cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Diurnal Variation of the Boundary Layer in Summer in Adelie Land, Eastern Antarctica

Abstract The data from the boundary-layer experiment carried out in November and December 1985 in Adelie Land, Antarctica, are analyzed. This area is famous for strong surface winds, with highly constant wind direction, which have been explained by the baroclinicity associated with surface radiational cooling over sloping terrain. However, during daytime in summer at D47, the net radiation was found to be positive, and the Richardson number as negative, indicating that the surface boundary layer was unstable. Unexpectedly, the wind directional constancy remained high. It was caused by the highly constant wind direction in the free atmosphere, which could be due to the large horizontal temperature gradient existing between the Antarctic ice sheet and the ice-free ocean along the coast of Adelie Land. A low level wind maximum was found, which was strong at night and weak during daytime. During nighttime, it was due to the slope induced baroclinicity, and during daytime, to the meso-scale baroclinicity cause...
An Medical Image Registration Approach Using Improved Hausdorff Distance Combined with Particle Swarm Optimization

A new method combined the least trimmed square Hausdorff distance (LTS-HD) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) is provided. The feature points of the two images are extracted by Harris corner detector to reduce the amount of computation. The affine transform is made between the source image and the target image, and the improved Hausdorff distance is taken as the registration similarity measure. Finally, the translation parameters are calculated by using PSO algorithm. Comparisons are made between the LTS-HD pattern and the MI approach, or the PSO and the Powell optimization on several performance criteria. Experiments results show that the proposed algorithm is effectively and accuracy, and it could reduce the amount of computation largely.
The Privilege of Choice

The McMillan Lecture is a time for remembering. My own memory is crowded with thoughts of the very first meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association I ever attended. It was in 1948 in Boston. This was, I believe, the first year the Association admitted student members, and I was one of those new students. The meeting was held in the Women's Industrial and Educational Union building overlooking the Boston Common. In those years the Massachusetts Chapter held dinner meetings, but as students, none of us could afford the meal, so we waited in the hall outside. When the moment came for the meeting to start, the door swung open and we were ushered in; 10 of us, quivering and quaking. The aroma of Yankee pot roast still hung in the air as we made our way over the creaking floor boards of that old dining room.…
Theorizing Visual Representation in Children's Literature

Children's literature has been analyzed through a number of different theoretical lenses, including critical literacy, feminism, and multiculturalism. Yet, given the prominence that image plays in such literature, little if any work in literacy has analyzed children's literature from the perspective of art theory. This study first theorized how and why artists render visual representations as they do. It then used this theory to analyze images in Caldecott award-winning literature. Three findings emerged from the analysis: (a) image types cut across time, culture, and artists' rendering; (b) images embody stable representations of culture; and (c) images tend to render visual binaries and invite oppositional readings. Implications are discussed for developing and using a theory for the close reading of visual imagery in children's literature.
Development and initial score validation of the Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey.

This article describes the development and initial score validation of the 20-item Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey (TMAS), a unidimensional self-report inventory of teachers' multicultural awareness and sensitivity. In two separate studies, a principal components analysis supported a global factor of multicultural awareness. Construct validity of TMAS scores was further established through convergent correlations with related instruments. Criterion validity was demonstrated using the group differences approach with sample cohort groups. Multiple measures of internal consistency and a test-retest stability assessment indicated satisfactory levels of score reliability. Finally, a social desirability assessment indicated no contamination of the TMAS.
Allegory versus Authenticity

Over a four-year period during the Great Depression, Howard Chandler Christy painted three diverse versions of the signing of the Constitution. The last—an enormous canvas 20 by 30 feet—was the most expensive painting commissioned by the federal government to date and took three years to research and complete. This essay examines how and why politics intervened in the commission and creation of Christy’s painting and contextualizes the canvas visually and socially. Ultimately, I suggest that Congress’s participation in the representation of this pivotal moment in US history was shaped by the looming threat of war in Europe.
Fast implementations of generalized discrete time-frequency distributions

Cohen's class of time-frequency distributions (TFDs) have significant potential for the analysis of complex signals. In order to evaluate the TFD of a signal using its samples, discrete-time TFDs (DTFDs) have been defined as the Fourier transform of a smoothed discrete autocorrelation. Existing algorithms evaluate real-valued DTFDs using FFTs of the conjugate-symmetric autocorrelation. Although the computation required to smooth the autocorrelation is often greater than that for the FFT, there are no widely applicable fast algorithms for this part of the processing. Since the FFT is relatively inexpensive, downsampling is ineffective for reducing computation. If the DTFD needs only to be evaluated at a few frequencies for each time instant, the cost per time-frequency sample can be extremely high. The authors introduce two approaches for reducing the computation time of DTFDs. First, they define approximations to real-valued DTFDs, using spectrograms, that admit fast, space-saving evaluations. Frequency downsampling reduces the computation time of these approximations. Next, they define DTFDs that admit fast evaluations over sparse sets of time-frequency samples. A single short time Fourier transform is calculated in order for DTPD time-frequency samples to be evaluated at an additional, fixed cost per sample. >
Combining geometric invariants with fuzzy clustering for object recognition

Object recognition is the process of identifying the types and locations of objects in the image. Earlier work has shown the desirability of using fuzzy compatibility for local feature correspondence and fuzzy clustering for pose estimation of two dimensional objects. The paper extends the methodology to images of three dimensional objects by applying geometric invariants, specifically the cross ratio of four collinear points. The recognition process is divided into three subtasks: local feature correspondence, object identification, and pose determination. Algorithms are described for each subtask.
Top predators and habitat complexity alter an intraguild predation module in pond communities

Predator diversity and habitat complexity frequently influence species interactions at lower trophic levels, yet their joint investigation has been performed infrequently despite the demonstrated importance of each individual factor. We investigated how different top predators and varying habitat complexity influence the function of an intraguild predation module consisting of two larval salamanders, intraguild predator Ambystoma annulatum and intraguild prey A. maculatum. We manipulated predator food webs and habitat complexity in outdoor mesocosms. Top predators significantly influenced body condition and survival of A. annulatum, but habitat complexity had minimal effects on either response. A three-way interaction among the covariates top predator identity, habitat complexity and A. annulatum survival influenced body condition and survival of A. maculatum via a density-mediated indirect effect. Different top predator combinations had variable effects in different habitat complexity treatments on intraguild predator (A. annulatum) survival that subsequently influenced intraguild prey (A. maculatum) body condition and survival. Future work should consider how different top predators influence other food web components, which should vary due to predator attributes and the physical environments in which they co-occur.
Iron status of inner-city elementary school children : lack of correlation between anemia and iron deficiency

The iron status of 103 inner-city third and fourth graders was evaluated. These children had significantly lower hemoglobin concentrations and significantly higher serum ferritin concentrations than values previously reported. Mean erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations agree with previous results whereas mean corpuscular volume was significantly lower than in some previous studies. Though 11 children (10.7%) were anemic, only 1 anemic child had another abnormal measure of iron status. Three children (2.9%) had a low serum ferritin concentration along with another abnormal measure of iron status. Four children (3.9%) had at least two abnormal measurements of iron status without an elevated blood lead concentration. These results agree with recent observations of decreasing rates of anemia in preschool children. The poor utility of hemoglobin measures to identify iron-deficient children suggests the need for alternate screening methods, and the relatively high serum ferritin concentration suggests a trend of rising iron stores in school-age children.
Development of Two New Sampling Techniques for Assessing Lake Trout Reproduction in Deep Water

Abstract Efforts to restore lake trout Salvelinus namaycush at shallow sites have yielded minimal success in the lower four Great Lakes, and management agencies are examining offshore deepwater reefs as possible sites for restoration efforts. Previous techniques developed for assessing egg deposition and fry relative abundance in shallow waters are not viable for use on deep offshore reefs. To assess lake trout reproduction at deep reefs, two new methods (deepwater egg traps and remote electrofishing) were tested in Lake Champlain, Vermont. Deepwater egg traps were paired with buried egg bags to compare egg collections between the two types of gear at shallow sites in Lake Champlain. After testing, the new egg traps were deployed in Lake Michigan to quantify egg deposition at two sites within the Mid-Lake Reef Complex. There was a significant positive correlation between estimates of egg density in the paired deepwater traps and buried egg bags and no significant difference between egg densities in the tw...
Mapmerge: merge genomic maps.

MOTIVATION When two or more genomic maps of a chromosomal region are available, it is useful to be able to synthesize them to create a merged map. RESULTS We show that map merging is an exploratory process because there are multiple ways to combine data based upon what the user wishes to focus on, and upon which particular data subset emphasis is desired. We describe Mapmerge, a program for merging two genomic maps, discuss its limitations, and illustrate an example of its use. AVAILABILITY Freely available (ANSI C source code, a Make file, test data files, documentation) on request from the author. CONTACT Prakash.Nadkarni@yale.edu
Bidirectional inchworm motors and two-DOF robot leg operation

We have demonstrated a bidirectional inchworm motor that produces equivalent forces in both directions. This motor uses an additional set of gap-closing-actuator arrays to pre-bias the drive frame. To obtain the highest force densities possible, the motors are designed close to the limiting resolution of the process. We describe the inequalities relating the lateral etch depth to the actuator gap spacing and tooth width of the inchworm motors. In addition, we have demonstrated a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot leg operated with an external controller. The leg, 1 mm in length, was fabricated in a planarized SOI/2-poly process and was operated by two electrostatic inchworm motors. Each joint of the leg has demonstrated at least 90/spl deg/ of static angular deflection, and each inchworm motor has demonstrated a shuttle displacement of 400 /spl mu/m with speeds up to 6.8 mm/s. This corresponds to a robot foot speed of over 0.75 m/s and over 4 full steps per second. Endurance tests have shown that the shuttle and leg are visually undamaged after 60,000 full leg sweeps for 16.5 hours of operation (/spl sim/10 million inchworm cycles).
Pattern evoked response deficiency in pattern deprived cats.

Abstract Normally reared cats showed a change in the latency of VERs (visual evoked responses) recorded over primary visual cortex and a change in the amplitude of VERs recorded over the suprasylvian association cortex when patterns containing different amounts of contour were presented. Pattern deprived cats did not show this contour response. A reduction in the amplitude of motor cortex VERs and an increase in the amplitude of the early visual cortex response were also observed in the pattern deprived cats.
Teaching Statistics Online: A Decade's Review of the Literature About What Works

A statistics course can be a very challenging subject to teach. To enhance learning, today‟s modern course in statistics might incorporate many different aspects of technology. Due to advances in technology, teaching statistics online has also become a popular course option. Although researchers are studying how to deliver statistics courses in this new technological environment, there is still much to learn about how to effectively implement these online courses. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of an extensive review of the literature conducted across several disciplines from the last decade in an effort to summarize, identify, and understand overall trends and themes in online instruction. A summary of effective practices that might be useful to teachers teaching statistics online concludes this paper.
Identification and Placement of Students with Serious Emotional Disturbance. Part II: National and State Trends in the Implementation of LRE.

An analysis of national and state placement patterns of students with serious emotional disturbance (SED) between 1988 and 1991 is reported. Relationships among state rates of placement across placement options and several economic and demographic variables also are examined. Findings indicate that although there has been little change at the national level, many individual states have reported substantial increases or decreases in the percentage of children served in regular education classes, resource rooms, separate classes, or separate facilities. State demographic and economic factors were related in significant, but distinct ways to use of different placement settings. Issues related to the interpretation of findings and for improving understanding of variations in placement patterns for students with SED are offered.
Innovative Activity and the Strategic Use of Managerial Incentives

This paper examines the strategic use of managerial compensation in an environment where a firm invests in projects which, if successful, can provide a competitive advantage over rival firms in the final product market. In particular, I study the interaction between managerial compensation policy and the investment strategies of competing firms in a model where the future stochastic payoffs from investment can depend on the firms' own actions as well as the actions taken by rivals. Examples of investments of this type include the development of new products/processes (e.g., expenditures on research and development (R&D)), the expansion of production capacity, and advertising and marketing campaigns aimed at increasing the firm's market share at the expense of rivals. It is shown that the strategic interaction between firms will generally result in overinvestment in innovation relative to a benchmark case in which compensation policy is not used in a strategic fashion.
Transverse compression of high-performance ballistic fibers

The method for determining the transverse mechanical response of Kevlar® KM2 and Dyneema® SK76 fibers was improved upon from previous versions of single fiber compression tests. Two fibers were lai...
Potential Value of Expert Elicitation for Determining Differential Credibility of Regional Climate Change Simulations: An Exercise with the NARCCAP co-PIs for the Southwest Monsoon Region of North America

AbstractIn this brief article, we report the initial results of an expert elicitation with the co-PIs (regional climate modelers) of the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program regarding their evaluation of the relative quality of regional climate model simulations focusing on the subregion dominated by the North American monsoon (NAM). We assumed that an expert elicitation framework might reveal interesting beliefs and understanding that would be different from what would be obtained from calculating quantitative metrics associated with model quality.The simulations considered were of six regional climate models (RCMs) that used NCEP Reanalysis 2 as boundary conditions for the years 1980–2004. The domain covers most of North America and adjacent oceans. The seven participating regional modelers were asked to complete surveys on their background beliefs about model credibility and their judgments regarding the quality of the six models based on a series of plots of variables related to t...
Post-transcriptional regulation mediated by specific neurofilament introns in vivo

Neurons regulate genes post-transcriptionally to coordinate the supply of cytoskeletal proteins, such as the medium neurofilament (NEFM), with demand for structural materials in response to extracellular cues encountered by developing axons. By using a method for evaluating functionality of cis-regulatory gene elements in vivo through plasmid injection into Xenopus embryos, we discovered that splicing of a specific nefm intron was required for robust transgene expression, regardless of promoter or cell type. Transgenes utilizing the nefm 3'-UTR but substituting other nefm introns expressed little or no protein owing to defects in handling of the messenger (m)RNA as opposed to transcription or splicing. Post-transcriptional events at multiple steps, but mainly during nucleocytoplasmic export, contributed to these varied levels of protein expression. An intron of the β-globin gene was also able to promote expression in a manner identical to that of the nefm intron, implying a more general preference for certain introns in controlling nefm expression. These results expand our knowledge of intron-mediated gene expression to encompass neurofilaments, indicating an additional layer of complexity in the control of a cytoskeletal gene needed for developing and maintaining healthy axons.
Effects of hydrogen peroxide on the responsiveness of isolated canine bronchi: role of prostaglandin E2 and I2

The present study was design to determine the role of prostaglandin E2 and I2 in the responses of isolated canine airways to H2O2. Rings of canine third-order bronchi, some of which had undergone mechanical denudation of the epithelium, were suspended in organ chambers; isometric tension was recorded. During contractions to acetylcholine, H2O2 induced concentration-dependent relaxations. The relaxations were attenuated significantly by indomethacin, acetylsalicylic acid, and methylene blue. H2O2 increased the release of prostaglandin E2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and the content of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). These effects were abolished by indomethacin or methylene blue. H2O2 did not affect the content of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate significantly. These observations suggest that 1) H2O2 relaxes canine bronchial smooth muscle and 2) elevation of tissue content of cAMP induced by prostaglandin E2 and I2 may be involved. These phenomena did not appear to be modulated by the respiratory epithelium, since H2O2-induced relaxations and increases in the release of PGE2 and 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha were similar in preparations with and without epithelium. However, after treatment with methylene blue, H2O2 induced contractions only in preparations with epithelium. These epithelium-dependent contractions were not affected by inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase.
On the bias: Self-esteem biases across communication channels during romantic couple conflict

Are one's individual biases stronger when mediated communication is used? This paper examines the role of self-esteem-related biases and communication channel during romantic couple conflict. Romantic couples communicated about a conflict either face-to-face (FtF) or via instant messenger (IM). Results revealed that for people with lower levels of self-esteem, their negative biases were triggered when they communicated with their partners via IM; people with lower levels of self-esteem had more negative assessments of the conflict discussion and of the impact of the discussion on the relationship when communicating via IM than when communicating FtF. At a theoretical level, this work deepens our understanding of how individual difference variables like self-esteem impact how individuals process information and communicate via technology. At a practical level, findings suggest that the use of mediated communication during conflict is more harmful to certain individuals than to others.
Power Doppler Imaging of the Fetal Upper Aerodigestive Tract Using a 4-Point Standardized Evaluation Preliminary Report

Objective Our investigation of fetal swallowing has identified potential limitations in the use of color Doppler imaging for detection of amniotic fluid flow and discrimination of respiratory from ingestive activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative imaging modality, power Doppler sonography, as a technique to enhance detection of amniotic fluid flow in the upper aerodigestive tract. Methods We applied a standardized 4-axis sonographic examination of upper aerodigestive structures and used power Doppler imaging to document amniotic fluid flow. Normal aerodigestive activities from 62 healthy control subjects were compared with 4 abnormal cases. Results Our longitudinal experience with 66 subjects showed that a directed evaluation of the fetal upper aerodigestive tract with power Doppler imaging provided a systematic approach for studying the physiologic development of this region in both healthy and at-risk fetuses. Conclusions A standardized 4-axis examination with power Doppler imaging is a useful adjunct in addressing ingestive and respiratory functions in the developing fetus.
Sexual harassment in tertiary institutions: A comparative perspective

Sexual harassment is not a new phenomenon in tertiary institutions. It has been receiving considerable attention in research and the media and public awareness has increased dramatically. However, the term sexual harassment is not used uniformly across the globe because countries have defined it differently. Consequently, prevalence of sexual harassment in education varies across cultures. This paper examines sexual harassment from a comparative perspective. It specifically focuses on the definition of sexual harassment, incidence of sexual harassment of students in tertiary institutions, effects of sexual harassment on victims; and victims’ responses to sexual harassment. It also offers suggestions for curtailing sexual harassment in these institutions.
Predictors of Improvements in Pain Intensity in a National Cohort of Older Veterans With Chronic Pain.

Abstract Little is known about the factors associated with pain-related outcomes in older adults. In this observational study, we sought to identify patient factors associated with improvements in pain intensity in a national cohort of older veterans with chronic pain. We included 12,924 veterans receiving treatment from the Veterans Health Administration with persistently elevated numeric rating scale scores in 2010 who had not been prescribed opioids in the previous 12 months. We examined: 1) percentage decrease over 12 months in average pain intensity scores relative to average baseline pain intensity score; and 2) time to sustained improvement in average pain intensity scores, defined as a 30% reduction in 3-month scores compared with baseline. Average relative improvement in pain intensity scores from baseline ranged from 25% to 29%; almost two-thirds met criteria for sustained improvement during the 12-month follow-up period. In models, higher baseline pain intensity and older age were associated with greater likelihood of improvement in pain intensity, whereas Veterans Affairs service-connected disability, mental health, and certain pain-related diagnoses were associated with lower likelihood of improvement. Opioid prescription initiation during follow-up was associated with lower likelihood of sustained improvement. The findings call for further characterization of heterogeneity in pain outcomes in older adults as well as further analysis of the relationship between prescription opioids and treatment outcomes. Perspective This study identified factors associated with improvements in pain intensity in a national cohort of older veterans with chronic pain. We found that older veterans frequently show improvements in pain intensity over time, and that opioid prescriptions, mental health, and certain pain diagnoses are associated with lower likelihood of improvement.
Spontaneous hereditary diabetes mellitus in Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). 1. Pathological findings.

SummarySpontaneous diabetes mellitus, as observed in Chinese hamsters, has been described and compared with diabetes in human and experimental animals. Evidence was cited that in Chinese hamsters, ...
Simulation study on novel hairpin bandpass filters for WCDMA

Aiming at the problems of large size and low performance of bandpass filters,widely used for wideband code division multiple access(WCDMA),a novel cross-wide-surface-coupling hairpin bandpass filter using multi-layer microstrip structure is proposed.Three kinds of filters consisting of different coupling structures of the hairpin resonators are analyzed in this paper,and their 3D models are simulated using Momentum based on MoM-Mothods of Moments.Simulation results shows that the novel filter has good passband and stopband characteristics,small rectangular coefficient,such as insertion loss of less than 0.33 dB in passband,stopband attenuation of less than-80 dB and the return loss below-21.710 dB,better up to-50.973 dB near its center frequency;multi-layer structure is adopted to reduce the size of the filter by 1/3;cross-coupling structure is introduced to produce two transmission zeros in its stopband.It is superior in frequency selectiveness,and it can also improve the machining accuracy.
An additional breakpoint region in the BCL-1 locus associated with the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation of B-lymphocytic malignancy

The t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation is associated with human B- lymphocytic malignancy. This translocation divides the IgH locus on chromosome 14q32 and may activate a postulated proto-oncogene, bcl–1, located on chromosome 11q13. Two samples of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with the t(11;14)(q32;q13) translocation were studied. The break in one sample was shown to join Jh sequences with the previously described bcl–1 major translocation cluster. DNA blots of the second sample suggested that Jh sequences were joined to a different breakpoint region on chromosome 11. This translocation was cloned and found to link the human Jh3 region and a new breakpoint region 63 kb telomeric of the major translocation cluster. This translocation occurred in part as the result of an aberrant D-J recombination. Recurrent translocations human B-lymphocytic malignancy. The definition of a new breakpoint region may aid the identification of the postulated bcl–1 gene.
Executive Function and Higher-Order Cognition: Neuroimaging

More than 100 years ago, lesion studies in nonhuman primates established that the prefrontal cortex is important for executive function, or the control of thought and action. During the past decade, a variety of neuroimaging experiments have been conducted in an effort to better understand the neural mechanisms of executive function. A number of common executive tasks are described in this article, as well as results from neuroimaging studies on selective attention, response inhibition, and task-set representation. Techniques featured in this article include functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and optical imaging.
Neonatal Imprinting and Hepatic Cytochrome P-450 : I. Comparison of Testosterone Hydroxylation in a Reconstituted System between Neonatally Imprinted and Nonimprinted Rats

Rat hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450s were resolved by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. A comparison was made between the elution profiles of the cytochrome P-450 from the neonatally imprinted (adult male and adult male castrated at 4 weeks of age) and nonimprinted (adult female and adult male castrated at birth) rats. Four peaks of cytochrome P-450 (designated peaks I, II, III, and IV) were eluted by a linear salt gradient from 0 to 0.25 M NaCl. No consistent qualitative difference was found in the elution profiles of cytochrome P-450 from the solubilized microsomes of these rats. However, further resolution of the catalytic activities of the various peaks of cytochrome P-450 in a reconstituted system revealed a form or forms of cytochrome P-450 in the peak II fraction that can be imprinted by gonadal hormones during the neonatal period. Only the form of cytochrome P-450 isolated from the neonatally imprinted animals was capable of hydroxylating testosterone at the 16α position to a significant degree similar to that reported for the intact microsomes. Phenobarbital treatment enhanced the total as well as the various peaks of cytochrome P-450 content in the hepatic microsomes of both adult male and female rats. Cytochrome P-450 content in peak III/IV, however, was differentially induced by the phenobarbital treatment. This differentially induced form or forms of cytochrome P-450 hydroxylated testosterone in a reconstituted system at the 16α but not at the 7α or 6β positions.
Local Consequences of Global Policy

For governments of South Asia, the regulation of rice prices has long been a central concern. One of the gates to Old Dhaka commemorates the success of a Mughal ruler in curbing a life-threatening rise in rice prices several centuries ago. In July 1998, when I summarized some of the findings of this book for the agriculture adviser to the prime minister of Bangladesh, his response took the form: ‘yes, yes’ but why are rice prices rising now?’ Others at the seminar helped me out because I did not have an answer to his question. In truth, that question often does not have a simple answer, and it may not be the only question that should concern government.
Design calculations for a xenon plasma x-ray shield to protect the NIF optical Thomson scattering diagnostic

An Optical Thomson Scattering (OTS) diagnostic is currently being developed for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This diagnostic is designed to make measurements of the hohlraum plasma parameters, such as the electron temperature and the density, during inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments. NIF ICF experiments present a very challenging environment for optical measurements; by their very nature, hohlraums produce intense soft x-ray emission, which can cause “blanking” (radiation induced opacity) of the radiation facing optical components. The soft x-ray fluence at the surface of the OTS blast shield, 60 cm from the hohlraum, is estimated to be ∼8 J cm−2. This is significantly above the expected threshold for the onset of “blanking” effects. A novel xenon plasma x-ray shield is proposed to protect the blast shield from x-rays and mitigate “blanking.” Estimates suggest that an areal density of 1019 cm−2 Xe atoms will be sufficient to absorb 99.5% of the soft x-ray flux. Two potential designs for this shield are presented.
The rodent liver undergoes weaning-induced involution and supports breast cancer metastasis

Patients with postpartum breast cancer are at increased risk for metastasis compared with age-matched nulliparous or pregnant patients. Here, we address whether circulating tumor cells have a metastatic advantage in the postpartum host and find the postlactation rodent liver preferentially supports metastasis. Upon weaning, we observed liver weight loss, hepatocyte apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling including deposition of collagen and tenascin-C, and myeloid cell influx, data consistent with weaning-induced liver involution and establishment of a prometastatic microenvironment. Using intracardiac and intraportal metastasis models, we observed increased liver metastasis in post-weaning BALB/c mice compared with nulliparous controls. Human relevance is suggested by a ∼3-fold increase in liver metastasis in patients with postpartum breast cancer (n = 564) and by liver-specific tropism (n = 117). In sum, our data reveal a previously unknown biology of the rodent liver, weaning-induced liver involution, which may provide insight into the increased liver metastasis and poor prognosis of women diagnosed with postpartum breast cancer. Significance: We find that patients with postpartum breast cancer are at elevated risk for liver metastasis. We identify a previously unrecognized biology, namely weaning-induced liver involution, that establishes a prometastatic microenvironment, and which may account in part for the poor prognosis of patients with postpartum breast cancer. Cancer Discov; 7(2); 177–87. ©2016 AACR. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 115
Overall survival (OS) prognostic factors in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients retreated with docetaxel (D).

e15213 Background: Until recently, few post-D treatment options existed for mCRPC patients (pts). In pts taken off of first-line D for reasons other than progressive disease (PD), retreatment with ...
Advanced supercapacitor prototype using nanostructured double-sided MnO2/CNT electrodes on flexible graphite foil

Development of advanced supercapacitors which provide greater energy density while retaining high power density can revolutionize energy storage solutions for both civilian and military applications. Herein, we present fabrication and characterization of nanostructured supercapacitor electrodes using manganese dioxide and carbon nanotubes (MnO2/CNTs) on flexible graphite foil substrate for integration into a supercapacitor prototype cell, without any additives or binders. Low-cost, thermal chemical vapor deposition process in a tube furnace was used to synthesize CNTs, acting as the current conductors, directly on both sides of the flexible, conducting graphite foil current collector. Thin-film MnO2 deposition on the CNTs was achieved by electrochemical technique using in situ reduction of potassium permanganate (KMnO4), without any supporting electrolyte, which provides excellent bonding between the two for enhanced stability. Eight electrodes were assembled in a stack with polypropylene separators and packaged in a pouch cell with organic electrolyte (1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate in acetonitrile) yielding a total capacitance of nearly 2.8 F at 2.5 V and a corresponding specific capacitance of 388 F g−1 was calculated for MnO2. High cell capacitance and a low DC resistance yield a maximum specific power value of 36.1 kW kg−1 and a maximum specific energy of 48.5 Wh kg−1 at 2.5 V when considering the total mass including that of CNTs and MnO2. Cycling data showed nearly 100% capacitance retention over 3000 charge discharge cycles. To the best of our knowledge, a supercapacitor prototype cell in this configuration has not been fabricated and/or reported previously. Schematic representation of the prototype supercapacitor cell consisting of a stack of eight electrodes with polypropylene separators. On the right is a blow-up representation of a double side electrode with MnO2/CNT on both sides of the graphite foil substrate. The equivalent circuit diagram can be seen on the left, consisting of seven capacitors in parallel
Violence Against Women

This article addresses two primary issues: partner violence and sexual assault. Partner violence refers to the infliction of harm by one intimate partner to the other, with the intention of causing pain or controlling the other's behavior. Sexual assault is sex without consent, obtained by force or threat. Sexual assault can be perpetrated by spouses, lovers, dates, relatives, parents, acquaintances, and strangers.
Impact of a Pharmacist-Led Chemotherapy Education Program on the Knowledge of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses

OBJECTIVES Medication errors involving chemotherapy are a serious source of avoidable medical harm that can result in chemotherapy-related adverse drug events. Efforts to reduce errors in the past decade have largely focused on chemotherapy errors at the prescriber level, using computerized or automated technology, but little has been done to ensure chemotherapy is administered accurately at the nursing level. The current study implemented a pharmacist-led, supplemental, institution-specific training program to nursing staff regarding the use of chemotherapy and to address knowledge deficits in newly hired nursing personnel. METHODS Inpatient pediatric oncology nurses were eligible to participate in a 3-session educational program regarding chemotherapy principles, adverse event management, and supportive care. Pre- and posttests were administered during the sessions to assess baseline and acquired knowledge. An attitudes survey was given to nurses prior to their first session and after the last session t...
The Diffusion of the Codex

The adoption of the codex for literature in the Roman world was one of the most significant developments in the history of the book, yet remains poorly understood. Physical evidence seems to contradict literary evidence from Martial9s epigrams. Near-total adoption of the codex for early Christian works, even as the book roll dominated non-Christian book forms in the first centuries of our era, has led to endless speculation about possible ideological motives for adoption. What has been unquestioned is the importance of Christian scribes in the surge of adoption from 300 C.E. onward. This article reexamines the foundation of many theories, the timeline for non-Christian adoption sketched by Roberts and Skeat in their study, The Birth of the Codex, and reevaluates it through the lens of “diffusion of innovations theory” in order to reconcile the evidence and elevate practical considerations once and for all over ideological motives.
Compensation Strategies in Voice Production With Glottal Insufficiency.

Summary Objectives This study evaluates potential compensation strategies under conditions of glottal insufficiency. Methods Using a numerical respiratory-laryngeal model of voice production, voice production under conditions of glottal insufficiency is investigated across a large range of voice conditions, and compared with normal voice production. Results This study shows that glottal insufficiency leads to increased noise production, reduced fundamental frequency range, and inability to produce very low-intensity voice. Glottal insufficiency also leads to significantly increased respiratory effort of phonation and difficulty in maintaining a normal breath group duration, which restricts high-intensity voice production and falsetto-like voice production. Although compensation strategies exist to alleviate these undesirable voice changes, they often require hyperfunctional laryngeal and respiratory muscle activities and thus are more likely to result in vocal fatigue. Conclusions The laryngeal and respiratory subsystems need to be considered as a whole to fully understand the effect of glottal insufficiency on voice production. Strategies that compensate for laryngeal weakness at the cost of compromising the normal function of the respiratory subsystem are undesirable and may impose additional constraints on voice production and the effectiveness of available compensation strategies.
Reducing Ageism: Education About Aging and Extended Contact With Older Adults.

Background and objectives Ageism is of increasing concern due to the growing older population worldwide and youth-centered focus of many societies. Research design and methods The current investigation tested the PEACE (Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences) model for the first time. Two online experimental studies examined 2 key factors for reducing ageism: education about aging (providing accurate information about aging) and extended contact (knowledge of positive intergenerational contact) as well as their potential combined effect (education plus extended contact). Results and discussion In Study 1, 354 undergraduates in all 3 experimental conditions (vs. control participants) reported less negative attitudes toward older adults (delayed post-test) and greater aging knowledge (immediate and delayed post-tests), when controlling for pre-study attitudes. In Study 2, 505 national community participants (ages 18-59) in all experimental conditions (vs. control participants) reported less negative attitudes toward older adults (immediate post-test) and greater aging knowledge (immediate and delayed post-tests). In summary, across 2 online studies, education about aging and knowledge of intergenerational extended contact improved attitudes toward older adults and aging knowledge. Implications Thus, brief, online ageism-reduction strategies can be an effective way to combat ageism. These strategies hold promise to be tested in other settings, with other samples, and to be elaborated into more in-depth interventions that aim to reduce ageism in everyday culture.
Systems pharmacological analysis of mitochondrial cardiotoxicity induced by selected tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are targeted therapies rapidly becoming favored over conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. Our study investigates two FDA approved TKIs, Dasatinib; indicated for Imatinib-refractory chronic myeloid leukemia, and Sorafenib; indicated for hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced renal cell carcinoma. Limited but crucial evidence suggests that these agents can have cardiotoxic side effects ranging from hypertension to heart failure. A greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this cardiotoxicity are needed as concerns grow and the capacity to anticipate them is lacking. The objective of this study was to explore the mitochondrial-mediated cardiotoxic mechanisms of the two selected TKIs. This was achieved experimentally using immortalized human cardiomyocytes, AC16 cells, to investigate dose- and time-dependent cell killing, along with measurements of temporal changes in key signaling proteins involved in the intrinsic apoptotic and autophagy pathways upon exposure to these agents. Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models were developed to capture the toxicological response in AC16 cells using protein dynamic data. The developed QSP models captured well all the various trends in protein signaling and cellular responses with good precision on the parameter estimates, and were successfully qualified using external data sets. An interplay between the apoptotic and autophagic pathways was identified to play a major role in determining toxicity associated with the investigated TKIs. The established modeling platform showed utility in elucidating the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of Sorafenib and Dasatinib. It may be useful for other small molecule targeted therapies demonstrating cardiac toxicities, and may aid in informing alternate dosing strategies to alleviate cardiotoxicity associated with these therapies.
Interventions and controls to prevent emergency service vehicle incidents: A mixed methods review.

Abstract Background Emergency service vehicle incidents (ESVI), including crashes, rollovers, and roadside struck-by-incidents, are a leading cause of occupational fatality and injury among firefighters and other emergency responders. Though there are numerous strategies and interventions to prevent ESVIs, the evidence base for these strategies is limited and dispersed. The goal of this study was to gather and present a review of evidence-based ESVI interventions. Methods We searched five academic databases for articles published within the last decade featuring interventions to reduce or prevent ESVIs. We interviewed key informants from fire departments serving major metropolitan areas for additional interventions. Interventions from both sources were summarized and data on intervention effectiveness were reported when available. Results Sixty-five articles were included in the final review and 17 key informant interviews were completed. Most articles focused on vehicle engineering interventions (38%), followed by policy and administration interventions (26%), environmental engineering interventions (19%) and education or training (17%). Most key informants reported policy (49%) and training interventions (29%). Enhanced drivers’ training and risk management programs were associated with 19–50% and 19–58% reductions in ESVIs, respectively. Conclusions Only a limited number of interventions to address ESVIs had adequate outcome data. Based on the available data, training and risk management approaches may be particularly effective approaches to reducing ESVIs.
Variation in markups on outpatient oncology services in the United States.

Objectives Price markups are a major cause of healthcare inflation and financial harm to patients, especially those who are self-paying or covered by commercial insurance. Study design Retrospective analysis of publicly-available information on Medicare physician payments, representing 100% of Part B services provided to fee-for-service beneficiaries during calendar year 2014. Methods Outcomes were markup ratios for oncology services, defined as the ratio of submitted charges to the amount reimbursed by Medicare. For example, the overall cost-to-charge ratio for all Medicare-reimbursed services in 2013 was 3.4, or a 240% charge markup. Results Our analysis included oncology services provided by 3248 hospitals in all 50 states. There was significant variation in markup ratios by hospital across oncology specialty: radiology (median = 3.7; interquartile range [IQR], 3.1-4.5), hematology/oncology (median = 2.3; IQR, 1.8-2.9), medical oncology (median = 2.4; IQR, 1.8-3.0), pathology (median = 4.1; IQR 3.1-5.1), and radiation oncology (median = 3.6; IQR, 2.9-4.5). Higher markups were associated with for-profit status for medical oncology services (coefficient, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.12-0.45) and prestige status for radiology (0.53; 95% CI, 0.15-0.92) and pathology (0.65; 95% CI, 0.20-1.09) services. Conclusions High markups exist for oncology services, and further legislation is needed to protect patients from highly variable pricing and to address disparities in access to high-quality cancer care.
A Random Walk To and Through the Xanthophyll Cycle

This is an account of my personal and professional life as a student of the violaxanthin-antheraxanthin-zeaxanthin scheme for the xanthophyll cycle in higher plants. I had no early vision of becoming a scientist, but one circumstance led to another, and what began as a random walk ultimately developed into a life-long study of the biochemistry, physiology, and function of the xanthophyll cycle. The circumstances and people with whom I shared this path are described, with special attention given to the early developments.
Using System of Least Prompts to Teach Play to Young Children With Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the system of least prompts (SLP) for increasing the levels of play behaviors in four young children with disabilities. A multiple probe acr...