cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forecasting the Cost-Benefits of Job Training

To say that there is a strong interest among U.S. managers in the use of employee job training programs as quality and productivity intervention devices is to understate the situation. On a national basis, industry’s commitments to training in “hard” skills, “soft” skills and remedial training efforts are massive, and the availability of government and community agency support for employee training and retraining stimulates additional activity. Clearly, there is a ground swell of interest out there for training.
Use of the Telephone-Administered Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen to Detect Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the telephone-administered Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen (MCAS) to distinguish mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from healthy controls (HCs) and from Alzheimer's disease (AD). A total of 100 individuals with MCI, 50 individuals with possible/probable AD, and 50 HCs were screened to exclude medical and psychiatric conditions affecting cognition. In-office evaluation included neuropsychological testing, neurologic examination, and neurodiagnostic work-up. Participants with AD obtained significantly lower MCAS total scores than participants with MCI, who in turn performed worse than the HC group. Sensitivity was 86% and specificity was 78% for distinguishing between MCI and HC. Sensitivity was 86% and specificity was 77% for discriminating between MCI and AD. Sensitivity was 91% and specificity was 78% for discriminating between impaired groups (MCI and AD) and HCs. Results suggest that the MCAS successfully discriminates MCI from HC and AD and has potential as an effective telephone-administered screening tool for memory disorders.
Interleukin 1 Receptor Dependence of Serum Transferred Arthritis Can be Circumvented by Toll-like Receptor 4 Signaling

Inflammatory arthritis is associated with the release of a network of key cytokines. In T cell receptor transgenic K/BxN mice interleukin (IL)-1 plays a key role in joint swelling and destruction, as suggested by the ability of anti-IL-1receptor (IL-1R) antibody treatment to delay the onset and slow the progression of this disease. This mechanism is dependent on the signaling pathway intermediary myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), such that neither IL-1R nor MyD88-deficient mice developed visually detectable synovitis after transfer of arthritogenic sera. The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) share the same signaling pathway through MyD88 as the IL-1R. The administration of a TLR-4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide, concomitant with arthritogenic serum in IL-1 receptor-deficient mice resulted in acute paw swelling, but not in MyD88-deficient mice. Also, serum transferred arthritis was not sustained in TLR-4 mutant mice compared with controls. These results suggest that innate immune functions via TLR-4 might perpetuate inflammatory mechanisms and bypass the need for IL-1 in chronic joint inflammation.
Quantitative Trait Loci Linked to White Mold Resistance in Common Bean

White mold disease (WM) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, reduces crop yield and quality throughout the United States. The development of cultivars with resistance to WM would be facilitated by the identifi cation and use of molecular markers linked to resistance genes. The objectives of this research were (i) to characterize WM reaction in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between resistant and susceptible germplasm, (ii) to validate the effect of a previously reported quantitative trait locus (QTL) for WM resistance, and (iii) to locate additional QTL associated with WM resistance. A RIL population that consisted of 94 lines was derived from a cross between G122 (resistant) and CO72548 (susceptible). The population was evaluated for WM reaction in three greenhouse tests and one fi eld environ- ment, and for molecular markers throughout the genome. Two RIL were identifi ed with higher resistance levels (P 2.7) on linkage groups B1, B2b, B8, and B9. The QTL were contributed from both parents and together accounted for 48% of the pheno- typic variation (R 2 ). For fi eld resistance, one QTL (R 2 = 12%) on linkage group B8 was detected. These results confi rm polygenic resistance to WM in common bean.
Swinging into thought: directed movement guides insight in problem solving.

Can directed actions unconsciously influence higher order cognitive processing? We investigated how movement interventions affected participants’ ability to solve a classic insight problem. The participants attempted to solve Maier’s two-string problem while occasionally taking exercise breaks during which they moved their arms either in a manner related to the problem’s solution (swing group) or in a manner inconsistent with the solution (stretch group). Although most of the participants were unaware of the relationship between their arm movement exercises and the problem-solving task, the participants who moved their arms in a manner that suggested the problem’s solution were more likely to solve the problem than were those who moved their arms in other ways. Consistent with embodied theories of cognition, these findings show that actions influence thought and, furthermore, that we can implicitly guide people toward insight by directing their actions.
Weather forecasting for the 1996 Olympics

Most of us would agree that meteorologists need to improve the accuracy of their local forecasts. When planning and executing a highly public event-like the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games-where the weather can affect the activities, accurate forecasts become urgent. To improve the accuracy of forecasts for this year's games in Atlanta, the National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides meteorological data plus warning and forecast services. The NWS aims to achieve an unprecedented level of precision in forecasting the weather at the Olympic games in Atlanta, using a number of new technologies, such as correlative 3D visualizations and a key mesoscale model-the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS).
Is it time for preemptive drug treatment of asymptomatic (smoldering) multiple myeloma

Asymptomatic (smoldering) multiple myeloma is a heterogeneous plasma cell proliferative disorder with a variable rate of progression to active multiple myeloma or related disorders. Hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, anemia, bone lesions or recurrent bacterial infections characterize active multiple myeloma. Some patients with asymptomatic myeloma develop active disease rapidly, and others can stay asymptomatic for many years. Those who are likely to progress within the first 2 years of diagnosis have been categorized as having high-risk disease. The availability of novel agents in the treatment of active multiple myeloma and our better understanding of the heterogeneity of asymptomatic multiple myeloma have spurred interest in the early treatment of these patients. We have reviewed the current proposed definitions of high-risk asymptomatic multiple myeloma, the concerns about future therapy in view of the transient nature, remissions and toxicities of the therapies, and the eventual relapses that characterize this incurable disease.
Some Simple Isothermal Equations of State

Previous work on the Tait equation of state, usually applied to liquids, is discussed together with a review of work on a closely related simple equation arising both from the theory of finite strain and from microscopic considerations. The latter equation has been primarily used for fitting hydrostatic compression pressure-volume data for solids. A detailed discussion of methods for assessing goodness-of-fit of data to equations of state is presented along with an analysis of ways to help decide which of two similar equations is the more applicable for given data. Nonlinear least squares fitting of the above two-parameter equations of state is carried out for the first time using published $P\ensuremath{-}V\ensuremath{-}T$ data for water, a very compressible hydrocarbon liquid, zinc, lithium, sodium, potassium, and rubidium and the results compared with those of previous analyses of these data. Careful fitting of the present type can lead to new conclusions and insights not so apparent from less careful fitting of the present equations or from fitting with other equations. For most of the materials and data considered here the finite-strain equation was found to be superior to the Tait equation. Reasons are advanced, however, why both equations should be primarily considered only as empirical, with theoretical justifications for them applicable only over limited pressure-volume ranges.
Carbon Concentrating Mechanisms in Eukaryotic Marine Phytoplankton

The accumulation of inorganic carbon from seawater by eukaryotic marine phytoplankton is limited by the diffusion of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water and the dehydration kinetics of bicarbonate to CO2 and by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase's (RubisCO) low affinity for its inorganic carbon substrate, CO2. Nearly all marine phytoplankton have adapted to these limitations and evolved inorganic carbon (or CO2) concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to support photosynthetic carbon fixation at the concentrations of CO2 present in ocean surface waters (< 10-30 microM). The biophysics and biochemistry of CCMs vary within and among the three dominant groups of eukaryotic marine phytoplankton and may involve the activity of external or intracellular carbonic anhydrase, HCO3- transport, and perhaps a C4 carbon pump. In general, coccolithophores have low-efficiency CCMs, and diatoms and the haptophyte genus Phaeocystis have high-efficiency CCMs. Dinoflagellates appear to possess moderately efficient CCMs, which may be necessitated by the very low CO2 affinity of their form II RubisCO. The energetic and nutrient costs of CCMs may modulate how variable CO2 affects primary production, element composition, and species composition of phytoplankton in the ocean.
Disclosure and licensing of University inventions: ‘The best we can do with the s**t we get to work with’

Abstract We examine the interplay of the three major university actors in technology transfer from universities to industry: the faculty, the technology transfer office (TTO), and the central administration. We model the faculty as an agent of the administration, and the TTO as an agent of both the faculty and the administration. Empirical tests of the theory are based on evidence from our survey of 62 US research universities. We find that the TTOs reported licensing objectives are influenced by their views of faculty and administration, which supports the assumption that the TTO is a dual agent. The theory yields predictions for whether or not faculty disclose inventions and if so, at what stage, which in turn affects license contract terms. We also examine how the portion of inventions disclosed at different stages varies with faculty quality. Quality is found to be inversely related to the share of license income allotted to faculty.
STT3A, C1orf24, TFF3: Putative markers for characterization of follicular thyroid neoplasms from fine-needle aspirates

Objectives/Hypothesis: The goals of this study were to characterize gene expression using fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) from follicular neoplasms to distinguish follicular adenomas (FAs) from follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas (FVPTCs); and to use FNA material to distinguish benign from malignant follicular neoplasms. Study Design: Retrospective expression analysis of diagnosed follicular neoplasms (level of evidence 2b); prospective cohort of FNA from the operating room after thyroid lobectomy (level of evidence 1b). Methods: Gene expression analysis via reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) of nine genes previously noted to be differentially expressed in follicular neoplasms was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archived normal thyroid tissue (n ¼ 63) and follicular neoplasms as diagnosed on preoperative FNA: FA (n ¼ 16), FTC (n ¼ 13), FVPTC (n ¼ 24), and papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) (n ¼ 10). All cases were originally read as follicular neoplasms on preoperative FNA. To determine if these results could be translated into fresh tissue, ex vivo FNA was performed on follicular neoplasms (n ¼ 17) in the operating room after thyroidectomy. Results: Quantitative gene analysis detected differential TFF3 expression in FA versus FTC, FVPTC, and PTC (P ¼ .02). Rt-PCR of FNA samples demonstrated that malignant nodules overexpress STT3A as compared with benign disease (P ¼ .046). The combination of STT3A overexpression/Clorf24 underexpression identified malignant disease (P ¼ .03) on FNA samples. Conclusions: Gene-expression data suggest a difference in expression between STT3A, Clorf24, and TFF3 in FAs versus carcinomas that may be detected from an FNA sample. Findings must be validated from preoperative FNAs in larger numbers.
An ensemble‐based reanalysis approach to land data assimilation

[1] Future pathfinder missions such as NASA's Hydrosphere State (Hydros) and ESA's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) will provide satellite-based global observations of surface (0–5 cm) soil moisture. In previous work an ensemble Kalman filter was used to estimate soil moisture, related states, and fluxes by merging noisy low-frequency microwave observations with the forecasts from a conventional yet uncertain land surface model. Kalman filter estimates are only conditioned on observations prior to estimation times. Here it is argued that soil moisture estimation is a reanalysis-type problem as observations beyond the estimation time are useful in the estimation. An ensemble smoother is used in which the state vector and measurement vector are distributed in time and updated as a batch. Its performance in a land data assimilation context is compared to that of the ensemble Kalman filter. Results demonstrate that smoothing yields an improved estimate compared to filtering, reflected in the decreased deviation from truth and the reduction in uncertainty associated with the estimate. Precipitation significantly impacts the performance of the smoother, acting as an information barrier between dry-down events. An adaptive hybrid filter/smoother is presented in which brightness temperature is used to break the study interval into a series of dry-down events. The smoother is used on dry-down events, and the filter is used when precipitation is evident between estimation times. An improved estimate is obtained as all observations in a given dry-down period are used to estimate soil moisture in that period, and backward propagation of information from subsequent precipitation events is avoided.
Response of Potato Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) to Synthetic Potato-Derived Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Attractant and Natural Potato Odor

A recently synthesized kairomone blend, based on the volatiles produced by potato (Solanum spp.) plants, has been demonstrated to be attractive to both adult and larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). It was subsequently formulated in a viscous inert carrier for field applications and showed potential for aggregating beetles in treated areas of the field. We investigated effects of this kairomone formulation on the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) (Homoptera: Aphididae). The response of both winged and wingless adults to natural potato foliage and synthetic kairomone was tested in a Y-tube olfactometer. Aphid response to untreated potato foliage, foliage treated with the kairomone blend, and foliage treated with blank inert carrier also was tested in petri dishes. In addition, aphid densities on field plots treated with kairomone and blank inert carrier were compared with the control plots. The untreated potato foliage was found to be attractive to wingless, but not winged, potato aphids. In the olfactometer, the foliage treated with synthetic Colorado potato beetle kairomone was not attractive to either winged or wingless aphids. In petri dishes, aphids avoided leaflets treated with both kairomone formulation and its blank carrier. There was no statistical difference between any treatments compared in the field.
Observer-Based Diagnostic Scheme for Lithium-Ion Batteries

This paper presents an observer-based fault diagnosis approach for Lithium-ion batteries. This method detects and isolates five fault types, which include sensor faults in current, voltage and temperature sensors, failure in fan actuator and a fault in battery State-of-Charge (SOC) dynamics. Current, voltage and temperature of the battery are taken as the only available measurements and a Kalman filter and a sliding mode observer are constructed. Three residuals derived from a combination of these observers generate fault signatures that are used to detect and isolate the sensor, actuator and SOC faults in the system. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the approach.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Deep space laser communications

A number of laser communication link demonstrations from near Earth distances extending out to lunar ranges have been remarkably successful, demonstrating the augmented channel capacity that is accessible with the use of lasers for communications. The next hurdle on the path to extending laser communication and its benefits throughout the solar system and beyond is to demonstrate deep-space laser communication links. In this paper, concepts and technology development being advanced at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in order to enable deep-space link demonstrations to ranges of approximately 3 AU in the next decade, will be discussed.
An adaptive, run-time navigation system for haul trucks in surface mines

AbstractThis paper presents a navigation system for haul trucks in surface mining. The main features of this system include the following: (1) realistic earth-view maps; (2) run-time customisation of the maps; and a (3) unified graphical user interface (GUI). The system implementation comprised of three parts: map pre-processing, sensor communication system and unified GUI development. Map pre-processing involved development of a new method for incorporating accurate earth-view maps in the navigation system for a frequently updating environment like surface mines. An IEEE 802.11b wireless network in ad hoc mode was used to achieve communication between sensors (global position system (GPS), proximity) and vehicles. A unified GUI was developed to display the data acquired from different sensors on the customised maps. The GUI also features a dynamic layering tool for run-time customisation of maps. This tool generates custom warnings based on the changed environmental, geographical conditions or hazards. T...
Site-Selective Alkyl Dehydrogenation of a Coordinated Acylphosphine Ligand

Regio- and stereoselective alkane dehydrogenation is a difficult challenge in organometallic chemistry. Intermolecular reactions of this type typically produce numerous olefin stereo- and regioisomers. Herein, we report our initial investigations into the intramolecular dehydrogenation of a datively bound alkyl ligand, demonstrating the first example of a site-selective dehydrogenation of an unactivated acyclic alkyl group. The alkyl group is located on an acylphosphine ligand that is coordinated to a Cp*IrCl2 monomer. A mechanistic proposal, guided by the isolation of a dimeric iridium complex and supported by computational results, is also described.
Analysis of drinking water quality on the Yellow River delta

Objective:To analyze the quality of drinking water on the Yellow River delta.Methods: 1052 water samples collected from 2009 to 2011 were examined according to the method written on GB/5750-2006.Results: The qualified rates of coli form,Escherichia coil,total plate count,turbidity,visible substance and free residual chlorine were relatively low.Conclusion: The qualified rate of peripheral water in rural districts is remarkably lower than that in urban districts,which indicates that we should enhance the disinfection of waters before it was delivered in rural area.
Modification of the one-stage flip-flap procedure to repair distal penile hypospadias.

SUMMARY The initial results of this modification of the original “flip-flap” procedure, described by Mustarde and further modified by Devine, in 20 children with distal penile hypospadias and mild penile torsion are encouraging. We believe, therefore, that its use is justified.
77 – Research in Plastic Surgery

Gene therapy is becoming a clinical reality. This has become possible due to the increased understanding of the biomolecular pathogenesis of certain diseases and the advances in gene transfer technology. Plastic surgery researchers have embraced this concept, which may revolutionize the broad spectrum of intricate surgical procedures that are performed, such as skin grafting, nerve and muscle repair, and microvascular tissue transfer, to name a few. Gene therapy has the potential for significant improvement in clinical outcome in these areas by selectively expressing genes of interest at targeted sites. Furthermore, this approach may lead to improvements in the rate and efficiency of the wound repair process, and thus will have a significant impact on the quality of healthcare and the management of healthcare costs. Growth factors play a major role in wound healing. Thus, their potential use as gene therapeutic agents is apparent. By using advanced gene transfer techniques, one can transfect a growth factor gene of interest into desired cells, which will ultimately result in the localized expression of their recombinant proteins. In theory, localized over-expression may be ideal, because systemically applied growth factors, which require large doses to produce a biologic effect, may elicit serious side effects. There are several applications of gene therapy for cutaneous wound healing. One approach may involve the use of genetically engineered keratinocytes or fibroblasts to over express growth factor genes, which may accelerate healing and regenerate injured tissue. Once the DNA of interest is inserted, genetically modified cells can then be transplanted to the wound area, and will express recombinant proteins for a prolonged time.
Progressively Censored Tests for Multiple Regression Based on Weighted Empirical Distributions

In clinical trials and life testing problems, often, progressive censoring schemes are adopted to monitor the experiment from the beginning with the objective of a possible early termination. Progr...
The Student Experience of Community-Based Research: An Autoethnography

This autoethnography provides a description and thematic illustration of the student experience of a community-based research (CBR) course and partnership. Through evaluating personal experiences with CBR, the author identified three qualities of meaningful CBR experiences: trust, indeterminacy, and emotion. These qualities are explored, and comparisons are made between the outcomes experienced and those established in the literature of student learning in CBR. These findings enrich discourse of student experiences in CBR and corroborate literature on student learning in CBR through illuminating the experience by which that learning occurs.
Superiorly based pharyngeal flap

This chapter provides an operative dictation template for a superiorly based pharyngeal flap. It outlines the indications for the procedure and potential complications and provides a detailed guide to the individual steps of the procedure.
Autoimmune Tumefactive Rhombencephalitis Associated with Anti-TNFα (Adalimumab) Treatment (P3.017)

Objective: Discuss a potential anti-TNF-α manifestation of tumefactive rhombencephalitis Background: Adalimumab is tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor with potent anti-inflammatory effects used to treat autoimmune conditions. Immunosuppression by TNF-α inhibition can increase the risk of opportunistic infections, T-cell lymphoma, and has neurologic manifestations including neuropathy and CNS demyelination. Methods: We describe an acute presentation of autoimmune rhomboencephalitis in a 23 year old man who was concurrently treated with Humira (adalimumab) for Crohn’s colitis. Results: Clinically he developed appendicular ataxia, diplopia, dysarthria, nausea, emesis, and gross motor incoordination over the course of a day. Imaging revealed an enhancing mass-like cerebellar lesion extending to the pons with petechial hemorrhage. Lumbar puncture revealed mild lymphocytosis - WBC 7 mg/dL, RBC 0 mg/dL, protein 45 mg/dL, glucose 76 mg/dL, lymphocytes 84[percnt], monocytes 13[percnt], neutrophils 3[percnt]. He was treated with high dose steroids with some stabilization of his symptoms. Unfortunately over the course of four serial MRIs in a month, he developed interval increase in enhancement. An image-guided right suboccipital craniectomy for open biopsy of his right superior cerebellar lesion revealed parenchymal reactive T-lymphocytes, macrophages, astrocytes, necrosis, and hemorrhage as well as transmural reactive T-lymphocytes in small blood vessels. Other workup for infectious and neoplastic etiologies was negative. He showed significant clinical improvement with cessation adalimumab, a steroid taper, and rigorous outpatient rehabilitation services. Conclusions: Consideration of this rare but possible CNS manifestation of TNF-α antagonism is necessary to deliberately stop the potential agent while concomitantly exploring other infectious and neoplastic etiologies. Disclosure: Dr. Mahajan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose.
Solar radio observations with the Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array

The Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array is an array of 13 2.1-m antennas for solar observations and two 27-m antennas used for calibration and night-time research. The array is currently undergoing commissioning, and will initially cover the 2.5–18 GHz frequency range with about 500 frequency channels within 1 s. The array will eventually operate from 1–18 GHz. This paper introduces the instrument design, and discusses its capabilities and expected performance for solar radio imaging spectropolarimetry. These capabilities are illustrated with one of the dozens of solar bursts already recorded with the instrument in a non-imaging mode.
Apache Airavata Sharing Service: A Tool for Enabling User Collaboration in Science Gateways

Science Gateways provide user environments and a set of supporting services that help researchers make effective and enhanced use of a diverse set of computing, storage, and related resources. Gateways provide the services and tools users require to enable their scientific exploration, which includes tasks such as running computer simulations or performing data analysis. Historically gateways have been constructed to support the workflow of individual users, but collaboration between users has become an increasingly important part of the discovery process. This trend has created a driving need for gateways to support data sharing between users. For example, a chemistry research group may want to run simulations collaboratively, analyze experimental data or tune parameter studies based on simulation output generated by peers, whether as a default capability, or through explicit creation of sharing privileges. As another example, students in a classroom setting may be required to share their simulation output or data analysis results with the instructor. However most existing gateways (including the popularly used XSEDE gateways SEAGrid, Ultrascan, CIPRES, and NSG), do not support direct data sharing, so users have to handle these collaborations outside the gateway environment. Given the importance of collaboration in current scientific practice, user collaboration should be a prime consideration in building science gateways. In this work, we present design considerations and implementation of a generic model that can be used to describe and handle a diverse set of user collaboration use cases that arise in gateways, based on general requirements gathered from the SEAGrid, CIPRES, and NSG gateways. We then describe the integration of this sharing service into these gateways. Though the model and the system were tested and used in the context of Science Gateways, the concepts are universally applicable to any domain, and the service can support data sharing in a wide variety of use cases.
Maximizing Local Access to Therapeutic Deliveries in Glioblastoma. Part III: Irreversible Electroporation and High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation for the Eradication of Glioblastoma

ABSTRACT Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Approximately 9180 primary GBM tumors are diagnosed in the United States each year, in which median survival is up to 16 months. GBM eludes and resists typical cancer treatments due to the presence of infiltrative cells beyond the solid tumor margin, heterogeneity within the tumor microenvironment, and protection from the blood–brain barrier. Conventional treatments for GBM, such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have shown limited efficacy; therefore, alternate treatments are needed. Tumor chemoresistance and its proximity to critical structures make GBM a prime theoretical candidate for nonthermal ablation with irreversible electroporation (IRE) and high-frequency IRE (H-FIRE). IRE and H-FIRE are treatment modalities that utilize pulsed electric fields to permeabilize the cell membrane. Once the electric field magnitude exceeds a tissue-specific lethal threshold, cell death occurs. Benefits of IRE and H-FIRE therapy include, but are not limited to, the elimination of cytotoxic effects, sharp delineation from treated tissue and spared tissue, a nonthermal mechanism of ablation, and sparing of nerves and major blood vessels. Preclinical studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of IRE and H-FIRE within their experimental scope. In this chapter, studies will be collected, and information extrapolated to provide possible treatment regimens for use in high-grade gliomas, specifically in GBM.
Using ARM Observations to Evaluate Climate Model Simulations of Land-Atmosphere Coupling on the U.S. Southern Great Plains

Several independent measurements of warm-season soil moisture and surface atmospheric variables recorded at the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) research facility are used to estimate the terrestrial component of land-atmosphere coupling (LAC) strength and its regional uncertainty. The observations reveal substantial variation in coupling strength, as estimated from three soil moisture measurements at a single site, as well as across six other sites having varied soil and land cover types. The observational estimates then serve as references for evaluating SGP terrestrial coupling strength in the Community Atmospheric Model coupled to the Community Land Model. These coupled model components are operated in both a free-running mode and in a controlled configuration, where the atmospheric and land states are reinitialized daily, so that they do not drift very far from observations. Although the controlled simulation deviates less from the observed surface climate than its free-running counterpart, the terrestrial LAC in both configurations is much stronger and displays less spatial variability than the SGP observational estimates. Preliminary investigation of vegetation leaf area index (LAI) substituted for soil moisture suggests that the overly strong coupling between model soil moisture and surface atmospheric variables is associated with too much evaporation from bare ground and too little from the vegetation cover. These results imply that model surface characteristics such as LAI, as well as the physical parameterizations involved in the coupling of the land and atmospheric components, are likely to be important sources of the problematical LAC behaviors.
Bioinspired pitch control using a piezoelectric horizontal tail for rudderless UAVs

A bird’s tail plays a crucial role in flight dynamics by making rapid fine-tuned movements for precise attitude stabilization in addition to large scale deformations used in conjunction with the wings to achieve prolonged maneuvers. However, this control surface geometry differs substantially from those of traditional aircraft such as the vertical rudder which has slower actuation times, less versatility relative to control authority, and increased radar signatures. The current work aims to increase maneuverability in rudderless UAVs using Macro Fiber Composites (MFCs) and multi-material 3D printing to achieve a bidirectional camber morphing horizontal tail. The MFCs are customized with a 55° fiber orientation to achieve bending-twisting coupling resulting in complex curvatures. Previous work investigated the actuator’s capabilities to control yaw and act as an air break during sideslip. The current work investigates the actuator’s ability to control pitch and also analyzes its effectiveness as a rudder during changes in angle of attack. The control effectiveness was assessed via wind tunnel experiments of a full bodied bioinspired UAV of 0.34m wing span with active horizontal tail. Alpha sweeps were conducted across a range of wind speeds. While the complex curvature of the actuator is desirable for control of both yaw and pitch, it also causes coupling between these two degrees of freedom. The magnitude of this coupling is also investigated.
Multiple constraint satisfaction problems using the A-star (A*) search algorithm: classroom scheduling with preferences

This paper explores the use of the A-star (A*) search algorithm to solve a constraint satisfaction problem. Specifically, we present the use of A* in solving an extended version of the classroom scheduling problem which assigns courses to rooms with constraints of times and instructor availability. We implement a program which uses the A* algorithm to create a schedule; assigning courses to rooms with the added constraints of the instructors' preferences and requirements for the room attributes, and a time frame of a given course. Happiness levels are used and the system attempts to maximize the overall happiness of each course and thus the overall happiness of the entire schedule. To provide a comparable frame of reference for the results, we implement simulated annealing (SA) and genetic algorithms (GA) for the same problem. Finally, empirical results of several simulations are presented.
Arsenite inhibits interleukin-6 production in human intestinal epithelial cells by down-regulating nuclear factor-κB activity

Previous studies have suggested that the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is increased in the intestinal mucosa during inflammation, and that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is an important regulator of the IL-6 gene in the enterocyte. We tested the hypothesis that sodium arsenite inhibits IL-6 production in stimulated enterocytes and that this effect of arsenite is caused by down-regulation of NF-κB activity. Cultured Caco-2 cells were treated with sodium arsenite and were then stimulated with IL-1β. IL-6 production and gene expression were determined by ELISA and reverse transcriptase–PCR respectively. NF-κB DNA binding activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. IL-1β increased NF-κB DNA binding activity, IL-6 mRNA levels and IL-6 production. These effects of IL-1β were inhibited by treatment of the cells with sodium arsenite in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. When cells were transfected with a plasmid expressing the p65 subunit of NF-κB, the inhibitory effect of sodium arsenite on NF-κB activity and IL-6 production was blunted. These results suggest that sodium arsenite inhibits IL-6 production in enterocytes subjected to an inflammatory stimulus, and that this effect, at least in part, reflects down-regulated NF-κB activity.
Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor of the Clinoid: Rare Condition.

Background A tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare type of tumor that primarily arises from the tendon sheath, synovium, and bursae. In rare cases, these tumors can affect joints of the head and neck such as the temporomandibular joint. This is the only case to our knowledge of an intracranial TGCT tumor of the clinoid. Case Description We present the case of a 25-year-old female with a 2-year history of progressively blurred vision in her left eye without visual field defects. She denied any headaches or symptoms referable to the left eye region. Past medical history was significant for meningitis at 10 months of age. Family history was noncontributory with no history of brain tumors. Conclusions A tumor originating from the left anterior clinoid was found intraoperatively and confirmed by histology to be a TGCT.
Aligned wet-electrospun starch fiber mats

Abstract Electrospinning is a versatile technique to fabricate non-woven fiber mats with an average fiber diameter ranging from nanometers to micrometers. Fibers produced by electrospinning have potential application in numerous fields owing to their light weight, high surface area, and high porosity. In certain applications, anisotropic properties are desired, which may also improve mechanical strength. This study comprehensively documented the feasibility of directed fiber deposition in wet-electrospinning and offers an inexpensive setup for laboratory investigation. Aligned starch fiber mats were produced and the effects of three operational parameters, i.e., rotational speed, drum location, and coagulation bath composition, were evaluated. The alignment of starch fibers was affected by the ethanol concentration in the coagulation bath and drum rotational speed. Coherent fibers could be obtained in all trials except for the one at the lowest ethanol concentration (60% v/v) and highest rotational speed (500 rpm) when the drum was below the liquid. The tensile strength was influenced by the interaction of location and ethanol concentration, and that of rotational speed and ethanol concentration. This study set a promising example of making aligned biopolymer fiber mats and investigating fiber deposition in wet-electrospinning. Aligned starch fiber mats have potential applications in areas such as tissue engineering and as wound dressings.
CHAPTER 3 – SOME FUNDAMENTAL TOOLS AND CONCEPTS FROM NUMERICAL LINEAR ALGEBRA

This chapter presents the fundamental concepts and techniques of numerical linear algebra that are essential for in-depth understanding of computational algorithms for control problems. It introduces the basic concepts of floating point operations, numerical stability of an algorithm, conditioning of a computational problem, and their effects on the accuracy of a solution obtained by a certain algorithm. The chapter describes three important matrix factorizations that are LU, QR, and the singular value decomposition (SVD); their applications to solutions of algebraic linear systems; linear least-squares problems; and eigenvalue problems in details. The method of choice for the linear system problem is the LU factorization technique obtained by Gaussian elimination with partial pivoting. The method of choice for the symmetric positive definite system is the Cholesky factorization technique. The QR factorization of a matrix is introduced in the context of the least-squares solution of a linear system. However, it also forms the core of the QR iteration technique, which is the method of choice for eigenvalue computation. Two numerically stable methods for the QR factorization—namely, Householder's and Givens' methods are described in the chapter. Householder's method is slightly cheaper than Givens' method for sequential computations, but the latter has computational advantages in parallel computation setting. The SVD has nowadays become an essential tool for determining the numerical rank, the distance of a matrix from a matrix of immediate lower rank, and finding the orthonormal basis and projections.
Incentives and league structure in minor league baseball.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the effect of different ways of organizing sports leagues on team effort. Double A minor league baseball in the United States is organized either as geographical leagues or as split season leagues. The evidence presented in this article suggests that teams in geographical leagues reduce their effort for longer periods of time (up to twice as long) than their counterparts in split season leagues. However, more teams give up trying to catch the leader in split season leagues than in geographical leagues. In fact, up to one third of teams in the split season league give up whereas no teams give up in the geographical league. This information will be of use to owners, managers, and coaches of sports teams because they will be able to identify periods of time when extra incentives to win may be required.
Tensile Properties of Superconducting Composite Conductors and Nb-Ti Alloys at 4.2°K

Large superconducting magnets will be used for plasma confinement in controlled thermonuclear fusion experiments. The presence of thermal, mechanical, and magnetic forces in these coils makes the understanding of mechanical properties of the superconducting windings important. This paper presents the results of tensile tests at 300, 77, and 4.2°K on commercial Nb-Ti composites with both Cu and Cu-Ni matrices. Tests were also conducted on Nb-Ti filaments produced by chemically removing the matrix of some composites as well as with sub-sized tensile samples of Nb-Ti alloys.
Application of measurement error models to correct for systematic differences among readers and vendors in echocardiography measurements: the CARDIA study

We illustrate the application of linear measurement error models to calibrate echocardiography measurements acquired 20 years apart in the CARDIA study. Of 4242 echocardiograms acquired at Year-5 (...
Optical coherence tomography based Vibrometry as a probe of cochlear mechanics (Conference Presentation)

The exquisite phase sensitivity of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has enabled the development of sensitive spatially resolved vibrometers. Using this technology, it is possible to measure vibratory response in live animals and humans down to a few picometers in amplitude. We are employing this technology in animal models to probe the mechanics of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing. OCT based Vibrometry (OCTV) can image through the bone to capture morphological and functional images of the soft tissues within the cochlea. These measurements have led to new understandings of the mechanical processing of sound. Through recent advances it is now possible to make completely noninvasive OCTV measurements in awake mice. This has enabled studies including feedback from the efferent nerves that are shutdown in an anesthetized animal. These and related optical technologies are making a significant impact on our understanding of the mechanics of hearing.
Community-Based Empowerment, Collective Efficacy, and Collaborative Data-Sharing: Key Elements for Crime Reduction Planning in Baltimore

Baltimore City was selected in 2013 as one of the initial recipient cities of the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) grant. The focus neighborhood, McElderry Park, is located in east Baltimore. The approach for the BCJI grant involved community participation through a newly established advisory council, the McElderry Park Revitalization Coalition (MPRC), to better understand deep-rooted concerns that cause crime to persist in the neighborhood and to collaboratively formulate a multipronged approach to addressing these issues. The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance (BNIA) at the University of Baltimore (UB) served as an embedded research partner. A community-driven planning process was conducted to develop a plan. The top five themes addressed in the plan included physical disorder, crime and safety, law enforcement relations and response, lack of employment, and lack of youth programs/activities. The three-pronged approach to the project, implemented by many different stakeholders in the neighborhood, led to effective outcomes.
Advancements in the use of Auger electrons in science and medicine during the period 2015-2019.

Auger electrons can be highly radiotoxic when they are used to irradiate specific molecular sites. This has spurred basic science investigations of their radiobiological effects and clinical invest...
Readiness to Change and Prospective Effects of Weight Management Programs in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing problem in pediatrics with limited treatment options. We prospectively assessed outcomes in patients managed in a hepatology clinic (HC) alone vs. those managed in combination with a multidisciplinary weight management program (MWMP). We describe each group's readiness to change at the time of NAFLD diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with NAFLD were given a modified Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) at enrollment (T1) to assess readiness to change. They were then followed at 3-9 months (T2) and at 10-15 months (T3). Linear mixed models were used to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, and transaminases over time and between the two groups. There were no significant treatment group main effects or treatment × time interactions for our primary end points for HC alone (n = 75) or with MWMP (n = 18). There was a significant main effect for time for BMI z-score, with BMI z-scores declining on average by 0.0568 (P = 0.004) from visit to visit. Low SOCRATES subscales scores in HC alone (n = 33) or with MWMP (n = 4) suggested a patient population with low recognition of disease and likelihood of taking steps for change. Patients with obesity and NAFLD had low scores on all three SOCRATES subscales. Despite this, both groups had improvement in BMI z-score without significant difference between the two treatment groups in other primary end points. Further study is needed to identify the most effective patient selection and treatment strategies for pediatric patients with NAFLD, including pharmacotherapy and surgery.
Case Report of Traumatic Uterine Rupture in a Multigravida Woman with Emergency Department Cesarean Section.

Author(s): Wiese, Krista Shaw; Ernest, Stacey; Dukes, W. Seth | Abstract: Introduction: Uterine ruptures in blunt trauma are an extremely rare complication. Furthermore, while perimortem cesarean sections in cardiac arrest patients are a well-established practice in emergency medicine, cesarean sections in the emergency department are rarely performed on non-arresting patients.Case Report: A multigravida woman at approximately 24 weeks gestation presented as a transfer from an outside hospital after a motor vehicle collision. Upon arriving to our facility, she underwent an emergency cesarean section in the trauma bay and was found to have a uterine rupture with the fetus free floating in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.Conclusion: Uterine rupture is a rare but important complication of blunt abdominal trauma in pregnant patients. Resuscitative cesarean sections may be necessary for favorable outcomes. A well prepared and diversified team was essential to maternal survival.
Helmets Protect Pediatric Bicyclists From Head Injury and Do Not Increase Risk of Cervical Spine Injury.

OBJECTIVES: Only 21 states have mandatory helmet laws for pediatric bicyclists. This study sought to determine the incidence of helmeted riders among pediatric bicyclists involved in a collision and hypothesized the risk of a serious head and cervical spine injuries to be higher in nonhelmeted bicyclists (NHBs) compared with helmeted bicyclists (HBs). METHODS: The Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2014-2016) was queried for pediatric (age 0.05). The associated risk of a serious head (odds ratio = 3.17, P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric bicyclists involved in a collision infrequently wear helmets, and NHBs was associated with higher risks of serious head injury. However, the associated risk of serious spine injury among NHBs was lower. The associated risks for cervical spine fracture or cervical cord injuries were similar. Nonhelmeted bicyclists were more likely to lack insurance and to be Black or Hispanic. Targeted outreach programs may help decrease the risk of injury, especially in at-risk demographics.