cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating Costs With Curvilinear Analyses For Learning

Even when the underlying mathematical relationship for the learning curve is a power function, most popular accounting textbooks perform a logarithmic transformation of the learning curve into a linear relationship. This transformation allows students to perform linear regression techniques; however, accounting students may be left with the misconception that all costs are linear. With the enhanced capabilities of spreadsheets, accounting students can now easily perform curvilinear analysis on historical learning data and then forecast costs where learning is present. The Smart Missile Company exercise illustrates this spreadsheet approach to teaching learning curves.
C-2026: Observations of damage to stage V zebrafish oocytes in contact with extracellular ice

The successful banking of zebrafish germplasm by embryo or oocyte cryopreservation remains elusive, due to the rapid onset of cryoinjury following extracellular ice formation. The present study used high-speed imaging to investigate the causes of damage to Stage V zebrafish oocytes following contact with extracellular ice and subsequent cooling. During cryomicroscopy experiments in the absence of cryoprotectant additives, extracellular ice formation was initiated approximately 8 mm away from the oocyte; the resulting crystals were then allowed to envelop the oocyte during an isothermal hold at −0.9 °C. When oocytes were exposed to the external ice for up to 20 min at this temperature, only 13% exhibited any evidence of injury (rupture or darkening). In contrast, our previous studies have shown that when zebrafish embryos are maintained in contact with external ice for 20 min at −0.4 °C, mechanical damage occurred in as many as 47% of embryos. Controlled-cooling experiments with oocytes were performed at rates of 0.5, 1, and 2 °C/min, all of which were preceded by a 5-min isothermal hold at −0.9 °C, to allow equilibration with the extracellular ice. In all 68 oocytes observed, cryoinjury manifested as a sudden increase in oocyte opacity (darkening) during the cooling ramp. The average darkening temperature decreased slightly with increasing cooling rate, but this effect was not statistically significant (ANOVA, p > 0.25). However, we found a statistically significant effect of oocyte age (time since collection) on the darkening temperature (ANOVA, p p
Distributed Intrusion Detection System for Sensor Networks

An intruder tries to disable the single point in a network, i.e. the central analyzer. If this is disabled, the entire network is without protection. Since the sensor nodes fail often, the use of a centralized analyzer is highly limited. Processing all the information at a single host implies a limit on the size of the network that can be monitored. Because of the limit of the central analyzer, it is difficult to keep up with the flow of information in large network like sensor. We have proposed distributed intrusion detection system for distribute sensor networks.
A Functionally Graded Carbide in the Ta–C System

Hard materials used in such abrasive wear applications as cutting tools and wear inserts in drilling tools require high hardness to resist wear, high fracture toughness to withstand mechanical and thermal shock, and high chemical and thermal stability. Such a combination of properties is difficult to achieve in single-phase materials. Functional grading is an approach that overcomes this limitation by designing and processing a graded microstructure that provides high hardness and chemical resistance at the surface with a tough interior or bulk. While functional grading is a widely used practice in the cemented carbides industry, it has not been demonstrated with “pure” carbides. This article reports the feasibility of designing and processing a graded carbide in the Ta–C binary system. It is shown that a simple carburization treatment of the high-toughness carbide, ζ-Ta4C3−x, can lead to the formation of the hard carbide phase, γ-TaCy, on the surface. The thickness, microstructure (grain size), and composition (C/Ta atomic ratio, y) of the γ-TaCy layer can be optimized to obtain both high hardness and high strength for the graded material.
Efficacy, Application Distribution, and Concentration by Stemflow of Steinernema carpocapsae (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) Suspensions Applied with a Lateral-Move Irrigation System for Corn Root worm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Control in Maize

Efficacy of the ‘Mexican’ and ‘All’ strains of Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) was determined after application through a lateral-move irrigation system when root worms were in the 2nd-3rd instars. Control of root worms by nematodes applied through the irrigation system was compared with control by hand-applied nematode preparations in the row and with terbufos and chlorpyrifos applied just after planting. Root injury ratings were highest in both years for plants from untreated control plots and were significantly lower in the terbufos treatments compared with all other treatments. In 1992, hand application of the All and Mexican strains resulted in significantly lower root injury than did application of the All strain through the irrigation system. Uniformity of nematode application through the irrigation system was characterized over time and distance using the Christiansen uniformity coefficient, which ranged from 68 to 87% within the zone of nematode application. Partitioning of water by the com canopy, particularly by stemflow, increased the concentration and total numbers of nematodes delivered to the target area at the base of the com plant. Total numbers of nematodes in stemflow water collected at the plant base were greater by ≈3.1 and 4.6 times than total numbers of nematodes collected at ground or canopy levels, respectively. Total volume of water reaching the soil by stem flow also was ≈3.9 times greater than the amounts applied above the canopy.
Dense Space-Division Multiplexed Transmission Systems Using Multi-Core and Multi-Mode Fiber

In this paper, we describe recent progress in space-division multiplexed (SDM) transmission, and our proposal and demonstration of dense space-division multiplexing (DSDM), which offers the possibility of ultra-high capacity SDM transmission systems with high spatial density and spatial channel count of over 30 per fiber. We introduce the SDM transmission matrix, which cross indexes the various types of multi-core multi-mode transmissions according to the type of light propagation in optical fibers and how the spatial channels are handled in the network. For each category in the matrix, we present the latest advances in transmission studies, and evaluate their transmission performance by spectral and spatial efficiencies. We also expound on technologies for multi-core and/or multi-mode transmission including optical fiber, signal processing, spatial multi/demultiplexer, and amplifier, which will play key roles in configuring DSDM transmission systems, and review the first DSDM transmission experiment over a 12 core × 3 mode fiber.
Physical compatibility of cisatracurium with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration.

Purpose The physical compatibility of cisatracurium with selected drugs during simulated Y-site administration was studied. Methods Study drugs were selected based on the lack of physical compatibility data with cisatracurium and their use in intensive care units. Test admixtures were prepared by mixing 2.5-mL samples of varying concentrations of calcium gluconate, diltiazem, esomeprazole, regular insulin, nicardipine, pantoprazole, and vasopressin with either 2.5 mL of normal saline 0.9% (control) or 2.5 mL of cisatracurium (experimental) to simulate a 1:1 Y-site ratio. Drug infusions were prepared at the maximum concentrations used clinically. Physical compatibility of the admixtures was determined by visual and turbidimetric assessments performed in triplicate immediately after mixing and at 15, 30, and 60 minutes. Visual incompatibility was defined as a change in color, the formation of haze or precipitate, the presence of particles, or the formation of gas in the experimental groups compared with the controls. Disturbances invisible to the naked eye were determined by assessing changes in turbidity of experimental admixtures compared with the controls. Results None of the admixtures exhibited visual changes when mixed with cisatracurium. Six of the seven admixtures exhibited turbidimetric compatibility with cisatracurium. Pantoprazole admixtures demonstrated a significant difference in turbidimetric assessment between the control and experimental groups when mixed with cisatracurium ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Calcium gluconate, diltiazem hydrochloride, esomeprazole, regular insulin, nicardipine hydrochloride, and vasopressin demonstrated physical compatibility with cisatracurium over 60 minutes during simulated Y-site administration. Cisatracurium and pantoprazole should not be coadministered due to a significant difference in turbidity between control and experimental samples.
Neonatal Vesical Necrosis and Perforation Secondary to Posterior Urethral Valves

AbstractWe report a case of neonatal bladder necrosis and perforation associated with urinary ascites secondary to posterior urethral valves. Previously reported cases of vesical necrosis are reviewed.
1.26 – Pupillary Control Pathways

The pupil is essentially an optical element that controls the amount of light striking the retina by acting as an aperture stop: the most light-restrictive element of an optical system. Pupillary diameter, or more precisely iris size, is controlled by two muscles: the sphincter pupillae and dilator pupillae. Contraction of the sphincter, accompanied by relaxation of the dilator, produces pupil constriction (miosis); while contraction of the dilator, accompanied by relaxation of the sphincter, produces pupil dilation (mydriasis). These muscles are innervated by the autonomic nervous system and controlled by central neural pathways that are influenced by a variety of factors such as retinal illuminance, viewing distance, alertness, and cognitive load.
Advertising Signaling and Social Learning: The Case of the Motion Picture Industry

This paper empirically studies how social learning among consumers shapes firms' optimal strategies of using advertising to signal product quality. I present an equilibrium model that describes both consumers' and firms' learning and decision-making under quality uncertainty. My model allows me to distinguish between two roles of informative advertising -- reaching consumers and signaling product quality. I apply the model to the U.S. motion picture theatrical market where advertising and social learning are two main factors for a new movie's success. The structural estimates imply that movie studios' signaling advertising only helps to reduce consumers' uncertainty by less than 10 percent. Word-of-mouth is a much more efficient learning channel for consumers, reducing their uncertainty by more than 90 percent. I also find that around 27 percent of advertising spending for movies in my sample is used for signaling product quality, while 73 percent is used for reaching consumers. Studios' tendency to advertise more during the pre-release rather than the post-release weeks is explained to a large extent by the signaling purpose.
The Principle of Effective Demand and the Keynesian Revolution in Equilibrium Economics

During the 1950s economists began to try and gird the economics of Keynes with neo-classical micro-foundations, and in particular they focused on the implications of disequilibrium in one market for supply and demand in other markets.1 This project ultimately developed into what became termed the “disequilibrium approach” to macroeconomics, the fullest expression of which is found in Barro and Grossman (1976) and Malinvaud (1977). The ultimate conclusions derived from this approach were that (i) Keynesian economics was a form of disequilibrium economics, and (ii) Keynes had failed in his claim to have provided a theoretically cogent explanation of equilibrium involuntary unemployment except for the special case where nominal wages were downwardly rigid. For mainstream neo-Keynesians these conclusions led to a re-casting of Keynesian economics in terms of price rigidities, and in terms of the speed with which prices adjusted so as to yield full-employment equilibrium (Tobin, 1975). In effect, this re-casting amounted to a tacit rediscovery of a position that had been identified by Modigliani (1944) and Patinkin (1948) almost thirty years earlier. However, in the 1970s this disequilibrium—rigid prices interpretation of The General Theory was itself subjected to challenge.
Nanoengineered thermoresponsive magnetic hydrogels for biomedical applications

"Smart" hydrogels are part of an emerging class of biomaterials that respond to multiple external stimuli. A range of thermoresponsive magnetic hydrogels is currently being developed for on-demand delivery of biomolecules for a range of biomedical applications, including therapeutic drug delivery, bioimaging, and regenerative engineering. In this review article, we explore different types of magnetic nanoparticles and thermoresponsive polymers used to fabricate these smart nanoengineered hydrogels. We highlight some of the emerging applications of these stimuli-responsive hydrogels for biomedical applications. Finally, we capture the growing trend of these smart nanoengineered hydrogels and will identify promising new research directions.
The effect of humidity and temperature on visual outcomes after myopic corneal laser refractive surgery.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether procedure room environmental conditions are associated with outcomes after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or laser-assisted keratomileusis (LASEK). DESIGN Retrospective chart review. PARTICIPANTS Eight hundred sixty-three eyes of 458 consecutive patients at a university-based academic practice. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients who underwent LASIK or LASEK over a 3-year period. Linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the association of laser room temperature and humidity with the outcomes of visual acuity and postoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction. Repeated measures logistic regression models were used for the outcomes of diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) and need for enhancement surgery. RESULTS Subjects were on an average 38.6 years old at the time of surgery (standard deviation [SD] =10.3) and the average spherical equivalent refraction of eyes was 3.8 diopters (SD =2.03). Regression models did not reveal a significant association between temperature and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) or corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), or between humidity and UDVA (P>0.05 for all). However, increased humidity was associated with a small but statistically significant improvement in CDVA after LASIK at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively (P<0.05 for all). There was no significant association between temperature and humidity and the need for enhancement, the incidence of DLK, or postoperative manifest refraction. CONCLUSION While increased laser room humidity was consistently associated with small improvements in CDVA after myopic LASIK over time, variations in room temperature and humidity were not associated with UDVA, the need for enhancement, the incidence of DLK, or refraction after myopic LASIK or LASEK.
A Model of Temporal Scaling Correctly Predicts that Weber′s Law is Speed-dependent

Timing is fundamental to complex motor behaviors: from tying a knot to playing the piano. A general feature of motor timing is temporal scaling: the ability to produce motor patterns at different speeds. Here we report that temporal scaling is not automatic. After learning to produce a Morse code pattern at one speed, subjects did not accurately generalize to novel speeds. Temporal scaling was also not a general property of a recurrent neural network (RNN) model, however after training across different speeds the model produced robust temporal scaling. The model captured a signature of motor timing-Weber′s law-but predicted that temporal precision increases at faster speeds. A human psychophysics study confirmed this prediction: the standard deviation of responses in absolute time were lower at faster speeds. These results establish that RNNs can account for temporal scaling, and suggest a novel psychophysical principle: the Weber-speed effect.
Future Prospects of Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation

Predictions by the author on the future of the therapeutic applications for umbilical cord blood are provided in this chapter. While the use of umbilical cord blood as a graft source for pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is expected to grow, uncertainty is developing in the adult arena. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the differences in outcome between umbilical cord blood and haploidentical grafts. The therapeutic potential of umbilical cord blood for treatment of nonmalignant, non-hematopoietic disorders such as stroke or cerebral palsy is currently under exploration.
8-Oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine in the Context of a Gene Promoter G-Quadruplex Is an On–Off Switch for Transcription

Interplay between DNA repair of the oxidatively modified base 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG) and transcriptional activation has been documented in mammalian genes. Previously, we synthesized OG into the VEGF potential G-quadruplex sequence (PQS) in the coding strand of a luciferase promoter to identify that base excision repair (BER) unmasked the G-quadruplex (G4) fold for gene activation. In the present work, OG was site-specifically synthesized into a luciferase reporter plasmid to follow the time-dependent expression in mammalian cells when OG in the VEGF PQS context was located in the coding vs template strands of the luciferase promoter. Removal of OG from the coding strand by OG glycosylase-1 (OGG1)-mediated BER upregulated transcription. When OG was in the template strand in the VEGF PQS context, transcription was downregulated by a BER-independent process. The time course changes in transcription show that repair in the template strand was more efficient than repair in the coding strand. Promoters ...
Robert Solomon and the Ethics of Grief and Gratitude: Toward a Politics of Love

Robert Solomon’s work suggests that the moral dimensions of grief and gratitude may obligate us to change social mores for ones more consistent with what we learn from rational reflection on the essential characteristics of emotions. His work brings with it a faith that philosophical reflection can change attitudes and behaviors, not only to make us better people, but also to make the world a better place. In this chapter, I argue that for Solomon, grief is a continuation of love and both emotions can take one out of one’s self. Both are in an important sense morally obligatory. And, moreover, both the ethics of love and the ethics of grief have significant consequences for thinking about politics.
A Within-Family Examination of Interparental Conflict, Cognitive Appraisals, and Adolescent Mood and Well-Being

Interparental conflict (IPC) is a well-established risk factor across child and adolescent development. This study disentangled situational (within-family) and global (between-family) appraisal processes to better map hypothesized processes to adolescents' experiences in the family. This 21-day daily dairy study sampled 151 caregivers and their adolescents (61.5% female). Using multilevel mediation analyses indicated that, on days when IPC was elevated, adolescents experienced more threat and self-blame. In turn, when adolescents experienced more threat appraisals, they experienced diminished positive well-being; whereas days when adolescents felt more self-blame, they experienced increased negative mood and diminished positive well-being. Statistically significant indirect effects were found for threat as a mediator of IPC and positive outcomes. Daily blame appraisals mediated IPC and adolescent angry mood.
Safety and feasibility of stereotactic radiotherapy using computed portal radiography for canine intracranial tumors.

Stereotactic radiotherapy is a highly conformal treatment option for intracranial and extracranial malignancies. Stereotactic radiotherapy utilizes specialized equipment specifically designed to avoid normal tissue while delivering ablative treatments with submillimeter precision and accuracy. Linear accelerator based stereotactic radiotherapy incorporates on-board image guidance utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CT). Many institutions lack the ability to provide image guidance with cone beam CT but delivery of highly conformal treatments with submillimeter precision and accuracy is still feasible. The purpose of this retrospective, pilot study was to describe clinical outcomes for a group of dogs with neurological disease that were treated with an stereotactic radiotherapy technique utilizing intensity modulated radiation therapy, megavoltage computed portal radiography, a bite plate, thermoplastic mold, and mask based positioning system. Twelve dogs with neurological clinical signs were included. The diagnosis of intracranial tumor was made based on advanced imaging (12/12) and confirmed via histopathology (3/12). Twelve courses of stereotactic radiotherapy, utilizing three fractions of 8.0 Gy, were delivered on alternating days. Self-resolving neurological deterioration was observed in two patients during stereotactic radiotherapy. Neurological progression free interval and median survival time were 273 days (range: 16-692 days) and 361 days (range: 25-862 days). Stereotactic radiotherapy using computed portal radiography may be a safe treatment option for dogs with intracranial tumors.
Varieties of Melampyrum lineare (Orobanchaceae) Revisited

abstract Patterns of morphological variation within the North American annual hemiparasite, Melampyrum lineare, are reexamined in this study of its four varieties: M. lineare var. americanum, M. lineare var. latifolium, M. lineare var. lineare, and M. lineare var. pectinatum. Data were collected from 248 herbarium specimens drawn from the species' geographic range in Canada and the United States and included 45 vegetative, reproductive, and ecological characters. Each variety was found to have a broader distribution than previously reported, which expanded the area of known sympatry among the varieties to include most of the species' range. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in morphology among the four varieties (p<0.001 in all cases). However, linear discriminant analysis of morphological data showed a continuum of variation and accurately identified the taxonomic variety of individual specimens only 44–75% of the time. Moreover, principal component analysis...
The role of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4 in mouse dentinogenesis.

Abstract Objective The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play crucial roles in tooth development. However, several BMPs retain expression in the dentin of the fully patterned and differentiated tooth. We hypothesized that BMP signaling therefore plays a role in the function of the differentiated odontoblast, the job of which is to lay down and mineralize the dentin matrix. Design We generated mice deficient in Bmp2 and 4 using a dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1) promoter-driven cre recombinase that was expressed in differentiated odontoblasts. Results The first and second molars of these Bmp2 and Bmp4 double conditional knockout (DcKO) mice displayed reduced dentin and enlarged pulp chambers compared to cre-negative littermate controls. DcKO mouse dentin in first molars was characterized by small, disorganized dentinal fibers, a wider predentin layer, and reduced expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), and bone sialoprotein (BSP). DcKO mouse odontoblasts demonstrated increased type I collagen mRNA production, indicating that the loss of BMP signaling altered the rate of collagen gene expression in these cells. Bmp2 and Bmp4 single Dmp1-cre knockout mice displayed no discernable dentin phenotype. Conclusions These data demonstrate that BMP signaling in differentiated odontoblasts is necessary for proper dentin production in mature teeth.
Evaluation of multidisciplinary and pharmacy-only student-run clinics on student's perceptions of interprofessional roles

Abstract Background and purpose To determine how participation in multidisciplinary training workshops and student-run clinics impacts students’ perceptions of the role of other health professions. Student perceptions from pharmacy-only versus multidisciplinary smoking cessation clinics were also compared. Education activity and setting Students from pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, and clinical psychology programs participated in two multidisciplinary smoking cessation training sessions, then provided smoking cessation services to the underserved population in either a multidisciplinary or pharmacy-only student-run smoking cessation clinic. Students completed a survey regarding the roles of other healthcare professionals prior to the workshops, after the workshops, and after the smoking cessation clinic. Findings Fifty-six students attended both smoking cessation training sessions and showed statistically significant increases in familiarity and confidence related to smoking cessation after the training workshops. Forty-two students participated in the ten smoking cessations clinics, which included six multidisciplinary clinics and four pharmacy-only clinics. A statistically significant improvement was seen between the pre-workshop survey and post-clinic survey regarding the students’ perception of the roles of other healthcare providers in a smoking cessation clinic. Students who participated within the multidisciplinary smoking cessation clinics experienced a significantly greater impact on their perceptions of other healthcare providers than students who participated in the pharmacy-only clinics. Summary Student participation in a student-run free clinic is an effective method to increase role awareness of other health professional students in an underserved setting.
Use of Behavioral Techniques in the Assessment of Environmental Contaminants

The years of accumulating experience with pesticides and other environmental contaminants have brought growing concern about the margin of safety provided by currently accepted levels of exposure to potential environmental health hazards. As evidence is discovered of far-reaching faunal disturbances attributable to pesticides and other contaminants, it becomes increasingly desirable to identify with maximum accuracy the thresholds for biological effects of these agents.
Genome-wide analysis of genes encoding core components of the ubiquitin system in soybean (Glycine max) reveals a potential role for ubiquitination in host immunity against soybean cyst nematode

Ubiquitination is a major post-translational protein modification that regulates essentially all cellular and physiological pathways in eukaryotes. The ubiquitination process typically involves three distinct classes of enzymes, ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) and ubiquitin ligase (E3). To date, a comprehensive identification and analysis of core components comprising of the whole soybean (Glycine max) ubiquitin system (UBS) has not been reported. We performed a systematic, genome-wide analysis of genes that encode core members of the soybean UBS in this study. A total of 1431 genes were identified with high confidence to encode putative soybean UBS components, including 4 genes encoding E1s, 71 genes that encode the E2s, and 1356 genes encoding the E3-related components. Among the E3-encoding genes, 760 encode RING-type E3s, 124 encode U-box domain-containing E3s, and 472 encode F-box proteins. To find out whether the identified soybean UBS genes encode active enzymes, a set of genes were randomly selected and the enzymatic activities of their recombinant proteins were tested. Thioester assays indicated proteins encoded by the soybean E1 gene GmUBA1 and the majority of selected E2 genes are active E1 or E2 enzymes, respectively. Meanwhile, most of the purified RING and U-box domain-containing proteins displayed E3 activity in the in vitro ubiquitination assay. In addition, 1034 of the identified soybean UBS genes were found to express in at least one of 14 soybean tissues examined and the transcript level of 338 soybean USB genes were significantly changed after abiotic or biotic (Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizobium strains) stress treatment. Finally, the expression level of a large number of the identified soybean UBS-related genes was found significantly altered after soybean cyst nematode (SCN) treatment, suggesting the soybean UBS potentially plays an important role in soybean immunity against SCN. Our findings indicate the presence of a large and diverse number of core UBS proteins in the soybean genome, which suggests that target-specific modification by ubiquitin is a complex and important part of cellular and physiological regulation in soybean. We also revealed certain members of the soybean UBS may be involved in immunity against soybean cyst nematode (SCN). This study sets up an essential foundation for further functional characterization of the soybean UBS in various physiological processes, such as host immunity against SCN.
First-principles explorations of the electrochemical lithiation dynamics of a multilayer graphene nanosheet-based sulfur–carbon composite

Graphitized-polymer-based sulfur cathodes have emerged as alternative cathode materials that are able to overcome many of the technical challenges that currently hinder lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries from their use in long-term high-energy applications. However, even though graphitized-polymer-based sulfur cathodes can be synthesized through a facile thermal procedure, and there is evidence of sulfur–carbon chemical bonding, little is known about the electrochemical lithiation processes in these structures. So far, no mechanistic study has followed the dynamics of the discharging process, and no theoretical study has addressed why certain Li–S batteries based on graphitized-polymer-based sulfur cathodes have shown an initial discharge capacity higher than the theoretical discharge capacity of sulfur (1672 mA h g−1). Here we use ab initio molecular dynamics simulations as a tool to follow the electrochemical lithiation processes in a multilayer graphene nanosheet-based sulfur–carbon composite model embedded in a liquid 1,3-dioxolane solvent phase. Our model reproduces the main structural motifs associated with graphitized-polymer-based sulfur cathodes: chemical sulfur–carbon bonding and π–π stacking for the carbon backbone. Our results indicate that sulfur–carbon bonding prevents sulfur from retaining its stable cyclic structure before lithiation yielding a distribution of linear sulfur chains tightly bonded to the carbon backbone. During lithiation, we observe a competing effect for the incoming electrons between the sulfur atoms and the carbon backbone. This effect induces the partial reduction of the carbon backbone leading to accumulation of additional lithium around it, favoring the lithiation process beyond a 2 : 1 Li : S molar ratio. As a consequence, it also limits the formation of extended Li2S-like structures as the final reduction products. Finally, comparison of the calculated voltage discharge profile of our model shows close agreement with reported experimental voltage profiles based on sulfur/polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) cathodes, with the proposed mechanisms providing a plausible structural explanation for the additional discharge capacity of SPAN-based cathodes compared to the theoretical discharge capacity of sulfur.
The feeling of the incommensurable: Lawrence Grossberg on affect and incommensurability

This essay analyzes Lawrence Grossberg's work on the concept of commensuration, and especially his suggestion that we face a generalized crisis in our mechanisms for commensurating values. In makin...
A Runtime Configurable Hardware Architecture for Computing Histogram-Based Feature Descriptors

Feature description is an essential component of many computer vision applications. It encodes the visual contents of images in a manner that is robust against various image transformations. Computing these descriptors is computationally expensive, which causes a performance bottleneck in many embedded vision systems. Although many hardware architectures have been proposed to accelerate feature description computation, most target a single feature description algorithm under specific constraints. The lack of flexibility of such implementations increases development effort if deployed applications need to be modified or upgraded. In this paper, we propose a software configurable hardware architecture capable of computing different types of histogram-based feature descriptors without the need for re-synthesizing the hardware. The architecture takes advantage of data streaming to reduce the computational complexity of computing this class of descriptor. To illustrate the efficiency of our architecture, we deploy two of the most commonly used descriptors (SIFT and HOG) and compare their quality with software implementations. The architecture is also evaluated in terms of execution speed and resource usage and compared with dedicated hardware architectures. Our flexible architecture shows a speed up of 3x and 5x compared to state-of-the-art dedicated hardware architectures for SIFT and HOG, with resource usage overheads [LUTs, FFs, and DSPs] of [1.1x, 15x, and 1.6x] and [6.4x, 7x, and 32x] for SIFT and HOG, respectively.
Direct CO2 Capture from Air using Poly(ethylenimine)-Loaded Polymer/Silica Fiber Sorbents

Direct CO2 capture from atmospheric air is gaining increased attention as one of the most scalable negative carbon approaches available to tackle climate change if coupled with the sequestration of...
Epigenetic landscape and AAV targeting of human neocortical cell classes

Myriad cell types comprise the human neocortex, but their roles in normal brain function and disease are largely unknown because few tools exist. To find enhancer elements useful for cell type-specific genetic tools, we examined chromatin accessibility in >2,800 high-quality single human neocortical nuclei. Accessible elements frequently are conserved in mouse (34%), often overlap with hypomethylated sites (27%), and connect cell types with neurological diseases via trait-associated SNPs. Directly testing these elements in viral vectors demonstrates functional enhancer activity with cell type specificity predicted by their chromatin accessibility patterns. In summary we present a catalog of human cell class-specific epigenetic elements, and utilize them for new species-agnostic cell type-specific viral genetic tools, which will illuminate human neuron function and drive gene therapy applications.
Fortunoff Video Archive: New Initiatives for a New Digital Archive

The Fortunoff Archive recently completed a number of important milestones including the digitization of its entire collection, the development of a digital access system, migration of legacy metadata, and the launch of a partner site program that provides remote access to testimonies at universities and research institutes. This paper will present an overview of these new digital initiatives.
Long Noncoding RNAs in Host-Pathogen Interactions.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key molecules that regulate gene expression in a variety of organisms. LncRNAs can drive different transcriptional and post-transcriptional events that impact cellular functions. Recent studies have identified many lncRNAs associated with immune cell development and activation; however, an understanding of their functional role in host immunity to infection is just emerging. Here, we provide a detailed and updated review of the functional roles of lncRNAs in regulating mammalian immune responses during host–pathogen interactions, because these functions may be either beneficial or detrimental to the host. With increased mechanistic insight into the roles of lncRNAs, it may be possible to design and/or improve lncRNA-based therapies to treat a variety of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Use of Human-Centered Design to Improve Implementation of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies in Low-Resource Communities: Protocol for Studies Applying a Framework to Assess Usability

Background: This paper presents the protocol for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)–funded University of Washington’s ALACRITY (Advanced Laboratories for Accelerating the Reach and Impact of Treatments for Youth and Adults with Mental Illness) Center (UWAC), which uses human-centered design (HCD) methods to improve the implementation of evidence-based psychosocial interventions (EBPIs). We propose that usability—the degree to which interventions and implementation strategies can be used with ease, efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction—is a fundamental, yet poorly understood determinant of implementation. Objective: We present a novel Discover, Design/Build, and Test (DDBT) framework to study usability as an implementation determinant. DDBT will be applied across Center projects to develop scalable and efficient implementation strategies (eg, training tools), modify existing EBPIs to enhance usability, and create usable and nonburdensome decision support tools for quality delivery of EBPIs. Methods: Stakeholder participants will be implementation practitioners/intermediaries, mental health clinicians, and patients with mental illness in nonspecialty mental health settings in underresourced communities. Three preplanned projects and 12 pilot studies will employ the DDBT model to (1) identify usability challenges in implementing EBPIs in underresourced settings; (2) iteratively design solutions to overcome these challenges; and (3) compare the solution to the original version of the EPBI or implementation strategy on usability, quality of care, and patient-reported outcomes. The final products from the center will be a streamlined modification and redesign model that will improve the usability of EBPIs and implementation strategies (eg, tools to support EBPI education and decision making); a matrix of modification targets (ie, usability issues) that are both common and unique to EBPIs, strategies, settings, and patient populations; and a compilation of redesign strategies and the relative effectiveness of the redesigned solution compared to the original EBPI or strategy. Results: The UWAC received institutional review board approval for the three separate studies in March 2018 and was funded in May 2018. Conclusions: The outcomes from this center will inform the implementation of EBPIs by identifying cross-cutting features of EBPIs and implementation strategies that influence the use and acceptability of these interventions, actively involving stakeholder clinicians and implementation practitioners in the design of the EBPI modification or implementation strategy solution and identifying the impact of HCD-informed modifications and solutions on intervention effectiveness and quality. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03515226 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03515226), NCT03514394 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03514394), and NCT03516513 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03516513).
The Direct Costs of Microsurgical Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas.

OBJECTIVE To determine and itemize surgical costs associated with the translabyrinthine (TL), retrosigmoid (RS), and middle cranial fossa (MCF) approaches for microsurgical excision of vestibular schwannoma (VS). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cost analysis study. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Thirty consecutive adult patients underwent microsurgical excision of VS by either TL, RS, or MCF approach (10 per approach). INTERVENTIONS Microsurgical excision of VS by one of the three major approaches. Medical and financial data were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Total operating room time (minutes), skin-to-skin time (minutes), operating room cost ($US), and surgical supplies cost ($US). RESULTS The MCF approach was associated with the shortest skin-to-skin time (230.3 min, p < 0.001). Mean overall nonsurgical room time was 94.7 minutes and not significantly different among approaches (p = 0.55). Mean total surgical supplies cost was $5,028 and was the highest for the RS ($7,116; p < 0.001) but not significantly different between TL and MCF. Mean operating room services charges were $68,417 overall and were the lowest for the MCF group ($53,306; p = 0.01). Tumor size was not correlated with surgical supplies cost (p = 0.74). The items associated with the highest average cost per case were the surgical aspirator ($1,062), drill burs ($928), and titanium implants ($575). There was redundancy in multiple surgical items such as drill burs, hemostatic agents, and sutures. CONCLUSION This study is the first to provide a detailed itemization of the surgical expenses specific to VS resection. Elevated nonsurgical room time and supply redundancy provides the opportunity for decreasing surgical costs and waste.
Frontiers of Internal Marketing: How Cultures of Procrastination and Improvisation Drive Project Performance: An Abstract

Decision-making literature heavily relies on the plan first execute second framework where project employees allocate time to plan and utilize time effectively to execute the plan (Wind and Mahayan 1997). More recent studies point out today’s time-based state of market competition where product life cycles are getting shorter and market demand is changing rapidly. Consequently, firms are faced with a diminishing amount of time that can be allocated to planning. When the time gap between planning and executing shortens, decision-making is forced to become more improvisational in nature (Moorman and Miner 1998). At the same time, the personal characteristics of project employees (e.g., procrastination and perfectionism) often forbid them from utilizing their time and workload effectively.
Abstract WP178: The Presence of Arterial Stenosis in Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

Introduction: Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is defined as reversible vasogenic cerebral edema in a characteristic posterior-dominant distribution in patients presenting with f...
Linkage between Pre- and Post- Conflict: Exploiting Information Integration & System Dynamics

In its Preface, The 9/11 Commission Report states: We learned that the institutions charted with protecting ... national security did not understand how grave this threat can be, and did not adjust their policies, plans, and practices to deter or defeat it (2004: xvi). Given current realities and uncertainties better preparedness can be achieved by identifying, controlling and managing the elusive linkages & situational factors that fuel hostilities. This paper focuses on new opportunities and capabilities provided by anticipatory technologies that help understand, measure and model the complex dynamics shaping and precipitating conflict in specific settings worldwide. We introduce a research initiative focusing on linking pre- and post- conflict by drawing upon the power of system dynamics, augmented by new technologies for integrated information analysis, in conjunction with the development of conceptual and computational ontologies capturing the diversity, intensity, and dynamics of the conflict domain.
Mincer's Overtaking Point and the Life Cycle Earnings Distribution

In 1958 Jacob Mincer pioneered an important approach to understand earnings distribution. In the years since Mincer's seminal work, he as well as his students and colleagues extended the original human capital model, reaching important conclusions about a whole array of observations pertaining to human well-being. This line of research explained why education enhances earnings; why earnings rise at a diminishing rate throughout one's life; why earnings growth is smaller for those anticipating intermittent labor force participation; why men earn more than women; why Whites earn more than Blacks; why occupational distributions differ by gender; why geographic and job mobility predominate among the young; why unemployment is lower among the skilled; and why numerous other labor market phenomena occur. This paper surveys the answers to these and other questions based on research emanating from Mincer's original discovery. In addition, this paper provides new empirical evidence regarding Mincer's concept of the “overtaking age”–a topic not currently well-explored in the literature. In this latter vein, the paper shows that Mincer's original finding of a U-shaped (log) variance of earnings over the life cycle is upheld in recent data, both for the United States as well as at least seven other countries.
A Closer Look at Audio-Visual Multi-Person Speech Recognition and Active Speaker Selection

Audio-visual automatic speech recognition is a promising approach to robust ASR under noisy conditions. However, up until recently it had been traditionally studied in isolation assuming the video of a single speaking face matches the audio, and selecting the active speaker at inference time when multiple people are on screen was put aside as a separate problem. As an alternative, recent work has proposed to address the two problems simultaneously with an attention mechanism, baking the speaker selection problem directly into a fully differentiable model. One interesting finding was that the attention indirectly learns the association between the audio and the speaking face even though this correspondence is never explicitly provided at training time. In the present work we further investigate this connection and examine the interplay between the two problems. With experiments involving over 50 thousand hours of public YouTube videos as training data, we first evaluate the accuracy of the attention layer on an active speaker selection task. Secondly, we show under closer scrutiny that an end-to-end model performs at least as well as a considerably larger two-step system that utilizes a hard decision boundary under various noise conditions and number of parallel face tracks.
The ethics of quality improvement studies: do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few?

Summary Clinical research involving human subjects and quality improvement (QI) projects share a common goal of seeking to improve human health, whether by directly changing the standard of care (research) or by improving the process(es) by which that care is delivered (QI). Whether a QI project requires informed consent (written or oral) is a function of the risk–benefit analysis of the study; such a determination should not be at the sole discretion of the investigators, but should come from an appropriately constituted review board with expertise in the ethics of biomedical research.
A Hybrid Parameterization with Multiple Closures

Much of the current research using numerical models is focused on circulation systems that are most appropriately studied using models with 10–50-km grid spacings and time steps on the order of several minutes. These models can resolve mesoscale circulations reasonably well but are incapable of accurately resolving cumulus convection. Since convective-scale processes are often important, and are frequently dominant, on such scales it is necessary to employ cumulus parameterization techniques.