cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deciding on the Appropriateness of B2B Reverse Auction Technology Adoption: An AHP Approach Combined with Integer Programming

Although Business-to-Business online reverse auctions have emerged as a promising purchasing tool, no research has been found that provides a model to assess the reverse auction decision in a systematic way. This paper fills this gap by presenting an integrated approach, utilizing Analytic Hierarchy Process techniques and an Integer Programming Formulation, to decide whether Reverse Auction Technology (RAT) adoption is cost-effective and appropriate. The model developed is a practical decision support tool that allows for the consideration of both qualitative and quantitative decision factors, and for the adoption of multiple modes of RATs, which are contrasted to traditional purchasing.
iMOVE: Intensive Mobility training with Variability and Error compared to conventional rehabilitation for young children with cerebral palsy: the protocol for a single blind randomized controlled trial

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in children. The best opportunity to maximize lifelong independence is early in motor development when there is the most potential for neuroplastic change, but how best to optimize motor ability during this narrow window remains unknown. We have systematically developed and pilot-tested a novel intervention that incorporates overlapping principles of neurorehabilitation and infant motor learning in a context that promotes upright mobility skill and postural control development. The treatment, called iMOVE therapy, was designed to allow young children with CP to self-initiate motor learning experiences similar to their typically developing peers. This manuscript describes the protocol for a subsequent clinical trial to test the efficacy of iMOVE therapy compared to conventional therapy on gross motor development and other secondary outcomes in young children with CP. The study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Forty-two participants with CP or suspected CP between the ages of 1–3 years will be randomized to receive either the iMOVE or conventional therapy group. Distinguishing characteristics of each group are detailed. Repeated measures of gross motor function will be collected throughout the 12–24 week intervention phase and at three follow-up points over one year post therapy. Secondary outcomes include measures of postural control, physical activity, participation and caregiver satisfaction. This clinical trial will add to a small, but growing, body of literature on early interventions to optimize the development of motor control in young children with CP. The information learned will inform clinical practice of early treatment strategies and may contribute to improving the trajectory of motor development and reducing lifelong physical disability in individuals with CP. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02340026 . Registered January 16, 2015.
1057. Treatment Efficacy of Ceftriaxone vs. Cefazolin for Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Infections

Background Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections are traditionally treated with intravenous (IV) nafcillin, oxacillin, or cefazolin, all antibiotics that require multiple doses per day. Despite theoretical limitations of using ceftriaxone in MSSA infections, some clinical studies suggest noninferiority of ceftriaxone compared with standard of care. At Parkland Memorial Hospital, many patients diagnosed with MSSA infections receive self-administered Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (S-OPAT). Daily-dosed ceftriaxone is often used for convenience and feasibility of medication adherence.
Freedom and Resistance: A Social History of Black Loyalists in the Bahamas by Christopher Curry

Curry, Christopher. Freedom and Resistance: A Social History of Black Loyalists in the Bahamas . Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2017.
Feasibility study of an EHR-integrated mobile shared decision making application

Abstract Introduction Integrating mobile applications (apps) into users’ standard electronic health record (EHR) workflows may be valuable, especially for apps that both read and write data. This report details the lessons learned during the integration of a patient decision aid - prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer screening - into our users' standard EHR workflow for a small usability assessment. Materials and Methods This feasibility study included two steps. First we enabled realtime, secure bidirectional data exchange between the mobile app and EHR for 14 data elements, and second we pilot tested the production environment app with 9 primary care patients aged 60–65 years. Our primary usability metric was a net promoter score (NPS), based on users’ recommendation of the app to a friend or family member; we also assessed the proportion of users who 1) updated their prostate cancer risk factor information present in the EHR and 2) submitted more than one unique response regarding their preference to have PSA testing. Results The seven web services necessary to read and write data required considerable configuration, but successfully delivered risk factor-specific educational content and recorded patients’ values and decision preference directly within the EHR. Seven of the 9 patients (78%) would recommend this app to a friend/family member (NPS = 55.6%), one patient used the app to update risk factor information, and 4/9 (44%) changed their decision preference while using the app. Conclusions It is feasible to implement a decision aid directly into users’ standard EHR workflow for limited usability testing. Broad scale implementation may have a positive effect on patient engagement and improve shared decision making, but several challenges exist with proprietary EHR vendor application programming interfaces (API)s.
Ideal cardiovascular health, glycaemic status and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus: the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study

Ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) is associated with lower diabetes risk. However, it is unclear whether this association is similar across glycaemic levels (normal [<5.6 mmol/l] vs impaired fasting glucose [IFG] [5.6–6.9 mmol/l]). A secondary data analysis was performed in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Incident diabetes was assessed among 7758 participants without diabetes at baseline (2003–2007) followed over 9.5 years. Baseline cholesterol, blood pressure, diet, smoking, physical activity and BMI were used to categorise participants based on the number (0–1, 2–3 and ≥4) of ideal CVH components. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Among participants (mean age 63.0 [SD 8.4] years, 56% female, 73% white, 27% African-American), there were 891 incident diabetes cases. Participants with ≥4 vs 0–1 ideal CVH components with normal fasting glucose (n = 6004) had 80% lower risk (RR 0.20; 95% CI 0.10, 0.37), while participants with baseline IFG (n = 1754) had 13% lower risk (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.58, 1.30) (p for interaction by baseline glucose status <0.0001). Additionally, the magnitude of the association of ideal CVH components with lower diabetes risk was stronger among white than African-American participants (p for interaction = 0.0338). A higher number of ideal CVH components was associated with a dose-dependent lower risk of diabetes for participants with normal fasting glucose but not IFG. Tailored efforts that take into account observed differences by race and glycaemic level are needed for the primordial prevention of diabetes.
The Peak of China’s Long-Distance Maritime Connections with Western Asia During the Mongol Period: Comparison with the Pre-Mongol and Post-Mongol Periods

This paper will explore the expansion of Chinese knowledge about the Islamic World through maritime contacts that flourished during the Mongol-run Yuan dynasty in China. Studies have focused on expanded overland contacts between China and West Asia created by the Mongol conquest in the thirteenth century. However, Sino-Islamic maritime contacts also peaked during the period thanks to the expansion of routes and commercial connections in the Indian Ocean. While overland routes remained precarious due to wars among feuding khanates, maritime routes suffered fewer obstacles. Maritime trade policies enacted by Mongol rulers in the Yuan Dynasty tied Yuan China and the Il-Khanate in Iran and further west. Booming maritime contact enabled Chinese learning about West Asia and North Africa to grow more dynamic, extensive, and flexible.
An Exceptionally Fast Homogeneous Carbon-Free Cobalt-Based Water Oxidation Catalyst.

Na10 [Co4(H2O)2 (VW9O34)2]·35H2O is synthesized from a mixture of Na2WO4, Co(NO3)2, and NaVO3 dissolved in sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.8, 80 °C, 2 h, ≈13% yield).
Multi-parametric acoustic imaging of cervix for more accurate detection of patients at risk of preterm birth

Preterm delivery (PTD) can cause serious health problems and can jeopardize the life of a newborn. Diagnostic imaging of cervix is mostly limited to ultrasound (US), especially transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for measuring the cervical length and has shown low sensitivity and specificity for determining the risk of PTD. US viscoelasticity (VE) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging are commonly used quantitative functional imaging modalities which are used in conjunction with US imaging to provide additional information on tissue composition and functionality. Cervical ripening, or shortening and softening of the cervix, is indicative of the stage of the delivery. During the ripening process, the cervical tissue undergoes microstructural changes, such as the disorganization of the collagen network. We developed a tri-modal transvaginal US, PA, and VE imaging system and evaluated this system to monitor phantom and murine cervical changes. Specifically, in this study, we demonstrate the utility of spectroscopic PA (sPA) to monitor cervical tissue hydration and collagen disorganization. The sPA is capable of measuring tissue vascularization and oxygenation, which could serve as valuable biomarkers of cervical insufficiency and ripening. The combined probe can provide a range of clinical biomarkers characterizing the microstructural, functional and molecular changes in the cervical tissue. These biomarkers can potentially enhance the identification and prognosis of patients who are at risk of PTD.
Psychiatry Outpatients' Willingness to Share Social Media Posts and Smartphone Data for Research and Clinical Purposes: Survey Study.

Background: Psychiatry research has begun to leverage data collected from patients’ social media and smartphone use. However, information regarding the feasibility of utilizing such data in an outpatient setting and the acceptability of such data in research and practice is limited. Objective: This study aimed at understanding the outpatients’ willingness to have information from their social media posts and their smartphones used for clinical or research purposes. Methods: In this survey study, we surveyed patients (N=238) in an outpatient clinic waiting room. Willingness to share social media and passive smartphone data was summarized for the sample as a whole and broken down by sex, age, and race. Results: Most patients who had a social media account and who were receiving talk therapy treatment (74.4%, 99/133) indicated that they would be willing to share their social media posts with their therapists. The percentage of patients willing to share passive smartphone data with researchers varied from 40.8% (82/201) to 60.7% (122/201) depending on the parameter, with sleep duration being the parameter with the highest percentage of patients willing to share. A total of 30.4% of patients indicated that media stories of social media privacy breaches made them more hesitant about sharing passive smartphone data with researchers. Sex and race were associated with willingness to share smartphone data, with men and whites being the most willing to share. Conclusions: Our results indicate that most patients in a psychiatric outpatient setting would share social media and passive smartphone data and that further research elucidating patterns of willingness to share passive data is needed.
Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) has a distinct epidemiological and outcome profile, relative to adult ARDS. Nonpulmonary processes, including multisystem organ failure, immunocompromising comorbidities, and acute neurologic failure, substantially impact short-term mortality, rendering this a problematic endpoint for interventional studies, either alone or as part of a composite, such as ventilator-free days (VFDs). Indeed, VFD itself contains hidden biases, making its use as an endpoint similarly difficult. However, endpoints other than short-term mortality and VFD are profoundly understudied in PARDS. Given the neuropsychiatric and functional impairment in adult survivors of ARDS, characterization of these morbidities in children with PARDS is of paramount importance. This chapter summarizes the existing pediatric literature and, using adult ARDS as a framework, suggests alternative clinically relevant outcomes deserving of further investigation. The goal is to identify important outcomes, both short- and long-term, to inform future interventional trials in PARDS.
Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidants Attenuate TGF-β2 Signaling in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.

Purpose POAG is a progressive optic neuropathy that is currently the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. While the underlying cause of POAG remains unclear, TGF-β2-dependent remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the trabecular meshwork (TM) microenvironment is considered an early pathologic consequence associated with impaired aqueous humor (AH) outflow and elevated IOP. Early studies have also demonstrated markedly elevated levels of oxidative stress markers in AH from POAG patients along with altered expression of antioxidant defenses. Here, using cultured primary or transformed human TM cells, we investigated the role oxidative stress plays at regulating TGF-β2-mediated remodeling of the ECM. Methods Primary or transformed (GTM3) human TM cells conditioned in serum-free media were incubated in the absence or presence of TGF-β2 and relative changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using oxidation-sensitive fluorogenic dyes CellROX green or 6-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (carboxy-H2DCFDA). TGF-β2-mediated changes in the content of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen types 1α1 (COL1A1) and 4α1 (COL4A1) mRNA or collagens I and IV isoform proteins were determined in the absence or presence of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants (XJB-5-131 or MitoQ) and quantified by quantitative PCR or by immunoblot and immunocytochemistry. Smad-dependent canonic signaling was determined by immunoblot, whereas Smad-dependent transcriptional activity was quantified using a Smad2/3-responsive SBE-luciferase reporter assay. Results Primary or transformed human TM cells cultured in the presence of TGF-β2 (5 ng/mL; 2 hours) exhibited marked increases in CellROX or fluorescein fluorescence. Consistent with previous reports, challenging cultured human TM cells with TGF-β2 elicited measurable increases in regulated Smad2/3 signaling as well as increases in CTGF, COL1A1, and COL4A1 mRNA and collagen protein content. Pretreating human TM cells with mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants XJB-5-131 (10 μM) or MitoQ (10 nM) attenuated TGF-β2-mediated changes in Smad-dependent transcriptional activity. Conclusions The multifunctional profibrotic cytokine TGF-β2 elicits a marked increase in oxidative stress in human TM cells. Mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants attenuate TGF-β2-mediated changes in Smad-dependent transcriptional activity, including marked reductions in CTGF and collagen isoform gene and protein expression. These findings suggest that mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, when delivered directly to the TM, exhibit potential as a novel strategy by which to slow the progression of TGF-β2-mediated remodeling of the ECM within the TM.
Quantum Mechanical Model of Electronic Stopping Power for Ions in a Free Electron Gas

The electronic stopping power of a free electron gas on a moving charged particle (ion) in a solid is analyzed in the coordinate system moving with the charged particle. By quantum mechanically treating the momentum transfer between the charged particle and the electron gas, explicit analytic expressions for electronic stopping have been derived for ions of all energies in the nonrelativistic regime. The explicit result reduces to well-known results at both high and low ion energies.
Estimation and inference for non-stationary arrival models with a linear trend

This paper is concerned with building statistical models for non-stationary input processes with a linear trend. Under a Poisson assumption, we investigate the use of the maximum likelihood (ML) method to estimate the model and establish limiting behavior for the ML estimator in an asymptotic regime that naturally arises in applications with high-volume inputs. We also develop likelihood ratio tests for the presence of a linear trend and discuss the asymptotic efficiency. Change-point detection procedures are discussed to identify an unknown point when the model switches from a stationary mode to non-stationarity with a linear trend. Numerical experiments on an e-commerce data set are included. Incorporating a linear trend into an input model can improve prediction accuracy and potentially enhance associated performance evaluations and decision making.
Acute pulmonary embolism in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: frequency, hospital outcomes, and recurrence.

Study Objectives:The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the risk of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), hospital outcomes including mortality, and PE ...
A Two-Cell Model for IL-1β Release Mediated by Death-Receptor Signaling

Summary Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a key orchestrator of anti-microbial immunity whose secretion is typically dependent on activation of inflammasomes. However, many pathogens have evolved strategies to evade inflammasome activation. Here we describe an alternative, two-cell model for IL-1β release where invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells use the death receptor pathway to instruct antigen-presenting cells to secrete IL-1β. Following cognate interactions with TLR-primed bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), iNKT cells rapidly translocate intracellular Fas ligand to the surface to engage Fas on BMDCs. Fas ligation activates a caspase-8-dependent signaling cascade in BMDCs that drives IL-1β release largely independent of inflammasomes. The apoptotic program initiated by Fas ligation rapidly transitions into a pyroptosis-like form of cell death mediated by gasdermin D. Together, our findings support a two-cell model for IL-1β secretion that may supersede inflammasome activation when cytosolic triggers fail.
Chronic in vivo exposure to Helicobacter pylori VacA: Assessing the efficacy of automated and long-term intragastric toxin infusion

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) secrete VacA, a diffusible pore-forming exotoxin that is epidemiologically linked to gastric disease in humans. In vitro studies indicate that VacA modulates gastric epithelial and immune cells, but the in vivo contributions of VacA as an important determinant of Hp colonization and chronic infection remain poorly understood. To identify perturbations in the stomachs of C57BL/6 or BALB/C mice that result specifically from extended VacA exposure, we evaluated the efficacy of administering purified toxin using automated infusion via surgically-implanted, intragastric catheters. At 3 and 30 days of interrupted infusion, VacA was detected in association with gastric glands. In contrast to previously-reported tissue damage resulting from short term exposure to Hp extracts administered by oral gavage, extended infusion of VacA did not damage stomach, esophageal, intestinal, or liver tissue. However, several alterations previously reported during Hp infection were detected in animals infused with VacA, including reduction of the gastric mucus layer, and increased vacuolation of parietal cells. VacA infusion invoked an immune response, as indicated by the detection of circulating VacA antibodies. These foundational studies support the use of VacA infusion for identifying gastric alterations that are unambiguously attributable to long-term exposure to toxin.
SkinLace: Freestanding Lace by Machine Embroidery for On-Skin Interface

Freestanding lace is a method to create a lace by machine embroidery. Lace has advantages compared to the other fabrics in terms of skin-compatibility, weight, and aesthetics. In this paper, we present SkinLace, a freestanding lace by machine embroidery for on-skin interface. Conductive thread, water-soluble stabilizer, and home embroidery machine can create SkinLace, which is aesthetic, light, skin-compatible, body-conforming, durable, and inexpensive. The freestanding lace approach enables aesthetic customizable lace and patches through a combination of non-conductive and colorful threads. We propose three different applications of SkinLace; on-skin displays, capacitive touch sensing, and RFID tag antenna. Tension of the thread in the embroidery machine and the accuracy of the stitch are the main challenges, but the advantages and potential to create more complex circuitry and to enhance sensing capability present rich opportunities for further exploration.
Effects of CO, H2 and C3H6 on Cu-SSZ-13 catalyzed NH3-SCR

Abstract We investigated the steady-state and transient effects of reductants (CO, H2 and C3H6) on NO2 reduction, NH3-SCR (selective catalytic reduction), NH3 adsorption and oxidation, and N2O production on a Cu-SSZ-13 monolithic catalyst. The three reductants affect to different extents the standard SCR (NO + NH3 + O2), fast SCR (NO + NH3 + NO2), and slow SCR (NH3 + NO2). This study underscores the importance of accounting for the impact of reducing agents on conventional NH3-SCR reaction mechanism when SCR catalyst is subjected to either rich regeneration of integrated systems (LNT + SCR, SCR on DPF) or cold-start. Propylene is most effective in promoting NO2 reduction to NO by formation of organic intermediates. CO effectively reduces nitrates to nitrites that then react with NO2, releasing NO. H2 can follow a similar pathway as CO but is less effective. In addition, H2 can also enable a H2-based SCR pathway through the reduction of Cu cations to Cu0 which then catalyze the NOx reduction. This pathway is particularly evident at high temperatures and low O2 levels. As for NH3-SCR reactions, propylene competes with NH3 for adsorbed NO2, which generates NO and thus increases the NO/NOx ratio. This leads to the dominance of either fast or standard SCR for a slow SCR (NH3 + NO2) feed condition when C3H6 is present. CO has only a minor effect on both standard and fast SCR but a promoting effect on slow SCR. The ineffective reduction of NO2 to NO by H2 at low temperature (T
Distinct patterns of gene expression in the superficial, middle and deep zones of bovine articular cartilage

Hyaline articular cartilage will not heal spontaneously, and lesions in hyaline articular cartilage often result in degenerative joint disease. Considerable progress has been made with respect to the responsive stem cells, inductive signals and extracellular scaffolding required for the optimal regeneration of cartilage. However, many challenges remain, such as topographic differences in the functional zones of articular cartilage. We hypothesized that a distinct set of differentially expressed genes define the surface, middle and deep zones of hyaline articular cartilage. Microarray analysis of bovine articular cartilage from the superficial and middle zones revealed 52 genes differentially expressed ≥ 10-fold and 114 additional genes differentially expressed ≥ five-fold. However, no genes were identified with a ≥ five-fold difference in expression when comparing articular cartilage from the middle and deep zones. There are distinct, differential gene expression patterns in the superficial and middle zones of hyaline articular cartilage that highlight the functional differences between these zones. This investigation has implications for the tissue engineering and regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage.
Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways by Catecholamine Receptors

Publisher Summary Until recently little has been known about the mechanisms of mitogenic signal transduction employed by receptors that couple to heterotrimeric G-proteins (GRs). These receptors participate in the regulation of cell proliferation in both physiological and pathophysiological states, and in cellular transformation in some, mostly neuroendocrine, human tumors. GRs that mediate cellular responses to a variety of humoral, endothelium-, or platelet-derived substances have been found to rapidly stimulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) pathway, a major point of convergence for signals regulating cell growth and differentiation. The best understood pathway of ERK1/2 activation is that mediated by growth factor receptors that possess intrinsic ligand-stimulated tyrosine kinase activity (RTK), such as the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF). To understand the mechanisms whereby GRs mediate growth regulatory signals, the mechanisms whereby several GRs, including the α 1 B AR and α 2 A AR, stimulate ERK1/2 activity in transiently transfected COS-7 and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell model systems has been studied. In these cells, clear heterogeneity exists between the mechanisms of ERK1/2 activation employed by receptors that signal via pertussis toxin-sensitive G i family proteins, such as α 2 A AR, and receptors that signal via pertussis toxininsensitive G q/11 family proteins, such as α 1 B AR.
Observation of Bose-Einstein condensation in atomic hydrogen by laser spectroscopy

Summary form only given. Atomic hydrogen is the newest member of the small family of atomic gases that display Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC). The conditions are quite different from those of the alkali metal atom condensates, for the gas condenses at a temperature of 40 microkelvin, rather than in the nanokelvin regime. The atoms are initially trapped using cryogenic methods and is then cooled to BEC by evaporation. More than 10/sup 9/ atoms were trapped in the initial experiments, larger than previous condensates by a factor of thirty. The condensate is studied primarily by two-photon laser spectroscopy on the 1S-2S transition. Both Doppler-free and Doppler-sensitive transitions are visible. The spectral response of the condensate displays some unexpected properties.
Enriched Home Environment Program for Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study discusses the impact of the Enriched Home Environment Program (EHEP) on participation in home activities among two children with ASD using case study methodology. EHEP involves occupational therapists to collaborate with families of children with ASD to educate them about the impact of factors that influence child’s participation within the home environment; and help them generate their own strategies to adapt or modify the environment, or routines to meet the needs of the child. The results of the study suggest that EHEP is effective in enhancing participation of children with ASD within their home environments.
Characterization of the DNA-binding properties of herpes simplex virus regulatory protein ICP4.

Abstract ICP4 is a herpesvirus-encoded protein that is expressed during the immediate-early phase of productive infection and is required for efficient transcription of viral genes during the early and late phases of infection. Previous studies have shown that ICP4 is a component of specific protein-DNA complexes but have not revealed whether native ICP4 directly recognizes specific nucleotide sequences. Using DNA affinity chromatography, we have purified ICP4 to near homogeneity. The purified preparation consists primarily of dimeric and tetrameric forms of ICP4. As shown by DNase protection experiments, purified ICP4 binds directly to specific sequences in viral DNA. The stability of ICP4-DNA complexes is increased over 100-fold by shifting the temperature from 23 to 4 degrees C. The equilibrium dissociation constant of ICP4-DNA complexes formed at 4 degrees C in the presence of 100 mM NaCl was determined to be approximately 1.1 nM.
Building a Web-based Research Center: Ideas for the UNM-CLARIS Web

The UNM-CLARIS Web is a new research center, designed to exist solely on the World Wide Web, dedicated to collecting and conducting research on the new and expanding field of individualized studies in higher education. Many specialized and innovative degree programs exist throughout the United States that allow undergraduate/graduate students to design their own degree curriculums. However, those programs are not efficiently connected in a pro-active way sharing ideas or resources for the students benefit. Our research center is building a digital interactive encyclopedia and listserv that will help students, faculty, and staff in interdisciplinary and individualized degrees to make the most of their opportunities creatively. Creativity is the key to student development and post graduation marketability. We intend to create a forum for exchange (ideas, strategies, and research) that will continue to develop and strengthen the various programs that exist, as well as provide guidance for new/changing programs.
A Purely Photometric Fundamental Plane

The Tully-Fisher (TF) and Fundamental Plane (FP) relation are the most commonly used distance-indicator relations. Observationally, their ingredients are analogous: magnitudes, radii and surface brightnesses require relatively easy to obtain optical photometric data. Rotational widths and velocity dispersions are instead more demanding, both in terms of telescope aperture and of longer exposures. An economical distance-indicator, based entirely on photometric Chapaumeters, would be an extremely valuable tool for observational cosmology, if it were to achieve an accuracy comChapauble to those of the TF and FP relations.
Toward a More Perfect Nonprofit: The Performance Mindset and the "Gift"

This article examines the use of evaluation feedback in decision-making by governments, foundations, corporations, and individual donors financing the nonprofit sector in an environment of resource scarcity. It includes an analysis of curricular offerings in program evaluation courses offered by nonprofit management educational programs. Finding that the courses primarily provide instruction in systematic evaluation and the logic model, it argues for an alternative approach to educating nonprofit leaders that emphasizes the social role of nonprofits and the concept of charity, drawing extensively on Jacques Derrida's understanding of "the gift." The new curricular approach would reframe authority, embrace interdisciplinarity and connections, including democratic feminist theories of management, revise accountability to move toward consensus, and end lip service to praxis.
Evaluation of a Fine Sediment Removal Tool in Spring-fed and Snowmelt Driven Streams

The accumulation of fine-grained sediments impairs the structure and function of streams, so removing fine sediments may be required to achieve restoration objectives. There has been little work on methods of removing excess sediment or on the efficacy of the methods. We used a 4-year before-after-control-impact design in southeastern Idaho streams to test a fine sediment removal system (FSRS) manufactured by Streamside Environmental LLC. The FSRS agitates fine sediment in the substrate with clean pump water and then vacuums the sediment out of the stream with a second pump. Our objectives were: 1) to test if the FSRS can selectively remove fine sediment; 2) to monitor the bio-physical responses in FSRS treated and downstream waters; and 3) to compare the bio-physical responses to the FSRS in spring-fed and snowmelt driven stream reaches. The FSRS removed ~ 14 metric tons of sediment from the two treated reaches. More than 90% of this sediment was
Chinese haze versus Western smog: lessons learned

Air pollution in many Chinese cities has been so severe in recent years that a special terminology, the "Chinese haze", was created to describe China's air quality problem. Historically, the problem of Chinese haze has developed several decades after Western high-income countries have significantly improved their air quality from the smog-laden days in the early- and mid-20(th) century. Hence it is important to provide a global and historical perspective to help China combat the current air pollution problems. In this regard, this article addresses the followings specific questions: (I) What is the Chinese haze in comparison with the sulfurous (London-type) smog and the photochemical (Los Angeles-type) smog? (II) How does Chinese haze fit into the current trend of global air pollution transition? (III) What are the major mitigation measures that have improved air quality in Western countries? and (IV) What specific recommendations for China can be derived from lessons and experiences from Western countries?
The feasibility and value of low-frequency data collected using colocated 2-Hz and 10-Hz geophones

ConocoPhillips acquired a production 3D surface seismic survey in 2010. The survey size was about 410 square miles recorded by 10-Hz geophones with INOVA 364 vibrators that are capable of sweeping from 1 to 150 Hz. In addition, we carried out a field experiment recording a swath of 3D surface seismic data with colocated 2-Hz and 10-Hz geophones. The cost of acquiring the 2-Hz geophone data was negligible when compared with the cost of the entire 3D survey. Because the vibrators can produce energy down to 2 Hz, the use of the 2-Hz geophone is crucial in capturing this energy. To our knowledge, this was the first field experiment employing the 2-Hz geophones and vibrators that could transmit enough low-frequency signals into the ground. The questions we investigate in this field experiment are: (1) how much low-frequency signal can be recorded using 2-Hz geophones, (2) how much degradation of low-frequency signal results from the 10-Hz geophones when compared to the 2-Hz geophones, and (3) the possibility o...
Uno, don, tres, cuatro: modern women docile bodies

In this essay, I argue that the historical evolution of physical education under the Francoist regime was affected by the transition from autarky to consumerism through the modernization process in...
The evolution of fidelity in sensory systems

We investigate the effect that noise has on the evolution of measurement strategies and competition in populations of organisms with sensory systems of differing fidelities. We address two questions motivated by experimental and theoretical work on sensory systems in noisy environments: (1) How complex must a sensory system be in order to face the need to develop adaptive measurement strategies that change depending on the noise level? (2) Does the principle of competitive exclusion for sensory systems force one population to win out over all others? We find that the answer to the first question is that even very simple sensory systems will need to change measurement strategies depending on the amount of noise in the environment. Interestingly, the answer to the second question is that, in general, at most two populations with different fidelity sensory systems may co-exist within a single environment.
Sociality, Bateman’s gradients, and the polygynandrous genetic mating system of round-tailed ground squirrels ( Xerospermophilus tereticaudus )

Historically, most mammals have been classified as polygynous; although recent molecular evidence suggests that many mammals may be polygynandrous, particularly the ground-dwelling sciurids. We genotyped 351 round-tailed ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus) using seven microsatellite loci to determine paternity in 31 litters from 2004 to 2007. Polygyny was evident in all years except in 2007, when the population size was reduced. Multiple paternity occurred in the majority of litters (55%) with 2.5 ± 0.26 sires/litter (n = 31). Forty-nine percent of resident males (n = 114) sired offspring, and of males that sired offspring (n = 56) 27% sired young in multiple litters in a single breeding season. Litter size was positively correlated with the number of sires. Through an indirect analysis of paternity, we found 21 litters (68%) with an average relatedness of 0.5 or less. Males had a greater opportunity for sexual selection (I s = 1.60) than females (I s = 0.40); Bateman’s gradient was also greater in males (1.07 ± 0.04, n = 56) than females (0.82 ± 0.08, n = 31). The mating system in round-tailed ground squirrels defined through genetic analyses and Bateman’s gradients is polygynandrous compared to the previously suggested polygynous mating system as established by behavioral observations and fits within the predictions of the ground squirrel sociality models. Upon evaluating the predictions of the sociality models among sciurid species, we found a negative relationship between the level of sociality with litter size and the average percentage of multiple paternity within a litter. Thus, recent genetic information and reclassification of mating systems support the predictions of the ground-dwelling squirrel sociality models.
Generalized joint model for robot manipulator kinematic calibration and compensation

A generalized model that goes beyond the usual assumption of “ideal” joint behavior is proposed. The “real” joint has five ancillary degrees of freedom besides the dominant motion. The resulting manipulator transformation with its greater degree of sophistication is expected to help in calibration and compensation of the various kinematic contributions to robot inaccuracy. The procedure to compute this generalized manipulator transformation is presented. The generalized model also results in manipulator differential relationships and these are discussed.
Nonhomologous pairing in oogonia and ganglia of Drosophila melanogaster

A high frequency of chromosome pairing between an X-duplication (Dp) and a compound 4 (−44), each of which lacks its homologue in the genome, has been observed in somatic ganglia cells in female and male larvae as well as in oogonia of adult Drosophila melanogaster. Three Dp's of different sizes were used. Pairing was determined both by inspection and by precise measurement of the distances between chromosomes; the two methods agreed in virtually every case. Nonhomologous pairing frequencies ranged from 23.0 to 62.6%, showing a strong dependency on size. The Dp that was closest in size to −44 produced the greatest frequency of pairing in each of the three tissues. Homologues in the same cells paired with a frequency of 89% or greater. The X and Y in the male ganglia showed a pairing frequency of only 45.7%, thus resembling nonhomologues in their pairing behavior. Genetic studies were also carried out on the three genotypes. Segregation data for the Dp's and −44 established that the same pattern of pairing observed in the mitotic cells was present in the oocytes — the Dp which was closest in size to the −44 again producing the greatest frequency of pairing. In the oocytes the pairing frequencies were much higher than those observed in the mitotic cells.
Static amorphization of anorthite at 300 K and comparison with diaplectic glass

DIAPLECTIC glass, which is produced without fusion, is characteristic of meteorite impact sites in feldspar- and quartz-rich sites on the Earth and Moon; it has also been produced in laboratory shock experiments1–3. Its presence in nature is thus considered to be strong evidence of exposure to a high-pressure shock wave generated by impact. The formation of such glasses has been universally interpreted in terms of the brief, high-temperature and high-pressure conditions characteristic of shock loading. Here we report that crystalline anorthite (Ca Al2Si2O8) becomes amorphous at static pressures of between 22 and 28 GPa at 300 K. The amorphization is associated with a pressure-induced increase in the coordination of silicon and aluminium by oxygen, from fourfold to five- and sixfold. The increase in coordination appears as the sample vitrifies at pressure; on decompression, the coordination reverts to fourfold. The vitrification is spatially heterogeneous, and may be crystallographically controlled. The formation of glass from crystalline material under static conditions at 300 K indicates that the high strain rates and temperatures associated with shock compression are not required for the creation of glasses without fusion.
Factors Affecting Union Decline in 18 OECD Countries and their Implications for Labor Movement Reform

In recent years, researchers have given much attention to union density decline in industrialized countries. While several have asked whether this decline can be attributed to specific economic, social, or institutional causes, few have provided concrete suggestions about how cross-national studies in this genre can inform efforts that seek to reverse this decline in the United States. This study uses cross-sectional time-series analysis of a pooled sample of 18 OECD countries from 1980 to 2005 to consider the effect of the business cycle, domestic institutions, globalization, and strike activity on union density. We identify interaction with the variable `Traditional Union Density' and utilize findings on corporatism, collective bargaining, globalization, and inflation to make suggestions for those working to reverse union decline in the US.
Coordinated Hard Sphere Mixture (CHaSM): A simplified model for oxide and silicate melts at mantle pressures and temperatures

We develop a new model to understand and predict the behavior of oxide and silicate melts at extreme temperatures and pressures, including deep mantle conditions like those in the early Earth magma ocean. The Coordinated Hard Sphere Mixture (CHaSM) is based on an extension of the hard sphere mixture model, accounting for the range of coordination states available to each cation in the liquid. By utilizing approximate analytic expressions for the hard sphere model, this method is capable of predicting complex liquid structure and thermodynamics while remaining computationally efficient, requiring only minutes of calculation time on standard desktop computers. This modeling framework is applied to the MgO system, where model parameters are trained on a collection of crystal polymorphs, producing realistic predictions of coordination evolution and the equation of state of MgO melt over a wide range of pressures and temperatures. We find that the typical coordination number of the Mg cation evolves continuously upward from 5.25 at 0 GPa to 8.5 at 250 GPa. The results produced by CHaSM are evaluated by comparison with predictions from published first-principles molecular dynamics calculations, indicating that CHaSM is accurately capturing the dominant physics controlling the behavior of oxide melts at high pressure. Finally, we present a simple quantitative model to explain the universality of the increasing Gruneisen parameter trend for liquids, which directly reflects their progressive evolution toward more compact solid-like structures upon compression. This general behavior is opposite that of solid materials, and produces steep adiabatic thermal profiles for silicate melts, thus playing a crucial role in magma ocean evolution.
Induction of Zugunruhe by photostimulation of encephalic receptors in white-crowned sparrows

Daily 20-hour encephalic photophases (DEPP), transmitted (hours 0 to 20) via chronically implanted light-conducting fibers to selected sites in the basal hypothalamus of male white-crowned sparrows, were superimposed on daily 8-hour (hours 0 to 8) external ambient photophases (DAPP). Initially the birds displayed motor activity only during the 8-hour DAPP. After a delay of at least 2 weeks, some of the birds became intensively active during hours 8 to 20. We postulate that this period of "nocturnal" activity is equivalent to the nocturnal Zugunruhe shown by caged individuals of many nocturnally migratory species subjected to long days; such activity is generally regarded as the expression of migratory behavior.
The Other Half of the Picture: Antecedents of Spouse Cross-Cultural Adjustment

Scholars have argued that the adjustment of the expatriate's spouse is an important factor in the success or failure of expatriates in overseas assignments; however, they have not empirically examined which factors are related to spouse adjustment. This study is the first to systematically examine the antecedents of spouse cross-cultural adjustment to interacting with host country nationals and to coping with the general, foreign environment. The results indicate that firms seeking the spouse's opinion about the international assignment, the spouse's self-initiated predeparture training, and social support from family and host country nationals during the overseas assignment have a positive relationship with spouse interaction adjustment. Additionally, firms' seeking the spouse's opinion about the international assignment and standard of living have a positive relationship with spouse general adjustment, while firm-provided training and culture novelty have negative relationships with spouse general adjustment. Several important research and practical implications are explored.
Recurrent Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema

A unique patient is described who experienced two episodes of pulmonary edema following re-expansion of two left pneumothoraces occurring months apart. Successful surgical treatment was carried out at thoracotomy. Factors regarding pathogenesis are discussed.
Characterization of nonplanar motion in MEMS involving scanning laser interferometry

A study to evaluate three processes used for the release of standard devices produced by MCNC using the MUMPS process was undertaken by Jet Propulsion Laboratory with the collaboration of The Aerospace Corporation, and Polytec PI. The processes used were developed at various laboratories and are commonly the final step in the production of micro- electro-mechanical systems prior to packaging. It is at this stage of the process when the devices become extremely delicate and are subject to yield losses due to handling errors or the phenomenon of stiction. The effects of post processing with HF on gain boundaries and subsequent thermal processing producing native oxide growth during packaging will require further investigation.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Spillover Effect on the Directivity Calculation of Reflector Antennas in Planar Near-field Measurements [Measurements Corner]

The knowledge of an antenna's directivity (or gain) performance is sometimes the most important information in designing a communication link. Depending on the application, one might be interested in a very accurate measure of the directivity value. This paper focuses on the accurate estimation of antenna directivity in planar near-field measurements. Planar near-field chambers are the most natural systems for the measurement of highly directive antennas such as reflectors, the weight and bulkiness of which may prevent one from using any other system. The main drawback of these systems is that only the forward-directed wave emanating from the antenna will be measured. The spillover energy cannot be captured, and therefore the value calculated for the directivity will be higher than the actual value. This paper develops a systematic approach for the accurate measurement of the spillover losses to compensate for the inaccuracies of the directivity calculation.