cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Power generation with laterally packaged piezoelectric fine wires

Converting mechanical energy into electricity could have applications in sensing, medical science, defence technology and personal electronics, and the ability of nanowires to 'scavenge' energy from ambient and environmental sources could prove useful for powering nanodevices. Previously reported nanowire generators were based on vertically aligned piezoelectric nanowires that were attached to a substrate at one end and free to move at the other. However, there were problems with the output stability, mechanical robustness, lifetime and environmental adaptability of such devices. Here we report a flexible power generator that is based on cyclic stretching-releasing of a piezoelectric fine wire that is firmly attached to metal electrodes at both ends, is packaged on a flexible substrate, and does not involve sliding contacts. Repeatedly stretching and releasing a single wire with a strain of 0.05-0.1% creates an oscillating output voltage of up to approximately 50 mV, and the energy conversion efficiency of the wire can be as high as 6.8%.
Focused Ion Beam Sectioning and Lift-out Method for Copper and Resist Vias in Organic Low-k Dielectrics

The focused ion beam lift-out technique for scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) sample preparation was shown to be applicable to copper/low-k dielectric semiconductor technology. High resolution SEM, TEM, and scanning transmission electron microscope analyses were performed on metal contacts and resist vias with no evidence of the interface damage or metal smearing commonly observed with mechanical polishing. Ion milling of the sample ex situ to the substrate provided decoration and adjustment of the exposed plane of the section when necessary for SEM analysis.
Variable parameter speaker verification system based on hidden Markov modeling

A text-independent speaker verification system based on an adaptive vocal tract model which emulates the vocal tract of the speaker is described. Each speaker is represented by a set of feature vectors derived from speech segments belonging to different classes of phonemes. Linear predictive hidden Markov modeling and maximum-likelihood Viterbi decoding are applied to a speech utterance to obtain different classes of phonemes pronounced by a speaker. It is shown that different classes of phonemes are not equally effective in discriminating between speakers and that verification performance can be considerably improved by separately classifying speech segments representing each broad phonetic category as belonging to an impostor or as belonging to the true speaker. A weighted linear combination of scores for individual categories can be used as the final verification score. The weights are chosen to reflect the effectiveness of particular classes of phonemes in discriminating between speakers and are adjusted to maximize the verification performance. >
Synthesis and Secretion of MCP-1 by Dental Follicle Cells-Implications for Tooth Eruption

The monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) gene is expressed in the dental follicle, a loose connective tissue sac that must be present for eruption to occur. The role of MCP-1 may be to recruit mononuclear cells (monocytes) to the dental follicle, where these cells, in turn, fuse to form osteoclasts to resorb alveolar bone for the formation of an eruption pathway. Thus, it was the aim of this study to determine if MCP-1 is secreted by dental follicle cells in culture and if its secretion is enhanced by potential tooth eruption molecules. Western blotting and a two-site capture enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay demonstrated that MCP-1 was synthesized and secreted into the medium by the follicle cells. Incubation of the cells with either transforming growth factor-beta one (TGF-β1) or interleukin-one alpha (IL-la) enhanced the secretion of MCP-1 by the cells. Measurement of the chemotactic ability of the conditioned medium to attract mouse monocytes demonstrated that the chemotaxis of the medium was incr...
In Silico Identification and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals That Act via the Ligand-Binding Domain of the Estrogen Receptor α

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pose a significant threat to human health, society, and the environment. Many EDCs elicit their toxic effects through nuclear hormone receptors, like the estrogen receptor α (ERα). In silico models can be used to prioritize chemicals for toxicological evaluation to reduce the amount of costly pharmacological testing and enable early alerts for newly designed compounds. However, many of the current computational models are overly dependent on the chemistry of known modulators and perform poorly for novel chemical scaffolds. Herein we describe the development of computational, three-dimensional multi-conformational pocket-field docking, and chemical-field docking models for the identification of novel EDCs that act via the ligand-binding domain of ERα. These models were highly accurate in the retrospective task of distinguishing known high-affinity ERα modulators from inactive or decoy molecules, with minimal training. To illustrate the utility of the models in prospective in silico compound screening, we screened a database of over 6000 environmental chemicals and evaluated the 24 top-ranked hits in an ERα transcriptional activation assay and a differential scanning fluorimetry-based ERα binding assay. Promisingly, six chemicals displayed ERα agonist activity (32nM-3.98μM) and two chemicals had moderately stabilizing effects on ERα. Two newly identified active compounds were chemically related β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) agonists, dobutamine, and ractopamine (a feed additive that promotes leanness in cattle and poultry), which are the first βAR agonists identified as activators of ERα-mediated gene transcription. This approach can be applied to other receptors implicated in endocrine disruption.
Improving asthma outcomes in large populations.

This article summarizes our experience using administrative, survey, and telephone information to define asthma severity, impairment, risk, and quality of care in our large Kaiser Permanente population. Our data suggest that the 2-year Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set definition of persistent asthma is a good surrogate for survey-defined persistent asthma, and thus it would be reasonable to direct asthma population management and quality-of-care assessments at patients with Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set–defined persistent asthma for 2 years in a row. For population management, the numbers of short-acting β-agonist (SABA) canisters dispensed and validated tools on mail or telephone surveys have been used to assess asthma impairment. Algorithms based on pharmacy data (SABA canister and oral corticosteroid dispensings and prior emergency hospital care) have been used to assess the risk domain of asthma control. The asthma medication ratio (controllers divided by controllers plus SABAs) has been shown to be related to improved outcomes and is recommended as an asthma quality-of-care marker. It is hoped that outreach to patients and providers based on these indicators will improve asthma outcomes in patients cared for in individual practices, as well as in large health plans.
Three-dimensional morphometry of spinal cord injury following polyethylene glycol treatment.

We are developing a novel means of restoring function after severe acute spinal cord injury. This involves a brief application of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the site of injury. In the companion paper, we have shown that a delayed application of PEG can produce strikingly significant physiological and behavioral recovery in 90–100 % of spinal-cord-injured guinea pigs. In the present paper, we used three-dimensional computer reconstructions of PEG-treated and sham-treated spinal cords to determine whether the pathological character of a 1-month-old injury is ameliorated by application of PEG. Using a novel isocontouring algorithm, we show that immediate PEG treatment and treatment delayed by up to 7 h post-injury statistically increased the volume of intact spinal parenchyma and reduced the amount of cystic cavitation. Furthermore, in PEG-treated animals, the lesion was more focal and less diffuse throughout the damaged segment of the spinal cord, so that control cords showed a significantly extended lesion surface area. This three-dimensional computer evaluation showed that the functional recovery produced by topical application of a hydrophilic polymer is accompanied by a reduction in spinal cord damage.
Grouping Components of Three-Dimensional Moving Objects in Area MST of Visual Cortex

Many cells in the dorsal part of the medial superior temporal (MST) area of visual cortex respond selectively to spiral flow patterns-specific combinations of expansion/contraction and rotation motions. Previous investigators have suggested that these cells may represent self-motion. Spiral patterns can also be generated by the relative motion of the observer and a particular object. An MST cell may then account for some portion of the complex flow field, and the set of active cells could encode the entire flow; in this manner, MST effectively segments moving objects. Such a grouping operation is essential in interpreting scenes containing several independent moving objects and observer motion. We describe a model based on the hypothesis that the selective tuning of MST cells reflects the grouping of object components undergoing coherent motion. Inputs to the model were generated from sequences of ray-traced images that simulated realistic motion situations, combining observer motion, eye movements, and independent object motion. The input representation was modeled after response properties of neurons in area MT, which provides the primary input to area MST. After applying an unsupervised learning algorithm, the units became tuned to patterns signaling coherent motion. The results match many of the known properties of MST cells and are consistent with recent studies indicating that these cells process 3-D object motion information.
Effect of water removal on introduced caddisflies from a tropical mountain stream

Tropical island streams worldwide are being threatened by existing or proposed dams and diversions. Numerous streams of the Hawaiian Islands have diversions that remove freshwater for human use; however, little research has addressed diversion effects on aquatic insect communities in tropical streams. We studied the effect of water removal by a stream diversion on density and biomass of two introduced Trichoptera, Cheumatopsyche analis (Banks) (Hydropsychidae) and Hydroptila potosina (Buenoa-Soria) (Hydroptilidae), in Iao Stream, Maui, Hawaii, from April-August 2000. Both species seem to have multivoltine life cycles. Pooled Trichoptera (both species) biomass was significantly greater above the diversion (178.3 mg.m -2 and 112.9 mg.m -2 for upstream and downstream, respectively). For each individual species the mean total instar biomass was significantly reduced below the diversion (38 % and 54 % reduction for C. analis and H. potosina, respectively). Both species had greater densities above the diversion; however, individual larval mass of H. potosina instars, but not C. analis instars, was significantly lower below the diversion. Our results suggest that reduced habitat quality, due to lowered stream flow, limits density of both species below the diversion, whereas lowered food quantity and quality may differentially affect H. potosina biomass through reduced body sites. These data suggest that water removal not only reduces habitat quality, but significantly lowers the community biomass of these introduced Trichoptera species, affecting the trophic energetics of stream reaches downstream of a diversion in Hawaii. Similar changes to macroinvertebrate communities would be expected below dams and diversions of streams in other tropical regions.
The tight junction protein complex undergoes rapid and continuous molecular remodeling at steady state

The tight junction defines epithelial organization. Structurally, the tight junction is comprised of transmembrane and membrane-associated proteins that are thought to assemble into stable complexes to determine function. In this study, we measure tight junction protein dynamics in live confluent Madin–Darby canine kidney monolayers using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and related methods. Mathematical modeling shows that the majority of claudin-1 (76 ± 5%) is stably localized at the tight junction. In contrast, the majority of occludin (71 ± 3%) diffuses rapidly within the tight junction with a diffusion constant of 0.011 μm2s−1. Zonula occludens-1 molecules are also highly dynamic in this region, but, rather than diffusing within the plane of the membrane, 69 ± 5% exchange between membrane and intracellular pools in an energy-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that the tight junction undergoes constant remodeling and suggest that this dynamic behavior may contribute to tight junction assembly and regulation.
Laparoscopy for staging in pancreatic carcinoma

Pancreatic cancer is the gastrointestinal malignancy with the worst prognosis. At the time of diagnosis, only 15% of patients are resectable (and potentially curable), 40% have localized but unresectable tumours, and 45% distant metastases. Computerized tomography, angiography, and laparoscopy allow for adequate staging in this neoplasm. The latter is useful for identifying the small (1-2 mm) peritoneal and liver implants which, in our experience, are present in 27% of patients with tumours of the pancreatic head and in 65% of those with cancers of the body and tail of the pancreas. Peritoneal cytology may also be performed at the time of laparoscopy, and will be positive for malignant cells in 20-30% of cases indicating a bad prognosis.
In situ observation of fracture behavior of canine cortical bone under bending

Cortical bone provides many important body functions and maintains the rigidness and elasticity of bone. A common failure mode for bone structure is fracture under a bending force. In the current study, the fracture behavior of canine cortical bone under three-point bending was observed in situ using an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and an optical microscope to examine the fracture process in detail. Nanoindentation was carried out to determine the elastic modulus and hardness of different building blocks of the canine cortical bone. The results have shown that the special structure of Haversian systems has significant effects on directing crack propagation. Although Haversian systems contain previously believed weak points, and micro-cracks initiate within Haversian systems, our findings have demonstrated that macro-cracks typically form around the boundaries of Haversian systems, i.e. the cement lines. Micro-cracks that developed inside Haversian systems have the functions of absorbing and dissipating energy and slow down on expanding when interstitial tissue cannot hold any more pressure, then plastic deformation and fracture occur.
The Monster and Lover?Girl: Mapping Complex Relations in Preschool Children's Digital Video Productions.

In this article, I propose that research which focuses on young children’s experiences with the interactivity of new media not only furthers findings about young children’s digital lives but also e...
The Effects of Food, Nest Predation and Weather on the Timing of Breeding in Tropical House Wrens

I tested three hypotheses that could explain variation in the timing of breeding in populations of House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon) at four sites in Costa Rica. The sites were located at 200-1,500 m elevation on both sides and on top of the central mountain range, and had climates differing in temperature, the severity of the dry season, and total rainfall. For the first hypothesis, that breeding is timed to coincide with peaks in food availability, I monitored the monthly abundance of arthropod prey and wren clutch initiations at the four sites. Cross-correlation analysis showed that at three sites, wrens initiated clutches several months prior to when prey levels were high. Indeed, breeding began when prey levels were at their annual low. At the fourth site, prey levels varied little throughout the year and House Wrens nested nearly year round. These results indicate that sufficient food to produce eggs or feed nestlings may have been available throughout the year. Breeding appeared to be timed so that juvenile dispersal and molt occurred when food was most plentiful. The second hypothesis, that breeding is timed to avoid seasons when nest predation is high, was not supported because the rate of nest predation did not vary temporally. The third hypothesis, that breeding is timed to avoid climatic events that can increase the physiological costs of reproduction, was not supported at the three lower elevation sites. Clutch initiation at the highest site, however, did not commence until the early dry season wind and mist subsided. The termination of breeding was not correlated with climatic changes at -any of the sites. Thus reproduction in tropical House Wrens seems generally to be timed to facilitate post-breeding activities, not activities associated with nesting itself.
On Philosophy's Canon, and its Nutzen Und Nachteil

"If you can keep your head while people all around you are losing theirs," the saying goes, "maybe you just don't understand the situation." There are times when this is no mere joke. And so one may likewise wonder about the fact that philosophy seems to be relatively free of the kind of canon warfare that has become one of the hallmarks of the humanities in re cent years, despite the fact that, as canons go, ours is almost paradigmatic. Don't we understand the situation? Don't philosophers realize that canons are supposed to be either venerated, valorized, vindicated, and vaunted or else vilified, vitiated, and eviscerated if not simply verboten, but in any case vociferously and violently fought abouti Why don't we do that? Why don't we go at each other about it the way our colleagues in other disciplines do? Are we so slow on the up-take that we haven't caught on yet? Or are we so bloodless that we can't even get worked up about issues relating to the heart and soul of our very enterprise? Perhaps. But perhaps not. Indeed, it may well be that we are so ac customed to thinking about canon-challenging questions?as a basic part of what philosophy itself is all about?that we are protected in an inoculative sort of way from the fevers to which those unused to such questioning are subject. Canon wars are part of our "business as usual"; and philosophy would have died long ago if it hadn't learned how to take them in stride and even incorporate them. They are not so radically distinct from our general practices that they disrupt and threaten to derail these practices, either by the triumph of the insurgents or by the means used to suppress them. On the contrary: our general practices both serve to raise canon-challenging ques tions and provide us with ways of attempting to address and contest them without taking our philosophical hats off and going at it with bare knuckles. This makes for a less entertaining spectacle than can be found elsewhere, but for a healthier and more viable discipline and community of inquiry. This does not mean, however, that it is pointless to reflect on the kind of canon associated with philosophy today, in what might loosely be called its APA modality, and upon its status and its uses and disadvantages. On the contrary: such reflection can itself be of no little usefulness and interest,
Conditional sequence entropy and mild mixing extensions

For a measure preserving system (X, β, μ, T) with a factor (Y, C, ν, T) and an infinite sequence {t n }, one can define conditional sequence entropy. We present two theorems which characterize rigid and mildly mixing extensions by conditional sequence entropy. Properties of IP-systems are used to prove our main theorems
Elucidating Molecular Mass and Shape of a Neurotoxic Aβ Oligomer

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent type of dementia, has been associated with the accumulation of amyloid β oligomers (AβOs) in the central nervous system. AβOs vary widely in size, ranging from dimers to larger than 100 kDa. Evidence indicates that not all oligomers are toxic, and there is yet no consensus on the size of the actual toxic oligomer. Here we used NU4, a conformation-dependent anti-AβO monoclonal antibody, to investigate size and shape of a toxic AβO assembly. By using size-exclusion chromatography and immuno-based detection, we isolated an AβO-NU4 complex amenable for biochemical and morphological studies. The apparent molecular mass of the NU4-targeted oligomer was 80 kDa. Atomic force microscopy imaging of the AβO-NU4 complex showed a size distribution centered at 5.37 nm, an increment of 1.5 nm compared to the size of AβOs (3.85 nm). This increment was compatible with the size of NU4 (1.3 nm), suggesting a 1:1 oligomer to NU4 ratio. NU4-reactive oligomers extracted from AD human brain concentrated in a molecular mass range similar to that found for in vitro prepared oligomers, supporting the relevance of the species herein studied. These results represent an important step toward understanding the connection between AβO size and toxicity.
Improvements to Compressor Prognostics Algorithm for US Navy Ship Service Gas Turbine Generator Sets

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Gas Turbine Emerging Technologies section conducted land-based testing on a gas turbine generator set in December 2003. The purpose of this testing, which was conducted on a Rolls Royce/Allison 501-K17 gas turbine, was to collect data that could be used to improve a previously developed computer program for predicting optimal compressor wash time intervals. For the purpose of Phase I of this testing, fouling was accomplished by injecting salt into the gas turbine inlet air stream. Phase II of this testing will consist of fouling the middle and back regions of the compressor. Influence coefficients can then be developed for each of these regions indicating how a given region affects overall performance. Typically, in a marine environment, fouling of the front stages occurs due to ingested salt while fouling in middle and rear regions occurs from a combination of ingested salt and oil seal leakage. A number of sensors, including compressor inlet and discharge condition probes, bleed air flow and fuel flow meters, were added in order to monitor engine performance during the testing. In addition, hardware was added to both ingest and monitor the concentration of salt in gas turbine inlet air. For Phase II testing, middle and rear stages of the 14-stage compressor shall be accessed through existing 5th and 10th stage bleed ports. A salt solution will be physically applied to the blades while the compressor is rotated by hand. Results from Phase I indicate that front stage compressor fouling causes a clear increase in inlet static pressure. This is due to the mass flow restriction through the compressor. Additional results are currently being summarized, and data is being utilized to improve the 501-K17 compressor wash prognostics algorithm previously noted.© 2005 ASME
AID-ing inflammatory carcinogenesis

Environmental factors such as UV light, ionizing radiation, chemical mutagens, and viral infection drive somatic mutation and tumor formation. Some tumors that arise by somatic mutation, however, do so in the apparent absence of an environmental mutagen, suggesting a role for endogenous players in tumor initiation. In support of this hypothesis, Nonaka et al . present evidence that an endogenous protein, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), is up-regulated in inflamed tissue, resulting in the accumulation of somatic mutations and cancer. AID, normally expressed in B cells, induces point mutations and gene recombination to diversify the antibody repertoire. Deregulated AID activity can cause B cell lymphoma, and transgenic mice broadly overexpressing AID develop T cell lymphoma, lung carcinoma, and melanoma. To test the hypothesis that AID is involved in UV-independent skin carcinogenesis, the authors expressed AID under a keratinocyte-specific promoter and observed spontaneous formation of skin and oral cancers in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, low levels of AID expression synergized with two-step chemical carcinogenesis of the skin, whereas AID knockout animals were protected. The authors demonstrated that AID acts as both a tumor initiator and mild promoter, contributing to Hras and Trp53 mutagenesis and increased malignant conversion, respectively. Importantly, inflammatory stimuli induced expression of AID in murine and human skin cells; human cutaneous tumors and inflammatory lesions express AID; and cutaneous tumors arising in sun-protected regions revealed mutational patterns consistent with AID activity. Epidemiological data link chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis, and the data presented by Nonaka et al . provide direct evidence that AID functions as an endogenous mutagen driving transition between these two states. Furthermore, these data indicate that up-regulation of AID, at least in skin, may be an early indicator of carcinogenic potential in chronically inflamed tissue, as well as a potential therapeutic target to limit initiation and malignant conversion. T. Nonaka et al. , Involvement of activation-induced cytidine deaminase in skin cancer development. J. Clin. Invest . 126 , 1367–1382 (2016). [[Full Text]][1] [1]: https://www.jci.org/articles/view/81522
Learning through entertainment: The effects of Bollywood movies on the job-seeking behavior of South Asian female

This study examined the relationship between exposure to Bollywood movies and job-seeking behavior of South Asian females. Using survey data collected from 132 female participants, we explored the ...
Simulation Analysis of Overvoltage for 40.5 kV Vacuum Circuit-breaker Breaking-making Shunt Capacitor Banks

In this paper, overvoltage which occur in isolated neutral system when 40.5 k V vacuum circuit-breaker breaks and makes shunt capacitor banks is simulated by Or CAD/PSpice9. The maximum and waveform of overvoltage on shunt capacitor banks are given, which provide a theoretical reference for overvoltage protection in power system.
Effect of finocyl grain on internalflow field of SRM and nozzle convergence cone erosion

Three-dimensional two-phase internal flow field in a solid rocket motor with finocyl grain structure was simulated.The flow characteristics and the effect of grain configuration change on internal flow during the motor working process were analyzed,and the effect of the finocy1 grain configuration on nozzle convergence cone insulation erosion was also investigated.The results show that the internal flow has a obvious characteristic of periodic symmetry distribution,and the combustion gas velocity and Al2O3 particle concentration in the grain fin slot corresponing to nozzle convergence cone are higher than that of peripheral position.The periodic distribution of combustion gas velocity and Al2O3 particle concentration result in the periodic distribution of the nozzle convergence cone erosion,and the erosion loss corresponing to fin slot is larger than that of other areas obviously.
Prevalence of Nontyphoidal Salmonella and Salmonella Strains with Conjugative Antimicrobial-Resistant Serovars Contaminating Animal Feed in Texas

The objective of this study was to characterize 365 nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica isolates from animal feed. Among the 365 isolates, 78 serovars were identified. Twenty-four isolates (7.0%) were recovered from three of six medicated feed types. Three of these isolates derived from the medicated feed, Salmonella Newport, Salmonella Typhimurium var. O 5- (Copenhagen), and Salmonella Lexington var. 15+ (Manila), displayed antimicrobial resistance. Susceptibility testing revealed that only 3.0% (12) of the 365 isolates displayed resistance to any of the antimicrobial agents. These 12 isolates were recovered from unmedicated dry beef feed (n = 3), medicated dry beef feed (n = 3), cabbage culls (n = 2), animal protein products (n = 2), dry dairy cattle feed (n = 1), and fish meal (n = 1). Only Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Typhimurium var. O 5- (Copenhagen) were multidrug resistant. Both isolates possessed the IncA/C replicon and the blaCMY-2 gene associated with cephalosporin resistance. Plasmid replicons were amplified from 4 of 12 resistant isolates. Plasmids (40 kb) were Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Kentucky. Conjugation experiments were done using 7 of the 12 resistant isolates as donors. Only Salmonella Montevideo, possessing a plasmid and amplifying IncN, produced transconjugants. Transconjugants displayed the same antimicrobial resistance profile as did the donor isolate. Three isolates that amplified replicons corresponding to IncA/C or IncHI2 did not produce transconjugants at 30 or 37°C. The results of this study suggest that the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella contaminating animal feed is low in Texas. However, Salmonella was more prevalent in feed by-products; fish meal had the highest prevalence (84%) followed by animal protein products (48%). Ten of the 35 feed types had no Salmonella contamination. Further investigation is needed to understand the possible role of specific feed types in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
Improving case finding of invasive aspergillosis in children using string searches

Surveillance for invasive Aspergillus (IA) in children is complex. We performed a retrospective study (2004-2013) using string searches of relevant terms within histopathology and radiology reports in efforts to improve detection of IA. Overall, 22 children met IA criteria, of whom 5 (23%) were only identified by string searches.
Structural Study of Perpetual Pavement Performance in Ohio

Three perpetual pavement test sections were constructed on U.S. Route 23 in Delaware, Ohio (DEL-23) with AC thicknesses 28, 33, 38 cm and instrumented to detect strains in Fatigue Resistant Layer (FRL) and base layers. The 28 and 33 cm sections were constructed on lime stabilized subgrade, while the 38 cm section was constructed on compacted subgrade. Four additional test pavements were built in the Accelerated Pavement Load Facility (APLF) and instrumented similarly to DEL-23. The sections were thinner, but included Highly Modified Asphalt (HiMA) with Kraton polymer binder in sections of depth 20, 23, and 25 cm. An 28 cm section used conventional asphalt in the base as a control with HiMA in surface and intermediate layers. There was no FRL. All sections were placed on 46 cm of cement stabilized subgrade. Strains at bottom of FRL during Controlled Vehicle Load (CVL) testing on DEL-23 in summer indicated the 33 cm section on stabilized subgrade and 38 cm section on compacted subgrade met the perpetual pavement criteria of NCHRP Project 9-44A, while 28 cm section on stabilized subgrade did not. Testing at the APLF included thoroughly heating the pavement to 37.8 °C and subjecting each section to 10,000 passes of a 40 kN wheel load. Pavement strains at the bottom of the base and intermediate layers in the longitudinal and transverse directions were measured after 1000, 3000, and 10,000 wheel passes using test loads of 27, 40, and 53 kN. The serviceability of the pavements was determined by comparing the longitudinal strains within the base layer of each pavement to fatigue endurance limits (FEL) calculated by using flexural stiffness standards from NCHRP 9-44A and a method recommended by Kansas researchers. At the APLF, the thinnest section produced maximum average strains higher than the calculated FEL at 37.8 °C using the NCHRP 9-44A equation, while the 25 and 28 cm sections met the perpetual pavement criteria. Using the Kansas researchers approach, all four test sections were found to have lower longitudinal strains than the calculated FEL.
The Anti-Pipeline Collaborative

Convened by juvenile court judges, an "anti-pipeline collaborative" brings together representatives from law enforcement, education, and mental health agencies to devise protocols for reducing both court referrals and suspensions for in-school misbehavior. Anti-pipeline collaboratives are new and have the support of both foundations and a national organization of juvenile and family court judges. Structurally, the collaboratives resemble both the community-based, multi-stakeholder entities favored by scholars of "new governance," as well as the "problem-solving courts" devised by judges seeking alternatives to traditional criminal adjudication. Along with a descriptive account of the anti-pipeline collaborative, this Essay offers the beginnings of a normative assessment. While collaboratives have the potential to ameliorate some of the harms of criminalized discipline, I query whether their structure and composition might not instead problematically normalize this form of discipline in the first instance.
Attenuated Phenotype of a Recent House Finch-Associated Mycoplasma gallisepticum Isolate in Domestic Poultry.

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma gallisepticum, known primarily as a respiratory pathogen of domestic poultry, has emerged since 1994 as a significant pathogen of the house finch (Haemorhousmexicanus) causing severe conjunctivitis and mortality. House finch-associated M. gallisepticum (HFMG) spread rapidly and increased in virulence for the finch host in the eastern United States. In the current study, we assessed virulence in domestic poultry with two temporally distant, and yet geographically consistent, HFMG isolates which differ in virulence for house finches—Virginia 1994 (VA1994), the index isolate of the epidemic, and Virginia 2013 (VA2013), a recent isolate of increased house finch virulence. Here we report a significant difference between VA1994 and VA2013 in their levels of virulence for chickens; notably, this difference correlated inversely to the difference in their levels of virulence for house finches. VA1994, while moderately virulent in house finches, displayed significant virulence in the chicken respiratory tract. VA2013, while highly virulent in the house finch, was significantly attenuated in chickens relative to VA1994, displaying less-severe pathological lesions in, and reduced bacterial recovery from, the respiratory tract. Overall, these data indicate that a recent isolate of HFMG is greatly attenuated in the chicken host relative to the index isolate, notably demonstrating a virulence phenotype in chickens inversely related to that in the finch host.
Propelled abrasive grit applications for weed management in transitional corn grain production

Weed control is challenging to farmers who are transitioning from production systems that use synthetic herbicides to organic systems. A 2-year field study examined air-propelled corncob grit abrasion for in-row weed control efficacy and effect on corn yield. Grit was applied based on corn vegetative developmental stages with one (V1, V3 or V5), two (V1 + V3, V1 + V5, or V3 + V5), or three (V1 + V3 + V5) applications. Flame-weeding or cultivation was used after the V5 application for between-row weed control. Grit applications decreased in-row weed densities by about 60% (α = 0.05) and biomass up to 95% (α = 0.001). Between-row treatments provided similar control, and reduced weed biomass by 55% in 2013 (α = 0.01) and 86% (α = 0.001) in 2014. In-row grit treatments increased corn yield up to 44%, and yield was more influenced by in-row weeds than between row weeds. These results indicate that abrasive corncob grit for in-row weed control, supplemented with cultivation or flaming, can reduce weed biomass substantially and help maintain corn yield. However, timing and frequency of grit application need further refinement based on weed growth as influenced by climate, as treatments at similar corn growth stages did not consistently provide adequate weed control between years.
Decreasing Utilization of Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Post-FDA Warning Era: Insights From 2005 to 2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Abstract Background To determine the impact, if any, of the 2010 FDA safety communication on the rate of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) placement over time. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was interrogated for the most recent years preceding and after the FDA safety communication—from 2005 to 2014. IVCF placements and associated diagnoses were identified using corresponding International Classification of Diseases, version nine codes. Trends in number of IVCF placement were evaluated in aggregate and by associated diagnoses, both of which were further stratified by hospital geographic cluster, hospital teaching status, and patient demographics. Generalized linear regression models were used to determine statistical significance of trends over time. Results IVCF placements steadily increased between 2005 and 2010 (100,434 in 2005 versus 129,614 in 2010, growth rate 5.81%). Aggregate IVCF placements subsequently declined between 2010 and 2014 (96,005 in 2014, decline rate −6.48%). IVCF placements peaked in 2010, the year of the FDA advisory. The proportion of filter placements for therapeutic indication of venous thromboembolism increased significantly during the study period (69.8% in 2005 versus 80.4% in 2014, P Conclusions IVCF placements have declined significantly since 2010, when the FDA advisory was released. The proportion of IVCFs placed in patients with venous thromboembolism, as opposed to prophylactic indications, is increasing.
Role of graph architecture in controlling dynamical networks with applications to neural systems

Networked systems display complex patterns of interactions between components. In physical networks, these interactions often occur along structural connections that link components in a hard-wired connection topology, supporting a variety of system-wide dynamical behaviors such as synchronization. While descriptions of these behaviors are important, they are only a first step towards understanding and harnessing the relationship between network topology and system behavior. Here, we use linear network control theory to derive accurate closed-form expressions that relate the connectivity of a subset of structural connections (those linking driver nodes to non-driver nodes) to the minimum energy required to control networked systems. To illustrate the utility of the mathematics, we apply this approach to high-resolution connectomes recently reconstructed from Drosophila, mouse, and human brains. We use these principles to suggest an advantage of the human brain in supporting diverse network dynamics with small energetic costs while remaining robust to perturbations, and to perform clinically accessible targeted manipulation of the brain's control performance by removing single edges in the network. Generally, our results ground the expectation of a control system's behavior in its network architecture, and directly inspire new directions in network analysis and design via distributed control.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: An Algorithmic Approach

Since 2010, 5 new agents have been approved for advanced prostate cancer treatment. The American Urologic Association (AUA) published guidelines for the management of castration-resistant prostate cancer in 2013. These guidelines identify 6 index patients to consider when selecting the most appropriate treatment. No comparative trials have provided an approach to optimize the sequencing of these drugs. For the urologist, incorporating the guidelines into clinical practice typically requires a multidisciplinary team. This article provides an algorithmic approach based on indication and mechanism of action that complements the AUA guidelines to ensure patients receive the most optimal care.
On the Effect of Model Parameters on Forecast Objects

Abstract. Many physics-based numerical models produce a gridded, spatial field of forecasts, e.g., a temperature map . The field for some quantities generally consists of spatially coherent and disconnected objects . Such objects arise in many problems, including precipitation forecasts in atmospheric models, eddy currents in ocean models, and models of forest fires. Certain features of these objects (e.g., location, size, intensity, and shape) are generally of interest. Here, a methodology is developed for assessing the impact of model parameters on the features of forecast objects. The main ingredients of the methodology include the use of (1) Latin hypercube sampling for varying the values of the model parameters, (2) statistical clustering algorithms for identifying objects, (3) multivariate multiple regression for assessing the impact of multiple model parameters on the distribution (across the forecast domain) of object features, and (4) methods for reducing the number of hypothesis tests and controlling the resulting errors. The final output of the methodology is a series of box plots and confidence intervals that visually display the sensitivities. The methodology is demonstrated on precipitation forecasts from a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model.
Investigation of parameters predicting the need for diagnostic imaging beyond computed tomography in the evaluation of dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy: Retrospective evaluation of 555 dogs.

Thoracolumbar myelopathy encompasses a number of disease processes such as intervertebral disc disease, discospondylitis, trauma, congenital malformations, neoplasia, and intramedullary spinal cord disease. Compressive disc herniations are most common in dogs and require imaging procedures such as myelography, computed tomography (CT), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the need and location for decompressive surgery. The purposes of this retrospective, cross-sectional study were to evaluate all dogs undergoing thoracolumbar CT imaging as the initial diagnostic step between 2010 and 2015 and determine whether any of the imaging characteristics could be used to predict the need for additional imaging in the form of myelography, CT myelography, and/or MRI. A total of 555 dogs were identified in this time frame which underwent CT imaging for myelopathy of the thoracolumbar region. Various parameters including age, gender, sexual status, breed, chronicity, site of lesion, time of study, and contrast administration were evaluated. Findings indicated that 7.6% of dogs needed additional imaging after CT. Dachshunds were less likely to need additional imaging (P = 0.0111) as were patients scanned during normal business hours (P = 0.0075). Increasing age of the patient increased the likelihood of additional imaging (P = 0.0107). Dogs which did not have additional imaging performed were 21.89 times more likely to require surgery than those which did have additional imaging (P < 0.0001). Findings supported the use of CT as a first-line imaging modality for dogs presenting with thoracolumbar myelopathy.
Firefighters Have a Higher Incidence of Trochlear Chondral Lesions than the Normal Population.

BackgroundFirefighters’ knees are subjected to significant dynamic and static forces, resulting in increased knee complaints and a higher relative risk of osteoarthrosis, compared with aged-matched...
Brain Imaging and Neuropsychological Identification of Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type

This chapter reviews the neuropathology and neuropsychological concomitants of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT) and the nature of the degenerative changes as visualized on computerized tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Efforts to quantify CT scan results formally and objectively and to determine the nature of the relationship between the morphological changes and neuropsychological deficit patterns are reviewed. The frequent practice of dichotomizing DAT patients into presenile and senile groups is presented as well as more recent attempts to uncover distinct clusters or subgroups among the heterogeneous population of affected patients.
Critical Care from 50,000 Feet

The current book takes on the ambitious task of amassing evidence and opinion about the directions and challenges for critical care in the coming decade. My particular assignment was to provide introductory comments relating to the ‘big picture’. In organizing my thoughts, I have started with a conceptual overview of what intensive care ‘is’, focusing on how it relates to the rest of the healthcare system. With that conceptual model in mind, I have then attempted to summarize how critical care is currently provided, warts and all. From this summary of the current fi eld of play, a number of issues naturally arise that are likely to be of import in the coming decade. It is on how we might tackle these issues that I offer some concluding musings.
The use of sense in unsupervised training of acoustic models for ASR systems.

In unsupervised training of ASR systems, no annotated data are assumed to exist. Word-level annotations for training audio are generated iteratively using an ASR system. At each iteration a subset of data judged as having the most reliable transcriptions is selected to train the next set of acoustic models. Data selection however remains a difficult problem, particularly when the error rate of the recognizer providing the initial annotation is very high. In this paper we propose an iterative algorithm that uses a combination of likelihoods and a simple model of sense to select data. We show that the algorithm is effective for unsupervised training of acoustic models, particularly when the initial annotation is highly erroneous. Experiments conducted on Fisher-1 data using initial models from Switchboard, and a vocabulary and LM derived from the Google N-grams, show that performance on a selected held-out test set from Fisher data improves more with iterations relative to likelihood-based data selection.
How Economists Should Respond to Trumpian Disdain for Experts

The models that the economics profession considers acceptable, particularly their assumptions regarding the precision with which we can know the future, create insuperable obstacles to formulating a rational response to the disdain for experts that President Donald Trump nourishes and exploits. This becomes clear from a critical discussion of the use of prevailing models to analyze the consequences of the 2017 tax overhaul. The profession would benefit from a novel approach, applied here to understanding stock-price movements, that recognizes that economists—like everyone else—face unforeseeable change about the future. Acknowledging the inherent limits of what we can know about the future would go a long way toward restoring public trust in what economists’ knowledge can actually contribute to policymaking.
Stress of Language Brokering and Mexican American Adolescents’ Adjustment: The Role of Cumulative Risk:

This study focused on early adolescents’ stress of language brokering and examined the moderating role of family cumulative risk in the relation of language brokering to adjustment problems. Data c...
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FATTY ACID METHYL ESTER MIXTURES DERIVED FROM ACORN KERNEL OIL

Abstract Biodiesel fuels are produced via transesterification of a triacylglycerol (TAG, e.g. vegetable oil, waste cooking oil, or animal fats) with a short-chain alkyl alcohol in the presence of a...
Transverse Normal Stress in Beams

On the basis of elementary beam theory, a simple formula is derived for the transverse normal (or pinching) stress in a beam. This expression, similar in form to the classic shear stress formula of elementary beam theory, involves only the transverse load acting on the beam and geometrical properties of the beam cross section. These results are then extended to include the self-weight of the beam.
Differential regulation of mTORC1 activation by leucine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs.

Dietary supplementation with either leucine or its metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of the neonatal pig. Our results demonstrate that both...