cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grain-Boundary Migration at High Velocity in Al2O3

Abnormal grain growth in AI 2 O 3 compositions containing MgO in a solid solution was studied at temperatures between 1700° and 1950°C in H 2 gas. The amounts of normal grain growth (NGG) observed for AI 2 O 3 compositions with MgO solute concentration (C MgO ) > 70 and 75 ppm at 1880°C and explained by the solute drag theory. The abrupt transition from low-velocity (low-V) to high-V boundary migration was observed when the C mgo decreased to a critical concentration (C MgO-crit .) ≈60 ppm. This abrupt transition was not affected by C3 +r or Ti 3+ concentration in the AI 2 O 3 solid solution or the temperature between about 1700° and 1950°C. There were no marked changes in grain-boundary mobility at the solubility limits. The apparent mobilities of high-V boundaries ranged between 1 and 16 x 10 -11 m 3 /Ns and agreed well with "near-intrinsic" boundary mobilities for "pure" AI 2 O 3 estimated in the literature. The breakaway of high-V boundaries from the MgO solute "cloud" at C MgO-crit. was explained by the weak interaction energy between the boundary and the MgO solute. It is speculated that Mg AI defects are charge compensated with an equimolar amount of Si AI impurity defects, resulting in neutral defect complexes of [Mg AI - Si AI ] x with a low segregation at grain boundaries.
Modeling of methanol release through anaerobic pretreatment system cover

A paper mill has recently proposed the treatment of methanol-containing condensate using anaerobic pretreatment system as an alternative control for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart S-Maximum Achievable Control Technology. To investigate the potential use of an anaerobic digester and to reduce methanol in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), the fate of methanol in a digester was examined. A series of laboratory-scale experiments were conducted and a mathematical model was developed to evaluate the fate of methanol during anaerobic treatment. From a mathematical model, the losses of methanol through the Styrofoam® cover system and volatilizations were calculated to be almost zero (<0.01%). Since acetaldehyde and methyl ethyl ketone have one order of Henry's law constants magnitude smaller than methanol, the release of these by-products into the atmosphere is expected to be much smaller than methanol, which was found to have an almost zero loss through volatilization.
Bulk heterojunction perovskite hybrid solar cells with large fill factor

A major limitation to increasing the efficiency of perovskite hybrid solar cells (pero-HSCs) is the fact that the diffusion length of the electrons is shorter than that of the holes. To facilitate the electron extraction efficiency in pero-HSCs and to make this efficiency comparable with that of the holes, we fabricated bulk heterojunction (BHJ) pero-HSCs by mixing perovskite materials with water-/alcohol-soluble fullerene derivatives. The observed enhanced short-circuit current densities (JSC) and enlarged fill factors (FF) were a result of the balance in the charge carrier extraction efficiency and the enlarged interfacial area between the perovskite materials and the fullerene derivatives. Significantly improved power conversion efficiencies were obtained for these BHJ pero-HSCs. A greater than 22% increase in power conversion efficiency was observed for the BHJ pero-HSCs compared with planar heterojunction pero-HSCs. A remarkable 86.7% FF, the highest reported value for pero-HSCs, was observed for the BHJ pero-HSCs. Our strategy of using a BHJ structure in pero-HSCs offers an efficient and simple way to further increase the performance of these devices.
The Challenges of 3D Printing to the Repair-Reconstruction Doctrine in Patent Law

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is technology that allows consumers to manufacture an endless variety of items in the comfort of their homes. Although innovators have recently used 3D printers to make remarkable creations like human tissue and functional guns, it is becoming ordinary for average tinkerers to 3D print replacement parts for broken home objects. Common sense tells us that replacing a few parts to an object is “repair,” a perfectly legal activity. But if a consumer makes several parts of a patented combination with 3D printing, the activity might be subject to legal restriction. As more consumers learn how to 3D print their own replacement parts, they will become less dependent on traditional manufacturers. Patent holders may wish to strictly enforce their rights and commence lawsuits against consumers. If a patent holder can prove that a consumer has “reconstructed” an object instead of repairing it, the consumer will be liable for patent infringement. The upcoming shift in the replacement part industry from the growing popularity of 3D printing necessitates redefined standards in patent law to better distinguish between lawful object “repair” and unlawful “reconstruction.” This article proposes that the Supreme Court adopt redefined standards to make the analysis more clear, consistent, and predictable for 3D printing users and patent holders.
Explaining individual-level support for privatization in European post-Soviet economies

This article explores the sources of individual-level variation in support economic privatization in seven European post-Soviet countries. It tests economic utilitarian and psy- chological explanations of variations in support for economic privatization. The economic utilitarian explanation posits that individuals seek to maximize their potential material gains from economic liberalization. The psychological explanation posits that if individuals are generally risk averse, they are not likely to support economic privatization. These hypothe- ses are then tested using two separate regression models. The first model estimates pooled data from across all seven European post-Soviet economies. The second model is a pooled analysis that interacts country-specific dummy variables with each of the independent variables in order to examine the country-specific effects of the responses. The results show that the economic utilitarian and psychological explanations are both strong predictors of why some support and others oppose privatization in the seven European post-Soviet countries.
GEOGRAPHY AND BOTANY OF IRREDUCIBLE NON-SPIN SYMPLECTIC 4-MANIFOLDS WITH ABELIAN FUNDAMENTAL GROUP

The geography and botany problems of irreducible non-spin symplectic 4-manifolds with a choice of fundamental group from {ℤp,ℤp⊕ℤq,ℤ,ℤ⊕ℤp,ℤ⊕ℤ} are studied by building upon the recent progress obtained on the simply connected realm. Results on the botany of simply connected 4-manifolds not available in the literature are extended.
Examination of the Slip Boundary Condition by µ-PIV and Lattice Boltzmann Simulations

This work examines the slip boundary condition by Lattice Boltzmann simulations, addresses the validity of the Navier’s hypothesis that the slip velocity is proportional to the shear rate and compares the Lattice Boltzmann simulations to the experimental results of Tretheway and Meinhart (Phys. of Fluids, 14, L9-L12). The numerical simulation models the boundary condition as the probability, P, of a particle to bounce-back relative to the probability of specular reflection, 1P. For channel flow, the numerically calculated velocity profiles are consistent with the experimental profiles for both the no-slip and slip cases. No-slip is obtained for a probability of 100% bounce-back, while a probability of 0.03 is required to generate a slip length and slip velocity consistent with the experimental results of Tretheway and Meinhart for a hydrophobic surface. The simulations indicate that for microchannel flow the slip length is nearly constant along the channel walls, while the slip velocity varies with wall position as a results of variations in shear rate. Thus, the resulting velocity profile in a channel flow is more complex than a simple combination of the no-slip solution and slip velocity as is the case for flow between two infinite parallel plates.
Prostate biopsy concordance in a large population-based sample: a Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results study

Aims To use the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database in order to evaluate prostate biopsy concordance in a large population-based sample. Methods We identified 34 195 men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent a radical prostatectomy from 2010 to 2011. All patients also had to have both clinical and pathological Gleason scores available for analysis. The concordance of the biopsy Gleason score to the pathological Gleason score was analysed using the coefficient of agreement (κ). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine potential factors that may impact concordance of Gleason score. Results Overall, the clinical and pathological Gleason scores matched in 55.4% of patients. The concordance rates were 55.3% for Gleason 6, 66.9% for Gleason 3+4, 42.9% for Gleason 4+3 and 24.8% for Gleason 8, with frequent downgrading to Gleason 7. The κ for Gleason score concordance was 0.36 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.37), indicating fair agreement. The weighted κ for Gleason score concordance was 0.51 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.52), indicating moderate agreement. Additionally, the Bowker tests of symmetry were highly significant (p Conclusions This study is, to our knowledge, the largest contemporary study of prostate biopsy concordance. We found that there continues to be significant Gleason migration both upward from biopsy Gleason 6 or 3+4 and downgrading from biopsy Gleason ≥8. Further studies are needed to better determine other potential genomic or biologic factors that may help increase the biopsy Gleason concordance.
Dehydroretronecine-Induced Skin Tumors in Mice

Female Swiss mice susceptible to skin tumors received 6 sc injections and/or topical applications of dehydroretronecine, a metabolite of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid monocrotaline, and were observed for 15 months for tumor development. Of 92 animals examined, 63 had tumors at the site of application or injection; 47 of these had skin tumors, mainly basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. These data indicate that dehydroretronecine is a proximate carcinogen capable of causing a high incidence of skin tumours in mice at the site of sc injection or topical application.
Tenotomy does not affect saccadic velocities: support for the "small-signal" gain hypothesis.

Abstract We investigated the effects of four-muscle tenotomy on saccadic characteristics in infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) and acquired pendular nystagmus (APN). Eye movements of 10 subjects with INS and one with APN were recorded using infrared reflection, magnetic search coil, or high-speed digital video. The expanded nystagmus acuity function (NAFX) quantified tenotomy-induced foveation changes in the INS. Saccadic characteristics and peak-to-peak nystagmus amplitudes were measured. Novel statistical tests were performed on the saccadic data. Six out of the 10 INS subjects showed no changes in saccadic duration, peak velocity, acceleration, or trajectory. In the other four, the differences were less than in peak-to-peak amplitudes (from 14.6% to 39.5%) and NAFX (from 22.2% to 162.4%). The APN subject also showed no changes despite a 50% decrease in peak-to-peak amplitude and a 34% increase in NAFX. The “small-signal” changes (peak-to-peak nystagmus amplitude and NAFX) were found to far exceed any “large-signal” changes (saccadic). Tenotomy successfully reduced INS and APN, enabling higher visual acuity without adversely affecting saccadic characteristics. These findings support the peripheral, small-signal gain reduction (via proprioceptive tension control) hypothesis. Current linear plant models, limited to normal steady-state muscle tension levels, cannot explain the effects of the tenotomy.
Role of the small GTPase RhoA in the hypoxia-induced decrease of plasma membrane Na,K-ATPase in A549 cells.

Hypoxia impairs alveolar fluid reabsorption by promoting Na,K-ATPase endocytosis, from the plasma membrane of alveolar epithelial cells. The present study was designed to determine whether hypoxia induces Na,K-ATPase endocytosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated RhoA activation. In A549 cells, RhoA activation occurred within 15 minutes of cells exposure to hypoxia. This activation was inhibited in cells infected with adenovirus coding for gluthatione peroxidase (an H2O2 scavenger), in mitochondria depleted (ρ) cells or cells expressing decreased levels of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein (inhibitor of mitochondrial complex III), which suggests a role for mitochondrial ROS. Moreover, exogenous H2O2 treatment during normoxia mimicked the effects of hypoxia on RhoA, further supporting a role for ROS. Cells expressing dominant negative RhoA failed to endocytose the Na,K-ATPase during hypoxia or after H2O2 treatment. Na,K-ATPase endocytosis was also prevented in cells treated with Y-27632, a Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, and in cells expressing dominant negative ROCK. In summary, we provide evidence that in human alveolar epithelial cells exposed to hypoxia, RhoA/ROCK activation is necessary for Na,K-ATPase endocytosis via a mechanism that requires mitochondrial ROS.
Growth and Characterization of PbTiO3 and Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Thin Films by MOCVD

Ferroelectric PbTiO3 and Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 thin films with a perovskite structure were grown on MgO and Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si by MOCVD. The microstructure and composition of the films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, SEM, and AES. Preferred orientation of either (111) or (100)/(001) was obtained on the Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates at temperatures from 600 °C to 650 °C The preferred (111) orientation was attributed to the formation of the Pt3Ti phase in the Pt layer of the substrates, whereas the (100)/(001) orientations were inferred as the growth rate effect. AES depth profiling indicated a uniform composition through the thickness of the PZT films. However, SEM showed different topography and microstructure of the PZT films deposited in different oxygen partial pressure. Electrical properties of the PZT films appear varied as a function of the oxygen partial pressure in the reactor.
Toxoplasma gondii Arginine Methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) Is Necessary for Centrosome Dynamics during Tachyzoite Cell Division

ABSTRACT The arginine methyltransferase family (PRMT) has been implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including signal transduction, epigenetic regulation, and DNA repair pathways. PRMT1 is thought to be responsible for the majority of PRMT activity in Toxoplasma gondii, but its exact function is unknown. To further define the biological function of the PRMT family, we generated T. gondii mutants lacking PRMT1 (Δ prmt1 ) by deletion of the PRMT1 gene. Δ prmt1 parasites exhibit morphological defects during cell division and grow slowly, and this phenotype reverses in the Δ prmt :: PRMT1mRFP complemented strain. Tagged PRMT1 localizes primarily in the cytoplasm with enrichment at the pericentriolar material, and the strain lacking PRMT1 is unable to segregate progeny accurately. Unlike wild-type and complemented parasites, Δ prmt1 parasites have abnormal daughter buds, perturbed centrosome stoichiometry, and loss of synchronous replication. Whole-genome expression profiling demonstrated differences in expression of cell-cycle-regulated genes in the Δ prmt1 strain relative to the complemented Δ prmt1::PRMT1mRFP and parental wild-type strains, but these changes do not correlate with a specific block in cell cycle. Although PRMT1’s primary biological function was previously proposed to be methylation of histones, our studies suggest that PRMT1 plays an important role within the centrosome to ensure the proper replication of the parasite. IMPORTANCE Apicomplexan parasites include several important pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, a major cause of opportunistic infections and congenital birth defects. These parasites divide using a unique form of cell division called endodyogeny that is different from those of most eukaryotes. PRMT1 is a conserved arginine methyltransferase that was thought to regulate gene expression of T. gondii by modifying histone methylation. Using genetic techniques, we show that disruption of PRMT1 affects the parasite’s ability to perform accurate cell division. Our studies reveal an unexpected role for arginine methylation in centrosome biology and regulation of parasite replication.
The Presentation of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Medical Settings

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common psychiatric illness that often presents to mental health professionals as well as nonpsychiatric physicians. However, BDD usually goes unrecognized and undiagnosed in clinical settings. It is important to recognize and accurately diagnose BDD because this often secret illness may be debilitating. Patients with BDD typically have markedly impaired functioning, notably poor quality of life, and a high rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Thus, it is important to screen patients for BDD and avoid misdiagnosing it as another illness. Nonpsychiatric treatments (eg, dermatologic, surgical), which most patients seek and receive, appear ineffective for BDD and can be risky for physicians to provide. This article provides a clinically focused overview of BDD, including its symptoms, morbidity, case examples, nonpsychiatric (ie, cosmetic) treatment, diagnostic "do's" and "don'ts," and suggestions for how to persuade patients to accept appropriate psychiatric care.
Screening tests for blood donors presumed to have transmitted the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

We investigated 18 sets of blood donors from 12 to 50 months after they donated blood to recipients who subsequently developed the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Within each donor set, only one donor was suspected of having transmitted the disease (ie, member of an AIDS risk group). The other donors (n = 189) were not risk group members and served as controls. A number of laboratory tests distinguished suspected from nonsuspected donors, including determination of T helper/T suppressor cell ratio, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, and immune complexes, but none of these was as sensitive and specific as tests for antibody to the human retrovirus, HTLV-III/LAV.
Evaluating the Appropriateness of Downscaled Climate Information for Projecting Risks of Salmonella.

Foodborne diseases have large economic and societal impacts worldwide. To evaluate how the risks of foodborne diseases might change in response to climate change, credible and usable climate information tailored to the specific application question is needed. Global Climate Model (GCM) data generally need to, both, be downscaled to the scales of the application to be usable, and represent, well, the key characteristics that inflict health impacts. This study presents an evaluation of temperature-based heat indices for the Washington D.C. area derived from statistically downscaled GCM simulations for 1971–2000—a necessary step in establishing the credibility of these data. The indices approximate high weekly mean temperatures linked previously to occurrences of Salmonella infections. Due to bias-correction, included in the Asynchronous Regional Regression Model (ARRM) and the Bias Correction Constructed Analogs (BCCA) downscaling methods, the observed 30-year means of the heat indices were reproduced reasonably well. In April and May, however, some of the statistically downscaled data misrepresent the increase in the number of hot days towards the summer months. This study demonstrates the dependence of the outcomes to the selection of downscaled climate data and the potential for misinterpretation of future estimates of Salmonella infections.
Power detectors for integrated microwave/mm-wave imaging systems in mainstream silicon technologies

Abstract This paper analyzes and compares three different types of detectors, including CMOS power detectors, bipolar power detectors, and super-regenerative detectors, deployed in the literature for integrated microwave/mm-wave imaging systems in mainstream silicon technologies. Each detector has unique working mechanism and demonstrates different behavior with respects to bias conditions, input signal power, as well as bandwidth responses. Two Figure-of-Merits for both wideband and narrowband imaging have been defined to quantify the detector performance comparison. CMOS and Bipolar detectors are good for passive imaging, while super regenerative detectors are superior for active imaging. The analytical results have been verified by both simulation and measurement results. These analyses intend to provide design insights and guidance for integrated microwave/mm-wave imaging power detectors.
Stochastic Optimization-Based Economic Dispatch and Interruptible Load Management With Increased Wind Penetration

In this paper, stochastic optimization of economic dispatch (ED) and interruptible load management is investigated using short-term distributional forecast of wind farm generation. Specifically, using the statistical information of wind farm generation extracted from historical data, a Markov chain-based distributional forecast model for wind farm generation is developed in a rigorous optimization framework, in which the diurnal nonstationarity and the seasonality of wind generation are accounted for by constructing multiple finite-state Markov chains for each epoch of 3 h and for each individual month. Based on this distributional forecast model, the joint optimization of ED and interruptible load management is cast as a stochastic optimization problem. Additionally, a robust ED is formulated using an uncertainty set constructed based on the proposed distributional forecast, aiming to minimize the system cost for worst cases. The proposed stochastic ED is compared with four other ED schemes: 1) the robust ED; 2) deterministic ED using the persistence wind generation forecast model; 3) scenario-based stochastic ED; and 4) deterministic ED, in which perfect wind generation forecasts are used. Numerical studies, using the IEEE Reliability Test System-1996 and realistic wind measurement data from an actual wind farm, demonstrate the significant benefits obtained by leveraging the Markov chain-based distributional forecast and the interruptible load management.
Serotonergic measures in the brains of suicide victims: 5-HT2 binding sites in the frontal cortex of suicide victims and control subjects.

The authors determined serotonin2 (5-HT2) binding in the frontal cortex of 32 suicide victims and 37 subjects who died from nonpsychiatric causes. The maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) and the affinity (Kd) were significantly higher in subjects who had committed suicide than in control subjects. However, there was no difference in Kd between these two groups after the influence of age, race, sex, and postmortem delay was covaried. The Bmax of subjects who had committed violent suicide was significantly greater than that of control subjects. Language: en
Feeding Behavior of Larvae of Plodia interpunctella

The feeding behavior of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) larvae was analyzed by using separate bioassays for stimuli eliciting short-range orientation responses and for stimuli involved in the maintenance of feeding. Nonpolar and polar extracts of wheat, corn (maize), and peanuts elicited both orientation and feeding responses in this polyphagous insect. When the role of carbohydrates in larval feeding behavior was studied, sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, fucose, and melibiose were powerful feeding stimulants. Also, tests with combinations of active and inactive sugars demonstrated that the total concentration of sugar directly influenced larval feeding. Thus, behaviorally inactive sugars could affect feeding behavior positively in a synergistic manner or by increasing the total concentration. Amino acids had little effect on feeding, even when used in combination with sucrose. Fatty acids and sterols had no effect by themselves, but when linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids were used in combination with subthreshold levels of sucrose, a definite synergistic feeding effect occurred.
Liver damage after prolonged urethane therapy.

Since Paterson and co-workers' described the treatment of chronic leukemia with methane (ethyl carbamate), many publications have appeared concerning the effect of this drug in leukemia, plasma cell myeloma, lymphoma, lymhosarcoma, and various types of carcinoma.~ '" The toxic manifestations, of which anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common, have been recognized. Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, and aplastic anemia ' 4 1 2 have also been described, and hepatic necrosis has been reported in two instances. n It could not be stated with certainty, however, whether the lesion resulted solely from administration of urethane, from chronic passive hyperemia, or from a combination of these two factors. A patient with plasma cell myeloma treated with urethane over a long period of time has been studied at autopsy, and the morphologic changes in the liver have been compared specifically with lesions in the livers of six patients dying in chronic heart failure.
Effect of Type of Housing on Production of Broilers

Abstract A total of 24,000 commercial broiler type chicks, mixed sex, were reared in three trials in a windowless type house and a commercial-type house to determine the effects of housing on broiler performance. There was no significant difference in body weight at market age (50 days of age) for housing type. Feed conversion for all three trials were slightly better for the birds reared in the windowless house. Mortality was also slightly greater for the birds reared in the windowless house (2.86 vs. 2.24 percent).
Adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot: neuropsychological assessment and structural brain imaging.

Background Few data are available on the neuropsychological, behavioural, or structural brain imaging outcomes in adolescents who underwent corrective surgery in infancy for tetralogy of Fallot. Methods In this single-centre cross-sectional study, we enrolled 91 adolescents (13-16 years old) with tetralogy of Fallot and 87 referent subjects. Assessments included tests of academic achievement, memory, executive functions, visual-spatial skills, attention, and social cognition, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging. Results Genetic abnormalities or syndromes were present in 25% of tetralogy of Fallot patients, who had markedly greater neuropsychological morbidities than did patients without a syndrome. However, even patients without a syndrome performed significantly worse than the referent group or population norms in all of the neuropsychological domains assessed. In multivariable regression in those without a genetic/phenotypic syndrome, the strongest predictors of adverse late neurodevelopmental outcomes included a greater number of complications at the first operation, more total surgical complications across all operations, and occurrence of post-operative seizures. The presence of at least one abnormality on structural magnetic resonance imaging was more frequent in tetralogy of Fallot patients than the referent group (42% versus 8%). Conclusions Adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot are at increased neurodevelopmental risk and would benefit from ongoing surveillance and educational supports even after childhood.
Paraduodenal Hernia: An Unusual Cause of Renal Displacement

AbstractExploration of a retroperitoneal mass displacing the right kidney and lumbar paravertebral lymph nodes revealed a paraduodenal hernia. Paraduodenal hernias are explained in detail, the differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses is presented and the diagnostic modalities are described.
Neural Crest Cells and Peripheral Nervous System Development

Much of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is derived from trunk neural crest. Trunk neural crest is an initially multipotent cell population that must migrate and undergo cell fate decisions in order to generate the diversity of cell types that exists in the PNS. Here, we discuss the generation of the sympathetic chain ganglia and the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from neural crest, specifically focusing on the gene regulatory network that contributes to their development. Neural crest is induced to develop as sympathetic neurons by BMP emanating from the aorta. This initiates a transcription factor cascade beginning with Ascl1. This network involves extensive cross-regulation terminating in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-β-hydroxylase. DRG are induced to develop by unknown signals; expression of the Neurogenin transcription factors initiates a more sequential cascade ending in the expression of Trk receptors, which are restricted to neuronal subtypes carrying different sensory modalities.
Revealing sensitive information in personal interviews

Despite the many advantages of computer-assisted data collection, it is unclear if, when, or under what conditions embodied conversational agents (i.e., ECA, virtual humans) can replace human interviewers to collect personal information in interviews, especially for topics that might be regarded as sensitive. This paper presents results from an exploratory study designed to investigate how topic sensitivity affects individuals' preference to disclose to a human or an ECA interviewer. A convenience sample of 203 undergraduate business students completed a scenario-based survey that asked them to rate the sensitivity of various interview topics and indicate their preference to disclose such sensitive information to human or ECA interviewers. Open-ended questions revealed factors behind preferences for interviewer choice. Findings show a preference for ECAs when topics are highly sensitive and more likely to evoke negative self-admissions. For topics rated low in sensitivity or more likely to evoke positive self-admissions, human interviewers are preferred. Specifically, participants stated that they would feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics with an ECA interviewer because it could not judge them. This indicates that the evaluative capability of the interviewer plays a factor in the amount of sensitive information elicited from interviewees. Overall, results contribute to an understanding of when and why ECA interviewers can effectively replace human interviewers. Topic sensitivity affects individuals' preferences to disclose to a human or avatar.Qualitative responses to open-ended questions about interviewer type were analyzed.Study participants preferred avatar interviewers for more sensitive topics.Study participants preferred human interviewers for less sensitive topics.The ability to judge was the key factor differentiating interviewer preferences.
HoxA2 Regulates Proliferation of an Embryonic Megakaryocyte Progenitor, Which Can Effectively Produce Platelets In Vitro.

Megakaryocytes are rare cells in the bone marrow, and are solely responsible for thrombopoiesis throughout the life of the organism. Various transcription factors regulating megakaryopoiesis have been identified, including GATA1, Fli1 and NF-E2, which are important for the maturation and differentiation of megakaryocytes and SCL and FOG1, which play important roles in the specification and proliferation of the early megakaryocyte progenitor but no single factor capable of sustaining long-term proliferation of the megakaryocyte progenitor has been identified. The rarity of this progenitor, and the difficulty of proliferating megakaryocytes in vitro have seriously hampered the effort to produce large quantities platelets in vitro , and to date the only source of platelets for transplantation remains human donors. In this study, through a gain of function screen of Hox genes in which each paralog group was tested, we identified HoxA2 as an important transcription factor for the proliferation of early embryonic megakaryocytic progenitors. HoxA2 promoted the outgrowth of undifferentiated megakaryocyte progenitors when transduced into precirculation yolk sac stem and progenitor cells, however it had no effect on megakaryocytic progenitors derived from definitive HSCs of adult bone marrow. To study this unique embryonic regulatory circuit further, we generated an inducible mouse embryonic stem cell line, in which the expression of murine HoxA2 is regulated by doxycycline. Embryoid body differentiation of these cells, followed by sorting and reculture of the Kit + /CD41 + hematopoietic progenitor fraction at day 6 in the presence of continual HoxA2 expression allowed undifferentiated c-Kit + /CD41 + /CD45 + megakaryocyte progenitors to proliferate for upwards of 2 months. When doxycycline is removed, numerous gene expression changes take plase, and these progenitors differentiate into mature c-Kit neg /CD41 high /CD45 neg megakaryocytes, which undergo proplatelet formation, releasing large quantities of platelets (∼10 7 /ml) into the medium. As this rate of production can be sustained for weeks, a highly efficient platelet bioreactor is enabled. The platelets express the integrin α IIb -β 3 (GPIIb-IIIa complex), and upon stimulation they bind fibrinogen, demonstrating functionality. We are currently investigating the transplantation potential of these cells.Our data suggest that adult and embryonic megakaryopoiesis have distinct regulatory circuits, and demonstrate a novel and uniquely embryonic role for HoxA2, which opens up the possibility of producing industrial quantities of platelets in vitro for therapeutic purposes.
Chromosome Number of the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus 1758) and the Danainae

The monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Linnaeus 1758) is a charismatic butterfly known for its multi-generational migration in Eastern North America, and is emerging as an important system in the study of evolutionary genetics. Assigning genes or genetic elements to chromosomes is an important step when considering how genomes evolved. The monarch butterfly has a reported haploid chromosome number of 30. The specimens that this count is based on are from Madras, India where D. plexippus does not occur. As a consequence the reported haplotype for the D. plexippus is incorrect. A literature review revealed that the specimens this count was based on were most likely Danaus genutia (Cramer 1779), which Linnaeus and others conflated with D. plexippus. In a 1954 Opinion (#282) the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature decided that the name D. genutia refers to specimens originating from the Orient and D. plexippus to those from North America. To clarify the haplotype number of D. plexippus from North America I conducted chromosome squashes of male 5th instar larvae. All specimens examined had a haploid chromosome count of n = 28. Following these new data, I then reconstructed the evolution of haplotypes throughout the Danainae subfamily to provide a testable hypothesis on the evolution of chromosome number for this group.
The dynamics of solvation dictates the conformation of polyethylene oxide in aqueous, isobutyric acid and binary solutions

Polymers hydrogen-bonding with solvent represent an important broad class of polymers, properties of which depend on solvation. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations with the OPLS/AA force field we investigate the effect of hydrogen bonding on PEO conformation and chain mobility by comparing its behavior in isobutyric acid and aqueous solutions. In agreement with experimental data, we found that in isobutyric acid PEO forms a rather rigid extended helical structure, while in water it assumes a highly flexible coil conformation. We show that the difference in PEO conformation and flexibility is the result of the hydrogen bond stability and overall solvent dynamics near PEO. Isobutyric acid forms up to one hydrogen bond per repeat unit of PEO and interacts with PEO for a prolonged period of time, thereby stabilizing the helical structure of the polymer and reducing its segmental mobility. In contrast, water forms on average 1.2 hydrogen bonds per repeat unit of PEO (with 60% of water forming a single hydrogen bond and 40% of water forming two hydrogen bonds) and resides near PEO for a noticeably shorter time than isobutyric acid, leading to the well-documented high segmental mobility of PEO in water. We also analyze PEO conformation, hydrogen bonding and segmental mobility in binary water/isobutyric acid solutions and find that in the phase separated region PEO resides in the isobutyric-rich phase forming about 25% of its hydrogen bonds with isobutyric acid and 75% with water. We show that the dynamics of solvation affects the equilibrium properties of macromolecules, such as conformation, and by mixing of hydrogen bond-donating solvents one can significantly alter both polymer conformation and its local dynamics.
Effect of Drive Row Ground Covers on Hop (Rosales: Cannabaceae) Yard Arthropod Pests in Vermont, USA.

Alternatives to pesticides are necessary for the management of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) arthropod pests. The three major arthropod pests in northeastern US hop production include two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, hop aphid Phorodon humuli (Schrank), and potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris. This 3-yr study (2012–2014) in Vermont investigated the effect of flowering ground covers on arthropod pest abundance. Hop cultivars ‘Nugget’ and ‘Cascade’ were evaluated under a strip-split plot experimental design. Ground cover treatments included 1) Control: mowed red clover (Trifolium pratense) and resident weeds, 2) Clover: red clover, and 3) Diverse: common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), beebalm (Monarda fistulosa), red clover, and annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Natural enemies were grouped by associated pest and indicated by our mixed model to be strong predictors of the number of hop aphid and potato leafhopper on hop plants. In year two, ground cover treatment had a significant effect on two-spotted spider mite abundance where fewer two-spotted spider mite were observed on hop plants in Diverse plots. The established, un-mowed Clover treatment was preferred by potato leafhopper over Diverse ground cover and hop plants. This revealed the potential for clover ground cover to serve as a trap crop for potato leafhopper management in northeastern hop yards. Our findings are evidence that ground covers implemented for conservation biological control may serve more specific pest management functions instead of or in addition to boosting top-down pest pressure.
Time-dependence of the electromechanical bending actuation observed in ionic-electroactive polymers

The characteristics of the electromechanical response observed in an ionic-electroactive polymer (i-EAP) are represented by the time (t) dependence of its bending actuation (y). The electromechanical response of a typical i-EAP — poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) doped with lithium perchlorate (LP) — is studied. The shortcomings of all existing models describing the electromechanical response obtained in i-EAPs are discussed. A more reasonable model: y=ymaxe−τ∕t is introduced to characterize this time dependence for all i-EAPs. The advantages and correctness of this model are confirmed using results obtained in PEO-LP actuators with different LP contents and at different temperatures. The applicability and universality of this model are validated using the reported results obtained from two different i-EAPs: one is Flemion and the other is polypyrrole actuators.
inv(16)(p13q22) in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Blast Phase

Blast phase (BP) in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) frequently is accompanied by cytogenetic abnormalities in addition to t(9;22)(q34;q11.2). We describe 5 patients with CML in blast phase (CML-BP) in which t(9;22) and inv(16)(p13q22) were identified by conventional cytogenetics, with confirmation of BCR/ABL and CBF⇓/MYH11 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The morphologic findings at the time of BP resembled de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carrying inv(16)(p13q22), with abnormal eosinophils in the bone marrow and monocytosis in the peripheral blood in all cases. In 1 patient, inv(16)(p13q22) and abnormal eosinophils were detected in the bone marrow 2 months before CML-BP. The clinical course of these patients was similar to patients with CML-BP without evidence of inv(16)(p13q22). These cases illustrate that inv(16)(p13q22) is a form of cytogenetic evolution that rarely occurs in patients with CML at the time of BP. In this setting, unlike de novo AML, inv(16)(p13q22) in CML-BP is not associated with a favorable prognosis.
Superior Capsular Reconstruction with a Partial Rotator Cuff Repair: A Case Report.

Case Chronic massive irreparable rotator cuff tears remain challenging to treat. We present the case of a 70-year-old active and healthy woman who presented with 6 months of worsening shoulder pain and function; she had experienced considerable deterioration over the past 2 months. Nonoperative management of the massive rotator cuff tear was not successful. Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) was performed with a partial rotator cuff repair. Conclusion SCR is an exciting advancement for the chronic massive irreparable rotator cuff tear, one of the more challenging problems encountered by shoulder surgeons. Our patient was doing well at the 1-year follow-up and was very satisfied with the outcome.
Current Carrying Capacity of Quasi-1D ZrTe 3 Van Der Waals Nanoribbons

Quasi-1D van der Waals materials, such as transition metal trichalcogenides, have strong covalent bonds in one direction and weaker bonds in cross-plane directions. They can be prepared as crystalline nanowires or nanoribbons consisting of 1D atomic threads, i.e., chains. We have examined the current carrying capacity of ZrTe3 nanoribbons using a set of structures fabricated by the shadow mask method. The bulk crystals were synthesized by the chemical vapor transport method and exfoliated onto Si/SiO2 substrates. It was found that ZrTe3 nanoribbons reveal an exceptionally high current density, on the order of ~100 MA/cm2, at the peak of the stressing DC current. The low-frequency noise was of 1/ ${f}$ type near room temperature ( ${f}$ is the frequency). The noise amplitude scaled with the resistance, following the trend established for other low-dimensional materials. The high current density in ZrTe3 can be attributed to the single-crystal nature of quasi-1D van der Waals materials.
Cricetidae—Part 2 (Microtidae)

Microtines are small to intermediate in size. The skull follows the general pattern of cricetids (and all muroids) and is fully myomorphous, the mandible sciurognathous (Fig. 21.1). The rostrum is usually shorter than in other cricetids and the skull is more robust. A postorbital process or ridge may be present on the squamosal. The zygoma is broad. A marking for the temporalis muscle is present on the skull on the lateral sides of the parietais but fuses into a central sagittal crest in some genera. The size of the infraorbital and incisive foramina is variable depending on genus as in other cricetids. Auditory bullae are variable in size and range from aseptate and thin-walled to septate and thick-walled, the walls being filled with spongy bone.
A control strategy for improved efficiency in direct-coupled photovoltaic systems through load management

Abstract Nearly all photovoltaic (PV) systems involve power management and/or conversion devices. Each of these devices introduces a power loss and has an associated monetary cost. In this paper, a direct-coupled load-managing PV system is proposed that promises both a lower cost and a higher efficiency than conventional systems. Against the prevailing wisdom that the PV power must be managed, the proposed system varies the power demand of the loads by controlling the number of loads connected to the PV array to extract the maximum available power throughout a day without a conventional maximum power point tracker. This system can also regulate its operating voltage to less than ±3% of its target voltage without a DC/DC converter. The proposed control strategy can be applied to many direct-coupled PV systems for improved efficiency. A simulation program was developed for the load-managing system that can simulate its performance with a PV array of any size and any number of loads. The theoretical system efficiency was found to increase with the number of loads being managed and reaches above 99% for a direct-coupled system with just eight ohmic loads. Experimentally, a prototype system with equal and unequal ohmic loads was demonstrated in an outdoor environment that responds to changes in solar irradiance. The control strategy also allows direct-coupled PV systems to be backed up by a secondary power source, e.g. the electric grid, to eliminate their intermittency for applications such as electric vehicle charging. The cost of the control electronics for the load-managing system is less than 1% of the commercial-scale PV system cost. Several challenges in implementing and optimizing the proposed system are discussed.
Performance of Low-Cost 3D Printed Pylon in Lower Limb Prosthetic Device

In this study, pylon section of lower limb prosthetic device was fabricated by additive manufacturing technique. Polylactic acid polymer was used as the filament for 3D printing of pylons. The 3D printed pylons were tested to evaluate their compliance with the standards set by ISO 1038:2016 (Prosthetics—Structural testing of lower limb prostheses—Requirements and test methods). A static proof test and compression test were applied on the pylons to evaluate their performance. The results showed that 3D printed pylons have enough strength under stress and exceed the requirements of the standards and therefore can replace the metallic pylons in lower limb prostheses. Using 3D printers as an alternative fabrication technique can open a new horizon to increase the accessibility of lower limb prostheses for low-income populations.
Can community health workers increase modern contraceptive use among young married women? A cross-sectional study in rural Niger

The Republic of Niger has the highest rate of early marriage and adolescent fertility in the world. Recent global health initiatives, such as Family Planning 2020, have reinvigorated investments in family planning in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As part of this initiative, Niger has implemented ambitious plans to increase contraceptive prevalence through policies designed to increase coverage and access to family planning services. One strategy involves the deployment of volunteer community health workers (relais communautaires) in rural settings to improve access to family planning services, especially among adolescents and youth. The objective of this article is to determine if visits by relais are associated with increased use of modern contraception among young married women in rural Niger. Cross-sectional data from a household survey were collected from young married women between the ages of 13 and 19 in three rural districts in the region of Dosso, Niger from May to August 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the odds of married female youth reporting current use of modern contraceptive methods based on being visited by a relais in the past three months. A total of 956 young married women were included in the final analysis. Among study participants, 9.3% reported a relais visit to discuss health issues in the past three months and 11.4% reported currently using a modern method of contraception. Controlling for socio-demographic variables, the odds of current use of modern contraceptive methods were higher among young married women who were visited by a relais in the last three months compared to those not visited by a relais during this period (AOR = 1.94[95% CI 1.07–3.51]). In this study setting, relais were less likely to visit nulliparous women and women that worked in the past 12 months. Young married women visited by relais were more likely to use modern contraceptive methods compared to those not visited by a relais. These results are consistent with similar family planning studies from sub-Saharan Africa and suggest that relais in Niger may be able to provide access to essential family planning services in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Additional efforts to understand the contraceptive barriers faced by nulliparous women and working women should be a key research priority in Niger. Clinical trial registration number 2016–1430 ; registered on October 7, 2016 (retrospectively registered).