cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the efficiency of semiconducting quantum dot photocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization by ligand shell engineering

Manipulating the ligand shell of semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) has proven to be a promising strategy to enhance their photocatalytic performance for small molecule transformations, such as H2 evolution and CO2 reduction. However, ligand-controlled catalysis for macromolecules, which differ from small molecules in penetrability and charge transfer behavior due to their bulky sizes, still remains undiscovered. Here, we systematically investigate the role of surface ligands in the photocatalytic performance of cadmium selenide (CdSe) QDs in light-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) by using thiol-based ligands with various polarities and chain lengths. A highly enhanced polymerization efficiency was observed when 3-mercapto propionic acid (MPA), a short-chain and polar ligand, was used to modify the CdSe QDs' surface, achieving high chain-end fidelity, good temporal control, and a dispersity of 1.18, while also tolerating a wide-range of functional monomers ranging from acrylates to methacrylates and fluorinated monomers. Transient absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence studies reveal interesting mechanistic details of electron and hole transfers from the excited QDs to the initiators and 3-MPA capping ligands, respectively, providing key mechanistic insight of these ligand controlled and QD photocatalyzed ATRP processes. The thiolate ligands were found to serve as an efficient hole acceptor for QDs, which facilitates the formation of a charge-separated state, followed by electron transfer from the conduction band edge to initiators and ultimately suppressing charge recombination within the QD.
Fracture analysis of local delaminations in laminated composites

A shear deformation model was developed to analyze local delaminations growing from transverse cracks in 90 degree plies located around the mid plane of symmetric laminates. The predictions of the model agree reasonably with experimental data from T300/934 graphite epoxy laminates. The predicted behavior is such that, in combination with an edge delamination model, the critical loads can be predicted accurately in the range of n from .5 to 8.
Long-run growth of ambulatory surgery centers 1990-2015 and Medicare payment policy.

OBJECTIVE To examine long-run growth in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry and potential factors influencing its trajectory. DATA SOURCES National data for all Medicare-certified ASCs (1990-2015) and outpatient discharge records from the state of Florida in 2007. STUDY DESIGN We documented the number of ASCs in the United States over time and decomposed the trend into underlying ASC market entry and exit behavior. We then examined the plausibility of 2008 Medicare payment reforms to influence the trend changes. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS Data on ASC openings and closures are obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider of Service files. Secondary data on ASC volume in Florida are obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The number of ASCs in the United States grew 5%-10% annually between 1990 and 2007 but by 1% or less beginning in 2008. This change coincided with substantive reductions in Medicare payments for key ASC services. The annual number of new ASCs was as much as 50% lower following the payment change. CONCLUSIONS ASCs are an important competitor for outpatient services, but growth has slowed dramatically. Sharp changes in new ASC entry align with less generous Medicare fees.
Measurements of scattering and absorption properties of submillimeter bauxite and silica particles

Abstract Submillimeter solid particles have been considered as thermal storage media for concentrated solar power applications. Knowledge of the scattering and absorption properties of individual particles is crucial for modeling the radiative heat transfer of the particle bed. In this work, a laser scatterometer is used to measure the single-particle scattering properties at a wavelength of 635 nm by using two configurations: (1) a falling particle curtain and (2) a taped particle layer. Because a one-particle nominal thickness is formed with area fractions of 5−55% depending on the configuration, multiple scattering is minimized and hence the single scattering phase function, averaged over all illuminated particles, is directly measured. Bauxite-based ceramic particles that are strongly absorbing in the solar spectrum and silica particles that are nonabsorbing in the visible and near-infrared are investigated. The directional-hemispherical reflectance and transmittance of the taped particles are also measured to deduce the forward and backward scattering efficiency factors and the absorption efficiency factors. Only weak wavelength dependence is observed in the measured region from 380 nm to 1020 nm. The scattering phase functions of all bauxite-based particles with varying sizes and compositions are very similar and can be fitted to a Henyey−Greenstein phase function with an asymmetry factor g = −0.20. For the silica particles, forward scattering dominates and g = 0.45 yields the best fit. A Monte Carlo method is developed to model the particle scattering characteristics, and reasonable agreements between the modeling and experimental results are observed by introducing a specularity parameter.
Identifying brain regions supporting amygdalar functionality: Application of a novel graph theory technique.

Abstract Effective amygdalar functionality depends on the concerted activity of a complex network of regions. Thus, the role of the amygdala cannot be fully understood without identifying the set of brain structures that allow the processes performed by the amygdala to emerge. However, this identification has yet to occur, hampering our ability to understand both normative and pathological processes that rely on the amygdala. We developed and applied novel graph theory methods to diffusion-based anatomical networks in a large sample (n = 1,052, 54.28% female, mean age=28.75) to identify nodes that critically support amygdalar interactions with the larger brain network. We examined three graph properties, each indexing a different emergent aspect of amygdalar network communication: current-flow betweenness centrality (amygdalar influence on information flowing between other pairs of nodes), node communicability (clarity of communication between the amygdala and other nodes), and subgraph centrality (amygdalar influence over local network processing). Findings demonstrate that each of these aspects of amygdalar communication is associated with separable sets of regions and, in some cases, these sets map onto previously identified sub-circuits. For example, betweenness and communicability were each associated with different sub-circuits that have been identified in previous work as supporting distinct aspects of memory-guided behavior. Other regions identified span basic (e.g., visual cortex) to higher-order (e.g., insula) sensory processing and executive functions (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). Present findings expand our current understanding of amygdalar function by showing that there is no single ‘amygdala network’, but rather multiple networks, each supporting different modes of amygdalar interaction with the larger brain network. Additionally, our novel method allowed for the identification of how such regions support the amygdala, which has not been previously explored.
Novel recA-Independent Horizontal Gene Transfer in Escherichia coli K-12

In bacteria, mechanisms that incorporate DNA into a genome without strand-transfer proteins such as RecA play a major role in generating novelty by horizontal gene transfer. We describe a new illegitimate recombination event in Escherichia coli K-12: RecA-independent homologous replacements, with very large (megabase-length) donor patches replacing recipient DNA. A previously uncharacterized gene (yjiP) increases the frequency of RecA-independent replacement recombination. To show this, we used conjugal DNA transfer, combining a classical conjugation donor, HfrH, with modern genome engineering methods and whole genome sequencing analysis to enable interrogation of genetic dependence of integration mechanisms and characterization of recombination products. As in classical experiments, genomic DNA transfer begins at a unique position in the donor, entering the recipient via conjugation; antibiotic resistance markers are then used to select recombinant progeny. Different configurations of this system were used to compare known mechanisms for stable DNA incorporation, including homologous recombination, F’-plasmid formation, and genome duplication. A genome island of interest known as the immigration control region was specifically replaced in a minority of recombinants, at a frequency of 3 X 10-12 CFU/recipient per hour.
L'Histoire à l'épreuve de l'affabulation romanesque: HHhH de Laurent Binet comme cas de figure

Intent on paying hommage to the Czechoslovakian resistors who assassinated Reinhard Heydrich, Laurent Binet devotes HHhH to narrating the feat in all its pathos. Yet Binet adamantly shuns the dangers of imagination, invention, and embellishment, considered as “childish” and “tacky” practices all too often exploited for literary or commercial ends, favoring hypotyposis to the detriment of History with a capital H. When analyzed closely, however, his own text proves to be thoroughly aesthetic, because his text deploys a full array of literary techniques to make his readers imagine that they are witnessing and even participating in this momentous event as it happens. Ultimately, HHhH hinges largely on the figure of preteritio, by which the narrator indulges in the very practices that he declares must be avoided. Subjected to critical scrutiny, the “History” piously invoked throughout HHhH carries highly debatable notions.
Layered intrusions of the Duluth Complex, Minnesota, USA

Abstract The Duluth Complex and associated subvolcanic intrusions comprise a large (5,000 km 2 ) intrusive complex in northeastern Minnesota that was emplaced into comagmatic volcanics during the development of the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent rift in North America. In addition to anorthositic and felsic intrusions, the Duluth Complex is composed of many individual mafic layered intrusions of tholeiitic affinity. The cumulate stratigraphies and cryptic variations of six of the better exposed and better studied intrusions are described here to demonstrate the variability in their cumulus mineral paragenesis. Although the general paragenetic sequence is: O1(±Pl) → Pl+Ol → Pl+Cpx+Ox(±Ol±Opx) → Pl+Cpx+Ox+Ap(±Ol) considerable differences exist among the six intrusions in the relative order and timing of cumulus arrivals, most notably with regard to augite (Cpx) and Fe-Ti oxide (Ox). The various cumulate stratigraphies and cryptic variations represented by the six intrusions described here largely reflect differences in the degree of open-system behaviour to recharge, eruption, and country-rock assimilation, but also may have been influenced by differences in parent magma composition, in the efficiency of fractional crystallization, and in the conditions of crystallization ( e.g. P total , f O 2 P H 2 O ). The Sonju Lake intrusion, wherein cumulus augite arrived before ilmenite, formed by essentially closed-system fractional crystallization. However, its compositional evolution may have been affected to an uncertain degree by assimilation of a granitic hanging-wall. The monotonous, thick troctolitic cumulate sequences of the lower parts of the South Kawishiwi and Partridge River Intrusions appear to represent the effects of frequent magma recharge coupled with in situ (or boundary layer) crystallization though other interpretations have been proposed. Extensive Cu-Ni sulphide mineralization at the base of these intrusions is attributed to country-rock contamination of the earliest intruded magmas. The cyclical progression of cumulates in the Layered Series at Duluth, wherein cumulus augite and oxide arrived nearly simultaneously, formed in a moderately open system characterized by periodic eruption and recharge. The Wilder Lake Intrusion is different from other intrusions in that cumulus ilmenite appears before augite and that olivine and augite composition define an inverted cryptic variation. The latter phenomenon may be related to a strong upward gradation toward lesser amounts of trapped liquid in the cumulates. Finally, the incomplete cumulate stratigraphy of the Bald Eagle Intrusion, which is composed of approximately equal thicknesses of troctolite (PO) and gabbro (PAO) adcumulates, is unique in that Fe-Ti oxide did not arrive as a cumulus phase despite prolonged crystallization of cumulus augite. These different cumulus parageneses probably produced a variety of derivative magmas, which may have contributed in part to the compositional diversity of the Midcontinent rift volcanics.
Fuel parameter and quality constraints for fuel cell distributed generators

Distributed generation (DG) technologies are being discussed as the new paradigm for the electricity infrastructure, owing to growth in electric loads, deregulated markets, reliability constraints, emission control limitations, and the huge capital investments with minimal rates of return associated with central station generation. Some DG technologies are critically dependent on the fuel quality and supply parameters for optimal power delivery and overall economic operation. Currently, most DG technologies are expensive to install, operate and maintain. One of the factors that will affect feasibility and economic viability of fuel cells is the supply of fuel with the characteristics appropriate to fuel cell designs [P. Gomatom and W. Jewell, October 2002]. This paper deals with fuel performance indices for fuel cell DG units and analyzes their dependency on fuel characteristics for economical and optimal performance.
Acoustic oscillations in internal cavity flows - Nonlinear resonant interactions

The present results demonstrate that the normalized wake growth behind a solid strip is much faster than behind a porous strip with /3 = 0.425. According to the findings of Castro, the wake of the solid strip is dominated by a vortex street which does not form behind the /3 = 0.425 porous strip. Taken together, these results indicate that the twodimensional far wake does depend on the shape of the wake producing object insofar as the shape affects the formation of large vortical structures.
Editorial Board Thoughts: Information Technology and Libraries: Anxiety and Exhilaration

6 A few weeks ago a valued colleague left our library to move his young family back home to Pittsburgh. Insofar as we were a two-­‐man department, I spent the weeks following the announcement of his imminent departure picking his brain about various projects, their codebases, potential rough spots, existing trouble tickets, etc. He left, and I immediately inherited nine-­‐years-­‐worth of projects and custom code including all the "micro-­‐services" that feed into our various well-­‐designed, high-­‐profile, and high-­‐performing (thanks to him) Websites.
A population of progenitor cells in the basal and intermediate layers of the murine bladder urothelium contributes to urothelial development and regeneration.

Background: Homeostatic maintenance and repair of the bladder urothelium has been attributed to proliferation of keratin 5-expressing basal cells (K5-BC) with subsequent differentiation into superficial cells. Recent evidence, however, suggests that the intermediate cell layer harbors a population of progenitor cells. We use label-retaining cell (LRC) methodology in conjunction with a clinically relevant model of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-induced injury to characterize urothelial ontogeny during development and in response to diffuse urothelial injury. Results: In the developing urothelium, proliferating cells were dispersed throughout the K5-BC and intermediate cells layers, becoming progressively concentrated in the K5-BC layer with age. When 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was administered during urothelial development, LRCs in the adult were found within the K5-BC, intermediate, and superficial cell layers, the location dependent upon time of labeling. UPEC inoculation resulted in loss of the superficial cell layer followed by robust proliferation of K5-BCs and intermediate cells. LRCs within the K5-BC and intermediate cell layers proliferated in response to injury. Conclusions: Urothelial development and regeneration following injury relies on proliferation of K5-BC and intermediate cells. The existence and proliferation of LRCs within both the K5-BC and intermediate cell layers suggests the presence of two populations of urothelial progenitor cells. Developmental Dynamics 243::988–998, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward ‘Our Ways of Knowing’ in the Age of Standardization

Current neoliberal educational policies are impacting young children and their teachers in the United States in many ways. Young children and teachers find themselves in vulnerable positions within a framework of an imperialist education in the age of standardization. Part of the struggle is to open spaces of decolonization that include home languages and cultures. This article calls for an educational transformation toward ‘our ways of knowing’ that includes liberation and emancipation.
Iodine Supplementation and the Prevention of Cretinism

Normal development of the CNS requires adequate thyroid hormone exposure. Since iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormone molecule, its deficiency during fetal development can cause hypothyroidism and irreversible mental retardation. The full-blown syndrome, called cretinism, includes deaf-mutism, short stature, spasticity, and profound mental retardation. The clinical spectrum can vary in degree and combination of these features. Screening programs in iodine-deficient countries show that up to 10% of neonates have elevated serum TSH levels, putting them at theoretical risk for permanent brain damage. About one billion people worldwide risk the consequences of iodine deficiency, all of which can be prevented by adequate maternal and infant iodine nutrition. Iodized salt is usually the preferred prophylactic vehicle, but iodized vegetable oil, iodized water, and iodine tablets are also occasionally used. The United Nations and the heads of state of most countries have pledged the virtual elimination of iodine deficiency by the year 2000. This goal is technically feasible if pursued with sufficient vigor and resources.
Linking Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security: the Valuable Role of Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture

Agricultural biodiversity is critical for food security throughout the world. At the genetic, species, and farming systems levels, biodiversity provides valuable ecosytems services and functions for agricultural production. How can the erosion of agrobiodiversity be halted? How can it effectively be conserved and enhanced? This article highlights key principles, policies, and practices for the sustain-able use, conservation and enhancement of agrobiodiversity for sustaining food security. After clarifying the serious threats from the global loss of agrobiodiversity, the article summarizes practical guidelines and lessons for biodiversity management in farming systems and landscapes. Such strategies build upon valuable local experiences and knowledge in traditional farming practices, and they also take advantage of recent scientific findings in agroecology and ecosystem health. There is an urgent need to adopt an agroecosytems approach, beyond a focus on genetic resource conservation alone, to implement other biodiversity-enhancing methods in farms, such as integrated ecological pest and soil management. Conflicting agricultural politics that promote monocultural industrial farming models and uniform technology packages need to be eliminated. In addition, the protection of intellectual property rights is vital for those who have knowledge of the values and uses of such biodiversity, particularly for indigenous peoples and small farmers. The approaches reviewed in this analysis show effective ways to conserve, use and enhance biodiversity that will encourage sustainable food security.
Stochastic network analysis with resource constraints, cost parameters, and queueing capabilities using gerts methodologies

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to describe the application of GERTS (Graphical Evaluation Review Technique Simulation) to stochastic network configurations with Resource Constraints Cost Parameters and Queueing characteristics. Specifically, the analysis programs GERTS III, GERTS III-R, GERTS III-Q, and GERTS III-QR will be explained with the emphasis on modelling characteristics, applicability and problem structure. General characteristics of the Gerts modelling logic and capabilities of GERTS III will be addressed, and specific attention will be given to the additional specialized structures of the analysis programs GERTS III-R, GERTS III-Q, and GERTS III-QR.
GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF PIECEWISE LINEAR DISCRIMINANTS

Abstract The application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the optimization of piecewise linear discriminants is described. Piecewise linear discriminant analysis (PLDA) is a supervised pattern recognition technique employed in this work for the automated classification of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) remote sensing data. PLDA employs multiple linear discriminants to approximate a nonlinear separating surface between data categories defined in a vector space. The key to the successful implementation of PLDA is the positioning of the individual discriminants that comprise the piecewise linear discriminant. For the remote sensing application, the discriminant optimization is challenging due to the large number of input variables required and the corresponding tendency for local optima to occur on the response surface of the optimization. In this work, three implementations of GAs are configured and evaluated: a binary-coded GA (GAB), a real-coded GA (GAR), and a Simplex-GA hybrid (SGA). GA configurations are developed by use of experimental design studies, and piecewise linear discriminants for acetone, methanol, and sulfur hexafluoride are optimized (trained). The training and prediction classification results indicate that GAs area viable approach for discriminant optimization. On average, the best piecewise linear discriminant optimized by a GA is observed to classify 11% more analyte-active patterns correctly in prediction than an unoptimized piecewise linear discriminant. Discriminant optimization problems not used in the experimental design study are employed to test the stability of the GA configurations. For these cases, the best piecewise linear discriminant optimized by SGA is shown to classify 19% more analyte-active patterns correctly in prediction than an unoptimized discriminant. These results also demonstrate that the two real number coded GAs (GAR and SGA) perform better than the GAB. Real number coded GAs are also observed to execute faster and are simpler to implement.
Flame Studies of Conventional and Alternative Jet Fuels

Laminar flame speeds and extinction limits of premixed and nonpremixed flames of conventional jet fuels, such as jet propellant 7 and jet propellant 8, and alternative jet fuels, such as synthetic and bioderived, were determined in the counterflow configuration at atmospheric pressure and elevated unburned reactant temperature. The results were compared against those of flames of n-decane and n-dodecane, both being candidate components of jet fuel surrogates. Results indicate that jet propellant 8/air and jet propellant 7/air flames exhibit lower propagation speeds and resistance to extinction compared with flames of alternative fuels. The reduced reactivities of jet propellant 8/air and jet propellant 7/air flames are caused by the alkylcycloparaffins and alkylbenzenes that are present in notable quantities in conventional jet fuels. The combustion characteristics of bioderived jet fuels were found to be indistinguishable from those produced synthetically via the Fischer–Tropsch process. The phenomena of flame propagation and extinction were modeled using n-decane and n-dodecane flames, for which kinetic models are available and for which the molecular weight is representative of that of practical jet fuels. Sensitivity analysis was performed, and results revealed that, compared with flame propagation, flame extinction is, in general, more sensitive to kinetics and diffusion, especially under nonpremixed conditions.
“Couldn't she just leave?”: The Relationship Between Consistently Using Class Discussions and the Development of Historical Empathy in a 9th Grade World History Course

Abstract This study reports the impact of consistently using a Socratic Seminar to interpret historical documents written by women on 9th grade students' historical empathy. Over the course of one semester in a year-long world history course, the class examined three documents written by women living in the complex time period being studied and discussed the women's situations. By the third seminar, the students improved with regard to appreciating the historical context as both unique and connected to the present, distinguishing between various perspectives of historical figures on an event, explaining their analysis and its implications for the author, and defending their analysis with historical evidence. This study reveals that consistent practice with group discussion and interpretation of primary documents increased the students' motivation and ability to empathize with the authors of historical texts.
Telomere replication and fusion in eukaryotes.

Abstract The requirement for special mechanisms to replicate the ends of linear DNA has resulted in a new model of telomere replication that includes fused telomeres as intermediates. The model suggests a mechanism for Robertsonian fusions and fissions and predicts the formation of dicentric chromosomes during certain types of cellular dysfunction. One possible molecular mechanism for covalently joining the ends of DNA before replication and reforming the ends afterwards is presented. Molecular and cytological evidence is cited in support of the model. The model assigns a role to membrane binding and clustering of telomeres in higher eukaryotes and explains the paired chromosome chains observed during fungal mitosis.
Excess enthalpies of five pentanol isomer + n-heptane systems measured at 303.15 K and a model describing the behavior

Abstract Experimental excess enthalpy data are reported for mixtures of n-heptane with five pentanol isomers: 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanol and 2-methyl-2-butanol. The data were obtained using isothermal flow calorimetry and are compared with previous studies. These new data are represented by a model that combines the physical interactions of the Scatchard–Hildebrand regular solutions model with classical hydrogen bonding of the Kretschmer–Wiebe model. The model includes an adjustable parameter that reflects physical interactions and a self-association equilibrium constant that represents hydrogen bonding.
Viscoelastic material design with negative stiffness components using topology optimization

An application of topology optimization to design viscoelastic composite materials with elastic moduli that soften with frequency is presented. The material is a two-phase composite whose first constituent is isotropic and viscoelastic while the other is an orthotropic material with negative stiffness but stable. A concept for this material based on a lumped parameter model is used. The performance of the topology optimization approach in this context is illustrated using three examples.
Market-Based Incentives for Addressing Non-Point Water Quality Problems: A Residual Nitrogen Tax Approach

This study analyzes the implications of a nitrogen tax for agricultural producers. A tax scheme is examined that penalizes farmers for applying nitrogen in excess of a crop's nitrogen uptake. Farmers are taxed for the potential leaching of residual nitrogen into groundwater and are rewarded for growing crops that capture and utilize residual soil nitrogen. Corn production is used to illustrate the differential impacts of a residual nitrogen tax on farm income in Corn Belt States.
Coordinating data monitoring committees and adaptive clinical trial designs

There is a growing interest in employing adaptive clinical trial designs in drug development. Adaptation is usually based on accumulative efficacy data alone. This article examines issues that can arise when an independent data monitoring committee must interface their safety concerns when adaptive changes based on efficacy are taking place. Several types of adaptive changes are examined and the degree of complexity that safety concerns might introduce is discussed. Recommendations are made for sponsor-data monitoring committee communications when the latter has safety concerns that make a particular kind of adaptation inadvisable. Recommendations are made for making adaptive change decisions, minimizing bias, and training DMC and sponsor staff for participation in adaptive design trials.
The Geysers-Clear Lake geothermal area, California: an updated geophysical perspective of heat sources

Abstract The Geysers-Clear Lake geothermal area encompasses a large dry-steam production area in The Geysers field and a documented high-temperature, high-pressure, water-dominated system in the area largely south of Clear Lake, which has not been developed. Both systems have been extensively studied with geophysical techniques, drilling, and geological mapping during the past 20 years. An updated view is presented of the geological/geophysical complexities of the crust in The Geysers-Clear Lake region in order to address key unanswered questions about the heat source and tectonics. Early geophysical interpretations used a gravity low centered in the area between Clear Lake and The Geysers to suggest that a large magma chamber existed at depths starting at about 7 km. This first-order assumption of a large magma chamber expressed in the gravity data was used as a guide in subsequent geophysical and geological interpretations. Drill-hole temperature evidence is strongly suggestive of a shallow, hot-intrusive body, but in this paper the complexities are documented of the geological and geophysical data sets that make it difficult to pinpoint the location of “magma” or hot, solidified intrusive material. Forward modeling, multidimensional inversions, and ideal body analysis of the gravity data, new electromagnetic sounding models, and arguments made from other geophysical data sets suggest that many of the geophysical anomalies have significant contributions from rock property and physical state variations in the upper 7 km and not from ”magma“ at greater depths. Regional tectonic and magmatic processes are analyzed to develop an updated scenario for pluton emplacement that differs substantially from earlier interpretations. In addition, a rationale is outlined for future exploration for geothermal resources in The Geysers-Clear Lake area.
Increased Risk of Periprosthetic Femur Fractures Associated With a Unique Cementless Stem Design

Background Postoperative periprosthetic femur fractures are an increasing concern after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Identifying and understanding predisposing factors are important to mitigating future risk. Femoral stem design may be one such factor.
Distribution of Arsenic and Other Minerals in Rice Plants Affected by Natural Straighthead

Because of the inconsistency and unpredictability of naturally occurring straighthead, arsenical herbicides are sometimes used to induce straighthead-like symptoms to study this sterility disorder. In 2005, an outbreak of naturally occurring (nonchemically induced) straighthead in rice (Oryza sativa L.) study fields in Stuttgart, AR provided an opportunity to examine the role of minerals in this generally unpredictable disorder. The outbreak affected areas of yield and N rate tests thus permitting examination of the effect of N levels on straighthead. It was found that at the higher N levels, straighthead symptoms were reduced. Since several minerals, including As, have been associated with straighthead, samples of the soil and plants from three of the affected cultivars were analyzed for their levels of several minerals. Straighthead-affected and nonstraighthead-affected plants of each cultivar were separated into roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. Each plant part was analyzed for its level of macro- and micronutrients plus As, from which a relative (straighthead/nonstraighthead) mineral level for each cultivar was calculated. Relative levels of As did not show a consistent pattern among the plant parts. Magnesium may play a role in natural straighthead; only its relative concentrations were consistent across the three cultivars in the soil, stems (and its subsection, stem internodes), leaves, seeds (and its subsection, seed hulls); though not in the roots, brown rice, or stem nodes. The data provide a description of nutrient levels in the rice plant from a rare occurrence and so may provide comparisons for other studies of natural and induced straighthead.
Making ‘Human Factors’ Truly Human: Cultural Considerations in Human Factors Research and Practice

Traditionally, human factors research has been conducted in Western nations to answer the questions of Western practitioners. This approach was appropriate in the past and still works well in many situations. However, as the world of work is becoming more international it is important to consider how national differences affect human factors applications. We review recent issues of the Human Factors journal to see how cultural differences are being addressed in research. Five domains where important cultural difference may influence research findings are reviewed. These areas are physical design, visual displays, symbolic communication, information technology and managing complex processes. We present recommendations for incorporating greater cultural variation into Ergonomic and Human Factors work.
Drug Desensitization in the Management of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Monoclonal Antibodies and Chemotherapy

Hypersensitivity reactions to monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapy, which may vary in severity from mild to life-threatening, can lead to their discontinuation and replacement by alternative agents that are often less effective, more toxic, and/or more expensive. Drug desensitization has emerged as the best treatment modality capable of allowing re-introduction of the hypersensitivity reaction-inducing medication in highly sensitized patients in need of first line therapies. In recent years, the availability of new anti-neoplastic drugs and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies has increased, as has the potential for hypersensitivity reactions. Development of desensitization protocols for these new medications requires a careful assessment of the potential risks and benefits. The purposes of this review are to provide an overview of the presentation of hypersensitivity reactions amenable to desensitization and to increase awareness of the indications for and outcomes of desensitization protocols. Rapid drug desensitization has proven to be a safe and effective way of administering first line therapy to patients with hypersensitivity reactions, providing an extremely powerful treatment modality for patients for whom alternative drugs are deemed unacceptable. Rapid drug desensitization protocols should be administered only by highly trained allergists and nurses who have experience in determining which reactions are amenable to desensitization, and can identify high risk patients and provide them with appropriate care. Efforts should be made to increase awareness of the remarkable safety and efficacy of rapid drug desensitization among non-allergists, especially in the fields of oncology and rheumatology, so as to favor its universal application. Development of desensitization units to provide state-of-the-art care is possible only through coordinated teamwork.
Seismicity and tectonics of the far Western Aleutian Islands

Abstract Study of focal mechanisms of earthquakes in the Near and Komandorsky Islands indicate that there are several distinct zones of tectonic activity. South of the Near Islands, normal faulting occurs in the trench east of 172°E and low-angle thrusting dominates the Aleutian ridge. Mechanisms indicate underthrusting as far west as Mednyy Island with strike-slip faulting restricted to the south and west of Beringa Island. A zone of northeast striking left-lateral faulting near 1645.°E is proposed to separate the Aleutian Ridge from Kamchatka Peninsula. This motion, as well as faulting north of the Komandorsky Islands, may be related to the existance of a buffer plate comprising the Aleutian Ridge in the Komandorsky Islands. Active subduction terminates near 173°E and the faulting north of the Komandorsky Islands may, in part, be due to the bouyancy of a remnant slab. Depth phase modelling indicates bulletin-reported depths are overestimated due to a misidentification of depth phases.
Printability of Phase-Shift Defects Using A Perturbational Model

A perturbational model which describes the printability of defects in phase-shift masks (PSM) as a function of focus position is presented and used along with the SPLAT to generate design data on tolerable defect size as a function of defect phase. Defects in a clear field mask with phases other than 180 degrees have the greatest tendency to print when out of focus. From a reformulation of the perturbational model, the tendency to print when out of focus can be explained by the combination of the phase contributed by defocus in the defect image with the phase of the light passing through the defect. To assess the printability of defects, the impact of defects near features in thin chrome attenuating PSM and embedded attenuating PSM were evaluated by calculating the image linewidth variation.
The intracellular location of the glycolytic dehydrogenases in liver and hepatoma.

Abstract The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and lactic dehydrogenases of both rat liver and Novikoff hepatoma were found to be quantitatively present in the soluble phase of tissue homogenates. In the case of lactic dehydrogenase, cell particulates, notably the microsomes, were able to absorb the enzyme from a medium of low ionic strength and release it upon the addition of salt. This effect gives rise to the presence of a particle-bound lactic dehydrogenase in isotonic sucrose homogenates which is considered to be an artifact.
Scanning tunneling microscopy of InAs/GaSb superlattices with various growth conditions

Abstract Cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is used to characterize InAs/GaSb superlattices, grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Previous STM studies have found an interface asymmetry, with the interfaces of InAs grown on GaSb being rougher than those of GaSb on InAs. In the present work, a comparison is made between samples grown under various conditions, using elevated growth temperature or using atomic layer epitaxy (ALE). In both cases, the interface asymmetry is found to decrease compared to MBE growth at 380°C. In addition, Sb incorporation in the InAs layers is observed directly in the STM images. It is argued that the additional roughness seen at the InAs on GaSb interfaces arises in part from incorporation of excess Sb into the growing InAs layers. Elevated temperatures reduces this incorporation, and hence produces smoother interfaces.
Spin and energy coupling in the Ising model with a transverse field: One dimension, T=∞☆

Abstract The dynamics of the one dimensional Ising model with a transverse field is studied in the limit T = ∞. Numerical studies of the classical chain and exact calculations for the spin 1 2 chain indicate the presence of an energy density term in the dynamic spin susceptibility along the direction of the field.
Epigenetic mechanisms regulating learning and long-term memory

A balance between rapid, short lived, neuronal responses and prolonged ones fulfill the biochemical and cellular requirements for creating a molecular memory. I provide an overview of epigenetic mechanisms in the brain and discuss their impact on synaptic plasticity, cognitive functions, and discuss a recent example of how they can contribute to neurodegeneration and the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Ab initio energy bands for CdO

Ab initio energy bands have been obtained for CdO via the self-consistent Hartree-Fock method. Correlation has been included in the form of polarization and relaxation corrections. The calculated band structure is compared to experiment and previous theoretical calculations. The density of valence states for CdO has been calculated for the theoretical band structure.
An Argument for Teaching a Human Sexuality Course Within the Context of a Women and Gender Studies Program

The course proposed is planned as an undergraduate Human Sexuality course within a Women and Gender Studies program. Teaching a course on Human Sexuality with an interdisciplinary approach allows for students to gain knowledge from several different academic disciplines. This course would teach from a sex-positive and holistic view of sexuality as essential for human development across the lifespan.
The learning of influence structures.

Abstract : Two experiments in which subjects learned hypothetical influence structures were conducted to examine cognitive biases in the representation of influence relationships. In Experiment I it was found that the degree of hierarchization of the structures does not affect learning, and hence is not a source of bias. However, hierarchial positions with greater influence were easier to learn. These position effects could not be attributed to the abstract structural properties of the learning task: in another group of subjects who learned structurally identical lists of nonsense syllables, no such effects were obtained. Experiment II confirmed the general relationship between the influence of a position and the ease of learning, except for positions having no influence at all, which were the easiest to learn. In addition, greater hierarchical distances were found to be easier to learn. The findings were interpreted in terms of more fundamental cognitive biases, such as transitivity and irreciprocity. (Author)
IL-33/ST2 axis promotes mast cell survival via BCLXL

Mast cells (MC) are long-lived cells that accumulate in inflamed tissues. IL-33 has been characterized extensively as a MC activator, but a contribution of IL-33 and its receptor IL-1 receptor-related protein ST2 to MC survival remains unappreciated. Here, we show that IL-33 attenuates apoptosis of human and murine MC, principally via the antiapoptotic molecule B-cell lymphoma-X large (BCLXL). In vivo, IL-33 and ST2 can confer a cell-intrinsic survival advantage to murine MC, particularly in the context of inflammation. These results identify the IL-33/ST2 axis as an important pathway supporting MC persistence in tissues, raising the possibility that therapeutic targeting of IL-33 could limit the contribution of MC to chronic inflammatory diseases.
X-ray diode using a silicon field-emission photocathode

We have produced arrays of 10,000 sharp p-type silicon points using an etch plus oxidation method. These points were used as electron emitters. No high vacuum caseation or high temperature cleaning was needed to observe the electron emission. These are seen to be photosensitive sources of electrons at 200 K and 300 K. They were also used to produce AlK(alpha ) x rays. This constitutes the first use of etched, point arrays for generating electrons for x-ray sources.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Recommendations for Reducing Energy Consumption and Improving Air Quality Through Energy Efficiency on Native-American Lands

The strongest recommendation stemming from the Air Pollution Prevention forum of the Western Regional Air Partnership (WRAP) was for tribes to develop and implement energy plans. This article provides a discussion of the benefits of any such plan and itemizes a variety of components of any said plan. A brief discussion of the WRAP is presented within the framework of improving air quality. Based on the background of Jacobs (2000) and Smith (2000), the primary and secondary benefits of energy efficiency plans are then discussed. Then a series of specific recommendations are itemized. These include tribally-sponsored programs, collaborative opportunities, and tribal leadership programs.
Selective laser vaporization of polypropylene mesh used in treatment of female stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: preliminary studies using a red diode laser.

Background and Objectives The most common mesh-related complication experienced by patients undergoing transvaginal polypropylene synthetic slings for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair with mesh is vaginal mesh erosion. More than half of the patients who experience erosion from synthetic mesh require surgical excision which is technically challenging and risks damage to healthy adjacent tissue. This study explores selective laser vaporization of polypropylene suture/mesh materials commonly used in SUI and POP. Materials and Methods A compact, 7 Watt, 647-nm, red diode laser was operated with a radiant exposure of 81 J/cm2, pulse duration of 100 milliseconds, and 1.0-mm-diameter laser spot. The 647-nm wavelength was selected because its absorption by water, hemoglobin, and other tissue chromophores is low, while polypropylene absorption is high. Laser vaporization of ∼200-µm-diameter polypropylene suture/mesh strands, in contact with fresh urinary tissue samples was performed, ex vivo. Temperature mapping of suture/mesh samples with a thermal camera was also conducted. Results Selective vaporization of polypropylene suture and mesh using a single laser pulse was achieved with peak temperatures of 180 and 232°C, respectively, while direct laser irradiation of tissue alone resulted in only a 1°C temperature increase. Conclusions Selective laser vaporization of polypropylene suture/mesh materials is feasible without significant thermal elevation in the adjacent tissue. This technique may be useful for treatment of eroded mesh after SUI or POP procedures that require surgical revision. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:325–329, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring Dominant Types of Explanations Built by General Chemistry Students

The central goal of our study was to explore the nature of the explanations generated by science and engineering majors with basic training in chemistry to account for the colligative properties of solutions. The work was motivated by our broader interest in the characterisation of the dominant types of explanations that science college students use to make sense of phenomena under conditions of limited time and limited explicit knowledge about a topic. Explanations were collected in written form using two different quizzes that students completed under time constraints at the end of a two‐semester general chemistry course. Our study revealed that students’ ability to generate causal/mechanical explanations depended on the nature of the task. In general, students were more inclined or able to generate mechanistic explanations to account for boiling‐point elevation and freezing‐point depression than to make sense of osmotic flow. The analysis of the types of causal explanations built by the study participa...