cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lower Extremity Movement Differences Persist After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and When Returning to Sports.

OBJECTIVE To examine how landing mechanics change in patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) between 6 months and 12 months after surgery. DESIGN Case-series. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen adolescent patients after ACL-R participated. INTERVENTIONS Lower extremity three-dimensional motion analysis was conducted during a bilateral stop jump task in patients at 6 and 12 months after ACL-R. Joint kinematic and kinetic data, in addition to ground reaction forces, were collected at each time point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES During the stop jump landing, the peak joint moments and the initial and peak joint motion at the ankle, knee, and hip were examined. The peak vertical ground reaction force was also examined. RESULTS Interactions were observed for both the peak knee (P = 0.03) and hip extension moment (P = 0.07). However, only the hip extension moment was symmetrical level at 12 months. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) side-to-side differences existed for the ankle angle at initial contact, peak plantarflexion moment, peak hip flexion angle, and peak impact vertical ground reaction force independent of time. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that sagittal plane moments at the knee and hip demonstrate an increase in symmetry between 6 months and 1 year after ACL-R surgery, however, symmetry of the knee extension moment is not established by 12 months after surgery. The lack of change in the variables across time was unexpected. As a result, it is inappropriate to expect a change in landing mechanics solely as a result of time alone after discharge from rehabilitation.
Synthesis of Novel Silanol Polymers and Copolymers by a Selective Oxidation of Si—H Bond from Corresponding Precursor Polymers

A series of novel styrene- and siloxane-based silanol polymers and copolymers were synthesized by a selective oxidation of the Si—H bond with a dimethyldioxirane solution in acetone from corresponding precursor polymers. The conversion of the Si—H to Si—OH in the polymer modification proceeded rapidly and selectively. The silanol polymers obtained in situ showed no tendency for self-condensation to form siloxane crosslinks in solution. Moreover, stable silanol polymers in the solid states were obtained by placing bulky substitute groups bonded directly to the silicon atom. It was found that the properties of these novel silanol polymers and copolymers depended largely on substituents bonded directly to the silicon atom and silanol composition in the copolymers as well.
Relationship between language proficiency and growth during reading interventions

ABSTRACTMany English language learners (ELLs) experience difficulties with basic English reading due in part to low language proficiency. The authors examined the relationship between English language proficiency and growth during reading interventions for ELLs. A total of 201 second- and third-grade students with a variety of home languages participated. The students were identified as needing a targeted intervention, because scores on the fall oral reading fluency screening measure fell below the benchmark criterion. Thus, all participating students received reading interventions approximately four times each week throughout the school year. Results indicated that those students identified in the lowest English proficiency stage on the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State (ACCESS) made the highest growth as indicated in the spring benchmark assessment, and the ACCESS score added negligible variance beyond baseline reading skills. Implications for practice and research are ...
Jejunal varices diagnosed by capsule endoscopy in patients with post-liver transplant portal hypertension

Portal hypertension secondary to portal vein obstruction following liver transplant occurs in 5%-10% of children. Jejunal varices are uncommon in this group. We present a case series of children with significant GI blood loss, negative upper endoscopy, and jejunal varices detected by CE. Case series of patients who had CE for chronic GI blood loss following liver transplantation. Three patients who had their initial transplants at a median age of 7 months were identified at our institution presenting at a median age of 8 years (range 7-16 years) with a median Hgb of 2.8 g/dL (range 1.8-6.8 g/dL). Upper endoscopy was negative for significant esophageal varices, gastric varices, and bleeding portal gastropathy in all three children. All three patients had significant jejunal varices noted on CE in mid-jejunum. Jejunal varices were described as large prominent bluish vessels underneath visualized mucosa, one with evidence of recent bleeding. The results led to venoplasty of the portal vein in two patients and a decompressive shunt in one patient with resolution of GI bleed and anemia. CE is useful to diagnose intestinal varices in children with portal hypertension and GI bleeding following liver transplant.
Novel technique for quantitative measurement of localized stresses near dislocation channel—Grain boundary interaction sites in irradiated stainless steel

A process for quantitatively measuring the residual stress near dislocation channel—grain boundary interaction sites has been developed especially for irradiated stainless steel using High Resolution Electron Backscatter Diffraction (HREBSD). Tensile stress acting normal to the grain boundary at 15 different discontinuous channel—grain boundary sites were observed to be highly elevated, with peak stresses reaching ~2 GPa, which is roughly an order of magnitude greater than the stresses observed at sites where slip transfer occurred at the grain boundary. A clearly observable difference can be made between the stress profiles present at discontinuous and continuous channel—grain boundary interaction sites. This difference is consistent with the theory that high tensile stress at the grain boundary may be a key driving factor for the initiation of irradiation assisted stress corrosion cracks.
Biomimetic polyurethane/TiO2 nanocomposite scaffolds capable of promoting biomineralization and mesenchymal stem cell proliferation.

Abstract Scaffolds with extracellular matrix-like fibrous morphology, suitable mechanical properties, biomineralization capability, and excellent cytocompatibility are desired for bone regeneration. In this work, fibrous and degradable poly(ester urethane)urea (PEUU) scaffolds reinforced with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) were fabricated to possess these properties. To increase the interfacial interaction between PEUU and nTiO2, poly(ester urethane) (PEU) was grafted onto the nTiO2. The scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning and exhibited fiber diameter of
Vortex Blood Pump

A new type of blood pump has been designed that utilizes a hemofoil inlet valve to establish a strong vortical motion within a cylindrical pumping chamber. Flow visualization results present clear evidence that the hemofoil occluder generates a starting vortex at the beginning of diastole. This vortex rapidly evolves into a full chamber vortical flow pattern before the end of diastole. Velocity measurements indicate tracer particles vary in speed from about 0.22 m/s to 1.20 m/s. It is concluded that the vortical flow patterns established with this pump design could be beneficial in preventing thromboembolic complications associated with total artificial hearts.
Selected Histopathological and Histochemical Methods for Neurotoxicity Assessment

Publisher Summary This chapter presents some of the most reliable staining methods for the various components in the nervous system. The chapter introduces histopathological and histochemical (H&E) as a good general screening staining method. This method is effective in screening for neuronal necrosis, neuronal losses, and neuronal edema. It is useful in screening for acute or extensive neurotoxicity. However, more subtle pathological changes involving the axons, dendrites, or myelin sheaths are not demonstrable with this technique. With Einarson's Gallocyanin Method (Nissl Stain), the presence or alterations of Nissl substance may be used as an indicator or marker for the general condition of nerve cells. Bielschowsky's method for neurofilaments is a staining method selective for neurofilaments in the nerve cells and their axons. The Bodian method for axonal process can be used to see axonal swellings or balloonings. This method is selective for the demonstration of neuronal processes, especially alterations can be easily detected with this staining method. This chapter describes in detail the Rapid Golgi technique for dendrites, Kluver's Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) method for myelin, and Nerve Fiber Teasing Technique for peripheral nerve axons.
Methylation Detection and Epigenomics in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer has both genetic and epigenetic underlying causes. The importance of epigenetic alterations in the formation and maintenance of malignant tumors has become apparent in the last decade, with accumulating evidence suggesting this is probably the most common clonal aberration in human neoplasia. Identifying epigenetic alterations in pancreatic cancer has not only enhanced our understanding of pancreatic cancer biology, but has also opened up avenues for the development of early detection and novel therapeutic strategies.
Alternatives to Diasporic Return: Imagining Homelands and Temporary Visits Among Hmong Americans

This chapter focuses on the Hmong diaspora, which has a long history of migratory dispersal and whose members have become uncertain of the exact location of their country of ancestral ethnic origin over time. Due to this condition, there have been multiple destinations for return imagined by diasporic Hmong, which includes China, Thailand, and Laos. This chapter ethnographically illustrates the ways in which countries of ancestral origin are defined and imagined differently among diasporic Hmong descendants in the USA. It demonstrates that not being able to return to the homeland of ancestral origin can still produce multiple alternatives, such as temporary visits and vague imaginings of possible return, but with the proviso that permanent returns are not feasible to a certain extent.
Comparison of plot- and stand-level projections of simulated loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands

Estimating current stand conditions and value is often required for making management decisions. However, costs and logistical constraints make yearly inventory impractical in most settings, necess...
6-Iodo-1H-indole-2,3-dione

The mol­ecule of the title compound, C8H4INO2, is almost planar, having an r.m.s. deviation from planarity of 0.019 A for all non-H atoms. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R22(8) ring motif. The dimers are further linked by I⋯O close contacts of 3.078 (2) A, forming chains along [10-1]. The nine-membered fused rings of the isatin mol­ecules stack along the b axis, with parallel slipped π–π inter­actions [inter­centroid distance = 3.594 (2) A, inter­planar distance = 3.379 (1) A and slippage = 1.243 A]. These inter­actions lead to the formation of a three-dimensional network.
Mathematical Models of Stem Cell Differentiation and Dedifferentiation

To maintain and repair adult tissues, a balance must be maintained between stem cell proliferation and generation of differentiated offspring. This review explores recent mathematical and computational models that address stem cell fate decisions in adult tissues in the context of normal tissue regulation and cancer development. Quantitative models suggest that upregulation of stem cell self-renewal has a crucial impact on the dynamics of differentiated cells and plays an important role in cancer progression. Assuming cancer stem cells are the primary cause of drug resistance, models have estimated how different treatments may influence the prognosis of the disease. Recent evidence of phenotype switching and plasticity in cancer cell populations complicates the cancer stem cell hypothesis of unidirectional differentiation. Mathematical models of stem cell dynamics can make counterintuitive predictions about cancer initiation, metastasis, and treatment response. By challenging current paradigms, they can shape future research in stem cell biology.
The Temporal Distribution and Duration of Mississippian Polities in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee

To aid our understanding of prehispanic social change in a subcontinental context, this article presents data and analysis relating to the occupational histories of 351 Mississippian platform mound sites in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Based on the premise that sites with platform mounds served as the administrative and ritual centers for Mississippian polities, our study demonstrates that polities in the study area rose and fell with some regularity, and in many cases, new polities succeeded old ones in the same locations. Our work expands on a previous analysis of 47 northern Georgia area sites. Through a theoretical framework tailored for macroregional processes and a rule-based approach in collecting and standardizing data from previous work, this study serves as an example for incorporating different processes and regions to provide a more coherent and complete picture of the Mississippian macroregion. Our results show that polity cycling was typical in our study area, and we argue that the rise and fall of polities is best described within a theoretical framework emphasizing collapse and resilience. By treating collapse as a normal feature of Mississippian polities, we can better understand the interconnectedness of Mississippian polities across regions.
The Narrative Arc Bends toward Justice: Storytelling in Classroom and Community

The paper presents practical ways in which narrative and storytelling can be used as empowering tools for students of political and social change. The perspectives and applications I discuss have emerged from work with non-traditional and minoritized students in classroom and community contexts. Thematically, the paper will focus on two key ways in which students may engage with narrative. First, students may come to understand and analyze stories as forms of knowledge that are not often valued. Second, students can evaluate and practice storytelling as a strategy for social change. For each broad theme, I briefly discuss relevant scholarly work to situate the various applications presented below. In the sections that follow, I present models for how narrative can build inclusion in the classroom and promote engagement in the community.
Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures

Calcaneal fractures are potentially devastating injuries. Effective treatment of these fractures requires an understanding of the calcaneus anatomy as well as surgical techniques to restore normal biomechanics. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the anatomy, classification, treatment rationale, as well as treatment options for heel bone fractures. Additionally, this chapter reviews the important elements of calcaneal fracture treatment by describing the operative fixation of two distinct types of calcaneus fractures. This chapter reviews fixation of a tongue type fracture as well as joint depression fracture. Through these cases, the reader will gain a better understanding of the key aspects of heel bone anatomy and biomechanics that affect these distinct fracture patterns. Additionally, the reader will gain insight into the different temporizing management techniques, surgical approaches, and definitive management techniques for these discrete fracture patterns.
Entropy and Information Theory

Since the 1800s and the work of Clausius and Boltzmann, it was believed that the entropy function, which can only increase for an isolated system, was a measure of a state of greater probability, a more disordered state in which information is lacking. In 1948, Shannon developed a quantitative measure of information in the context of communication theory. Shannon’s measure is a function of an abstract set of probabilities and provides a quantitative measure of disorder. It is maximum when all probabilities are the same, in which case it becomes equal to Boltzmann’s formula for the entropy within a multiplicative constant. This provides us with a modern basis for the microcanonical ensemble in the next chapter. We give a demonstration of Boltzmann’s Eta theorem for an ideal gas based on a statistical analysis of elastic collisions of hard spheres. Boltzmann’s Eta function decreases as time increases. Its negative is the dynamical equivalent of Shannon’s measure of disorder.
Nonlinear GN model for coherent optical communications systems with hybrid fiber spans

The nonlinear Gaussian-noise (GN) model is a useful analytical tool for the estimation of the impact of distortion due to Kerr nonlinearity on the performance of coherent optical communications systems with no inline dispersion compensation.The original nonlinear GN model was formulated for coherent optical communications systems with identical single-mode fiber spans. Since its inception, the original GN model has been modified for a variety of link configurations. However, its application to coherent optical communications systems with hybrid fiber spans, each composed of multiple fiber segments with different attributes, has attracted scarcely any attention.This invited paper is dedicated to the extended nonlinear GN model for coherent optical communications systems with hybrid fiber spans. We review the few publications on the topic and provide a unified formalism for the analytical calculation of the nonlinear noise variance.To illustrate the usefulness of the extended nonlinear GN model, we apply it to coherent optical communications systems with fiber spans composed of a quasi-single-mode fiber segment and a single-mode fiber segment in tandem. In this configuration, a quasi-single-mode fiber with large effective area is placed at the beginning of each span, to reduce most of the nonlinear distortion, followed by a single-mode fiber segment with smaller effective-area, to limit the multipath interference introduced by the quasi-single-mode fiber to acceptable levels. We show that the optimal fiber splitting ratio per span can be calculated with sufficient accuracy using the extended nonlinear GN model for hybrid fiber spans presented here.
Adverse consequences of vaccination

Abstract: The importance of adverse effects from vaccination must not be overstated. Vaccine benefits greatly exceed any risks from the procedure. Neither must they be minimized. Unnecessary vaccination must be discouraged. Hypersensitivity reactions to vaccine components are real and must be guarded against. Residual virulence, although a concern tends to be more a hypothetical than a real problem. Progressive improvements in animal vaccines have significantly reduced the chances of adverse effects occurring, although some issues persist. One such example is injection-site sarcomas in cats. Another issue is the influence of animal size on the prevalence of adverse events in dogs.
The Spread of Policy Diffusion Studies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, 1990-2018

Research on how policies diffuse throughout the American federal system is robust and vast, but there has yet to be a systematic accounting for its results. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis, this study presents the most comprehensive analysis to date of how policy innovation flows state-to-state and the average effects of commonly used variables in the study of policy diffusion (e.g., neighbor adoptions, ideological distance between states, legislative professionalism, and more). Additionally, heterogeneity in these effects is examined across regulatory, morality, and governance policy types. The study not only reveals what we know about policy diffusion after 30 years of quantitative analysis, it identifies several correctable gaps in the literature. The results not only support the efforts to expand diffusion research to large-n analyses, but they also reveal additional benefits of small-n event history studies for the progressive advancement of this important research program.
Who Pulled the Trigger: A Supernova or An Asymptotic Giant Branch Star?

The short-lived radioisotope (SLRI) 60Fe requires production in a core collapse supernova or asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star immediately before its incorporation into the earliest solar system solids. Shock waves from a somewhat distant supernova, or a relatively nearby AGB star, have the right speeds to simultaneously trigger the collapse of a dense molecular cloud core and to inject shock wave material into the resulting protostar. A new set of FLASH2.5 adaptive mesh refinement hydrodynamic models shows that the injection efficiency depends sensitively on the assumed shock thickness and density. Supernova shock waves appear to be thin enough to inject the amount of shock wave material necessary to match the SLRI abundances measured for primitive meteorites. Planetary nebula shock waves from AGB stars, however, appear to be too thick to achieve the required injection efficiencies. These models imply that a supernova pulled the trigger that led to the formation of our solar system.
The Efficacy of Simulation-Based Learning and Self-Reflection for Enhancement of Respiratory Therapy Students’ SBAR Handover Competency

Background: The basis for the knowledge of a patient’s condition begins with verbal handover from another respiratory therapist (RT). This handover includes vital information that plays an integral role in patient safety and outcomes. Despite including the Situation-Background:-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) communication technique in courses and classroom labs, often students lack confidence and struggle to give thorough handovers. High-fidelity simulations have been found to be an effective technique in training health care providers in targeted skills. Reflective practice is also recognized as core to professionalism and skill development. The purpose of this study was to develop and analyze the effectiveness of a high-fidelity simulation experience with self-reflection on SBAR handover skill development. Methods: Eighteen first-year RT students participated in this IRB approved pilot study. The simulation experience was an endotracheal intubation scenario in the operating room where students gathered clinical information throughout the experience. SBAR handover was video recorded and both an expert (faculty) and students used a rubric to rate SBAR and communication effectiveness post-simulation and post-skill check-off. An online survey instrument also measured pre and post-simulation self-efficacy and student satisfaction. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Results: Expert ratings showed a statistically significant improvement in all SBAR categories, along with communication and mean total handover score (P
Und jetzt beginnt meine Wache

Eis ist festes Wasser. Ganz einfach, oder? Eis ist etwas, das wir alle kennen, ob Sie nun Ihr Diet Dr. Pepper darin kuhlen oder ob Sie mit Ihren Schlittschuhen daruber laufen. Doch Eis ist viel mehr als das. Es ist wahrscheinlich einer der coolsten Festkorper des Planeten.
From start-up nation to sports-tech nation? A SWOT analysis of Israel's use of sports for nation branding

The study analyses the role of sports in the branding of Israel. For almost three millennia, countries, cities and communities have been using sports to improve their images. Israel's image is deteriorating as the Israeli-Arab dispute escalates, partly due to not having clearly communicated nation branding strategies. In this qualitative study, I conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with officials in key policy-making positions in Israeli sports and in the Israeli government. Based on the thematic analysis, I conducted a SWOT analysis, and came up with six practical recommendations for Israel. With Israel being a world leader in start-up companies' per-capita and with sports organisations recognising the potential of Israel becoming a technological greenhouse, one of the key recommendations is to brand Israel as a sports-tech nation. Although the study focuses on Israel, other countries facing prolonged conflicts should also consider the recommendations when using sports for nation branding purposes.
Postmodernist thought of the late Soviet period: three profiles

This article introduces postmodernist trends in late Soviet thought through the prism of the three generations: the philosopher and writer Aleksandr Zinoviev (1922–2006), the poet, artist, and theorist Dmitrii Prigov (1940–2007), and the youngest Soviet conceptualist artistic group “The Medical Hermeneutics Inspectorate” as represented by Pavel Peppershtein (b. 1966; the group’s most active theorist), Sergei Anufriev (b. 1964), and Yurii Leiderman (b. 1963). The article shows how Conceptualism, an influential artistic and intellectual movement of the 1970s–1980–s, used the Soviet ideological system as a material for philosophical parody and pastiche, often characterized also by a lyrical and nostalgic attitude. Conceptualism was not merely an artistic trend: its metaphysical significance is revealed in Aleksander Zinoviev's “satirical” treatises, in Dmitrii Prigov's “shimmering” aesthetics, and in “heremeneutic” performances of younger artists who demonstrate the emptiness of all existing canons and the canon of emptiness itself.
PatchWarp: Corrections of non-uniform image distortions in two-photon calcium imaging data by patchwork affine transformations

Two-photon microscopy has been widely used to record the activity of populations of individual neurons at high spatial resolution in behaving animals. The ability to perform imaging for an extended period of time allows the investigation of activity changes associated with behavioral states and learning. However, imaging often accompanies shifts of the imaging field, including rapid (~100ms) translation and slow, spatially non-uniform distortion. To combat this issue and obtain a stable time series of the target structures, motion correction algorithms are commonly applied. However, typical motion correction algorithms are limited to full field translation of images and are unable to correct non-uniform distortions. Here, we developed a novel algorithm, PatchWarp, to robustly correct slow image distortion for calcium imaging data. PatchWarp is a two-step algorithm with rigid and non-rigid image registrations. To correct non-uniform image distortions, it splits the imaging field and estimates the best affine transformation matrix for each of the subfields. The distortion-corrected subfields are stitched together like a patchwork to reconstruct the distortion-corrected imaging field. We show that PatchWarp robustly corrects image distortions of calcium imaging data collected from various cortical areas through glass window or GRIN lens with a higher accuracy than existing non-rigid algorithms. Furthermore, it provides a fully automated method of registering images from different imaging sessions for longitudinal neural activity analyses. PatchWarp improves the quality of neural activity analyses and would be useful as a general approach to correct image distortions in a wide range of disciplines.
Designing early detection and intervention techniques via predictive statistical models—A case study on improving student performance in a business statistics course

ABSTRACTThis article presents a comprehensive study of factors that potentially impact student performance and success in a “bottleneck” college-level course in Business Statistics, with the goal of devising effective intervention methods to provide additional support to students who are at risk of failing. The latter are based on statistical models that predict the probability of failure based on relevant factors identified earlier. These models report high accuracy in detecting at-risk students as assessed by cross-validation techniques. Moreover, implementation of our techniques yielded positive outcomes, indicating that those students who took advantage of the intervention significantly improved their performance.
Functional morphology meets macroecology: size and shape distributions of New World bats

Questions: What is the distribution of sizes of bats when estimated from multivariate analyses conducted on a number of morphological characteristics? Can shapes generated from such analyses inform our understanding of macroecology, in particular how phenotypic characteristics in general vary in nature? Do species-rich functional groups of bats exhibit similar size and shape distributions? Quantitative methods: Principal components analysis imposed on seven morphometric characteristics. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and bootstrap analyses to determine differences among phenotypic distributions. Organisms: New World bats. Conclusions: All distributions were modal, skewed and deviated significantly from the log-normal. Significant differences regarding central tendency of functional groups existed on all phenotypic axes. Functional groups exhibited similar size distributions based on skew and kurtosis, but significantly differed on the log-mass and shape axes. Although similarities in the unimodal and skewed nature of phenotypic distributions suggest universal properties governing the diversification of organisms through space and time, quantitative differences among distributions highlight unique aspects of the evolution of particular phenotypic attributes.
Your Best Professional Judgment: Review Panels at Work

are discussions throughout the volume that could also have been set apart in such a fashion. Throughout the book, Meltzer rarely tackles topics about which he does not offer his own thoughts and conclusions. The writing might be seen as opinionated, but at least it is superbly informed and reasoned opinion, presenting all sides of the argument. As much a book on how science occurs as on archaeology, it offers insight into the mind of a scientist at the center of most of the important debates in his chosen area of study. It thus reminds me in some ways of James Watson’s classic The Double Helix, which shows how science is as much about the process as it is about the outcomes. I regularly teach a course on the peopling of the Americas to advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Before this volume appeared, the participants had to read many separate papers and monographs on the subject to cover the same ground. First Peoples in a New World provides a framework on which such a readings course could be built, and I plan to use it as such in the years to come. The price for the volume is reasonable, and indeed, given the 16 gorgeous fullcolor plates of Paleoindian artifacts and numerous line drawings, it is a bargain in today’s world of inflated scholarly pricing and publishing. I know that my students will love it for that reason alone, although once they get into the text, I expect them to be quickly caught up in the debate about how our knowledge of the past comes about. Given the pace at which knowledge on the subject is increasing, I hope that Meltzer will write an update in 15 years or so. As a detailed look into how a major player thinks about developments in his field of study and the give and take of how science proceeds, however, this book will never be truly dated.
Private Property Rights, Exchange and Production

In chapters three to six, we discussed the competitive process that is carried out by means of the development and choice of rules individuals adopt as the instruments with which they compete. The competitive process within the prevailing rules is a knowledge-creating process. It continuously creates and spreads knowledge about opportunities for human interaction. This chapter discusses the implications of the right of ownership on exchange and production.
Pulmonary cysts identified on chest CT: are they part of aging change or of clinical significance?

Objective To investigate the prevalence and natural course of pulmonary cysts in a population-based cohort and to describe the CT image characteristics in association with participant demographics and pulmonary functions. Materials and methods Chest CT scans of 2633 participants (mean age 59.2 years; 50% female) of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) were visually evaluated for the presence of pulmonary cysts and their image characteristics. These findings were correlated with participant demographics and results of pulmonary function tests as well as the presence of emphysema independently detected on CT. The interval change was investigated by comparison with previous CT scans (median interval 6.1 years). Results Pulmonary cysts were seen in 7.6% (95% CI 6.6% to 8.7%; 200/2633). They were not observed in participants younger than 40 years old, and the prevalence increased with age. Multiple cysts (at least five) were seen in 0.9% of all participants. Participants with pulmonary cysts showed significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (p Conclusions Pulmonary cysts identified on chest CT may be a part of the aging changes of the lungs, occurring in asymptomatic individuals older than 40 years, and are associated with decreased BMI and DLCO. Multiple pulmonary cysts may need to be evaluated for the possibility of cystic lung diseases.
Upconverting nanocomposites dispersed in urea-containing acrylics

Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have the ability to convert low energy photons into high energy photons, making this material appealing for a variety of scientific pursuits, from solar energy conversion to bioimaging. A combination of polymers and nanocomposites increases the utility of these upconverting nanoparticles allowing nanoparticles to be added to any device compatible with polymer coatings. Here, trifluoroacetate salt decomposition enables Er/Yb doped NaYF4 upconverting nanoparticle synthesis. The subsequent deposition of a silica nanoshell yields polar silica-coated upconverting nanoparticles, enabling composite formation with polar urea-containing methacrylic polymers. Hydrogen bonding between urea groups in the polymer and the silica-coated nanoparticles allowed for dispersion of the upconverting nanoparticles to form upconverting composite films. These films exhibit desirable upconversion comparable to the nanoparticles dispersed in methanol. Urea-containing polymers are promising candidates for matrices in nanocomposites formed with polar silica nanoparticles due to favorable polymer–nanoparticle interactions. This architecture is superior to urea-methacrylate homopolymers, since the central low glass transition temperature block will provide critical ductility to the film, thus rendering the film to be durable for optical applications.
Spatial and sex-specific dissection of the Anopheles gambiae midgut transcriptome

The midgut of hematophagous insects, such as disease transmitting mosquitoes, carries out a variety of essential functions that mostly relate to blood feeding. The midgut of the female malaria vector mosquito Anopheles gambiae is a major site of interactions between the parasite and the vector. Distinct compartments and cell types of the midgut tissue carry out specific functions and vector borne pathogens interact and infect different parts of the midgut.
Effects of vegetation disturbance by fire on channel initiation thresholds

Abstract The disturbance or removal of vegetation by wildfire influences channel incision following intense rainfall events. Here we empirically examine relationships between the severity of vegetation disturbance and geomorphic controls on threshold conditions that lead to channel incision. We conducted post-fire field mapping and digital spatial analyses across 97 recently formed channel heads in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Idaho, USA, to identify the relationship between remotely-sensed fire severity and vegetation disturbance and the source area and gradient conditions required for channel initiation. We found that the relationship between the size of source areas and source-area steepness was described by an inverse power function, consistent with established theory, across the range of fire severity, but that the magnitude of the slope–area relationship was significantly correlated with increasing fire severity. Further, at higher levels of fire severity, source areas above channel heads had lower slopes and somewhat larger areas. The findings suggest that the onset of channel incision defined by location of channel heads is controlled by fire severity and that the threshold for channel initiation decreases as vegetation disturbance increases. We also found that, in a subset of catchments for which LiDAR data were available, total curvature explained channel head location across the range of fire severity, with a small but significant contribution from source area steepness. Steepness remains more important at lower fire severity, however, and total curvature dominates where fire severity is most extreme. This suggests that forces of convergent flow are not fully expressed until a significant proportion of vegetation has been consumed such that flow resistance is minimized. Our findings, and the use of a continuous fire severity metric, contribute an ecohydrological and biogeomorphical template for studies of post-fire geomorphic responses and landscape evolution.
Simple tools for forecasting waterflood performance

Abstract Empirical and/or semianalytical tools are frequently applied in most waterflood operations, although grid-based models are also often used. This paper examines the performance of some commonly used tools, such as the water–oil ratio (WOR), Y -function, and Arps. Besides those tools, we introduce a semianalytical approach, which is a modified version of the Y -function formulation. Two other tools that have gained significant traction in unconventional-reservoir performance forecasting, the stretched-exponential decline model (SEDM) and the capacitance–resistance model (CRM) are also used here. Based on synthetic and field data, the results show that the Arps method is remarkably accurate in all flooding situations, regardless of the underlying physical mechanisms; other published data tend to support this notion. Similarly, both the SEDM and the proposed modified- Y -function method also yield solutions with good accuracy. The latter solutions tend to be pessimistic, however.
Periodical prices: A comparison of local and national averages

Abstract Average costs for periodicals in selected Library of Congress classification categories at a university library are shown for periodicals purchased from two major subscription agents. Data is compared with similar data from two universities derived from F. W. Faxon, Inc. files and with “weighted averages” from the Faxon files. The study represents a university library collection with primary emphasis in the agricultural and life sciences, technology, design-architecture, textiles and forestry.
Analyzing lifetime data with long-tailed skewed distribution: The logistic-sinh family

A new two-parameter family of distribution is presented. It is derived to model the highly negatively skewed data with extreme observations. The new family of distribution is referred to as the logistic-sinh distribution, as it is derived from the logistic distribution by appropriately replacing an exponential term with a hyperbolic sine term. The resulting family provides not only negatively skewed densities with thick tails but also variety of monotonic density shapes. The space of shape parameter, lambda greater than zero is divided by boundary line of lambda equals one, into two regions over which the hazard function is, respectively, increasing and bathtub shaped. The maximum likelihood parameter estimation techniques are discussed by providing approximate coverage probabilities for uncensored samples. The advantages of using the new family are demonstrated and compared by illustrating well known examples.
Revision of Oxyropsis Eigenmann and Eigenmann, 1889(Siluriformes, Loricariidae)

Abstract The armored catfish genus Oxyropsis is diagnosed as a monophyletic assemblage of three species of the family Loricariidae on the basis of presence of a single row of enlarged odontodes along the trunk midline lying adjacent, and immediately dorsal to, the lateral line canal. Oxyropsis is here resurrected from synonymy with Hypoptopoma Gunther (1868) and three species, distributed in the middle and upper Amazon, Negro, and Orinoco basins of South America, are diagnosed and redescribed. The type species, Oxyropsis wrightiana Eigenmann and Eigenmann (1889), occurs in the upper Amazon and lower Ucayali River basins and is diagnosed among congeners by the presence of seven ultimate median series trunk plates, which are progressively smaller and narrower than the immediately preceding plates, and by pectoral spine serrae either extremely reduced in size (height less than one-sixth of the spine width) or absent. Oxyropsis carinata (Steindachner, 1879) occurs in the middle and upper Amazon River basin an...
Three-level indirect matrix converter based open-end winding AC machine drive

A new space vector PWM technique for an indirect matrix converter based open-end winding drive is presented in this paper — The presented drive achieves the advantages of direct conversion, viz. 1) Machine phase voltages up to 1.5 times the grid voltage, 2) controllable grid power factor, and 3) zero instantaneous common mode voltage; and further achieves, 4) lower number of switching transitions and 5) simpler protection clamp circuit, owing to two-stage conversion. A detailed analysis of the PWM technique is presented along with the simulation results. Further, commutation strategies for the matrix converters of the presented drive have been developed and the simulation results are included.
Absorption by 1-Year-Old Children of an Iron Supplement Given with Cow's Milk or Juice

A paucity of data are available on toddlers for the evaluation of optimal strategies of Fe supplementation. In this study, we used a two-tracer stable isotope technique to determine Fe absorption from a 5-mg dose of stable isotopically enriched (57Fe or 58Fe) ferrous sulfate given with cow's milk (CM) compared with the same dose given with apple juice. Ten children (age 13 ± 1 mo, weight 10.8 ± 1.1 kg) who had recently discontinued formula feeding and begun on CM were studied. Red blood cell(RBC) iron incorporation of the isotope was determined 14 d after dosing with57 Fe and 58Fe. Fe absorption was calculated based on the assumption that 90% of absorbed Fe is incorporated into RBC. Absorption of Fe was significantly greater (13.7 ± 6.4%) when given with juice than with milk (5.7 ± 4.0%), p < 0.01 by paired t tests. Fe absorption from the dose given with juice was significantly negatively correlated with serum ferritin (n = 9, r = -0.70,p < 0.05). These results indicate that 1) a small supplement of Fe is better absorbed when given with juice than with CM, and 2) a large variability in Fe absorption exists in healthy 1-y-old infants, which is related to their existing Fe stores.
Further results on the energy detection of unknown deterministic signals over generalized fading channel

In this article, we consider the performance of energy detection in composite multipath/shadowing fading environment. We also investigate the mitigation of the effect of these fading components on detection performance with the use of diversity techniques. Single channel, maximum ratio combining (MRC), square law combining (SLC), and square-law selection (SLS) diversities are analyzed using the rapidly convergent canonical series representation of Marcum Q-function with derivatives of moment generating function (MGF) of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of composite channel. On the other hand, the selection diversity combining (SDC) is analyzed using single integral of cumulative distribution function (CDF) of SNR. In all cases, we model the composite channel fading using the G-distribution which has been shown to be more accurate in representing the Suzuki and Nakagami-Lognormal distributions than K and K G and in closed formed compared to single integral expression for Rice-Lognormal distribution. Using this framework, we found out that the performance of energy detection does not degrade significantly at low and moderate shadowing conditions and that diversity detection greatly mitigates the effect of shadowing on detection performance with MRC giving the best performance, followed by SLC and then SDC or SLS depending on the average channel SNR, number of samples and level of shadowing. To the best of our knowledge, such a simple framework and resulting novel observations have never been reported before.
Charge transfer from photosystem I to the cytochrome b/f complex: diffusion and membrane lateral heterogeneity

— We discuss here the minimum requirements for diffusion of a charge carrier between appressed and stroma-exposed membrane regions of chloroplasts based on recent models of the thylakoid membrane and flash-induced kinetic data. We have investigated the kinetics of the transfer of a positive charge from photosystem I to the cytochrome b/f complex in spinach chloroplasts by measuring the light-induced oxidation of cytochrome f. The rate and extent of cytochrome f oxidation were measured spectrophotometrically using either long actinic flashes that induced several turnovers of photosystem I or short actinic flashes that induced a single turnover of photosystem I. In the long actinic flashes, in the electron transfer reaction from water to methyl viologen, we observed the rapid oxidation of all of the cytochrome f present in the membrane. The half-time of the oxidation was 1.0 ± 0.1 ms. The total amount of the cytochrome was determined by chemical difference spectra to be one molecule of cytochrome f per 650 – 30 chlorophyll molecules. Using short actinic flashes we studied the photosystem I-driven electron transfer reaction from duroquinol to methyl viologen in the presence of the inhibitor 5-n-undecyl-6-hydroxy-4,7-dioxobenzothiazole. Under these conditions a single turnover flash induced the oxidation of 62 ± 5% of cytochrome f with a half-time of 240 ± 30 μs. An Arrhenius plot of the temperature dependence of the cytochrome f oxidation rate revealed an activation energy between 16 and 21 kJ/mol, a value consistent with a diffusion-controlled reaction. These kinetic data are considered in the context of two models of the thylakoid membrane.
Streamwise Vorticity in Simple Mechanical Flapping Wings

The presence of streamwise vorticity in the vicinity of the wing tip contributes to lift in thin flat plate zero pitch angle flapping wings in quiescent air. In creating flapping wing micro air vehicles it is desirable to maintain only the mechanical and kinematic complexity absolutely necessary to artificially duplicate flapping wing flight. This study quantifies the lift generated from a flapping motion of absolute minimum complexity thought to be capable of generating lift Using a flapping wing micro air vehicle with wings fabricated in-house, streamwise vortices were identified along the span of wings of various aspect ratios and at numerous different points throughout the flapping cycle under a variety of operating conditions. The lift generated by the flapping mechanism was quantified experimentally using a force transducer and a high speed camera. Digital particle image velocimetry was used to determine the contributions of streamwise vorticity to the total measured lift. Further evidence was found of the importance of the relationship between wing span and flapping frequency in the nature of the formation and shedding of vortices.