cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Fusarium‐caused seed mortality contribute to Bromus tectorum stand failure in the Great Basin?

Summary Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass, downy brome) is an important invader in western North America, dominating millions of hectares of former semi-arid shrubland. Stand failure or ‘die-off’ is relatively common in monocultures of this annual grass. The study reported here investigated whether soil-borne pathogens could be causal agents in die-offs. Soils from two die-off areas and adjacent B. tectorum stands were used in a glasshouse experiment with sterilised and non-sterilised treatments. Soil sterilisation did not increase emergence, which averaged 80% in both die-off and non-die-off soils. Seedling biomass was higher in die-off soils, probably due to increased nitrogen availability. Fusarium was isolated from 80% of killed seeds in non-sterilised soil treatments. In pathogenicity tests with 16 Fusarium isolates, host seeds incubated under water stress (−1.5MPa for 1 week prior to transfer to free water) suffered over twice the mortality of seeds incubated directly in free water (25–83% with water stress vs. 5–43% without water stress). These results suggest that soil-borne Fusarium could play a role in B. tectorum stand failure in the field, but that low water stress conditions in the glasshouse experiment were not conducive to high levels of disease. Pathogenic Fusarium isolates were obtained from seeds planted in both die-off and non-die-off soils, suggesting that microenvironmental factors that affect levels of water stress might be as important as relative abundance of soil-borne pathogens in mediating spatial patterns of disease incidence in the field.
Diagnostically Challenging “Fatty” Retroperitoneal Tumors

A variety of benign and malignant retroperitoneal mesenchymal lesions may have a component of adipose tissue, including entities such as lipoma, myolipoma, angiomyolipoma, solitary fibrous tumor, genital stromal tumors, and well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Although definitive diagnosis is usually straightforward on the complete resection specimen, it is often more difficult to workup these lesions on small biopsy samples. This review focuses on challenging diagnostic scenarios of retroperitoneal lesions with a "fatty" component and provides major differential diagnoses for commonly encountered morphologic patterns, clinicopathologic features of the various entities, and strategy for use of ancillary techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and cytogenetic studies.
Autonomy and relatedness in mother-teen interactions as predictors of involvement in adolescent dating aggression

OBJECTIVE: This multi-method, longitudinal study examines the negotiation of autonomy and relatedness between teens and their mothers as etiologic predictors of perpetration and victimization of dating aggression two years later. METHOD: Observations of 88 mid-adolescents and their mothers discussing a topic of disagreement were coded for each individual's demonstrations of autonomy and relatedness using a validated coding system. Adolescents self-reported on perpetration and victimization of physical and psychological dating aggression two years later. We hypothesized that mother's and adolescents' behaviors supporting autonomy and relatedness would longitudinally predict lower reporting of dating aggression, and that their behaviors inhibiting autonomy and relatedness would predict higher reporting of dating aggression. RESULTS: Hypotheses were not supported; main findings were characterized by interactions of sex and risk status with autonomy. Maternal behaviors supporting autonomy predicted higher reports of perpetration and victimization of physical dating aggression for girls, but not for boys. Adolescent behaviors supporting autonomy predicted higher reports of perpetration of physical dating aggression for high-risk adolescents, but not for low-risk adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that autonomy is a dynamic developmental process, operating differently as a function of social contexts in predicting dating aggression. Examination of these and other developmental processes within parent-child relationships is important in predicting dating aggression, but may depend on social context. Language: en
Proper Scoring Rules, Dominated Forecasts, and Coherence

The concept of coherent probabilities and conditional probabilities through a gambling argument and through a parallel argument based on a quadratic scoring rule was introduced by de Finetti (de Finetti, B. 1974. The Theory of Probability. John Wiley & Sons, New York). He showed that the two arguments lead to the same concept of coherence. When dealing with events only, there is a rich class of scoring rules that might be used in place of the quadratic scoring rule. We give conditions under which a general strictly proper scoring rule can replace the quadratic scoring rule while preserving the equivalence of de Finetti's two arguments. In proving our results, we present a strengthening of the usual minimax theorem. We also present generalizations of de Finetti's fundamental theorem of probability to deal with conditional probabilities.
An Improved Error Evaluation in One-Dimensional Deformation Measurements by Linear Digital Image Correlation

Simple analytical error formulas were derived for one-dimensional deformation parameter estimation by an image correlation analysis with linear subpixel interpolation. A two-parameter deformation function was used in the analysis to account for both rigid-body translation and constant displacement gradient in an image subset. Errors in parameter estimation were found to explicitly relate to the image grayscale error consisting of subpixel approximation, image noise (including quantization error), and subset deformation mismatch at each point of the subset. A power-law dependence of the standard deviation of errors in deformation parameter estimation on the subset size was established when random image noise was dominant and it was confirmed by the numerical results of both nonlinear and linear image correlation analyses of synthetic image pairs. The power-law relationship can be used to guide the selection of suitable image quality, subpixel approximation, subset size, and subset deformation function for the desired measurement precision of deformation parameters.
Sentence interpretation strategies in emergent bilingual children and adults

This study examined sentence processing in emergent bilingual children and young adults in both English (second language – L2) and Spanish (first language – L1). One hundred participants from five different age groups (5;4–7;11, 8;0–10;11, 11;2–13;11, 14;0–16;8 years, and college-age adults) participated in this study. An online sentence interpretation paradigm was used to explore participants’ processing patterns. Results of both choice and reaction time experiments provide new information about consolidation and “in between” strategies for Spanish–English bilinguals; on the use of the distribution of local vs. topological cues (namely early reliance on word order in both languages, followed by an integration of late-emerging subject-verb agreement cues from 11 to 13 years of age). The nature of these syntactic strategies and their implications for developmental theories of bilingualism are discussed.
Integrated seismic analysis of carbonate reservoirs From the framework to the volume attributes

The recognition of the significance of seismic geometries and the depositional sequence concepts derived from them have revolutionized carbonate stratigraphy. New insight into carbonate platform evolution has been gained from outcrops by describing subseismic geometric and facies relationships within a larger seismic-scale chronostratigraphic framework. Integration of the outcrop and seismic and knowledge of the subseismic facies distributions has improved seismic stratigraphic prediction. Recently, seismic analysis of carbonate strata has focused on the generation of more accurate and robust stratigraphic frameworks and large-scale carbonate platform architecture. Delineating the depositional sequence framework provides a predictive way to map reservoir (e.g., grainstone shoals, reefal rudstones and floatstones, etc.), source, and seal lithofacies, and to qualitatively delineate the early diagenetic history of a platform (e.g., subaerial exposure at sequence boundaries). Pore systems are complex and reco...
Square Kilometer Array-A unique instrument for exploring the mysteries of the universe using the Square Kilometer Array

We are all familiar with Einstein, the Theory of Relativity he advanced and the mysteries of the universe that it helped unravel for us. Recently, a Radio Astronomy project utilizing a Square Kilometer Array (SKA), which, as the name suggests, will have a total collecting area of approximately one square kilometer, has been proposed for probing the very edges of the universe by observing extremely weak signals that might have originated from distances so far away that it is necessary to go to relatively low frequencies associated with the ‘red shift’-predicted by the Theory of Relativity—and utilize collecting apertures that are extremely large, in order to observe them. The SKA will actually operate over a wide range of frequencies, and its size will make it 50 times more sensitive than any other radio instrument. Furthermore, by utilizing advanced processing technology, it will be able to survey the sky more than ten thousand times faster than ever before. With receiving stations extending out to distance of 3,000 km from a concentrated central core, it will continue radio astronomy's tradition of providing the highest resolution images in all astronomy. The SKA will be built in a country, most likely in the southern hemisphere where the view of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is best and radio interference is extremely low.
Understanding Arts-Based Methods in Managerial Development

With the rising use of arts-based methods in organizational development and change, scholars have started to inquire into how and why these methods work. We identify four processes that are particu...
Proliferation and the Probability of War: A Cardinality Theorem

To determine formally the effects of nuclear proliferation on the probability of a deliberate nuclear war requires more than just qualitative assertions about the change in the probability that an individual nation will initiate a deliberate nuclear war as the number of nuclear powers increases. For a model to predict that an increase in the number of nuclear powers will increase or decrease the probability of a deliberate nuclear war, it is necessary that it be able to predict the cardinality of the change in the probability that any one nation will initiate a nuclear war. Inasmuch as this is beyond the capability of most models in economics and political science, the formal debate on this issue should be viewed with caution. It is likely that the dominant factor when considering the effect of proliferation on the probability of a nuclear war is that it will occur as a result of an accident or other inadvertent behavior.
Multiscale Multifunctional Progressive Fracture of Composite Structures

A new approach is described for evaluating fracture in composite structures. This approach is independent of classical fracture mechanics parameters like fracture toughness. It relies on computational simulation and is programmed in a stand-alone integrated computer code. It is multiscale, multifunctional because it includes composite mechanics for the composite behavior and finite element analysis for predicting the structural response. It contains seven modules; layered composite mechanics (micro, macro, laminate), finite element, updating scheme, local fracture, global fracture, stress based failure modes, and fracture progression. The computer code is called CODSTRAN (Composite Durability Structural ANalysis). It is used in the present paper to evaluate the global fracture of four composite shell problems and one composite built-up structure. Results show that the composite shells. Global fracture is enhanced when internal pressure is combined with shear loads. The old reference denotes that nothing has been added to this comprehensive report since then.
Piloted Simulation of Fault, Detection, Isolation, and Reconfiguration Algorithms for a Civil Transport Aircraft

Honeywell Labs has been researching and developing together with NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) algorithms for aircraft failure management and recovery. The algorithms have been integrated into a Control Upset Prevention and Recovery System (CUPRSys) that provides control law reconflguration, fault detection, fault isolation and pilot cueing. This paper describes the capabilities of CUPRSys and the results from an evaluation of CUPRSys by an experimental test pilot in the Integration Flight Deck (IFD) at LaRC. Also included in the paper are details about the IFD and the MATLAB simulation environment used for design. The piloted evaluation was performed at three ∞ight conditions and the results for one representative maneuver are presented. Pilot ratings were obtained for maneuvers for the un-failed aircraft, for the failed aircraft without reconflguration and for the failed aircraft with reconflguration. Only reduction of surface efiectiveness faults were considered. The piloted simulation results suggest that CUPRSys provides a robust control law with promising fault detection, isolation and reconflguration capability.
The Long-Term Social Correlates of Opiate Addiction

A follow-up study was undertaken of former heroin addicts from Puerto Rico who had been federal prisoners at the U. S. Public Health Hospital in Lexington between 1935 and 1962. Extensive data were obtained for each subject including: a field interview, an urinalysis to check on addiction status, and a current FBI record. With these data, the long-term social correlates of heroin addiction were examined. First, drug use, arrests, and occupational careers of the subjects over time were traced. Second, by bringing together a number of pre-addiction and post-addiction characteristics, the life patterns of the subjects were analyzed.
THE IMPACT OF RELIGION ON GENDER‐ROLE ATTITUDES

Given the apparently growing significance of religion in American life, the general problem addressed in this paper was the relation between religious orientation and gender-related attitudes and b...
Discourse Dependent Interpretation and the Role of Mental Models

Much of the’ semantic’ processing work in psycholinguistics has been conducted in the mental models framework (see Grain & Steedman, 1985; Garnham, 1987; Johnson-Laird, 1983, for example). The development of this framework is discussed in section 2. Empirical evidence relevant to the evaluation of the mental model approach is taken up in subsequent sections. For the most part, the work concerns the processing of referential or anaphoric relations in text. The fairly extensive processing literature on deep and surface anaphora is taken up in section 3. The Principle of Parsimony (Grain & Steedman, 1985) is examined in section 4. Processing studies of quantifiers are discussed in section 5. They are included in this chapter because the focus is on the interplay of scope and discourse representations. Provisional conclusions about constraints on a model of sentence interpretation are drawn out in section 6.
Properties of Stabilizing Computations

Models play an important role in the development of computerscience and information technology applications. Turing machine isone of the most popular model of computing devices andcomputations. This model, or more exactly, a family of models,provides means for exploration of capabilities of informationtechnology. However, a Turing machine stops after giving a result.In contrast to this, computers, networks and their software, suchas an operating system, very often work without stopping but givevarious results. There are different modes of such functioning andTuring machines do not provide adequate models for theseprocesses. One of the closest to halting computation isstabilizing computation when the output has to stabilize in orderto become the result of a computational process. Such stabilizingcomputations are modeled by inductive Turing machines. Incomparison with Turing machines, inductive Turing machinesrepresent the next step in the development of computer scienceproviding better models for contemporary computers and computernetworks. At the same time, inductive Turing machines reflectpivotal traits of stabilizing computational processes. In thispaper, we study relations between different modes of inductiveTuring machines functioning. In particular, it is demonstratedthat acceptation by output stabilizing and acceptation by statestabilizing are linguistically equivalent.
Chemoprevention of oral cancer by topical application of black raspberries on high at-risk mucosa

Objective To evaluate the preclinical efficacy of topical administration of freeze-dried black raspberries (BRBs) to inhibit the progression of premalignant oral lesions and modulate biomarkers of cancer development in high at-risk mucosa (HARM). Study Design Hamster cheek pouches (HCPs) were treated with carcinogen for 6 weeks to initiate a HARM microenvironment. Subsequently, right HCPs were topically administered a BRB suspension in short-term or long-term studies. After 12 weeks, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) multiplicity, SCC incidence, and cell proliferation rates were evaluated. mRNA expression was measured in short-term treated pouches for selected oral cancer biomarkers. Results SCC multiplicity (−41.3%), tumor incidence (−37.1%), and proliferation rate (−6.9%) were reduced in HCPs receiving BRBs. Topical BRBs correlated with an increase in RB1 expression in developing oral lesions. Conclusions Topical BRBs inhibit SCC development when targeted to HARM tissues. These results support the translational role of BRBs to prevent oral cancer development in humans.
Assessing the magnitude of CO2 flux uncertainty in atmospheric CO2 records using products from NASA's Carbon Monitoring Flux Pilot Project

NASA's Carbon Monitoring System Flux Pilot Project (FPP) was designed to better understand contemporary carbon fluxes by bringing together state-of-the art models with remote sensing data sets. Here we report on simulations using NASA's Goddard Earth Observing System Model, version 5 (GEOS-5) which was used to evaluate the consistency of two different sets of observationally informed land and ocean fluxes with atmospheric CO2 records. Despite the observation inputs, the average difference in annual terrestrial biosphere flux between the two land (NASA Ames Carnegie-Ames-Stanford-Approach (CASA) and CASA-Global Fire Emissions Database version 3 (GFED)) models is 1.7 Pg C for 2009–2010. Ocean models (NASA's Ocean Biogeochemical Model (NOBM) and Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean Phase II (ECCO2)-Darwin) differ by 35% in their global estimates of carbon flux with particularly strong disagreement in high latitudes. Based upon combinations of terrestrial and ocean fluxes, GEOS-5 reasonably simulated the seasonal cycle observed at Northern Hemisphere surface sites and by the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) while the model struggled to simulate the seasonal cycle at Southern Hemisphere surface locations. Though GEOS-5 was able to reasonably reproduce the patterns of XCO2 observed by GOSAT, it struggled to reproduce these aspects of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder observations. Despite large differences between land and ocean flux estimates, resulting differences in atmospheric mixing ratio were small, typically less than 5 ppm at the surface and 3 ppm in the XCO2 column. A statistical analysis based on the variability of observations shows that flux differences of these magnitudes are difficult to distinguish from inherent measurement variability, regardless of the measurement platform.
Energy Harvesting in Silicon Raman Amplifiers

A method to recover power lost to two photon absorption is described. Approach is applicable to both Raman and Kerr based devices. CW Raman amplification with negative electrical power dissipation is experimentally demonstrated in silicon
Small States in the Rear-View Mirror: Legitimacy in the Management of Economy and Society

Small States in World Markets is about political efficacy and legitimation rather than scoring who is ahead in the economic sweepstakes. Its case for democratic corporatism rests on norms, particularly stability, rather than on narrow measures of economic efficiency. But stability, and the efficacious management of the economy and social problems requires a degree of technocracy that undermines the legitimacy of the management process itself by helping to produce populist revolts.
Gene, pathway and network frameworks to identify epistatic interactions of single nucleotide polymorphisms derived from GWAS data

Background Interactions among genomic loci (also known as epistasis) have been suggested as one of the potential sources of missing heritability in single locus analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The computational burden of searching for interactions is compounded by the extremely low threshold for identifying significant p-values due to multiple hypothesis testing corrections. Utilizing prior biological knowledge to restrict the set of candidate SNP pairs to be tested can alleviate this problem, but systematic studies that investigate the relative merits of integrating different biological frameworks and GWAS data have not been conducted.
Credit Cards, Consumer Credit & Bankruptcy

This paper analyzes the effects of credit card use on broader economic indicators, specifically consumer credit, and consumer bankruptcy filings. Using aggregate nation-level data from Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, I find that credit card spending, lagged by 1-2 years, has a strong positive effect on consumer credit. Finally, I find a strong relation between credit card debt, lagged by 1-2 years, and bankruptcy, and a weaker relation between consumer credit, lagged by 1-2 years, and bankruptcy. The relations are robust across a variety of different lags and models that account for problems of multicollinearity and auto-correlation in the time series and include variables to control for the effects of economic cycles on bankruptcy and dummy variables to isolate nation-specific effects
New Aspects of Photoinduced Paramagnetic States in Chalcogenide Glasses

Professor Fritzsche and coworkers have made many important contributions to the study of localized states in amorphous solids. In particular, the seminal work of Cohen, Fritzsche, and Ovshinsky (CF0)1 set the stage for a decade of intense experimental and theoretical investigations of localization and the nature of localized states. Much of the early work was concerned with the apparently contradictory information obtained with different experimental probes. Specifically, for the case of chalcogenide glasses, the results of transport and other measurements (as reviewed comprehensively by Professor Fritzsche2) were interpreted as evidence for the existence of localized states in the gap of these amorphous solids. The pinning of the Fermi level near mid-gap was cited as incontravertible evidence for a high density of localized states, and estimates of the density of states at the Fermi energy were on the order of 1018cm–3.However, early electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments3, specifically the definitive experiments carried out in Professor Fritzsche’s laboratory, demonstrated that under equilibrium conditions the density of unpaired spins in high purity chalcogenide glasses was less than 1014cm–3 The ESR experiments were consistent with the failure to observe Curie paramagnetism at low temperature4,5, which provided further evidence for the diamagnetism of high purity chalcogenide glasses.
Russia’s Image in Early Modern Europe: Between Paradise and Despotic Hell

AbstractWestern perceptions of Russia have a long history, starting from the earliest reports in the fifteenth century. For some Westerners Russia appeared as a utopian, harmonious society. For others it appeared as an ideal monarchy. Some, however, saw it as a despotic Asian state. The Western images of Russia from the fifteenth through the seventeenth centuries were thus mixed and ambiguous. The positive image of Russia as the ideal Biblical society that stood outside of history somewhat blurred the differences between Russia and the West. In contrast, for an increasing number of Westerners, especially from the more advanced proto-capitalist countries, Russia was part of the non-Western world, thus emphasizing its difference from the West. Russia was thus assimilated into the Western image of the Orient where repulsion combined with fascination, until, under the impact of Romanticism in the nineteenth century, its foreignness was articulated in terms of civilizational and religious differences.
Abstract 2542: EXO1 is required for SN1 methylator-induced DNA damage response

SN1 methylating agents are therapeutics that methylate the O6 position of guanine (O6meG) forcing mispairing with thymine during DNA replication. The mismatch repair (MMR) system recognizes O6meG:T mispairs and activates DNA damage response (DDR). Exonuclease I (EXO1) functions during MMR by excising the damaged strand; however, how MMR mechanistically contributes to DDR activation and if EXO1 is required to activate MMR-dependent response remains unknown. Here we show that Exo1 knockdown in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) results in decreased G2/M arrest and checkpoint response (ie, Cdc2/Chk1 phosphorylation), and increased cell proliferation and viability following exposure to the SN1 methylator MNNG. Moreover, ectopic expression of full-length human hEXO1 restored normal response to MNNG. We next examined gamma-H2AX foci formation as a surrogate marker of MMR-dependent DNA repair. 12h after MNNG treatment, 40% of MEFs scored positive for multiple gamma-H2AX foci and this population further increased with prolonged treatment. In contrast, Exo1 depleted MEFs displayed a significantly diminished number of gamma-H2AX foci-positive cells following MNNG. Increased association of Msh2/Msh6 with chromatin was observed in MNNG treated MEFs; however, Exo1 depletion resulted in no upregulation of MMR proteins within the chromatin fraction. Furthermore, MNNG-induced Msh2/Chk1 association was disrupted upon Exo1 depletion. Taken together, we conclude that Exo1 is required to activate DDR following SN1 methylator exposure. Data gathered suggests that Exo1 functions in activating MMR-dependent DNA repair, promoting assembly of MMR complexes with alkylated chromatin, and enhancing the association of MMR components with critical checkpoint mediators. Experiments designed to determine if Exo1 functions in a structural (ie, scaffolding) or catalytic (ie, nucleolytic) manner during SN1 methylator-induced DDR are currently underway. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2542. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2542
Identifying early markers of type II diabetes.

Earlier identification of people at risk may permit intervention with diet and exercise to prevent NIDDM.
Statistical Prediction of Hurricane Storm Surge

High water associated with a hurricane is an important design parameter in coastal engineering Long range rational predictions can be made on the basis of Gumbel's theory of extremes and Wemelsfelder's theory respectively Fundamentals and underlying assumptions of the two theories are investigated and predictions are made for Breakwater Harbor, Lewes, Delaware, and Atlantic City, New Jersey Gumbel's theory is found satisfactory according to a criterion A crucial point, the ground rule of counting exceedances, is found to be vague in Wemelsfelder's method The ground rule must be made definite in a meaningful prediction.
Impairment of endothelium-dependent dilatation of cerebral arterioles during diabetes mellitus.

The goal of this study was to determine whether responses of cerebral arterioles to vasoactive substances released by platelets are altered during diabetes mellitus. To induce diabetes, rats were i...
Thrombolysis in Vertebrobasilar Occlusive Disease

Most experience with thrombolysis involves patients with cerebral hemisphere ischemia related to thromboembolic disease within the anterior (carotid arterial) territory (see Chapters 2 and 7). Although less experience has been gained in patients with posterior circulation (vertebrobasilar [VB] arterial) thromboembolism, most such data has concerned patients whose arterial lesions were documented before and after thrombolysis.
Mobile web application with shortest path finder

The location tracking functionality of modern mobile devices provides an unprecedented opportunity to the individual's mobility in daily life. With the fast growing popularity of the smart phone, individuals have easy access to the handy GPS navigation system through various GPS mobile apps. The Traveler's Sidekick is a mobile GPS application with a built-in Shortest Path Finder for travelers visiting multiple locations. The application was initially targeted on realtors. A significant portion of a realtor's expense is the gas cost that accumulates while visiting various real estate locations. Most realtors manually pick a route to visit multiple locations and a wrong route may increase the travel time and eventually gas expense. Any app that provides a better route with even 10% gas saving will be of great financial benefit to the realtors. To resolve this problem, Traveler's Sidekick, a mobile GPS application with shortest path finder, was developed as a mobile web application using HTML5, CSS, and jQuery in .NET environment integrated with SQL database and Google Map service. A newly developed Two Stage Divide and Conquer (TSDC) algorithm was utilized to determine the shortest path. Experimental results are presented and future enhancement is discussed.
Saltwater Intrusion as Potential Driver of Phosphorus Release from Limestone Bedrock in a Coastal Aquifer

Abstract An important but often overlooked consequence of saltwater intrusion is the potential increase of groundwater soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations. The phosphorus sorption dynamics of two limestone rocks of different composition were investigated by simulating seawater intrusion over a wide range of mixing ratios between freshwater and saltwater. Both rocks exhibited a logarithmic loss of sorption efficiency in mixtures containing more than approximately 3 mM Cl− concentration (100 mg Cl−/L; about
Gas-Phase Cleaning for Removal of Surface Contaminants

This chapter provides an overview of gas-phase cleaning for removal of surface contaminants. The absence of surface tension and very low viscosity allow gases to penetrate tight spaces and complex geometries for effective decontamination. The wide range of gas chemistries and process variables such as temperature, pressure, concentration, and flow rate enable effective and efficient removal of a variety of contaminants from various materials. Discussed are selected applications of gas-phase treatment for deposition tool chamber cleaning, dry etching, sterilization, and decontamination of nuclear materials and microbially contaminated materials.
Nanoparticles mutagenicity: search for matches and potential limitations of Comet assay and Ames test

One of main problems of nanotoxicology is related to difficulty in selection of the most appropriate mutagenicity test. For instance, it is an open question, whether or not Ames test is relevant for nanoparticles. The major principles and mechanisms of action supposed to be different, because Ames test is based on prokaryotic responses, while other available methods are based on eukaryotic cells. Mutagenicity of 28 silica- and metal oxide nanoparticles was evaluated by means of combination of supervised and unsupervised learning techniques. Classification models were developed for mutagenicity of nanoparticles in Ames and Comet tests. Quantitative comparison of results was followed by self-organizing map modeling. Self-organizing maps were employed to find topology of a whole data set on the basis of developed classification models and known endpoints. It was found, that ionic characteristics were responsible for mutagenicity. Data visualization technique was helpful to understand specific interactions between important descriptors in different models. For series of untested NPs mutagenicity/safety were predicted.
CSPAP Professional Preparation and Research Initiatives at the University of South Carolina

Several comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) professional preparation and research initiatives are underway in the Department of Physical Education and Athletic Training at the University of South Carolina. The CSPAP learning experiences have been mostly integrated into existing courses to help candidates in physical education teaching, classroom teaching and teacher education to develop skills, knowledge and dispositions to lead CSPAPs. Physical education teacher candidates plan, implement and evaluate school- and community-based physical activity-promotion strategies spanning all CSPAP components. Classroom teacher candidates learn to integrate movement in academic classroom settings and advocate for CSPAPs. Doctoral students training to become physical education teacher educators or researchers teach and supervise teacher candidates, evaluate candidates' CSPAP work, and collaborate with faculty on interdisciplinary CSPAP research. These initiatives reflect progress, but they lack a su...
False positive reduction for wall thickness-based detection of colonic flat polyps via CT colonography

Computer-aided detection (CAD) of flat polyps, in contrast to other polyp types, is challenging due to their lack of projections from the colonic surface and limited geometrical features that can be extracted from such polyps. In this paper, we present a new approach for CAD of flat polyps via colon wall thickness mapping, texture feature extraction and analysis. First, we integrated our previous work of detecting flat polyp candidates via colon wall thickness mapping into this study for automated detection of initial polyp candidates (IPCs). The colon wall segmentation is established on a coupled level-set method after the lumen is electronically cleansed by a sophisticated statistical algorithm, which considers the partial volume effect to preserve the mucosa layer details. The IPC detection was performed based on the wall thickness local pattern. From each IPC volume, we extracted the 14 Haralick texture features and 16 additional features that were previously demonstrated to improve polyp classification performance. Then, we adopted the Rpackage “randomForest” to classify the features for false positive (FP) reduction. We evaluated our method via 16 patient datasets. The proposed scheme achieved a high capacity in terms of the well-known area under the curve value of 0.930. The FPs was reduced to less than 3 FPs/per polyp. The experiment results demonstrate the feasibility of our method in achieving computer aided detection of flat polyps, therefore, improving the screening capability of computed tomography cololongraphy.
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors: A Potential New Treatment for Anemia in Patients With CKD

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) increase hemoglobin levels, reduce transfusion requirements, and have been the standard of treatment for anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) since 1989. Many safety concerns have emerged regarding the use of ESAs, including an increased occurrence of cardiovascular events and vascular access thrombosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase (PH) enzyme inhibitors are a new class of agents for the treatment of anemia in CKD. These agents work by stabilizing the HIF complex and stimulating endogenous erythropoietin production even in patients with end-stage kidney disease. HIF-PH inhibitors improve iron mobilization to the bone marrow. They are administered orally, which may be a more favorable route for patients not undergoing hemodialysis. By inducing considerably lower but more consistent blood erythropoietin levels than ESAs, HIF-PH inhibitors may be associated with fewer adverse cardiovascular effects at comparable hemoglobin levels, although this has yet to be proved in long-term clinical trials. One significant concern regarding the long-term use of these agents is their possible effect on tumor growth. There are 4 such agents undergoing phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in the United States; this report provides a focused review of HIF-PH inhibitors and their potential clinical utility in the management of anemia of CKD.
Lots for greening: Identification of metropolitan vacant land and its potential use for cooling and agriculture in Phoenix, AZ, USA

Abstract The greening of vacant parcels for urban sustainability continues to gain attention from researchers and practitioners, including its use to ameliorate the urban heat island effect and food deserts. Planning for such uses requires accurate inventories of the amount and distribution of vacant parcels, which may prove difficult to produce for large, sprawling urban complexes. This study provides a systematic approach that combines remote sensing and cadastral data to distinguish different forms of vacant land for the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area while reducing computation time. The approach identifies vacant parcels for potential greening, focusing on privately owned land lacking buildings and impervious surfaces. The results for the Phoenix area reveal hot spots of these parcels, many of which reside along the fringe of the metropolis awaiting development. A large number of vacant parcels, however, reside within the metropolitan core and are suitable for greening as well, potentially serving to mitigate the urban heat island effect and food deserts in this region. The identification method and parcel results are detailed.
The Fontan extracardiac conduit: one size does not fit all.

The size of all components of the Fontan circuit need to be adequate in order to produce sustainable palliation for patients with functional single ventricle physiology. It is well established that patients with undersized pulmonary arteries (low Nakata index) usually do not fare well in the long-term with Fontan physiology.
Anemia and Its Treatment in Children on CAPD/CCPD

The addition of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) to the therapeutic regimen of children with chronic renal failure (CRF) is the most important improvement in their care since the introduction of CAPD. Prior to the availability of rhuEPO, anemia had played an important role in the morbidity of CRP. Repeated erythrocyte transfusions, which were the mainstay of treatment, had significant long-term sequelae including sensitization to HLA antigens, transmission of infectious agents, and iron overload. In addition to the direct benefits of amelioration of anemia, the marked reduction in transfusions is one of the most important benefits of rhuEPO treatment.
Adjunctive techniques for oral cancer examination and lesion diagnosis : A systematic review of the literature

ABSTRACT Background Adjunctive techniques that may facilitate the early detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions (OPML) have emerged in the past decades. Methods The authors undertook a systematic review of the English-language literature to evaluate the effectiveness of toluidine blue (TB), ViziLite Plus with TBlue (Zila Pharmaceuticals, Phoenix), ViziLite (Zila Pharmaceuticals), Microlux DL (AdDent, Danbury, Conn.), Orascoptic DK (Orascoptic, a Kerr Company, Middleton, Wis.), VELscope (LED Dental, White Rock, British Columbia, Canada) and OralCDx (Oral CDx Laboratories, Suffern, N.Y.) brush biopsy. They abstracted data relating to study design, sampling and characteristics of the study group, interventions, reported outcomes and diagnostic accuracy of adjunctive aids from 23 articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, including availability of histologic outcomes. Results The largest evidence base was for TB. A limited number of studies was available for ViziLite, ViziLite Plus with TBlue and OralCDx. Studies of VELscope have been conducted primarily to assess the margins of lesions in known OPML. The authors identified no studies of Microlux DL or Orascoptic DK. Study designs had various limitations in applicability to the general practice setting, including use of higher-risk populations and expert examiners. Conclusions There is evidence that TB is effective as a diagnostic adjunct for use in high-risk populations and suspicious mucosal lesions. OralCDx is useful in assessment of dysplastic changes in clinically suspicious lesions; however, there are insufficient data meeting the inclusion criteria to assess usefulness in innocuous mucosal lesions. Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of visually based examination adjuncts. Practical Implications Given the lack of data on the effectiveness of adjunctive cancer detection techniques in general dental practice settings, clinicians must rely on a thorough oral mucosal examination supported by specialty referral and/or tissue biopsy for OPML diagnosis.
ALTERNATIVE METHODS IN NONLINEAR ANALYSIS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a few alternative methods in nonlinear analysis. Alternative methods, based on functional analysis, have recently undergone an intensive development through the work of many researchers. The bifurcation theory is being used in theoretical existence analysis of the solutions, in methods of successive approximations of the solutions, and in estimating the error of approximate solutions. In terms of functional analysis alone, the equation is being decomposed into a system of two equations, one of which, usually called the auxiliary equation, is in a ∞-dimensional space and is often uniquely solvable. By substitution, one is then reduced to the solution of the other equation called the bifurcation or determining equation, which possibly lies in a finite-dimensional space.
Linearizing Flows and a Cohomology Interpretation of Lax Equations

§ 1. By a Lax Equation with a parameter we shall mean an equation $$\dot A\left( \xi \right) = \left[ {B\left( \xi \right),A\left( \xi \right)} \right]$$
Operative Management of Inguinodynia

Chronic inguinal pain after inguinal hernia surgery may cause significant morbidity. Prevention is the key to avoiding this condition, but if encountered, surgical approaches may play a role in remediating this pain. Intervention should be reserved for refractory cases only after an exhaustive multidisciplinary workup, management with pharmacologic and behavioral therapy, and interventional procedures with nerve blocks or ablations. Review of prior operative technique, history and presentation, physical exam findings and dermatosensory mapping, imaging, and response to interventions guide consideration for neurectomy and mesh removal. Inguinal neurectomy involves resection of the three nerves generally involved in the development of postoperative inguinal pain: the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerves. Open and laparoscopic selective and triple neurectomy, meshoma removal, repair of recurrence, and paravasal neurectomy for orchialgia have been found to provide relief to patients suffering from chronic inguinodynia. These operative interventions should be considered in carefully selected cases of chronic post-inguinal herniorrhaphy pain.
Criteria for chemical equilibrium with application to methane steam reforming

Abstract A literature survey reveals significant inaccuracy of the prediction of equilibrium models. A thermodynamic analysis is presented to show that the equilibrium calculations rest on a critical assumption of reversible heat exchange between a reactive system and its surrounding. Indeed, a correct application of the energy conservation and entropy balance equation leads to a modified Gibbs function. Minimization of the modified Gibbs function happens to be identical to maximization of the total entropy generation. The actual chemical equilibrium is shown through a methane steam reforming, as an illustrative example, to be correctly predicted by kinetic modeling. The state of chemical equilibrium does not necessarily correspond to maximum entropy generation. Once a chemical equilibrium has been established, both the total entropy generation and the modified Gibbs function remain unaltered and independent of time.
Monographs Acquisitions Time and Cost Studies: The Next Generation

This article is based on time and cost studies conducted at Iowa State University between 1994/95 and 2000/01. It represents a continuation of previous analyses in which monographs acquisitions functions were evaluated and examined with a view toward using the results as a management tool. Continued decreases in time and cost factors were anticipated as the library migrated to more advanced technologies, but time reductions were mitigated by new initiatives that were added to the work processes. As a result of various factors, costs associated with the acquisition of monographs generally increased, but the value of the services provided by the Monographs Acquisitions Department was enhanced considerably.
Non-Radiation Tolerant Commercial Power Converters in Low Earth Orbit

Commercial DC-DC power converters and filters were successfully used in the power supply of a Space Test Program (STP)mission on the International Space Station (ISS). The mission lifetime was designated for one year and the electronics have been operational in space since February of 2017. Resource limitations, particularly cost and time constraints, prompted the decision to use commercial, non-space qualified, components. The particular parts used were Vicor V110A28M400BS DC-DC power converters and FIAM110MS1 filters. This document will summarize the risks and challenges involved with using the commercial parts as well as measures taken to mitigate these risks. The mission requirement was to convert a 120 bus to 28V DC power for STP- H5 science experiments. Baseline designs planned to utilize a secondary bus on the ISS to provide the 28V power. However, performance limitations of the secondary bus were later identified and prompted concern that the scientific objectives of the mission could be subsequently hindered. The best solution was to add a separate 120V to 28V DC-DC power converters to an electronics box already in development, thus eliminating dependence on the existing 28V bus. Conventional flight qualified power supplies could not be obtained within the constraints of the mission. Several vendors were considered, but none could produce the power converters as quickly as needed. A custom designed power supply was considered as well, but resources, packaging challenges, and lead times for individual EEE parts made this approach unviable. Several other organizations were also contacted to consider using parts that had been purchased as flight-spares for other programs. It was determined that flight qualified power converters could not be obtained for this mission and commercial parts became the only viable option. A radiation study was conducted based on the orbit, mission life, and thickness of the electronics box that would house the power converters and corresponding filters. A relatively small total dose was predicted and the decision was made to move forward with commercial parts. As the designed moved forward, other studies and tests were conducted to mitigate risk as much as possible. Disclaimer: The Vicor Corporation does not support using their products in space or vacuum applications. Vicor products are designed and intended for aerospace applications within earth's atmosphere up to altitudes of approximately 70,000 feet.
Sandoval-Strausz and Kwak (Eds.): Making Cities Global: The Transnational Turn in Urban History

According to the United Nations, by the end of this century more than 80% of the world’s population will live in cities. Although Europe and the United States were at the forefront of urbanization ...