cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of the Land–Atmosphere Coupling Paradigm to the Operational Coupled Forecast System, Version 2 (CFSv2)

AbstractRetrospective forecasts from CFSv2 are evaluated in terms of three elements of land–atmosphere coupling at subseasonal to seasonal time scales: sensitivity of the atmosphere to variations in land surface states, the magnitude of variability of land states and fluxes, and the memory or persistence of land surface anomalies. The Northern Hemisphere spring and summer seasons are considered for the period 1982–2009. Ensembles are constructed from all available pairings of initial land and atmosphere/ocean states taken from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis at the start of April, May, and June among the 28 years, so that the effect of initial land states on the evolving forecasts can be assessed. Finally, improvement and continuance of forecast skill derived from accurate land surface initialization is related to the three coupling elements. It is found that soil moisture memory is the most broadly important element for significant improvement of realistic land initialization on forecast skill. Ho...
Stability of Hingeless Rotors in Hover Using Three-Dimensional Unsteady Aerodynamics

U.S. Army Research Office as part of the Center of Excellence in Rotary Wing Aircraft Technology, contranct numbers DAAG29-82-K-0094 and DAAL3-88-C-0003, monitored by Dr. Robert Singlcton.
Operative Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

The definitive management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is a complete (R0) resection. While this goal is shared with the majority of gastrointestinal malignancies, such as a gastric or colon adenocarcinoma, the major similarities end there. The unique growth characteristics of GISTs dictate a divergent operative approach. While an R0 resection for GIST is ideal, microscopically involved margins do not mandate repeat resection [1]. Furthermore, the need for formal organ resection with en bloc lymphadenectomy is uncommon due to the rarity of lymph node metastasis and availability of effective and well-tolerated adjuvant therapy in the form of tyrosine kinase inhibitors [2]. Broadened clinical experience in the management of GIST has led to more tailored resections and an expanded role of minimally invasive approaches. This chapter will focus on the open surgical approaches; apply these concepts in the operative management of primary GIST.
Honey and Wound Healing: An Update

For centuries, honey has been utilized for wound healing purposes. In recent times, this specific topic has become a field of interest, possibly due to the advent of antibiotic resistance in microbial pathogens. With constant technological advancement, the information regarding honey’s mechanisms of action on wound healing has accumulated at a rapid pace. Similarly, clinical studies comparing honey with traditional wound care therapies are steadily emerging. As a follow-up to a previous review published in the journal in 2011, the current review article outlines publications regarding honey and wound healing that have been published between June 2010 and August 2016. Here we describe the most recent evidence regarding multiple types of honey and their mechanisms of action as antimicrobial agents, immunologic modulators, and physiologic mediators. In addition, outcomes of clinical studies involving a multitude of cutaneous wounds are also examined.
The 3D Jigsaw Puzzle: Mapping Large Indoor Spaces

We introduce an approach for analyzing annotated maps of a site, together with Internet photos, to reconstruct large indoor spaces of famous tourist sites. While current 3D reconstruction algorithms often produce a set of disconnected components (3D pieces) for indoor scenes due to scene coverage or matching failures, we make use of a provided map to lay out the 3D pieces in a global coordinate system. Our approach leverages position, orientation, and shape cues extracted from the map and 3D pieces and optimizes a global objective to recover the global layout of the pieces. We introduce a novel crowd flow cue that measures how people move across the site to recover 3D geometry orientation. We show compelling results on major tourist sites.
Adding to the Pedagogical Portfolio: Launching a Student Business in a Semester Course

Common pedagogical approaches to entrepreneurship education include business plan writing, case studies, consulting, and simulations. Yet, in effect, these learning vehicles are simply proxies for the venture launch process. Operating under the assumption that learning entrepreneurship is a complex endeavor best addressed by a portfolio of pedagogical techniques, some instructors have experimented with launching student businesses in addition to traditional approaches.The challenge is how to do this with inexperienced undergraduate students within the confines of a 15-week semester. Included in the article are an outline of the process, a qualitative assessment of student learning, and suggestions for further research.
A Human Right to a Healthy Environment? Moral, Legal and Empirical Considerations

This chapter aims to analytically and empirically unpack the question of whether there should be a human right to a healthy environment. The author draws on moral and legal theory in order to examine the premises of the question, reframe it, and offer an answer to it. Building on socio-legal studies of rights, the text explores the potential benefits and costs of using “rights talk” in environmental debates in general, and of adopting the right to a healthy environment in an international legal instrument in particular. The chapter is divided into three sections, each related to one of the main three arguments, followed by a conclusion. In the first section, the text discusses Amartya Sen’s objection to “legally parasitic” theories of rights in order to substantiate the author’s claim that, understood as a moral right, a RHE already exists. In the second section, the chapter reviews the legal evidence and arguments in favor of the existence of such a right in customary international law. In the third section, the text examines the trade-offs involved in the potential recognition of the RHE in an international legal instrument, whether a global treaty or an instrument of soft law.
Gestaltung innovativer Baukasten- und Wertschöpfungssysteme

Kurzfassung Unternehmen mussen zunehmend eine wachsende Anzahl individueller Kundenwunsche bedienen, um auf die Entwicklung ihrer Absatzmarkte zu reagieren. Ein unstrukturiertes Ansteigen der Variantenvielfalt fuhrt jedoch typischerweise zu steigenden Kosten und schwacht damit die Wettbewerbsposition der Unternehmen. Eine Strategie zur Beherrschung der Variantenvielfalt ist die Nutzung eines Baukastensystems. Fokus des vom Bundesministerium fur Bildung und Forschung geforderten und vom Projekttrager Karlsruhe betreuten Forschungsprojekts GiBWert ist es, einen Leitfaden zur Baukastenentwicklung im Maschinen- und Anlagenbau zu erarbeiten.
Randomization bias in field trials to evaluate targeting methods

Abstract This paper studies the evaluation of methods for targeting the allocation of limited resources to a high-risk subpopulation. We consider a randomized controlled trial to measure the difference in efficiency between two targeting methods and show that it is biased. An alternative, survey-based design is shown to be unbiased. Both designs are simulated for the evaluation of a policy to target lead hazard investigations using a predictive model. Based on our findings, we advised the Chicago Department of Public Health to use the survey design for their field trial. Our work anticipates further developments in economics that will be important as predictive modeling becomes an increasingly common policy tool.
The ascent of immune checkpoint inhibitors: is the understudy ready for a leading role?

- Cite this article as: Cummings AL, Garon EB. The ascent of immune checkpoint inhibitors: is theunderstudy ready for a leading role?. Cancer Biol Med. 2017; 14:341-7. doi: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2017.0090
Inheritance of parthenocarpy in the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

The inheritance of parthenocarpy in cucumber is conditioned by an incomplete dominant gene P. In the homozygous condition PP produces parthenocarpic fruits early, with the first developing generally by the fifth node. Heterozygous Pp plants produce parthenocarpic fruits later than homozygous plants and fewer in number. The homozygous recessive pp produces no parthenocarpic fruits. Trapping of pistillate flowers was effective in identifying homozygous PP plants but failed in accurately identifying heterozygous plants. Screened cages or field isolation of gynoecious lines are efficient means of accurately identifying all parthenocarpic plants.
Intuitive Clinician Control Interface for a Powered Knee-Ankle Prosthesis: A Case Study

This paper presents a potential solution to the challenge of configuring powered knee-ankle prostheses in a clinical setting. Typically, powered prostheses use impedance-based control schemes that contain several independent controllers which correspond to consecutive periods along the gait cycle. This control strategy has numerous control parameters and switching rules that are generally tuned by researchers or technicians and not by a certified prosthetist. We propose an intuitive clinician control interface (CCI) in which clinicians tune a powered knee-ankle prosthesis based on a virtual constraint control scheme, which tracks desired periodic joint trajectories based on a continuous measurement of the phase (or progression) of gait. The interface derives virtual constraints from clinician-designed joint kinematic trajectories. An experiment was conducted in which a certified prosthetist used the control interface to configure a powered knee-ankle prosthesis for a transfemoral amputee subject during level-ground walking trials. While it usually takes engineers hours of tuning individual parameters by trial and error, the CCI allowed the clinician to tune the powered prosthesis controller in under 10 min. This allowed the clinician to improve several amputee gait outcome metrics, such as gait symmetry. These results suggest that the CCI can improve the clinical viability of emerging powered knee-ankle prostheses.
Electrochemical extraction of lanthanum in molten fluoride salts assisted by KF or NaF

Abstract Separation of some active metal ions such as Ce3+, Eu3+, and La3+ from molten fluoride salt using electrochemical process is difficult. The currently available electrodeposition process assisted by the solid reactive electrode or liquid metal electrode faces challenges such as the isolation of the reactive electrode due to the formation of a compound, the ability to maintain a low activity value of the active metal in liquid electrode, and a complex purification process of the target metal. In the present study, we developed a new method that successfully proved the extraction of lanthanum from molten LiF salt using an inert Mo electrode with the assistance of either NaF or KF salt. In that case, the formation of LaF63− in LiF-KF (or LiF-NaF) salt, instead of La3+ in LiF, positively shifts the electrodeposition potential of lanthanum by a value of about 1 V. The simplicity of this method compared to the conventional routes for the extraction of lanthanum from molten salt will result in a reduction in separation costs and this approach has a potential application for the separation of other active metals in molten fluorides or chlorides.
Innovations in the vapor deposition of metal coatings for target payloads in laser-based physics experiments under extreme conditions

The synthesis of metal foils with unique surface features such as waves and steps is of interest for use as payloads in targets for laser-driven physics experiments under dynamic loading conditions. Changes to the surface features are used to quantify the effects of the material strength during the deformation at high-strain rate high pressure. A traditional path to produce these target features is by precision machining processes using diamond tools. Limitations are encountered since many of the materials of interest and the size of the surface features are not often compatible with conventional machining-process methods. An alternative method to produce targets with unique surface features is through vapor synthesis. Two general approaches are taken—one is by replicating the features from the surface of a substrate mandrel, whereas the second is by using hard masks with timed exposure to the deposition vapor. In these approaches, postdeposition removal of a release layer yields a free-standing target with the desired surface features. Specific cases are presented for the physical vapor deposition of copper, aluminum, iron, vanadium, and tantalum to form targets with multiple layers, steps, and sinusoidal surface waves.The synthesis of metal foils with unique surface features such as waves and steps is of interest for use as payloads in targets for laser-driven physics experiments under dynamic loading conditions. Changes to the surface features are used to quantify the effects of the material strength during the deformation at high-strain rate high pressure. A traditional path to produce these target features is by precision machining processes using diamond tools. Limitations are encountered since many of the materials of interest and the size of the surface features are not often compatible with conventional machining-process methods. An alternative method to produce targets with unique surface features is through vapor synthesis. Two general approaches are taken—one is by replicating the features from the surface of a substrate mandrel, whereas the second is by using hard masks with timed exposure to the deposition vapor. In these approaches, postdeposition removal of a release layer yields a free-standing target wi...
Case report of severe psychiatric sequelae in a 16-year-old female following resection of a purely dopamine-secreting ganglioneuroma.

Abstract Background Ganglioneuromas (GN) are rare, benign tumors derived from neural crest cells. They are in the same family of neuroblastic tumors that includes the intermediate ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) and the malignant neuroblastoma (NB), each of which carries a different prognosis based on tumor histopathology. GNs are generally asymptomatic and usually found incidentally when the tumor becomes palpable or has grown large enough to exert mass effect on adjacent structures. Unlike their malignant counterparts, GNs are rarely hormonally active and usually do not exhibit systemic metabolic activity. We present a case of an adolescent female with a pelvic tumor that was found to be a purely dopamine-secreting GN. Resection resulted in sudden dopamine withdrawal and unexpected severe emotional lability post-operatively. Case A 16-year-old female presented with a history of increasingly irregular menses over the past year and was found to have an 8-centimeter pelvic tumor. Subsequent work up revealed the mass to be solely dopamine secreting. The tumor was excised without preoperative hormonal blockade. Post-operatively, the patient developed severe emotional lability and symptoms of depression, likely related to the acute withdrawal of circulating dopamine. Conclusion Ganglioneuromas are rarely metabolically active. However, a preoperative endocrine workup should be done to rule out other more commonly hormonally active tumors such as neuroblastomas, pheochromocytomas, and paragangliomas. If isolated dopamine secretion is found, hormonal blockade is not required preoperatively and operative manipulation and removal should be considered safe. However, one should anticipate potential emotional and psychiatric issues post-operatively due to the acute withdrawal of circulating dopamine.
Social media based strategies to reach Hispanic young adults with tailored sexual health information

Abstract: Hispanics constitute the largest ethnic minority group in the United States. As the country’s fastest growing demographic, social welfare and public health professionals need to focus on ameliorating HIV-related health disparities affecting Hispanics. This study evaluated an innovative HIV prevention effort with Hispanic young adults in South Florida that utilized a social media based platform to increase access to critical HIV prevention information and services. This study (1) evaluated the effectiveness of exposure to the online campaign using an experimental design and (2) provided a systematic review of the campaign’s content and user interactivity. Hispanic young adults (ages 18-24) completed baseline and follow-up assessments focused on risk perceptions and incorporation of HIV preventive behaviors. Mixed ANOVA and logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences between groups (exposure versus no exposure to the online campaign); however, there was a statistically significant increase in awareness of HIV prevention services across both study conditions (p< .001). Findings reflect the challenges of and opportunities for conducting HIV prevention work online and suggest areas of future research for enhancing online engagement among hard to reach populations.
Values clarification: Eliciting the values that inform and influence parents' treatment decisions for periviable birth

Background Values clarification can assist families facing the threat of periviable delivery in navigating the complexity of competing values related to death, disability, and quality of life (QOL). Objective We piloted values clarification exercises to inform resuscitation decision making and qualitatively assess perceptions of QOL. Methods We conducted a mixed-method study of women with threatened periviable delivery (22 0/7-24 6/7 weeks) and their important others (IOs). Participants engaged in three values clarification activities as part of a semi-structured interview-(a) Card sorting nine conditions as an acceptable/unacceptable QOL for a child; (b) Rating/ranking seven common concerns in periviable decision making (scale 0-10, not at all to extremely important); and (c) "Agreed/disagreed" with six statements regarding end-of-life treatment, disability, and QOL. Participants were also asked to define "QOL" and describe their perceptions of a good and poor QOL for their child. Analysis was conducted using SAS version 9.4 and NVivo 12. Results All mild disabilities were an acceptable QOL, while two-thirds of participants considered long-term mechanical ventilation unacceptable. Although pregnant women rated "Impact on Your Physical/Mental Health" (average 5.6) and IOs rated "Financial Concerns" the highest (average 6.6), both groups ranked "Financial Concerns" as the most important concern (median 5.0 and 6.0, respectively). Most participants agreed that "Any amount of life is better than no life at all" (pregnant women 62.1%; IOs 75.0%) and disagreed that resuscitation would cause "Too much suffering" for their child (pregnant women 71.4%; IOs 80.0%). Half were familiar with the phrase "QOL". Although the majority described a good QOL in terms of emotional well-being (eg "loved", "happy", "supported"), a poor QOL was described in terms of functionality (eg "dependent" and "confined"). Additionally, financial stability emerged as a distinctive theme when IOs discussed poor QOL. Conclusion The study offers important insights on parental perspectives in periviable decision making and potential values clarification tools for decision support.
Regulations and Strategies in Subsidy-based Spectrum Sharing Markets

Static spectrum allocation and secondary spectrum sharing are unlikely to sufficiently meet the growing need for the radio spectrum due to continuous increase in the number of wireless devices. Hence, new approaches for spectrum sharing at primary level are needed to improve spectrum utilization. In particular, to provide higher spectrum utilization, a government can motivate providers to participate in primary level sharing by introducing subsidy-based spectrum sharing (SBSS) markets. However, this market may give rise to the adverse effect of freeriding. In this paper, the goal is to minimize freeriding in a dynamic spectrum sharing environment using a novel heuristic algorithm that allows a set of providers to effectively participate in an SBSS market. In particular, the provider strategies and regulation on fees set by the government that minimize freeriding are analyzed. Simulation results verify the sustainability of the SBSS market by providing suitable strategies to the providers. A comparison between a game equilibrium to the strategies obtained from proposed algorithm shows the optimality gap. Moreover, a comparative analysis of conventional non-sharing spectrum market to the regulated SBSS market is provided to demonstrate the improvement of a provider’s earning when its charging fee lies between a fair market fee and a regulated minimum fee.
Queering College Student Retention

Retention literature and concepts warrant examination through the lens of queer theory, a poststructural body of thought about sexuality and gender, to understand their implications for queer stude...
Exploring the diversity of creative prototyping in a global online learning environment

In this paper, we examine the diversity of creative prototyping responses and perceptions in a global online learning environment through our investigation of a simple building task (i.e., ‘the Sho...
The Entrepreneurial Culture: Mythologies, Realities, and Networks in Nineteenth-Century America

Entrepreneurship provides capitalism's driving force, and this article explores through an historical lens the culture that sustains that process. Behavioral economics provides a framework for anal...
COVID-19: Racism Is Like That

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)'s impact has similar characteristics to racism and its effects. First, there is no known immunity to COVID-19 or racism. Second, we wear uncomfortable masks to protect us from the virus. Being black in America requires wearing an uncomfortable invisible mask, hiding anxiety and fear. Third, physical distancing is promoted to reduce COVID-19 transmission. With racism, physical distancing has occurred from the Atlantic Slave Trade to segregation and redlining. COVID-19 has punished communities of color, just like racism has. COVID-19 has suffocated America just like racism does to blacks. If America is tired of COVID-19, imagine how blacks feel.
Impact of a multidisciplinary workflow on safety and management of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

PURPOSE Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious complication of heparin administration. Management strategies are complex and include discontinuing heparin products, initiating alternative anticoagulants, interpreting laboratory test results, documenting heparin allergies, and providing patient education. Medication error reports and a retrospective review conducted at an academic medical center revealed an opportunity for a quality improvement initiative and led to the creation of a multidisciplinary workflow for the management of HIT. In a pre-post study, the impact of the multidisciplinary workflow on the safety and management of HIT was evaluated. METHODS The preimplementation group consisted of adult patients tested for suspected HIT from April 4, 2014, through May 31, 2016; the postimplementation group consisted of adult patients tested from November 1, 2016, through October 31, 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of heparin product administration while HIT testing was ongoing. The secondary outcome was the rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation. RESULTS The incidence of heparin product administration while HIT testing results were pending was significantly reduced, from 54.2% to 20.0% (P < 0.001), after workflow implementation. The rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation significantly increased, from 95.0% to 100% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Implementation of a multidisciplinary workflow for the management of HIT significantly reduced the incidence of heparin administration while testing was ongoing and improved the rate of appropriate heparin allergy documentation.
Evidence-based practice of stereotactic radiosurgery: Outcomes from an educational course for neurosurgery and radiation oncology residents.

Background As the field of brain and spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) continues to grow, so will the need for a comprehensive evidence base. However, it is unclear to what degree trainees feel properly equipped to use SRS. We assess the perceptions and comfort level reported by neurosurgery and radiation oncology residents concerning the evidence-based practice of SRS. Methods A continuing medical education (CME) course provided peer-reviewed updates regarding treatment with intracranial and spinal SRS. Presentations were given by neurosurgery and radiation oncology residents with mentorship by senior faculty. To gauge perceptions regarding SRS, attendees were surveyed. Responses before and after the course were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test in R statistical software. Results Participants reported the greatest knowledge improvements concerning data registries (P < 0.001) and clinical trials (P = 0.026). About 82% of all (n = 17) radiation oncology and neurosurgery residents either agreed or strongly agreed that a brain and spine SRS rotation would be beneficial in their training. However, only 47% agreed or strongly agreed that one was currently part of their training. In addition, knowledge gains in SRS indications (P = 0.084) and ability to seek collaboration with colleagues (P = 0.084) showed notable trends. Conclusion There are clear knowledge gaps shared by potential future practitioners of SRS. Specifically, knowledge regarding SRS data registries, indications, and clinical trials offer potential areas for increased educational focus. Furthermore, the gap between enthusiasm for increased SRS training and the current availability of such training at medical institutions must be addressed.
Study of Supercooling and Thermal Conductivity in Superconducting Molybdenum

The critical magnetic field and the associated supercooling are measured and analyzed in superconducting molybdenum. The coexistence of a superconducting surface sheath with a supercooled normal bulk is confirmed. Thermal-conductivity measurements are analyzed and the possible influence of $s\ensuremath{-}d$ scattering close to ${T}_{c}$ is discussed.
SECTION 2.7 – Linear Viscoelasticity with Damage

This chapter describes a homogenized constitutive model for viscoelastic materials with constant or growing distributed damage. It includes three-dimensional constitutive equations and equations of evolution for damage parameters (internal state variables, ISVs) which are measures of damage. Anisotropy may exist without damage or may develop as a result of damage. For time-independent damage, the specific model covered is that for a linearly viscoelastic, thermorheologically simple material in which all hereditary effects are expressed through a convolution integral with one creep or relaxation function of reduced time; nonlinear effects of transient crack face contact and friction are excluded. Implementation of user-defined constitutive relations based on this model in a finite element analysis is described by Ha and Schapery. Included are comparisons between theory and experiment for overall load-displacement behavior and for local strain distributions. The model employed assumes the material is locally transversely isotropic with the current axis of isotropy assumed parallel to the current local maximum principal stress direction. A procedure is proposed by Schapery that enables use of the same model when transverse isotropy is lost due to rotation of the local maximum principal stress direction.
El default argentino:sus causas institucionales

This essay questions those interpretations that trace the causes of the Argentine defaultto either the neo-liberal model of economic policy implemented during the 90s or tothe incompetent management of the Argentina economy by the IMF. The main argumentwill be that the central cause of the default (the governments inability to implementresponsible fiscal policies) is rooted in institutional peculiarities of the country; in particular,the pattern of revenue sharing, and the electoral system.
Calculated Elastic Scattering Cross Sections for the Li+–He System

Energy dependence of total and differential elastic cross section for lithium ion-helium atom for number of interaction potentials
Quantitative Cation-Exchange Chromatographic Analysis of Free Amino Acids in Human Amniotic Fluid Collected during Early Pregnancy

The concentration of free amino acids in amniotic fluids, obtained from 27 normal mothers between the eighth and 22nd weeks of gestation, was determined by cation-exchange chromatography. Of the 29 free amino acids detected, three—γ-aminobutyric acid, ethanolamine, and homocarnosine— had not previously been found in amniotic fluid. The seven most common (in descending order) are alanine, glutamic acid-glutamine, lysine, proline, threonine, glycine, and valine. These seven comprise 70% of the total free amino acids present. All of the amino acids found in amniotic fluid have been found in serum and urine from fetuses and newborns and in the mother9s urine. However, three of the amino acids found in amniotic fluid—ethanolamine, hydroxyproline, and homocarnosine—have not been reported to be present in serum from mothers.
Pharmacoeconomic issues in the treatment of depression

The advent of newer, more expensive antidepressant agents in the past decade has focused renewed attention on major depressive disorder. The higher costs associated with purchasing the drugs makes their use appear to increase the cost of treating depression. Pharmacoeconomic methods are means of measuring the related advantages and costs, and provide guidance in drug selection. When such measures have been applied, the initial impression of increased costs for treating depressed persons with these agents is not supported. Pharmacoeconomic studies show that the newer antidepressants have clinically significant advantages that translate into lower total health system costs for treating major depressive disorder.
Natural selection on the dentition of an Arikara population.

The tooth crowns of most mammals do not change in size except by attrition. Therefore, by comparing age groups within a population and finding differences in size or variation, the effects of such agencies as directional or stabilizing selection can be demonstrated. Mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements were taken on the maxillary and mandibular permanent dentition of protohistoric Arikara Indian population from South Dakota. The tooth sizes of juveniles ages 6 through 15 were compared to those of adults ages 16 through 20. The two age groups were also compared by the cross-sectional areas of the posterior teeth. When a difference between age groups was demonstrated in either size or variation, a selection intensity was estimated using published graphs. Results from the comparisons show that adults, in general, have larger and less variable teeth than the juveniles. The data suggest the possibility that both directional and stabilizing selection were operating on the Arikara dentition. Furthermore, the selection intensities suggest that selection was operating not on the individual teeth but on functional complexes such as the posterior teeth. It appears that in populations like the Arikara where crown attrition is severe, selection will in the direction of large teeth.
An assessment of PTV margin based on actual accumulated dose for prostate cancer radiotherapy.

The purpose of this work is to present the results of a margin reduction study involving dosimetric and radiobiologic assessment of cumulative dose distributions, computed using an image guided adaptive radiotherapy based framework. Eight prostate cancer patients, treated with 7?9, 6 MV, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fields, were included in this study. The workflow consists of cone beam CT (CBCT) based localization, deformable image registration of the CBCT to simulation CT image datasets (SIM-CT), dose reconstruction and dose accumulation on the SIM-CT, and plan evaluation using radiobiological models. For each patient, three IMRT plans were generated with different margins applied to the CTV. The PTV margin for the original plan was 10?mm and 6?mm at the prostate/anterior rectal wall interface (10/6?mm) and was reduced to: (a) 5/3?mm, and (b) 3?mm uniformly. The average percent reductions in predicted tumor control probability (TCP) in the accumulated (actual) plans in comparison to the original plans over eight patients were 0.4%, 0.7% and 11.0% with 10/6?mm, 5/3?mm and 3?mm uniform margin respectively. The mean increase in predicted normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for grades 2/3 rectal bleeding for the actual plans in comparison to the static plans with margins of 10/6, 5/3 and 3?mm uniformly was 3.5%, 2.8% and 2.4% respectively. For the actual dose distributions, predicted NTCP for late rectal bleeding was reduced by 3.6% on average when the margin was reduced from 10/6?mm to 5/3?mm, and further reduced by 1.0% on average when the margin was reduced to 3?mm. The average reduction in complication free tumor control probability (P+) in the actual plans in comparison to the original plans with margins of 10/6, 5/3 and 3?mm was 3.7%, 2.4% and 13.6% correspondingly. The significant reduction of TCP and P+?in the actual plan with 3?mm margin came from one outlier, where individualizing patient treatment plans through margin adaptation based on biological models, might yield higher quality treatments.
Membrane Degradation at Catalyst Layer Edges in PEMFC MEAs

Membrane failures at catalyst layer edges in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were investigated using MEAs with segmented electrodes. A mathematical model was developed to predict the potential distribution at the edge of the MEA with misaligned electrodes. Control experiments were performed using an accelerated membrane durability test protocol and significant membrane degradation was observed in the region where the cathode overlaps the anode. The model-experiment comparisons suggest that a high cathode potential contributes to the membrane failure. A dependence of membrane degradation on relative humidity (RH) was observed in the experiments, regardless of the electrode overlap. The observed membrane degradation in the overlap region of MEAs with an anode catalyst overlap, run at low RH, is not explained by the model and needs further investigation.
The bioassay of gibberellins

A bioassay is described which is dependent upon the fact that gibberellin induced α-amylase release from barley half-seeds is proportional to the logarithm of gibberellin concentration applied. This bioassay has been successfully applied to the estimation of gibberellin-like substances in plant extracts. The bioassay has the following advantages: 1) Release of α-amylase is one step closer to the primary site of action of GA; 2) release of α-amylase is not affected by solvent residues and is apparently completely specific for gibberellin; 3) release of α-amylase is not affected by substances other than gibberellins present in crude plant extracts.
Urinary tetrahydrocortisone and tetrahydrocortisol in infants born of mothers treated with corticosteroids during pregnancy.

Summary The 24 hour excretion of tetrahydrocortisone (THE) and tetrahydrocortisol (THF) have been measured in the urine of 6 infants born of mothers who had received steroids during the later stages of pregnancy. Compared with a control group of 10 normal newborn infants, no differences were found. Of interest is the fact that THE levels were considerably greater than THF, perhaps reflecting the increased serum levels of cortisone in the neonate. Routine replacement therapy with corticoids seems unwarranted in such infants.
Annealing Effects of Indium-Tin Oxide Films Produced by Atmospheric RF Plasma Deposition Technique

Thin-films of indium-tin oxide (ITO) on soda-lime-silicate (SLS) glass were fabricated using an atmospheric RF plasma mist deposition process. Some of the films were deposited at substrate temperatures between 400 C and 500 C, and were subsequently annealed at 400 C and 530 C for 1 hour. Conductivity was improved due to post-annealing. Film thickness, particle size, film morphology and crystallite size were characterized. The structural changes on the glass and the ITO film were investigated by DRIFT spectroscopy.
On the chemical nature of thermally reduced graphene oxide and its electrochemical Li intake capacity

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) presents a unique chemical complexity due to the number of defect sites and chemical groups introduced by the harsh oxidative treatment. In this work, we elucidate the chemical nature of GO and thermally-reduced GO at different temperatures. These materials were characterized by a variety of techniques such as FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, SEM, XRD, XPS, TEM, surface area, and elemental analysis. Furthermore, galvanostatic experiments demonstrate that the electrochemical performance of reduced-GOs for Li intake is optimal when GO is reduced at a relatively mild temperature of 250 °C regardless of the chemical environment. Mildly reduced-GOs show a high first cycle specific capacity of over 2000 mAh/g (charge) and 1000 mAh/g (discharge), at a large current density of 500 mA/g. After 100 cycles, the reversible capacity remains stabilized at 500 mAh/g. Our characterization results combined with density functional theory calculations suggest that the presence of specific ketone groups at the edge sites rather than their gross morphology is responsible for the enhanced performance of the material as anode electrodes.
Comparing In-Class and Out-of-Class Computer-Based Tests to Traditional Paper-and-Pencil Tests in Introductory Psychology Courses:

This article describes three experiments comparing paper-and-pencil tests (PPTs) to computer-based tests (CBTs) in terms of test method preferences and student performance. In Experiment 1, students took tests using three methods: PPT in class, CBT in class, and CBT at the time and place of their choosing. Results indicate that test method did not affect performance and students liked the idea of additional CBTs. In Experiment 2, students chose the test time and administration method for four exams. CBT was the preferred method and CBT performance did not differ from a PPT comparison group. In Experiment 3, students chose the test method, but not the time, for three exams. PPT was the preferred method. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
High-rate biomethane production from microalgal biomass in a UASB reactor

Abstract Biomethane production from the microalga Scenedesmus sp. AMDD was demonstrated in an upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor. A full factorial design experiment was used to identify the effect of organic loading rate (OLR) of algal biomass and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the volumetric rate of methane production. At an HRT of 4 days and an OLR of 3.23 gTVS LR− 1 d− 1 corresponding to an influent microalgae concentration of 12 g total volatile solids (TVS) L− 1, the volumetric rate of CH4 production reached 0.6 LSTP L− 1R d− 1. A methane yield of 0.18–0.2 L per gTVS of fed microalgae was estimated. A stable performance was observed throughout 3 months of UASB reactor operation. Due to the short HRT and the good performance of UASB reactor, operated at influent microalgae concentrations in a range of 4–12 gTVS L− 1, this reactor type is suitable for coupling with photobioreactors equipped with gravitational settlers.
On the generation of misfit dislocations

Experimental measurements in epitaxial semiconductor deposits of the critical thick-ness above which misfit dislocations are generated may differ substantially from values calculated from early models that are successful for metallic deposits. The early models of misfit dislocation generation based on a glide mechanism for threading dislocations have been modified to include frictional forces on threading dislocations. The modified model can account for the critical thickness in both metal as well as semiconductor epitaxial deposits. It results in a residual stress that is not relaxed even at large deposit thicknesses. The influence of the frictional forces is diminished at large misfits.
An on-demand microfluidic hydrogen generator with self-regulated gas generation and self-circulated reactant exchange with a rechargeable reservoir

This article introduces an on-demand microfluidic hydrogen generator that can be integrated with a micro-proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The catalytic reaction, reactant circulation, gas/liquid separation, and autonomous control functionalities are all integrated into a single microfluidic device. It generates hydrated hydrogen gas from an aqueous ammonia borane solution which is circulated and exchanged between the microfluidic reactor and a rechargeable fuel reservoir without any parasitic power consumption. Ammonia borane is chosen instead of sodium borohydride because of its faster hydrogen generation rate, higher hydrogen storage capability, stability, and better catalyst durability. The self-circulation of the ammonia borane solution was achieved using directional growth and selective venting of hydrogen bubbles in micro-channels, which leads to agitation and addition of fresh solution without consumption of electrical power. The self-regulation mechanism ensures that hydrogen can be supplied to a fuel cell according to the exact demand of the current output of the fuel cell. The circulation flow rate of ammonia borane solution is also automatically regulated by the venting rate of hydrogen at the gas outlet. Design, fabrication, and testing results of a prototype system are described. The hydrogen generator is capable of generating hydrogen gas at a maximum rate of 0.6 ml/min (2.1 ml/min cm2) and circulating aqueous ammonia borane at a maximum flow rate of ~15.7 μl/min. The device has also been connected with a micro-PEM fuel cell to demonstrate the feasibility of its practical applications in a high-impedance system.
Subliminal and supraliminal accessory stimulation and two trapezoid illusions.

The effect of subliminal and supraliminal accessory stimulation (white noise) on 2 dynamic perceptual illusions was investigated. Only the most extreme subliminal stimulation (30 db below threshold) was effective, significantly increasing the number of illusory experiences. The effect was consistent across Ss and perceptual conditions. Both the magnitude and the direction of the effect could be supported by previous research.
Use of a synthetic polymer (pluronic F-127) as an agar substitute in culture medium to detect and measure microbial enzyme production

A simple and rapid detection of proteolytic activity of microbial sources on a thermally reversible gel (Pluronic F-127) is described.
A Helix Replacement Mechanism Directs Metavinculin Functions

Cells require distinct adhesion complexes to form contacts with their neighbors or the extracellular matrix, and vinculin links these complexes to the actin cytoskeleton. Metavinculin, an isoform of vinculin that harbors a unique 68-residue insert in its tail domain, has distinct actin bundling and oligomerization properties and plays essential roles in muscle development and homeostasis. Moreover, patients with sporadic or familial mutations in the metavinculin-specific insert invariably develop fatal cardiomyopathies. Here we report the high resolution crystal structure of the metavinculin tail domain, as well as the crystal structures of full-length human native metavinculin (1,134 residues) and of the full-length cardiomyopathy-associated ΔLeu954 metavinculin deletion mutant. These structures reveal that an α-helix (H1′) and extended coil of the metavinculin insert replace α-helix H1 and its preceding extended coil found in the N-terminal region of the vinculin tail domain to form a new five-helix bundle tail domain. Further, biochemical analyses demonstrate that this helix replacement directs the distinct actin bundling and oligomerization properties of metavinculin. Finally, the cardiomyopathy associated ΔLeu954 and Arg975Trp metavinculin mutants reside on the replaced extended coil and the H1′ α-helix, respectively. Thus, a helix replacement mechanism directs metavinculin's unique functions.
Long-Term Administration of Endothelin Receptor Antagonist Improves Coronary Endothelial Function in Patients With Early Atherosclerosis

Background— Endothelin (ET-1) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors and plays a seminal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that long-term treatment with an endothelin-A (ETA) receptor antagonist improves coronary endothelial function in patients with early coronary atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— Forty-seven patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, nonobstructive coronary artery disease, and coronary endothelial dysfunction were randomized in a double-blind manner to either the ETA receptor antagonist atrasentan (10 mg) or placebo for 6 months. Coronary endothelium-dependent vasodilation was examined by infusing acetylcholine (10−6 to 10−4 mol/L) in the left anterior descending coronary artery. NG-monomethyl-l-arginine was administered to a subgroup of patients. Endothelium-independent coronary flow reserve was examined by use of intracoronary adenosine and nitroglycerin. Baseline characteristics and incidence of adverse...
Paper dolls: Vincent Brümmer’s notion of autonomy

Autonomy is what may be called a “chromosomal doctrine” insofar as it has a profound, non-reciprocal shaping effect on other doctrines within a theological system. This article provides a case study in chromosomal doctrine from the theology of Vincent Brummer. The analysis detects two strands in Brummer’s notion of autonomy and ways in which they shape Brummer’s concept of God as a “vulnerable” relationship seeker. Specifically, Brummer interprets “two-way ability” as a condition of autonomy, and autonomy as a condition of “a relationship of love.” These two strands lead Brummer to the conclusion that “God necessarily assumes vulnerability in relation to [His creatures].” This study proposes a modification of Brummer’s notion of autonomy to avoid reducing creatures to indifferent agents, while maintaining God’s unique power to reform human hearts. Can the Creator cause his creatures to love without violating our autonomy or turning us into ‘Paper Dolls’?