cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON FIBER SURFACE RELATING TO INTERFACIAL ADHESION IN COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT Methods for evaluating the surface activity and surface roughness were investigated on PAN-based carbon fibers. The specific surface areas were determined by krypton adsorption measurements at -195°C on the carbon fibers degassed at 100°C and 950°C. After the krypton adsorption measurement, the carbon fiber was degassed again at 950°C, and then oxygen chemisorption was measured at 300°C and an adsorbing time of 24 hours. The active surface area was determined from the amount of chemisorbed oxygen, and the ratio of active surface area to the surface area from the krypton adsorption at a degassing temperature of 950°C was calculated as an active surface area rate. Concentration of oxygen atoms on the fiber surface and relative amount of the boundary carbon atoms in the fiber skin were measured by XPS and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. They varied depending on the active surface area rate. Surface roughness was evaluated using the geometrical surface area obtained from optical diffraction diameters of the fiber and the specific surface area at a degassing temperature of 100°C. The interfacial shear strength in the composite increased with increasing active surface area rate.
Pediatric Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumors (An Overview)

Pediatric Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) of the central nervous system (CNS) are among the most malignant neoplasms and most often diagnosed in children smaller than 3 years of age and incidence is 1–2% of all brain tumors in children. Sixty-three percent of the AT/RT of the CNS is seen in infra-tentorial compartment, there are no precise imaging features that differentiate AT/RT from the other posterior fossa tumor. The “rhabdoid” cells are characteristic on cytopathology. It has been established now that CNS, AT/RT often shows deletion of the long arm of chromosome 22q11.2. The initial treatment for most children with AT/RT is surgical with and without cerebrospinal fluid diversionary procedure. Children with less than 3 years of age offered chemotherapy but in older children radiotherapy is given in addition.
Game programming in CS0: a scaffolded approach

In an effort to appeal to students who would not traditionally take a Computer Science course, we have created a CS0 course that scaffolds students into (basic) game programming using first the GameMaker tool and then C#. Our goal was to create an engaging, accessible course that that would attract students who had not previously taken any Computer Science courses, and that would provide them with a firm foundation of programming knowledge. Pre-term and post-term testing indicated that students learned a substantial amount using this approach, and that students preferred this scaffolded approach to a single-language approach overall.
SINGLE REACTIONS WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: MULTIPLE ENZYMES AS ONE OF THREE PATTERNS IN MICROORGANISMS

ABSTRACT: Diverging and converging pathways are frequently encountered in the study of cell metabolism and therefore a single chemical transformation is often found to serve multiple functions. Control of metabolite flow through multipurpose anabolic transformations can be achieved by concerted inhibition by the multiple endproducts, sequential inhibition by each branch point intermediate, or by uniquely controlled multiple enzymes (isozymes). Five distinct functional classes of the latter are discussed here. The catabolic and biosynthetic threonine deaminases and acetohydroxy acid synthases are considered in some detail as typical examples.
Live tweeting live debates: How Twitter reflects and refracts the US political climate in a campaign season

Political campaigns mostly run parallel to each other during an election cycle, but intersect when the main candidates face off for televised debates. They offer supporters of these candidates a ch...
A 5-day high-fat diet rich in cottonseed oil improves cholesterol profiles and triglycerides compared to olive oil in healthy men

Modifying dietary fat composition is important for minimizing cardiovascular disease risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 5-day, high-fat diet rich in cottonseed oil (CSO) or olive oil (OO) on lipid profiles. Based on previous human and animal models, we hypothesized that the CSO-rich diet would lead to lower fasting and postprandial lipid levels, whereas the OO-rich diet would not significantly change lipid levels in 5 days. Fifteen normal-weight men completed a randomized crossover design with 2 controlled feeding trials (3-day lead-in diet, prediet visit, 5-day CSO- or OO-rich diet, postdiet visit). The 5-day diets (50% fat) were rich in either CSO or OO. At pre- and postdiet visits, subjects consumed test meals rich in the oil that coincided with their 5-day diet, and blood draws were performed. Fasting total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) were lower following CSO diet intervention (total cholesterol: 148.40 ± 6.39 to 135.93 ± 6.31 mg/dL; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: 92.20 ± 5.57 to 78.13 ± 5.60 mg/dL; TG: 80.11 ± 4.91 to 56.37 ± 5.46 mg/dL for pre- to postdiet, respectively; P < .05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased following CSO diet intervention (46.67 ± 2.41 to 50.24 ± 2.20 mg/dL for pre- to postdiet, respectively; P < .05). Postprandial TGs were lower following CSO diet (area under the curve of 954.28 ± 56.90 vs 722.16 ± 56.15 mg/dL/8 h for pre- vs postdiet, respectively; P < .01). No changes in blood lipids were found following OO diet. A 5-day CSO-rich diet led to improvements in cholesterol and TGs, whereas no changes were observed with an OO-rich diet.
Towards the minimal spectrum of excited baryons

In the light baryon sector resonances can be broad and overlapping and are in most cases not directly visible in the cross section data. Automatized model selection techniques that introduce penalties for resonances can be used to determine the minimally needed set of resonances to describe the data. Several possible penalization schemes are compared. As an application we perform a blindfold identification of hyperon resonances in the $\bar{K} N \to K \Xi$ reaction based on the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) in combination with the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). We find ten resonances --- out of the 21 above-threshold hyperon resonances with spin $J\le 7/2$ listed by the Particle Data Group. In traditional analyses, it is practically impossible to test the relevance of all resonances and their combinations that may potentially contribute to the reaction. By contrast, the present method proves capable of determining the relevant resonances among a large pool of candidates.
Qualitative Aspects of the Voice Signal

Of all the studies referenced in Chapters. 1 and 3, the majority have found positive correlations between various profile parameters and voice quality. The word “quality” is very loosely used in the context of audio processing. For example, one may refer to “perceptual quality,” “speech quality,” “audio quality,” “recording quality” etc. These usages must not be confused with the subject at hand—voice quality. From both signal processing and information theoretic perspectives, voice quality is an elusive entity. There is no consensus in the scientific community about its precise definition—quantitatively or even in a descriptive sense. It is in fact a complex entity that comprises a set of many (mostly) subjectively described characteristics, or sub-qualities that collectively represent it. These characteristics, or attributes of voice, give it its particular auditory flavor, and can also be thought of as comprising the overall quality of someone’s voice in a manner analogous to a sound mixer used in music production. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on even the number of sub-qualities that comprise voice quality. Regardless, some important ones are described in this chapter.
SETTING CHANGES AND THE QUALITY OF HUMAN LIFE

ABSTRACT A data-based systems model is applied to the problem of setting changes as they impact the quality of human life. A descriptive study utilizing continuous logs of internal states, behavioral activities, and physical-social settings was conducted on eight human subjects across three different settings for 17 consecutive days.
A Formal Model for Resiliency-Aware Deployment of SDN: A SCADA-Based Case Study

The supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) network in a smart grid requires to be reliable and efficient to transmit real-time data to the controller. Introducing SDN into a SCADA network helps in deploying novel grid control operations, as well as, their management. As the overall network cannot be transformed to have only SDN-enabled devices overnight because of budget constraints, a systematic deployment methodology is needed. In this work, we present a framework, named SDNSynth, that can design a hybrid network consisting of both legacy forwarding devices and programmable SDN-enabled switches. The design satisfies the resiliency requirements of the SCADA network, which are specified with respect to a set of identified threat vectors. The deployment plan primarily includes the best placements of the SDN-enabled switches. The plan may include one or more links to be installed newly. We model and implement the SDNSynth framework that includes the satisfaction of several requirements and constraints involved in resilient operation of the SCADA. It uses satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) for encoding the synthesis model and solving it. We demonstrate SDNSynth on a case study and evaluate its performance on different synthetic SCADA systems.
Informing the development of adolescent e-cigarette cessation interventions: A qualitative study.

Abstract Introduction Adolescents are using e-cigarettes at high rates and there is limited information on how to help them quit. We aimed to inform e-cigarette cessation interventions by understanding why adolescents use and dislike e-cigarettes and their quit experiences. Methods Six focus groups with current users (i.e., past-month use) and 2 focus groups with past users (i.e., no past-month use) were conducted in Fall 2019 in Connecticut (N = 62). We used a focus group guide and an iterative approach to identify themes. Results Adolescents used e-cigarettes because of social reasons and to relieve stress and reported disliking e-cigarettes due to the cost, negative health effects, and addiction. They reported both intentional and unintentional experiences with quitting e-cigarettes. Reasons for unintentional quitting included lack of access to e-cigarettes. Reasons for intentional quitting included short-term “tolerance breaks” and health concerns. Of those who tried to quit, common quitting methods were “cold turkey,” giving away their device, and limiting interactions with peer users. The most common withdrawal symptom was negative mood. Notable barriers to quitting included exposure to social influences at school, easy access to e-cigarettes, and lack of motivation to quit. Discussion Our qualitative evidence suggests that e-cigarette cessation interventions need to motivate youth to quit, and teach them to manage social influences, stress and other negative mood, and withdrawal symptoms. Interventions that address social norms related to use of e-cigarettes in school and reduce cues related to e-cigarette use may also be beneficial.
Hypothesis: Unifying model of domain architecture for conventional and novel protein kinase C isozymes

Protein kinase C (PKC) family members are multi-domain proteins whose function is exquisitely tuned by interdomain interactions that control the spatiotemporal dynamics of their signaling. Despite extensive mechanistic studies on this family of enzymes, no structure of a full-length enzyme that includes all domains has been solved. Here, we take into account the biochemical mechanisms that control autoinhibition, the properties of each individual domain, and previous structural studies to propose a unifying model for the general architecture of PKC family members. This model shows how the C2 domains of conventional and novel PKC isozymes, which have different topologies and different positions in the primary structure, can occupy the same position in the tertiary structure of the kinase. This common architecture of conventional and novel PKC isozymes provides a framework for understanding how disease-associated mutations impair PKC function.
Real-world evaluation of the impact of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in elderly patients with glioblastoma based on age and performance status.

Background This retrospective study investigated the impact of, in addition to age, the management and outcomes of elderly patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Methods The National Cancer Database was queried between 2004 and 2015 for GBM patients age 60 years and older. Three age groups were created: 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 years and older, and 4 age/KPS groups: "age ≥ 60/ KPS < 70" (group 1), "age 60 to 69/KPS ≥ 70" (group 2), "age 70 to 79/KPS ≥ 70" (group 3), and "age ≥ 80/KPS ≥ 70" (group 4). Multivariable (MVA) modeling with Cox regression determined predictors of survival (OS), and estimated average treatment effects analysis was performed. Results A total of 48 540 patients with a median age of 70 years (range, 60-90 years) at diagnosis, and a median follow-up of 6.8 months (range, 0-151 months) were included. Median survival was 5.0, 15.2, 9.6, and 6.8 months in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P < .001). On treatment effects analysis, all groups survived longer with combined chemotherapy (ChT) and radiation therapy (RT), except group 1, which survived longer with ChT alone (P < .001). RT alone was associated with the worst OS in all groups (P < .01). Across all groups, predictors of worse OS on MVA were older age, lower KPS, White, higher comorbidity score, worse socioeconomic status, community treatment, tumor multifocality, subtotal resection, and no adjuvant treatment (all P < .01). Conclusions In elderly patients with newly diagnosed GBM, those with good KPS fared best with combined ChT and RT across all age groups. Performance status is a key prognostic factor that should be considered for management decisions in these patients.
The Cashless Corporate Tax

This article attempts to replicate the most important features of the current corporate tax system in an alternative "tax" system under which the government participates in corporate income not through involuntary impositions, but as a shareholder. The article shows how the government's shareholdings would need to be structured to mimic current management incentives viz. the distribution of cash, thus producing desired revenue flows. The purpose of the proposal is to align corporate and government incentives: by maximizing shareholder value, the corporation also maximizes the government's value and ultimately its revenue. Thus, among other things, there would be no ability on the part of corporations to engage in some types of "tax shelter" activity.
COVID-19 Disease in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Case Series

Purpose Lung transplant (LTx) recipients may be at increased risk for fulminant novel SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 infection due to their immunosuppressed state. Additional risk factors, outcomes, and optimal management of COVID-19 in LTx recipients is unknown. Methods We identified LTx recipients infected with COVID-19 by nasopharyngeal swab in our institution. Baseline demographics and clinical data were obtained through review of the electronic medical record (EMR) from 3/20/2020 to 10/25/2020. Results Ten LTx recipients were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. Disease course and management details are described in Table 1. Mean age was 57.5 ± 8 years, 50% were women (n = 5), and 70% self-identified as Latinx, 66% had a high school diploma or lower education. Medicare or Medicaid was the primary insurance in 60% (n = 6). Mean household size was 3.2 ± 1.5 persons. Forty percent (n = 4) had mild symptoms that progressed to fulminant hypoxemic respiratory failure at 9-10 days from symptom onset. Ninety percent (n = 9) required hospitalization with an average length of stay 14.8 ± 12. Sixty percent (n = 6) were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), 40% (n = 4) requiring mechanical ventilation. COVID-19 specific therapies included remdesivir (80%, n = 8), dexamethasone (60%, n = 6), and convalescent plasma (50%, n = 5). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was reduced or held in 60% (n = 6) of recipients. One recipient who recovered later died in hospice care from other comorbidities. Conclusion Most LTx recipients infected with COVID-19 had severe complications, with a high proportion requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Though, mortality was relatively low. Adjustments to immunosuppression included reduction in MMF and steroid augmentation. Similar to the general US population, there is a disproportionate impact of COVID-19 infection in Latinx LTx recipients that may be related to social factors such as residing in multi-generational households.
Cavitation dynamics in a vitrimer

Vitrimer is a polymer network with dynamic covalent bonds, which can be dynamically broken and reformed. Thanks to the dynamic covalent bonds, vitrimer behaves like an elastomer at high deformation rate or low temperature but a viscous fluid at low deformation rate or high temperature. In this article, we study the cavitation dynamics in a vitrimer, which is known to be an important damaging mechanism in it. In the formulation, a nonlinear three-dimensional rate-dependent constitutive model for the vitrimer is adopted, in which both of the strain stiffening and the kinetics of dynamic exchanging reactions are considered. The theory predicts strong dependence of the cavitation dynamics on the loading rate. The computational results may help to reveal some critical insights into the rate-dependent fracture in vitrimer.
Screening at a Federally Qualified Health Center in the Midwest for Hepatitis C Among People Who Inject Drugs, 2019-2020.

INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health epidemic. People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for transmitting and contracting HCV. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention at a federally qualified health center in the US Midwest to improve HCV screening rates among PWID. METHODS A prospective quality improvement initiative was conducted to increase the proportion of PWID screened for HCV. Inclusion criteria consisted of being seen by a primary care provider from April 16, 2019, through February 28, 2020, being aged 18 years or older, and confirmation of intravenous drug use. PWID status was confirmed by reviewing electronic health records. The multifaceted intervention consisted of educational sessions for the health care team and workflow changes. We analyzed the proportion of patients screened preintervention and postintervention by using χ2 tests. RESULTS Of 742 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the proportion of PWID screened preintervention was 59.6% (n = 329) and the proportion of PWID screened postintervention was 65.1% (n = 283), increasing the screening rate by 5.5 percentage points. A χ2 test of homogeneity indicated a significant relationship between the preintervention and postintervention periods, and screening outcomes (P < .001). CONCLUSION This multifaceted intervention to increase HCV screening resulted in a modest increase in the proportion of PWID screened. Consistent and health care system-wide screening approaches are needed to optimize the potential of HCV treatment and cure options now available.
A matrix of structure-based designs yields improved VRC01-class antibodies for HIV-1 therapy and prevention.

Passive transfer of broadly neutralizing antibodies is showing promise in the treatment and prevention of HIV-1. One class of antibodies, the VRC01 class, appears especially promising. To improve VRC01-class antibodies, we combined structure-based design with a matrix-based approach to generate VRC01-class variants that filled an interfacial cavity, used diverse third-complementarity-determining regions, reduced potential steric clashes, or exploited extended contacts to a neighboring protomer within the envelope trimer. On a 208-strain panel, variant VRC01.23LS neutralized 90% of the panel at a geometric mean IC80 less than 1 μg/ml, and in transgenic mice with human neonatal-Fc receptor, the serum half-life of VRC01.23LS was indistinguishable from that of the parent VRC01LS, which has a half-life of 71 d in humans. A cryo-electron microscopy structure of VRC01.23 Fab in complex with BG505 DS-SOSIP.664 Env trimer determined at 3.4-A resolution confirmed the structural basis for its ~10-fold improved potency relative to VRC01. Another variant, VRC07-523-F54-LS.v3, neutralized 95% of the 208-isolated panel at a geometric mean IC80 of less than 1 μg/ml, with a half-life comparable to that of the parental VRC07-523LS. Our matrix-based structural approach thus enables the engineering of VRC01 variants for HIV-1 therapy and prevention with improved potency, breadth, and pharmacokinetics.
Practical Chemoselective Acylation: Organocatalytic Chemodivergent Esterification and Amidation of Amino Alcohols with N-Carbonylimidazoles

Chemoselective transformations are a cornerstone of efficient organic synthesis; however, achieving this goal for even simple transformations, such as acylation reactions, is often a challenge. We report that N-carbonylimidazoles enable catalytic chemodivergent aniline or alcohol acylation in the presence of pyridinium ions or 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), respectively. Both acylation reactions display high and broad chemoselectivity for the target group. Unprecedented levels of chemoselectivity were observed in the DBU-catalyzed esterification: A single esterification product was obtained from a molecule containing primary aniline, alcohol, phenol, secondary amide, and N-H indole groups. These acylation reactions are highly practical as they involve only readily available, inexpensive, and relatively safe reagents; can be performed on a multigram scale; and can be used on carboxylic acids directly by in situ formation of the acylimidazole electrophile.
“Hey, by the Way, I’m Transgender”: Transgender Disclosures as Coming Out Stories in Social Contexts among Trans Men:

Connecting theories of identity formation and coming out with impression management, this research highlights that transgender disclosures are not static. Rather, disclosures are continuously media...
Andrew Jackson, Slavery, and Historians

Historians have neglected to give full consideration to the place of slavery in Andrew Jackson’s private and public life. They rarely move beyond a few well-known examples of Jackson’s treatment of slaves that have been referenced since James Parton’s biography first appeared in the mid-nineteenth century. Recent research by historians has identified Jackson’s commitment to slavery and its effect on United States politics, but more work remains to be done on his own slave communities in Tennessee and Mississippi and the ramifications for his public actions. This article also argues that historians have failed to examine slavery’s role in Jackson’s life because of an overreliance on the Correspondence of Andrew Jackson volumes edited by John Spencer Bassett and a lack of archival research in the collections of Jackson papers held by the Library of Congress and Scholarly Resources, Inc.
Precision actuation of micro-space structures

Space exploration and communication satellites and space structures need deployable precision mirrors, reflectors, and antennas. Conventional deployable space structures require motors and kinematic mechanisms to assist the deployment process. These mechanisms have the potential to jam or tangle and thus jeopardize the entire space mission. Recent development of smart structures and structronic systems opens many new design options in precision structures and systems. This paper reports a study of precision actuation and control for micro-shell laminated space structures made of smart materials. New design concepts of deployable micro-shell laminated structures are discussed and conceptual models fabricated. Analysis of precision parabolic struts is carried out and actuation authorities of proposed configurations are evaluated.
Metabolic modulation of epigenetics in gliomas.

Cancer metabolism and epigenetics are two relatively new areas of cancer research. Recent years have seen an explosion of studies implicating either altered tumor metabolism or epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis or maintenance of brain tumors. A new paradigm is emerging in cancer biology that represents a convergence of these themes, the metabolic regulation of epigenetics. We discuss this interrelationship in the context of two metabolic enzymes that can influence the pathogenesis of gliomas by altering the epigenetic state. The first of these enzymes is isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) which is mutated in secondary glioblastomas and ~70% of grade II/III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Mutant IDH1 results in the production of a metabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG) that can inhibit DNA and histone demethylating enzymes resulting in the glioma-CpG island phenotype (G-CIMP) and increased histone methylation marks. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), an enzyme that plays a critical role in the glycolytic pathway, is a second example of a metabolic enzyme that can affect histone modifications. In EGFR-driven glioblastoma, PKM2 translocates to the nucleus and phosphorylates histone 3 at threonine 11 (H3-T11). This causes dissociation of HDAC3 from the CCND1 (Cyclin D1) and c-MYC promoters and subsequent histone acetylation leading to transcription of Cyclin-D1 and c-MYC, and subsequent cell proliferation. Modification of the epigenetic state by alterations in metabolic enzymes is a novel phenomenon that contributes to the pathogenesis of gliomas and may help in the identification of new therapeutic targets.
Aircraft corrosion monitoring and data visualization techniques for condition based maintenance

To provide in situ measurements of environmental severity, the LS2A corrosion monitoring sensor suite has been developed and deployed. This system, a wired or wireless sensor node, measures, records, and analyzes environmental and corrosivity parameters. To support maintenance exposure tracking, autonomous data analysis techniques are being developed to track and visualize environmental severity within airframes for clear, intuitive, and informative presentation of long-term environmental exposure.
Emergent Behavior from Idiosyncratic Feedback Networks

Traditional waveguide networks are designed for stability and predictability. However, idiosyncratic variations to feedback network structures become possible when peak gain is controlled throughout the network by nonlinear waveshaping functions. These functions facilitate destabilizing changes to the network gain structure and topology, producing unpredictable behavior with interesting applications in composition and improvisation. These applications suggest further extensions to the waveguide network model, including nonstandard excitation functions, control parameters, and spatialization techniques. 1 Feedback networks and stability Traditional signal processing architectures which utilize feedback are constructed to ensure their stability and predictability. For instance, there are canonic limitations on the coefficients of IIR filters, and waveguide sections are explicitly designed to preserve system stability. However, it is possible to impose at least bounded amplitudes in signal processing systems which do not meed traditional criteria for stability. For instance, Xenakis’ GENDYN software uses “elastic-mirrors” to ensure that amplitudes generated by random walks will not exceed appropriate boundaries (Xenakis 1992, Hoffmann 2000). Peak-limiting compression algorithms are another method for achieving this result. A third, easily implemented technique for peak control is waveshaping with nonlinear functions that produce soft clipping. Charles Sullivan presented one such function in his work on physical models of the electric guitar (1990): { 2/3; x • 1 f(x) = { x – x / 3; -1 < x < 1 { -2/3; x • -1 Figure 1 presents a plot of this function over the range -1 • x • 1. Relatives of this function (of the form x – x / n, for odd n • 3) can also be used to produce different varieties of soft clipping. Nonlinear functions manage peak gain because they are inherently lossy. They also change the harmonic structure of their input, coloring the system output. (The effect will be particularly pronounced when nonlinearities are deployed at several different points in a system). While this timbral alteration may seem like a disadvantage, in a compositional context it can just as well be viewed as a desirable feature. After all, destabilized feedback networks are likely to be of interest precisely because of their unusual sonic characteristics. 2 Beyond standard architectures When the peak gain of a feedback network is controlled through nonlinear waveshaping or other limiting techniques, then a variety of extensions and modifications to traditional waveguide designs become possible. Variations tested include unusual excitation methods, network topologies, spatialization techniques, and control parameters. In general these extensions cannot be readily interpreted as models of physical or acoustic phenomena. Indeed, some of the network topologies demonstrated are so distant from traditional architectures that they no longer can properly be described as waveguides; hence the more general term “feedback network” used throughout
More Similarities than Differences in contemporary Theories of social development?: A plea for theory bridging

Many contemporary theories of social development are similar and/or share complementary constructs. Yet, there have been relatively few efforts toward theoretical integration. The present chapter represents a call for increased theory bridging. The problem of theoretical fragmentation in psychology is reviewed. Seven highlighted reasons for this predicament include differences between behavioral sciences and other sciences, theoretical paradigms as social identities, the uniqueness assumption, information overload, field fixation, linguistic fragmentation, and few incentives for theoretical integration. Afterward, the feasibility of theoretical synthesis is considered. Finally, some possible directions are proposed for theoretical integration among five contemporary theories of social and gender development: social cognitive theory, expectancy-value theory, cognitive-developmental theory, gender schema theory, and self-categorization theory.
Isolation and Characterization of an H2-Oxidizing Thermophilic Methanogen

A thermophilic methanogen was isolated from enrichment cultures originally inoculated with sludge from an anaerobic kelp digester (55 degrees C). This isolate exhibited a temperature optimum of 55 to 60 degrees C and a maximum near 70 degrees C. Growth occurred throughout the pH range of 5.5 to 9.0, with optimal growth near pH 7.2. Although 4% salt was present in the isolation medium, salt was not required for optimal growth. The thermophile utilized formate or H(2)-CO(2) but not acetate, methanol, or methylamines for growth and methanogenesis. Growth in complex medium was very rapid, and a minimum doubling time of 1.8 h was recorded in media supplemented with rumen fluid. Growth in defined media required the addition of acetate and an unknown factor(s) from digester supernatant, rumen fluid, or Trypticase. Cells in liquid culture were oval to coccoid, 0.7 to 1.8 mum in diameter, often occurring in pairs. The cells were easily lysed upon exposure to oxygen or 0.08 mg of sodium dodecyl sulfate per ml. The isolate was sensitive to tetracycline and chloramphenicol but not penicillin G or cycloserine. The DNA base composition was 59.69 mol% guanine plus cytosine.
Effect Size for Single-Subject Design in Phonological Treatment

Purpose The purpose of this study was to document, validate, and corroborate effect size (ES) for single-subject design in treatment of children with functional phonological disorders; to evaluate potential child-specific contributing variables relative to ES; and to establish benchmarks for interpretation of ES for the population. Method Data were extracted from the Developmental Phonologies Archive for 135 preschool children with phonological disorders who previously participated in single-subject experimental treatment studies. Standard mean differenceall with correction for continuity was computed to gauge the magnitude of generalization gain that accrued longitudinally from treatment for each child with the data aggregated for purposes of statistical analyses. Results ES ranged from 0.09 to 27.83 for the study population. ES was positively correlated with conventional measures of phonological learning and visual inspection of learning data on the basis of procedures standard to single-subject design....
Toughened hydrogels inspired by aquatic caddisworm silk

Aquatic caddisworm silk is a tough adhesive fiber. Part of the toughening mechanism resides in serial, Ca2+–phosphate crosslinked nano-domains that comprise H-fibroin, the major structural protein. To mimic the toughening mechanism, a synthetic phosphate-graft-methacrylate prepolymer, as a simple H-fibroin analog, was copolymerized within a covalent elastic network of polyacrylamide. Above a critical phosphate sidechain density, hydrogels equilibrated with Ca2+ or Zn2+ ions displayed greatly increased initial stiffness, strain-rate dependent yield behavior, and required 100 times more work to fracture than hydrogels equilibrated with Mg2+ or Na+ ions. Conceptually, the enhanced toughness is attributed to energy-dissipating, viscous unfolding of clustered phosphate–metal ion crosslinks at a critical stress. The toughness of the bioinspired hydrogels exceeds the toughness of cartilage and meniscus suggesting potential application as prosthetic biomaterials. The tough hydrogels also provide a simplified model to test hypotheses about caddisworm silk architecture, phosphate metal ion interactions, and mechanochemical toughening mechanisms.
Alternative Perspectives on the Sustainability of Alaska's Commercial Fisheries

Many believe commercial fisheries in Alaska (U.S.A.) are sustainability success stories, but ongoing socioeconomic problems across the state raise questions about how this sustainability is being defined and evaluated. Problems such as food insecurity and the disenfranchisement of Alaska Natives from fishing rights are well documented, yet these concerns are obscured by marketing campaigns that convey images of flourishing fishing communities and initiatives to certify Alaska's fisheries as responsibly managed. Fisheries management mandates and approaches built on such metrics and technologies as maximum sustainable yield and systems of tradable quotas actually serve to constrain, circumscribe, and marginalize some Alaskans’ opportunities for effecting change in how the benefits of these fisheries are allocated. Beneath the narrative of sustainability, these management technologies perpetuate a cognitive ecological model of sustainability that is oriented to single-species outcomes, that casts people as parasites, and thus assumes the necessity of trade-offs between biological and social goals. Alternative cognitive models are available that draw metaphors from different ecological concepts such as keystone species and mutualisms. Such models, when used to inform management approaches, may improve societal outcomes in Alaska and elsewhere by promoting food security and sustainability through diversified natural resource harvest strategies that are more flexible and responsive to environmental variability and change. Perspectivas Alternativas sobre la Sustentabilidad de las Pesquerias Comerciales en Alaska
Modeling and verification of randomized distributed real-time systems

Randomization is an excellent tool for the design of distributed algorithms, sometimes yielding efficient solutions to problems that are inherently complex, or even unsolvable, in the setting of deterministic algorithms. However, this tool has a price: even simple randomized algorithms can be extremely hard to verify and analyze. This thesis addresses the problem of verification of randomized distributed algorithms. We consider the problem both from the theoretical and the practical perspective. Our theoretical work builds a new mathematical model of randomized distributed computation; our practical work develops techniques to be used for the actual verification of randomized systems. Our analysis involves both untimed and timed systems, so that real-time properties can be investigated. Our model for randomized distributed computation is an extension of labeled transition systems. A Probalistic automation is a state machine with transitions, where, unlike for labeled transitions systems, a transition from a state leads to a discrete probability distribution over pairs consisting of a label and a state, rather than to a single label and a single state. A probalistic automation contains pure nondeterministic behavior since from each state there can be several transisitions, and probalistic behavior since once a transaction is chosen the label that occurs and the state that is reached are determined by a probability distribution. The resolution of pure nondeterminism leads to probalistic executions, which are Markov chain like structures. Once the pure nondeterminism is resolved, the probalistic behavior of a probalistic automation can be studied. The properties of a randomized algorithm are stated in terms of satisfying some other property with a minimal or maximal probability no matter how the nondeterminism is resolved. In stating the properties of an algorithm we also account for the possibility of imposing restrictions on the ways in which the the nondeterminism is resolved (e.g., fair scheduling, oblivious scheduling,...). We develop techniques to prove the correctness of some property by reducing the problem to the verification of properties of non-randomized systems. One technique is based on coin lemmas, which state the lower bounds on the probability that some chosen random draws give some chosen outcomes no matter how the nondeterminism is resolved. We identify a collection of progress statements which can be used to prove upper bounds to the expected running time of an algorithm. The methods are applied to prove that the randomized dining philosophers algorithm of Lehmann and Rabin guarantees progress in expected constant time and that the randomized algorithm for agreement of Ben-Or guarantees agreement in expected exponential time. To ensure that our new model has strong mathematical foundations, we extend some of the common semantics for labeled transitions systems to the probalistic framework. We define a compositional trace semantic
Mitigation and health: Climate policy not so costly

Climate change mitigation can benefit human health by reducing air pollution. Research now shows that the economic value of health improvements can substantially outweigh mitigation costs, and that more flexible policies could have higher benefits.
Characterization of H,Na-Y Using Amine Desorption

The authors have examined series of partially ion-exchanged H, Na-Y zeolites using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of isopropylamine and n-propylamine in order to examine the acid sites in H-Y zeolites as a function of Na poisoning. Both amines desorbed from Na-Y, unreacted, below 500 K; however, samples containing protonic sites exhibited two additional desorption features. First, unreacted amine molecules were observed leaving the samples between [approximately] 500 and 600 K. Second, reaction features appeared which were observed as the simultaneous desorption of propene and ammonia between 575 and 650 K for isopropylamine and between 625 and 700 K for n-propylamine. For a given sample, the number of both isopropylene and n-propylamine molecules which desorbed in both features was identical. Furthermore, the number of molecules desorbing from the two high-temperature features was found to be equal to the number of protonic sites for the entire series, which indicates that both desorption features are associated with protonic sites. This finding was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, which also demonstrated that the unreacting desorption feature was associated with the low-frequency, hydroxyl stretch at 3540 cm[sup [minus]1] and that the reacting amine molecules was adsorbed at the high-frequency, hydroxyl stretch nearmore » 3640 cm[sup [minus]1]. The implications of these results for understanding the use of TPD-TGA of amines for the characterization of acidity is discussed. 30 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Comparison of Menhaden Fish Meal and a Fish Meal Substitute in Broiler Diets

Abstract Two experiments were conducted using broiler strain chickens to evaluate the use of a fish meal substitute (Pro-Pak) in broiler diets. Pro-Pak is a commercially available product consisting of various ingredients supposedly blended to approximate the nutrient specifications of menhaden fish meal. In the first experiment, menhaden fish meal and Pro-Pak were added at dietary levels of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% to a corn-soy basal. In this 4-week battery experiment, growth rate and feed efficiency responses to both ingredients were essentially equal. A dietary level of 10% of either ingredient tended to depress performance. Replicate lots of 50 males and 50 females were fed each diet in an 8-week experiment. Dietary levels of the menhaden fish meal and Pro-Pak were 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%. Growth rate and feed efficiency responses due to the supplements were equal. However, performance was not improved by increasing the dietary level of either supplement above 2.5%. A sex X dietary level interaction was noted for feed efficiency. Male feed efficiency was best at the lower dietary levels with the reverse noted for females.
Vehicle delay estimation at unsignalised pedestrian crosswalks with probabilistic yielding behaviour

Unsignalised pedestrian crosswalks are commonly adopted in school and residential areas. To enhance pedestrian safety, various types of signs and crosswalk markings have been implemented, which results in motorists’ probabilistic yielding behaviour and interrupted traffic flow patterns. Predicting the vehicular delay is of central importance to evaluate the level of service. However, as the interaction involves two random streams and is governed by the uncertain yielding behaviour, the analysis could be fairly challenging. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to estimate vehicular delay, which decomposes the vehicular stream into free-flow and queuing traffic. By explicitly considering the relation between the vehicular headway and the critical gap, the probability of a yielding event is derived to the expected proportion of queue formation, queue dispersion and free-flow periods. Equations of the average vehicular delay are given as a function of the vehicle volume, pedestrian volume and the yieldin...
Use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis: a national survey of practicing United States rheumatologists.

Abstract Objectives To determine the prescribing practices, laboratory monitoring protocols, and perceived barriers of United States rheumatologists in prescribing tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods A survey questionnaire was mailed to 1970 rheumatologists who were randomly selected from a national sample of 3008 rheumatologists. A one-page non-response questionnaire was mailed to approximately 200 randomly selected non-responding rheumatologists to assess non-response bias. Results Two mailings yielded a response rate of 22.3% (428 completed, usable surveys out of 1922 deliverable surveys). Rheumatologists reported using all three agents in patients with moderate RA (82–87%), severe RA (94–96%), and in newly diagnosed and mild RA patients (10–18%). In patients with severe RA who inadequately responded to methotrexate, 91% of rheumatologists reported using a TNF inhibitor with one other disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug. Over 94% of rheumatologists reported switching patients from one TNF inhibitor to a different TNF inhibitor due to inadequate response or side effects. Most rheumatologists (96%) ordered the purified protein derivative test for tuberculosis, with almost 82% conducting this test at baseline. Costs to patients and insurance coverage were perceived as major barriers to prescribing these agents although the perception was slightly lower with infliximab than with adalimumab or etanercept. Conclusions The use of TNF inhibitors is not restricted to patients with moderate and severe RA. Rheumatologists are fairly similar in their utilization of the three TNF inhibitors although some variation exists in terms of laboratory practices and perceived barriers regarding the use of these agents.
Synthesis and thermionic emission properties of graphitic carbon nanofibres supported on Si wafers or carbon felt

Preparation procedures and thermionic emission properties of graphitic carbon nanofibres (GCNFs) supported on Si wafer or commercial carbon felt supports are reported. GCNF/native-oxide Si wafer, GCNF/oxidized Si wafer, GCNF/Ni-coated Si wafer and GCNF/carbon felt nanocomposites are obtained by growing GCNFs from growth catalyst nanoparticles supported on these supports. Narrow herringbone GCNF/SiO2/carbon felt mats are prepared from growth catalyst nanoparticles supported on fumed silica flakes. Due to weak GCNF-to-support binding in GCNF/Si wafer mats, GCNF/carbon felt mats and GCNF/SiO2/carbon felt mats, mechanical loss of the GCNF component is facile. However, carbothermal reduction of GCNF/SiO2/carbon felt nanocomposites affords mechanically robust GCNF/SiC/carbon felt mats. Thermionic electron energy distribution profiles recorded for these new nanofibre compositions indicate classic free-electron emission with estimated work functions (4.25–4.91 eV) slightly lower than those observed for un-doped graphite or carbon nanotubes. Electron energy distributions along the low energy leading region of the profiles display a cascade of emission peaks equally spaced by ca 0.014 eV, tentatively attributed to electron emission from localized GCNF edge sites.
A Computational Study of Catalytic Platinum Nanoparticles With and Without OH Chemisorption During Reactions

In this paper, various energies and geometries of pure platinum nanoparticles and those of platinum nanoparticles with adsorbed OH were investigated. Ten different platinum clusters of up to 28 atoms were studied using spin-unrestricted density functional theory (DFT) with a double numerical plus polarization basis set. Three different shapes were presented, and the effect of cluster size on binding energy, total energy, and HOMO-LUMO energy gap was investigated. The same set of calculations was performed for selected clusters with OH adsorbate on the Pt(111) surface. The results show that the stability of both the pure clusters and the clusters with adsorbed OH molecule increases with an increase of cluster size. This fact indicates that direct influence of the size of Pt cluster on the reaction rate is possible, and the understanding of how cluster size would affect binding energy is important. The effect of cluster size on total energy of molecule was shown to be a linear function independent of cluster type, as expected. We also found that optimized (stable) Pt clusters were bigger in size than that of the initial clusters, or clusters with bulk geometry.Copyright © 2008 by ASME