cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Larval salamanders and channel geomorphology are indicators of hydrologic permanence in forested headwater streams

Abstract Regulatory agencies need rapid indicators of hydrologic permanence for jurisdictional determinations of headwater streams. The study objective was to assess the utility of larval salamanders and habitat variables for determining stream permanence across a large geographic area. We sampled four core forests (61 sites in IN, KY, and OH) in spring (April–May) and summer (August–September) over a 2-year period. Sites in each forest were selected to cover a gradient of permanence, from perennial to ephemeral. Salamanders were collected by both benthic core sampling and timed visual search on each site visit. Classification and regression tree (CART) models were used to identify indicators of seasonal permanence at core sites that were then tested using data collected from 6 satellite forests (52 sites) located nationwide. Southern two-lined salamanders, Eurycea cirrigera , were numerically dominant and were the only species included in CART models. Salamander diversity declined with distance from the Appalachians and strong longitudinal changes in assemblage composition were evident within streams. Abundance of E. cirrigera was positively correlated with watershed area, whereas dusky salamanders, Desmognathus spp., and spring salamanders, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus , comprised a greater proportion of salamander communities at intermittent sites within their range. Spring and summer CART models incorporated E. cirrigera abundance and measures of channel geomorphology to accurately classify approximately 80% of core sites as either ephemeral, intermittent or perennial. When applied to validation data from national satellite forests, correct classification rates were >85% for intermittent and ephemeral sites, but were only ∼20% for perennial sites. These findings suggest that larval plethodontid salamanders and habitat variables can be valuable predictors of headwater stream hydroperiod, but indicators are largely limited to the regional scale.
Welding of Alumina Using a Pulsed Dual-Beam CO2 Laser

Despite the many advantages of using lasers for welding ceramics (alumina in particular), cracks induced by the resulting and severe thermal stresses are often detrimental to weld quality and strength. While many factors contribute to the formation of these cracks, it is the inevitable and localized increase in temperature and the ensuing thermal stresses that usually cause the damage. To help avoid the use of a separate preheating step, while at the same time allowing for faster joining, a unique method of dual-beam laser welding was developed and qualitatively assessed. The approach outlined in this paper utilizes two beams split from a single, 500 W (1.5 kW peak) CO 2 system to more gradually introduce the energy required to melt and bond alumina. The first or lead beam raises the local temperature just below the melting point, while the second beam introduces additional heat sufficient to melt and bond the samples. Using feed rates of 5.1 mm/s and beam separation distances ranging from 0.5 mm to 2.3 mm, clean and relatively straight weld geometries were observed at total power levels of approximately 250 W+. Relatively straight and uniform welds with considerable dross occurred at smaller beam separations and higher power levels. Uneven weld lines sans discernible cracks were observed at power levels below 206 W. Based on these preliminary observations, the two-beam approach was qualitatively shown to be capable of influencing and, in some instances, improving weld characteristics in terms of overall quality, dross, and crack formation.
Social Values of Teachers in Rio De Janeiro, Mexico City, and Los Angeles County, California: A Comparative Study of Teachers and Children

(1962). Social Values of Teachers in Rio De Janeiro, Mexico City, and Los Angeles County, California: A Comparative Study of Teachers and Children. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 207-226.
A NEW SPECIES OF THE SUBGENUS KRIBIOXENUS (DIPTERA, CHIRONOMIDAE)

This subgenus has a rather peculiar distribution, one species having been described from equatorial Africa and one from Europe. It is therefore of interest to record a new species from Ithaca, N.Y. The following key will serve to distinguish these species.
A Lyapunov approach to frequency analysis

This paper proposes a Lyapunov approach to frequency analysis for general systems. The notion of frequency response is extended to general systems through a connection in linear systems. Lyapunov approaches to the characterization of frequency response are established for linear systems, homogeneous systems and nonlinear systems, respectively. In particular, we show that for linear systems, quadratic Lyapunov functions are sufficient for the characterization; for homogeneous systems, homogeneous Lyapunov functions are sufficient; and for general nonlinear systems, locally Lipschitz Lyapunov functions will be used. We also develop a Lyapunov approach for the characterization of the peak of the output. This approach is demonstrated to be effective on linear systems. An LMI based method for performing frequency analysis on linear differential inclusions is developed. Through a numerical example, an interesting phenomenon is observed about the relation between the frequency response and the L/sub 2/ gain of linear differential inclusions.
Using Technology to Enhance the Writing Processes of Students with Learning Disabilities

This article reviews the ways that computers can support writing by students with learning disabilities, with an emphasis on applications that go beyond word processing. Following an overview of research on word processing is a discussion of software that assists with the basic processes of transcription and sentence generation, including spelling checkers, speech synthesis, word prediction, and grammar and style checkers. Next, applications that support the cognitive processes of planning are reviewed, including prompting programs, outlining and semantic mapping software, and multimedia applications. Finally, the use of computer networks to support collaboration and communication with diverse audiences is addressed.
Acceleration of a 2D-FFT on an Adaptable Computing Cluster

Despite a decade of research into their use for computing applications, FPGA-based custom computing machines are still only used to accelerate a limited range of applications. Recognizing that recent advances in network technology provide an opportunity for a more general-purpose application of custom computing machines, we develop the idea of an intelligent network adapter for cluster-based parallel computing, calling the resulting architecture an Adaptable Computing Cluster. Results presented suggest that placing the FPGAs in the data path to the network dramatically improves the performance and scalability of target applications. This is especially noteworthy because the target applications have historically not performed well on either technology. This paper discusses how FPGAs can be used to provide network functionality while increasing compute power. The focus is on a specific application, the 2D Fast Fourier Transform, with additional insights into the implications for parallel computing on a cluster.
More for the research dollar

Funders and universities should make the products of research more available — even if today's researchers pay a price, say Jeffrey L. Furman, Fiona Murray and Scott Stern.
Arboreal and Historical Perspectives from Calvino's Il barone rampante

This article considers Calvino’s Il barone rampante (1957) as a parable of the deforestation and excessive urban development that took place along the Italian Riviera, starting in the late eighteenth century. The novel’s inter- textual references point to the intellectual foundations of the author’s ecological ethics, and reveal his understanding of the Enlightenment as a culture vested in the protection of its forests and interested in recasting human relationships with the natural world.
Ultrawide Dynamic Range Gas Flow Sensor

An innovative Ultrawide Dynamic Range Gas Flow Sensor has been developed and demonstrated under a NAVAIR-sponsored program. The meter uses acoustic pulse trains to measure gas flows through pipes or tubes in a wide range of configurations and conditions while maintaining a useable dynamic range exceeding 5000:1. The demonstrated performance is at least an order of magnitude better than conventional time-of-flight acoustic meters. The device is bidirectional, non-intrusive, and capable of resolutions well below 1 mm/sec for all flow rates up to 50 m/sec. If the gas concentration is known, gas temperature may be determined to within 0.01°C. This method has been tested successfully in a variety of applications with cross sections up to 3 meters in diameter. The demonstrated performance of the ultrasonic meter is superior to any other commercially available flow meter. The exceptional functionality opens up a new class of measurement opportunities.
Effect of Creep of Ferritic Interconnect on Long‐Term Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks

High-temperature ferritic alloys are potential candidates as interconnect (IC) materials and spacers due to their low cost and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) compatibility with other components for most of the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) . However, creep deformation becomes relevant for a material when the operating temperature exceeds or even is less than half of its melting temperature (in degrees of Kelvin). The operating temperatures for most of the SOFCs under development are around 1,073 K. With around 1,800 K of the melting temperature for most stainless steel, possible creep deformation of ferritic IC under the typical cell operating temperature should not be neglected. In this paper, the effects of IC creep behavior on stack geometry change and the stress redistribution of different cell components are predicted and summarized. The goal of the study is to investigate the performance of the fuel cell stack by obtaining the changes in fuel- and air-channel geometry due to creep of the ferritic stainless steel IC, therefore indicating possible changes in SOFC performance under long-term operations. The ferritic IC creep model was incorporated into software SOFC-MP and Mentat-FC, and finite element analyses were performed to quantify the deformed configuration of the SOFCmore » stack under the long-term steady-state operating temperature. It was found that the creep behavior of the ferritic stainless steel IC contributes to narrowing of both the fuel- and the air-flow channels. In addition, stress re-distribution of the cell components suggests the need for a compliant sealing material that also relaxes at operating temperature.« less
Temporal sequence learning and recognition with dynamic SOM

The purpose of the paper is to propose a map-like artificial neural network for temporal sequence pattern clustering. The map construction in our presentation is related to the self-organizing map (SOM) idea. The SOM idea was originally designed for static pattern learning and recognition. It has been found efficient for organizing high dimensional data sets. One of the biggest limitations of the traditional SOM technique is caused by its static characteristics. We propose a new neural network construction model and its corresponding training algorithm based on traditional SOM training technology and backpropagation training technology. It overcomes the static limitation of traditional SOM and tries to reach a new stage for dynamic pattern clustering, and recognition. At the end of the paper, we give some experimental results for testing this proposed method on real speech data.
Implementation of DomCAT: the domain complexity analysis tool for natural language dialog processing

While dialog system technology is advancing, there is a lack of theory allowing the vastly different domains for systems to be compared. As a result, all predictions of the cost of building a new dialog system must be made by a dialog expert based on intuition and experience. Recently it has been proposed that entropy can be used as a complexity measure for dialog systems. These calculations would require domain specifications and understanding of information theory. This paper introduces the Domain Complexity Analysis Tool, or DomCAT. With this tool, anyone with basic knowledge of dialog systems can calculate system complexities and create new dialog domain specifications, and dialog complexity calculations can become standard for the field.
Street‐level bureaucracy and family group decision making in the USA

Since its official recognition in New Zealand law in 1989, family group decision making (FGDM) has been utilized by a growing number of child welfare workers throughout the world. In the USA, social workers in 35 states utilize FGDM. The seeming popularity of the practice, however, belies its complex position in American child welfare policy. This brief analytic essay examines this position by focusing on the relationship between street-level bureaucracy and FGDM. Specifically, it describes the role of street-level bureaucracy in FGDM's diffusion throughout the USA during a time of considerable policy skepticism towards family support, and it explains the dilution of the FGDM model through use of street-level bureaucracy theory. The essay concludes by raising important policy questions concerning the use and replication of FGDM in the USA.
The relationship between saccharin and alcohol intake in rats.

GOSNELL, B. A. AND D. D. KRAHN. The relationship between saccharin and alcoholintake in rats. ALCOHOL 9(3) 203-206, 1991.-Male rats were given daily sessions during which a palatable saccharin solution was available. Based on intakes averaged over 3 days, groups with low, intermediate, or high intake of saccharin were formed. These rats were then given daily sessions in which alcohol (2-8070) or water were available. Initially, sessions were conducted with rats on a food restriction schedule; in later sessions, food was available ad lib. When rats were food restricted, there were no differences among the groups in terms of alcohol or water intake. When the food restriction schedule was discontinued, alcohol intake in the intermediate and high saccharin intake groups was generally higher than that of the low saccharin group. On the final series of alcohol sessions, the high saccharin group consumed significantly more 2°70 and 6% alcohol than the low saccharin group. These results are consistent with reports which have found that rats selected for high or low alcohol intake have corresponding high and low intakes of saccharin.
Site-directed and natural mutations in studying functional domains in guanylyl cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs).

Guanylyl cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs) are Ca2+-binding proteins of the EF-hand superfamily, through which the intracellular calcium regulates cGMP synthesis in vertebrate photoreceptors. GCAPs play an essential role in the calcium feedback mechanism that controls recovery and light adaptation of rods and cones. Moreover, mutations in at least one of the GCAPs have already been linked to two forms of congenital human retinal diseases. The GCAPs represent a separate small subfamily among the EF-hand proteins that are structurally similar to recoverin, but demonstrate a number of unique regulatory properties. When in the Ca2+-free conformation (as in light-adapted photoreceptors), GCAPs stimulate photoreceptor membrane guanylyl cyclase (retGC), but when the intracellular free Ca2+concentrations ([Ca2+]free) rise (as in dark-adapted photoreceptors), GCAPs turn into retGC inhibitors. In GCAPs, site-directed mutagenesis has been successfully used to identify a number of structural elements that contribute to their specific function as guanylyl cyclase regulators. These elements include EF-hand Ca2+-binding loops and various other regions in the GCAP primary structure involved in multiple protein-protein interactions within the retGC/GCAP complex.
Evaluation of Hip Internal and External Rotation Range of Motion as an Injury Risk Factor for Hip, Abdominal and Groin Injuries in Professional Baseball Players

Normal hip range of motion (ROM) is essential in running and transfer of energy from lower to upper extremities during overhead throwing. Dysfunctional hip ROM may alter lower extremity kinematics and predispose athletes to hip and groin injuries. The purpose of this study is characterize hip internal/external ROM (Arc) and its effect on the risk of hip, hamstring, and groin injuries in professional baseball players. Bilateral hip internal and external ROM was measured on all baseball players (N=201) in one professional organization (major and minor league) during spring training. Players were organized according to their respective positions. All injuries were documented prospectively for an entire MLB season (2010 to 2011). Data was analyzed according to position and injuries during the season. Total number of players (N=201) with an average age of 24±3.6 (range=17-37). Both pitchers (N=93) and catchers (N=22) had significantly decreased mean hip internal rotation and overall hip arc of motion compared to the positional players (N=86). Players with hip, groin, and hamstring injury also had decreased hip rotation arc when compared to the normal group. Overall, there is a correlation between decreased hip internal rotation and total arc of motion with hip, hamstring, and groin injuries.
iMTD (individualized maximal tolerated dose) protocol: A clinical strategy to address interindividual heterogeneity to antiangiogenic therapy

13130 Background: The determination of optimal biological dose is critical to the successful development of antiangiogenic agents. Recent studies suggest that genetic heterogeneity of angiogenesis ...
Integrated Photoacoustic Microscopy and Fiber-Optic Confocal Microscopy Using Signal Laser Source

By employing a 2×2 fiber optical coupler in a laser-scanning optical-resolution photoacoustic microscope for delivering the illuminating laser light and collecting the back reflected photons, a fiber-optic confocal microscope is integrated with the photoacoustic microscope.
[Invariances in the cat's retina: principles in the relations between sensitivity, size and position of receptive fields of ganglion cells].

Die Erregungsschwellen von insgesamt 225 Ganglienzellen der Katzenretina wurden unter verschiedenen experimentellen Bedingungen gemessen und uber das Erregbarkeitsintegral — einen linearen Summationsansatz — berechnet. Empfindlichkeit, Grose und retinale Lage wurden korrelliert und die theoretisch geforderten Invarianzen experimentell kontrolliert. 1. Der Radius eines bestimmten receptiven Feldes, definiert durch den Abstand, bei dem die Empfindlichkeit auf den e-ten Teil ihres Mittelpunktswertes abgesunken ist, ist gegen Anderungen von Reizparametern invariant. Die Leuchtdichte der Reize wurde von 0–103 asb, die des Hintergrundes von 5 · 10−5–5 asb variiert. Die runden Reizflachen hatten Durchmesser zwischen 10 und 130 Bogenminuten. Die Felder wurden direkt durch Mappen mit kleinen Reizen und indirekt aus Flachen-Schwellen-Kurven als gleichgros bestimmt. Dies bedeutet, das die Empfindlichkeitsverteilung eine unveranderliche Eigenschaft der Ganglienzelle ist. 2. Die Mittelpunktsempfindlichkeit eines receptiven Feldes vermindert sich mit dem Quadrat des Feldradius entsprechend E ∼ 1/R2. Kleine Felder haben ein empfindlicheres Zentrum als grose Felder. 3. Die Schwellenerregung S0 einer Ganglienzelle — d.i. die Gesamterregung, die das Neuron aus seinem receptiven Feld erhalten mus, um die Schwelle zu erreichen — ist im Mittel fur alle Ganglienzellen der Katzenretina gleich gros. 4. Der Feldradius R wachst etwa linear mit dem Winkel der retinalen Exzentrizitat. Entsprechend vermindert sich die Empfindlichkeit im peripheren Gesichtsfeld umgekehrt proportional zum Quadrat des Gesichtswinkels.
The effect of aging on posterior intertransverse lumbar fusion: a New Zealand white rabbit model

Study design In vivo assessment of lumbar spinal fusion between a younger and older cohort of New Zealand white rabbits. Objective Directly compare fusion within young and aged New Zealand white rabbits to establish an aged spinal fusion model translational research. Summary of background data Prior studies have utilized skeletally mature young rabbits (6-12 mo old) that may not be appropriate as an analog for studying the aging human spine. Methods Ten aged (>36 mo old) and 10 young (12 mo old) New Zealand white rabbits underwent a single-level, bilateral, L5-6 posterolateral intertransverse fusion using autogenous iliac crest bone graft. The animals were killed at 6 weeks postoperatively, and the specimens were then evaluated with quantitative microcomputerized tomography and manual palpation by 6 orthopedic surgeons. The fusions were graded as either fused or not fused by each examiner. The spines were then embedded in poly(methyl methacrylate) and cut into 2-mm-thick sections for histologic analysis. Results A higher percentage of young rabbits were determined to be successfully fused through manual palpation testing compared with the aged rabbits. Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis revealed a significantly greater fusion mass volume in the younger rabbits than in the older cohort. In addition, the fusion density of the younger rabbits was found to be significantly lower than that of the older rabbits when normalized to the bone density in the nonfused portion of the spine. Histologic analysis showed that the quality of the bone within the fusion mass was consistent between the young and old rabbits. A greater number of young animals had bilateral continuous bone graft compared with the aged animals. Conclusions The aged (>36 mo) New Zealand white rabbit model appears to be a valid model to evaluate the effect of aging on lumbar fusion and has the potential to more accurately model conditions that are present in the older human spine.
The effects of acute training status on reliability of integrated electromyographic activity and "efficiency of electrical activity" during isometric contractions: a case study.

"Efficiency of electrical activity" (EEA) is the measure of muscular force production per unit of neuromuscular electrical activity as measured by integrated electromyographic (IEMG) activity. To determine the effects of acute training status on day-to-day and within test reliability for both IEMG activity and EEA, one experienced weight trained male was observed on three separate days (age = 33 yrs., height = 172.7 cm, body weight = 81.4 kg). The first (I) and third (III) test days were preceded by 1-2 days rest from weight training, while the second test day (II) was preceded by 4 days of rest from weight training. Two external electrodes were placed on the right biceps brachii. EMG signals were rectified by an amplifier, while a signal gain of 5000 was utilized. Three different levels of isometric muscle activity using a dumbbell, were performed at 25.0 N (2.55 kg), 87.3 N (8.90 kg), and 157.9 N (15.90 kg) of force. These resistances represented 12%, 42% and 76% respectively, of the subject's maximum capabilities. Five trials were performed at each resistance on each of the test days. Repeated measures ANOVAs (3 x 3) were used to determine differences between test days and loads (p < or = 0.05). Within day variations were determined by coefficient of variation (CV = SD/mean x 100%). The EEA for each test day was curvilinear, with greater forces exhibiting lower EEA. Test day II exhibited the greatest EEA, which may have been related to the acute training status of the subject.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Computers and Clinical Arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias are ubiquitous in normal and abnormal hearts. These disorders may be life-threatening or benign, symptomatic or unrecognized. Arrhythmias may be the precursor of sudden death, a cause or effect of cardiac failure, a clinical reflection of acute or chronic disorders, or a manifestation of extracardiac conditions. Progress is being made toward unraveling the diagnostic and therapeutic problems involved in arrhythmogenesis. Many of the advances would not be possible, however, without the availability of computer technology. To preserve the proper balance and purposeful progression of computer usage, engineers and physicians have been exhorted not to work independently in this field. Both should learn some of the other's trade. The two disciplines need to come together to solve important problems with computers in cardiology. The intent of this article was to acquaint the practicing cardiologist with some of the extant and envisioned computer applications and some of the problems with both. We conclude that computer-based database management systems are necessary for sorting out the clinical factors of relevance for arrhythmogenesis, but computer database management systems are beset with problems that will require sophisticated solutions. The technology for detecting arrhythmias on routine electrocardiograms is quite good but human over-reading is still required, and the rationale for computer application in this setting is questionable. Systems for qualitative, continuous monitoring and review of extended time ECG recordings are adequate with proper noise rejection algorithms and editing capabilities. The systems are limited presently for clinical application to the recognition of ectopic rhythms and significant pauses. Attention should now be turned to the clinical goals for detection and quantification of arrhythmias. We should be asking the following questions: How quantitative do systems need to be? Are computers required for the detection of all arrhythmias? In all settings? Should we be focusing alternatively on those arrhythmias that are frequent and with clinical significance? The ultimate test of any technology is, after all, its use in advancing knowledge and patient care.
Asymptotic Solutions of the Field-Noyes Model for the Belousov Reaction—I. Homogeneous Oscillations

Multiple-time-scale techniques are used to solve the non-linear autonomous system used by Field and Noyes to model the chemical oscillations of the Belousov reaction. An asymptotic representation, valid for a wide range of parameters, is found for a spatially homogeneous limit-cycle solution. For certain values of the parameters, two limit-cycle solutions are shown (asymptotically) to exist. For parameter values for which the limit cycle appears to be unique, it is shown to be linearly stable. The asymptotic solution is shown to correspond excellently to the numerical solution calculated by Field and Noyes for one set of parameters.
Bayesian Data Mining and Machine Learning

Researchers in machine learning have developed methods for largely automated inference with large data sets. With increasingly more powerful computing resources and ever increasing needs for statistical inference for massive data sets, similar methods are also being developed by researchers in Bayesian analysis. The distinction between machine learning and Bayesian analysis is starting to blur. This chapter discusses several examples of such research.
Globalization, Work, and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a global epidemic, is responsible for about 30% of all deaths worldwide. While mortality rates from CVD have been mostly declining in the advanced industrialized nations, CVD risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, have been on the increase everywhere. Researchers investigating the social causes of CVD have produced a robust body of evidence documenting the relationships between the work environment and CVD, including through the mechanisms of psychosocial work stressors. We review the empirical evidence linking work, psychosocial stressors, and CVD. These work stressors can produce chronic biologic arousal and promote unhealthy behaviors and thus, increased CVD risk. We offer a theoretical model that illustrates how economic globalization influences the labor market and work organization in high-income countries, which, in turn, exacerbates job characteristics, such as demands, low job control, effort-reward imbalance, job insecurity, and long work hours...
Speech Adjustments for Room Acoustics and Their Effects on Vocal Effort

Summary Objectives The aims of the present study are (1) to analyze the effects of the acoustical environment and the voice style on time dose ( D t_p ) and fundamental frequency (mean f 0 and standard deviation std_f 0 ) while taking into account the effect of short-term vocal fatigue and (2) to predict the self-reported vocal effort from the voice acoustical parameters. Methods Ten male and ten female subjects were recorded while reading a text in normal and loud styles, in three rooms—anechoic, semi-reverberant, and reverberant—with and without acrylic glass panels 0.5 m from the mouth, which increased external auditory feedback. Subjects quantified how much effort was required to speak in each condition on a visual analogue scale after each task. Results (Aim1) In the loud style, D t_p , f 0 , and std_f 0 increased. The D t_p was higher in the reverberant room compared to the other two rooms. Both genders tended to increase f 0 in less reverberant environments, whereas a more monotonous speech was produced in rooms with greater reverberation. All three voice parameters increased with short-term vocal fatigue. (Aim2) A model of the vocal effort to acoustic vocal parameters is proposed. The sound pressure level contributed to 66% of the variance explained by the model, followed by the f 0 (30%) and the modulation in amplitude (4%). Conclusions The results provide insight into how voice acoustical parameters can predict vocal effort. In particular, it increased when SPL and f 0 increased and when the amplitude voice modulation decreased.
Epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk influences cellular behavior in a 3D alveolus-fibroblast model system.

Abstract Interactions between lung epithelium and interstitial fibroblasts are increasingly recognized as playing a major role in the progression of several lung pathologies, including cancer. Three-dimensional in vitro co-culture systems offer tissue-relevant platforms to study the signaling interplay between diseased and healthy cell types. Such systems provide a controlled environment in which to probe the mechanisms involved in epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk. To recapitulate the native alveolar tissue architecture, we employed a cyst templating technique to culture alveolar epithelial cells on photodegradable microspheres and subsequently encapsulated the cell-laden spheres within poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels containing dispersed pulmonary fibroblasts. A fibroblast cell line (CCL-210) was co-cultured with either healthy mouse alveolar epithelial primary cells or a cancerous alveolar epithelial cell line (A549) to probe the influence of tumor-stromal interactions on proliferation, migration, and matrix remodeling. In 3D co-culture, cancerous epithelial cells and fibroblasts had higher proliferation rates. When examining fibroblast motility, the fibroblasts migrated faster when co-cultured with cancerous A549 cells. Finally, a fluorescent peptide reporter for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity revealed increased MMP activity when A549s and fibroblasts were co-cultured. When MMP activity was inhibited or when cells were cultured in gels with a non-degradable crosslinker, fibroblast migration was dramatically suppressed, and the increase in cancer cell proliferation in co-culture was abrogated. Together, this evidence supports the idea that there is an exchange between the alveolar epithelium and surrounding fibroblasts during cancer progression that depends on MMP activity and points to potential signaling routes that merit further investigation to determine targets for cancer treatment.
Treatment of Hypercalcemia

Severe hypercalcemia is a potentially life-threatening complication of several diseases. Most commonly it is caused by cancers that enhance bone resorption. Impaired renal calcium excretion resulting from a combination of volume contraction and calcium-induced renal injury (nephrocalcinosis) plays a critical role in the genesis and aggravation of hypercalcemia. Treatment of hypercalcemia is based on treating the underlying disease, restoring extracellular volume, correcting electrolyte deficiencies (potassium and magnesium), and reducing bone resorption. Several measures are available to reduce bone resorption, of which the most efficacious are the bisphosphonates and plicamycin (mithramycin). One of these agents in combination with volume expansion can reduce serum calcium concentrations to near normal in most patients within 3 to 6 days. Because of the delayed hypocalcemic action of these agents, they should be administered early. Calcitonin has a more modest hypocalcemic action than the bisphosphonates or plicamycin but has a more rapid effect. Combining calcitonin with plicamycin or a bisphosphonate can enhance the rate of decline of the serum calcium level. Bone resorption also can be reduced by getting patients out of bed to stand or walk. Glucocorticoids may be effective in patients with hypercalcemia associated with high levels of vitamin D, such as sarcoidosis, some lymphomas, or vitamin D intoxication. Patients with mild to moderate hypercalcemia may be asymptomatic. Therapy in these patients should be directed at the primary disease as well as at preventing complications that could raise the level of serum calcium. Efforts should be made to prevent volume contraction and prolonged bed rest. Sedatives and narcotic analgesics, by reducing activity and oral intake, can raise serum calcium levels. In the future it may be possible to predict which patients with cancer are likely to develop accelerated local tumor-mediated or humorally mediated osteolysis. For example, high circulating levels of PTH-like peptides in patients with lung cancer might suggest a greater risk of developing hypercalcemia. These patients could be monitored more closely by periodically measuring urinary calcium. Another prophylactic approach would be to treat patients at risk of developing hypercalcemia with drugs, such as the bisphosphonates, that inhibit bone resorption.
Phase I study of stereotactic body radiotherapy following radical prostatectomy.

TPS158Background: Although multiple Phase I/II studies demonstrate safety and low rates of toxicity following stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to the intact prostate, there are limited data on hypofractionation and SBRT after prostatectomy. This Phase I study was performed to evaluate acute toxicity associated with dose escalation from 3.6 Gy per fraction to 7.1 Gy per fraction to the prostate bed in the post-prostatectomy treatment of prostate cancer. We hypothesize that the toxicity of escalating the dose per fraction to the prostate fossa in the post-operative setting will be well tolerated; and we expect toxicity to be comparable to normal fractionation schedules. Methods: This study (NCT02446366) was designed to look at acute toxicity, defined as toxicity that occurred within the first 10 weeks of RT, of different dose fractionation schemes in the post-prostatectomy setting. The doses chosen for dose escalation on this study are based on an equivalent biological effective dose to a previously pu...
Extreme fast charging station architecture for electric vehicles with partial power processing

This paper introduces a power delivery architecture for an Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) station that is meant to simultaneously charge multiple electric vehicles (EVs) with a 300-mile range battery pack in about 15 minutes. The proposed approach can considerably improve overall system efficiency as it eliminates redundant power conversion by making use of partial power rated dc-dc converters to charge the individual EVs as opposed to a traditional fast charging station structure based on full rated dedicated charging converters. Partial power processing enables independent charging control over each EV, while processing only a fraction of the total battery charging power. Energy storage (ES) and renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic (PV) arrays can be easily incorporated in the versatile XFC station architecture to minimize the grid impacts due to multi-mega watt charging. A control strategy is discussed for the proposed XFC station. Experimental results from a scaled down laboratory prototype are provided to validate the functionality, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the proposed XFC station power architecture.
Nanoscale Schottky barrier visualization utilizing computational modeling and ballistic electron emission microscopy

The electrostatic barrier at a metal semiconductor interface is visualized using nanoscale spatial and meV energetic resolution. A combination of Schottky barrier mapping with ballistic electron emission microscopy and computational modeling enables extraction of the barrier heights, the hot electron scattering, and the presence of localized charges at the interface from the histograms of the spectra thresholds. Several metal semiconductor interfaces are investigated including W/Si(001) using two different deposition techniques, Cr/Si(001), and mixed Au-Ag/Si(001). The findings demonstrate the ability to detect the effects of partial silicide formation in the W and Cr samples and the presence of two barrier heights in intermixed Au/Ag films upon the electrostatic barrier of a buried interface with nanoscale resolution. This has potential to transform the fundamental understanding of the relationship between electrostatic uniformity and interface structure for technologically important metal semiconductor interfaces.The electrostatic barrier at a metal semiconductor interface is visualized using nanoscale spatial and meV energetic resolution. A combination of Schottky barrier mapping with ballistic electron emission microscopy and computational modeling enables extraction of the barrier heights, the hot electron scattering, and the presence of localized charges at the interface from the histograms of the spectra thresholds. Several metal semiconductor interfaces are investigated including W/Si(001) using two different deposition techniques, Cr/Si(001), and mixed Au-Ag/Si(001). The findings demonstrate the ability to detect the effects of partial silicide formation in the W and Cr samples and the presence of two barrier heights in intermixed Au/Ag films upon the electrostatic barrier of a buried interface with nanoscale resolution. This has potential to transform the fundamental understanding of the relationship between electrostatic uniformity and interface structure for technologically important metal semiconductor ...
Missing links: Cytochrome P450 arachidonate products A new class of lipid mediators.

Abstract Three major enzyme systems—cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP)—generate biological mediators from arachidonic acid (AA). A distinct profile of arachidonate products characterizes each renal tubular segment and each section of the renal vascular tree from arteries to microvessels to veins. The most recent discoveries on renal mechanisms subserved by arachidonate metabolites relate to CYP pathways of AA metabolism. These arachidonate products have prominent effects on blood vessels and ion transport, including modulation and mediation of the actions of vasoactive hormones. The diverse properties of these AA metabolites and the wide distribution of the CYP system make them prime candidates for participation in regulatory mechanisms that affect the circulation and transporting epithelia. CYP-AA products are as important to renal and circulatory control as are nitric oxide and prostaglandins.
Unions of Sets Starshaped via Staircase Paths or via Paths of Bounded Length

Let S be an orthogonal polygon in the plane, S simply connected, and let k=2,3. Set S is a union of k sets starshaped via staircase paths if and only if for every F finite, F\(\subseteq\) bdry S, there is a set G\(\subseteq\) bdry S arbitrarily close to F and points si,1 ≤ i≤k, (depending on G) such that each point of G is clearly visible from some si. An analogous result holds for a union of 2 sets starshaped via α-paths when S is a closed simply connected set in the plane. Each result is best possible.
Culture of Neural Tissue and Cells

The extensive history of tissue and cell culture of neural preparations contains a wealth of experimental contributions. Because of the large bibliography on this subject, I shall not attempt to provide a comprehensive discussion of either the methods employed for such cultures or the information available in the literature on their biochemical properties. I shall, instead, describe the major experimental approaches used and cite representative physiological and biochemical observations which illustrate the unique contributions these in vitro techniques can make to neurobiology.
Weighted Inequalities and Dyadic Harmonic Analysis

We survey the recent solution of the so-called A 2 conjecture, that states: all Calderon–Zygmund singular integral operators are bounded on L 2(w) with a bound that depends linearly on the A 2 characteristic of the weight w. We also survey corresponding results for commutators. We highlight the interplay of dyadic harmonic analysis in the solution of the A 2 conjecture, especially Hytonen’s representation theorem for Calderon–Zygmund singular integral operators in terms of Haar shift operators. We describe Chung’s dyadic proof of the corresponding quadratic bound on L 2(w) for the commutator of the Hilbert transform with a BMO function, and we deduce sharpness of the bounds for the dyadic paraproduct on L p (w) that were obtained extrapolating Beznosova’s linear bound on L 2(w). We show that if an operator T is bounded on the weighted Lebesgue space L r (w) and its operator norm is bounded by a power α of the A r characteristic of the weight, then its commutator [T,b] with a function b in BMO will be bounded on L r (w) with an operator norm bounded by the increased power \(\alpha +\max \{ 1, \frac{1} {r-1}\}\) of the A r characteristic of the weight. The results are sharp in terms of the growth of the operator norm with respect to the A r characteristic of the weight for all 1<r<∞.
Do Infield Softball Masks Effectively Reduce Facial Fracture Risk

Infield softball masks are intended to reduce facial fracture risk, but are rarely worn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of infield masks’ ability to attenuate facial fracture risk over a range of designs and materials. To simulate batted ball impacts, a customized pitching machine was used to propel softballs at 24.6 ± 0.51 m/s. The balls impacted locations centered over the maxilla and zygoma bones of a FOCUS headform. The FOCUS headform was attached to a 50th percentile Hybrid III neck and secured to a slider table. Facial fracture risk of each facial bone was compared between masks and impact locations using peak resultant forces. Analysis of these data showed that the mask material and the distance between the mask and the impacted facial bone were key factors in determining a mask’s performance. The effectiveness of masks varied. It was found that a metal mask with a separation distance ≥ 35 mm away from the maxilla and ≥ 25 mm away from the zygoma best reduced facial fracture risk for these test configurations. Plastic masks performed worse because they excessively deformed allowing ball contact with the face. This study assesses various mask designs for their ability to reduce facial fracture and suggests design recommendations based on the impact configurations tested.
Controlling Object Hand-Over in Human–Robot Collaboration Via Natural Wearable Sensing

With the deployment of collaborative robots in intelligent manufacturing, object hand-over between humans and robots plays a significant role in human–robot collaborations. In most collaboration studies, human hand-over intentions were usually assumed to be known by the robot, and the research mainly focused on robot motion planning and control during the hand-over process. Several approaches have been developed to control the human–robot hand-over, such as vision-based approach and physical contact-based approach, but their applications in manufacturing environments are limited due to various constraints, such as limited human working ranges and safety concerns. In this paper, we develop a practical approach using a wearable sensory system, which has a natural and simple configuration and can be easily utilized by humans. This approach could make a robot recognize a human's hand-over intentions and enable the human to effectively and naturally control the hand-over process. In addition, the approach could recognize the attribute classes of the objects in the human's hand using the wearable sensing and enable the robot to actively make decisions to ensure that graspable objects are handed over from the human to the robot. Results and evaluations illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach in human–robot hand-over control.
An Assessment of Oral Exams in Introductory CS

Assessment of student knowledge is a crucial and challenging part of course design. Especially in computer science courses in the United States, written examinations are very common. While written exams offer a number of advantages in convenience and familiarity, they are also inflexible and prone to question misinterpretation. In contrast to written tests, oral exams offer the prospect of an interactive conversation where students can express their knowledge in a variety of ways while asking clarifying questions. In this paper, we present and assess our implementation of oral exams in an introductory computer science course. We describe the motivation for and resulting features of our design, including a simplified rubric style for equitable, on-the-fly grading. We also perform an assessment relative to more traditional written exams. We find the time commitment for instructors to be manageable and comparable to traditional exams. Through post-semester surveys, students self-report spending slightly more time studying for oral exams, but rate the difficulty as similar to written exams. Both qualitative and quantitative student feedback indicates that oral exams can be effective and well-received.
Peritoneal Dialysis Vs Diuretics in Children After Congenital Heart Surgery

Background This study sought to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing congenital heart surgery who underwent peritoneal dialysis (PD) vs a diuretic regimen. Methods This study conducted a comprehensive search in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from the databases’ inception through April 24, 2018. Independent reviewers selected studies and extracted data. A random effects meta-analysis was performed to pool the outcomes of interest across studies. Results A total of 8 studies (2 prospective studies, 2 randomized clinical trials, and 4 retrospective studies) with 507 patients were included in this review. A total of 204 (40%) patients underwent PD, whereas the remaining patients underwent fluid removal with diuretics. The analyses demonstrated a significantly shorter time of mechanical ventilation in those patients who underwent PD (mean difference, −1.25 days; 95% confidence interval, −2.18 to −0.33; P = .008) and increased odds of mortality (odds ratio, 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 4.56; P = .02) compared with the diuretic group. No differences were identified in terms of incidence of negative fluid balance by postoperative day 1, presence of peritonitis, and intensive care unit length of stay. Conclusions The meta-analysis did not identify differences between the 2 groups with regard to negative fluid balance after postoperative day 1, incidence of peritonitis, or length of intensive care unit stay. There is a need for large, prospective, multicenter studies to evaluate the benefits and complications associated with PD use further in selected children after congenital heart surgery. Because some of the outcomes were present in only 2 studies, results from the pooled analysis may be underpowered.