cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Producton-Rule Analysis System for Nuclear Plant Technical Specifications Tracking

A Model-Based Production-Rule Analysis System is developed for the tracking of the Limiting Conditions for Operation (LCOs) and the Surveillance Requirements in power plants. These LCOs and Surveillance Requirements are delineated in Power Station’s Technical Specifications. The system is constructed as a Production-Rule Analysis System having the same structure as the E-Mycin system with a Natural Language Interface. The Goal-Tree constituting the Knowledge-Base is generated and is searched by the Inference Engine using Backward-Chaining with a Deduction-Oriented Antecedent-Consequent Logic. The performance of the system is demonstrated in the identification and tracking of the LCOs and Surveillance Requirements and the associated applicable actions for maintaining the operability status of the components in the plant reactivity control systems.
Spatial Autocorrelation in Spatial Interaction

Carey (1858) and Ravenstein (1885) first proposed, through analogy, the gravity model of Newtonian physics as a description for economic and social spatial interaction, with Sen and Smith (1995) furnishing a comprehensive treatment of this model more than a century later. In the late 1960s, Wilson spelled out an entropy maximizing derivation of the gravity model, including the use of row and column totals as additional information for modeling purposes (that is, the doubly-constrained version), followed by a utility maximization derivation of it by Niedercorn and Bechdolt (1969). Flowerdew and Atkin (1982) and Flowerdew and Lovett (1988) articulated linkages between the Poisson probability model and spatial interaction. Within this same time interval, Anas (1983) established a linkage between the doubly-constrained gravity model and a logit model of joint origin-destination choice, which indirectly relates to a Poisson specification that includes a separate indicator variable for each origin and each destination (that is, 2n 0–1 binary variables, each having a single 1 and n-1 0s). Curry (1972; also see Curry et al. 1975, 1976) followed by Griffith and Jones (1980), first raised the issue of spatial autocorrelation effects embedded in spatial interaction. These investigations were followed by a formulation of the network autocorrelation concept (see Black 1992; Black and Thomas 1998; Tiefelsdorf and Braun 1999). More recently, LeSage and Pace (2008), Griffith (2008), and Fischer and Griffith (2008) have returned to the issue of spatial autocorrelation effects embedded in spatial interaction, specifying spatial autoregressive and spatial filter versions of the unconstrained gravity model, but in terms of attribute geographic distributions. Chun (2007) moves beyond this conceptualization to that of more explicitly spatially autocorrelated flows.
A multivariate single-index model for longitudinal data

Abstract:Index measures are commonly used in medical research and clinical practice, primarily for quantification of health risks in individual subjects or patients. The utility of an index measure is ultimately contingent on its ability to predict health outcomes. Construction of medical indices has largely been based on heuristic arguments, although the acceptance of a new index typically requires objective validation, preferably with multiple outcomes. In this article, we propose an analytical tool for index development and validation. We use a multivariate single-index model to ascertain the best functional form for risk index construction. Methodologically, the proposed model represents a multivariate extension of the traditional single-index models. Such an extension is important because it assures that the resultant index simultaneously works for multiple outcomes. The model is developed in the general framework of longitudinal data analysis. We use penalized cubic splines to characterize the index...
Circles of Recovery: A different perspective on change in self-help organizations: spirituality, identity, life stories, friendship networks, and politicization

Moving beyond the treatment-outcome perspective The previous chapter concluded that participation in addiction-related self-help groups can promote improvement on important clinical outcomes, for example reduced substance abuse, psychopathology, and medical comorbidities. From some perspectives, inquiry should stop here, because the likely value of self-help groups as a treatment for substance abuse has been established. However, the clinical treatment-evaluation perspective on self-help groups is a necessary but insufficient lens through which to understand the effects of self-help group involvement. Self-help organizations resemble professional treatments in some respects, but they also have unique aspects that can influence members in ways not typically associated with healthcare interventions, and indeed some members who have already resolved their substance-abuse problem seek out self-help groups specifically for these other benefits (Kaskutas, 1994, 1996a). This chapter evaluates the implications of this reality for outcomes that are not usually considered part of the clinical treatment-evaluation perspective. A focus upon such outcomes follows naturally from the recognition that, in many ways, self-help organizations are more akin to communities than to treatments. Individuals participate in them for indefinite periods, structure social activities around them, actively work to keep them in existence, make friends within them, and so forth. In the process, members encounter a philosophy and set of values that some scholars termed the “mutual-help organization's “ideology”” (e.g., Antze, 1979; Cercle, 1984; Kassel & Wagner, 1993; Suler, 1984).
The Profiles of Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities and Known Hearing Loss

The present study describes the characteristics of students in Grades 3-12 with significant cognitive disabilities (SCD) and known hearing loss. The study analyzed results of a survey of teachers of students with SCD (n = 38,367) who were slated to participate in an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards in 14 states in the United States. Analysis revealed similar profiles in academic achievement and symbolic language use combined with an increased incidence of additional sensory impairments among students with SCD and known hearing loss compared to their peers without known hearing loss. Results suggest that hearing loss may be underidentified and underserved among students with SCD and point to the need for improved hearing screenings and evaluations combined with services delivered by teams that follow a model of interprofessional practice.
Appendix 3—Society of Interventional Radiology Preprocedural Management Guidelines for Current Antithrombotic Medications Based on the Procedural Risk for Bleeding

This section provides helpful, easily accessible supplemental reading materials, tables, and forms on a variety of subjects, such as history, physical exam, preprocedural coagulation parameters, antithrombotic medications, procedural risk for bleeding, antibiotic prophylaxis, and preprocedural and immediate documentation and notes.
Digital forensics research on cloud computing: An investigation of cloud forensics solutions

Digital forensics has been utilized in computer crime investigation for last thirty years. It has evolved and progressed around the technical revolutions, and is now facing yet another new era due to the emergence of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a new computing model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The innovative nature of cloud computing has created unique challenges in the field of digital forensics. In this research paper, we present detail study to investigate the forensic issues in cloud computing and provide possible solutions, guidelines, including existing case studies. The basics of traditional digital forensics and cloud computing are also discussed.
Improving Ni Catalysts Using Electric Fields: A DFT and Experimental Study of the Methane Steam Reforming Reaction

This work demonstrates the benefits of applying an external electric field to the methane steam reforming reaction (MSR) in order to tune the catalytic activity of Ni. Through combined DFT calculations and experimental work, we present evidence for the usefulness of an electric field in improving the efficiency of current MSR processes—namely by reducing coke formation and lowering the overall temperature requirements. We focus on the influence of an electric field on (i) the MSR mechanisms, (ii) the rate-limiting step of the most favorable MSR mechanism, (iii) the methanol synthesis reaction during the MSR reaction, and (iv) the formation of coke. Our computational results show that an electric field can change the most favorable MSR mechanism as well as alter the values of the rate constants and equilibrium constants at certain temperatures and, hence, significantly affect the kinetic properties of the overall MSR reaction. Both computational and experimental results also suggest that a positive electri...
Instructions to suppress semantic memory enhances or has no effect on P300 in a concealed information test (CIT).

Abstract The present study investigated the extent to which people can suppress semantic memory as indexed with the P300 ERP and the autobiographical implicit association test (aIAT). In EXP 1, participants (22) were run in a counterbalanced repeated measures study in both simply knowledgeable (SK) and knowledgeable with suppression (SP) conditions. A P300-based, concealed information test (“Complex Trial Protocol”; CTP) with a 50/50 Target/Nontarget (T/NT) ratio was given both with and without instructions to suppress semantic memories. The results showed increased P300s to probe name stimuli, reduced (but still high positive) aIAT d-scores, and increased simple reaction times to all stimuli used in ERP tests in the SP condition. EXP 2 was similar, but with SP and SK in two separate groups, and a 20/80 T/NT ratio. Again, ERP and aIAT results failed to show a suppression effect for semantic memory. The behavioral data suggest some task demand effects under suppression instructions, and that EXP 1 was more demanding than EXP 2.
Validation and Verification of Steam Sterilization Procedures for the Decontamination of Biological Waste in a Biocontainment Laboratory

One of the most critical aspects of safe operations in biosafety level 3 and 4 and animal biosafety level 3 and 4 biocontainment laboratories is the effective inactivation of biological select agen...
The influence of incident management teams on the deployment of wildfire suppression resources

Despite large commitments of personnel and equipment to wildfire suppression, relatively little is known about the factors that affect how many resources are ordered and assigned to wildfire incidents and the variation in resources across incident management teams (IMTs). Using detailed data on suppression resource assignments for IMTs managing the highest complexity wildfire incidents (Type 1 and Type 2), this paper examines daily suppression resource use and estimates the variation in resource use between IMTs. Results suggest that after controlling for fire and landscape characteristics, and for higher average resource use on fires in California, differences between IMTs account for ~14% of variation in resource use. Of the 89 IMTs that managed fires from 2007 to 2011, 17 teams exhibited daily resource capacity that was significantly higher than resource use for the median team.
Metabolomics and Plant Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis – The Optimum Genetical Genomics Platform?

Biologists have long strived to understand what causes phenotypic differences between two individuals. This includes differences in morphology, disease susceptibility, physiology as well as potential metabolic differences underlying these higher order phenotypes. The diversity between individuals is partitioned into both environmental and genetic variation. Most genetic variation studied to date tends to be qualitative such that there are one or more distinct and non-overlapping phenotypic states. However, most phenotypic differences are quantitative such that there are numerous overlapping phenotypic states [1-4]. It has been known for nearly a century that the approximate genetic position of loci controlling these quantitative traits can be identified through associating marker and phenotype variation in a structured population [5]. This association is the foundation for Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping experiments that attempt to identify the number, phenotypic impact and interaction of loci controlling a quantitative trait.
An Exponential Langevin-type Model for Rainfall Exhibiting Spatial and Temporal Scaling

Models for simulating the space-time structure of rainfall over a range of scales remain a valuable tool for hydrologic and geomorphologic studies. A desired attribute of these models is the preservation of statistical properties of observed precipitation fields, among which are well documented spatial and temporal scaling. In this paper we propose a class of stochastic space-time rainfall models based on exponentiation of evolving nonlinear Langevin-type surfaces. The proposed models have the potential of reproducing (a) the spatial and temporal scaling structure of observed rainfall fields, (b) the spatial and temporal intermittency in rainfall over a range of scales, and (c) possible nonstationarity in space and time.
Further Electromagnetic Interactions

In this chapter we begin a study of Dirac’s equation for a single particle in the presence of other particles and fields. This study actually commenced with the derivation of the bound-state energy levels in a fixed Coulomb field, although it was noted that the picture was not yet complete. For example, there are relativistic corrections to the hyperfine structure which can be obtained by accounting for nuclear mass, spin, and magnetic moment. Indeed, it is usually the finite size of the nucleus which is invoked to resolve the large-Z difficulties. Similarly, relativistic corrections to magnetic-field splitting arise in the form of the anomalous Zeeman effect. Many of these correction terms are readily evaluated by straightforward perturbation theory (e.g., Rose, 1961; Berestetskii, et al, 1971), and others will be developed more rigorously in Chapter 8.
A SiC-Based 100 kW High-Power-Density (34 kW/L) Electric Vehicle Traction Inverter

A SiC-based high power density (34 kW/L) Electric vehicle (EV) traction inverter is developed for 105°C ambient temperature operation and 100 kW peak power output. The thermal properties of this high-temperature system are analyzed and the system is designed based on the thermal behavior of the switching devices. The liquid cooling system is designed and testing approach is proposed to estimate the maximum device die temperature. The key components, such as dc-link capacitors and dc busbar are designed and arranged to achieve high power density at high ambient temperature. The system prototype has been built and tested up to 60 kW continuous and 100 kW for 20 seconds, at 105°C ambient temperature and 65°C coolant temperature.
Community-Engaged Teaching: Lessons from a Participatory History Project

How can we create opportunities for students to gain experience in community-engaged scholarship that truly benefits the community given the constraints of the academic calendar, students’ varied capacity to develop reciprocal and responsive community relationships, and the tendency for community-engaged research to instrumentalize community partners in service to academic deliverables? This paper explores one attempt to meet this challenge: an experimental graduate course in community development that linked course content to a participatory history project. Designed as a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) study, instructors studied the instructional process as well as outcomes for students and community partners. We find that the project—while not without difficulty— provided a valuable opportunity to develop skills and relationships while contributing to a project that both students and partners found meaningful and relevant. The paper explores the experiences for students and community partners, as well as key course design elements, and considers implications for other community-engaged courses.
CT measures of lumbosacral paraspinal muscle size are not correlated with CT measures of lumbosacral stability in military working Labrador Retrievers.

Management of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in military working dogs more frequently utilizes core conditioning exercise programs. Future research on the effectiveness of these programs may benefit from an improved understanding of relationships between paraspinal muscle size and lumbosacral stability. The aim of this retrospective, secondary analysis, cross-sectional study was to test the following hypotheses related to CT measures: (a) transverse paraspinal muscle area ratios differ between hip flexion and extension, (b) lumbosacral angle and lumbosacral range of motion differ by lumbosacral angle measurement technique, and (c) transverse paraspinal muscle area ratios are correlated with CT measures of lumbosacral stability (parasagittal and parasagittal oblique foraminal area changes) regardless of hip position and with lumbosacral range of motion within each hip position. Lumbosacral CT scans in hip flexion and extension were retrieved from a previous prospective study of military working Labrador Retrievers. A single observer performed triplicate measurements of transverse paraspinal muscle area ratios, parasagittal foraminal area, and parasagittal oblique foraminal area for each hip position and another observer independently performed triplicate measurements of lumbosacral angle and lumbosacral range of motion at L7-S1 using two published techniques. Thirty-nine dogs were analyzed and significant differences were identified between hip flexion and extension for all mean transverse paraspinal muscle area ratio values (P ≤ .05). Mean lumbosacral angles also significantly differed between the published techniques in both hip flexion and extension. When comparing mean lumbosacral range of motion values, one of the published techniques produced significantly smaller values. No significant correlation was found between transverse paraspinal muscle area ratios and parasagittal foraminal area changes, parasagittal oblique foraminal area changes, or lumbosacral range of motion. These results should be considered when designing studies using these CT measures in military working dogs.
A Tabletop Line-Of-Sight Stabilization Demonstrator for STEM Outreach Activities

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Laser Division faces the unique challenge of explaining intricate technical problems in its research portfolio to a varied audience, ranging from upper military leadership in control of program funding to young elementary students involved in STEM outreach activities. A team of Lieutenants from Kirtland Air Force Base developed an innovative solution to this challenge with a series of tabletop demos used to visually illustrate some of the key technical challenges and fundamental science the lab is working on. The negative effects of vibration on a laser system is a visually apparent problem and thus jitter was the focus of our first demo. The demo uses a Line-of-Sight Stabilization system to stabilize a vibrating laser beam. This paper will discuss the system design, implementation of the control loop, presentation techniques, and opportunities for expansion. This demo boasts a unique ability to speak to all ages, making it easier to explain key concepts to military leadership at the Pentagon as well as expose students across the USA to STEM challenges. This system is also one of a two-part set. The other, focusing on Adaptive Optics, is discussed in a sister paper.
Stone Disease Research

Nutritional therapy is an integral component in the prevention and treatment of kidney stones. This chapter summarizes recent research conducted from 2012 to 2017 on the dietary factors associated with the risk of kidney stones and the factors used to prevent recurrent stone formation in adults. PubMed/Scopus was searched that identified 971 articles; 23 articles (18 original research and 5 reviews and consensus statements) qualified for this paper. Dietary measures identified were fluid, dietary and supplemental calcium, vitamin D and vitamin C, sodium, oxalate, zinc, caffeine, protein, energy, fiber, fruit and vegetable intakes, and acid load. This review has shown that key dietary factors that appear to have the greatest influence on the formation and management of kidney stones are intake of fluids and overall diet composition.
Short‐Term Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Response to Exercise Training and the Association with Long‐Term Cardiorespiratory Fitness Decline: The STRRIDE Reunion Study

Background Substantial heterogeneity exists in the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) change in response to exercise training, and its long‐term prognostic implication is not well understood. We evalu...
A two-phase substrate model for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose: application to batch and continuous reactors.

Enzymatic hydrolysis continues to have a significant projected production cost for the biological conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals, motivating research into improved enzyme and reactor technologies in order to reduce enzyme usage and equipment costs. However, technology development is stymied by a lack of accurate and computationally accessible enzymatic-hydrolysis reaction models. Enzymatic deconstruction of cellulosic materials is an exceedingly complex physico-chemical process. Models which elucidate specific mechanisms of deconstruction are often too computationally intensive to be accessible in process or multi-physics simulations, and empirical models are often too inflexible to be effectively applied outside of their batch contexts. In this paper, we employ a phenomenological modeling approach to represent rate slowdown due to substrate structure (implemented as two substrate phases) and feedback inhibition, and apply the model to a continuous reactor system. A phenomenological model was developed in order to predict glucose and solids concentrations in batch and continuous enzymatic-hydrolysis reactors from which liquor is continuously removed by ultrafiltration. A series of batch experiments were performed, varying initial conditions (solids, enzyme, and sugar concentrations), and best-fit model parameters were determined using constrained nonlinear least-squares methods. The model achieved a good fit for overall sugar yield and insoluble solids concentration, as well as for the reduced rate of sugar production over time. Additionally, without refitting model coefficients, good quantitative agreement was observed between results from continuous enzymatic-hydrolysis experiments and model predictions. Finally, the sensitivity of the model to its parameters is explored and discussed. Although the phenomena represented by the model correspond to behaviors that emerge from clusters of mechanisms, and hence a set of model coefficients are unique to the substrate and the enzyme system, the model is efficient to solve and may be applied to novel reactor schema and implemented in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Hence, this modeling approach finds the right balance between model complexity and computational efficiency. These capabilities have broad application to reactor design, scale-up, and process optimization.
Autograding Interactive Computer Graphics Applications

We present a system for the automated testing and grading of computer graphics applications. Our system runs, provides input to, and captures image and video output from graphical programming assignments. Instructors use a simple set of commands to script automated keyboard and mouse interactions with student programs at fixed times during execution. The resultant output, including plaintext standard output and mid-execution screenshots and GIFs, are displayed to the student to aid in debugging and ensure compliance with assignment specifications. Student output is automatically evaluated by basic text and image difference operations, or via an instructor-written validation method. We evaluate the success, implementation, and robustness of our design through deployment of this work in our university's senior undergraduate/graduate computer graphics course. In this course, students implement a variety of graphical assignments using OpenGL in C++. We summarize student feedback about the system gathered from anonymous end-of-term course evaluations. We provide anecdotal and quantitative evidence that the system improves student experience and learning by clarifying instructor expectations, building student confidence, and improving the consistency and efficiency of manual grading. This research has been implemented as an extension to Submitty, an open source, language-agnostic course management platform which allows automated testing and automated grading of student programming assignments. Submitty supports all levels of courses, from introductory to advanced special topics, and includes features for manual grading by TAs, version control, team submission, discussion forums, and plagiarism detection.
Gregorella, a Cyanobacterial Pioneer on Soil, New to North America

Gregorella humida was found in western Oregon, U.S.A. This is a new genus and species for North America, with both fertile and sterile collections. An ITS sequence demonstrated its affinity with European material. This minute, granular to branched-granular cyanobacterial lichen is a pioneer on recently disturbed soil. The species was previously known from Fennoscandia, the U.K., continental Europe, and Turkey.
Synchronous and collaborative online concept mapping of membrane transport

The rush to remote learning during the COVD-19 pandemic has caused instructors to rapidly adapt mechanisms of learning. Here, I describe an online concept mapping activity for membrane transport mechanisms that can be accomplished by students working together remotely and either synchronously or asynchronously.
A Transnational Network for Public Sector Innovation: The Impact of a Global Digital Government Reform Network on Public Administration at the Domestic Level

This study investigates the impact of a global E-government reform network on an individual country's E-government performance. As keeping pace with changing environments becomes one of the essential tasks for governments to retain problem-solving capacity, scholars have paid a lot of attention to the determinants of public sector innovation. However, how the ideas of reform and innovation have been communicated at the international or intergovernmental level has been paid less attention. To fill the gap in the literature, we have constructed a social network dataset covering 179 countries for the period 2010 to 2013. This dataset records whether countries sent government officials to E-government related workshops and conferences hosted by the UN and the OECD. The results show that the embeddedness within the transnational network facilitates the pursuit of E-government innovation. We also find that the well-established bureaucratic institution and competitive IT industry contribute to the E-government performance.
A shared fractal aesthetic across development

Fractal patterns that repeat at varying size scales comprise natural environments and are also present in artistic works deemed to be highly aesthetic. Observers’ aesthetic preferences vary in relation to fractal complexity. Previous work demonstrated that fractal preference consistently peaks at low-to-moderate complexity for patterns that repeat in a statistical manner across scale, whereas preference for exact repetition fractals peaks at a higher complexity due to the presence of order introduced by symmetry and exact recursion of features. However, these highly consistent preference trends have been demonstrated only in adult populations, and the extent to which exposure, development, or individual differences in perceptual strategies may impact preference has not yet been established. Here, we show differences in preference between fractal-type, but no differences between child and adult preferences, and no relationship between systemizing tendencies (demonstrated by the Systemizing Quotient and Ponzo task) and complexity preferences, further supporting the universality of fractal preference. Consistent preferences across development point toward shared general aesthetic experience of these complexities arising from a fluency of fractal processing established relatively early in development. This in part determines how humans experience natural patterns and interact with natural and built environments.
Progesterone induced blocking factor improves blood pressure, inflammation and pup weight in response to reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP)

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by new onset hypertension in association with elevated natural killer (NK) cells and inflammatory cytokines which are likely culprits for decreased fetal weight d...
Seismic response of precast bridge columns with composite non-proprietary UHPC filled ducts ABC connections

Abstract Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) utilizes advanced planning, new construction techniques and innovative detailing to expedite construction of new bridges or rehabilitation and replacement of old deteriorated bridges. ABC has been widely used in low seismic regions and mostly implemented in the superstructure elements but much less considered for substructure elements such as column-base connections, especially in moderate and high seismic regions. While robust seismic ABC connections have been developed using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), sole sourcing of robust commercial UHPC mixes is causing bidding issues and limiting the wide adoption of such seismic ABC connections. Thus, validating alternative solutions that use non-proprietary materials could help overcome such challenges. This paper presents experimental and analytical investigation of the structural and seismic behavior of precast bridge columns with non-proprietary UHPC-filled ducts column-to-footing connections. For this study, a recently developed non-proprietary UHPC mix at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is used. Two large-scale column models, varied only in reinforcement debonding, were tested at UNR under combined axial and cyclic lateral loading to evaluate their seismic performance . The column models were compared with reference cast-in-place column models and another column model incorporating proprietary commercial UHPC-filled duct connection from previous studies. The test results showed that the column models were emulative of conventional connections. Analytical modeling for the two tested columns was also conducted and shown to successfully reproduce the local and global behaviors of column models with acceptable accuracy when bond-slip and bar debonding effects are properly considered.
Multidisciplinary Review of Intraductal Papilloma of the Breast can Identify Patients who may Omit Surgical Excision.

The purpose of this study was to define contemporary management recommendations regarding who would benefit from surgical excision of intraductal papilloma (IDP). A prospective database from a single institution identified patients with IDP on percutaneous biopsy from February 2015 to September 2020. Categorical patient demographic, biopsy, and pathologic variables were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test and continuous demographic and imaging variables using the Mann–Whitney U test. IDP was present in 416 biopsies, at a median age of 56 years. The median size was 0.9 cm, and the majority had greater than 50% of the target excised by biopsy. Surgical excision was performed for 124 of 416 biopsies (29.8%). Upgrade to malignancy was identified in 14 (11.3%): 8 to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 6 to invasive cancer. Upgrade was significantly associated with concurrent ipsilateral breast cancer (p = 0.027), larger imaging size (p = 0.045), 50% removed by biopsy. Of 401 biopsies that either did not upgrade or undergo excision, 7 (1.7%) developed subsequent breast cancer over a median follow-up of 23.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 11,41), none at IDP site. After multidisciplinary review, the management of IDP can be stratified into low- and high-risk for upgrade groups using key criteria. Low-risk group may omit surgical excision, because those patients have 0% risk of upgrade over the limited short-term follow-up.
Multiple hops move electrons from bacteria to rocks.

The central dogma of bioenergetics is that photons energize electrons in molecules, those electrons push protons, and proton concentration gradients forge chemical bonds. An understanding of how this works—at the level of electrons and atoms—is elusive, especially in organisms that live life on the edge of survival. How do bacteria or bacterial cables move electrons between sources and sinks separated by micrometers to centimeters? In PNAS, van Wonderen et al. show that a heme-to-heme electron hopping transport mechanism enables the egress of electrons through the bacterial cell envelope in “rock-breathing” bacteria that use minerals as their terminal electron acceptors (1). The stunning discovery that some biological redox reactions can proceed at cryogenic temperatures (2) motivated the development of vibronically coupled electron-tunneling theories (3). Theory predicted that electron transfer (ET) reactions could occur over several nanometers on time scales as short as milliseconds, supporting the notion that electron tunneling could undergird molecular bioenergetics. Experimental studies of metal-labeled proteins (4, 5) and tunneling pathway theories (6) brought atomistic detail to the description of protein-mediated ET. These studies indicate that electron tunneling is enabled by both through-bond and through-space interactions, dictated by the molecular structure of the folded protein and by its cofactors. Electron transport through extracellular appendages (bacterial nanowires) on micrometer length scales is not reconciled by the theory of single-step electron tunneling (7). How can electrons exit the cell envelope and propagate for micrometers on biologically relevant timescales with little thermodynamic driving force? Modeling of nanowires requires that electron tunneling would have to occur between cofactors in near van der Waals (vdW) contact to explain the measured currents (7, 8). In PNAS, van Wonderen et al. report that transport in the decaheme MtrC protein, which enables electrons to flow across the bacterial cell envelope … [↵][1]1 Email: david.beratan{at}duke.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Optimizing CT for the evaluation of vestibular aqueduct enlargement: Inter-rater reproducibility and predictive value of reformatted CT measurements.

Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA), the most frequent identifiable cause of congenital hearing loss, is evaluated with high-definition multi-detector CT in the axial plane. Our purpose was to determine which reformatted CT measurements are most reproducible. Seven multiplanar reformatted images were created for each of the 64 temporal bones in patients with EVA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess inter-observer variability, and both linear regression and ROC analyses were used to compare the measurements with severity of hearing loss, as assessed by pure tone audiometry. All seven measurements had excellent inter-observer variability, with average-measure ICC ranging from 0.92 to 0.98. There was no statistically significant correlation between the radiologic degree of aqueduct enlargement and severity of hearing loss using any of the seven measurements; ROC analyses revealed areas under the curves ranging from 0.57 to 0.73. Optimal accuracy was obtained with a threshold of 1.75 mm as measured at the aqueductal aperture in the Poschl plane, with sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.63. Although the radiologic measurement may not serve as a reliable tool for assessing severity of EVA, Poschl plane reformatting has proven to be better than conventional axial acquisition plane for identifying patients with clinically significant hearing loss.
Site-specific labeling of proteins for electron microscopy

Electron microscopy is commonly employed to determine the subunit organization of large macromolecular assemblies. However, the field lacks a robust molecular labeling methodology for unambiguous identification of constituent subunits. We present a strategy that exploits the unique properties of an unnatural amino acid in order to enable site-specific attachment of a single, readily identifiable protein label at any solvent-exposed position on the macromolecular surface. Using this method, we show clear labeling of a subunit within the 26S proteasome lid subcomplex that has not been amenable to labeling by traditional approaches.
Usability of Display-Control Switches for In-Vehicle Information Network System

This paper describes how a simulator was used to evaluate information display systems. Different types of selection switches were compared and the relationship between the installation location of the display and switches was examined. Focus was on the average duration per look and average operation time
Resonance Averaging in Dynamics and Control of Flexible Structures

In this paper we address a novel averaging method for analysis and control of high dimensional, stiff nonlinear differential equations governing the dynamics of a variety of flexible structures. The method yields significant reduction of the initial equations by the averaging of high oscillatory elastic distortions over slow rigid-body motions which can be given in either analytical or numerical form. The averaging allows the stiff property to be overcome. In the averaging equations only exceptional resonance nonlinear terms persist which actually control the plant's stability. A stabilization problem is addressed for an averaging nonlinear plant and the error involved in such an approximation is estimated. A nonlinear stabilizing control is then evaluated in terms of the averaging normal form and the resonance feedback is shown to be an efficient design procedure.
Performance Robustness for LTI Systems with Structured State Space Uncertainty

Performance robustness of an LTI system with structured state space uncertainty is considered by using the Gronwall lemma approach. A recent sufficient condition for stability robustness is extended to ensure that the closed loop eigenvalues lie within chosen performance regions when the LTI system is subjected to time-invariant structured state space uncertainty. The conservatism of the performance robustness condition is addressed by introducing a unitary weighting matrix in addition to the earlier real positive diagonal weighting. An example of the lateral dynamics of the L-1011 aircraft is presented to illustrate the new performance robustness result and the usefulness of the unitary weighting matrix in satisfying the sufficient condition.
SQUATTING ON GOVERNMENT LAND

This paper presents an economic theory of squatter settlements in developing countries. It adds to the existing literature by explicitly modeling squatting on government-owned land and presents a unified framework for analysis of issues related to squatting, urban planning and policy. In the model, a squatter-organizer optimally controls squatting so as to forestall eviction. The model highlights how the existence of an eviction cost leads to formal residents tolerating squatting, trading-off “open space” to avoid paying taxes toward evicting squatters. The paper derives comparative-static results under some functional form assumptions. The analysis is extended to examine the comparative-static effects for the case where squatters freely migrate into the city. The framework for exploring a combined model of squatting on government and private land is also laid out. Finally, some policy analysis of squatter formalization is carried out.
Are You Convinced? Middle-Grade Students' Evaluations of Mathematical Arguments

Students learn norms of proving by observing teachers generating proofs, engaging in proving, and generalizing features of proofs deemed convincing by an authority, such as a textbook. Students at all grade levels have difficulties generating valid proof; however, little research exists on students' understandings about what makes a mathematical argument convincing prior to more formal instruction in methods of proof. This study investigated middle-school students' (ages 12–14) evaluations of arguments for a statement in number theory. Students evaluated both an empirical and a general argument in an interview setting. The results show that students tend to prefer empirical arguments because examples enhance an argument's power to show that the statement is true. However, interview responses also reveal that a significant number of students find arguments to be most convincing when examples are supported with an explanation that “tells why” the statement is true. The analysis also examined the alignment of students' reasons for choosing arguments as more convincing along with the strategies they employ to make arguments more convincing. Overall, the findings show middle-school students' conceptions about what makes arguments convincing are more sophisticated than their performance in generating arguments suggests.
Perinatal Neurosteroid Levels Influence GABAergic Interneuron Localization in Adult Rat Prefrontal Cortex

Neurosteroids are a class of steroids synthesized de novo in the brain, several of which are potent modulators of GABA(A) receptor function. In developing brain GABA(A) receptor, stimulation plays a trophic role. Cortical levels of the GABAergic neurosteroid 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) vary dramatically across development; during the second week of life, elevated levels of 3alpha,5alpha-THP are associated with decreased GABA(A) receptor function. To determine whether alteration of endogenous 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels during development alters GABAergic interneurons in prefrontal cortex (PFC) at maturity, rat pups were exposed to 3alpha,5alpha-THP (10 mg/kg) on postnatal day 1 (P1), P2, and P5. On P80, frontal cortex tissue was assayed for GABAergic cell localization (parvalbumin and calbindin immunoreactivity), agonist-dependent [(3)H] dizocilpine (MK-801) binding to NMDA receptors in cortical homogenates, muscimol-mediated (36)Cl(-) influx into synaptoneurosomes, and 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels. The localization of parvalbumin-labeled cells was markedly altered; the ratio of cell number in the deep layers (V-VI) versus superficial layers (I-III) of adult PFC increased twofold in animals exposed to 3alpha,5alpha-THP on P1 or P5. Relative microtubule-associated protein-2 and calbindin immunoreactivity were not altered by perinatal 3alpha,5alpha-THP administration. Agonist-dependent [(3)H]MK-801 binding was decreased in PFC but not parietal cortex homogenates, whereas muscimol-mediated (36)Cl(-) influx and 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels were unchanged in frontal cortex of adult males exposed to 3alpha,5alpha-THP on P5. These data are consistent with a change in the distribution of a subset of interneurons in response to neurosteroid exposure and suggest that GABAergic neurosteroids are critical for normal development of GABAergic systems in the PFC.
Polychlorinated biphenyls: photolysis of 3, 4, 3', 4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl and 4, 4'-dichlorobiphenyl in solution.

The large difference in retention times for the photoproducts of 3,4,3′4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl can be explained on the basis of their chlorine content and the effect of vicinal chlorosubstitution as observed by V. Zitko and coworkers (4). The absence of biphenyl among the photoproducts of 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl was not surprising since 4-chlorobiphenyl (λmax 203, 253) does not absorb at the wavelength of irradiation (λ>286), 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl exhibits only marginal absorption at this wavelength (λmax 201, 259, 286) this explains the low yield of 4-chlorobiphenyl obtained (appx. .1%). The greater reactivity at the meta position may be the result of bond weakening due to steric interactions with the chlorine atom at the para position. Rate studies may provide an answer to this problem.
Charge transfer cross sections and equilibrium fractions for 1–25 keV H+ ions incident on a Na vapor target

Abstract Measurements of the equilibrium fractions and the total charge transfer cross sections σ +0 and σ +− are reported for 1–25 keV H + ions incident on a Na vapor target. The maximum value of the H − ion equilibrium fraction is 0.101 at 2 keV. The cross section σ +0 has a maximum value of 6.80×10 −15 cm 2 at 3 keV and falls to 1.75×10 −16 cm 2 at 25 keV. The cross section σ +− has a value of 1.90×10 −16 cm 2 at 2.5 keV and falls to 3.6×10 −17 cm 2 at 10 keV.
Experimental Cold In-Place Recycling with Hydrated Lime:

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) uses cold in-place recycling (CIR) for approximately 120 to 160 km of pavement a year as a part of its 1-R maintenance program. Originally KDOT used asphalt emulsions as the additive in CIR mixtures, but on the basis of performance concerns it currently uses type C fly ash. Recent research indicates that the use of CIR with asphalt emulsion and hydrated lime, introduced as hot slurry, provides improved performance. KDOT constructed two test sections on US-283 using type C fly ash and cationic slow set (CSS-1) with hot lime slurry. Samples of the materials were obtained and laboratory evaluations undertaken to evaluate the performance of CIR with hot lime slurry. Two additional mixing grade asphalt emulsions, cationic medium set (CMS-1) and high float (HFE-150), were evaluated as well. Laboratory samples were tested for tensile strength, moisture sensitivity, and resilient modulus. Laboratory compacted samples were tested for rutting resistance and moisture da...
Effects of gullies on space-time patterns of soil moisture in a semiarid grassland

Summary Gullies are pervasive topographic features in many regions, and they can represent an important form of land degradation. Soil moisture is expected to play a significant role in the gullying process because it affects the health of the vegetation cover and the shear strength of the soil. However, the interaction of soil moisture with the gully topography remains poorly understood. The primary objectives of this study are to determine whether the development of a gully affects the spatial pattern of near-surface (0–10 cm) soil moisture and to determine whether the soil moisture dynamics differ between the gully bottoms, sidewalls, and uplands. Three study sites in southeastern Colorado were intensively monitored. One site is ungullied, while the other two sites each contain a gully. Hourly soil moisture observations were collected using time domain reflectometry probes installed along four transects at each site. Each transect contains 6–8 probes that are positioned at the mid-points between breakpoints in topographic slope. Overall, the occurrence of a gully was observed to have little impact on the spatial average soil moisture within the study sites, but it does promote spatial variability in soil moisture. Gully bottoms have lower wind speeds and thus lower reference evapotranspiration rates, and they tend to be wetter than the uplands. Gully sidewalls tend to be drier due to rapid drainage during and after precipitation events. Differences in the insolation of gully sidewalls are also associated with differences in their soil moisture.