cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New lignocellulose pretreatments using cellulose solvents: a review

Non-food lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant renewable bioresource as a collectable, transportable, and storable chemical energy that is far from fully utilized. The goal of biomass pretreatment is to improve the enzymatic digestibility of pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Many substrate factors, such as substrate accessibility, lignin content, particle size and so on, contribute to its recalcitrance. Cellulose accessibility to hydrolytic enzymes is believed to be the most important substrate characteristic limiting enzymatic hydrolysis. Cellulose solvents effectively break linkages among cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, and also dissolve highly-ordered hydrogen bonds in cellulose fibers accompanied with great increases in substrate accessibility. Here the history and recent advances in cellulose solvent-based biomass pretreatment are reviewed and perspectives provided for addressing remaining challenges. The use of cellulose solvents, new and existing, provides opportunities for emerging biorefineries to produce a few precursors (e.g. monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and lignin) for the production of low-value biofuels and value-added biochemicals. c � 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A Multivariable Generalized Self-Tuning Controller with Decoupling Design

This paper describes a new multivariable generalized self-tuning controller which combines the classical control strategy of pole assignment with the optimal strategy of self-tuning control. The proposed controller adopts the techniques of updating weighting polynomial matrices of the cost function on line and eliminating the tracking errors without using an integrator and realizes the decoupling self-tuning control of the multivariable system. The advantages of the controller are demonstrated by several simulation examples.
Effect of thiol reagents on extractability of protein from yeast

The effect of soluble thiol reagents on the extractability of protein from yeast cells was studied. The incubation of yeast cells with dithiothreitol, 2-mercaptoethanol, or monothioglycerol markedly stimulated the release of soluble carbohydrates into the medium. There was a concomitant improvement (over twofold) in the extractability of protein from the yeast cells. The thiol reagents activated the proteolytic enzymes of the yeast cells. Unless inactivated, these enzymes hydrolyze the extracted protein.
Syntactic pattern recognition for robot vision

Vision will be increasingly important in robotics applications. An object is modeled by critical curves extracted from the object. In the simplest case the object's curve is its outline. A solution to the curve partitioning problem is shown for nonconvex objects. Curves are described in a rotation and translation invariant way. A way to build a combined model database of many classes of objects is presented. A test to insure disjointness of model classes is given. An efficient technique for computing a network of these curves from a gray-level frame is presented. A graph algorithm is presented to match the model in an efficient way, independent of the scaling found in the scene. A technique for computing and classifying more general critical curves from three-dimensional data is developed.
Design validation: comparing theoretical and empirical results of design error modeling

To use simulation for design verification, designers need a confidence measure for a given set of simulation patterns, specifically for cases in which only a subset of the possible patterns is used. The authors derive a measure of design verification coverage based on the number of design errors detected in a theoretical analysis of a circuit. To verify the theoretical analysis, they simulate errors and compare the results. >
A rational model of causal inference with continuous causes

Rational models of causal induction have been successful in accounting for people's judgments about the existence of causal relationships. However, these models have focused on explaining inferences from discrete data of the kind that can be summarized in a 2 ✕ 2 contingency table. This severely limits the scope of these models, since the world often provides non-binary data. We develop a new rational model of causal induction using continuous dimensions, which aims to diminish the gap between empirical and theoretical approaches and real-world causal induction. This model successfully predicts human judgments from previous studies better than models of discrete causal inference, and outperforms several other plausible models of causal induction with continuous causes in accounting for people's inferences in a new experiment.
Defective DNA cross-link removal in Chinese hamster cell mutants hypersensitive to bifunctional alkylating agents

DNA repair-deficient mutants from five genetic complementation groups isolated previously from Chinese hamster cells were assayed for survival after exposure to the bifunctional alkylating agents mitomycin C or diepoxybutane. Groups 1, 3, and 5 exhibited 1.6- to 3-fold hypersensitivity compared to the wildtype cells, whereas Groups 2 and 4 exhibited extraordinary hypersensitivity (30- to 90-fold). Mutants from Groups 1 and 2 were exposed to 22 other bifunctional alkylating agents in a rapid assay that compared cytotoxicity of the mutants to the wild-type parental strain, AA8. With all but two of the compounds, the Group 2 mutant (UV4) was 15- to 60-fold more sensitive than AA8 or the Group 1 mutant (UV5). UV4 showed only 6-fold hypersensitivity to quinacrine mustard. Alkaline elution measurements showed that this compound produced few DNA interstrand cross-links but numerous strand breaks that were revealed by proteinase treatment. Therefore, the extreme hypersensitivity of mutants from Groups 2 and 4 appeared specific for compounds the main cytotoxic lesions of which were DNA crosslinks. Mutant UV5 was only 1- to 4-fold hypersensitive to all the compounds. Repair kinetics of DNA interstrand cross-link production and removal was measured by alkaline elution for AA8 and mutants UV4 and UV5 after exposure to diepoxybutane. Although the initial number of cross-links was similar for the three cell lines, during 24-h incubation, the efficiency of removal of cross-links was lowest in UV4 and intermediate in UV5. These results suggest that the different levels of sensitivity of the five complementation groups to bifunctional alkylation damage are specifically related to different efficiencies of DNA cross-link removal. The phenotype of hypersensitivity to both UV radiation and cross-link damage exhibited by the mutants in Groups 2 and 4 appears to differ from those of the known human DNA repair syndromes.
NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (DT-diaphorase) activity and mRNA content in normal and neoplastic mouse lung epithelia.

DT-diaphorase (DTD) is a flavoprotein which catalyzes obligate two-electron reduction of a diverse group of substrates. We have reported previously that non-tumorigenic mouse lung alveolar type-II pneumocytes have high DTD activity, while cell lines derived from lung tumors do not. In contrast, other investigators, using human lung tissue, reported increased DTD activity in tumors compared with normal tissue. We therefore investigated DTD associated with mouse lung neoplasia in vivo as well as in vitro. Pulmonary tumors had far less DTD activity compared with normal mouse lung. Correspondingly, a tumorigenic mouse lung cell line which arose as a spontaneous transformant of a normal cell line had very low DTD activity compared with non-tumorigenic lung cells. DTD-specific mRNA levels were also much higher in normal cell lines than in neoplastic ones. DTD was localized histo-chemically in type-ll pneumocytes in situ, but was not observed by this technique in normal bronchiolar epithelia or in tumor cells. These data show that, unlike what has been observed in human lung cancer, a marked decrease in DTD content and activity accompanied mouse lung tumorigenesis in vivo and neoplastic transformation in vitro.
Toxicity of mycotoxins to honeybees and its amelioration by propolis

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their resource-rich nests are hosts to a wide range of saprophytic fungi, including species that produce mycotoxins. The toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), products of Aspergillus species often found in honeybee hives, was evaluated and LC50 values for both toxins were calculated. Workers can tolerate a wide range of concentrations of both OTA and AB1. At low concentrations, AB1 (1 μg/g and 2.5 μg/g diet) and OTA (1 μg/g) did not have any apparent toxic effects on bees. Enhancement of the toxicity of AB1 by piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a known inhibitor of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, indicates a role for P450s in AB1 detoxification in honeybees. Extracts of propolis, a complex mixture of plant-derived chemicals, including many flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, similarly ameliorated aflatoxin toxicity and delayed the onset of mortality. Collectively, these results suggest that tolerance of AB1 by honeybees may be due to P450-mediated metabolic detoxification. Propolis may serve a hitherto unrecognized role in honey bee health by enhancing the activity of P450 enzymes involved in mycotoxin detoxification.
Isolated primate primordial follicles require a rigid physical environment to survive and grow in vitro

background: In vitro follicle growth is a promising fertility preservation strategy in which ovarian follicles are cultured to produce mature and fertilization-competent oocytes. However, in primates, there has been limited success with in vitro follicle growth starting from primordial and primary follicles because adequate isolation methods and culture strategies have not been established. Understanding how to use primordial follicles for fertility preservation has significant implications because these follicles are the most abundant in the ovary, are found in all females and are fairly resistant to cryopreservation and chemotherapeutics. methods: In the primate ovary, primordial follicles are concentrated near the collagen-rich ovarian cortex. To obtain these follicles, we separated the ovarian cortex prior to enzymatic digestion and enriched the primordial follicle concentration by using a novel double filtration system. To test the hypothesis that a rigid physical environment, as found in vivo, is optimal for survival, primordial follicles were cultured in different concentrations of alginate for up to 6 days. Follicle survival and morphology were monitored throughout the culture. results: We found that primate ovarian tissue can be maintained for up to 24 h at 48C without compromising tissue or follicle health. Hundreds of intact and viable primordial follicles were isolated from each ovary independent of animal age. Follicle survival and morphology were more optimal when follicles were cultured in 2% alginate compared with 0.5% alginate.
[18F]-2′ -Fluoro-5-methyl-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil (18F-FMAU) in Prostate Cancer: Initial Preclinical Observations

We hypothesized that imaging-based assessment of cellular proliferation in prostate cancer may improve tumor characterization. We therefore evaluated the biodistribution and effect of androgen on tumor uptake of the cellular proliferation imaging marker [ 18 F]-29fluoro-5-methyl-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil ( 18 F-FMAU) in xenograft mouse models of human prostate cancer. Castrated and noncastrated athymic male mice were implanted with androgen-independent PC3 and androgen-sensitive CWR22 human prostate cancer cells. Dynamic micro–positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography was performed for 1 hour followed by 10minute static scans at 2 and 3 hours. Animals were sacrificed after imaging for biodistribution studies and immunohistochemical staining of tumors for androgen receptor and Ki-67/MIB expression. 18 F-FMAU uptake was significantly higher in all major organs of the castrated animals in comparison with noncastrated mice, with the highest uptake in liver and the lowest uptake in muscle and bone. When compared to PC3 tumors, CWR22 xenografts showed significantly higher tumor to muscle (2.56 6 0.30 vs 1.99 6 0.30, p 5 .008) and tumor to liver (1.72 6 0.12 vs 1.26 6 0.17, p 5 .0003) uptake ratios in the noncastrated animal at the 3-hour time point. Androgen receptor and Ki-67/MIB expressions were higher in CWR22 than in PC3 xenografts. Our initial preclinical observations suggest that there may be an association between androgen signaling and thymidine metabolism and that 18 F-FMAU PET may be useful in prostate tumor characterization.
Creating a Dialogue for Effective Collaborative Decision-making: A Case Study with Michigan Stakeholders

Although widely promoted, the importance of science as the basis of natural resources policy-making has proven difficult to both implement and evaluate compared to the many other inputs to creating public policy. Our goals were to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders in Michigan and develop means to create a dialogue on the use of water science in policy-making and to address the disconnect between the science and water policy at the state and regional levels. To achieve these goals, we developed a series of workshops and facilitated discussions to encourage active, productive discussion with a group of 35 Water Resource Fellows (Fellows). The discussions examined the role of science in Michigan water policy. The Fellows were representatives from academia, local governments, state agencies, environmental groups, industry, agriculture, and business. We surveyed the Fellows about their views on the role of science and water issues in Michigan. Nearly half (45%) of the Fellows stated that not enough science is currently being used in water policy decisions. Several themes emerged from the facilitated discussions. The Fellows recommended a recursive decision-making approach to using science in policy making. The Fellows also expressed the need for science to be accessible, relevant to the policy community, and communicated to regulators and the general public on an ongoing basis. The workshop series process for encouraging discussion among stakeholders can be used in other collaborative decision-making efforts.
Estimating the age of Calliphora vicina eggs (Diptera: Calliphoridae): determination of embryonic morphological landmarks and preservation of egg samples.

Blow fly eggs may sometimes be the only entomological evidence recovered in a forensic case, especially in cooler weather when hatching might take several days: hence, a method for estimating their age is greatly needed. However, developmental data on blow fly eggs are mainly limited to records of the time to larval hatching. The current paper describes the morphological changes occurring during embryogenesis of the blow fly Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy and their timing in relation to temperature, in order to determine those characters which can be used for simple egg age estimation using light microscopy. At 7.3 and 25 °C, 15 easily visualised morphological landmarks were determined in C. vicina living embryos, allowing for their age estimation with a resolution of 10–20 % of total egg developmental time. The observed age intervals were compared to the embryonic stages described for the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, which are used as reference data in multiple developmental studies. Moreover, current guidelines for preservation of egg samples, which recommend the placement of living eggs directly into 80 % ethanol, were tested against the hot water killing (HWK) method prior to preservation in 80 % ethanol, recommended for larval and pupal specimens. Direct placement of eggs into 80 % ethanol caused marked decomposition of samples, and no morphological landmarks were discernible. On the other hand, HWK fixation prior to preservation in 80 % ethanol enabled visualisation of 11 of the 15 age-specific morphological landmarks that were discernible in living embryos. Therefore, HWK fixation prior to preservation in 80 % ethanol is recommended for egg samples, thus unifying the protocols for collecting entomological evidence.
Cell Phones in the Classroom: Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions

AbstractThis study employed a survey to examine the perceptions of 92 preservice teachers enrolled at a small Midwestern liberal arts university regarding their support of the use of cell phones in the classroom, the benefits of specific cell phone features for school-related work, and the instructional benefits of and barriers to using cell phones in the classroom. The study also compared the perceptions of the preservice teachers classified as digital natives with those of the preservice teachers classified as digital immigrants (Prensky, 2001) to determine if there was a relationship between perceptions and age. Results from the analysis of the survey indicated that although most of the preservice teachers were unsure about allowing cell phones in the classroom, they indicated that the devices’ calculator, access to the Internet, and audio player features provided instructional benefits. In addition, more than half identified anywhere/anytime learning opportunities, increased student engagement, opport...
Kinetics of Bose-Einstein condensation in a dimple potential

We model the dynamics of condensation in a bimodal trap, consisting of a large reservoir region, and a tight ``dimple'' whose depth can be controlled. Experimental investigations have found that such dimple traps provide an efficient means of achieving condensation. In our kinetic equations, we include two- and three-body processes. The two-body processes populate the dimple, and lead to loss when one of the colliding atoms is ejected from the trap. The three-body processes produce heating and loss. We explain the principal trends, give a detailed description of the dynamics, and provide quantitative predictions for time scales and condensate yields. From these simulations, we extract optimal parameters for future experiments.
Analysis of the Reported Ethical Complaints and Violations to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, 2006–2013:

This study reviewed ethical complaints and violations received from Fiscal Year 2006–2013 by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. There were 71 complaints, of which 37 cases (5...
Contribution to the Life History and Dynamics of the Pine Needle Scale, Phenacaspis pinifoliae, in Central New York

Mugho, Scots, and red pine were sampled intensively to study the population dynamics of Phenacaspis pinifoliae (Fitch). Change in population intensity in 1 year (2 generations) ranged from a decrease of 50% on 1 red pine to a 3- to 5-fold increase on 2 Scots pines and a 4- to 20-fold increase on 2 Mugho pines. Survival of scales in the spring and summer generations was strikingly different, spring crawler survival being much lower than in summer. Hatch synchrony and weather explain this difference. Host species also was an important factor in spring scale survival. Populations increased markedly on Mugho pine, remained static on Scots pine, and crashed on red pine in the spring of 1969. Survival of summer scales was not different on different pine species. Chilocorus stigma (Say) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) consumed many scales in all stages of development and contributed to scale population decline. But this beetle was not important in the dynamics of all scale populations that were studied. One eulophid parasite, Prospaltella bella Gahan, was a variable and important scale-mortality factor. Parasitized female scales failed to oviposit, and percent parasitism increased as scale density increased. Though parasites and predators were associated with all scale populations studied, their impact was not significant until after the economic injury level was reached.
Failed Bladder Neck Reconstruction: Options for Management

AbstractDuring the last 10 years 17 patients have been seen at this institution for persistent urinary incontinence after Young-Dees-Leadbetter bladder neck reconstruction. Of these patients 16 were born with classical bladder exstrophy and 1 with complete epispadias. Six patients underwent 1, 10 underwent 2 and 1 underwent 3 prior bladder neck procedures. As salvage procedures 8 patients underwent another Young-Dees-Leadbetter procedure, 1 repeat bladder neck reconstruction and augmentation cystoplasty, 3 augmentation alone, 4 bladder augmentation with creation of a continent abdominal stoma and 1 augmentation with implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter. Of the 8 patients who underwent a repeat Young-Dees-Leadbetter procedure 7 are dry for 3 hours or more and 1 is dry for greater than 3 hours on intermittent self-catheterization. All of those who are dry for greater than 3 hours are dry at night and 1 wears pads when engaging in strenuous physical activity. Of the 9 patients who underwent augmen...
Predictors of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in absence of radiologic honeycombing: A cross sectional analysis in ILD patients undergoing lung tissue sampling.

Abstract Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be diagnosed confidently and non-invasively when clinical and computed tomography (CT) criteria are met. Many do not meet these criteria due to absence of CT honeycombing. We investigated predictors of IPF and combinations allowing accurate diagnosis in individuals without honeycombing. Methods We utilized prospectively collected clinical and CT data from patients enrolled in the Lung Tissue Research Consortium. Included patients had no honeycombing, no connective tissue disease, underwent diagnostic lung biopsy, and had CT pattern consistent with fibrosing ILD (n = 200). Logistic regression identified clinical and CT variables predictive of IPF. The probability of IPF was assessed at various cut-points of important clinical and CT variables. Results A multivariable model adjusted for age and gender found increasingly extensive reticular densities (OR 2.93, CI 95% 1.55–5.56, p = 0.001) predicted IPF, while increasing ground glass densities predicted a diagnosis other than IPF (OR 0.55, CI 95% 0.34–0.89, p = 0.02). The model-based probability of IPF was 80% or greater in patients with age at least 60 years and extent of reticular density one-third or more of total lung volume; for patients meeting or exceeding these clinical thresholds the specificity for IPF is 96% (CI 95% 91–100%) with 21 of 134 (16%) biopsies avoided. Conclusions In patients with suspected fibrotic ILD and absence of CT honeycombing, extent of reticular and ground glass densities predict a diagnosis of IPF. The probability of IPF exceeds 80% in subjects over age 60 years with one-third of total lung having reticular densities.
Autonomous execution of the Precision Immobilization Technique

Abstract Over the course of the last decade great advances have been made in autonomously driving cars. The technology has advanced to the point that driverless car technology is currently being tested on publicly accessed roadways. The introduction of these technologies onto publicly accessed roadways not only raises questions of safety, but also security. Autonomously driving cars are inherently cyber-physical systems and as such will have novel security vulnerabilities that couple both the cyber aspects of the vehicle including the on-board computing and any network data it makes use of, with the physical nature of the vehicle including its sensors, actuators, and the vehicle chassis. Widespread implementation of driverless car technology will require that both the cyber, as well as physical security concerns surrounding these vehicles are addressed. In this work, we specifically developed a control policy to autonomously execute the Precision Immobilization Technique, a.k.a. the PIT maneuver. The PIT maneuver was originally developed by law enforcement to end high-speed vehicular pursuits in a quasi-safe manner. However, there is still a risk of damage/roll-over to both the vehicle executing the PIT maneuver as well as to the vehicle subject to the PIT maneuver. In law enforcement applications, it would be preferable to execute the PIT maneuver using an autonomous vehicle, thus removing the danger to law-enforcement officers. Furthermore, it is entirely possible that unscrupulous individuals could inject code into an autonomously-driving car to use the PIT maneuver to immobilize other vehicles while maintaining anonymity. For these reasons it is useful to know how the PIT maneuver can be implemented on an autonomous car. In this work a simple control policy based on velocity pursuit was developed to autonomously execute the PIT maneuver using only a vision and range measurements that are both commonly collected by contemporary driverless cars. The ability of this control policy to execute the PIT maneuver was demonstrated both in simulation and experimentally. The results of this work can help inform the design of autonomous car with regards to ensuring their cyber-physical security.
Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels with Tailorable Surface and Mechanical Properties for Tissue Engineering Applications

Advanced cellular biomanufacturing requires the large-scale production of biocompatible materials that can be utilized in the study of cell-matrix interactions and directed stem cell differentiation as well as the generation of physiologically relevant tissues for therapeutic applications. Herein we describe the development of a hydrogel based platform with tailorable mechanical properties that supports the attachment and proliferation of both pluripotent and multipotent stem cells. The biomimetic hydrogel scaffold generated provides biocompatible compositions for generating various tissue-like elasticities for regenerative medicine applications and advanced biomanufacturing.
Pancreatic Cancer: A Review

Pancreatic cancer is now the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, yet advances in treatment options have been minimal over the past decade. In this review, we summarize the evaluation and treatments for this disease. We highlight molecular advances that hopefully will soon translate into improved outcomes.
Recursive method for phase retrieval using transport of intensity and its applications.

Propagation of optical fields is governed by the Helmholtz equation or the paraxial wave equation. Transport of intensity is a noninterferometric method to find the phase of an object by recording optical intensities at different distances of propagation. The transport of intensity equation results from the imaginary part of the complex paraxial wave equation and is equivalent to the principle of conservation of energy. The real part of the paraxial wave equation yields the Eikonal equation in the presence of diffraction. The amplitude and phase of the optical field must therefore simultaneously satisfy both the real and imaginary parts of the paraxial wave equation during propagation. In this paper, we demonstrate, with illustrative examples, how to exploit this to retrieve the phase through recursive calculations of the phase and intensity. This is achieved using the transport of intensity equation, which is solved using standard techniques, and the real part of the paraxial wave equation, or the transport of phase equation, which is solved using a Gauss–Seidel iterative method. Examples include calculation of the imaged phase induced through self-phase modulation of a focused laser beam in a liquid and the imaged phase of light reflected from a surface, which yields the 3D surface profile.
Fabricating a linear variable filter using nanoreplica molding

We present a new technique for fabrication of a linear variable guided-mode resonance (GMR) filter based upon nanoreplica molding. The developed process utilizes a wedge-shaped elastomeric mold, which is stretched to obtain 1D gratings with a linearly graded period. A high refractive index dielectric film is deposited on the graded-period grating to serve as the waveguide layer of the GMR filter. The GMR wavelength varies in a range of 680.2–737.0 nm depending on measurement location on the filter.
Informing the Less Informed: The Information Service of the School Guidance Programme

For guidance in the school system to thrive and be effective, certain services must be rendered by the counsellor. One of such services is the information service. Counselling thrives a great deal on information and information regarding the immediate and remote environments of the counselee plays a very significant role in the counsellor’s work. Information is very vital for the survival of the human race. Accurate and timely information is needed to take good decisions. But the complex nature of today’s world brought about by scientific and technological advancements has rendered decision-making an ever difficult task for both young and old, especially the former. Of course, decision-making becomes difficult when the information that is required to make the right decisions is lacking. This paper throws the spotlight on the information service and how it can be used in the school guidance programme.
Ecology of SO2 resistance : V. effects of volcanic SO2 on native Hawaiian plants.

Plant species reflected SO2-stress gradients that existed with increased distance from Hawaiian volcano vents which emit SO2. These changes relate, in part at least, to species differences in stomatal responses to SO2. The sensitive leaves do not close their stomata when exposed to elevated atmospheric SO2 concentrations.
MRI Assessment of Heart Failure

Abstract Over the past two decades, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has become a standard for anatomical and functional evaluation for pediatric cardiomyopathy. CMR is not used as the initial imaging modality. Echocardiography is the primary modality used for initial evaluation. As an addition to echocardiography, CMR provides excellent quantitative volumetry and functional assessment and unique myocardial characterization information. Advances in CMR provide the potential to identify potentially treatable conditions, risk stratifying patients, and monitoring therapy in a single setting and complementing other noninvasive tests. In a single study, CMR provides cardiac anatomy, function, tissue characterization, and coronary and microvascular perfusion data without ionizing radiation. There is little substantive difference in the cardiac MR protocols used for adult and pediatric cardiomyopathy evaluation. However, there are certain age-dependent technical considerations for pediatric evaluations. These include the need for sedation or nonbreath-hold studies, better spatial resolution to account for the relatively smaller myocardium, and sequence modifications to account for relative increases in heart rate.
Understanding Russia’s energy turn to China: domestic narratives and national identity priorities

This study investigates whether, as part of a broader “Asian Energy Pivot,” Russia’s energy giant Gazprom refashioned its export strategy away from Europe, and what impact such a reorientation migh...
Reliability and scalability of FinFET split-gate MONOS array with tight Vth distribution for 16/14nm-node embedded flash

Reliability and scalability of split-gate metal-oxide nitride oxide silicon (SG-MONOS) are discussed for 16/14nm-node embedded Flash in FinFET-era. FinFET SG-MONOS array is successfully operated with wide enough program/erase window. The Vth distribution of FinFET SG-MONOS array is kept tighter than planar even after retention. It is also demonstrated that Fin structure enables scaling of the control gate and the memory gate, which leads to the improvement of retention characteristics due to reduction of the mismatch of trapped carrier distribution during program/erase operation.
Exploring the spectral variability of the Seyfert 1.5 galaxy Markarian 530 with Suzaku

A 2012 Suzaku observation of the Seyfert 1.5 galaxy Markarian 530 was analysed and found to exhibit two distinct modes of variability, which were found to be independent from one another. Firstly, the spectrum undergoes a smooth transition from a soft to a hard spectrum. Secondly, the spectrum displays more rapid variability seemingly confined to a very narrow energy band (~ 1-3 keV). Three physical models (blurred reflection, partial covering, and soft Comptonisation) were explored to characterise the average spectrum of the observation as well as the spectral state change. All three models were found to fit the average spectrum and the spectral changes equally well. The more rapid variability appears as two cycles of a sinusoidal function, but we cannot attribute this to periodic variability. The Fe K-alpha band exhibits a narrow 6.4 keV emission line consistent with an origin from the distant torus. In addition, features blueward of the neutral iron line are consistent with emission from He-like and H-like iron that could be originating from the highly ionised layer of the torus, but a broad Gaussian profile at ~ 6.7 keV also fits the spectrum well.
Factors associated with survival after bladder cancer in spinal cord injury.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors influencing survival in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and bladder cancer. We hypothesized that bladder cancer survivors woul...
Extension of Differentiable Functions

Extension problems take the following general form. Let X and Y be metric spaces and let F(X, Y) be a class of functions from X to Y. Let A be a subset of X, and let F(A,Y) be a class of functions from A to Y. The extension problem is to determine whether each function in F(A, Y) has an extension in F(X, Y).
Outcomes After Treatment of VTOS

The study of venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS), while apparently as objective an entity as any within this family of disorders, suffers from a lack of objectivity when results are reported. The literature is not consistent regarding how VTOS is diagnosed or results are described. VTOS is a spectrum of clinical problems, some representing acute issues and others chronic disease states. Most reports lump all patients together, there is little consistency with regard to outcomes reporting, and there are no prospective randomized studies. As a result, there is lack of consensus on how to treat these patients and no high-level evidence-based recommendations for care. This chapter attempts to describe outcomes within these constraints, but it is stressed that to truly understand this syndrome we must agree on criteria for diagnosis, acceptable methods of treatment, and consistent standards for reporting outcomes.
Technical Advances and Challenges in Genome-Scale Analysis of Ancient DNA

Through improvements in methods to recover ancient DNA (aDNA) and applications of high-throughput DNA sequencing technology, aDNA research has entered into a new era of paleogenomics. Technical advances, including improved knowledge of DNA degradation patterns, identification of variation in endogenous DNA yield in particular skeletal elements, and aDNA-specific modifications to DNA extraction and library construction methods, significantly improved aDNA recovery rates and conversion efficiency of aDNA into sequencing libraries. Thus, in recent years, this has enabled whole-genome sequencing of numerous ancient individuals and extinct species, as well as substantial growth in the volume of ancient DNA studies and sequence data. These ever-growing datasets as well as the degraded nature of ancient DNA have also brought in challenges and innovations to bioinformatic methods for data processing and analysis. Applications of bioinformatic tools should be proceeded with caution by evaluating their feasibility and accuracy on aDNA data, and more standardized analytical pipelines are in high demand. In this chapter, we provide an overview of some of the major technical advances and challenges in aDNA and paleogenomic research.
Riding the Waves of Change: Impact of Innovation on the Structure of the Global Sports Industry

This paper uses an Institutional theory perspective to examine how several innovations in the Global Sports industry are both expanding the market for its products and services as well as setting the stage for structural changes across the entire industry. First, three illustrative innovations that have capitalized on developments outside of the industry are described. Then, a discussion of the organization and conduct of the 2018 FIFA World Cup football tournament reveals their impact on competitive forces within the industry, in particular, and potentially the future structure of the industry, in general.
Ecological contributions to body shape evolution in salamanders of the genus Eurycea (Plethodontidae).

Background Body shape can be both a consequence and cause of a species’ evolution and ecology. There are many examples of phenotypes associated with specific ecological niches, likely as a result of specific selective regimes. A classic example of this is the phenotypic change associated with colonization of caves, including body and limb elongation. However, studies explicitly testing for differences in body shape between cave-dwelling and non-cave-dwelling lineages have been limited and so the role of the cave environment in determining morphological characteristics is still not completely understood. Here we examine variation in body shape among 405 individuals representing 20 species in the salamander genus Eurycea (Plethodontidae) and select outgroups exhibiting great diversity in morphology, ecological niche, and life history. Results After analyzing morphometric data in a phylogenetic context using phylogenetic MANOVA and examination of the phylomorphospace, we found significant differences in body shape among cave-dwelling and non-cave-dwelling species and between aquatic and terrestrial species. Notably, limb elongation and reduced body and tail size characterized cave-dwelling species. Terrestrial species also exhibited elongation of the limbs and digits. We also observed differences in shape variance among paedomorphic and biphasic species. Our results suggest that the functional limitations imposed by habitat and life history played a key role in the evolution of body shape in this group in the context of their phylogenetic history.
Effect of Non-formal Experiential Education on Personal Agency of Adolescent Girls in Tajikistan: Findings from a Randomized Experimental Study

Despite the claim of non-formal experiential education enhancing agency among youth, few studies offer robust evidence. Drawing from the capability approach, social cognitive theory, and experiential learning theory, we present the first experimental study in Central Asia testing the effect of experiential educational program on adolescent girls’ personal agency, including self-efficacy, future orientation, and locus of control. We ran multilevel random-intercept mixed-effects models using the repeated measures data collected from 1221 school-going adolescent girls within the cluster-randomized experimental study conducted in 60 public schools in Tajikistan. We found significant positive effect of intervention on girls’ future planning (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = from 1.85 to 4.3; p < 0.001) and locus of control (B = − 2.55, 95% CI = from − 3.9 to − 1.2, p < 0.001), but no effect on their self-efficacy. We also found significant intervention effect on adolescents’ attitudes towards saving, financial behavior, and some indicators of health knowledge. Our study contributes to the global youth development agenda by suggesting that, while non-formal experiential educational programs may have some effect on adolescents’ psychosocial outcomes, integrated interventions involving all components of young person’s ecosystem (i.e., family, school, community) might be more effective in affecting youth agency.
The Contribution of Manufactured Housing to Affordable Housing in the United States: Assessing Variation Among Manufactured Housing Tenures and Community Types

Manufactured housing (MH) is a central component of affordable housing in the United States. Yet the MH tenure ranges from manufactured homes on privately owned property to rental units, to owned h...
A Computer Simulation for Quantal Interference

Interference of particles is one of the central phenomena of quantum mechanics. The computer program InterferenceSimulator demonstrates two-slit Fresnel interference patterns with one, the other, o...
Stability and asymptotic behaviour of solutions of differential equations in a Banach space

The study of the Cauchy problem for differential equations in a Banach space has taken two directions. One is aimed at finding compactness conditions to guarantee existence of solutions and the other is to show the existence of solutions under accretive type conditions. We consider existence theorems from both points of view. We also indicate the results concerning uniqueness of solutions, and some fundamental properties of solutions. On the basis of these results, a nonlinear variation of parameters formula is developed which is then used to get some results on asymptotic behaviour of solutions of perturbed equations.
Voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV infection among men who have sex with men: Implications from a systematic review.

Background:With the rapidly-increased HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men worldwide, the effectiveness of voluntary medical male circumcision as the tool of HIV prevention still remains un...
Promising quantitative nondestructive evaluation techniques for composite materials

Some recent results in the area of the ultrasonic, acoustic emission, thermographic, and acousto-ultrasonic NDE of composites are reviewed. In particular, attention is given to the progress in the use of ultrasonic attenuation, acoustic emission (parameter) delay, liquid-crystal thermography, and the stress wave factor in structural integrity monitoring of composite materials. The importance of NDE flaw significance characterizations is emphasized since such characterizations can directly indicate the appropriate NDE technique sensitivity requirements. The role of the NDE of flawed composites with and without overt defects in establishing quantitative accept/reject criteria for structural integrity assessment is discussed.
Disempowering Parenting and Mental Health among Asian American Youth: Immigration and Ethnicity.

Abstract Guided by the concept of ABCDG (Abusive, Burdening, Culturally Disjointed, Disengaged, and Gender Prescriptive) parenting, this study investigated how subdomains of disempowering parenting adversely influence young people's mental health, independently and collectively, using a large-scale longitudinal survey data of community samples among Filipino American (FA) and Korean American (KA) youth (MAGE = 15.01, N = 1580; 391 FA and 417 KA families). Regression results showed that the subdomains of disempowering parenting, while individually harmful, were differentially associated with mental health. For example, abusive and disengaged parenting and culturally disjointed parenting (a.k.a. intergenerational cultural conflict) were the most notably adverse subdomains and remained significant when all subdomains were accounted together. This study pinpoints specific aspects of disempowering parenting that may lead to mental distress among FA and KA youth and underscores a need for culturally tailored intervention programs that address the harms of disempowering parenting approaches.
Reprint of: Generalized Lyndon factorizations of infinite words

Abstract A generalized lexicographic order on words is a lexicographic order where the total order of the (possibly infinite) alphabet depends on the position of the comparison. A generalized Lyndon word is a finite word which is strictly smallest among its class of rotations with respect to a generalized lexicographic order. This notion can be extended to infinite words: an infinite generalized Lyndon word is an infinite word which is strictly smallest among its class of suffixes. We positively answer a question of Dolce, Restivo, and Reutenauer by proving that every infinite word has a unique nonincreasing factorization into finite and infinite generalized Lyndon words. When this factorization has finitely many terms, we characterize the last term of the factorization. Our methods also show that the infinite generalized Lyndon words are precisely the words with infinitely many generalized Lyndon prefixes.
The heat death line: proposed heat index alert threshold for preventing heat-related fatalities in the civilian workforce

A threshold Heat Index (HI) can serve as the basis for advising the civilian workforce about the risk of heat-related illnesses. We conducted a systematic review and compiled reports of work-related fatalities from heat-related illnesses. We calculated the HI for each fatality. Our objective was to expand upon the military's concept of a "heat death line" and identify an HI alert threshold for the civilian workforce. We identified 14 publications totaling 570 heat-related deaths. In the meta-analysis, the median HI was 101 with a range of 62 to 137. Almost all deaths (96 percent and 99 percent of civilian and military fatalities, respectively) occurred when HI ≥80, which is our proposed heat death line. Some existing HI-based heat advisories are set at a higher temperature value. However, many occupational heat-related illnesses occur below these thresholds, resulting in low sensitivity and a false sense of security. In at-risk outdoor industries, HI ≥80 should trigger hazard awareness and protective actions.
Reducing topramezone injury to bermudagrass using chelated iron and other additives

POST goosegrass and other grassy weed control in bermudagrass is problematic. Fewer herbicides that can control goosegrass are available due to regulatory pressure and herbicide resistance. Alternative herbicide options that offer effective control are needed. Previous research demonstrates that topramezone controls goosegrass, crabgrass, and other weed species; however, injury to bermudagrass may be unacceptable. The objective of this research was to evaluate the safening potential of topramezone combinations with different additives on bermudagrass. Field trials were conducted at Auburn University during summer and fall from 2015 to 2018 and 2017 to 2018, respectively. Treatments included topramezone mixtures and methylated seed oil applied in combination with five different additives: triclopyr, green turf pigment, green turf paint, ammonium sulfate, and chelated iron. Bermudagrass bleaching and necrosis symptoms were visually rated. Normalized-difference vegetative index measurements and clipping yield data were also collected. Topramezone plus chelated iron, as well as topramezone plus triclopyr, reduced bleaching potential the best; however, the combination of topramezone plus triclopyr resulted in necrosis that outweighed reductions in bleaching. Masking agents such as green turf paint and green turf pigment were ineffective in reducing injury when applied with topramezone. The combination of topramezone plus ammonium sulfate should be avoided because of the high level of necrosis. Topramezone-associated bleaching symptoms were transient and lasted 7 to 14 d on average. Findings from this research suggest that chelated iron added to topramezone and methylated seed oil mixtures acted as a safener on bermudagrass.