cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Conductivity and Heat Capacity of the Monophosphide and Monosulfide of Plutonium

The thermal properties of PUP and PUS were measured from room temperature to 650° C by a heat-pulse technique. Disk-shaped specimens of 90% theoretical density were made by isostatic cold-pressing and sintering. The thermal conductivity of PUP corrected to theoretical density ranged from 0.014 cal sec-cm-1°C-1 at room temperature to 0.019 at 650° C. Over this temperature range the heat capacity increased from 0.055 to 0.056 cal g-l°C-1. The thermal conductivity of PUS decreased approximately 16% from its room temperature value of 0.023 cal sec-cm-1°C-1 and then rose to 0.037 at 650°C. The temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of PUP is apparently related to the quasimetallic electrical properties of this compound. PUS is a semiconductor and the rise in its thermal conductivity (after passing through a minimum) may be partly attributed to a bipolar thermal diffusion mechanism.
Evolution of an Epigenetic Gene Ensemble within the Genus Anopheles

Epigenetic control of gene expression has important implications for the regulation of developmental processes, for mediating homeostasis and responses to the external environment, and for transgenerational inheritance of gene expression patterns. Genes that mediate epigenetic control have been well-characterized in Drosophila melanogaster, and we have identified and analyzed an orthologous gene ensemble in Anopheles gambiae that comprises 169 orthologs related to a 215-member epigenetic gene ensemble in D. melanogaster. We find that this ensemble is highly conserved among anopheline mosquitoes, as we identify only seven gene family expansion/contraction events within the ensemble among 12 mosquito species we have studied within the genus Anopheles. Comparative analyses of the epigenetic gene expression across the genera Drosophila and Anopheles reveal distinct tissue-associated expression patterns in the two genera, but similar temporal expression patterns. The A. gambiae complex and D. melanogaster subgroup epigenetic gene ensembles exhibit similar evolutionary rates, as assessed by their respective dN/dS values. These differences in tissue-associated expression patterns, in contrast to similarities in evolutionary rates and temporal expression patterns, may imply that some members of the epigenetic gene ensemble have been redeployed within one or both genera, in comparison to the most recent common ancestor of these two clades. Members of this epigenetic gene ensemble may constitute another set of potential targets for vector control and enable further reductions in the burden of human malaria, by analogy to recent success in development of small molecule antagonists for mammalian epigenetic machinery.
A New Minimum Density RAID-6 Code with a Word Size of Eight

RAID-6 storage systems protect k disks of data with twoparity disks so that the system of k+2 disks may toleratethe failure of any two disks. Coding techniques for RAID-6 systems are varied, but an important class of techniquesare those with minimum density, featuring an optimalcombination of encoding, decoding and modificationcomplexity. The word size of a code impacts both how thecode is laid out on each disk's sectors and how large k canbe. Word sizes which are powers of two are especiallyimportant, since they fit precisely into file systemblocks. Minimum density codes exist for many word sizeswith the notable exception of eight. This paper fills thatgap by describing new codes for this important word size.The description includes performancencoding,e properties as well asdetails of the discovery process.
Review of Methods for Real-Time Loss Minimization in Induction Machines

This paper reviews and compares available techniques for minimizing power loss of induction motors. It identifies a separate category of loss minimization techniques (LMTs) - hybrid LMTs. Techniques have different convergence rates, parameter dependence, and convergence errors. Offline techniques are introduced and real-time techniques are detailed. Real-time LMTs are divided into model-based, physics-based, and hybrid categories. Application of a real-time LMT to a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is examined. Simulation and experimental results verify the characteristics of each category of real-time LMTs. Sensitivity of real-time LMTs to motor parameters is discussed. It is shown that techniques can be chosen based on application-specific requirements and that hybrid LMTs balance partial parameter independence and fast convergence to achieve the best overall performance.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Mediates Kidney Injury Molecule 1-Dependent Tubule Injury in a Surrogate Model

Kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), an epithelial phagocytic receptor, is markedly upregulated in the proximal tubule in various forms of acute and chronic kidney injury in humans and many other species. Whereas acute expression of KIM-1 has adaptive anti-inflammatory effects, chronic expression may be maladaptive in mice. Here, we characterized the zebrafish Kim family, consisting of Kim-1, Kim-3, and Kim-4. Kim-1 was markedly upregulated in kidney after gentamicin-induced injury and had conserved phagocytic activity in zebrafish. Both constitutive and tamoxifen-induced expression of Kim-1 in zebrafish kidney tubules resulted in loss of the tubule brush border, reduced GFR, pericardial edema, and increased mortality. Kim-1-induced kidney injury was associated with reduction of growth of adult fish. Kim-1 expression led to activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and inhibition of this pathway with rapamycin increased survival. mTOR pathway inhibition in KIM-1-overexpressing transgenic mice also significantly ameliorated serum creatinine level, proteinuria, tubular injury, and kidney inflammation. In conclusion, persistent Kim-1 expression results in chronic kidney damage in zebrafish through a mechanism involving mTOR. This observation predicted the role of the mTOR pathway and the therapeutic efficacy of mTOR-targeted agents in KIM-1-mediated kidney injury and fibrosis in mice, demonstrating the utility of the Kim-1 renal tubule zebrafish models.
High power capacitive power transfer for electric vehicle charging applications

This paper focuses on high power capacitive power transfer (CPT) for electric vehicle charging applications. The CPT system can achieve several kW power transfer through an air-gap distance of 150 mm with the dc-dc efficiency higher than 90%. Four pieces of metal plates are used as the capacitive coupler to build up electric fields and transfer power. A double-sided LCLC compensation circuit topology is proposed for the coupler to boost the voltage on the plates. The plates can be arranged vertically, instead of horizontally, to maintain the system power at rotatory misalignment conditions. The CPT system can also be combined with the inductive power transfer (IPT) system, in which the capacitors between the plates resonate with the inductors of the coils. Three prototypes have been constructed to validate the high power CPT system, which demonstrate that the CPT technology is suitable for electric vehicle charging applications.
Interdigitated metal electrodes for high-resolution in situ electrochemical NMR

Abstract Despite being among the most widely used spectroscopic methods, high-resolution NMR has not yet been applied routinely to electrochemistry and (organic) electrosynthesis, due largely to the incompatibility between NMR detection and electrical conduction of electrochemistry. Here, we introduce a straightforward, easy-to-construct system that incorporates high-resolution (HR) in situ NMR spectroscopy with electrochemistry by using cylindrically symmetric interdigitated metal (Au) electrodes. The constructed system is simple to build, inexpensive, and robust. It requires with minimal setup time and can be used with conventional commercial probes without the need of any modifications to them. To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the system, we used 1 H NMR to monitor the reversible redox reaction of ferrocene and 13 C NMR to follow the electro-oxidation reaction of methanol on a commercial ptru electrocatalyst.
Temperature Ramping for Nucleation of Oxygen Precipitates in Silicon

A new method for the nucleation of oxygen precipitates in Czochralski silicon is described. The temperature is ramped at approximately 100°C/hr from a very low value, near 400°C, to the highest temperature used for subsequent process steps. The technique generates a larger precipitate number density and a greater volume fraction of precipitated oxygen than standard isothermal nucleation anneals. The morphology of the precipitates changes from 0.1um sized (100) platelets to small particles unresovable by TEM. The new temperature ramping technique can reduce the time needed for precipitate nucleation by at least a factor of three. The details of oxygen precipitation can be totally controlled by adjusting the temperature ramp rate as a function of time.
Effect of water temperature on the physiology of fish spermatozoon function: a brief review

Motility is a key factor in function of the spermatozoon and determines semen quality and fertilizing capacity. Effective motility occurs when sperm is diluted in a swimming solution, the adequacy of which is determined by factors varying according to fish species. Spermatozoon motility rate and velocity, as well as duration of the motility period, are influenced by the temperature of the water in which broodfish are held. Increase in temperature of swimming medium beyond the optimal increases cell metabolism, leading to an increase in velocity with rapid depletion of energy resources, promoting early cessation of movement. The aim of this review was to discuss current information on the influence of temperature on quantitative spermatozoon properties, which could affect sperm function. Our findings provide a greater understanding of fish sperm physiology and a biological foundation for the further development of spermatozoon motility investigations as well as reproduction technologies.
Direct numerical simulation of three-dimensional honeycomb liners with turbulent boundary layer

Resonant acoustic liners are installed in jet engines to reduce noise by converting sound into vorticity-bound fluctuations. This work aims to study the acoustically excited flow field inside and outside a honeycomb liner under a Mach 0.5 turbulent boundary layer using DNS, with a focus on the interaction between the orifice and the boundary layer. The simulations are conducted in three steps: first, a RANS simulation is performed to obtain the basic flow conditions and a reasonable comparison is found between the RANS simulation data and experimental data taken from NASA Langley. The RANS data also serves as guidelines for the incoming turbulent boundary layer generation. Second, a temporally evolving Mach 0.5 compressible turbulent boundary layer is generated over a perfectly flat wall. Since the temporal boundary layer is growing in time, the momentum thickness Reynolds number (Re�) varies from 1385 to 2990. Quantitative analyses are performed at Re� = 2310 and the simulation data agree well with both the previous experimental and simulation results in several aspects. Finally, acoustic waves at different sound pressure levels (SPLs) are enforced when the turbulent boundary layer is present. Using flow visualization of the turbulent boundary layer and orifice interaction, basic flow features near or far away from the liner orifice are presented. Several flow properties are also quantified. These analysis will be helpful to reveal the behavior of conventional honeycomb liners under turbulent boundary layers.
Asymmetry of the Nucleon Angular Distributions in the Reactions He 4 ( γ , p ) H 3 and He 4 ( γ , n ) He 3 for 65 E γ 170 MeV

The cross section for the reaction $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, pnd)$ is calculated via the quasideuteron mechanism, assuming a $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ Gaussian ground state fitted to the form factor. From the ($\ensuremath{\gamma}, \mathrm{pnd}$) amplitude the contribution to the reactions $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, p)^{3}\mathrm{H}$, $^{4}\mathrm{He}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, n)^{3}\mathrm{He}$ due to $\mathrm{nd}$ ($\mathrm{pd}$) rescattering to form $^{3}\mathrm{H}$ ($^{3}\mathrm{He}$) are calculated. This contribution dominates the high-energy photonucleon cross section. An asymmetry coefficient $\ensuremath{\beta}=1.51$ at ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}=120$ MeV is obtained, close to the observed values.
Expanded Genetic Codes Create New Mutational Routes to Rifampicin Resistance in Escherichia coli

Until recently, evolutionary questions surrounding the nature of the genetic code have been mostly limited to the realm of conjecture, modeling, and simulation due to the difficulty of altering this fundamental property of living organisms. Concerted genome and protein engineering efforts now make it possible to experimentally study the impact of alternative genetic codes on the evolution of biological systems. We explored how Escherichia coli strains that incorporate a 21st nonstandard amino acid (nsAA) at the recoded amber (TAG) stop codon evolve resistance to the antibiotic rifampicin. Resistance to rifampicin arises from chromosomal mutations in the β subunit of RNA polymerase (RpoB). We found that a variety of mutations that lead to substitutions of nsAAs in the essential RpoB protein confer robust rifampicin resistance. We interpret these results in a framework in which an expanded code can increase evolvability in two distinct ways: by adding a new letter with unique chemical properties to the protein alphabet and by altering the mutational connectivity of amber-adjacent codons by converting a lethal nonsense mutation into a missense mutation. Finally, we consider the implications of these results for the evolution of alternative genetic codes. In our experiments, reliance on a mutation to a reassigned codon for a vital trait is not required for the long-term maintenance of an expanded genetic code and may even destabilize incorporation of an nsAA, a result that is consistent with the codon capture model of genetic code evolution.
Hematologic effects of AIDS therapies.

Infection with HIV, its treatment, and the treatment of associated complications are often associated with significant hematologic problems. Efforts to deal with these problems include the development of newer, less myelosuppressive agents; exploration of alternative dosing regimens for currently available therapies; and the use of marrow-stimulating cytokines. Continued research into ways to reduce the hematologic and other complications of AIDS therapies will be an important area of exploration.
A tri-gold triazolide with long-lived luminescence

Abstract We report the synthesis and characterization of tri-gold(I) complexes of a phenyltriazolide ligand. This complex luminesces in solution at room temperature and 77 K with emission lifetimes of 4.72 ± 0.8 μs at 298 K and 529 ± 12 μs at 77 K. Density-functional theory calculations on model complexes indicate that the triazolyl ring and aryl substituents approach coplanarity, and that total charge transfer is attenuated in the triplet excited state.
Use of the perpendicular vertical in cephalometric analysis

Cephalometric analysis is a useful diagnostic tool in orthodontics. The intracranial planes, commonly used as reference lines for cephalometric measurements, are not constant in the population. The variation of these references could constitute source of diagnostic error. On the light of this potential errors, the use of the vertical to the ground (or of its perpendicular line, orizzontal to the ground) constitutes a better reference for cephalometric measurements. The advantage of the vertical as reference is represented by its consistency in the same individuals and between different subjects.
A One Hundred Year Journey: The History of Surgery for Esophageal Achalasia

The year 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of Dr. Heller’s description of the surgical treatment of patients with achalasia with a cardiomyotomy. This 100-year old operation, which is today performed laparoscopically with the addition of a partial fundoplication, is considered the treatment of choice for patients with achalasia. Our goals are to revisit the accounts from the beginning of the twentieth century in which surgeons tried to identify the pathophysiology of achalasia and proposed several operative techniques and to follow the evolution of the surgical treatment until modern days.
El tema de figura en silueta “Charlie Chaplin”: Un tema de Ejecutante Ritual de la América Media

The paper presents evidence for the definition and origin of a figural jade theme that is common in Costa Rica. It consists of a standing figure in a ritual pose, and it is argued that it originated in the context of the jade exchange network linking the ancient jade artisans of Pre-Columbian Costa Rica to their counterparts in the Maya region of Mesoamerica. In the Maya region, archaeologists have referred to this theme as “Charlie Chaplin” figurines because of the characteristic pose with knees bent and feet pointing to the sides. It is proposed that this theme was pan-Mesoamerican, that it may very well have originated in the Middle Preclassic Olmec tradition, and that it appears to be the template for the so-called Ruler-as-World Axis theme defined for the Olmec and Maya traditions by various scholars. The paper suggests that this theme was adopted by the jade artisans from Pre-Columbian Costa Rica, who then adapted to the local artistic canons through the addition of stylistic traits typical of their tradition, and who may have used it to derive a new theme, made up of a blend of the older avian celtiform (avian axe-god) pendant theme and the diffused “Charlie Chaplin” theme, resulting in the anthropomorphic celtiform (anthropomorphic axe-god) pendant theme. The exchange network that led to the spread of this theme strongly points to the need for a more inclusive framework, a Middle American framework (distinct from Central America and Mesoamerica), to the study of ancient Pre-Columbian societies of Mexico and Central America, and possibly beyond, given the possible presence of this theme in Colombia.
Notes Toward A Wicksellian Model of Distributive Shares

It is always a comfort to read or re-read Wicksell. No other great economist is so candid, so cheerful about putting all his cards on the table and so unassuming about the strength of his hand. Even so technical a work as his ‘Mathematical Analysis of Akerman’s Problem’ 1 is attractive for this reason as well as for the power and modernity of the capital theory it contains. In this brief essay (part of a book review written at the age of 72!) Wicksell works out a sort of streamlined, Austrian capital theory and does it in such a way that it would fall neatly into place in a full Walrasian general equilibrium scheme. At the same time the analysis is cast formally in terms of a simple macro-economic model, and it is from this point of view that I want to consider it.
Video-correlated real-time optical coherence tomography for clinical dermatology

An OCT system appropriate for evaluation in clinical dermatology is presented. Normal and a variety of diseased skin are imaged for demonstration. Correlated video enables accurate location of the OCT scan with respect to the skin surface.
Increased Sensitization of Shrimp Microflora to Hypochlorite following a Sodium Bisulfite Dip1.

Various concentrations of hypochlorite (12.5 to 200 ppm) and sodium bisulfite (0.15 to 2.50%) applied singly and as successive dips were compared for their effect on the microbial flora of shrimp. It was found that sodium bisulfite exhibited antimicrobial activity at all concentrations tested, with a 50% reduction in bacterial numbers at a concentration of 2.5%. Hypochlorite reduced the bacterial load 75% at a concentration of 200 ppm. Under certain conditions a sequential treatment of shrimp with bisulfite, followed by a hypochlorite dip, significantly increased the antimicrobial effectiveness of the hypochlorite. This synergistic effect, however, was not apparent on shrimp following 24 h of iced storage.
Secondary Osteoporosis in Conditions of Pediatric Onset

Continuing the themes set forth in the prior chapter, secondary osteoporosis can result from disorders of the central nervous system or directly from the muscles. This chapter will discuss two of the most common pediatric disorders seen in rehabilitation hospitals and clinics, both in pediatric units and transitional “young adult” programs: cerebral palsy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Other forms of muscular dystrophy, such as Becker’s muscular dystrophy, produce significantly less disability so are not considered here.
Expression of DNA methyl transferases and promoter methylation of tumor suppressor genes in astrocytomas

2187 Astrocytomas are the most common type of primary brain tumors. Mainly developing in adults, they are characterized by diffuse invasion of adjacent brain tissue. Chromosomal loss and somatic gene mutations cause loss of tumor suppressor gene (TSG) function in these tumors. Alternatively, CpG- islands methylation in gene promoter regions also induce TSG silencing. We analyzed the expression pattern of the DNA methyl transferases (DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b) in astrocytomas. Also, we investigated RASSF1A (3p21.3), NORE1A (1q32.1), BLU (3p21.3), PTEN (10q23.3), MGMT (10q26.1) and CDKN2A (9p21) for differential gene expression and promoter methylation status to elucidate their potential epigenetic regulation in astrocytomas. Downregulation by promoter methylation has previously been reported on the former three genes. The latter three genes, PTEN, MGMT and CDKN2A, map to areas commonly deleted in astrocytomas. A series of 53 astrocytomas and 10 high grade glioma cell lines were analyzed in the current study. Gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR and Western Blot. Promoter methylation was analyzed by three independent methods: bisulfite- sequencing, MSP (methylation specific PCR) and MCA-Meth (Melting Curve Analysis based real time methylation assay). Treatments with 1μM 5-Aza-2-deoxicitidine (&5acute;-Aza-dC) for 3 days restored gene expression in cell lines. DNMT1 was overexpressed in cell lines (p=0.001) and in some tumor samples, although it didn’t reach statistical significance (p=0.359). De novo DNMTs (DNMT3a and DNMT3b) were highly overexpressed both in cell lines (p=0.002 and p=0.000, respectively) and in tumor samples (p=0.000 and p=0.000, respectively). RASSF1A, NORE1A and MGMT genes were found to be re-expressed after the &5acute;-Aza-dC treatments, associated with promoter methylation. The RASSF1A and MGMT promoter were found to be methylated in 92% and 47% of primary tumor samples, respectively, suggesting promoter methylation to be a common event in the tumorigenesis of high grade astrocytomas for these genes. Only 4% of the tumors revealed a methylated promoter for NORE1A. No association between methylation and loss of expression could be established for BLU, PTEN and CDKN2A.
A STUDY OF THE CRITICAL DIP ANGLE FOR TRACK REGISTRATION IN PLASTIC TRACK DETECTORS

ABSTRACT The method of irradiating plastic detectors mounted on a cylindrical holder gives a smooth variation of track dip angle with track position on the detector. Fluence data obtained from irradiations of specific ions and specific energies, when normalized to the experimental geometry, yield detector efficiency versus track dip angle, δ. Analysis of the efficiency as a function of δ in the critical angle region shows that the efficiency is well represented by the function This analysis allows the extraction of the critical dip angle, δcri, (the 50% efficiency value for δ) and standard deviation, σ, statistical parameters which, when compared over varying etch conditions, indicate the optimum conditions (highest total detector efficiency, cos2δcri) for processing a given detector for a given ion and energy. The parameter σ has particular significance in relation to any measurements made on tracks. This method was applied toward the calibrations of Kodak-Pathe cellulose nitrate plastic in a 585 MeV/nuc Fe56 ion beam. The detectors are variably etched in NaOH with camphor saturation; the three temperatures and four concentrations that are used yield results for bulk etch rate and track-to-bulk etch rate ratio [VR = (VT/VB)], also known as the reduced etch rate. Critical angle and standard deviation values, varying over the conditions, are also reported.
The Use of Ruthenium-Containing Polythiols for Solar Energy Conversion

Solar energy conversion is an attractive and important area of study. Work has increased as the cost of fuels has increased and the availability of non-(rapidly) renewable fuels has decreased. This coincides with an increased awareness and need for “cleaner” fuels. Efforts have varied from simply capturing thermal solar energy in liquid holding tanks to the use of complex chemically-based systems. Many of these chemical efforts have involved the “splitting” of water into hydrogen and oxygen gasses and the subsequently reuniting of these gasses at a later time, subsequently capturing the expelled energy.
Localist Family Law: Unearthing the Local Common Law of Divorce

Courts often refer to family law as a quintessential state concern. Over the last decade, family law scholarship has exposed numerous ways that the federal government, in addition to the states, plays a significant role in shaping family law. This Article also critiques the standard trope about family law as a state concern, but does so from the perspective of sub-state entities. Several local courts, local bar associations, and informal groups of practitioners have adopted local substantive norms in an attempt to harmonize the decisions of local judges and make family law’s open-ended standards more predictable. But the most important of these attempts at codifying local norms have been summarily rejected by state appellate courts. This is misguided. The real choice is between public local norms, secret local norms, and allowing the arbitrary whim of individual judges to control foundational interests in property and parenthood. Once this is revealed, the proper choice is clear. Instead of destroying local norms or forcing them underground, appellate courts should treat local substantive norms like they would treat local procedural norms and encourage their codification.
Beginning Again: People and Nature in the New Millenium

Beginning Again: People and Nature in the New Millenium R. James Tobin Reference Librarian, Golda Meir Library, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 604, Milwaukee, WI 53201 USA. TEL: 414-229-4659 Ehrenfeld, David. Beginning Again: People and Nature in the New Millenium. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993. 216 pp. US$22.00 hardcover ISBN: 0-19-507812-8. Ehrenfeld evidently sees himself as a prophet. What he means by prophesy is not foretelling the future but accurately describing present realities. In these essays, reprinted from a wide variety of sources, the author of The Arrogance of Humanism warns us that human survival in the next millennium depends on adherence to what he calls the qualities of nature -- honesty, reliability, durability, beauty, even humor (p. ix) and that we cannot begin again as if the twentieth century had not happened, as if it had caused no lasting damage to the physical world, to nature, or to human culture. (p. 192) In one of his most appealing essays, Ehrenfeld finds much to admire in the character and views on nature of the writer George Orwell, who was honest even about his own faults and who revelled in immediate contact with the earth. Ehrenfeld follows this with an account of the perennial popularity of the eighteenth century book, The Natural History of Selborne by Gilbert White, who described the immediacy of a time and place where natural history and human history were not far apart. Other essays range from the prejudice against dandelions to the Exxon Valdez disaster and weapons of mass destruction, as well as the limitations of such notions as rights and loyalty. Prominent among Ehrenfeld's dislikes is modern management, particularly because it represents what he considers excessive striving for power and control. An instance was the decision to install, over the protests of its future occupants, a malfunctioning state of the art ventilation system in a new building without windows that open. Ehrenfeld warns against entrusting cherished natural preserves to institutions like Harvard, lest they sell the land while keeping most of the endowment left to care for it. Ehrenfeld celebrates diversity and the particular. He prefers these to generalization and even theoretical simplicity, to a degree that will not win him friends among physicists, who strive to explain the universe by reducing particulars to basic laws, the fewer the better. He laments the threatened loss to human memory and understanding of whole scientific subspecialties, such as comparative biochemistry, not because they have been discredited or superseded by better understanding or factual discoveries, but just because they have become scientifically unfashionable. Ehrenfeld holds strong views with which many might take issue. He argues cogently for them and presents them interestingly for a wide audience. Beginning Again is recommended for all libraries.
Sympathy for the Devil: The Myth of Plato as the Enemy of Rhetoric

It is a disciplinary commonplace to identify Plato as the enemy of rhetoric. While it is also common to suggest a more complex role for Plato and his dialogues in contemporary rhetorical studies, this is often treated as a revision of his traditional role. In this article, I question the historicity of the narrative that Plato is the historical enemy of rhetoric. I investigate the role that Plato played in the rhetorical tradition from Demosthenes to Du Bois and compare it to how he is framed in the contemporary discipline – first, in disciplinary histories and second, in contemporary theory. What I find is a distinct disconnect between his traditional treatment and the contemporary construction of his place in the tradition.
Excision of Branchial Cleft Cyst/Sinus

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for excision of branchial cleft cyst/sinus as performed by the following approach: open. Indications for the procedure include a visible pit on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid. Occasionally, fluid may drain from the pit or the sinus can become infected and require incision and drainage and delayed repair. Risks of the surgery include damage to the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and hypoglossal nerve, the carotid sheath, and incomplete ductal excision. There is no alternative to surgical excision, although in the case of early diagnosis with no history of infection, surgical excision can be delayed for several months to diminish the risks of general anesthesia in an infant. Essential steps include cannulation of the sinus, elliptical incision around sinus opening, dissection up the length of the sinus tract, transverse step ladder incision(s) along the length of the sinus tract, and suture ligation of the base of the sinus.
Comment on “Modified Bessel-correlated vortex beams and their propagation properties”

Abstract Letter to the Editor of Optics and Laser Technology regarding “Modified Bessel-correlated vortex beams and their propagation properties.”
Formation Control in a Leader-Fixed Frame for Agents with Extended Unicycle Dynamics that Include Orientation Kinematics on SO(m)

We present a formation control algorithm for agents with extended unicycle dynamics that include orientation kinematics on SO(m) and first-order speed dynamics. The desired interagent positions are expressed in a leader-fixed coordinate frame, which is aligned with and rotates with the leader’s velocity vector. Thus, the desired interagent positions vary in time as the leader-fixed frame rotates. We assume that each agent has relative-position feedback of its neighbor agents, where the neighbor sets are such that the interagent communication (i.e., feedback) structure represents a strongly connected directed graph. We assume that at least one agent has access to a measurement its position relative to the leader. The analytic result shows that for almost all initial conditions, the agents converge to the desired relative positions. We also present results from software-in-the-loop simulations with 3 fixed-wing unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) that demonstrate the leader-fixed formation-control algorithm.
The estimation of diagnostic accuracy of tests for COVID-19: A scoping review.

Summary Objectives To assess the methodologies used in the estimation of diagnostic accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and other nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and to evaluate the quality and reliability of the studies employing those methods. Methods We conducted a systematic search of English-language articles published December 31, 2019-June 19, 2020. Studies of any design that performed tests on ≥10 patients and reported or inferred correlative statistics were included. Studies were evaluated using elements of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) guidelines. Results We conducted a narrative and tabular synthesis of studies organized by their reference standard strategy or comparative agreement method, resulting in six categorizations. Critical study details were frequently unreported, including the mechanism for patient/sample selection and researcher blinding to results, which lead to concern for bias. Conclusions Current studies estimating test performance characteristics have imperfect study design and statistical methods for the estimation of test performance characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 tests. The included studies employ heterogeneous methods and overall have an increased risk of bias. Employing standardized guidelines for study designs and statistical methods will improve the process for developing and validating rRT-PCR and NAAT for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Use of Anthropomorphic Measures to Predict Correct Tracheal Tube Placement Following Intubation

Background: Endotracheal tubes (ETT) must be properly placed to protect airways, avoid accidental dislodgment, and provide ventilatory support. Infants and small children have short tracheal length complicating proper initial ETT positioning. We sought to develop, internally validate and establish safety, and feasibility of a regression model to determine depth of ETT insertion. We hypothesized that the predictive equation will facilitate correct initial ETT placement compared to PALS guidelines. Methods: We recorded height, weight, age, gender, ETT internal diameter (ID) and cm marking at lip from the electronic record from a random subset of 2,000 initial chest radiographs (CXR) obtained 01/01/09 - 05/05/12. A multivariable linear regression model was constructed, refined and validated by non-parametric bootstrapping technique using unrestricted random sampling methods. A prospective pilot study of subjects age 0 – 18 years admitted to pediatric intensive care unit, requiring invasive mechanical ventilatory support from 1/7/19 – 5/31/19 was conducted. Subjects with spinal and/or skeletal malformations, for whom a post-intubation CXR was not ordered, or whose CXR quality impaired visualizing the carina and ETT tip were excluded. The validated regression equation, Lip Mark ~ 0.8636 * Height 0.6223 determined insertion depth. Initial CXR following intubation determined ETT position. Demographic data was summarized and a One Sided, One-Sample Binomial Test of Proportions was used to assess if proportion of correct position was greater by predicted lip mark calculation than by lip mark. Analyses completed using R and SAS for this IRB approved protocol. Results: 450 subjects were included in the random subset for model construction. Unrestricted random sampling created 10,000 independent samples used for internal validation. Bias between the bootstrap coefficients and refined model estimates were negligible ( Conclusions: Use of regression equation is safe, feasible and facilitated correct ETT placement. A larger, diverse sample is required to externally validate the model.
The Exposome in the Era of One Health

Current studies on environmental chemistry mainly focus on a single stressor or single group of stressors, which does not reflect the multiple stressors in the dynamic exposome we are facing. Similarly, current studies on environmental toxicology mostly target humans, animals, or the environment separately, which are inadequate to solve the grand challenge of multiple receptors in One Health. Though chemical, biological, and physical stressors all pose health threats, the susceptibilities of different organisms are different. As such, significant relationships and interactions of the chemical, biological, and physical stressors in the environment and their holistic environmental and biological consequences remain unclear. Fortunately, the rapid developments in various techniques, as well as the concepts of multistressors in the exposome and multireceptor in One Health provide the possibilities to understand our environment better. Since the combined stressor is location-specific and mixture toxicity is species-specific, more comprehensive frameworks to guide risk assessment and environmental treatment are urgently needed. Here, three conceptual frameworks to categorize unknown stressors, spatially visualize the riskiest stressors, and investigate the combined effects of multiple stressors across multiple species within the concepts of the exposome and One Health are proposed for the first time.
Massive Transfusion Protocol

Treatment of the acutely hemorrhaging patient involves the administration of blood products and blood product adjuvants in a timely manner in order to reduce mortality and improve overall outcomes. Development of a massive transfusion protocol is recommended by multiple authorities for treatment of patients at high risk for acute hemorrhage. A multidisciplinary team is required for protocol development, along with a thorough review of the literature. Establishing the timing, dosing, and monitoring of massive transfusion products is essential. Evidence on best practice continues to rapidly develop and change. This chapter describes the current literature and recommendations.
Quickest Change Detection of Time Inconsistent Anticipatory Agents. Human-Sensor and Cyber-Physical Systems

In behavioral economics, human decision makers are modeled as anticipatory agents that make decisions by taking into account the probability of future decisions (plans). We consider cyber-physical systems involving the interaction between anticipatory agents and statistical detection. A sensing device records the decisions of an anticipatory agent. Given these decisions, how can the sensing device achieve quickest detection of a change in the anticipatory system? From a decision theoretic point of view, anticipatory models are time inconsistent meaning that Bellman's principle of optimality does not hold. The appropriate formalism is the subgame Nash equilibrium. We show that the interaction between anticipatory agents and sequential quickest detection results in unusual (nonconvex) structure of the quickest change detection policy. Our methodology yields a useful framework for situation awareness systems and anticipatory human decision makers interacting with sequential detectors.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as a probe for understanding the potential-dependent impact of fluoroethylene carbonate on the solid electrolyte interface formation in Na/Cu2Sb batteries

Abstract The solid electrolyte interface (SEI) forms from electrolyte decomposition during the initial discharge of half-cell batteries and is affected by the presence of electrolyte additives. Breaking down the initial discharge into stages, defined by voltage cut offs, can help discover the role of additives in SEI growth. In this study, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is used to analyze the SEI formed on electrodeposited, binder free Cu2Sb thin films in sodium ion half-cell batteries. The presence of fluoro-ethylene carbonate (FEC), an electrolyte additive known to enhance battery lifetime, has a significant effect on the carbon 1s XPS spectra. The concentration of oxygenated carbon environments are dramatically decreased when FEC is added to the system. These environments were present in samples without FEC before significant electrochemistry was observed, potentially displaying the reactivity of sodium metal with conventional carbonate electrolytes to form the initial components of the SEI before the battery is cycled. The differences observed when FEC is added are likely the chemical environments of the SEI that have the dramatic effect on battery performance. Interestingly, these results suggest that the critical aspects of SEI formation are determined before the active material is sodiated, with FEC playing an integral role.
Affect, attribution, and disconfirmation: their impact on health care services evaluation.

Abstract The paper simultaneously assesses the influence of affect toward the health care provider, attributions of the health care provider, and disconfirmation on patient satisfaction with the health care provider and their intention to return to the health care provider in the future. The findings indicate affect and disconfirmation play a role in patients' judgements, but attribution does not. Also, patients appear to have a zone of tolerance as to the events that constitute the health care service delivery. This suggests that health care providers may have a zone of variation in the action they take and still maintain a satisfied patient.
A study of the temperature dependence of spin‐wave excitations in FexCr1−x

Certain alloys of FexCr1−x (0.18<x<0.30) have been reported to undergo a transition from a ferromagnetic state to one exhibiting mictomagnetic or spin‐glass behavior at temperatures below the Curie temperature, Tc. Studies of the critical scattering on polycrystalline samples show a peak at Tc for all x’s and a monotonically decreasing intensity for T<Tc for x≳0.30. For those x’s exhibiting spin‐glass behavior, there is an increase in intensity at low temperatures. The dynamical studies reveal well‐defined spin waves within the ferromagnetic regime but as T approaches the spin‐glass phase, the magnetic stiffness decreases dramatically.
Localization using evolution strategies in sensornets

With the emergence of wireless sensor networks and pervasive computing, innovative location-aware technologies and services are being investigated. Several iterative approaches employing distributed computations over sensors have been proposed in the literature for locating all the sensor nodes in the network. Due to their iterative nature these techniques are inefficient in terms of power, a very precious resource in sensor networks. This paper presents a novel power efficient approach aimed at identifying the locations of all the nodes in a sensor network given the location of a small subset of nodes. The technique, using evolution strategies, is independent of the ranging method used to estimate distances between nodes and involves sink nodes in the computation. The proposed approach provides substantial energy savings over existing techniques while providing comparable accuracy, and requires the presence of at least one neighbor for each sensor node compared to at least 3 neighbors for most of the existing techniques
Not Just Intergroup: The Role of Status Within Groups in the Sandusky Scandal

The series of events in the 2011 Penn State sexual abuse scandal were tumultuous and complex. Alderfer's (2013) focal article on the group-level phenomena surrounding the scandal provides a unique lens to view these events. However, questions remain about how relationships both within and between the groups involved in the scandal resulted in these outcomes. In particular, why did members of groups within Penn State fail to act, whereas people who belonged to other social groups took action? In short, we agree that group and intergroup boundaries were important in this situation, but would like to further elaborate on the underlying mechanisms behind their significance. Beyond the fact that individuals belonged to different groups, what aspects of group dynamics explain the differences in their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in this scandal?
A Constraint-Based Method for Project Scheduling with Time Windows

This paper presents a heuristic algorithm for solving RCPSP/max, the resource constrained project scheduling problem with generalized precedence relations. The algorithm relies, at its core, on a constraint satisfaction problem solving (CSP) search procedure, which generates a consistent set of activity start times by incrementally removing resource conflicts from an otherwise temporally feasible solution. Key to the effectiveness of the CSP search procedure is its heuristic strategy for conflict selection. A conflict sampling method biased toward selection of minimal conflict sets that involve activities with higher-capacity requests is introduced, and coupled with a non-deterministic choice heuristic to guide the base conflict resolution process. This CSP search is then embedded within a larger iterative-sampling search framework to broaden search space coverage and promote solution optimization. The efficacy of the overall heuristic algorithm is demonstrated empirically on a large set of previously studied RCPSP/max benchmark problems.
Measuring and Improving Safety

It has been a decade since the Institute of Medicine raised the call to action for patient safety in their landmark report, To Err Is Human, which brought to the public’s attention the significant problems with patient safety in our healthcare system. This call to action has been heeded by many healthcare leaders, who are actively and vigorously addressing patient safety issues. The healthcare community has worked to educate themselves on methods to improve safety, and strived to execute interventions toward the goal of improving patient safety. We still have much to do and the science of safety needs to mature rapidly to meet the needs of patients. We especially need to develop effective methods for evaluating the impact of our interventions so that we know what works and where to best invest our resources and answer the question, “Are patients safer?”
Physiological and cytokine responses in IL-1 beta-deficient mice after zymosan-induced inflammation

Interleukin (IL)-1 beta-deficient (IL-1 beta -/-) mice exhibited decreased zymosan-induced lethality and reduced production of IL-6 compared with wild-type controls (IL-1 beta +/+). In addition, IL-1 beta -/- mice had a diminished cellular infiltrate (33%) in the peritoneal cavity after zymosan. However, anorexia and hypoglycemia were not affected by the lack of IL-1 beta. The induction of corticosterone was only slightly reduced (14%) in IL-1 beta -/- mice. Peritoneal lavage fluid levels for IL-1 alpha, but not for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, were also decreased. To evaluate the role of residual IL-1 alpha production in IL-1 beta -/- mice, we used IL-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). In IL-1 beta +/+ mice, IL-1ra inhibited production of IL-6 after zymosan, without affecting TNF-alpha synthesis. There was no further inhibitory effect of IL-1ra on IL-6 production in IL-1 beta -/- mice, suggesting no role for IL-1 alpha in zymosan-induced IL-6. Our results demonstrate that IL-1 beta plays a significant, although not exclusive, role in the physiological and cytokine responses to zymosan-mediated inflammation.