cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract W P52: Combination Argatroban and TPA for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Matched Case-Control Analysis

Background and Objective: Thrombin inhibitors such as Argatroban in combination with full-dose IV-tPA are currently being tested in a series of clinical trials for acute ischemic stroke. A single-arm, phase IIa study (ARTSS-1) of 65 patients treated with low-dose Argatroban + IV-tPA in either the 3 or 4.5 hour treatment window demonstrated an overall sICH rate of 4.6% and 40% complete recanalization within 2-hours. The objective of the study was to assess safety in a matched group of IV-tPA alone patients. Methods: pPAIRS© performs a post-hoc Euclidean matching of subjects on factors of choice and excludes outliers when no close match is found. We applied these techniques to compare outcomes of Argatroban+tPA treated subjects from ARTSS-1 with tPA treated subjects from NINDS. Matching factors were NIHSS, age, glucose, race, gender, hemisphere, and subtype. Outcomes were sICH, death and mRS 0-1, 0-2 at day 7 and 90. Results: Of the 65 Argatroban+TPA patients, 55 and 44 had good NINDS matches at day 7 and 9...
Self-Assembly of Linear Polymers into Phosphorescent Nanoparticles: Optimization toward Non-Cytotoxic Bioimaging and Photonic Devices

Development of light-emitting polymers is usually hampered by inherent drawbacks such as photobleaching, stability, and functionalization issues. Formation of biocompatible, luminescent polymer particles often entails hazardous chemical cross-linking processes and/or doping with fluorophores susceptible to leaching and photobleaching. Here we describe the formation of size-tunable phosphorescent particles via self-assembly of chitosan and other linear polymers that bear positive surface charges upon polyelectrolytic complexation to a polyanionic gold(I) phosphor (AuP). The in situ self-assembly of phosphorescent chitosan nanoparticles is enabled by AuP that performs a quadruple role: a physical cross-linker, light emitter, sensor of polysaccharide rings with structures akin to those of some cancer markers, and contrast agent for electron microscopy. Size tunability in phosphorescent chitosan particles was achieved by systematic variations in pH or reactant concentrations. AuP exhibits “on–off” photolumine...
Study of metal ion labeling of the conformational and charge states of lysozyme by ion mobility mass spectrometry.

The efficiency of Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Fe2+ or Mn2+ labeling of the conformational and charge states of lysozyme was studied in H2O solvent at pH 2.5–6.8. Labeling of lysozyme was conducted with 50 M, 100 M and 500 M excess of the metal ion, resulting in the number of metal ions attached to lysozyme increasing two-fold over this range. At pH 6.2–6.8, Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ labeled the highly folded 7+ conformer and the 8+ and 9+ partially unfolded conformers of lysozyme with the same number of metal ion tags, with only Fe2+ exhibiting no labeling. Lysozyme conserved its charge after metal ion labeling which shows at each charge state the divalent metal ion is replacing two protons. As the pH is lowered to 4.7–5.0 and 2.5–2.9, the labeling of lysozyme by Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+ or Mn2+ decreased in efficiency due to increased competition from protons for the aspartate and glutamate binding sites. The metal ions preferentially labeled the highly folded 7+ and partially unfolded 8+ conformers, but...
Section 5. Geothermal Systems

Before about 1950, there were lingering doubts that geothermal systems ([Fig. 5.1][1]), both ancient and modern, were responsible for hydrothermal ore genesis. That uncertainty stimulated searches for evidence that could test for correlations between ore deposits and geothermal sites. The most
Effect of Maturation and Age on Lymphocyte Proliferation Induced by A23187 Through an Interleukin‐Independent Pathway

Lymphocyte proliferation induced by lectins declines drastically with age. It has been suggested that the reduction of interleukin production by lymphocytes from old individuals is responsible for the decline in proliferation. In this study, lymphocyte proliferation was stimulated by the calcium ionophore, A23187. A23187 induced the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes from rats through an interleukin-independent pathway; depletion of spleen lymphocytes of macrophages, addition of exogenous interleukin 2 (IL 2), and addition of anti-IL 2 monoclonal antibodies had no effect on the proliferation stimulated by A23187. Spleen lymphocytes from male Fischer F344 male rats of 5, 13, 22, and 30 months of age were stimulated with either concanavalin A (Con A) or A23187. A 50% decrease in Con A- and A23187-induced proliferation was observed between 5 months and 13 months of age. A23187-induced proliferation decreased only slightly between 13 months and 30 months of age (14%), while Con A-induced proliferation decreased by 34%. This is the first report to show that the induction of lymphocyte proliferation through an interleukin-independent pathway decreases with increasing age. In addition, these results suggest that a decrease in the responsiveness of cells to calcium ions might be an important factor in the age-related decline in lymphocyte proliferation.
Ideal Flow Reactors

There is one important parameter used for flow reactors, τ, the reactor space time or its inverse, D , the dilution rate. The space time is the time needed to feed a reactor full of reaction mixture through the reactor. There are two basic types of ideal flow reactors: PFR (plug flow reactor) and CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactor). PFR represents a one dimensional flow reactor, like a piston. At steady state, the concentration of reactants as well as products changes along the direction of flow in a PFR. The concentrations of the reactants are the highest in a PFR presented to reaction. The analysis to a PFR is similar to that for a batch reactor, the only difference being the independent variable: the residence time or distance along the reactor flow direction, rather than the time for a batch reactor. CSTR represents a reactor that is well mixed such that no concentration gradient exits. CSTR is also termed chemostat. At steady state, only algebraic equations are involved in CSTR analysis. The concentrations of reactants in a CSTR are at their lowest level in a CSTR and thus least available to reaction. Graphical and analytical solution methods are demonstrated with examples for CSTR and PFR. In flow reactor design, our interest is not only on the reactor volume, but type of reactors. Usually, a whole bioprocess system optimization (economic analysis) is applied to determine whether CSTR or PFR is employed. In some cases, one can save time by knowingly selecting the right type of reactors. Selection of PFR or CSTR depends on the nature of the reaction mixture and type of reaction (kinetics). The reactor feed strategy greatly affects the product mixture. A reactor with optimum feed distribution and / or product separation can yield significantly more desired product. Methods of how these “complicated” flow reactors as well as simple flow reactors are demonstrated in the chapter.
Lights, camera, action! Capturing the spliceosome and pre-mRNA splicing with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy

The process of removing intronic sequences from a precursor to messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) to yield a mature mRNA transcript via splicing is an integral step in eukaryotic gene expression. Splicing is carried out by a cellular nanomachine called the spliceosome that is composed of RNA components and dozens of proteins. Despite decades of study, many fundamentals of spliceosome function have remained elusive. Recent developments in single-molecule fluorescence microscopy have afforded new tools to better probe the spliceosome and the complex, dynamic process of splicing by direct observation of single molecules. These cutting-edge technologies enable investigators to monitor the dynamics of specific splicing components, whole spliceosomes, and even cotranscriptional splicing within living cells. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:683-701. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1358 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Hardware-Friendly Actor-Critic Reinforcement Learning Through Modulation of Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity

In this work, we propose a hardware-friendly reinforcement learning algorithm. The learning algorithm is based on an actor-critic structure implemented with spiking neural networks (SNNs). A biologically plausible and hardware-friendly spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning rule is formulated and employed in the training of SNNs. Several important aspects of applying the learning rule in a reinforcement learning context is studied, especially from the circuit designers’ point of view. Pitfalls of potential noise mixing and correlated spikes are identified and properly addressed. To feature a low-power learning architecture, techniques such as down-sampling data for certain learning blocks, injecting quantization noise as noisy residues in neurons, and proper memory partitioning are proposed. A 1-D state-value function learning problem and a 2-D maze walking problem are examined in this paper to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and learning rules. A low-power hardware architecture is proposed and examples are implemented with Verilog. Hardware complexity of the proposed algorithm is analyzed, and potential solutions to breaking memory bottleneck when the size of the problem gets large is also discussed.
Structuration Theory in Small Group Communication: A Review and Agenda for Future Research

Due to its rich theoretical grounding and some insightful empirical work, structuration theory has been identified as one of the most influential small group communication theories to develop during the 1980s. However, as the discipline enters the twilight of the 1990s, it becomes important to reevaluate the progress of situated approaches to structuration theory and to identify key issues that these approaches currently face. Consequently, this essay reviews four situated approaches to structuration theory—the multiple-sequence model of small group decision development, the distribution of valence model of group influence, an area that examines “arguments as structures,” and adaptive structuration theory—and raises some questions regarding these approaches in order to point out some of the potential hurdles that researchers in this area must overcome. The first part of this essay introduces the principles that have generally guided M. Scott Poole and his colleagues’ application of the theory and reviews ...
P175 A national small business intervention: lockout and tagout

Objective In 1989, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated standard 1910.147 to regulate practices for the control of hazardous energy. The OSHA standard covers servicing and maintaining machines and equipment in which the unexpected release of energy or inadvertent start-up could injure employees. Hazard controls for these tasks are collectively known as lockout/tagout (LOTO). Failure to implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures adversely affects the rate of work-related fatalities and serious traumatic injury and is one of the most frequently cited OSHA standards. Methods Insurance safety consultants conducted a standardised and validated evaluation of LOTO programs and procedures. Businesses received a baseline evaluation, two intervention visits and a 12-month follow-up evaluation. Results The intervention was completed by 160 out of 221 businesses. At bseline, businesses with a safety committee had better baseline LOTO procedures and LOTO programs when compared with those without one.The mean LOTO procedure score improved from 8% to 33% (p Conclusions By the end of the study, substantial and statistically significant improvements had been made in the proportion of shops that had posted of LOTO procedures, verification of employee training, designation of one or more authorised employees, and presence of LOTO programs, all of which are fundamental aspects of LOTO practice.This nationwide intervention showed substantial improvements in LOTO. It provides a framework for assessing and improving LOTO.
Generation of a new transgenic mouse model for assessment of tau gene silencing therapies

Targeting the expression of genes has emerged as a potentially viable therapeutic approach to human disease. In Alzheimer’s disease, therapies that silence the expression of tau could be a viable strategy to slow disease progression. We produced a novel strain of transgenic mice that could be used to assess the efficacy of gene knockdown therapies for human tau, in live mice. We designed a tetracycline-regulated transgene construct in which the cDNA for human tau was fused to ubiquitin and to luciferase to create a single fusion polyprotein, termed TUL. When expressed in brain, the TUL polyprotein was cleaved by ubiquitin-processing enzymes to release the luciferase as an independent protein, separating the half-life of luciferase from the long-lived tau protein. Treatment of bigenic tTA/TUL mice with doxycycline produced rapid declines in luciferase levels visualized by in vivo imaging and ex vivo enzyme measurement. This new mouse model can be used as a discovery tool in optimizing gene targeting therapeutics directed to reduce human tau mRNA levels.
Optical ellipsometry for SiON gate production monitoring

We report the use of single wave ellipsometry for accurate thickness measurements, combined with deep ultraviolet broadband ellipsometry measurement of the refractive index and extinction coefficient to extract nitrogen fraction from a single optical measurement. We demonstrate the effectiveness of laser desorption in removing airborne molecular contamination before measurement, and a method to compensating for time-dependent composition changes. Superior tool matching and long-term stability show that optical measurements can provide a reliable and high-throughput method for SiON gate dielectric production control.
Craft, money and mercy: an apothecary's self-portrait in sixteenth-century Bologna.

SUMMARYThe apothecary occupied a liminal position in early modern society between profit and healing. Finding ways to distance their public image from trade was a common problem for apothecaries across Europe. This article uses the case of a Bolognese apothecary, Filippo Pastarino, to address the question of how early modern apothecaries chose to represent themselves to political authorities and to the wider public. ‘Mercy’, alongside ‘craft’, was a pillar of apothecaries’ social identity. By contrast, no matter how central financial transactions (‘money’) were to their activity, apothecaries did not want to be perceived as merchants. Thus, the assistance and advice apothecaries provided to patients and customers resulted as central aspects of their social role. In this context, Bolognese apothecaries aimed to defend their current status, which had been challenged by naturalist Ulysses Aldrovandi, city authorities and local monasteries. However, Pastarino's claims can also be seen as antecedents to the se...
Performance Testing of a Potential Replacement for Normetex Pump

AbstractNormetex® Model 15 scroll pump backed by metal bellows (MB) pump made by Senior Aerospace Inc. has been the preferred technology for use in tritium facilities world-wide. Normetex pumps are no longer available and identification of alternate pumps is required for performance and compatibility with tritium gas. Many of the pumps that could be used to meet the functional performance requirements (e.g. pressure and flow conditions) of the Normetex pump have features that include the use of polymers or oils and greases that are not directly compatible with tritium service. Though they are less desirable, alternative pumps may be used in tritium service with appropriate engineered controls to mitigate the impact of degraded organic compounds. These alternative pumps require characterization for potential application in tritium service.One pump that has been identified as a potential replacement for the Normetex pump in some tritium service applications is the Edwards nXDS15iC. A series of pump tests we...
Reaching Conditions in Output Feedback Variable Structure Control

Abstract Two methods are developed to design a variable structure control that satisfies the reaching conditions using only static output feedback. One of the developed methods can be used when there are known bounds of operation for the system. The other method is based on an efficient numerical optimization procedure. It is shown how the resulting control laws can be modified to be robust in the presence of parameter uncertainty or a disturbance
Modeling Substrate Utilization, Metabolite Production, and Uranium Immobilization in Shewanella oneidensis Biofilms

In this study, we developed a two-dimensional mathematical model to predict substrate utilization and metabolite production rates in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 biofilm in the presence and absence of uranium (U). In our model, lactate and fumarate are used as the electron donor and the electron acceptor, respectively. The model includes the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The EPS bound to the cell surface and distributed in the biofilm were considered bound EPS (bEPS) and loosely associated EPS (laEPS), respectively. COMSOL® Multiphysics finite element analysis software was used to solve the model numerically (model file provided in the Supplementary Material). The input variables of the model were the lactate, fumarate, cell and EPS concentrations, half saturation constant for fumarate, and diffusion coefficients of the substrates and metabolites. To estimate unknown parameters and calibrate the model, we used a custom designed biofilm reactor placed inside a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) microimaging and spectroscopy system and measured substrate utilization and metabolite production rates. From these data we estimated the yield coefficients, maximum substrate utilization rate, half saturation constant for lactate, stoichiometric ratio of fumarate and acetate to lactate and stoichiometric ratio of succinate to fumarate. These parameters are critical to predicting the activity of biofilms and are not available in the literature. Lastly, the model was used to predict uranium immobilization in S. oneidensis MR-1 biofilms by considering reduction and adsorption processes in the cells and in the EPS. We found that the majority of immobilization was due to cells, and that EPS was less efficient at immobilizing U. Furthermore, most of the immobilization occurred within the top 10 μm of the biofilm. To the best of our knowledge, this research is one of the first biofilm immobilization mathematical models based on experimental observation. It has the ability to predict the relative contributions to U immobilization of laEPS, bEPS, and cells.
Juan Ruiz de Alarcón: Writing Home Between the Lines

In 1600, Ruiz de Alarcon chose to leave his home in the New World, at about the age of twenty. He was to spend better than half of his life in Spain, until his death in 1639. In all, he spent approximately twenty-five years in the New World and thirty-four years in Spain. In Spain, he became one of the great writers of the Spanish Golden Age, producing comedias of fine artistic quality and delicate sensitivity. Readers of his work notice that, although he was a native of New Spain, his writing does not overtly reveal his origins. As a matter of fact, some readers never realize that he was not a native Spaniard. However, a close reading of one of his popular comedias, La verdad sospechosa , reveals the cultural stamp of his birthplace in subtle ways. This cultural stance of Ruiz de Alarcon’s literary work will be contrasted with that of one of his contemporaries and native-born Spaniard, Lope de Vega, in his comedia, El caballero de Olmedo .
Efficiency gain of paired split-plot designs in MRMC ROC studies

The widely used multi-reader multi-case ROC study design for comparing imaging modalities is the fullycrossed (FC) design: every reader reads every case of both modalities. In this work, we investigate the paired split-plot (PSP) designs that allow for reduced cost and increased flexibility compared to the FC design. In the PSP design, patient images from two modalities are read by the same readers, thereby the readings are paired across modalities. However, within each modality, not every reader reads every case. Instead, both the readers and the cases are partitioned into a number of groups and each group of readers read their own group of cases - a split-plot design. Using the U-statistic based variance analysis for AUC (i.e., area under the ROC curve), we show analytically that, with a fixed number of readings per reader, substantial statistical efficiency can be gained by the PSP design as compared to the FC design. Equivalently, we show that the PSP design can achieve the same statistical power as the FC design with substantially reduced number of readings. However, the efficiency/power gain of the PSP design comes with the increased cost of collecting a larger number of truthverified patient cases than the FC design. This means that one can trade off between different sources of cost and choose a least burdensome design. We demonstrate the advantages of the PSP design with a real-world reader study for the comparison of full field digital mammography with screen-film mammography.
Chronic Osteomyelitis with Staphylococcus aureus Deformation in Submicron Canaliculi of Osteocytes: A Case Report.

Case A patient presenting with an infected diabetic foot ulcer and Staphylococcus aureus chronic osteomyelitis was studied to validate the clinical importance of bacterial colonization of osteocytic-canalicular networks, as we recently reported in a mouse model. We utilized transmission electron microscopy to describe the deformation of S. aureus, from round cocci to rod-shaped bacteria, in the submicron osteocytic-canalicular networks of amputated bone tissue. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of S. aureus deformation and invasion of the osteocytic-canalicular system in human bone, which supports a new mechanism of persistence in the pathogenesis of chronic osteomyelitis.
Randomization in Online Experiments

Most scientists consider randomized experiments to be the best method available to establish causality. On the Internet, during the past twenty-five years, randomized experiments have become common, often referred to as A/B testing. For practical reasons, much A/B testing does not use pseudo-random number generators to implement randomization. Instead, hash functions are used to transform the distribution of identifiers of experimental units into a uniform distribution. Using two large, industry data sets, I demonstrate that the success of hash-based quasi-randomization strategies depends greatly on the hash function used: MD5 yielded good results, while SHA512 yielded less impressive ones.
Small-Scale Room-Temperature-Vulcanizing-655/Aerogel Cryogenic Liquid Storage Tank for Space Applications

The storage of cryogenic liquids is key to the success of long-duration space missions like a manned mission to Mars. Current cryogenic storage tanks are constructed from metals with high thermal c...
Data on the mechanical properties of recycled wind turbine blade composites.

Abstract Wind turbine blades that face end-of-life recycled mechanically. The recycled material was first comminuted via a hammer-mill through a range of varying screen sizes, resonated (polymeric Methylene diphenyl isocyanate (pMDI)) and then hand-formed and hot pressed. The hot press temperature and time were set as 138 °C and 5 min accordingly, typical for pMDI composite processing. Mechanical properties (Modulus of rupture (MOR), Module of elasticity (MOE) and Internal bond(IB)) dataset of composites made from recycled wind turbine blades(rWTBs) presented. Dataset also presented the influence of resin level, moisture content, mill screen size and density on the mechanical properties of composites [1] , [2] .
PROPESTICIDES: BIOACTIVATION IN PESTICIDE DESIGN AND TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Abstract Investigations on possible bioactivation reactions are essential for understanding pesticide structure-activity relationships, mode of action, and toxicology. Propesticides utilize biodegradable protective groups for improved a) selectivity resulting from species differences in the balance of activation and detoxification reactions, b) uptake due to modified partitioning properties, and c) persistence from altered metabolic and photochemical stability. Most pesticides are discovered and structurally optimized without knowledge of whether the ultimate toxicant is the compound applied or a metabolic activation product thereof. Substituents undergoing bioactivation can be incorporated to increase biological activity or avoided to minimize toxicological risks. Bound metabolites may suggest possible reactive intermediates. Research identifying > 99% of the metabolites may still overlook unstable, though critical, bioactivation products. Mode of action studies must use the activated metabolite or a system for its generation in vitro to correlate with findings on the pesticide in vivo. This review emphasizes the recognition of bioactivation and recent findings on the reactions of activated intermediates of various pesticides, i.e. , multiple and sequential activation steps with competing detoxification reactions, progenitors of cyanide and 2-haloacroleins, intramolecular rearrangements of oxygenated intermediates, and stereospecificity in thiophosphate bioactivations.
Crazing in thin films of «monodisperse» polystyrene

A technique to study the relationship between mechanical behavior and craze microstructure of thin films of narrow disperse polystyrene is described. Films about 2-4 μm thick were tested in a conventional tensile machine (Instron). Craze kinetics were observed through an optical microscope equipped with a motor-driven camera. In this way, a direct correlation was established between the mechanical behavior and craze growth kinetics. Effects of molecular weight, thermal history and strain rate on both mechanical behavior and craze kinetics were studied, and their relationship was elucidated. Statistical analysis revealed that the phenomenon of crazing is quite complex and depends on several material and experimental variables. The average distance between crazes was found to follow Poisson distribution, thus confirming the random nature of this phenomenon. The macroscopic strain (elongation) of the material during the entire deformation history was explained in terms of the number of crazes per unit area, craze extension and the distribution of crazes. On the basis of experimental results, a model is suggested from which the elastic modulus of crazed material can be derived.
Optimal Input Shaping with Finite Resolution Computed from Step-Response Experimental Data

The purpose of this work is the computation of optimal input signals for output tracking of a dynamic system, where knowledge of the dynamic system is only given in the form of step response-data. The starting point is a (non-optimal) input signal given in the form of a simple step input and the measurement of the resulting output. The computation of infinite precision optimal input signals are based on linear programming (LP) solutions that can be specialized to mixed integer linear programming (MILP) solutions with an integer parametrization to enforce possible finite resolution solutions for the input shaping signals. The approach of input shaping based on step-response data is illustrated on experimental data obtained from a class IV LASER system with varying pulse length and a laboratory experiment of a mechanical vibration system. In the latter case, computed optimal input signals were tested experimentally to verify the effectiveness of the input shaping to reduce residual vibrations.
Revitalized and synovialized allograft for intrasynovial flexor tendon reconstruction in an in vivo canine model

This study was to test our hypothesis that flexor tendon reconstruction with an allograft revitalized with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and synovialized with carbodiimide derivatized autologous synovial fluid (cd-SYN) would result in better digit functional restoration than the conventional allograft tendon. A total of 32 flexor digital profundus tendons from the second and fifth digit of 16 dogs were created a repair failure model first. Then, failed-repaired tendons were reconstructed with either a revitalized-synovialized allograft tendon or a clinical standard autograft tendon (control group). The allograft tendon was seeded with autologous BMSCs in multiple slits and the graft surface was coated with cd-SYN. A 6 weeks after tendon reconstruction, the digits were harvested and evaluated for digit function, adhesion status, tendon gliding resistance, attachment strength, cell viability, and histologic factors. The allograft group had significantly improved digit function compared with the control group through decreased work of flexion, increased digit range of motion under 2-Newton force, and less adhesion score (p < .05). However, the distal attachment-site strength and stiffness in the allograft tendon were significantly weaker than the autografts (p < .05). No significant difference was found for gliding resistance. Histologically, allograft tendons coated with allograft had smoother surfaces and showed tendon-to-bone and tendon-to-tendon incorporation. Viable BMSCs were found in the tendon slits 6 weeks after the graft. In conclusion, cellular lubricant-based modification of allograft tendons improved digit function and reduced the adhesions compared with autograft for flexor tendon reconstruction. However, improvement of graft-to-host tendon healing is still challenging. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.
An Abstract: Comparative Attributions in an Industry-Wide Service Failure

When consumers face a service failure, they make attributions about the causes of the failure. This research compares the attributions made during the industry-wide service failure of the financial crisis. The attributions of systemically important bankers (SIBs), non-SIBs, and consumers about the causes of the financial crisis were compared to gain managerially useful insights.
Applications of fuzzy logic to stratigraphic modeling.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on using fuzzy logic to simulate sediment erosion, sediment transportation, and sediment accumulation within a forward model. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer-generated forward models of sedimentary basin filling are increasingly important tools for research in applied and theoretical geological science. These models produce synthetic stratigraphic cross-sections that are important for two reasons. First, they give a predictive picture of the subsurface distribution of petrophysical properties (such as porosity, permeability, seismic velocity) that are useful in petroleum exploration. Second, synthetic stratigraphic models increase theoretical understanding of variation of sediment accumulation in time and space in response to external factors (such as eustasy and tectonics), and internal factors (such as compaction, iso-static adjustments, and crustal flexural adjustments made in response to tectonic loading and sedimentary accumulation) that are known, or suspected, to influence sedimentation patterns. Physically reasonable algorithms for eustasy, compaction, isostasy, and crustal flexure are common components of sedimentary models and can be modeled either deterministically or with fizzy logic. However, the
Optimal Hölder continuity and dimension properties for SLE with Minkowski content parametrization

We make use of the fact that a two-sided whole-plane Schramm–Loewner evolution (SLE $$_\kappa $$ ) curve $$\gamma $$ for $$\kappa \in (0,8)$$ from $$\infty $$ to $$\infty $$ through 0 may be parametrized by its d-dimensional Minkowski content, where $$d=1+\frac{\kappa }{8}$$ , and become a self-similar process of index $$\frac{1}{d}$$ with stationary increments. We prove that such $$\gamma $$ is locally $$\alpha $$ -Holder continuous for any $$\alpha <\frac{1}{d}$$ . In the case $$\kappa \in (0,4]$$ , we show that $$\gamma $$ is not locally $$\frac{1}{d}$$ -Holder continuous. We also prove that, for any deterministic closed set $$A\subset \mathbb {R}$$ , the Hausdorff dimension of $$\gamma (A)$$ almost surely equals d times the Hausdorff dimension of A.
Multimodal assignments in higher education: Implications for multimodal writing tasks for L2 writers

Abstract This study investigated the types of multimodal writing tasks that undergraduate students in academic contexts (i.e., degree-pursuing undergraduate students at a US university) are required to complete. With an assumption that undergraduate courses across disciplines are one target language use domain for international students in ESL courses in tertiary education, we interviewed seven professors in Humanities, Education, Business, and Engineering and analyzed 104 multimodal writing tasks we identified from 161 syllabi across the disciplines. We report parameters that can be used to develop multimodal writing tasks in EAP classes and for research on multimodal composing processes: 1) goals and instruction of multimodal writing: disciplinary versus creative expression; 2) linguistic mode in multimodal texts: written and spoken words; and 3) tasks of multimodal writing: individual versus collaborative work. Based on the results, we discuss pedagogical implications regarding the design of multimodal writing tasks for L2 academic writers.
Effects of initial conditions and transport on ram pressure, Mach number, and uniformity for plasma liner formation and implosion

Plasma jet driven magneto-inertial fusion involves the merging of high Mach number plasma jets in a spherically converging geometry to form an imploding plasma liner. A three-dimensional smooth particle hydrodynamic simulation tool was used to study the number of plasma jets, jet density, and implosion velocity on the effects of formation and subsequent implosion of a plasma liner. The effects of different transport physics are presented. Thermal radiation and two-temperature modeling were found to have the most significant impact on the ram pressure. Solid angle averaged ram pressure and Mach number degradation were of particular interest in this study. Higher jet numbers were found to result in higher peak ram pressure. A spherical harmonic analysis was conducted for each case, providing a quantitative measure of the non-uniformity of the liner during the implosion process and how non-uniformities are affected by the different parameters explored in this study.
Transition probabilities and transition rates in discrete phase space

The evolution of the discrete Wigner function is formally similar to a probabilistic process, but the transition probabilities, like the discrete Wigner function itself, can be negative. We investigate these transition probabilities, as well as the transition rates for a continuous process, aiming particularly to give simple criteria for deciding when a set of such quantities corresponds to a legitimate quantum process. We also show how the transition rates for any Hamiltonian evolution can be worked out by expanding the Hamiltonian as a linear combination of displacement operators in the discrete phase space.
Impact of COVID-19 on Grade School Teachers

Everyone across the globe has adjusted their lives to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. It has affected every sector of life. Scholars have documented the socio-psychological effects of coping with the deadly virus. But much research has focused on only a few populations and institutions that have been affected by COVID-19. As a middle school teacher, I and others alike have undergone special challenges. There has been a disruption in teaching and learning which evolved to online or distance learning. Teachers are vulnerable as social distancing policies can’t be adhered to in a large classroom setting. Yet there are so many unanswered questions for the future. In this transcendental phenomenological approach, I formulate a proposed study in order to get at the essence of the teacher experience from interviews during this trying time in hopes of shedding light on this unique topic. As school leaders make policy for teachers to return to school possibly in the fall, it is my hope that they will use teacher feedback to influence their decision-making process.
4-4-(Anilinomethyl)-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazol-1-ylbenzoic acid derivatives as potent anti-gram-positive bacterial agents.

Abstract A collection of potent antimicrobials consisting of novel 1,3-bis-benzoic acid and trifluoromethyl phenyl derived pyrazoles has been synthesized and tested for antibacterial activity. The majority of trifluoromethyl phenyl derivatives are highly potent growth inhibitors of Gram-positive bacteria and showed low toxicity to human cultured cells. In particular, two compounds (59 and 74) were selected for additional studies. These compounds are highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus as shown by a low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), a bactericidal effect in time-kill assays, moderate inhibition of biofilm formation as well as biofilm destruction, and a bactericidal effect against stationary phase cells representing non-growing persister cells. Multistep resistance assays showed a very low tendency for S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis to develop resistance through mutation. Additionally, in vivo mouse model studies showed no harmful effects at doses up to 50 mg/kg using 14 blood plasma organ toxicity markers or TUNEL assay in liver and kidney. Investigations into the mode of action by performing macromolecular synthesis inhibition studies showed a broad range of inhibitory effects, suggesting targets that have a global effect on bacterial cell function.
Psychological Well-Being of Intellectually and Academically Gifted Students in Self-Contained and Pull-Out Gifted Programs:

This study examined the psychological well-being of students enrolled in two gifted programs with different service delivery models. Participants were 292 fifth- and sixth-grade students (Mage = 11...
The roles of dispersal limitation, climatic niches and glacial history in endemism of the North American bryophyte flora

PREMISE Bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) tend to have very large geographic ranges, which impedes progress toward understanding the drivers of diversification and extinction. This study aimed to investigate whether North American endemics differ geographically from more widespread species and whether differences in climatic niche or traits related to dispersal and establishment differ between endemics and more widespread species. METHODS All available herbarium records of bryophytes from North America north of Mexico (106 collections) were used. Traits related to dispersal were obtained from the literature. Analyses tested whether range sizes and extents differed between endemics and nonendemics, and whether trait differences were associated with endemism. Climate data were used to determine whether differences in niche breadth are present between endemics and nonendemics, and whether suitable climate for endemics occurs outside North America. RESULTS Nonendemics have range sizes twice as large as endemics and they occur farther north and have greater longitudinal extents. However, they do not have the widest niche breadths and do not differ in spore size (with few exceptions) or sexual condition. Asexual propagules are more prevalent among nonendemics. Climatic models indicate that substantial areas of climate suitable for endemics exist outside of North America. CONCLUSIONS Distributions of endemics and nonendemics are consistent with an important role of glaciation in shaping the North American bryophyte flora. Endemics are not limited to the continent based on a lack of suitable climate elsewhere or by spore size or sexual condition.
Housing Affordability Among Rural and Urban Female-Headed Householders in the United States

This study examines housing affordability among female-headed households, focusing on the differences between those living in rural areas versus those in urban areas. Existing literature on female householders lacks a contemporary understanding of the demographic, housing, and financial characteristics and the differences among rural and urban householders. Using multinomial logistic regression and 2013 American Housing Survey data for the analyses, this study identified statistically significant differences regarding housing affordability among rural and urban householders. The results of this research provide insight concerning the attributes of female householders, particularly those that live in rural areas, and their relationship to housing affordability. Our findings reveal housing cost burden as one of the prevailing struggles for female householders in the rural and urban areas of the US. Rural female householders spent a smaller percentage of their income on housing on average compared to urban householders, yet about half of all rural female householders were cost burdened. Female householders with children experienced more housing hardship and worse economic conditions than those without children. Our research points to the need for policy interventions that mitigate female-headed households’ economic and housing challenges, particularly those in rural areas who may have difficulty accessing government programs and assistance.
Book Review: Burghouwt, G. (ed.) Airline Network Development in Europe and its Implications for Airport Planning

This book is a remarkable achievement. Dr. Burghouwt deserves our congratulations and thanks for producing this text, especially so early in his career. The standard he has set promises well for future contributions the profession may expect from him. The text is clearly the current benchmark for analysis and description of air transport networks. Every researcher in the area ought to be familiar with it. Whether you agree with his approach and interpretations or not, it constitutes a ‘must-read’ reference. The text is full of interesting analyses that others may want to emulate. It offers a most interesting discussion of the recent historic evolution (from 1990 to 2003) of airline networks in Europe as they worked their way through the first decade of airline deregulation and intra-European “open skies”.
A Comprehensive Approach to Parkinson’s Disease (P4.052)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a new comprehensive care program focused on non-motor features and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease (PD). BACKGROUND: According to the AAN quality standards for PD, providing high quality care involves addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms. Non-motor symptoms are often missed during routine neurology visits even though non-motor symptoms have more negative impact on quality of life than motor symptoms as PD progresses. DESIGN/METHODS: The Emory PD Comprehensive Care Clinic (PD CCC) is a unique healthcare model providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary team-based assessment and treatment of PD patients. During a 2-day evaluation, patients are evaluated by providers in sleep medicine, geriatric psychiatry, geriatric medicine, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, neuropsychology, nursing, and movement disorders. In the current study, data were collected to describe the PD CCC patient population. A subgroup completed the PDQ-39 at the initial evaluation and at 6 months. RESULTS: Since 2010, 95 patients have participated in the PD CCC (60% men, 75% white, mean age 68 years (range 38-97), UPDRS part III mean score 23.8 (range 3-72). Of these, 79% were diagnosed with a psychiatric condition, 76% with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, 98% with a sleep disorder, and 95% had evidence of clinically significant autonomic dysfunction. Additionally, 86% received recommendations for rehabilitation therapy. At 6 months, among 12 participants who completed the PDQ-39, a significant improvement in overall quality of life was detected (pre mean 0.17 ± 0.81, post 0.13 ± 0.9, p-value 0.04). The subset scores for mobility (pre mean 0.14 ± 0.12, post 0.10 ± 0.09, p-value 0.05) and ADL independence (pre mean 0.24 ± 0.14, post 0.17 ± 0.13, p-value 0.04) also improved. CONCLUSIONS: The Emory PD CCC model is effective in detecting non-motor conditions in PD patients. The positive impact on quality of life should be evaluated in comparison to usual care in a movement disorders clinic. Study Supported by: Unfunded Disclosure: Dr. Vaughan has received research support from Astellas Pharma. Dr. Vandenberg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goldstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Trotti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hermida has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weeks has nothing to disclose. Dr. Factor has received personal compensation for activities with University of Florida, Merz Pharma, Chelsea Therapeutics, and ADAMAS. Dr. Factor has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Current Neurology and Neuroscience, and Up to Date. Dr. Factor has received research support from Ceregene, Teva Neuroscience, Ipsen, EMD Serono, Medtronic, Inc., and Allergan, Inc.
Light-induced absorption changes in Chromatium subchromatophore particles exhaustively extracted with non-polar solvents.

Abstract Chromatium subchromatophore particles completely freed of ubiquinone were prepared by Triton treatment preceeded by an exhaustive extraction with non-polar solvents at different stages of their preparation. Reconstituted particles were prepared by recondensing appropriate amounts of the quinone extract onto the extracted particles. The following observations are made and conclusions drawn from the light-induced absorption changes. 1. 1. In the extracted particles, where cytochrome-422 is present in the oxidized state, light causes charge separation, which is followed by charge recombination in the dark with a half time of 20 ms; the light- minus -dark difference spectrum between 240 and 950 nm is essentially the same as that of the unextracted subchromatophore particles. 2. 2. In the reconstituted particles, presumably because of the presence of ubiquinone as the secondary electron acceptor, charge recombination is prevented. After addition of 1 mM o -phenanthroline, which blocks electron transfer from the primary reductant to the secondary acceptor, charge recombination is re-established, as indicated by the return of the decay kinetics to the 20-ms half time. 3. 3. The room-temperature light- minus -dark difference spectrum of the extracted particles indicates that the majority of the absorption decrease at 280 nm may be attributed to P890 photooxidation and not ubiquinone reduction. This is further confirmed by the fact that the light- minus -dark difference spectrum at 77 °K is essentially the same for extracted and unextracted particles. 4. 4. If the oxidized cytochrome-422 in the extracted or reconstituted particles is reduced chemically, the reduced cytochrome can couple to the photooxidized P890 + , leading to its own oxidation and the reduction of P890 + in the dark. 5. 5. With the reconstituted particles, a steady, slow absorption decrease associated with the reduction of ubiquinone can be observed in the ultraviolet region when an electron donor such as N , N , N ′ N ′,-tetramethylphenylenediamine is present. No such reaction occurs in the extracted particles. 6. 6. Studies with the extracted particles have provided evidence that endogenous ubiquinone does not play the role of a primary electron acceptor in bacterial photosynthesis. Recent trends in the studies of the primary electron acceptor and possible approaches to the problem are briefly commented upon.
Current–voltage curves for molecular junctions: Metal basis set vs. cluster size

Abstract A 21 Au atom description of the contacts supports previous work that used only six Au atoms. Using the LANL1 (3s3p3d)/[1s1p1d] Au basis set in conjunction with the six atom cluster leads to solutions with excess charge on the Au atoms. While using the (3s3p3d)/[1s1p1d] Au basis set for all atoms in a larger 21 Au atom cluster also yields a non-physical solution, it is possible to use the full minimal basis set on the Au atoms that are not at the edge of the cluster.