cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attachment Styles and the "Big Five" Personality Traits: Their Connections with Each Other and with Romantic Relationship Outcomes

Hazan and Shaver have identified three adult attachment styles corresponding to the infant-mother attachment patterns observed by Ainsworth and associates in the first year of life: secure, avoidant, and anxious-ambivalent. These three styles are related to a wide variety of close relationship processes and outcomes. To date, however; little research has focused on relations between attachment styles and major personality constructs. Such re-search can clarify, the nature of attachment styles and ensure that they are not simply redundant with existing constructs. The present research examined associations between attachment measures, relationship quality and outcome measures, and the 'Big Five"personality traits assessed by the NEO Personality Inventory. Attachment styles were related in theoretically predictable ways to the Big Five dimensions and especially to some of their 'facet' subscales but were not simply redundant with them. The NEO scales were generally not as powerful as the attachment style me...
Using Self-Report Assessment in Couples Counseling

Self-report assessment instruments do not seem to be widely used aonwg marriage and family counselors. The purpose of this article is to illustrate ways in which self-report instruments may be used to augment clinical assessment in counseling with couples. Potential barriers and benefits to using self-report instruments in counseling are identified. A case study using an assessment tool measuring multiple areas of relationship functining (ENRICH) is presented. Implications for treatment are discussed.
The Lake Superior varve stratigraphy and implications for eastern Lake Agassiz outflow from 10,700 to 8900 cal ybp (9.5–8.0 14C ka)

Abstract Glaciolacustrine rhythmites within sediment cores from Lake Superior record the regional recession of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) from 10,700 to 8900 cal ybp [ca. 9.5–8.0 14 C ka]. LIS retreat from Superior opened eastern Lake Agassiz outlets so that the rhythmites reflect the combined impacts of sediment-laden meltwater and Lake Agassiz discharge. Multiple rhythmite stratigraphies, a time series analysis of the thickness measurements, and high-resolution inorganic carbonate data demonstrate that this is an annual record (varved). The varve thickness records primarily document regional ice margin dynamics; correlative thick varve sequences at 9100 cal ybp [∼ 8.1 14 C ka] and 10,400–10,200 cal ybp [∼ 9.2–9.0 14 C ka] record two periods of enhanced glaciofluvial discharge, most likely moraine formation (the Nakina and Nipigon). General varve cessation is associated with the circumvention of Lake Agassiz and glacial meltwater into Lake Ojibway at 9040 cal ybp [∼ 8.1 14 C ka], although adjacent to the inlets from Lake Nipigon, rhythmic sedimentation persisted for 200 years. Positively identifying Lake Agassiz catastrophic discharge events remains speculative but seems feasible. Following retreat of Marquette ice that had re-advanced to fill the basin, the initial influx of Lake Agassiz water is expected at around 10,600 cal ybp [∼ 9.4 14 C ka], but at this time, most of northeastern Lake Superior was covered by ice. Three sets of thick–thin varves in western Lake Superior perhaps record influxes of Lake Agassiz at around 10,630, 10,600, and 10,570 cal ybp [∼ 9.4 14 C ka]. Varve formation in Superior coincides with high lake levels in Lake Huron, suggesting that high lake levels in Huron correspond to periods of high Agassiz and/or meltwater flow into Lake Superior.
Intimate Partner Violence and the Meaning of Love

Despite physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse from their partner, many women remain in an abusive relationship, often proclaiming to love the one who is hurting them. Nineteen females who had experienced intimate partner violence were interviewed and asked to share their experiences and describe their meaning of love. An analysis of the transcripts was done using qualitative content analysis. With this approach, the contents of the verbal data were summarized and arranged in three major categories: (1) What love is not; (2) Attributes of a loving relationship; and (3) Attachment to the relationship. The findings demonstrate a woman's clear recognition of being in an abusive relationship, yearning to be truly loved, but often finding herself unable to detach from the relationship.
Changes in Ca2+ Signaling and Nitric Oxide Output by Human Umbilical Vein Endothelium in Diabetic and Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies

Diabetes (DM) complicates 3%-10% of pregnancies, resulting in significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. DM pregnancies are also associated with vascular dysfunction, including blunted nitric oxide (NO) output, but it remains unclear why. Herein we examine changes in endothelial NO production and its relationship to Ca(2+) signaling in endothelial cells of intact umbilical veins from control versus gestational diabetic (GDM) or preexisting diabetic subjects. We have previously reported that endothelial cells of intact vessels show sustained Ca(2+) bursting in response to ATP, and these bursts drive prolonged NO production. Herein we show that in both GDM and DM pregnancies, the incidence of Ca(2+) bursts remains similar, but there is a reduction in overall sustained phase Ca(2+) mobilization and a reduction in NO output. Further studies show damage has occurred at the level of NOS3 protein itself. Since exposure to DM serum is known to impair normal human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) function, we further studied the ability of HUVEC to signal through Ca(2+) after they were isolated from DM and GDM subjects and maintained in culture for several days. These HUVEC showed differences in the rate of Ca(2+) bursting, with DM > GDM = control HUVEC. Both GDM- and DM-derived HUVEC showed smaller Ca(2+) bursts that were less capable of NOS3 activation compared to control HUVEC. We conclude that HUVEC from DM and GDM subjects are reprogrammed such that the Ca(2+) bursting peak shape and duration are permanently impaired. This may explain why ROS therapy alone is not effective in DM and GDM subjects.
Performance Self‐Predictions: The Impact of Expectancy Strength and Incentives1

Performance self-predictions represent an individual's anticipated level performance on an upcoming task. This study focused on the accuracy of these predictions, as well as subjective reactions to making them under varying expectancy and incentive conditions. Results indicate that performance-contingent incentives had a positive effect on task performance, but a negative effect on preferences for making performance predictions. Expectancy strength also influenced these predictions, their subjective interpretations, and task performance. Additional results address the role of other task-relevant judgments (e.g., self-assessed ability and intended effort) when predicting one's performance on a task. Implications of these findings for work motivation and judgment accuracy are discussed.
Analysis of track fusion using the reduced state estimator

We evaluate the performance of track fusion of two-state tracks based on individual track estimates. The individual track estimates are evaluated using a Reduced State Estimator that provides a separate estimate of the filtered random error and the bias resulting from target acceleration. By separating the bias and random portions of the errors, the filters and fusion process can be optimized to minimize cost functions specific to each application.
Finite Horizon Optimal Control of Singularly Perturbed Systems: A Differential Lyapunov Equation Approach $ $

In this note, we study the finite time (horizon) optimal control problem for singularly perturbed systems. The solution is obtained in terms of the corresponding solution of the algebraic Riccati equation and the decomposition of the singularly perturbed differential Lyapunov equation into reduced-order differential Lyapunov/Sylvester equations. An illustrative numerical example is provided to show the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Fabrication and characterization of all-diamond microprobes for electrochemical analysis

Fabrication and testing of all-diamond probes for electrochemical applications is reported for the first time. Polycrystalline diamond was used as the structural material of the probe. In addition, highly boron-doped (resistivity of ~10-3 Omegacm) diamond thin film was used as the electrode material for electrochemical analysis due to its excellent electrochemical properties and resistance to chemical attack. The diamond probe consists of 8 electrode sites ranging in size from 2 to 150 mum in diameter. The measured electrochemical potential window of the electrode was approximately 2.2 V wide (-0.8 to +1.4 V) in 1M KCI. Electrochemical characterization of the fabricated probe using ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple is also reported.
African Women’s Political Participation: Strategies for Positively Impacting Sustainable Socio-economic Development

Women in many countries account for over half the population but are marginalized in political and legislative processes and in socio-economic development. This chapter examines the role of women in development, at the grassroots level, in political participation, decision making, and resource allocation. Effective political participation is hypothesized to lead to better development indicators for women. Analyzing International Parliamentarians’ Union, UNFPA and the UNDP data, the results confirm women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions. Of 193 heads of governments, 28 are women; women make up of 16 % of all House and Senate elected leaders. Rwanda has the highest female representation in the legislature (48.8 %) but many countries in sub-Saharan Africa reflect world averages (17 %). There is need for greater women participation at grassroots level, to influence allocation of resources.
Migration, Family, and Household in Highland Yemen: The Impact of Socio-Economic and Political Change and Cultural Ideals on Domestic Organization

This study examined family forms in rural and semi-rural areas of the central highlands of Yemen and especially in the town of Amran. Data were obtained from fieldwork by 14 scholars over 35 years a period marked by a sociopolitical revolution (1962) and an economic restructuring. Changes occurred in internal households economic activity and traditional statuses and roles. During the 1970s and 1980s a period of high migration and a consumer economy more families became nuclear ones while after return migration in the mid-1980s extended families and multiple family households returned. This study examined residence ideals actual family composition the influence of external forces on the domestic cycle work force participation by family composition and some causes of household variation. The cultural ideal was a frame of reference for all informants at some point. Cultural influences result in emulation of the most prominent families the belief that Islam favors large families and no birth control care of aged parents by resident sons and fraternal solidarity. This ideal was prevalent in the prerevolutionary period in practice. Now remittances impact on father-son relations marriage patterns life styles business investment and housing. The rise of commerce and services reduced the link between migrants kin and land. But return migration led to a return to farming increased family size repatriation into camps loss of kinship ties and difficulties in assimilation. Large families diversified their economic productivity. Extended families are the ideal but family composition is changing due to a range of factors.
Early sarcomatous degeneration near a cementless hip replacement. A case report and review

We present the case of a 65-year-old man who developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma at the lesser trochanter five months after a cementless hip replacement. We have reviewed reports of similar cases and discuss them in terms of the possible mechanisms of sarcomatous degeneration and the latency of such changes.
Analysis of Piscidin and Lipopolysaccharide Interactions: A Step Towards Characterizing Immunomodulation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is one of the most extensively studied pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), as it composes 90% of the membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. Recognition of micellar aggregates of LPS by the immune system subsequently mounts an inflammatory response against infection. However, if this process is over exaggerated, high levels of cytokines may become detrimental, leading to organ shutdown and septic shock. Various cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been shown to decrease the transcription and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with LPS recognition.Piscidin is a cationic antimicrobial peptide first isolated in the mast cells of fish. In the presence of a lipid bilayer, it folds into an amphipathic α-helix structure, which facilitates peptide-lipid bilayer binding. Based on the studies of other cationic AMPs, it was hypothesized that piscidin-1 (P1) and piscidin-3 (P3) would fold into their α-helical state and bind strongly to LPS, breaking apart its large aggregates. Using isothermal calorimetry to explore the thermodynamics of binding, it was shown that both peptides bound strongly to LPS through an exothermic reaction. Furthermore, fluorescence-dequenching studies were carried out using Fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled LPS (FITC-LPS), demonstrating piscidin's ability to separate FITC-LPS aggregates. Finally, both peptides were induced by LPS to be approximately 97% helical from their native random coil state, as shown by circular dichroism. Based upon these results, it is clear that significant interactions occur between LPS and piscidin, warranting future exploration of the effect of piscidin on LPS recognition by immune cells.
Hydrogen peroxide detoxication by glutathione peroxidase and catalase in rat liver homogenates.

The activity of glutathione peroxidase (H2O2:glutathione oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.9) has been studied in the soluble supernatant fractions prepared from rat liver homogenates. Enzyme activity may be demonstrated in the presence of active as well as inhibited catalase. The findings are compatible with an essential function for hepatic glutathione peroxidase in the detoxication of intracellular hydrogen peroxide, and with the view that hydrogen peroxide is the common toxic agent in the drug-induced anemia associated with a genetic deficiency of erythrocyte glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The experiments also suggest a potential role for glutathione peroxidase in regulating cellular metabolism via pentose shunt control.
Research and Practice of System Test for ±800kV UHVDC Power Transmission Project from Jinping to Suzhou

An overview of system test results of ?800 kV UHVDC power transmission project from Jinping to Suzhou is given. 46 kinds of main circuit connection modes for UHVDC power transmission were researched, and it was determined that four main circuit connection modes should be included in the system test scheme: the connection mode for single converter, the monopole connection mode, the bipolar connection mode and the main circuit connection under de-icing operating mode, and corresponding system test schemes were drafted. The islanded operation mode of Jinping side at the sending end of ? 800 kV UHVDC power transmission project from Jinping to Suzhou was researched to solve the frequency oscillation phenomenon occurred in the testing process of islanded operation mode, thus the islanded operation mode was completed; to solve technological problems related to de-icing modes in the system test, the items to be performed during system test of main circuit connection mode under de-icing operation was researched and determined, then the system test on main circuit connection mode for de-icing process was successfully completed. Main technical problems discovered during the system test were analyzed: the damage of neutral bus arrester in Jinping converter station due to the trip test of pole one valve control unit(VCU) in Suzhou converter station, the trip-out of low-voltage converter due to trip blocking of high-voltage converter of pole two in Jinping converter station, the frequent switching on/off of AC filter in Jinping converter station and the damage of phase C in circuit breaker for 5612 filter in Suzhou converter station, and so on, the solution of these problems ensured the successful commissioning of ?800 kV UHVDC power transmission project from Jinping to Suzhou and putting it into operation on schedule.
The Bernstein Form of a Bézier Curve

This chapter discusses a Bezier curve in terms of a nonrecursive formula. Barycentric combinations are invariant under affine maps. The curves that correspond to the two different orderings look the same; they differ only in the direction in which they are traversed. The process of forming the Bezier curve from the Bezier polygon leaves barycentric combinations invariant. Therefore, one can construct the weighted average of two Bezier curves either by taking the weighted average of corresponding points on the curves, or by taking the weighted average of corresponding control vertices and then computing the curve. This linearity property is essential for many theoretical purposes.
On and Off Campus

In the previous chapter we took a look at the first-year college experience of a few of our working-class students. In this chapter we will take a closer look at the experiences of our students in various campus spaces. We can learn much by exploring the built environment of the space around us. How spaces are apportioned, allocated, and maintained can give us clues about the priorities and the social hierarchies of the college.
Toward a tunable mode-mixing cavity for computational imaging

A mode-mixing cavity, consisting of an electrically-large rectangular cavity with one deformed corner, supports distinct modes as a function of driving frequency. Perforating one side of this cavity, the modes formed within can be projected into an imaging domain, multiplexing the scene's spatial content into backscattered signals that is post-processed to obtain high-quality images. While this device has shown great promise as a platform for computational imaging at microwave frequencies, its premise necessitates a large bandwidth, a requirement that complicates circuit design and may not be readily available. In this presentation, we propose and report preliminary experimental results for a cavity containing a tunable artificial impedance surface in one of its walls. By varying the electromagnetic response of the cavity's boundary the field distribution within the cavity can be altered, thus generating distinct radiation patterns without a large bandwidth.
Method for decreasing CT simulation time of complex phantoms and systems through separation of material specific projection data

Computer simulation is a powerful tool in CT; however, long simulation times of complex phantoms and systems, especially when modeling many physical aspects (e.g., spectrum, finite detector and source size), hinder the ability to realistically and efficiently evaluate and optimize CT techniques. Long simulation times primarily result from the tracing of hundreds of line integrals through each of the hundreds of geometrical shapes defined within the phantom. However, when the goal is to perform dynamic simulations or test many scan protocols using a particular phantom, traditional simulation methods inefficiently and repeatedly calculate line integrals through the same set of structures although only a few parameters change in each new case. In this work, we have developed a new simulation framework that overcomes such inefficiencies by dividing the phantom into material specific regions with the same time attenuation profiles, acquiring and storing monoenergetic projections of the regions, and subsequently scaling and combining the projections to create equivalent polyenergetic sinograms. The simulation framework is especially efficient for the validation and optimization of CT perfusion which requires analysis of many stroke cases and testing hundreds of scan protocols on a realistic and complex numerical brain phantom. Using this updated framework to conduct a 31-time point simulation with 80 mm of z-coverage of a brain phantom on two 16-core Linux serves, we have reduced the simulation time from 62 hours to under 2.6 hours, a 95% reduction.
Sustained induction of CYP1A1 gene expression by 3-methylcholanthrene in human hepatoma cells is mediated by persistent transcriptional activation of CYP1A1 promoter

2257 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely distributed environmental contaminants especially found in the byproducts of combustion processes such as coke ovens, cigarette smoke, and charcoalbroiled meats. Humans are constantly exposed to PAHs, many of which are carcinogens. Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) enzymes play important roles in the activation of PAHs such as 3-methycholanthrene (MC) to genotoxic metabolites, which could in turn lead to carcinogenesis. We reported earlier that exposure of rats to MC leads to persistent induction of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A enzymes for up to 45 days. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that persistent induction of CYP1A1 gene expression by MC is mediated by sustained transcriptional activation of the CYP1A1 promoter in human hepatoma cells (HepG2). A plasmid containing the human CYP1A1 promoter (pGL3-1A1) and reporter (luciferase) gene was transiently transfected into HepG2 cells for 16 h, followed by MC (2.5 µM) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (solvent control) treatment, and luciferase expression was determined at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after MC or DMSO exposure. Endogenous expression of CYP1A1 catalytic activity and apoprotein content was also determined in treated cell lysates. MC elicited 16 fold increase in luciferase activity at 24 h time point in transfected cells compared to DMSO-treated controls. There was signjficant induction of luciferase expression even at the 96 h time point, suggesting that persistent induction of reporter gene expression was mediated by sustained transcriptional activation of the CYP1A1 gene promoter. MC also caused sustained induction in the endogenous catalytic activity and apoprotein content of CYP1A1 for up to the 96 h time point in treated cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that persistent CYP1A1 induction by MC may have, in part, involved Ah receptor-independent mechanisms. These results support the hypothesis that persistent induction of CYP1A1 by MC in HepG2 cells may involve mechanisms other than persistence of MC in the cells. Future in-depth investigations are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of persistence of MC-inducible CYP1A1, a phenomenon that potentially has important implications for human carcinogenesis induced by PAHs.
Reformulating general engineering and biological systems engineering programs at Virginia Tech

In 2004, a group of engineering and education faculty at Virginia Tech received a major curriculum reform and engineering education research grant under the department-level reform (DLR) program of the NSF. This DLR project laid the foundation of sponsored research in engineering education in the Department of Engineering Education. The DLR investigators adopted a spiral curriculum approach to reformulate curricula in general engineering (also called freshman engineering) and bioprocess engineering programs. The spiral curriculum concept recognizes the inherently recursive nature of learning. During this recursive process, students elaborate and strengthen earlier learning, correct misconceptions, develop a more holistic picture of their discipline, and become increasingly self-sufficient as learners. This paper documents the step-wise process that we developed and implemented to rewrite the bioprocess engineering curriculum using spiral theory. Specific examples of learning modules from bioprocess and general engineering are discussed. Assessment approaches and results are presented to highlight the usefulness of such efforts. Adaptation of our spiral curriculum efforts by faculty in other engineering programs to develop a nanotechnology option and ethics spirals is described. We describe lessons learned in three key words: (i) Patience – Reformulation results may take time to show up, (ii) Diligence – Assessment results are powerful, take these seriously, and (iii) Awareness – Students’ perceptions may be difficult to interpret. Finally, we discuss the challenges encountered in our unique cur—riculum reform and engineering education research project and also include a few funding related recommendations for the NSF.
Establishment of Bradyrhizobium japonicum for soybean by inoculation of a preceding wheat crop

On fields with no history of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) production, inoculation alone is often inadequate to provide for adequate nodulation the first time this crop is grown. The objective of this study was to determine if inoculation of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed with Bradyrhizobium japonicum would lead to an increase of B. japonicum numbers in the soil, and improve nodulation of a subsequent soybean crop. In the greenhouse, wheat seed inoculation increased B. japonicum numbers from undetectable numbers to >9000 g−1 of soil, whereas the numbers of introduced B. japonicum declined in unseeded pots. In the field, inoculation of wheat seed increased B. japonicum numbers in the soil from undetectable levels to >4000 g−1 the following year. When soybean seed was inoculated, but grown in soil devoid of B. japonicum, nodules formed only near the point of seed placement. The heaviest nodulation, and widest distribution of nodules in the topsoil were found whenB. japonicum was established the year before by wheat seed inoculation, plus soybean seed inoculation. Wheat seed inoculation the year before growing soybean, combined with proper soybean seed inoculation, should provide for abundant nodulation the first time soybean is grown on a field.
Skin and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease typically manifesting as well-demarcated plaques with varying degrees of erythema, scale, thickness, and body surface area affected. It is considered a heritable, T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder. Like many genetic disorders, there is a large range of phenotypic expression, and many environmental factors, such as infection, trauma, drugs, and stress, are believed to influence the onset, course, and severity of psoriasis. Psoriasis can be extremely detrimental to the individual with significant psychosocial and medical implications. The disease is considered moderate to severe in about 30% of patients, and the most effective treatments are immunosuppressive agents and light therapy with risk of end-organ toxicity [1].
Hydroxylamine Chemical Digestion for Insoluble Extracellular Matrix Characterization

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is readily enriched by decellularizing tissues with nondenaturing detergents to solubilize and deplete the vast majority of cellular components. This approach has been used extensively to generate ECM scaffolds for regenerative medicine technologies and in 3D cell culture to model how the ECM contributes to disease progression. A highly enriched ECM fraction can then be generated using a strong chaotrope buffer that is compatible with downstream bottom-up proteomic analysis or 3D cell culture experiments after extensive dialysis. With most tissues, an insoluble pellet remains after chaotrope extraction that is rich in structural ECM components. Previously, we showed that this understudied fraction represented approximately 80% of total fibrillar collagen from the lung and other ECM fiber components that are known to be covalently cross-linked. Here, we present a hydroxylamine digestion approach for chaotrope-insoluble ECM analysis with comparison to an established CNBr metho...
Exploring unnecessary invasive procedures in the United States: a retrospective mixed-methods analysis of cases from 2008-2016

Unnecessary invasive procedures risk harming patients physically, emotionally, and financially. Very little is known about the factors that provide the motive, means, and opportunity (MMO) for unnecessary procedures. This project used a mixed-methods design that involved five key steps: (1) systematically searching the literature to identify cases of unnecessary procedures reported from 2008 to 2016; (2) identifying all medical board, court, and news records on relevant cases; (3) coding all relevant records using a structured codebook of case characteristics; (4) analyzing each case using a MMO framework to develop a causal theory of the case; and (5) identifying typologies of cases through a two-step cluster analysis using variables hypothesized to be causally related to unnecessary procedures. Seventy-nine cases met inclusion criteria. The mean number of documents or sources examined for each case was 36.4. Unnecessary procedures were performed for at least five years in most cases (53.2%); 56.3% of the cases involved 30 or more patients, and 37.5% involved 100 or more patients. In nearly all cases the physician was male (96.2%) and working in private practice (92.4%); 57.0% of the physicians had an accomplice, 48.1% were 50 years of age or older, and 40.5% trained outside the U.S. The most common motives were financial gain (92.4%) and suspected antisocial personality (48.1%), followed by poor problem-solving or clinical skills (11.4%) and ambition (3.8%). The most common environmental factors that provided opportunity for unnecessary procedures included a lack of oversight (40.5%) or oversight failures (39.2%), a corrupt moral climate (26.6%), vulnerable patients (20.3%), and financial conflicts of interest (13.9%). Unnecessary procedures usually appear motivated by financial gain and occur in settings that have oversight problems. Preventive efforts should focus on early detection by peers and institutions, and decisive action by medical boards and federal prosecutors.
Sites of Suffering, Tourism, and the Heritage of Darkness: Illustrations from the United States

This chapter examines the role of dark events and their associated locales in the United States. It examines the various dark spaces that have become significant tourist attractions in the US. America’s unique dark heritage is often associated with wars, slavery, maltreatment of indigenous people, pioneer settlers, terrorism, natural catastrophes, incarceration, and other human tragedies. Issues of scale, from global dark heritage to personal heritage, are salient considerations in how and where dark tourism has developed in the United States. The majority of dark sites have developed and become objects of heritage commemoration due to one-time events that have personal, national or global appeal, while the country still faces ongoing crises, such as racism, civil unrest and terrorism that continue to provide spaces of darkness that attract visitors who have personal or national connections to those events and their associated places.
In Defense of Crappy Landscapes (Core Tenet #1)

Many landscapes abused, degraded, despoiled, or otherwise impacted by people carry the stigma of being somehow unnatural and are overlooked by physical geographers. While some human impacts intentionally reshape environments, other traces result from concussive ripples generated as human forces resonate throughout biophysical systems. An explicit focus on environmental problems associated with the increasing imprint of human agency augments our ability to delineate both historical problems and to manage future challenges. An even more compelling rationale is that these composite environments more accurately represent how most systems function. Acknowledging social and biophysical forces, Critical Physical Geography reorients our science away from the pristine and centralizes the tainted. It reasserts the practical and philosophical importance of “crappy landscapes” to the future of Geography and environmental science.
The Use and Misuse of the Parton Model

Perturbation theory in quantum chromodynamics is used to discuss the parton model of semi-inclusive μP scattering and other processes.
Impulse Propagation in Excitable Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on impulse propagation in excitable systems. The interaction of diffusion with reaction dynamics, which exhibit multiple steady states or temporal oscillations, can lead to a variety of spatio-temporal patterns. However, this can also occur in cases where the reaction dynamics has a unique stable steady state as a global attractor. A solitary pulse, propagating into a resting medium, travels with fixed speed c o . However, in a train of more than one pulse, a non-leading pulse cannot advance into a medium at rest, so its speed in general cannot equal c o . The speed of the train is determined by its period and this dependence constitutes a dispersion relation. Dispersion effects can be assessed from a description of speed versus temporal period as opposed to spatial period; which is more suitable and depend on the geometry of the medium and time scale of observation. The chapter presents alteration of spatio-temporal pattern during propagation.
Effect of Anti-stripping Agents on Asphalt Mix Performance Using a Mechanistic Approach

Anti-Stripping Agents (ASAs) are widely used by the asphalt industry to improve the resistance of asphalt mixes to moisture-induced damage. The effectiveness of an ASA largely depends on its type, asphalt binder type and source, binder content, and aggregate type. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of two types of ASA on the rheology, Superpave® Performance Grade (PG) and moisture-induced damage potential of a PG 58-28 asphalt binder. For this purpose, the asphalt binder was blended with 0.5% of two different types of ASA using a high shear mixer. Surface Free Energy (SFE) components of the binder blends were determined and used to evaluate work of adhesion, work of debonding and energy ratio values of the asphalt-aggregate (limestone and granite) systems to assess their moisture-induced damage potential. It was found that incorporation of the ASA in the binder slightly increased the rutting resistance. However, no significant changes in the dynamic viscosity were observed as a result of adding ASA to the binder. The SFE results revealed that adding both types of ASA to the binder improved the bonding between the binder and a granite aggregate, indicating a reduced moisture-induced damage potential, as expected. The moisture-induced damage potential of the PG 58-28 binder with a limestone aggregate was found to reduce by using an amine-based ASA. The findings of this study demonstrate that the SFE-based approach is an effective tool for the assessment of moisture-induced damage potential of asphalt mixes.
The effect of speech interface accuracy on driving performance.

With the proliferation of cell phones around the world, governments have been enacting legislation prohibiting the use of cell phones during driving without a “hands-free” kit, bringing automotive speech recognition to the forefront of public safety. At the same time, the trend in cell phone hardware has been to create smaller and thinner devices with greater computational power and functional complexity, making speech the most viable modality for user input. Given the important role that automotive speech recognition is likely to play in consumer lives, we explore how the accuracy of the speech engine, the use of the push-to-talk button, and the type of dialog repair employed by the interface influences driving performance. In experiments conducted with a driving simulator, we found that the accuracy of the speech engine and its interaction with the use of the push-to-talk button does impact driving performance significantly, but the type of dialog repair employed does not. We discuss the implications of these findings on the design of automotive speech recognition systems.
Importance of genetic counseling referrals for high-risk women with endometrial cancer despite intact mismatch repair immunohistochemistry.

1537Background: Lynch syndrome (LS) accounts for most inherited endometrial cancers (EC). The identification of probands presents a chance to prevent other cancers and enable cascade testing. Profe...
The partnership on AI

The Partnership on AI to Benefit People and Society (or PAI) is a consortium of industrial, non-profit, and academic partners for promoting public understanding and beneficial use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Primary goals of the PAI are "to study and formulate best practices on AI technologies, to advance the public's understanding of AI, and to serve as an open platform for discussion and engagement about AI and its influences on people and society."
Excision of the 59-kb fdxN DNA element is required for transcription of the nifD gene in Anabaena PCC 7120 Heterocysts

ABSTRACTIn the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena (also Nostoc) sp. strain PCC 7120, the nitrogen-fixation (nif) genes are expressed specifically in heterocysts during the late stages of development. We used gfp-reporter fusions to examine the regulation of the nifH and nifD genes. Plasmid-borne reporter fusions containing up to 500-bp of the nifH upstream region, which extended into the nifU gene, did not show developmentally regulated GFP fluorescence after removal of a nitrogen source from the growth medium, which indicated that sequences essential for transcriptional regulation are outside of the tested regions. Therefore, a gfp-reporter fusion was engineered into the chromosome at the 5′ end of nifD to produce strain AMC1774. This reporter construct at the native locus showed strong developmentally regulated GFP expression in differentiating heterocysts by 18 h after removal of combined nitrogen. We then screened for UV-induced mutants of AMC1774 that differentiated heterocysts but failed to ...
Catalysts and adsorbents for CO2 capture and conversion with dual function materials: Limitations of Ni-containing DFMs for flue gas applications

Abstract Dual Function Materials (DFM) capture CO2 from flue gas followed by catalytic conversion to methane all at 320 °C using renewable H2. DFM is composed of a catalytic metal intimately in contact with alkaline metal oxides supported on high surface area carriers. The catalyst is required to methanate the adsorbed CO2 after the capture step is carried out in an O2-and steam-containing flue gas. Ruthenium, Rhodium and Nickel are known CO2 methanation catalysts provided they are in the reduced state. Ni is a preferred methanation catalyst based on price and activity, however, its inability to be reduced to its active state during the DFM process (capture and hydrogenation at 320 °C) was compared with Ru and Rh as methanation candidates. The performance of a variety of alkaline adsorbents was also studied and the strengths and weaknesses of candidate catalysts and adsorbents were evaluated. All samples were tested in a fixed bed reactor to quantify the extent and rate of methane generation. Complementing fixed bed testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate the extent of CO2 adsorption and rate of catalytic methanation. Pre-reduced (at 650 °C) Ni-containing DFM is highly active for CO2 methanation. However, the hydrogenation with 15% H2/N2 is completely inactive after exposure to O2 and steam, in a flue gas simulation, during the CO2 capture step at 320 °C. Rh and Ru DFMs were effective methanation catalysts with Ru being superior based on capture capacity, hydrogenation rate and price. In contrast to Ni – containing DFM, Ru remained active towards methanation even after exposure to flue gas simulation. Alkaline adsorbents (“Na2O”, CaO, “K2O” and MgO) in combination with reduced Ru were tested for adsorption and methanation. Ru – “Na2O”/Al2O3 DFMs showed the highest rates for methanation although CaO is also a reasonable candidate. To date, we have demonstrated that γ-Al2O3 is the most suitable carrier for DFM application relative to other materials studied.
Microstructure evolution of Al6061 and copper during ultrasonic energy assisted compression

Abstract Metal forming is often performed at elevated temperatures, typically above the recrystallization temperature of metals, which results in a reduction in yield stress during forming. Similar reduction in yield stress can also be achieved by simultaneous application of ultrasonic energy during deformation. The resulting softening of metals causes a reduction in the forming forces and increased ductility. A thorough understanding of the effect of ultrasonic energy irradiation during deformation on the microstructure is lacking which seems to be inhibiting wider adoption of ultrasonic energy in more manufacturing processes. In this manuscript, a detailed analysis of the microstructure of aluminum 6061 alloy and copper, which have identical Faced-Center Cubic crystal structure but different stacking fault energies, has been presented. Focus has been placed on the differences between their microstructure evolution behaviors after deformation under simultaneous application of ultrasonic energy. These differences have been distinctly highlighted using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and TEM analysis. EBSD analysis revealed assistance to subgrain formation due to ultrasonic energy. It was also observed that due to lack of dynamic recovery, copper underwent discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) during ultrasonic energy assisted deformation. On the other hand, the recrystallization mechanism in Al6061 alloy was found to be geometric dynamic recrystallization (gDRX). The insights obtained in this work potentially advance the understanding of mechanisms governing microstructure evolution during ultrasonic energy assisted deformation and establish analogy between the mechanisms governing thermomechanical processing and ultrasonic energy assisted deformation.
Estimating asphalt mixture volumetric properties using seemingly unrelated regression equations approaches

Abstract As the asphalt pavement industry seeks to manufacture products with low variability, advances in modeling approaches that help optimize asphalt materials are lagging behind. Typically, well-controlled paving projects provide asphalt mixture volumetric properties with low variability, while poorly controlled projects result in higher variability in asphalt mixture volumetric properties. Additionally, on many occasions, the management of all the factors influencing asphalt mixture production and construction is inadequate. The work described in this paper demonstrates that seemingly unrelated regression equations (SURE) approaches can be used to estimate asphalt mixture volumetric properties using mixture design, material properties, and testing inputs. SURE approaches can help evaluate asphalt mixture production and placement by accounting for the deficiencies and limitations in quality assurance data. Moreover, SURE approaches analyze asphalt mixtures in a concise, yet robust, manner. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of variability in asphalt material production and placement.
Carbon Dots: The Classical Synthesis and Properties

Carbon dots (CDots) are generally defined as small carbon nanoparticles with various surface passivation schemes. For the definition, the synthesis with the use of pre-existing small carbon nanoparticles for chemical functionalization obviously eliminates any issues or complications with the structures of carbon cores in the dots, thus “classical.” Results based on amidation chemistry for the functionalization of small carbon nanoparticles are presented and discussed in more detail, and other modes of functionalization for CDots with somewhat different surface structures are highlighted. Also presented and discussed are the optical properties (absorptions and photoluminescence emissions) and photoinduced redox characteristics of CDots from the classical synthesis, which may be considered as references for those of other dot samples, and the mechanistic framework for the photoexcited state properties and processes in CDots.
Chapter 1 – Botany and Anatomy

The diverse species of grapevine belong to the botanical family Vitaceae, which includes mostly shrubs and woody lianas that climb using leaf-opposed tendrils. The vast majority of the thousands of grape cultivars belong to the species Vitis vinifera. Some of the other species are used as pest-tolerant rootstocks to which cultivars with desirable fruit properties are grafted. Cultivars are propagated asexually as cuttings so that each individual is a clone of its mother plant. Grapevines comprise vegetative organs (roots, trunk, cordon, shoots, leaves, and tendrils) and reproductive organs (clusters with flowers or berry fruit). All organs are interconnected through the vascular system comprising the xylem for water and nutrient transport, and the phloem for assimilate transport. The roots form the plant–soil interface, while the trunk, cordons, and shoots of a vine form its stem. The shoots carry the leaves, buds, tendrils, and clusters. Leaves are arranged in spiral phyllotaxy in juvenile vines and in alternate phyllotaxy in mature vines. Buds are young, compressed shoots embedded in leaf scales. Tendrils and clusters are modified shoots. After fertilization, the flower pistil develops into the berry fruit. The berry comprises up to four seeds surrounded by the endocarp, the mesocarp or flesh, and the exocarp or skin.
Auditory Quality-of-Life Measures in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury and Normal Pure Tone Audiometry:

Auditory complaints are commonly reported following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, few studies have examined patient-reported auditory symptomatology and quality-of-life metrics in individuals with TBI. We hypothesize that following TBI, individuals can experience auditory symptoms even with hearing thresholds in the normal range. Adult patients with normal auditory thresholds and a history of TBI were evaluated for subjective hearing loss, tinnitus, aural fullness, hyperacusis, and autophony. Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, and Hyperacusis Questionnaire were administered. Thirty-one patients were prospectively recruited. Twenty-eight TBI participants (90%) reported ≥1 auditory symptoms at the time of survey intake. Mild to severe handicap in the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was reported in 71.4% and 40% of the participants with hearing loss and tinnitus, respectively. Hyperacusis handicap was considered significant in 41.1% of the participants who complained of hyperacusis and completed the survey. Despite normal hearing thresholds, individuals with TBI experience decrements in auditory quality-of-life metrics. Level of evidence: 3.