cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenomenological Modeling of the Stress-Stretch Behavior of EPDM Rubber with Loading-rate and Damage Effects:

This paper formulates a phenomenological continuum model, which includes the idealized Mullins effect and loading-rate effects, for the stress-stretch behavior of ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM). This proposed model is based on Ogden and Roxburgh's pseudoelasticity theory and a hyperelastic form of strain-energy function describing the Mullins effect. Based on experimental results, the loading-rate effects are introduced into this model by replacing the material parameters with an exponential formation as a function of loading rate. The loading rate has effects only on the material parameters and the degree of damage in a specimen is only dependent on the maximum stretch ratio it experiences. It is demonstrated that this model provides a good agreement with the experimental results on EPDM stress-stretch behavior over a wide range of stretching rates.
Net primary productivity of a CO2-enriched deciduous forest and the implications for carbon storage

A central question concerning the response of terrestrial ecosystems to a changing atmosphere is whether increased uptake of carbon in response to increasing at- mospheric carbon dioxide concentration results in greater plant biomass and carbon storage or, alternatively, faster cycling of C through the ecosystem. Net primary productivity (NPP) of a closed-canopy Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) forest stand was assessed for three years in a free-air CO2-enrichment (FACE) experiment. NPP increased 21% in stands ex- posed to elevated CO2, and there was no loss of response over time. Wood increment increased significantly during the first year of exposure, but subsequently most of the extra C was allocated to production of leaves and fine roots. These pools turn over more rapidly than wood, thereby reducing the potential of the forest stand to sequester additional C in response to atmospheric CO2 enrichment. Hence, while this experiment provides the first evidence that CO2 enrichment can increase productivity in a closed-canopy deciduous forest, the implications of this result must be tempered because the increase in productivity resulted in faster cycling of C through the system rather than increased C storage in wood. The fate of the additional C entering the soil system and the environmental interactions that influence allocation need further investigation.
Effect of light sources and light intensity on growth performance and behaviour of female turkeys.

This study consisted of two experiments: the first was conducted with Large White turkey males during the spring and summer (experiment 1) and the second during the autumn and winter (experiment 2). When 56 d of age, the birds were assigned to light-controlled pens and exposed to continuous illumination. Light sources used were incandescent, daylight fluorescent, warm fluorescent or high pressure sodium vapour lamps at light intensities of 10.8 or 86.1 lux. Results obtained showed that the light sources used had no significant effects on growth performance, efficiency of food utilization, feather scores or live bird quality of Large White turkeys. Social encounters were higher in birds reared under fluorescent and sodium vapour lights and mortality was higher in birds under fluorescent lights in experiment 1. Behaviour, feather scores, live bird grade and mortality were unaffected by light source treatments in experiment 2. Light intensity had no significant effect on growth, efficiency of food utilization, feather scores or bird market quality. Social encounters and mortality were higher in males exposed to 86.1 lux of light intensity.
Corruption and development: The Armenian case

The relationship between corruption and economic growth is investigated with 39 countries over an 11 year period. Since corruption data are insufficient for econometric analysis, a case study is undertaken for Armenia. Corruption hinders economic performance (strong negative correlation between corruption and real per capita GDP), but no evidence is found that extensive corruption limits international trade, since imports of goods and services increase as corruption does. Since 2000, Armenia has experienced worsening corruption but FDI has continued to increase and economic growth has been strong. Other performance indicators demonstrate a healthy macro economy not apparently troubled with corruption.
Reservoir systems of the Pennsylvanian lower Atoka Group (Bend Conglomerate), northern Fort Worth Basin, Texas: High-resolution facies distribution, structural controls on sedimentation, and production trends

This study defines the depositional systems of mature lower Atoka Group reservoirs, structural influence on their sedimentation, and sand-transport patterns at a higher degree of resolution and over a significantly larger part of the play area than previously conducted. The reservoir systems are characterized by pronounced variations in depositional style, even between stratigraphically adjacent systems. They represent a variety of on-shelf siliciclastic depositional facies, including gravelly braided river, fluvial-dominated delta, and low-sinuosity incised river deposits. Penecontemporaneous, high-angle, basement-rooted reverse faults and genetically associated folds of the Mineral Wells–Newark East fault system exerted direct control on the orientation of complex fluvial-channel and delta-distributary sand-transport pathways and the geometry of deltaic depocenters. Multiple contemporaneous source areas, including the Ouachita fold belt to the southeast, the Muenster arch to the northeast, and the south flank of the Red River arch, also contributed to the complexity of sandstone trends in the lower Atoka play area. Bubble maps of normalized per-well first-year production and total cumulative production allow qualitative conclusions regarding geologic controls on production distribution. Most wells with optimal gas production occur within two northwest-trending production fairways that coincide with primary sandstone trends of one or more reservoir systems. Highest per-well oil production exists where lower Atoka reservoir facies occur above oil-prone Barnett Shale source rocks (vitrinite reflectance 1.1% Ro) in the western and northwestern parts of the study area. Widespread fault-bounded, karst-produced sag structures that extend vertically from the source rocks through the lower Atoka Group most likely served as hydrocarbon-migration conduits and formed traps for both oil and gas.
Asymptotic performance of M-ary orthogonal modulation in generalized fading channels

The asymptotic (M to infinity ) probability of symbol error P/sub e/,/sub m/ for M-ary orthogonal modulation in a Nakagami-m fading channel is given by the incomplete gamma function P(m, mx) where x=In 2/(E/sub b//N/sub 0/) and E/sub b/ is the average energy per bit. For large signal-to-noise ratio this leads to a channel where the probability of symbol error varies as the inverse mth power of E/sub b//N/sub 0/. These channels exist for all m>or=1/2. The special case of m=1 corresponds to Rayleigh fading, an inverse linear channel. >
A History of the Presbyterian Party from Pride's Purge to the Dissolution of the Long Parliament

The period of the Civil Wars and the Commonwealth marked a turning point in the development of the English people. With the insight that comes from historical perspective, we can see that the Glorious Revolution of 1688-1689, the accession of a new dynasty in 1714, the American Revolution of 1776, and even the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, were to a considerable degree influenced by the significant events of the period 1640-1660. One of the most significant events occurring during this period was the alteration made in the structure of the English church. Religious matters were of primary importance in 1640. During the first three days of the meeting of the Long Parliament, its members organized a committee of religion. The speeches delivered during the first two months of the Long Parliament were replete with religious grievances and suggested reforms. And during the next two years, 1641-1642, Parliament enacted a series of drastic measures which shook
Social Exclusion and Pain Sensitivity: Why Exclusion Sometimes Hurts and Sometimes Numbs

Some research indicates that social exclusion leads to increased emotional- and physical-pain sensitivity, whereas other work indicates that exclusion causes emotional- and physical-pain numbing. This research sought to examine what causes these opposing outcomes. In Study 1, the paradigm used to instantiate social exclusion was found to moderate the social exclusion-physical pain relation: Future-life exclusion led to a numbing of physical pain whereas Cyberball exclusion led to hypersensitivity. Study 2 examined the underlying mechanism, which was hypothesized to be the severity of the "social injury." Participants were subjected to either the standard future-life exclusion manipulation (purported to be a highly severe social injury) or a newly created, less-severe version. Supporting our hypothesis, the standard (highly severe) future-life exclusion led to physical-pain numbing, whereas the less-severe future-life exclusion resulted in hypersensitivity. Implications of these results for understanding the exclusion-pain relation and other exclusion effects are discussed.
Electron transfer. Part 166 [1]. Reactions of Ti(II)(aq) with oxidants having strongly positive potentials

Abstract Titanium(II) solutions, prepared by dissolving titanium metal in triflic acid+HF, react readily with chelated complexes of Ag(III), nickel(IV) and copper(III). Reactions with excess Ti(II) yield Ti(III) and are strongly catalyzed by added Ti(IV), but stoichiometry is unaffected. Rapid reactions of Ti(II) with nonchelated oxidants, VO 2+ , UO 2 2 + and MnO 4 - do not exhibit catalysis by Ti(IV). Reductions by Ti(III) are unaffected by Ti(IV). The Ag(III)–Ti(II) reaction, as catalyzed by Ti(IV), is subject to kinetic saturation with an association quotient 4 × 10 2 M −1 for the Ti(IV)-activated species. It is proposed that the catalyzed reductions of the Ag(III) and Ni(IV) oxidants are initiated by 1e − steps, but that the initially formed cation pairs undergo geminate follow-up reactions to give the observed stable products.
Population rule learning in symmetric normal-form games: theory and evidence

Abstract A model of population rule learning is formulated and estimated using experimental data. When predicting the population distribution of choices and accounting for the number of parameters, the population rule learning model is much better than aggregation of individually estimated rule learning models. Further, rule learning is a statistically significant and important phenomena even when focusing on population statistics, and is much better than one-rule learning dynamics.
Circular prediction algorithms-hybrid filters

The focus of the paper is on the development of a geometric algorithm as an alternative to the coordinated turn procedures. The fact that the trajectories of maneuvering targets are always smooth has been exploited to derive an algorithm, which constrains the predicted position of the target to lie on a circle formed by prior measurements. This filter is then used in conjunction with an /spl alpha/-/spl beta/ filter to arrive at a series of filters, which are tested on benchmark trajectories. The performances show promising results for the proposed filters.
Nitrogen cycling in the ocean: New perspectives on processes and paradigms

The nitrogen (N) cycle is composed of multiple transformations of nitrogenous compounds, catalyzed primarily by microbes. The N cycle controls the availability of nitrogenous nutrients and biological productivity in marine systems ([84][1]) and thus is linked to the fixation of atmospheric carbon
Pressure and Velocity Profiles Generated by Laser-Heated Spherical Droplets

When a spherical droplet is irradiated by a light beam the heat released by absorption of light causes expansion of the sphere which gives rise to a photoacoustic effect. The acoustic waveforms generated by Gaussian heating functions can be calculated from convolution integrals. The velocity of the sphere can be determined by differentiation of the expressions for the pressure.
Assessing Brand and Private Label Competition

Competition between branded and private label goods involves a mix of horizontal and vertical aspects which have important implications for assessing competition and market definition in FMCG markets. We explain why considerable care is needed in applying and interpreting the usual assessment tests because of how retailers control the pricing and positioning of these products.
Role of Wholesale Trade in the Economy Of Lackawanna & Luzerne Counties

The wholesale trade industry is an important part of the history and economy of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania. The industry creates jobs and compensation for workers throughout these counties and influences tax revenues in the counties.
Yet Another Extension of the Black-Litterman Model

We apply the Black-Litterman approach of mixed estimates to the problem of incorporating investors' views in the classic asset allocation problem. Instead of operating with expected returns on various asset classes, we operate with weights.
Optimal pulse-width control of flexible dynamic systems

Two of the major problems encountered in precisely positioning the end-effectors of robotic systems are friction and flexibility. With regard to friction, PulseWidth Control (PWC) has been shown to be exceptionally effective for rigid systems. When used to control flexible systems, however, residual vibrations often result, limiting the speed and precision with which an endeffector reaches the desired final position. As an alternative, input shaping provides a technique for timing and sequencing pulses to reduce residual vibration but is typically limited by the minimum possible move distance. By combining features of both PWC and input shaping, an optimal pulse-width controller is developed here that uses two pulses separated in time such that the second pulse cancels vibration induced by the first. The overall distance the system moves and the amplitude of residual vibration are dependent on three parameters: the first pulse width, the second pulse width, and the separation time. Based on minimizing vibration attenuation time, optimal zero vibration (ZV) solutions for these three parameters are found. These solutions provide relationships between position error, pulse widths, and separation time, and are the essence of the optimal pulsewidth controller of this paper. Evaluations of the performance of the controller are done both in simulation and experimentally.
Into the wild: Field research can increase both replicability and real-world impact

Abstract Field research has the potential to substantially increase both the replicability and the impact of psychological science. Field methods sometimes are characterized by features – relatively high levels of participant diversity, relative lack of control over extraneous variables, greater focus on behavioral dependent variables, less room for researcher degrees of freedom, and lower likelihood of publication bias – that can increase the veracity and robustness of published research. Moreover, field studies can help extend psychological research in valuable ways to applied domains such as health, law, education, and business. Consequently, field studies, especially those that integrate an applied perspective, can provide information directly relevant for tackling important social problems. Incorporating field data into lines of basic research can increase not just the replicability, but also the relevance and impact of one's science.
Climate and the Commons—a reappraisal

The challenge of climate change is widely held to be an instance of the Tragedy of the Commons par excellence. But when it comes to the Commons, it is "the inherent logic" of it that "remorselessly generates tragedy" in Garrett Hardin's words. Hence the basis for widespread pessimism about our current circumstances. There are certainly many reasons to be pessimistic about our circumstances, but I want to examine whether of not the Tragedy of the Commons is really one of them. It is not the logic that I think deserves re-examination, but the rather its application to the case of climate change. At first blush this may seem quite ludicrous—if that logic does not apply to climate change, then what does it apply to? But in what follows I want to show how parties can step outside that logic by drawing on interests that it ignores. I do so by looking first at the application of Hardin's argument to groups of individuals and then to state actors. I argue that there is a general lesson to learn from these considerations about the use and misuse of social choice theory in understanding the constraints on cooperation. The widespread belief that climate change is an instance of the Tragedy of the Commons limits our horizon of possibility.
The case for strategic escrow

(1998). The case for strategic escrow. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 16-17.
An Application of Determinants to the Probability of Mated Pairs

(1951). An Application of Determinants to the Probability of Mated Pairs. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 58, No. 4, pp. 238-244.
Severe late dysphagia and cause of death after concurrent chemoradiation for larynx cancer in patients eligible for RTOG 91-11.

Summary Purpose The long-term results of RTOG 91-11 suggested increased deaths not attributed to larynx cancer after concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) despite no apparent increase in late effects. Because the timing of events was not reported by RTOG 91-11, one possibility is that severe late dysphagia (SLD) develops beyond five years and leads to unreported treatment-related deaths. Here we explore the timing of SLD after CRT. Methods Patients who would have met eligibility criteria for RTOG 91-11 and were treated with CRT between 1993 and 2013 were identified. Events occurring beyond 3 months after treatment and suggestive of SLD were recorded including esophageal stricture dilations, hospital admissions for aspiration pneumonia or feeding-tube insertion. Feeding-tube dependence beyond one year was also considered SLD. The cumulative incidence of SLD and its components was quantified using Gray’s competing risk analysis with recurrence or death considered competing risks. Results Eighty-four patients were included with a median follow-up of 43 months. The 5-year overall survival was 70% (95% CI 58–80%). No death was directly a result of treatment-induced late dysphagia. The 5-year incidence of SLD was 26.5%. While 15 of 18 (83%) first stricture dilations occurred within 5 years after CRT, 3 of 5 (60%) aspiration admissions and 5 of 8 late feeding tube insertions occurred beyond five years from CRT. Conclusions SLD is common after CRT for larynx cancer and can occur beyond 5 years from the end of treatment, emphasizing the importance of survivorship follow-up. Despite the incidence of SLD, death related to dysphagia is uncommon.
Abdominoinguinal incision in adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid or cecum: Report of two cases

PURPOSE: This study illustrates a technique allowing resection of a sigmoid adenocarcinoma with lateral fixation and a cecal adenocarcinoma with involvement of the psoas muscle and ureter. METHODS: The abdominoinguinal incision, an incision used in the resection of a sarcoma of the lower abdominal quadrants, was applied in the case of a sigmoid adenocarcinoma with posterolateral fixation and infiltration of the anterior abdominal wall and in a case of a cecal adenocarcinoma involving the right psoas muscle and ureter. RESULTS: In the first case, resection of the tumor massen bloc with resection of the sigmoid and lower anterior abdominal wall muscles, including the inguinal ligament, was performed. Reconstruction of the muscular fascial defect was done with the rotation of a right rectus abdominis flap. The patient was well 12 months later. In the second case, the cecal carcinoma was resecteden bloc with the right psoas and ureter; a right nephrectomy was also performed. This patient was well eight months later. CONCLUSIONS: The abdominoinguinal incision may provide the exposure needed to allow the resection of a sigmoid or a cecal adenocarcinoma with posterolateral fixation, often considered unresectable with conventional abdominal incisions.
Disease watch: Zika virus - placental passage and permissivity for infection.

Animal models of human congenital infection are needed to understand when, how and why Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to the fetus. The recent development of mouse models of ZIKV placental transmission, which results in high rates of pregnancy loss, alongside fetal brain and ocular malformations, have started to unravel the mysteries of placental infection and transmission.
NON-EUCLIDEAN PARALLEL PROCEDURES: THE PERCEPTRON

This chapter discusses non-Euclidean parallel procedures and the perceptron. By analogy to vision, the input to a perceptron is defined as an ordered set of binary elements, collectively called the retinal. A perceptron is a hypothetical device which can compute all predicates that are linear in regard to a fixed set of partial predicates. The chapter also discusses capabilities of diameter-limited perceptrons. Diameter-limited perceptrons are, in general, much less powerful than perceptrons of finite order. A diameter-limited perceptron may be constructed to recognize any shape, provided that the shape always appears in a fixed position and size on the retina. This implies that practical pattern-recognition by a diameter-limited perceptron requires that the image first be preprocessed to center it on the retina at a standard magnification. The chapter also discusses the mathematical structure that Minsky and Papert defined to be a perceptron. The mathematical structure that Minsky and Papert defined to be a perceptron is more restricted than the range of devices described by Rosenblatt when he introduced the term.
Commercialization of Medical Technology: The Neurokinetics and Neuromotion Cases

Tom Rice, acting CEO of NeuroMotion Inc., was anticipating a problem. He had heard that NeuroMotion, a new medical device company, might receive only half of the $6 million financing it had planned for. He called business manager Tricia Cisakowski and chief financial officer Christine Stacey into his office to help develop a new strategy to deal with this potential setback.
An Analysis of the Potential Impact of Climate Change on Dengue Transmission in the Southeastern United States

Background:Dengue fever, caused by a mosquito-transmitted virus, is an increasing health concern in the Americas. Meteorological variables such as temperature and precipitation can affect disease d...
Multiple Lung Nodules and a Pancreatic Mass at the Initial Presentation of Multiple Myeloma: A Rare Case.

Extramedullary tumors are a rare manifestation of multiple myeloma. Approximately half of these are present at initial diagnosis and the rest occur during the course of the disease. Pancreas is rarely involved by multiple myeloma and the diagnosis is often made postmortem. Lung lesions are also rarely encountered. We present a rare case of multiple myeloma with asymptomatic extraosseous soft tissue lesions in the form of multiple lung nodules and a pancreatic mass at the initial presentation. Despite his multiple extraosseous lesions, he responded well to chemotherapy and radiation therapy with resolution of pulmonary nodules, pancreatic mass and orbital mass.
Endocrine Late Sequelae in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract 5215 Introduction. Currently, the 5-year survival for childhood NHL is ∼80%. Because of this high survival rate and since treatment is administered in a growing and developing individual, long-term side effects are an important issue. Studies on endocrine long-term effects in survivors of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are scarce and often limited by small sample sizes, or by the fact that data of NHL survivors have been combined with that of survivors of other malignancies. Aim of this study was to investigate the long-term endocrine effects of treatment for childhood NHL. Methods. A single centre cohort of 84 survivors (22 females) was included in this retrospective study. Median age was 21 yrs (9–40 yrs) and time after cessation of therapy 12 yrs (4–30 yrs). Height, weight, percentage fat, lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density of total body (BMD TB ) and lumbar spine (BMD LS ) were measured. Bone mineral apparent density of the lumbar spine (BMAD LS ) was calculated to correct for bone size. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), Inhibin-B and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured. Results were compared with Dutch controls. Results. Height was lower in survivors at follow-up (mean SDS −0.36, P= 0.002), but further analysis showed that shorter stature was already present at diagnosis (mean SDS −0.28, P= 0.023). BMI, percentage fat, BMC, BMD TB , BMD LS and BMAD LS were not different from controls. LBM was lower in survivors (mean SDS −0.47, P= 0.008). TSH, fT4 and IGF-1 were normal in all survivors. Three out of 20 adult females had low AMH levels and 55% (23/42) of adult males had low Inhibin-B levels. Conclusion. Twelve years after cessation of therapy, survivors of NHL did not develope adiposity, osteopenia or osteoporosis or thyroid disease. Male NHL survivors seem to be at risk for infertility. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Enteroscopy for GI Fellows

Examination of small bowel has been challenging due its anatomy, length, and tortuosity. The advent of newer enteroscopic devices such as double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE), spiral enteroscopy (SE), and through-the-scope balloon-assisted enteroscopy has dramatically changed the approach in management of small intestinal diseases. While wireless video capsule endoscopy revolutionized diagnostic capabilities in the small bowel, only after the introduction of enteroscopic devices did the therapeutic approach transform with the ability to biopsy and perform various interventions. Although all the available modalities (DBE, SBE, and SE) are comparable, and each has its own advantages, selection of a specific enteroscope depends on the availability and the endoscopist’s experience with these devices.
Eigenstructure Perturbation for Robust Stability Analysis of Linear State Space Models

Abstract This paper addresses the nature of eigenavalue and eigenvector perutrbations in the robust stability analysis of linear interval parameter systems. The paper uses the fact that the robust stability problem can be converted to a robust non-singularity problem involving the original matrix and the associated bialterrate sum matrix (which we label as the 'tilde' matrix). The special nature of the 'tilde' matrix is exploited to arrive at the main result of the paper which involves the special nature of the 'eigenstructure behavior' in the 'tilde' matrix space. This result is deemed to pave the way for a possible extreme point result for the problem of checking the robust stability of interval matrices.
1,3,4-Oxadiazole and Heteroaromatic-Fused 1,2,4-Triazole Synthesis using Diverted Umpolung Amide Synthesis.

Umpolung Amide Synthesis (UmAS) has emerged as a superior alternative to conventional amide synthesis methods based on carbonyl electrophiles in a range of situations, particularly when epimerization-prone couplings are prescribed. In an unanticipated development during our most recent studies, we discovered that diacyl hydrazide products from UmAS were not formed as intermediates when using an acyl hydrazide as the amine acceptor. This resulted in a new preparation of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from α-bromonitroalkane donors. We hypothesized that a key tetrahedral intermediate in UmAS was diverted toward a more direct pathway to the heterocycle product rather than through formation of the diacyl hydrazide, a typical oxadiazole progenitor. In studies reported here, diversion to 1,2,4-triazole products is described, a behavior hypothesized to also result from an analogous tetrahedral intermediate, but one formed from heteroaromatic hydrazine acceptors.
The Numbers Game: Quantifying Access and Regional Differentiation in Electricity Provision in the Fourth Republic

The chapter contextualizes the scope of successful and yet uneven provision with the significant discovery that a “politics of interpretation” accounts for the dichotomy in perceptions of successful outcomes by the Ministry of Energy—a key institution of Ghana’s central government. The chapter concludes with the suggestion that public discourse will be central to addressing the dichotomy inherent in divergent views about the nation’s electricity access, electricity flow, regularity, efficiency and, ultimately, delivery.
Classifying common wetland plants using hyperspectral data to identify optimal spectral bands for species mapping using a small unmanned aerial systems — A case study

Plant species monitoring in wetland ecosystems is crucial for preservation of water quality and many other ecological functions. Difficulties associated with conducting field work (i.e., hazardous terrain) can affect the ability of resource managers to correctly identify wetland plant species in a timely fashion. Thus, in wetland sites where access can be difficult, differentiation of plant species from aerial imagery can be of use. In this work, we studied laboratory produced hyperspectral data to classify various wetland plants thereby determining optimal multispectral bands that can distinguish these species. We then used an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) mountable 5-band multispectral sensor to classify 11 different wetland plant species to determine effectiveness of the multispectral bands chosen by the preliminary hyperspectral analysis. Classification experiments on the hyperspectral data produced the overall accuracies of 94–97% with 20% training samples. Experiments on the UAS collected multispectral data produced overall accuracy of 75% when considering four classes and 58% overall accuracy when considering 11 classes.
Two variable residence time-based models for removal of total phosphorus and ammonium in free-water surface wetlands

Abstract This paper presents two powerful and productive models, called VART-TP model and VART-NH4 model, for simulating the removal processes of total phosphorus (TP) and ammonium (NH4+), respectively, in constructed wetlands with free water surface (FWS). A distinctive feature of the models is the incorporation of a dynamic diffusion-dominated root-zone. The VART-TP model was tested with data collected from four small test cells of constructed wetlands (TCW) planted with submerged aquatic vegetations in south Florida, USA. The test cells were divided into two groups with the north test cells (N1 & N15) receiving an average phosphorus (TP) concentration of 71 μg/l and the south test cells receiving an average TP concentration of 27 μg/l. Testing results showed that root mean square error (RMSE) of the VART-TP model varied in the range of 4.45-17.50 μg TP/l., respectively, for north test cells while the RMSE ranged between 3.58-7.63 μg TP/l for south test cells. The result suggested that (1) the N1 and N15 test cells receiving high TP concentrations are capable of removing TP with high efficiency and (2) the VART-TP model is capable of simulating the removal processes of TP. The VART-NH4 model was tested with data collected from Lake Manzala Engineered Wetland (LMEW), Egypt, which generally received the influent of high ammonia concentration (average = 2.26 mg NH4/l). The testing results showed that the NH4+ concentrations simulated with the VART-NH4 model were in reasonable agreement with those monitored at the wetland outlet, as indicated with the RMSE of 0.06 mg/l. The results demonstrated that the VART-TP and VART-NH4 models are reliable and efficient modeling tools for designing constructed wetlands.
An Analysis of the Overlap of Categories in a Network of Blogs

We live in a world where information flows very rapidly and people become aware of events on the other side of the world in a matter of seconds; this a consequence of the globalized, fully-connected world we live in. Information spreads via many different channels, but more recently we have witnessed the birth of the information-over-online-social-network phenomena. This means that more and more people get their news from online social networks such Facebook and microblogs such as Twitter. Yet, another source of information are weblogs (or blogs). Bloggers (people who write to blog or own a blog) are capable of influencing a lot of people and they even tend to be sources of information to mainstream news media. This paper delves into an issue relating to the ability of information to spread, but instead of tracking information itself, we look at the infrastructure that is in place linking blogs.We argue that the structure itself is an enabler or disabler of information spread depending on a categorization. This paper categorizes blogs and studies the level of overlap between these categories.
Measurement and Improvement of Memory Allocation in a Process Computer

The overall performance of a process computer system depends on how well the computer resources are dynamically allocated to the various control tasks. It is often possible to greatly improve the performance once the resource allocation is known. This paper presents a software approach for obtaining this information. It concentrates on measuring the two most important resources: the hardware processor and the memory storage. As an example of the benefits that can be obtained, the measurement of a GEPAC 4000 computer used for nuclear power plant control will be discussed. However the techniques and ideas can be used to measure any process computer system. For the system measured, it is shown that there exists unnecessary movement of programs to and from secondary memory. The cause and correction of the problem is given. Measurements of the modified system show that a factor of two improvement in the through-put was obtained. A corresponding drop in secondary storage transfers is shown.
Amphi-enterobactin commonly produced among Vibrio campbellii and Vibrio harveyi strains can be taken up by a novel outer membrane protein FapA that also can transport canonical Fe(III)-enterobactin

Vibrio campbellii BAA-1116 (formerly Vibrio harveyi) is a model organism for quorum sensing study and produces the siderophores anguibactin and amphi-enterobactin. This study examined the mechanisms and specificity of siderophore uptake in V. campbellii and V. harveyi, and surveyed the diversity of siderophore production in V. campbellii and V. harveyi strains. The amphi-enterobactin gene cluster of BAA-1116 harbors a gene, named fapA, that is a homologue of genes encoding Fe(III)-siderophore-specific outer membrane receptors. Another strain, V. campbellii HY01, a strain pathogenic to shrimp, also carries this cluster including fapA. Our siderophore bioassay results using HY01-derived indicator strains show that the FapA protein localized in the outer membrane fraction of V. campbellii HY01 is essential for the uptake of Fe(III)-amphi-enterobactin as well as exogenous siderophores, including enterobactin from E. coli, but not vanchrobactin from V. anguillarum RV22 while Fe(III)-amphi-enterobactin can be utilized by V. anguillarum. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as well as bioassay revealed that various V. campbellii and V. harveyi strains produce a suite of amphi-enterobactins with various fatty acid appendages, including several novel amphi-enterobactins, and these amphi-enterobactins can be taken up by V. campbellii HY01 via FapA, indicating that amphi-enterobactin production is a common phenotype among V. campbellii and V. harveyi, whereas our previous work, confirmed herein, showed that anguibactin is only produced by V. campbellii strains. These results along with the additional finding that a 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid biosynthesis gene, aebA, located in the amphi-enterobactin gene cluster, is essential for both anguibactin and amphi-enterobactin biosynthesis, suggest the possibility that amphi-enterobactin is a native siderophore of V. campbellii and V. harveyi, while the anguibactin system has been acquired by V. campbellii during evolution.
The impact of access to consumer data on the competitive effects of horizontal mergers and exclusive dealing

We examine the influence of firms’ ability to employ individualized pricing on the welfare consequences of horizontal mergers. In a two‐to‐one merger, the merger reduces consumer surplus more when firms can price discriminate based on individual preferences compared to when they cannot. However, the opposite holds true in a three‐to‐two merger, in which the reduction in consumer surplus is substantially lower with individualized pricing than with uniform pricing. Further, the merger requires an even smaller marginal cost reduction to justify when an upstream data provider can make exclusive offers for its data to downstream firms. We also show that exclusive contracts for consumer data pose significant antitrust concerns independent of merger considerations. Implications for vertical integration and data mergers are drawn.
Discovery of the Arkansas Darter (Etheostoma cragini) in the Cow Creek Watershed, Cherokee County, Southeastern Kansas

The Arkansas Darter (Etheostoma cragini) is a threatened species in Kansas and was a candidate for threatened status under the Endangered Species Act (1973). The Arkansas Darter's distribution in Kansas includes the Cimarron River basin of southwestern Kansas, the Arkansas River basin in southcentral Kansas, and the Spring River basin (SRB) in southeastern Kansas. Historical surveys in the SRB during the 1960s and 1990s did not detect the Arkansas Darter in the Cow Creek watershed, which is the northernmost tributary of the Spring River. Here we report detection of the Arkansas Darter in three streams of the Cow Creek watershed during August and September 2017, including an unnamed tributary of Cow Creek (eight individuals), the Cow Creek mainstem (one individual), and the Long Branch (five individuals). Although Arkansas Darters were detected in three different streams, collections were all within 1.5 river kilometers of one another. Further, the species was not detected at 26 other locations in the Cow Creek watershed during 2017, indicating a restricted distribution for this fish in this system. This range extension for the Arkansas Darter in the SRB of Kansas may have conservation implications.
Parents’ reactions to toddlers’ emotions: relations with toddler shyness and gender

Parents’ reactions to toddlers’ emotions were examined in relation to toddler shyness and gender in a sample of 103 parents (99 mothers, 4 fathers) of 2 year olds. Toddlers were grouped as shy (N =...
The effects of solid solution and oxide dispersion alloying on the viscoelastic behavior of Au alloy thin films

Abstract The effects of solid solution and oxide dispersion alloying on viscoelastic relaxation behavior of Au alloy films were investigated by using gas pressure bulge testing in the temperature range of 20–80 °C. Three sets of 500 nm thick films were fabricated for the study: nominally pure Au, Au-V solid solution alloys with V concentration ranging from 0.89 to 5.4 at% V, and a Au-V2O5 nanoparticle dispersion alloy with a V concentration of 5.4 at%. The residual stress, unrelaxed plane strain modulus, and normalized time-dependent effective modulus were determined as a function of alloy type and temperature. Both alloying approaches resulted in a refined grain size that was thermally stable. As expected, the fractional modulus decay measured after 3 h was greater at higher temperatures for all cases. Solid solution strengthening and dispersion strengthening were both effective at reducing the 3-h modulus decay, and the Au-V2O5 films showed the largest resistance to relaxation at all temperatures studied. Activation energy analysis reveals a value of approximately 0.11 eV, matching the Peierls barrier height, for pure Au and the two alloys. The results are consistent with a viscoelastic stress relaxation mechanism based on reversible dislocation bowing, weak solid solution hardening through elastic solute/dislocation interactions, and strong dislocation pinning associated with oxide nanoparticles.
Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life with Enhanced Recovery Protocols

While studies have demonstrated the benefits of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programs in reducing length of stay and costs without increasing complications, fewer studies have evaluated patient satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) with enhanced recovery protocols. The aim of this project was to summarize the literature comparing satisfaction and quality of life after colorectal surgery following treatment within an ERAS protocol to standard postoperative care. The available evidence suggests patients suffer no detriment to satisfaction or quality of life with use of ERAS protocols, and may suffer less fatigue and return to activities sooner. Most publications reported no adverse effects on postoperative pain. However, a limited number of studies suggest patients may experience increased early postoperative pain with ERAS pathways, particularly following open colorectal procedures. Future research should focus on potential improvements in ERAS protocols to better manage postoperative pain. Overall, the evidence supports more widespread implementation of ERAS pathways in colorectal surgery.
Negative and Positive Reappraisal After a Romantic Break-up

This study compared negative reappraisal of an ex-partner and positive reappraisal of a situation after a break-up. Negative reappraisal was expected to reduce love, increase unpleasantness, reduce upsetness about the break-up, and reduce motivated attention to the ex-partner as measured by the late positive potential (LPP) compared to positive reappraisal. In this study, twenty-four participants who were upset about a break-up viewed pictures of their ex-partner in two reappraisal conditions and a no reappraisal condition. In the negative reappraisal condition, participants thought about negative aspects of their ex-partner. In the positive reappraisal condition, participants thought about positive aspects of the situation. Subsequently, participants viewed ex-partner pictures and the LPP was measured. Participants rated infatuation, attachment, valence, and upsetness about the break-up. Even though numerical differences were in line with our hypotheses, we found no evidence of significant differences between conditions for infatuation, attachment, valence, upsetness, or LPP amplitude in the preregistered analyses.
Safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants relative to warfarin in a matched cohort of liver transplant recipients

Despite increasingly widespread utilization of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), there remains limited experience with the use of these agents following liver transplantation. We performed a single-center, retrospective review of liver transplant recipients prescribed DOACs or warfarin between January 2014 and January 2018. Patients receiving DOACs were matched with warfarin-treated controls based on discrete clinical parameters and followed from the time of anticoagulant prescription, until treatment discontinuation or study conclusion. The primary endpoint for this review was the incidence of clinically relevant major or non-major bleeding among the treatment groups. Twenty-seven patients prescribed DOACs were identified for inclusion in the review, of which 20 could be matched with suitable warfarin controls. At the conclusion of the study, warfarin-treated patients had a significantly higher incidence of clinically relevant bleeding (45% vs 15%; P = .01). No statistically significant differences were found in the rate of new or recurrent thrombotic events. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that warfarin treatment was associated with a significantly higher odds of a bleeding event compared to treatment with a DOAC (OR = 6.9; 95% CI, 1.1-44.6). DOAC use appears relatively safe compared with warfarin in select liver transplant recipients. Patient-specific factors still bear consideration when selecting between the various anticoagulant options.
Using Information Practices of Nurses to Reform Information Literacy Instruction in Baccalaureate Nursing Programs

Abstract Objective - Seeking information is a key element of evidence based practice and successful healthcare delivery. Significant literature exists on both the information seeking behaviour of professional nurses and information literacy teaching methods, but scarce evidence connects nurses’ information behaviour and environments with their education. This study sought to use data from nursing alumni to answer the following research questions: What are the current information practices of professional bachelor’s-prepared nurses? How do recently-graduated nurses suggest that their education could have better prepared them to find and evaluate information in the workplace? Methods - The researchers conducted a descriptive study using a 59-item survey instrument with a variety of question formats including short-answer, multiple choice, Likert, and open response. The researchers distributed the survey to baccalaureate nursing alumni who graduated in 2012-2017 from four universities in the state of Utah in the United States. Results - Nurses seek practical information primarily to provide informed patient care, while also clarifying medical situations and expanding their health care knowledge. They frequently consult nursing colleagues and physicians when seeking information. The majority of nurses consult electronic health records daily. Respondents described time as the biggest barrier to accessing information. They requested authentic, clinically-focused scenarios, training on freely-accessible resources, and more explicit teaching of lifelong learning skills, such as critical thinking. Conclusion - Information literacy education should prepare student nurses for the fast-paced information environment they will face in the workplace. This means incorporating more patient-focused scenarios, freely available quality resources, and time-based activities in their education. The researchers suggest areas to prepare nurses for information seeking, including problem-based clinical scenarios, building guides with databases accessible for free or little cost, and added emphasis on critical thinking and self-motivated learning.
Adolescent Kienböck's Disease: A Comparison between Lunate Offloading and Revascularization Procedures.

Objective To evaluate the outcomes and complication rate of surgical management in adolescent patients with Kienbock's disease and compare lunate offloading and revascularization procedures. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review to evaluate adolescent patients with Kienbock's disease between 1990 and 2016 who were surgically managed. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, presence of trauma, range of motion, grip strength, and radiographic parameters pre- and postoperative. Results We assessed 21 wrists in 20 patients. All had failed conservative management and required surgery. Seven patients underwent lunate offloading procedures, most commonly radial-shortening osteotomy, whereas 13 patients had an attempt at revascularization. All patients had either minimal or no pain at a clinical mean clinical follow-up of 63.4 months. Postoperatively, grip strength and radial deviation improved, with no difference between the two groups. Those that underwent joint offloading procedures had less ulnar variance. Eight of 11 patients with a postoperative MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) had evidence of lunate revascularization after a revascularization procedure. Conclusion Surgical management of Kienbock's disease in adolescent patients can yield satisfactory outcomes in those that fail conservative management. Level of Evidence/Type of study This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.