cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In welchem ich zwei Postulate verteidige, die mein jüngeres Ich unsinnig fand: Wir sind uns der meisten Dinge, die in unserem Kopf vorgehen, nicht bewusst, und Zombies steuern in weiten Teilen unser Leben, auch wenn wir der festen Überzeugung sind, darüber selbst zu bestimmen

Erst als erwachsener Mann wurde ich sterblich. Diese intuitive Erkenntnis uberfiel mich plotzlich vor mehr als einem Dutzend Jahren. Ich hatte einen ganzen Abend damit zugebracht, einen suchtig machenden Ego-Shooter zu spielen, der meinem Teenager-Sohn gehorte – das hies, durch unheimliche, leere Hallen, uberflutete Gange, albtraumhaft gewundene Tunnel und verlassene Platze unter einer fremden Sonne zu rennen und meine Waffen auf Horden von Aliens zu leeren, die mich unablassig verfolgten. Ich ging spat zu Bett und schlief wie immer sofort ein. Ein paar Stunden spater wachte ich abrupt auf. Drausen war es noch dunkel. Aus dem Wissen war Gewissheit geworden – ich wurde sterben! Nicht gleich hier und jetzt, aber irgendwann.
Hydraulic Performance Comparison of Centrifugal Pumps

The purchase of large water pumps, requiring a high capital investment, necessitates, in addition to the economical evaluation, a thorough analysis of the hydraulic performance of the pumps. Thus, capacity, head, rotative speed, efficiency, and the related performance curves must be compared. To simplify the comparison of those variables for different pumps, the specific speed deviation method is introduced. This method, which is based on the specific speed criterion, compares the designed operation point of the pump with its best efficiency point, expressing it in the form of the deviation parameter, δ. To illustrate the use of this method, a group of seven pumps is analyzed and evaluated. The paper includes also a short examination of the dimensionless specific speed criterion, and the computation of the capacity-head curve.
Prevalence and counts of Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in raw, shelled runner peanuts.

Three major outbreaks of salmonellosis linked to consumption of peanut butter during the last 6 years have underscored the need to investigate the potential sources of Salmonella contamination in the production process flow. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence and levels of Salmonella in raw peanuts. Composite samples (1,500 g, n = 8) of raw, shelled runner peanuts representing the crop years 2009, 2010, and 2011 were drawn from 10,162 retained 22-kg lot samples of raw peanuts that were negative for aflatoxin. Subsamples (350 g) were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Salmonella was found in 68 (0.67%) of 10,162 samples. The highest prevalence rate (P 0.05) in the prevalence by region (Eastern versus Western). Salmonella ...
A projective assessment of the effects of Freudian sexual symbolism in liquor advertisements

The present investigation provided a projective assessment of the effects of Freudian symbolism in advertising. 48 male and 48 female undergraduates served as subjects. Liquor advertisements containing phallic and vaginal symbols and advertisements lacking such symbols were presented to the experimental and control groups, respectively. Subjects were then administered a standard Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). All subjects believed that they were participating in a study of memory and retrieval. Clark's scoring system for TAT sexuality content was used to assess the effects of both sets of advertisements. Analyses of variance indicated group differences for two of the three dependent TAT sexuality variables. Results supported the psychoanalytic assumption that genital symbols promote sexual arousal without an observer's conscious awareness. Specifically, the effects of the utilization of Freudian symbolism as a manipulative variable in advertising were demonstrated.
Optimization of the sintering of Aurivillius phases using D-optimal statistical design

A statistical model has been employed to determine the optimal sintering times and temperatures for Bi2Sr2Nb2TiO12. The phase of interest was made in pure form by solid-state synthesis. Bi2O3 was used as a sintering aid to decrease sintering temperatures and increase densification. The amount of Bi2O3 added and the sintering temperature had a statistical impact on density, while the heat treatment time did not.
Dependence of DNA-protein cross-linking via guanine oxidation upon local DNA sequence as studied by restriction endonuclease inhibition.

Oxidative damage plays a causative role in many diseases, and DNA–protein cross-linking is one important consequence of such damage. It is known that GG and GGG sites are particularly prone to one-electron oxidation, and here we examined how the local DNA sequence influences the formation of DNA–protein cross-links induced by guanine oxidation. Oxidative DNA–protein cross-linking was induced between DNA and histone protein via the flash quench technique, a photochemical method that selectively oxidizes the guanine base in double-stranded DNA. An assay based on restriction enzyme cleavage was developed to detect the cross-linking in plasmid DNA. Following oxidation of pBR322 DNA by flash quench, several restriction enzymes (PpuMI, BamHI, EcoRI) were then used to probe the plasmid surface for the expected damage at guanine sites. These three endonucleases were strongly inhibited by DNA–protein cross-linking, whereas the AT-recognizing enzyme AseI was unaffected in its cleavage. These experiments also reveal...
A Food Poisoning Incident Caused by Pathogenic Escherichia Coli

Objective To explore the preventive measures for food poisoning occurred in village feast by analyzing such an incident.Methods Field investigation and laboratory testing were both employed for exploring poison pathogen.Results This incident of food poisoning was caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli,serotype O127a: K63(B8).Conclusion Village feast is an important source of food-borne disease,and thus sanitary control should be fastened.
Investigating the Professional Emotional Status of Free Normal Students of Southwest University

The free education of normal students is an important measure for training a number of outstanding teachers and educators and promoting education equity in China.Research group's survey results show that most of free normal students approve education policies of free normal students and social value of the teaching profession,but there are such problems as not satisfied with rights and obligations compulsorily performed by free normal students,not strong sense of honor to their own identity,worry about their own development prospect,and etc.,so educational administrative department and school should establish flexible agreements of free normal students,increase investment in education in central and western rural areas,and create a good working environment for free normal students' engagement in the education in rural areas,in order to solve these problems,cultivate good feelings of the teaching profession of free normal students and make a greater contribution for Midwest educational development in China.
MRI Image Database of Normal Human Brain Based on Two Technologies

Designing a database system with high-performance is the foundation to establish the standard brain of normal human being.The authors establish two databases based on Microsoft SQL server 2000 and XML technology,with which the information data of MRI images can be stored,imported,exported and queried,compare and analyze their advantages and shortcomings in order to choose an ap-propriate one.This is an important and basic job of the future work of searching system.
Comparison of change in end tidal carbon dioxide after three minutes of step exercise between systemic sclerosis patients with and without pulmonary hypertension

Objectives Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with SSc. The submaximal heart and pulmonary evaluation (step test) is a non-invasive, submaximal stress test that could be used to identify SSc patients with PH. Our aims were to determine whether change in end tidal carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) from rest to end-exercise, and the minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production ratio ([Formula: see text]), both as measured by the step test, differ between SSc patients with and without PH. We also examined differences in validated self-report questionnaires and potential PH biomarkers between SSc patients with and without PH. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 27 patients with limited or dcSSc who underwent a right heart catheterization within 24 months prior to study entry. The study visit consisted of questionnaire completion; history; physical examination; step test performance; and phlebotomy. [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], self-report data and biomarkers were compared between patients with and without PH. Results SSc patients with PH had a statistically significantly lower median (interquartile range) [Formula: see text] than SSc patients without PH [-2.1 (-5.1 to 0.7) vs 1.2 (-0.7 to 5.4) mmHg, P = 0.035], and a statistically significantly higher median (interquartile range) [Formula: see text] [53.4 (39-64.1) vs 36.4 (31.9-41.1), P = 0.035]. There were no statistically significant differences in self-report data or biomarkers between groups. Conclusion [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as measured by the step test are statistically significantly different between SSc patients with and without PH. [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] may be useful screening tools for PH in the SSc population.
Expanding the Klebsiella pneumoniae volatile metabolome using advanced analytical instrumentation for the detection of novel metabolites.

Aims The purpose of this study was to identify the volatile molecules produced by the pathogenic Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883) during in vitro growth using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). Methods and Results K. pneumoniae ATCC 13883 was incubated in lysogeny broth (LB) to mid-exponential and stationary growth phases. Headspace volatile molecules from culture supernatants were concentrated using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed via GC×GC-TOFMS. Ninety-two K. pneumoniae-associated volatile molecules were detected, of which 78 (85%) were detected at both phases of growth and 14 (15%) were detected at either mid-exponential or stationary growth phases. Conclusions This study has increased the total number of reported K. pneumoniae-associated volatile molecules from 77 to 150, demonstrating the sensitivity and resolution achieved by employing GC×GC-TOFMS for the analysis of bacterial headspace volatiles. Significance and Impact of the Study This study represents an early-stage comprehensive volatile metabolomic analysis of an opportunistic bacterial pathogen. Characterizing the volatile molecules produced by K. pneumoniae during in vitro growth could provide us with a better understanding of this organisms’ metabolism; an area that has not been extensively studied to-date. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
From process control to supply chain management: An overview of integrated decision making strategies

Abstract Optimal decision-making in a process industry is fundamental in order to guarantee optimality of operations and increase profits and performance of a company. Decision-making occurs at different levels, from process control to supply chain management. Traditionally, these decisions have been considered individually, with little or no interaction between each other. However, an integrated decision-making framework can guarantee solutions closer to optimality. Such integration usually results in complex and large scale problems that are difficult to solve. We provide an overview of integrated decision-making strategies and review recent advances in the area, highlighting promising works as well as the main challenges that have yet to be overcome.
A new inductive wireless power transfer topology using current-fed half bridge CLC transmitter LC receiver configuration

A new current-fed topology for wireless inductive power transfer (IPT) application using half-bridge circuit is proposed and analyzed. Conventional IPT circuits employ parallel L-C resonant tank/compensation network to transfer power effectively through air-gap. However, in medium power application, this topology suffers from a major drawback that the voltage stress across the inverter switches are considerably high due to high reactive power consumed by the loosely coupled coil. In the proposed topology, his is mitigated by adding a properly designed capacitor in series with the coils. During grid-to-vehicle (G2V) operation, the power flow is controlled through variable switching frequency modulation to achieve extended ZVS of the inverter switches. For G2V operation, the converter circuit is analyzed and simulated using PSIM 9.3. Analytical and simulation results are verified through experimental results obtained by testing a 1.2AW lab-prototype.
Cost analysis on the use of rituximab and calcineurin inhibitors in children and adolescents with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome

Rituximab (RTX) is increasingly being used in place of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in pediatric patients with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). However, despite its favorable safety profile, its unit cost is prohibitive. We therefore compared the healthcare costs associated with the use of both agents in a retrospective cohort. This study was a retrospective analysis of data retrieved from the medical charts and electronic databases of pediatric patients (age range 2–18 years) with SDNS who were treated with either CNI or RTX from January 2008 to December 2012 at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Louisiana. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Of the 18 patients whose medical data were analyzed, ten received RTX and eight were treated with CNI. The annualized healthcare cost for the rituximab group was $197,031 versus $189,857 (all values in US dollars) for the CNI group (p > 0.05). At the 12-month follow-up, more patients in the RTX group were in remission (40 vs. 25%). Duration of freedom from steroid use was longer in the RTX group, while body mass index was higher in the CNI arm (p > 0.05). No significant adverse events occurred in either group. The expenditure for the RTX and CNI groups was comparable, but there were fewer clinical encounters in the former group, potentially reducing the burden of healthcare on the patient’s family.
Neurocognitive functioning is associated with functional independence in newly diagnosed patients with temporal lobe glioma.

Background Cancer and treatment-related neurocognitive dysfunction has the potential to significantly disrupt the lives of survivors. While neurocognitive functioning is known to predict aspects of patient-reported quality of life in individuals with glioma, little is known regarding the association between neurocognitive functioning and clinician-rated functional independence. Methods Newly diagnosed patients with glioma in the left (n = 73; 49% glioblastoma) or right (n = 30; 57% glioblastoma) temporal lobe completed comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Clinicians rated patient functional independence using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale. Correlational and regression analyses were conducted to determine relationships between neurocognitive functioning and functional independence. Results Tests of verbal learning, executive function, and language comprehension were moderately to strongly associated with clinician-rated functional independence, particularly for items pertaining to need for assistance with memory, problem-solving, and language functions. Stepwise linear regression showed that tests of verbal learning, executive functioning, and language comprehension predicted FIM ratings, together accounting for 40% of variance (P < .001). A test of executive functioning also predicted KPS scores and accounted for 19% of variance (P < .001). Conclusions In patients with newly diagnosed temporal lobe glioma, neurocognitive functioning is associated with functional independence. Verbal learning, executive functioning, and language comprehension demonstrated the strongest associations across both measures of functional independence. These findings provide support for the ecological validity of neuropsychological assessment by demonstrating the real-world clinical significance of objectively assessed neurocognitive functioning in glioma patients.
Cognitive distortions under cognitive load mediate the relationship between severity of borderline personality features and goal-interfering emotion dysregulation:

Dysregulated emotions are central to borderline personality disorder (BPD) and disrupt goal directed behavior. However, there has been limited research elucidating the mechanisms through which this...
The Fin-de-Siècle 'Femme Fatale' and the God Pan

This study offers a reading of the widespread character type of the ‘Femme Fatale’ which focuses on the developments of this figure as a trope of Decadent literature in British works of the 1890s. In particular, the paper finds an element of comparison between the Decadent orientation towards an instrumental depiction of the Orient and the portrayal, in theater and fiction, of mysterious and seductive women corresponding to the trope. The texts used to illustrate the functional role of these female characters are Oscar Wilde’s play Salome and Arthur Machen’s novella The Great God Pan, both of which employ aestheticizing strategies that are meant to elevate the object of desire by making it inaccessible. These strategies are ultimately defined as a process of identification between Wilde’s and Machen’s female protagonists and the features, or remnants, of a remote, pagan past.
Nanolead-Free Solder Pastes for Low Processing Temperature Interconnect Applications in Microelectronic Packaging

Lead-free solder, tin, tin/silver (SnAg) and tin/silver/copper (SnAgCu) alloy nanoparticles with various sizes were synthesized via a low temperature chemical reduction method and their thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The particle size dependency of the melting temperature and the latent heat of fusion was observed. The wetting test for the as-prepared SnAg and SnAgCu alloy nanoparticle pastes on a Cu surface showed the typical Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound (IMC) formation. These low melting point SnAg or SnAgCu alloy nanoparticles could be used for low reflow temperature lead-free interconnect applications.
Early Foley catheter removal in thoracic surgical oncology patients receiving epidural analgesia

Abstract Background Historically, it has been assumed that indwelling urinary catheters used to prevent urinary retention in patients undergoing epidural analgesia should be left in for the duration of the epidural analgesia. Our institution initiated an early Foley removal (EFR) program in thoracic surgical oncology patients to remove indwelling catheter while the epidural analgesia was still in place, 24–72 h after surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of EFR in terms of rate of re-catheterization, urinary tract infections (UTI), or the length of hospital stay (LOS). Methods We reviewed the medical records of 99 thoracic surgical oncology patients who underwent EFR with indwelling epidural analgesia from May 2012 to February 2013. The main outcome variable was re-catheterization incidence. We also compared a propensity matched subgroup of patients who had undergone surgery prior to the institution of EFR. The outcome variables for this group were the rate of UTI and LOS. Results In the EFR group (N = 99), the median duration of Foley catheterization was 40 h. Sixteen (16%) patients experienced difficulty voiding within 8 h of catheter removal, 8 required re-catheterization (8%). In the propensity-matched analysis, there was no difference in the rate of UTI between the two groups (1% in both groups). Conclusions EFR was associated with a low re-catheterization rate. Our findings support the CDC's recommendation to remove catheters early in thoracic surgical oncology patients. EFR will promote patient comfort and may play an important role in improving the postoperative care in thoracic oncology patients.
Doping induced Mott collapse and possible density wave instabilities in (Sr1−xLax)3Ir2O7

The path from a Mott insulating phase to high temperature superconductivity encounters a rich set of unconventional phenomena involving the insulator-to-metal transition (IMT), such as emergent electronic orders and pseudogaps, that ultimately affect the condensation of Cooper pairs. A huge hindrance to understanding the origin of these phenomena is the difficulty in accessing doping levels near the parent state. The Jeff = 1/2 Mott state of the perovskite strontium iridates has revealed intriguing parallels to the cuprates, with the advantage that it provides unique access to the Mott transition. Here, we exploit this accessibility to study the IMT and the possible nearby electronic orders in the electron-doped bilayer iridate (Sr1 − xLax)3Ir2O7. Using spectroscopic imaging scanning tunneling microscopy, we image the La dopants in the top as well as the interlayer SrO planes. Surprisingly, we find a disproportionate distribution of La between these layers with the interlayer La being primarily responsible for the IMT. This reveals the distinct site-dependent effects of dopants on the electronic properties of bilayer systems. Electron doping also results in charge reordering. We find unidirectional electronic order concomitant with the structural distortion known to exist in this system. Intriguingly, similar to the single layer iridate, we also find local resonant states forming a checkerboard-like pattern trapped by La. This suggests that multiple charge orders may exist simultaneously in Mott systems, even with only one band crossing the Fermi energy.
Enhanced leachability of rare earth elements from calcined products of bituminous coals

Abstract The modes of occurrence associated with rare earth elements (REEs) in bituminous coal sources were evaluated along with their potential recovery by calcination treatment at 600 ℃ followed by sequential extraction. The coal samples were collected from three different resources, i.e., Fire Clay, West Kentucky No. 13, and Illinois No. 6 seams. Sequential extraction tests indicated that the majority of REEs in the calcined samples occurred as metal oxides especially for the West Kentucky No. 13 calcined material (54% of total REEs), which is distinct from untreated coal and combustion byproducts from pulverized coal boilers reported in literature. In addition, heavy REEs were more likely associated with easily dissolvable forms (i.e., ion-exchangeable, carbonates, and metal oxides). The calcined samples were leached under weak acidic conditions with and without adding ammonium sulfate to recover REEs. About 13%, 24%, and 20% of the REEs were extracted from the Fire Clay, West Kentucky No. 13, and Illinois No. 6 materials, respectively, by leaching at pH 4.0. The addition of 1 M ammonium sulfate further increased the recovery values to 18%, 45%, and 32%, respectively. In addition, about 64% of HREEs were extracted from the West Kentucky No. 13 calcined material under this condition. As such, a significant portion of the REEs can be easily extracted from the samples obtained by calcining the coals at 600 ℃.
Atomistic investigation into interfacial effects on the plastic response and deformation mechanisms of the pearlitic microstructure

Abstract Atomistic modeling is used to investigate the mechanical response and deformation mechanisms at 5 K temperature within the commonly reported orientation relationships between ferrite and cementite within pearlite: Bagaryatskii, Pitsch-Petch, Isaichev, and their associated near orientations. For each orientation, compressive and tensile simulations were performed in the transverse and longitudinal directions for a range of ferrite to cementite volume ratios. Important mechanical properties such as peak stress, flow stress, and the activated slip systems in both lamella are reported. Significant variation in mechanical response is found between the various orientation relationships. In the transverse direction, the responses are well described by composite theory; longitudinal loading requires further consideration of the strain compatibility of the interface. Plasticity within the ferrite is found to initiate from the interface and is well described by Schmid factors; slip and failure in the cementite are affected by slip transfer mechanisms across the interface between the lamella. Simulation results are used to create a simple model for predicting deformation behavior in pearlite, allowing for greater understanding of the plasticity and failure mechanisms within the various reported orientations, and raising the possibility of the targeted creation of specific microstructures based on the intended mechanical loading.
An Integrated Chaotic Transceiver for Spread-Spectrum Radar and Communications

This paper introduces an integrated chaotic transceiver for spread-spectrum communication and radar systems. The design uses a broadband transmitter based on a chaotic oscillator that combines a continuous differential equation with a discrete switching condition. This hybrid oscillator admits an analytic solution that is a linear convolution of symbol sequences and basis functions. A tunable analog matched filter circuit is designed for this basis function and used to implement an optimal coherent receiver to extract symbolic sequences from the chaotic waveform. The proposed chaotic transmitter and coherent receiver are then used to implement a simple on-off-keying (OOK) communication scheme. The proposed analog matched filter continuously outperforms a conventional Butterworth low-pass filter in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Specifically, simulation results in a 180 nm CMOS process show an average improvement of ~3.0 dB in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per bit when receiving noisy waveforms with SNR varying from −5 dB to 10 dB, thus significantly improving the bit-error-rate (BER).
Postoperative Detrusor Instability

Although some patients with detrusor instability preoperatively will still demonstrate the same condition postoperatively, the converse is also true in that some patients will develop detrusor instability postoperatively de novo. The exact reason for the development of this problem post operatively is not known but there are several possibilities. The diagnosis may have been missed preoperatively due to the very low outlet resistance associated with the coexisting genuine stress incontinence that would not allow maximal bladder filling to the point of demonstrating the condition or prevent the measurement of the detrusor contraction during urinary loss (Chapter 38). Another possibility is that the increased outlet resistance created by the anti-incontinence operation may stimulate spontaneous detrusor activity which may or may not be associated with urine loss. Alternatively, the trauma of the surgical procedure itself may be sufficient to cause this uninhibited detrusor activity from partial denervation.
Failures of Equipment Operating Under Normal Conditions: Arc-Flash Events can Happen during Normal Operation

Informational Note No. 1 for the definition of arc-flash hazard in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 70E-2015 states, "Under normal operating conditions, enclosed energized equipment that has been properly installed and maintained is not likely to pose an arc-flash hazard." Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a) of the standard instructs that arc-flash personal protective equipment (PPE) is not required for normal operation of a circuit breaker, switch, contactor, or starter if the equipment is properly installed, properly maintained, equipment doors and covers are closed and secured, and there is no evidence of impending failure. This article reviews three electrical equipment failures during substation circuit breaker operations where if personnel had followed the guidelines just described, they could have been seriously injured during these failures due to the arc-flash energy released at the time of the fault.
Increased Lung Catalase Activity Confers Protection Against Experimental RSV Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in mouse and human lung is associated with oxidative injury and pathogenic inflammation. RSV impairs antioxidant responses by increasing the degradation of transcription factor NRF2, which controls the expression of several antioxidant enzyme (AOE) genes, including catalase. Since catalase is a key enzyme for the dismutation of virus-mediated generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) we developed a model of intranasal supplementation of polyethylene glycol-conjugated catalase (PG-CAT) for RSV-infected mice. The results of our study show that PG-CAT supplementation was able to increase specific enzymatic activity along with reduction in H2O2 in the airways and had a significant protective effect against RSV-induced clinical disease and airway pathology. PG-CAT treated mice showed amelioration in airway obstruction, reduction in neutrophil elastase and inflammation. Improved airway hyperresponsiveness was also observed in mice that received PG-CAT as a treatment post-viral inoculation. In addition, PG-CAT greatly reduced the concentration of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1, TNF-α, IL-9, CXCL1, CCL2, and CCL5 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of RSV-infected mice, without increasing viral replication in the lung. In conclusion, catalase supplementation may represent a novel pharmacologic approach to be explored in human for prevention or treatment of respiratory infections caused by RSV.
Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy increase acceptance of chronic pain amongst veterans

Abstract Despite focusing on different strategies for managing chronic pain, both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aim to increase adaptive coping and improve quality of life. Limited existing literature suggests that CBT and ACT for chronic pain result in comparable improvements, yet it is unclear whether CBT also inadvertently reinforces acceptance. The current study evaluated the effect of a CBT group intervention on pain-related acceptance and secondary measures of adaptive coping in Veterans with chronic pain. A total of 50 Veterans with mixed, idiopathic, chronic pain participated in a 12-week, CBT for pain group intervention at a Midwestern VA Medical Center between November 13, 2012 and October 23, 2014. Paired-samples t-tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the outcome variables from baseline to post-treatment. At post-treatment, Veterans reported significantly greater pain-related acceptance, increased self-efficacy for pain management, and internal health locus of control. However, there were no significant changes witnessed in chance health locus of control, neither psychological nor environmental quality of life, and in illness perception. Outcomes of the present study support the notion that CBT's focus on modifying maladaptive behaviors may inadvertently increase acceptance of chronic pain via decreased behavioral avoidance.
Situating Interdisciplinary Place-Based Learning as a High-Impact Educational Practice

Our introductory chapter explores how virtual place-based learning can be modeled in the context of urban higher education. It examines how the concept of virtual has been creatively interpreted across a range of disciplines including the sciences, humanities, behavioral sciences, and professional studies, with chapters that explore the many contexts for its application while drawing upon an interdisciplinary perspective. At the same time, the unique nature of this approach as illustrated in subsequent chapters is its application to courses that are already interdisciplinary. In this way, the chapter seeks to connect virtual place-based learning approaches to the concept of interdisciplinarity as an innovative approach to student engagement—an approach that firmly establishes virtual place-based learning as a high-impact educational practice.
Research on Overload Warning Method of Distribution Network Transformer Based on Neural Network

As an important part of distribution network, maintaining the reliability and stability of public transformer operation is of great significance for the safe and stable operation of distribution network. In this paper, a method based on neural networks for pre-warning of heavy overload in distribution networks transformer was proposed. First, based on the online monitoring of big data resources in the distribution network, the public variable load rate, heavy overload duration, and temperature information of the station area during the historical peak summer was extracted. The method of cluster analysis was used to divide the trend of common variable load during the summer period of historical peak. Then, based on the method of neural network, the load trend prediction model of public distribution transformer is established during the summer peak time. Combined with the temperature information of the station area, the trend of heavy overload is judged by the prediction results. Finally, the data mining method of principal component analysis was used to calculate the weight of evaluation index, and calculated the comprehensive score of heavy overload situation of each station area and classified the warning level. The early warning method proposed in this paper is helpful for the early warning and risk assessment of the public variable heavy overload in the distribution station area during the summer. It provides the basis for formulating the Countermeasures of heavy overload of distribution transformer, eliminating the hidden trouble in time and ensuring the reliability of residential power consumption.
Study of the crystal structure of SnS thin films by atomic layer deposition

Tin monosulfide, SnS, absorbs visible light and holds promise for thin-film photovoltaics. However, the optoelectronic properties of this material vary among the different structural phases, and control over the phase of vapor deposited SnS thin films is not well understood. In order to study the phases and crystallographic orientations of SnS films, films with thicknesses of 90 nm–750 nm were prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at temperatures between 80 °C and 200 °C on amorphous silicon dioxide (a-SiO2) and single-crystal sodium chloride (NaCl). We show that the crystal structures and orientations of the ALD-SnS thin films vary with deposition temperature, film thickness, and substrate. We confirm the presence of metastable cubic π-SnS in co-existence with the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic α-SnS and find that the π phase is more prevalent at lower deposition temperatures. The films grown on a-SiO2 are textured, the degree of texturing increases with lower temperature or higher thickness, and the deposited phase is also thickness dependent. Upon annealing, which is known to promote SnS grain growth, all films revert to orthorhombic α-SnS. The films grown on the NaCl(100) substrate exhibit a much higher degree of texturing and show different preferred orientations dependent on the phase: π-(400) and α-(111) or α-(040). In addition, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept device made from the highly oriented SnS grown on NaCl.
Physiologically relevant oxygen tensions differentially regulate hepatotoxic responses in HepG2 cells.

Abstract This study evaluates the impact of physiologically relevant oxygen tensions on the response of HepG2 cells to known inducers and hepatotoxic drugs. We compared transcriptional regulation and CYP1A activity after a 48 h exposure at atmospheric culture conditions (20% O2) with representative periportal (8% O2) and perivenous (3% O2) oxygen tensions. We evaluated cellular responses in 2D and 3D cultures at each oxygen tension in parallel, using monolayers and a paper-based culture platform that supports cells suspended in a collagen-rich environment. Our findings highlight that the toxicity, potency, and mechanism of action of drugs are dependent on both culture format and oxygen tension. HepG2 cells in 3D environments at physiologic oxygen tensions better matched primary human hepatocyte data than HepG2 cells cultured under standard conditions. Despite altered transcriptional regulation with decreasing oxygen tensions, we did not observe the zonation patterns of drug-metabolizing enzymes found in vivo. Our approach demonstrates that oxygen is an important regulator of liver function but it is not the sole regulator. It also highlights the utility of the 3D paper-based culture platform for continued mechanistic studies of microenvironmental influences on cellular responses.
Effects of air pollution exposure on social behavior: a synthesis and call for research.

BACKGROUND There is a growing literature from both epidemiologic and experimental animal studies suggesting that exposure to air pollution can lead to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we suggest that effects of air pollutant exposure on the brain may be even broader, with the potential to affect social decision-making in general. METHODS We discuss how the neurobiological substrates of social behavior are vulnerable to air pollution, then briefly present studies that examine the effects of air pollutant exposure on social behavior-related outcomes. RESULTS Few experimental studies have investigated the effects of air pollution on social behavior and those that have focus on standard laboratory tests in rodent model systems. Nonetheless, there is sufficient evidence to support a critical need for more research. CONCLUSION For future research, we suggest a comparative approach that utilizes diverse model systems to probe the effects of air pollution on a wider range of social behaviors, brain regions, and neurochemical pathways.
What Gives Users of English 'Foreign Accent'?

The teaching of English pronunciation skills is either neglected or unprofessionally taught or less taught for communication in the Indian classroom. The major obstacle is its differing nature from that of Indian languages. While most Indian languages are inflectional and syllable-timed, English is derivative and stress-timed. The phonemic structure of languages of Indo-European and Dravidian families further complicate the problem of the pedagogy of the English pronunciation. This differing phonemic structure makes it difficult for Indian users of English to register sounds and other phonemic properties that do not conform to the contrastive or oppositional patterns of the Indian languages. This paper examines the phonemic structures of English and Tamil in order to locate the ‘blind’s spots in the teaching/learning of English pronunciation skills as part of General English curriculum.
A multi-scale modeling approach for UHMWPE composite laminates with application to low-velocity impact loading

Abstract Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites are used in a wide array of protective armor systems. Design of these systems is largely performed through empirical studies which can be costly and time consuming. Modeling tools that enable enhanced performance through exploitation of the design of laminated composite architectures are desired. In this effort, we present a multi-scale, finite element-based representative volume element (RVE) approach that uses laminate mechanics to capture the ply-level material nonlinearity and strain-induced fiber reorientation of UHMWPE composite laminates subjected to low-velocity impact (LVI) loading. The effects of strain rate on the ply-level material response and predicted LVI response of UHMWPE composites are explored. An LVI methodology is developed to characterize the impact performance of thick-section UHMWPE composite materials and applied with the RVE finite element model to calibrate material and delamination properties for Honeywell® SpectraShield® II SR-3136 and DSM Dyneema® HB210. The multi-scale RVE approach accurately captures the peak back-face deformation and extent of delamination for laminates of these materials across three impact energies. The LVI methodology provides a means to evaluate and rank the impact performance of various UHMWPE composite materials, laminate architectures, and processing conditions. The LVI methodology coupled with the multi-scale RVE approach produces ply-level behavior and delamination properties linked to materials and processing conditions, ultimately creating a modeling tool that is capable of exploring the design of laminate architectures for UHMWPE composite structures.
What Is Social Justice Education

This chapter provides an operational definition of social justice education. It gives characteristics of social justice education. Various educational theories such as critical, critical race, postmodern, post-structural, feminist, engaged pedagogy, and multicultural education are analyzed in the context of social justice education. The chapter shows that some of the theories proffered are aligned and some are misaligned to the operational definition of social justice education. In essence, this chapter answers the question: what is social justice education?
Comparisons Between Electrical Processes Occurring Over Land and Over Water

There are many differences between atmospheric electrical processes that take place over the continents and over the oceans. Perhaps the most striking distinction, one documented by observations from ships at sea (Sandcrs and Freeman, 1982), is that atmospheric electrical activity as indicated by the frequency of lightning discharges is much less intense over the oceans than over the land. Observations from spacecraft confirm this (Sparrow and Ney, 1971;Turman, 1978; Orville, 1981; Radio Research Laboratories, Japan, 1981).
Visualizing and Interacting with Multi-Tree Hierarchical Data

This work focuses on visualizing highly cyclic hierarchical data. A user interface is discussed and its interaction is illustrated using a recipe database example. This example showcases a database with multiple categories for each recipe (database entry).
The Role of Apoptosis in Sepsis-Induced Kidney Dysfunction

Sepsis is a system-wide inflammatory response to infection in the blood, which can be caused by any type of pathogen such as bacteria or fungi. During severe sepsis, end-organs often shut down as the body goes into shock, causing irreparable damage and eventual fatality. Even though sepsis is the third highest cause of death in the world, only one third of Americans have heard of the condition. Such unawareness reflects the deficit in knowledge about of how end-organ damage that results from sepsis. Consequently, most current treatments for sepsis address symptoms rather than the cause. While the effects of sepsis on immune cells have been thoroughly examined, the effect on other organs, such as the kidneys, has not been elucidated. In septic patients, a condition caused by excessive cell death resulting in massive tissue damage called acute kidney injury (AKI), becomes considerably more dangerous in septic patients, doubling the mortality rate of AKI. Programmed cell death, otherwise known as apoptosis, is a natural form of cell death, and is only damaging when it behaves in an irregular manner such as not being triggered in cancer cells or excessively occurring after ischemia-reperfusion. Apoptosis is one mechanism that is thought to be responsible for AKI during sepsis, and therefore studying apoptotic regulatory proteins may provide insight into how renal cell death occurs during sepsis-induced AKI (SI-AKI). Furthermore, unraveling the molecular mechanism of kidney cell death could lead to the development of more effective treatments or preventative measures for this widespread condition.
The approximate control problems of the maximal invariant sets of nonlinear discrete-time disturbed control dynamical systems: An algorithmic approach

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the approximate control problem of the maximal invariant sets of discrete-time non-linear disturbed control dynamical systems. We use the multiple valued iterative dynamics model as the main tool, and approach the problem in algorithmic point of view. Numerical simulations and their efficiency-problems will be discussed in detail as well.
Balancing family life with a science career

Women are underrepresented in the science and engineering fields. Difficulties in balancing family life and work have a big role in women's opting out of scientific career paths. Institutions and funding agencies need to work harder to reverse this disparity.
Metamorphosis and the regenerative capacity of spinal cord axons in Xenopus laevis

Throughout the vertebrate subphylum, the regenerative potential of central nervous system axons is greatest in embryonic stages and declines as development progresses. For example, Xenopus laevis can functionally recover from complete transection of the spinal cord as a tadpole but is unable to do so after metamorphosing into a frog. Neurons of the reticular formation and raphe nucleus are among those that regenerate axons most reliably in tadpole and that lose this ability after metamorphosis. To identify molecular factors associated with the success and failure of spinal cord axon regeneration, we pharmacologically manipulated thyroid hormone (TH) levels using methimazole or triiodothyronine, to either keep tadpoles in a permanently larval state or induce precocious metamorphosis, respectively. Following complete spinal cord transection, serotonergic axons crossed the lesion site and tadpole swimming ability was restored when metamorphosis was inhibited, but these events failed to occur when metamorphosis was prematurely induced. Thus, the metamorphic events controlled by TH led directly to the loss of regenerative potential. Microarray analysis identified changes in hindbrain gene expression that accompanied regeneration-permissive and -inhibitory conditions, including many genes in the permissive condition that have been previously associated with axon outgrowth and neuroprotection. These data demonstrate that changes in gene expression occur within regenerating neurons in response to axotomy under regeneration-permissive conditions in which normal development has been suspended, and they identify candidate genes for future studies of how central nervous system axons can successfully regenerate in some vertebrates.
Commerce, Coalitions, and Factor Mobility: Evidence from Congressional Votes on Trade Legislation

The extent to which political conflict over U.S. trade policy has led to clashes between broad-based class coalitions has varied significantly over time during the past two centuries. I argue that much of this variation can be explained by changes in economywide levels of interindustry factor mobility. Class distinctions between voters are more economically and politically salient when interindustry mobility is high; when mobility is low, industry distinctions become more critical and tend to split apart broader political coalitions. I report evidence indicating large changes in levels of labor and capital mobility over the last two centuries. These changes coincide with significant shifts in the character of American trade politics. Analysis of congressional voting on 30 major pieces of trade legislation between 1824 and 1994 provides evidence of large swings in coalition patterns.