cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using laser direct-write to precisely pattern cells on glass cover slips

Laser direct-write (LDW) is a biofabrication method capable of rapidly creating precise patterns of viable cells. While previous studies have successfully printed cells to polystyrene Petri dishes, here we have adapted LDW to printing both human dermal fibroblasts and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to cover slips, allowing more efficient use of culture reagents. Viability of both cell types was shown by cell adhesion and spreading under phase contrast microscopy 24 hours after transfer. Fibroblasts maintain a high degree of print registry, whereas mESCs tend to lose registry, most likely due to longer attachment times. Future work will address registry improvement by creating a suitable post-transfer environment to account for longer attachment time.
Effect of temperature on isothermal fatigue of solders

The effect of temperature on isothermal fatigue of low-tin lead-based and lead-tin eutectic solders is discussed. The study was conducted at low strain ranges (0.3-1.0% total strain) in tests without and with hold time in the cycle. While temperature has almost no effect on the fatigue life of eutectic solder, the fatigue life of low-tin lead-based solder is a complex function of temperature. Extrapolation of fatigue data for this older was only possible in a 25-80 degrees C temperature range, using values of apparent activation energy for 25 to 45 kJ/mole depending on strain range, strain rate, and presence of hold time in the cycle. Variation in the values of activation energy was found to be associated with different failure modes under various testing conditions. Higher activation energy for the fatigue of low-tin lead-based solder was associated with mixed transgranular-intergranular failure. Failure in grain boundaries was characterized by lower values of activation energy. >
High-Density Magnetic Head Design for Noncontact Recording

The information storage density in digital magnetic recording is dependent on both the pulse resolution and the track definition. This paper is concerned with these two factors in the design of magnetic heads for noncontact recording.1 A concept of changed pole-tip geometry which led to a significant improvement of pulse resolution is introduced. A general expression based on ``single-pulse'' superposition is derived for various bit densities2 and data codes. In addition, several recording methods are discussed for achieving near-maximum track density2 under various head-repositioning error3 conditions. As shown, high-density heads for noncontact recording have been designed successfully by applying the concept and techniques developed. Good correlation has been realized between analytical and experimental results. Performance characteristics under simulated machine conditions are presented.
Misdefining ''climate change'': consequences for science and action

The restricted definition of ‘‘climate change’’ used by the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) has profoundly affected the science, politics, and policy processes associated with the international response to the climate issue. Specifically, the FCCC definition has contributed to the gridlock and ineffectiveness of the global response to the challenge of climate change. This paper argues that the consequences of misdefining ‘‘climate change’’ create a bias against adaptation policies and set the stage for the politicization of climate science. The paper discusses options for bringing science, policy and politics in linewith a more appropriate definition of climate change such as the more comprehensive perspective used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. # 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Compliance of Clinical Microbiology Laboratories in the United States with Current Recommendations for Processing Respiratory Tract Specimens from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Respiratory tract specimens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) require unique processing by clinical microbiology laboratories to ensure detection of all potential pathogens. The present study sought to determine the compliance of microbiology laboratories in the United States with recently published recommendations for CF respiratory specimens. Microbiology laboratory protocols from 150 of 190 (79%) CF care sites were reviewed. Most described the use of selective media for Burkholderia cepacia complex (99%), Staphylococcus aureus (82%), and Haemophilus influenzae (89%) and identified the species of all gram-negative bacilli (87%). Only 52% delineated the use of agar diffusion assays for susceptibility testing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Standardizing laboratory practices will improve treatment, infection control, and our understanding of the changing epidemiology of CF microbiology.
Progress report on air bearing slumping of thin glass mirrors for x-ray telescopes

The successful NuSTAR telescope was fabricated with thin glass mirrors formed into conic shapes by thermal slumping of thin glass sheets onto high precision mandrels. While mirrors generated by this process have very good figure, the best mirrors to date have a resolution limited to ~7 arc sec, due primarily to mid-range scale spatial frequency errors. These mid-range errors are believed to be due to clumping and particulates in the anti-stick coatings used to prevent sticking between mandrel and mirrors. We have developed a new slumping process which avoids sticking and surface-induced mid-range error by floating hot glass substrates between a pair of porous air bearing mandrels through which compressed nitrogen is forced. We report on the design and testing of an improved air bearing slumping tool and show results of short and long slumping cycles.
A point-of-care clinical trial comparing insulin administered using a sliding scale versus a weight-based regimen

Background Clinical trials are widely considered the gold standard in comparative effectiveness research (CER) but the high cost and complexity of traditional trials and concerns about generalizability to broad patient populations and general clinical practice limit their appeal. Unsuccessful implementation of CER results limits the value of even the highest quality trials. Planning for a trial comparing two standard strategies of insulin administration for hospitalized patients led us to develop a new method for a clinical trial designed to be embedded directly into the clinical care setting thereby lowering the cost, increasing the pragmatic nature of the overall trial, strengthening implementation, and creating an integrated environment of research-based care. Purpose We describe a novel randomized clinical trial that uses the informatics and statistics infrastructure of the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (VA) to illustrate one key component (called the point-of-care clinical trial – POC-CT) of a ‘learning healthcare system,’ and settles a clinical question of interest to the VA. Methods This study is an open-label, randomized trial comparing sliding scale regular insulin to a weight-based regimen for control of hyperglycemia, using the primary outcome length of stay, in non-ICU inpatients within the northeast region of the VA. All non-ICU patients who require in-hospital insulin therapy are eligible for the trial, and the VA’s automated systems will be used to assess eligibility and present the possibility of randomization to the clinician at the point of care. Clinicians will indicate their approval for informed consent to be obtained by study staff. Adaptive randomization will assign up to 3000 patients, preferentially to the currently ‘winning’ strategy, and all care will proceed according to usual practices. Based on a Bayesian stopping rule, the study has acceptable frequentist operating characteristics (Type I error 6%, power 86%) against a 12% reduction of median length of stay from 5 to 4.4 days. The adaptive stopping rule promotes implementation of a successful treatment strategy.
Special session - from active learning to liberative pedagogies: Alternative teaching philosophies in CSET education

Frontiers in Education has a history of special sessions focused on alternative and/or feminist pedagogies, and they have tended to attract a wide range of participants with varying levels of experience with such pedagogies. This special session is designed as an introduction to various alternative teaching philosophies and pedagogies, building on the past interest in such sessions and on the increasing interest in exploring philosophies of education in the context of engineering education. We will introduce participants to various theoretical frameworks of alternative pedagogies through a summary model, and facilitate small group discussions of three cases where alternative pedagogies have been or could be implemented. It is hoped that this introductory session will make such alternative pedagogical ideas more accessible to a larger number of CSET educators, allowing them to better participate in the rich and thriving conversation developing at FIE on using philosophies of engineering and education to envision new models for CSET education.
The absorption, storage, and metabolism of α-tocopherol-C14 in the rat and chicken

α-Tocopherol-C14 was administered orally to rats and chicks, and its distribution in the body and rate of excretion were determined at short intervals up to 24 hr and at longer intervals to 21 days. The radioactivity in all tissues was identified almost exclusively as unchanged α-tocopherol except after 21 days, when trace amounts of unknown compounds appeared in chick liver and kidney. No evidence was obtained for a significant accumulation of tocopheryl quinone or other metabolic products in either rat or chick tissues. α-Tocopherol in rat liver and intestinal mucosa cells was distributed about 50–60%, in the mitochondria and 15–20% in the microsomal and supernatant fractions.
Renal denervation and left ventricular mass regression: a benefit beyond blood pressure reduction?

Population studies indicate a continuous association between an increase in attributable risk for cardiovascular disease with increasing blood pressure (BP) and age [(1)][1]. Resistant hypertension, by definition, is the inability to reduce BP to levels <140/90 mm Hg, despite adequate
Ecophysiology of the Xanthophyll Cycle

This chapter seeks to illustrate the impressive range of environmental modulation of the xanthophyll cycle in terrestrial plants in their natural habitats, where the demand for thermal energy dissipation can change within seconds or between seasons and vary from a moderate to a very large fraction of the absorbed light. Plants from habitats with concomitant xanthophyll cycle conversions and changes in energy dissipation activity are included as well as examples from habitats in which zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin (Z+A) persist and energy dissipation is modulated largely via their rapid engagement and disengagement. The well-characterized, rapidly inducible and reversible form of xanthophyll cycle-dependent energy dissipation is contrasted with the sustained maintenance of higher levels of (Z+A)-dependent thermal dissipation under various environmental stresses with an emphasis on seasonally low temperatures. Furthermore, the association of Z+A retention with the phenomenon of photoinhibition of Photosystem II (and alterations in the stoichiometry of proteins associated with PS II) is discussed as well as a possible involvement of thylakoid protein phosphorylation in sustained (Z+A)-dependent energy dissipation. An integrative understanding is sought by comparing acclimation patterns of thermal energy dissipation as well as overall foliar antioxidant capacity with those of photosynthetic and respiratory metabolism of whole plants. It is proposed that acclimation of all of these processes responds to whole plant source-sink relationships.
Expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins during skeletal muscle disuse atrophy.

Disuse atrophy of skeletal muscle leads to an upregulation of genes encoding sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium-handling proteins. Because many of the proteins that are induced with endoplasmic re...
Large area 3-D optical coherence tomography imaging of lumpectomy specimens for radiation treatment planning

Our long term goal is to develop a high-resolution imaging method for comprehensive assessment of tissue removed during lumpectomy procedures. By identifying regions of high-grade disease within the excised specimen, we aim to develop patient-specific post-operative radiation treatment regimens. We have assembled a benchtop spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system with 1320 nm center wavelength. Automated beam scanning enables “sub-volumes” spanning 5 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm (500 A-lines x 500 B-scans x 2 mm in depth) to be collected in under 15 seconds. A motorized sample positioning stage enables multiple sub-volumes to be acquired across an entire tissue specimen. Sub-volumes are rendered from individual B-scans in 3D Slicer software and en face (XY) images are extracted at specific depths. These images are then tiled together using MosaicJ software to produce a large area en face view (up to 40 mm x 25 mm). After OCT imaging, specimens were sectioned and stained with HE, allowing comparison between OCT image features and disease markers on histopathology. This manuscript describes the technical aspects of image acquisition and reconstruction, and reports initial qualitative comparison between large area en face OCT images and HE stained tissue sections. Future goals include developing image reconstruction algorithms for mapping an entire sample, and registering OCT image volumes with clinical CT and MRI images for post-operative treatment planning.
Discovering and Understanding the Meaning of Primate Signals

AbstractThis volume, edited by a philosopher and an anthropologist, is a collection of essays on the philosophical implications of laboratory and field research. While neither the best nor the wors...
Small mammals, ectomycorrhizae, and conifer succession in beaver meadows

Beaver (Castor canadensis) build dams and create ponds on streams within forested areas. Upon abandonment, ponds often drain and the subsequent meadows persist for decades as graminoid patches that resist invasion of conifers despite their close proximity to seed sources. The lack of ectomycorrhizal fungi in soils of beaver meadows may limit the rate of conifer invasion. Small mammals such as the red backed vole (Clethrionomys gapperi) disperse spores of mycorrhizal fungi in their feces, and so the dispersal of spores by small mammals may be the rate-limiting step to conifer invasion of beaver meadows. We investigated the distribution and abundance of small mammals in beaver meadows and adjacent forests in northern Minnesota, USA during May and August, the abundance and species composition of fungal spores in their fecal pellets, and the growth of black spruce (Picea mariana) seedlings in beaver meadow soils inoculated with these spores. C. gapperi was present in the forest and at the forest edge but was absent from beaver meadows. Abundance of C. gapperi was almost three times higher in August than in May. Feces from C. gapperi in May and August contained fungal spores from a total of nine genera of fungi, and all but one are known to form ectomycorrhizal symbioses. Feces from August contained more fungal genera and more spores than feces from May. Seedlings grown in uninoculated beaver meadow soils did not form ectomycorrhizae during the length of this study, but beaver meadow soils which received feces formed ectomycorrhizae on 20% and 33% of plants using May and August feces, respectively. In contrast, seedlings grown in soils from forests adjacent to beaver meadows formed ectomycorrhizae on 100% of plants Black spruce seedlings grown in beaver meadow soils containing August feces had significantly higher shoot, root, and total dry weights after 46 weeks of growth compared to uninoculated controls but plants grown in soils containing May feces were not significantly different from controls. In addition, seedlings grown in forest soils had significantly larger shoot, root, and total weights than plants grown in untreated beaver meadow soils at all sampling periods. Flooding of forest soils for eight weeks had no significant effect on seedling growth parameters or mycorrhizal development. Lack of ectomycorrhizal fungi is likely a factor that limits conifer invasion into beaver meadows. C. gapperi is a potential vector for ectomycorrhizal fungal spores into beaver meadows, but the expression of this potential is limited by habitat use patterns of this small mammal.
Cold war economics

You spend $2.13 trillion and what do you get? Displaced workers, skewed income distribution, a worsening trade balance, declining commercial industries, and a whole lot deeper in debt.
Integer programming techniques for makespan minimizing workforce assignment models that recognize human learning

Present an exact linear reformulation for the general makespan model with learning.Introduce a computationally efficient means for generating an initial feasible solution.Identify cover inequalities and a lower bound on the objective function value of the optimal solution.Demonstrate value of techniques through extensive computational study. We study optimization techniques for makespan minimizing workforce assignment problems wherein human learning is explicitly modeled. The key challenge in solving these problems is that the learning functions that map experience to worker productivity are usually nonlinear. This paper presents a set of techniques that enable the solution of much larger instances of such problems than seen in the literature to date. The first technique is an exact linear reformulation for the general makespan minimizing workforce assignment models with learning. Next, we introduce a computationally efficient means for generating an initial feasible solution (which our computational experiments indicate is often near-optimal). Finally, we present methods for strengthening the formulation with cover inequalities and a lower bound on the objective function value of the optimal solution. With an extensive computational study we demonstrate the value of these techniques and that large instances can be solved much faster than have previously been solved in the literature. To focus the paper on the presented methodology, we solve a makespan minimizing workforce assignment problem that has few complicating constraints. However, the techniques can be adapted to speed up the solution of most any makespan minimizing workforce assignment problem.
Integration and Display System of Power Derice Status Information

In power production,the equipment maintenance is an important means to ensure safety in production.It has great significance for the maintenance of healthy and stable operation of the electrical equipment,improving safety and life of electrical equipments.In the paper,mainly from the power equipment state information application integration and intelligent decision,the origin of the integration and display system of the power equipment state information is illustrated,and the benefits of the system development on the power grid enterprise are also illustrated.
The Impact of School Closures on Equity of Access in Chicago

This study examines the impact of school closures on the sociospatial distribution of equitable access to schooling following the school closure policy pursued by the Chicago Public Schools in 2013...
Predicting success of gamete intrafallopian transfer

Objectives To examine seminal parameters predictive for success in a cycle of GIFT and to construct an algorithm using pertinent seminal data as well as easily obtained historical data to predict pregnancy and viable pregnancy rates. Design A retrospective study of 544cycles in 376 couples. Setting A private IVF-ET and GIFT center. Patients Couples in a GIFT program with a mean of 53.6months of infertility who had failed to conceive with other therapies. Interventions Gamete intrafallopian transfer. Main Outcome Measures Pregnancy as a function of laboratory historical data with emphasis on seminal parameters. Results Motility was the only seminal parameter that was predictive. Success was correlated with the number of oocytes returned and inversely related to female age. An algorithm to predict pregnancy in a GIFT cycle as well as viable pregnancy was constructed. Conclusions Motility is the only seminal parameter predictive for success in a GIFT cycle. An easily programmable algorithm can be constructed to help patient and physician decide on the appropriateness of GIFT for each couple.
Vaginoplasty: Combination Therapy Using Labia Minora Flaps and Lucite Dilators—Preliminary Report

AbstractThe treatment of vaginal agenesis is varied. The combination of creating a vaginal cavity with local skin flaps, then progressively dilating to a functional size has been successful in the past. We describe a technique using tubularized labia minora vascularized flaps to create a deep vaginal pouch that is widened and elongated with lucite dilators. The new vagina has an epithelial lining of nonhair-bearing skin. Three teenage girls, 2 with the Mayer-Rokitansky syndrome and 1 with mixed gonadal dysgenesis, underwent this procedure without any postoperative complications. Since neither abdominal surgery nor skin grafting was required there were no extra scars, excessive neovaginal secretions or need for long-term splinting during the 1-year followup period. The patients have almost normal-appearing genitalia postoperatively and neovaginas averaging 2cm. wide and 6.3cm. deep before dilation. We recommend this procedure as first line treatment for teenage girls with vaginal agenesis.
A light and electron microscopic study of cell behavior and microtubules in the embryonic chicken lens using Colcemid

The first sign of differentiation of the lens rudiment is a change in cellular shape, as in many other embryonic systems (Tilney, 1968 a ). This occurs some time before the beginning of overt chemical differentiation, the appearance of specific proteins (Zwaan, 1968). From stage 11 (Hamburger & Hamilton, 1951), just after the optic cup contacts the surface ectoderm, to stage 13, before the onset of invagination, the lens Anlage is rapidly transformed from a cuboidal to a high columnar epithelium, a process described by McKeehan (1951) as palisading. This is slightly preceded in time by nuclear rearrangement. First irregular in outline and randomly oriented, the nuclei become smooth and oval, and aligned at right angles to the surface. They take up positions in the basal portions of the cells (McKeehan, 1951). The development of a highly asymmetric cell form probably leads to the creation of tensile forces at the cell surface.
Converging Vistas from Scores and Stories

Initiating and traversing one’s career have become increasingly complex and important to people throughout the world who seek survival and meaning through work. Fortunately, over a century of vocational psychology and career development scholarship has produced a wide array of theoretical perspectives that can help practitioners and clients negotiate this process effectively.
SOME VARIETIES OF MODULAR LATTICES NOT GENERATED BY THEIR FINITE DIMENSIONAL MEMBERS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some varieties of modular lattices not generated by their finite dimensional members. The nonexistence of a finitely generated modular lattice without any prime quotients would imply that finitely generated, simple, modular lattices are finite dimensional. This nonexistence would also imply that finitely generated, free modular lattices would be weakly atomic. Recently, however, an example of a finitely generated simple, modular lattice without any prime quotients was constructed by E.T. Schmidt. Although Schmidt's lattice has breadth two, it is not in the variety generated by finite dimensional, breadth two modular lattices. Schmidt's lattice is in the variety generated by all finite modular lattices.
Innovative Item Formats in Computer-Based Testing: In Pursuit of Improved Construct Representation.

Computer-based testing is revolutionizing how tests are assembled and delivered. One of the most exciting and promising aspects is the inclusion of new item formats, often called innovative item formats. These new formats are promising because they may help to address a long-standing criticism of standardized tests-namely, that the testing process is too artificial and does not measure knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in a realistic way. Furthermore, innovative item formats available in computer-based testing have the potential to measure important attributes that are not measurable using traditional item formats. In this chapter, we review the potential advantages and disadvantages of innovative item formats within the framework of test score validity. We begin with a discussion of the limitations of traditional item formats. Next, we describe innovative computer-based item formats currently in use or proposed for use. We also review the research on the advantages and limitations of these new formats. Finally, we conclude that, if implemented properly, the newer item formats made possible by computerized testing can greatly enhance the validity of interpretations made on the basis of test scores.
Retention payoff-based cost per day open regression equations: Application in a user-friendly decision support tool for investment analysis of automated estrus detection technologies

Abstract Assessing the economic implications of investing in automated estrus detection (AED) technologies can be overwhelming for dairy producers. The objectives of this study were to develop new regression equations for estimating the cost per day open (DO) and to apply the results to create a user-friendly, partial budget, decision support tool for investment analysis of AED technologies. In the resulting decision support tool, the end user can adjust herd-specific inputs regarding general management, current reproductive management strategies, and the proposed AED system. Outputs include expected DO, reproductive cull rate, net present value, and payback period for the proposed AED system. Utility of the decision support tool was demonstrated with an example dairy herd created using data from DairyMetrics (Dairy Records Management Systems, Raleigh, NC), Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (Columbia, MO), and published literature. Resulting herd size, rolling herd average milk production, milk price, and feed cost were 323 cows, 10,758 kg, $0.41/kg, and $0.20/kg of dry matter, respectively. Automated estrus detection technologies with 2 levels of initial system cost (low: $5,000 vs. high: $10,000), tag price (low: $50 vs. high: $100), and estrus detection rate (low: 60% vs. high: 80%) were compared over a 7-yr investment period. Four scenarios were considered in a demonstration of the investment analysis tool: (1) a herd using 100% visual observation for estrus detection before adopting 100% AED, (2) a herd using 100% visual observation before adopting 75% AED and 25% visual observation, (3) a herd using 100% timed artificial insemination (TAI) before adopting 100% AED, and (4) a herd using 100% TAI before adopting 75% AED and 25% TAI. Net present value in scenarios 1 and 2 was always positive, indicating a positive investment situation. Net present value in scenarios 3 and 4 was always positive in combinations using a $50 tag price, and in scenario 4, the $5,000, $100, and 80% combination. Overall, the payback period ranged from 1.6 yr to greater than 10 yr. Investment analysis demonstration results were highly dependent on assumptions, especially AED system initial investment and labor costs. Dairy producers can use herd-specific inputs with the cost per day open regression equations and the decision support tool to estimate individual herd results.
Off-Flavors in Pond-Cultured Channel Catfish

A serious problem in pond culture of fish is the absorption of compounds from the aquatic environment which impart disagreeable flavor in the fish. “Musty” or “muddy” off-flavor is caused by geosmin (trans, 1, 10,-dimethyl-trans-9- decalol) and 2-methylisoborneol. These compounds can be produced by various species of algae and actinomycetes. Aquarium studies with mono-species cultures of geosmin-producing algae indicate that channel catfish can absorb off-flavor compounds exclusive of the digestive tract. Geosmin was absorbed at sensorily detectable levels within 24 hours. Off-flavor can be purged from catfish relatively quickly by holding in clean water for 4-10 days. Temperature influences rate of flavor removal and also rate of weight loss by the fish. Although the “musty-muddy” flavor has been regarded as the predominant pond-related off-flavor in fish, a recent study in which catfish from 220 commercial ponds was sensorily evaluated showed that it accounted for only 17% of the off-flavor. “Sewage” was the dominant flavor in 25% of the off-flavor samples. “Stale”, “rancid”, “metallic”, “moldy”, “petroleum”, and “weedy” were other off-flavors described. Geosmin was chemically identified in the fish with the “musty-muddy” flavor; the other compounds have not been identified.
PIK3CA mutations enable targeting of a breast tumor dependency through mTOR-mediated MCL-1 translation.

Therapies that efficiently induce apoptosis are likely to be required for durable clinical responses in patients with solid tumors. Using a pharmacological screening approach, we discovered that combined inhibition of B cell lymphoma–extra large (BCL-X L ) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/4E-BP axis results in selective and synergistic induction of apoptosis in cellular and animal models of PIK3CA mutant breast cancers, including triple-negative tumors. Mechanistically, inhibition of mTOR/4E-BP suppresses myeloid cell leukemia–1 (MCL-1) protein translation only in PIK3CA mutant tumors, creating a synthetic dependence on BCL-X L . This dual dependence on BCL-X L and MCL-1, but not on BCL-2, appears to be a fundamental property of diverse breast cancer cell lines, xenografts, and patient-derived tumors that is independent of the molecular subtype or PIK3CA mutational status. Furthermore, this dependence distinguishes breast cancers from normal breast epithelial cells, which are neither primed for apoptosis nor dependent on BCL-X L /MCL-1, suggesting a potential therapeutic window. By tilting the balance of pro- to antiapoptotic signals in the mitochondria, dual inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-X L also sensitizes breast cancer cells to standard-of-care cytotoxic and targeted chemotherapies. Together, these results suggest that patients with PIK3CA mutant breast cancers may benefit from combined treatment with inhibitors of BCL-X L and the mTOR/4E-BP axis, whereas alternative methods of inhibiting MCL-1 and BCL-X L may be effective in tumors lacking PIK3CA mutations.
Effects of Simulated Altitude on Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Inspiratory Fitness.

Aerobic exercise at altitude has shown an increase in maximal oxygen uptake. Similar effects have been replicated by way of simulated altitude training, which have influenced various advances in the field of exercise science. Elevation Training Masks© (ETM) claim to stimulate cardiorespiratory fitness improvements similar to training at altitude, however, there is little research to support this claim. The purpose of this study was to research the effect that a hypoxia-inducing mask would have on cardiorespiratory fitness and pulmonary function through the use of a high intensity interval training (HIIT) running program. Seventeen subjects were randomized into either the control group, without the mask, or experimental group, with the mask, and participated in a 6-week HIIT protocol of 4 sessions per week. Each session included a warm up, followed by intervals of running at 80% of their heart rate reserve (HRR) for 90 seconds and followed by 3 minutes of active rest at 50-60% of HRR. A total of 6 intervals were completed per session. Within subjects, there was a significant increase in predicted VO2max (F(1,17)=7.376, P .05), or between the two groups (F(1, 17)= 3.724, p= .073). Similar to the VO2max results, forced vital capacity demonstrated a significant increase within subjects (F(1, 17)=6.201, p<.05), but there was no significant difference between the control and experimental groups (F(1,17)=3.562, p= .079). Although the between groups data was not significant, there was a greater increase in the experimental group wearing the ETM compared to the control group not wearing the mask for all 3 variables. Data suggest that HIIT training can be a viable method of improving VO2max and pulmonary function however, training masks such as the ETM may not lead to greater overall improvements.
Bis(thiosemicarbazone) Complexes of Cobalt(III). Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Potential

Nine bis(thiosemicarbazone) (BTSC) cobalt(III) complexes of the general formula [Co(BTSC)(L)2]NO3 were synthesized, where BTSC = diacetyl bis(thiosemicarbazone) (ATS), pyruvaldehyde bis(thiosemicarbazone) (PTS), or glyoxal bis(thiosemicarbazone) (GTS) and L = ammonia, imidazole (Im), or benzylamine (BnA). These compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography. Their stability in phosphate-buffered saline was investigated and found to be highly dependent on the nature of the axial ligand, L. These studies revealed that complex stability is primarily dictated by the axial ligand following the sequence NH3 > Im > BnA. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in cancer cells were also determined. Both the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were significantly affected by the nature of the equatorial BTSC. Complexes of ATS were taken up much more effectively than those of PTS and GTS. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was correlated to tha...
Interaction mechanisms of condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) with wheat gluten proteins

Abstract Proanthocyanidins (PA) crosslink wheat gluten, increasing its polymer size and strength. However, mechanisms behind these interactions are unknown. This study used PA of different MW profiles (mean degree of polymerization 8.3 and 19.5) to investigate how PA polymerize gluten. The higher MW PA had greater binding affinity for both glutenins and gliadins than lower MW PA, whereas both PA precipitated glutenins more efficiently than gliadins. The PA preferentially bound the largest of the protein fractions available: high MW glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) over low MW-GS, and ω-gliadins over α- and γ-gliadins. Furthermore, within the HMW-GS, PA bound more of the larger x-type than the smaller y-type. Proanthocyanidins reduced gluten solubility in urea and decreased surface hydrophobicity of glutenins, but not gliadins. The PA appear to preferentially crosslink HMW-GS via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, whereas their interaction with gliadins is dominated by hydrogen bonding and is relatively weaker.
Drinking from a Fire Hydrant: Information Overload As a Cyber Weapon

The foundation of this chapter is based in the fact that information, as argued by Clausewitz, can by a weapon whether too little or too much. This chapter is presents a revised typology of cyber war within the international system. It addresses the limitations of a previous typology given the revelations that have occurred in the international system over the past several years. The typology addresses important issues including the type of attack, the actor involved, and the level of disruption that is generated by the attack. The resulting outcomes allow for better understanding and plotting of the impact of cyber war within the international system.
Women on the Move: Stalled Gender Revolution in Global Migration

This chapter examines how structural inequalities of gender including the ideology of female domesticity, non-egalitarian division of household labor, sex-segmented labor market, and a glass ceiling shape the independent migration of women. It empirically traces gendered inequalities in transnational households, labor migration, and educational migration. Questioning the dominant feminist paradigm on gender and migration which assumes that migration is a gender equalizing process, we argue that while women achieve some gains in status and in their interpersonal relations, their experiences remain unequivocally structured by gender inequities resulting in a gender stall in women’s global migration.
Two Dimensional Turbulence and Vortex Dynamics in a Stratified Fluid

ABSTRACT We present a summary of three experiments in which we have studied the dynamics of vertical vorticity produced in a shallow layer of stratified fluid of large horizontal extent. Firstly we study the evolution of the large number of vortices produced when a grid of vertical bars is towed through the fluid. By using the dispersion of approximately 9000 particles to observe the flow we confirm the growth to larger scales, as predicted by the theory of evolving two-dimensional turbulence. Measurement of the dispersion of many particle pairs shows that the energy spectrum depends on the wave-number (k) as k-2.4, a result which agrees with previous measurements, but which has an exponent smaller than the theoretical prediction (k-3). The growth to larger scales is accomplished by vortex merging, a process which is studied in isolation, for two vortices of like sign, in the second experiment. Here we show that the vortices merge even when further apart than the distance predicted, numerically, for first-merging. We hypothesise that this is due to the form taken by the vorticity distribution which is far more extended than the constant vorticity regions assumed in the theory. The final experiments concern the dynamics of vortex pairs of opposite sign. Here the appropriate theories are found to be valid, although the extreme, elongated vortex forms predicted by them have not been found.
Toxic Substances and Some Folk and Medicinal Uses of Vegetables

Overall, vegetables are generally recognized as safe when appropriately used. They provide many nutritional benefits that contribute to health and its maintenance. Briefly described are some medicinal benefits of several vegetables, the types and functions of toxicants found in plants, how they affect humans, and those vegetables that contain toxic compounds.
Dynamic Optimization Problems

A class of problems for which there has been a scarcity of work in the area of global optimization are the dynamic optimization problems. These problems involve dynamic variables whose values change in time. Such problems exist in the areas of optimal control, parameter estimation for dynamic models, reactor network synthesis where the dynamic models arise from the differential mod-eling of the tubular reactors (plug flow reactors), and for dynamic simulation and optimization.
Digitizing the Ceylon Collections: A Case Study of the Library, Eastern University, Sri Lanka

The digitization is a tactical way of preservation and it becomes an ultimate need to preserve and conserve a record for future use. Even though, the digital preservation is indeed a very challenging task for the library of Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL library) and the digitization process has become a practical necessity in this digital era. Hence, the study describes an initiation towards digitization in order to preserve the precious Ceylon Collections of EUSL library which endures the value and importance of Ceylon Collections for the benefit of various users and also to avoid those collections remain ambiguous and hidden. The current research design is a case study and the research instruments such as observation and focus group interview were used. The DSpace open source software was selected for the digitization processes. The focus group interview was conducted to explore the current usage and expectation of the users and it revealed that the Ceylon Collections services are very essential for users. The study was initiated by two professionals (who are also the authors of this paper) without proper training on functioning and technicalities of DSpace. With testing server, researchers could successfully implement the digital collection and today its collection is totaling to 2000 items. Through digitization, the Ceylon Collections move to a much broader audience and therefore the Ceylon Collections could be accessed significantly through the web and preserved for future generations. Even though, there were challenges during digitization process the work has been completed successfully and the digitized Ceylon Collections could be maintained as a digital repository of Ceylon Collections which are capable to access through the library website. Thus, every user would able to access those Ceylon Collections.
Silver-based polymeric ionic liquid sorbent coatings for solid-phase microextraction: Materials for the selective extraction of unsaturated compounds

Abstract A new generation of silver-based polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) sorbent coatings has been developed and applied in solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The new materials are based on ionic liquid monomers formed by cations containing the silver(I) ion coordinated with two 1-vinylimidazole ligands. Up to seven different silver-based PIL sorbent coatings were developed by polymerizing the silver-IL monomer in the presence of either silver bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide, and/or a dicationic ionic liquid crosslinker. The obtained sorbent coatings were found to possess adequate thermal stability despite the presence of the silver(I) ions. Thermal desorption of the analytes at 175 °C was effectively used without any significant decrease in extraction efficiency. The developed sorbent coatings were used in two different applications: the determination of alkenes/alkynes via headspace SPME and the determination of unsaturated fatty acids using direct-immersion SPME. In the former approach, the silver-based PILs were particularly selective for the determination of unsaturated compounds with terminal double bonds such as 1,5-hexadiene, 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene, and 1,8-nonadiene. A study of the extraction mechanism of the analytes to the sorbent coating revealed a competitive partitioning of the analytes. In the second approach, the most selective silver-based PILs were applied for the determination of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. After proper optimization of the method, the coatings were found to be more or as sensitive as the commercial polydimethylsiloxane fiber. Limits of detection between 2.6 and 8.2 μg L−1 in ultrapure water and from 12 to 14 μg L−1 in tap water were obtained for the best silver-based PIL, with relative standard deviations lower than 13% in all cases at a spiked level of 160 μg L−1. Finally, the fiber was effectively applied for the analysis of rinse water from a dairy farm, with adequate detection of the analytes at concentrations between 52 and 179 μg L−1.
Spiritual Formation and Soul Care in the Department of Christian Formation and Ministry at Wheaton College

This article examines a model of formation within higher education that is committed to educationally based spiritual formation, desiring to see students formed as people who love God and neighbor,...
A feature-based soft sensor for spectroscopic data analysis

Abstract In the last few decades, spectroscopic techniques such as near-infrared (NIR) and UV/vis spectroscopies have gained wide applications. As a result, various soft sensors have been developed to predict sample properties from its spectroscopic readings. Because the readings at different wavelengths are highly correlated, it has been shown that variable selection could significantly improve a soft sensor’s prediction performance and reduce the model complexity. Currently, almost all variable selection methods focus on how to select the variables (i.e., wavelengths or wavelength segments) that are strongly correlated with the dependent variable to improve the prediction performance. Although many successful applications have been reported, such variable selection methods do have their limitations, such as high sensitivity to the choice of training data, and deteriorated performance when testing on new samples. One possible reason is the removal of useful wavelengths or segments of wavelengths during the calibration process, which could be “tilted” to overfit or capture the noise or unknown disturbances contained in the calibration data. As a result, the model prediction performance may deteriorate significantly when the model is extrapolated or applied to new samples. To address this limitation, we propose a feature-based soft sensor approach utilizing statistics pattern analysis (SPA). Instead of selecting certain wavelengths or wavelength segments, the SPA-based method considers the whole spectrum which is divided into segments, and extracts different features over each spectrum segment to build the soft sensor. In other words, the SPA model contains the complete information from the full spectrum without any selection or removal, which we believe is the main reason for the high robustness of the SPA-based method. In addition, we propose a Monte Carlo validation and testing (MCVT) procedure and three MCVT-based performance indices for consistent and fair comparison of different soft sensor methods across different datasets. The MCVT procedure and indices are generally applicable for model comparison in other applications. Four case studies are presented to demonstrate the performance of the feature-based soft sensor and to compare it with a full partial least squares (PLS), a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), and a synergy interval PLS (SiPLS) based models following the proposed MCVT procedure. In addition, we examine the potential of kernel PLS (KPLS) based soft sensor approaches, examine their performances, and discuss their pros and cons.
Using generalized additive models for interpolating microclimate in dry-site ponderosa pine forests

Abstract Microclimate in the understory of forests can be an important mediating influence for ecological attributes such a vegetation composition, wildlife habitat, fuel moisture, and downed wood and forest floor decomposition processes. Several tools exist for interpolating data from regional, broad-scale weather stations to derive geospatial climate surface maps representing mesoclimate variations at the earths’ surface. While useful, these tools typically do not provide interpolations that account for variations in forest canopy cover and therefore often fail to provide for higher resolution characterization of near-surface, understory microclimate conditions. In this paper we explore the development of understory microclimate surface maps from a dispersed set of microclimate sensors in a 991-ha managed landscape dominated by ponderosa pine forest patches of various densities in central Oregon, USA. We used generalized additive models (GAM) to interpolate microclimate at 50 m resolution from 2013 to 2016 using elevation, heat load, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as covariates. Models for all years revealed that air temperature trends were dependent on complex interactions of forest cover, site physiography and time, and produced interpolations closer to observed conditions than freely available coarse-scale models. We analyzed sub-canopy air temperature interpolation maps for trends in the context of differing canopy structures arising from five fuels mitigation treatments implemented between 2011–2014. Variations in NDVI within the treatments had statistically significant and visually discernible influence on sub-canopy temperature as evidenced by spatial temperature trends that were congruent with NDVI maps, and indicates the model accounted for the influence of canopy. The ability to develop higher resolution understory microclimate surface maps is of value to many aspects of ecosystem monitoring and the methods presented here may be of use to researchers and managers who work in forested environments.