Unsupervised machine learning algorithms applied to gene expression data extract latent, or hidden, signals representing technical and biological sources of variation. However, these algorithms require a user to select a biologically-appropriate latent dimensionality. Results We compressed gene expression data from three large transcriptomic datasets consisting of adult normal tissue, adult cancer tissue, and pediatric cancer tissue. Rather than selecting a single latent dimensionality, we sequentially compressed these data into many dimensions ranging from 2 to 200. We trained principal components analysis (PCA), independent components analysis (ICA), non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), denoising autoencoder (DAE), and variational autoencoder (VAE) models. We observed various tradeoffs for each model. For example, we observed high model stability between PCA, ICA, and NMF algorithms across latent dimensionalities. We identified more unique biological signatures in DAE and VAE model ensembles in intermediate latent dimensionalities. However, we captured the most pathway-associated features using all compressed features across algorithms, ensembles, and dimensions. We also used multiple latent dimensionalities to optimize gene expression signatures representing sample sex, neuroblastoma MYCN amplification, and various blood cell types, which generalized to external datasets. In supervised machine learning tasks, compressed features predicted cancer type and gene alteration status. In this setting, the best performing supervised models used features from different dimensionalities and compression algorithms indicating that there was no single best dimensionality or compression algorithm. Conclusions Ensembles of features from different unsupervised algorithms discover biological signatures in large transcriptomic datasets. To enhance biological signature discovery, rather than compressing input data into a single pre-selected dimensionality, it is best to perform compression on input data over many latent dimensionalities.
End-of-Life Lithium-Ion Battery Component Mechanical Liberation and Separation

Effective mechanical treatment of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to recover a high yield of enriched active electrode materials (i.e., lithium metal oxide and graphite) is key to achieving a robust LIB recycling process. In this study, shredding and sieving were performed on LIB packs of three cell types (prismatic, cylindrical, and pouch cells) to investigate the separation and liberation of LIB components. The results demonstrated that a significant portion of lithium metal oxide remained unliberated from the aluminum foil after shredding. Of the physical liberation methods investigated, it was shown that attrition milling of shredded LIB packs effectively separated LIB components, and enriched active materials, metal foils and low-value components into 2 mm fractions, respectively. A combination of shredding, sieving, and attrition milling was demonstrated to be a promising mechanical/physical method for liberation and beneficiation of LIB components.
A framework for the design of the future energy-efficient, cost-effective, reliable, resilient, and sustainable full-scale wastewater treatment plants

Abstract Generally, the compliance with the effluent quality standards, the related harm prevention on the surrounding environment and human health, costs reduction, possible water reuse, energy and resource recovery, and environmental impact issues have been the driving forces and/or important criteria in the design and simulation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To date, not much research has been conducted to study the reliability and resilience of WWTPs. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive procedure framework to design the future energy-efficient, cost-effective, reliable, resilient, and sustainable full-scale WWTPs for both normal and natural hazard conditions. It is a key and emerging research area. In this study, the process flow diagram of a typical municipal WWTP, modeling of WWTPs, computer programs for WWTP design, and the previous studies on the simulation of the full-scale WWTPs were briefly and critically reviewed. Then, the procedure framework was presented. Finally, future perspectives and conclusions were discussed.
The Role of Postoperative Radiation Therapy for pN2 Non-small-cell Lung Cancer.

Abstract Background The role for postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mediastinal lymph node (LN) involvement (pN2 disease) is controversial. We compared surgery alone with PORT among patients with pN2 NSCLC. We then performed subset analyses to better delineate patients that might benefit from PORT. Patients and Methods We conducted a propensity score (PS)-matched, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) analysis of patients with pN2 disease from 1989 to 2016 with surgery alone or PORT. Multiple imputation with chained equations was used for missing LN data. Results A total of 8631 patients were included in this analysis; 4579 underwent surgery alone, and 4052 underwent PORT. Following PS matching and IPTW, there was no difference in overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; P = .76). However, PORT improved OS among a subset of patients with a LN positive to sampled ratio ≥ 50% (HR, 0.90; P = .01). Moreover, there was a trend towards improved OS among this subset, even with chemotherapy (HR, 0.91; P = .09). Conclusion PORT is not associated with an improvement or detriment in OS for all patients with pN2 NSCLC. However, patients with a positive to sampled LN ratio ≥ 50% may benefit, regardless of chemotherapy status. Nevertheless, PORT will remain the standard of care as we await the results of the ongoing LUNG ART trial.
Dynamic interactions of ingested molten silicate particles with air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings

Air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are used extensively throughout the gas turbine industry for both power and propulsion. As these engines push to higher temperatures, concern for failure from the melt infiltration of ingested siliceous debris [commonly called calcium–magnesium–alumino-silicate (CMAS)] arises, especially in aeroengines. 7 wt% yttria-stabilized zirconia is particularly prone to melt infiltration and stiffening-induced premature failure. Novel TBC materials such as gadolinium zirconate have been introduced for their infiltration-inhibiting CMAS reactions. Past academic work has utilized ideal laboratory furnace environments to study these phenomena. In this work, the influence of TBC microstructure and chemistry on impinging molten CMAS injected via a burner rig is studied. An observational study of the impacted surfaces and location-specific cross-sectional analysis is reported. Results point toward the critical role of surface microstructure on the mobility and reactivity of the molten CMAS.
The Research Lab as Satellite Library.

It is challenging to identify the needs of researchers and students at any satellite campus, a situation that is exacerbated when the satellite library is a research laboratory. The users are not taking classes, but still have library support needs. This article discusses the difficulties in properly identifying a population of students at this type of institution, as well as the associated challenges that come with developing a series of library workshops for different groups of users.
A carta dos direitos fundamentais na futura Constituição da União Européia: possibilidade de controle pela Corte de Justiça

Este trabalho aborda a insercao da Carta dos direitos fundamentais da Uniao Europeia de 2000 no tratado que estabelece uma constituicao para a Uniao Europeia de 2005. Especificamente aborda a possibilidade de controle dos direitos fundamentais pela Corte de justica da Uniao Europeia. Refere-se, tambem, a Convencao Europeia de salvaguarda dos Direitos do Homem e das Liberdades Fundamentais (CEDH) de 1950.
Investigating ESL learners’ awareness of semantic prosody across proficiency levels

This study examines low-intermediate to advanced ESL learners’ awareness of semantic prosody. Semantic prosody is a word/unit association that expresses an attitudinal meaning (described as favoura...
A changing estuary: Understanding historical patterns in salinity and fecal coliform levels in the May River, SC.

Abstract The May River, South Carolina watershed has undergone rapid increases in population and development from 1999 to 2017. This study aimed to understand the factors that influence salinity and fecal coliform levels in this estuary and how these levels changed from 1999 to 2017. This analysis revealed that salinity levels decreased in the headwaters, while variability increased. Additionally, fecal coliform increased from 1999 to 2017 throughout the hydrological network, with drastic changes occurring in the headwaters. Salinity and fecal coliform were influenced by spatial (distance from the mouth of the river), temporal (year, season, and tidal cycles), environmental (El Nino Southern Oscillation and rainfall), and anthropogenic parameters (population). This analysis suggests that the synergistic nature of climate change, resulting in more intense and frequent El Nino events, and watershed development may lead to further decreases in salinity and increases in fecal coliform levels in the May River estuary.
Sessile liquid drops damp vibrating structures

In this study, we explore the vibration damping characteristics of singular liquid drops of varying viscosity and surface tension resting on a millimetric cantilever. Cantilevers are displaced 0.6 mm at their free end, 6% their length, and allowed to vibrate freely. Such ringdown vibration causes drops to deform, or slosh, which dissipates kinetic energy via viscous dissipation within the drop and through contact line friction. Damping by drop sloshing is dependent on viscosity, surface tension, drop size, and drop location. A solid weight with the same mass as experimental drops is used to compare against the damping imposed by liquids, thereby accounting for other damping sources. Neither the most viscous nor least viscous drops studied imposed the greatest damping on cantilever motion. Instead, drops of intermediate viscosity strike the most effective balance of sloshing and internal dissipative capacity. Very thin cantilevers with sloshing drops express more than one dominant frequency and vibrate erratically, often shifting phase, presenting a challenge for quantification of damping. Finally, we introduce a new dimensionless group aimed at incorporating all salient variables of our cantilever-drop system.
Simulation of a Thermally Efficient HAMR Ridge Waveguide NFT on an AIN Heat Sink

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) promises to increase the areal data density in hard disk drives beyond 1 Tb/in 2 by raising the temperature of the media to its Curie temperature for writing. The metallic optical near-field transducer (NFT) is a key component of the HAMR system. It confines optical energy to a small region below the diffraction limit on the recording media. The challenge with HAMR is that the NFT can reach extreme temperatures due to self-heating. Therefore, thermal reliability of the NFT is of great importance. To help the NFT dissipate heat, AlN is a potential heat sink material with reported thermal conductivity higher than 100 W/m-K [1] . In this work, we proposed a thermally efficient HAMR light delivery system using a ridge waveguide on an AlN heat sink. The relatively large metallic waveguide structure can dissipate heat effectively even in the presence of finite interface thermal conductance while still producing a small thermal spot in the medium. The thermal efficiencies ( TE ), defined as the ratio of peak temperature rise in the medium versus in the NFT can be as high as 2.93 in our design.
Latinx adolescents' trust in adults: A precursor to psychological well-being via mentoring relational quality and self-esteem.

This study aimed to test a longitudinal model of trust in adults and psychological well-being among Latinx adolescents, a population that has received little attention in the trust literature. The participants were urban, low-income Latinx (N = 294) students at two urban, Midwestern high schools who indicated they had at least one natural mentor in 9th grade. Participants completed surveys at two-time points, in 9th and 10th grade, and responded to measures of their feelings toward adults, quality of their natural mentoring relationships, self-esteem, intrinsic academic motivation, and coping self-efficacy. More trust in adults was indirectly, but not directly, associated with higher coping self-efficacy via higher mentoring relational quality and self-esteem. Positive expectations of adults may open Latinx youth to closeness in natural mentoring relationships and positive self-perceptions, which may, in turn, bolster coping ability.
From pathway to regulon in Arabidopsis

6 Introduction 7 Results and Discussion 10 Conclusions 23 Methods 23 References 24 ARTICULATION AND HIERARCHICAL CHAPTER 3. ORGANIZATION OF CORE METABOLIC 27 PROCESSES IN PLANTS Abstract 27 Introduction 27 Results and Discussion 29 Methods 35 Acknowledgements 37 References 37 Appendix. Supporting Online Material 3927 Introduction 27 Results and Discussion 29 Methods 35 Acknowledgements 37 References 37 Appendix. Supporting Online Material 39 CHAPTER 4. REGULON ORGANIZATION OF ARABIDOPSIS 46 Abstract 46 Introduction 46 Results 47 Discussion 63 Methods 66 Acknowledgements 68 References 6846 Introduction 46 Results 47 Discussion 63 Methods 66 Acknowledgements 68 References 68 CHAPTER 5. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS
Federal Radionavigation Plan overview

Significant changes to the Federal Radionavigation Plan were made in the 1986 edition. A brief review is presented to establish the foundation for the current Federal Radionavigation Plan policy statement. Special emphasis is given to the Global Positioning System and its impact on other systems, especially long-range ground-based systems. Highlights from the radionavigation users' conference held in Washington, DC, in March 1988 and other user-oriented actions are discussed. Current and future federal requirements for radionavigation systems are addressed. >
Carbohydrate assimilation in actively growing yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae: II. Synthesis of polysaccharides from [1−14C]glucose

Synthesis of the yeast mannan, glycogen and trehalose from [1−14C]glucose was investigated in yeast grown at aeration rates permitting high, low and moderate oxygen absorption. Similar specific radioactivites were obtained in the hexoses isolated from the acid hydrolysates of these carbohydrates in all yeast samples. However, their activities were lower than that of the [1−14C]glucose substrate. The degradation results revealed that the distribution pattern of radioactivity in the isolated hexoses was similar to that of the substrate, namely in the C1 position. The specific activity of the C1 fractions was about six times greater than that of the hexose carbon. The implications of these results were discussed.
Core reactivity estimation in space reactors using recurrent dynamic networks

A recurrent Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) network topology is used in the identification of nonlinear dynamic systems from only the input/output measurements. This effort is part of a research program devoted in developing real‐time diagnostics and predictive control techniques for large‐scale complex nonlinear dynamic systems. The identification is performed in the discrete time domain, with the learning algorithm being a modified form of the Back Propagation (BP) rule. The Recurrent Dynamic Network (RDN) developed is applied for the total core reactivity prediction of a spacecraft reactor from only neutronic power level measurements. Results indicate that the RDN can reproduce the nonlinear response of the reactor while keeping the number of nodes roughly equal to the relative order of the system. As accuracy requirements are increased, the number of required nodes also increases, however, the order of the RDN necessary to obtain such results is still in the same order of magnitude as the order of the matematical model of the system. There are a number of issues identified regarding the behavior of the RDN, which at this point are unresolved and require further research. Nevertheless, it is believed that use of the recurrent MLP structure with a variety of different learning algorithms may prove useful in utilizing artifical neural networks (ANNs) for recognition, classification and prediction of dynamic systems.
Strategic directions for construction project management information systems

Project management software packages are keeping pace with increases in microcomputer power with more efficient database designs, simpler interfaces, and higher-resolution graphics. Infrequent users find that easy-to-use programs match their needs, but professional planning requirements need larger capacities and more powerful features. These programs incorporate the expanded work breakdown coding and expense reporting that government contractors typically require. The interfaces, however, are often difficult to master. >
Screening for hydroxychloroquine toxicity by Texas ophthalmologists

OBJECTIVE: To determine current practice patterns for screening for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) toxicity by Texas ophthalmologists. METHODS: A survey was sent to all comprehensive ophthalmologists and retina specialists in the state of Texas. Questions included need for baseline examinations, frequency of followup, tests used to monitor for toxicity, and influences on monitoring regimen. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety of 577 surveys were returned correctly completed (response rate = 50.3%). Two hundred fifty-seven respondents (88.6%) felt a baseline examination was necessary prior to beginning HCQ therapy, and 223 (76.9%) followed patients every 6 months during HCQ therapy. Visual acuity, slit lamp examination, and dilated fundus examination were performed on almost all patients, and about three-quarters of respondents also checked visual fields and color vision. While 183 ophthalmologists (63.1%) used the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates to check color vision, there was no consensus on the preferred visual field test. One hundred twenty-two respondents (42.1%) stated they had diagnosed a patient with HCQ ocular toxicity. CONCLUSION: Most ophthalmologists in Texas continue to perform baseline examinations and follow HCQ patients semiannually for the development of ocular toxicity despite recent recommendations questioning the need for such close followup. The majority check visual acuity, perform slit lamp and dilated fundus examinations, and test color vision and visual fields, although there is no consensus on the preferred method to test visual fields.
Deposition of Quantum Dots in a Capillary Tube

The ability to assemble nanomaterials, such as quantum dots, enables the creation of functional devices that present unique optical and electronic properties. For instance, light-emitting diodes with exceptional color purity can be printed via the evaporative-driven assembly of quantum dots. Nevertheless, current studies of the colloidal deposition of quantum dots have been limited to the surfaces of a planar substrate. Here, we investigate the evaporation-driven assembly of quantum dots inside a confined cylindrical geometry. Specifically, we observe distinct deposition patterns, such as banding structures along the length of a capillary tube. Such coating behavior can be influenced by the evaporation speed as well as the concentration of quantum dots. Understanding the factors governing the coating process can provide a means to control the assembly of quantum dots inside a capillary tube, ultimately enabling the creation of novel photonic devices.
Polarization dynamics for solitons in birefringent optical fibers

Abstract Equivalent Hamiltonian dynamics are derived for solitons propagating in a weakly birefringent nonlinear optical fiber. From the simplified equations, these pulses are shown to undergo a rotation of polrization driven by a cross-phase modulation. Analogous to previous results for dispersionless waves, an amplitude-dependent criterion for the onset of birefringence-induced instabilities is also determined.
Patterns of Mental Abilities: Ethnic, Socioeconomic, and Sex Differences

Past research has shown that males and females exhibit characteristic patterns of mental abilities; however, comparatively few studies have considered the patterns of mental abilities that distinguish different ethnic and socioeconomic groups (Anastasi, 1958). One such study, conducted by Lesser, Fifer, and Clark (1965) found characteristic patterns of mental abilities for first grade children from different ethnic backgrounds (Chinese, Jewish, Negro, and Puerto Rican). The ethnic patterns differed in shape and average level. Socioeconomic status (SES) was not related to the shape of the patterns, but those of higher SES tended to have higher mean scores on the mental ability tests. A replication study (Stodolsky and Lesser, 1967) confirmed these results on a sample of Negro and Chinese first graders; however, no common ethnic pattern emerged for samples of lower- and middle-class Irish-Catholics.
Pharmacognostical studies of punarnavā.: Stem and leaf characteristics of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. and Trianthema portulacastrum Linn

Punarnavā has been employed in India from earliest times as a specific against edema, beriberi, anemia, and heart diseases. The pharmacognostical characteristics of this drug are described and illustrated.
Second harmonic generation by periodically-structured metal surfaces

We present an approach to calculating second harmonic generation from periodically-structured metal surfaces. It requires the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations at both the first and second harmonic, but the electronic response to these fields is treated by a parametrization scheme developed earlier. Several model systems are considered, including metal patches of various shapes or holes in a metal film. Detailed calculations using the finite-difference time-domain method lead to predictions of the frequency dependence of second harmonic generation for different diffracted beams and polarizations. There is more spectral structure than what is evident in the linear reflection or transmission.
Correspondence between personality trait ratings and behavioral events

To investigate the validity of the trait, Energetic, two studies were conducted in which trait ratings of Energetic and objective measures of performance were recorded. The first study used naive raters (N= 55) who observed pairs of subjects perform in a laboratory setting. There was 84% agreement (p < .001) among the raters as to which person was more Energetic, and people rated as more Energetic performed more energetically on the objectively measured tasks (p < .001). The second study used peer ratings of Energetic and objective measures of energetic behavior in a laboratory setting. There was high agreement among the peers in ratings of Energetic, r = .95 (N = 30) and r = .93 (N = 31) for two groups. Nine men from the upper-quartile and nine men from the lower-quartile of the Energetic scores were tested in the laboratory and were given a structured interview regarding their physical activities. The correlation between peer ratings and laboratory performance was .56 and between peer ratings and the interview data, .64. The results support the position that trait ratings can be valid indicators of regularities in behavior. The procedures used in these studies could be a generally useful model for investigations of the validity of trait ratings.
Contracting from East to West: Bridging the cultural divide

Abstract When contracting in a global environment, basic cultural differences increase the risk of misunderstandings. Culture generally provides the context for contract language and shapes the parties’ most basic assumptions regarding their respective rights and responsibilities. Businesses must recognize, respect, and reconcile cultural differences if they hope to contract successfully in the global environment. For U.S. and Chinese businesses to better understand how to successfully negotiate and carry out contractual relations with one another, they must recognize the differences in core cultural values between the two countries and develop strategies for reconciling these differences. Bridging these cultural differences adds value to business transactions and minimizes the risk of failure. To help managers recognize and understand cultural differences between the U.S. and China, this installment of Business Law & Ethics Corner focuses on five dimensions of the culture of the U.S. and China: individualism/collectivism, universalism/particularism, power distance, context, and direction. These aspects explain some of the major differences in viewing the law and approaching contracts. To help managers navigate these cultural differences, this article offers guidance regarding how to respect and reconcile cultural predispositions to achieve true synergies. By bridging these cross-cultural differences between the U.S. and China, managers can achieve the mutual expectations necessary to the long-term success of cross-cultural business transactions.