cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose Rate Dependence of the Amorphization of Silicon Carbide

Single crystal silicon carbide (SiC) has been 2 MeV silicon ion irradiated in various irradiation temperature and ion flux ranges to measure the effect of these parameters on the critical dose for amorphization. The temperature and flux range for which amorphization was observed ranged from 80 to 400 K and 0.066 to 3 × 104 dpa/s, respectively. The critical dose, Dcrit was found by locating the depth of the boundary between partially crystalline and fully amorphous material using dark field TEM from samples prepared in cross section. This depth was compared to the damage profile as calculated using the TRIM-96 code. The temperature dependence of Dcrit is found to agree well with previously reported values, though new evidence suggests a defect species becoming mobile in the 250-300 K range. Also of significance is that Dcrit was dependent on flux at 340 K, ranging from 0.79 displacements per atom at the lowest ion flux to ∼0.6 dpa at the highest flux level. The dose rate dependence of Dcrit, is compared with a chemical rate theory model previously described by the authors. It is seen that the dose rate dependence is substantially weaker than theorized. An extrapolation of the measured dose rate dependence is also compared with recent data on fast neutron amorphized SiC.
A tale of hydrogen abstraction, initially detected via X-ray diffraction.

Reaction of a bis-tetra­zinyl pyridine pincer ligand, btzp, with a vanadium(III) reagent gives not a simple adduct but di­chlorido­{3-methyl-6-[6-(6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl-κN2)pyridin-2-yl-κN]-1,4-di­hydro-1,2,4,5-tetra­zin-1-yl-κN1}oxidovanadium(IV) acetonitrile 2.5-solvate, [V(C11H10N9)Cl2O]·2.5CH3CN, a species which X-ray diffraction reveals to have one H atom added to one of the two tetra­zinyl rings. This H atom was first revealed by a short inter­molecular N⋯Cl contact in the unit cell and subsequently established, from difference maps, to be associated with a hydrogen bond. One chloride ligand has also been replaced by an oxide ligand in this synthetic reaction. This formula for the complex, [V(Hbtzp)Cl2O], leaves open the question of both ligand oxidation state and spin state. A computational study of all isomeric locations of the H atom shows the similarity of their energies, which is subject to perturbation by inter­molecular hydrogen bonding found in X-ray work on the solid state. These density functional calculations reveal that the isomer with the H atom located as found in the solid state contains a neutral radical Hbtzp ligand and tetra­valent d1 V center, but that these two unpaired electrons are more stable as an open-shell singlet and hence anti­ferromagnetically coupled.
Illustrations of Fungi—XVI

The accompanying figures represent some of the tough and woody fungi known as polypores. Most of the species of this group grow on dead wood in brackets of various sizes and shapes, the fruiting surface being composed of tubes or furrows. Sometimes the walls of these tubes split with age and the hymenium appears spiny, resembling the hydnums; sometimes the furrows change-with age to appear like gills. When the fruit-body is perennial, the tubes are often arranged in layers. The family may be divided into four groups, the resupinates, the annual poroid species, the perennial poroid species, and the agaric-like species. The resupinate species are difficult for the beginner; some of the larger species of the other groups are comparatively easy. Polypores as a class are very destructive to trees and timber. On the other hand, one species possesses medicinal properties, some of the encrusted species supply tinder, and several of the more juicy ones are excellent for food if collected when young. The only species recognized as poisonous is the medicinal one, Fomes Laricis, and it is so tough and bitter that no one would think of eating it.
Axl Receptor Axis: A New Therapeutic Target in Lung Cancer

Abstract The Axl receptor tyrosine kinase belongs to the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) family of proteins and is upregulated in multiple types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer. In normal tissues, TAM receptor tyrosine kinases contribute to immune regulation. In cancer, Axl expression is associated with poor outcomes and is controlled through various transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Preclinical studies have shown that Axl is involved in cancer cell migration, growth, survival and resistance to chemotherapy through activation of multiple downstream signaling pathways, such as Ras/MAPK, PI3K and Rac1. Axl is also expressed on endothelial cells and plays a role in angiogenesis. In preclinical models, Axl inhibition decreases cancer growth and impedes lung cancer metastases. Small molecule Axl inhibitors have been developed and are currently being used as monotherapy or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy or anti-EGFR therapy in early clinical trials. Here, we review Axl structure, functions, regulation, and preclinical and clinical studies in lung cancer.
Aging embrittlement of Super 304H steel welded joint

The embrittlement of welded joints of Super 304H steel was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectroscopy,transmission electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction analysis and the impact test.The experimental results indicate that the microstructure of welded joints consists of γ-matrix and precipitated phase.The reason of embrittlement of welded joint is that Cr23C6 precipitated alone coarse grain boundary and the amount of precipitation are the key factors.After being aged at 650 ℃,there are obvious precipitated Nb(C,N) and Cr23C6 phases in welded joint,and the amount of precipitate reaches a stable value with the increasing of aging time;the precipitation of Cr23C6 causes the intergranular embrittlement of welded seam,the impact energy of welded joint reduces rapidly,and the fracture mode turns to intergranular fracture.The toughness of welded joint of Super 304H steel depends on the microstructure of the matrix under welded condition.
Electrochemical properties of as-cast Mm(NiCoMnAlB)_(5+χ) hydrogen storage alloys

This paper studied the effect of B additive on the electrochemical properties of hydrogen storage alloys with the Co mass fraction less than 5% and designed non-stoichiometry cast alloys Mm(NiCoMnAlB)_ 5+χ (χ=0.02,0.03,0.05,0.1,0.2,0.3). The results show that the activation performance and high ratio discharge property are improved,but the discharge capacity is reduced. Microstructure analysis approves that B additive in the alloys forms secondary phase CeCo_4B,which can improve high ratio discharge property. Special software MASTE was used to optimize the composition. It is found when the addition of B is 0.1 in atom ratio the comprehensive properties are the best. A new alloy composition Mm(NiCoMnAlB)_ 5.08 was predicted,and the electrochemical properties were proved by experiment.
Denudation of metal powder layers in laser powder bed fusion processes

Abstract Understanding laser interaction with metal powder beds is critical in predicting optimum processing regimes in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of metals. In this work, we study the denudation of metal powders that is observed near the laser scan path as a function of laser parameters and ambient gas pressure. We show that the observed depletion of metal powder particles in the zone immediately surrounding the solidified track is due to a competition between outward metal vapor flux directed away from the laser spot and entrainment of powder particles in a shear flow of gas driven by a metal vapor jet at the melt track. Between atmospheric pressure and ∼10 Torr of Ar gas, the denuded zone width increases with decreasing ambient gas pressure and is dominated by entrainment from inward gas flow. The denuded zone then decreases from 10 to 2.2 Torr reaching a minimum before increasing again from 2.2 to 0.5 Torr where metal vapor flux and expansion from the melt pool dominates. The dynamics of the denudation process were captured using high-speed imaging, revealing that the particle movement is a complex interplay among melt pool geometry, metal vapor flow, and ambient gas pressure. The experimental results are rationalized through finite element simulations of the melt track formation and resulting vapor flow patterns. The results presented here represent new insights to denudation and melt track formation that can be important for the prediction and minimization of void defects and surface roughness in additively manufactured metal components.
Predictive Control for improving vehicle handling and stability

In the modern era of automotive industry, Active Front Steering (AFS) control is in hot pursuit due to its increased inbuilt vehicle maneuverability, reduced risk of instability and thereby significant reduction in number of accident occurrences. In this paper, a novel control strategy of Model Predictive Controller (MPC) with robust Optimal Guaranteed Cost Controller (OGCC) is introduced for AFS control. In the proposed scheme, MPC is designed to compensate for the effect of the driver's steering input, modeled as a known disturbance. Thus, providing the optimal solution by satisfying control input constraint. The OGCC controller renders the system robustness to the effect of system uncertainties, while achieving acceptable performance for tracking the desired vehicle trajectory. The complete controller scheme achieves the best results with RMS error < 10−4 and thus whilst guaranteeing the stability of vehicle in the presence of uncertain environment. Numerical simulation results are performed to the effectiveness of the proposed approach over other conventional techniques.
Synchrotron x-ray thermal diffuse scattering probes for phonons in Si/SiGe/Si trilayer nanomembranes

Nanostructures offer the opportunity to control the vibrational properties of via the scattering of phonons due to boundaries and mass disorder as well as through changes in the phonon dispersion due to spatial confinement. Advances in understanding these effects have the potential to lead to thermoelectrics with an improved figure of merit by lowering the thermal conductivity and to provide insight into electron-phonon scattering rates in nanoelectronics. Characterizing the phonon population in nanomaterials has been challenging because of their small volume and because optical techniques probe only a small fraction of reciprocal space. Recent developments in x-ray scattering now allow the phonon population to be evaluated across all of reciprocal space in samples with volumes as small as several cubic micrometers. We apply this approach, synchrotron x-ray thermal diffuse scattering (TDS), to probe the population of phonons within a Si/SiGe/Si trilayer nanomembrane. The distributions of scattered intensity from Si/SiGe/Si trilayer nanomembranes and Si nanomembranes with uniform composition are qualitatively similar, with features arising from the elastic anisotropy of the diamond structure. The TDS signal for the Si/SiGe/Si nanomembrane, however, has higher intensity than the Si membrane of the same total thickness by approximately 3.75%. Possible origins of the enhancement in scattering from SiGe in comparison with Si include the larger atomic scattering factor of Ge atoms within the SiGe layer or reduced phonon frequencies due to alloying.
Triathlete Adapts to Breathing Restricted to the Nasal Passage Without loss in VO2max or vVO2max

This case study investigated the effect of restricting breathing to the nasopharynx versus the oropharynx on the ability to perform maximal and high level steady state running in a highly trained triathlete who previously adapted himself to nasal only breathing during exercise as a means of inhibiting exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). The subject was tested using a maximal graded treadmill protocol (GXT) to voluntary exhaustion followed 10 minutes later by a 6 minute steady state treadmill protocol (SS) at 85% of the previously achieved maximal velocity in both breathing conditions. Oxygen uptake was measured via indirect calorimetry and 1 second forced expiratory volumes (FEV 1 ) were measured with spirometry. In the GXT trials the subject produced a time to exhaustion (TE) of 6:24, a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max ) of 3.92 L/min. and a velocity at VO2 max ( V VO 2max ) of 9.7 mph while breathing only through the nasopharynx (NB). While breathing only through the oropharynx (OB) he produced a TE of 6:15, a VO2 max of 3.80 L/min. and a V VO 2max of 9.7 mph.. During the 6 minute SS trials running at 8.0 mph, his mean oxygen consumption was 4.16 L/min. in NB and 3.99 L/min. in OB. The subject experienced a 17% reduction in FEV 1 (Pre = 5.03 L/sec., Post = 4.17 L/sec.) following the OB GXT not seen following the NB GXT. This case study confirms the ability of a highly trained competitive triathlete to adapt to breathing restricted to the nasopharynx during running at both a maximal effort and a subsequent high level steady state effort without a loss in performance or peak aerobic capacity, as a means of inhibiting EIB.
Femtosecond Transition-State Absorption Spectroscopy of Bi Atoms Produced by Bi2 Photodissociation

Two classes of Bi transient absorption spectra observed in the 308-nm photolysis of gaseous Bi2 molecules are identified and discussed.
Decoupling loads for nano-instruction set computers

We propose an ISA extension that decouples the data access and register write operations in a load instruction. We describe system and hardware support for decoupled loads. Furthermore, we show how compilers can generate better static instruction schedules by hoisting a decoupled load's data access above may-alias stores and branches. We find that decoupled loads improve performance with geometric mean speedups of 8.4%.
Feasibility study of mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy using electrospray ionization

Precise detection of trace amount of molecules, such as the disease biomarkers present in biofluids or explosive residues, requires high sensitivity detection. electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is a common and effective technique for sensitive trace molecular detection in small-volume liquid samples. In ESI-MS, nano-liter volume samples are ionized and aerosolized by ESI, and fed into MS for mass analysis. ESI-MS has proven to be a reliable ionization technique for coupling liquid phase separations like liquid chromatography (LC) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CE) with the highly specific resolving power of MS. While CE and ESI can be performed on a microfluidic chip having a footprint of a few cm 2 , MS is typically at least 100 times bigger in size than a micro-chip. A reduced size, weight, and power profile would enable semi-portable applications in forensics, environmental monitoring, defense, and biological/pharmaceutical applications. To achieve this goal, we present an initial study evaluating the use of mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy (MIRAS) in place of MS to create a ESI-MIRAS system. To establish feasibility, we perform ESI-MIRAS on phospholipid samples, which have been previously demonstrated to be separable by CE. Phospholipids are biomarkers of degenerative neurological, kidney, and bone diseases and can be found in biofluids such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. To establish sensitivity limits, calibration samples of 100 μM concentration are electrospray deposited on to a grounded Si wafer for different times (1 minutes to 4 minutes with a 1 minute step). The minimum detectable concentration-time product, where a FTIR globar is used as the MIR source, is found ~200 μM·s.
Regulation and function of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in colonic injury and inflammation

In this study we report a series of novel observations that underscore the importance of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the regulation of colonic homeostasis during the development o...
Colonization habitat controls biomass, composition, and metabolic activity of attached microbial communities in the Columbia River hyporheic corridor

Hydrologic exchange plays a critical role in biogeochemical cycling within the hyporheic zone (the interface between river water and groundwater) of riverine ecosystems. Such exchange may set limits on the rates of microbial metabolism and impose deterministic selection on microbial communities that adapt to dynamically changing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) sources. This study examined the response of attached microbial communities (in situ colonized sand packs) from groundwater, hyporheic, and riverbed habitats within the Columbia River hyporheic corridor to "cross-feeding" with either groundwater, river water, or DOC-free artificial fluids. Our working hypothesis was that deterministic selection during in situ colonization would dictate the response to cross-feeding, with communities displaying maximal biomass and respiration when supplied with their native fluid source. In contrast to expectations, the major observation was that the riverbed colonized sand had much higher biomass and respiratory activity, as well as a distinct community structure, compared with those of the hyporheic and groundwater colonized sands. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed a much higher proportion of certain heterotrophic taxa as well as significant numbers of eukaryotic algal chloroplasts in the riverbed colonized sand. Significant quantities of DOC were released from riverbed sediment and colonized sand, and separate experiments showed that the released DOC stimulated respiration in the groundwater and piezometer colonized sand. These results suggest that the accumulation and degradation of labile particulate organic carbon (POC) within the riverbed are likely to release DOC, which may enter the hyporheic corridor during hydrologic exchange, thereby stimulating microbial activity and imposing deterministic selective pressure on the microbial community composition.IMPORTANCE The influence of river water-groundwater mixing on hyporheic zone microbial community structure and function is an important but poorly understood component of riverine biogeochemistry. This study employed an experimental approach to gain insight into how such mixing might be expected to influence the biomass, respiration, and composition of hyporheic zone microbial communities. Colonized sands from three different habitats (groundwater, river water, and hyporheic) were "cross-fed" with either groundwater, river water, or DOC-free artificial fluids. We expected that the colonization history would dictate the response to cross-feeding, with communities displaying maximal biomass and respiration when supplied with their native fluid source. By contrast, the major observation was that the riverbed communities had much higher biomass and respiration, as well as a distinct community structure compared with those of the hyporheic and groundwater colonized sands. These results highlight the importance of riverbed microbial metabolism in organic carbon processing in hyporheic corridors.
Bone Rooms: From Scientific Racism to Human Prehistory in Museums

Thirty years ago, Bruno Latour described how epistemologies crumble. In his estimation, materiality is the handmaiden to new discourses. “Immutable mobiles” – tangible but inalterable inscriptions ...
Boron-Rich Oligophosphates — Novel Molecules for Use in BNCT

For some time we1,2 and others3,4 have been interested in the use of immunoproteins for the selective localization of boron-10 in tumors. A significant challenge inherent in this approach is the requirement that each immunoprotein must be conjugated to (or otherwise associated with) approximately 103 boron-10 atoms in order to attain the necessary tumor concentrations of boron-10. Early work suggested that the development of methods for the facile synthesis of macromolecules containing large numbers of boron atoms, which we call ‘trailer’ molecules, would be necessary for the successful application of this approach to BNCT.5,6 Our research in this area has been focused upon the design of boron-rich trailers that are simple and economical to synthesize, water soluble, and homogeneous.
Hurwitz correspondences on compactifications of M0,N

Abstract Hurwitz correspondences are certain multi-valued self-maps of the moduli space M 0 , N . They arise in the study of Thurston's topological characterization of rational functions. We compare the dynamics of Hurwitz correspondence H on two different compactifications of M 0 , N : the Deligne-Mumford compactification M ‾ 0 , N , as well as a Hassett space of weighted stable curves. We use this comparison to show that the k-th dynamical degree of H is the absolute value of the dominant eigenvalue of the pushforward induced by H on a natural quotient of H 2 k ( M ‾ 0 , N ) .
Symposium on theories of public organization: International perspectives

This symposium was designed to provide a survey of theories of public organization throughout the world. Each review provides insight into the approaches different countries and cultures take toward Public Administration. It is apparent that no society is autonomous and that all are dramatically affected by changes of all types, including the change to a more global society. This fact leads to the obvious but often overlooked conclusion: that in the field of public administration, it is most important that findings be shared internationally if progress is to continue. In the end, by sharing what we learn, we are all better off, wherever we might reside.
Phase-encoded single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy for suppressing outer volume signals at 7 Tesla.

Background Due to imperfect slice profiles, unwanted signals from outside the selected voxel may significantly contaminate metabolite signals acquired using in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The use of outer volume suppression may exceed the SAR threshold, especially at high field. Objective We propose using phase-encoding gradients after radiofrequency (RF) excitation to spatially encode unwanted signals originating from outside of the selected single voxel. Methods Phase-encoding gradients were added to a standard single voxel point-resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence which selects a 2 × 2 × 2 cm3 voxel. Subsequent spatial Fourier transform was used to encode outer volume signals. Phantom and in vivo experiments were performed using both phase-encoded PRESS and standard PRESS at 7 Tesla. Quantification was performed using fitting software developed in-house. Results Both phantom and in vivo studies showed that spectra from the phase-encoded PRESS sequence were relatively immune from contamination by oil signals and have more accurate quantification results than spectra from standard PRESS spectra of the same voxel. Conclusion The proposed phase-encoded single-voxel PRESS method can significantly suppress outer volume signals that may appear in the spectra of standard PRESS without increasing RF power deposition.
CBCT-Based Image Guidance for Sinus and Skull Base Surgery

The field of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of disease processes involving the ear, nose, and throat (ENT). In particular, surgeries involving the paranasal sinuses and skull base demand a high level of imaging accuracy because of the complexity of the regional anatomy and intimate association with both neurovascular, ocular and cerebral tissues. Improvements in the field of diagnostic imaging have driven a number of technological advancements in operative techniques, especially stereotactic surgical navigation. Image-guided systems (IGS) monitor surgical instruments relative to known patient anatomic landmarks. This chapter will discuss the origins and utility of this modality and highlight the particular use of in-office and intraoperative CBCT imaging for endoscopic paranasal sinus and skull base surgery.
A Novel Imaging Finding in Williams Syndrome: The Coral Sign.

A 16-year-old female, with a history of Williams syndrome, presented to our institution with a 2-week history of intermittent dizziness. Holter monitoring demonstrated occasional premature ventricular contractions with rare couplets and triplets as well as one short run of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Echocardiography revealed an abnormal and irregular left ventricular septum with multiple mobile, pedunculated muscular projections extending into the left ventricular cavity. Cardiac MR confirmed abnormally thickened trabeculations consisting of multiple parallel ridges of myocardium crossing the left ventricle. The appearance of these findings closely resembled bands of coral lining the ocean floor. As such, this finding can henceforth be known as the “coral sign.” To our knowledge, no other reports of this finding in patients with Williams syndrome have been published.
The influence of deployment stress and life stress on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis among military personnel.

Abstract There is increasing recognition that traumatic stress encountered throughout life, including those prior to military service, can put individuals at increased risk for developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to examine the association of both traumatic stress encountered during deployment, and traumatic stress over one's lifetime on probable PTSD diagnosis. Probable PTSD diagnosis was compared between military personnel deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF; N = 21,499) and those who have recently enlisted (N = 55,814), using data obtained from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). Probable PTSD diagnosis was assessed using the PTSD Checklist. The effect of exposure to multiple types (i.e. diversity) of traumatic stress and the total quantity (i.e. cumulative) of traumatic stress on probable PTSD diagnosis was also compared. Military personnel who had been deployed experienced higher rates of PTSD symptoms than new soldiers. Diversity of lifetime traumatic stress predicted probable PTSD diagnosis in both groups, whereas cumulative lifetime traumatic stress only predicted probable PTSD for those who had been deployed. For deployed soldiers, having been exposed to various types of traumatic stress during deployment predicted probable PTSD diagnosis, but cumulative deployment-related traumatic stress did not. Similarly, the total quantity of traumatic stress (i.e. cumulative lifetime traumatic stress) did not predict probable PTSD diagnosis among new soldiers. Together, traumatic stress over one's lifetime is a predictor of probable PTSD for veterans, as much as traumatic stress encountered during war. Clinicians treating military personnel with PTSD should be aware of the impact of traumatic stress beyond what occurs during war.
Convective Influence on the Humidity and Clouds in the Tropical Tropopause Layer During Boreal Summer

The impact of convection on the humidity and clouds in the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) during boreal summer 2007 is investigated in simulations of detailed cloud microphysical processes and their effects on the water vapor (H2O) profile along backward trajectories from the 379 K potential temperature (100‐hPa pressure) surface. Convective influence is determined by tracing the trajectories through time‐dependent fields of satellite‐based convective cloud top height. The simulated H2O mixing ratios at the 100‐hPa level and cloud occurrence fractions in the middle to upper (16–18 km) TTL exhibit a pronounced maximum over the Asian monsoon region as in observations; these local enhancements are virtually absent in the simulation without convection, indicating that convection is the dominant driver of the localized H2O and cloud maxima in the Asian summer monsoon region. Convection moistens the 100‐hPa level by 0.6 ppmv (~15%) averaged over the 10°S–50°N domain and increases tropical (10°S–30°N) mean cloud occurrence in the middle to upper TTL by ~170%. Nearly all of the convective enhancements in H2O and clouds are due to the effect of convective saturation; convectively detrained ice crystals have negligible impact. Parcels are most frequently hydrated by deep convection in the southern sector of the Asian monsoon anticyclone and subsequently dehydrated downstream of convection to the west, shifting the locations of final dehydration northwest of the cold temperature region in the northern Tropics. Infrequent, extreme deep convective systems (cloud tops exceeding 380 K) have a disproportionately large effect on TTL humidity and clouds.
On-machine quality control system for TRUE-CNC manufacturing system

This paper deals with the design and development of a new quality control system for the CNC machine tool manufacturing system. The proposed quality control system can monitor product or part quality in a machining process, diagnose the system cause that relates to the unsatisfactory result in both autonomously and interactive mode, generate recommendation to take immediate corrective action through CNC controller, and automatically record all the results of monitoring diagnosis and recommendation in the database for the future diagnosis. The system consists of several functional modules. The functionality and structure of each module is discussed in detail in this paper.
Families of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Families with adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) continue to play an instrumental part in the lives of their adult relative with autism throughout the lifespan. This chapter reviews the concerns and roles of families of adults with ASD, and the impact of the stress these responsibilities have on family members. Intervention and support services for families of adults with ASD offered through the TEACCH autism program are described as a framework for the development of future service delivery systems for this growing population.
The Nature of the Theatrical Imagination: How Theatre Going Affects Children’s Imagination, and What Children Say About Their Theatre Experiences

In 1986, the state of Massachusetts passed legislation called the Performing Arts Student Series (PASS) which provided funding to allow school children to see selected performing arts events for a small fee. The following investigations are part of the evaluation study of this program. One of the key questions of this three-year investigation focused on the effect of theatre attendance on mental imagery abilities.
The Explanatory Power of a New Proof: Henkin’s Completeness Proof

Mancosu writes But explanations in mathematics do not only come in the form of proofs. In some cases explanations are sought in a major recasting of an entire discipline. (Mancosu 2008, 142) This paper takes up both halves of that statement. On the one hand we provide a case study of the explanatory value of a particular milestone proof. In the process we examine how it began the recasting of a discipline.
Complexity reduction in human atrial modeling using extended Kalman filter

Human atrial tissue electrophysiology is modeled upon biophysical details obtained from cellular level measurements. Data collected for this purpose typically represent a unique state of the tissue. As reproducing dynamic cases such as subject-varied and/or disorder-varied electrophysiological properties is in question, such complex models are typically hard to use. Hence, there is a need for simpler yet biophysically accurate and mathematically tractable models to be used for case-specific reproductions and simulations. In this study, a scheme for parameter estimation of a phenomenological cardiac model to match a targeted behavior generated from a complex model is used. Specifically, an algorithm incorporating extended Kalman filter (EKF) into the scheme is proposed. Its performance is then compared to that of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP), algorithms that have been widely used for parameter optimization. Both robustness and adaptability performance of the algorithms are tested through various designs. For this, reproducing action potential (AP) waveforms of varying remodeling states of atrial fibrillation (AF) at different stimulus protocols was targeted. Also, randomly generated initial parameter sets are included in the tests. In addition, AP duration (APD) restitution curve (RC) is used for a multiscale evaluation of fitting performance. Finally, wavefront propagation on 2D of a selected AF remodeling state using parameter solutions from each of the algorithms is simulated for a qualitative evaluation. In general, PSO yielded superior performances than EKF and SQP with respect to fitting AP waveforms. Considering both AP and APD RC, however, EKF yielded the best accuracies. Also, more accurate spiral wave reentry is obtained with EKF. Overall, EKF algorithm yielded the best performance in robustness and adaptability. Graphical Abstract.
Catalytic Asymmetric Mannich Reaction of α-Fluoronitriles with Ketimines: Enantioselective and Diastereodivergent Construction of Vicinal Tetrasubstituted Stereocenters

Diastereodivergent and enantioselective conversion of isatin ketimines to α-fluoro-β-aminonitriles with vicinal tetrasubstituted stereocenters is achieved by a chiral copper complex/guanidine base catalyzed Mannich reaction with proper choice of the bisphosphine ligand. The reaction is broad in scope, scalable, and provides efficient access to a series of 3-aminoindolinones exhibiting a quaternary carbon-fluorine stereocenter with high yields and stereoselectivities. Selective transformations of the Mannich reaction products into multifunctional 3-aminooxindoles without erosion of enantiomeric and diastereomeric purity highlight the synthetic utility.
Temporary inactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex impairs the formation, but not the retrieval of social odor recognition memory in rats

Abstract The hippocampus, medial dorsal thalamus and the perirhinal and entorhinal cortices are essential for visual recognition memory whereas the neural substrates underlying olfactory recognition memories are less well characterized. In the present study we combined chemogenetic inactivation with a social odor recognition memory (SORM) task to test the hypothesis that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in recognition memory. We demonstrate that temporary chemogenetic inactivation of the mPFC prior to an encoding session impairs social odor recognition memory, whereas silencing the mPFC just prior to the recognition session was without effect. Our data support the critical role of the mPFC in the formation rather than retrieval of social odor memory.
Dramatic Swelling of Copolymer Membrane Induced by Polyol-Based Antifoam Agent

Polymer membranes represent a low cost, low energy solution to separating biologically derived chemicals from fermentation. However, the performance of these membranes is commonly limited by fouling caused by biological components, but additives are also included in typical fermentation broths that can interact with the polymer membrane. Here, we examine how a common polyol antifoam agent (Antifoam 204) dramatically swells and plasticizes a high performing biobutanol membrane copolymer of hydroxyhexafluoroisopropyl and n-butyl substituted norbornene. When equilibrated against 1 wt % (aq) butanol, the solvent in the copolymer increases from 40 vol % at 1 ppm of antifoam and >80 vol % at 100 ppm of antifoam. The effect of the antifoam on the properties of the copolymer as determined by QCM-D is much more significant than that of the butanol concentration. Even with 4 wt % butanol (greater than typically viable for biobutanol), the copolymer swells <25 vol % without the ant...
Niijima: sound and automated computation consolidation for efficient multilingual data-parallel pipelines

Multilingual data-parallel pipelines, such as Microsoft's Scope and Apache Spark, are widely used in real-world analytical tasks. While the involvement of multiple languages (often including both managed and native languages) provides much convenience in data manipulation and transformation, it comes at a performance cost --- managed languages need a managed runtime, incurring much overhead. In addition, each switch from a managed to a native runtime (and vice versa) requires marshalling or unmarshalling of an ocean of data objects, taking a large fraction of the execution time. This paper presents Niijima, an optimizing compiler for Microsoft's Scope/Cosmos, which can consolidate C#-based user-defined operators (UDOs) across SQL statements, thereby reducing the number of dataflow vertices that require the managed runtime, and thus the amount of C# computations and the data marshalling cost. We demonstrate that Niijima has reduced job latency by an average of 24% and up to 3.3x, on a series of production jobs.
Development of a high-throughput radial migration device

ABSTRACT By combining the radial migration assay with injection molded gaskets and a rigid fixture, we have developed a more reliable and sensitive method for measuring radial cell migration. This method is well adapted for use on high throughput automated imaging systems. The use of injection molded gaskets enables low cost replacement of cell-wetted components. Furthermore, the design enables secondary placement of attractants and co-cultures. This device and high-throughput application permit the use of therapeutic screening to evaluate phenotypic responses e.g. cancer cell migration. This approach is orthogonal to other 2D cell migration applications such as scratch wound assays, although here we offer a non-invasive, high-throughput device which is currently not commercially available. Collectively, we have designed a systematic, reliable, high-throughput application to monitor phenotypic responses to chemotherapeutic screens, genetic alterations (e.g. RNAi; CRISPR; others), supplemental regiments, and other approaches offering a reliable methodology to survey unbiased and non-invasive cell migration.
Self-Sovereign Dynamic Digital Identities based on Blockchain Technology

With the advancement of electronic and cardless payment technologies and the growth in identity thefts and frauds, it is important for merchants and vendors to be able to perform a retrospective verification on a previous transaction at any later time. However, some of the user’s identity credentials used as the basis of trust on these payment technologies may be changing over time, which could largely complicate or confuse the retrospective verifications. In this paper, we propose a self-sovereign dynamic digital identity scheme to address the above problem. We introduce the management and use of dynamic digital identity, which is created using the blockchain technology. The proposed scheme makes use of a combination of biometric traits and other identity attributes that could vary or evolve over time. Since the proposed dynamic identity allows tracing back to a previous version of the identity of the same individual via the blockchain, it can be used to retrospectively verify a previous transaction associated with a previous version of the identity.
A School-Wide Attack on Reading Problems: Ways Secondary Teachers Can Support Striving Readers – Then and Now

In 1975, Robert Shuman wrote an article that highlighted ways that secondary educators could support struggling readers within their own content-area classrooms. Some of the points made are still c...
Study of the Variation of the β Factor and the Radius Through the Hollow Cathode Z-Pinch by Using Snowplow Model Simulation

The Hollow cathode z-pinch is designed and operated to investigate the ejected plasma through the hollow cathode. The hollow cathode is simulated using the snow plow model. The model uses three phases: the radial inward phase, the reflected shock phase and expansion phase. The differential equation of plasma motion and its electric circuit equation are derived and solved numerically using the code. The snow plow model suggested that the plasma radius decreases to zero, so this problem was solved adding the effect of the internal kinetic pressure and the shock wave into the general equation of motion using β factor. The effect of β factor (ratio of the kinetic pressure of plasma to magnetic pressure) is studied on plasma temperature, plasma radii, plasma velocity, pinching time and plasma elongation distance. The simulated results illustrate that the β factor varies from 0 to 0.79. The data illustrate that the elongation velocity of plasma is increased by decreasing the β factor, while the elongation displacement of the plasma is increased by increasing of the ring radii of the hollow cathode. The code illustrates that a multi-pinch of the CS could be appeared at high energy.
Evaluation and Prediction of the Hazard Potential Level of Dam Infrastructures Using Computational Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

AbstractFailures of dams cause immense property and environmental damages and take thousands of lives. As such, the goal of this paper is to evaluate and predict the hazard potential level of dams ...
Copper-Catalyzed Oxidation of Hydrazones to Diazo Compounds Using Oxygen as the Terminal Oxidant

A mild method for accessing diazo compounds via aerobic oxidation of hydrazones is described. This catalytic transformation employs a Cu(OAc)2/pyridine catalyst and molecular oxygen from ambient ai...
Is There Bias in Heart Transplant Selection

Purpose Diversity in the United States is a point of keen interest within the communities. In the heart transplant selection committees, most programs believe they have no bias in accepting patients for heart transplantation. However, there may be some inherent biases that are not due to the program's decisions, but rather institutional decisions or limitations. Such limitations may include lack of medical insurance, gender, age or geography that may be present without foreknowledge. Therefore, we assessed our heart transplant selection committee decisions to assess whether there is any inherent, institutional or voluntary bias within committee decisions. Methods Between 2016 and 2020 we assessed 296 heart transplant candidates that were presented to the heart transplant selection committee. We assessed for various factors that may be associated with patients declined for transplant for age, gender, race, social support (SIPAT score), health insurance (Medicaid), and state of residence. The standard for comparison included a Caucasian with non-Medicaid health insurance, social support, and ability to travel. Results The declined patients compared to the accepted patients were significantly older (64.4 vs 54.6 years) and had a higher SIPAT score (13.7 vs 11.2). There was no difference between groups in % female, % non-Caucasian, % w/non-Medicaid health insurance and % from outside California. (see table) Conclusion Inherent bias within a selection committee is difficult to interpret as older patients are held to a higher standard as older age is a risk factor for lower post-transplant survival. Higher SIPAT scores are also known to be a risk for lower survival due to higher psychosocial risk. It is comforting to appreciate that there does not appear to be inherent bias in gender, race, type of health insurance and region. Larger studies are needed.
Housing, opportunities, motivation and engagement (HOME) for homeless youth at-risk for opioid use disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Homeless youth experience high rates of substance use disorders, exposures to violence, mental and physical health conditions, and mortality. They have been particularly affected by the opioid crisis. However, no study to date has used a randomized controlled design to test preventive interventions of opioid and other drug use among this vulnerable population. Resolution of youth homelessness through housing and supportive services including prevention services, often referred to as “Housing First,” has great potential to reduce the likelihood for the development of an opioid use disorder as well as other problem behaviors associated with living on the streets. Housing First has been tested through randomized trials among homeless adults with mental health and substance use disorders, but has not been empirically tested for opioid prevention among homeless youth. Homeless youth will be recruited from a drop-in shelter site frequented by disconnected youth; they will be screened for eligibility, including current homelessness, age 18–24 years, and not currently meeting criteria for opioid use disorder (OUD). In a controlled trial, 240 youth will then be randomized to one of two conditions, (1) housing + opioid and related risk prevention services, or (2) opioid and related risk prevention services alone. This project utilizes existing efficacious models of prevention to address opioid-related risks, including motivational interviewing, strengths-based outreach and advocacy, and an HIV risk preventive intervention. Follow-up will be conducted at 3, 6, 9 and 12-months post-baseline. The economic cost of each intervention will be determined to support implementation decisions with other providers and their funders. This study will provide essential information for researchers and providers on the efficacy of housing + opioid and related risk prevention services in an RCT for effects on opioid use and mechanisms underlying change. Because youth experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for a variety of adverse outcomes, the proposed intervention may produce substantial health care benefits to the youths and society at large. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04135703, Registered October 13, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04135703?term=NCT04135703&draw=2&rank=1#contacts
Kava root extracts hinder prostate cancer development and tumorigenesis by involvement of dual inhibition of MAO-A and LSD1.

Aim Here, we aim to evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of kava root extracts (KRE) in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice and investigate potential molecular targets of kavalactones, the main components of kava. Methods TRAMP mice were administrated with KRE formulated food for different periods of time, and then the incidences of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-PIN) and adenocarcinomas and tumor burdens were compared between vehicle control and KRE food fed groups. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the KRE and kavalactones on monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) enzyme activities were examined by commercially available inhibitor screening kits. Histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation was also evaluated in prostate cancer cells and tumor tissues using Western blotting analysis. Results Dietary feeding of 0.3% and 0.6% KRE to TRAMP mice from ages of 6 weeks to 12 weeks inhibited HG-PIN by 43.5% and 59.7%, respectively, and prostate adenocarcinoma by 53.5% and 66.4%, respectively. In addition, 0.6% KRE fed TRAMP mice from ages of 6 weeks to 24 weeks exhibited a significant reduction of genitourinary weight (a surrogate of tumor burden) by 54.5% and reduced body weight gain. Furthermore, the KRE and kavalactones showed a significant inhibition of LSD1 and MAO-A enzyme activities. Conclusion Our results suggest that consumption of kava products through diet can delay prostate cancer development and progression and that kavalactones may be a new structure model for developing a potent dual inhibitor of LSD1 and MAO-A.
Cubic crystal elastic constants of a white dwarf stellar core determined via modal analysis

In this work, we present the cubic crystal elastic constants of a fully crystallized white dwarf stellar core. Elastic constants were calculated utilizing modal analysis of three-dimensional single-layer and stratified multi-layer crystalline core models. The models were generated using a Fortran based forward calculation algorithm in combination with a finite element modeling software program and were based on the parameters associated with the pulsating crystallized white dwarf BPM 37093. The calculated cubic crystal elastic constants, in comparison with elastic parameters of theoretical Coulomb crystal models of white dwarf matter, differed by, at most, a few orders of magnitude. In addition, the crystallized stellar core elastic parameters produced associated vibrational modes and frequencies that are consistent with the periodicity observed in BPM 37093.