cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of accelerated MRI and post-processing software: a promising method for studies of knee osteoarthritis

Summary Objective Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used imaging modality for studies of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Compared to radiography, MRI offers exceptional soft tissue imaging and true three-dimensional (3D) visualization. However, MRI is expensive both due to the cost of acquisition and evaluation of the images. The goal of our study is to develop a new method to address the cost of MRI by combining innovative acquisition methods and automated post-processing software. Methods Ten healthy volunteers were scanned with three different MRI protocols: A standard 3D dual-echo steady state (DESS) pulse sequence, an accelerated DESS (DESS Acc ), acquired at approximately half the time compared to DESS, and a multi-echo time DESS (DESS MTE ), which is capable of producing measurements of T2 relaxation time. A software tool was used to measure cartilage volume. Accuracy was quantified by comparing DESS to DESS Acc and DESS MTE and precision was measured using repeat readings and acquisitions. T2 precision was determined using duplicate DESS MTE acquisitions. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), root-mean square standard deviation (RMSSD), and the coefficient of variation (CoV) were used to quantify accuracy and precision. Results The accuracies of DESS Acc and DESS MTE were CoV = 3.7% and CoV = 6.6% respectively, while precision was 3.8%, 3.0%, and 3.1% for DESS, DESS Acc and DESS MTE . T2 repositioning precision was 5.8%. Conclusion The results demonstrate that accurate and precise quantification of cartilage volume is possible using a combination of substantially faster MRI acquisition and post-processing software. Precise measurements of cartilage T2 and volume can be made using the same acquisition.
Effect of “Reducible” Titania Promotion on the Mechanism of H-Migration in Pd/SiO2 Clusters

Industrial catalysts, consisting of metal species dispersed on a porous surface, are typically prepared by hydrogen treatment at high temperatures, and the migration of hydrogen constitutes the key elementary reaction that mediates the metal-support interactions and the generation of active catalytic sites. A detailed modeling of these processes is challenging especially for systems involving disordered surfaces. A debated issue is the role of the support “reducibility” on the mechanism of H-spillover processes. Transition-metal oxides such as titania significantly improve the activity and selectivity of catalysts supported on “non-reducible” oxides, such as silica, particularly in hydrogenation and dehydrogenation processes. To gain insight into the mechanism of H-migration in disordered catalysts and nano-particles, a comprehensive DFT-analysis of the potential energy surfaces is carried out for the transfer of H-atoms from a palladium-tetramer catalyst to a silica-support, represented by a substituted siloxane ring, doped with “reducible” titania. The H-migration to non-stoichiometric supports occurs via both a direct and H 2 -assisted transfer of H-atoms when the metal-catalyst is anchored to the non-bonding oxygen atoms of the support (defect sites). The calculations revealed that the transfer to different types of supports proceeds through identical pathways but significantly different barriers. The titania-promotion, as well as the addition of dihydrogen ligands to the catalyst, decreases the direct and H 2 -assisted H-migration barriers. Due to the extended transition state structures, the H2-assisted mechanism provides access to more distant and hindered active centers, and thus can account for the “bottleneck” particle-to-particle (along grain boundaries) transport of hydrogen atoms. The H-migration to titania-promoted stoichiometric (defect-free) supports generates intermetallic Pd-Ti bonds, in contrast to the pristine silica-based catalysts, which do not form analogous bonds between palladium and silicon centers of the support.
Systems Biology Approaches for Elucidation of the Transcriptional Regulation of Pulmonary Maturation

Surfactant deficiency associated with lung immaturity is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants resulting in acute respiratory failure (termed “respiratory distress syndrome” or RDS) and chronic respiratory dysfunction (bronchopulmonary dysplasia or BPD). The lack of surfactant lipids and proteins needed to reduce surface tension at the air-liquid interface in the peripheral lung saccules, causes atelectasis and respiratory insufficiency after preterm birth. Lung “maturation” is a complex process involving diverse structural, cellular, and biochemical changes in lung architecture and function that are precisely coordinated by genetic and environmental factors that synchronize the length of gestation with lung maturation. We developed computational tools utilizing systems biology and single cell genomics strategies to analyze large-scale mRNA expression data from distinct technical platforms and biological contexts to: (1) identify signature genes, (2) predict transcriptional regulators driving epithelial cell differentiation, and (3) model transcriptional regulatory networks (TRN) controlling perinatal lung maturation. The signaling and transcriptional mechanisms controlling lung growth and maturation required for the abrupt adaptation to airbreathing at birth are of considerable clinical interest, with the hope of preventing and treating neonatal pulmonary disease. This chapter provides practical analytic strategies to utilize bioinformatics tools to integrate large-scale lung gene expression data with independent genomic information to predict transcriptional networks controlling lung maturation and surfactant homeostasis.
Manual object exploration and learning about object features in human infants

Motor activity is central both to cognitive and perceptual development in human infants and to learning in robots. Here we investigated how the quality of 6- to 7-month-old human infants' (N = 60) manual activity with objects is related to their learning about objects in general. Infants' object exploration during a toy play context was related to their learning of the features of dynamic audio-visual events. We found that not only was the amount of activity with objects predictive of infants' learning, but the quality of their motor actions was related to what infants learned about audio-visual events. These findings extend previous work and begin to uncover how infants interact with objects can reflect their developing abilities to learn about objects in other contexts.
Measuring Grain Boundary Character Distributions in Ni-Base Alloy 725 Using High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy

We use high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (HEDM) to characterize the microstructure of Ni-base alloy 725. HEDM is a non-destructive technique capable of providing three-dimensional reconstructions of grain shapes and orientations in polycrystals. The present analysis yields the grain size distribution in alloy 725 as well as the grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) as a function of lattice misorientation and boundary plane normal orientation. We find that the GBCD of Ni-base alloy 725 is similar to that previously determined in pure Ni and other fcc-base metals. We find an elevated density of Σ9 and Σ3 grain boundaries. We also observe a preponderance of grain boundaries along low-index planes, with those along (1 1 1) planes being the most common, even after Σ3 twins have been excluded from the analysis.
Language Minority Students and School Participation: What Kind of English is Needed?.

Students who are learning English as a second language are clearly faced with more than learning the grammar of a new language. Yet, very inadequate descriptions of the full range of language skill...
Cost-effectiveness of microsurgical reconstruction for head and neck defects after oncologic resection.

Background Microvascular free tissue transfer has become the main technique used for head and neck reconstruction. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects after oncologic resection for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods We developed a Markov model of the cost, quality of life, survival, and incremental cost-effectiveness of reconstruction with free tissue transfer compared with locoregional flaps. Health state probabilities and quality of life scores were determined from literature. Costs were determined from institutional experience. Outcomes included quality-adjusted life years, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Results Free flap reconstruction was more costly than pedicled flap but associated with greater quality of life with no survival benefit. A value <$50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was defined as cost-effective. The incremental cost-effectiveness for head and neck free flap reconstruction was below the threshold and, therefore, free flap reconstruction is cost-effective. Reconstruction was more cost-effective for patients with lower stage cancers: $4643 per QALY for stage I SCC, $8226 for stage II, $17,269 for stage III, and $23,324 for stage IV. Univariate sensitivity analysis showed the cost-effectiveness would remain <$50,000 for all stages of SCC for all variables except for QALY after locoregional reconstruction without complications. Conclusion Microsurgical head and neck reconstruction is cost-effective compared with locoregional flaps, even more so in patients with early-stage cancer. This finding supports the current practice of free flap head and neck reconstruction. Screening and early detection are important to optimize costs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 541–547, 2017
Resolving potential energy conflicts among allies: The 2015 United States-Republic of Korea nuclear cooperation agreement

Abstract After four years of sometimes contentious negotiations (that at one point required a two-year extension from the U.S. Congress), the United States and Republic of Korea signed a new nuclear cooperation agreement in the summer of 2015. These negotiations caused strain in one of the closest bilateral relationships the U.S. has in Asia – a regional priority for the foreign policy of the Obama administration. This paper examines energy conflict within the confines of an otherwise cooperative and productive partnership. It examines the strategic, technical, economic, and political factors that extended the negotiation period and the creative compromises that led to a final agreement. It then considers the potential pitfalls in implementing the agreement and the implications, in terms of process and substance, for future negotiations regarding civilian nuclear cooperation.
Fostering a culture of innovation in academic surgery

Dr McCarthy is a fellow in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Washington. During his general surgery training at Northwestern University, he completed a research fellowship in surgical innovation and obtained masters’ degrees with a focus on health enterprise management, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Engagement of interleukin-7 receptor stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphoinositide turnover, and clonal proliferation of human T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

The purposes of this study were to examine the biologic effects of the engagement of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) with recombinant human interleukin-7 (rhIL-7) in immunophenotypically distinct T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) blasts and to elucidate the biochemical nature of the IL-7R-linked transmembrane signal in rhIL-7-responsive T- lineage ALL blast populations. In the absence of costimulants, rhIL-7 stimulated the in vitro proliferation and colony formation of freshly isolated leukemic blasts from six to eight T-lineage ALL patients with a mean plating efficiency of 196 +/- 53 (background subtracted) colonies/10(5) blasts plated. Stimulation of T-lineage ALL blasts with rhIL-7 resulted in markedly enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of six distinct phosphoproteins with molecular weights of 57, 72, 98, 123, 150, and 190 Kd, and induced a rapid increase in the production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-1,4,5-P3), which was inhibitable by the tyrosine-specific protein kinase inhibitor genistein, but not by the serine/threonine-specific protein kinase C inhibitor H7. Similarly, rhIL-7 stimulated Ins-1,4,5-P3 production in CEM-1.3 T-lineage ALL cells and this stimulation was inhibitable by the tyrosine-specific protein kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A, but not by H-7. Thus, the transmembrane signal triggered by engagement of the IL-7R is intimately linked to a functional tyrosine-specific protein kinase pathway and stimulates the phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and proliferation of T-lineage ALL blasts. The presented data confirm and extend previous studies on the expression of functional IL-7R on T- lineage ALL blasts and support the hypothesis that IL-7 may play an important regulatory role in the biology of T-lineage ALL.
Cardiovascular Disease Imaging in HIV: Novel Phenotypes and New Targets for Risk Reduction.

Because of the success of new, potent antiretroviral therapy, life expectancy has significantly improved among HIV-infected patients.1 However, an opposite trend has been noted for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among patients with HIV. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have increased since 1999,2 and CVD has become a significant public health issue among HIV-infected patients in whom rates of myocardial infarction and stroke may be up to twice as high as compared with similarly age-matched patients in the general population.3,4 Although HIV-infected patients may exhibit increases in specific CVD risks, including excess smoking rates, higher rates of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, carefully controlled studies demonstrate that the excess rates of CVD persist after controlling for traditional risks.3,4 One important question for the HIV community is whether statins work to improve CVD rates and whether traditional algorithms designed for the non-HIV population can be used to identify those patients with HIV who might benefit from statin therapy. See Article by Phan et al Among patients with HIV, an important concern is whether risk prediction algorithms that rely on traditional risk factors, such as the newly recommended American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines, can accurately identify those patients with HIV who should be recommended for statin therapy. Retrospective cohort studies have been inconsistent in determining the use of these equations. Some studies suggest that the new 2013 ACC/AHA algorithm, that was not determined based on data from patients with HIV, may indeed underestimate CVD rates, especially in young patients at lower risk thresholds, but also potentially overestimate at higher risk thresholds.5 In addition, key questions of sex and racial differences remain as to the use of these equations. Uniquely, relative CVD rates (HIV versus control) are higher in women,3 and …
The Lives of Campus Custodians: Insights into Corporatization and Civic Disengagement in the Academy

Making the invisible visible is the primary theme of Magolda’s work in this book. While the focus is on the lives of campus custodians and noticing the contributions of people often overlooked in t...
Disparities in the Receipt of Tobacco Treatment Counseling within the US Context of the Affordable Care Act and Meaningful Use Implementation.

Introduction Disparities in receiving advice to quit smoking and other tobacco use from health professionals may contribute to the continuing gap in smoking prevalence among priority populations. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), beginning in 2010, tobacco cessation services are currently covered in private and public health insurance plans. Providers and hospitals are also incentivized through the Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to screen and document patients' tobacco use and deliver brief cessation counseling. This study analyzes trends and correlates of receiving health professionals' advice to quit and potential disparities among US adult smokers from 2010 to 2015. Methods Data were from the National Health Interview Survey in 2010 and 2015. We analyzed the weighted prevalence of smokers' receipt of advice to quit smoking and other tobacco use from a health professional in 2010 and 2015 and correlates of receiving advice to quit. Results Prevalence of receiving advice to quit from a health professional increased from 51.4% in 2010 to 60.6% in 2015. This positive trend was observed across tobacco disparity population groups. Survey year (2015), age (older), ethnicity (non-Hispanic), region (Northeast), poverty level (above 100% poverty level), past quit attempt, daily smoking, cigarettes per day (11+ per day), and psychological distress were associated with higher odds of receiving advice to quit. Conclusion Based on national level data, receipt of advice to quit from health professionals increased between 2010 and 2015. However, disparities in receiving advice to quit from health professionals persist in certain populations. Implications This study provides important data on the national trends in receipt of health professional advice to quit smoking and other tobacco use in the context of the ACA and Meaningful Use implementation and whether these policies helped to narrow the gaps in receipt of health professional advice among vulnerable populations.
An estimation of US horse-owner/caregiver willingness-to-pay for daily use and infectious upper respiratory disease treatment options.

Background Equine injury and disease cause two types of costs for those financially responsible for treating and caring for the infected horse(s); direct costs of treating the horse and indirect cost of lost use of the horse for a period of time to the user of the horse (daily horse use). Indirect costs are more difficult to estimate but pose significant financial implications for equine-owners/caregivers. Additionally, there exists a gap in existing research regarding the valuation of infectious treatment options in horses. Objective To estimate the value a US horse-owner/caregiver places on daily horse use and describe respondents' willingness-to-pay for various attributes of equine treatment options. Study design Online questionnaire survey. Methods An online questionnaire was provided to equine-owners and caretakers, and owner demographic, horse care and horse use information from respondents were requested. Additionally, respondents were presented with hypothetical disease treatment options with the following attributes: daily dosage, number of days of rest required, route of administration and out-of-pocket cost to the owner/caretaker through a choice experiment. Data were analysed using a rank-ordered logit analysis and willingness-to-pay estimates for daily use and treatment options were calculated. Results Results suggest that the average horse-owner with an uninsured and insured horse is willing to pay $12.07 (95% confidence interval: -$15.01, -$9.69) and $17.95 (95% confidence interval: -$25.30, -$11.20) per day to reduce lost use days required (due to need for rest) respectively. Respondents showed preferences for oral administration over treatments requiring i.m. injections. Main limitations As this study employed an online survey it was subjected to self-selection bias and a sample size calculation was not performed. Conclusions Veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies may use these results when promoting various treatment options to horse-owners/caregivers and in product development. Additionally, promotion efforts may be targeted towards equine-owners with higher daily use values (owners with insured horses).
Refueling the Magic Furnace: Kilonova 2017 Rewrites the Story of Element Origins

For more than half a century, we have understood element creation in the stars—described in Marcus Chown’s colorful image as “the magic furnace.” From 1958 until 2017, supernova explosions were thought to be the primary site of element creation above Iron, No. 26 on the Periodic Table. This assumption was radically overturned with the August 17, 2017, arrival of signals from a catastrophic collision of neutron stars. This paper traces the history of element-creation science leading to the striking discoveries attending “Kilonova 2017” that now call for a rewriting of the nucleosynthesis chapter of Big History.
A CONJECTURE ON LOCALLY NOVIKOV ALGEBRAS

In this paper we define a generalization of Novikov algebras that we call locally Novikov algebras, and we construct several classes of examples of these algebras. We conjecture that every simple locally Novikov algebra over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0 belongs to one of the classes of examples that we construct here. These examples will be used in another paper ([12]) to construct new examples of Lie algebras of characteristic 0.
CHAPTER 1 – Historical Introduction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the system of courts and tribunals by which civil law is administered in England Wales. The law administered by Shire courts was derived from local custom and was by no means uniform throughout the country. Communications were poor, and the requirements of areas, and communities varied greatly. Trial was primitive in form and there were no rules of evidence as one understands them today and trial by ordeal was a feature of the system. The courts themselves were based on administrative areas, just as the modern county courts are at present. They dealt with administrative matters and essentially local disputes over land, cattle, and personal rights, apart from their even more important function in the sphere of criminal law. Villages, towns, hundreds, and shires were left to deal with their own offenders, after the community itself had been punished, usually by fine, for the wrong doing of its inhabitant.
Mathematical methods for comparing structures of ecological communities: A survey for ecotoxicologists

Analyses of experimental data in ecotoxicology often involve making comparisons between or among the structures of different ecological communities. Not surprisingly, many methods have been developed for defining and comparing community structure: species richness, diversity indices, similarity indices, biotic indices. Most were developed for use in detecting environmental stress in aquatic ecosystems, but many perform equally well for terrestrial communities. This brief review examines the most frequently used and/or useful of these methods in order to explore differing approaches to the problems of quantifying community structure and comparing one community with another. The species richness method, S, is discussed. Diversity indices surveyed include: Shannon's H', Simpson's D, Brillouin's H, McIntosh's M, Cairns' Sequential Comparison Index, SCI, Hurlbert's "encounter" Index, PIE, and, Keefe and Bergersen's TU. Five similarity indices are reviewed: Jaccard's Index, Percentage Similarity Index, PSC, Bray-Curtis Index, Euclidean (or "ecological") distance, and, Pinkham and Pearson's Index, B. Biotic indices covered are Beck's Biotic Index, Chandler's Biotic Score (CBS), Chutter's Index, and the Index of Biotic Integrity.
Studies on the molecular ecology of Blastomyces dermatitidis.

The microecology of Blastomyces dermatitidis, the dimorphic etiologic agentof the potentially fatal systemic fungal infection, blastomycosis, is not well defined.Blastomyces dermatitidis may occur periodically at natural sites, perhaps aided by rotting organic material, animal droppings and physical changes. Semi-quantitative growth studies of B. dermatitidis on 2% agar plates determined the ability toutilize or tolerate a variety of substrates including simple and complex molecules as carbon source, and organic and inorganic nitrogen sources. Allantoin, creatinine, quanidoacetic acid, guanidine and cysteine may be used as sole nitrogen source. Allantoin in combination with dextrose, glycerol, lichenen, celloboise and other wood by-products support growth of B. dermatitidis at room temperature. The nutritional conversion of the fungus to the yeast form at room temperature, well demonstrated on allantoin/glycerol/yeast extract media, appears to be affected by certain inorganic compounds. The organism tolerates low to moderate levels of alpha-pinene, tannic acid, shikimic acid, veratryl alcohol, vanillic acid, and polyethyleneglycol-200. There are significant differences among isolates regarding growth on various substances at 20° and 37° centigrade. It appears that a variety of wood by-products and animal waste substrates, in combination, support the growth of B. dermatitidis. Their role in the ecological niche of B. dermatitidis, and the importance of nutritional dimorphism in the natural environment warrants further investigation.
Open Meniscus Repair: Indications, Technique, and Results

With the advent of arthroscopy, treatment options for meniscus tears have been significantly modified over the last 10 years. Arthroscopic techniques have evolved from diagnostic procedures alone to partial meniscectomy and even meniscus repair. Nevertheless, the authors believe that there is an important continuing role for open meniscus repair in conjunction with arthroscopic documentation of suitability. This article reviews meniscus structure and function, and emphasizes selection criteria, techniques, aftercare, and results of open meniscus repair.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Suberanilohydroxamic Acid Treatment Reverses Hyposensitivity to γ-Aminobutyric Acid in the Ventral Tegmental Area During Ethanol Withdrawal.

Background The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is important for alcohol-related reward and reinforcement. Mouse VTA neurons are hyposensitive to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during ethanol (EtOH) withdrawal, and GABA responsiveness is normalized by in vitro treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). The present study examined the effect of a systemically administered HDACi, suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA) on GABA sensitivity, and related molecular changes in VTA neurons during withdrawal after chronic EtOH intake in rats. Methods Sprague Dawley male adult rats were fed with Lieber-DeCarli diet (9% EtOH or control diet) for 16 days. Experimental groups included control diet-fed and EtOH diet-fed (0- or 24-hour withdrawal) rats treated with either SAHA or vehicle injection. Single-unit recordings were used to measure the response of VTA neurons to GABA. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine levels of HDAC2, acetylated histone H3 lysine 9 (acH3K9), and GABAA receptor α1 and α5 subunits in the VTA; quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the mRNA levels of HDAC2 and GABAA receptor subunits. Results VTA neurons from the withdrawal group exhibited GABA hyposensitivity. In vivo SAHA treatment 2 hours before sacrifice normalized the sensitivity of VTA neurons to GABA. EtOH withdrawal was associated with increased HDAC2 and decreased acH3K9 protein levels; SAHA treatment normalized acH3K9 levels. Interestingly, no significant change was observed in the mRNA levels of HDAC2. The mRNA levels, but not protein levels, of GABAA receptor α1 and α5 subunits were increased during withdrawal. Conclusions Withdrawal from chronic EtOH exposure results in a decrease in GABA-mediated inhibition, and this GABA hyposensitivity is normalized by in vivo SAHA treatment. Disruption of signaling in the VTA produced by alteration of GABA neurotransmission could be 1 neuroadaptive physiological process leading to craving and relapse. These results suggest that HDACi pharmacotherapy with agents like SAHA might be an effective treatment for alcoholism.
Spatial analysis of La République En Marche and French Parties, 2002–2017

This article uses spatial analysis and regressions of party manifestos to investigate possible contributing factors of President Macron’s novel political party, La Republique En Marche (LREM), success in the 2017 legislative elections, particularly if LREM sits in a unique spatial position among French political parties in the wake of traditional, mainstream parties vacating the center position. This study uses both the economic left–right axis and the post-materialist, GAL-TAN axis accompanied by an analysis of the degree to which each party expresses sentiment about Europe. This approach permits a unique analysis of legislative elections since 2002 in order to set the stage for a multifaceted analysis of the 2017 spatial arrangement. Given the peculiarities of 2017, this study also attempts to examine the electoral momentum of President Macron’s victory as a contributing factor to LREM’s success. Ultimately, LREM is shown to exist in a unique position among French political parties, particularly in the wake of all traditional parties vacating the center point and the right wing having no proximal competition to LREM. Portions of the results point to a possible shift in the saliency of ideology as well as a new system polarity emerging.
Site-Selective C–H Functionalization of (Hetero)Arenes via Transient, Non-symmetric Iodanes

A strategy for C-H functionalization of arenes and heteroarenes has been developed to allow site-selective incorporation of various anions, including Cl, Br, OMs, OTs, and OTf. This approach is enabled by in situ generation of reactive, non-symmetric iodanes by combining anions and bench-stable PhI(OAc)2. The utility of this mechanism is demonstrated via para-selective chlorination of medicinally relevant arenes, as well as site-selective C-H chlorination of heteroarenes. Spectroscopic, computational, and competition experiments describe the unique nature, reactivity, and selectivity of these transient, unsymmetrical iodanes.
Candidate Reagents for Dissolution of Hanford Site Tank Sludges-Scoping Studies with Simulants Using Single Reagents and Their Mixtures

Chemical agents were investigated for their efficacies in dissolving metal compound phases known to be present in Hanford tank waste sludges. The phases included Fe(OH)3, Cr(OH)3, Al(OH)3, MnO2, and Na2U2O7. In conjunction with laboratory testing, a survey of the technical literature also was performed to identify candidate reagents. The tests were conducted in three campaigns. First, scoping tests investigated individual agents identified in the literature review along with other candidate agents. Based on the scoping test results, follow-up testing was performed to investigate the efficacies of mixed citric/oxalic acids (CITROX) and mixed nitric/oxalic acids (NITROX). Overall, oxalic acid is the most effective single reagent, dissolving all of the solid phases to some extent. However, for MnO2 and Na2U2O7, reprecipitation soon followed dissolution. The MnO2 also oxidized at least two of organic acids tested, oxalic acid and citric acid, as shown by the evolution of gas during the tests with these reagents. The CITROX and NITROX tests failed to show beneficial synergistic effects in dissolving sludge phases. Instead, the findings suggest that the sequential addition of individual pure reagents (e.g., first citric acid to dissolve MnO2 and Na2U2O7 and removal of the solution followed by oxalic acid to dissolve the Fe,more » Cr, and Al hydroxides) may be more effective than individual or blended reagents.« less
UpGrade: Sourcing Student Open-Ended Solutions to Create Scalable Learning Opportunities

In schools and colleges around the world, open-ended home-work assignments are commonly used. However, such assignments require substantial instructor effort for grading, and tend not to support opportunities for repeated practice. We propose UpGrade, a novel learnersourcing approach that generates scalable learning opportunities using prior student solutions to open-ended problems. UpGrade creates interactive questions that offer automated and real-time feedback, while enabling repeated practice. In a two-week experiment in a college-level HCI course, students answering UpGrade-created questions instead of traditional open-ended assignments achieved indistinguishable learning outcomes in ~30% less time. Further, no manual grading effort is required. To enhance quality control, UpGrade incorporates a psychometric approach using crowd workers' answers to automatically prune out low quality questions, resulting in a question bank that exceeds reliability standards for classroom use.
General discussion part I

Pollack: I would like to discuss various models obtained with in vitro motility assay experiments. In general, contraction models are classified into two different types: one type of model assumes myosin head motion (e.g. lever arm mechanism) while attached to actin and therefore has clear structural constraints, while the other type of model is based on a thermal ratchet mechanism without definite structural constraints. I would like to have your comments on them.
Associations of body composition with brain size in very preterm infants

Background: For very preterm infants, faster weight gain during the neonatal hospitalization is associated with better neurodevelopment in early childhood. Body composition analysis distinguishes lean from fat mass, and may provide information about components of weight gain that contribute to improved brain growth and development. Currently, little is known about the relationship between body composition and brain size in very preterm infants. Purpose: To assess associations of lean and fat mass with brain …
Prediction of Climate-Specific Degradation Rate for Photovoltaic Encapsulant Discoloration

Encapsulant discoloration is a well-known field degradation mode of crystalline-silicon photovoltaic modules, particularly in the hot climate zones. The discoloration rate is influenced by several weathering factors, such as UV light, module temperature, and humidity, as well as the permeability of oxygen into the module. In this article, a rate dependence model employing the modified Arrhenius equations to predict the degradation rate for encapsulant discoloration in different climates is presented. Two modeling approaches are introduced, which utilize the field and accelerated UV testing degradation data in conjunction with the field meteorological data to determine the acceleration factor for encapsulant browning. A novel method of accelerated UV stress testing at three simultaneous module temperatures in a single environmental chamber test run is implemented to estimate the activation energy for browning. The test was performed on three field-retrieved modules to capture the wear-out failure mechanism. The degradation in short-circuit current I sc rather than maximum power is used as a decisive parameter for the discoloration analysis. Furthermore, the developed model has been used to predict the I sc degradation rate for the Arizona field characterized by a hot and dry climate and is validated against the field-measured value. It has also been applied to other climate types, e.g., the cold and dry climate of New York.
Does Policy Practice Class Increase Social Work Students’ Planned Political Engagement?

Recent research supports the idea of reconceptualizing social work policy courses as practice courses and using an experiential approach. Utilizing Verba et al.’s (1995) Civic Voluntarism model as a guide, the purpose of this study is to evaluate if a social work policy practice course utilizing experiential learning interventions increases social work students’ planned political participation and current feelings of preparedness for engagement in the political system. A pre-test/post-test was administered to students enrolled in a BSW-level and a MSW-level policy course. This consisted of questions from Rome and Hoechstetter’s (Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 37, 107–129, 2010) survey focused on past political activities of participants; a slightly modified version of Ostrander et al.’s (Journal of Policy Practice, 16(3), 261–275, 2017) survey questioning participants about their plans for future political participation; and a single question asking the participants to rate their current feelings of preparedness for engagement in the political system. Students were more likely after taking the policy course to plan on engaging in policy practice in six of the ten ways addressed in the survey. Students were also significantly more likely to indicate that they did feel adequately prepared to engage in the political system at the post-test. Additionally, the Civic Voluntarism model shows that teaching specific skills of political participation increases students’ intent to be politically active. Results indicate that utilizing an experiential approach to social work policy practice course does positively impact students’ intentions regarding political activism as well as their feelings of preparedness for engagement in the political system.
Anosov and expanding attractors

An earlier conjecture is settled with an immersion of a 2-dimensional branched manifold. Possible obstructions in linear algebra and tiling theory are studied first.
The future of microprocessors

Before making statements about microprocessor trends 10 years out-Micro 2006-it might be useful to revisit our past statements (Gelsinger et al. (1989, 1991)) about the microprocessor of today and the microprocessor of 2000. Then we can see where we have been right and where wrong. This retrospective will reveal important trends that promise to give some insight into the microprocessor of the next decade.
Aluminum Lithium Alloy 2195 Fusion Welding Improvements with New Filler Wire

The objective of this research was to assess the B218 weld filler wire for Super Lightweight External Tank production, which could improve current production welding and repair productivity. We took the following approaches: (1) Perform a repair weld quick look evaluation between 4043/B218 and B218/B218 weld filler wire combinations and evaluation tensile properties for planished and unplanished conditions; and (2) Perform repair weld evaluation on structural simulation panel using 4043-B218 and B218/B218 weld filler wire combinations and evaluation tensile and simulated service fracture properties for planished and unplanished conditions.
A Preisach-Based Nonequilibrium Methodology for Simulating Performance of Hysteretic Magnetic Refrigeration Cycles

In giant magnetocaloric effect (GMCE) materials a large entropy change couples to a magnetostructural first-order phase transition, potentially providing a basis for magnetic refrigeration cycles. However, hysteresis loss greatly reduces the availability of refrigeration work in such cycles. Here, we present a methodology combining a Preisach model for rate-independent hysteresis with a thermodynamic analysis of nonequilibrium phase transformations which, for GMCE materials exhibiting hysteresis, allows an evaluation of refrigeration work and efficiency terms for an arbitrary cycle. Using simplified but physically meaningful descriptors for the magnetic and thermal properties of a Ni45Co5Mn36.6In13.4 at.% single-crystal alloy, we relate these work/efficiency terms to fundamental material properties, demonstrating the method’s use as a materials design tool. Following a simple two-parameter model for the alloy’s hysteresis properties, we compute and interpret the effect of each parameter on the cyclic refrigeration work and efficiency terms. We show that hysteresis loss is a critical concern in cycles based on GMCE systems, since the resultant lost work can reduce the refrigeration work to zero; however, we also find that the lost work may be mitigated by modifying other aspects of the transition, such as the width over which the one-way transformation occurs.
Probing the temperature sensitivity of induction time in latent cure epoxy resins

Two dynamic viscosity datasets for epoxy resins cured at temperatures between 100 and 150 °C were re-analyzed to compare the interpretation of gel times and activation energies using two mathematical models. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Sweetened Condensed Milk: VI. Tallowiness*

Summary 1.Tallowy condensed milk is produced through the action of the oxygen of the air in the container on the butter fat of the milk, the reaction being catalyzed ordinarily by small amounts of copper. 2.Tallowiness develops below 32°F. apparently just as rapidly as at room temperature; heat sterilization of the product does not prevent it; the bacterial counts of tallowy samples are low; addition of strong preservatives do not prevent the development of the flavor. All these points are taken as proof that the reaction involved is chemical and that biological agencies have nothing to do with it. 3.Pure oxygen was found to be more active in producing tallowiness than air. The development of the flavor could be prevented by displacing the air with carbon dioxide, or, by filling containers so full that no air space remained. Tallowiness increases, therefore, with the extent of exposure to oxygen. 4.Tallowiness was found to increase with the amount of copper present. When the percentage of copper is small, much more oxygen or air space must be in contact with the sample to produce the flavor. And when there is but little air space more copper must be present. 5.Condensed skimmilk may become slightly tallowy if it contains any fat at all, which it usually does in commercial practice. 6.Copper condensing pans and hot wells that have not been used for some time previously yield an excessive amount of copper to the first few batches manufactured; accordingly, these batches are most likely to become tallowy. 7.Tin was found not to catalyze the tallowiness reaction. Iron was found to do so but to a very much less degree than copper; it cannot be important in practice.
Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (pcDLBCL), leg type, is a rare B-cell lymphoma of post-germinal B cells. Although this lymphoma classically presents on the leg with erythematous or violaceous tumors or nodules, it can also present elsewhere on the body. Patients with pcDLBCL have a moderately poor prognosis and experience frequent systemic dissemination. Though small case series have reported dramatic improvements in survival with combination chemotherapy and rituximab, treatment is largely limited by patient age and functional status. This chapter discusses the clinical presentation, prognosis, treatment, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular characteristics, and differential diagnosis of pcDLBCL. The chapter closes with two clinical cases: one case of pcDLBCL occurring on the leg and one occurring on the scalp.
Inactivation of c-Cbl or Cbl-b Differentially Affects Signaling from the High Affinity IgE Receptor

The Cbl family of proteins negatively regulate signaling from tyrosine kinase-coupled receptors. Among the three members of this family, only c-Cbl and Cbl-b are expressed in hemopoietic cells. To examine the role of c-Cbl and Cbl-b in FceRI signaling, mast cell cultures from wild-type, c-Cbl −/− , and Cbl-b −/− mice were generated. Cell growth rates and cell surface expression of FceRI were similar in the different cell populations. Compared with control cells, Cbl-b inactivation resulted in increases in FceRI-induced Ca 2+ response and histamine release. FceRI-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of total cellular proteins, Syk, and phospholipase C-γ was also enhanced by Cbl-b deficiency, whereas receptor-initiated phosphorylation of Vav, JNK, and p38 kinases was not changed in these cells. In contrast to Cbl-b, c-Cbl deficiency had no detectable effect on FceRI-induced histamine release or on the phosphorylation of total cellular proteins or Syk. The absence of c-Cbl increased the phosphorylation of ERK after receptor stimulation, but resulted in slightly reduced p38 phosphorylation and Ca 2+ response. These results suggest that Cbl-b and c-Cbl have divergent effects on FceRI signal transduction and that Cbl-b, but not c-Cbl, functions as a negative regulator of FceRI-induced degranulation.
Dissecting OCD Circuits: From Animal Models to Targeted Treatments

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, severe mental illness with up to 2-3% prevalence worldwide. In fact, OCD has been classified as one of the world's 10 leading causes of illness-related disability according to the World Health Organization, largely because of the chronic nature of disabling symptoms.([1]) Despite the severity and high prevalence of this chronic and disabling disorder, there is still relatively limited understanding of its pathophysiology. However, this is now rapidly changing due to development of powerful technologies that can be used to dissect the neural circuits underlying pathologic behaviors. In this article, we describe recent technical advances that have allowed neuroscientists to start identifying the circuits underlying complex repetitive behaviors using animal model systems. In addition, we review current surgical and stimulation-based treatments for OCD that target circuit dysfunction. Finally, we discuss how findings from animal models may be applied in the clinical arena to help inform and refine targeted brain stimulation-based treatment approaches.
Electrophoresis of RNA

Electrophoresis is a chromatography technique by which a mixture of charged molecules is separated according to size when placed in an electric field. The accurate determination of the size of RNA species is just as important as deduction of the molecular weight of any other macromolecules subjected to electrophoresis. This is accomplished by comparing the electrophoresis of an RNA sample against molecular weight standards. The successful electrophoresis of RNA is accomplished in two parts: RNA is denatured prior to loading the gel; and during the electrophoresis, conditions that support and maintain the denatured state are established. These steps will ensure that like species of RNA co-migrate, and the best possible resolution is achieved when gels are poured thinly and run at low voltage. The choice of denaturing system and gel matrix is determined primarily by the size range of the RNAs to be separated and the most commonly used RNA denaturants for agarose gel electrophoresis are formaldehyde and urea. Several gel staining techniques are used for the visualization of nucleic acids in agarose gels such as ethidium bromide, SYBR green, SYBR gold, SYBR safe, GelStar, silver staining, acridine orange, and methylene blue. The proper maintenance and use of electrophoresis gel boxes and power supplies is of utmost importance for the safety of all.
Rethinking competence in marine life cycles: ontogenetic changes in the settlement response of sand dollar larvae exposed to turbulence

Complex life cycles have evolved independently numerous times in marine animals as well as in disparate algae. Such life histories typically involve a dispersive immature stage followed by settlement and metamorphosis to an adult stage on the sea floor. One commonality among animals exhibiting transitions of this type is that their larvae pass through a ‘precompetent’ period in which they do not respond to localized settlement cues, before entering a ‘competent’ period, during which cues can induce settlement. Despite the widespread existence of these two phases, relatively little is known about how larvae transition between them. Moreover, recent studies have blurred the distinction between the phases by demonstrating that fluid turbulence can spark precocious activation of competence. Here, we further investigate this phenomenon by exploring how larval interactions with turbulence change across ontogeny, focusing on offspring of the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus (Eschscholtz). Our data indicate that larvae exhibit increased responsiveness to turbulence as they get older. We also demonstrate a likely cost to precocious competence: the resulting juveniles are smaller. Based upon these findings, we outline a new, testable conception of competence that has the potential to reshape our understanding of larval dispersal and connectivity among marine populations.