cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Miocene‐Recent sediment flux in the south‐central Alaskan fore‐arc basin governed by flat‐slab subduction

The Cook Inlet in south-central Alaska contains the early Oligocene to Recent stratigraphic record of a fore-arc basin adjacent to a shallowly subducting oceanic plateau. Our new measured stratigraphic sections and detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes from Neogene strata and modern rivers illustrate the effects of flat-slab subduction on the depositional environments, provenance, and subsidence in fore-arc sedimentary systems. During the middle Miocene, fluvial systems emerged from the eastern, western, and northern margins of the basin. The axis of maximum subsidence was near the center of the basin, suggesting equal contributions from subsidence drivers on both margins. By the late Miocene, the axis of maximum subsidence had shifted westward and fluvial systems originating on the eastern margin of the basin above the flat-slab traversed the entire width of the basin. These mud-dominated systems reflect increased sediment flux from recycling of accretionary prism strata. Fluvial systems with headwaters above the flat-slab region continued to cross the basin during Pliocene time, but a change to sandstone-dominated strata with abundant volcanogenic grains signals a reactivation of the volcanic arc. The axis of maximum basin subsidence during late Miocene to Pliocene time is parallel to the strike of the subducting slab. Our data suggest that the character and strike-orientation of the down-going slab may provide a fundamental control on the nature of depositional systems, location of dominant provenance regions, and areas of maximum subsidence in fore-arc basins.
Rats Show a Component Preference on a Multiple Variable Interval Variable Time Schedule for Food

Rats obtained food pellets by lever pressing on a variable interval (VI) schedule or obtained them freely on a variable time (VT) schedule. Alternation of schedule components occurred when the rat emitted a changeover response on one of the two response levers in the chamber. In Experiment 1, the work (VI) lever retracted on entry into the VT component. Rats which had access to the changeover lever from the beginning of VI training showed a strong preference for free food (VT component). Rats which received 13 days of VI training prior to access to changeover lever showed a slight preference for work (VI component). If the work lever did not retract (Experiment 2) on entry into the VT component, the results were essentially the same.
Essential basal cytonemes take up Hedgehog in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc

Morphogen concentration gradients that extend across developmental fields form by dispersion from source cells. In the Drosophila wing disc, Hedgehog (Hh) produced by posterior compartment cells distributes in a concentration gradient to adjacent cells of the anterior compartment. We monitored Hh:GFP after pulsed expression, and analyzed the movement and colocalization of Hh, Patched (Ptc) and Smoothened (Smo) proteins tagged with GFP or mCherry and expressed at physiological levels from bacterial artificial chromosome transgenes. Hh:GFP moved to basal subcellular locations prior to release from posterior compartment cells that express it, and was taken up by basal cytonemes that extend to the source cells. Hh and Ptc were present in puncta that moved along the basal cytonemes and formed characteristic apical-basal distributions in the anterior compartment cells. The basal cytonemes required diaphanous, SCAR, Neuroglian and Synaptobrevin, and both the Hh gradient and Hh signaling declined under conditions in which the cytonemes were compromised. These findings show that in the wing disc, Hh distributions and signaling are dependent upon basal release and uptake, and on cytoneme-mediated movement. No evidence for apical dispersion was obtained.
Hospital volume and outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of hospital volume on outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent RAPN between 2010 and 2013 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Hospital yearly RAPN volume was categorized into groups by sorting patients as closely as possible into five groups of equal size (quintiles): very low; low; medium; high; and very high volume. Outcomes included 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, open conversion, prolonged length of hospital stay (PLOS; defined as >3 days), 30-day readmission rate, and positive surgical margin (PSM) rate. Unadjusted analyses and multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare outcomes. Sensitivity analyses with hospital volume considered as a continuous variable were also performed. RESULTS A total of 18 724 RAPN cases were included. Hospital volume quintiles were: very low volume, 1-7 cases (n = 3 693); low volume, 8-14 cases (n = 3 719); medium volume, 15-23 cases (n = 3 833); high volume, 24-43 cases (n = 3 649); and very high volume, ≥44 cases (n = 3 830). There was no significant difference in 30-day or 90-day mortality among the five groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis (reference: very low volume) showed that higher hospital volume was associated with lower odds of conversion (low [odds ratio {OR}: 0.88; P = 0.377]; medium [OR: 0.60; P = 0.001]; high [OR: 0.57; P < 0.001]; very high [OR: 0.47; P < 0.001]), lower odds of PLOS (low [OR: 0.93; P = 0.197], medium [OR: 0.75; P < 0.001]; high [OR: 0.62; P < 0.001]; very high [OR: 0.45; P < 0.001]), and lower odds of PSMs (low [OR: 0.76; P < 0.001]; medium [OR: 0.76, P < 0.001]; high [OR: 0.59; P < 0.001]; very high [OR: 0.34; P < 0.001]). Sensitivity analyses confirmed increasing hospital volume (per 1-case increase) was associated with lower odds of conversion (OR: 0.986; P < 0.001), PLOS (OR: 0.989; P < 0.001) and PSMs (OR: 0.984; P < 0.001). A difference in 30-day readmission rate was found in unadjusted analysis but not in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSION Undergoing RAPN at higher-volume hospitals may have better peri-operative outcomes (conversion to open and LOS) and lower PSM rates. Future studies are needed to explore the detailed components that lead to the superior outcomes in higher-volume hospitals.
The Rapid Evolution of Transcatheter Mitral Valve-in-Valve and Valve-in-Ring Procedures

In this issue of Structural Heart, Sengodan et al. 1 provide a detailed systematic review of published studies of transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (VIV) and valve-in-ring (VIR) procedures for fa...
Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Amplification Method of Retaining the Quantitative Difference between Two Complex Genomes

Publisher Summary Technologies for analyzing gene expression and gene copy number changes are increasingly used in the detection, diagnosis, and therapy of cancer. The clinical outcome of various breast cancer therapies correlates closely with distinct mRNA expression profiles detected using DNA microarrays. A major problem with PCR is that amplification occurs in a nonlinear manner and reproducibility is influenced by stray impurities. The exponential mode of DNA amplification and concentration-dependent PCR saturation are notorious for introduction of bias. Genes important to prostate cancer development, such as PSA and prostatic acid phosphatase are overestimated by more than a factor of 10 when amplified via traditional PCR, but are quantitated correctly when amplified via balanced PCR prior to microarray screening. A requirement for the success of balanced PCR is that treatment of target and control DNA is identical at all stages prior to mixing the samples. Another assumption is that the low cycle PCR used for re-separation of the two genomes following the common PCR step does not produce distortions among DNA samples.
Infinite normal forms for the λ-calculus

The notion of C-function is introduced to λ-calculus with η-convertibility as a generalization of normal forms. C is a function from the λ-expressions, Λ, onto a partially ordered set, ℂfin. The D∞-value of X e Λ is characterized by C(X) e ℂfin. Extending the syntactical structure of ℂfin into ℂinf, we generalize Λ to Λ∞, the infinite λ-expressions. The lattice topology of Λ and Λ∞ induced by D∞ is equivalent to the lattice topology of ℂinf Since ℂinf is deduced from Λ independent of D∞, ℂinf can be said to give a natural lattice structure of Λ.
Children's Personal Narratives and Their Mothers' Responsiveness as Covariates of the Children's Compliance

Twenty-six mother–child dyads volunteered to be observed interacting at home, and the children agreed to participate in interviews designed to elicit their personal narratives. Observers coded the children's compliance with mother instructions and the mothers' responsiveness to their children's prosocial behaviors. Other raters coded the children's narratives for coherence of story structure. Correlational analyses of the data sets confirmed hypotheses that mother responsiveness and child coherence scores would account for separate variance in the children's willingness to comply with their mothers' instructions. These results were interpreted within the literature on child–mother synchrony and functional aspects of children's personal narratives.
Topological classification of quasiperiodically driven quantum systems

Few-level quantum systems driven by ${n}_{\mathrm{f}}$ incommensurate fundamental frequencies exhibit temporal analogs of noninteracting phenomena in ${n}_{\mathrm{f}}$ spatial dimensions, a consequence of the generalization of Floquet theory in frequency space. We organize the fundamental solutions of the frequency lattice model for ${n}_{\mathrm{f}}=2$ into a quasienergy band structure and show that every band is classified by an integer Chern number. In the trivial class, all bands have zero Chern number and the quasiperiodic dynamics is qualitatively similar to Floquet dynamics. The topological class with nonzero Chern bands has dramatic dynamical signatures, including the pumping of energy from one drive to the other, chaotic sensitivity to initial conditions, and aperiodic time dynamics of expectation values. The topological class is however unstable to generic perturbations due to exact level crossings in the quasienergy spectrum. Nevertheless, using the case study of a spin in a quasiperiodically varying magnetic field, we show that topological class can be realized at low frequencies as a prethermal phase, and at finite frequencies using counterdiabatic tools.
Nickel Based RTD Fabricated via Additive Screen Printing Process for Flexible Electronics

A novel nickel (Ni)-based resistance temperature detector (RTD) was successfully developed for temperature monitoring applications. The RTD was fabricated by depositing Ni ink on a flexible polyimide substrate using the screen printing process. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to study the thermal behavior of the Ni ink, and it was observed that the Ni ink can withstand up to 200 °C before the decomposition of the binder in the ink system. Scanning electron microscopy and white light interferometry were used to analyze the surface morphology of the printed Ni. X-ray diffractometry was used to obtain structural information, phase, and crystallite size of the deposited Ni nanoparticles. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to obtain semi-quantitative information of the elements present in the fabricated RTD. The capability of the RTD to detect temperatures varying from -60 °C to 180 °C, in steps of 20 °C, was investigated at a constant relative humidity of 20%RH. The results of the RTD demonstrated a linear response with resistive changes as high as 113% at 180 °C when compared with its base resistance at -60 °C. An average TCR of 0.44%/°C was calculated for the printed RTD with a response time of <;10 s. The obtained results demonstrated the feasibility of employing Ni on flexible substrates for the development of flexible temperature sensors.
A Response to Professor Benkler

Professor Hamilton explores the constitutional complexity uncovered by Professor Benkler in his piece, Constitutional Bounds of Database Protection: The Role of Judicial Review in the Creation and Definition of Private Rights in Information. Specifically, Professor Hamilton highlights that our democratic structure is characterized by representation rather than self-rule. In doing so, she refocuses the role of information in the political process and highlights that different types of information require different levels of access. Professor Hamilton's analysis further illustrates how an imprecise use of terminology may lead to incorrect conclusions regarding information jurisprudence. Through her more refined lens, Professor Hamilton reconsiders the proposed database legislation under the Copyright and Commerce Clauses and under First Amendment doctrine. While critiquing Benkler's underdeveloped theoretical and doctrinal approaches, she concludes that he does correctly find the Collections of Information Antipiracy bill constitutionally deficient; however, he is incorrect in finding the Consumer and Investor Access to Information bill constitutionally sound. Indeed, Professor Hamilton's response emphasizes that a broad-brush approach cannot draw the fundamental fine line between constitutionally acceptable and unacceptable regulations of information.
Expression patterns of octoploid strawberry TGA genes reveal a potential role in response to Podosphaera aphanis infection

TGA family transcription factors are downstream components of the salicylic acid (SA) pathway and play a crucial role in the penetration defense against powdery mildew, a disease caused by the biotrophic pathogen Podosphaera aphanis that can cause enormous financial losses. However, the TGA genes in the octoploid strawberry (Benihoppe) remain largely unexplored. In this study, 11 FaTGA genes were identified and grouped into five subgroups based on the Strawberry GARDEN database. The evolution of TGAs has been relatively conservative, maintaining nearly the same protein domain and motif architectures. RT-qPCR showed that FaTGAs have different expression patterns in roots, stems, and leaves. The characteristics of their gene expression patterns indicate that FaTGA1, FaTGA2, FaTGA5, FaTGA7, FaTGA8, FaTGA9, and FaTGA10, as well as SA-responsive genes, were responsive to P. aphanis infection. In particular, exogenous SA induced significant upregulation of FaTGA and SA-responsive genes. Further correlation analysis suggested that FaTGA1, FaTGA2, FaTGA5, FaTGA7, FaTGA8, and FaTGA10 may play a crucial role in the response to powdery mildew disease. Taken together, our results reveal the responses of TGA genes in the strawberry P. aphanis interaction, which will provide further insight into the strawberry defense against powdery mildew.
GPT Conjecture: Understanding the Trade-offs between Granularity, Performance and Timeliness in Control-Flow Integrity.

Performance/security trade-off is widely noticed in CFI research, however, we observe that not every CFI scheme is subject to the trade-off. Motivated by the key observation, we ask three questions. Although the three questions probably cannot be directly answered, they are inspiring. We find that a deeper understanding of the nature of the trade-off will help answer the three questions. Accordingly, we proposed the GPT conjecture to pinpoint the trade-off in designing CFI schemes, which says that at most two out of three properties (fine granularity, acceptable performance, and preventive protection) could be achieved.
Targeting Extreme Events: Complementing Near-Term Ecological Forecasting With Rapid Experiments and Regional Surveys

Ecologists are improving predictive capability using near-term ecological forecasts, in which predictions are made iteratively and publically to increase transparency, rate of learning, and maximize utility. Ongoing ecological forecasting efforts focus mostly on long-term datasets of continuous variables, such as CO2 fluxes, or more abrupt variables, such as phenological events or algal blooms. Generally lacking from these forecasting efforts is the integration of short-term, opportunistic data concurrent with developing climate extremes such as drought. We posit that incorporating targeted experiments and regional surveys, implemented rapidly during developing extreme events, into current forecasting efforts will ultimately enhance our ability to forecast ecological responses to climate extremes, which are projected to increase in both frequency and intensity. We highlight a project “chasing tree die-off”, in which we coupled an experiment with regional-scale observational field surveys during a developing severe drought to test and improve forecasts of tree die-off. General insights to consider in incorporating this approach include: (1) tracking developing climate extremes in near-real time to efficiently ramp up measurements rapidly and, if feasible, initiate an experiment quickly—including funding and site selection challenges; (2) accepting uncertainty in projected extreme climatic events and adjusting sampling design over-time as needed, especially given the spatially heterogeneous nature of many ecological disturbances; and (3) producing timely and iterative output. In summary, targeted experiments and regional surveys implemented rapidly during developing extreme climatic events offer promise to efficiently (both financially and logistically) improve our ability to forecast ecological responses to climate extremes.
Delirium Definitions and Subtypes

Delirium has long been recognized as a clinical syndrome but has been difficult to study due to multiple definitions used in the literature over time. Our current understanding of delirium is based in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V), definition. Delirium diagnosis in the critically ill presents a particular challenge due to the use of sedatives and analgesics and the often nonverbal status of the patients. In this population, delirium is best diagnosed with a well-validated screening tool such as the CAM-ICU or ICDSC. These and additional tools can also help assess the severity of the acute brain dysfunction. Once delirium is diagnosed, it can be separated into motoric subtypes—hypoactive and hyperactive—which is important for prognostication, with hypoactive subtypes generally having worse outcomes. Additionally, delirium can be separated into clinical phenotypes: metabolic, hypoxic, septic, sedative-associated, and unclassified. These clinical phenotypes have also shown outcome differences. Using clear definitions of delirium in the literature will allow further study of this highly prevalent and clinically significant syndrome.
Tailoring the tensile stroke of fishing line artificial muscle through prestress: a preliminary study

High-performance artificial muscle is of great interest to robotics community. In this study, we investigate the influence of pre-stress on fishing line artificial muscle's tensile stroke. Fishing line artificial muscles with electrothermal actuation were made from nylon 6 mono-filament and resistance wires. The tensile stroke in time domain was found to exhibit different actuation behavior under different levels of pre-stress in spring-load test. The supplied current was kept constant through all the experimental tests to investigate the effect of prestress on the artificial muscle performance. The presented study provided new insight into implementation of fishing line artificial muscle towards robotic applications, especially regarding how to choose appropriate pre-stress for muscle integration.
The Occupational Stress of First-Year Urban and Rural Special Educational Teachers:

A variety of behaviors such as cynicism, depression, and lack of interest in work are associated with a condition known as burnout. This condition is thought to be positively correlated with stress...
Nephrectomy: Minimally Invasive Surgery

Pediatric nephrectomy is a key surgical procedure in pediatric urology, with techniques and skills that form the basis for many further complex upper urinary tract procedures. Laparoscopic and subsequently robotic techniques have been adapted to prior open retroperitoneal and transabdominal approaches that allow for safe, efficacious and oncologically sound removal of the affected kidney. This chapter will review the development of MIS techniques for this procedure, walkthrough patient selection, OR set up and renal access and discuss techniques for safe extirpation. Lastly, we will review the safety profile and oncologic applications with outcomes.
Cultural Identity Changes the Accessibility of Knowledge

Culture plays a significant role in determining what people believe and claim to know. Here, we argue that, in addition to shaping what people come to know, culture influences the accessibility of that knowledge. In five studies, we examined how activating participants’ American identities (a cultural identity) influenced their ability to retrieve well-known information: the 50 U. S. states. Activating participants’ American identities—relative to other identities—led them to retrieve more U. S. states over brief periods of time; the effect disappeared over longer periods of time. Overall, our results suggest that the identity activated affects the speed with which relevant knowledge is retrieved, but that the effect is not large in magnitude (perhaps contributing to why we did not find the effect in Study 4). This work provides the first evidence that cultural identity influences not only what one knows but also its accessibility.
A Wireless Power Transfer System with Up-to-20% Light- Load Efficiency Enhancement and Instant Dynamic Response by Fully Integrated Wireless Hysteretic Control for Bioimplants

Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are becoming increasingly popular for sub100mW biomedical applications [1] –[5]. Because the received power is sensitive to coupling and loading conditions, power/voltage regulations are essential to achieve stable and accurate power delivery, fast transient response, and high end-to-end (E2E) efficiency, which includes all the power losses in the transmitter (TX), wireless power link, and the receiver (RX). Many existing WPT designs operated in open-loop [3] –[5]; or achieved voltage regulation but only in the RX [6], with the TX remained unregulated and designed to operate at full capacity, thus degraded E2E efficiency at light-load conditions. Because lower-power or standby mode typically contributes to the majority of the operation time, light-load efficiency is always an important specification of power management circuits, especially to extend the run time for battery-powered devices, e.g., a wearable/portable WPT transmitter supporting bioimplants. [1], [2], [7] –[9] have reported different approaches to achieve TX regulation; however, all required extra discrete components, which increased the form-factor and cost. [7], [8] required a wire to close the loop. [1], [2], [9] utilized load-shift-keying (LSK) backscattering for TX regulation, which was proved an effective solution. However, [2], [9] relied on lots of off-chip components, including power inductors, diodes, DACs, FPGAs, etc., due to the analog control methodologies. The linear control also introduced small-signal bandwidth limitations, which required careful design to ensure stability at different loading/coupling conditions with PVT/component variations, and resulted in significant compromise in dynamic performance. [1] introduced a nonlinear constant-idle-time control to eliminate the bandwidth limitations and most of the off-chip components; however, the light-load efficiency still suffered. In addition, [1] still required an extra sensing coil to extract LSK signals that increased the TX coil area by 86%.
Cellular Thermometry Considerations for Probing Biochemical Pathways

Temperature is a fundamental thermodynamic property that can serve as a probe of biochemical reactions. Extracellular thermometry has previously been used to probe cancer metabolism and thermoregulation, with measured temperature changes of ~1–2 K in tissues, consistent with theoretical predictions. In contrast, previous intracellular thermometry studies remain disputed due to reports of >1 K intracellular temperature rises over 5 min or more that are inconsistent with theory. Thus, the origins of such anomalous temperature rises remain unclear. An improved quantitative understanding of intracellular thermometry is necessary to provide a clearer perspective for future measurements. Here, we develop a generalizable framework for modeling cellular heat diffusion over a range of subcellular-to-tissue length scales. Our model shows that local intracellular temperature changes reach measurable limits (>0.1 K) only when exogenously stimulated. On the other hand, extracellular temperatures can be measurable (>0.1 K) in tissues even from endogenous biochemical pathways. Using these insights, we provide a comprehensive approach to choosing an appropriate cellular thermometry technique by analyzing thermogenic reactions of different heat rates and time constants across length scales ranging from subcellular to tissues. Our work provides clarity on cellular heat diffusion modeling and on the required thermometry approach for probing thermogenic biochemical pathways.
Hepatic macrosteatosis in the US pediatric deceased liver donor population.

Introduction The pediatric obesity epidemic is associated with early development of hepatic macrosteatosis, a hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty LI disease, which is thought to be more rapidly progressive in children than adults. Macrosteatosis in adult allografts is associated with allograft loss, but this has not been examined in pediatric donors. Methods We studied all pediatric potential whole LI donors (2005-2018) who had a LI biopsy in the SRTR (n = 862) and whose LI was transplanted (n = 862). Macrosteatosis was abstracted from biopsy reports and compared to values in the SRTR standard analytic file. Recipients of macrosteatotic pediatric allografts were matched 1:1 to recipients of non-macrosteatotic pediatric allografts by propensity score matching on donor/recipient variables. All-cause allograft loss was estimated via Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. Results From 2005 to 2018, the proportion of pediatric donors (age ≥2 years) with obesity increased (14.8% to 21.7%; p .05). Conclusion Obese pediatric LI donors have increased over time and were more likely to have hepatic macrosteatosis; however, pediatric macrosteatosis did not appear to adversely affect recipient outcomes.
Comparison of clinical outcomes using activated partial thromboplastin time versus antifactor-Xa for monitoring therapeutic unfractionated heparin: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Introduction Continuous intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) is a mainstay of therapeutic anticoagulation in the acute setting. The two most common laboratory tests for monitoring UFH are the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and antifactor Xa (anti-Xa) heparin assay. We reviewed the available evidence to evaluate if the choice of monitoring test for UFH therapy is associated with a difference in the clinical outcomes of bleeding, thrombosis, or mortality. Materials and methods MEDLINE, Cochrane database, and conference abstracts from the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American Society of Hematology, and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy were searched for all studies comparing aPTT and anti-Xa monitoring for therapeutic UFH that evaluated outcomes for bleeding, thrombotic events, or mortality. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Pooled relative risk ratios were calculated using an inverse variance-weighted random-effects model. Results Ten studies (n = 6677) were included for analysis. The use of anti-Xa compared to aPTT was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.8–1.22 I2 = 4%) or an increased risk of thrombotic events (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.76–1.30, I2 = 3%). There was no difference in mortality within individual studies but the data were not suitable for pooled analysis. Conclusions Pooled data comparing aPTT vs. anti-Xa for monitoring therapeutic UFH did not suggest differences in the outcomes of bleeding or thrombosis.
Homeodynamic bio-oscillations and the conscious self

The observable bio-phenomenal events are oscillatory. Bio-oscillations are ubiquitous in nature including many in human beings. Homeodynamic Bio-Oscillations (HBOs) are correlated with both biophysical and psychological processes. They can be mechanical, chemical, electrical, and magnetic. In fact, there is a certain specificity between the HBO energy patterns and the correlated human behavior experience. With the same understanding and the current scientific evidence, one can be aware of, not only one's objective behaviors, but also one's subjective feelings and experiences, both conscious and subconscious. Behaviors are highly dependent on the presence of appropriate HBOs in the living organisms and their surroundings. Our verbal and cognitive communications involve bio-frequencies and energies of 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Many large animals such as whales, elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, and alligators communicate by infrasonic signals (
Discontinuous Radial Basis Function Approximations for Meshfree Methods

Meshfree methods with discontinuous radial basis functions and their numerical implementation for elastic problems are presented. We study the following radial basis functions: the multiquadratic (MQ), the Gaussian basis functions and the thin-plate basis functions. These radial basis functions are combined with step function enrichments directly or with enriched Shepard functions. The formulation is coupled with level set methods and requires no explicit representation of the discontinuity. Numerical results show the robustness of the method, both in accuracy and convergence.
Effect of clinic experience on pre-service professionals perceptions of applied special needs services.

With the understanding that the attitudes and expectations a teacher carries into the classroom directly affect student achievement, this study was administered to evaluate the cognitive affect that clinical experience incorporating individuals with disabilities had on pre-service exercise science professionals. University Students with and without experience in an adapted clinical environment were given surveys covering attitudes and perceptions towards classroom atmosphere, teachers’ instructional techniques, inclusion, and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed and used to determine pedagogical implications. Findings suggest that pre-service educators tend to feel unprepared and ill-equipped to work in an inclusive educational environment. Therefore, pre-service teacher programs should ideally include coursework in adaptive education and experiential components such as practicum, field experience, and clinical experience. In addition, a school-university collaborative relationship can facilitate beneficial outcomes to future educators as well as special needs populations.
FIRING BEHAVIOR OF VESTIBULAR NEURONS DURING ACTIVE AND PASSIVE HEAD MOVEMENTS : VESTIBULO-SPINAL AND OTHER NON-EYE-MOVEMENT RELATED NEURONS

The firing behavior of 51 non-eye movement related central vestibular neurons that were sensitive to passive head rotation in the plane of the horizontal semicircular canal was studied in three squirrel monkeys whose heads were free to move in the horizontal plane. Unit sensitivity to active head movements during spontaneous gaze saccades was compared with sensitivity to passive head rotation. Most units (29/35 tested) were activated at monosynaptic latencies following electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral vestibular nerve. Nine were vestibulo-spinal units that were antidromically activated following electrical stimulation of the ventromedial funiculi of the spinal cord at C1. All of the units were less sensitive to active head movements than to passive whole body rotation. In the majority of cells (37/51, 73%), including all nine identified vestibulo-spinal units, the vestibular signals related to active head movements were canceled. The remaining units (n = 14, 27%) were sensitive to active head movements, but their responses were attenuated by 20-75%. Most units were nearly as sensitive to passive head-on-trunk rotation as they were to whole body rotation; this suggests that vestibular signals related to active head movements were cancelled primarily by subtraction of a head movement efference copy signal. The sensitivity of most units to passive whole body rotation was unchanged during gaze saccades. A fundamental feature of sensory processing is the ability to distinguish between self-generated and externally induced sensory events. Our observations suggest that the distinction is made at an early stage of processing in the vestibular system.
Optimized statically non-wetting hydrophobic electrospun surface of perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether polymer

A statically non-wetting highly hydrophobic fibrous surface was generated from biphenyl perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether polymer (BP-PFCB) by electrospinning. The optimization of solution parameters, which include concentration of the solution and number-average molecular weight of the polymer, was followed by optimization of the instrumental parameters, which include flow rate, inter-electrode voltage and inter-electrode distance. Varying these parameters resulted in different degrees of hydrophobicity on the generated surfaces. The degree of hydrophobicity was determined by measuring static water contact angles.Theeffectsofthesevariationsinelectrospinningparametersonthethicknessofthefibersconstitutingthesurfacewere alsoobserved.ItwasfoundthatthehydrophobicnatureoftheelectrospunfibroussurfaceofBP-PFCBdependedontwofactors: fluorine concentration and thickness of the fibers. During the optimization of the parameters, three different morphological regimes, namely beads, beaded fibers and fibers, were observed. The fine tuning of electrospinning parameters eventually produced a statically non-wetting, highly hydrophobic surface which predominantly consisted of an intricate network of nanoscale fibers. c � 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A nonlinear stability controller for rear wheel driven vehicles

In this paper, we suggest a robust controller which maintains "no-skid" while following a separate control goal. The system description is based on a bicycle model in which the no-slip condition is represented as a set of four non-holonomic constraints and each constraint defines a sliding manifold.
Is a higher boost dose of radiation necessary after breast-conserving therapy for patients with breast cancer with final close or positive margins?

To determine rates of loco-regional recurrence (LRR), distant failure and overall survival for patients with breast cancer treated with breast-conserving therapy (BCT) with a close or positive surgical margin (C/PM) treated with standard dose boost radiation compared with a higher boost of radiation. We retrospectively studied 1476 patients with T1-T3 invasive breast cancer treated with BCT between 1992 and 2009. Median age was 57 years. Patients were divided into three groups: Group I included 1197 patients (81 %) with negative margins who received a standard boost (median 60 Gy) total dose to the lumpectomy cavity; Group II included 116 patients (8 %) with C/PM who received a standard boost (median 60 Gy); and Group III included 163 patients (11 %) with C/PM who received a higher boost (median 68 Gy). Biological subtypes (e.g., ER, PR, HER2/neu) were available for 858 patients (58 %) and were also assessed for any relationship to LRR rate. The Kaplan-Meier, Cox-regression, and log-rank tests were used to estimate rates of LRR and the significance of risk factors. Median follow-up was 8.6 years. The overall 5- and 10-year cumulative incidences of LRR were 2.1 % (95 % CI 0.8-2.1 %) and 4.5 % (95 % CI 3.4-6.0 %), respectively. The 5- and 10-year cumulative incidences of LRR for Group I (negative margins + standard boost) were 1.9 and 4.4 %; for Group II (C/PM + standard boost) were 3.9 and 7.0 %; and for Group III (C/PM + higher boost) were 2.9 and 3.8 %, respectively. No statistically significant differences in LRR rates were found among the three groups (p = 0.4). Similar results were obtained for distant failure (p = 0.3) and overall survival (p = 0.4). On multivariate analysis, tumor grade (p = 0.03), systemic-therapy (p = 0.005), node positivity (p = 0.05), young age (p = 0.001), and biological subtype (p = 0.04) were statistically significantly associated with higher LRR. Higher boost dose and margin positivity were not significant. Our data suggest that the 10-year risk of local recurrence for patients with close or positive margins receiving a standard boost was 7 % compared to 3.8 % for those receiving a higher boost; however, this difference was not significant. A higher boost dose did not significantly improve local control, nor did margins impact LRR risk in our cohort of patients.
Procedural help in Andes: generating hints using a Bayesian network student model

One of the most important problems for an intelligent tutoring system is deciding how to respond when a student asks for help. Responding cooperatively requires an understanding of both what solution path the student is pursuing, and the student's current level of domain knowledge. Andes, an intelligent tutoring system for Newtonian physics, refers to a probabilistic student model to make decisions about responding to help requests. Andes' student model uses a Bayesian network that computes a probabilistic assessment of three kinds of information: (I) the student's general knowledge about physics, (2) the student's specific knowledge about the current problem, and (3) the abstract plans that the student may be pursuing to solve the problem. Using this model, Andes provides feedback and hints tailored to the student's knowledge and goals.
Utility of GATA3 immunohistochemistry for diagnosis of metastatic breast carcinoma in cytology specimens.

Background GATA3 as a diagnostic marker of metastatic breast carcinoma in cytology specimens has not been fully established. Methods Metastatic breast carcinoma was assessed for GATA3, mammaglobin, and GCDFP-15 immunohistochemistry on cell blocks. GATA3 was scored by intensity (0, negative; 1, weakly positive; 2, moderately positive; 3, strongly positive), and area (0–100%). Mammaglobin (MMG) and GCDFP-15 staining was scored qualitatively (positive vs. negative). Results were correlated with specimen type (fine-needle aspiration vs. body fluid), breast prognostic markers estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Her-2/Neu (Her2), and Ki67, and with each other. Statistical significance was determined by chi-squared test and ANOVA for numerical variables. Alpha was set as 0.05. A total of 40 CB specimens containing metastatic breast carcinoma were studied. Results GATA3 was positive in 32 (80%) cases. All ER-positive cases (n = 25) were positive for GATA3. Conversely, all GATA3-negative cases (n = 8) were triple-negative breast cancers. On qualitative univariate analysis, GATA3 was statistically associated with ER (P = 0.0001), and PR (P = 0.0468). GATA3 intensity was statistically associated with ER (P ≤ 0.0001), PR (P = 0.0157), Her2 (P = 0.0256), and cancer category (P = 0.0127). GATA3 staining was statistically associated with ER (P ≤ 0.0001), PR (P = 0.0160), Her2 (P = 0.0451), and cancer category (P = 0.0002). MMG and GCDFP-15 were directly compared to GATA3 in 35 samples. The sensitivity was 86% for GATA3, 26% for MMG, and 14% for GCDFP-15. Conclusion GATA3 is a more sensitive diagnostic marker of metastatic breast carcinoma in CB samples than MMG and GCDFP-15. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:271–277. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolomics analysis identifies novel plasma biomarkers of cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbation.

Summary Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by infection, inflammation, lung function decline, and intermittent pulmonary exacerbations. However, the link between pulmonary exacerbation and lung disease progression remains unclear. Global metabolomic profiling can provide novel mechanistic insight into a disease process in addition to putative biomarkers for future study. Our objective was to investigate how the plasma metabolomic profile changes between CF pulmonary exacerbation and a clinically well state. Methods Plasma samples and lung function data were collected from 25 CF patients during hospitalization for a pulmonary exacerbation and during quarterly outpatient clinic visits. In collaboration with Metabolon, Inc., the metabolomic profiles of matched pair plasma samples, one during exacerbation and one at a clinic visit, were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Compounds were identified by comparison to a library of standards. Mixed effects models that controlled for nutritional status and lung function were used to test for differences and principal components analysis was performed. Results Our population had a median age of 27 years (14–39) and had a median FEV1% predicted of 65% (23–105%). 398 total metabolites were identified and after adjustment for confounders, five metabolites signifying perturbations in nucleotide (hypoxanthine), nucleoside (N4-acetylcytidine), amino acid (N-acetylmethionine), carbohydrate (mannose), and steroid (cortisol) metabolism were identified. Principal components analysis provided good separation between the two clinical phenotypes. Conclusions Our findings provide putative metabolite biomarkers for future study and allow for hypothesis generation about the pathophysiology of CF pulmonary exacerbation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:869–877. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Consumer Protection in the Eco-Mark Era: A Preliminary Survey and Assessment of Anti-Greenwashing Activity and Eco-Mark Enforcement

We stand at the dawn of the Eco-mark Era – a period in which green branding, advertising environmentally friendly products and services, and touting sustainable business practices will be pervasive and profitable. However, with the rise of green branding comes the temptation of greenwashing – making false or misleading claims regarding environmentally friendly products, services or practices. Instances of greenwashing appear to be on the rise, but we are seeing more activity to combat greenwashing by public enforcement and consumer class actions. In addition, green brand owners are protecting and enforcing their eco-marks, and trademark litigation involving green brands is becoming commonplace. How is the consumer faring amid this flurry of green marketing, greenwashing and eco-mark activity? This article attempts to answer that question through a survey of anti-greenwashing activity and eco-mark litigation and a preliminary assessment of its impact on the green consumer.
Vowel information in postvocalic fricative noises.

When the postvocalic fricative noises of [s] and [f] are excerpted and combined with vocalic segments having inappropriate formant transitions, vowel quality, or both, the fricative percept is determined by the noise. However, there is often a perception of a diphthong in the vowel. This phenomenon was explored for the vowels [a, i, o, u] preceding the fricatives [s] and [∫]. In the first of two experiments, all combinations of the vocalic segments and fricative noises were presented for identification of the vowel. The perception of diphthongs occurred much more often on mismatches of vowel quality than of transition, indicating that there is substantial vowel information in the noise. In the second experiment, just the noises of the syllables were presented, with subjects trying to identify the missing vowel. The high vowels [i] and [u] were reliably identified, while identifications of [a] and [o] were at chance. This result agrees with previous studies of initial fricatives (Yeni-Komshian and Soli, 19...
Development of gullies on the landscape: A model of headcut retreat resulting from plunge pool erosion

[1] Head advance due to plunge pool erosion is a common process in gullies incising resistant soils. A model of headcut retreat resulting from plunge pool erosion is developed and implemented in the channel-hillslope integrated landscape development (CHILD) model, an existing three-dimensional landscape evolution modeling framework. The model estimates horizontal headcut retreat as a function of discharge, height of the headcut, upstream slope, and relevant land surface and soil properties for soil erosion. We analyze the sensitivity of headcut retreat to flow discharge, upstream slope and surface roughness, and headcut height. CHILD simulations indicate that headcut retreat is most significant in zones with either gentle slopes or large headcut heights. Model parameters have contrasting effects on the retreat rates depending on the size and depth of the pool beneath the headcut and upstream flow hydraulics, making the process difficult to predict as a function of topographic thresholds and simple geomorphic transport laws.
Transcatheter embolization coil closure of patent ductus arteriosus--modified delivery for enhanced control during coil positioning.

The use of Gianturco coils (Cook, Inc., Bloomington, IN) has been recently described as a method of occluding restrictive patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Precise control of the coil during positioning or withdrawal is difficult. We designed an inexpensive and readily available system to control the coil during delivery and repositioning. A 5 French Mallincrodt vertebral catheter was heat tapered to allow slight, but definite resistance of a 0.035″ guide wire when it was passed through the catheter. The delivery system has been used to successfully coil occlude restrictive PDAs in seven patients. The system has added no additional costs to the procedure and has provided improved control of the coil position prior to release of the coil. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alternate Models of Community Variation: ABSTRACT

Much ecological and paleoecological work is based on a quantitative study of the relative abundance of species. Such studies attempt to interpret geographic or stratigraphic trends in terms of ecologic gradients. If the trend for each species is considered separately, interpretations relatively are straightforward. It is advantageous commonly, however, to search for patterns of covariation among species; if present, they sharpen and simplify environmental interpretation, and provide some basis for synecological reconstruction. Discovery and description of covariation patterns are not straightforward, and it is helpful therefore to have available several alternate models of community structure along an ecological gradient. One may consider a sampling traverse along which species abundances may reflect the direct in-situ operation of environmental factors, as well as the indirect influence of water-mass biogeography. Four simple models are postulated. In Model A (Random Fluctuation), species abundances are random with respect to traverse position. In Model B (Staggered Peaks), species have narrow, overlapping ranges and optima staggered along the traverse. In Model C (Simple Covariance), reaction groups consist of two or more species having the same optimum and exhibiting proportional variation; groups overla , but no species belongs to more than one group. Model D (Complex Covariation) is like C, except that species may belong to more than one group. Numerical examples are given for each model. By inspecting species plots and treating data by R- and Q-mode factor analysis, criteria are developed for recognizing model situations. Study of natural data suggests that real community variations are mixtures of the four model types. End_of_Article - Last_Page 534------------