cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective adaptation vs. transfer of decrement: The conjoint effects of neural fatigue and perceptual learning

Statement of Problem In the last few years, my colleagues and I have been interested in the processes underlying the perceived reversals of reversible figures (Long & Toppino, 1981; Long, Toppino, & Kostenbauder, 1983; Toppino & Long, 1987). One ofthe approaches we have used in our work is the popular selective-adaptation paradigm as a means by which to identify the potential role in this type of illusion of localized neural mechanisms that are subject to fatigue. In this method, an inspection figure is viewed during an adaptation period of perhaps 2-3 min, and a test figure is then shown which shares certain hypothesized features with the adaptation figure. To the extent that the prior adaptation alters the perception of the test figure, one can conclude that similar localized mechanisms are involved in the perception of both figures. This selectiveadaptation paradigm has proven extremely powerful in the investigation of numerous illusions, such as the tilt aftereffect, the motion aftereffect, and the size aftereffect. Reflecting its current popularity, the selective-adaptation paradigm has been referred to as the "psychologist's electrode" (Frisby, 1980) with which to probe the tuning and response characteristics of hypothesized neural channels in the visual system (e.g., Regan, 1982). In our work, we have attempted to demonstrate the role of localized fatigue effects on the reported reversals of the rotating Necker cube. In this illusion, a threedimensional Necker cube frame is rotated about one of its vertices at a constant speed. An observer viewing either the cube itself or its shadow reports a striking change in the perceived direction of rotation when the cube changes its perspective. As with other reversible figures, the number of reported reversals increases and then levels off at a high rate during a 2-3-min viewing period. For several reasons, we (and others) have proposed that this changing reversal rate reflects fatigue effects in particular visual channels; in our work, we have attempted to demonstrate the limited (i. e., local) character of this fatigue by means of the selective-adaptation paradigm. In one recent experiment (Toppino & Long, 1987, Experiment 1), a rotating cube in the left (or right) visual field was viewed for a 2-min adaptation period, which was followed immediately by a 2-min test period with a cube in the same or
Linear minimum variance filters applied to carrier tracking

A new approach is taken to the problem of tracking a fixed amplitude signal with a Brownian motion phase process. Classically, a first-order phase-lock loop (PLL) is used; here, the problem is treated via estimation of the quadrature signal components. In this space, the state dynamics are linear with white multiplicative noise. Therefore, linear, minimum-variance filters, which have a particularly simple mechanization, are suggested. The resulting error dynamics are linear at any signal/noise ( S/N ) ratio unlike the classical PLL. During synchronization, and above threshold, this filter with constant gains degrades by 3 percent in output rms phase error with respect to the classical loop. However, up to 80 percent of the maximum possible noise improvement is obtained below threshold where the classical loop is nonoptimum, as demonstrated by a Monte Carlo analysis. Filter mechanizations are presented for beth carrier and baseband operation. An interesting bandpass filter interpretation is given.
Towards A Theoretical Integration Of Sustainability: A Literature Review And Suggested Way Forward

Organizations worldwide have adopted sustainability strategies to enhance their productivity and develop a competitive advantage. More often than not, organizations and their leaders develop a narrow view of sustainability and consider only the aspects of sustainability that are directly related to their sphere of performance (internal sustainability). Yet, sustainability issues impact all business and non-business organizations, as well as the long-term sustainability of international business relations and quality of life issues worldwide (external sustainability). An increase of appropriate sustainability efforts often requires expanding beyond conventional thinking. Economic necessity can drive both internal and external sustainability measures. Leadership effort is essential to enable shifts in organizational culture that enable sustainability efforts to succeed. This article discusses the sustainability movement. After defining internal and external sustainability, this paper discusses the philosophy of sustainability, internal and external sustainability, measurements, leadership, and best practices.
Stress-induced phase matching in Silicon waveguides

This paper presents the first demonstration of phase matching in silicon waveguides. Phase matching is achieved by canceling the intrinsic waveguide dispersion by stress-induced tuning of birefringence. A 12 dB enhancement in CARS wavelength conversion efficiency is observed.
The prospective association of socioeconomic status with C-reactive protein levels in the CARDIA study

Better health is a well-documented benefit of having a higher socioeconomic status (SES). Inflammation may be one pathway through which SES influences health. Using 2658 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study, we examine whether two measures of SES assessed at baseline (mean age, 32 ± 4 years)—years of education and household income—predict change in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations over the course of 13 years. We also examine whether four health-related behaviors—smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and alcohol consumption—mediate the prospective association of SES with CRP. Both higher education and household income predicted smaller increases in CRP over the 13 years of follow-up independent of age, sex, race, CARDIA center, body mass, medical diagnoses, medications, and hormone use (among women). Associations did not differ by race or sex. When examined in separate analyses, smoking and fruit and vegetable intake each accounted for a significant proportion of the respective effects of education and household income on CRP change, and physical activity a significant proportion of the effect of household income. These findings suggest that poor health behaviors among persons of lower socioeconomic status can have long-term effects on inflammation.
Uncertainty quantification of high-dimensional complex systems by multiplicative polynomial dimensional decompositions

SUMMARY The central theme of this paper is multiplicative polynomial dimensional decomposition (PDD) methods for solving high-dimensional stochastic problems. When a stochastic response is dominantly of multiplicative nature, the standard PDD approximation, predicated on additive function decomposition, may not provide sufficiently accurate probabilistic solutions of a complex system. To circumvent this problem, two multiplicative versions of PDD, referred to as factorized PDD and logarithmic PDD, were developed. Both versions involve a hierarchical, multiplicative decomposition of a multivariate function, a broad range of orthonormal polynomial bases for Fourier-polynomial expansions of component functions, and a dimension-reduction or sampling technique for estimating the expansion coefficients. Three numerical problems involving mathematical functions or uncertain dynamic systems were solved to corroborate how and when a multiplicative PDD is more efficient or accurate than the additive PDD. The results show that indeed, both the factorized and logarithmic PDD approximations can effectively exploit the hidden multiplicative structure of a stochastic response when it exists. Since a multiplicative PDD recycles the same component functions of the additive PDD, no additional cost is incurred. Finally, the random eigensolutions of a sport utility vehicle comprising 40 random variables were evaluated, demonstrating the ability of the new methods to solve industrial-scale problems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Received 31 January 2012; Revised 6 September 2012; Accepted 20 September 2012
Reversal of the concreteness effect in a patient with semantic dementia

Abstract Normal subjects are better at identifying and remembering concrete as compared to abstract words (the concreteness effect). We present data on a patient, DM, who shows the opposite pattern. DM has a progressive semantic loss due to atrophic changes in his temporal lobes, particularly on the left. His semantic impairment predominantly involves object terms, with relative sparing of abstract nouns and most aspects of verb meaning. DM showed an advantage for abstract words on a wide range of tasks (e.g. producing definitions, synonymy judgments). These data challenge accounts that attribute the concreteness effect to a quantitative superiority at the level of the underlying conceptual representations. We suggest that there are qualitative differences between abstract and concrete concepts, and that, in particular, concrete concepts are more dependent on perceptual attributes that were disproportionately impaired in DM. We propose, further, that perceptual components of semantic representations are a...
Potential vorticity: Measuring consistency between GCM dynamical cores and tracer advection schemes

Ertel's potential vorticity (PV) is used as a diagnostic tool to give a direct comparison between the treatment of PV in the dynamics and the integration of PV as a passive tracer, yielding a systematic evaluation of a model's consistency between the dynamical core's integration of the equations of motion and its tracer transport algorithm. Several quantitative and qualitative metrics are considered to measure the consistency, including error norms and grid-independent probability density functions. Comparisons between the four dynamical cores of the National Center for Atmospheric Research's (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model version 5.1 (CAM) are presented. We investigate the consistency of these dynamical cores in an idealized setting: the presence of a breaking baroclinic wave. For linear flow, before the wave breaks, the consistency for each model is good. As the flow becomes nonlinear, the consistency between dynamic PV and tracer PV breaks down, especially at small scales. Large values of dynamic PV are observed that do not appear in the tracer PV. The results indicate that the spectral-element (CAM-SE) dynamical core is the most consistent of the dynamical cores in CAM, however the consistency between dynamic PV and tracer PV is related to and sensitive to the diffusive properties of the dynamical cores.
Sovereignty, intervention and peacekeeping: the view from Beijing

For the Chinese leadership, defence of a 'thick' notion of sovereignty serves to enhance its legitimacy, deflect criticism of its domestic policies and to resist outside involvement in the Taiwan issue. Yet, since the People's Republic initially opened up in the 1970s, China's strict sovereign prerogatives have gradually eroded. Today, the nexus where defence of Chinese sovereignty meets the imperative of engaging the outside world defines both the limits and the possibilities of enmeshing China within international society. The challenge for the international community is to understand the dynamics of China's sovereignty-integration nexus and to identify policies that will strengthen Beijing's commitment to international peace and stability. In this regard, China's participation in UN peacekeeping operations is often overlooked as an area of interest.
Cymapamphantus valentineorum, a New Genus and Species of Pamphantinae (Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Geocoridae) from the British Virgin Islands, with a Checklist of the Species and Keys to the Tribes and Genera of the Subfamily

Abstract. The new genus and new species Cymapamphantus valentineorum, belonging to the geocorid subfamily Pamphantinae, is described from one brachypterous male and six brachypterous females taken on Guana Island, British Virgin Islands. A dorsal habitus illustration, dorsal and lateral photographs of the male and female, diagnosis, and description of C. valentineorum are provided to help distinguish this new Caribbean bug from other New World pamphantines. A checklist of the species, keys to the three tribes and eight genera, and a color photograph of a representative species of each genus of the New World Pamphantinae are provided.
Fibrinolysis in LPS-induced chronic airway disease

To examine the role of the fibrinolytic system in LPS-induced airway disease, we compared the effect of a chronic LPS challenge in plasminogen activator inhibitor-deficient (C57BL/6JPAI-1-/-) mice ...
Adhesion and nonwetting-wetting transition in the Al/α-Al 2 O 3 interface

Using a reactive force field (ReaxFF), we investigated the structural, energetic, and adhesion properties, of both solid and liquid Al/alpha-Al2O3 interfaces. The ReaxFF was developed solely with ab initio calculations on various phases of Al and Al2O3 and Al-O-H clusters. Our computed lattice constants, elastic constants, surface energies, and calculated work of separation for the solid-solid interface agree well with earlier first-principles calculations and experiments. For the liquid-solid system, we also investigated the nonwetting-wetting transition of liquid Al on alpha-Al2O3(0001). Our results revealed that the evaporation of Al atoms and diffusion of O atoms in alpha-Al2O3 lead to the wetting of liquid Al on the oxide surface. The driving force for this process is a decrease in interfacial energy. The nonwetting-wetting transition was found to lie in the 1000–1100 K range, which is in good agreement with sessile drop experiments.
The Effects of Descriptive Representation on Nonprofits’ Civic Intermediary Roles A Test of the “Racial Mismatch” Hypothesis in the Social Services Sector

Social service organizations often act as civic intermediaries for their clients by facilitating their interactions with governing systems and political processes and institutions. Theories of descriptive representation and representative bureaucracy suggest that organizations will act in ways that advance the political interests of their clients when organizational leadership is racially reflective of the clientele served. Yet little is known about the effects of racial representation on nonprofit organizational activities. To what extent can these theories explain nonprofit organizational efforts to advance the political interests of their clients? This article examines this question using data from a sample of nonprofit service agencies in Michigan. Multivariate regression is used to examine the effects of racial representation on four civic intermediary roles performed by nonprofits: political representation, education, mobilization, and assimilation. Findings suggest that nonprofits engage in these a...
Flashbulb memory for 11 September 2001

SUMMARY The recollection of particularly salient, surprising or consequential events is often called ‘flashbulb memories’. We tested people’s autobiographical memory for details of 11 September 2001 by gathering a large national random sample (N ¼ 678) of people’s reports immediately following the attacks, and then by contacting them twice more, in September 2002 and August 2003. Three novel findings emerged. First, memory consistency did not vary as a function of demographic variables such as gender, geographical location, age or education. Second, memory consistency did not vary as a function of whether memory was tested before or after the 1-year anniversary of the event, suggesting that media coverage associated with the anniversary did not impact memory. Third, the conditional probability of consistent recollection in 2003 given consistent recollection in 2002 was p ¼ .73. In contrast, the conditional probability of consistent recollection in 2003 given inconsistent recollection in 2002 was p ¼ .18. Finally, and in agreement with several prior studies, confidence in memory far exceeded consistency in the long term. Also, those respondents who revealed evidence for consistent flashbulb memory experienced more anxiety in response to the event, and engaged in more covert rehearsal than respondents who did not reveal evidence for consistent flashbulb memory. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robot-assisted versus laparoscopic pyeloplasty for patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective.The aim of this study was to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to compare robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RP) with laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) with regard to perioperative results. Material and methods. A search was performed for all available studies comparing the effect of RP versus LP for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO), published up to August 2012 in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Science Direct. Three reviewers independently conducted the determination of eligibility, quality assessment and data extraction for each study. All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.1.5.0 software. Results.In total, 12 studies meeting the eligibility criteria were identified for meta-analysis data extraction, including 347 cases of RP and 299 cases of LP. Meta-analysis showed that RP was associated with a 18.76 min reduction in suturing time [weighted mean difference (WMD) = –18.7 6 min, 95% confidence interval (CI) –28.76 to –8.76, p = 0.0002] and a 0.75 day...
Enhancing Caselaw Instruction with Online Limericks

Quoting from online exchanges with his students, the author explains and illustrates how he uses case-related limericks to supplement classroom instruction in his first-year Contracts course. His TWEN discussion forum, dubbed “Poetic Justice,” encourages students to get turned on to the poetic side of contract law as they attempt to formulate legal rules derived from leading cases.
Seeking the Configurations of Digital Ecodynamics: It Takes Three to Tango

This paper starts from the premise that the simultaneous increase in environmental turbulence, the requisite speed of organizational change, and the intensified ubiquity of digital technologies are spawning a phenomenon that is messy, complex, and chaotic. Accordingly, we need to change the way we examine how information technology (IT) can help organizations build a strategic advantage in turbulent environments. We propose a more systemic and holistic perspective to theory building and testing in the information system (IS) strategy area and correspondingly appropriate methods that capture the complexity of this phenomenon. We term this phenomenon digital ecodynamics, defined as the holistic confluence among environmental turbulence, dynamic capabilities, and IT systems — and their fused dynamic interactions unfolding as an ecosystem. We believe that a more holistic understanding of digital ecodynamics will fuel the next leap in knowledge in the IS strategy area.First, extending the strategic management literature that has mainly focused on two-way interactions between environmental turbulence and dynamic capabilities, we foreground IT systems as a third central element. We use a “threesome tango” analogy1 with strong mutual interdependence to accentuate our view of digital ecodynamics — while also stressing the emerging role of IT systems in triggering environmental turbulence and shaping dynamic capabilities to build a strategic advantage. Second, we propose a different paradigmatic lens (configuration theories) as an appropriate inquiring system to better understand the complexity of digital ecodynamics. The paper articulates the key aspects of configuration theories as inquiring systems, compares them with the more common variance theories and process theories, and illustrates the power of recent advances in configurational methods. Third, we create a preliminary roadmap for IS researchers to better examine digital ecodynamics using novel structural properties afforded by configuration theories (i.e., mutual causality, discontinuity, punctuated equilibria, nonlinear change). Fourth, we reflect on the broader opportunities that the configurational perspective of digital ecodynamics can create for IS strategy research. The paper ends by highlighting the double-barreled opportunity that digital ecodynamics renders, both as an energizing vision for IS strategy research and also as a reshaper of strategic management research and practice in a turbulent and digitized world.
Biofeedback as Treatment for Cardiovascular Disorders: A Critical Review

Cardiovascular disorders are the most significant causes of human morbidity and mortality in western society. Annual deaths from cardiovascular diseases exceed all other causes combined. The range of cardiovascular disorders is great; and the number of disorders toward which biofeedback efforts have been directed is few. Furthermore, even with respect to specific problems where biofeedback has been tried, the conditions under which treatment has been tested are limited and the number of patients who have been studied is small. In addition, there is considerable variability in methodology among the various studies, and none of them was designed to permit one to make direct comparisons among methods.
Effects of lexical semantics on acoustic prominence

This paper explores the representations underlying lexical semantics. In particular, we test whether a word’s meaning can affect a word’s articulation. In Experiment 1, participants produced high-effort (e.g., yelling) and low-effort (e.g., chatting) words that are semantically related to articulation, as well as words that are semantically unrelated to articulation (e.g., kicking). We found that vocal words were produced with greater intensity than non-vocal words. In Experiment 2, we explored the specificity of this effect by investigating how words semantically related to the mouth, but unrelated to vocalization (e.g., chewing) were articulated. Analyses revealed that mouth words did not differ from controls, and we replicated the vocal effects from Experiment 1, suggesting fine-grain motor activation from lexical semantics. Experiment 3 revealed that the semantics of a verb influences the prosodic intensity of a sentence prior to the onset of the verb. Together, these data suggest aspects of lexical meaning influence prosody, and that motor representations may underlie lexical semantics.
A Social Media Experiential Learning Project to Engage Students and Enhance Learning in Retailing

The advent and rapid diffusion of social media has excited sellers in a wide variety of industries worldwide with its potential for establishingrelationships and building customer engagement. Retailers in particular are trying to use the opportunities afforded by Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc., to connect and interact with buyers in an attempt to satisfy and retain them as loyal customers. This article shows how incorporating a social media experiential learning project in retailing courses can engage students, enhance learning, and equip students with the social media and digital marketing skills that retailers desire. Students form teams that work together throughout the semester on anexperiential learning project in which each team selects a retail firm and designs a social media strategy to build customer engagementfor the firm. Multiple reports are required with peer assessments of all reports, prompting each student to read, reflect, and benefit from the reports of other teams as well as receive feedback to help rewrite and improve their own reports. The project enables students to learn by participating and interacting, reflecting, understanding, and applying retailing concepts to develop social media strategies.
Not All Control Rights Are Created Equal: Allocation of Control Rights in Biotechnology Alliances

This paper examines how partners distribute control rights in biotechnology alliances. We argue that resource endowments inherited by startup founders determine the level of startups’ bargaining po...
REAL Cost-Risk: The Risk Management Imperative

The Standard Error of the Estimate (SEE), a fall-out of the development of Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs) using regression techniques, is used for “estimating” uncertainty. But the SEE merely represents the variability in missions, contractors, methods of business, etc. that are embodied in the database that is used to develop CERs parametrically. In no way does the SEE represent the specific risk events that the next program faces.
Overwinter Survival of Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Texas Rolling Plains

Overwinter survival of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, was compared in the southern and northern Texas Rolling Plains over a 4-yr period. In one test, survival in mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) litter was compared to that in broadleaf litter during the winters of 1985–1986, 1986–1987, and 1987–1988. Mesquite litter was a suitable overwintering habitat, and overwinter survival in mesquite litter was comparable to that in broadleaf litter in the southern and northern Rolling Plains. Spring emergence terminated earlier in mesquite litter as compared with that in broadleaf litter in both the southern and northern Rolling Plains. In a second test conducted during the winters of 1986–1989, overwinter survival of four different populations was compared in the southern and northern Rolling Plains. The results of the second test indicated that there are no genetic differences in overwintering ability in Rolling Plains boll weevils. A multiple regression analysis indicated that unique winter weather patterns at each overwintering location were mainly responsible for determining degree of overwintering mortality.
Human breast cancer biopsies induce eosinophil recruitment and enhance adjacent cancer cell proliferation

Chronic inflammation is known to facilitate cancer progression and metastasis. Less is known about the effect of acute inflammation within the tumor microenvironment, resulting from standard invasive procedures. Recent studies in mouse models have shown that the acute inflammatory response triggered by a biopsy in mammary cancer increases the frequency of distal metastases. Although tumor biopsies are part of the standard clinical practice in breast cancer diagnosis, no studies have reported their effect on inflammatory response. The objective of this study is to (1) determine whether core needle biopsies in breast cancer patients trigger an inflammatory response, (2) characterize the type of inflammatory response present, and (3) evaluate the potential effect of any acute inflammatory response on residual tumor cells. The biopsy wound site was identified in the primary tumor resection tissue samples from breast cancer patients. The inflammatory response in areas adjacent (i.e., immediately around previous biopsy site) and distant to the wound biopsy was investigated by histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Proliferation of tumor cells was also assayed. We demonstrate that diagnostic core needle biopsies trigger a selective recruitment of inflammatory cells at the site of the biopsy, and they persist for extended periods of time. While macrophages were part of the inflammatory response, an unexpected accumulation of eosinophils at the edge of the biopsy wound was also identified. Importantly, we show that biopsy causes an increase in the proliferation rate of tumor cells located in the area adjacent to the biopsy wound. Diagnostic core needle biopsies in breast cancer patients do induce a unique acute inflammatory response within the tumor microenvironment and have an effect on the surrounding tumor cells. Therefore, biopsy-induced inflammation could have an impact on residual tumor cell progression and/or metastasis in human breast cancer. These findings may carry relevance in the clinical management of breast cancer.
An Airline Perspective: Current and Future Vision for Turbulence Forecasting and Reporting

The flight planning process is the most critical time for the turbulence forecaster. It is the time that routes and altitudes are selected, and fuel is added for any necessary deviations. Aviation meteorologists can have a significant impact at this stage of flight planning. Internationally, flights are given preference for route and altitude selection based on the time the flight plan is filed. It is difficult for flights to change altitude once the flight plan has been accepted, since flights over the oceans cannot be seen on radar and have to be sequenced in space and time. If turbulence is not considered at the planning stage, altitude deviations for turbulence may not be allowed if there are other aircraft above and below the flight. Therefore, advanced knowledge of turbulence gives the advantage to the airlines that forecast turbulence accurately.
1.14 – Sex Steroids, Learning and Memory

Several factors modulate learning and memory in animals and humans, including age, biological sex, and even the type of information being learned. However, one of the most important modulators of learning and memory processes is steroid hormones, particularly sex and stress steroids. Over the last decade, the manipulations used to understand the mechanisms underlying steroid hormone influences on learning and memory have greatly advanced the field. This research has shown that across species, steroid hormones exert their influence on processes well beyond reproduction and stress; estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol substantially affect how information is encoded, consolidated, and subsequently, recalled.
A first experimental demonstration of massive knowledge infusion

A central goal of Artificial Intelligence is to create systems that embody commonsense knowledge in a reliable enough form that it can be used for reasoning in novel situations. Knowledge Infusion is an approach to this problem in which the commonsense knowledge is acquired by learning. In this paper we report on experiments on a corpus of a half million sentences of natural language text that test whether commonsense knowledge can be usefully acquired through this approach. We examine the task of predicting a deleted word from the remainder of a sentence for some 268 target words. As baseline we consider how well this task can be performed using learned rules based on the words within a fixed distance of the target word and their parts of speech. This captures an approach that has been previously demonstrated to be highly successful for a variety of natural language tasks. We then go on to learn from the corpus rules that embody commonsense knowledge, additional to the knowledge used in the baseline case. We show that chaining learned commonsense rules together leads to measurable improvements in prediction performance on our task as compared with the baseline. This is apparently the first experimental demonstration that commonsense knowledge can be learned from natural inputs on a massive scale reliably enough that chaining the learned rules is efficacious for reasoning.
Analyzing Simulated Convective Bursts in Two Atlantic Hurricanes. Part II: Intensity Change due to Bursts

AbstractThis paper investigates convective burst (CB) evolution in Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations of two tropical cyclones (TCs), focusing on the relationship between CBs and TC intensity change. Analysis of intensity change in the simulations shows that there are more CBs inside the radius of maximum winds (RMW) during times when the TCs are about to intensify, while weakening/steady times are associated with more CBs outside the RMW, consistent with past observational and theoretical studies. The vertical mass flux distributions show greater vertical mass flux at upper levels both from weaker updrafts and CBs for intensifying cases. The TC simulations are further dissected by past intensity change, and times of sustained intensification have more CBs than times when the TC has been weakening but then intensifies. This result suggests that CB development may not always be predictive of intensification, but rather may occur as a result of ongoing intensification and contribute to...
A radioxenon detection system using CdZnTe, an array of SiPMs, and a plastic scintillator

This paper presents the design and characterization of a prototype compact beta–gamma radioxenon detection system that utilizes a coplanar CdZnTe crystal, an array of SiPMs, and a plastic scintillator. The detector is directly mounted on a custom PCB. The system provides the advantage of room-temperature operation, while being compact, low noise, and with simple readout electronics. Preliminary measurements using 137Cs, 135Xe, and 133/133mXe were conducted to optimize various system parameters to achieve optimal resolution of key photopeaks. The purpose of this research was to explore the potential of these radiation detection elements for use in beta–gamma coincidence applications.
Walker Connor (1926–2017): a tribute†

Walker Connor was born in 1926, and was contemporaneous with my own father, so not surprisingly he was a father figure to me. Unlike my own father Walker made it past 90. Those of us privileged to ...
Modified Zirflex Process for Dissolution of 1–10% U-Zr Alloy Fuels in Aqueous NH4F-NH4NO3-H2O2

A Modified Zirflex process was developed in the laboratory for dissolution of 1–10 % uranium-zirconium alloy fuels clad in Zircaloy-2 to produce a nitrate solution from which uranium can be recover...
High-Risk Prescribing to Medicaid Enrollees Receiving Opioid Analgesics: Individual- and County-Level Factors.

Background: Prescription opioid overdoses have increased dramatically in recent years, with the highest rates among Medicaid enrollees. High-risk prescribing includes practices associated with over...
Assessing texture development and mechanical response in microscale reverse extrusion of copper

Axisymmetric reverse extrusion experiments were conducted on annealed Cu rod specimens to form cup-shaped structures with sidewall thicknesses ranging from ∼400 µm down to ∼25 µm. Changes in Cu grain morphology, size, and texture were examined through scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Pole figure and orientation distribution function analysis of EBSD data showed the same texture components in the present small-scale metal forming experiments as those observed in macroscale sheet metal rolling. The plastic deformation became inhomogeneous as the characteristic dimension for extrusion decreased to ∼25 µm, such that the deformation process involved a small number of Cu grains. Extrusion force–punch displacement curves were measured as a function of extruded cup sidewall thickness and compared to outputs of a continuum plasticity finite element analysis in corresponding geometries. The present work illustrates materials characteristics in small-scale metal forming and suggests directions of future work for bringing improved correspondence between experimentation and modeling.
Faculty-Directed Library Use Instruction: A Single Class, Retrospective Study.

Abstract This paper examines the effect of prescriptive, faculty-directed library research instruction on student term paper quality. At a major midwestern university, students in an intermediate political science class were offered an opportunity to have their library research evaluated as part of a term paper project. Following instruction by a librarian, an instructor review of a research plan, a research log, and an annotated bibliography, as well as other intermediate writing steps, students completed a term paper. After controls for subject-specific knowledge were applied, documented student research has an independent, direct, and statistically significant effect of approximately one mark, e.g., from a C to a C+ on the final term paper grade. Although modest, this persistent, and measurable product of only short-term efforts suggests important benefits to students' receiving faculty guidance in library instruction. Of course, idiosyncrasies related to the instructor, the course, or the students may have contributed to the results presented here. Only additional research on this model of faculty involvement in other settings can establish how general the results presented are.
Application of Photochemical Cross-linking to the Study of Oligomerization of Amyloidogenic Proteins

Assembly of amyloidogenic proteins into toxic oligomers and fibrils is an important pathogenic feature of over 30 amyloid-related diseases. Understanding the structures and mechanisms involved in the assembly process is necessary for rational approaches geared at inhibiting formation of these toxic species. Here, we review the application of photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (PICUP) to two disease-related amyloidogenic proteins (1) islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), whose toxic oligomers are thought to cause the demise of pancreatic β-cells in type-2 diabetes mellitus and (2) α-synuclein, which aggregates into toxic oligomers and precipitates in Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease. PICUP is an effective method allowing chemical "freezing" of dynamically changing oligomers and subsequent study of the oligomer size distribution that existed before cross-linking. The method has provided insights into the factors controlling early oligomerization, which could not be obtained by other means. We discuss sample preparation, experimental details, optimization of parameters, and troubleshooting.
The bone marrow in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

attempted! to gather the available facts and augment these with original observations in order to pro�ride a clearly defined point of departure for future studies. This work is based on a review of literature and analysis of the 1)lood and marrow findings of 26 patients with hyperthyroidism and 9 patients with myxedema. The three parts of this paper deal with : I Hematologic findings in hyperthyroidism ; II Hematologic findings in hypothyroidism ; III Discussion of the relationship between disturbed thyroid function and hematopoiesis. Methods are indicated in the Appendix. I . H EMATOLOGIC FINDINGS IN HYPERTHYROIDISM
Better army housing management through information technology

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Department of the Army must provide its personnel with acceptable housing at minimum cost within the vicinity of military installations. To achieve these housing objectives, the Army often must enter into agreements for the long-term construction of onpost housing or the leasing of existing offpost housing. A decision technology system, called the Housing Analysis Decision Technology System (HADTS), has been developed to support the construction or leasing management process. The HADTS architecture is based on a combination of database, econometric, heuristic programming, mapping, and decision support techniques. Its deployment has enabled the Department of the Army to realize significant economic, management, and political benefits. Future enhancements, motivated by the challenges from the current system, promise to increase the power of HADTS and to further improve the Army’s ability to manage its housing assets.
A Framework for Grounding the Moral Status of Intelligent Machines

I propose a framework, derived from moral theory, for assessing the moral status of intelligent machines. Using this framework, I claim that some current and foreseeable intelligent machines have approximately as much moral status as plants, trees, and other environmental entities. This claim raises the question: what obligations could a moral agent (e.g., a normal adult human) have toward an intelligent machine? I propose that the threshold for any moral obligation should be the "functional morality" of Wallach and Allen [20], while the upper limit of our obligations should not exceed the upper limit of our obligations toward plants, trees, and other environmental entities.
Hindbrain astrocytes and glucose counter-regulation

Hindbrain astrocytes are emerging as critical components in the regulation of homeostatic functions by either modulating synaptic activity or serving as primary detectors of physiological parameters. Recent studies have suggested that the glucose counter-regulation response (CRR), a critical defense against hypoglycemic emergencies, is dependent on glucoprivation-sensitive astrocytes in the hindbrain. This subpopulation of astrocytes produces a robust calcium signal in response to glucopenic stimuli. Both ex vivo and in vivo evidence suggest that low-glucose sensitive astrocytes utilize purinergic gliotransmission to activate catecholamine neurons in the hindbrain that are critical to the generation of the integrated CRR. Lastly, reports in the clinical literature suggest that an uncontrolled activation of CRR may as part of the pathology of severe traumatic injury. Work in our laboratory also suggests that this pathological hyperglycemia resulting from traumatic injury may be caused by the action of thrombin (generated by tissue trauma or bleeding) on hindbrain astrocytes. Similar to their glucopenia-sensitive neighbors, these hindbrain astrocytes may trigger hyperglycemic responses by their interactions with catecholaminergic neurons.
UV Resin Enhanced Stability of Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals for White Light-Emitting Diodes

The long-term stability issue of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) is one of the challenges for applications in optoelectronic devices. Herein, we demonstrate the enhanced air, moisture, and light stability of these NCs by encapsulation in UV resin (UVR). As-prepared perovskite NCs-UVR composites exhibit well maintained optical properties. In addition, the composites show excellent stability with almost identical luminescent behavior for more than 60 days upon continuous exposure in air, moisture, and light irradiation, which is superior to the other previous reports. Moreover, we have used these green- and red-emitting composite sheets to fabricate white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by stacking them on top of the blue LED. We observed a bright neutral white light with a correlated-color temperature of 5623 K, a color-rendering index of 85, and a high luminous efficacy of radiation (∼349 lm/W). Our findings show the great potential of employing this technique for diverse photonic applications.
p16INK4a expression and survival outcomes in patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma: The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Experience.

5Background: Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma (PSCC) is associated with high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in about 50% of cases. The immunohistochemical test for p16INK4a (p16) is highly correl...
Novel cavernous sinus TSC2/JAK3 mutant hemangioendothelioma in a teenager.

A 14-year-old girl presented with a 2-week history of right-sided facial pain and maxillary region numbness of the teeth and jaw. Neurological examination at presentation revealed right-sided V2 distribution paraesthesia. MRI demonstrated a middle cranial fossa mass abutting the dura of the right
Myocardial Flow Reserve by N13 Ammonia Positron Emission Tomography Predicts Post-Heart Transplant Outcomes

Purpose Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a pan-arterial disease, characterized by intimal thickening, fibrosis, and decreased coronary blood flow. It is common (50-65% 10 years post-HT) and is among the leading causes of death following heart transplantation (HT). Screening has traditionally evaluated the epicardial coronary arteries and microvascular dysfunction has been largely overlooked. Recent data suggests poor outcomes among HT patients with low myocardial flow reserve (MFR), a parameter capable of assessing microvascular function. We sought to identify the impact of MFR on death, retransplantation (ReTx), or cardiovascular (CV) hospitalization. Methods This prospective study enrolled 181 (206 screened, 3 studies were technically limited, 22 had high rest flows) patients who underwent 13N ammonia PET with CT attenuation correction between 2016-2017. Patients were followed for clinical outcomes including rejection (cellular or antibody mediated rejection [AMR]), graft function, and CAV. The optimal MFR cut off was determined by a receiver operator characteristic curve. Results Among the cohort, MFR was highly predictive of the combined endpoint (HR 7.58, p Conclusion Decreased MFR following heart transplant is associated with an increased risk of death, ReTx, or CV hospitalization.
TRUMP E A CRISE DA SOCIEDADE NORTE-AMERICANA: AS ELEIÇÕES DE 2018 – SIGNIFICADOS E PERSPECTIVAS

Os Estados Unidos enfrentam hoje uma profunda crise politica e social. O pais se encontra polarizado como ha muito tempo nao ocorria, situacao que foi confirmada nas ultimas eleicoes legislativas em 2018 e que pautara o vindouro pleito presidencial no ano de 2020. Analisando de maneira detalhada os resultados das eleicoes do ano passado, este artigo busca tecer apontamentos interpretativos ligados as suas motivacoes e consequencias de medio prazo. Da mesma forma, busca-se apontar algumas das principais implicacoes mais amplas decorrentes desses eventos, assim como as perspectivas de medio prazo para o pais e a regiao.
Pygmy mouse songs reveal anatomical innovations underlying acoustic signal elaboration in rodents

ABSTRACT Elaborate animal communication displays are often accompanied by morphological and physiological innovations. In rodents, acoustic signals used in reproductive contexts are produced by two distinct mechanisms, but the underlying anatomy that facilitates such divergence is poorly understood. ‘Audible’ vocalizations with spectral properties between 500 Hz and 16 kHz are thought to be produced by flow-induced vocal fold vibrations, whereas ‘ultrasonic’ vocalizations with fundamental frequencies above 19 kHz are produced by an aerodynamic whistle mechanism. Baiomyine mice (genus Baiomys and Scotinomys) produce complex frequency-modulated songs that span these traditional distinctions and represent important models to understand the evolution of signal elaboration. We combined acoustic analyses of spontaneously vocalizing northern pygmy mice (Baiomystaylori) in air and light gas atmosphere with morphometric analyses of their vocal apparatus to infer the mechanism of vocal production. Increased fundamental frequencies in heliox indicated that pygmy mouse songs are produced by an aerodynamic whistle mechanism supported by the presence of a ventral pouch and alar cartilage. Comparative analyses of the larynx and ventral pouch size among four additional ultrasonic whistle-producing rodents indicated that the unusually low ‘ultrasonic’ frequencies (relative to body size) of pygmy mice songs are associated with an enlarged ventral pouch. Additionally, mice produced shorter syllables while maintaining intersyllable interval duration, thereby increasing syllable repetition rates. We conclude that while laryngeal anatomy sets the foundation for vocal frequency range, variation and adjustment of central vocal motor control programs fine tunes spectral and temporal characters to promote acoustic diversity within and between species.
First Clinical Use of Real-Time Remote Programming in Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

This report outlines the first commercial application of RemoteControl? (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) technology that affords real-time remote testing and programming of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) without the need for clinical device specialists (manufacturer's representatives and device clinic nurses) in the electrophysiology (EP) lab This article is protected by copyright All rights reserved