cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Overshot Flaking Between Clovis and Other Components From the Gault Site, Texas

This study utilizes data from the Gault site (41BL323) to address intentionality in Clovis overshot flaking. Most research in recent decades considers overshot flakes a purposeful part of Clovis bi...
A Generic Velocity Profile for Basin Sediments in California Conditioned on VS30

The near‐surface soil layers of sedimentary basins play a critical role in modifying the amplitude, frequency, and duration of earthquake ground shaking and, thus, are an important factor to consider in ground‐motion simulations, the development of site amplification factors, and earthquake hazard evaluations on a regional scale. In this article, we present a sediment velocity model (SVM) that translates V_(S30) and a proxy that describes the stiffness of the near‐surface sediments into a 1D velocity profile suitable for use in wave‐propagation‐based ground‐motion predictions. We develop the SVM based on the statistics of 914 measured velocity profiles. We conduct a validation study and show that the SVM can satisfactorily predict both 1D shear‐wave velocity profiles and linear site amplification factors. Lastly, we propose two correlations that enable the stochastic realization of the SVM profiles.
Experimental Studies of Upconversion Laser Materials and Upconversion Lasers

Results will be presented of our spectrocopic measurements on Er:YLi:F4 and Er:BaY2F8. These materials have now been employed to make red, green and blue lasers that are pumped in the infrared. An output power 0.5 W has been measured at 551 nm with a 14% slope efficiency. Measurements as another class of host crystal suggest that laser operation at room temperature might be achievable.
Measurements in Real Estate Academia: Internal Assessment of Learning

Abstract This study implements a four-pronged approach to the internal assessment of the learning process for a commercial real estate curriculum at a public university in the northeastern United States. The process included assessments of the legal and contractual, mortgage and banking, capital markets, and valuation aspects of commercial real estate. The assessment included a control group and a subsequent treatment group one academic year later. The treatment group received a modified, enhanced version of the core curriculum. Overall, the results demonstrate dramatic increases in all four core competencies during the one-year period, which allowed for the confident recommendation and placement of students in industry positions. This subsequently led to the program's increased connection and better reputation within the local real estate community.
From Big Data to Knowledge: Issues of Provenance, Trust, and Scientific Computing Integrity

This paper addresses the nature of data and knowledge, the relation between them, the variety of views as a characteristic of Big Data regarding that data may come from many different sources/views from different viewpoints, and the associated essential issues of data provenance, knowledge provenance, scientific computing integrity, and trust in the data science process. Towards the direction of data-intensive science and engineering, it is of paramount importance to ensure Scientific Computing Integrity (SCI). A failure of SCI may be caused by malicious attacks, natural environmental changes, faults of scientists, operations mistakes, faults of supporting systems, faults of processes, and errors in the data or theories on which a research relies. The complexity of scientific workflows and large provenance graphs as well as various causes for SCI failures make ensuring SCI extremely difficult. Provenance and trust play critical role in evaluating SCI. This paper reports our progress in building a model for provenance-based trust reasoning about SCI.
Bowel preparation for colostomy reversal in children.

Abstract Purpose Pediatric bowel preparation protocols used before colostomy reversal vary. The aim of this study is to determine institutional practices at our institution and evaluate the impact of bowel preparations on postoperative outcomes and hospital length of stay in children. Methods This was a retrospective review of children ≤ 18 years old undergoing colostomy reversal at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) between 12/2013 and 8/2017. Preoperative bowel regimens and outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum and Fishers Exact tests. Continuous variables are presented as median [IQR]. Results Sixty-one children underwent colostomy reversal. Thirty-eight (62%) did not receive a preoperative bowel preparation. The two cohorts were similar in age, gender, and race. The most common indication for colostomy was anorectal malformation for thirty-seven (61%). Time from admission to surgery (19 h [17, 23] vs 3 [2, 3]; p Conclusion Foregoing bowel preparation may have the potential to improve cost and reduce morbidity in children undergoing colostomy closure. Level of evidence III. Study type Treatment study.
A SURVEY OF WEEVILS (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONOIDEA) FROM SOME LOCALITES OF KURDISTAN REGION- IRAQ, WITH NEW RECORDS TO THE ENTOMOFAUNA OF IRAQ

This work is the first study of the Curculionoidea fauna from Kurdistan region of Iraq, based on the intensive survey in different localities of Kurdistan from March 2016 to November 2017. In total, 41 species belonging to 28 genera, 21 tribes and 3 families were collected and identified, including 25 species newly recorded for the Iraqi fauna. General distribution, collecting localities and methods, with plant association data for each species are given.
OSPB Sequence Variation of Borrelia Burgdorferi Along the Coast of Maine

We sequenced the OspB genes of 51 Borrelia burgdorferi isolates from five sites along the coast of Maine. Seven unique nucleotide sequences were observed, with an average pairwise difference of 0.47%. Five unique amino acid sequences were represented, differing at up to five residues. Multiple strains were observed at three sites, and most strains were found at more than one site. Multiple strains were recovered from a single rat on Monhegan Island. High strain diversity of B. burgdorferi may play a role in determining the abundance of this spirochete.
Neo-piagetian reasoning and abstraction: introducing low-level programming to novice students

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of how novice computer science students understand the relationship between programs written in high-level and low-level languages. Participants with high-level programming experience in Java or Python were asked to explain how low-level virtual machine programs written in Common Intermediate Language (CIL) implemented functionally equivalent Java or Python programs. Although the functional equivalence of these programs was made explicit, students tended to trace the CIL code without referring to the Java or Python code. We suggest that students may struggle to make connections between high-level and low-level programs because they reason about them with different levels of abstraction. Participants quickly abstracted a meaningful computation from the high-level code, but were limited to tracing specific values line-by-line through the low-level code. Our findings build upon recent neo-Piagetian work in computer science education by showing how an individual student may simultaneously reason at preoperational and concrete operational levels within the domain of computer science.
Post-polypectomy Complications

Endoscopic removal of colon polyps is a widely utilized and thoroughly successful means to allow organ sparing and eradicate pre-cancerous and even early cancer lesions. Polypectomy, while very safe, can lead to complications including bleeding, perforation and post-polypectomy thermal injury (PPTI). Several types of electrosurgical current are available and have different association with the development of PPTI. Those include pure cut current, pure coagulation current, and blended current. In general, pure cut and blended current are associated with immediate bleeding while coagulation current is associated with delayed hemorrhage and higher risk of perforation. In addition, the technique of polypectomy, particularly the degree and duration of electrocautery, as well as tools used during polypectomy, can play a major role in the development of PPTI and complications. The aim of this chapter is to provide practical techniques to prevent PPTI and to treat complications related to this entity.
Model-Predictive Spiral and Spin Upset Recovery Control for the Generic Transport Model Simulation⋆

Aircraft upsets are a major cause of fatalities in civil aviation. Unfortunately, recovery from upset scenarios is challenging due to the combination of nonlinearities, actuator limits, and upset modes. In this paper, we consider the use of Model-Predictive Control (MPC) in combination with a recently proposed piecewise polynomial prediction model, for six degree-of-freedom upset recovery. MPC naturally handles nonlinearities and constraints and has a provably large closed-loop region of attraction making it an appealing methodology for upset recovery problems. We present a recovery formulation then illustrate its utility through high fidelity simulation case studies, using the Generic Transport Model, of recovery from oscillatory spin and steep spiral upset conditions.
Preconception care to improve pregnancy outcomes: clinical practice guidelines

Introduction: There is scientific evidence that the health of women before pregnancy contributes to the maternal and infant outcomes of pregnancy. There is also scientific evidence that the health of women of reproductive age may be improved through the provision of Preconception Care (PCC). Preconception care includes interventions to assess, identify, address, and modify a woman’s health conditions and risks to ensure that these health conditions and risks do not negatively affect the outcome of her pregnancy. Many of the medical conditions, environmental exposures, personal behaviors, and psychosocial risks associated with negative pregnancy outcomes have been identified and there are recommendations for including these conditions in PCC services. Objective: Our purpose is to present a tool for clinical care providers involved in delivering PCC services. We try to answer the following questions: what do providers actually do when a woman of reproductive age arrives at their offices? What questions to ask? What examinations to conduct? What laboratory tests to perform? And, what education and counselling to offer? Methods: We reviewed published and un-published literature related to the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of PCC in improving pregnancy outcomes. We searched PubMed for published articles, and we searched the internet for unpublished reports prepared by international organizations such as the World Health Organization and reports from governmental agencies. We summarized the information and presented a comprehensive overview of actions that providers should take to address various risk behaviors, exposures and health conditions. Results: Several scientists, countries, and international organizations have proposed answers to the above questions. However, there has been no consistency and there is not a single publication that includes a comprehensive compilation of the proposed actions. We summarized the recommended actions that clinical care providers should take in addressing various health conditions, risk behaviors, and exposures. Conclusion: It is recommended that all providers screen all women for their intentions to become pregnant and to provide them with appropriate services. Women should be referred to specialized care when risk behaviors and medical conditions that go beyond the skills and abilities of the primary care provider are identified.
Care or Constraints? A New Look at the Welfare of SNAP and WIC Recipients During the COVID-19 Pandemic (preprint)

The on-going debate regarding in-kind versus cash transfers to low-income people focuses on normal settings, devoid of the additional constraints imposed during a crisis. We analyze the effect of welfare regulations on SNAP and WIC recipients in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related herd effects, leading to panic-buying and significant food shortages. Whereas individuals often prefer cash to in-kind transfers, SNAP and WIC in-kind transfers and additional rules constrain choices, which become even more constrained during a pandemic with herding. We use Google Trends data to show potential herding effects and the concern those effects might have caused for SNAP and WIC recipients. From an ethical perspective of minimizing additional harm, increasing consumption opportunities, and fostering agency, we suggest policymakers increase the substitutability between food items, streamline state waivers, encourage the electronic transfer of benefits, and integrate online delivery services.
Iron and Rust in the Belle Epoch

The present design represents a collaboration between a metal sculptor and an apparel designer. The designers wanted to create a piece that highlighted the skills of each. The fashions and economic changes of the Second Industrial revolution were chosen as a source of inspiration for the design. The final design was inspired by fashion from the early 1900s and features a corset-style bodice and gored trumpet skirt. Ruffle mesh was utilized to further emphasize the frivolity of fashion and the importance of lace at this time. A high-necked yoke was also added as a nod to early 1900’s modesty. The design was made from a cotton twill that was rust dyed using iron grates to create a unique pattern. Finally, the cast iron bows were added to the bodice and neck to further emphasize the importance of industry in this time period.
Nonfood Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Use Has Increased in US Adults and Children From 1999 to 2018.

Background & Aims Public interest in pre-, pro-, and synbiotic products is increasing because of interactions between gut microbiota and human health. Our aim was to describe nonfood (from dietary supplements or medication) pre-, pro-, and synbiotic use by US adults and children and reported reasons. Methods Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we text-mined dietary supplement and prescription medication labels and ingredients to identify pre-, pro-, and synbiotic products used in the past 30 days. We describe trends in use from 1999 to 2018 (n = 101,199) and prevalence in 2015–2016 and 2017–2018 (n = 19,215) by age groups, sex, ethnicity/race, education, income, self-reported diet and health quality, and prescription gastrointestinal medication use stratified by children ( Results Nonfood pre-, pro-, and synbiotic use increased up to 3-fold in recent cycles. Prevalence of use for all ages for prebiotics was 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0–2.9), for probiotics was 4.5% (95% CI, 3.5–5.6), and for synbiotics was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.8–1.5). Use was highest among older adults (8.8% [95% CI, 5.4–13.3] among those aged 60–69 years for probiotics), non-Hispanic Whites, those with higher educational attainment and income, those with more favorable self-reported diet or health quality, and those with concurrent prescription gastrointestinal medication use. The top reasons for use were for digestive health and to promote/maintain general health. Less than 30% reported using these products based on a health care provider's recommendation. Conclusions One in 20 US adults or children use nonfood pre-, pro-, or synbiotic products, and use has sharply increased in recent years. Most individuals voluntarily take these products for general digestive or overall health reasons.
Conflicting goals and obligations: Tensions affecting communication in pediatric oncology

Abstract Objectives To describe the tensions experienced by clinicians and psychosocial professionals that affect communication in pediatric oncology. Methods Ten focus groups with nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and psychosocial professionals at 2 US institutions. We analyzed transcripts using thematic analysis, assessing tensions experienced when communicating with parents. Results We identified 5 themes of tensions, defined as challenges experienced when clinicians and psychosocial professionals are trying to achieve multiple conflicting goals or obligations while communicating: (1) Supporting parental hopes while providing honest opinions and information; (2) disclosing all possible outcomes while avoiding the creation of new worries or uncertainties; (3) building relationships while maintaining personal boundaries; (4) disclosing sensitive information while adhering to professional role and perceived authority; (5) validating parental beliefs or decisions while fulfilling obligation for honesty. Some tensions represented conflicts between different communication goals. Others represented conflicts between a communication goal and another obligation. Conclusion Clinicians and psychosocial professionals experience tensions that affect communication with parents in pediatric oncology. Some tensions might be addressed with interventions or education. Others will require further analysis to provide sufficient guidance to clinicians. Practice implications Unaddressed tensions might lead to poor communication and clinician burnout. Future work should explore solutions to these tensions.
Strategies for vaccine prioritization and mass dispensing

We propose a system that helps decision makers during a pandemic find, in real time, the mass vaccination strategies that best utilize limited medical resources to achieve fast containments and population protection. Our general-purpose framework integrates into a single computational platform a multi-purpose compartmental disease propagation model, a human behavior network, a resource logistics model, and a stochastic queueing model for vaccination operations. We apply the modeling framework to the current COVID-19 pandemic and derive an optimal trigger for switching from a prioritized vaccination strategy to a non-prioritized strategy so as to minimize the overall attack rate and mortality rate. When vaccine supply is limited, such a mixed vaccination strategy is broadly effective. Our analysis suggests that delays in vaccine supply and inefficiencies in vaccination delivery can substantially impede the containment effort. Employing an optimal mixed strategy can significantly reduce the attack and mortality rates. The more infectious the virus, the earlier it helps to open the vaccine to the public. As vaccine efficacy decreases, the attack and mortality rates rapidly increase by multiples; this highlights the importance of early vaccination to reduce spreading as quickly as possible to lower the chances for further mutations to evolve and to reduce the excessive healthcare burden. To maximize the protective effect of available vaccines, of equal importance are determining the optimal mixed strategy and implementing effective on-the-ground dispensing. The optimal mixed strategy is quite robust against variations in model parameters and can be implemented readily in practice. Studies with our holistic modeling framework strongly support the urgent need for early vaccination in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Our framework permits rapid custom modeling in practice. Additionally, it is generalizable for different types of infectious disease outbreaks, whereby a user may determine for a given type the effects of different interventions including the optimal switch trigger.
Gender bias and sex-trafficking in Indian society

Human trafficking is a growing crime in South Asia, particularly as economies move post-globalization. This mixed-method study explored several variables fueled by gender biases that create women’s vulnerability to human trafficking. Qualitative results supported the quantitative data from the World Development Indicator’s report that describe gross gender biases practiced in various South Asian countries. The most important findings reveal the current practices of gender bias, prostitution, and trafficking that are not recorded in the existing literature. A multi-dimensional regional practice model is proposed that could support female empowerment and international efforts to curb human trafficking in this region.
The biosynthesis of cell wall lipopolysaccharide in Escherichia coli. VII. Studies on the structure of the O-antigenic polysaccharide.

Abstract The cell wall lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli 0111-B4 was degraded by (a) acid hydrolysis and (b) by treatment with periodate, followed by reduction with sodium borohydride and mild acid hydrolysis. The various oligosaccharides produced by these procedures were isolated and characterized by chemical and enzymatic methods. Procedure a released all of the colitose (3,6-dideoxy-l-xylohexose) as the free sugar along with several oligosaccharides in very low yield, three of which were identified as Glc → GlcNAc, Glc (α)/→ Gal, and GlcNAc (β)/→ Glc (α)/→ Gal. The application of Procedure b resulted in the liberation of approximately one-half of the colitose as the free sugar along with a mixture of two colitose-containing oligosaccharides [see PDF for equation] Analysis of the partially degraded polymer prior to the acid hydrolysis step indicated that galactose had been totally destroyed by periodate oxidation and that there was a concomitant formation of an equivalent amount of threitol in the product. The origin of threitol from galactose was confirmed by degradation of the lipopolysaccharide isolated from a mutant without UDP-d-galactose 4-epimerase (Escherichia coli J-5) which incorporated 1-14C-galactose or uniformly labeled 14C-galactose directly into the galactose residues of the polymer. Colitose-containing oligosaccharides isolated in the experiment with 1-14C-galactose yielded unlabeled threitol, while the oligosaccharides isolated in the uniformly labeled 14C-galactose experiment yielded radioactive threitol with approximately two-thirds the specific activity of the galactose used.
Control of flashing in fireflies

The restrained male of the fireflyPteroptyx cribellata of Papua New Guinea responds to exogenous light signals with a latency of about one second, which equals the period of the natural spontaneous rhythm of flashing and includes about 800 ms of central nervous delay. The response is cycle-by-cycle and all-or-none and the duration of the response time is independent of the phasing of the driver in relation to the free run rhythm (Figs. 1, 2). The firefly can be entrained to rhythms over a period range of 800 ms to 1,600 ms, during which it leads or lags the concurrent signal by an amount equal to the difference between the driving period and the animal's period (Figs. 3, 4). The phase-response line is nearly straight and is inclined 45 ° (Figs. 2, 5). Normally an exogenous signal dictates interflash timing but occasionally may fail to entrain the firefly (Figs. 7B, E) or may fail to evoke a flash (Figs. 7F, G). Persistence of endogenous control of timing period duration even during driving is occasionally seen as spontaneous drift in response time (Fig. 9). It is proposed that during entrainment each exogenous signal resets the pacemaker immediately to the start of its endogenous cycle, from which point it then begins a new series of free run periods. Thus each flash is timed in relation to the signal of the preceding cycle (Fig. 3). We devised a model of the endogenous timing cycle which fits the empirical data and achieves entrainment by a single mechanism involving phase advance or delay rather than change in actual rate of endogenous timing (Fig. 12). The proposed mechanism by which single males entrain to light signals seems compatible also with the mass synchronous flashing which is the characteristic behavior of field congregations.
Selective and biphasic effect of the membrane lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal on N-methyl-D-aspartate channels.

Increased oxyradical production and membrane lipid peroxidation occur in neurons under physiological conditions and in neurodegenerative disorders. Lipid peroxidation can alter synaptic plasticity and may increase the vulnerability of neurons to excitotoxicity, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We report that 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal (4HN), an aldehyde product of lipid peroxidation, exerts a biphasic effect on NMDA-induced current in cultured rat hippocampal neurons with current being increased during the first 2 h and decreased after 6 h. Similarly, 4HN causes an early increase and a delayed decrease in NMDA-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels. In contrast, 4HN affects neither the ion current nor the Ca2+ response to α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA). The initial enhancement of NMDA-induced current is associated with increased phosphorylation of the NR1 receptor subunit, whereas the delayed suppression of current is associated with cellular ATP depletion and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Cell death induced by 4HN is attenuated by an NMDA receptor antagonist, but not by an AMPA receptor antagonist. A secreted form of amyloid precursor protein, previously shown to protect neurons against oxidative and excitotoxic insults, prevented each of the effects of 4HN including the early and late changes in NMDA current, delayed ATP depletion, and cell death. These findings show that the membrane lipid peroxidation product 4HN can modulate NMDA channel activity, suggesting a role for this aldehyde in physiological and pathophysiological responses of neurons to oxidative stress.
1,25(OH)2D3-Regulated Human Keratinocyte Proliferation and Differentiation: Basic Studies and Their Clinical Application

Keratinocytes produce vitamin D, metabolize it to its most biologically active form, 1,25(OH)2D, and respond to the 1,25(OH)2D they produce with a decrease in proliferation and an increase in differentiation. 1,25(OH)2D production by keratinocytes is tightly controlled and changes as the cells differentiate, increasing during the early stages of differentiation and then decreasing again as terminal differentiation ensues. The 1,25(OH)2D produced endogenously or supplied exogenously acts in concert with calcium and products of phosphoinositide metabolism to stimulate the transition from a proliferating basal cell to a terminally differentiated corneocyte. The mechanisms involved include changes in gene transcription and messenger RNA stability. These antiproliferative, prodifferentiating actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 have led to its successful use in psoriasis, a hyperproliferative skin disease, and may lead to its use as a chemopreventive agent in malignancy.
Temperature microstructure on the Bermuda slope with application to the mean flow

The oceanic conditions in the immediate vicinity of Bermuda have been studied with hydrographic data, parachute drogues, and moored current meters. The island was found to be a source of temperature and salinity microstructure with a marked azimuthal asymmetry. On one cruise, the area of most intense mixing was associated with a very strong jet across the north shore of Bermuda. The jet is depicted by the very marked deepening of the isotherms of the main thermocline as the island is approached from the north. Overall, the mean flow pattern has been determined. Very near-shore very violent time dependent motions were observed which may be associated with the step structure on the T and S curves. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1972.tb01563.x
Dioxins and congener-specific polychlorinated biphenyls in three avian species from the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin

Sediments from the Wisconsin River, WI, USA are contaminated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Wet weight concentrations of TCDD and PCBs in eggs were at background levels and highest in the piscivorous hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus; geometric mean=7 pg/g TCDD and 0.92 μg/g PCBs) and lowest in the omnivorous wood duck (Aix sponsa) (<1 pg/g and 0.07 μg/g); concentrations in eggs of the insectivorous tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) were intermediate (<1 pg/g and 0.33 μg/g). Positive accumulation rates of TCDD (8–19 pg/day) and PCBs (0.4–0.7 μg/day) in tree swallow nestlings suggest that the Wisconsin River is the source of these contaminants for tree swallow nestlings. The lower representation of trichlorobiphenyls and tetrachorobiphenyls in hooded merganser eggs compared to wood duck or tree swallow eggs suggests that the hooded merganser or its diet has a greater ability to metabolize lower-numbered PCB congeners than wood ducks or tree swallows.
Evaluation of keyhole MR imaging with a human visual response model

As a first step toward developing a methodology suitable for optimizing the many parameters in keyhole and other fast imaging techniques, we applied an accepted human visual system (HVS) perceptual difference model to simulated keyhole images. A series of 'gold-standard' full k-space images were acquired during the insertion of a needle into ex vivo bovine liver. Keyhole imaging, a method by which image frame rate is increased due to sub-sampling k-space, was simulated from this image data. A perceptual difference HVS model was used to create a map of the likelihood of visible differences between a simulated keyhole image and the corresponding full k-space acquisition. Visible difference degradation was compared with a mean squared error (MSE) metric for both entire images and regions of interest around the needle tip. The output of the HVS model was a spatial map of perceptual differences. This map proved useful since it provided an accurate tool for finding the location of image differences. According to the perceptual model, the quality of the entire image is preserved most favorably with a stripe parallel to the direction of insertion. For a region of interest surrounding the needle, a perpendicular stripe resulted in the lowest level of image error. The HVS model agreed favorably with anecdotal human inspection. For example, while high frequency noise in the image produces effective changes in the MSE metric, the visual model and inspection show no true perceivable image difference. Additionally, inspection verified the importance of the direction of the k-space sub-sampling. Examination of rotated stripes of k-space show that a step of 45 degrees is preferred. Larger steps caused high initial error, while smaller steps took too long to traverse k-space. Experience indicates that the HVS model is an objective, promising tool for the automated evaluation and optimization of keyhole imaging sequences. Hopefully, it will provide a rational method for optimizing the large number of potential techniques and infinite number of parameters in fast MR imaging.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Learning by playing – teaching energy simulation as a game

Being able to read thermal simulation results and to adapt one's design accordingly has become an essential skill for graduating and practicing architects. This article proposes and evaluates an innovative way of how this skill can be taught via a 90-min in-class exercise or ‘game’ based on DesignBuilder/EnergyPlus. The game was tested in a class of 47 architecture students who competed to generate the lowest energy use intensity (EUI) for an office building in Boston. Design upgrades were associated with a cost premium and the overall upgrade budget was capped. The EUIs of the 10 final submissions were 22–31% below the base variant. While student essays revealed a clear preference for game-based learning vis-a-vis conventional teaching methods, the authors further propose that the game nourishes the emergence of an energy modelling ‘culture’ within schools of architecture that may lead to enhanced communication between architects and energy modellers.
Practical Reasons, Practical Rationality, Practical Wisdom

There are a number of proposals as to exactly how reasons, ends and rationality are related. It is often thought that practical reasons can be analyzed in terms of practical rationality, which, in turn, has something to do with the pursuit of ends. I want to argue against the conceptual priority of rationality and the pursuit of ends, and in favor of the conceptual priority of reasons. This case comes in two parts. I first argue for a new conception of ends by which all ends are had under the guise of reasons. I then articulate a sense of rationality, procedural rationality, that is connected with the pursuit of ends so conceived, where one is rational to the extent that one is motivated to act in accordance with reasons as they appear to be. Unfortunately, these conceptions of ends and procedural rationality are inadequate for building an account of practical reasons, though I try to explain why it is that the rational pursuit of ends generates intuitive but misleading accounts of genuine normative reasons. The crux of the problem is an insensitivity to an is-seems distinction, where procedural rationality concerns reasons as they appear, and what we are after is a substantive sense of rationality that concerns reasons as they are. Based on these distinct senses of rationality, and some disambiguation of what it is to have a reason, I offer a critique of internalist analyses of one’s reasons in terms of the motivational states of one’s ideal, procedurally rational self, and I offer an alternative analysis of one’s practical reasons in terms of practical wisdom that overcomes objections to related reasons externalist views. The resulting theory is roughly Humean about procedural rationality and roughly Aristotelian about reasons, capturing the core truths of both camps.
The growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing peptide (His-DTrp-Ala-Trp-DPhe-Lys-NH2), GH-releasing hormone, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone in acromegaly

In patients with acromegaly, GH-producing pituitary tumors release GH in response to specific stimuli such as GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and are also responsive to a variety of nonspecific stimuli, such as TRH or GnRH, and may exhibit paradoxical responses to glucose and dopamine. In healthy humans, the synthetic peptide GH-releasing peptide (GHRP) (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) releases GH by a putative mechanism of action that is independent of GHRH. How these tumors respond to GHRP is not well characterized. We studied the GH responses to GHRH, GHRP, and TRH stimulation in 11 patients with active acromegaly. The peak GH responses to GHRP and GHRH were not correlated (r = 0.57; P = 0.066). In contrast, the peak GH responses to GHRP and TRH were highly correlated (r = 0.95; P < 0.001). In conclusion, in patients with acromegaly, the GH response to GHRP is qualitatively normal and does not appear to depend on GHRH.
Carry-free optical binary adders

An optical parallel adder based on polarization-coded symbolic substitution is presented. This adder eliminates the carry propagation chain associated with binary addition, thereby performing the addition of two numbers in a single stage regardless of the length of the two numbers.
Second Stage Gas Turbine Blade Premature Replacement Investigation

This article investigates the root causes of the premature failure and replacement of a set of second-stage turbine blades from a heavy industrial gas turbine engine. The investigations included dye-penetrant testing, optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Moreover, the effect of heat treatment process on restoring the blade microstructure so that the properties were suitable for service was also explored. As a result of the investigation, the second-stage turbine blades premature failure was attributed to the grain boundary secondary phase precipitates. These precipitates were present in the “as-found” condition of the investigated blades.
Thermal stability of deformation processed gold–silver composite

Abstract An Au–14 at.% Ag filamentary composite was annealed at 563, 573, and 583 K. Electrical resistivity was used as a measure of the degree of transformation from the initial metastable nano-filamentary microstructure to the equilibrium solid solution microstructure. The activation energy of this transformation was determined to be 141 kJ/mol.
Consequences of protist-stimulated bacterial production for estimating protist growth efficiencies

The trophic link between bacteria and bacterivorous protists is a complex interaction that involves feedback of inorganic nutrients and growth substrates that are immeadiately available for prey growth. These interactions were examined in the laboratory and in incubations of concentrated natural assemblages of bacterioplankton. Growth dynamics of estuarine and marine bacterivorous protists were determined in laboratory culture using Vibrio natriegens as prey and were compared to growth of protists on bacterioplankton assemblages concentrated by tangential flow filtration from four northwest Florida Estuaries. Biomass transfers from bacteria to protists were monitored by tracing elemental carbon and nitrogen in particulate fractions of protist added and grazer free controls. Gross growth efficiencies of the protists on naturally occurring bacteria were within the range determined in lab estimates of growth efficiency on cultured bacteria (∼50%). However, bacterial response to protist excretion products was different in the lab and field incubations, and bacterial growth contributed to the biomass available to protists in the field incubations. As determined by radioisotope-labeled substrate incorporation, a time lag in bacterial reponse to protist excretion products was observed for laboratory batch cultures, allowing accurate estimation of growth efficiency. In incubations with concentrated natural bacterial assemblages, bacterial growth response coincided with protist growth and excretion. The additional bacterial production on protist excretion products reached a maximum of 2–3-fold higher than protist-free controls. In addition, ammonium concentrations increased with protist grazing and growth in lab cultures, but ammonium excreted by protists in concentrates did not accumulate. The C:N values for the bacterial concentrates suggests that these bacteria were nitrogen limited. It is speculated that dissolved organic carbon, concentrated by tangential flow filtration (> 100,000 MW membrane) with the bacterioplankton, was utilized by bacteria when nitrogen was supplied as ammonium and amino acids from protist excretion. Thus, estimates of protist growth efficiency on naturally occurring bacterioplankton, corrected for protist-stimulated bacterial production, were in the range of 13–21%.
Petroleum Exploration Strategies in Developing Countries: ABSTRACT

The petroleum industry strategy of most developing countries is not clearly defined. Strategies can differ significantly, because of differences in potential, willingness to accept risk, distance to markets, etc. from country to country. Further differences result from the degree to which governments are knowledgeable as to the significance of their own data. It can be said that the End_Page 966------------------------------ quality of a government's technical information is the key factor in its formulation of an effective strategy. The status of petroleum exploration in each country must be assessed, and the most important elements or tools to be used by governments to achieve the objectives of their strategies must be understood. These are such instruments as Petroleum Regulations, Reconnaissance Licenses, and Exploration and Production Licenses. Next, it is necessary to consider how the principal objectives can be achieved and how strategies can be improved as scenarios change. With this background, a sequence of actions can be proposed and the petroleum industry assistance offered by the United Nations Department can be evaluated. End_of_Article - Last_Page 967------------
Space-borne observations for short-term earthquake predictions

A two-day workshop in Istanbul, Turkey, assessed the feasibility of a space-based earthquake prediction program. On invitation by the Turkish government and industry, experts from around the world convened to discuss different techniques, their probability of detecting earthquake precursors, and their spatial and temporal resolution. There was wide consensus that only space-borne sensors can adequately survey the Mediterranean earthquake-prone region, and provide an early warning of several hours or days
Antibacterial proteins in the midgut of Manduca sexta during metamorphosis

Abstract Efforts to characterize insect antibacterial mechanisms have focused on defenses deployed via the hemolymph to eliminate bacteria in the body cavity. Little attention has been directed to defensive mechanisms targeted to the cuticular surfaces of the insect, or the alimentary canal, which are the primary sources of bacterial infection. While studying the synthesis of hemolymph antibacterial proteins in tobacco hornworm larvae, we discovered two antibacterial responses targeted to the midgut lumen: a “malaise syndrome” elicited concurrently with the synthesis of hemolymph antibacterial proteins following hemocoelic infection and a prophylactic mechanism apparently regulated by the endocrine signals that initiate metamorphosis. During metamorphosis, the lepidopteran midgut is restructured and the peritrophic membrane is lost, exposing the midgut epithelium to the natural bacterial flora of the gut lumen. During this period, differentiating pupal midgut epithelial cells synthesize and release into the lumen a cocktail of potent antibacterial proteins including lysozyme, bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli , hemolin, and phenoloxidase. Progress in the characterization of these proteins is reviewed and a potential similarity of the metamorphosis-associated, prophylactic response to the “malaise syndrome” is discussed.
LPS-induced MCP-1 Expression in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells is mediated by the tyrosine kinase, Pyk2 via the p38 MAPK/NF-κB dependent pathway

Bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide or LPS) has potent pro-inflammatory properties and acts on many cell types including endothelial cells. Secretion of the CC chemokine, MCP-1 (CCL2) by LPS-activated endothelial cells contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of sepsis. However, the mechanism involved in LPS-induced MCP-1 production in endothelial cells is not well understood. Using human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC), we analyzed the involvement of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Pyk2, in LPS-mediated MCP-1 production. There was a marked activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Pyk2, in response to LPS. Inhibition of Pyk2 activity using a pharmacological inhibitor, Tyrphostin A9 significantly attenuated LPS-induced Pyk2 tyrosine phosphorylation, p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) activation, NF-κB activation, and MCP-1 expression. Furthermore, specific inactivation of Pyk2 activity by transducing microvascular endothelial cells with catalytically inactive Pyk2 mutant (AAV-Pyk2MT) or Pyk2-specific siRNA significantly blocked LPS-induced MCP-1 production. The supernatants of these LPS-stimulated cells with attenuated Pyk2 activity demonstrated decreased trans-endothelial monocyte migration in comparison to LPS-treated controls, thus confirming the inhibition of functional MCP-1 production. In summary, our data suggest a critical role for the Pyk2 mediated pathway involving p38 MAP kinase and NF-κB in LPS-induced MCP-1 production in human microvascular endothelial cells.
Impact of Early Adverse Events (AE’s) on Later Mortality in Patients Supported by Continuous-Flow Ventricular Assist Devices (CF-VAD)

Purpose INTERMACS data show that select AE’s lead to higher mortality during VAD support. However, the extent to which these AE’s experienced early (within 60 days) after VAD implant effect long-term survival after this time period is not known for those with a CF-VAD. Methods and Materials We analyzed prospectively collected data from a single-center database on adults implanted with a CF-VAD (2004-2011) who survived beyond 60 days. 14 different classes of AE’s as defined by INTERMACS were assessed during the first 60 days post-implant. For each AE, 1-year survival was compared for those with and without the AE using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Any class of AEs at least marginally associated (p Results In 91 patients, the mean age was 56 years, 81% were male, 82% were white, and 65% were bridge to transplant. The occurrence of right ventricular failure (RVF), renal, neurologic, and respiratory events in the first 60 days of support were associated with significantly increased mortality at 12 months (p figure 1 ] Conclusions Of the 14 major AE’s experienced early after CF-VAD implantation, only RVF, renal, neurologic, and respiratory events had significant long-term effects on mortality that persisted beyond the initial event. The only early AE that was an independent predictor of poor late outcome was RVF.
Commentary on "Long-term outcome of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy for hepatolithiasis".

Commentary on “long-term outcome of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy for hepatolithiasis”
Trialkyllead metabolism and lipid peroxidation in vivo in vitamin E- and selenium-deficient rats, as measured by ethane production

Abstract The ability of trialkyllead compounds to induce lipid peroxidation (measured by ethane production in vivo) was tested in rats fed a diet deficient in vitamin E and selenium or supplemented with 200 IU of dl -α-tocopherol or 0.6 ppm selenium supplied as sodium selenite. Trimethyllead induced lipid peroxidation in vivo to the greatest extent in vitamin E and selenium-deficient animals. Vitamin E and, to a lesser extent selenium, offered protection against this effect of trimethyllead. In the case of triethyllead, metabolism of the chemical caused the release of large amounts of ethane and ethylene, thereby preventing the use of ethane production as an index of lipid peroxidation. Such decomposition of triethyllead was lower in vitamin E and selenium-deficient animals compared to supplemented animals, and selenium in the diet promoted increased release of ethane and ethylene from triethyllead.
A probabilistic sedimentation analysis for predicting reservoir lifetime

This paper describes a melding of an established set of hydrological component processes to obtain a full-scale model for reservoir sedimentation. The goal is to achieve a probabilistic system relating reservoir sedimentation to standard injection, river flow, particle transport, and dam storage subsystems. In the conclucing section, it is found that for a certain assembly of process components, the sedimentation process is Poisson, with parameters interpretable in terms of physical variables. Moreover, for the resulting parameters, a Gaussian approximation can confidently be adopted.
Prioritizing transformers for condition based asset replacement

Applying transformer health and risk scores allows us to provide a basic asset ranking. Transformer health scores are not, by themselves, an indicator of a transformer problem but they do provide a relatively simple means for scoring large populations of transformers. However the results are not absolute and there is still a need for engineering judgment. Including an indication of consequence allows a risk ranking that is useful to prioritize ‘action plans’ for significant risks. Clearly we will be looking to develop this model further to improve its usefulness and correlation to ‘real life’.
The visceral manifestations of scleroderma

Until the latter part of the nineteenth century, scleroderma was considered solely a cutaneous disease. The recognition that proliferation of connective tissue in the viscera was analogous to the skin lesions prompted the name, “progressive systemic sclerosis.” Recent evidence indicates that Raynauds phenomenon, which is frequently associated with scleroderma, is also expressed in the viscera as vasconstriction, particularly in renal and pulmonary arterioles.
The Alameda Corridor Industry & College Collaborative

A community-college-and-industry-based partnership formed in response to a large public works project in a depressed region of Los Angeles County faced the challenges of developing an outreach and career-path program for hard-to-serve clients in a short time span.