cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Service-Learning in Business Education: An Analysis of Spirituality, Leadership and Motivation

The major goal of this study was to explore student perceptions of service-learning and its effect on development of their leadership skills and spirituality. This manuscript begins by describing the theoretical foundations that inform the literature on the correlation between service-learning and leadership, spirituality and motivation. The researchers then put forth their quantitative data, presented using two data sets, drawing three clear links in the constructs of spirituality, motivation and leadership-all of which support previous findings. The findings further suggest that for this sample of students, a spiritual understanding of their role in service-learning was moderately correlated with both motivation and leadership.
Oxidation of Cf 3+ in Aqueous Solutions

WE report here the first experimental evidence for a higher oxidation state of californium in aqueous solution. Cf(V) has been suggested as a possible stable oxidation state because the 5f shell would be half-filled at this valence1.
Thirty-day Morbidity of Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy Is Influenced by Additional Surgical Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Objective To assess the impact of concurrent anti-incontinence procedure (AIP) at time of abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) on 30-day complications, readmission, and reoperation. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2006 to 2013 was queried to identify patients who underwent ASC with or without AIP. We assessed baseline characteristics and 30-day perioperative outcomes including complications, readmission, and reoperation. Results There were 4793 patients who underwent ASC, of whom 1705 underwent concurrent AIP (35.6%). The majority of patients (4414, 92.1%) were treated by a gynecologist, but those treated by a urologist were older, had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and had increased frailty. Rates of 30-day postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) and overall complication were higher among women who underwent concurrent AIP (4.75% vs 2.33%, P Conclusion AIP performed at the time of ASC are associated with higher rates of 30-day postoperative UTI but do not impact 30-day readmission or reoperation. The decision to perform AIP at the time of ASC should be made following a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits, including the potential for increased UTI with concurrent AIP.
Abstract 16205: Oligogenic Inheritance in Dilated Cardiomyopathy is Illustrated in Non-segregating Lamin A/C (LMNA) Pedigrees

Introduction: We and others have proposed that, unlike many Mendelian diseases of monogenic cause, 20-30% of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may be attributed to an oligogenic model wherein disease ri...
Representing motion information from event-based cameras

Many recent works have successfully leveraged motion information (i.e., dense optical flow) for a variety of problems. In this paper, we introduce a methodology to capture motion information using high-speed event-based cameras combined with convolutional neural networks (CNN). Our motion event features (MEFs) succinctly capture motion magnitude and direction in a form suitable for input into a CNN. We demonstrate the broad applicability of MEFs across two disparate problems: action recognition, and autonomous robot reactive control.
American Studies: Religion

Religion, a hard to define subject on its own, acquires particular value as a dimension of national life, and is now an attractive (though long overlooked) element in American studies. From Cotton Mather in colonial times through pioneers on, New England came to be a specialized region for scholarly endeavor, both in the nineteenth century, when amateurs predominated, and in early twentieth-century America, when these studies were professionalized in universities. As formal ‘religious studies’ departments developed in hundreds of higher academies from the mid-twentieth-century, the work of major figures such as Perry Miller came to have influence among them as well as in history and literature departments. The trend in this setting has been to move from ‘confessional’ to putatively neutral approaches to the subject, though this ‘phenomenological’ method has often been accompanied by feminist, Freudian, Marxist, African–American and other interests that have served to color the expositions. Theologians like H. Richard Niebuhr and Will Herberg have also had lasting influence. In recent decades American studies of religion have exemplified many of the major trends in academic inquiry: postmodernism, deconstruction, and preoccupation which pluralism and multiculturalism—most of which have countered the formalistic, New England-based studies.
Emergency Care Update: Burns and Bees Revisited

(1982). Emergency Care Update. Health Education: Vol. 13, Health Education in the Community, pp. 34-35.
Non-Intrusive Indirect Adaptive Control of an Uncertain Gasoline Engine Three-Way Catalyst

In this paper we develop an indirect adaptive control architecture for gasoline engine emission control. A model-based PID feedback controller is presented where its calibration amounts to finding the parameters of a simple catalyst model consisting of a gain and time delay, followed by an integrator. Both the gain and time delay depend nonlinearly on the engine air mass-flow rate, and therefore, are parameterized by lookup tables for efficient online implementation. We develop an indirect adaptive controller to account for uncertainty in the parameters as the catalyst ages. In order to maximize catalyst conversion efficiency, a small-amplitude square-wave input is imposed on the front face of the catalyst; the estimation routine takes advantage of this signal to non-intrusively identify the catalyst gain lookup table online, which is subsequently used to autotune the PID control gains. Simulation results with realistic vehicle inputs are demonstrated with parametric model uncertainty.
A concept analysis of trauma coercive bonding in the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Abstract Background The sex trafficking of adolescents is known as commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). CSEC is a complex phenomenon where identification requires understanding of developmental disruptions from toxic bonding experiences that increase in complexity over time. These toxic bonding experiences forced through coercive methods disrupt the holistic development of a self in the CSEC victim that interferes with daily functions, decision-making and social and emotional development. Lacking in the literature is a conceptual foundation for trauma coerced bonding. Purpose The purpose of the analysis is to define and clarify the future concept of trauma coerced bonding from trauma bonding as it relates to CSEC victimization. Methods The concept analysis used Rodgers' evolutionary method to search four databases (PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, and Google Scholar [for grey literature]), using terms associated with various descriptions of trauma bonding (for instance, Stockholm syndrome), resulting in twenty papers for review. Results Attributes, antecedents, and consequences of trauma bonding were delineated and explained. It became apparent through this analysis that the concept of trauma bonding of adolescents exposed to CSEC is very different from other forms of trauma bonding, leading this author to a more precise term, trauma-coercive bonding. Trauma coercive bonding is a long process that is a developmentally disruptive form of bonding that has ramifications throughout the life span. Discussion Trauma coercive bonding is influenced by more than just an emotional bond. The proposed definition of trauma coercive bonding brings an in-depth description of vulnerabilities and disruptions to childhood when CSEC, which persists long into adulthood. Conclusion Future qualitative research should pursue a grounded theory of trauma coercive bonding to further explain and study this phenomenon.
SIGCHI Lifetime Practice Award Talk The Business of UX

After four decades of practice, User Experience design has reached a maturity level integral to the success of every business venture. Whether the product or service provided competes in the consumer, enterprise or medical sector, UX quality is known to directly impact effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction, the combination of which determines consumer acceptance. However, great design alone is not sufficient to achieve meaningful impact. Products with high usability lab ratings have been rejected in the crucible of real-life usage because they don't add sufficient value for either the consumer or company that delivers them to market. The failure of these so called "great designs" reduces them at best to museum or portfolio pieces. True impact is only achieved when the designed artifact reaches a critical level of market adoption. The service benchmarks today are Facebook with over two billion active users and Google with 1.2 trillion searches a year. Achieving significant market adoption is difficult. It requires not only delightfully fulfilling users' needs but also a UX strategy and design optimization to fit corporate business models and marketing channels, both characterized by substantial financial risk. If there is no ROI for the product, then by association there is no ROI for design or the UX team itself. UX earns a "seat at the table" by simultaneously delivering value for both the business and the user. Owning the Business of UX role contains strategy and management challenges. Mastering them can bring UX to corporate parity with the more established engineering and marketing professions.
Physical Accessibility and Health Care Use for Women with Physical Disabilities: A Case Study Approach

Cancer burden lies heavily on women with physical disabilities (WPD) because WPD are much less likely to receive preventive care. This disparity of use of cancer screening is directly linked to the inaccessibility of health care clinics, which often arises from obstacles in the physical environment. The purpose of study was to gain information regarding physical accessibility of a health care clinic for WPD. The study was set up as a two-part case study of a single outpatient health care clinic. The first part of the study utilized two checklists which were used to manually measure the accessibility of the clinic by a trained research assistant. These checklists included the Outpatient Health Care Usability Profile and the Kentucky Cabinet Survey. The clinic was found to be usable for WPD in all areas except parking, signage, controls, telephones, counters, and exam rooms. The second part of the study included interviews of two WPD who were the patients at the measured clinic to gain perspective on personally experienced barriers within the clinic. They identified the use human resources as means to overcome obstacles in the clinic. Implications for this study include the removal of barriers found to impede accessibility in the clinic and training of staff to assist WPD with transfers.
Soluble CD105 is prognostic of disease recurrence in prostate cancer patients

While the overall 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer is near 100%, up to 35% of patients will develop recurrent disease. At the time of prostatectomy, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is used to guide primary therapy with the goal of curative intervention. It can be valuable to know when primary therapy may not in fact be curative, so that subsequent adjuvant therapy can be administered at an early stage to limit progression. We examined prostate cancer patients with PSA ≤10 ng/mL that were all subjected to prostatectomy with at least 5 years of follow-up (n = 181). Based on data that endoglin (CD105) signaling in the tumor can contribute to prostate cancer progression, we examined the expression of soluble CD105 (sCD105) in the patient plasma. To determine the relation of plasma sCD105 measures to cellular CD105 in tissues, we tested an independent set of prostate cancer tissues and paired plasma (n = 31). Elevated sCD105 was found to be associated with recurrence-free survival of prostate cancer patients. Further, sCD105 levels in patient plasma were inversely correlated with cellular CD105 expression. This translational study supported preclinical data demonstrating the pro-tumorigenic capacity of cellular CD105 and provide a blood-based biomarker, sCD105, for prostate cancer recurrence in prostatectomy patients with PSA levels ≤10 ng/mL.
Angiopoietin-Like 3: From Discovery to Therapeutic Gene Editing

Hyperlipidemia is a major causal risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) has emerged as a promising molecular target to reduce CHD risk due to its regulation of all 3 major lipid traits: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Here, the authors review the discovery of ANGPTL3, the role of ANGPTL3 in lipoprotein metabolism, and the genetic association between naturally occurring ANGPTL3 loss-of-function mutations and CHD. In light of the favorable consequences of ANGPTL3 deficiency, various therapeutic strategies to target ANGPTL3 are currently in development, including a monoclonal antibody, an antisense oligonucleotide, and gene editing.
Adaptive optical interconnection

We explore the ability of a double phase conjugate mirror (DPCM) to compensate for thermal, vibrational, and other environmental fluctuations. This property lends itself to the establishment and maintenance of bidirectional optical interconnections. We further introduce a bidirectional interconnection scheme that utilizes two wavelengths.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Yeast R2TP Interacts with Extended Termini of Client Protein Nop58p

The AAA + ATPase R2TP complex facilitates assembly of a number of ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Although the architecture of R2TP is known, its molecular basis for acting upon multiple RNPs remains unknown. In yeast, the core subunit of the box C/D small nucleolar RNPs, Nop58p, is the target for R2TP function. In the recently observed U3 box C/D snoRNP as part of the 90 S small subunit processome, the unfolded regions of Nop58p are observed to form extensive interactions, suggesting a possible role of R2TP in stabilizing the unfolded region of Nop58p prior to its assembly. Here, we analyze the interaction between R2TP and a Maltose Binding Protein (MBP)-fused Nop58p by biophysical and yeast genetics methods. We present evidence that R2TP interacts largely with the unfolded termini of Nop58p. Our results suggest a general mechanism for R2TP to impart specificity by recognizing unfolded regions in its clients.
Walking to infinity on gaussian lines

We study analogies between the rational integers on the real line and the Gaussian integers on other lines in the complex plane. This includes a Gaussian analog of Bertrands Postulate, the Chinese Remainder Theorem, and the periodicity of divisibility. We also computationally investigate the distribution of Gaussian primes along these lines and leave the reader with several open problems.
Spinal surgery and urinary retention: A review of the literature:

Objective:Postoperative urinary retention is a common complication for patients recovering from general anesthesia or invasive surgery near the spinal column. However, no study has systematically r...
Program-level strategic planning for electrical engineering technology programs:

Strategic planning is a tool widely used in business, industries and non-profit organizations and has been recently adopted in academia. However, because their own characteristics, the strategic pl...
Bronchoscopy on Intubated COVID-19 Patients is Associated with Low Infectious Risk to Operators at a High-Volume Center Using an Aerosol-minimizing Protocol

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raised concern for exposure to healthcare providers through aerosol generating procedures, such as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Current society guidelines recommended limiting use of BAL to reduce operators9 risk for infection, yet data on the infection rate for providers after BAL is sparse. Since March 2020, our institution used a modified protocol to perform over 450 BALs on intubated COVID-19 patients. We therefore sought to describe the subsequent infectious risks to providers associated with BAL. Methods: Fifty-two pulmonary and critical care providers (faculty and fellows) at our tertiary-care, urban medical center were surveyed. Survey participants were asked to provide the number of BALs on COVID-19 patients they performed, the number of weeks they cared for intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19, and the results of any SARS-CoV-2 testing that they received. Participants were asked to assess the difficulty of BAL on intubated COVID-19 patients as compared to routine ICU BAL using a numeric perceived difficulty score ranging from 1 (easier) to 10 (harder). Results: We received forty-seven responses from fifty-two surveyed (90% response rate), with 2 declining to participate. Many respondents (19/45, 42%) spent >5 weeks on an ICU service with COVID-19 patients. The number of BALs performed by providers ranged from 0 to >60. Sixteen of the 35 providers (46%) who performed BALs underwent at least one nasopharyngeal (NP) swab to test for SARS-CoV-2, but none were positive. Twenty-seven of the 35 providers (77%) who performed BALs underwent SARS-CoV-2 serology testing, and only one (3.7%) was positive. Respondents indicated occasionally not being able to follow aerosol-minimizing steps but overall felt BALs in COVID-19 patients was only slightly more difficult than routine ICU BAL. Discussion: At a high-volume center having performed >450 BALs on intubated COVID-19 patients with aerosol-limiting precautions, our survey of bronchoscopists found no positive NP SARS-CoV-2 tests and only one positive antibody test result. While the optimal role for COVID-19 BAL remains to be determined, these data suggest that BAL can be safely performed in intubated COVID-19 patients if experienced providers take precautions to limit aerosol generation and wear personal protective equipment.
Far-UVC light as a new tool to reduce microbial burden during spacecraft assembly

Abstract This work aims to investigate far-UVC light at 222 nm as a new microbial reduction tool for planetary protection purposes which could potentially be integrated into the spacecraft assembly process. The major advantage of far-UVC (222 nm) compared to traditional germicidal UVC (254 nm) is the potential for application throughout the spacecraft assembly process in the presence of humans without adverse health effects due to the limited penetration of far-UVC light into biological materials. Testing the efficacy of 222-nm light at inactivating hardy bacterial cells and spores isolated from spacecraft and associated surfaces is a necessary step to evaluate this technology. We assessed survival of Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 and Acinetobacter radioresistens 50v1 exposed to 222-nm light on proxy spacecraft surfaces simulated by drying the bacteria on aluminum coupons. The survival fraction of both bacteria followed a single stage decay function up to 60 mJ/cm2, revealing similar susceptibility of both species to 222-nm light, which was independent of the exposure rate. Irradiation with far-UVC light at 222 nm is an effective method to decontaminate the proxy spacecraft materials tested in this study.
An Investigation of the Eating Concerns Scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) in a Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Sample.

Eating pathology is common pre-operatively and continues to be prevalent following bariatric surgery. A new version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the MMPI-3, contains a new scale called Eating Concerns (EAT) that aims to assess problematic eating behaviors. The current investigation seeks to establish preliminary convergent validity of the MMPI-3 EAT scale in a postoperative bariatric surgery sample. Thirty-eight consecutive participants took the MMPI-3 and the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Higher MMPI-3 EAT scale scores were meaningfully associated with %Weight Regain (r = .37) and scale scores on the EDE-Q [Eating Concerns (r = .67), Weight Concerns (r = .39), Shape Concerns (r = .54), and the EDE total score (r = .59)]. Initial examination of the EAT Specific Problem Scale of the MMPI-3 yields good clinical utility in assessing eating pathology in a postoperative bariatric surgery sample.
A Facile Fabrication of Porous and Breathable Dielectric Film for Capacitive Pressure Sensor

Flexible and wearable electronics are gaining their popularity in healthcare monitoring due to its noninvasive usage. Flexible capacitive pressure sensor can be a good candidate for monitoring physiological stimuli. Here in this study, we discuss a facile cost-effective template-based fabrication of dielectric layer for the capacitive sensor. To ensure complete breathability for wearer comfort, an improved and novel template-based technique was used to fabricate the dielectric layer. Capacitive sensors made by using such dielectric layers show good capacitive response in gentle tactile pressure range.
Caffeine removal from aqueous media by adsorption: An overview of adsorbents evolution and the kinetic, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies.

Abstract Caffeine is an emerging pollutant and is considered the most representative pollutant of the Pharmaceutical Active due to its high consumption by the general population. It can be used to track pollution caused by humans. Different technologies have been employed to remove the caffeine from aqueous media, however the adsorption has been preferred due to its simplicity, high removal efficiency, operational and implementation facility and low cost. This paper provides a systematic review of the published peer-reviewed literature concerned with caffeine removal by the adsorption process. The Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were used to identify relevant articles researches on caffeine removal. Many authors have studied caffeine's adsorption equilibrium in aqueous media, different conditions, and different adsorbents. This paper aims to uncover the overall trend of adsorbent used, kinetic and thermodynamic studies. The impact of pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage and competitive effect were presented and analyzed. It was observed that the adsorption capacities ranged between 10 and 1000 mg g−1, according to the nature and properties of the adsorbent. The pseudo-second order (kinetic model) and the Langmuir isotherm model showed the best adjustment of the experimental data from caffeine adsorption in most studies. The mechanistic understanding of adsorption and the development of new adsorbents are still a matter of future research, as well as the use of other kinetic models based on statistical factors and the thermodynamic studies should be considered.
Intra-farm communication about calf health:

Effective communication within an organization is essential for accomplishing tasks and for job performance and satisfaction. The dairy business is not an exception to this rule, especially as it applies to animal health and the many people responsible for animal care. Because dairy veterinarians work with the consolidating US dairy industry, their understanding of the many layers of management on these larger farms and the communication realities within them are critical to effective implementation of health-care decisions. Of particular concern are drug-use decisions at the calf level.
Comment on : The US stock market and the international value of the US dollar

Abstract Is there a relationship between the performance of US equity markets and the value of the US dollar? The question is of practical and regulatory significance. Previous attempts to answer the question relied upon on the lagged-causality approach of Clive Granger and his coauthors. Given that financial markets are efficient, most of the correlation would be undetectable by such methods. In groundbreaking work, Johnson and Soenen (2004) used an estimator by Geweke (1982) that allows for contemporaneous or instantaneous effects, and found that there was always and everywhere an instantaneous link between the US equity and currency markets. Given the importance of Johnson and Soenen's results, we attempted to replicate their study. We argue that Johnson and Soenen's results hinge on a simple substitution error. After recalculation, we find little evidence of consistent instantaneous correlation between returns in the US equity markets and the value of the US dollar.
Schrödinger’s Hacker: Insider Trading and Data Breaches

The current legal framework governing insider trading is a rich fabric of interwoven stories constructed on a loom of law and regulation. Despite securities law at times gaining a reputation for being cumbersome and onerous, the stories underlying insider trading regulation are usually vibrant and engaging. The current story regarding the intersection of hacking and insider trading is that of Oleksandr Dorozhko, a Ukrainian hacker held liable for violating section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5. Importantly, because that story ended in an unopposed motion for summary judgment against Dorozhko, the law remains unclear as to whether a hacker who merely exploits a weakness in software to obtain material nonpublic information has violated section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5. Hacking has become a ubiquitous concern in our society. Oleksandr Dorozhko’s tale illustrates that federal securities regulation is currently inadequate to deal with the securities issues associated with hacking, which poses a threat to the stability of securities markets in the United States. This Essay offers a proposed rule to remedy this problem that gives the SEC the ability to clarify how insider trading regulation can and should address hacking.
Activation of nuclear factor-kappa B by TNF promotes nucleus pulposus mineralization through inhibition of ANKH and ENPP1

Spontaneous mineralization of the nucleus pulposus (NP) has been observed in cases of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in mineralization of multiple tissues through their modulation of expression of factors that enable or inhibit mineralization, including TNAP, ANKH or ENPP1. This study examines the underlying factors leading to NP mineralization, focusing on the contribution of the inflammatory cytokine, TNF, to this pathologic event. We show that human and bovine primary NP cells express high levels of ANKH and ENPP1, and low or undetectable levels of TNAP. Bovine NPs transduced to express TNAP were capable of matrix mineralization, which was further enhanced by ANKH knockdown. TNF treatment or overexpression promoted a greater increase in mineralization of TNAP-expressing cells by downregulating the expression of ANKH and ENPP1 via NF-κB activation. The increased mineralization was accompanied by phenotypic changes that resemble chondrocyte hypertrophy, including increased RUNX2 and COL10A1 mRNA; mirroring the cellular alterations typical of samples from IDD patients. Disc organ explants injected with TNAP/TNF- or TNAP/shANKH-overexpressing cells showed increased mineral content inside the NP. Together, our results confirm interactions between TNF and downstream regulators of matrix mineralization in NP cells, providing evidence to suggest their participation in NP calcification during IDD.
Ventricular Assist Device Therapy in the Fontan Circulation

The number of Fontan patients with circulatory failure and systolic dysfunction is growing rapidly. The last decade has demonstrated that ventricular assist device (VAD) is an effective therapy in properly selected patients. Herein, we discuss the current approach to patient selection, implantation, and patient management.
A comparison of SIMION and LORENTZ for IMS simulation

Simulation of IMS systems is important for gaining insight into the role of its geometric and operational parameters. Using two simulation programs, SIMION and LORENTZ, this study looks into questions pertaining to miniaturization, dimensional disparity across different geometrical axes, and the drift cell medium, both gas and liquid phase. Additionally, we address key physics issues related to space-charge effects and induced current by varying gate pulse width and input charge. This study determines the comparative merits of the two simulation programs, from both computational effectiveness and efficiency standpoints. We explain the necessary techniques for applying these programs to IMS, and we describe similarities and differences of the methods of the programs and how they affect their suitability for simulation of IMS.
Preparing the Gaming Profession to Deal with Problems of the Twenty-first Century

Solving global problems will require great foresight, concerted action across national boundaries, and profound changes in technology, culture, and economics. This conclusion is fully recognized by New Earth 21, a recent Japanese initiative to deal with climate change. I propose here a partnership between the global gaming community and the scientific and political leaders who have begun to plan the New Earth 21 initiative. Collaboration would pay dividends for both sides. Those concerned with global problems will gain access to a set of powerful tools for social research, communication, and training. Gamers would gain political and financial support for their work. They would also be confronted with the need to make long overdue changes in the conduct of their profession: standardizing and extending professional training programs, raising the quality of documentation, and developing better means for accessing the growing body of important educational games.
Mechanical characterization and inclusion based boundary element modeling of lightweight concrete containing foam particles

Abstract This paper investigates the effective material properties of lightweight concrete containing polymer foam particles through both experiments and numerical modeling. Different volume fractions of foam particles have been added to cement paste to fabricate lightweight concrete samples. To interpret the experimental results, an inclusion method based boundary integral equation has been proposed. The effect of the material mismatch between the foam particles and the cement matrix can be simulated by an eigenstrain, which is a fictitious nonmechanical strain. Due to the interaction between particles and boundary effect, the eigenstrain on a particle is not uniform. An asymptotic analysis shows that a quadratic distribution of the eigenstrain over each particle provides very good accuracy. Since the discretization of particles is not needed due to applying an analytic form of eigenstrain field, a large number of spherical inhomogeneities can be simulated and the local field can be calculated in a lightweight concrete sample. The formulation has been implemented in a software package for the simulation of material samples and has been verified with the finite element method for two top-down particles embedded in a cylinder. The simulation results based on idealized microstructure exhibit a very good agreement with the experimental results of the effective elastic moduli. A simple and empirical study also predicts the strengths of the composites very well. The developed algorithm can be used for virtual mechanical experiments of particulate composites.
A High‐Throughput Approach for Studying Virus Replication in Yeast

Viruses are intracellular pathogens that are dependent on viral and host factors for multiplication. Model hosts, such as yeast, can be very valuable in identifying host factors involved in viral replication. Yeast is also useful for studies on functional interactions of host factors with viral proteins and/or virus nucleic acids. The advantages of using yeast include the availability of a single gene-deletion library and the essential gene library (yTHC); the controllable small- or large-scale expression of viral proteins and nucleic acids; and the rapid growth of yeast strains. Procedures that facilitate high-throughput analysis of host factors and plant and animal RNA virus replication in yeast, with a plant virus (tombusvirus; TBSV) and an animal virus (nodavirus; FHV) as examples, are described.
HDL from Patients with Inflammatory Disorders has High levels of Oxidized Lipids and is Dysfunctional (LB536)

HDL from Patients with Inflammatory Disorders has High levels of Oxidized Lipids and is Dysfunctional. Persiah Bakhtiari, Omeed El Boudvarej MD, Susan Hama, Nasim Pourtabatabaei MD, Sheila Safar MD...
SOFT-CBR: a self-optimizing fuzzy tool for case-based reasoning

A generic Case-Based Reasoning tool has been designed, implemented, and successfully used in two distinct applications. SOFT-CBR can be applied to a wide range of decision problems, independent of the underlying input case data and output decision space. The tool supplements the traditional case base paradigm by incorporating Fuzzy Logic concepts in a flexible, extensible component-based architecture. An Evolutionary Algorithm has also been incorporated into SOFT-CBR to facilitate the optimization and maintenance of the system. SOFT-CBR relies on simple XML files for configuration, enabling its widespread use beyond the software development community. SOFT-CBR has been used in an automated insurance underwriting system and a gas turbine diagnosis system.
Quantum Melting on a Lattice and a Delocalization Transition

We have performed a numerical study of the structural and IM phase transitions in 2D fermionic systems with Hamiltonian Eq. (1). We argue that the structural transition on a lattice is not of the first order in all cases considered. We think that the origin of the transition is an avoided crossing of the ground state and the defect states in the Wigner crystal with the same total quasimomentum. This simple picture implies that the critical value of J is determined by the defect with the lowest energy Δ at J=0. To illustrate our point the data for 1D systems with Coulomb interaction and with next-nearest neighbor interactions are also presented. The possibility of the delocalized phase above the transition to be superconducting is discussed.
An approach for integrating multi-modal, model-based diagnostic components

We describe an approach for modeling and diagnosing complex multidmodal systems. A novel feature of this approach is the proposed method for integrating multiple specification modalities. We apply this approach to a realdworld rocket engine turbopump. The example model consists of two subdmodels, one describing liquid flows, and one describing mechanical vibrations. Typical methods for modeling such systems will treat these two modalities as being completely disjoint, even though they have significant interactions. We describe a method for integrating these subdmodels using variables that play different roles in the different subdmodels. We focus on how the integrated causal network model allows us to diagnose a more complete and physically plausible set of faults than by using the independent subdmodels.
A comparative study of contrast dacryocystogram and nuclear dacryocystogram

A comparative study was run between conventional radiographic contrast dacryocystogram and radioisotope scan of the lacrimal drainage apparatus (henceforth called "nuclear dacryocystogram"). A total of 20 contrast dacryocystograms (DCG), 22 irrigations, and 42 nuclear dacryocystograms (DCG) were performed in 21 patients having symptoms of obstruction in the lacrimal drainage system. The study revealed that there was a good correlation between these two diagnostic techniques and nuclear DCG was, perhaps, superior to contrast DCG.
Statistical evaluation of the elemental composition of humic substances

Elemental data (C, H, O, N, S, atomic H/C and O/C ratios) for humic acids (410 samples), fulvic acids (214 samples) and humin (26 samples), isolated from environments all over the world, were compiled from the literature. These data were analyzed statistically using the mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation and t-test. The large data base allows statistically significant differences between various humic substances to be established. Prior to some of the statistical evaluations, the humic substances were grouped according to source—soil, freshwater, marine or peat. The average elemental compositions for humic acid, fulvic acid and humin, in toto, and also when segregated by source, are presented. Standard deviations for carbon contents are remarkably small suggesting that perhaps an optimum composition exists for humic substances in nature. The evaluation shows that humic acids in toto are significantly (P < 0.0005) different from fulvic acids in toto with respect to C, N, and O contents and atomic H/C ratios. Fulvic acid in toto is significantly (P < 0.0005) different from humin in toto in terms of C and O contents. When segregated by source, some significant (P < 0.0005) differences between humic acids isolated from freshwater, marine, and soil environments are evident; similarly, significant differences are found between fulvic acids from freshwater and soil sources. Three van Krevelen diagrams based on: (1) the 650 samples of humic acid, fulvic acid and humin; (2) humic acids segregated by source, and; (3) fulvic acids segregated by source, are discussed.
Perturbation of Fluorescence by Nonspecific Interactions between Anionic Poly(phenylenevinylene)s and Proteins: Implications for Biosensors

The use of anionic water-soluble conjugated polymers (CPs) for sensing the presence of avidin by use of a biotin-modified fluorescence quencher was studied. The molecules involved in the study included poly[2-methoxy-5-(3‘-propyloxysulfonate)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] with either lithium (Li+-MPS-PPV) or sodium (Na+-MPS-PPV) countercations, the well-defined oligomer pentasodium 1,4-bis(4‘(2‘ ‘,4‘ ‘-bis(butoxysulfonate)-styryl)-styryl)2-butoxysulfonate-5-methoxybenzene (5R5-), the quenchers N-methyl-4,4‘-pyridylpyridinium iodide (mMV+) and [N-(biotinoyl)-N‘-(acetyl 4,4‘-pyridylpyridinium iodide)] ethylenediamine (BPP+), which contains a molecular recognition fragment (biotin) attached to a unit that accepts an electron from a CP excited state, and the proteins avidin, tau, BSA, and pepsin A. Fluorescence quenching experiments were examined in a variety of conditions. Experiments carried out in water and in ammonium carbonate buffer (which ensures avidin/biotin complexation) reveal that nonspecific interaction...
Coastal saltmarsh development at Southern Topsail Sound, North Carolina

Topsail Sound is a marsh-filled barrier lagoon in southeastern North Carolina. This study quantified changes within a 477-ha tidal marsh located landward of Lea and Coke islands in southern Topsail Sound. Aerial photographs from 1949, 1966, and 1984 were enlarged, and sample areas of salt marsh were digitized and compared. Since 1949, Old Topsail Inlet has migrated southwest 1.2 km. As the inlet migrated, new Spartina alterniflora marsh colonized 33.2 ha of intertidal sand flats within the inlet flood tidal delta, adjacent islands, and primary tidal creeks. Landward of the flood tidal delta, site specific gains and losses of marsh were recorded. It is estimated that since 1949, approximately 34.1 ha of the marsh area occupying the zone landward of the flood tidal delta has drowned. This loss of marsh, combined with the colonization of marsh mentioned above, resulted in a net decrease of 1 ha in the total area of marsh. This study provides evidence that, although lagoonal marshes may be drowning as a result of soil waterlogging, reduced sediment supply, and sea-level rise, potential marsh environments are created by oceanic inputs of sand when inlets migrate.
Detection of anomalous crop condition and soil variability mapping using a 26 year Landsat record and the Palmer crop moisture index

Abstract Cost-effective and reliable vegetation monitoring methods are needed for applications ranging from traditional agronomic mapping, to verifying the safety of geologic injection activities. A particular challenge is defining baseline crop conditions and subsequent anomalies from long term imagery records (Landsat) in the face of large spatiotemporal variability. We develop a new method for defining baseline crop response (near peak growth) using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from 26 years (1986–2011) of Landsat data for 400 km2 surrounding a planned geologic carbon sequestration site near Jacksonville, Illinois. The normal score transform (yNDVI) was applied on a field by field basis to accentuate spatial patterns and level differences due to planting times. We tested crop type and soil moisture (Palmer crop moisture index (CMI)) as predictors of expected crop condition. Spatial patterns in yNDVI were similar between corn and soybeans – the two major crops. Linear regressions between yNDVI and the cumulative CMI (CCMI) exposed complex interactions between crop condition, field location (topography and soils), and annual moisture. Wet toposequence positions (depressions) were negatively correlated to CCMI and dry positions (crests) positively correlated. However, only 21% of the landscape showed a statistically significant (p
Synthesis of rhenium(V) cyanide, bipyridine and ylide complexes

Abstract [ReO(CH2SiMe3)3(PMe3)] reacted with cyanide, bipyridine and trimethyl-methylenephosphorane giving [ReO(CH2SiMe3)3(CN)]−, [ReO(CH2SiMe3)3(bipyl)] and [ReO(CH2PMe3)(CH2SiMe3)3], respectively. [ReO(CH2PMe3)(CH2SiMe3)3] was also produced via a formal insertion of methylene into the ReP bond when [ReO(CH2SiMe3)3 (PMe3)] reacted with diazomethane.
Impaired heart rate variability predicts clinical deterioration and progressive organ failure in emergency department sepsis patients

Emergency department (ED) sepsis patients without overt shock have a high incidence of clinical deterioration after admission. Heart rate variability (HRV) is decreased in severe sepsis. The objective was to determine the ability of a panel of HRV indices to identify physiologically stable ED sepsis patients who will develop worsening organ failure. We hypothesized that patients meeting the outcome of progressive organ failure will have decreased HRV on initial presentation.
Part 1: Analytical modeling of symmetric multi-nose tube hydroforming

Abstract Part 1 of this series of papers presents an analytical model for a multi-nose tube hydroforming process based on a mechanistic approach. In this process, the tube is surrounded by a number of evenly distributed circular dies. The model was established based on equilibrium conditions, yielding criteria, geometrical relationships, and a volume constancy condition. The system of equations was derived and solved for various process parameters. The model validation was performed using finite element analysis and experiments. The model has the ability to predict process parameters such as stresses, strains, internal pressure, geometry variables, and thinning rate distribution. The model could be applied to regular planar tube hydroforming of polygonal shapes such as square, pentagon, or octagon. Details for establishing governing relationships for polygonal shape hydroforming from the multi-nose analytical model are given in Part 2 of this series of papers.
New models for ohmic contacts to GaAs

Abstract Gold-based ohmic contacts are routinely used in GaAs devices and integrated circuits. Since either electron-beam deposited or thermally evaporated gold is in the polycrystalline form, grain boundary diffusion of gallium into gold is expected. Using sputter Auger depth profiles of electron-beam deposited and annealed gold contacts on n-type GaAs, the concentration of gallium in gold as a function of the annealing temperature (250 to 550 °C with a step of 50 °C) is determined. Applying Whipple's grain boundary diffusion theory, the grain boundary diffusion coefficient for gallium in gold layer is found to be 3.5 × 10−9 exp(-0.21/kT) cm2s−1. The lattice diffusivity is equal to 6.5 × 10−13 exp(-0.33/kT) cm>2s−1. The study on gold diffusion in GaAs based on the capture of gold atoms by gallium vacancies and gold migration along interstices yielded the diffusion coefficient of gold equal to 3.12 × 10−3 exp(-1.59/kT) cm2 s−1.
Aesthetic concepts: a paradigm for dance.

A survey of literature in dance and aesthetics fmds eight recurring fundamental components which form a concrete framework for the dance composition. These are (a) content, (b) the raw material of movement, (c) movement vocabulary, (d) process, (e) form, (f) performer and (g) production accessories, resulting in (h) expression. In addition, central to the art of dance is its unique medium of expression, the human body through which all flows. The interaction and interrelation of these components produces an integrated gestalt which becomes the dance. Awareness of the potential and diversity within each area and skill in the manipulation of these constitutes the craft of choreography. From this underlying aesthetic theory emerges a model which is a pragmatic and firm foundation for thorough analysis of a dance. Its application serves to increase the understanding of the complex process of choreography and therefore is useful to historian, scholar, choreographer, critic, and student.
Executive Functioning in Childhood Epilepsy: Parent-Report and Cognitive Assessment.

There is considerable interest in the assessment of executive function (EF) in pediatric clinical populations but only a few well-standardized measures exist. We examined EF in 53 children aged 8 to 18 years with recent onset epilepsy (31 males, 22 females) and 50 control children (23 males, 27 females) using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). Thirty children had localization-related epilepsy and 23 had idiopathic generalized epilepsy; average duration of 10 months (SD 4y 1mo) and onset age of 11 years 6 months (SD 3y 6mo). The study sample was characterized by good seizure control, with 40 participants taking one antiepileptic drug (AED), one taking two AEDs, and 12 not treated pharmacologically. Children with epilepsy showed greater executive difficulties on both measures than children in the control group. The BRIEF and D-KEFS were significantly correlated, and an ‘at-risk’ group identified from the BRIEF was more significantly impaired on the D-KEFS than a ‘low risk’ group. The BRIEF was also a better predictor of performance on the D-KEFS than the Child Behavior Checklist. These findings indicate that children with recent onset epilepsy show significant difficulties in E F, and demonstrate the utility of parent ratings (BRIEF) in the assessment of EF.
Perception Bias Among Undergraduate Business Students by Major

In this article, the authors examined business students' perceptions of themselves and their peers of the same and different majors on several traditional dimensions of academic performance and personal characteristics. The authors found that business students exhibited substantial perceptual biases in their perceptions of students in a major other than their own. Although there is a surprisingly high level of agreement in the students' perceptions of the various business majors—consistent with stereotypic portrayals of the different majors—there is also substantial evidence of positive self and in-group biases.