cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and morphological behavior in polystyrene based compatible polymer blends

Mechanical and morphological behavior of polystyrene (PS) based compatible polymer blend systems were studied using a tensile tester and scanning electron and optical microscopes. Four different binary compatible blend systems were employed and characterized : PS and poly (2,6-dimethyl 1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), PS and poly(vinylmethylether)(PVME), PS and poly(α-methyl styrene)(PαMS), and PPO and PαMS. The compositional dependence of the mechanical properties showed a synergistic effect with respect to modulus, but a negative deviation from the rule of mixtures relationship for strain at break. From the scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, a deformation mode transition from crazing to crazing and shear banding occurs at ∼25 wt% PPO in the PS/PPO blends, as indicated by the patch and river patterns above this composition. In the PS/PVME blends, a similar transition was observed at >10 wt% PVME. The PS/PαMS blends showed brittle fracture regardless of composition. The PPO/PαMS blends showed a brittle fracture for a PαMS content >25 wt%. Optical microscope (OM) observations showed that blending of PS/PPO and PS/PVME resulted in a decrease of craze density and length as the PPO and PVME content was increased. PS/PαMS and PPO/PαMS blends showed few crazes, all of which were localized near the fracture surface. The mechanical and morphological behavior can be explained using models of intermolecular interactions and entanglement density in compatible blends, respectively. Overall the mechanical property and the consequent morphological behavior were similar to the effect of antiplasticization.
The Tenacious Goal Pursuit and Flexible Goal Adjustment Scales: Examination of their Validity:

This study tested the unidimensionality of the Tenacious Goal Pursuit (TGP) and Flexible Goal Adjustment (FGA) scales and examined the relationships of the factors measured in these scales with two criterion constructs (happiness and self-acceptance) and with age in a sample 292 adults (ranging from 50 to 90 years). Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that to adequately account for the response patterns for TGP and FGA items, the model must also include two correlated item-keying factors (direct keyed and reverse keyed). The modified model showed a close fit to the data, but large portions of variance in the TGP and FGA item scores were explained by the item-keying factors rather than by the target factors. The target factors measured by the TGP and FGA items showed the same directional relationships with happiness and self-acceptance and no relationship with each other. Neither TGP nor FGA are related to age.
Pattern sensitive placement for manufacturability

When VLSI technology scales toward 45nm, the lithography wavelength stays at 193nm. This large gap results in strong refractive effects in lithography. Consequently, it is a huge challenge to reliably print layout features on wafers and the printing is more susceptible to lithographic process variations. Although resolution enhancement techniques can mitigate this manufacturability problem, their capabilities are overstretched by the continuous shrinking of VLSI feature size. On the other hand,the quality and robustness of lithography directly depend on layout patterns. Therefore, it becomes imperative to consider the manufacturability issue during layout design such that the burden of lithography process can be alleviated.In this paper, the problem of cell placement considering manufacturability is studied. Instead of designing a new cellplacer, our goal is to tune any existing cell placement solution to be lithography friendly. For this purpose, three algorithms are proposed, which are cell flipping algorithm, single row optimization approach and multiple row optimization approach. These algorithms are based on dynamic programming and graph theoretic approaches, and can provide different tradeoff between edge placement error (EPE)reduction and wirelength increase. Using lithography simulations, our experimental results on realistic netlists and cell library demonstrate that over 20% EPE reduction can be obtained by thenew approaches while only less than 1% additional wire is introduced.
On graph problems in a semi-streaming model

We formalize a potentially rich new streaming model, the semi-streaming model, that we believe is necessary for the fruitful study of efficient algorithms for solving problems on massive graphs whose edge sets cannot be stored in memory. In this model, the input graph, G = (V, E), is presented as a stream of edges (in adversarial order), and the storage space of an algorithm is bounded by O(n ċ polylog n), where n = |V|. We are particularly interested in algorithms that use only one pass over the input, but, for problems where this is provably insufficient, we also look at algorithms using constant or, in some cases, logarithmically many passes. In the course of this general study, we give semi-streaming constant approximation algorithms for the unweighted and weighted matching problems, along with a further algorithmic improvement for the bipartite case. We also exhibit log n/log log n semi-streaming approximations to the diameter and the problem of computing the distance between specified vertices in a weighted graph. These are complemented by Ω(log(1-e) n) lower bounds.
An algebraic framework for compositional design of autonomous and adaptive multiagent systems

Organization-based Multiagent Systems (OMAS) have been viewed as an effective paradigm for addressing the design challenges posed by today’s complex systems. In those systems, the organizational perspective is the main abstraction, which provides a clear separation between agents and systems, allowing a reduction in the complexity of the overall system. To ease the development of OMAS, several methodologies have been proposed. Unfortunately, those methodologies typically require the designer to handle system complexity alone, which tends to lead to ad-hoc designs that are not scalable and are difficult to maintain. Moreover, designing organizations for large multiagent systems is a complex and time-consuming task; design models quickly become unwieldy and thus hard to develop. To cope with theses issues, a framework for organization-based multiagent system designs based on separation of concerns and composition principles is proposed. The framework uses category theory tools to construct a formal composition framework using core models from the Organization-based Multiagent Software Engineering (O-MASE) framework. I propose a formalization of these models that are then used to establish a reusable design approach for OMAS. This approach allows designers to design large multiagent organizations by reusing smaller composable organizations that are developed separately, thus providing them with a scalable approach for designing large and complex OMAS. In this dissertation, the process of formalizing and composing multiagent organizations is discussed. In addition, I propose a service-oriented approach for building autonomous, adaptive multiagent systems. Finally, as a proof of concept, I develop two real-world examples from the domain of cooperative robotics and wireless sensor networks.
Photoexcitation Dynamics in Films of C 60 and Zn Phthalocyanine with a Layered Nanostructure

We elucidate photoexcitation dynamics in ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ and zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) from picoseconds to milliseconds by transient absorption and time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy. Autoionization of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ is a precursor to photocarrier generation. Decay of the terahertz signal is due to decreasing photocarrier mobility over the first 20 ps and thereafter reflects recombination dynamics. Singlet diffusion rates in ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ are determined by modeling the rise of ground state bleaching of ZnPc absorption following ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ excitation. Recombination dynamics transform from bimolecular to monomolecular as the layer thickness is reduced, revealing a metastable exciplex at the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}/\mathrm{ZnPc}$ interface with a lifetime of $150\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$.
Lewis base adducts of barium/copper tert-butoxides : Synthesis and thermolysis of [BaCu2(OtBu)4]n and [L2Ba2Cu4(OtBu)8] (L = Me3NO and Et3PO). X-ray crystal structure of [(Me3No)2Ba2Cu4(OtBu)8]

Reaction of copper(I) mesityl with [Ba(OtBu)2(t-BuOH)2]4 yields insoluble [BaCu2(OtBu)4]n, which dissolves by adduct formation (L = Me3NO or Et3PO) to form soluble L2Ba2Cu4(OtBu)8. For L = Me3NO, this molecule is shown by X-ray diffraction to have a structure based on a trans-Ba2Cu4 octahedron, with all Ba/Cu edges bridged by μ2-OtBu units; one L binds to each Ba. Bulk thermolysis, TGA, and product analysis have revealed that OtBu units undergo not only O/C cleavage but also C/C cleavage, the latter to form carbonate and nonvolatile hydrocarbon products, in addition to BaO and CuO. The intended oxidant Me3NO shows no great tendency to oxidize Cu(I).
Alpha-Synuclein Lesions in Normal Aging, Parkinson Disease, and Alzheimer Disease: Evidence from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)

Alpha-synuclein (alpha-synuclein) lesions are characteristic of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) and other alpha-synucleinopathies. To study the frequency of alpha-synuclein lesions in normal aging and how frequently they coexist with lesions of Alzheimer disease (AD), we examined the autopsy brains from normal and demented subjects in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (n = 117). We found that the overall frequency of alpha-synuclein lesions was 25%, with 100% in 7 cases of PD, 31.5% in 56 cases with AD lesions, and 8.3% among 36 older control brains. Among brains with AD lesions, the frequency of alpha-synuclein pathology was higher in those with higher scores for neuritic plaques, but not in those with higher scores for neurofibrillary tangles. Our observations indicate that alpha-synuclein lesions are uncommon in aged control subjects. Finally, the coexistence of Abeta amyloid and alpha-synuclein pathology in AD brains suggests that the pathogenic mechanism/s leading to the accumulation of Abeta and alpha-synuclein may be similar.
Seroepidemiology of human Brucella infection in Yixing, China.

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic infection worldwide and a major public health problem in developing countries including China. The aim of our study was to investigate the seroprevalence of Brucella infection in humans in Yixing, located at the centre of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration.A total of 895 sera from apparently healthy abattoir workers and 3303 sera from general healthy people living in rural areas were collected in Yixing, screened by Rose-Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and the positives were confirmed by standard tube agglutination test (SAT) according to official Chinese diagnostic criteria.Seropositivity among abattoir workers was 16.42% compared to zero among the general population living in rural areas. No significant difference of seropositivity was observed in age groups.Contact or inhalation of Brucella organisms from infected animals, principally goats, was found to be a significant risk factor. Education in occupational hygiene and public healthcare programmes are ...
Open-Channel Flow Equations Revisited

Equations of continuity, momentum, and energy in integral form are formulated herein by integrating over the cross section the corresponding equations for a point and then transformed into one-dimensional form by introducing the necessary correction factors. These one-dimensional equations can be regarded as the unified general open-channel flow equations. The channel can have arbitrary cross sectional shape and alignment with fixed or erodible and impervious or pervious bed. The fluid can be homogeneous or nonhomogeneous, compressible or incompressible, and viscous or inviscid. The flow can be turbulent or laminar, rotational or irrotational, steady or unsteady, uniform or nonuniform supercritical or subcritical, gradually or rapidly varied, and with or without lateral discharge. Based on these equations, the assumptions involved in conventionally used open-channel flow equations such as backwater flow equation and St. Venant equations are examined. The inherent differences between the flow equations derived based on the momentum and energy concepts are compared.
Drummond Rennie's Views on Peer Review: Make it Scientific.

“ There are scarcely any bars to eventual publication. There seems to be no study too fragmented, no hypothesis too trivial, no literature citation too biased or too egotistical, no design too warped, no methodology too bungled, no presentation of results too inaccurate, too obscure, and too contradictory, no analysis too self-serving, no argument too circular, no conclusions too trifling or too unjustified, and no grammar and syntax too offensive for a paper to end up in print. ” Although that statement was made in 1986, in a recent Nature comment, Drummond Rennie affirmed that his scathing description of peer-reviewed publications remains accurate (1). There is no question that healthcare research can have enormous implications. Studies guide evidence-based treatment and alert the field to …
Cost sensitive moving target consensus

Consensus is a fundamental approach to implementing fault-tolerant services through replication. It is well known that there exists a tradeoff between the cost and the resilience. For instance, Crash Fault Tolerant (CFT) protocols have a low cost but can only handle crash failures while Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) protocols handle arbitrary failures but have a higher cost. Hybrid protocols enjoy the benefits of both high performance without failures and high resiliency under failures by switching among different subprotocols. However, it is challenging to determine which subprotocols should be used. We propose a moving target approach to switch among protocols according to the existing system and network vulnerability. At the core of our approach is a formalized cost model that evaluates the vulnerability and performance of consensus protocols based on real-time Intrusion Detection System (IDS) signals. Based on the evaluation results, we demonstrate that a safe, cheap, and unpredictable protocol is always used and a high IDS error rate can be tolerated.
Inferior vena cava atresia predisposing to acute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in children: A descriptive dual-center study.

Purpose Thrombosis in the healthy pediatric population is a rare occurrence. Little is known about the optimal treatment or outcomes of children with unprovoked acute lower extremity (LE) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) associated with atresia of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients with acute LE DVT subsequently found to have IVC atresia who presented to two tertiary pediatric institutions between 2008 and 2016. Data were reviewed for thrombophilia risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. Results Eighteen patients, aged 13–18 years (median: 16 years), presenting with acute LE DVT were found to have IVC atresia. Three patients also presented with pulmonary embolism. Fourteen patients underwent site-directed thrombolysis in addition to anticoagulation. Five patients (28%) had confirmed or suspected recurrent thrombosis. Thirteen patients (72%) had no identified provocation for DVT. Ten patients (56%) had post-thrombotic syndrome, and 17 of 18 patients remain on indefinite anticoagulation. Conclusion This study suggests that IVC atresia is a risk factor for LE DVT and pulmonary embolism in otherwise healthy children and highlights the importance of dedicated imaging of the IVC in young patients with unprovoked LE DVT. Indefinite anticoagulation may be considered in pediatric patients presenting with unprovoked thrombosis secondary to an atretic IVC.
A directed graph approach to active contours

Active contours based on level sets are popular segmentation algorithms but their local optimization approach makes their results to depend on initialization, especially for edge-based formulations. In this paper we present a novel energy minimization method based on directed graph optimization that minimizes the same type of active contour energy function without the need of an initialization.
Relating Fuzzy Set Similarity Measures

Measuring similarity is an important task in many domains such as psychology, taxonomy, information retrieval, image processing, bioinformatics, and so on. The diversity of domains has led to many different definitions of and methods for determining similarity. Even within fuzzy set theory, how to measure similarity between fuzzy sets presents a wide variety of approaches depending on what characteristic of a fuzzy set is emphasized, for example, set-based, logic-based or geometric-based views of a fuzzy set. First similarity is examined from a psychological viewpoint, and how that perspective might be applicable to fuzzy set similarity measures is explored. Then two fuzzy set similarity measures, one set-based and the other geometric-based, are reviewed, and a comparison is made between the two.
The effect of commercial insurance policies on outcomes of venous ablation.

Abstract Objective The use of venous ablation (VA) for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency has exponentially increased. To limit cost and overuse, insurance companies have adopted aleatory policies. The goal of this study was to compare the policies of five major local insurance carriers and to determine whether treatment within the criteria of a certain policy is associated with improved patient outcomes. Methods A retrospective single-center review of patients treated with VA was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, and clinical class (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology classification) were recorded. Clinical success was defined on chart review by the patients' reporting of improvement or resolution of symptoms in the leg treated on follow-up, and technical success was defined by vein closure on ultrasound. Patients underwent a telephone survey inquiring about intensity of symptoms on a numeric rating scale of 0 to 10 before and after treatment of each leg as well as effects on quality of life (QOL). The policies of Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Connecticut Care were reviewed. The clinical and technical success rates were compared when veins were treated within the criteria of each policy. A subgroup analysis looking at patients who had clinical success only was performed to determine the potential rate of denial of coverage for each policy. A multivariable analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of clinical success. Results There were 253 patients with 341 legs treated. The mean age was 58.5 ± 15.2 years (68% women). The most common symptom was pain (89.7%), with 47.8% of patients having C3 disease. The clinical success, technical success, and complication rates were 84.2%, 95.1%, and 5.6%, respectively. On survey, there was improvement of the numeric rating scale score in 84.3% of legs treated after the procedure, and 76.7% continued to experience improvement after a mean follow-up of 26.8 months. There was improvement of QOL in 76.5% of patients. There was no significant difference in procedural success, technical success, complication rate, or improvement in QOL when patients were treated within any of the five insurance policies. On multivariable analysis, there was no single policy significantly associated with clinical success. However, subgroup analysis of procedures with clinical success (n = 287) showed a significant difference between the five policies on analysis of the potential denial of coverage, ranging from 5.6% for Connecticut Care to 64.1% for UnitedHealthcare (P Conclusions The different insurance policies have no correlation with outcomes of VA. Policies with more stringent criteria typically restrict treatment to larger veins and deny procedures to a significant number of patients with chronic venous insufficiency who can benefit from them.
Cells Infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Vivo

The identification of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the etiologic agent of AIDS has permitted the characterization of the virus by in vitro culture analysis. The ability to make HIV nucleic acid and antibody probes has also allowed us to determine the involvement of the virus in disease mechanisms in vivo. Classically, HIV is known to have a preferential tropism for cells that express the CD4 receptor1. These cells include T helper cells and many cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage1-4. In addition to T cells and monocyte/macrophages, a variety of other cell types have been shown to support the growth of HIV including B-cells, Langerhans cells, follicular dendritic cells, glial cells and cells of the colon5-9. In order to understand the mechanism fo HIV infection it is important to identify the cell types naturally infected with the virus. The following chapter describes cell types that are infected in three distinct tissues. By utilizing in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry techniques we have analyzed brain, bowel and placental tissue for the presence of HIV nucleic acid and antigen. In this chapter we applied these techniques to identify key cells naturally infected by HIV and to determine a possible mechanism for the transmission of the virus.
The association of intrauterine filling defects on hysterosalpingogram with endometriosis

Objective To determine whether there is a significant association between the presence of polyps or polypoid endometrium on hysterosalpingogram (HSG) with the presence of pelvic or peritoneal endometriosis. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Vermont, College of Medicine. Patients One hundred twenty patients, all of whom had a HSG, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy by a member of our department between 1989 and 1993. Main Outcome Measure Hysterosalpingograms were assessed for the presence of hypertrophic or polypoid endometrium. The presence of endometriosis was documented laparoscopically and scored according to The American Fertility Society classification and HSG findings were documented by hysteroscopy. Results Endometriosis was found in 27 of 32 women with polyps or polypoid endometrium but in only 19 of 88 women without. χ 2 analysis revealed a significant association between the demonstration of polyps or polypoid endometrium on HSG and the presence of endometriosis, X 2 (1)=33.97. The predictive value of a positive test was 84% and the negative predictive value was 75%. Conclusion The presence of polyps or polypoid endometrium on HSG is significantly associated with the presence of pelvic or peritoneal endometriosis.
Present status of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in India.

This paper examines the present status of Rheumatic fever (RF) and Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in India with reference to both prevalence and incidence, and evaluates the currently available methods of control. Data available over the last 10 years shows that the prevalence of RF/RHD in the most vulnerable group i.e. school children between 5 to 15 years of age is still unacceptably high. RHD is encountered in 1 to 5.4 per 1,000 in large samples of school children and RF in 0.3 to 0.5 per 1,000 children. There appears to be no obvious decline in its prevalence in school children over a 20 year period. Because of preoccupation with adult cardiac diseases specially ischemic heart disease (IHD), the problem of RF/RHD has been sidelined and studies on prevalence, treatment and prevention receive scant attention. Only exotic palliative methods such as balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) have become the centre stage. Studies are needed on the lines of WHO recommendations for the regional prevalence of RF/RHD in school children throughout the country to detect regional variations. The most effective method for control is primary prevention by treating streptococcal sore throat and secondary prevention by early detection and continuous penicillin prophylaxis. This could be done most effectively by general physicians (GP's) who need motivation and education and through school health services. The latter needs to be organised on a state-wise basis throughout the country as it is available in only a few cities. Public health education by all available media specially, through video films is also recommended. The lacunae in our knowledge of RF/RHD calls for further research.
Tregopathies: Monogenic diseases resulting in regulatory T-cell deficiency

Monogenic diseases of the immune system, also known as inborn errors of immunity, are caused by single-gene mutations resulting in immune deficiency and dysregulation. More than 350 diseases have been described to date, and the number is rapidly expanding, with increasing availability of next-generation sequencing facilitating the diagnosis. The spectrum of immune dysregulation is wide, encompassing deficiencies in humoral, cellular, innate, and adaptive immunity; phagocytosis; and the complement system, which lead to autoinflammation and autoimmunity. Multiorgan autoimmunity is a dominant symptom when genetic mutations lead to defects in molecules essential for the development, survival, and/or function of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Studies of "Tregopathies" are providing critical mechanistic information on Treg cell biology, the role of Treg cell–associated molecules, and regulation of peripheral tolerance in human subjects. The pathogenic immune networks underlying these diseases need to be dissected to apply and develop immunomodulatory treatments and design curative treatments using cell and gene therapy. Here we review the pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current and future treatments of major known Tregopathies caused by mutations in FOXP3, CD25, cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), LPS-responsive and beige-like anchor protein (LRBA), and BTB domain and CNC homolog 2 (BACH2) and gain-of-function mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). We also discuss deficiencies in genes encoding STAT5b and IL-10 or IL-10 receptor as potential Tregopathies.
Coalescent models characterize sources and demographic history of recent round goby colonization of Great Lakes and inland waters

The establishment and spread of aquatic invasive species are ecologically and economically harmful and a source of conservation concern internationally. Processes of species invasion have traditionally been inferred from observational data of species presence/absence and relative abundance. However, genetic-based approaches can provide valuable sources of inference. Restriction site-associated DNA sequencing was used to identify and genotype single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci for Round Gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) (N = 440) from 18 sampling locations in the Great Lakes and in three Michigan, USA, drainages (Flint, Au Sable, and Cheboygan River basins). Sampled rivers differed in size, accessibility, and physical characteristics including man-made dispersal barriers. Population levels of genetic diversity and interpopulation variance in SNP allele frequency were used in coalescence-based approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to statistically compare models representing competing hypotheses regarding source population, postcolonization dispersal, and demographic history in the Great Lakes and inland waters. Results indicate different patterns of colonization across the three drainages. In the Flint River, models indicate a strong population bottleneck (<3% of contemporary effective population size) and a single founding event from Saginaw Bay led to the colonization of inland river segments. In the Au Sable River, analyses could not distinguish potential source populations, but supported models indicated multiple introductions from one source population. In the Cheboygan River, supported models indicated that colonization likely proceeded from east (Lake Huron source) to west among inland locales sampled in the system. Despite the recent occupancy of Great Lakes and inland habitats, large numbers of loci analyzed in an ABC framework enable statistically supported identification of source populations and reconstruction of the direction of inland spread and demographic history following establishment. Information from analyses can direct management actions to limit the spread of invasive species from identified sources and most probable vectors into additional inland aquatic habitats.
Prognostic factors associated with achieving total oral diet after glossectomy with microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction.

Abstract Objective Primary surgery followed by adjuvant therapy is the current standard of care in the multidisciplinary management of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral tongue. Additionally, salvage glossectomy is used to treat recurrent base of tongue SCC. Microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction (MVFTT) is utilized to maximize functional outcomes such as swallowing. We sought to identify prognostic factors related to achievement of a total oral diet in patients that underwent glossectomy with MVFTT. Methods Retrospective review at a tertiary care center from 2010 to 2015. Results 200 patients (69% male, mean age 60 years) met inclusion criteria. Extent of glossectomy was categorized as partial or hemiglossectomy (39%), tongue base resection with or without hemi-oral glossectomy (23%), composite resection with mandibulectomy (18%), and subtotal or total glossectomy (21%). Flap success rate was 96%. Median follow-up time was 14 months. A total oral diet was achieved by 49% of patients with median time to achievement of 31 days (IQR 9-209). Multivariate analysis identified body mass index Conclusion Swallowing dysfunction represents a significant morbidity following glossectomy in the treatment of SCC. High BMI, smaller resection fields, and absence of prior radiation therapy or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy correlated with improved likelihood of obtaining a total oral diet. Patients should be appropriately counseled of this risk with emphasis placed on aggressive swallow rehabilitation in the post- treatment setting.
Three-dimensional numerical simulations of hydrodynamics with algae transport and its biological behaviors in surface water systems

Abstract Algal blooms pose severe ecological and economical threats to estuaries and marine systems. In this study, a three-dimensional model coupling nonhydrostatic free surface flow with algae transport and its biological behaviors is presented. The hydrodynamic model solves the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations using a semi-implicit, fractional time-step finite difference method on a staggered Cartesian grid. The algorithm is locally and globally mass conservative and can be applied to different free surface problems ranging from hydrostatic to fully nonhydrostatic. The scheme is verified and validated by comparing simulation results with analytical solutions and measurements. The hydrodynamic model is coupled with an algae transport and biological model. The biological model simulates the buoyancy, vertical migration, and biological behaviors of blue-green algae based on different environmental factors such as nutrients, irradiance, temperature and salinity. The model is used to analyze transport of blue-green algae in Milford Lake, which is the largest man-made lake in Kansas suffering from algal blooms. The results of this study provide useful guidance for water quality management and predicting algal blooms in Milford Lake. For the first time, nonhydrostatic free surface flow, algae transport, buoyancy, migration, and biological production are included in one three-dimensional computational model, which can be used to study other estuaries and marine systems efficiently.
Self-Assembling Space Habitats: TESSERAE design and mission architecture

Designs for adaptive, modular, and re-configurable space structures hold great promise for the evolving commercial space station market in LEO (Low Earth Orbit), for supporting Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway designs, and for facilitating the first human Mars missions. We propose an extensible self-assembly paradigm for in-orbit space habitat construction, discuss mission architectures uniquely facilitated by this approach to habitat design, and present a feasibility review and preliminary results from a proof-of-concept prototype. This paper details our habitat design and deployment planning around TESSERAE (Tessellated Electromagnetic Space Structures for the Exploration of Reconfigurable, Adaptive Environments). This technology demonstration mission explores several parameters for a self-assembling system (quasi-stochastic assembly, electro-mechanical bonding, clamping processes, responsive sensing and autonomous GNC, etc.) and includes a multi-year research effort to engineer and deploy test structures. The first prototype was successfully tested on a parabolic flight in November 2017 and is now scheduled for a second parabolic flight and initial sub-orbital launch in 2019.
Constraining the scatter in the galaxy-halo connection at Milky Way masses

We develop and implement two new methods for constraining the scatter in the relationship between galaxies and dark matter halos. These new techniques are sensitive to the scatter at low halo masses, making them complementary to previous constraints that are dependent on clustering amplitudes or rich galaxy groups, both of which are only sensitive to more massive halos. In both of our methods, we use a galaxy group finder to locate central galaxies in the SDSS main galaxy sample. Our first technique uses the small-scale cross-correlation of central galaxies with all lower mass galaxies. This quantity is sensitive to the satellite fraction of low-mass galaxies, which is in turn driven by the scatter between halos and galaxies. The second technique uses the kurtosis of the distribution of line-of-sight velocities between central galaxies and neighboring galaxies. This quantity is sensitive to the distribution of halo masses that contain the central galaxies at fixed stellar mass. Theoretical models are constructed using peak halo circular velocity, $V_{\rm peak}$, as our property to connect galaxies to halos. The cross-correlation technique yields a constraint of $\sigma[ M_\ast|V_{\rm peak}]=0.27\pm 0.05$ dex, corresponding to a scatter in $\log M_\ast$ at fixed $M_h$ of $\sigma[ M_\ast|M_h]=0.38\pm 0.06$ dex at $M_h=10^{11.8}$ Msun. The kurtosis technique yields $\sigma[ M_\ast|V_{\rm peak}]=0.30\pm0.03$, corresponding to $\sigma[ M_\ast|M_h]=0.34\pm 0.04$ at $M_h=10^{12.2}$ Msun. The values of $\sigma[ M_\ast|M_h]$ are significantly larger than the constraints at higher masses, in agreement with the results of hydrodynamic simulations. This increase is only partly due to the scatter between $V_{\rm peak}$ and $M_h$, and it represents an increase of nearly a factor of two relative to the values inferred from clustering and group studies at high masses.
Cranberry Products for the Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

In this review, we examine the current literature regarding the use of cranberry and other complimentary methods for the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Some studies have suggested cranberry products may have a positive effect in reducing the incidence of CAUTIs in patients with normal bladder function receiving short-term catheterization, while other studies have failed to show the benefits of cranberry products for the reduction of CAUTIs. While there is some data suggesting cranberry-derived products may reduce CAUTIs in specific patient populations, there is currently overall insufficient clinical data to recommend broad usage of cranberry products for the reduction of CAUTIs. Many of the studies reviewed have significant limitations in size, design, and lack standardization.
Pregnancy loss attributable to mastitis in primiparous Holstein cows

Several observational studies have produced different levels of strength of evidence indicating that mastitis can be a predisposing factor for pregnancy loss (PL) in dairy cows. In some of those studies, clinical mastitis before or after AI, subclinical mastitis before AI, and clinical mastitis during early lactation in combination with low BCS increased the risk of subsequent PL. Some studies, however, failed to identify a relationship between PL and clinical or subclinical mastitis after AI in dairy cows. To our knowledge, no studies have simultaneously examined the relationships between PL and exposures to clinical, subclinical, or clinical and subclinical mastitis during different exposure periods (for instance, before breeding and during gestation) in dairy cows. The objective of the study reported here was to examine the association between PL and previous exposure to clinical or subclinical mastitis before breeding or during gestation in primiparous Holstein cows.
Modeling of Cement Based Composite Laminates

Techniques for modeling the mechanical response of thin section cement-based composites intended for structural bases applications using a micromechanical approach are presented in this paper. A layer model is used and the property of each layer is specified based on the fiber and matrix constituents in addition to the orientation and the stacking sequence in each lamina. The overall axial and bending stiffness matrix is obtained using an incremental approach which updates the material parameters. The simulation is conducted by imposing an incremental strain distribution, and calculating the stresses. A stress based failure criterion is used for the three failure modes of initiation of cracking, ultimate strength of matrix, and ultimate strength of lamina. As the cracking saturates the specimen, it results in a gradual degradation of stiffness. A continuum damage model based on a scalar damage function is applied to account for the distributed cracking. The mode predicts the response of unidirectional, cross ply and angle ply laminae under tension and flexure are studied in this paper. It is shown that by proper selection of modeling approach, parameter measurement, and theoretical modeling, a wide range of analysis tools and design guidelines for structural applications of FRC materials are attainable.
Completion, Acceptance and Waiver of Claims: Back to Basics

Many, including myself, have fallen into the trap of equating Comple tion of a construction project with its Acceptance.1 Frequently one party to a construction contract, usually the contractor, contends the project has been "accepted" and the other, usually the owner, contends it has not. This issue obscures the real reason for the dispute, the contractor's contention that the owner cannot assert claims for defective work. Owner and contractor may have agreed that the contractor has com pleted the project in the sense of the contractor having performed in accordance with its contractual time commitments. They may have agreed that the contractor has completed the project in the sense of the contractor being entitled to the final payment. They may have agreed that the contractor has completed the project in the sense of per mitting the owner to take possession of the project. But their agreement ends when the issue is the effect of completion upon the owner's right to assert damages for defective work. Does completion = acceptance = Acceptance? I use Acceptance with a capital A as a legal conclusion, a shorthand for barring claims for defective work. I shall compare Acceptance with Completion. Next I shall examine the acts asserted to constitute Acceptance and how courts have dealt with these assertions. I shall then address the effect of contract clauses
Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Facultative Delayed Implantation in the Mouse

Various aspects of RNA, DNA and protein synthesis, as well as cellular fine structure, were examined in mouse embryos during the developmental diapause associated with delayed implantation, and during the reactivation of the embryo either by hormonal administration or by culture in vitro. The findings from these studies demonstrate that a cessation of DNA synthesis and mitosis, and a marked decline in the level of protein synthesis, but not of RNA synthesis, accompany diapause. Reactivation of the blastocyst results in the resumption of DNA synthesis and cell division, as well as in quantitative and qualitative changes in protein synthesis. At the fine-structural level diapause is indicated by the accumulation of lipid-like vacuoles, microfilaments, a basal lamina coating trophectodermal cells and the disassembly of polysomes into ribosomes. Significantly, nucleolar morphology remains unaltered during diapause and cisternae of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum persist at least for the first five days of delay. Reactivation of diapausing blastocysts is associated with the reassembly of polysomes and the accumulation of large quantities of an amorphous material within the cisternae of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. Studies of blastocyst growth and development in vitro suggest experimental approaches to the question of the regulation delayed implantation. Finally, the role of ionic balances and concentrations in the control of the onset, maintenance and termination of delayed implantation in the mouse is discussed.
The Utilization of Nuclear Particle Tracks in Solids to Study the Distribution of Certain Elements in Nature and in the Cosmic Radiation

Abstract This paper is a review of recent studies, mostly unpublished, in which dielectric track detectors have been used to provide experimental information about the distribution of the fissionable elements U, Th, and Pu, and about the elemental abundances of very heavy cosmic rays. Fossil particle tracks in rocks and meteorites provide archival records of ancient elemental distributions extending back to the early history of the solar system in certain cases. Plastic track-recording sheets can be used to study present-day elemental distributions, including isotope ratios of certain cosmic ray nuclei.
Translation initiation potential of the 5' proximal AUGs of the polycistronic P/C mRNA of Sendai virus. A multipurpose vector for site-specific mutagenesis.

Abstract To determine the translation initiation potential of the 5' proximal four AUGs of the polycistronic P/C mRNA of Sendai virus, we have developed an efficient system for oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis utilizing a plasmid vector which contains the replication origin of the single-stranded DNA phage f1 and the phage SP6 promoter. Utilizing uridine containing single-stranded DNA templates of the plasmid vector carrying the P/C gene we introduced point mutations in all four of the putative initiator codons (AUGs) of the P/C gene. Based on the analysis of in vitro translation products from the SP6 polymerase-directed transcripts of the mutants, the first and second AUG codons were assigned to the P and C proteins, respectively. Proteins detected in vitro, Y1 and Y2, initiated from the third and fourth AUG codons, respectively, and originated within the C reading frame. Since the C' protein is encoded in the same reading frame as the C protein but did not initiate from any of the 5' proximal AUGs, the synthesis of the C' protein may start from a non-AUG initiator codon in the P/C gene.
Developing a Blueprint for an Educational Version of GIS

Studies show that many teachers are having a hard time using GIS. One percent of a highly motivated group of teachers reported satisfaction with using GIS in the classroom (Kerski 2003). Using GIS has its rewards, but it can also be frustrating to teachers (Keiper 1999). Many teachers have undergone 40-hour training classes, but this training is not effective: it is too expensive to train individual teachers and the trained teachers do not feel prepared to conduct GIS activities in the classroom (Baker 2005).
Adaptive Latitude: Environment, Organization, and Individual Influences

Abstract This study examines a hierarchy of adaptive latitude and the influence of environmental, organizational and managerial characteristics on firm adaptation across three industries (aerospace, electronic components, and paper products). Results show that environmental characteristics had the greatest impact on adaptive latitude, followed by organizational characteristics.
Does it Really Pay to Be Green? An Empirical Study of Firm Environmental and Financial Performance

Previous empirical work suggests that profitable firms tend to have high environmental performance, but questions persist about the nature of the relationship. Does stronger environmental performance really lead to better financial performance or is the observed relationship the outcome of some other underlying firm attribute? Does it pay to have clean running facilities or to have facilities in relatively clean industries? In other words, do the fixed attributes and strategic position of firms cause an apparent but false relationship between financial and environmental performance? To explore this issue, we analyze 606 U.S. manufacturing firms over the time period 1987 to 1996. While we find evidence of an association between lower pollution and higher financial valuation, we find that a firm's fixed characteristics and strategic position might cause or moderate this association. It suggests that "When does it pay to be green?" may be a more important question than "does it pay to be green?"
Sprites, Blue Jets, and Elves: Optical Evidence of Energy Transport Across the Stratopause

Sprites, blue jets, blue starters, and elves are recently documented optical evidence of previously unknown forms of upward electrical energy transport across the stratopause. These energetic processes have not been incorporated into most models or descriptions of middle- and upper-atmospheric dynamics, in part because the details of the processes themselves are still poorly understood. The earliest (1995) ground based red spectral observations of neutral molecular nitrogen emissions from sprites indicate a low energy phenomena compared to the neutral and ionized emissions observed in lightning or aurora. However, recent sprite observations of ionized molecular nitrogen emissions indicate the presence of higher energy processes. In 1998, the EXL98 aircraft campaign characterized the blue emissions of sprites, blue jets, and elves. Aircraft measurements include filtered images, at 427.8 nm (N + 2 (1NG)) and 340.7 nm (N 2 (2PG)), as well as NUV/blue spectral observations between 320-460 nm, while ground based time-resolved photometric measurements were also made in this wavelength range. We discuss the filtered and spectral NUV observations in conjunction with earlier red (640-920 nm) spectral and filtered photometer observations. The identification of ionized nitrogen emissions indicates processes with electron energies of at least 18.6 eV to produce these emissions, assuming excitation is directly from the N 2 ground state. This paper provides middle- and upper-atmospheric scientists an introduction to these recently discovered phenomena and the current best estimates of the energetic contributions of these phenomena to the atmosphere above the tropopause.