cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An updated comprehensive kinetic model of hydrogen combustion

A comprehensively tested H2/O2 chemical kinetic mechanism based on the work of Mueller et al. 1 and recently published kinetic and thermodynamic information is presented. The revised mechanism is validated against a wide range of experimental conditions, including those found in shock tubes, flow reactors, and laminar premixed flame. Excellent agreement of the model predictions with the experimental observations demonstrates that the mechanism is comprehensive and has good predictive capabilities for different experimental systems, including new results published subsequent to the work of Mueller et al. 1, particularly high-pressure laminar flame speed and shock tube ignition results. The reaction H + OH + M is found to be primarily significant only to laminar flame speed propagation predictions at high pressure. All experimental hydrogen flame speed observations can be adequately fit using any of the several transport coefficient estimates presently available in the literature for the hydrogen/oxygen system simply by adjusting the rate parameters for this reaction within their present uncertainties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 566–575, 2004
A simple model of gas production from hydrofractured horizontal wells in shales

ABSTRACT Assessing the production potential of shale gas can be assisted by constructing a simple, physics-based model for the productivity of individual wells. We adopt the simplest plausible physical model: one-dimensional pressure diffusion from a cuboid region with the effective area of hydrofractures as base and the length of horizontal well as height. We formulate a nonlinear initial boundary value problem for transient flow of real gas that may sorb on the rock and solve it numerically. In principle, solutions of this problem depend on several parameters, but in practice within a given gas field, all but two can be fixed at typical values, providing a nearly universal curve for which only the appropriate scales of time in production and cumulative production need to be determined for each well. The scaling curve has the property that production rate declines as one over the square root of time until the well starts to be pressure depleted, and later it declines exponentially. We show that this simple model provides a surprisingly accurate description of gas extraction from 8305 horizontal wells in the United States’ oldest shale play, the Barnett Shale. Good agreement exists with the scaling theory for 2133 horizontal wells in which production started to decline exponentially in less than 10 yr. We provide upper and lower bounds on the time in production and original gas in place.
Voltage-Activated Ionic Currents in Myoepithelial Cells Isolated from the Sea Anemone Calliactis Tricolor

Myoepithelial cells were isolated from the apical ends of mesenteries of the sea anemone Calliactis tricolor and examined using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The isolation procedure produced cell fragments that were contractile and produced action potentials when depolarized. These action potentials are formed by a complex array of ionic currents consisting of at least one, and possibly two, inward calcium currents and four outward potassium currents. The ionic selectivity of the calcium currents was Ca2+>Sr2+>Ba2+. Outward currents consisted of a calcium-dependent outward current and three voltage-activated currents, including a 4-aminopyridine-sensitive current, a transient outward current and a steady-state current.
Kenneth Burke on form

Through the principles of the dramatistic nature of language, Kenneth Burke creates a unifying rationale of form. As such, form is the discursive progression of an idea to the satisfaction of audience expectations; these expectations are the product of rules of language use and of the conventional wisdom of society.
Visualization and Functional Analysis of a Maxi-K Channel (mSlo) Fused to Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

We have constructed a fusion protein between mSlo (a recombinant, high conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel or maxi-K), and GFP (green fluorescent protein). This construct represents a tag to not only monitor channel expression, but to locate the protein in living cells. The GFP was fused in frame to the carboxy-terminus of the mSlo core protein (mSloGFP fusion protein). Expression of this fusion protein in COS-7 cells resulted in robust fluorescence localized near the cell membrane. Fluorescing cells that were patch clamped exhibited whole cell currents with a direction consistent with potassium currents. Conversely, non-fluorescing cells showed no significant whole cell currents. Excised inside out patches revealed single channel currents and calculated conductances in the range of those expected for the maxi-K. The mSlo and mSlo-GFP channels reconstituted into lipid bilayers bound wild-type, recombinant CTX with high affinity and displayed a half-blocking concentration (KD ) of 7.4 and 7.6 nM, respectively (at +30 mV in 150 mM equimolar KCl). This resulted in single channel evaluation of the functional inhibition of CTX on these clones. As newly constructed GFP chimeras emerge for the study of physiological processes in living organisms, this work provides another area of insight illuminated by GFP.
Hyperbranched fluoropolymer and linear poly(ethylene glycol) based amphiphilic crosslinked networks as efficient antifouling coatings: An insight into the surface compositions, topographies, and morphologies

Polymer coatings with features of differing hydrophilicity, mobility, and topography, distributed across a substrate in microscopic and nanoscopic patches were designed as complex materials equipped with sufficient variability in composition, structure, and dynamics to inhibit interactions associated with biomacromolecular fouling. These complex polymer coatings were prepared by the in situ phase separation and crosslinking of mixtures of hyperbranched fluoropolymer (HBFP) and diamino-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), for which the degree of crosslinking, compositions, topographies, and morphologies were varied by alteration of the PEG/HBFP stoichiometries (14, 29, 45, and 55 wt % PEG). This article examines the physicochemical details of HBFP–PEG network coatings prepared on glass substrates, functionalized by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, as characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact-angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis. Upon incubation in water or artificial seawater, the surfaces underwent reconstruction, which was believed to be driven by the swelling of the PEG domains and the energetic favorability offered by the segregation of PEG to the solid–water interface. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 6193–6208, 2004
Shifting Winds: Explaining Variation in State Policies to Promote Small-Scale Wind Energy

States have increasingly taken leading roles in U.S. environmental policymaking over the past two decades. As laboratories of democracy, states have developed different levels and mixes of policies to address climate change, nonpoint source pollution, alternative energy, and other challenging environmental issues. Policy scholars have sought to explain variation in state environmental policy through two primary theoretical lenses: internal determinants and regional diffusion. While our understanding of state environmental policy adoption has grown to identify which variables are most important, less is known about how these variables interact in particular states to influence policy adoption. This study examines the interactions of variables from both theories to explain how state policies for small-scale wind energy promotion were adopted in three U.S. states. Our results highlight the nuanced role of citizen ideology, which may be important in contexts at either end of the ideological spectrum but less important in the middle—where economic development is more critical. Results also indicate that interstate competition may be over environmental as well as economic leadership. Interestingly, strength of the wind resource is not necessarily correlated with policy adoption for small-scale wind energy promotion.
The atmospheric neutral density experiment (ANDE) and modulating retroreflector in space (MODRAS): combined flight experiments for the space test program

The Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) is a low cost mission proposed by the Naval Research Laboratory to demonstrate a method to monitor the thermospheric neutral density at an altitude of 400 km. The primary mission objective is to provide total neutral density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of resident space objects. The ANDE mission also serves as a test platform for a new space-to-ground optical communications technique, the Modulating Retro-reflector Array in Space (MODRAS) experiment. Both are sponsored in part by the Department of Defense Space Test Program. The mission consists of two spherical spacecraft fitted with retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). One spacecraft is completely passive; the other carries three active instruments; a miniature Wind And Temperature Spectrometer (WATS) to measure atmospheric composition, cross-track winds and neutral temperature; a Global Positioning Sensor (GPS); and a Thermal Monitoring System (TMS) to monitor the temperature of the sphere. A design requirement of the active satellite is to telemeter the data to the ground without external protrusions from the spherical spacecraft (i.e. an antenna). The active satellite will be fitted with the MODRAS system, which is an enabling technology for the ANDE mission. The MODRAS system consists of a set of multiple quantum well (MQW) modulating retro-reflectors coupled with an electronics package, which will telemeter data to the ground by modulating the reflected light from laser interrogation beam. This paper presents a mission overview and emphasis will be placed on the design, optical layout, performance, ground station, and science capabilities of the combined missions.
Airway response to deep inspiration: role of inflation pressure

Deep inspirations (DIs) have been shown to have both bronchoprotective and bronchodilator effects in healthy subjects; however, the bronchodilator effects of a DI appear to be impaired in asthmatic compared with healthy subjects. Because the ability to generate high transpulmonary pressures at total lung capacity depends on both the lung properties and voluntary effort, we wondered how the response of airways to DI might be altered if the maneuver were done with less than maximal inflation. The present work was undertaken to examine the effects of varying the magnitude of lung inflation during the DI maneuver on subsequent airway caliber. In five anesthetized and ventilated dogs during methacholine infusion, changes in airway size after DIs of increasing magnitude were measured over the subsequent 5-min period using high-resolution computed tomography. Results show that the magnitude of lung inflation is extremely important, leading to a qualitative change in the airway response. A large DI (45 cmH 2 O airway pressure) caused subsequent airway dilation, whereas smaller DIs (≤35 cmH 2 O) caused bronchoconstriction. The precise mechanism underlying these observations is uncertain, but it seems to be related to an interaction between intrinsic properties of the contracted airway smooth muscle and the response to mild stretch.
Recruiting Children for Clinical Trials: Lessons From Pediatric Oncology

Luchtenberg and colleagues (2015) interviewed young people in the United Kingdom who had participated in a clinical trial to better understand their experiences and motivations as participants in m...
Resins from Grindelia: a model for renewable resources in arid environments

As the availability of abundant, inexpensive petroleum fuels and industrial feedstocks lessens, it is important that consideration be given to renewable sources of organic compounds and fuels as alternatives to non-renewable petroleum-based substances. The actual use of bioenergy has been increasing steadily in recent years indicating that biomass may be destined to become a major source of energy in the world.
Ideology and the Welfare Society

teenth-century society that bridged the evo lution from feudalism to the commercial era and the welfare society that may be the transitional phase in the replacement of individualism and economic self-interest by social and humanitarian values. The mercantilist state, although actively con cerned with the national welfare, as com pared to its immediate predecessors and successors, identified the national welfare with a static concept of society and with the values of the privileged members of society. The welfare society—in principle at least—has been oriented to progress and egalitarianism.1 What is striking, however, in both earlier mercantilist and contemporary welfare doc trines is their ideological looseness. There was no clear text or school of mercantilism
Abstract TP238: Is There a "Stroke Hotspot" In New Orleans? A Preliminary Analysis of the Human Geography of Stroke Occurences

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if New Orleans, a city with a bi-racial population and within the “stroke belt”, has certain areas with disproportionately high stroke occurrence. Methods: Stroke activation cases from January 2010 - November 2011 were mapped and analyzed after review of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS) patient care reports. Age, gender, race, and home location were compared to population density, race density, and socioeconomic status. Results: Of 686 cases, areas with high concentrations of stroke activations, named “stroke activation hotspots”, were mainly found where the Median Household Income (MHHI) in 2010 was less than $25,000, and the population was 80-100% African American. Some “hotspots”, such as fairly wealthy and medium-density areas in the Garden District and French Quarter, exist where 2010 MHHI exceeded $64,000. When compared to 2010 Census Data population density maps, discordance between population within a zip code and proportion of stroke activation cases was found. Conclusion: Strokes are not randomly or evenly distributed throughout Orleans Parish, nor are they purely by-products of population density. Social vulnerability, poverty, and lack of access to health care may explain some of these clusters; while clusters of elderly citizens and tourists may explain the hotspots in wealthy areas. Rational geography to stroke activation distribution may permit further investigation of racial disparities in stroke outcomes allow for targeted stroke education.
Exploring Naming Behavior in Personal Digital Image Collections: the Iconology and Language Games of Pinterest

As non-institutional digital image collections expand into social media, independent non-professional image curators are emerging, actively constructing alternative naming conventions to suit their needs in a social collecting environment. This project considers how independent user-curators are developing particular sense-making behaviors as they actively contribute names to large, unstructured social image collections. In order to capture and explore this evolving language adaptation, Pinterest names are analyzed using a matrix composed of Panofsky’s three strata of subject matter, Rosch’s levels of categorical abstraction, Shatford Layne’s image attributes and Wittgenstein’s language game constructions. Analyzing Pinterest image names illuminates previously unnoticed behaviors by independent user-curators as they create shared collections. Exploring the various language choices which user-curators select as they apply this new curating vocabulary helps identify underlying user needs not apparent in traditionally curated collections restricted to traditional naming conventions.
2 Gy × 2 for palliative treatment of mantle cell lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma is a subtype of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which accounts for approximately 6% of all new cases of NHL in the USA.[1] The clinical course is variable, but in most cases...
Structural modulations and magnetic properties of off-stoichiometric Ni-Mn-Ga magnetic shape memory alloys

A comparative description of the crystallographic structural details and the magnetic properties of Ni-Mn-Ga magnetic shape memory alloys are necessary to understand the physical origins of their magnetoelastic properties. The crystallographic structural details of an off-stoichiometric Ni${}_{2}$Mn${}_{1.14}$Ga${}_{0.86}$ alloy have been obtained from the refinement of high-resolution single-crystal neutron diffraction data, following a (3 $+$ 1)-dimensional [(3 $+$ 1)-D] superspace formalism. In particular, the structure adopts a $P$2/$m$($\ensuremath{\alpha}$0$\ensuremath{\gamma}$)00 superspace group symmetry with the following fundamental lattice parameters: $a$ $=$ 4.255(4) $\AA{}$, $b$ $=$ 5.613(4) $\AA{}$, $c$ $=$ 4.216(3) $\AA{}$, a commensurate periodicity of 5M, and a modulation wave vector of $\stackrel{P\vec}{\mathbf{q}}=2/5\stackrel{P\vec}{\mathbf{c}}$. The magnetic properties of the crystal are characterized from magnetic susceptibility measurements, as well as from neutron diffraction intensities. The overall magnetic moment per unit cell is 2.7 $\ensuremath{\mu}$${}_{\mathrm{B}}$ per Ni${}_{2}$Mn${}_{1.14}$Ga${}_{0.86}$ formula unit and the magnetic moments are aligned along the $b$ axis. The modulations of the atomic site displacements, site occupancies, and magnetic moments are elucidated from a (3 $+$ 1)-D refinement of the neutron diffraction intensities. In addition to atomic displacements corresponding to shear waves along $\ensuremath{\langle}110\ensuremath{\rangle}$, distortions of the Ni-centric tetrahedra are also evident. Physical interpretations for the different structural distortions and their relationship to magnetic properties are discussed.
Cell durotaxis on polyelectrolyte multilayers with photogenerated gradients of modulus.

Behaviors of rat aortic smooth muscle (A7r5) and human osteosarcoma (U2OS) cells on photo-cross-linked polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMUs) with uniform, or gradients of, moduli were investigated. The PEMUs were built layer-by-layer with the polycation poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and a polyanion poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) that was modified with photoreactive 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) benzophenone (PAABp). PEMUs with different uniform and gradients of modulus were generated by varying the time of uniform ultraviolet light exposure and by exposure through optical density gradient filters. Analysis of adhesion, morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and motility of the cells on the PEMUs revealed that A7r5 cells established a polarized orientation toward increasing modulus on shallow modulus gradients (approximately 4.7 MPa mm–1) and durotaxed toward stiffer regions on steeper gradients (approximately 55 MPa mm–1). In contrast, U2OS cells exhibited little orientation or durotaxis on modulus gradients. These ...
Fracture of the Cam Mechanism of a Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Femoral Component: A Previously Unrecognized Mode of Failure: A Case Report.

Fracture of the femoral component following total knee arthroplasty previously has been reported, although not as commonly as that of fracture failure of the tibial tray. Typically, implant failure has been related to reduced implant osseous support secondary to osteolysis, component design with resultant fatigue fracture, or manufacturing defects1-8. Previous studies have also implicated alignment and patient age, weight, and activity level in fracture failure of tibial components8-10. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents a previously unreported mechanism of fatigue fracture and femoral component failure in a total knee arthroplasty with an open-box posterior-stabilized design. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. After a diagnosis of bilateral osteoarthritis, a fifty-nine-year-old man (weight, 105.6 kg; height, 193 cm; body mass index, 28.3 kg/m2) underwent simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (Fig. 1). NexGen Legacy Posterior Stabilized (LPS) femoral components (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana) with 10-mm trabecular metal LPS monoblock tibial components were used. Both patellae were resurfaced, and all components were cemented in place. The undersurface of the tibial tray was cemented, but the trabecular metal pegs were left uncemented. Fig. 1 Anteroposterior (left) and lateral (right) radiographs of the left total knee arthroplasty six weeks postoperatively. The hospital course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home. Following dismissal, however, the motion of both knees regressed. This was attributed to overly aggressive physical therapy, and the patient subsequently underwent bilateral knee manipulation under anesthesia. He went on to do quite well and was very pleased with the knee function. At the one, two, and five-year follow-ups, the patient reported no pain or activity limitations. The range of motion was from 0° to 115° bilaterally. Radiographically, all components were reasonably aligned and …
Abstract 3449: Development of small molecule Bcl-XL inhibitors for treatment of lung cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Bcl-XL is a major anti-apoptotic protein in the Bcl-2 family whose overexpression is more widely observed in human lung cancer cells than that of Bcl-2, suggesting that Bcl-XL is more biologically relevant and therefore a better therapeutic target for lung cancer. Here, we screened small molecules that selectively target the BH3 domain (aa 90-98) binding pocket of Bcl-XL using the UCSF DOCK 6.1 program suite and the NCI chemical library database. We identified two new Bcl-XL inhibitors (BXI-61 and BXI-72) that exhibit selective toxicity against lung cancer cells compared with normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Fluorescence polarization assay reveals that BXI-61 and BXI-72 preferentially bind to Bcl-XL protein but not Bcl2 in vitro with high binding affinities. Treatment of cells with BXI-72 results in disruption of Bcl-XL/Bak interaction, oligomerization of Bak and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. These two BXI compounds potently repress lung cancer xenografts in vivo without significant normal tissue toxicity within effective doses. Importantly, BXI-72 can also overcome acquired radioresistance of lung cancer. Based on our findings, the development of BXI(s) as a new class of anticancer agents is warranted and represents a novel strategy for improving lung cancer outcome. Citation Format: Dongkyoo Park, Andrew T. Magis, Rui Li, Taofeek K. K. Owonikoko, Gabriel L. Sica, Shi-Yong Sun, Suresh S. Ramalingam, Fadlo R. Khuri, Walter J. Curran, Xingming Deng. Development of small molecule Bcl-XL inhibitors for treatment of lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3449. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3449
How perceptions of the institutional environment shape organizational priorities: findings from a survey of police chiefs

AbstractA long tradition of research has examined the influence of organizational environments on criminal justice agencies. Based on survey data from a sample of local police chiefs, this study explores the effects of the institutional environment on police agency priorities. Specifically, we investigate how the perceived importance of different sectors of the institutional environment influences police agency priorities, as reported by police chiefs. The analyses reveal that certain sectors of the institutional environment exert greater influence on police organizational priorities than others. Moreover, the influence of institutional sectors differs according to the specific type of priority. Our findings reveal that institutional considerations exert more consistent effects on the importance of maintaining relationships with constituents than on maintaining law and order or adopting innovative practices. We draw on institutional theory in explaining the study’s findings.
Seasonal characteristics of Japanese B encephalitis analyzed by concentration ratio and circular distribution in Guangdong in 1993-2012

Objective To understand the seasonal characteristics of Japanese B encephalitis analyzed by using concentration ratio combined with circular distribution in Guangdong in 1993-2012.Methods Concentration ratio and circular distribution were used to analyze the seasonal distribution of Japanese B encephalitis during 1993to 2012in Guangdong,and means of two or more angles were compared by using Watson-Williams test in the circular distributions.Results The M value of concentration ratio of seasonal distribution of Japanese B encephalitis from 1993to 2012in Guangdong province was 0.8719,a high incidence was observed in May to July.The M values were all higher than 0.70during 20years except in 2012.The R value of circular distribution was 0.5898,with the peak season of June 20to August 18and peak day of June 29,but the annual peak day varied dramatically(P0.01).The R value of 1993to 2004(0.5424)was lower than that of 2005to 2012(0.7244),while the S value was the opposite.Conclusions The obvious seasonal distribution of Japanese B encephalitis exists in Guangdong.Universal immunization of Japanese B encephalitis vaccine is able to effectively control the disease and shorten peak season of Japanese B encephalitis.
Serological analysis of brucellosis in key occupational populations in Wucheng district of Jinhua

Objective:To analyse the seroepidemiology status of brucellosis in key occupational population and provide the scientific basis for the prevention and control of brucellosis.Methods:According to WS269-2007 "brucellosis diagnosis standard",serological test was carried out.Results:In Wucheng district,the serum positive rate of key monitoring population was 3.54% from 2005 to 2011,different positive rates in different years;Distribution of brucellosis infection were various in different occupational populations,milkers and veterinarians had the highest infection rates,the positive rate of males was higher than that of females.Conclusion:Due to the particularity of brucellosis infection,serological monitoring should be strengthened in different occupational populations,in order to discover the outbreak and take corresponding measures for control and prevention.
A microbiological study of polyarthritis in slaughter pigs.

Arthritic joints obtained from 50 freshly slaughtered pig carcasses condemned for polyathritis were style microbiologically. A routine technique was developed for aseptically opening joints to obtain material for microbiological examination. A standard series of culture media for the primary isolation of arthritogenic agents were used m the examination of each affected joint. The microbiological study catered for isolation of the following microorganisms: Corynebacterium pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., Haemophllus spp., Chlamydia, and viruses.
Chronic Diseases and Use of Contraception Among Women at Risk of Unintended Pregnancy.

Abstract Background: Women with chronic diseases are at increased risk of having unintended pregnancies. Little is known whether chronic diseases are associated with increased likelihood of effective/highly effective contraceptive use. Methods: We analyzed 2008–2010 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for women aged 18–44 years who were at risk of unintended pregnancy. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for contraceptive use in relation to diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and current asthma. We assessed the association of chronic disease status with use of three different contraception outcomes: (1) any method versus none, (2) less effective methods (methods associated with ≥10 unintended pregnancies/100 women/year) versus none, and (3) effective/highly effective methods (<10 unintended pregnancies/100 women/year) versus none. Results: Among 4473 women at risk for unintended pregnancy, 87% were using an...
Microstructure Characterization of Nickel Alloy 718 with Automated Optical Image Processing

The microstructure of a vacuum arc remelted (VAR) nickel alloy 718 ingot was characterized using macro photography and studied with quantitative image analysis techniques. Microstructure quantification was used to produce information that may aid the determination of how melt parameters influence solidification microstructures. Such information is expected to eventually support new understandings of how solidification defects, such as freckle channels and white spots, form. Two slabs were sectioned from the center of a laboratory-scale alloy 718 VAR ingot. Each slab was ground and etched to reveal dendritic solidification microstructures. Custom automated instrumentation was used to acquire 454 digital images of these slabs at a 1:1 magnification. Images were subsequently stitched and blended to produce two mosaic images, one 562 and the other 579 megapixels in size. Digital image analysis techniques were used to identify primary and secondary dendrite arms. These image analysis techniques and the results they produced are presented.
Raising Capital When the Going Gets Tough: U.S. Bank Equity Issuance from 2001 to 2014

We analyze equity issuance by publicly-traded U.S. banks during 2001-2014 through exchanges (SEOs), private placements (PIPEs), and TARP. Equity markets were important for bank recapitalization in the crisis, when SEO and PIPE issuance peaked. We find that bank characteristics predict issuance whereas trading indicators influence issuance type. Large, well-capitalized banks with quality loans were more likely to issue. PIPEs served weaker, capital-constrained banks, while SEOs and TARP were selective. Bank illiquidity was another incentive to issue. Banks with lower trading activity and wider spreads were more likely to issue TARP over SEOs. Our findings suggest TARP aided private issuance, which was used to repay TARP.
Flow Calculations Past RAE 2822 and MBB-A3 Airfoils for the ETMA Workshop Using the Navier Stokes Code ARC2D

The paper contains CFD results for the airfoils RAE 2822 and MBB-A3 obtained through the use of the finite difference cell vertex implicit code, ARC2D. The exercise involved appropriate comparison of computed results against experimental data for the surface pressure distribution and other viscous boundary layer characteristics. A number of turbulence models were used for assessing the accuracy of numerical simulation particularly in the regions of separated flows.
Investigation of the effects of uranium(III)-chloride concentration on voltammetry in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic with a glass sealed tungsten electrode

Abstract One of the major sources of error for electroanalytical measurements in high-temperature molten salts is from the measurement of the working electrode (WE) area. A glass sealed working electrode (GSWE) was developed in order to set the exposed area of tungsten and reduce the error associated with WE area. The insulating property of the glass while in contact with molten salt was verified by observing the independence of electrochemical signals with adjustments in the WE position. The integrity of the glass coating was also confirmed by observing the stability of electrochemical signals (±1.9%) over several hours. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and normal pulse voltammetry (NPV) were applied at 10 different concentrations of UCl 3 . Above 0.17 mol dm −3 UCl 3 , the electrochemical signals from CV and NPV deviate significantly from linearity with concentration, but in opposite directions. A shift from reversible to quasi-reversible behavior and migration are theorized to cause the non-linearity for CV and NPV, respectively. A model is proposed to account for migration in NPV resulting in a significant error reduction in the electrochemical concentration measurement.
Object recognition in ocean imagery using feature selection and compressive sensing

Ship recognition and classification in electro-optical satellite imagery is a challenging problem with important military applications. The problem is similar to that of face recognition, but with many unique considerations. A ship's appearance can vary dramatically from image to image depending on factors such as lighting condition, sensor angle, and ocean state, and there is often wide variation between ships of the same class. Collecting and labeling sufficient training data is another challenge. We consider how appropriate feature selection and description can assist in addressing these challenges. Our proposed algorithm for vessel classification combines shape invariant features such as SIFT with a well known face recognition algorithm from the theory of sparse representation and compressive sensing. We demonstrate improved classification accuracy using invariant features at significant key points instead of random features to represent images. We also discuss how algorithms such as this are currently implemented to detect and classify ships and other objects in ocean imagery.
The Role of Neuroligins in the Cerebellum Highlights the Diversity of Synapse-Specifying Molecules.

The brain integrates and processes sensory input to generate outputs that determine our actions, emotions, and thoughts. This impressive task is accomplished by transmitting signals through synapses between neurons, which are interconnected in a highly specific pattern. During the process of synapse
THE EVOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS: A VIEW FROM THE INSIDE

This essay provides one economist’s perspective on the two-decade evolution of the field of environmental economics, by tracing it through personal reflections on the professional path that has led to my research and writing. Also, the article summarizes the highlights of some of my research and writing during this period.
Low-voltage binary operation of liquid-crystal Fresnel lens with surface relief structure

We demonstrate a liquid crystal Fresnel lens (LCFL) with a surface relief structure which has the binary switching property and the merit of low voltage driving. The surface relief structure is fabricated by photopolymerization of a polymer-precursor initiated by ultra-violet light onto a solid cylindrical Fresnel lens with desired optical power. A liquid crystal (LC) layer is sandwiched between a pair of polymer Fresnel lens deposited with planar alignment layers with orthogonal rubbing directions. The ordinary refractive index of LC is chose to be close to the refractive index of the polymer. At voltage-off state, when the polarization of light is parallel to the long axis of LC molecules, the refractive index mismatch of liquid crystals and polymer Fresnel lens enables the focusing of LCFL. At voltage-on state, the LCFL is a slab with homogenous refractive index because of the index matching between LC and polymer. With the benefit of twisted nematic structure, the voltage requirement is significantly low (~6V) for LCFL. The low-voltage binary beam shaping of laser and magnifying lens function using LCFL are experimentally demonstrated in this paper. Polarization-independent LCFL is achievable with a double-layered approach.
Best Practices in Cross-Battery Assessment of Nonverbal Cognitive Ability

This chapter describes the purpose of cross-battery assessment, i.e., to provide psychological assessment specialists/examiners with an overall cognitive assessment strategy. More specifically, it is designed to make examiners aware of the subconstructs of intelligence, as defined by the Cattell–Horn–Carroll Model of intelligence, and to make them aware of how these constructs can be assessed, using the best available operationalizations (of the constructs). Cross-battery assessment principles can be used by examiners to determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and is generally considered to provide the steps necessary to complete a very comprehensive evaluation of cognitive abilities. I have adapted the guidelines and principles from McGrew and Flanagan (1998) and Flanagan et al. (2013) for those examiners who engage in nonverbal assessment of cognitive abilities and intelligence. In addition, I provide a listing of the best nonverbal assessment instruments (Appendix 1) and a set of worksheets to guide interpretation of scores obtained from nonverbal cross-battery assessment (Appendix 2). Finally, I provide a case for illustrative purposes in Appendix 3. As is apparent from reading the case, the basic principles and strategies are the same for both verbal and nonverbal assessment, but the number and quality of instruments available for nonverbal assessment are less than for verbal assessment.
Predicting inpatient delirium: The AWOL delirium risk-stratification score in clinical practice.

Abstract Inpatient delirium improves with multicomponent interventions by hospital staff, though the resources needed are often limited. Risk-stratification to predict delirium is a useful first step to help triage resources, but the performance of risk-stratification as part of a functioning multicomponent pathway has not been assessed. We retrospectively studied the performance of a validated delirium prediction rule, the AWOL score, as a part of a multicomponent delirium care pathway in practice on a university hospital ward. We reviewed the hospitalizations of patients 50 years or older for evidence of delirium and extracted the AWOL score from nursing documentation ( n = 347). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.83 (95% CI 0.77–0.89) for all cases and 0.73 (95% CI 0.60–0.85) when cases of prevalent delirium were removed. Involving minimal additional assessment, this nursing-based risk stratification score performed well as part of a multicomponent delirium care pathway.
The Relationship Between Digital Technology and the Interpersonal Communication Skills of Generation Y

This paper examines how the prevalence and use of digital technology has affected the interpersonal communication skills of Generation Y. Many people see digital technology in a very positive light, particularly due to its function of maintaining long-distance relationships. However, most people do believe that Millennials have lost interpersonal skills because of their use of digital technology, although this is not a direct correlation. Rather, this study indicates that members of Generation Y often fear intimacy and awkwardness because they lack interpersonal communication skills, choosing to hide behind digital technology instead of engaging in interpersonal communication. Since Millennials have full control over their “digital lives,” they spend more time using digital technology and less time interacting face-to-face. This in turn contributes to the decline in interpersonal skills. While digital technology has negatively affected Millennials’ interpersonal communication skills, the issue is much deeper than just digital technology. Millennials’ lack of education and skill in communication affects their digital technology use. Thus, how Generation Y uses digital technology is an indicator of how they see the world and their values, which in turn affects how they interact with people.
Adaptive locomotion learning in modular self-reconfigurable robots: A game theoretic approach

Modular self-reconfigurable robots (MSRs) are mostly used in environments where it is difficult to navigate and explore otherwise. Especially, the shape-changing ability of MSRs makes them more dexterous in these situations compared to fixed-body robots. But when the MSR forms a new configuration, usually, the locomotion pattern for that particular configuration is not known by its constituting robotic modules. The main challenge for modules is to learn how to move in that specific configuration within a reasonable amount of time. In this paper, we study the problem where an MSR needs to learn its movement pattern on-the-fly. To solve this problem, we have proposed a game theoretic solution based on multi-agent reinforcement learning using which the constituting modules distributedly learn the best actions that they need to perform to travel more distance in less time. We have implemented this approach in simulation on both ModRED and Yamor MSR platforms. Results show that our approach performs better (up to 7.86 times) in terms of average speed achieved for most of the tested configurations as compared to an existing locomotion learning approach.
Late-onset diffuse lamellar keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis.

Abstract Objective To analyze 12 cases of late-onset diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) following uncomplicated LASIK and propose a method of management. Design Retrospective observational case series, literature review. Participants Patients who developed late-onset DLK following LASIK. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients with late-onset DLK from January 2014 to August 2015. Data collected included demographic information, probable cause of DLK, stage of DLK, baseline examination, treatment, clinical course, outcomes, complications, and last follow-up examination. Review of relevant literature included searching for all prior cases and case series relating to “diffuse lamellar keratitis,” “late-onset DLK,” “Secondary Sands,” and “delayed-onset DLK” by searching PubMed with these search terms. Results Twelve eyes of 11 patients presented with late-onset DLK following LASIK. Onset ranged from 8 months to 17 years following LASIK. Stage of DLK ranged from stage I to III, and all patients responded well to aggressive corticosteroids without lifting of the LASIK flap. Final visual acuity for stage I/II and III eyes did not demonstrate a significant difference (p = 0.218). DLK resolved by a mean of 4.86 weeks for all eyes. Conclusion Late-onset DLK can present at any time following LASIK with a wide range of inciting factors causing a nonspecific (and likely immune-related) inflammatory reaction. Based on our findings, aggressive oral and topical corticosteroids should be tried before lifting the LASIK flap as long as infection is not suspected or inciting debris is not seen in the flap because the vast majority resolve with such therapy.
Observations on Grain Boundary Structures in Nickel Oxide

The relaxation of the long-range strain field near grain boundaries by the formation of structural dislocations has been extensively studied in metals.1 The structure of the grain boundary dislocation arrays has been shown to be determined by the misfit geometry as well as the interfacal energy of the grain boundary. Very little data, however, are available for the grain boundary structures in ionic crystals, in which the interatomic interaction is different from that in metals.
CONSTRUCTON OF β -PLEATED SHEETS

This chapter discusses the construction of α-helix the antiparallel β-pleated sheet and parallel β-pleated sheet. To construct the sheet structure, at least two polypeptide strands should be constructed, each containing at least five peptides. Silicone tubing that is 3.8cm long should be used to form the hydrogen bonds connecting the two strands. To construct a model of the β -parallel pleated sheet, at least two strands must be constructed. In these polypeptides, the φ angles are –119° and the ψ angles are +113°. Silicone tubing should be used for the hydrogen bonds connecting the strands. In this case, the two connected strands run in the same direction.
Providing Solar Power to the Panama Rain Forest: A Senior Design Project

For the past few years six different senior design teams designed a solar power system for the Embera people that live in the rainforest outside Panama City, Panama. The project required a group of Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering students over a period of 3 semesters to collect the data for the design and complete the design. Finally, a group of Mechanical and Construction engineering students completed the design and installed the equipment. The paper will discuss the design process and detail each of the senior design projects. The entire project included trips to collect the data and meet the tribe, detailed design of the components, finding funding for the project, scheduling of the construction and getting the supplies to the site. Each step required a different type of engineering solution with a different student outcome.
Abstract 093: Salt Resistance and Renal Gpr83 Function

The G protein coupled receptor 83 (Gpr83) is an orphan receptor that has been associated with essential hypertension. Gpr83 is expressed in the kidney but its function is unknown. We found that Gpr...
The Barrier of Climate Change

This chapter examines climate change as one of the major barriers to developing and implementing a common strategy for achieving sustainability. The chapter then looks at variation in the effects that climate change is having on water supplies. Included are land areas that lie farther from the equator, areas near the equator such as North Africa, the Middle East and Central America.
Statistical copolymers of 3-hexylthiophene and thiophene: Impact of thiophene content on optoelectronic and thermal properties

Abstract Polythiophenes have attracted much attention for their application in flexible, low-cost, tunable, and comparatively efficient optoelectronic devices due to their highly-controlled synthesis, modifiable microstructures, and favorable optoelectronic properties. Grignard Metathesis (GRIM) polymerization is widely used for synthesizing poly(3-substituted thiophenes) with highly ordered microstructures. This route has been applied to synthesizing copolymers of 3-substituted thiophene monomers yielding copolymers with desirable combinations of homopolymer properties such as enhanced charge transport and solubility. In the present work, we synthesize an extensive statistical range of copolymers of 3-hexylthiophene and thiophene and examine the resulting thermal and optoelectronic properties. We find incorporation of thiophene units leads to defects to the chain regioregularity as thiophene lacks the steric hindrance of a 3-position substituent group for directing monomer addition to the polymer chain. This decreasing regioregularity is tied to the inclusion of structural defects and thereby systematically decreasing melting temperature at low thiophene content. However, at increasing thiophene content the thermal behavior is complicated by more complex regiochemistry before ultimately increasing as the composition approaches polythiophene homopolymer. Interestingly, while incorporation of small amounts of thiophene (up to 15 percent) dramatically lowers the melting temperature, the optoelectronic properties (namely optical band gap) are found to remain constant and analogous to that of P3HT. This behavior provides an opportunity to tune the thermal behavior for improved processability and stability while maintaining desired optoelectronic properties.
Functional Imaging of Renal Cell Carcinoma

F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has been increasingly used in oncology and has been applied for the diagnosis, staging, and followup of several cancers. The role of FDG PET in renal cell carcinoma is currently evolving. Current evidence suggests that this imaging modality has limited sensitivity, but in selected situations PET might complement conventional imaging techniques in further delineating suspicious lesions. Improvements in image acquisition and processing techniques, use of radioisotopes other than FDG and increasing experience with combined PET and computed tomography scanners will increase the applicability of functional imaging in renal cell carcinoma.
Diverse compositions and functions of chromatin remodeling machines in cancer

Human cancer genetics power biochemical and functional interrogation of chromatin remodeling complexes, informing therapeutic opportunities.