cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fiber‐reinforced cellulosic thermoplastic composites

Steam-exploded fibers from Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) wood were assessed in terms of their thermal stability characteristics, their impact on torque during melt processing of a thermoplastic cellulose ester (plasticized CAB) matrix, their fiber–matrix adhesion and dispersion in composites, and their mechanical properties under tension. Fibers included water-extracted steam-exploded fibers (WEF), alkali extracted fibers (AEF), acetylated fibers (AAEF), and a commercial milled oat fiber sample (COF) (i.e., untreated control). The results indicate that the thermal stability of steam-exploded fibers increases progressively as the fibers are extracted with water and alkali and following acetylation. The greatest improvement resulted from the removal of water-soluble hemicelluloses. The modification by acetylation contributed to improved interfacial wetting that was revealed by increased torque during melt processing. Whereas modulus increased by between 0 and 100% with the incorporation of 40% fibers by weight, tensile strength either declined by ⅓ to ½ or it increased by a maximum of 10%, depending on fiber type. AAEF composites produced the best mechanical properties. Fiber–aspect ratio was reduced to an average of 25–50 from ≫ 200 during compounding. The superior reinforcing characteristics of AAEF fibers were also reflected by SEM, which revealed better fiber–matrix adhesion and failure by fiber fibrillation rather than by fiber pullout. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 1329–1340, 1999
Note on bounded Lp-solutions to x″ − a(t)xc = 0

Abstract A theorem is presented giving sufficent conditions for the existence of a solution x(t) to x″ − a(t)xc = 0 to be in Lc + 1[b, ∞) and approach 0 as t → ∞. Also, x′(t) is shown to be in L2[b, ∞) and approach 0 as t → ∞. Finally, an explicit solution to x″ − xc = 0 is given and a discussion of boundedness of solutions under less restrictive conditions is presented.
On the uniqueness and sensitivity of indentation testing of isotropic materials

Abstract Instrumented indentation is a popular technique to extract the material properties of small scale structures. The uniqueness and sensitivity to experimental errors determine the practical usefulness of such experiments. Here, a method to identify test techniques that minimizes sensitivity to experimental erros is in indentation experiments developed. The methods are based on considering “shape functions,” which are sets of functions that describe the force–displacement relationship obtained during the indentation test. The concept of condition number is used to investigate the relative reliability of various possible dual indentation techniques. Interestingly, it was found that many dual indentation techniques can be as unreliable as single indentation techniques. Sensitivity analyses were employed for further understanding of the uniqueness and sensitivity to experimental errors of indentation techniques. The advantage of the Monte Carlo approach over other procedures is established. Practical guidelines regarding the selection of shape functions of force–displacement relationship and geometric parameters, while carrying out indentation analysis are provided. The results suggest that indentation experiments need to be very accurate to extract reliable material properties.
Thermally generated magnetic fields in an anisotropic metallic crystal at low temperatures

Abstract We have designed an experiment to measure the magnetic fields associated with static circulatic thermoelectric currents in superconducting and normal tin crystals. Results are given with comparison to the predicted behavior.
Endoscopic advances in biliary disease.

This time, something a little bit different. More often than not, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America focuses on a particular instrument or procedure. And most of the time, this makes sense. Alternatively, some issues have focused on a particular disorder and how endoscopists may best intervene diagnostically or therapeutically. This approach also has merit. In this issue, however, we have targeted a familiar organ system and assembled the world’s leading experts in reviewing its various pathologies, benign and malignant, mechanical and physiological, infectious, iatrogenic, and congenital. We review not a single endoscopic procedure, but rather go to our endoscope cabinet to determine which of our exceptional tools is best suited to a specific task. And in doing so, we evaluate each instrument’s strengths and flaws, limitations, and complications. Patients with biliary tract disease are responsible for more hospitalizations in the United States than any other gastrointestinal disorder. Cholecystitis is treated in more than one half million Americans each year, which is just a fraction of the 20-25 million estimated to have gallstones. And although there has been a historical demarcation between surgical and endoscopic treatment of biliary tract disease, the introduction of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and the vision of a few innovative endoscopists have opened the possibility of less invasive approaches to diseases previously thought managed only by surgical intervention. I am grateful to the internationally renowned experts who have graciously given their time and expertise to this monograph. The reader will not only benefit from their years of experience but also learn the newest technologies available now and those that may become the new standard in the future. EUS-guided biliary drainage, photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation of bile duct cancers, and deep enteroscopic techniques to reach the postoperative biliary tree are but a few examples. The world is becoming a smaller place. Information now travels over distances and at speeds not contemplated by earlier generations of physicians. Access to this
Dialectical behavior therapy for the treatment of anger and aggressive behavior: A review

Abstract Objective The management of anger and aggression is a public safety issue. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a promising treatment for reducing anger and violent behavior. This mode of therapy addresses maladaptive behavior by teaching emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, core mindfulness, and self-management skills. Methods This paper reviewed DBT treatment for anger and aggressive or violent behavior. The literature search included articles from 1998 to September 2013. A total of 21 peer-reviewed articles studying the effects of DBT on anger and aggressive behavior were reviewed. Results Adaptations or modifications were made to standard DBT to accommodate the specific needs of the variety of populations across studies. Nine studies attempted to understand the efficacy of DBT for anger and aggressive behavior while twelve studies measured the efficacy of DBT within the context of a BPD diagnosis. There are nine randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing DBT to reduce anger and aggressive behavior. Conclusion Research has shown that there are potentially clinically significant results when using DBT to treat anger and aggression in various samples. Findings from this review suggest that treatments, even when modified show a positive impact on the reduction of anger and aggressive behaviors.
Evaluating energy efficiency of floating point matrix multiplication on FPGAs

Energy efficiency has emerged as one of the key performance metrics in scientific computing. In this work, we evaluate the energy efficiency of floating point matrix multiplication on the state-of-the-art FPGAs. We implement a modular design parameterized with the problem size and the type of on-chip storage. To understand the efficiency of our implementations, we estimate the peak energy efficiency of any matrix multiplication implementation. Our on-chip matrix multiplication core achieves up to 7.07 and 2.28 GFlops/Joule for single and double precision arithmetic, respectively. Our implementations sustain up to 73% and 84% of the peak energy efficiency for single and double precision arithmetic, respectively. Using an optimal on-chip matrix multiplication core, we also model and estimate the energy efficiency of large-scale matrix multiplication using external DRAM. Our designs for large-scale matrix multiplication achieve energy efficiency of 5.21 and 1.60 GFlops/Joule for single and double precision, respectively.
Sum-Frequency Generation in Chiral Liquids near Electronic Resonance

We demonstrate experimentally that visible-visible sum-frequency generation in the bulk of a chiral liquid is observable near electronic resonant transitions. Although the process is electric dipole allowed, it is rather weak because the orientational average over molecules effectively reduces the bulk chiral nonlinearity.
In‐situ heat transfer experiment (Ishte)∗

Abstract The In‐Situ Heat Transfer Experiment (ISHTE), planned as part of the Subseabed Waste Disposal Program is described. The experiment objectives, scientific considerations, and engineering design are discussed.
Metformin in Diabetic Patients with Heart Failure: Safe and Effective

Management of diabetic patients with heart failure is a complex endeavor. The initial reluctance to use metformin in these patients has given way to a broader acceptance after clinical trials and meta-analyses have revealed that some of the insulin-sensitizing agents lead to adverse cardiovascular events. We have proposed that an increase of substrate uptake by the insulin-resistant heart is detrimental because the heart is already flooded with fuel. In light of this evidence, metformin offers a unique safety profile in the patient with diabetes and heart failure. Our article expands on the use of metformin in patients with heart failure. We propose that the drug targets both the source as well as the destination (in this case the heart) of excess fuel. We consider treatment of diabetic heart failure patients with metformin both safe and effective.
Combining angiotensin-receptor blockers with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors

See related research article by McAlister and colleagues at [www.cmaj.ca/cgi/doi/10.1503/cmaj.101333][1]. In this issue, McAlister and colleagues looked at the safety of combining angiotensin-receptor blockers with angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (combination therapy) using a
Non-malignant tracheobroncho-oesophageal fistula in an adult.

Abstract The case of a patient with non-malignant fistula between the oesophagus and tracheobronchial tree is described. The fistula was caused by erosion of the walls of the oesophagus and tracheobronchial tree by a broncholith. The importance of broncholithiasis in causing oesophagorespiratory fistulas is stressed. Early surgical treatment is indicated to prevent irreversible lung damage or extrathoracic complications.
Cesarean sections and subsequent fertility.

Cesarean sections are rising all over the world and may, in some countries, soon become the most common delivery mode. A growing body of medical literature documents a robust fact: women undergoing cesarean sections end up having less children. Unlike most of the medical literature, which assumes that this association is mostly working through a physiological channel, we investigate a possible channel linking c-section and subsequent fertility through differences in maternal behavior after a c-section. Using several national and cross-national demographic data sources, we find evidence that maternal choice is playing an important role in shaping the negative association between cesarean section and subsequent fertility. In particular, we show that women are more likely to engage in active contraception after a cesarean delivery and conclude that intentional avoidance of subsequent pregnancies after a c-section seems to be responsible for part of the negative association between c-sections and subsequent fertility.
Wavelet vector quantization with matching pursuit

To compute the optimal expansion of signals in redundant dictionary of waveforms is an NP complete problem. We introduce a greedy-algorithm, called matching pursuit, that performs a sub-optimal expansion. This algorithm can be interpreted as a shape-gain multistage vector quantization. The waveforms are chosen iteratively in order to best match the signal structures. Matching pursuits are general procedures used to compute adaptive signal representations. Applications to speech and image processing with dictionaries of Gabor functions are shown, in particular for the noise removal.
GINDEL: Accurate Genotype Calling of Insertions and Deletions from Low Coverage Population Sequence Reads

Insertions and deletions (indels) are important types of structural variations. Obtaining accurate genotypes of indels may facilitate further genetic study. There are a few existing methods for calling indel genotypes from sequence reads. However, none of these tools can accurately call indel genotypes for indels of all lengths, especially for low coverage sequence data. In this paper, we present GINDEL, an approach for calling genotypes of both insertions and deletions from sequence reads. GINDEL uses a machine learning approach which combines multiple features extracted from next generation sequencing data. We test our approach on both simulated and real data and compare with existing tools, including Genome STRiP, Pindel and Clever-sv. Results show that GINDEL works well for deletions larger than 50 bp on both high and low coverage data. Also, GINDEL performs well for insertion genotyping on both simulated and real data. For comparison, Genome STRiP performs less well for shorter deletions (50–200 bp) on both simulated and real sequence data from the 1000 Genomes Project. Clever-sv performs well for intermediate deletions (200–1500 bp) but is less accurate when coverage is low. Pindel only works well for high coverage data, but does not perform well at low coverage. To summarize, we show that GINDEL not only can call genotypes of insertions and deletions (both short and long) for high and low coverage population sequence data, but also is more accurate and efficient than other approaches. The program GINDEL can be downloaded at: http://sourceforge.net/p/gindel
A Brief History of Geospatial Science in the Department of Energy

ABSTRACT The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a rich history of significant contributions to geospatial science spanning the past four decades. In the early years, work focused on basic research, such as development of algorithms for processing geographic data and early use of LANDSAT imagery. The emphasis shifted in the mid-1970s to development of geographic information system (GIS) applications to support programs such as the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE), and later to issue-oriented GIS applications supporting programs such as environmental restoration and management (mid-1980s through present). Throughout this period, the DOE national laboratories represented a strong chorus of voices advocating the importance of geospatial science and technology in the decades to come. The establishment of a Geospatial Science Program by the DOE Office of the Chief Information Officer in 2005 reflects the continued potential of geospatial science to enhance DOE's science, projects, and operations
Upper-Tropospheric Potential Vorticity Fluctuations and the Dynamical Relevance of the Time Mean

Analysis of frequency distribution functions of potential vorticity (PV) on middleworld isentropic surfaces that intersect the tropopause reveals that dynamics on these surfaces are dominated by the tropopause separating subtropical and polar PV pools with definitive characteristic values. The dominance of the tropopause on these surfaces suggests that the subseasonal transient variance should be a function solely of the time mean PV. Exploiting this relation, it is shown that knowledge of the annual mean PV distribution allows quite skillful deduction of interannual anomalies in transient variance. This analysis is extended to the dynamic tropopause, where it is shown that polar and subtropical jets clearly emerge in fields of the most frequent tropopause potential temperature. Implications of these results on the current understanding of how patterns of interannual variance arise are discussed.
Particle image velocimetry in molten plastic

Injection molding is a standard manufacturing process for plastic parts. The most important process step, mold filling, involves unsteady nonisothermal flow of a non-Newtonian molten plastic. Mold-filling flow largely determines molecular orientation within the final part and thereby influences final part properties. This article describes techniques for successfully applying particle image velocimetry (PIV) to molten plastic flow during injection molding. The primary experimental challenges include the following: engineering optical access to the molten plastic flow at elevated temperatures (230– 2458C) and pressures (� 20 MPa), finding particles that survive the thermal-mechanical environment that melts the plastic, and developing experimental and datareduction techniques that allow multiple imperfect planar PIV measurements to be combined. Here, a custom optical-access mold allowed mold center-plane PIV to be performed in molten polystyrene. Simple statistical assessments of the velocimetry data and scaled residuals of the continuity equation suggest that the PIV can be conducted in molten plastics with an uncertainty of 62%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 51:730–745, 2011. a 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
High cell density propionic acid fermentation with an acid tolerant strain of Propionibacterium acidipropionici.

Propionic acid is an important chemical with wide applications and its production via fermentation is of great interest. However, economic production of bio-based propionic acid requires high product titer, yield, and productivity in the fermentation. A highly efficient and stable high cell density (HCD) fermentation process with cell recycle by centrifugation was developed for propionic acid production from glucose using an acid-tolerant strain of Propionibacterium acidipropionici, which had a higher specific growth rate, productivity, and acid tolerance compared to the wild type ATCC 4875. The sequential batch HCD fermenta- tion at pH 6.5 produced propionic acid at a high titer of � 40g/L and productivity of 2.98g/Lh, with a yield of � 0.44g/g. The product yield increased to 0.53-0.62g/g at a lower pH of 5.0-5.5, which, however, decreased the productivity to 1.28g/Lh. A higher final propionic acid titer of >55g/L with a productivity of 2.23g/Lh was obtained in fed-batch HCD fermentation at pH 6.5. A 3-stage simulated fed-batch process in serum bottles produced 49.2g/L propionic acid with a yield of 0.53g/g and productivity of 0.66g/Lh. These productivities, yields and propionic acid titers were among the highest ever obtained in free-cell propionic acid fermentation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 502-511. 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A PROBABILISTIC MODEL FOR CONTINUUM TRANSPORT IN DENSE, OPTICALLY THICK PLASMAS

Abstract Probability-of-escape concepts have previously been successfully employed for cell-to-cell transport of spectral lines in dense, optically thick media. In this paper, the same conceptual framework is extended to the transport of continuum radiation emitted in radiative recombination and to the transport of line radiation in the presence of an optically thick continuum. Specific comparisons with calculations using multifrequency probability-of-escape transport demonstrate the accuracy of the model.
An immortalized hamster corneal epithelial cell line for studies of the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis

PURPOSE. The protozoan Acanthamoeba produces a severe keratitis in a small percentage of people, especially contact lens-wearers. The purpose of this work was to develop and characterize an immortalized line of hamster corneal epithelial cells to be used in studies of the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. METHODS. Hamster corneal epithelial cells were maintained in primary culture and immortalized using simian virus 40 (SV40). Foci of transformed cells were cloned and subsequently characterized by phase-contrast microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Growth characteristics of the clone that were analyzed included loss of dependence on conditioned medium and ability to grow in soft agar. Cytotoxicity experiments were performed, to determine whether the selected clone was susceptible to Acanthamoeba infection in vitro. RESULTS. A cell line which exhibited epithelial morphology, as determined by phase contrast microscopy, was selected and cloned. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated the presence of keratin in...
Nuclear Norm Minimization via Active Subspace Selection

We describe a novel approach to optimizing matrix problems involving nuclear norm regularization and apply it to the matrix completion problem. We combine methods from nonsmooth and smooth optimization. At each step we use the proximal gradient to select an active subspace. We then find a smooth, convex relaxation of the smaller subspace problems and solve these using second order methods. We apply our methods to matrix completion problems including Netflix dataset, and show that they are more than 6 times faster than state-of-the-art nuclear norm solvers. Also, this is the first paper to scale nuclear norm solvers to the Yahoo-Music dataset, and the first time in the literature that the efficiency of nuclear norm solvers can be compared and even compete with non-convex solvers like Alternating Least Squares (ALS).
Organizational strategies for decision support and expert systems

There has been increasing interest in migrating expert systems (ES) technology to decision support systems (DSS) design to provide a more accessible, productive and domain-in dependent information and computing environment for managers. Most of the research efforts focus on physical integration of DSS and ES. Two areas have received less attention: (1) logical integration of DSS and ES, and (2) organizational strategies for integration. In this paper, we propose an organization-based DSS/ES architecture. A signifi cant contribution of this approach is its cost-effective DSS/ES framework for an organization.
Airway response to deep inspiration: role of nitric oxide

Deep inspirations (DI) have been shown to have both bronchoprotective and bronchodilator effects in healthy subjects. The bronchodilator effects of a DI appear to be impaired in asthmatics compared with healthy subjects. This study investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the bronchodilator role of a DI. In five anaesthetised and ventilated dogs, high-resolution computed tomography was used to measure the changes in airway size after a small (25 cmH2O) and large (45 cmH2O) DI before and after administering NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester to block NO synthesis. The depth of the inspiratory manoeuvre during a deep inspiration determined the subsequent qualitative behaviour of the airway response. Inflation to relatively high pressure resulted in airway dilation, whereas one to lower pressure leads to airway constriction. When NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was administered, both a large and a small deep inspiration resulted in subsequent airway constriction. These results support the idea that nitric oxide may be a potential bronchoprotective agent in the airways.
Combustion behavior of single particles from three different coal ranks and from sugar cane bagasse in O2/N2 and O2/CO2 atmospheres

The combustion behavior of single fuel particles was assessed in O2/N2 and O2/CO2 background gases, with oxygen mole fractions in the range of 20–100%. Fuels included four pulverized coals from different ranks (a high-volatile bituminous, a sub-bituminous and two lignites) as well as pulverized sugarcane-bagasse, a biomass residue. Particles of 75–90 lm were injected under laminar flow in a bench-scale, transparent drop-tube furnace (DTF), electrically-heated to 1400 K where, upon experiencing high heating rates, they ignited and burned. The combustion of individual particles was observed with three-color optical pyrometry and high-speed high-resolution cinematography to obtain temperature and burnout time histories. Based on combined observations from these techniques, a comprehensive understanding of the behaviors of these fuels was developed under a variety of conditions, including simulated oxy-fuel combustion. The fuels exhibited distinct combustion behaviors. In air, the bituminous coal particles burned in two distinctive modes; the volatiles burned in bright envelope flames surrounding the devolatilizing char particles followed by heterogeneous char combustion. The volatile matter of sub-bituminous coal particles burned either in subdued envelope flames, surrounding devolatilizing and occasionally fragmenting chars, or heterogeneously at the char surface. Lignite particles typically burned with extensive fragmentation, and their volatiles burned simultaneously with the char fragments. The volatiles of bagasse particles burned in spherical and transparent envelope flames. Increasing the oxygen mole fraction in N2, increased flame and char surface temperatures, and decreased burnout times; particles of all fuels burned more intensely with an increasing tendency of the volatiles to burn closer to the char surface. When the background gas N2 was substituted with CO2, the combustion of all fuels was distinctly less intense; at moderate O2 mole fractions (<30%) most particles did not ignite under active flow conditions in the furnace (they did ignite under quiescent gas flow conditions in the DTF). Increasing the oxygen mole fraction in CO2 increased the likelihood of combustion and its intensity. Combustion of volatiles in envelope flames was suppressed in the presence of CO2, particularly under active gas flow in the DTF.
Stabilization of stochastic nonlinear systems driven by noise of unknown covariance

The paper poses and solves a new problem of stochastic (nonlinear) disturbance attenuation where the task is to make the system solution bounded (in probability) by a monotone function of the supremum of the covariance of the noise. This is a natural stochastic counterpart of the problem of input-to-state stabilization in the sense of Sontag (1989). Our development starts with a set of new global stochastic Lyapunov theorems and a control Lyapunov function formula for stochastic disturbance attenuation, followed by a design for an exemplary class of stochastic strict-feedback systems. We then address optimality and solve a differential game problem with the control and the noise covariance as opposing players; for strict-feedback systems the resulting Isaacs equation has a closed-form solution. Finally, we address the problem of vanishing nonlinearities where the equilibrium is preserved in the presence of noise, and develop an adaptive stabilization scheme (based on tuning functions) that requires no a priori knowledge of a bound on the covariance.
The error-related negativity relates to sadness following mood induction among individuals with high neuroticism

The error-related negativity (ERN) is an event-related potential (ERP) that indexes error monitoring. Research suggests that the ERN is increased in internalizing disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Although studies indicate that the ERN is insensitive to state-related fluctuations in anxiety, few studies have carefully examined the effect of state-related changes in sadness on the ERN. In the current study, we sought to determine whether the ERN would be altered by a sad mood induction using a between-subjects design. Additionally, we explored if this relationship would be moderated by individual differences in neuroti
Neutron Scattering Studies of Hydrides of the Laves Phase Rare Earth Compounds RFe2

We have used neutron scattering to study the structure and magnetic ordering of a series of hydrides and deuterides of the rare earth-iron compounds RFe2. The parent RFe2’s have the cubic close packed Laves phase (C15) structure for R Heavier than Nd and order ferrimagnetically at ∿600 K with the full free ion moment on each R and ∿1.6μB/Fe at saturation. The stable hydride phases with ∿2 and ∿3.5 H(D) per formula unit are known from x-ray and neutron diffraction to retain the C15 cubic structure, with lattice parameters increased by ∿5% and ∿7%. The RFe2H4 phase is rhombohedrally distorted and is not ordered at 4.2 K (1).
Building Self-Sufficiency for Housing Voucher Recipients: Interim Findings from the Work Rewards Demonstration in New York City

This report presents four-year findings from a test of three interventions: the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, FSS plus cash work incentives, and cash work incentives alone. FSS incentives improved employment and earnings among participants who were not working at study entry, but none of the interventions had impacts for participants overall.
Improving Pediatric Outcomes through Intravenous and Oral Medication Standardization.

BACKGROUND Standardization is an invaluable tool to promote safety, improve care, and decrease costs, which ultimately improves outcomes. However, a pediatric setting presents unique challenges with its wide variety of weights, medications, and needs that are distinctly different. Our goal was to develop and implement standards in complex high risk areas that show improved outcomes and safety. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION A computerized prescriber order entry program with decision support for pediatrics was developed for parenteral nutrition prescribing. The program included dosing, calculations, calcium phosphate compatibility checks, automated IV compounder interface, osmolarity route calculation, end product testing verification, aluminum exposure and many other quality improvements. This same electronic order program, interface to sterile compounders, and end product testing was used to standardize and make common non-manufactured intravenous solutions. The drip compounding process was reengineered to include ...
Diode Pumped 70 Watt Average Power Nd:YAG Laser

We have designed a diode pumped Nd:YAG zigzag slab laser test bed. Our goal is to produce 200 to 300 watts of average optical power with good beam quality. It has been tested, to date, to 70 watts average power using a 20% subset of the design pump diodes.
Probabilistic Model for Collapse Prediction of Las Vegas Soils

This study reports a probabilistic model for correlating laboratory measured collapse to in situ moisture content and dry unit weight of clays, silts, and sands found in the Las Vegas Valley. The data base was compiled from geotechnical reports of local projects. For each soil type, zones of collapse ranges are identified for in situ dry unit weight and in situ moisture content domain. Collapse data that belong to a specific collapse range are scattered in different collapse zones. Therefore, collapse predictions based on collapse zones are not deterministic. Accordingly, conditional probabilities based on the Bayes9 Theorem are calculated indicating the reliability of the collapse predictions from the collapse zones.
Expression of functional Myc-tagged conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) subcomplexes in mammalian cells.

Docking and fusion of transport carriers in eukaryotic cells is regulated by a family of multi-subunit protein complexes (MTC) that sequentially and/or simultaneously interact with other components of vesicle fusion machinery, such as SNAREs, Rabs, coiled-coil tethers and vesicle coat components. Probing for interactions of multi protein complexes has relied heavily on the method of exogenously expressing individual proteins and then determining their interaction stringency. An obvious pitfall of this method is that the protein interactions are not occurring in their native multi-subunit state. Here, we describe an assay where we express all eight subunits of the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex that contain the same triple-myc epitope tag, and then assay for the (sub) complex’s interaction with known protein partners. The expression of all eight proteins allows for the assembled complex to interact with partner proteins, and by having the same tag on all eight COG subunits, we are able to very accurately quantify the interaction with each subunit. The use of this assay has highlighted a very important level of specificity of interactions between COG subcomplexes and their intracellular partners.
Computer automated design and computer automated manufacture.

The prosthetic and orthotic field has undergone significant changes with regard to technological advances. Computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM), however, has gained only a moderate level of acceptance in this field. Early software programs were limited in their ability to demonstrate to prosthetists that CAD-CAM was an effective tool. As software, hardware, and computer literacy increase, more practitioners look to CAD-CAM to improve the efficiency of their practices. New software and hardware development should be undertaken to promote acceptance of this technology. This article reviews the history and development of CAD-CAM and presents recommendations to improve their effectiveness in the field of prosthetics and ortho tics.
The effects of time, temperature, and concentration on Sr2+exchange in clinoptilolite in aqueous solutions

Four grams of a clinoptilolite-rich rock, crushed to −180 mesh, were exchanged in deionized water (DI), and in 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 M solutions of SrCl2·6H2O at 5, 21, 50, and 90 °C for 0.5, 5, 24, and 240 h yielding 64 sample solutions, which were vacuum-filtered to remove solids. The solutions were analyzed by ICP-AES for the outgoing cations (i.e., Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+). The higher molarity solutions were expected to contain greater concentrations of the outgoing cations than the DI or lower molarity concentration solutions. This trend was exhibited by the monovalent and divalent cations in samples of all concentrations. Outgoing monovalent cations exchanged to greater extents with increasing time and temperature. Outgoing divalent cations of 0.01 and 0.001 M concentrations exchanged at low temperatures contained greater concentrations of outgoing divalent cations than solutions exchanged at high temperatures. The concentrations of the monovalent cations were slightly greater in the 0.001 M sample than in DI, whereas divalent cations had a similar concentration between the 0.001 M and DI treatments. Overall exchange of cations out of the clinoptilolite was favored at higher temperatures.
Bubbles in Process Metallurgy

Gas stirring is commonly employed in processing of liquids. Bubble sizes depend on bubble growth, break-up and coalescence. Both computer modeling and physical modeling have been useful in improving understanding of these processes. Several simplified correlations are available to predict mixing time and gas plume properties.
A Medial Portal for Hip Arthroscopy in Children With Septic Arthritis: A Safety Study.

BACKGROUND Prompt open arthrotomy is historically utilized to treat pediatric septic arthritis of the hip, but arthroscopy has been described as a valid alternative to prevent long-term sequelae. Standard hip arthroscopy in adolescents and adults utilizes lateral-based portals, but successful irrigation in infants may necessitate a medial portal due to the smaller joint size. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of a medial hip portal in children based on its anatomic relation to neurovascular structures. METHODS A retrospective review of children 6 years of age or below with septic hip arthritis who obtained a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between 2009 and 2015 was performed. Multiple measures were recorded from the MRI to create a 3D cone with the vertex just posterior to the adductor longus at the convergence of the gluteal and inguinal creases-a previously described posteromedial portal-with the cone base being a circle defined as the central joint diameter. The distance to the femoral vessels and nerve were then recorded. An adult cadaver was then utilized to replicate the proposed portal starting point and trajectory to confirm that it could be reproducible in a clinical setting. RESULTS After applying criteria, 47 MRI were evaluated (21 boys, 26 girls) demonstrating a mean distance to femoral vessels and nerve: at insertion, 18.9 mm (minimum 10.5 mm) and at the hip joint, 11.1 mm (minimum 5.2 mm). Girls and boys did not differ significantly, but there was a significant correlation of both age (r=0.75) and body weight (r=0.84) to the measured distance (P<0.001). Imaging of the cadaver confirmed that the starting point could be replicated. CONCLUSIONS There is a direct relation to size of the child and the distance from the neurovascular structures to the cannula trajectory, but even the smallest of children have at least 5.5 mm of adductor longus to protect the femoral structures. A medial-based portal that utilizes a medial needle for initial aspiration features a wide margin of safety for children requiring treatment for septic hip arthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
Improved Sea Ice Fraction Characterization for L-Band Observations by the Aquarius Radiometers

Radiometers operating at L-band (1.4 GHz) are used to retrieve sea surface salinity over ice-free oceans and have been used recently to study the cryosphere. One hindrance of their use in the high latitudes is the preponderance of mixed scenes, where seawater and sea ice are both present in the sensor’s field of view (FOV). Accurately characterizing the scene is crucial for oceanographic and cryospheric applications. To that end, a sea ice fraction model, composed of passive microwave sea ice concentration retrievals and an instrument simulator that integrates radiative power coming from all around the antenna, is used. We investigate the model currently used operationally to derive the ice fraction affecting the Aquarius observations and show that it can be significantly improved. On the one hand, the current model tends to overestimate sea ice fraction in the marginal ice zone where observations are used for salinity retrievals. On the other hand, the current model underestimates ice fraction within the ice pack where observations are used to derive sea ice properties. For the northern hemisphere, we also find evidence of the sea ice type impact on L-band radiometric observations. We present a model to derive sea ice fractions that are in better agreement with Aquarius radiometric observations using the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 Bootstrap algorithm for sea ice concentration and using high-resolution integration over the sensor’s FOV.
Keynote talk: Challenges and opportunities in the post single-thread-processor era

The age of the single thread juggernaut has ended, due to a variety of factors. Multi-core processors are coming on strong, and scaling in being stressed more than ever. This presents a number of architectural, hardware and software challenges. This talk will reflect on these challenges from Cray's perspective in the high performance computing industry.
Infrared dielectric response of nanoscribe IP-dip and IP-L monomers after polymerization from 250 cm −1 to 6000 cm −1

Direct laser writing via two photon polymerization has enabled previously unavailable degrees of freedom in the additive fabrication of micro-to-meso scale structures. The structures produced by these techniques are ideally suited to create optical devices which operate from the THz regime to the near infrared spectrum into the visible spectral range. Here we report on the infrared dielectric response of two monomers IP-dip and IP-L after polymerization which are frequently employed in commercial two photon lithography tools from nanoscribe over the spectral range of 250 cm−1 to 6000 cm−1. A parameterized dielectric function model is presented and discussed.
Academic entitlement: relations to perceptions of parental warmth and psychological control

Academic entitlement characterises students who expect positive academic outcomes without personal effort. The current study examined the relations of perceived parental warmth and parental psychol...
Environmental Character: Environmental Feelings, Sentiments and Virtues

An argument is made that to further develop the field of environmental virtue ethics it must be connected with an account of environmental sentiments. Openness as both an environmental sentiment and virtue is presented. This sentiment is shown to be reflected in the work of Barbara McClintock. As a virtue it is shown to a mean between arrogance and the disvaluing of individuals, a disposition to be open to the natural world and the values found there. Further development of EVE is then shown to require a connection with an account of environmental wisdom.
Applying anthropology to what? Tactical/ethical decisions in an age of global neoliberal imperialism

This article introduces the Journal of Political Ecology Special Section on 'towards a political ecology of applied anthropology.' We provide a brief overview and analysis of the history and application of applied and practicing anthropology. Examining moral and ethical issues related to the application of anthropology, we assess current endeavors and make suggestions for future directions from a political ecology perspective. Introducing five articles that exemplify our approach, we identify common themes and particular contexts that both unify and distinguish each of the contributions. Throughout this introduction, we propose a potential guidepost for a political-ecology informed applied anthropology: any applied anthropology that engages, documents, promotes, and supports cultural diversity, social justice and environmental sustainability is just. Conversely, any applied anthropology that threatens cultural diversity and environmental sustainability is unjust.
Trends in Healthcare Expenditures among Individuals with Arthritis in the United States from 2008 to 2014

Objective. With the expected rise in the arthritis population, information is required regarding trends of healthcare expenditures among individuals with arthritis in the United States. We examined temporal trends in direct and out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenditures among individuals with arthritis using a nationally representative database, the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey. Methods. The study population was composed of cross-sectional cohorts of individuals aged ≥ 18 years from 2008 to 2014. Two-part models were used to estimate the incremental total and types of annual direct and OOP healthcare expenditures (adjusted to 2014 US dollars) for arthritis, after controlling for predisposing, enabling, need, personal health practice, and external environmental factors, as per the Anderson Healthcare Behavioral Model. Results. An annual weighted arthritis population rose from 56.1 million in 2008 to 65.1 million in 2014. Among individuals with arthritis, the annual average direct and OOP expenditure was $10,424 [standard error (SE) = $345, aggregate = $584.8 billion] and $1493 (SE = $50, aggregate = $83.8 billion) in 2008, respectively, and $910 (SE = $279, total = $645.1 billion) and $1099 (SE = $36, aggregate = $71.5 billion) in 2014, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, individuals with arthritis had significantly greater total and OOP expenditures from 2008 to 2014; however, the magnitude of incremental OOP expenditure declined from 2008 to 2014. Conclusion. Although the annual direct healthcare expenditures per person remained stable over the years, the rise in proportion of the arthritis population led to a huge increase in aggregate economic burden to the US healthcare system.
The Performance Characteristics of Prostate-Specific Antigen for Prostate Cancer Screening

When considering the application of a screening test for any disease, it is extremely important to understand how the performance characteristics of a test will affect its usefulness to a patient as well as to society. This chapter defines and interprets the key operating characteristics for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the ubiquitous marker used for prostate cancer screening. Results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, which broke previously held conceptions about how to use PSA, and potential biases that affect many current studies of the performance characteristics of PSA are reviewed.
Transient porous nickel interlayers for improved silver-based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell brazes

Abstract Silver-copper oxide reactive air brazes are the most widely used Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) brazes. However, the conventional Ag-4 wt.% Cu composition has a high wetting angle of ∼40° in air on yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) that leads to manufacturing defects (denoted as Type I pores). Also, many elements that oxidize during brazing to promote braze wetting (such as Cu) are easily reduced by SOFC fuels. This results in Type II pores that decrease the braze interfacial strength and provide a quick path for hydrogen permeation into the braze (where the hydrogen reacts with diffused oxygen to form gaseous water pockets, denoted as Type III pores). The present work demonstrates that transient porous nickel interlayers, instead of reactive element additions, can be used to promote Ag wetting on YSZ and produce high-quality YSZ-stainless steel braze joints. Mechanical tests on these reactive-element-free, silver-based SOFC braze joints, both before and after 500 h of 750 °C oxidation in air, show that the braze and braze interface strengths are higher than the underlying YSZ|NiO-YSZ substrate. The elimination of Type I and Type II porosity enabled by this new technique should result in improved braze lifetimes for SOFC and other ceramic-to-metal sealing applications.
Uterine torsion and subsequent rupture in a gravid bicornuate uterus associated with an elevated alpha-fetoprotein

Uterine torsion is a rare obstetric complication with a non-specific presentation. We describe a patient with a bicornuate uterus and a pregnancy complicated by a markedly elevated second-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP), intermittent pelvic pain and fetal growth restriction. At 24 weeks gestational age, she presented to labour and delivery with an acute abdomen. A subsequent exploratory laparotomy revealed torsion and rupture of her right uterine horn. Uterine torsion can be difficult to diagnose because it is not associated with specific symptoms or characteristic imaging findings. In patients with a bicornuate uterus who present with abdominal pain, an elevated mid-trimester MSAFP may be a harbinger of placental ischaemia as a result of uterine torsion.
Propagation Effects Associated with Ambient Noise

The spatial distribution of ocean surface noise generated by natural mechanisms depends on the sound propagation characteristics of the ocean. Here we review the ocean acoustic environment, the physics of sound propagation in the ocean and then couple these concepts to the existence of natural sources of surface noise in order to explain some of the basic features of how sound is distributed in the ocean.
Oxidative Insult After Ischemia/Reperfusion in Older Adults

Aging is associated with significant impairment in tolerance to acute stressors such as ischemia/reperfusion and this impairment appears to contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality of older adults compared to young adults in clinical conditions associated with ischemia/reperfusion. These conditions include ischemic heart disease, stroke, and a variety of surgeries. Ischemia leads to a transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism with subsequent depletion of ATP, accumulation of lactate, acidosis, and loss of intracellular ion homeostasis. Reperfusion results in increased oxidative stress and calcium overload which together stimulate pathways of necrosis and apoptosis. These adverse events are exaggerated in older individuals. In particular, oxidative stress plays a central role in the age-related increase in vulnerability to ischemia/reperfusion. We outline a useful forearm ischemia/reperfusion method to assess this vulnerability in older adults and have shown that several interventions can markedly improve resistance to ischemia/reperfusion.