cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical study on three dimensional compact tension fracture of single notched rocks and associated scale effects by parallel computing

A new numerical code RFPA3D was developed to simulate rock failure process by taking the heterogeneities of mechanical properties into consideration.Parameters such as peak strength,elastic modulus and Poisson ratio are randomly distributed among all elements in the numerical model.A simple constitutive law was introduced into the model,and massive parallel computing method was applied to calculate the stress and displacement field.Five specimens with a single pre-existing crack were prepared to undertake direct tension test.The specimens with different scales have the same mechanical properties.The fracture process,including crack propagation and coalescence,was obtained as well as the complete stress-strain curves.Different from other numerical code,RFPA3D can simulate the stress field and strain field during the whole loading process.The crack propagation along a three-dimensional curved path,much more complicated than two-dimensional cracks.The relation between peak strength and scale fits the rule of scale effects proposed by other investigators in experimental studies.Another three groups of specimens with different homogeneity and different sizes are undertaken uniaxial tensile tests.It concludes that the macro scale effects do not only result essentially from heterogeneities on mesoscopic scale.The RFPA3D model is proved to be a useful and effective tool to analyze the failure process of brittle materials.
Binding and internalization of a fluorescent vasopressin analogue by collecting duct cells.

The kinetics of binding and internalization of a fluorescent vasopressin analogue [1-desamino-8-rhodamine lysine vasopressin (rhoda LVP)] by principal cells within the microperfused rabbit cortical collecting tubule were quantitatively assessed with computer-assisted video microscopy. At 25 degrees C, binding of rhoda LVP exhibited saturation kinetics with half-maximal binding at 2 nM and maximal binding at concentrations greater than 5 nM. Rhoda LVP binding could be prevented by the simultaneous addition of a 10-fold higher concentration of arginine vasopressin (AVP) or the V2-receptor agonist, 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (desmopressin). No obvious internalization or rhoda LVP was detected at 25 degrees C, i.e., the rhoda LVP fluorescence remained localized to the basal pole of each principal cell for at least 100 min after rhoda LVP addition and could be largely reversed by the subsequent addition of AVP. Conversely, warming the cells to 38 degrees C after binding was initiated resulted in a rapid (less than 30 min) migration of the fluorescence into the cell interior and a loss of AVP-displaceable binding from the cell surface. These results document the utility of this noninvasive optical strategy for quantitatively monitoring hormone binding to intact collecting tubule cells and demonstrate that rhoda LVP binds reversibly and with high affinity to V2 receptors on principal cells in the collecting tubule. The internalization (and presumed inactivation) of the hormone-receptor complex at 38 degrees C may contribute to the desensitization of collecting tubule cells to vasopressin at physiological temperature.
Coordinate regulation of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban expression in developing murine heart.

Phospholamban, the regulator of Ca(2+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), is an important determinant of basal myocardial performance. To determine wh...
Simultaneous thermal/flow characterization of thermal interface materials

Thermal interface materials used for dissipation of heat in electronic assemblies are often exposed to working conditions that may change the mechanical as well as thermal behavior over time due to both intrinsic change as well as environmental influence [1]. Currently, among thermal interface material solutions, particle filled greases are common. For these materials, the relation between observable change in its mechanical behavior and degradation of thermal performance is not well understood. This may be attributed to challenges associated with characterization of thermal resistance while the sample is subjected to cyclic thermal and/or mechanical loading. An important goal of the present work is to study the change in flow behavior and its effect on thermal performance of the thermal interface material under varying environmental conditions. Squeeze flow characterization is carried out [2, 3] on a custom built tester while simultaneously measuring thermal resistance. The change in flow behavior and the consequent change in thermal performance is tracked using a custom-built tester. The tester enables simultaneous measurements under a single setup. For different material sets, this relation may be different and so a quick characterization technique as the one proposed is desired. Test cases for commercially available particle filled thermal greases are presented where the Non-Newtonian flow behavior and thermal properties are obtained using the proposed technique.
Gender based Dosing of Metoprolol in the Elderly using Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulations.

Introduction This article seeks to clarify if gender-based differences occur in the pharmacokinetics of metoprolol in the elderly patients. There are a series of physiologic changes that occur in the elderly ranging from decreased hepatic blood flow to increased adiposity causing higher plasma concentrations at therapeutic doses as compared to the healthy young population.
Incorporation of Pr into LuAG ceramics

Abstract An investigation of the effects of Pr in (Lu1-xPrx)3Al5O12 (LuAG:Pr) ceramics was carried out by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FTIR) measurements coupled with luminescence measurements. It was found that the Pr concentration that maximizes luminescence emission depends on the thermal processing conditions. While the calcined LuAG:Pr powder showed maximum luminescence emission for Pr concentrations between 0.18 and 0.33 at.%, maximum emission of ceramic bodies sintered at 1500 °C for 20 h was obtained with Pr concentrations between 0.018 and 0.18 at.%. Further, for short sintering times up to about 3 h, luminescence emission intensity is maximum for Pr concentrations around 0.33 at.%. Longer sintering times lead to the formation of PrAlO3 as a secondary phase, concomitant with a reduction of the intensity of luminescence emission.
Invariants of finite groups acting as flag automorphisms

Let K be a field and suppose that G is a finite group that acts faithfully on K(x1, . . . , xm) by automorphisms of the form g(xi) = ai(g)xi + bi(g), where ai(g), bi(g) ∈ K(x1, . . . , xi−1) for all g ∈ G and all i = 1, . . . ,m. As shown by Miyata, the fixed field K(x1, . . . , xm) G is purely transcendental over K and admits a transcendence basis {φ1, . . . , φm}, where φi is in K(x1, . . . , xi−1)[xi] and has minimal positive degree di in xi. We determine exactly the degree di of each invariant φi as a polynomial in xi and show the relation d1 · · · dm = |G|. As an application, we compute a generic polynomial for the dihedral group D8 of order 16 in characteristic 2. Acknowledgements: This research was conducted at Louisiana State University as part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates Program funded by National Science Foundation grant DMS-0648064. The author would like to thank Dr. Jorge Morales for his guidance. Page 54 RHIT Undergrad. Math. J., Vol. 13, No. 1
Prognosic value of lower uterine segment involvement in high-grade endometrial cancers.

5092 Background: To determine the relationship of lower uterine segment (LUS) involvement and clinical-pathologic outcomes in high grade endometrial cancers (EC). Although LUS and prognosis has bee...
Development of a Design Protocol for Customized Swimming Goggles Using 2D Facial Image Data

A design protocol for customized swimming goggles by using a swimmer’s 3D facial scan data has been developed in our laboratories. Although the 3D scanner proved to be useful equipment to accurately capture a swimmer’s 3D facial data, high-accuracy 3D scanners are expensive tools which are not generally available to the public. The present study introduces a new method to capture a swimmer’s 3D facial data by using multiple 2D images that can be easily captured by a typical smartphone camera. In this study, two different cameras (GoPro and smartphone) are used to capture a swimmer’s facial data. Then, the effectiveness of the captured images to create a 3D image is compared. After creating a swimmer’s 3D facial image, customized swimming goggles are designed for that person in a CAD environment. Finally, an advanced 3D printing method is applied to create the swimming goggles with durable and flexible materials. The paper describes the detailed design protocol for customized swimming goggles from image capture to the final product.
UAV Low-Altitude Remote Sensing for Precision Weed Management

Precision weed management, an application of precision agriculture, accounts for within-field variability of weed infestation and herbicide damage. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide a unique platform for remote sensing of field crops. They are more efficient and flexible than manned agricultural airplanes in acquiring high-resolution images at low altitudes and low speeds. UAVs are more universal than agricultural aircraft, because the latter are used only in specific regions. We have developed and used UAV systems for red-green-blue digital and color-infrared imaging over crop fields to identify weed species, determine crop injury from dicamba at different doses, and detect naturally grown glyphosate-resistant weeds. This article presents remote sensing technologies for weed management and focuses on development and application of UAV-based low-altitude remote sensing technology for precision weed management. In particular, this article futher discusses the potential application of UAV-based plant-sensing systems for mapping the distributions of glyphosate-resistant and glyphosate-susceptible weeds in crop fields.Nomenclature: Dicamba; glyphosate
Diplopia: Diagnosis and Management

Diplopia is becoming increasingly important in ophthalmology particularly with trauma as an etiology. This presents a challenge to the ophthalmologist and strabismologist in diagnosis particularly ...
Recent Analytical Applications of Titration Calorimetry

Many chemical systems cannot be satisfactorily studied with common analytical methods based on spectrophotometric and Potentiometric measurements. The difficulties encountered in using these techniques have led to an active interest in developing new analytical methods. One method which has proven to be extremely useful as an analytical tool for the study of many systems is titration calorimetry. A common property of all chemical reactions is enthalpy change and it is the ability to quantitatively measure this property that makes calorimetry useful for the study of many chemical systems. Indeed, the general nature of the measured parameter, temperature or heat change, is the major asset in applying titration calorimetry to a wide range of problems.
Petri net models of program execution in data flow environments

The computer systems of the eighties are expected to be designed using powerful low-cost distributed parts to achieve increases in computing power and concurrency. The resulting complexity due to the interaction and communication between these parts requires new methods for the analysis of the behavior of these systems. One such class of architectures, based on the concept of data flow, is designed to exploit the inherent parallelism within a program. In these computers, traditional sequencing constraints are removed and an operation is enabled for execution as soon as its operands are available. A method for approximating the time required to execute a data flow program (assuming adequate computing resources) is described. This method is applied to the static program graph at compile time and yields a parameterized equation for execution time performance. Based on a Petri net analysis and combined with more traditional approaches, this method is recursively applied to abstract operations in the program graph using a top-down approach. While this approach may introduce approximations at each stage, the major benefit is a significant reduction over other techniques in the time required for the analysis.
Projected Response of Tropical Cyclone Intensity and Intensification in a Global Climate Model

AbstractAs one of the first global coupled climate models to simulate and predict category 4 and 5 (Saffir–Simpson scale) tropical cyclones (TCs) and their interannual variations, the High-Resoluti...
A Review of the Efficacy and Safety Profiles of the Novel Oral Anticoagulants in the Treatment and Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism

Abstract Purpose This study aims to review the published literature concerning the use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to identify the appropriate niche for each NOAC by comparing their behaviors in Phase III and Phase IV clinical trial settings. Methods The ClinicalTrials.gov database was used to identify Phase III and postmarketing (Phase IV) randomized controlled trials concerning the efficacy and safety profiles of the oral NOACs (apixaban, dabigatran etexilate, exodaban, and rivaroxaban) for the treatment or prevention of VTE. Studies of special interest included those that compared the administration of a NOAC versus standard anticoagulation therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin and/or a vitamin K antagonist. Findings Overall, the NOACs offer a simplified anticoagulation regimen that has noninferiority and similar rates of bleeding when compared with standard therapy throughout multiple studies. This finding held true across several VTE conditions that required anticoagulation, such as the treatment and prophylaxis of acute VTE, including both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Absence of dietary restrictions and fixed oral dosing that does not require monitoring makes NOACs ideal for the outpatient setting. Apparent niches for each individual NOAC are discussed in detail; however, the paucity of trials comparing NOAC performance in specific clinical settings makes precise definition of these niches problematic. Implications It now seems reasonable for clinicians to consider NOACs as first-line agents for both the treatment and prophylaxis of VTE and to attempt to tailor their particular medication choices for each patient scenario. More trials comparing NOAC performance in specific clinical settings are essential to ensure these medications are being used to their full potential.
Early Detection of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Using Circulating Tumor DNA

Purpose Diffuse large B cell (DLBCL)-like post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) affects up to 10% of thoracic transplant recipients. Although 50% of PTLDs can be related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and high or increasing EBV viral load may precede EBV+ PTLD, preemptive monitoring of EBV titers does not reliably predict PTLD . Consequently, we assessed the utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a promising biomarker for many cancers including DLBCL , for early detection of PTLD. Methods We used Cancer Personalized Profiling by Deep Sequencing (CAPP-Seq) to analyze diagnostic tumor and plasma samples and matched germline DNA in a cohort of 10 heart and lung transplant recipients who developed PTLD to identify somatic alterations. We compared mutational patterns in PTLD to 173 de novo DLBCL cases. We additionally sequenced serial post-transplant plasma samples preceding diagnosis in 5 patients (2 EBV-, 3 EBV+), and during or after treatment in 8 patients, to determine the dynamics of ctDNA and compared these patterns to clinical outcomes and EBV titers. Results There was no significant difference in mutational burden between patients with PTLD and de novo DLBCL (median PTLD variants: 216, IQR = 79 - 321; median de novo DLBCL variants: 143.5, IQR = 45 - 243.8; p = 0.35), although there was a trend toward greater variant count in EBV- compared to EBV+ PTLD (p = 0.064). The prevalence of alterations in known driver genes was similar between PTLD and de novo DLBCL. Prediagnostic plasma samples were available for 5 cases, and we detected ctDNA in all patients prior to clinical diagnosis (mean lead time = 114 days, maximum lead time 1.5 years). Levels of ctDNA during and after treatment were concordant with EBV titers in EBV+ disease and with clinical response in all patients. Conclusion PTLD patients have detectable ctDNA prior to clinical diagnosis. Development of screening tools utilizing both ctDNA and EBV titers would facilitate early detection of PTLD in the transplant population.
3047 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Global Health Short Form is Responsive to Patient Reported Changes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The accurate and efficient serial measurement of patient centered outcomes is a priority in the clinical care of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS®) Global Health Short Form (PROMIS10) is a 10-item universal patient reported outcome measure of global physical and mental health with construct validity in SLE. The longitudinal responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of PROMIS10 in SLE patients is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the responsiveness of PROMIS10 in SLE outpatients using patient and physician-derived anchors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Adults meeting SLE classification criteria were recruited from an SLE Center of Excellence. Subjects completed PROMIS10 at two visits a minimum of one month apart. SLE disease activity was measured with a patient global assessment of change, a physician global assessment and the physician-derived SELENA-SLEDAI. Responsiveness over time of PROMIS10 scores was evaluated using known-groups validity. Effect sizes of changes in PROMIS global physical health and global mental health scores from baseline to follow up were compared across groups of patients who differed in their patient global assessment of change, physician global assessment, and SELENA-SLEDAI using Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A diverse cohort of 228 SLE patients completed baseline surveys (Table 1), with 190 (83%) completing a follow up survey. Using the patient-based anchor, PROMIS10 demonstrated mild to moderate responsiveness to improvement (effect size 0.29) and worsening (effect sizes −0.27 and −0.54) of health status for both global physical health and global mental health (Table 2). Using the physician global assessment and SELENA-SLEDAI as anchors, there were no statistically significant differences in effect sizes across groups. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: PROMIS10 showed responsiveness over time to patient-reported, but not physician-derived changes in lupus health status. These data suggest that PROMIS10 can be used to efficiently measure and monitor important aspects of the patient experience of lupus not captured by physician-derived metrics. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of PROMIS in optimizing longitudinal disease management in SLE.
Bank globalization and financial stability: International evidence

Abstract With a comprehensive dataset covering 129 countries over 1995–2013, this study investigates the impact of bank globalization on financial stability. I find strong evidence that foreign bank entry increases both loan risk and the overall risk of bank failure, and threatens the financial stability of the host country. However, this link is dependent on the regulatory and institutional framework of the host country. The adverse impact from foreign banks can be mitigated when the host country has more restrictions on fee-generating activities, less stringent capital requirement, more asset diversification guidelines, a single supervisor, less government-owned banks, lower market entry barrier, and/or less effective credit information sharing. Instead, foreign bank entry could even lower bank risk when host country regulations on bank activities are highly restrictive, capital requirement is less stringent, and/or market entry barrier is low. The need to improve financial stability and that to reduce the adverse impact of foreign bank entry impose conflicting demand on some bank regulations, thus policymakers need to balance both needs and carefully condition the prudential regulations to ensure financial stability and at the same time minimize the adverse impact from foreign bank entry.
Effects of nutrient timing following resistance-exercise on changes in body composition in post-menopausal women participating in weight loss program

21 sedentary women (59.8±5 yr, 43.7±3% body fat, 31.0±3 kg/m2) followed Curves Complete® energy-restricted diet (30% C, 45% P, and 25% F) while participating in a circuit resistance-training (3 d/w...
"Becoming Part of Something Bigger": Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing, Privacy, and Personal Disclosure

Direct to consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) services where users can identify their inherited diseases and traits, find genetic relatives, and learn more about their ethnic heritage continue to grow in popularity. At the same time, one's DNA is one of the most identifiable, immutable forms of personal information, and sharing it carries risks to one's privacy. What motivates individuals to engage in DTCGT, and what are the implications for information privacy at both the individual and societal levels? This study uses qualitative interviews with ten customers of the DTCGT service 23andMe to explore why they engaged in DTCGT, the benefits they received, their expectations of privacy, and perceptions of risk. It also introduces the use of social exchange theory as a theoretical framework for examining the social dimensions of information privacy and personal disclosure. The findings demonstrate that the participants' assumptions of anonymity, as well as their their belief that their contributions to online genetic databases aid the public good, were key motivating factors. The participants were generally unaware of the potential risks to their individual genetic privacy as well as the impact of large scale genetic testing databases on networked, collective privacy. The findings demonstrate that framework of social exchange theory aids in understanding how the form of the relationship affected the participants' decisions to disclose their personal information to 23andMe as well as their perceptions of risk in the DTCGT context.
Assessing vulnerability to panic: a systematic review of psychological and physiological responses to biological challenges as prospective predictors of panic attacks and panic disorder.

Background Cognitive–behavioural theories of panic disorder posit that panic attacks arise from a positive feedback loop between arousal-related bodily sensations and perceived threat. In a recently developed computational model formalising these theories of panic attacks, it was observed that the response to a simulated perturbation to arousal provided a strong indicator of vulnerability to panic attacks and panic disorder. In this review, we evaluate whether this observation is borne out in the empirical literature that has examined responses to biological challenge (eg, CO2 inhalation) and their relation to subsequent panic attacks and panic disorder. Method We searched PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO using keywords denoting provocation agents (eg, sodium lactate) and procedures (eg, infusion) combined with keywords relevant to panic disorder (eg, panic). Articles were eligible if they used response to a biological challenge paradigm to prospectively predict panic attacks or panic disorder. Results We identified four eligible studies. Pooled effect sizes suggest that there is biological challenge response has a moderate prospective association with subsequent panic attacks, but no prospective relationship with panic disorder. Conclusions These findings provide support for the prediction derived from cognitive–behavioural theories and some preliminary evidence that response to a biological challenge may have clinical utility as a marker of vulnerability to panic attacks pending further research and development. Trial registration number 135908.
Novel immunotherapy combinations for genitourinary cancers.

Introduction: Several immune checkpoint inhibitors are FDA-approved for metastatic/advanced RCC and urothelial carcinoma (UC) based on improvements in survival. The dendritic cell vaccine, sipuleuc...
Setting a research agenda for vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome using a patient and stakeholder engagement model.

Abstract Objective Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare, syndromic, heritable condition with life-threatening complications that include aortic and arterial aneurysms, dissection, and rupture. This study describes the formation of the vEDS Research Collaborative and methods used for stakeholder engagement. Methods The vEDS Research Collaborative was established with an engagement award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to create a framework for a patient-researcher partnership. Between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018, the Collaborative used the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Engagement Rubric to conduct stakeholder engagement to develop a patient-centered research agenda. A modified Delphi technique was used to develop and to refine research topics and questions, gathering input from all stakeholders during three rounds of feedback. Results Four topic areas were deemed important: mental health and quality of life issues, creating a care team, a holistic approach to vEDS management (medical and surgical), and pregnancy management. An online survey to rank a list of 12 research questions in these topic areas in order of importance was disseminated. The questions were ranked in order of importance through an online survey (N = 197 responses). The survey showed a high degree of alignment in the top priorities among stakeholders. There was a high degree of interest in pragmatic clinical trials evaluating medical management options and health-related quality of life outcomes. Conclusions The vEDS Research Collaborative has built a sustainable, coalition model of patient and stakeholder engagement, supported by the vEDS community, to identify a patient-centered, prioritized list of research questions. In articulating a shared vision for the future of vEDS research, the Collaborative has laid the groundwork for developing research protocols aligned with the highest priority questions for the individuals affected by this serious condition that can be translated into future clinical trials.
Catabolic Division of Labor Enhances Production of D-Lactate and Succinate From Glucose-Xylose Mixtures in Engineered Escherichia coli Co-culture Systems.

Although biological upgrading of lignocellulosic sugars represents a promising and sustainable route to bioplastics, diverse and variable feedstock compositions (e.g. glucose from the cellulose fraction and xylose from the hemicellulose fraction) present several complex challenges. Specifically, sugar mixtures are often incompletely metabolized due to carbon catabolite repression while composition variability further complicates the optimization of co-utilization rates. Benefiting from several unique features including division labor, increased metabolic diversity, and modularity, synthetic microbial communities represent a promising platform with the potential to address persistent bioconversion challenges. In this work, two unique and catabolically-orthogonal E. coli ¬cocultures systems were developed and used to enhance the production of D-lactate and succinate (two bioplastic monomers) from glucose-xylose mixtures (100 g L-1 total sugars, 2:1 by mass). In both cases, glucose specialist strains were engineered by deleting xylR (encoding the xylose-specific transcriptional activator, XylR) to disable xylose catabolism, whereas xylose specialist strains were engineered by deleting several key components involved with glucose transport and phosphorylation systems (i.e., ptsI, ptsG, galP, glk) while also increasing xylose utilization by introducing specific xylR mutations. Optimization of initial population ratios between complementary sugar specialists proved a key design variable for each pair of strains. In both cases, ~91% utilization of total sugars was achieved in mineral salt media by simple batch fermentation. High product titer (88 g L-1 D-lactate, 84 g L-1 succinate), maximum productivity (2.5 g L-1 h-1 D-lactate, 1.3 g L-1 h-1 succinate) and product yield (0.97 g g-total sugar-1 for D-lactate, 0.95 g g-total sugar-1 for succinate) were also achieved.
Classifications in Spondylolisthesis

Abstract Several classification systems for spondylolisthesis are used in clinical and research practice. Classification systems help surgeons have a common language, predict prognosis or guide treatment. In this chapter we review the most commonly used systems, the Meyerding, Wiltse, Marchetti and Bartolozzi, and Spinal Deformity Study Group Classifications, to gain better insight on the best way to effectively organize this multifactorial and complex disease process.
The temporal structure of naming events differentially affects children's and adults' cross-situational word learning.

Abstract To acquire novel words, learners often need to integrate information about word meanings across ambiguous learning events distributed in time. How does the temporal structure of those word learning events affect what learners encode? How do the effects of temporal structure differ in children and adults? In the current experiments, we asked how 4- to 7-year-old children’s (N = 110) and adults’ (N = 90) performance on a cross-situational word learning task is influenced by the temporal distribution of learning events. We tested participants in three training conditions, manipulating the number of trials that separated naming events for specific objects. In the Unstructured condition, the temporal distribution was varied; in the Massed condition, naming events occurred with few interleaved trials; and in the Interleaved condition, naming events occurred with many interleaved trials. Adults showed substantially larger benefits from the Massed condition than children, whereas children were equally successful at learning in the Massed and Interleaved conditions. These results provide evidence that adults differ from children in how they exploit temporal structure during cross-situational word learning.
Using Crowdsourced Wikis to Teach an Online Undergraduate Course

This study examined emergency service student use of wiki in an assignment to develop guidelines for preparing crisis communication plans in an online class. As a form of course evaluation, students were asked to respond to five questions about their experience in using wiki. Conclusions were drawn about the practicality of using wiki in teaching online. Students affirmed that collaboration leads to learning and knowledge acquisition. By engaging in collaboration, learners observe and improve upon weaknesses or gaps in learning. Students learn from each other by examining and improving the work of others. Students also viewed that using wikis to develop documents is a valuable skill to take into the workplace. A number of barriers exist that make using wiki in online teaching more challenging. It is more difficult to monitor and correct student actions online than in a face-to-face classroom. Most students hesitate to edit and change other student writing and so incentives need to be used to get students to edit each other’s work. Students should receive an orientation where they learn the purpose and benefits of wikis and receive instruction on how to use wikis. The study confirms much of the research on the topic of using wikis as a learning strategy. Also, the study shows that process is as important to learning as is outcome. Learning to use wiki is as important as producing a final document.
The emergence of defence contractors as knowledge workers: an analysis of expansion opportunities into BRIC nations

This chapter provides an examination of the potential for US private defence firms to expand into the four BRIC nations: Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Specific attention is placed on the role of knowledge workers as a means to achieve this expansion. Furthermore, this chapter aims to identify which nation among these four presents the greatest potential for international expansion of the US private defence services industry with respect to projected economic opportunity in the defence sector as well as the operational risks and challenges of conducting business in these countries. Several key indicators of opportunity, risk, and challenge were identified, and each BRIC nations was analysed and ranked with respect to the other four on each of these defined measures. The resulting aggregate rankings conclude that India presents the greatest potential for successful globalisation of professional defence services, followed closely by China and Brazil, who have similar levels of potential but for significantly different reasons. Subsequently, Russia appears to have the least potential for international expansion in this industry according to the findings of this research.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Resident Educational Curriculum

Introduction Consistent medical knowledge acquisition while caring for the critically ill can be challenging for learners and educators in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), a unit often dis...
Charge generation mediated by bound polaron pairs and delocalized charge transfer states in non-fullerene organic solar cells

Using two-dimensional electronic and electronic-vibrational spectroscopies, we find that charge generation via both electron and hole transfer pathways are mediated by bound polaron pairs and delocalized charge-transfer states in non-fullerene organic photovoltaics.
Stationary head CT scanner using CNT x-ray source arrays

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is an indispensable imaging modality in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and brain hemorrhage. While the technology and the associated system components have been refined over the last several decades, all modern CT systems still rely on the principle of rotating sources and detectors. The rotating gantry adds a high degree of complexity to the overall system design, and could be eliminated in favor of a configuration of stationary x-ray sources and detectors. Such a change could potentially enable CT systems to be better suited for austere environments. Furthermore, the image acquisition speed would no longer be limited by the maximum rotating speed of the gantry. Unfortunately, due to the size and bulk of existing commercial x-ray sources, such a configuration is impossible to build with a sufficient number of focal spots. Recently, carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source arrays have been used in various stationary imaging configurations to generate diagnostic quality tomosynthesis images in the fields of mammography, dentistry, and orthopedics. In this study, we present a potential stationary head CT (s-HCT) design which combines projection data from 3 separate but parallel imaging planes for a complete CT fan-beam reconstruction. The proposed scanner consists of 3 CNT x-ray source arrays with a large number distributed focal spots each, and an Electronic Control System (ECS) for high speed control of the x-ray exposure from each focal spot. The projection data was collected by an array of multi-row detectors. For this unique imaging configuration, a customized geometry calibration procedure was developed. A linear collimator was designed and constructed for the reduction of cone-angle scatter. Finally, volumetric CT slice data was acquired through z-axis translation of the imaging object.
Quality Metric to Assess Adequacy of Hydrogel Rectal Spacer Placement for Prostate Radiotherapy and Association of Metric Score With Dosimetric and Gastrointestinal Toxicity Outcomes.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Hydrogel rectal spacer placement (HSP) has been shown to minimize rectal dose during prostate cancer radiotherapy, yet its potential benefit for modulating rectal toxicity could in large part depend upon the quality of prostate-rectal separation achieved from HSP. We therefore developed a practical quality metric to evaluate HSP, validating its association with rectal dose reduction, as well as physician- and patient-reported rectal toxicity using a prospective dataset of men treated with prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). MATERIALS/METHODS Using the axial T2-weighted MRI images from a small pilot cohort of men with HSP who had been treated at our institution with prostate SBRT, a hydrogel spacer quality metric was devised from prostate-rectal space thickness (PRST) measurements. A score of 0, 1, or 2 was assigned to a PRST of < 0.3 cm, 0.3-0.9 cm, or ≥1 cm, respectively; an overall spacer quality score (SQS) was computed from individual scores (total of 9) at rectal midline and 1 cm to the right and left, located at the level of the prostate base, midgland, and apex. This quality metric was then applied to MRI simulation scans of 43 men with low/intermediate risk prostate cancer who had been enrolled on a multi-institutional phase II study to assess safety and efficacy of HSP during prostate SBRT. Associations between SQS and rectal dosimetry, late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, and EPIC bowel quality of life were quantified in these men treated with 45 Gy in 5 fractions. RESULTS Among this cohort, the majority had a SQS of 1 (n = 18; 42%) or 2 (n = 18; 42%). SQS was associated with maximum rectal point dose (rectal Dmax; P = 0.001), maximum dose to 1 cc of rectum (D1cc; P = 0.003), and volume of rectum receiving ≥100% of prescription dose (V45; P = 0.03). For those with SQSs of 0, 1 and 2, the median rectal Dmax (cGy) was 4683, 4600, and 3921, respectively. SQS was associated with incidence of late GI toxicity (P = 0.03) and highest late GI toxicity score (P = 0.02). Among the 20 men who developed late GI toxicity, 57%, 67% and 22% with Grade ≥1 had a SQS of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. Men with SQSs of 2 compared to 0-1 had 1.36 times lower odds of an increased rectal Dmax (95% CI: 1.14-1.63); and 1.20 times lower odds of an increased rectal D1cc (95% CI: 1.07-1.34). Men with SQSs of 2 versus 0-1 had 3.30 times lower odds of a higher late GI toxicity score (95% CI: 1.18-9.28). While evidence of a significant difference in baseline EPIC bowel summary score between SQSs was not observed (P = 0.07) as expected, men with SQSs of 2 compared to 0-1 had 3.52 times higher odds (95% CI: 0.91-13.64) of a superior bowel summary score 12 months from prostate SBRT. CONCLUSION We developed a reliable, easy to use, and informative metric for assessing HSP, which appears to be associated with rectal dosimetry and late GI toxicity in men treated with prostate SBRT.
The Temptation of Media Regulation

This article reports the results of a study of programming sales to cable networks that finds little evidence that programming providers 'bundle' network packages. The article also questions several claims made by 'un-bundling' proponents that bundling represents malevolent use of market power by programming providers or cable companies, that unbundling will result in lower consumer costs or other consumer benefits, and that unbundling, as envisioned by proponents, is reasonable.
Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism

The rule that exempts women from rituals that need to be performed at specific times (so-called timebound, positive commandments) has served for centuries to stabilize Jewish gender. It has provided a rationale for women's centrality at home and their absence from the synagogue. Departing from dominant popular and scholarly views, Elizabeth Shanks Alexander argues that the rule was not conceived to structure women's religious lives, but rather became a tool for social engineering only after it underwent shifts in meaning during its transmission. Alexander narrates the rule's complicated history, establishing the purposes for which it was initially formulated and the shifts in interpretation that led to its being perceived as a key marker of Jewish gender. At the end of her study, Alexander points to women's exemption from particular rituals (Shema, tefillin and Torah study), which, she argues, are better places to look for insight into rabbinic gender.
Intraspecific trait cospecialization of constitutive and inducible morphological defences in a marine snail from habitats with different predation risk.

Summary 1. Studies examining the integration of constitutive and inducible aspects of multivariate defensive phenotypes are rare. 2. I asked whether marine snails (Nucella lamellosa) from habitats with and without abundant predatory crabs differed in constitutive and inducible aspects of defensive shell morphology. 3. I examined multivariate shell shape development of snails from each habitat in the presence and absence of waterborne cues from feeding crabs (Cancer productus). I also examined the influence of constitutive and inducible shell morphology on resistance to crushing. 4. Regardless of the presence of crabs, snails from high-risk (HR) habitats developed rotund, short-spired shells, while snails from low-risk habitats developed elongate shells, tall-spired shells, indicating among-habitat divergence in constitutive shell shape. Moreover, allometry analyses indicated that constitutive developmental patterns underlying this variation also differed between habitats. However, snails from HR habitats showed greater plasticity for apertural lip thickness and apertural area in the presence of crab cues, indicating among-habitat variation in defence inducibility. 5. Both shell shape and apertural lip thickness contributed to shell strength suggesting that constitutive shell shape development and inducible lip thickening have evolved jointly to form an effective defence in habitats where predation risk is high.
Ground-Based GPS Meteorology at FSL

Water vapor is one of the most important components of the Earth's atmosphere. It is the source of precipitation, and its latent heat is a critical ingredient in the dynamics of most major weather events. As a greenhouse gas, water vapor also plays a critical role in the global climate system: it absorbs and radiates energy from the sun and affects the formation of clouds and aerosols and the chemistry of the lower atmosphere. Despite its importance in climate and weather prediction, water vapor has been one of the most poorly measured and least understood components of the Earth's atmosphere. Researchers at FSL and elsewhere are utilizing recent technology to reverse this situation.
A Review of: “Groopman, J. (2007). How Doctors Think.”

Groopman's How Doctors Think is a book about decision making—how doctors gather information (primarily attending to their relationships with patients) and how they deal (or don't) with uncertainty ...
Observations of the Core of the Pleiades with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory

We present results from a 36 ks observation of the core of the Pleiades open cluster using ACIS-I on the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. We have detected 57 sources, most of which do not have previously known optical counterparts. Follow-up photometry indicates that many of the detections are likely to be active galactic nuclei, in accordance with extragalactic source counts, but some of the sources may be previously undiscovered low-mass members of the Pleiades. We discuss our data set and our findings about X-ray emission from early-type stars, as well as very late-type stars. In particular, the large X-ray fluxes, lack of variability, and hardness ratios of the four Pleiades B6 IV–F4 V stars suggest a tentative conclusion that Pleiades stars in this spectral type range are intrinsic X-ray sources rather than previously unknown binaries in which the X-ray emission is from a late-type companion. Also, the sensitivity of Chandra allowed us to detect nonflare X-ray emission from late M stars.
Auxiliary inversions and the notion 'default specification '

It is commonly thought that (1) the description of English auxiliary inversions requires a feature with a default value, (2) that non-default values must be stipulated and learned as exceptions and (3) that when languages exhibit different values for a feature in different contexts, learning theory requires grammars to stipulate a default value. Distinguishing two perniciously confused uses of the term DEFAULT enables a demonstration that the first and third assumptions are incorrect. Conseqently, any argument that depends on them is invalid, and the absence in a theory of a mechanism for default-value declarations is not a deficiency. It is then shown that a comprehensive account of inverted structures has to encompass considerably more diversity of structural types than is generally recognized, but is entirely possible in a constraint-based grammar with monotonic multiple-inheritance and no overridable default specifications.
Structural forms and transitions for the complex of mercury(II) with poly(dG-dC).

Abstract Infrared spectroscopy was used to study hydrated double-helical poly(dG-dC) complexed with varying amounts of mercury (II). For one Hg(II) per ten nucleotide residues (r = 0.1), the B structure was stabilized and the B* structure was absent at high hydration. The Z structure did not form as hydration was reduced. For r = 0.2, the B and Z structures coexisted at high hydration and the transition to total Z structure was broad as hydration was reduced. Hg(II) was bound exclusively to the guanine residues probably at N 3 orN7forr < 0.25. The cytosine residue did not protonate (at N3) as Hg(II) was bound to guanine. The addition of NaCl together with Hg(II) reduced the binding of Hg(II), stabilized the B structure at the highest hydration and caused a sharp transition between the B and Z structures as hydration was lowered. Hydration with D,0 stabilized the Z structure for poly(dG-dC) complexed with HgCl2.
Evaluating CFD Modeling of a Thermal Storage Unit

When collecting the energy of the sun for domestic use, there are several options, which include photovoltaic cells and evacuated tube collectors. Arrays of evacuated tube collectors are used to heat water for domestic applications, supplementing the use of a typical hot water heater, while photovoltaic cells transform the sun’s radiation into electricity. The benefit of the tube collectors is that they supplement an appliance that uses a fairly large amount of electricity when compared to others in an average home. However, the collectors cannot operate during the night time and produce more hot water than needed at their peak operation point. A thermal storage unit can be used to even out the conversion of energy throughout the day to solve this problem. This study proposes a system using paraffin wax to store thermal energy collected during the day by melting the wax. The system makes use of a finned heat exchanger, with paraffin wax on the shell side, and glycol on the tube side as the heat transfer fluid. It also includes a separate loop for water to flow through and receive thermal energy from the melted wax. Although the wax used in the study is quite effective at storing thermal energy, it has the problem of low conductivity. So, fins are added to the storage and extraction loops to increase the wax’s thermal conductivity. The fins not only help to melt the wax more quickly but also act as nucleation sites when the wax freezes. Once all the wax is melted, energy can be exchanged from it to heat water. When creating such a unit, it is useful to have simulation tools to guide its design. One such tool is FLUENT, which will be used in this study to create a simulation of part of the unit. The simulation will be compared to experimental data from a prototype unit and evaluated based upon its strengths and weaknesses.Copyright © 2010 by ASME