cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrologic Response to Mechanical Shredding in a Juniper Woodland

We investigated soil compaction and hydrologic responses from mechanically shredding Utah juniper (Juniperus ostesperma (Torr.) Little) to control fuels in a sagebrush/bunchgrass plant community (Artemisia nova A. Nelson, Artemisia tridentata Nutt. subsp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young/Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love, Poa secunda J. Presl) on a gravelly loam soil with a 15% slope in the Onaqui Mountains of Utah. Rain simulations were applied on 0.5-m 2 runoff plots at 64 mm ? h 21 (dry run: soil initially dry) and 102 mm ? h 21 (wet run: soil initially wet). Runoff and sediment were collected from runoff plots placed in five blocks, each containing four microsites (juniper mound, shrub mound, vegetation-free or bare interspace, and grass interspace) with undisturbed or tracked treatments for each microsite type and a residue-covered treatment for grass and bare interspace microsites. Soil penetration resistance was measured at the hill slope scale, and canopy and ground cover were measured at the hill slope and runoff plot scale. Although shredding trees at a density of 453 trees ? ha 21 reduced perennial foliar cover by 20.5%, shredded tree residue covered 40% of the ground surface and reduced non-foliar-covered bare ground and rock by 17%. Tire tracks from the shredding operation covered 15% of the hill slope and increased penetration resistance. For the wet run, infiltration rates of grass interspaces were significantly decreased (39.8 vs. 66.1 mm ? h 21 ) by tire tracks, but infiltration rates on juniper mounds and bare interspaces were unchanged. Bare interspace plots covered with residue had significantly higher infiltration rates (81.9 vs. 26.7 mm ? h 21 ) and lower sediment yields (38.6 vs. 313 g ? m 22 ) than those without residue. Because hydrologic responses to treatments are site- and scale-dependent, determination of shredding effects on other sites and at hill slope or larger scales will best guide management actions.
Developing effective written communication and advocacy skills in entry-level health educators through writing-intensive program planning methods courses.

Written communication is a requisite skill for practitioners in the field of health education. Advocacy skills are now considered to be both a professional competency and an ethical responsibility. Given that many advocacy strategies involve written communication, it makes sense that the skills of writing and advocacy be developed concomitantly and within a writing-intensive class. The purposes of this article are twofold: (a) to describe the role of writing-intensive program planning methods courses in the development of written communication and advocacy skills in entry-level health educators and (b) to suggest strategies for planning, implementing, and assessing writing-intensive assignments and instructional activities designed to develop students’ written communication and advocacy skills. Multiple examples of writing assignments are presented that can be used in helping students in developing their critical thinking, writing, and advocacy skills.
Dynamic Features in the Linear-Logarithmic Hybrid Domain for Automatic Speech Recognition in a Reverberant Environment

Static and dynamic features using Mel frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) are widely used in automatic speech recognition. Since the MFCCs are calculated from logarithmic spectra, the delta and delta-delta are considered to be difference operations in the logarithmic domain. In a reverberant environment, speech signals have late reverberations, whose power is plotted as a long-term exponential decay. This tends to cause the logarithmic delta to keep the constant value for a long time. This paper considers new schemes for calculating delta and delta-delta features that quickly diminish in the reverberant segments. Experiments using the evaluation framework for reverberant environments (CENSREC-4) showed significant improvements by simply replacing the MFCC dynamic features with the proposed dynamic features.
Changes in the Socio-economic Position of Zainichi Koreans: A Historical Overview

This article provides a historical overview of the changes in the socio-economic position of the Korean minority in Japan (zainichi Koreans). It first examines the general situation of zainichi Koreans and then traces the changes in their socio-economic position from the colonial period to the present. In doing so, this article reveals that the socio-economic gap between zainichi Koreans and the majority Japanese population has decreased significantly in recent years with the improvement of Koreans' overall socio-economic position, while the gap among zainichi Koreans has increased.
An Active Learning Approach to Hyperspectral Data Classification

Obtaining training data for land cover classification using remotely sensed data is time consuming and expensive especially for relatively inaccessible locations. Therefore, designing classifiers that use as few labeled data points as possible is highly desirable. Existing approaches typically make use of small-sample techniques and semisupervision to deal with the lack of labeled data. In this paper, we propose an active learning technique that efficiently updates existing classifiers by using fewer labeled data points than semisupervised methods. Further, unlike semisupervised methods, our proposed technique is well suited for learning or adapting classifiers when there is substantial change in the spectral signatures between labeled and unlabeled data. Thus, our active learning approach is also useful for classifying a series of spatially/temporally related images, wherein the spectral signatures vary across the images. Our interleaved semisupervised active learning method was tested on both single and spatially/temporally related hyperspectral data sets. We present empirical results that establish the superior performance of our proposed approach versus other active learning and semisupervised methods.
A proof of the q, t-Catalan positivity conjecture

We present here a proof that a certain rational function Cn(q, t) which has come to be known as the "q,t-Catalan" is in fact a polynomial with positive integer coefficients. This has been an open problem since 1994. The precise form of the conjecture is given in Garsia and Haiman (J. Algebraic Combin. 5(3) (1996) 191), where it is further conjectured that Cn(q, t) is the Hilbert series of the diagonal harmonic alternants in the variables (x1,x2,...,xn;y1,y2,...,yn). Since Cn(q,t) evaluates to the Catalan number at t = q = 1, it has also been an open problem to find a pair of statistics a(π), b(π) on Dyck paths π in the n × n square yielding Cn(q, t) = Σπta(π)qb(π). Our proof is based on a recursion for Cn(q, t) suggested by a pair of statistics a(π), b(π) recently proposed by Haglund. Thus, one of the byproducts of our developments is a proof of the validity of Haglund's conjecture. It should also be noted that our arguments rely and expand on the plethystic machinery developed in Bergeron et al. (Methods and Applications of Analysis, Vol. VII(3), 1999, p. 363).
Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) Invasion in Hurricane Caused Treefalls

ABSTRACT: We examined effects of a natural disturbance (hurricanes) on potential invasion of tree islands by an exotic plant (Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum) in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida. Three major hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 caused varying degrees of impacts to trees on tree islands within the Refuge. Physical impacts of hurricanes were hypothesized to promote invasion and growth of L. microphyllum. We compared presence and density of L. microphyllum in plots of disturbed soil created by hurricane-caused treefalls to randomly selected non-disturbed plots on 12 tree islands. We also examined relationships between disturbed area size, canopy cover, and presence of standing water on presence and density of L. microphyllum. Lygodium microphyllum was present in significantly more treefall plots than random non-treefall plots (76% of the treefall plots (N=55) and only 14% of random non-treefall plots (N=55)). Density of L. microphyllum was higher in ...
Damp-heat instability and mitigation of ZnO-based thin films for CuInGaSe 2 solar cells

From our investigation of damp heat (DH)-induced degradation of the main component materials and complete CIGS devices in recent years, this paper summarizes the results on the (1) DH stability of several transparent conducting oxides deposited on glass substrates, including ZnO-based thin films, Sn-doped In 2 O 3 (ITO), and InZnO, and (2) effectiveness of physical and chemical mitigations for ZnO. The electrical results showed that the DH-induced degradation rates of i-ZnO, AZO, their bilayer (BZO), and Al-doped Zn 1−x Mg x O are significantly greater than those of ITO and InZnO. Thicker AZO films are more stable than thinner ones. Structurally, upon DH exposures, the hexagonal ZnO-based thin films are transformed into highly resistive Zn(OH) 2 and/or cubic ZnO with increased transmittance and substantial morphological changes. In the physical mitigation approach, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor-deposited SiO x N y and sputter-deposited InZnO are employed separately as moisture barriers to protect the underlying i-ZnO, AZO, and/or BZO with good results. However, the SiO x N y films required working with chemical treatments to improve adhesion to the BZO surfaces. In the chemical mitigation method, simple wet-solution treatments using special formulations are found effective to protect BZO from DH attack.
Resistance transients in thin-film noise data [IC interconnects]

Noise measurements taken under accelerated stressing conditions do not work for the prediction of VLSI interconnect lifetime. This is because a crucial feature of the resistance changes under accelerated bias, which could provide insight into metallization reliability, is obscured by spectral analysis. Distinctive resistance transients occur sporadically during accelerated life testing and it is the presence of these transients that make Fourier analysis inappropriate. Recent work has shown that abrupt changes of resistance (ACRs) in a DC biased thin metal film can be correlated with voiding processes. It is the sensitivity of a measurement system designed to detect very low level noise fluctuations that allows one to detect these small resistance changes. The analysis of this data from a time-domain perspective has great potential for advancing the understanding of damage processes in metallization. This presentation provides details of the detection of resistance transients, evidence of their correlation to voiding processes, and data from a detection system designed to monitor the transients.
Interaction between passive smoking and two HLA genes with regard to multiple sclerosis risk

Background: The recently described interaction between smoking, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1*15 and absence of HLA-A*02 with regard to multiple sclerosis (MS) risk shows that the risk conveyed by smoking differs depending on genetic background. We aimed to investigate whether a similar interaction exists between passive smoking and HLA genotype. Methods: We used one case-control study with incident cases of MS (736 cases, 1195 controls) and one with prevalent cases (575 cases, 373 controls). Never-smokers with different genotypes and passive smoking status were compared with regard to occurrence of MS, by calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The potential interaction between different genotypes and passive smoking was evaluated by calculating the attributable proportion (AP) due to interaction. Results: An interaction was observed between passive smoking and carriage of HLA-DRB1*15 (AP 0.3, 95% CI 0.02–0.5 in the incident study, and AP 0.4, 95% CI 0.1–0.7 in the prevalent study), as well as between passive smoking and absence of HLA-A*02. Compared with non-smokers without any of these two genetic risk factors, non-exposed subjects with the two risk genotypes displayed an OR of 4.5 (95% CI 3.3–6.1) whereas the same genotype for subjects exposed to passive smoking rendered an OR of 7.7 (95% CI 5.5–10.8). Conclusions: The risk of developing MS associated with different HLA genotypes may be influenced by exposure to passive smoking. The finding supports our hypothesis that priming of the immune response in the lungs may subsequently lead to MS in people with a genetic susceptibility to the disease.
Feminist Self-Defense and Resistance Training for College Students: A Critical Review and Recommendations for the Future

There remains resistance to feminist self-defense and resistance training programming for women, despite (a) documented effectiveness of rape resistance strategies in avoiding rape, (b) consistently high rates of sexual victimization on college campuses, and (c) limited evidence of lasting change in sexual assault perpetration reduction within existing men's prevention programs. The current article seeks to discuss (1) the rationale for feminist self-defense and resistance training for women, (2) key components of feminist self-defense and resistance training, (3) barriers to its implementation, (4) outcomes of self-defense and resistance training programming, and (5) recommendations for future work. Such suggestions include increasing funding for large-scale self-defense and rape resistance outcome research to examine program effectiveness. Specifically, outcome research that examines the role of contextual factors (e.g., alcohol use) and women's victimization histories is needed. Finally, self-defense training and resistance training should be combined with bystander intervention and men's programs with the goal of providing synergistic effects on rape reduction.
Oscillatory activity during maintenance of spatial and temporal information in working memory.

Abstract Working memory (WM) processes help keep information in an active state so it can be used to guide future behavior. Although numerous studies have investigated brain activity associated with spatial WM in humans and monkeys, little research has focused on the neural mechanisms of WM for temporal order information, and how processing of temporal and spatial information might differ. Available evidence indicates that similar frontoparietal regions are recruited during temporal and spatial WM, although there are data suggesting that they are distinct processes. The mechanisms that allow for differential maintenance of these two types of information are unclear. One possibility is that neural oscillations may differentially contribute to temporal and spatial WM. In the present study, we used scalp electroencephalography (EEG) to compare patterns of oscillatory activity during maintenance of spatial and temporal information in WM. Time-frequency analysis of EEG data revealed enhanced left frontal theta (5–8 Hz), enhanced posterior alpha (9–12 Hz), and enhanced left posterior beta (14–28 Hz) power during the delay period of correct temporal order trials compared to correct spatial trials. In contrast, gamma (30–50 Hz) power at right lateral frontal sites was increased during the delay period of spatial WM trials, as compared to temporal WM trials. The present results are consistent with the idea that neural oscillatory patterns provide distinct mechanisms for the maintenance of temporal and spatial information in WM. Specifically, theta oscillations are most critical for the maintenance of temporal information in WM. Possible roles of higher frequency oscillations in temporal and spatial memory are also discussed.
Microscopic anatomy of the lower respiratory tract of the grey short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica).

With 14 figures Summary The respiratory tracts of seven grey short-tailed opossums were histologically examined. Six opossums were prepared by perfusion with buffered formalin. Opossum seven was perfused with gluteraldehyde. Samples taken from the respiratory passages and lungs of specimens 1–6 were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. A mixture of methylene and azure blue was used for specimen 7. The trachea and right and left principal bronchi are lined with a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with occasional goblet cells. The secondary and tertiary bronchi and the primary and secondary bronchioles are lined by a simple ciliated columnar epithelium. The terminal bronchioles and a portion of the respiratory bronchioles are lined by a simple ciliated cuboidal epithelium. The terminal portion of the respiratory bronchioles and the alveolar ducts are lined with simple squamous epithelium. Alveoli are lined by type I and II pneumocytes. Tracheal glands are present in the tela submucosa. The fibromusculocartilaginous tunic of the trachea consists of c-shaped cartilage rings and the trachealis muscle. A lamina muscularis mucosa begins in the intrapulmonary portion of the principal bronchus and continues into the respiratory bronchioles. Bronchial glands are present in the propria submucosa and tela submucosa of the principal bronchi. The musculocartilaginous tunic is localized to the extrapulmonary portion of the principal bronchus. The bronchial cartilages are irregular shaped plates and limited to the extrapulmonary portion of the principal bronchus. The visceral pleura is a simple squamous mesothelium covering the outer surface of the lung.
PFT Interpretive Strategies: American Thoracic Society/ European Respiratory Society 2005 Guideline Gaps

All pulmonologists, including those recently completing training, should be competent in critically evaluating and interpreting pulmonary function tests (PFTs). In addition, some authorities recommend that respiratory therapists learn to provide preliminary PFT interpretations for the medical directors of PFT labs. The 2005 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines for interpreting PFTs lack recommendations for the best reference equations for lung volumes and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and lack reference equations for non-whites. The pre-test probability of lung disease should be determined using a short questionnaire. The “nonspecific pattern” occurs in about 15% of patients referred to a PFT lab, but it has many clinical correlates and the course is usually benign. Less common PFT patterns and those resulting from comorbid conditions (such as obesity, respiratory muscle weakness, or heart failure) are not discussed by the guidelines. More than half of patients with interstitial lung disease have a normal ratio of DLCO/VA (alveolar volume), and many have a normal total lung capacity.
Dynamics and Kinetics on Surfaces Exhibiting Defects

This paper considers dynamics and kinetic phenomena on surfaces with defect structures. Quantum mechanical scattering as well as kinetics and diffusion processes are treated as examples. In the case of quantum mechanics, a theoretical formulation is presented capable of handling atomic disorder on surfaces. The aproach is based on an approximation which is best in the quantum long wavelength regime. Some simple illustrations considering scattering off ordered and disordered lattices will be presented. The second part of the paper considers the steady state non-linear reaction diffusion equations used to describe adsorption, desorption, diffusion and reaction on surfaces with macroscopic scale defects. These latter defects may arise due to inherent faulting of the lattice or foreign material on the surface. Defects within a mean diffusion length of each other are shown to exhibit cooperativity in their chemical properties. Finally, in the last portion of the paper, reaction-diffusion models are again considered from a different perspective. In this case, all of the non-linear chemical or desorptive aspects of the problem are restricted to the edges of the defect sites and the intervening surface is assumed to be characterized by adsorption, desorption and simple diffusion. These physically realistic models clearly show the capability of multiple steady states existing on active chemical surfaces. a variety of non-linear surface phenomena could possibly be important in appropriate gas-surface systems.
Increased expression of 5-lipoxygenase in glioblastoma multiforme.

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors and account for 40% of all central nervous system neoplasms. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant glioma and is characterized by highly infiltrative and neurologically destructive growth patterns. Despite new advances in surgical intervention, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a variety of molecular target specific therapies, the median survival of patients with GBM did not change in the last two decades. Today, most GBM patients still die in less than a year [1]. Therefore, it is essential to identify novel molecular targets that may be suitable for treatment and prevention of GBM.
Structural Equation Model of Building Information Modeling Maturity

AbstractFor the implementation of building information modeling (BIM), an incompatible development among various aspects of a business can lead to different levels of BIM maturity (BIMM) or even project failure. Therefore, it is important to identify key causal factors of BIMM. This research develops a structural equation model of BIMM through three-step multivariate analysis. It starts with exploratory factor analysis to identify three key BIMM factors, which are further tested with confirmatory factor analysis. The causal relationships among the three factors and BIMM are then proposed and validated with structural equation modeling. This research has both practical and theoretical contributions. Practically, the proposed model can be used by practitioners to initiate and evaluate their BIM implementation. Theoretically, the result provides empirical evidence for the multidimensional nature of BIMM and insights into the causal relationships among the factors. Specifically, the factors of process managem...
Performance Analysis of Near-Field Thermophotovoltaic With a Multilayer Metallodielectric Emitter

The photon transport and energy conversion of a near-field thermophotovoltaic (TPV) system with a selective emitter composed of alternate tungsten and alumina layers and a photovoltaic cell sandwiched by electrical contacts are theoretically investigated in this paper. Fluctuational electrodynamics along with the dyadic Green’s function for a multilayered structure is applied to calculate the spectral heat flux, and photocurrent generation and electrical power output are solved from the photon-coupled charge transport equations. The tungsten and alumina layer thicknesses are optimized to match the spectral heat flux with the bandgap of TPV cell. The spectral heat flux is much enhanced when plain tungsten emitter is replaced with the multilayer emitter due to the mechanism of surface plasmon polariton coupling in the tungsten thin film. In addition, the invalidity of effective medium theory to predict photon transport in the near field with multilayer emitters is discussed. Effects of a gold back reflector and indium tin oxide front coating with nanometer thickness, which could practically act as the electrodes to collect the photon-generated charges on the TPV cell, are explored. Conversion efficiency of 23.7% and electrical power output of 0.31 MW/m2 are achieved at 100 nm vacuum gap when the emitter and receiver are respectively at temperatures of 2000 K and 300 K.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Determination of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and Pentachlorophenol in Water by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography

Objective:To establish a method for 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and Pentachlorophenol in water with Gas Chromatography.Methods: 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and Pentachlorophenol in the water were extracted by liquid-liquid,then analyzed with DB-1701 capillary column.at the same time,they were determined with GC by controlling the temperature.Retention time of the peaks was used for qualitative analysis,while external standard method was used for quantitative analysis.Results: The linear ranges of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and Pentachlorophenol were 0.005 μg/L~1.0 μg/L and 0.01 μg/L~2.0 μg/L,r≥0.9990.The lowest determination limit were 0.0030 and 0.0048 μg/L,the rate of recovery were 73.0%~91.0% and RSD were 4.6%~7.9%.Conclusion: This method can accurately determine 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol and Pentachlorophenol in the water and only takes 8.5 minutes.It′s simple,rapid and sensitive.
Improved Method for the Production of M13 Phage and Single-Stranded DNA for DNA Sequencing

An improved method is described for the efficient production of M13 phage and M13 single-stranded (ss)DNA in a relatively short time period. Infection of E. coli (F') cells with as few as 5 phage particles can yield 10(12) phage particles/mL in 3 hours if the cells are grown in LB broth or SOB broth supplemented with about 5 mM Mg2+. The method tolerates large variations in the initial multiplicity of infection (5-5000 phage per 5 x 10(7) cells) and still yields about 10(12) phage particles/mL. These amounts are sufficient to purify 10-15 micrograms of ssDNA and to carry out at least 10-15 DNA sequencing reactions.
MO-FG-CAMPUS-TeP2-01: A Graph Form ADMM Algorithm for Constrained Quadratic Radiation Treatment Planning

Purpose: In radiation therapy optimization the constraints can be either hard constraints which must be satisfied or soft constraints which are included but do not need to be satisfied exactly. Currently the voxel dose constraints are viewed as soft constraints and included as a part of the objective function and approximated as an unconstrained problem. However in some treatment planning cases the constraints should be specified as hard constraints and solved by constrained optimization. The goal of this work is to present a computation efficiency graph form alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm for constrained quadratic treatment planning optimization and compare it with several commonly used algorithms/toolbox. Method: ADMM can be viewed as an attempt to blend the benefits of dual decomposition and augmented Lagrangian methods for constrained optimization. Various proximal operators were first constructed as applicable to quadratic IMRT constrained optimization and the problem was formulated in a graph form of ADMM. A pre-iteration operation for the projection of a point to a graph was also proposed to further accelerate the computation. Result: The graph form ADMM algorithm was tested by the Common Optimization for Radiation Therapy (CORT) dataset including TG119, prostate, liver, and head & neck cases. Both unconstrained and constrained optimization problems were formulated for comparison purposes. All optimizations were solved by LBFGS, IPOPT, Matlab built-in toolbox, CVX (implementing SeDuMi) and Mosek solvers. For unconstrained optimization, it was found that LBFGS performs the best, and it was 3–5 times faster than graph form ADMM. However, for constrained optimization, graph form ADMM was 8 – 100 times faster than the other solvers. Conclusion: A graph form ADMM can be applied to constrained quadratic IMRT optimization. It is more computationally efficient than several other commercial and noncommercial optimizers and it also used significantly less computer memory.
Role of materials data science and informatics in accelerated materials innovation

The goal of the Materials Genome Initiative is to substantially reduce the time and cost of materials design and deployment. Achieving this goal requires taking advantage of the recent advances in data and information sciences. This critical need has impelled the emergence of a new discipline, called materials data science and informatics. This emerging new discipline not only has to address the core scientific/technological challenges related to datafication of materials science and engineering, but also, a number of equally important challenges around data-driven transformation of the current culture, practices, and workflows employed for materials innovation. A comprehensive effort that addresses both of these aspects in a synergistic manner is likely to succeed in realizing the vision of scaled-up materials innovation. Key toolsets needed for the successful adoption of materials data science and informatics in materials innovation are identified and discussed in this article. Prototypical examples of emerging novel toolsets and their functionality are described along with select case studies.
Generalized Bandit Problems

This chapter examines a number of extensions of the multi-armed bandit framework. We consider the possibility of an infinite number of available arms, we give conditions under which the Gittins index strategy is well-defined, and we examine the optimality of that strategy. We then consider some difficulties arising from “parallel search,” in which a decision-maker may pull more than one arm per period, and from the introduction of a cost of switching between arms.
EVALUATION OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE‐LEARNING PROJECT FOR UNDERGRADUATES

An appropriate objective within a liberal arts approach to education is enhancing students’ awareness of attitudes toward their own aging. A combined intervention of intergenerational experience and didactic instruction had a favorable effect on students’ attitudes toward older adults in general and on students’ view of their own later lives. Additional positive consequences are discussed, and suggestions for running similar curricular components are presented.
Is Accurate Ligamentous Balancing in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) Hindered by the Current Assortment of TKA Sizes

Summary: Smaller increments in the antero-posterior dimensions of femoral components allows significant improvements in balancing of the knee after TKA with restoration of more normal soft-tissue stability. Introduction: The soft-tissue stability of the knee after TKA is often compromised by the fact that only a finite set of implantable component sizes is available to match bony anatomy. While this could be overcome with custom components, a more practical solution is a set of femoral components with smaller increments in the antero-posterior (AP) dimension. However, this results in a larger assortment of sizes of both implants and trial components. This study was performed to determine whether smaller increments in the AP sizing of knee prostheses would lead to real benefits in restoration of normal knee function and stability after TKA. Methods: Specimen-specific computer models of 5 cadaveric knees were created through reconstruction of computer tomography scans and co-registered magnetic resonance images. Modeled elements simulating all mechanically significant soft-tissue structures were incorporated in each model and calibrated through multi-axial robotic testing of each cadaveric specimen. The usage of the specimens was approved by the local ethics commission. A contemporary design of posterior-stabilized TKA was virtually implanted in each knee, based on in-vitro reference implantations performed by an orthopedic surgeon. The effect of implant sizing was evaluated by evaluating the change in laxity of each knee after varying the AP size of the femoral component by +/− 2 mm, and then by +/− 1 mm. This corresponded to the change between sizes of a conventional implant system with 4 mm increments vs. an alternative sizing scheme with increments of only 2 mm. For each implant selection, the laxity of the TKA at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90° and 120° of flexion was predicted in response to varus-valgus (v/v) moments of +/− 10 Nm, internal-external (int/ext) torques of +/− 6 Nm and AP shear loads of +/− 100 N under a compressive load of 44N. Results: When the femoral component was down-sized by 2 mm (4 mm increment system), knee laxity at 90° of flexion increased by 3.1° in v/v (range: 2.7°–3.5°), 7.1° in int/ext rotation (range: 6.4°–8.6°) and 3.7 mm in AP translation (range: 2.1–6.3 mm). Up-sizing caused each component of knee laxity to decrease by a similar amount (Figure 1). When the increments in femoral component sizing were reduced to 2 mm, each component of knee laxity was reduced by approximately 50% (v/v: 1.5°; int/ext rotation: 3.6°, and 2.0 mm AP translation; all p Discussion and Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the use of femoral components with 2 mm AP increments allows much closer approximation of the normal laxity characteristics of the knee. This may enable surgeons to improve ligament balancing and the creation of a knee that feels more natural after joint replacement.
Should Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Be Placed in the Prone Position to Improve Ventilation

We always had a variety of critically ill patients in the surgical intensive care unit: trauma, postoperative, cardiac, vascular, and postoperative respiratory failure patients. Although most of the patients were memorable, one in particular has stood out to me throughout the years.
The prevalence of congenital cervical spinal stenosis in 262 college and high school football players

Pavlov's ratio is a commonly utilized method for evaluating athletes for cervical stenosis. We evaluated the lateral cervical spine film and determined Pavlov's ratio for 262 college and high school football players. Twenty (7.6%) of these athletes had radiographic evidence of congenital cervical stenosis according to this method. The condition may be more common than expected.
Parametric tests, their nonparametric alternatives, and degrees of freedom

In this issue, the article entitled, "Theory of Mind and Cognitive Function in Adults with Alstrom or Usher Syndrome," by Henricson, Frolander, Moller, and Lyxell reports the statistical results of Kruskal-Wallis tests using the H statistic and Mann-Whitney tests using the U statistic. These statistical tests are the nonparametric analog or match to parametric tests. The Kruskal-Wallis test is similar to the Analysis of Variance (or ANOVA) and the Mann-Whitney test is similar to the t-test. The reason why an experimenter uses Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests instead of ANOVA and t-tests is decided by what kind of data they are examining. To give a bit of background: A parametric test is a statistical test that is generally used when the data conforms to certain assumptions. One of the most important of these assumptions is that the data are distributed "normally." If data are distributed normally, when the scores are plotted around the mean or average, they form a bell shape in which most of the scores are located around the mean and progressively fewer scores appear above or below the mean. If there are only two groups of data that are being compared to each other, and the data are normally distributed (as well as conforming with some other assumptions that I will not go into right now), a t-test can be used to compare those two means to each other to see if they are statistically significantly different. If there are three or more groups being compared to each other, then instead of a t-test, an ANOVA should be used. The t-test is really just a special case of the ANOVA in which the calculations are made easier because of the fact that only two groups are being compared. If the data are not normally distributed, the mathematics for the /-test and ANOVA often do not work out properly. A result can still be generated, but it might very well not truly reflect what is going on in the data. In this case, a statistical test that does not require the data to be normally distributed needs to be used. This test is the nonparametric alternative. If there are two groups being compared, a researcher can choose to use the Mann-Whitney U test. It is much like the parametric /-test, but it is based on medians instead of means. Because of its basis in medians, the mathematics behind the Mann-Whitney U test are different; the test also has the benefit of not requiring the data to be distributed along a bell curve. Similarly, if more than two groups are being compared and the data do not fit the assumptions for a parametric test, a Kruskal-Wallis test can be used, since it is also based on medians instead of means. "What's with all the letters?" a person may ask. The fact that the ANOVA gives an F statistic, the /-test a "/" statistic, the Mann-Whitney a "U" statistic, and the Kruskal-Wallis test an "H" statistic was essentially decided by the folks who developed these measures so that the test results could be talked about without having to repeat the tests' long names over and over. Treat the cryptic symbols simply as shorthand for referring to the test results. …
What Works in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

This review summarizes advances in treatments for adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in the last 5 years. Evidence-based advances in the treatment of BPD include a delineation of generalist models of care in contrast to specialist treatments, identification of essential effective elements of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and the adaptation of DBT treatment to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and BPD. Studies on pharmacological interventions remain limited and have not provided evidence that any specific medications can provide stand-alone treatment. The research on treatment in BPD is leading to a distillation of intensive packages of treatment to be more broadly and practically implemented in most treatment environments through generalist care models and pared down forms of intensive treatments (e.g., informed case management plus DBT skills training groups). Evidence-based integrations of DBT and exposure therapy for PTSD provide support for changing practices to simultaneously treat PTSD and BPD.
Effect of Skin-Core Hierarchical Structure on Dielectric Constant of Injection Molded and Cast Film Extruded Liquid Crystalline Polymer

Liquid Crystalline Polymers (LCPs) provide favorable dielectric properties for extremely high frequency (30–100 GHz) radio frequency device packaging and printed circuit board substrates. The material studied in this work is a proprietary, thermotropic LCP composite developed and manufactured by iQLP (Woburn, MA, USA). Dielectric constants measured in the flow direction of the post-processed materials differ between the two processes, 3.51 in injection molded plaques, and 4.23 in cast films. This investigation sought to determine the cause of process-induced variation in the dielectric constant between injection molded and cast film extruded LCP. The complex thermomechanical environment present during processing of LCPs creates a through-thickness hierarchical structure, simplified in this study as a skin and core layer. The volume fraction of skin layer of the post-processed LCP was determined to be the differentiating factor, and responsible for the difference in dielectric constant between the injection molding and cast film extrusion processes. The resulting dielectric constant is a function of this volume fraction with a near linear relationship.
An Energy Flow Management Algorithm for a Photovoltaic Solar Home

Abstract In this paper, an energy flow management algorithm for a grid-connected-photovoltaic system with battery storage devoted to supply a home is presented. This algorithm favours the fulfilment of the home energy demand by the energy produced by the photovoltaic generator or stored in the batteries than that got from the grid. This algorithm manages the flow of energy in the house through the combination of four switches. It was applied to the case of a home installed in a coastal region of Bou-Ismail (Algeria). The efficiency of the algorithm was tested for two weeks, a favourable week in summer and an unfavourable week in winter regarding the weather conditions. The simulation of the on grid PV system was done using real data of the irradiation and the temperature acquired by the meteorological station of the Bou-Ismail site and a home load profile for each season. The results obtained revealed that the energy demand satisfaction for the house is high in the favourable summer week and is only 33% in the winter unfavourable week. To meet a high rate of self-consumption a Home Energy Management is required.
Semantic Feature Training in Combination with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Progressive Anomia

We examined the effectiveness of a two-week regimen of a semantic feature training in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for progressive naming impairment associated with primary progressive aphasia (N=4) or early onset Alzheimer’s Disease (N=1). Patients received a two-week regimen (10 sessions) of anodal tDCS delivered over the left temporoparietal cortex while completing a language therapy that consisted of repeated naming and semantic feature generation. Therapy targets consisted of familiar people, household items, clothes, foods, places, hygiene implements, and activities. Untrained items from each semantic category provided item level controls. We analyzed naming accuracies at multiple timepoints (i.e., pre-, post-, 6-month follow-up) via a mixed effects logistic regression and individual differences in treatment responsiveness using a series of nonparametric McNemar tests. Patients showed advantages for naming trained over untrained items. These gains were evident immediately post tDCS. Trained items also showed a shallower rate of decline over six-months relative to untrained items that showed continued progressive decline. Patients tolerated stimulation well, and sustained improvements in naming accuracy suggest that current intervention approach is viable. Future implementation of a sham control condition will be crucial toward ascertaining whether neurostimulation and behavioral treatment act synergistically or alternatively whether treatment gains are exclusively attributable to either tDCS or the behavioral intervention.
Engaging Youth Through Spatial Socio-Technical Storytelling, Participatory GIS, Agent-Based Modeling, Online Geogames and Action Projects.

Abstract. The main goal of this paper is to present the conceptual framework for engaging youth in urban planning activities that simultaneously create locally meaningful positive change. The framework for engaging youth interlinks the use of IT tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), agent-based modelling (ABM), online serious games, and mobile participatory geographic information systems with map-based storytelling and action projects. We summarize the elements of our framework and the first results gained in the program Community Growers established in a neighbourhood community of Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, USA. We conclude the paper with a discussion and future research directions.
Safe and Rational Use of Analgesics: Non-Opioid Analgesics Alternatives to the Use of Narcotics in Emergency Pain Management

Clinicians in every setting have been charged with relief of pain as part of their mission as providers. Pain relief has been listed as one of the drivers of patient satisfaction and, in many settings, of reimbursement. Manyhealth care practitioners equate aggressive pain relief with administration of narcotic analgesia. Given the scourge ofnarcotic addiction, and evidence that many patients started on narcotic analgesics in the emergency setting will still betaking narcotics one year later, and may die from narcotic addiction or overdose, the possibility of providing pain reliefwithout the use of narcotics has attained some urgency. There is evidence that patients recognize the tension between providing opioid stewardship and pain management. This may be due to the barrage of news on an almost daily basis regarding the opioid epidemic and the number of deaths attributable to narcotic use, addiction and overdose. The balance between relief of pain and suffering and concern for narcotic abuse and addiction is one which has not been resolved. Patient satisfaction surveys and on-line evaluations of physician care provide further confounding factors.
A Structural Analysis of a Mandan Myth

This is an exercise in the application of Levi-Strauss’ techniques for the structural analysis of a myth. The technique puts form or structure before content-saying that cultural forms are reducibl...
Bibliometrics and Research Evaluation: Uses and Abuses,: Gingras, Yves. Cambridge, Ma: The mit press, 2016, 136 pp., $26.00, ISBN: 9780262035125

Described by one reviewer as a “manifesto,” Bibliometrics and Research Evaluation: Uses and Abuses has a clear thesis: “Bibliometrics have no real scientific validity and rarely measure what they s...
Bilateral complete ureteral obstruction and renal insufficiency secondary to granulomatous disease.

AbstractChronic granulomatous disease is a rare disorder of neutrophil function that impairs the ability of phagocytes to react to infection and produces inflammatory lesions that may involve many organ systems. A young man recently presented with bilateral mid ureteral obstruction and renal insufficiency secondary to inflammation due to chronic granulomatous disease. To our knowledge, we believe this to be the only case of complete bilateral ureteral obstruction due to chronic granulomatous disease reported to date. A review of the disease, its pathogenesis and potential involvement of the urinary tract is presented. J. Urol, 142: 812–814, 1989)
Measures of body fat and related factors in normal adults. I. Introduction and methodology.

Abstract A valid clinically applicable anthropometric method to estimate body fat and lean body mass in adults would aid in the epidemiological study of diseases associatedwith overweight. Such a method has been developed from anthropometric measurements of 2053 healthy Caucasian men and women and Negro men between the ages of 25 and 44 years and from laboratory determinations of body density and total body water for 8 per cent of all subjects. This is the subject of the following report [45]. Successful employment of this method depends upon exact duplication of the measurement techniques. The anthropometric measurements have been detailed for reproducibility by interested clinicians. Methods used to study additional parameters associated with body composition are given: diet, physical activity and somatotype. Potassium-40 and cesium-137 techniques have been described. Subsequent papers will present results and interrelationships of the several studied factors.
The FDA Review Process for Cancer Gene Therapy

This chapter provides an overview of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review process for cancer gene therapy products. Cancer gene therapy products are reviewed within FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). Although there are currently no FDA-approved gene therapies, CBER works with academic and industry sponsors during all stages of product development. CBER’s roles range from giving scientific advice to providing regulatory oversight to ensure the appropriate and safe treatment of human subjects. CBER teams composed of experts in various disciplines (chemistry/manufacturing/controls, pharmacology/toxicology, clinical, biostatistics, and regulatory project managers) review product and manufacturing issues, preclinical assessment, and clinical trial design at all stages of product development. This chapter summarizes CBER’s functions and highlights some issues that are of particular importance for sponsors of cancer gene therapy trials. References with further regulatory guidance and information are provided.
Artmaking/Troublemaking: Creativity, Policy, and Leadership in Art Education

This article addresses dimensions of contemporary policy that are influencing art teaching and learning. In the light of recent policy, and its challenges to creativity, art educators have been placed in the position where we need to make trouble through a re-definition and extension of professional responsibility. In response to negative impacts of policy, some art educators are enhancing student learning about the expressive, the imaginative, and the inspired through educational leadership that goes beyond traditional teaching.