cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ternary alloys of titanium

The results of a preliminary study of 113 ternary titanium-base alloys are described. The compositions investigated were as follows: Tensile properties, minimum bend radii, hardnesses, response to heat treatment and aging treatment, and phase relationships for these alloys were determined.
Sex Segregation and Tokenism among Teachers

at the elementary and secondary school levels are women. That this was not always the case has been widely documented by historians and other social scientists who use the term feminization of teaching to describe the process of change that occurred in the nineteenth century as the majority of men teachers became a minority, and women assumed the overwhelming majority of teaching positions throughout the United States. Before this happened, patterns of sex segregation varied across the nation from rural to urban areas, from summer to winter, and from region to region (Perlmann & Margo, 2001). At the start of the Civil War in 1861, and for many decades prior to that, far higher proportions of women teachers were employed in the Northeast than in the South. Although regional differences persisted into the twentieth century, by the start of that century, women constituted the majority of teachers in all regions of the country and, by 1910, they were the majority in every state. Although United States census figures reveal some fluctuations in the size of this majority during the twentieth century, the proportion of teachers who were women in 1900 (74.0%) was about the same as the proportion who were women in 2000 (75.5%), the most recent year for which full census data are available. Although census data are not disaggregated by grade level and sex, some states provide that information, and those that do show that, although women predominate at all grade levels of teaching, their proportional representation is highest in elementary schools. In the state of New York, for example, 89% of elementary and 71% of secondary teachers were female in 2002–2003. In many other states, the proportion of elementary school teachers who are women is over 90% while the percentage of women among high school teachers dips below 60%. National data by subject matter are also hard to find, but most studies of state or local school districts indicate that men and women are unevenly distributed across subject matter teaching assignments with women dominating in literature and the humanities and men in mathematics and the physical sciences. The overall feminization of teaching also occurred in the nineteenth century in Britain, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, but it was not until the first half of the twentieth century that a feminized teaching profession emerged in the Catholic countries in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In some of these countries, as in the English-speaking countries, this feminization SEX SEGREGATION AND TOKENISM AMONG TEACHERS
Stormwater the final frontier: Exploratory study of state-level implementation of the phase II municipal stormwater program

ABSTRACTThe importance of water to support all aspects of human and non-human life has led to debates over the quality of water in the United States and continues to be a salient political issue. S...
The Entrenchment of Statistical Thinking in Early Twentieth Century Differential Psychology

This chapter discusses how aggregate statistical methods of investigation made their way into scientific psychology via the portal created by the establishment of a subdiscipline devoted to the systematic study of individual and group differences in various aspects of human psychological functioning. Two textbooks authored by William Stern (1871–1938), one published in 1900 and the other in 1911, were of major significance in the founding of this subdiscipline, called ‘differential’ psychology. The 1911 text, reflecting Stern’s more developed view, emphasized the distinction between population-level statistical knowledge about variables with respect to which individuals have been differentiated, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, knowledge of the individuals who have been differentiated in terms of those variables. However, other influential contemporaries of Stern’s such as E. L. Thorndike (1874–1949) and Hugo Munsterberg (1863–1916) did not adopt Stern’s view on this matter, and it was then ignored in widely-read differential psychology textbooks authored by Anne Anastasi (1908–2001) and Leona Tyler (1906–1993). Thus did the notion that statistical knowledge of populations is also knowledge of the individuals within those populations became entrenched among investigators of individual and group differences. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of Stern’s ever-growing concerns over the direction in which differential psychology was moving.
Using Shared Services to Mitigate Boomtown Impacts in the Bakken Shale Play: Resourcefulness or Over-adaptation?

Unconventional oil and gas development frequently creates challenges for local government service provision and production. This case study unites research on shared services and energy impacts through a qualitative analysis of a suite of shared services experiments pursued in the context of the boom in unconventional oil and gas development in northwestern North Dakota, United States. The article examines how the unique circumstances of energy boomtown dynamics in remote and rural areas shape the feasibility and form of shared services as solutions to acute service provision crises. The findings demonstrate that communities can deploy substantial innovation in response to the shocks of an energy boom, complicating assumptions about social disruption and community passiveness. However, the use of shared services also reinforced unrealistic projections about the duration and long-term benefits of the boom. In some instances, the use of shared services enabled extravagant projects with questionable future sustainability. Keywords: shared service, Bakken, shale, energy impacts, boomtown ------------------------------------------ Utilisation de services partages pour attenuer les impacts lies un essor soudain dans la zone du gisement de schiste de Bakken: ingeniosite ou sur-adaptation? Resume Le developpement petrolier et gazier non conventionnel pose souvent des problemes pour la fourniture et la production de services par les gouvernements locaux. Cette etude de cas regroupe des recherches sur les services partages et les impacts energetiques a travers une analyse qualitative d’une serie d’experiences sur les services partages menees dans le contexte de l’explosion du developpement des ressources petrolieres et gazieres non conventionnelles dans le nord-ouest du Dakota du Nord, aux Etats-Unis. L'article examine comment les circonstances uniques de la dynamique du boom energetique dans les zones rurales et isolees faconnent la faisabilite et la forme de services partages en tant que solutions aux crises graves de fourniture de services. Les resultats demontrent que les communautes peuvent deployer des innovations substantielles en reponse aux chocs d’un boom de l’energie, ce qui complique les hypotheses sur la perturbation sociale et la passivite communautaire. Cependant, l'utilisation de services partages a aussi renforce les projections irrealistes relatives a la duree et aux avantages a long terme du boom. Dans certains cas, l'utilisation de services partages a permis de realiser des projets extravagants avec une durabilite future douteuse. Mots-cles: service partage, Bakken, schiste, impacts energetiques, boomtown
Abstract 15230: MiR-30e Reduces Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Repressing IGF2 Expression

Objective: In atherosclerosis, activation of an osteogenic transcriptional program in de-differentiated mesenchymal-like smooth muscle cells contributes substantially to the initiation of aortic calcification. MiR-30e was recently reported as the most downregulated miR in the aortas of atherogenic APOE-/- mice. To assess a causal link of deficient miR-30e, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of miR-30e would inhibit osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Method and Results: Using qPCR and Elisa respectively, we confirmed that the expression of the mRNA and protein for the osteogenic marker osteopontin (OPN) was upregulated (p<.01) in aortas of 6 mo old APOE-/- mice (n=9) relative to wild type controls (n=4). In MSCs transduced with lentivirus for miR-30e or a scrambled (scr) control, microarrays and qPCR showed repression (p<.05) of an osteogenic profile including Opn, Igf2, Runx2, Bmp4, Dpt, and Dcn genes. At 2 wk osteogenic differentiation, this osteogenic gene expression panel was dramatically enhanced in the MSCs but reduced (p<.05) by miR-30e, with a decrease (p<.05) in OPN protein levels. Secreted IGF2 protein was decreased in the MSCs over-expressing miR-30e at 1wk osteogenic differentiation. Electron microscopy after 2wk osteogenic differentiation showed a marked morphological difference in the miR-30e stables versus controls. MiR-30e oligos with 2’Fluoro-modification also significantly decreased the above osteogenic panel together with Alp1 transcripts, in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-30e reduced (p<.01) proliferation of MSCs at Days 2, 4, and 5 post plating. Inhibiting miR-30e in MSCs using antimiR-30e oligos followed by microarrays and qPCR showed over-expression of Igf2 transcripts suggesting that Igf2 could be a primary target of miR-30e-driven osteogenic repression. Double luciferase assay showed binding of miR-30e to the 3’UTR of Igf2 (p=.00001) and positive control Runx2 (p=.01) but not Opn. Conclusion: miR-30e represses the osteogenic potential of MSCs by targeting IGF2, and its dowregulation may be a proximate cause of the initiation of atherosclerosis. The miR-30e pathway represents a potentially powerful and important clinical target in vascular diseases.
Delivery of long chain C16 and C24 ceramide in HeLa cells using oxidized graphene nanoribbons

The bioactive sphingolipid ceramide has many important roles in cell signaling processes, particularly in signaling programmed cell death in cancer. However, ceramide levels are often impaired in multi-drug resistant and radiation resistant cancers due to the dysregulation of ceramide metabolism. Restoration of ceramide levels through external delivery therefore represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of resistant cancers. However, as a lipid, ceramide is extremely hydrophobic and requires a delivery system to enter cells. Here we report the development of a method to load significant amounts of the long chain C16 and C24 ceramides onto oxidized graphene nanoribbons (O-GNRs) derived from carbon nanotubes. Using O-GNRs as a delivery system for these ceramides, we were able to induce significant biological effects in HeLa cells in conjunction with C6 ceramide and ultraviolet radiation treatment. However, we found that O-GNRs themselves exert significant biological effects and can interfere with the actions of these ceramides and ultraviolet treatment. Loading of ceramides onto O-GNRs did not have a significant effect on the entry of the nanoparticles into cells. Despite the need for further improvement, these data represent an important first step in the development of O-GNRs as a delivery system for long chain ceramides.
Immune-Mediated Therapies in Lymphoma.

ABSTRACT Objective To review types of lymphoma, risk factors, and evaluate novel immune-mediated therapies, including side effects and management of immune-mediated toxicities. Data Source Published literature, national statistics, and Web sites. Conclusion Novel biologic agents are being developed with the potential to improve outcomes. However, these novel agents pose unique and sometimes serious adverse events. Implications for Nursing Practice The immune-mediated adverse events require a multidisciplinary approach and early identification. It is imperative providers and nurses are educated on the management of the unique toxicities caused by lymphoma treatment.
Charge-Transport Networks via Small-Molecule Self-Assembly in Conjugated Polymer Bulk Heterojunctions

The formation of a charge-transporting network inside a confining polymer matrix is of immense importance in organic optoelectronic devices, such as organic photovoltaics (OPVs). OPV devices based ...
The role of religion and spirituality in caregiver decision-making about tracheostomy for children with medical complexity.

Children with medical complexity (CMC) receive life-sustaining treatments such as tracheostomy. The objective of this paper is to explore the roles of religion and spirituality (RS (2) Spirituality was an important factor for caregivers in the decision to pursue tracheostomy for their children; (3) Many caregivers did not discuss their spirituality with clinicians for a variety of reasons; (4) Clergy and hospital chaplains played a major supportive role overall; however, they did not play a significant role in the decision-making process. Our study shows the importance of R&S, and the roles of clergy and chaplains in pediatric tracheostomy decision-making.
Assessing Factors That Influence Healthcare Provider Attitudes and Practices regarding Place-Based Exercise Prescriptions: Results of Principal Components Analysis of a Newly Developed Survey Instrument.

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to describe development and preliminary assessment of an instrument designed to assess facilitators and barriers of provider-provided, place-based exercise prescriptions, including provider attributes, perceptions, knowledge, and resource needs. Although the American Medical Association-Supported "Exercise is Medicine" initiative encourages the practice of exercise prescription among member providers, only a small proportion engages in this practice. Additionally, little is known about the role of place-based exercise prescriptions, although access to physical activity resources differs based on residence, access to transportation, income, and other factors. To utilize potential for prescriptions to encourage physical activity, better understanding of the role of place is essential. Methods Previously validated and newly developed items were combined to create an 88-item survey that was administered to 166 healthcare providers. Results Results of principal components analysis suggested a five-factor structure; three factors-provider belief in exercise benefits, provider training needs, and place-based concerns-demonstrated high internal consistency. Factors demonstrating low internal consistency included provider attitudes about their role in exercise prescription and providers' perceptions of patient barriers. Conclusions Following this stage in survey validation, the 88-item developed survey could be shortened by eliminating items with low loadings. Providers may be more receptive to a shorter instrument, which could facilitate reliability and validity testing of a revised instrument. Further steps to validate the instrument include assessing consistent responses over time and considering predictive ability of the survey as an additional measure of validity. Results from the initial survey administration indicate that providers' lack of training regarding how to prescribe exercise and lack of knowledge of safe, affordable, or proximate locations for patients to engage in prescribed exercise present barriers to wider use of exercise prescriptions. Community-clinical linkages which network providers with area physical activity and exercise resources may present a partial solution. Knowledge of safe, affordable, or proximate locations for patients to engage in prescribed exercise presents a barrier to place-based exercise prescriptions.
Colonization of Marginal Host Plants by Seed Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): Effects of Geographic Source and Genetic Admixture.

The ability to adapt to a novel host plant may vary among insect populations with different genetic histories, and colonization of a marginal host may be facilitated by genetic admixture of disparate populations. We assembled populations of the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.), from four continents, and compared their ability to infest two hosts, lentil and pea. We also formed two cross-continent hybrids (Africa × N.A. and Africa × S.A.). In pre-selection assays, survival was only ~3% in lentil and ~40% in pea. For three replicate populations per line, colonization success on lentil was measured as cumulative exit holes after 75-175 d. On pea, we estimated the change in larval survival after five generations of selection. Females in all lines laid few eggs on lentil, and survival of F1 larvae was uniformly 11,000) than either parental line. At the other extreme, Asian populations on lentil appeared to have gone extinct. The Africa × N.A. line also exhibited the highest survival on pea, and again performed better than either parent line. However, no line displayed a rapid increase in survival on pea, as is sometimes observed on lentil. Our results demonstrate that geographic populations can vary substantially in their responses to the same novel resource. In addition, genetic admixtures (potentially caused by long-distance transport of infested seeds) may facilitate colonization of an initially poor host.
Changes in Delivery Timing for High-Risk Pregnancies in the United States.

Objective This study was aimed to assess whether the “39-week” rule is being extended to high-risk pregnancies and if so whether this has led to changes in neonatal morbidity or stillbirth. Study Design Birth certificate data between 2010 and 2014 from 23 states (55% of births in the United States) were used. Pregnancies were classified as high risk if they had any one of the following: maternal age greater than or equal to 40 years, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2, chronic (prepregnancy) hypertension, or diabetes (pregestational or gestational). Delivery timing changes for all pregnancies at term (37 weeks or greater) were compared with changes in the high-risk population. Neonatal morbidities (neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admission, need for assisted ventilation, 5-minute Apgar score, and macrosomia), maternal morbidities (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, cesarean delivery, operative vaginal delivery, chorioamnionitis, and severe perineal laceration), and stillbirth rates were compared across time periods. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze whether gestational age–specific morbidity changes were due to shifts in delivery timing. Results For the overall population, there was a shift in delivery timing between 2010 and 2014, a 2.5% decrease in 38-week deliveries, and a 2.3% increase in 39-week deliveries (p Conclusion There was a significant shift in delivery timing for high-risk pregnancies in the United States between 2010 and 2014. This shift, however, did not result in statistically significant changes in either neonatal morbidity or stillbirth. Key Points
Age-structured vectorial capacity reveals timing, not magnitude of within-mosquito dynamics is critical for arbovirus fitness assessment.

Transmission dynamics of arboviruses like Zika virus are often evaluated by vector competence (the proportion of infectious vectors given exposure) and the extrinsic incubation period (EIP, the time it takes for a vector to become infectious), but vector age is another critical driver of transmission dynamics. Vectorial capacity (VC) is a measure of transmission potential of a vector-pathogen system, but how these three components, EIP, vector competence and vector age, affect VC in concert still needs study. The interaction of vector competence, EIP, and mosquito age at the time of infection acquisition (Ageacquisition) was experimentally measured in an Aedes aegypti-ZIKV model system, as well as the age-dependence of probability of survival and the willingness to bite. An age-structured vectorial capacity framework (VCage) was then developed using both EIPMin and EIPMax, defined as the time to first observed minimum proportion of transmitting mosquitoes and the time to observed maximum proportion of transmitting mosquitoes. The within-mosquito dynamics of vector competence/EIP were not significant among treatments where mosquitoes were exposed at different ages. However, VCage revealed: (i) age-dependence in vector-virus interactions is important for transmission success; (ii) lower vector competence but at shorter EIPs was sufficient for transmission perpetuation; and (iii) R0 may be overestimated by using non-age-structured VC. The results indicate that ultimately the temporal component of the virus-vector dynamics is most critical, especially when exposure occurred at advanced mosquito age. While our study is limited to a single virus-vector system, and a multitude of other factors affect both vector competence and mosquito mortality, our methods can be extrapolated to these other scenarios. Results indicate that how ‘highly’ or ‘negligibly’ competent vectors are categorized may need adjustment.
A Method for Rapidly Deploying Suspended Footbridges

Suspended footbridges are lightweight structures that are frequently constructed to create permanent connections in rural parts of the world. Their low weight (compared to that of other structural ...
Hepatic Vein Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Subharmonic Imaging Signal as a Screening Test for Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is the underlying cause of most complications associated with cirrhosis, with the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) used for diagnosis and disease progression. Subharmonic imaging (SHI) is a contrast-specific imaging technique receiving at half the transmit frequency resulting in better tissue suppression. To determine whether the presence of optimized SHI signals inside the hepatic vein can be used as a screening test for portal hypertension. This prospective trial had 131 patients undergoing SHI examination of portal and hepatic veins using a modified Logiq 9 scanner (GE, Waukesha, WI). Images acquired after infusion of the ultrasound contrast agent Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway) were assessed for the presence of optimized SHI signals in the hepatic vein and compared to the HVPG values obtained as standard of care. Of 131 cases, 64 had increased HVPG values corresponding to subclinical (n = 31) and clinical (n = 33) portal hypertension (> 5 and > 10 mmHg, respectively), and 67 had normal HVPG values (< 5 mmHg). Two readers performed independent, binary qualitative assessments of the acquired digital clips. Reader one (experienced radiologist) achieved for the subclinical subgroup sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 88%, and ROC area of 0.93 and for the clinical subgroup sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 61%, with an ROC area of 0.74. Reader two (less experienced radiologist) achieved for the subclinical subgroup sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 76%, and ROC area of 0.76 and for the clinical subgroup sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 63%, with an ROC area of 0.70. Readers agreement was of 83% with kappa value of 0.66. The presence of optimized SHI signals inside the hepatic vein can be a qualitative screening test for portal hypertension, which could reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures.
Bone marrow transplantation: The genetic and cellular basis of resistance to engraftment and acute graft-versus-host disease

The mechanisms by which GVHD and resistance to engraftment complicate bone marrow transplantation require further study and clarification. Yet the insights from the model systems presented here already have definite implications for human marrow transplantation. For example, the genetic basis of resistance to engraftment is clear. When marrow is transplanted into haploidentical recipients, resistance to engraftment and autologous host revovery is more likely to result than if donor and recipient were matched at the MHC. Engraftment could be increased in such haploidentical recipients by increasing the TBI dose in the transplant preparation regimen. Many centers have already increased TBI dose in an effort to prevent the recurrence of initial malignancies; such an increase would also aid marrow engraftment in haploidentical recipients. It has been suggested that T cell depletion of the marrow may also adversely affect engraftment and that the addition of T cells or T cell products back to the marrow might reverse such an effect. Experimental evidence for such approaches is not yet conclusive, however, and the re-addition of T cells to the marrow certainly increases the risk of GVHD. Our studies suggest that therapeutic strategies designed to ameliorate GVHD may have to account for NK phenomena. If T cells mediate GVHD via soluble factors such as IL-2 and γ-interferon which activate NK cells, then reversal of GVHD may require the disruption of NK function as well as T cell function. The use of monoclonal anti-T cell antibodies in vivo might therefore suffice as GVHD prophylaxis or as therapy in the very early stages of the disease, but anti-NK monoclonal antibodies might be needed to reverse an already established GVHD process. Further clarification of the origin of NK cells in GVHD will help direct therapeutic intervention. If the cells are of donor origin then removal of NK cells as well as T cells from the bone marrow could be attempted; if they are of host origin, then altering transplant conditioning regimens to decrease NK activity would likely prove useful. The in vivo model systems discussed here may serve not only to increase our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms attendant on bone marrow transplantation but may allow the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies.
Neighborhood Environment Associates with Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO) as a Cardiovascular Risk Marker.

Background: Neighborhoods and the microbiome are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet investigations to identify microbiome-related factors at neighborhood levels have not been widely investigated. We sought to explore relationships between neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) and the microbial metabolite, trimethylamine-N-oxide. We hypothesized that inflammatory markers and dietary intake would be mediators of the relationship. Methods: African-American adults at risk for CVD living in the Washington, DC area were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional community-based study. US census-based neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) measures (at the census-tract level) were determined. Serum samples were analyzed for CVD risk factors, cytokines, and the microbial metabolite, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Self-reported dietary intake based on food groups was collected. Results: Study participants (n = 60) were predominantly female (93.3%), with a mean (SD) age of 60.83 (+/−10.52) years. Mean (SD) NDI was −1.54 (2.94), and mean (SD) TMAO level was 4.99 (9.65) µmol/L. Adjusting for CVD risk factors and BMI, NDI was positively associated with TMAO (β = 0.31, p = 0.02). Using mediation analysis, the relationship between NDI and TMAO was significantly mediated by TNF-α (60.15%) and interleukin)-1 β (IL; 49.96%). When controlling for clustering within neighborhoods, the NDI-TMAO association was no longer significant (β = 5.11, p = 0.11). However, the association between NDI and IL-1 β (β = 0.04, p = 0.004) and TNF-α (β = 0.17, p = 0.003) remained. Neither NDI nor TMAO was significantly associated with daily dietary intake. Conclusion and Relevance: Among a small sample of African-American adults at risk for CVD, there was a significant positive relationship with NDI and TMAO mediated by inflammation. These hypothesis-generating results are initial and need to be confirmed in larger studies.
Presidents Must Be Elected Popularly: Examining Proposals and Identifying the Natural Endpoint of Electoral College Reform

The Electoral College effectively disenfranchises voters who live outside the few states that decide presidential elections. This report by Fordham Law School's Democracy Clinic endorses a change in the way electoral votes are allocated to ensure that Americans’ votes receive the same weight. States should sign on to the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement among states to allocate their electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote. Ranked choice voting should also be employed to ensure that candidates receive majority support.
The Landmark Series: Preoperative Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

The surgical treatment of pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is plagued by high rates of distant recurrences despite complete resection, highlighting the importance of systemic therapy. Historically, patients with PDAC have been treated with postoperative therapy, but this sequencing strategy can be associated with the inability to complete therapy due to perioperative complications and prolonged recovery. In addition, a subset of patients progress early, irrespective of whether surgery is performed, highlighting the systemic nature of this disease. Preoperative therapy has increasingly been utilized in clinical practice, but studies examining its benefits are limited. In this Landmark Series, we will review seminal studies for resectable and borderline resectable PDAC.
Idiopathic Ovarian Vein Thrombosis: A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain.

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare entity. It is usually seen in hypercoagulable states such as pregnancy, peripartum period, active malignancy, recent pelvic surgeries, pelvic infections, and inherited or acquired thrombophilias. Idiopathic OVT is exceedingly rare. We report a case of OVT in a healthy 42-year-old post-menopausal female presenting with right lower quadrant abdominal pain for four days. The patient denied any recent pelvic surgery, pelvic infection, or any family history of thrombophilia. Right ovarian vein thrombosis was found on a computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Laboratory workup including hypercoagulability studies was normal. The patient was treated with a therapeutic dose of lower molecular weight heparin and later transitioned to rivaroxaban for three to six months. This case emphasizes OVT as a differential diagnosis of lower abdominal pain in healthy females. Currently, there are no standard guidelines for the duration of anticoagulation in OVT, however based on literature review, deep venous thrombosis treatment guidelines can be followed.
Life Cycle Assessment of Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells Coupled with Solar Flow Battery Systems

The intermittent nature of solar energy has made it necessary for photovoltaic (PV) systems to rely on external energy storage when deployed off-the-grid. In recent years, solar flow batteries (SFBs) have emerged as a potential alternative, which integrates energy production and storage in an integrated device. Here we performed an environmental assessment by highlighting potential hotspots that might hinder their acceptance, offering less pollutive alternatives. Specifically, we analyzed the environmental impacts of perovskite/silicon tandem based SFB. Our results show that the PV cell is responsible for three fourths of the impact of the device at lab scale, while the stack frame is responsible for the remaining impact. At this scale, the impact of the electrolytes is negligible. We expect the impact of the frame to reduce as the scale increases, while we anticipate an increase for the importance of the electrolytes as more energy is stored. For the future, the impact of the PV cell could be reduced by using a back electrode different than gold, and by substituting the perovskite/silicon tandem configuration with a perovskite/perovskite one.
Twenty-four hour esophageal pH monitoring by telemetry. Cost-effective use in outpatients.

Abstract Twenty-four hour determinations of the distal esophageal pH by telemetry provides outpatient monitoring of gastroesophageal reflux in the ambulant patient in his natural environment. In our overweight, physically unfit and anxiety-ridden population, indigestion is a frequent complaint originating from a variety of causes including gastroesophageal reflux. Long-term esophageal pH monitoring quantifies and is the best current means of differentiating physiologic from pathologic reflux.
Karl Polanyi's Metacritique of the Liberal Creed

AbstractThis paper interprets Karl Polanyi through dialectical critical realism. The paper maintains that this interpretation offers Polanyi methodological coherence and philosophical support. It further provides dialectical critical realism with an exemplar of explanatory critique. It is argued that the social theory of Polanyi aims at the demystification of market-systems as they are theoretically constructed by both orthodox and heterodox accounts of capitalism. Dialectical critical realism is best capable of situating the theoretical accomplishment of Polanyi's historical and dialectical critiques of social being.
Money: Endogeneity and neutrality☆

Abstract This paper examines the implications of a contemporaneously observed endogenous money supply in rational expectations models of the Lucas-Barro variety. First, if there is contemporaneously perceived policy response (e.g., to interest rates), then a simultaneous equations bias produces inconsistency in the neutrality tests proposed by King and Boschen-Grossman. Second, if money acts as a ‘signal’ about economic conditions then autonomous money shocks can have real effects. In polar contrast to the Lucas-Barro analyses, this non-neutrality requires that monetary information be utilized by economic agents.
Production of Furin‐Cleaved Papillomavirus Pseudovirions and Their Use for In Vitro Neutralization Assays of L1‐ or L2‐Specific Antibodies

Immunization with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) L1 virus-like particles or L2 capsid protein elicits neutralizing antibodies that mediate protection. A high-throughput and sensitive in vitro neutralization assay is therefore valuable for prophylactic HPV vaccine studies. Over several hours during infection of the genital tract, virions take on a distinct intermediate conformation, including a required furin cleavage of L2 at its N-terminus. This intermediate is an important target for neutralization by L2-specific antibody, but it is very transiently exposed during in vitro infection of most cell lines resulting in insensitive measurement for L2, but not L1-specific neutralizing antibodies. To model this intermediate, we describe a protocol to generate furin-cleaved HPV pseudovirions (fc-PsV), which deliver an encapsidated reporter plasmid to facilitate infectivity measurements. We also describe a protocol for use of fc-PsV in a high-throughput in vitro neutralization assay for the sensitive measurement of both L1 and L2-specific neutralizing antibodies. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: furin-cleavage; papillomavirus; antibody; human papillomavirus; HPV neutralization assay; HPV L2
Interface Conditions for Coupled Atomistic and Continuum Models of Solids for Dynamics Problems at Finite Temperature

We will present a general formalism for deriving boundary conditions for molecular dynamics simulations of crystalline solids in the context of atomistic/continuum coupling. These boundary conditions are modeled by generalized Langevin equations, derived from Mori-Zwanzig’s formalism. Such boundary conditions are useful in suppressing phonon reflections, and maintaining the system temperature.
C-Terminal Cleavage of the Amyloid-β Protein Precursor at Asp664: A Switch Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

In addition to the proteolytic cleavages that give rise to amyloid-beta (Abeta), the amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) is cleaved at Asp664 intracytoplasmically. This cleavage releases a cytotoxic peptide, APP-C31, removes AbetaPP-interaction motifs required for signaling and internalization, and is required for the generation of AD-like deficits in a mouse model of the disease. Although we and others had previously shown that Asp664 cleavage of AbetaPP is increased in AD brains, the distribution of the Asp664-cleaved forms of AbetaPP in non-diseased and AD brains at different ages had not been determined. Confirming previous reports, we found that Asp664-cleaved forms of AbetaPP were increased in neuronal cytoplasm and nuclei in early-stage AD brains but were absent in age-matched, non-diseased control brains and in late-stage AD brains. Remarkably, however, Asp664-cleaved AbetaPP was prominent in neuronal somata and in processes in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus of non-diseased human brains at ages <45 years. Our observations suggest that Asp664 cleavage of AbetaPP may be part of the normal proteolytic processing of AbetaPP in young (<45 years) human brain and that this cleavage is down-regulated with normal aging, but is aberrantly increased and altered in location in early AD.
Activation of Phospholipase Cγ2 by Tyrosine Phosphorylation

Phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) has been implicated in collagen-induced signal transduction in platelets and antigen-dependent signaling in B-lymphocytes. It has been suggested that tyrosine kinases activate PLCγ2. We expressed the full-length cDNA for human PLCγ2 in bacteria and purified the recombinant enzyme. The recombinant enzyme was Ca2+-dependent with optimal activity in the range of 1 to 10 μM Ca2+. In vitro phosphorylation experiments with recombinant PLCγ2 and recombinant Lck, Fyn, and Lyn tyrosine kinases showed that phosphorylation of PLCγ2 led to activation of the recombinant enzyme. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we investigated the role of specific tyrosine residues in activation of PLCγ2. A mutant form of PLCγ2, in which all three tyrosines at positions 743, 753, and 759 in the SH2-SH3 linker region were replaced by phenylalanines, exhibited decreased Lck-induced phosphorylation and completely abolished the Lck-dependent activation of PLCγ2. Individual mutations of these tyrosine residues demonstrated that tyrosines 753 and 759, but not 743, were responsible for Lck-induced activation of PLCγ2. To confirm these results, we procured a phosphospecific antibody to a peptide containing phosphorylated tyrosines corresponding to residues 753 and 759. This antibody recognized phosphorylated wild-type PLCγ2 on Western blots but did not interact with unphosphorylated PLCγ2 or with PLCγ2 containing mutated tyrosine residues at 753 and 759. Using this antibody, we showed in intact platelets that collagen, a PLCγ2-dependent agonist, induces phosphorylation of PLCγ2 at Y753 and Y759. These studies demonstrate the importance of these two tyrosine residues in regulating the activity of PLCγ2.
Contrasting the Effects of Maternal and Behavioral Characteristics on Fawn Birth Mass in White-Tailed Deer

Maternal care influences offspring quality and can improve a mother’s inclusive fitness. However, improved fitness may only occur when offspring quality (i.e., offspring birth mass) persists throughout life and enhances survival and/or reproductive success. Although maternal body mass, age, and social rank have been shown to influence offspring birth mass, the inter-dependence among these variables makes identifying causation problematic. We established that fawn birth mass was related to adult body mass for captive male and female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), thus maternal care should improve offspring fitness. We then used path analysis to identify which maternal characteristic(s) most influenced fawn birth mass of captive female white-tailed deer. Maternal age, body mass and social rank had varying effects on fawn birth mass. Maternal body mass displayed the strongest direct effect on fawn birth mass, followed by maternal age and social rank. Maternal body mass had a greater effect on social rank than age. The direct path between social rank and fawn birth mass may indicate dominance as an underlying mechanism. Our results suggest that heavier mothers could use dominance to improve access to resources, resulting in increased fitness through production of heavier offspring.
Operating system application programmer interfaces (API) and their role in open systems for avionics

Operating System (OS) application programmer interfaces (APIs) are a key enabler to target independent software and seamless upgrading from the software perspective when the underlying hardware is changed. This is one of the significant cost reduction mechanisms promised by the use of open systems. This paper discusses on-going work within IEEE Portable Operating Systems Interfaces (POSIX) and SAE AS5B2 Operating System API working group that address providing a suitable OS API for real-time avionic systems. This paper also describes how the OS API is a significant part of the target independent software story and how it fits in with the generic open avionics architecture model being developed by the SAE. The POSIX discussions summarize what has been going on in POSIX, with particular attention to the real-time working groups. Most attention is given to activities occurring in P1003.21 Real-Time Distributed Systems Communications.
1-[(4,5-Dimethyl-cyclo-hexa-1,4-dien-1-yl)sulfon-yl]-4-methyl-benzene.

In the title mol­ecule, C15H18O2S, the dimethyl­cyclo­hexa­diene unit is slightly non-planar, having a folded conformation with the two double-bond planes forming a dihedral angle of 3.9 (6)°. Methyl groups of the dimethyl­cyclo­hexa­diene ring tilt away from each other, forming inter­nal C—C—C(Me) angles approximately 11° greater than the exterior angles.
Feminist philosophy of science: history, contributions, and challenges

Feminist philosophy of science has led to improvements in the practices and products of scientific knowledge-making, and in this way it exemplifies socially relevant philosophy of science. It has also yielded important insights and original research questions for philosophy. Feminist scholarship on science thus presents a worthy thought-model for considering how we might build a more socially relevant philosophy of science—the question posed by the editors of this special issue. In this analysis of the history, contributions, and challenges faced by feminist philosophy of science, I argue that engaged case study work and interdisciplinarity have been central to the success of feminist philosophy of science in producing socially relevant scholarship, and that its future lies in the continued development of robust and dynamic philosophical frameworks for modeling social values in science. Feminist philosophers of science, however, have often encountered marginalization and persistent misunderstandings, challenges that must be addressed within the institutional and intellectual culture of American philosophy.
Hippocampal Correlates of Aversive Midbrain Stimulation

Hippocampal synchronization during aversive dorsal midbrain stimulation was observed in rats both in a conditioning procedure and under d-tubo-curarine paralysis. The results restrict the generality of previous reports which correlated hippocampal synchronization and desynchronization with approach and withdrawal behavior, respectively. Relative to the condition of free movement, curarization reduced the frequency of both "spontaneous" and dorsal midbrain-evoked synchronization, thus suggesting possible direct and indirect effects of d-tubocurarine on subcortical structures.
Breed differences in dogs sensitivity to human points: a meta-analysis.

Abstract The last decade has seen a substantial increase in research on the behavioral and cognitive abilities of pet dogs, Canis familiaris . The most commonly used experimental paradigm is the object-choice task in which a dog is given a choice of two containers and guided to the reinforced object by human pointing gestures. We review here studies of this type and attempt a meta-analysis of the available data. In the meta-analysis breeds of dogs were grouped into the eight categories of the American Kennel Club, and into four clusters identified by Parker and Ostrander [Parker, H.G., Ostrander, E.A., 2005. Canine genomics and genetics: running with the pack. PLoS Genet. 1, 507–513] on the basis of a genetic analysis. No differences in performance between breeds categorized in either fashion were identified. Rather, all dog breeds appear to be similarly and highly successful in following human points to locate desired food. We suggest this result could be due to the paucity of data available in published studies, and the restricted range of breeds tested.
Energy and the Environment: The Relationship Between Coal Production and the Environment in China

China, with the world’s largest population, is one of the most rapidly growing countries and the largest consumer of energy in the world. It possesses the second largest coal reserves globally and is the largest producer of coal in the world. Approximately 95% of the coal produced in China is from underground mining, which causes serious environmental and water quality problems. This paper investigates the relationship between coal production and the environment using a spatial econometric methods. The results indicate that electricity production and waste water have the greatest influence on coal production. Findings from this study are helpful to policy makers for designing environmental regulations in the coal production industry in China.
Vision in Annelid Worms

In a first electrophysiological study of worm vision, electroretinograms were measured in two alciopid worms: Torrea, taken at the surface, and deep-sea Vanadis. Both forms possess a primary retina in the focal plane of the lens, and accessory retinas lying beside the lens. Such accessory retinas occur also in deep sea fishes and cephalopods. In Torrea the primary retina peaks in sensitivity at 400 nanometers, the secondary retina at 560 nanometers. Both together could serve as a depth guage, since 560 nanometers attenuates much faster in seawater than 400 nanometers. The Vanadis eyes peaked in sensitivity at 460 to 480 nanometers, a property shared with deep-sea forms of other phyla; and appropriate, since these wavelengths penetrate seawater most deeply, and also are the wavelengths of maximum bioluminescence.
Changing indications of open stone surgery.

Abstract Objectives. To compare the current role of open stone surgery at our institution to previously reported data. In 1989, the indications for open surgical treatment of urinary calculi at our institution were reviewed. In the intervening years, tremendous advances have been made in minimally invasive treatment of urinary calculi. Methods. A retrospective evaluation of all patients undergoing procedures for the purpose of stone removal or fragmentation at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center between January 1, 1998 and May 31, 2001 was conducted. This was compared with data reported from our institution describing similar procedures in the first 19 months after introduction of the Dornier HM3 lithotriptor. Results. Of 986 procedures performed for the purpose of stone removal or fragmentation between January 1, 1998 and May 31, 2001, 0.7% were open surgical procedures. Of these procedures, 85.8% were performed for anatomic indications. Patients referred from other institutions for evaluation after endoscopic treatment failure comprised the remaining 14.2% of this group. In the previously reported data, 893 procedures were performed for the treatment of urinary calculi, of which 4.1% were open operations. Of these patients, 48.6% underwent an open surgical procedure after unsuccessful endoscopic treatment of urinary calculi, and 48.7% of these patients underwent open surgery for anatomic indications. Conclusions. Open surgical stone removal remains a viable treatment option for select patients. Technologic advances and improved surgical skills have greatly reduced the number of patients requiring open surgery. This approach is mainly used for patients with complex calculous disease associated with anatomic abnormalities.