cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of charge on anion receptivity in amide-based macrocycles.

Binding and structural aspects of anions with tetraamido/diquaternized diamino macrocyclic receptors containing m-xylyl, pyridine, and thiophene spacers are reported. 1H NMR studies indicate that the quaternized receptors display higher affinities for anions compared to corresponding neutral macrocycles. The macrocycles containing pyridine spacers consistently display higher affinity for a given anion compared to those with either m-xylyl or thiophene spacers. The m-xylyl- and pyridine-containing receptors exhibit high selectivity for H2PO4– in DMSO-d6 with association constants, Ka = 1.09 × 104 and >105 M–1, respectively, and moderate selectivity for Cl– with Ka = 1.70 × 103 and 5.62 × 104 M–1, respectively. Crystallographic studies for the Cl– and HSO4– complexes indicate that the m-xylyl-containing ligand is relatively elliptical in shape, with the two charges at ends of the major axis of the ellipse. The anions are hydrogen bonded with the macrocycle but are outside the ligand cavity. In the solid sta...
Membership in a Fraternity or Sorority, Student Engagement, and Educational Outcomes at AAU Public Research Universities

Research involving 6,782 undergraduates (50% first-year students, 50% seniors, 16% fraternity/sorority members, and 58% females) at 15 AAU public research universities revealed that Greek affiliation had a weak positive relationship with engagement and gains in learning. The effects for Greek affiliation were stronger for seniors than first-year students.
58 Ways of Looking at a Blackberry

Surveying the origins and impacts of different forms of communication, Poe provides a fresh approach to understanding the history of media.
CRUNCH: a phase refinement program for high-resolution macromolecular structures

A phase refinement program for high-resolution macromolecular structures is described. The mean phase error of an initial structural solution can often be as large as 60° prior to attempting a refinement, but the CRUNCH program procedure may allow one to reduce this phase error to 10 or 20° for all data prior to actually inspecting any map to see how well it may fit a structural model. The procedure is similar to the real/reciprocal space refinement loop incorporated in the half-baked algorithm described by Sheldrick [Sheldrick & Gould (1995). Acta Cryst. B51, 423–431.] Refinement results are presented for nine different structures which diffract to better than 1.2 A resolution. The program and test data are available via anonymous ftp (nexus.hwi.buffalo.edu).
THE HAVERÖ UREILITE: PETROGRAPHIC NOTES

Review of the mineralogy and texture of the Haveroe and of some of the six other known ureilites, and assessment of the implications of their observed characteristics. In common with other ureilites, Haveroe shows mineralogical and textural evidence of preterrestrial shock. The olivines and metal grains have been recrystallized, the fabric includes angular voids, and graphite-rich areas are present that have been partially converted to diamonds with some indication of lonsdaleite. On the basis of such features, a subdivision of ureilites into particular types is proposed.
A governing relationship for repetitive muscular contraction.

During repetitive contractions, muscular work has been shown to exhibit complex relationships with muscle strain length, cycle frequency, and muscle shortening velocity. Those complex relationships make it di$cult to predict muscular performance for any speci"c set of movement parameters. We hypothesized that the relationship of impulse with cyclic velocity (the product of shortening velocity and cycle frequency) would be independent of strain length and that impulse}cyclic velocity relationships for maximal cycling would be similar to those of in situ muscle performing repetitive contraction. Impulse and power were measured during maximal cycle ergometry with "ve cycle-crank lengths (120}220 mm). Kinematic data were recorded to determine the relationship of pedal speed with joint angular velocity. Previously reported in situ data for rat plantaris were used to calculate values for impulse and cyclic velocity. Kinematic data indicated that pedal speed was highly correlated with joint angular velocity at the hip, knee, and ankle and was, therefore, considered a valid indicator of muscle shortening velocity. Cycling impulse}cyclic velocity relationships for each crank length were closely approximated by a rectangular hyperbola. Data for all crank lengths were also closely approximated by a single hyperbola, however, impulse produced on the 120 mm cranks di!ered signi"cantly from that on all other cranks. In situ impulse}cyclic velocity relationships exhibited similar characteristics to those of cycling. The convergence of the impulse}cyclic velocity relationships from most crank and strain lengths suggests that impulse}cyclic velocity represents a governing relationship for repetitive muscular contraction and thus a single equation can predict muscle performance for a wide range of functional activities. The similarity of characteristics exhibited by cycling and in situ muscle suggests that cycling can serve as a window though which to observe basic muscle function and that investigators can examine similar questions with in vivo and in situ models. ( 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Antifeedant activity and acute and residual toxicity of alkaloids from Sophora flavescens (leguminosae) against formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

Abstract Ku Shen,Sophora flavescens Aiton (Leguminosae), contains alkaloids that possess broad biological activities. This study showed that total matrines (a mixture of the alkaloids), and matrine and oxymatrine (two major alkaloids) had a strong antifeedant effect against Formosan subterranean termite,Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), at all tested concentrations (ranging from 0.01 to 5%). Total matrines and matrine also had significantly toxic effects at 5%. The estimated LD50 of total matrines and matrine was 12.3 and 8.6 μg per insect, respectively, after 24 h; 13.3 and 7.1 μg per insect after 48 h; and 10.1 and 4.8 μg per insect after 1 wk. The antifeedant and toxic properties of total matrines- and matrine-treated wood remained effective at least 12 mo after treatment under both light and dark storage conditions. These chemicals have great potential for commercial development as wood treatment agents.
How quantum effects and unintentional doping affect the threshold voltage of narrow-width SOI devices

A 50 nm gate length narrow-width SOI device structure has been studied using an in-house 3D ensemble Monte Carlo particle-based device simulator. We find a threshold voltage increase with decreasing channel width due to lateral quantum-mechanical size-quantization effect. We also find that the presence of even a single impurity in the channel region of the device (unintentional doping) gives rise to significant threshold voltage fluctuations based upon its location. In summary, quantum effects and short-range Coulomb interactions must be properly accounted for when investigating nanoscale devices.
Just say no: benefits of early cache miss determination

As the performance gap between the processor cores and the memory subsystem increases, designers are forced to develop new latency hiding techniques. Arguably, the most common technique is to utilize multi-level caches. Each new generation of processors is equipped with higher levels of memory hierarchy with increasing sizes at each level. In this paper, we propose 5 different techniques that will reduce the data access times and power consumption in processors with multi-level caches. Using the information about the blocks placed into and replaced from the caches, the techniques quickly determine whether an access at any cache level will be a miss. The accesses that are identified to miss are aborted. The structures used to recognize misses are much smaller than the cache structures. Consequently the data access times and power consumption are reduced. Using the SimpleScalar simulator, we study the performance of these techniques for a processor with 5 cache levels. The best technique is able to abort 53.1% of the misses on average in SPEC2000 applications. Using these techniques, the execution time of the applications is reduced by up to 12.4% (5.4% on average), and the power consumption of the caches is reduced by as much as 11.6% (3.8% on average).
Control of Heterogeneous Combat Swarms

In this undergraduate research paper, we discuss system modeling, mission design and software development for the control of a heterogeneous swarm of autonomous vehicles in combat. Primary focus was on swarm control, combat tactics, and swarm role-allocation.
Compound record clustering algorithm for design pattern detection by decision tree learning

Recovering design patterns applied in a system can help refactoring the system. Machine learning algorithms have been successfully applied in mining data patterns. However, one of the main obstacles of applying them for design pattern detection is the difficulty of collecting training examples. Unlike other applications, a design pattern instance typically includes a group of classes with certain relationships. Thus, the possible combinations of the group of classes can be enormous which results in huge training sets making the application of machine learning algorithms impracticable. In this paper, we propose an innovative method using matrix transformations to cluster the training examples. Our method can significantly reduce the size of training examples, thus making it possible to be efficiently applied in machine learning algorithm.
An image scrambling algorithm using parameter bases M-sequences

Image scrambling is a useful approach to secure the image data by transforming the image into an unintelligible format. This paper introduces a new parameter based M-sequence which can be produced by a series of shift registers. In addition, a new image scrambling algorithm based on the parametric M-sequence is presented. The user can change the security keys, r, which indicates the number of shift operations to be implemented, or the distance parameter p, to generate many different M-sequences. This makes the scrambled images difficult to decode thus providing a high level of security protection for the images. The presented algorithm can encrypt the 2-D or 3-D images in one step. It also shows good performance in the image attacks such as filters (data loss) and noise attacks. The algorithm can be applied in the real-time applications since it is a straightforward process and easily implemented.
Analysis of OPC features in binary masks at 193 nm

Abstract The effectiveness ofOPCfeatures in binaiy masks is characterized using rigorous 3D electromagnetic simulation(TEMPEST) andlinking ofthe transmittedfields to SPLATJor the aerial image calculation. Scatter bars (SB) and.OPC serfsare treated separately. At 193nm illumination wavelength the correction in the aerial image CD at bestfocus and at out-of-f ocus locations of l3Onm isolated lines is examined in the presence ofa single pair ofscatter bars. The LESaerjai (line-endshortening) ofthe aerial image isfound, when placing square OPCfeatures near the corners ofthe line. Data is provided onthe dependence between the size and placement of the OPC scatter bars or serfs and the magnitude of the CDaerjai andLESaeriai corrections, and general rules ofthumb regarding their design process are given. The necessity ofrigorous 3D elec-tromagnetic simulations (TEMPEST) as compared to simulations using a thin mask approximation (SPLAT)is also assessedin each case andfound to be oflimited concernfor binary masks.
The role of zinc in the posttesticular antifertility action of monochlorhydrin.

SummaryTreatment of male rats with monochlorhydrin (15 mg/kg administered orally for 9 days) caused an increased uptake of 65Zn by the epididymis and vas deferens. In no other tissues examined was the 65Zn uptake altered. The effect was most pronounced in corpus (92-126% increase in 65Zn concn), with substantial increases also in cauda (44%) and vas deferens (29%), all statistically significant changes. Zinc is normally diminished as sperm traverse the epididymal pathway (16). The possibility is considered that these increased concentrations of zinc following monochlorhydrin treatment may be inhibitory, preventing sperm from attaining their final surge of motility in the oviducts requisite to penetration and fertilization of the ovum.
Retrieval dynamics of recognition and frequency judgments: Evidence for separate processes of familiarity and recall.

Abstract Three experiments pursued questions concerning the relationship between the recognition-memory and frequency-judgment tasks and the roles played in these tasks by separate processes of familiarity and recall. All three experiments used the response-signal technique to study the dynamics of retrieval. Experiment 1 manipulated test instructions within subjects to compare recognition decisions with frequency decisions using the same experimental paradigm. Similar retrieval functions for recognition and frequency judgments suggested that the primary basis for performance in both tasks is the same. Experiments 2 and 3 compared standard old-new recognition decisions with decisions in which items very similar to old targets had to be rejected as new. False alarm curves for these similar items were biphasic, consistent with the view that familiarity becomes available early, and recalled information becomes available later, in the retrieval episode. These findings, together with those of Hintzman, Curran, and Oppy (1992), support the view that two processes - unidimensional familiarity and specific-item recall - contribute to both the recognition and frequency-judgment tasks. However, familiarity is the primary basis for performance in both tasks, and recall plays a secondary role.
Test Methods for Characterizing Piezoelectric Thin Films

Two experimental techniques for quantifying MEMS-relevant material constants of piezoelectric thin films are presented. The first is an improved version of our recently developed ‘plank method.’ This technique is used to determine the product of the biaxial elastic modulus and the piezoelectric constant d 31. The updated method is easier and more precise, and it utilizes the results of dynamic as well as improved static finite-element analyses. The second method is the bulge test, here emphasizing the special requirements of piezoelectric and fragile films. Results from both techniques applied to zinc oxide are presented.
Suitability of the amazon rain forest as an on-orbit, microwave radiometric calibration target

Passive microwave sensors known as radiometers are calibrated receivers that make absolute measurements of weak natural blackbody noise power emissions to infer geophysical properties of the Earth's atmosphere and surface. Because of the high accuracy needed in measuring these geophysical parameters, frequent on-orbit radiometric calibrations over natural surfaces with stable radiometric emissions are highly desirable. This paper discusses the suitability of the Amazon rain forest as such a radiometric calibration target. Results of analysis of on-orbit microwave radiometer measurements from the Amazon are presented to demonstrate repeatable temporal and spatial emission signatures that can be used for radiometric calibration.
From tumor to trauma: etiologically deconstructing a unique differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal entities with high signal intensity on T1-weighted MRI.

OBJECTIVE. This article reviews the neoplastic and nonneoplastic abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system that contain high signal intensity on T1-weighted MRI. The physical properties accounting for the increased signal intensity as well as the key clinical and imaging characteristics of each entity are discussed. CONCLUSION. Recognition of high signal intensity within musculoskeletal lesions on T1-weighted MRI can limit the differential diagnosis and can also have important clinical implications.
CAN EXPERIMENTS ON CALORIC RESTRICTION BE RECONCILED WITH THE DISPOSABLE SOMA THEORY FOR THE EVOLUTION OF SENESCENCE

A publication by Shanley and Kirkwood (2000) attempts to explain data on caloric restriction (CR) and life extension in the context of the Disposable Soma (DS) theory for the evolution of senescence. As the authors concede, this juxtaposition appears at first to offend intuition: According to the DS theory, senescence is the result of a tight budget for caloric energy, such that repair and maintenance functions are shortchanged; yet, in CR exper- iments, it is found that longevity decreases smoothly as the total caloric budget is increased. In the Shanley-Kirkwood model, an optimized allocation of resources causes energy to be diverted away from somatic maintenance at a greater rate than caloric intake increases, with the net result that more total energy is associated with less energy available for maintenance. In the present critique, the limitations of this model are detailed and its special assumptions reviewed. While the CR experiments find comparable life extension for males and females, measured relative to nonbreeding controls, the Shanley-Kirkwood model draws its energy budget from data on breeding females. In addition, the success in reproducing the observed relationship between feeding and longevity depends crucially on a mathematical rela- tionship between food availability and the probability of reproductive success which may be difficult to justify.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Cardiac Structure and Function Across the Glycemic Spectrum in Elderly Men and Women Free of Prevalent Heart Disease: The Atherosclerosis Risk In the Community Study”

We thank Dr Monneret et al for their kind words commending our article describing cardiac structure and function across the glycemic spectrum in elderly men and women free of prevalent heart disease from the Atherosclerosis Risk in the Community (ARIC) study.1 Dr Monneret et al raise an important question about the potential impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the incidence of dysglycemia, as well as subclinical impairments of cardiac structure and function. OSA is reportedly prevalent in ≤17% of men and 9% of women; however, it frequently remains underdiagnosed.2 It is well known that OSA frequency and severity is highly associated with common cardiovascular risk factors, such as …
Reduction, Interpretation and Invariance

This paper sketches a way of describing reduction relations among theories as a special case of a more general view of the logical structure of related empirical theories. The key concepts in this view are “model element” (Sec. 1) and “inter- theoretical link” (Sec. 2). Model elements provide a formal characterization of the conceptual apparatus of individual theories. Intertheoretical links provide a unified treatment of particular, well-known intertheoretical relations such as reduction, specialization and theoritization and include, as well, other types of relations among empirical theories. The global structure of empirical science is represented as a net of linked theories (Sec. b). Central to the understanding of empirical science are interpreting links. These links provide a kind of “empirical semantics” for the mathematical apparatus associated with individual theories. Interpreting links are characterized and distinguished from reducing links (Sec. 3). The concept of an interpreting links provides us with a formal characterization of the distinction between theoretical and non-theoretical concepts, relative to a given theory and the net in which it lives (Sec. 5), as well as a formal characterization of the intended applications of a theory in a net (Sec. 7). The role of invariance principles in relation to interpreting links is described (Sec. 6). Finally, these ideas are exploited to provide an account of the way interpreting and reducing links work together (Sec. 8).
Free launch: optimizing GPU dynamic kernel launches through thread reuse

Supporting dynamic parallelism is important for GPU to benefit a broad range of applications. There are currently two fundamental ways for programs to exploit dynamic parallelism on GPU: a software-based approach with software-managed worklists, and a hardware-based approach through dynamic subkernel launches. Neither is satisfactory. The former is complicated to program and is often subject to some load imbalance; the latter suffers large runtime overhead. In this work, we propose free launch, a new software approach to overcoming the shortcomings of both methods. It allows programmers to use subkernel launches to express dynamic parallelism. It employs a novel compiler-based code transformation named subkernel launch removal to replace the subkernel launches with the reuse of parent threads. Coupled with an adaptive task assignment mechanism, the transformation reassigns the tasks in the subkernels to the parent threads with a good load balance. The technique requires no hardware extensions, immediately deployable on existing GPUs. It keeps the programming convenience of the subkernel launch-based approach while avoiding its large runtime overhead. Meanwhile, its superior load balancing makes it outperform manual worklist-based techniques by 3X on average.
MEASUREMENTS OF SPECIFIC ELECTRICAL CONTACT RESISTANCE BETWEEN SIC AND LEAD-LITHIUM EUTECTIC ALLOY

Silicon Carbide (SiC) has been proposed as a possible candidate material for flow channel inserts for the dual coolant blanket concept. Here, the total electrical resistance of disks of high purity...
VARIATION IN PHLOX DIVARICATA.

Phlox divaricata is one of the most conspicuous elements of the early spring flora throughout much of the eastern United States. The species is highly adapted to humus-rich soils of moist woodlands, but also occurs along road-cuts, in meadows and on rocky slopes. Although it may be a component of communities in various successional stages, it is typically associated with climax associations (Wherry, 1930). The presence of P. divaricata in the physiographic provinces outlined by central Minnesota, eastern Texas, western Florida, and southern Quebec bespeaks of its broad tolerance for a range of climatic and edaphic conditions. Phlox divaricata is pollinated by several species of butterflies, moths, and bees (cf. Grant and Grant, 1965). A strong gametophytic incompatibility reaction between the pollen and stylar tissue all but precludes self-fertilization. The species is also protandrous. Seed-set per capsule in the field is ca. 2 and the typical plant will produce from 30 to 50 seeds. The seeds have no special mechanism for dissemination, although the bursting of the mature capsule often scatters them beyond 10 feet.
Creep behavior and modeling of neat, talc-filled, and short glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics

Abstract Creep behavior of neat, talc-filled, and short glass fiber reinforced injection molded thermoplastic composites were investigated and modeled at room and elevated temperatures. Creep strength decreased and both creep strain and creep rate increased with increasing temperature. The temperature effect was more significant for samples with glass fibers in the transverse to the load direction, as compared with the longitudinal direction. The Larson–Miller parameter was able to correlate the creep rupture data of all materials. The Monkman–Grant relation and its modification were successfully used to correlate minimum creep rate, time to rupture, and strain at rupture data. The Findley power law and time–stress superposition principle (TSS) were used to represent nonlinear viscoelastic creep curves. Long-term creep behavior was also satisfactory predicted based on short-term test data using the TSS principle.
The Rural Residents' Leisure Sports Transform Trend and Investigation in Transition Period ——For Example Haidian District in Beijing

In the paper,by literature,surveys and mathematical statistics,we have investigated leisure sports of new socialist countryside actuality and mutuality problem for five villages and towns in Beijing Haidian District.We found rural residents' frequentness joining in leisure sports focused on winter and summer and short continuing time mostly because relatively low level of economic development,dim consciousness,smaller consumption and the lower equipment requirement.Exercising time is weekend,usual morning and night.In a word,the number exercising rural residents is not enough and most one is relative richness.
Association of signalment parameters with activity of pet dogs

Activity monitors are increasingly being used to quantify the activity of pet dogs. The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between signalment and activity of free-living pet dogs. Healthy pet dogs were recruited to wear an Actical activity monitor on their collars continuously for 2 weeks in their home environment. At least fifteen dogs were enrolled in each of the following weight ranges: 40 kg and their age, sex and reproductive status recorded. Each dog's intensity of activity for each minute of recording was classified using the total counts for that minute and our pre-established cut-points. The percentage of time dogs spent in sedentary, light or moderate/vigorous activity each day was calculated. Median total daily activity counts and median percentages of time dogs spent in activities of differing intensity were used for the analysis. Associations between signalment characteristics and activity parameters were evaluated with the Mann–Whitney test, the Kruskal–Wallis test and Spearman rank correlations. Ninety-eight dogs were enrolled with ≥17 dogs in each weight category. Time that dogs were sedentary correlated positively with age (r 0·50, uncorrected P < 0·001), while the median total daily activity count (r −0·47, uncorrected P < 0·001), time spent in light (r −0·46, uncorrected P < 0·001) and more vigorous activity (r −0·50, uncorrected P < 0·001) were negatively associated with age. No other significant associations between signalment and activity parameters were found. The lack of differences in activity across weight categories may reflect the impact of lifestyle negating any potential behavioural differences across breeds.
The Effects of Hearing Impairment on Fire Team Performance in Dismounted Combat

Although hearing is known to play an essential role in military operations, few studies have directly measured the impact of hearing loss on combat effectiveness. In this study, Soldiers from the 1...
Comparison of Genome-Wide and Gene-Specific DNA Methylation Profiling in First-Trimester Chorionic Villi From Pregnancies Conceived With Infertility Treatments.

Assisted reproductive technologies are associated with altered methylation in term placenta. However, it is unclear whether methylation patterns are the result of fertility treatments or intrauterine environment. Thus, we set out to determine whether there are differences in the first-trimester placenta that may be altered by the underlying fertility treatments. Genome-wide DNA methylation analyses from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) from matched singleton pregnancies conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF), non-IVF fertility treatment (NIFT), or those conceived spontaneously were performed using Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip from 15 matched CVS samples. Nanofluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of differently methylated genes was performed in a confirmatory cohort of 23 IVF conceptions and 24 NIFT conceptions. Global methylation was similar among the IVF, NIFT, and spontaneous conceptions. However, differential methylation from IVF and NIFT pregnancies was present at 34 CpG sites, which was significantly different. Of those, 14 corresponded to known genes, with methylation changes detected at multiple loci in 3 genes, anaphase-promoting complex subunit 2 (ANAPC2), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14), and regulating synaptic membrane exocytosis 1 (RIMS1). Nanofluidic qPCR of differentially methylated genes identified pre T-cell antigen receptor alpha (PTCRA) to be significantly downregulated in IVF versus NIFT conceptions. Although global methylation patterns are similar, there are differences in methylation of specific genes in IVF compared to NIFT conceptions, leading to altered gene expression. PTCRA was differentially methylated and downregulated in IVF conceptions, warranting further investigation. It remains to be determined whether these changes affect placentation and whether it is due to the more profound underlying infertility requiring IVF, yet these data provide unique insight into the first-trimester placental epigenome.
Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (animal-type melanoma): An institutional experience.

Background Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) is an uncommon, recently described entity with unknown biologic behavior. There is a high rate of regional metastases, but limited evidence of distant metastases or disease-related death. Objective We sought to report our series of patients given a diagnosis of PEM at our institution and provide mutational analysis of genes commonly implicated in melanoma in 2 cases. Methods The pathology database was queried for cases of PEM diagnosed at the University of Rochester. Charts were reviewed for follow-up information. Mutational analysis of melanoma-associated genes was performed on 2 cases. Results Nine cases of PEM were retrieved in a 10-year retrospective review. Five patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy with 3 of 5 having a positive sentinel lymph node. All 9 patients are alive and disease-free with average follow-up of 38.75 months. Two tumors were tested for common melanoma-associated mutations, and were negative, except for a telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter deletion detected in 1 sample. The deletion has not been associated with melanoma, and therefore its biologic significance is unclear. Limitations Small sample size, retrospective nature, and single institution experience are limitations. Conclusions PEM appears to have an indolent behavior. However, currently the evidence is too limited to provide insight into its true biologic potential.
Characterization and Model of Piezoelectrochemical Energy Harvesting Using Lithium ion Batteries

Although lithium ion battery research often focuses on electrochemical properties, lithium ion intercalation materials are also mechanically active. Essentially, these materials exhibit a mechanical-electrochemical coupling such that when a stress is applied, the voltage of the battery increases. In this work, we develop a model to study and predict the effectiveness of intercalation materials as mechanical energy harvesters. Specifically, we show that a lithium ion battery harvester can be modelled as a simple circuit and that we can make both qualitative and quantitative predictions about the effectiveness of a battery material given its intrinsic mechanical and electrochemical properties. The measured efficiency of our system, calculated from the energy output and total work input, is 0.012 ± 0.004%, and our model predicts that the maximum theoretical efficiency of the system is 2.9 ± 0.5%. In the future, this model will help us develop and study other intercalation materials that will bring the measured efficiency closer to our proposed theoretical maximum.
Is Diversity Still a Good Thing

In this reply to Stojmenovska, Bol, and Leopold’s comment on my 2009 ASR article, “Does Diversity Pay?” I offer an updated analysis of the relationship between racial and gender diversity in busine...
Parental Ethnic-Racial Socialization in Multiracial Mexican Families

Empirical studies of parental ethnic-racial socialization are constricted to single-race or monoracial youths. This has led to a monocentric conceptualization of ethnic-racial socialization, one th...
Implications of potential evapotranspiration methods for streamflow estimations under changing climatic conditions

Several potential evapotranspiration (PET) estimation methods are commonly used to quantify water and energy budgets. As each PET method can differ, their effects on projected streamflows under changing climatic conditions are critical to quantify the sensitivities of these methods. We used the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) climate dataset and Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) model to compare the following five PET methods [Hargreaves (HG), Hamon (HM), Thornthwaite (TW), Priestley–Taylor (PT) and Penman–Monteith (PM)] for the Susquehanna River Basin in the northeastern United States. As PET is used as an input, various configurations of HSPF driven by these five PET estimates were used to calibrate HSPF with observed streamflow data from 41 gaging stations. We also used nine global climate model inputs to derive five PET estimates, which were subsequently used as inputs to compute streamflow projections for 2020–2099. An increase in precipitation from 6.2 to 7.2% and an increase in temperature from 1.8 to 2.7 °C were projected, while changes in PET and actual evapotranspiration (AET) were found to substantially differ among the PET methods. The HM method shows an increase in AET of between 14 and 24%, while the other methods show an increase of between 7 and 12%. It is concluded that streamflow projections are sensitive to the selection of the PET methods in the HSPF model; a decrease of up to 5.5% and increase of up to 3.6% are projected for PET levels estimated by using the HM and HG methods, respectively; and both HM and TW are found to be suitable for simple seasonal water balance analyses conducted at regional scales.
Multiscale Genome Engineering: Genome-Wide Screens and Targeted Approaches

New advances in genome engineering technologies, such as efficient programmable CRISPR nucleases, have enabled new advances in forward and reverse genetic studies. Here, I discuss recent work from our group combining top-down approaches like genome-wide loss-of-function screens and bottom-up approaches like disease variant modeling in human stem cells and stem cell-derived cortical neurons.
Detecting features of epileptogenesis in EEG after TBI using unsupervised diffusion component analysis

Epilepsy is among the most common serious disabling disorders of the brain, and the global burden of epilepsy exerts a tremendous cost to society. Most people with epilepsy have acquired forms, and the development of antiepileptogenic interventions could potentially prevent or cure these epilepsies [3, 13]. The discovery of potential antiepileptogenic treatments is currently a high research priority. Clinical validation would require a means to identify populations of patients at particular high risk for epilepsy after a potential epileptogenic insult to know when to treat and to document prevention or cure. We investigate the development of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), because this condition offers the best opportunity to know the time of onset of epileptogenesis in patients. Epileptogenesis is common after TBI, and because much is known about the physical history of PTE, it represents a near-ideal human model in which to study the process of developing seizures. Using scalp and depth EEG recordings for six patients, the goal of our analysis is to find a way to quantitatively detect features in the EEG that could potentially help predict seizure onset post trauma. Unsupervised Diffusion Component Analysis [5], a novel approach based on the diffusion mapping framework [4], reduces data dimensionality and provides pattern recognition that can be used to distinguish different states of the patient, such as seizures and non-seizure spikes in the EEG. This method is also adapted to the data to enable the extraction of the underlying brain activity. Previous work has shown that such techniques can be useful for seizure prediction [6]. Some new results that demonstrate how this algorithm is used to detect spikes in the EEG data as well as other changes over time are shown. This nonlinear and local network approach has been used to determine if the early occurrences of specific electrical features of epileptogenesis, such as interictal epileptiform activity and morphologic changes in spikes and seizures, during the initial week after TBI predicts the development of PTE.
Systematic control of the electrical conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) via oxidative chemical vapor deposition

Systematic variation in the electrical conductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was achieved by oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD). For oCVD, both the oxidant, Fe(III)Cl 3 , and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer are introduced in the vapor phase. A heated crucible allows for sublimation of the oxidant directly into the reactor chamber operating at 150 mTorr. Spontaneous reaction of the oxidant with the monomer introduced though a feedback-controlled mass flow system results in the rapid (>200 nm thick film in 30 min) formation of π-conjugated PEDOT thin films directly onto a temperature-controlled substrate. As the substrate temperature is increased from 15 to 110 °C, increasing conjugation length, doping level, and electrical conductivity of the PEDOT chains are observed by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Concomitantly, the measured electrical conductivity of the PEDOT films increases systematically with an apparent activation energy of 28.2 ±1.1 kcal/mol.
Output feedback control of uncertain systems in the presence of unmodeled actuator and sensor dynamics

This paper analyzes the performance of output feedback controllers for a class of uncertain time-varying nonlinear systems in the presence of unmodeled actuator and sensor dynamics. In particular, on the basis of known nominal model and bounds on the uncertainties, and initially neglecting actuator and sensor dynamics, high-gain output feedback schemes are determined which force the output to track a given signal. Then, the effects of actuator and sensor dynamics are investigated on the performance of the tracking system.
Current concepts in cancer vaccine strategies.

Cancer vaccines are entering a new phase of popularity, in part because of the recognition of when a therapeutic vaccine is most effective and the identification of appropriate target antigens. New technologies, most notably gene transfection into dendritic cell and DNA vaccination approaches, have spurred further clinical evaluations. While many researchers consider humoral responses as not being viable for large tumors, these responses may play a role in regulating micrometastases (i.e., adjuvant setting). The recent approval of antibodies as therapeutics for cancer treatment has lent to the viability of this therapy concept. The success of carbohydrate-conjugate vaccines in bacterial systems has also renewed interest in developing such vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. Carbohydrates can be further converted into peptide/protein mimetics with several of these mimetics in clinical trials. These mimetic forms can be manipulated into DNA vaccine types that may be combined into DNA cassettes that contain CTL-associated epitopes to further define a novel strategy for future vaccine development.
Same-Day Yttrium-90 Radioembolization: Feasibility with Resin Microspheres.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of a same-day yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization protocol with resin microspheres (including pretreatment angiography, lung shunt fraction [LSF] determination, and radioembolization) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases. Materials and Methods All same-day radioembolization procedures performed over 1 y (February 2017 to January 2018) were included in this single-institutional retrospective analysis, in which 34 procedures were performed in 26 patients (median age, 63 y; 13 women), 19 with liver metastases and 7 with HCC. Yttrium-90 treatment activities were calculated by body surface area method. Tumor imaging response was assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 for liver metastases and modified RECIST for HCC. Clinical side effects and adverse events were graded per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Results All planned cases were technically successful, and no cases were canceled for elevated LSF or vascular anatomic reasons. Pretreatment angiography modified the planned 90Y treatment activity in 1 case in which vascular anatomy required a lobar-dose split into 2 for segmental infusions. In 18% of cases, patients were briefly admitted after the procedure for observation or symptom management. Imaging evaluation of initial efficacy at 1 month demonstrated partial response in 25% and stable disease in 67% of patients with liver metastases and partial/complete response in 43% and stable disease in 14% of patients with HCC. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events occurred in 6% of cases, with no systemic therapy–limiting toxicities. The mean total procedure time was 4.2 hours. Conclusions A same-day 90Y radioembolization protocol with resin microspheres is feasible in select patients, which can expedite cancer therapy.
Using Developmental Norms for Speech Sounds as a Means of Determining Treatment Eligibility in Schools

Purpose For a child to receive treatment of a speech sound disorder in public schools, the child must demonstrate evidence of an exceptionality in producing speech sounds. One method advocated by s...
Visionless Tele-Exploration of 3D Moving Objects

This paper presents methods for improved teleoperation in dynamic environments in which the objects to be manipulated are moving, but vision may not meet size, biocompatibility, or maneuverability requirements. In such situations, the object could be tracked through non-geometric means, such as heat, radioactivity, or other markers. In order to safely explore a region, we use an optical time-of-flight pretouch sensor to detect (and range) target objects prior to contact. Information from these sensors is presented to the user via haptic virtual fixtures. This combination of techniques allows the teleoperator to “feel” the object without an actual contact event between the robot and the target object. Thus it provides the perceptual benefits of touch interaction to the operator, without incurring the negative consequences of the robot contacting unknown geometrical structures; premature contact can lead to damage or unwanted displacement of the target. The authors propose that as the geometry of the scene transitions from completely unknown to partially explored, haptic virtual fixtures can both prevent collisions and guide the user towards areas of interest, thus improving exploration speed. Experimental results show that for situations that are not amenable to vision, haptically-presented pretouch sensor information allows operators to more effectively explore moving objects.
P52 A Nutrition Education Intervention on Dietary Management of Chronic Diseases Among the Elderly in Delaware County, Indiana

Background Multiple factors, such as aging and lifestyle habits, contribute to chronic diseases within the aging population. In the United States, 80% of individuals ≥ 65y have been diagnosed with at least one type of chronic disease. Studies have indicated that nutrition education interventions have shown positive results in increasing nutrition knowledge and healthier food selections in older adults. Objective To provide older individuals with the knowledge needed to help manage chronic diseases by making healthier food selections. The two objectives were to determine if: the Pennsylvania State Cooperative Extension (PSCE) nutrition curriculum improves nutrition knowledge; and participants’ attitudes toward dietary behavior changes were positive. Study Design, Settings, Participants This study was conducted in three senior living centers in Indiana with one site set as the control. Subjects for this study were male and female individuals who were ≥ 60 y old. Implementation of the pilot-tested, PSCE nutrition education curricula was utilized. Six lessons were administered over six weeks immediately following the senior congregant lunch. Knowledge and intent to change eating behavior tests were administered after the lesson plan, and at the conclusion of the intervention. Results Sixty two participants (49% male/female) with a mean age range of 70-79 y completed the study, and 63% indicated they had at least one chronic condition. Wilcoxon Signed Rank indicated a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge of participants who completed the post intervention test (z = -2.56, P = .01). One-way ANOVA indicated that after the grains lesson plan, the intervention participants (N = 32) intent to change behavior as reported in “I will eat ≥ 3 oz of grain/d next month” was significant, P = .05. Conclusion There was a significant improvement in knowledge change. Intent to change behavior was significant after the grains intervention, but not after the other five lessons. Some seniors indicated older age > 85 y was a barrier to change since they “made it that far.” Designing interventions for seniors needs to be age specific targeting younger seniors for behavior change. Funding Ball State University.
BUSINESS CYCLES AND ADMISSIONS TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

We study the effect of business cycles on admissions to specialty substance abuse treatment using administrative data between 1992 and 2015. We proxy business cycles with the state unemployment rate and apply a panel fixed‐effects model. While previous economic research has shown that substance abuse is counter‐cyclical, we observe no change in the total number of admissions across the business cycle. However, focusing on average effects misses important heterogeneity. In substance‐specific regressions we find statistically significant evidence that heroin‐related admissions are counter‐cyclical while stimulant‐related admissions are procyclical. Our findings add to the literature on business cycles and health.
A Continuous Manometric Study of the Human Pylorus

Abstract Previous manometric studies of the pylorus in humans have yielded conflicting data. These interstudy variations may be the result of differences in technique. It is also possible that pyloric pressure shows cyclic variations with the interdigestive motility complex. PyJoric pressure was monitored continuously for 300 min in 6 healthy men by means of a Dent sleeve. Gastroduodenal activity was measured simultaneously by using a perfused catheter system with two antral and two duodenal ports. With this method the pylorus was shown to have no elevation in basal pressure above baseline duodenal pressure during phase III. Basal pyloric pressure varied between subjects in phases I and II, being elevated in some but not in others. Subjects restudied on a separate day often showed a different pattern of activity. Pyloric pressure increased gradually in response to duodenal acidification. This response was blocked by pretreatment with naloxone. The pylorus also showed phasic activity, which was maximal in phase III. This phasic activity could not be distinguished from that of the adjacent antrum and duodenum. In conclusion, pyloric pressure patterns showed marked variation within and between subjects. These variations may explain some of the differences between previous studies.