cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does the type of presentation medium impact assessments of the built environment? An examination of environmental usability ratings across three modes of presentation

Abstract A literature review confirms that evaluations of and responses to an environment are similar whether the presentation medium is the physical environment; a photograph of it; or a dynamic, virtual reality simulation. However, studies have not been conducted to determine if photorealistic renderings would receive similar assessments as a physical space or photograph. Accordingly, this work aimed to determine if prospective environmental usability assessments differ across presentation media. Participants viewed one of two built environments by either standing in the physical space, examining a photograph of it, or looking at a rendering of it. Participants then assessed the prospective usability of the space. The findings revealed that overall presentation media had little to no impact on the environmental assessments—meaning static, simulated images of the built environment can be used in evaluations. These findings are applicable to fields like architecture, which use renderings to communicate designs for future spaces.
Metagenome Sequences of Sediment from a Recovering Industrialized Appalachian River in West Virginia.

ABSTRACT We sequenced two metagenomes from upper sediment layers (0 to 5 and 6 to 10 cm) from the Kanawha River, West Virginia. The watershed includes inputs from the forested Appalachian Mountains, surface coal mining, municipal residues, and extensive chemical manufacturing. The dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi. Xenobiotic degradation pathways were present.
Attachment-Based Clinical Work with Children and Adolescents

The implications of John Bowlby’s attachment theory resound through the mental health community. While we know now that much of what Bowlby posited was true, we are still discovering the value of such findings for our clinical work with children and adolescents. Our book Attachment-Based Clinical Work with Children and Adolescents explores how attachment theory is used in clinical settings throughout the country. It presents articles relevant to work with infants and toddlers, children and adolescents, and families. How can we translate what we know about attachment theory and research into practice? Our book attempts to answer this question.
Relationship between Pulsatility Index and Volume Status in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Introduction Volume overload continues to be a common complication after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation due to years of heart failure complicated with pulmonary hypertension, right ventricle dysfunction and poor nutritional status. In fact, fluctuation in volume status is one of the most dynamic parameters in patients with LVADs and becomes one of the key components of the routine clinical evaluation in these patients. We hypothesize that postural changes in the pulsatility index (PI) may be an accurate non-invasive measure of volume status that can potentially be easily used in clinic or by patients at home to adjust their fluid intake and diuretics. Methods We included patients at least 1 month post-LVAD implantation being followed in the Advance Heart Failure Clinic at Scripps Clinic. We excluded patients unable to stand for at least 10 minutes or too unstable to cooperate. We measured systolic (SBP), diastolic and mean (MAP) blood pressure, heart rate and LVAD parameters including PI supine and after 2 minutes of standing. Supine and standing inferior vena cava (IVC) assessment was performed by bedside echocardiography. All measurements were obtained within 1 hour with no interval intervention. Results We included 20 patients status post continuous flow LVAD. Mean time from implant was 947.5 days (range 55 - 2533 days). We were able to obtain both supine and standing echocardiograms for IVC assessment in 14 (70%) patients. We found a positive and significant correlation between postural changes in PI and postural changes in IVC (R= 0.61, p = 0.02). There were no significant changes in supine and standing SBP and MAP (SBP: 101 ± 10 and 100 ± 10 mmHg, p=0.59; MAP: 82 ± 6 and 85 ± 7 mmHg, p=0.13). We did not find a statistically significant correlation between postural changes in PI and postural changes in MAP (r = 0.15, p = 0.55). Five patients (25%) had positive orthostatic vital signs and 14 (70%) had documented PI events the days prior to the study inclusion. There was a trend for larger postural PI changes in patients with positive orthostatic vital signs or PI events, although this did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.88 and p = 0.79, respectively). Conclusion Changes in LVAD PI seem to correlate with volume status rather than systemic blood pressure. There is a trend for larger postural PI changes in orthostatic patients and those with documented PI events. Postural PI change assessment could aid in the immediate bedside evaluation of volume status in LVAD patients. Furthermore, PI changes could be documented by patients remotely and used by providers for interval treatments without presentation to clinic.
Adaptive Bitrate Video Caching and Processing in Mobile-Edge Computing Networks

Mobile-Edge Computing (MEC) is a promising paradigm that provides storage and computation resources at the network edge in order to support low-latency and computation-intensive mobile applications. In this article, we propose a joint collaborative caching and processing framework that supports Adaptive Bitrate (ABR)-video streaming in MEC networks. We formulate an Integer Linear Program (ILP) that determines the placement of video variants in the caches and the scheduling of video requests to the cache servers so as to minimize the expected delay cost of video retrieval. The considered problem is challenging due to its NP-completeness and to the lack of a-priori knowledge about video request arrivals. Our approach decomposes the original problem into a cache placement problem and a video request scheduling problem while preserving the interplay between the two. We then propose practically efficient solutions, including: (i) a novel heuristic ABR-aware proactive cache placement algorithm when video popularity is available, and (ii) an online low-complexity video request scheduling algorithm that performs very closely to the optimal solution. Simulation results show that our proposed solutions achieve significant increase in terms of cache hit ratio and decrease in backhaul traffic and content access delay compared to the traditional approaches.
Change in Food and Beverage Availability and Marketing Following the Introduction of a Healthy Food Financing Initiative-Supported Supermarket

Purpose:The Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) aims to expand access to healthy foods in low-resourced communities across the United States. This study examined changes in food and beverage a...
Strategies to Investigate Biotin Interference in Light of the FDA Safety Communication.

The United States Food and Drug Administration issued a warning concerning biotin interference in clinical laboratory testing because of the growing number of adverse events. Many blood-based laboratory tests are immunoassays that exploit the strong binding between biotin and streptavidin. Normally, biotin concentrations in blood samples are too low to cause test interference (1). However, consumption of biotin as a vitamin supplement or high-dose therapy can interfere in many immunoassay designs due to the unnaturally high concentrations of biotin present in blood. For example, 10 mg of biotin supplement is 333-fold higher than the daily recommended …
Comment on “An equilibrium isotope effect due to a strong hydrogen bond”

Abstract The origin of equilibrium isotope effects in 2,4- and 2,6-dihydroxybenzaldehyde is discussed.
Experimental Studies on Seismic Response of Skew Bridges with Seat-Type Abutments. II: Results

AbstractThis paper investigates the seismic response of skewed bridges using the comprehensive data set obtained from a family of shake table experiments. To begin, the influence of friction along ...
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Biomechanics and Indications.

Over the past decade, our understanding of the biomechanics of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has advanced, resulting in design adjustments, improved outcomes, and expanding indications. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent literature regarding the biomechanics of RTSA and the evolving indications for its use. While Grammont’s principles of RTSA biomechanics remain pillars of contemporary designs, a number of modifications have been proposed and trialed in later generations to address complications such as impingement and glenoid failure. Clinical and biomechanical literature suggest that less medialized, more inferior glenospheres result in less impingement and notching. On the humerus, a more vertical neck cut is associated with less impingement. Indications for RTSA continue to expand beyond the classic indication of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). Patients without a functional cuff but no arthritis now have a reliable option in the RTSA. RTSA has also replaced hemiarthroplasty as the implant of choice for displaced three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures in the elderly. Finally, updated design options and modular components now allow for treatment of glenoid bone loss, failed arthroplasty, and proximal humerus tumors with RTSA implants. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty design has been modernized on both the glenoid and humerus to address biomechanical challenges of early implants. As outcomes improve with these modifications, RTSA indications are growing to address complex bony pathologies such as tumor and bone loss. Longitudinal follow-up of patients with updated designs and novel indications is essential to judicious application of RTSA technology.
A Simulation Model to Analyze Current Split Distribution of Multiple Temporary Protective Grounds (TPGs)

The main purpose of Temporary Protective Grounds (TPGs) is to maximize personnel safety while working on any de-energized power equipment. ASTM F855 specified the required designs for individual TPG configurations. In recent times, installing more than one TPG for high fault current applications is a widely accepted practice. The use of multiple TPGs on a single phase conductor would limit current carrying capability of an individual TPG by splitting the high fault currents among the parallel TPGs. The current split between the parallel TPGs depends on the resistance of the individual TPGs and the spacing present between TPGs. However, performing multiple high fault current test configurations at a laboratory is extremely complex and expensive. A three TPG configuration was designed and tested at 80 KA as per ASTM F855 requirements and the current split measurements were taken on each individual TPG. A simulation model was designed to perform different multiple TPGs configurations and the model was verified by comparing with the laboratory test results. An example test case is discussed using the simulation model where if one of the parallel TPGs has high impedance values and the simulation results indicate that the change in resistance of the TPGs impact the current split distributions adversely.
A new criterion for bar-forming instability in rapidly rotating gaseous and stellar systems. 2: Nonaxisymmetric form

We analyze previous results on the stability of uniformly and differentialy rotating, self-gravitating, gaseous and stellar, axisymmetric systems to derive a new stability criterion for the appearance of torodial, m = 2 intermediate or I-modes and bar modes. In the process, we demonstrate that the bar modes in stellar systems and the m = 2 I-modes in gaseous systems have many common physical characteristics and only one substantial difference: because of the anisotropy of the stress tensor, dynamical instability sets in at lower rotation in stellar systems. This difference is reflected also in the new stability criterion. The new stability parameter alpha equals (T(sub J))/(absolute value of W) is formulated first for uniformly rotating systems and is based on the angular momentum content rather than on the energy content of a system. (T(sub J) is defined as ((L)(Omega(sub J)))/2; L is the total angular momentum; Omega(sub J) is the Jeans frequency introduced by self-gravity; and W is the total gravitational potential energy.) For stability of stellar systems alpha less than or equal to 0.254-0.258 while alpha less than or equal to 0.341-0.354 for stability of gaseous systems. For uniform rotation, one can write alpha = ((ft)/2)(exp 1/2), where t is defined as T/(absolute value of W), T is the total kinetic energy due to rotation, and f is a function characteristic of the topology/connectedness and the geometric shape of a system. Equivalently, alpha equals t/(chi), where chi is defined as Omega/Omega(sub J) and Omega is the rotation frequency. Using these forms, alpha can be extended to and calculated for a variety of differentially rotating, gaseous and stellar, axisymmetric disk and spheroidal models whose equilibrium structures and stability characteristics are known. In this paper, we also estimate alpha for gaseous torodial models and for stellar disk systems embedded in an inert or responsive 'halo.' We find that the new stability criterion holds equally well for all these previously published axisymmetric models.
Falling Apart. Back to Nationalism (2003–2020)

This chapter tackles the first two decades of the twenty-first century: the unraveling of US world hegemony, the challenges faced by economic globalization, the growing socio-economic inequalities, the retreat of democracy, and the transformative forces of new technologies. Whereas these trends belong in the almost two-century unfolding of these dimensions, the potentially disruptive forces of the galloping artificial intelligence revolution and climate change single out this period’s unprecedented challenges.
When Institutions Fail: Communitarianism and Spotlight:

Communitarians argue that social identity is formed through the connection between individuals and their communities. The purpose of this study is to examine how the institution of journalism funct...
Immunological Memory is Associative

This paper argues that immunological memory is in the same class of associative memories as Kanerva"sSparse Distributed Memory,Albus"sCerebellar Model Arithmetic Computer,and Marr"sTheory of the Cerebellar Cortex.This class of memories Enrives its associative and robust nature from a sparse sampling of a huge input space by recognition units (B and T cells in the immune system) and a distribution of the memory among many inEnpenEnnt units (B and T cells in the memory population in the immune system).
In Defense of a Political Court

Can the Supreme Court be free of politics? Do we want it to be? Normative constitutional theory has long concerned itself with the legitimate scope and limits of judicial review. Too often, theorists seek to resolve that issue by eliminating politics from constitutional decisionmaking. In contrast, Terri Peretti argues for an openly political role for the Supreme Court.Peretti asserts that politically motivated constitutional decisionmaking is not only inevitable, it is legitimate and desirable as well. When Supreme Court justices decide in accordance with their ideological values, or consider the likely political reaction to the Court's decisions, a number of benefits result. The Court's performance of political representation and consensus-building functions is enhanced, and the effectiveness of political checks on the Court is increased. Thus, political motive in constitutional decision making does not lead to judicial tyranny, as many claim, but goes far to prevent it. Using pluralist theory, Peretti further argues that a political Court possesses instrumental value in American democracy. As one of many diverse and redundant political institutions, the Court enhances both system stability and the quality of policymaking, particularly regarding the breadth of interests represented.
Standard Generalized Markup Language for self-defining structured reports.

Abstract Structured reporting is the process of using standardized data elements and predetermined data-entry formats to record observations. The Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML; International Standards Organization (ISO) 8879:1986)—an open, internationally accepted standard for document interchange—was used to encode medical observations acquired in an Internet-based structured reporting system. The resulting report is self-documenting: it includes a definition of its allowable data fields and values encoded as a report-specific SGML document type definition (DTD). The data-entry forms, DTD, and report document instances are based on report specifications written in a simple, SGML-based language designed for that purpose. Reporting concepts can be linked with those of external vocabularies such as the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) Metathesaurus. The use of open standards such as SGML is an important step in the creation of open, universally comprehensible structured reports.
Rotational spectroscopy of the SrNH2 and SrND2 radicals (X̃2A1)

Abstract The pure rotational spectrum of the SrNH2 radical in its X 2 A 1 state has been recorded using sub-millimeter direct absorption techniques in the range 225–540 GHz. Measurements of SrND2 have also been conducted. Both molecules were produced by the reaction of metal vapor and NH3 or ND3. Fourteen and fifteen rotational transitions were recorded for SrNH2 and SrND2, respectively. Asymmetry doublets for Ka=0 through 5 or 6, as well as fine structure splittings, were observed in every transition. From these data, spectroscopic constants have been determined, as well as an r0-structure. This study provides additional evidence that SrNH2 is planar with ionic bonding.
Size-dependent electronic structure controls activity for ethanol electro-oxidation at Ptn/indium tin oxide (n = 1 to 14).

Understanding the factors that control electrochemical catalysis is essential to improving performance. We report a study of electrocatalytic ethanol oxidation – a process important for direct ethanol fuel cells – over size-selected Pt centers ranging from single atoms to Pt14. Model electrodes were prepared by soft-landing of mass-selected Ptn+ on indium tin oxide (ITO) supports in ultrahigh vacuum, and transferred to an in situ electrochemical cell without exposure to air. Each electrode had identical Pt coverage, and differed only in the size of Pt clusters deposited. The small Ptn have activities that vary strongly, and non-monotonically with deposited size. Activity per gram Pt ranges up to ten times higher than that of 5 to 10 nm Pt particles dispersed on ITO. Activity is anti-correlated with the Pt 4d core orbital binding energy, indicating that electron rich clusters are essential for high activity.
The Feasibility and Acceptability of Google Glass for Teletoxicology Consults

Teletoxicology offers the potential for toxicologists to assist in providing medical care at remote locations, via remote, interactive augmented audiovisual technology. This study examined the feasibility of using Google Glass, a head-mounted device that incorporates a webcam, viewing prism, and wireless connectivity, to assess the poisoned patient by a medical toxicology consult staff. Emergency medicine residents (resident toxicology consultants) rotating on the toxicology service wore Glass during bedside evaluation of poisoned patients; Glass transmitted real-time video of patients’ physical examination findings to toxicology fellows and attendings (supervisory consultants), who reviewed these findings. We evaluated the usability (e.g., quality of connectivity and video feeds) of Glass by supervisory consultants, as well as attitudes towards use of Glass. Resident toxicology consultants and supervisory consultants completed 18 consults through Glass. Toxicologists viewing the video stream found the quality of audio and visual transmission usable in 89 % of cases. Toxicologists reported their management of the patient changed after viewing the patient through Glass in 56 % of cases. Based on findings obtained through Glass, toxicologists recommended specific antidotes in six cases. Head-mounted devices like Google Glass may be effective tools for real-time teletoxicology consultation.
Nonequilibrium Green's function based models for dephasing in quantum transport

The objective of this paper is to describe a simple phenomenological approach for including dephasing processes in quantum transport models. The presented illustrative numerical results show this model provides the flexibility of adjusting the degree of phase and momentum relaxation independently that is not currently available in mesoscopic physics and in device simulation while retaining the simplicity of other phenomenological models.
Linear inversion method to obtain aerosol size distributions from measurements with a differential mobility analyzer

The use of a differential mobility analyzer to perform aerosol size spectrum measurements requires an inversion method to go from the measured sensor responses to the desired size spectrum information. Here we present a linear inversion method that can be run on a microcomputer or a small minicomputer. It does not use some of the approximations made in the techniques currently available and hence gives better inversion accuracy. The method shows good immunity to both random and systematic experimental error. It is applied to numerous test case aerosols.
A geometric framework for the kinematics of crystals with defects

Presented is a general theoretical framework capable of describing the finite deformation kinematics of several classes of defects prevalent in metallic crystals. Our treatment relies upon powerful tools from differential geometry, including linear connections and covariant differentiation, torsion, curvature and anholonomic spaces. A length scale dependent, three-term multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient is suggested, with terms representing recoverable elasticity, residual lattice deformation due to defect fields, and plastic deformation resulting from defect fluxes. Also proposed is an additional micromorphic variable representing additional degrees-of-freedom associated with rotational lattice defects (i.e. disclinations), point defects, and most generally, Somigliana dislocations. We illustrate how particular implementations of our general framework encompass notable theories from the literature and classify particular versions of the framework via geometric terminology.
Anaphylaxis in the operating room.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present article reviews the literature on anaphylactic reactions occurring in the operating room setting. The causes of anaphylaxis are discussed along with the clinical features, treatment and appropriate follow-up for patients who experience this reaction. RECENT FINDINGS: Anaphylaxis in the operating room can be caused by IgE-mediated reactions, non-IgE-mediated immunologic reactions as well as nonimmunologic reactions. The most common causes are neuromuscular blocking agents and latex, followed by antibiotics and other induction medications. Reactions may present with severe symptoms such as bronchospasm or cardiovascular collapse. Early recognition, followed by the administration of epinephrine, fluids, oxygen and airway control, is the key to a successful outcome. Follow-up testing, through in-vitro and in-vivo methods, is helpful in determining which agent caused the reaction. SUMMARY: The management of anaphylaxis in the operating room requires a collaborative effort between anesthesiologists, surgeons and allergists. Protocols for the management of suspected anaphylactic events and subsequent testing should be in place. To prevent future events, patients must receive adequate follow-up and high-risk patients should be identified before they enter the operating room.
Effect of sputtering in Xe ion irradiated yttria-stabilized zirconia

Abstract Fully stabilized zirconia is known as a radiation resistant material. The objective of many experiments on zirconia has been to test the susceptibility of this material to amorphization. Because zirconia exhibits high radiation tolerance, this has made very high fluence ion irradiation experiments a necessity and so, additional irradiation-induced effects such as surface sputtering become important. In this paper, we present results from 340 keV Xe ++ irradiations of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to fluences ranging from 1×10 15 to 1.5×10 21 ions/m 2 . No amorphization of YSZ was observed after irradiation to even the highest ion fluence. To assess sputtering effects at high fluence, an analytical model was developed, using ion range and damage distributions calculated using Monte Carlo simulations for ion–solid interactions. Analysis results and experimental data revealed that at high fluences, the implanted ion and damage distribution profiles are significantly modified by sputtering.
Asbestos fiber type in malignant mesothelioma : an analytical scanning electron microscopic study of 94 cases

Although the association between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma is indisputable, controversy continues regarding the relative contribution of the various types of asbestos fibers to the development of mesothelioma. We examined the types of asbestos fibers recovered from lung parenchyma in more than 90 cases of malignant mesothelioma from the United States, using an analytical scanning electron microscope. Almost half of the patients were former asbestos insulators or shipyard workers. The fibers were recovered from lung tissues obtained at autopsy or surgical resection by means of a sodium hypochlorite digestion procedure. Amosite asbestos was identified in 81% of the cases and accounted for 58% of all fibers 5 microns or greater in length. Tremolite/actinolite/anthophyllite were identified in 55% of the cases and accounted for 10% of all fiber types. Chrysotile was identified in 21% of the cases and accounted for 3% of fibers exceeding 5 microns in length. Crocidolite was found in 16% of the cases and accounted for 3% of fibers exceeding 5 microns in length. Nonasbestos mineral fibers (commonly found in the lungs of the general population) were observed in 71% of the cases and accounted for 25% of all fibers 5 microns or greater in length. The findings in this study are at odds with the assertion that crocidolite asbestos is responsible for most mesotheliomas in the United States.
The evaluation of creatinine clearance, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine in predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention ☆,☆☆

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to compare creatinine clearance (CrCl), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine (SCr) in predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), dialysis and death following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and Materials Data were prospectively collected on 7759 consecutive patients within the Dartmouth Dynamic Registry undergoing PCI between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2006. Renal function was measured at baseline and within 48 h after PCI using three methods: CrCl using the Cockcroft–Gault equation, eGFR using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation and SCr. We compared CrCl, eGFR and SCr in predicting CI-AKI, post-PCI dialysis-dependent renal failure and in-hospital mortality. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were calculated using logistic regression and tested for equality. Results On univariable analysis, CrCl [ROC: 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.72] predicted CI-AKI better than eGFR (ROC: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.64–0.70) ( P =.013) and SCr (ROC: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.61–0.67) ( P Conclusions Creatinine clearance, eGFR and SCr predict CI-AKI equally well. Creatinine clearance and eGFR are strong independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.
Continuous renal replacement therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension

Background:Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the preferred mode of renal replacement therapy in patients with acute brain injury (ABI). There are limited data available describing the effects of CRRT on intracranial pressure (ICP). This study aims to evaluate changes in ICP during CRRT
Equivalence verification for NULL Convention Logic (NCL) circuits

NULL Convention Logic (NCL) circuits are asynchronous circuits and find application in SoC design due to their delay-insensitive nature, which allows ease in resolution of timing issues in IP component reuse for SoC. NCL components are typically synthesized from synchronous circuits. For any design paradigm to be feasible, verification is an important factor. We present a formal verification methodology for checking equivalence of NCL circuits against their synchronous parent circuits. The methodology includes a procedure that computes the reachable states of NCL sequential circuits and a refinement mapping function that can be used to map NCL circuit states onto synchronous circuit states. The methodology is demonstrated by verifying the correctness of several NCL circuits.
Strategic Clarity in Banking: Role of Top Management-Team Demography:

The relationship between the demographic composition of the top management team and strategic clarity was analyzed using data from a sample of retail banks. The demographic characteristics of education, homogeneity in age and tenure, and heterogeneity in educational major and functional background were analyzed. Controlling for organizational size and firms' performance, banks with a clear strategy are characterized by top management teams that are heterogeneous on education major and functional background. These results suggest support for the benefits of cognitive diversity for top managers engaged in strategic decision making.
Ultrasensitive detection of trace gases with diode lasers by frequency modulation spectroscopy

Frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) with mid- and near-infrared tunable diode lasers is an attractive approach for a number of applications that require ultrasensitive detection of trace gases. The technique combines high detection sensitivity with high detection speed and is capable of detecting numerous small molecular weight compounds at levels ranging from low parts-per-million (ppm) to sub-parts-per-billion (ppb). We will review the principles of FMS and discuss its application in areas relevant to materials processing.
Evaluation of radar vegetation indices for vegetation water content estimation using data from a ground-based SMAP simulator

Vegetation water content (VWC) is an important component of microwave soil moisture retrieval algorithms. This paper aims to estimate VWC using L band active and passive radar/radiometer datasets obtained from a NASA ground-based Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) simulator known as ComRAD (Combined Radar/Radiometer). Several approaches to derive vegetation information from radar and radiometer data such as HH, HV, VV, Microwave Polarization Difference Index (MPDI), HH/VV ratio, HV/(HH+VV), HV/(HH+HV+VV) and Radar Vegetation Index (RVI) are tested for VWC estimation through a generalized linear model (GLM). The overall analysis indicates that HV radar backscattering could be used for VWC content estimation with highest performance followed by HH, VV, MPDI, RVI, and other ratios.
Taste perception, associated hormonal modulation, and nutrient intake.

It is well known that taste perception influences food intake. After ingestion, gustatory receptors relay sensory signals to the brain, which segregates, evaluates, and distinguishes the stimuli, leading to the experience known as “flavor.” It is well accepted that five taste qualities – sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami – can be perceived by animals. In this review, the anatomy and physiology of human taste buds, the hormonal modulation of taste function, the importance of genetic chemosensory variation, and the influence of gustatory functioning on macronutrient selection and eating behavior are discussed. Individual genotypic variation results in specific phenotypes of food preference and nutrient intake. Understanding the role of taste in food selection and ingestive behavior is important for expanding our understanding of the factors involved in body weight maintenance and the risk of chronic diseases including obesity, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and hypertension.
Heavy metal relationships in a Pennsylvania soil

Abstract Soils of loamy sand on weathered, sandy dolomite were cored from six holes up to 70 ft beneath a municipal waste landfill in central Pennsylvania. Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ag were determined in exchangeable and non-exchangeable forms in total and 2 . The Mn oxides (often X-ray amorphous) identified when crystalline as todorokite occurred chiefly as coatings on quartz grains. Somewhat higher amounts of acid leachable trace metals were found in the Co>Ni>Pb>Zn> Cu>Cd>Ag. The final leaching, which dissolved chiefly ferric oxides, gave Fe>Mn>Ni>Zn>Co> Cu>Pb>Cd>Ag. Samples taken from an unpolluted site and from the same soils affected for seven years by leachate from the refuse had similar metal contents. Soil extractable Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn could be predicted from the Mn extracted. Based in part on factor analysis of the data, Mn-rich oxides had at least tenfold higher heavy metal percentages than Fe-rich oxides (crystalline component goethite), reflecting their greater coprecipitation potential. Because of this potential and because of the generally higher solubility of Mn than Fe oxides, more heavy metals may be released from Mn-rich than from Fe-rich soils by disposal of organic-bearing wastes. However, leaching of the moisture-unsaturated soils in situ is rarely severe enough to completely dissolve both Mn and Fe oxides. Based on the Mn content, Cd, Cu, and Pb were depleted in soil moisture beneath the landfill relative to their amounts in the soil. This depletion may reflect factors including heterogeneity in metal content of the soil oxides; preferential resorption of these metals; and removal of the Cd, Cu, and Pb as organic precipitates or as inorganic precipitates such as carbonates.
The Epistemic/Ontic Divide

A number of philosophers think that, while we cannot explain how the mind is physical, we can know that it is physical, nonetheless. That is, they accept both the explanatory gap between the mental and the physical and ontological physicalism. I argue that this position is unstable. Among other things, I argue that once one accepts the explanatory gap, the main argument for ontological physicalism, the argument from causation, looses its force. For if one takes physical/nonphysical causation and ontological physicalism to be equally mysterious, as physicalists who accept the explanatory gap are inclined to do, there is little justification for accepting ontological physicalism rather than rejecting the causal closure of the physical. It is not at all unusual these days to hear philosophers claim that while they have no idea how the mind could be physical, they do not doubt that it is physical. As Joseph Levine has said, "I am prepared to maintain that materi alism must be true, though for the life of me I don't see how."1 These phi losophers are pessimistic physicalists: they are pessimistic about our ability to explain consciousness physically, yet think that consciousness is physical, nonetheless. Put differently, they are pessimistic about our ability to close the explanatory gap between mind and body yet confident that physicalism is true, confident, as it were, that there is no ontological gap. I want to look at why there should be such confidence in light of such pessimism. For it seems to me, if one accepts that the explanatory gap is uncloseable, it becomes difficult to explain why the ontological gap is not uncloseable as well.
Effect of the Mitral Valve’s Anterior Leaflet on Axisymmetry of Transmitral Vortex Ring

The shape and formation of transmitral vortex ring are shown to be associated with diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV). Transmitral vortex ring is a flow feature that is observed to be non-axisymmetric in a healthy heart and its inherent asymmetry in the LV assists in efficient ejection of the blood during systole. This study is a first step towards understanding the effects of the mitral valve’s anterior leaflet on transmitral flow. We experimentally study a single-leaflet model of the mitral valve to investigate the effect of the anterior leaflet on the axisymmetry of the generated vortex ring based on the three-dimensional data acquired using defocusing digital particle image velocimetry. Vortex rings form downstream of a D-shaped orifice in presence or absence of the anterior leaflet in various physiological stroke ratios. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that the formed vortex ring downstream of a D-shaped orifice is markedly non-axisymmetric, and presence of the anterior leaflet improves the ring’s axisymmetry. This study suggests that the improvement of axisymmetry in presence of the anterior leaflet might be due to coupled dynamic interaction between rolling-up of the shear layer at the edges of the D-shaped orifice and the borders of the anterior leaflet. This interaction can reduce the non-uniformity in vorticity generation, which results in more axisymmetric behavior compared to the D-shaped orifice without the anterior leaflet.
Adiabatic decompression and melting of mantle rocks: An irreversible thermodynamic analysis

[1] The process of irreversible adiabatic decompression and melting of mantle rocks has been evaluated using the thermodynamic condition of frictionless decompression in a gravitational field. It is found that the melt productivity is significantly greater, thus enhancing the tendency for melt segregation, if a parcel of mantle rock moves upward at nearly constant velocity than that derived for the case of isentropic decompression. The T-Z trajectory of a solid mantle diapir moving upward at a constant velocity has, in general, a smaller slope than the isentropic trajectory, and assumes a negative slope when its density falls below ∼94% of that of the surrounding mantle. The acceleration of upward movement, and the overall density reduction of the material due to phase change that is the likely cause for the acceleration, have qualitatively opposite effects on the deviations of melt productivity and T-Z trajectory of mantle diapir from those under isentropic conditions.
Satisfying in knowledge-based systems

Abstract A satisficing knowledge-based system reaches a satisfactory resolution as quickly as possible. A satisfactory resolution is one that reaches an answer that may not be optimal, but is satisfactory or heuristically “close enough”. This work focuses on the principles that can be used to support a methodology that will produce satisficing decisions in a data-driven knowledge-based system. A codified satisficing methodology that has been implemented is also presented. The purpose of satisficing is to resolve as few initial condition and goal states as can be managed consistent with reaching a satisfactory answer. This is within the normal constraints of an expert system, namely that the graph resolution would appear to be “natural” to a human user. This requires that the inference engine satisfactorily exhaust a particular topic before moving onto the next topic. Satisficing constraints, when attained, indicate that there is sufficient supporting information for a rule and that the evidence for it does not need to be further considered.
Laboratory Integration of Emerging Topics into Existing Curriculum

The growing body of scientific and engineering knowledge, against the current economic and political realities restricting the number of credits required to obtain a degree, constitutes a significant challenge in designing tomorrow's engineering curriculum. More novel content from emerging areas of engineering needs to be integrated into the curriculum, without sacrificing the fundamental background, and without increasing the credit count. We propose a laboratory based approach to this dilemma, where the novel content is introduced as applications within the laboratory exercises of the course with the closest topical area within the existing curriculum. We use biomedical engineering concepts as the novel area and electrical & computer engineering courses as the existing curriculum in our implementation, to increase awareness and interest in biomedical engineering. We discuss our reasons for choosing biomedical engineering as the novel content, present the implementation details of our approach, as well as the assessment results of our initial implementation.
Strategy-proofness versus efficiency on restricted domains of exchange economies

Strategy-proofness has been shown to be a strong property, particularly on large domains of preferences. We therefore examine the existence of strategy-proof and efficient solutions on restricted, 2-person domains of exchange economies. On the class of 2-person exchange economies in which agents have homothetic, strictly convex preferences we show, as Zhou (1991) did for a larger domain, that such a solution is necessarily dictatorial. As this proof requires preferences exhibiting high degrees of complementarity, our search continues to a class of linear preferences. Even on this “small” domain, the same negative result holds. These two results are extended to many superdomains, including Zhou’s.
Scalar phase conjugator for polarization correction

Abstract The concept of a scalar phase-conjugator is proposed and investigated. It is shown that only a scalar phase-conjugator can correct for polarization distortion and restore the original polarization state. The tensor property of a phase-conjugate reflector is investigated. An example to achieve such a scalar phase conjugation is discussed.
Current-induced frequency modulation in diode lasers

A new technique for measuring current-induced frequency modulation in diode lasers is described. Measurements in the modulation frequency range of 108 to 10−2 Hz were made on four different laser structures. The method maintains its accuracy at low modulation frequencies.
Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiomyopathy in the Elderly

The older population is preferentially afflicted by cancer and is vulnerable to chemotherapy-related side effects including cardiotoxicity. Unfortunately, this high-risk group is underrepresented in clinical trials and as such there is little guidance for risk assessment and management. In this review, we focus on the commonly used chemotherapeutic agents and their deleterious cardiovascular effects, particularly in the elderly.
Gradient flows for the minimum distance to the sum of adjoint orbits

Let G be a connected semisimple Lie group and its Lie algebra. Let be the Cartan decomposition corresponding to a Cartan involution θ of . The Killing form B induces a positive definite symmetric bilinear form B θ on defined by B θ(X, Y) = − B(X, θY). Given , we consider the optimization problem where the norm ‖ · ‖ is induced by B θ and K is the connected subgroup of the G with the Lie algebra . We obtain the gradient flow of the corresponding smooth function on the manifold K × ··· × K. Our results give unified extensions of several results of Li, Poon and Schulte-Herbruggen [C.K. Li, Y.T. Poon, and T. Schulte-Herbruggen, Least-squares approximation by elements from matrix orbits achieved by gradient flows on compact Lie groups, Math. Comp. 80 (2011), 1601–1621]. They are also true for reductive Lie groups.
Novel protein ADTRP regulates TFPI expression and function in human endothelial cells in normal conditions and in response to androgen

Thrombosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) represent major causes of morbidity and mortality. Low androgen correlates with higher incidence of CVD/thrombosis. Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) is the major inhibitor of tissue factor-factor VIIa (TF-FVIIa)–dependent FXa generation. Because endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction leading to vascular disease correlates with low EC-associated TFPI, we sought to identify mechanisms that regulate the natural expression of TFPI. Data mining of NCBI's GEO microarrays revealed strong coexpression between TFPI and the uncharacterized protein encoded by C6ORF105, which is predicted to be multispan, palmitoylated and androgen-responsive. We demonstrate that this protein regulates both the native and androgen-enhanced TFPI expression and activity in cultured ECs, and we named it androgen-dependent TFPI-regulating protein (ADTRP). We confirm ADTRP expression and colocalization with TFPI and caveolin-1 in ECs. ADTRP-shRNA reduces, while over-expression of ADTRP enhances, TFPI mRNA and activity and the colocalization of TF-FVIIa–FXa-TFPI with caveolin-1. Imaging and Triton X-114–extraction confirm TFPI and ADTRP association with lipid rafts/caveolae. Dihydrotestosterone up-regulates TFPI and ADTRP expression, and increases FXa inhibition by TFPI in an ADTRP- and caveolin-1-dependent manner. We conclude that the ADTRP-dependent up-regulation of TFPI expression and activity by androgen represents a novel mechanism of increasing the anticoagulant protection of the endothelium.
Sexual function after vaginal surgery for stress incontinence : Results of a mailed questionnaire

Abstract Objectives. To address the issue of sexual dysfunction after vaginal surgery for incontinence based on responses to a mailed questionnaire. Methods. A sexual function questionnaire was mailed to 93 women who underwent anterior vaginal wall suspension for stress urinary incontinence alone (group 1) or in conjunction with a concomitant posterior repair (group 2) at least 1 year previously. Results. A total of 56 (60%) women responded. Following surgery, 10 (37%) women in group 1 reported themselves as sexually active and 12 (41%) in group 2, which was similar to preoperative values. Only 1 woman in group 1 and 3 women in group 2 attributed their sexual inactivity to their own lack of desire or inability to have intercourse. Overall, 20% of women noted pain during intercourse, a finding slightly lower than the preoperative incidence (29%). No difference in the incidence of dyspareunia was noted between groups. Still, several women (18%) reported intercourse to be worse following surgery. Women who were either premenopausal or on hormone replacement therapy were more likely to be sexually active following surgery (46%) than those not on hormone replacement (17%). Conclusions. Overall, the percentage of women who were sexually active did not appear to be affected by a vaginal suspension procedure for incontinence. Symptomatic vaginal narrowing was rare, even among women undergoing simultaneous posterior repair. Still, nearly 20% of women considered intercourse to be worse postoperatively, although not all women reported dyspareunia. The possible causes for postoperative sexual dysfunction require further investigation.