cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orienting Students to Flipped Learning

Flipped learning is new to most students, and it generally takes time to adjust to the pedagogy. Five factors affect a student’s readiness for the flipped classroom: perceptions of workload, attitude toward active learning, relevant educational experience, metacognitive skills, and comfort with technology. To help all students benefit from flipped learning at the earliest stages of the class, an orientation is proposed that reduces the potential negative impact of each of these factors. Special advice is provided for first-year students, students inexperienced with flipped learning, and low-performing students, who may need extra support to fully benefit from the pedagogy.
Constrained saccharides: a review of structure, biology, and synthesis

Review primarily covers from 1995-2018Carbohydrate function, recognized in a multitude of biological processes, provides a precedent for developing carbohydrate surrogates that mimic the structure and function of bioactive compounds. In order to constrain highly flexible oligosaccharides, synthetic tethering techniques like those exemplified by stapled peptides are utilized to varying degrees of success. Naturally occurring constrained carbohydrates, however, exist with noteworthy cytotoxic and chemosensitizing properties. This review highlights the structure, biology, and synthesis of this intriguing class of molecules.
Cities and Politics in the Developing World

The last 20 years have witnessed an impressive outpouring of comparative politics research examining urban politics in the developing world. This research advances our understanding of phenomena su...
Efficient reversible uniform and non-uniform random number generation in UNU.RAN

Reversible random number generations are useful in large-scale fault-tolerant parallel computations and parallel discrete event simulations that are based on reversible computation. The Universal Non-Uniform Random Number Generator (UNU.RAN) is one of the popular random number generators used in the simulation community, but the generators are forward-only in nature. In this paper, we develop new reverse algorithm for the default uniform random number generator algorithm of UNU.RAN and also a few nonuniform random generators that use the Transform Density Reduction (TDR) method. We verify the correctness of reversals of our algorithms and also provide performance results to demonstrate reverse computing runtime adds little overheads relative to its forward counterpart.
The unexpected identification of the cannabimimetic, 5F-ADB, and dextromethorphan in commercially available cannabidiol e-liquids

Abstract Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were developed as an alternative method for nicotine delivery and had a significant surge in popularity. E-liquids are formulations used in e-cigarettes, and consist of a ratio of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), a pharmaceutical and/or herbal remedy and, usually, a flavoring agent. Presented is the evaluation of nine cannabidiol (CBD) e-liquids from a single manufacturer for cannabinoids and other psychoactive compounds by Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The analysis of these products resulted in the detection of CBD in all nine produces and the unexpected detections of 5-fluoro MDMB-PINACA (5F-ADB) in four of the products and dextromethorphan (DXM) in one of the products. The analysis of these products illustrates the potential quality control issues that can occur in an unregulated industry. CBD products are believed by many users to offer heath benefits, but the detection of a dangerous cannabimimetic, 5F-ADB, and DXM in these products illustrates the need for oversight.
Robust companders

This paper considers the design of a robust quantizer for the class of input signal distributions having given quantiles and otherwise arbitrary shape. The quantizer model that consists of a compander and a uniform quantizer is utilized. The case of large number of quantization points is considered, and we use Bennett's and Gersho's approximation to the mean rth power distortion measure. We demonstrate that the piecewise linear compander provides robust quantization for the class of all input probability distributions having only their quantiles specified. The optimum robust solution is provided through the determination of all the required parameters. The problem is resolved for the case of block quantizers as well, and we show that the robust solution corresponds to a piecewise constant output point density function. The least favorable input multivariable density function is the piecewise uniform one.
Corporate social responsibility and the reproduction of (neo)colonialism in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Abstract Ecuador’s famed Yasuni National Park is home to Waorani indigenous communities and the Block 16 oil concession, operated by Repsol oil and gas company. Inspired by feminist geographic methodology we carried out qualitative research on Repsol’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in the Waorani communities of northern Block 16/Yasuni, with attention to the micro-scale relationships, discourses, and everyday social relations enacted through CSR. In doing so we demonstrate how a better understanding of these dynamics can help to shed light on the ways that CSR produces forms of intimate governance that ultimately serve to facilitate resource extraction. Specifically, we argue that colonial epistemologies communicated through Repsol’s CSR programs reinforce neocolonial social relations between Waorani residents and the people facilitating Repsol’s CSR programming. This serves to assert Repsol’s legitimacy and belonging as a territorial authority in this place, facilitating the company’s ongoing oil extraction and the state’s larger project of neo-extractivism. Our grounded analysis contributes a unique perspective on how CSR efforts function between a multinational oil company and indigenous communities, providing a postcolonial critique that has implications within and beyond Ecuador for how hierarchical colonial relationships are reproduced over historically subjugated populations through CSR.
Prospective Teachers’ Reflections Across the Community Mathematics Exploration Module

This chapter examines the written reflections of 33 elementary prospective teachers who, as part of their mathematics methods course, engaged in a Community Mathematics Exploration during their teacher preparation program. Two main categories of questions posed to the prospective teachers included (a) questions that pertained to community visits and (b) questions that centered on lesson planning and mathematics teaching following a community visit experience. An iterative analysis was utilized to sort the prospective teachers’ key ideas regarding their Community Mathematic Exploration Module experience. Findings suggests that the Community Mathematics Exploration Module can be a valuable tool to support prospective teachers’ understanding of how to make connections in their mathematics teaching to their students’ home and community experiences. Key ideas include (a) opportunities to learn about students and their communities, (b) promoting student engagement, (c) real mathematics versus school mathematics, (d) a springboard to learning about diversity and equity, and (e) a guide to teaching practices. The Community Mathematics Exploration Module offers mathematics teacher educators the opportunity to help prospective teachers learn how to recognize the importance of making connections in their mathematics teaching that promote student learning.
Introduction: Provocation to Philosophy

This introduction considers Lars von Trier’s own reflections on art and his work as presented in his most recent movie The House that Jack Built. It then presents a brief overview of the topics and problems addressed in the book’s chapters, framing each chapter in terms of how it engages in philosophical investigations provoked by von Trier’s work.
Dynamic Connections: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Conflict and Communication

This chapter illustrates that how one thinks about communication must shape how one approaches conflict, and vice versa. Individuals hoping to transform conflict not only must apply the tools and strategies of their field but must do so in the context of communicating to specific and often widely divergent audiences. Likewise, not only must communicators create documents to help ensure that work is accomplished effectively, efficiently, and safely, but they must deal with their own and others’ conflicts. This chapter highlights research and practice in a range of contexts, including the roles of social media in war, of gender in alternative dispute resolution, and of genre during times of industrial crisis.
Explainable and scalable machine learning algorithms for detection of autism spectrum disorder using fMRI data

Abstract Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a challenging problem and is based purely on behavioral descriptions of symptomology (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual—5th Edition/ICD-10). Numerous limitations (e.g., informant discrepancies, lack of adherence to assessment guidelines) to current diagnostic practices have the potential to result in misdiagnosis of the disorder. Prior research provides evidence that structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data collected from individuals with ASD exhibit distinguishing characteristics that differ in neural patterns of the brain. Our proposed deep learning model ASD-DiagNet exhibits consistently high accuracy for classification of ASD brain scans from neurotypical scans. We have integrated traditional machine learning and deep learning techniques that allow us to isolate ASD biomarkers from MRI data sets. Our method, called Auto-ASD-Network, uses a combination of deep learning and support vector machines to classify ASD scans from neurotypical ones. Such interpretable models would help one to explain the decisions made by deep learning techniques leading to knowledge discovery for neuroscientists.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON ACTIVITIES OF A SMALL GROUP OF CONFINED EWES WITH SINGLE, TWIN, OR TRIPLET LAMBS

Graves, H.B., Wilson, L.L. and Hess, C.E., 1977. Some observations on activities of a small group of confined ewes with single, twi., or triplet lambs. Appl. Anim. Ethol., 3: 83–88. Lambs tended to suck one or two times per hour through the 24-h day. In general, ewes and lambs lay down together for about 1 h, the lamb would then suck, the ewe would feed and then stand for about an hour after which the cycle would repeat itself.
Development of an MRI Compatible Nasal Drug Delivery Method: Probing Nicotine Addiction Dynamics

Abstract Background Substance abuse is a fundamentally dynamic disease, characterized by repeated oscillation between craving, drug self-administration, reward, and satiety. To model nicotine addiction as a control system, an MR-compatible nicotine delivery system is needed to elicit cyclical cravings. Method Using a concentric nebulizer, inserted into one nostril, we delivered each dose—each equivalent to a single cigarette puff—using a syringe pump by nebulizing the nicotine solution using pressurized medical air. A control mechanism permits dual modes: one delivers puffs on a fixed interval programmed by researchers; with the other, subjects press a button to self-administer each nicotine dose. Subjects were therefore able to intuitively “smoke” the equivalent of a cigarette, one “puff” at a time. We dosed each “puff” such that one cigarette would be equal, in nicotine content, to 10 puffs. Results We tested the viability of this delivery method for studying the brain’s response to nicotine addiction in three steps. First, we established the pharmacokinetics of nicotine delivery, using a dosing scheme designed to gradually achieve saturation, as with a cigarette. Second, we lengthened the time between micro-doses to elicit craving cycles, using both fixed-interval and subject-driven behavior. Finally, we confirmed that the fixed-interval protocol reliably activates brain circuits linked to addiction. Conclusion Our MR-compatible nasal delivery method enables the measurement of neural circuit responses to drug doses on a single-subject level, allowing the development of data-driven predictive models to quantify individual dysregulations of the reward control circuit causing addiction.
Electrowetting valves for sweat-based microfluidics

Skin-compatible microfluidic valving systems with on-demand sweat capture are necessary to understand the temporal variation of biomarkers. Here, we demonstrate solution-based electrowetting valves with rapid actuation integrated into a flexible microfluidic sweat collection patch. The valve is produced by inkjet-printing a pair of silver electrodes with spacings of 0.2–2 mm and modifying the downstream electrode with a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer. To complete the valve, a microfluidic channel is fabricated from laser ablation of adhesive layers and pressed over the silver electrodes. Artificial perspiration is driven by capillary action within the channel until stopped by the electrowetting valve. A low voltage is applied to the electrodes, decreasing the surface energy of the hydrophobic monolayer and allowing the fluid front to continue through the microchannel. Statistical analysis demonstrated that applied voltage, and not electrode spacing, influenced valve actuation time, with 17 ± 8 s for 4 V and 40 ± 16 s for 1 V. Inkjet-printing conditions were also optimized to achieve a valve fluid retention time of 9 h. Using four electrowetting valves, an integrated wearable device is designed for artificial perspiration collection through valve actuation at distinct time points over 40 min. Finally, these inexpensive, user-friendly, and disposable electrowetting valves offer exciting opportunities for non-invasive point-of-care sweat monitoring.
Effect of pH on the Quantification of Common Chemistry Analytes in Body Fluid Specimens Using the Roche cobas Analyzer for Clinical Diagnostic Testing.

OBJECTIVES To determine the influence of pH on recovery of analytes in body fluids (BFs), investigate the mechanism of pH interference, measure the frequency of abnormal-pH BFs received, and compare pH measured by meter and paper. METHODS We performed pH titration in residual BFs. A low-pH BF was spiked and neutralized to investigate pH interference. We measured analytes on a Roche cobas c501 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics) and calculated the percent recovery. Measurement of pH using a meter and paper was conducted on 122 BF samples received in the laboratory. RESULTS Enzyme activity in BFs was unaffected when pH = 7.4-8.5 lactate dehydrogenase, pH = 7.3-10.2 amylase, pH = 6.0-9.9 lipase, and pH = 1.3-11.7 all other analytes. BFs had mean (range) pH of 8.0 (5.1-8.9), with a mean (range) difference (paper ‒ meter) of ‒0.4 (‒0.6 to 1.1). CONCLUSIONS Irreversible loss of enzyme activity occurs in BFs at low pH. Few clinical BFs have pH < 7.0, but laboratories should incorporate pH measurement in BF workflows.
GraphZero: A High-Performance Subgraph Matching System

Subgraph matching is a fundamental task in many applications which identifies all the embeddings of a query pattern in an input graph. Compilation-based subgraph matching systems generate specialized implementations for the provided patterns and often substantially outperform other systems. However, the generated code causes significant computation redundancy and the compilation process incurs too much overhead to be used online, both due to the inherent symmetry in the structure of the query pattern. In this paper, we propose an optimizing query compiler, named GraphZero, to completely address these limitations through symmetry breaking based on group theory. GraphZero implements three novel techniques. First, its schedule explorer efficiently prunes the schedule space without missing any high-performance schedule. Second, it automatically generates and enforces a set of restrictions to eliminate computation redundancy. Third, it generalizes orientation, a surprisingly effective optimization that was only used for clique patterns, to apply to arbitrary patterns. Evaluation on multiple query patterns shows that GraphZero outperforms two state-of-the-art compilation and non-compilation based systems by up to 40X and 2654X, respectively.
Operando study of the preferential growth of SiO2 during the dry thermal oxidation of Si0.60Ge0.40(001) by ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Controlling the grown oxide composition, the oxide/semiconductor interface properties, and the semiconductor surface composition is of interest for SiGe devices. We have used ambient-pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) to study the initial stages of dry thermal oxidation of an epitaxial Si0.60Ge0.40(001) film on Si(001). Si 2p and Ge 3d chemical-state resolved AP-XPS was performed at 300 °C and O2 pressures (PO2) of 10−4, 10−2, and 1 mbar during oxide growth. The National Institute of Standards simulated electron spectra for surface analysis (SESSA) was used to analyze both the oxide composition and the thickness versus time for each pressure. At all three PO2, the SESSA analysis indicated that oxidation proceeds via three oxide growth rate regimes: an initial rapid regime, an intermediate transitionary regime, and finally a quasisaturation slow regime. The Si and Ge oxidation rates were found to be pressure dependent during the rapid regime with both rates decreasing monotonically with decreasing pressure. Results indicated that Ge was much more sensitive to changes in PO2 compared to Si. As a result, a decrease in PO2 resulted in significant suppression of GeO2 formation compared to SiO2. Using SESSA, we were able to quantify the grown oxide composition and the thickness, both of which were strongly dependent on O2 pressure. The Ge composition, in Si1−xGexO2, was found to decrease monotonically with decreasing PO2.
Optogenetics: 10 years of microbial opsins in neuroscience

Over the past 10 years, the development and convergence of microbial opsin engineering, modular genetic methods for cell-type targeting and optical strategies for guiding light through tissue have enabled versatile optical control of defined cells in living systems, defining modern optogenetics. Despite widespread recognition of the importance of spatiotemporally precise causal control over cellular signaling, for nearly the first half (2005-2009) of this 10-year period, as optogenetics was being created, there were difficulties in implementation, few publications and limited biological findings. In contrast, the ensuing years have witnessed a substantial acceleration in the application domain, with the publication of thousands of discoveries and insights into the function of nervous systems and beyond. This Historical Commentary reflects on the scientific landscape of this decade-long transition.
The influence of embodiment on multisensory integration using the mirror box illusion

We examined the relationship between subcomponents of embodiment and multisensory integration using a mirror box illusion. The participants' left hand was positioned against the mirror, while their right hidden hand was positioned 12″, 6″, or 0″ from the mirror - creating a conflict between visual and proprioceptive estimates of limb position in some conditions. After synchronous tapping, asynchronous tapping, or no movement of both hands, participants gave position estimates for the hidden limb and filled out a brief embodiment questionnaire. We found a relationship between different subcomponents of embodiment and illusory displacement towards the visual estimate. Illusory visual displacement was positively correlated with feelings of deafference in the asynchronous and no movement conditions, whereas it was positive correlated with ratings of visual capture and limb ownership in the synchronous and no movement conditions. These results provide evidence for dissociable contributions of different aspects of embodiment to multisensory integration.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Social Work Education

This article explores the benefits of teaching geographic information systems (GIS) technology as a tool in social work curricula. GIS software makes customized and interactive maps that can help social workers gain a better understanding of multifaceted communities. The authors present four examples of GIS applications developed by social work graduate students demonstrating the potential of GIS in social work, and they outline steps for teaching GIS in social work practice courses. Employment and other opportunities are also discussed.
A Review of: “Jerome P. Kassirer. 2004. On the Take: How Medicine's Complicity with Big Business Can Endanger Your Health”

A few months ago, while I was completing a month-long family medicine rotation with the U.S. Indian Health Service, the conversation between me and my preceptor turned to road trips, mountains, and...
An Examination of Factors Contributing to Critical Thinking and Student Interest in an On-line College-level Art Criticism Course

This qualitative case study research examined how constructivist problem-based learning facilitated higher level thinking, increased interest in art, and affected attitude toward on-line courses in an undergraduate philosophical aesthetics and interpretation of art criticism course. The research conducted for this study suggests that constructivist problem-based learning does facilitate higher level thinking and increases student interest in art and in on-line classes. Active learning assignments, along with the constructivist collaborative class atmosphere, encouraged students to think more deeply about their personal values concerning art and to consider alternative views. Problem-based learning in this class acted as a scaffold to aid in understanding the material and then in applying the material to unique and real-life situations. Each subject came to the course with certain thinking skills and left with increased knowledge about art but also with increased critical thinking skills for critically examining and discussing art. Participants completed the course with more confidence in their critical thinking ability and in dealing with visual art images. Data was gathered from seven study participants in the form of highly-structured interviews, an early and final critical writing analysis, a major problem assignment and its reflection journal, a beginning survey, and two final surveys. The final major problem involved an individual proposal followed by a collaborative group proposal. Group collaboration constituted the most frustration and problem within the constructivist design of the class. This research took a relativistic viewpoint in gathering data and interpreting meaning.
A comparison between excess barium and barite as indicators of carbon export

[1] Since Dymond et al. [1992] proposed the paleoproductivity algorithm based on ‘‘Bio-Ba,’’ which relies on a strong correlation between Ba and organic carbon fluxes in sediment traps, this proxy has been applied in many paleoproductivity studies. Barite, the main carrier of particulate barium in the water column and the phase associated with carbon export, has also been suggested as a reliable paleoproductivity proxy in some locations. We demonstrate that Baexcess (total barium minus the fraction associated with terrigenous material) frequently overestimates Babarite (barium associated with the mineral barite), most likely due to the inclusion of barium from phases other than barite and terrigenous silicates (e.g., carbonate, organic matter, opal, Fe-Mn oxides, and hydroxides). A comparison between overlying oceanic carbon export and carbon export derived from Baexcess shows that the Dymond et al. [1992] algorithm frequently underestimates carbon export but is still a useful carbon export indicator if all caveats are considered before the algorithm is applied. Babarite accumulation rates from a wide range of core top sediments from different oceanic settings are highly correlated to surface ocean 14 C and Chlorophyll a measurements of primary production. This relationship varies by ocean basin, but with the application of the appropriate f ratio to 14 C and Chlorophyll a primary production estimates, the plot of Babarite accumulation and carbon export for the equatorial Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Ocean converges to a global relationship that can be used to reconstruct paleo carbon export. INDEX TERMS: 3022 Marine Geology and Geophysics: Marine sediments—processes and transport; 4267 Oceanography: General: Paleoceanography; 4825 Oceanography: Biological and Chemical: Geochemistry; KEYWORDS: paleoproductivity, barite, export production, excess barium, marine sediments Citation: Eagle, M., A. Paytan, K. R. Arrigo, G. van Dijken, and R. W. Murray, A comparison between excess barium and barite as indicators of carbon export, Paleoceanography, 18(1), 1021, doi:10.1029/2002PA000793, 2003.
Reflex seizures in Rett syndrome.

Reflex seizures are a rare phenomenon among epileptic patients, in which an epileptic discharge is triggered by various kinds of stimuli (visual, auditory, tactile or gustatory). Epilepsy is common in Rett syndrome patients (up to 70%), but to the authors’ knowledge, no pressure or eating-triggered seizures have yet been reported in Rett children. We describe three epileptic Rett patients with reflex seizures, triggered by food intake or proprioception. One patient with congenital Rett Sd. developed infantile epileptic spasms at around seven months and two patients with classic Rett Sd. presented with generalised tonic-clonic seizures at around five years. Reflex seizures appeared when the patients were teenagers. The congenital-Rett patient presented eating-triggered seizures at the beginning of almost every meal, demonstrated by EEG recording. Both classic Rett patients showed self-provoked pressure -triggered attacks, influenced by stress or excitement. Non-triggered seizureswere controlled with carbamazepine or valproate, but reflex seizures did not respond to antiepileptic drugs. Risperidone partially improved self-provoked seizures. When reflex seizures are suspected, reproducing the trigger during EEG recording is fundamental; however, self-provoked seizures depend largely on the patient’s will. Optimal therapy (though not always possible) consists of avoiding the trigger. Stress modifiers such as risperidone may help control self-provoked seizures.
A model of volumetric shape for the analysis of longitudinal Alzheimer's disease data

We develop a multi-scale model of shape based on a volumetric representation of solids in 3D space. A signed energy function (SEF) derived from the model is designed to quantify the magnitude of regional shape changes that correlate well with local shrinkage and expansion. The methodology is applied to the analysis of longitudinal morphological data representing hippocampal volumes extracted from one-year repeat magnetic resonance scans of the brain of 381 subjects collected by the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.We first establish a strong correlation between the SEFs and hippocampal volume loss over a one-year period and then use SEFs to characterize specific regions where hippocampal atrophy over the one-year period differ significantly among groups of normal controls and subjects with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
Analytical solution for Biot flow-induced damping in saturated soil during shear wave excitations.

This paper presents a theoretical study of Biot flow–induced damping in saturated soil during shear wave excitations. The solid skeleton is treated as equivalent linear. Biot flow–induced damping is evaluated for the cases of resonant column tests and site response analysis, based on the spectral response of a soil column/layer under harmonic torsional/horizontal excitations. Closed-form analytical solutions indicate that Biot flow–induced damping is hydraulic conductivity and frequency dependant. At the first resonance in a resonant column test, Biot flow–induced damping is dependent on a dimensionless hydraulic conductivity parameter K. For K within the range of 0.01 to 100, corresponding to coarse sands and clean gravels, Biot flow–induced damping may have an important contribution to total soil damping, especially at small strain levels. For site response analysis, Biot flow–induced damping should be considered for coarse sands and clean gravels, but can be practically neglected for fine sands, silts,...
Reductive elimination of ethane from five-coordinate platinum(IV) alkyl complexes.

Five-coordinate platinum(IV) alkyl complexes bearing sterically non-demanding pyridylpyrrolide ligands, (LX)PtMe3 [LX = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-(2-pyridyl)pyrrolide (3a) and 3,5-diphenyl-2-(2-pyridyl)pyrrolide (3b)] have been prepared. An X-ray structure of 3a estab-lishes that it is a five-coordinate PtIV complex with a square-pyramidal geometry. Thermolysis of 3a or 3b in C6D6 with ethylene results in reductive elimination of ethane (C2H6) and methane (CH4 and CH3D) and the formation of cyclometalated platinum(II) ethylene complexes 4a or 4b, respectively. Results of kinetic investigations of the reaction of 3b are consistent with a mechanism of direct C−C reductive elimination from the five-coordinate PtIV compound. Thermolysis of 3a in C6D6 with no ethylene present forms a novel dinuclear complex (5-d6).
Preventing the accelerated low-temperature oxidation of MoSi2 (pesting) by the application of superficial alkali-salt layers

Previous work showed that MoSi2 diffusion coatings formed by a NaF-activated pack cementation process did not pest. A Na−Al-oxide by-product layer resulting from the NaF activator formed a Na-silicate layer to passivate MoSi2. Superficial NaF layers were then used to prevent the pesting of MoSi2 diffusion coating that were otherwise susceptible to pest disintegration. In this study, the use of superficial alkali-salt layers to prevent the accelerated oxidation of bulk MoSi2 at 500°C is investigated more broadly. The application of Na-halide, KF, LiF, Na2B4O7, or Na-silicate layers prior to oxidation prevented accelerated oxidation and pesting for at least 2000 hr at 500°C in air. The formation of a fast-growing, Na-silicate layer passivates MoSi2. The MoO3 that forms during oxidation absorbs sodium by intercolation to form stable Na-molybdate precipitates. Na2B4O7, Na-silicate, LiF, and KF prevented accelerated oxidation at 500°C by a similar mechanism. The application of alkali-halide salts is a simple, effective solution to prevent the accelerated oxidation and pesting of MoSi2.
Economic impact of tumor markers in bladder cancer surveillance.

Objectives Bladder cancer invokes the highest cost per patient from diagnosis to death and is the fifth most expensive cancer to treat overall, exceeding $3.4 billion annually. Current surveillance regimens require intense follow-up contributing to high cost and emotional burden. Bladder tumor markers hold the promise to reduce these costs, yet have not been widely adopted in oncological practice. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of bladder tumor markers in surveillance routines. Methods A MEDLINE search of all available literature concerning bladder tumor markers and cost-effectiveness was performed. We reviewed retrospective and prospective studies, reviews, opinion papers, decision analyses, and cost-effectiveness analyses. Results Bladder tumor markers exist in various stages of development and efficacy. Sensitivity and specificity values have been reported across a wide range, with tumor markers generally possessing a higher sensitivity and lower specificity than urine cytology. Several cost-effectiveness analyses have shown tumor markers significantly lower the cost of bladder cancer surveillance when using a modified regimen that lengthens intervals between cystoscopies. However, many of the studies rely on overconfident sensitivity and specificity estimates and do not incorporate data specific to recurrent bladder cancer. No comprehensive study incorporating utility analysis has been performed. Conclusions Bladder tumor markers cannot definitively replace cystoscopy in surveillance regimens given the current evidence. Recent reports suggest potential for tumor markers to control the financial and emotional cost of bladder cancer care and improve quality of life. Until prospective analyses incorporating quality of life outcomes are performed, wider adoption of bladder tumor markers will be hampered.
A reduced degree of freedom model for thermal permeability enhancement in blocky rock

An upwind-weighted finite-element model is presented for the analysis of non-boiling hot dry rock geothermal systems. The model accommodates the essential mechanisms of permeability enhancement or degradation resulting from injection of fluid at a temperature different from ambient. The effects of induced thermal strains and fluid pressures in conditioning both normal and shear displacements in an ubiquitously jointed continuum are accommodated. The mass is idealized as a blocky assemblage where diffusive-advective energy transport in the fracture system is augmented by transient heat supply from intact rock blocks. The true transient nature of both energy supply from the blocks to the percolating fluid and the development of thermal strains within the medium are determined analytically. The local assumption of full lateral restraint coupled with analytical representation of thermal strains renders the nonlinear initial-value problem fully defined in terms of the two dependent variables of fluid pressure and fluid temperature only. Subject to these assumptions, complete fluid-pressure and fluid-temperature histories of large, thermally stimulated reservoirs may be determined effectively and efficiently. Results are presented for both single point injection and dual point injection-withdrawal scenarios to illustrate the possible scope of the method.
Theoretical study of alloy phase stability in the Cd-Mg system

A theoretical study of thermodynamic properties and of the phase diagram for crystalline hcp-based Cd-Mg alloys is presented. Many first-principles studies of phase diagrams for metallic alloys have considered only configurational contributions to the free energy, which arise from the effects of substitutional disorder on the entropy and enthalpy. In this paper, the additional effects of the vibrational free energy, the electronic entropy, and the energy associated with structural relaxations on the thermodynamic properties and calculated phase equilibria for Cd-Mg alloys are studied. Ground-state properties and the densities of states of stable and metastable Cd-Mg compounds with hcp-based structures have been calculated with the linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO) method. The results of these LMTO calculations are combined with the cluster variation method to calculate the configurational free energy and electronic entropy of ordered and disordered alloys from first principles. The vibrational free energy is treated using the Debye model; the configurational dependence of the Debye temperature is obtained semiempirically from experimentally measured entropies of formation in combination with the results of the LMTO calculations. The energy associated with structural relaxations is estimated from experimentally measured lattice parameters and elastic constants. We find that, although the configurational free energy is the largest component of the total alloy free energy, nonconfigurational effects contribute significantly to thermodynamic properties, and hence appreciably affect the calculated Cd-Mg phase diagram.
Interaction of water vapor with clean and oxygen-covered uranium surfaces

The interaction of water vapor with clean and oxygen-covered high-purity polycrystalline uranium surfaces was studied between 85 and 298 K with thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Saturation of the uranium surface with oxygen or water vapor produced an asymmetric O1s photoelectron peak that consisted of a main oxide contribution and a small component assigned to strongly chemisorbed oxygen or hydroxyl ions, respectively. Saturation of the clean or oxygen-covered surface with water vapor at 85 K produced multilayer ice that was converted to oxide and adsorbed hydroxyl ions after warming to room temperature. A significant difference in binding energies was observed in the O1s spectra between water vapor adsorption on clean and oxygen-covered surfaces that lends support to the oxygen inhibition of the water vapor-uranium reaction by a surface mechanism. The initial oxidation mechanisms of uranium with oxygen and water vapor are discussed.
A multi-agent system for restoration of an electric power distribution network with local generation

This paper proposes a multi-agent system for restoration of an electric power distribution network that can perform an efficient and fast switching operation to isolate faults, restore power to the de-energized area, and secure critical loads. Local or distributed generation (DG) is present in the network but has a limited capability to serve the entire microgrid load. In this paper, the multi-agent system (MAS) is designed, developed and implemented in JAVA Agent Development Framework (JADE). Simulation results show that the proposed MAS is able to achieve a real-time restoration of the microgrid and secure critical loads upon the occurrence of an upstream fault.
THE FREQUENCY OF QUANTITY SURCHARGES: REPLICATION AND EXTENSION

Widrick's research has established that larger sizes of grocery products are not always less expensive per unit than smaller sizes, or that quantity surcharges exist. The purpose of this research was to validate and extend Widrick's work. In this research, the overall incidence of quantity surcharges was 18.6%. Surcharges were found to occur more often when numerous brand sizes were offered and non-integer package size comparisons were required. Additionally, personal care products, not previously included in quantity surcharge research, were found to have a lower incidence of surcharges than food and laundry products. The research indicates there may be possible payoffs to consumers who make unit price comparisons rather than employing the economy size rule.
Effects of cis-4-hydroxy-l-proline, an inhibitor of Schwann cell differentiation, on the secretion of collagenous and noncollagenous proteins by Schwann cells

Abstract The proline analog cis -4-hydroxy- l -proline (CHP) was previously shown to inhibit both Schwann cell (SC) differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation in cultures of rat SCs and dorsal root ganglion neurons. We confirmed that CHP inhibits basal lamina formation by immunofluorescence with antibodies to laminin, type IV collagen, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In order to test the hypothesis that CHP inhibits SC differentiation by specifically inhibiting the secretion of collagen, cultures grown in the presence or absence of CHP were metabolically labeled with [ 3 H]leucine and the media were analyzed for relative amounts of (a) collagenous and noncollagenous proteins by assay with bacterial collagenase and by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), or (b) triple-helical collagen by pepsin digestion followed by SDS-PAGE. The results indicate that although CHP inhibited the accumulation of secreted collagen in the culture medium and disrupted collagen triple-helix formation, it also significantly inhibited the accumulation of secreted noncollagenous proteins in the medium. CHP had no significant effect on either total protein synthesis (medium plus cell layer) or cell number. We conclude that CHP does not act as a specific inhibitor of collagen secretion in this system, and thus data from these experiments cannot be used to relate SC collagen production to other aspects of SC differentiation. We discuss the evidence for and against specificity of CHP action in other systems.
Who wants to live forever? Immortality, authenticity, and living forever in the present

Death is a bad thing by virtue of its ability to frustrate the subjectively valuable projects that shape our identities and render our lives meaningful. While the presumption that immortality would necessarily result in boredom worse than death proves unwarranted, if the constraint of mortality is a necessary element for virtues, relationships, and motivation to pursue our life-projects, then death might nevertheless be a necessary evil. Mortal or immortal, it’s clear that the value of one’s life depends on its subjectively determined quality, rather than its quantity. Thus, it is imperative to live forever in the present, with flourishing always in mind.
A partnership study of PCBs and the health of Mohawk youth: lessons from our past and guidelines for our future.

This paper describes a research partnership between the people of Akwesasne and researchers from the State University of New York at Albany for the study of polychlorinated biphenyls and the health...
Development and Validation of the Student Internalizing Behavior Screener: Examination of Reliability, Validity, and Classification Accuracy

Students with internalizing behavior patterns are often overlooked and underserved in schools, which is problematic in that they are at risk for a host of negative outcomes. As a result, there is a need for universal screening procedures to proactively detect students with these behavior patterns and to provide them with early, ongoing supports. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability, validity, and classification accuracy of the Student Internalizing Behavior Screener using a sample of elementary-age students. The results indicated that the screener demonstrated adequate evidence of reliability and validity. Results also revealed an optimal cutoff score to maximize accurate hits and minimize diagnostic errors, and they demonstrated that the screener was able to identify a unique group of behaviorally and emotionally at-risk students. The implications of the results are discussed, as well as the directions for future research on screening practices for students with internalizing behavior patterns.
An Empirical Investigation of the Jungian Typology

The study examines the hypothesis that in the domain of self-report individuals will order themselves into the types postulated by Jung. It also examines the usefulness of inverse factor analysis as a technique for studying typologies. The analysis of a Q-sort of 100 self regarding propositions yielded a number of interpretable factors. In this fashion five of the eight types postulated by Jung were identified. These factors were correlated with other characteristics of the subjects.
Kuiper Widefield Infrared Camera Far-Infrared Imaging of the Galactic Center: The Circumnuclear Disk Revealed

We present images of the Galactic center in the dust continuum at 31.5 and 37.7 μm obtained with the Kuiper Widefield Infrared Camera on the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. The raw images have a spatial resolution of ~85 and cover a region roughly 10' (R.A.) by 24' (decl.) in extent. Here we discuss the innermost 28 × 36 (6.9 × 9.1 pc) regions roughly centered on Sagittarius A*, where the high signal-to-noise ratio permits image restoration to ~36-57 spatial resolution at 31.5 and 37.7 μm, respectively. These images clearly delineate the warm dust in the "minispiral" but also show an elliptical structure centered on Sgr A* and intersecting the minispiral at the western arc that we identify as the photodissociated inner rim of the circumnuclear disk (CND) or ring. This is the first image of the complete disk and the first image of both the minispiral and CND in a single tracer, thereby permitting detailed studies of the intimate association between these two structures. The 31.5/37.7 μm color temperature map indicates that most of the far-UV flux required to heat the dust grains must come from centrally located sources. The cluster of He I emission-line stars recently identified near Sgr A* is sufficient to provide half the heating for the far-IR ring and minispiral structures, the balance likely being provided by O and B stars associated with the cluster. We also find ~16 color temperature peaks distributed within the CND that we suggest are the locations of early type (B4 to O9) main-sequence stars. To match the observed far-IR fluxes from the ring, we require an unusually high 30-40 μm dust grain emissivity and/or an usually high UV albedo. The far-IR morphology is reproduced by a simple model: an inclined (i ~ 65°), slightly elliptical (e ~ 0.06) torus with one focus at Sgr A* and two streamers on parabolic orbits with foci at Sgr A*. The torus has an inner radius of 1.58 pc, is ~0.4 pc thick, and consists of clumpy cloudlets with characteristic sizes less than 0.15 pc. The northern streamer is identified with the northern arm, and the east-west (EW) streamer is identified with the bar and eastern arm structures seen in both their [Ne II] fine-structure line emission and the radio continuum. The northern arm is traced in the far-IR continuum from regions ~1.4 pc outside of the far-IR ring to its apparent intersection with the EW streamer. The eastern CND is not detected in the radio continuum because of extinction by the intervening northern arm, which therefore must be nearly in the plane of the CND. Extensions of the EW streamer outside of the CND are apparent to the east and especially to the northwest. The EW streamer lies ~85° out of the plane of the CND and is on a parobolic orbit focused on Sgr A* at a distance of 0.33 pc, with its apex well in front of or behind Sgr A*.
Personal Cooling With Dry Ice

Eighteen experiments with a male student subject evaluated some of the characteristics of dry ice cooling. Skin and rectal temperatures, heart rate, blood pressure, ice sublimation and sweat evaporation rate, and environmental conditions were measured. Heat balances were calculated. The mechanism of cooling is conduction from the dry ice plus sweat evaporation. The amount of cooling depends on the initial amount of dry ice, its shape and the insulation. Humidity and air velocity did not substantially affect the cooling from the dry ice. For the clothing designs in the last few experiments, the dry ice vest provided about 79 kcal/hr of cooling benefit to the man.
Is Helicobacter pylori a cause of duodenal ulcer? A methodologic critique of current evidence.

Abstract introduction: Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the gastric antrum has been strongly associated with both duodenal ulcer (DU) and chronic active gastritis (CAG). The relationship between HP and DU has been interpreted as causal by many observers. An alternate hypothesis is that HP coincidently colonizes CAG, which is independently associated with DU by some yet-unknown mechanism. purpose: To assess the extent to which a causal relationship between HP and DU has been demonstrated, we performed a methodologic critique of published clinical studies. We carried out a literature search to identify clinical studies that included at least 25 subjects. Of the eight studies we identified, six used a cross-sectional design and two used a prospective cohort design. We applied methodologic criteria to assess causation: strength of association, biologic gradient, temporality, and experiment. methods: A strong association between HP and DU was demonstrated in all eight studies. Biologic gradient and temporality were not assessed in any study. In the two experimental studies of therapy, loss of antral HP was associated with a decreased rate of DU relapse; however, we did not interpret this as sufficient to support causality because the effect may have been due to a direct mucosal action rather than eradication of HP. conclusion: We conclude that published evidence does not establish HP as a cause of DU. One approach to address causality would be an observational cohort study of ulcer relapse to assess the temporal relationships between HP, CAG, and DU.