cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Valuing Coca-Cola And PepsiCo Options Using The Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model And Data Downloads From The Internet

In this paper, we demonstrate how to collect the data and compute the actual value of Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model call option prices for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.The data for the current stock price and option price are taken from Yahoo Finance and the daily returns variance is computed from daily prices.The time to maturity is computed as the number of days remaining for the stock option.The risk-free rate is obtained from the U.S. Treasury website.
Diffuse descending necrotising mediastinitis and pleural empyema secondary to acute odontogenic infection resulting in severe dysphagia

We report a case of acute odontogenic sepsis in a 59-year-old man, presenting with diffuse, descending necrotising mediastinitis complicated by pleural empyema. Despite surviving the odds, his recovery was complicated by severe dysphagia, resulting in gastrostomy feeding for 6 months. Until now, severe dysphagia following descending necrotising mediastinitis has been unreported.
Developing a Simple Predictive Model for Job Growth in the Tertiary and Quaternary Sectors: Predicting Employment Based Upon Anticipated Population Growth

During times of economic growth, educators and civic leaders need a simple model for predicting employment growth in the tertiary and quaternary employment sectors, at least until more detailed predictive models can be applied. This paper proposes two simple models based on peer community and per-capita employment levels. The models are based on the assumption that employment in the tertiary and quaternary sectors is, for the most part, a by-product of population size. The proposed models allow educators to make early predictions and begin the process of recruiting, training, and educating an expanding workforce in areas most likely to need additional skilled labor.
Gastric Mucosal Antibodies and Iron Absorption

Summary and ConclusionsAntigastric mucosal antibody reduces iron absorption in normal and anemic rats. This appears to result from the formation of large antibody-antigen complexes with the iron which are not easily absorbed. Such a mechanism might account for the idiopathic hypochromic microcytic anemia associated with complete achlorhydria and circulating parietal antibody. In this situation lack of acid might prevent degradation of the large molecules to a more easily absorbed form. A simple technique for studying iron binding in vitro was devised.
Venom flow in rattlesnakes: mechanics and metering.

SUMMARY The functional morphology of venom injection in Crotalus atrox was explored using high-speed digital videography combined with direct recording of venom flow using perivascular flow probes. Although venom flow was variable, in most strikes the onset of venom flow was coincidental with fang penetration, and retrograde flow (venom suction) was observed prior to fang withdrawal. The duration of venom flow was consistently less than the duration of fang penetration. The occurrence of retrograde flow, ‘dry bites’ (which accounted for 35 % of the strikes) and unilateral strikes all support a hypothesis for venom pooling in the distal portion of the venom-delivery system. No significant difference in temporal or volumetric aspects of venom flow were found between defensive strikes directed at small and large rodents. With the species and size of target held constant, the duration of venom flow, maximum venom flow rate and total venom volume were all significantly lower in predatory than in defensive strikes.
Controlling nanomagnet magnetization dynamics via magnetoelastic coupling

We demonstrate that elastic interactions between nanomagnets in a periodic array can determine the magnetic response according to the nanoscale array geometry. These findings are attributed to magnetoelastic coupling of the spin dynamics with simultaneously excited surface acoustic waves. Specifically, we observe three manifestations of this effect: pinning of the magnetic resonance frequency over an extended range of applied magnetic fields, generation of additional modes whose frequency can differ by more than 100% from the intrinsic element response, and an enhancement of the Fourier amplitude of the magnetic mode at crossovers with mechanical modes. Simulations of the dynamics in the presence of coupling between magnetic and mechanical degrees of freedom are in good agreement with the experiment. This suggests that magnetization dynamics can be controlled by rational structural design on the nanoscale even when the magnetostatic interactions are negligible.
On the Mechanism of Low-Temperature CO Oxidation on Ni(111) and NiO(111) Surfaces

Through an interplay between density functional theory and scanning tunneling microscopy, we investigated the mechanism of low-temperature CO oxidation on Ni(111) and NiO(111) surfaces. We systematically examined CO oxidation on different possible active sites. We find that sub- and full monolayers of O chemisorbed on Ni(111) surfaces play no significant role in low-temperature CO oxidation. We further show that CO oxidation at the perimeter of O islands on Ni(111) cannot occur at low temperatures. In contrast, we suggest that oxidized Ni(111) surfaces, i.e., NiO(111), can catalyze low-temperature CO oxidation when NiO(111) is saturated by O2. Our findings can rationalize low-temperature CO oxidation on Ni(111) surfaces that have been predosed with large amounts of oxygen, as observed in recent experiments.
Digital badges in afterschool learning

This paper explores the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing a digital badge system that awards high school credit for students' participation in afterschool programs serving non-dominant youth. Data include interviews and focus groups with 43 students, and interviews with 24 teachers and afterschool mentors and one college admissions director. Across all stakeholders, the most frequently cited opportunity related to the potential that badges hold for establishing learners' credibility outside the context in which their badges were earned by providing a trustworthy record of the skills and achievements that students gain through their participation in the afterschool programs. However, credibility also emerged as the dominant challenge associated with digital badges. Participants observed that in order for badges to succeed in proving one's credibility to external audiences, these audiences-such as college admissions officers and employers-must know about and recognize the validity of badges. Students, teachers, and program staff all expressed the belief that this essential criterion had not yet been achieved. We examine these findings in light of theory and research on the role of artifacts within and outside the communities of practice in which they were created and used. The findings hold implications for designers of openly networked learning environments that seek to span and connect diverse social settings. Investigates students' and educators' perspectives on digital badges.Data include in-depth interviews with 43 students and 25 educators.Establishing badge credibility emerged as the dominant opportunity and challenge.Effects on motivation, empowerment, and learning pathways also discussed.
Toward Integrated Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis for Road and Multimodal Transportation Alternatives: A Case Study of the Highland Copper Project

Freight transportation of goods and commodities is a necessity and is often a significant portion of the overall investment in industrial development, especially in the natural resource industry. The economic costs of developing infrastructure have long been factored into the project costs, but environmental or social impacts have received less attention. In addition, alternative transportation modes are rarely compared from both economic and environmental perspectives. This paper performs a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for truck-only, multimodal and rail transportation options to transport ore and concentrate. In this paper, LCA is performed in SimaPro for construction/manufacturing, operations, maintenance, and end of life phases to obtain the overall Global Warming Potential (GWP) in terms of kilogram equivalents of CO2 (kg CO2eq). After emissions from alternative options have been defined, the cost of each option can be investigated through Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) This paper also discusses the past work on LCCA and its application to transportation projects. The final part provides a methodology to convert the emission results from LCA for integration with the costs from LCCA.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Observations on lower urinary tract calculi in children.

Abstract Lower urinary tract calculi are rare in American children. In 20 years 26 children with bladder or urethral stones have been treated. Boys outnumbered girls by 3 to 1. All patients had urinary tract infection. Most patients harbored phosphatic calculi and had urinary tract anomalies or neurogenic dysfunction. Calculi were managed surgically in 25 children. Only 2 children suffered from recurrent vesical calculi.
Computational Study on the Catalytic Effect of the Magnesium Ions in the Mechanism of DNA Polymerases

The DNA replication is catalyzed by DNA polymerases upon the nucleophile activation via proton transfer on the corresponding nucleotide of the growing template strand in order to trigger the nucleophilic attack on the incoming nucleotide and release of pyrophosphate as leaving group. In the present work, a computational study on the enzyme catalysis mechanism of the DNA polymerase β was carried out in order to assess changes in the energetics when acidic residues in the active site are mutated. The electrostatic environment in the active site is indeed strongly dependent on the catalytic effects of the magnesium ions for both native and mutant enzyme.
Rubidium atomic funnel for atom interferometry

Atom interferometry has recently emerged as a promising new field, with potential applications ranging from basic research to applied technology. For many applications, low velocity atoms are desired, because they provide the long interaction times necessary to observe small effects. Low velocities also imply long de Broglie wavelengths, which, in a grating interferometer, will give rise to large diffraction angles.
The neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia

Abstract The dementia syndrome is increasing in prevalence throughout the developed world as the population ages. For example, in the United States it is estimated that between 2000 and 2020, the number of people living to 100 years or more will increase by over 200%, and the number of people surviving to 90–95 years will double. Based on these and other epidemiologic data, the prevalence of diseases causing the dementia syndrome has and will continue to increase dramatically over the next several decades. Considering Alzheimer's disease alone, the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, there are currently 5.5 million persons affected in the United States, and that prevalence will increase to 16 million by the first half of this century. This review will focus on the histopathology of important neurodegenerative diseases of the brain that cause dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degenerations, and dementia with Lewy bodies. In addition, a less common but extraordinarily interesting condition, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, will be reviewed.
Supreme Court Precedent in a Judicial Hierarchy

We offer a novel theory on Supreme Court impact that makes several key contributions beyond existing accounts. We argue that policy-oriented justices are particularly attentive to the impact of their precedents within the U.S. Courts of Appeals. We provide a framework in which both Supreme Court and circuit-level influences drive U.S. Courts of Appeals responses to the Supreme Court’s precedents. Principally, we argue that the Supreme Court’s use of its summary decisions, which explicitly reference its formally argued decisions, increase circuit court utility of the High Court’s precedents. We test our predictions using new data on appeals court responses to the Supreme Court’s precedents. The empirical results support our account and shed new light on the hierarchical dynamic within the American federal judiciary.
Optogenetic Strategies for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Circuit-Function Analysis and Clinical Implications

The manifestation and expression of the debilitating symptoms of neuropsychiatric illnesses is in part mediated by maladaptive functional alterations in neurocircuits. Although the gross anatomical brain structures that are critical for both adaptive and maladaptive behavioral states have been described in detail, little is known about the functional connectivity between genetically distinct populations of neurons and their contribution to circuit function and behavior, mainly owing to a limitation of techniques that allow precise stimulation or inhibition of neural circuit elements in vivo. To circumvent this limitation, optogenetic strategies continue to be further refined and employed to selectively manipulate the activity of genetically distinct neuronal populations with light. In this chapter we review different basic research strategies for optogenetic experimentation and highlight their use to further delineate neural circuit function in complex neuropsychiatric models for reward dysfunction and anxiety-related disorders. In addition, we discuss translational implications of optogenetic approaches and compare these with issues often considered with traditional deep brain stimulation techniques. The reviewed data and perspective illustrate the impact and promise that optogenetic tools hold for the understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric illnesses.
PLACE DU MEDECIN GENERALISTE, EN FRANCE, DANS LE PARCOURS DE SOINS DES MALADIES CHRONIQUES

Les maladies chroniques sont la premiere cause de deces et la source principale des depenses de sante. Leur depistage precoce devrait permettre de limiter leur gravite evolutive et de reduire sensiblement leur cout. Le medecin generaliste est le mieux place pour assurer la prise en charge de ces affections tout au long du parcours de soins. Mais plusieurs obstacles limitent cette evidence : la diminution reguliere du nombre de praticiens de premier recours affectant de nombreux bassins de sante en France, mais aussi, pour ceux en activite, des difficultes tenant au manque de formation, de temps medical et a une remuneration inadaptee a la prise en charge de ces pathologies. De ce fait, la prevention des maladies chroniques est insuffisante, leur diagnostic souvent trop tardif, tandis que leur suivi se heurte au defaut d’observance du traitement par le patient et, plus rarement, a l’inertie therapeutique medicale. C'est pourquoi, il faut revoir fondamentalement la prise en charge des patients pour les rendre autonomes dans la gestion de leur affection tout en donnant au praticien les moyens de gerer et de coordonner efficacement les diverses etapes du parcours de soin. Cela exige de changer les mentalites de part et d'autre, mais aussi de donner au medecin les moyens financiers lui permettant de consacrer a ses patients plus de temps, au centre d'une nouvelle organisation interprofessionnelle. La prevention et l’education therapeutique du patient (ETP) sont les cles de cette revolution therapeutique. Il convient, en outre, de revoir la formation des etudiants en privilegiant les sciences humaines et les stages chez le praticien, en favorisant un acces accru au numerique et en assurant la reconnaissance, par des mesures concretes, de la place du medecin generaliste dans un nouveau parcours de soins ou il doit avoir un role central de coordinateur.
Managing Water Differently: Integrated Water Resources Management as a Framework for Adaptation to Climate Change in Mexico

Climate change will affect water availability and its management, with more frequent and extended droughts, more severe floods, and lower water quality. Water allocation policies, regulations, and infrastructure in Mexico are not designed for changing future climate conditions. This chapter reviews the implications of climate change for water resources systems in Mexico and evaluates how management strategies from California can serve as potential adaptation schemes toward an Integrated Water Resources Management framework in Mexico.
Annealed Ag contacts to MoS2 field-effect transistors

Silver contacts to few-layer (5 to 14 layers thick) MoS2 have been studied before and after annealing. Annealing was found to be critical for reducing the contact resistance but did not degrade the operation of field-effect transistors that are part of the test structure. The contact resistance for the as-deposited samples was in the range of 0.8–3.5 kΩ μm. On the other hand, the contact resistance was reduced to 0.2–0.7 kΩ μm, evaluated at a constant sheet resistance of 32 kΩ/□, after annealing at 250 or 300 °C. The reduced contact resistance is attributed to diffusion of Ag into the MoS2 and doping, as supported by further electrical characterization of the contacts and devices.
Improved identification of cranial nerves using paired-agent imaging: topical staining protocol optimization through experimentation and simulation

Skull base tumors are particularly difficult to visualize and access for surgeons because of the crowded environment and close proximity of vital structures, such as cranial nerves. As a result, accidental nerve damage is a significant concern and the likelihood of tumor recurrence is increased because of more conservative resections that attempt to avoid injuring these structures. In this study, a paired-agent imaging method with direct administration of fluorophores is applied to enhance cranial nerve identification. Here, a control imaging agent (ICG) accounts for non-specific uptake of the nerve-targeting agent (Oxazine 4), and ratiometric data analysis is employed to approximate binding potential (BP, a surrogate of targeted biomolecule concentration). For clinical relevance, animal experiments and simulations were conducted to identify parameters for an optimized stain and rinse protocol using the developed paired-agent method. Numerical methods were used to model the diffusive and kinetic behavior of the imaging agents in tissue, and simulation results revealed that there are various combinations of stain time and rinse number that provide improved contrast of cranial nerves, as suggested by optimal measures of BP and contrast-to-noise ratio.
MEMS-scanned ladar for small unmanned air vehicles

This paper presents research at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) on a laser radar (LADAR) imager for surveillance from small unmanned air vehicles (UAV). The LADAR design is built around a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror and a low-cost pulsed erbium fiber laser to yield a low-cost, compact, and low-power system. In the simplest sense the LADAR measures the time-of-flight of a short laser pulse to the target and return as a means to determine range to a target. The two-axis MEMS mirror directs the light pulse to a point in the scene and establishes the angular direction to a pixel. The receiver looks over the entire region scanned by the laser and produces a voltage proportional to the amount of laser light reflected from the scene. The output of the receiver is sampled by an analog-to-digital convertor. The net result is a data file containing a range and a horizontal and vertical angle that identifies the position of every image voxel in the scene and its amplitude. This data is displayed on a computer using standard and stereo techniques to render a three-dimensional image of the scene. At this time, the LADAR operating parameters are set to form images of 256 (h) × 128 (v) pixels over a 15° × 7.5° field of view and 50 m range swath at a 5-6 Hz frame-rate to 160 m range. In the prior year, we built an initial flight package that we have flown in an auto-gyro that yielded encouraging imagery of ground targets at an altitude of roughly 100 m. Here we discuss progress to improve the performance of the LADAR to image at an altitude of 160 m and increase its mechanical robustness for extensive data collection activities.
Net-centric act-R-based cognitive architecture with DEVS unified process

Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) research efforts employing cognitive and behavioral modeling are growing in scope and complexity as they work to integrate models into larger distributed systems as cognitive agents, synthetic teammates or human operator surrogates. Efforts to transition cognitive modeling from the laboratory to operational environments are stymied by the isolated nature of current cognitive modeling software tools that are not readily extensible, interoperable or scalable e.g. ACT-R. In this paper, we describe an attempt to build a component-based architecture using the Discrete Event Systems Unified Process (DUNIP) on a distributed net-centric platform that eliminates these impediments. We show how the ACT-R architecture is extensible and can serve as a component in larger net-centric systems of systems frameworks such as Department of Defense Architecture Framework. We will also address the issue of platform independent modeling and how Domain Specific Languages (DSLs) can be integrated within DUNIP. We then demonstrate how developing the architecture and related software infrastructure in DUNIP gives it net-centric capabilities that support large-scale integration.
Modern approaches to field data collection and mapping: Digital methods, crowdsourcing, and the future of statistical analyses

Abstract Modern use of mobile devices for field geology has facilitated new approaches to, and methodologies for, field data collection. Here, we highlight current, state-of-the-art methods, including digital-compass measurements and field data collection with mobile devices, which facilitate crowdsourcing by novice geologists. Crowd-sourced collection of field data is advocated as a means of assembling big datasets for the construction of detailed geologic maps. However, expert control of field data is necessary to address inconsistencies in crowd-sourced novice datasets. Digital compasses on mobile devices can facilitate collection of field data by less-experienced geologists. However, concerns exist regarding instrument-related data quality. We incorporate discussions of statistical methods that are relevant to evaluating the precision and accuracy of digital compasses as compared with analogue compasses. All compass platforms tested (Brunton Pocket Transits, iPhones, iPads, and Android-based phones) exhibited inconstancies in precision. However, the least reliable were Android-based devices. We argue that redundancy in measurements, coupled with assessing instrument drift through time, is necessary for all types of compasses. Statistical evaluation of compass measurements and other field data is arguably an important component of future mapping and data collection methods, as we adapt to the opportunities and challenges of assembling massive field datasets.
Bistable fully developed mixed convection flow with viscous dissipation in a vertical channel

It is shown that unstable dual solutions in fully developed mixed convection flow in a vertical channel disappear in the presence of relatively strong thermal radiation. In this case, we have a unique stable flow at each pressure gradient. When the effect of thermal radiation is weak another branch of stable solutions is created, resulting in bistable flows. In this case, the flow exhibits hysteresis with variation of the pressure gradient. Optically, a thin radiation model is used.
Surface analysis of early retrieved acetabular polyethylene liners: a comparison of conventional and highly crosslinked polyethylenes

In vivo wear behavior of 16 highly cross-linked and 19 conventional polyethylene acetabular explants, at an average in vivo duration of 6 months were studied. Highly cross-linked groups showed machining marks from the original manufacturing process in some areas and extensive scratching and some polishing of the articulating surfaces. The conventional group showed greater loss of machining marks, scratching, and polishing. Representative samples were melted to allow recovery of plastic deformation and to show true removal of material caused by wear. Melt-recovery experiments consistently showed the disappearance of surface scratches and the restoration of the original machining marks in the highly cross-linked explants. In the conventional group, few of the scratches were eliminated and only limited restoration of the machining marks was apparent. These observations support the hypothesis that the early in vivo scratching of highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners is primarily caused by plastic deformation.
Can Phase Change Materials Put the Radio into Software Defined Radio

A new class of high performance switches has been created based on the conducting-to-insulating phase transitions in the semiconductor materials germanium telluride and vanadium dioxide. The exceptional small signal RF performance of these switches points to a future where generic RF radios can be constructed and programmed for a specific application after manufacture. In order to realize this potential, further improvements in switch power handling, tighter integration with other RF components, and increases in switch reliability are needed. This paper reviews some of the history of the development of the switch, some of the decisions made during the development, and the perspective of where the development might go next.
Proton pump inhibitors: Review of reported risks and controversies

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most prescribed classes of drugs in this day and age. These may be beneficial to treat many gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux or Barrett's esophagus as well as laryngopharyngeal reflux. However, many reports have emerged in the literature exposing the potential association of PPIs with various risks and complications such as bone fracture, infection, myocardial infarction, renal disease, and dementia. This review highlights many of these potential adverse side effects by exploring relevant publications and addressing the controversies associated with those findings. The diligent otolaryngologist should be aware of the current state of the literature and the risks associated with prescribing PPIs to insure proper counseling of their patients. Level of evidence 5.
Physical and Technological Aspects of Microstrip EBG Filter Design

Some physical and technological aspects of the electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) common-mode (CM) filters are discussed. A simple EBG notch filter for CM in edge-coupled differential microstrip pair is designed using full-wave numerical electromagnetic software. Mixed-mode S-parameters of the EBG structure are analyzed as functions of its basic geometry, including size and number of EBG patches, gaps between them, geometry and position of signal traces across the EBG patches. In this work, one and two differential pairs crossing the EBG patches are considered. It is shown that the filter performance depends on various technological features, such as frequency-dispersive core and prepreg on a PCB; trapezoid shape of signal traces; conductor surface roughness on signal traces and return planes, inlcuding EBG patches; length imbalance on the differential pair; and rate of coupling of lines within each differential pair and between the pairs. A number of EBG filters with some geometrical variations, all operating at the frequency of 19.2 GHz, were designed and tested. The measured data validates the modeling results.
Time and the Modern Self: Descartes, Rousseau, Beckett

When the self tries to become “pure” by casting out all non-self, its nature and identity becomes obscure. Descartes found the right symbolism for this residual self which knows nothing except its own existence. The last sixteen years of Rousseau’s life were one great effort to attain this state of pure selfhood where “time stands still” and the fuga temporum becomes mythical duree. Samuel Beckett pierces Rousseau’s last illusions: what is left when a self reaches its “pure” state is not the “eternal moment” of bliss but hopeless suffering just this side of non-existence, and loss of all certainty except the certainty that this consciousness must go on moving without end. Time has become the “eternity” of unwanted existence, an invisible prison without walls and without exit.
Effect of pore size and wettability of multilayered coalescing filters on water-in-ULSD coalescence

Abstract Coalescing filters are generally used to increase the size of the small drops for their separation from gases and liquids. Many studies have been performed on coalescing filter media. The performances become much more complicated for multilayered media having different properties and systematic studies are needed. Wettability, pore size, face velocity and wetting properties are among the important factors controlling performance. In this work, microscopic studies were performed to visually observe coalescence of water droplets on hydrophilic Nylon and hydrophobic Polypropylene woven sheets in a water-in-diesel emulsion at different face velocities and spacings between the sheets. The combination of hydrophobic sheet followed by hydrophilic sheet had the best performance. Statistical analysis of variance showed that the variations of distance between sheets and the face velocity were not significant factors. To better understand the effects of multilayers in filter performance, pilot scale experiments of stacked layers of woven sheet media of different thicknesses and wetting properties were conducted. Thin media had poor performance, but the performance improved and reached a plateau as the thickness increased. Effects of fiber surface wettability and pore size variations in the layers were also evaluated. Similar to microscope results, the coalescence performance was better for dual layer media with different wetting properties of each layer compared to dual layer media having the same wetting properties of each layer. The pore size was a dominant parameter affecting the performance. When pore size was similar to the average drop size of the water in the upstream, the best performance was observed. For dual layer filters having one layer of small pores and the other of large pores, the observed performance was lower than that of dual layer filters having only large pores but higher than the filters having only small pores.
Supervised Network Alignment

Online social networks, such as Facebook (https://www.facebook.com), Twitter (https://twitter.com), Foursquare (https://foursquare.com), and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com), have become more and more popular in recent years. Each social network can be represented as a heterogeneous network containing abundant information about: who, where, when, and what, i.e., who the users are, where they have been to, what they have done, and when they did these activities. Different online social networks can provide unique social network services for the users. For instance, Facebook is a general public social sharing site, Twitter is a micro blogging social site mainly about short posts, Foursquare is a location based social network, and LinkedIn is a business oriented professional social network site.
Development and characterization of reference materials for trace element analysis of keratinized matrices

Biomonitoring for human exposure to lead, arsenic, mercury, and other toxic metal(loid)s often relies on analyzing traditional biospecimens such as blood and urine. While biomonitoring based on blood and urine is well-established, non-traditional biospecimens such as hair and nails can offer the potential to explore past exposures as well as the advantages of non-invasive collection and ease of storage. The present study describes the production of four reference materials (NYS RMs 18-01 through 18-04) based on caprine horn, a keratinized tissue similar to human hair and nails, intended to serve as a resource for calibration, quality control, and method validation purposes. The elemental content and homogeneity of these candidate reference materials were characterized for 17 elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Commutability between two or more of the NYS caprine horn RMs and human nails was established for 8 elements (Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn) based on analysis by ICP-MS/MS and ICP-optical emission spectrometry. The development and optimization of an ICP-MS/MS instrumental method for the determination of 17 elements in keratinized tissues is described. The method was validated against three certified reference materials based on human hair showing good accuracy and method repeatability better than 25% for all analytes. This study also describes sample preparation issues and addresses common challenges including surface contamination, microwave digestion, matrix effects, and spectral interferences in inorganic mass spectrometry.
Social vulnerability, disaster assistance, and recovery: A population-based study of Hurricane Harvey in Greater Houston, Texas

Abstract Research has shown that post-disaster assistance may be inequitably distributed and that socially vulnerable residents may experience constraints in recovering from disasters. We examined social inequities in receipt of assistance and near-term recovery for a population-based sample of 312 Greater Houston households surveyed following Hurricane Harvey. We used generalized linear models to examine relationships between social vulnerability indicators and the receipt of assistance from all sources, and separately from government or non-government organization (NGO) sources; and we assessed how social vulnerability indicators and the receipt of assistance influenced recovery. We found that householders identifying as US-born Hispanic (vs. non-Hispanic White) (OR = 4.50; 95% CI = 1.69,12.01), householders exhibiting more post-traumatic stress (PTS) (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00,1.04), and households with more property damage (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.67,2.98) had greater odds of receiving assistance from any source. Having dependent children (OR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.24,4.57), lower income (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.77,0.996), and more property damage (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.66,2.99) increased households' odds of receiving government assistance. More PTS (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01,1.05) and property damage (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.29,2.42) increased—while having disabled members decreased (OR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.15,0.93)—households’ odds of receiving NGO assistance. Receiving assistance did not predict greater household recovery (b = −0.05; 95% CI = −0.72,0.62), but higher income (b = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.09,0.36), absence of disability (b = −1.01; 95% CI: 1.98,-0.03), less PTS (b = −0.03; 95% CI = −0.06,-0.01), and less property damage (b = −1.13; 95% CI = −1.45,-0.82) did. Findings suggest that post-disaster assistance organizations should better address the needs of disabled survivors, and that risk reduction efforts should emphasize pre-event hazard mitigation and disaster preparedness to facilitate post-event recovery.
Autonomous Navigation of a Center-Articulated and Hydrostatic Transmission Rover using a Modified Pure Pursuit Algorithm in a Cotton Field.

This study proposes an algorithm that controls an autonomous, multi-purpose, center-articulated hydrostatic transmission rover to navigate along crop rows. This multi-purpose rover (MPR) is being developed to harvest undefoliated cotton to expand the harvest window to up to 50 days. The rover would harvest cotton in teams by performing several passes as the bolls become ready to harvest. We propose that a small robot could make cotton production more profitable for farmers and more accessible to owners of smaller plots of land who cannot afford large tractors and harvesting equipment. The rover was localized with a low-cost Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK-GNSS), encoders, and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)s for heading. Robot Operating System (ROS)-based software was developed to harness the sensor information, localize the rover, and execute path following controls. To test the localization and modified pure-pursuit path-following controls, first, GNSS waypoints were obtained by manually steering the rover over the rows followed by the rover autonomously driving over the rows. The results showed that the robot achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.04 m, 0.06 m, and 0.09 m for the first, second and third passes of the experiment, respectively. The robot achieved an MAE of 0.06 m. When turning at the end of the row, the MAE from the RTK-GNSS-generated path was 0.24 m. The turning errors were acceptable for the open field at the end of the row. Errors while driving down the row did damage the plants by moving close to the plants’ stems, and these errors likely would not impede operations designed for the MPR. Therefore, the designed rover and control algorithms are good and can be used for cotton harvesting operations.
Realizing Perovskite Solar Cells on Roll Roll-to-Roll Compatible Processes

The promising growth of Organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) efficiency and durability has led to development and research towards commercialization through high throughput automated manufacturing of these photovoltaic (PV) devices. Rapid thermal annealing of the deposited metal oxide layers and the photoactive layer, along with the use of additives, can potentially diminish device fabrication time and enhance device performance through improved thin film characteristics. Applying millisecond pulses of energetic light can form high-quality morphology for the transparent conductive oxide electron transport layer as well as the perovskite absorber film. It was observed that the addition of an alkyl halide, such as diiodo methane (CH2I2), to the perovskite photoactive layer could considerably improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the cells through stitching the grain boundaries that act as charge recombination centers. This manuscript spans the material characterization results of the CH2I2 assisted mixed cation perovskite films through Scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) techniques. It was observed that the synergy of millisecond pulsed annealing and CH2I2 additive could enhance the PSCs photovoltaic parameters, resulting in an in crease from 6.45 % for the pristine devices to 11.34 % efficiency for the mixed cation PSC with photonic pulsed annealing when processed in the ambient with humidity of about 60%. This manuscript highlights the significance of intense pulsed light on rapid annealing of electron transport thin films as well as the impact of released halide from the alky halide to boost the quality of absorber films, which can be a potential candidate for high throughput automated fabrication of PSC PSCs.
Can the Republican Party Be Saved? Should It?

The elevation of Donald Trump as head of the Republican Party and the coalescing of Republicans behind him marks a dramatic shift in the core ideologies of the Republican Party. This creates a dilemma for Republicans who continue to embrace the party's former right-of-center philosophy of free markets, limited government, liberalized migration, and skepticism of politicians and politics. They must decide whether to remain in a political party currently hostile to their political beliefs. This paper argues that it is unlikely the GOP will return to the center-right Republicanism of the past half-century, and that supporters of that type of Republicanism should seriously consider attempting to form a new party. Though the odds that such a party will succeed are uncertain, they are better than what is commonly believed.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Impact on Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Multiple reports have demonstrated the safety of adherent mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) infusions when administered either concomitantly with hematopoietic cell products or later in the post- transplant course to facilitate engraftment or to manage acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Many early phase studies as well as post hoc retrospective meta-analyses have demonstrated efficacy. With over two decades of studies performed, MSC infusions remain an unconfirmed therapeutic product for the management of acute GvHD, in part, due to failure of two large, phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials testing efficacy as initial therapy or for advanced steroid-refractory acute GvHD. MSCs, however, now are on the cusp of approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for steroid-refractory acute GvHD in the pediatric population. In the adult population, pursuit of an approved indication now has migrated into the regenerative medicine field.
Abstract TMIM-083: A TWO-STEP TARGETING STRATEGY UTILIZING GLYCOENGINEERED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS FOR OVARIAN CANCER

Current tumor targeted drug delivery systems suffer from a lack of selectivity for tumor cells. We propose a two-step tumor targeting strategy to improve the delivery of therapeutic agents to metastatic ovarian cancer. The two-step targeting approach relies on the introduction of non-natural targets (azide functional groups) in the tumor tissue, followed by the delivery of drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles that are surface modified (with dibenzyl cyclooctyne; DBCO) and have high affinity for these synthetic targets. The objective of the present study was to determine the in vivo efficacy of two-step targeting in a clinically-realistic, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of ovarian cancer. The DBCO functionalized, paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded nanoparticles (16.2% w/w PTX; diameter 320 ± 10 nm; and zeta potential -11.5 ± 1.3 mV) were formulated using the FDA approved, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), by emulsion-solvent evaporation method. Glycoengineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-Az) were generated by culturing MSCs in N-azidoacetylmannosamine-tetraacylated supplemented media without affecting their viability or tumor homing properties. Anticancer efficacy of MSC-Az mediated two-step targeting strategy was evaluated in female athymic nude mice bearing PDX tumors. Mice with generation 2 tumors were randomly divided into four groups receiving intravenous injection of saline, PTX solution, DBCO-PTX nanoparticles, and intravenous injection of MSC-Az followed by intravenous injection of DBCO-PTX nanoparticles (MSC-Az + DBCO-PTX). We observed significantly reduced tumor growth (p Citation Format: Buddhadev Layek, Mihir Shetty, Tim Starr, Swayam Prabha. A TWO-STEP TARGETING STRATEGY UTILIZING GLYCOENGINEERED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS FOR OVARIAN CANCER [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 12th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 13-15, 2018; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2019;25(22 Suppl):Abstract nr TMIM-083.
New Processes and Materials for Future Logic Devices

For more than five decades the industry has enabled simultaneous improvements in power performance and area scaling primarily by a relentless shrink in two dimensions. While the availability of EUV has made it even easier to pattern smaller features, materials start to become critical bottlenecks at these dimensions. Furthermore, manufacturing processes and approaches that that have been used for decades, may no longer meet device requirements to fabricate the smaller features. New materials as well as new process solutions must be adopted. Some of the challenges to materials and processes, and potential approaches to addressing these will be discussed in this paper.
Caching in the TSP Search Space

Heuristic search techniques can often benefit from record keeping and saving of intermediate results, thereby improving performance through exploitation of time / space tradeoffs. Iterative hill climbing (ITHC) is one of these heuristics. This paper demonstrates that record keeping in the ITHC domain can significantly speed up the ITHC. The record keeping method is similar to the mechanism of a cache. The new approach is implemented and tested in the traveling salesperson search space. The research compares a traditional random restart (RR) procedure to a new greedy enumeration (GE) method. GE produces Hamiltonian-cycles that are about 10% shorter than the RR. Moreover, the cached RR achieves a speedup of 3x with a relatively small number of cities and only 20% with a medium number of cities (~17). The cached GE shows a highly significant speedup of 4x over traditional methods even with a relatively large number of cities (>80).
Structure and functior of Escherichia coli ribosomes: I. Partial fractionation of the functionally active ribosomal proteins and reconstitution of artificial subribosomal particles

Abstract 50 and 30 s ribosomal particles were dissociated into smaller subribosomal particles (40 and 23 s “cores”) and “split proteins” by centrifugation in cesium chloride. The resultant core particles are inactive in protein synthesis. Mixing the split proteins with these core particles results in reconstitution of ribosomes which are active in in vitro polypeptide synthesis. In the present study, the split proteins from 30 s particles were separated into acidic (SP30A) and basic (SP30B) fractions. Two artificial subribosomal particles were prepared from the inactive 23 s cores and one of the two protein fractions, respectively. Similarly, the split proteins from 50 s particles were separated into two fractions (SP50A and SP60B), and two artificial subribosomal particles were prepared from the inactive 40 s cores and each of two protein fractions, respectively. These subribosomal particles, as well as control reconstituted particles with all the original proteins present, were then analyzed for their several known ribosomal functions. It has been shown that the particles which lack SP50A proteins are completely inactive in poly U-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis, whereas the particles which lack SP50B proteins are partially active in polyphenylalanine synthesis. The particles which lack SP30B proteins are completely inactive in both poly U-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis and poly U-directed phenylalanyl-tRNA binding, whereas the particles which lack SP30A proteins are partially active in these two functions. The four protein fractions (SP50A, SP50B, SP30A and SP30B) show protein band patterns different from each other in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and their functional specificity has been demonstrated by their specific stimulatory activity in amino acid incorporation systems with appropriate partially or completely inactive subribosomal particles; the defective subribosomal particles can be stimulated only by the protein components which are deficient in this subribosomal particle.
Chapter 2 The N‐Acetylglucosamine‐PI Transfer Reaction, the GlcNAc‐PI Transferase Complex, and Its Regulation

I. Abstract Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring of cell surface proteins is the most metabolically expensive posttranslational lipid modification known, involving proteins that act through at least 11 sequential steps in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This chapter will focus on the first step in the biosynthesis of GPI anchors, the glycosylation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) to generate N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)‐PI. As the first committed step of the pathway, one might expect it to be subject to stringent regulation. Therefore, an important aspect of this chapter will be the growing evidence for various mechanisms that are employed to regulate GPI‐anchor production at the earliest stage.
Rapid kinetics and inward rectification of miniature EPSCs in layer I neurons of rat neocortex

Zhou, Fu-Ming and John J. Hablitz. Rapid kinetics and inward rectification of miniature EPSCs in layer I neurons of rat neocortex. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 2416–2426, 1997. With the use of the whole ce...