cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Financial Assessment of Health and Safety Programs in the Workplace

ABSTRACTIn evaluating health and safety improvements for performance improvement, it is necessary to account for both the contributions of a healthy workforce and the resources required supporting it.The Economic Assessment of the Work Environment (EAWE) is a financial framework that helps management forecast the financial benefits of health and safety implementations. The five-step process comprises (1) a health assessment to identify critical elements in the work environment, (2) an action plan to address gaps, (3) performance targets based on internal goals and external benchmarks, (4) transformation of the expected improvements in health and safety into expected performance outcomes, and (5) implementation in stages, starting from individual jobs to entire organisation.EAWE offers a dynamic framework for corporate decision-makers when evaluating health and safety programmes. Further research should explore the bounds of EAWE across different types of organisations and the evolution of performance over...
Effect of Experience on the Responses of the Parasitoid Brachymeria intermedia (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) to Its Host, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), and to Kairomone

In a choice olfactometer, female Brachymeria intermedia (Nees) walk upwind to odor from host pupae, Lymantria dispar L., and pupal extracts. However, females with oviposition experience on a host pupa were more likely than naive females to walk upwind in kairomone-laden air and did so more rapidly. After arrival at a kairomone-impregnated patch, experienced females were more likely to probe with their ovipositors than naive females. In female B. intermedia , previous experience with a host appears to be an important feature in orientation to and recognition of its host by kairomone.
Fumigation of Shell Eggs with Ethylene Oxide

Abstract DESTRUCTION of microorganisms in eggs that have become infected, for example, as a result of soilage or of washing, is a problem of considerable economic importance. Attempts to sterilize eggs with disinfectants have yielded disappointing results whether used while washing or subsequently (Funk, 1948). For our experiments on disinfection “standard infected eggs” were prepared by a modification of a method described by Haines and Moran (1940). Fresh clean eggs were warmed overnight in an incubator held at 36°C. and then immersed for 5 minutes in a cold (16°C.) distilled-water suspension of a fluorescent Pseudomonas sp. containing approximately 106 cells per ml. Details of this method and of the behavior of standard infected eggs will be discussed in a forthcoming paper; for the present it will suffice to state that approximately 80% of such eggs spoil with development of a typically green-fluorescent albumen within 30 days at 15°C. Various disinfectant solutions . . .
Order Statistics and The Length of The Best-N-of-(2N −1) Competition

ABSTRACTThe best-4-of-7 series is a popular playoff format to decide the champion in most North American professional sports. World Series (best-4-of-7) type competitions give rise to interesting probabilistic and statistical questions. We determine the expected length of this type of series by relating it to a problem involving order statistics. We also calculate the variance of the length and provide a simple formula for series of fair games. The method can be extended to derive higher order moments. This novel approach leads to new results that can be formulated in closed forms in terms of the distribution function of various binomial distributions. The emphasis is on establishing the connection to order statistics and obtaining closed forms. The relation to the negative binomial distribution as well as to the sooner waiting time problem in sequential testing is also discussed. We also consider the case when ties are allowed in the single games.
Understanding Formative Assessment in the Classroom

This paper focuses on understanding formative assessment in the classroom,one effective strategy for improving student learning.I begin by explaining a basic problem facing our educational system,and suggest a potential solution.I follow with a brief overview of the background and research on formative assessment,and then present our current working model of the formative assessment process.In the next section,I discuss emerging findings from our research work with teachers and formative assessment.The paper concludes by proposing next steps in understanding formative assessment.
Mechanical Accumulator of Pumping Units and Its Influence on Electromotor Consumption

The load fluctuation of beam pumping units is so drastic that electromotor have highly equipped power and low work efficiency.Based on this situation,a kind of mechanical accumulator is developed,installed in the output electromotor.Its big moment of inertia store and release balances the fluctuation of electromotor load and power,for the purpose of reducing the equipped power and being energy efficiency.The field experiments indicate the effect of energy saving of this appliance is obvious and saving rate is up to 11.7%.
ACE I/D gene polymorphism and antihypertensive effect of ACEI in Chinese:a meta-analysis

【Objective】 To explore the correlation between the therapeutic effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEI) and the genotype of ACE I/D in essential hypertensive(EHP) patients.【Methods】 Using meta analysis methods,11 random and controlled studies which focused on the effect of ACEI and genotype of ACE gene in Chinese hypertensive patients were carried out.Random effect model and fixed effect model(D～L method) were selected to calculate the weighted mean difference(WMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval(95%CI) of DD/DI/II genotypes and related differential SBP(dSBP) and DBP(dDBP).【Results】 The WMD and 95%CI of DD/DI,DD/II and DI/II of dSBP were-3.91[-7.28,-0.55],-6.78[-10.85,-2.70],-1.21[-2.05,-0.36];P value were 0.02,0.001 and 0.005,respectively.The WMD and 95% CI of DD/DI,DD/II and DI/II of dDBP were-1.03[-2.32,0.27],-3.03[-5.17,-0.89] and-1.44[-2.76,-0.12];P value were 0.12,0.005 and 0.03,respectively.【Conclusion】 Chinese EHP patients with DI genotype and D allele of ACE may be more sensitive to ACEI antihypertensive drugs than others.
Patient Preference for Management of an Asymptomatic 15 mm Renal Calculus—Avoid Risk or Maximize Success?

Abstract Introduction We evaluate patient preferences and the underlying factors determining decision making in the management of the asymptomatic 15 mm renal stone. Methods A survey was randomly distributed to 106 patients at our multidisciplinary stone clinic. Patients were given a hypothetical scenario of a 15 mm renal stone, and were asked to choose among the 3 treatment options of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The success rate, risk and morbidity associated with each treatment were provided to patients. Statistical analysis involved the Fisher exact and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Analysis was performed using standard computer software with p Results A total of 103 patients completed our survey, and 58 (56%) chose ureteroscopy, 26 (25%) chose percutaneous nephrolithotomy and 19 (19%) preferred shock wave lithotripsy as the treatment option. Patients who selected shock wave lithotripsy were increasingly concerned with risk rather than success rate (74% vs 16%, respectively). In contrast, patients who selected percutaneous nephrolithotomy were more concerned with the success rate rather than risk (81% vs 7.5%, respectively). Rates of success and risk were given approximately equal importance by patients selecting ureteroscopy (40% vs 48%, respectively). Conclusions Patients who choose percutaneous nephrolithotomy are primarily motivated by a desire to maximize success while the choice of shock wave lithotripsy is primarily motivated by a desire to minimize risks. The majority of patients selected ureteroscopy as a procedure with a balance of moderate risk and moderate success. Understanding the factors driving patient decision making would allow urologists to more effectively manage expectations and provide counseling.
Nitrogen dynamics in the CELSS Breadboard facility at Kennedy Space Center.

For the past 9 years, the Breadboard Project at Kennedy Space Center has studied the feasibility of using crop plants in bioregenerative life support systems for long-duration space missions. Nitrogen (N) has been emphasized in nutrient balance studies because it is a major plant nutrient, undergoes biogenic and abiogenic transformations, and is often limiting to plant growth under field conditions. Nitrogen budgets have been calculated from experimental results to quantify utilization and losses associated with specific crop production systems. The Breadboard Project has recently completed a 418-day potato crop study using recycled nutrient solution to evaluate the impact of continuous production on life support functions. A continuous production system is desirable in maintaining N balance within a solution because crop uptake rates vary dramatically depending upon the stage of crop development. Strategies for recycling N using biological techniques (e.g., biomass degradation with microbial bioreactors) have required that the production system be modified to distribute inputs more evenly over time. Recovery of N is dependent on the form of N entering the bioreactor and the desired output. Aerobic and anaerobic bioreactors for the recovery of N from waste streams and its transformation into a form usable by higher plants are being designed and tested.
Decision Making in Nonprofit Human Service Agencies

Nonprofit organizations confront the need for decision making at all levels of agency operations. These decisions often involve issues of choosing, predicting and/or allocating between alternative goals, strategies, programs and staff. Decision making is the heart of organizational life, with decision processes essential for quality service delivery, staff morale and organizational growth. Optimum agency performance requires a coherent, analytical approach to decisions that can involve others in the process, can be readily understood, and that provides for inclusion of various ideas, concerns, attitudes and information (Szilagyi and Wallace, 1980). Within nonprofit agencies, the decision making becomes problematic: (1) when there are many alternatives and criteria that need to be considered in making a decision; (2) when some criteria, like persons, attitudes, finances, have greater influence on decisions than other criteria; that is, “Executive Director’s opinion vs. availability of clients”; (3) when criteria and/or alternatives involve qualitative and quantitative dimensions resulting in a need to balance factors like number of clients to be served, dollar costs, personal intuition, constituency and attitudes; (4) when poor information exists or is missing on factors that must be considered; that is, “What is the Board’s view or what is the Leadership’s opinion”; and (5) when constraints and conflicting constraints exist on the given criteria or alternatives; that is, “The chosen alternative must generate a minimum number of dollars” or “15–40 per cent of the clientele should be new clients”, or “The chosen alternative must not be strongly opposed by constituents and staff”.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence That TSC-22 Is a Putative Tumor Suppressor Gene in Primary Murine and Human Leukemia.

Transforming growth factor-β-stimulated clone-22 ( TSC-22 ) is a gene that has been shown to be silenced in brain and prostate cancer, but its function and the mechanism responsible for this silencing are unknown. We used our model of spontaneous T-natural killer (NK) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and discovered that the TSC-22 promoter was methylated resulting in absent expression in seven of eight cases of primary NK-T ALL, but not in cells from normal mice or mice with polyclonal expansion of T and NK cells. We found that TSC-22 was undetectable or minimally expressed in mouse lymphoma cell lines YAC-1 and EL-4 and human leukemia cell lines Jurkat and RPMI 8866, but treatment with the demethylation agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine restored or increased TSC-22 expression. We mapped the TSC-22 promoter and discovered a C P G island in the proximal region and determined that its methylation was responsible for the decreased gene expression. Over-expression of TSC-22 slowed in vitro cell growth and resulted in a dramatic decrease of tumor size in vivo . Finally, TSC-22 expression was found to be absent or substantially reduced in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia compared to normal human tissue. Collectively, our data indicate that TSC-22 is silenced via DNA methylation within its proximal promoter, and this silencing appears to contribute to its function as a putative tumor suppressor gene in leukemia. Silencing of TSC-22 can be reversed by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome.
Zero Dark Thirty: A Filmmaker’s Notion

According to the PBS programme Frontline in 2015 (and what appeared in 2012/13 to be the majority of film, journalistic and political critics), the film Zero Dark Thirty was uniquely responsible for putting forward the CIA’s version of the story that so-called enhanced interrogation techniques led to the assassination of Osama bin Laden and in so doing made sure that ‘the effectiveness of the EIT program was firmly fixed in the minds of millions of Americans’ (Kirk et al., Frontline: Secrets, Politics and Torture, Boston: Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) May 19, 2015 http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/government-elections-politics/secrets-politics-and-torture/transcript-83/ (accessed September 27, 2015)).
Spontaneous Perforation of the UPJ: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Spontaneous rupture of the ureter is an uncommon condition defined by non-traumatic extravasation of urine. Causative factors leading to rupture include urinary calculi, malignancies, instrumentation or trauma. Ureteral rupture can lead to numerous complications, including abscess formation, urinomas, and urosepsis. Minimal literature is available regarding spontaneous ureteral perforation, especially at the ureteropelvic junction. We present a rare case of spontaneous perforation of the ureter at the ureteropelvic junction caused by an undiagnosed non-compliant bladder. This case illustrates a previously undescribed cause of spontaneous ureteral perforation and the importance of prompt identification and treatment.
Cheap signals, costly consequences: How international relations affect civil conflict

Given the appalling consequences of civil wars, why are the competing actors within a state unable to come to a settlement to avoid the costs of conflict? How might external parties affect the likelihood that a civil war begins? How do their actions affect the duration and outcome of civil conflicts that are already underway? This project draws on three main approaches—bargaining theory, signaling theory, and rational expectations—to examine how external actors might affect the onset, duration and outcome of civil wars. Signals from external actors are important because they represent a potential increase (or decrease) in fighting capabilities for the government or the opposition if a war were to begin. Costly signals should not affect the probability of civil war onset because they are readily observable ex ante, which allows the government and opposition to peacefully adjust their bargaining positions based on changes in relative capabilities. In contrast, cheap hostile signals make civil war more likely by increasing the risk that an opposition group overestimates its ability to stage a successful rebellion with external support. Cheap supportive signals work in the opposite manner because they represent increased fighting capabilities for the government. Furthermore, signals sent in the pre-war period have important implications for the duration and outcome of civil conflicts because competing intrastate actors develop expectations for future interventions prior to deciding to fight. Expected interventions should have little consequence for the duration and outcome of the conflict because they are endogenous to the pre-war bargaining positions. In contrast, unexpected
Inverse design of eigenchannels in scattering media

We develop a comprehensive theoretical model for the maximum transmission eigenchannel and obtain a closed-form analytical expression relating its spatial profile to the shape of a disordered waveguide.
Nonmedical use of over-the-counter medications is significantly associated with nonmedical use of prescription drugs among university students.

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine the association between nonmedical use of over-the-counter medications (NMUOTC) and nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD). Participants: University students surveyed on NMUOTC and NMUPD between August and December 2011 (N = 939). Methods: Cross-sectional data analysis of online survey. Results: The majority of respondents were women, undergraduate, Caucasian, and not affiliated with Greek life. NMUPD and NMUOTC were reported by 21.4% and 11.2% of students, respectively. NMUOTC was significantly associated with NMUPD in unadjusted analyses and after adjustment for gender, age, race/ethnicity, and Greek membership (odds ratio: 3.37, 95% confidence interval: 2.17, 5.23). Secondary analyses showed a relationship between over-the-counter (OTC) cough medication misuse and NMUPD, OTC stimulant misuse and prescription stimulant misuse, and OTC sleep aid misuse with prescription depressant misuse. Conclusions: Results suggest the importance of both measuring the prevalence of O...
Double hit! A unique case of resistant hypertension

A middle-aged woman with obesity, hyperlipidaemia and diet-controlled diabetes was referred for resistant hypertension. Her blood pressure (BP) was uncontrolled on five medications, including a diuretic. Physical exam revealed a systolic ejection murmur, and ECHO demonstrated moderate hypertrophy. Laboratory examination revealed elevated aldosterone level (20.7 ng/dL) and elevated aldosterone:renin ratio (41.4 (ng/dL)/(ng/mL/h)), meeting criteria for primary aldosteronism (PA), and confirmed by saline infusion testing. CT scan of the adrenals was non-localising. Adrenal venous sampling confirmed bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia. Concurrent primary hyperparathyroidism was demonstrated by elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone levels and localised by sestamibi scan. Idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia was treated medically with spironolactone. Her BP remained elevated until postparathyroidectomy. Evidence shows that a hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland may contribute to maintaining hyperaldosteronism in PA making this bidirectional link unique. The significance of this case is in the potential for further understanding of the pathophysiology of common causes of secondary hypertension.
Introduction to Binary Coordinate Ascent: New Insights into Efficient Feature Subset Selection for Machine Learning

Feature selection has been an active area of research in machine learning area, and a number of techniques have been developed for selecting an optimal or sub-optimal subset of features, because it is a major factor to determine the performance of a machine-learning technique. In this study, we propose and develop a novel optimization technique, namely, a binary coordinate ascent (BCA) algorithm inspired by the coordinate descent algorithm. The BCA algorithm is an iterative deterministic local optimization approach that can be coupled with wrapper, filter, or hybrid feature selection (FS) techniques. The algorithm searches throughout the space of binary coded input variables by iteratively optimizing the objective function in each dimension at a time. We investigated our BCA approach in a wrapper-based FS framework for the task of classification. In this framework, area under the receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) is used as the criterion to find the best subset of features. We evaluated our BCA-based FS in optimization of features for support vector machine, multilayer perceptron, and Naive Bayes classifiers with five publicly available datasets. Our experimental datasets are distinct in terms of the number of attributes (ranging from 18 to 60), and the number of classes (binary or multi-class classification). The efficiency in terms of the number of subset evaluations was improved substantially (by factors of 5–40) compared with two popular FS meta-heuristics, i.e., sequential forward selection (SFS) and sequential floating forward selection (SFFS), while the classification performance for unseen data was maintained.
Adaptive Human-Computer Dialogue

It is difficult for a developer to account for all the surface linguistic forms that users might need in a spoken dialogue computer application. In any specific case users might need additional concepts not pre-programmed by the developer. This chapter presents a method for adapting the vocabulary of a spoken dialogue interface at run-time by end-users. The adaptation is based on expanding existing pre-programmed concept classes by adding new concepts in these classes. This adaptation is classified as a supervised learning method in which users are responsible for indicating the concept class and the semantic representation for the new concepts. This is achieved by providing users with a number of rules and ways in which the new language knowledge can be supplied to the computer. Acquisition of new linguistic knowledge at the surface and semantic levels is done using multiple modalities, including speaking, typing, pointing, touching or image capturing. Language knowledge is updated and stored in a semantic grammar and a semantic database.
Alternating Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (AROMP) of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Monomers Provides Oligomers with Side-Chain Sequence Control

We report the formation of oligomers with side-chain sequence control using ruthenium-catalyzed alternating ring-opening metathesis polymerization (AROMP). These oligomers are prepared through sequential, stoichiometric addition of bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-1(8)-ene-8-carboxamide (monomer A) at 85 °C and cyclohexene (monomer B) at 45 °C to generate sequences up to 24 monomeric units composed of (A-alt-B)n and (A′-alt-B)n microblocks, where n ranges from 1 to 6. Herein, monomer A has an alkyl side chain, and monomer A′ has a glycine methyl ester side chain. Increasing microblock size from one to six results in an increasing water contact angle on spin-coated thin films, despite the constant ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. However, a disproportionately high contact angle was observed when n equals 2. Thus, the unique all-carbon backbone formed in the AROMP of bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-1(8)-ene-8-carboxamides and cyclohexene provides a platform for the nontemplated preparation of materials with specific seque...
The Impact of Electronic Data Interchange on Inventory Replenishment Policy for a Single Item, Single Supplier, Multiple Buyers System

We develop an analytical model for a coordinated, orderless inventory system for the single product, single vendor, multiple purchasers case. On the basis of the potential benefits of electronic data interchange (for exchange of information between trading partners), a common cycle replenishment policy is proposed here. Our model and concepts are demonstrated by a simple numerical example. We conclude that EDI based inventory control systems are consistent with and can be instrumental in moving towards just-in-time (JIT) inventory control.
The Potential Benefits of Informed Consent

Our inquiry repeatedly tugs us back and forth. The law, rhetorically at least, advanced its doctrine of informed consent in terms of the fundamental principle of self-determination. Unfortunately, the law’s specific focus has come to be on torts and it thus provides little clear, specific guidance regarding how informed consent should actually pursue such self-determination. Concurrently, the law tends to induce behaviors in clinicians that are counter-productive. The new ethos of patient autonomy, for its part, enjoys broad societal consensus regarding many of its basic prescriptions. Further, like the law, the new ethos seems to presume that certain needs as well as patient abilities are usually present in the same form and degree. But such univocal presumptions regarding patient abilities and needs clearly run afoul of clinical experience and its supporting empirical literature. The icing on the cake is then supplied by reflecting on the diminishment of and barriers to autonomy that are ingredient in the clinical milieu, especially when we think of the “essay mode” of understanding, which is surely what we should hope for.
Image analysis of the tapetal-like reflex in carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.

Purpose. To increase understanding o f the tapetal-like reflex (TLR) a uniqu,e retinal featurein carrier osf X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP).Methods. Color fundus photograph of XLRPs carrier s were digitize at higdh resolution A .mathematical mode olf th imagine g syste wams used to restor the e digital retinal images.TLR was separated fro thme retina l background wit an automateh d segmentation method.Mathematical morpholog ways use d to estimate directional properties. Images from serialphotos were registere and d compared to study temporal progression.Results. Quantitative analysi of well-focuses d funduscopic images show point-like unit reflexesforming the TLR. The average unit reflex is circularly symmetric wit a diameteh r of approxi-mately 8.5 /im and has maximu a m reflectanc 40% highee r than tha otf the neighborin gnonreflex retina Tw.o o morr e unit reflexes form small elongat cae patchen clusters thattogether into larger patches. Bot anhd large smaller patcher s a hav strone g preferentialdirection towar thde fovea. Compariso onf images taken 23 years apar itn one patient and 3years apar it n another patient sho no detectablw e change ins the siz e and location o f thereflexes.Conclusions. The pattern of reflexes at high and low resolution suggests that the TLR representsan X-inactivation mosaic o.n Base the sizde of the unit reflexes th,e authors speculate thatthe cone photoreceptors participat in the TLRe . The stability of the reflex over more thantwo decades question the longstandins g assumptio thn thae TLtR is a stage o f the retina ldegeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994;35:3812-3824.XVetinitis pigmentos ias a group of inherited retinaldegenerative diseases that affect photoreceptor and sretinal pigment epithelium.
Investigating Neural Sensorimotor Mechanisms Underlying Flight Expertise in Pilots: Preliminary Data From an EEG Study

Over the last decade, the efforts toward unraveling the complex interplay between the brain, body, and environment have set a promising line of research that utilizes neuroscience to study human performance in natural work contexts such as aviation. Thus, a relatively new discipline called neuroergonomics is holding the promise of studying the neural mechanisms underlying human performance in pursuit of both theoretical and practical insights. In this work, we utilized a neuroergonomic approach by combining insights from ecological psychology and embodied cognition to study flight expertise. Specifically, we focused on the Mirror Neuron system as a key correlate for understanding the interaction between an individual and the environment, suggesting that it can be used to index changes in the coupling of perception-action associated with skill development. In this study, we measured the EEG mu suppression as a proxy of the Mirror Neuron system in experts (pilots) and novices while performing a distance estimation task in a landing scenario. To survey the specificity of this measure, we considered central, parietal and occipital electrode pools and analyzed alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (18-25 Hz) rhythm bands. We hypothesized that in experts vs. novices, specific neural sensorimotor brain activity would underpin the connection between perception and action in an in-flight context. Preliminary results indicate that alpha and beta rhythm suppression was area-specific irrespective of groups, present in the central electrodes placed over the motor areas. Group analysis revealed that specifically alpha mu rhythm, but not beta, was significantly more suppressed in pilots vs. novices. Complementing these findings we found a trend in which the strength of mu suppression increased with the sense of presence experienced by the pilots. Such sensorimotor activation is in line with the idea that for a pilot, a distance judgment is intimately associated with the function of landing. This reflects the ability to use optical invariants to see the world in terms of the capabilities of the aircraft (e.g., reachability and glide angle). These preliminary findings support the role of embodied simulation mechanisms in visual perception and add important insights into a practical understanding of flight expertise, suggesting sensorimotor mechanisms as potential neuro-markers.
Wave number-spiral acoustic tweezers for dynamic and reconfigurable manipulation of particles and cells.

Acoustic tweezers have recently raised great interest across many fields including biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine, as they can perform contactless, label-free, biocompatible, and precise manipulation of particles and cells. Here, we present wave number–spiral acoustic tweezers, which are capable of dynamically reshaping surface acoustic wave (SAW) wavefields to various pressure distributions to facilitate dynamic and programmable particle/cell manipulation. SAWs propagating in multiple directions can be simultaneously and independently controlled by simply modulating the multitone excitation signals. This allows for dynamic reshaping of SAW wavefields to desired distributions, thus achieving programmable particle/cell manipulation. We experimentally demonstrated the multiple functions of wave number–spiral acoustic tweezers, among which are multiconfiguration patterning; parallel merging; pattern translation, transformation, and rotation; and dynamic translation of single microparticles along complex paths. This wave number–spiral design has the potential to revolutionize future acoustic tweezers development and advance many applications, including microscale assembly, bioprinting, and cell-cell interaction research.
A Volunteer-Populated Online Database Provides Evidence for a Geographic Pattern in Symptoms of Black Spot Infections

Infections of parasitic digenean trematode metacercariae may lead to a visually observable syndrome in fish commonly called black spot disease. While black spot has been noted from various locations throughout North America, patterns in prevalence across the continent remain unknown. Funding to investigate continental-wide prevalence of low-mortality parasitic infections represents a barrier to such studies. I utilize iNaturalist.org's photograph database to examine fish for signs of black spot infections across North America. Fish targeted include blacknose dace, creek chub, chubs (Nocomis spp.), and stonerollers (Campostoma spp.). Photos were visually examined for symptomatic black spots indicative of infection by trematode species linked to black spot disease. Regardless of fish species group, symptoms of black spot pathogens were highly prevalent (27.1% of 314 fish) in watersheds of southern Ontario Canada, whereas mean prevalence was comparatively low elsewhere (7.8%). In one instance, a user uploaded a higher number of photos, with a higher percentage exhibiting signs of infection than other users in the watershed. However, it is difficult to tease apart if that user fished in waterbodies with high infection rates, uploaded more photos of symptomatic fishes, or some other explanation for the differences in user-reported fish with symptoms. Beyond this exception, geographic patterns in the frequency of black spot symptoms do not appear to be related to solely the users, suggesting the observed pattern is biological or ecological. While causative explanations remain conjectures, the data reported herein provides evidence that across four groups of fish, signs of black spot infections are more common in southern Ontario than other areas studied in North America. This work also represents an initial and unexpected utility of volunteer-population databases such as iNaturalist. Further data contributions could lead to better understanding of the causative agents to variation in black spot pathogens' occurrences.
A Strategic Analysis of Attacker-Defender Repeated Game in Smart Grid Security

Traditional power grid security schemes are being replaced by highly advanced and efficient smart security schemes due to the advancement in grid structure and inclusion of cyber control and monitoring tools. Smart attackers create physical, cyber, or cyber-physical attacks to gain the access of the power system and manipulate/override system status, measurements and commands. In this paper, we formulate the environment for the attacker-defender interaction in the smart power grid. We provide a strategic analysis of the attacker-defender strategic interaction using a game theoretic approach. We apply repeated game to formulate the problem, implement it in the power system, and investigate for optimal strategic behavior in terms of mixed strategies of the players. In order to define the utility or cost function for the game payoffs calculation, generation power is used. Attack-defense budget is also incorporated with the attacker-defender repeated game to reflect a more realistic scenario. The proposed game model is validated using IEEE 39 bus benchmark system. A comparison between the proposed game model and the all monitoring model is provided to validate the observations.
Abscisic acid synergizes with sucrose to enhance grain yield and quality of rice by improving the source-sink relationship

Abscisic acid (ABA) and sucrose act as molecular signals in response to abiotic stress. However, how their synergy regulates the source-sink relationship has rarely been studied. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism underlying the synergy between ABA and sucrose on assimilates allocation to improve grain yield and quality of rice. The early indica rice cultivar Zhefu802 was selected and planted in an artificial climate chamber at 32/24 °C (day/night) under natural sunlight conditions. Sucrose and ABA were exogenously sprayed (either alone or in combination) onto rice plants at flowering and 10 days after flowering. ABA plus sucrose significantly improved both the grain yield and quality of rice, which was mainly a result of the higher proportion of dry matter accumulation and non-structural carbohydrates in panicles. These results were mainly ascribed to the large improvement in sucrose transport in the sheath-stems in response to the ABA plus sucrose treatment. In this process, ABA plus sucrose significantly enhanced the contents of starch, gibberellic acids, and zeatin ribosides as well as the activities and gene expression of enzymes involved in starch synthesis in grains. Additionally, remarkable increases in trehalose content and expression levels of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase1, trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase7, and sucrose non-fermenting related protein kinase 1A were also found in grains treated with ABA plus sucrose. The synergy between ABA and sucrose increased grain yield and quality by improving the source-sink relationship through sucrose and trehalose metabolism in grains.
Dengue virus disease; the origins

Abstract The dengue virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family, transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The first suspected outbreaks of dengue-like disease were reported in 1635 in Martinique and Guadeloupe and 1699 in Panama; however, reports of illnesses compatible with dengue fever occurred even earlier. The documentation of transmission of dengue by A. aegypti mosquitoes was done at the beginning of 19th century. Presently, this virus is responsible for causing more morbidity and mortality than any other arbovirus illness in humans. This increase in incidence is attributed to the following four major factors—(1) extraordinary growth of the global population; (2) deficiency of an effective mosquito control program in dengue-endemic areas; (3) increased travel by airplanes; and (4) deterioration of public health infrastructures in the underdeveloped countries over the last 30 years.
Homeobox D3, A Novel Link Between Bone Morphogenetic Protein 9 and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Signaling

Abstract Aims Several signaling pathways contribute to endothelial-mesenchymal transitions and vascular calcification, including bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and transforming growth factor (TGF) β signaling. The transcription factor homeobox D3 (Hoxd3) is known to regulate an invasive endothelial phenotype, and the aim of the study is to determine if HOXD3 modulates BMP and TGFβ signaling in the endothelium. Methods and Research We report that the endothelium with high BMP activity due to the loss of BMP inhibitor matrix Gla protein (MGP) shows induction of Hoxd3. HOXD3 is part of a BMP-triggered cascade. When activated by BMP9, activin receptor–like kinase (ALK) 1 induces HOXD3 expression. Hoxd3 promoter is a direct target of phosphorylated (p) SMAD1, a mediator of BMP signaling. High BMP activity further results in enhanced TGFβ signaling due to induction of TGFβ1 and its receptor, ALK5. This is mediated by HOXD3, which directly targets the Tgfb1 promoter. Finally, TGFβ1 and BMP9 stimulate the expression of MGP, which limits the enhanced ALK1 induction by counteracting BMP4. The cascade of BMP9-HOXD3-TGFβ also affects Notch signaling and angiogenesis through induction of Notch ligand Jagged 2 and suppression of Notch ligand delta-like 4 (Dll4). Conclusion The results suggest that HOXD3 is a novel link between BMP9/ALK1 and TGFβ1/ALK5 signaling. Translational perspective BMP and TGFβ signaling are instrumental in vascular disease such as vascular calcification and atherosclerosis. This study demonstrated a novel type of cross talk between endothelial BMP and TGFβ signaling as mediated by HOXD3. The results provide a possible therapeutic approach to control dysfunctional BMP and TGFβ signaling by regulating HOXD3.
32 – Automotive Applications of Power Electronics

The modern automobile has an extensive electric system consisting of a large number of electric, electromechanical, and electronic loads that are central to vehicle operation, passenger safety, and comfort. Power electronics is playing an increasingly important role in automotive electric systems—conditioning the power generated by the alternator, processing it appropriately for the vehicle electric loads, and controlling the operation of these loads. Furthermore, power electronics is an enabling technology for a wide range of future loads with new features and functions.
The importance of density dependence in juvenile mosquito development and survival: A model-based investigation

Abstract Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous pathogens that cause infectious diseases, and they pose a significant global health burden as a result. As such, more reliable field-relevant models to study mosquito population dynamics and life history traits such as development time and survival of mosquito larva would be of great value. In Aedes mosquitoes, progression through early life stages is known to be density-dependent. Despite its importance, density dependence is largely ignored or oversimplified in many existing simulation models, leading to less accurate predictions of development and survival during the early life stages. Furthermore, density dependence is frequently assumed to impact only larval survival and not development time in models, despite empirical evidence for density-dependent development. Here, we develop a discrete-time model of mosquito larval population dynamics which accounts for density impacts on both survival and development time. We demonstrate the validity of our model using publicly available semi-field data of larval density and pupation time across a six-month experiment. Using our model, we found that incorporating density dependence during larval development is important to the accurate prediction of mosquito pupation. This is especially true when considering density-dependent development time for mosquito larva as opposed to density-dependent larval survival. We determined that the incorporation of simple functional forms to describe density dependence in simulation models gives improved prediction results over models that ignore density dependence entirely. Such simple functional forms can easily be incorporated into existing models, and thus help improve field-relevant models of mosquito population dynamics, particularly in Aedes and other container-inhabiting mosquitoes that are known to experience density dependence during larval development.
Post-earthquake resilience assessment and long-term restoration prioritization of transportation network

Abstract An efficient and safe transportation system is essential to communities during the long-term recovery period after earthquakes. A disrupted transportation network due to infrastructure damage or failure affects the functionality of the traffic system and poses increased traffic safety risks. A rational assessment of the traffic network performance in terms of both traffic efficiency and safety cannot only provide comprehensive quantification of system resilience, but also enable more risk-informed post-hazard recovery planning. A new methodology to assess the resilience performance of transportation networks during post-earthquake long-term recovery period is developed in this study with two main innovative contributions: (1) modeling the traffic performance of partially closed road segments in the network simulation and optimization, which offers useful tool to capture the time-progressive recovery process; and (2) integrating both traffic efficiency and safety into the resilience assessment and recovery prioritization. After a resilience indicator is introduced to characterize the overall traffic efficiency and safety of the transportation network using probabilistic sampling method, a new restoration priority measure is proposed to support post-earthquake restoration of damaged bridges. A demonstrative study is conducted on a hypothetical network system located in an earthquake-prone area.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infections

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common elective surgical procedures in the world. Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication after TKA, with an estimated risk of 0.5–2% following primary procedures. Despite the low incidence of this complication, PJI is the most common indication for revision in the Medicare population and the main cause of failure in modern total joint arthroplasty (TJA). With over a million joint replacement procedures performed each year in the USA, the overall burden of PJI will also invariably increase. This rare but devastating complication is not only associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality and decreased quality of life, but also poses a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system as costs can be up to four times higher than that of uninfected cases. The lack of a “gold standard” diagnostic test makes the diagnosis of PJI extremely challenging. Recently, several evidence-based guidelines have been introduced to standardize the approach to a patient with a suspected PJI. The general approach to diagnosing a PJI is twofold. First, the presence or absence of a joint infection must be confirmed; second, the infecting microorganism(s) must be isolated and its antimicrobial susceptibility elucidated. In addition to clinical findings from history and physical examination, the diagnosis of PJI often relies on laboratory results and in some cases, radiographic evaluation. In particular, isolating the causative microorganism from cultures of fluid or tissue within the joint remains the cornerstone for diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy, which has been shown to increase the chances of treatment success and influence the prognosis of patients with this condition.
Mechanistic understanding of case-hardening and texture development during drying of food materials

Abstract A mechanistic framework for quality development such as shrinkage and case hardening in drying would allow new insights making the final quality in a drying process more predictable and controllable. A poromechanics model that includes multiphase (solid matrix/liquid water/vapor) transport and large deformation using hyperelastic constitutive relationship between the stress and strain is developed. Moisture and state (rubbery/glassy) dependent mechanical and transport properties are used. A complex shrinkage pattern that is not simply equal to the amount of water lost is observed at low moisture contents due to glass transition of the material. For high drying rates, the surface dries out faster than the core and forms a case-hardened layer resulting in early deviations in shrinkage. In contrast, for low drying rates, deviations in shrinkage occur at extremely low moisture contents due to a gradual rubbery/glassy transition. Key quality attributes, such as degree of crust formation, are predicted from fundamentals.
Radiation Effects in MOS VLSI Structures

Ionizing radiation is known to cause changes in the electrical properties of MOS devices1. Radiation effects in various oxide structures such as gate and field oxides have been previously studied2,3. As MOS technology now progresses to smaller feature sizes-one micron and less-new types of oxide regions have been added to VLSI circuits for device isolation and improved reliability. These new VLSI oxide structures, in turn, introduce new radiation-induced failure modes limiting circuit functionality and performance.
Introduction to planetary geomorphology

1. Introduction 2. Planetary geomorphology methods 3. Planetary morphologic processes 4. Earth's moon 5. Mercury 6. Venus 7. Mars 8. The Jupiter system 9. Saturn system 10. The Uranus and Neptune systems 11. Planetary geoscience future Index.
Genetically encoded molecular tools for light-driven silencing of targeted neurons

Abstract The ability to silence, in a temporally precise fashion, the electrical activity of specific neurons embedded within intact brain tissue, is important for understanding the role that those neurons play in behaviors, brain disorders, and neural computations. “Optogenetic” silencers, genetically encoded molecules that, when expressed in targeted cells within neural networks, enable their electrical activity to be quieted in response to pulses of light, are enabling these kinds of causal circuit analyses studies. Two major classes of optogenetic silencer are in broad use in species ranging from worm to monkey: light-driven inward chloride pumps, or halorhodopsins, and light-driven outward proton pumps, such as archaerhodopsins and fungal light-driven proton pumps. Both classes of molecule, when expressed in neurons via viral or other transgenic means, enable the targeted neurons to be hyperpolarized by light. We here review the current status of these sets of molecules, and discuss how they are being discovered and engineered. We also discuss their expression properties, ionic properties, spectral characteristics, and kinetics. Such tools may not only find many uses in the quieting of electrical activity for basic science studies but may also, in the future, find clinical uses for their ability to safely and transiently shut down cellular electrical activity in a precise fashion.