cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relationship between crash severity, traffic barrier type, and vehicle type in crashes involving traffic barrier

Abstract Roadside safety is one of the important components of highway systems due to its considerable rate of high-severity crashes. Traffic barriers play a key role in reducing the crash severity and saving more lives on roadsides but choosing an inappropriate traffic barrier could decrease traffic barriers’ efficiency. This paper investigated the variables affecting crash severity in different traffic barrier types (cable, guardrail, and rigid) and vehicle types (truck, and non-truck). For this purpose, an ordinal logistic regression approach was conducted on the crash data collected between 2007 and 2016 in Wyoming. According to the results, different traffic barrier types show different relationships to crash severity based on posted speed limit at the site. In guardrail segments, a high-severity crash is more likely when the posted speed limit is more than 55 mph; however, cable barrier crashes were less severe in high-speed limit (>55 mph) areas. While light vehicles were more vulnerable to crashes hitting rigid barriers, no significant difference was found between performances of cable and rigid barriers in terms of truck crash severity. The analytical models proposed in this study would make a clear view for designers and decision-makers in selecting the most appropriate traffic barrier. Also, the effective factors introduced in each model could be used to rank the risk posed by existing traffic barrier segments based on traffic barrier type, truck volume percentage, and other highway characteristics.
Etching sharp tips from thin metallic wires for tuning-fork-based scanning probe microscopy

Sharp tips are critical for obtaining high resolution images in scanning probe microscopy (SPM), particularly in samples with large variations in topography. For tuning-fork-based SPM, such tips are commonly obtained by electrochemical etching of metallic wires (e.g., tungsten). Electrochemical etching of metallic wires is the preferred means of preparing tips for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and techniques for obtaining sharp tips have been investigated extensively. However, the requirements for STM and tuning-fork-based SPM are different. In particular, the wires used in STM are typically 250 − 500 μ m in diameter, while the wires used for tuning-fork-based SPM are usually an order of magnitude narrower in order to minimize loading of the tuning fork: 25 − 50 μ m and sometimes down to a few micrometers in diameter. Consequently, many of the recipes developed for etching thicker metallic wires for STM tips do not give optimal results for smaller diameter wires. The authors describe here a modification of the etching circuit of Ibe et al. that significantly improves the reproducibility and reliability of the etching process for thin wires, and discuss the parameters that affect the aspect ratio of produced tips.Sharp tips are critical for obtaining high resolution images in scanning probe microscopy (SPM), particularly in samples with large variations in topography. For tuning-fork-based SPM, such tips are commonly obtained by electrochemical etching of metallic wires (e.g., tungsten). Electrochemical etching of metallic wires is the preferred means of preparing tips for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and techniques for obtaining sharp tips have been investigated extensively. However, the requirements for STM and tuning-fork-based SPM are different. In particular, the wires used in STM are typically 250 − 500 μ m in diameter, while the wires used for tuning-fork-based SPM are usually an order of magnitude narrower in order to minimize loading of the tuning fork: 25 − 50 μ m and sometimes down to a few micrometers in diameter. Consequently, many of the recipes developed for etching thicker metallic wires for STM tips do not give optimal results for smaller diameter wires. The authors describe here a...
Comparing Learning-Based Methods for Identifying Disaster-Related Tweets

During natural disaster events, social media users generate a significant amount of data, some of which are valuable for relief efforts and emergency management. In this paper, we study the nature of social media content generated during two natural disasters. We provide a system for labeling Twitter data and classifying disaster-related tweets. The focus is on Twitter data generated before, during, and after Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael, both of which occurred in 2018. Then we apply various machine learning models on the labeled data and provide a performance comparison between the models using features generated from TfidfVectorizer and CountVectorizer Approaches.
Improved velocity-selective-inversion arterial spin labeling for cerebral blood flow mapping with 3D acquisition.

Purpose To further optimize the velocity-selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) sequence utilizing a Fourier-transform based velocity-selective inversion (FT-VSI) pulse train, and to evaluate its utility for 3D mapping of cerebral blood flow (CBF) with a gradient- and spin-echo (GRASE) readout. Methods First, numerical simulations and phantom experiments were done to test the susceptibility to eddy currents and B1 field inhomogeneities for FT-VSI pulse trains with block and composite refocusing pulses. Second, the choices of the post-labeling delay (PLD) for FT-VSI prepared 3D VSASL were evaluated for the sensitivity to perfusion signal. The study was conducted among a young-age and a middle-age group at 3T. Both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and CBF were quantitatively compared with pseudo-continuous ASL (PCASL). The optimized 3D VSI-ASL was also qualitatively compared with PCASL in a whole-brain coverage among two healthy volunteers and a brain tumor patient. Results The simulations and phantom test showed that composite refocusing pulses are more robust to both eddy-currents and B1 field inhomogeneities than block pulses. 3D VSASL images with FT-VSI preparation were acquired over a range of PLDs and PLD = 1.2 s was selected for its higher perfusion signal. FT-VSI labeling produced quantitative CBF maps with 27% higher SNR in gray matter compared to PCASL. 3D whole-brain CBF mapping using VSI-ASL were comparable to the corresponding PCASL results. Conclusion FT-VSI with 3D-GRASE readout was successfully implemented and showed higher sensitivity to perfusion signal than PCASL for both young and middle-aged healthy volunteers.
Transnational Exchanges in Latin American Art, Literature, and Visual Culture

This essay reviews the following works: Theories of the Nonobject: Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, 1944–1969. By Monica Amor. Oakland: University of California Press, 2016. Pp. x + 309. $65.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9780520286627. Brazil through French Eyes: A Nineteenth-Century Artist in the Tropics. By Ana Lucia Araujo. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2015. Pp. xxvi + 238. $55.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9780826337450. Tarsila do Amaral: Inventing Modern Art in Brazil. By Stephanie D’Alessandro and Luis Perez-Oramas. New Haven: Yale University Press; Chicago: Art Institute of Chicago, 2017. Pp. 192. $50.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9780300228618. Cultural Exchanges between Brazil and France. Edited by Regina R. Felix and Scott D. Juall. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press. Pp. 225. $45.00 paperback. ISBN: 9781557537461. Proust’s Latin Americans. By Ruben Gallo. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 2014. Pp. 280. $45.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9781421413457. Transatlantic Encounters: Latin American Artists in Paris between the Wars. By Michele Greet. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2018. Pp. viii + 288. $27.50 hardcover. ISBN: 9780415933048. Tropical Travels: Brazilian Popular Performance, Transnational Encounters, and the Construction of Race. By Lisa Shaw. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2018. Pp. 231. $29.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781477314791. Art Systems: Brazil and the 1970s. By Elena Shtromberg. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2016. Pp. 210. $29.95. ISBN: 9781477308585. Making the Americas Modern: Hemispheric Art, 1910–1960. By Edward J. Sullivan. London: Lawrence King Publishing, 2018. Pp. 336. $50.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9781786271556.
Ascorbic acid and the eye.

Tissues of the eye are highly specialized in order to permit light to enter and come to a focus at the posterior inner surface of the globe where it is detected by photoreceptors in the retina. Photoreceptor signals then undergo complex processing by the neural cells of the retina prior to transmission of the signal to the brain via the optic nerve. The forward-facing surface of the eye, the cornea, is transparent as is the lens which is positioned in the light path by suspensory ligaments that extend from the edge of the lens to a ring of tissue, the ciliary body, on the inner surface of the eyeball just behind the iris (see Fig. 1). Altered muscle tension in the ciliary body stretches or relaxes the suspensory ligaments of the lens, changing its shape to alter the focus of the eye for near or distant vision. Aside from the lens, the interior of the eye is filled with transparent fluids. Vitreous humor, a gel, occupies the space between the lens and retina. Aqueous humor, a watery fluid, fills the space between the lens and cornea. The principal difference between these two fluids is that the vitreous humor is static while the aqueous humor is continually turned over; fresh aqueous humor enters the eyeball from the ciliary body at a rate of 1–2 µliter/min, and there is a corresponding drainage of the fluid, mostly through the trabecular meshwork, a highly specialized structure located at the point where the periphery of the iris meets the inner wall of the eye.
Rhizosphere effect on Pb solubility and phytoavailability in Pb-Contaminated soils

The effect of plant roots in modifying Pb solubility and bioavailability in an historically contaminated orchard (Hudson) and a Pb phosphate-spiked (Arkport) soil was determined by measuring soluble Pb in the soil solutions as well as content of Pb in radish shoots grown in these soils. Soluble Pb and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents were greater in the rhizospheres of both Pb-contaminated soils than in the unplanted high-Pb soils. The rhizosphere effect increased soluble Pb 15-fold in the field-contaminated orchard soil, whereas the effect was much smaller in the Pb phosphate-spiked soil. The rhizosphere effect persisted in the Pb-phosphate spiked soil after adjustment of the soil pH from 7.8 to 6.7. The results indicate that Pb phosphate added to a non-acid soil has lower solubility than Pb in an orchard soil contaminated by historical Pb arsenate applications; nevertheless, some uptake of Pb into plant shoots resulted from both sources of soil Pb contamination. The rhizosphere effect was observed for trace metals in addition to Pb, with the solubility of Al, Fe, Cu and Ni all increasing in the rhizosphere soil. In contrast, the solubility of alkali and alkaline earth metals (K, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba) all decreased in the rhizosphere soil. The results indicate that the rhizosphere effect associated with plant roots can raise the solubility of Pb in soils contaminated by legacy Pb and by insoluble Pb phosphate.
Incentives and effort in the public sector: Have US education reforms increased teachers’ work hours?

Abstract Beyond some contracted minimum, salaried workers’ hours are largely chosen at the worker's discretion and should respond to the strength of contract incentives. Accordingly, we consider the response of teacher hours to accountability and school choice laws introduced in US public schools over the past two decades. Total weekly hours of full-time teachers have risen steadily since 1983 by about an hour, and after-school instructional hours have increased 34 percent since 1987. Average hours and the rate of increase also vary widely across states. However, after accounting for a common time trend in hours, we find no association between the introduction of accountability legislation and the change in teacher hours. Education reforms are, however, associated with an increase in student test scores, presumably due to other types of changes in school and teacher behavior.
The College Town: Small Business Opportunity or Pitfall?

Small businesses often fail due to poorly conceived marketing strategies. In other cases, overly-optimistic estimates of market potential foredoom an otherwise good marketing plan. This may be frequently the case in college towns. Entrepreneurs, might erroneously believe that the town can support a wide variety of businesses because it has a large student population.
Methodologies of Business Ethics Research

This entry reviews the key distinctions between normative (philosophical) and descriptive (empirical social scientific) methods in business ethics, considering differences in language, institutional roots, assumptions about human agency, role of empirical evidence, and bases for evaluation of theoretical claims. Keywords: business ethics research; methods; methodologies; quantitative; qualitative; normative; social science; philosophy
A strictly hyperbolic system of conservation laws admitting singular shocks

The system $$ \left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{u_t} + {{\left( {{u^2} - v} \right)}_x} = 0} \\ {{v_t} + {{\left( {\frac{1}{3}{u^3} - u} \right)}_x} = 0} \\ \end{array} } \right. $$ (1) is an example of a strictly hyperbolic, genuinely nonlinear system of conservation laws. Usually the Riemann problem for such a system is well-posed: centered weak solutions consisting of combinations of simple waves and admissible jump discontinuities (shocks) exist and are unique for each set of values of the Riemann data [1–3]. The characteristic speeds λ1 and λ2 of system (1), however, do not conform to the usual pattern for strictly hyperbolic, genuinely nonlinear systems: although locally separated, they overlap globally (cf. Keyfitz [4] for a more general discussion of the significance of overlapping characteristic speeds). In particular, λ1 = u - 1 and λ2 = u + 1 are real and unequal at any particular point U = (u, v) of state space (as strict hyperbolicity requires), and λ2 - λ1 = 2 is even bounded away from zero globally, but λ1 at one point U 1 may be equal to λ2 at a different point U 2. The corresponding right eigenvectors r 1 = (1, u + l) and r 2 = (1, u - 1) of the gradient matrix for (1) display genuine nonlinearity, since r i ∙ ▽ λi > 0 for i = 1,2 but the two eigenvalues vary in the same direction: r i ∙ ▽ λj > 0 for i ≠ j, rather than the usual “opposite variation” r i ∙ ▽ λj < 0 familiar from (say) gas dynamics. As a result, classical global existence and uniqueness theorems [3,5] no longer apply.
Stress and cardiac arrhythmias.

Stress can exert adverse effect on cardiovascular health. Psychosocial stress adversely affects the autonomic homeostasis. This in turn can result in metabolic abnormalities, inflammation and dysfunction of endothelium. Changes in the autonomic homeostasis can be a major trigger for ventricular tachyarrhythmias]. Increased sympathetic nervous activity can cause increased proarrhythmic repolarization instability leading to spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias. During stress-induced autonomic nervous system activity, the heart rate rises and the heart rate variability indices like low frequency power falls before the onset of ventricular tachycardia. Psychological stress has been shown to induce T wave alternans, which in turn predicts future ventricular tachyarrhythmia events. Fluctuations in T wave amplitude after psychological stress were predictive of subsequent arrhythmic events.
An embedded sectioning scheme for multiprocessor topology-aware mapping of irregular applications

We consider the problem of mapping irregular applications to multiprocessor architectures whose interconnect topologies affect the latencies of data movement across processor nodes. The starting point for solutions to this problem concerns suitable weighted graph representations of an irregular application and a processor topology. Prior results for this problem have demonstrated that graph partitioning approaches can provide high-quality solutions. Additionally, when coordinate information is available for the weighted graph of the application, the geometric mapping schemes can also provide high-quality solutions. We develop and present a scheme that we call 'embedded sectioning' that directly computes a locality enhancing embedding of the weighted graph representation which is then mapped to the processor topology using recursive coordinate bisection. Our scheme is specifically directed at gaining high-quality mappings for highly irregular applications where the amount of communication can vary greatly. We evaluate the quality of mappings produced by embedded sectioning for mesh-based processor topologies using well-accepted measures including congestion, dilation and their product, referred to as the communication volume. For a test suite of unit-weight graphs mapped to a 32 × 32 mesh of processors, our method improves congestion by 26%, dilation by 52% and communication volume by 64% relative to the best values of these measures from nine other schemes. Additionally, we observe that these improvements increase with an increase in the skewness of communication in applications. For a test suite with a skewness of two the corresponding improvements for congestion, dilation and communication volume are 72%, 52% and 87%, respectively.
Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling to Examine How Individual SLPs Differentially Contribute to Children's Language and Literacy Gains in Public Schools

Purpose The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine the unique contributions in children's language and literacy gains, over 1 academic year, that are attributable to the individual speech-language pathologist (SLP) and (b) to explore possible child- and SLP-level factors that may further explain SLPs' contributions to children's language and literacy gains. Method Participants were 288 kindergarten and 1st-grade children with language impairment who were currently receiving school-based language intervention from SLPs. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we partitioned the variance in children's gains in language (i.e., grammar, vocabulary) and literacy (i.e., word decoding) that could be attributed to their individual SLP. Results Results revealed a significant contribution of individual SLPs to children's gains in grammar, vocabulary, and word decoding. Children's fall language scores and grade were significant predictors of SLPs' contributions, although no SLP-level predictors were signifi...
An Efficient Implementation of MPI

MPI-F, a prototype high-performance implementation of MPI on the IBM SP1 is described and MPI-F communication performance is presented.
Neurobiology of the Gorgonian Coelenterates, Muricea Californica And Lophogorgia Chilensis: I. Behavioural Physiology

1. Electrical or mechanical stimulation of Muricea californica or Lophogorgia chilensis colonies resulted in withdrawal of polyps in the immediate vicinity of the stimulation point. Additional stimulation did not result in further spread of polyp retraction. 2. Electrical activity was recorded from a colonial conduction system not restricted to the area of polyp withdrawal. Conduction velocity in this conduction system decreased with increasing stimulus number and distance from the stimulation point. 3. Polyp withdrawal in Muricea occurred concomitantly with a burst of facilitating electrical impulses. The withdrawal burst was always preceded by impulses of the colonial conduction system. 4. The pattern of colonial behaviour in gorgonians depends upon the conduction properties of the colonial conduction system, the conduction system(s) of each individual polyp, and the pathways connecting the two. 5. Polyp tentacles bend to the oral disk when presented with liver extract. A burst of electrical impulses was recorded from Muricea polyps during chemical stimulation. These bursts exhibited apparent adaptation and presumably represent muscle potentials resulting from chemoreceptor activation.
The role of culture in conservation planning for small or endangered populations.

The role of culture in population structuring has received much recent attention (e.g., Slabbekoorn & Smith 2002; Freeberg 2004); for example, the 2005 International Mammal Congress (http://www.imc9.jp/) had a full symposium on the topic. The idea that culturally significant units (CSUs) should be considered in conservation planning is recent (Whitehead et al. 2004). But how generalizable is this idea? To what extent is culture measurable? Where does it fit in the current language of conservation planning? I address some of these questions and provide suggestions for accommodating culture in current conservation rubrics.
Morphoproteomic Portrait of the mTOR Pathway in Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma

Morphoproteomics is defined as the identification by immunohistochemistry of the molecular circuitry of various proteins in a tumor by noting their state of activation (translocation and phosphorylation) and correlative expressions. Such an approach can uncover or confirm potential molecular targets that may be essential to the growth, integrity, and histogenesis of a particular tumor type and that are amenable to specific therapeutic interventions. This communication illustrates the application of such an approach in depicting the mTOR pathway in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma.
Robust parameter adjustment with nonparametric weighted-ball-in-H/sup infinity / uncertainty

Using a parameter adjustment law, robust monotonic parameter error reduction is proved for a linear parameter estimation problem in which the signal is corrupted by the presence of nonparametric dynamical uncertainty. The nonparameterized dynamics are characterized by a known frequency-domain magnitude bound. A nonconservative bound on the finite-time energy of the nonparametric-dynamics output is constructed in real time. When the error single energy is small enough to be due to nonparametric dynamics alone, the parameter adjustment is shut off to avoid misadjustment. The approach is an extension of existing adaptive control error-dead-zone ideas to the case of frequency-domain bounded uncertainty. >
Cystoscopy: Techniques and clinical applications

Cystoscopy is a powerful tool for characterization of lower urinary tract disease in dogs and cats. Current applications of cystoscopy include diagnostic and interventional techniques. This article reviews cystoscopy equipment, procedures, and common applications of cystoscopy. A review of normal anatomy and common lower urinary tract lesions identifiable with cystoscopy is also presented.
Evaluation of scatter fraction and count rate performance of two small-animal PET scanners using dedicated phantoms

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) image quality deteriorates as the object size increases owing to increased detection of scattered and random events. The characterization of the scatter component in small animal PET imaging has received little attention owing to the small scatter fraction when imaging rodents. The purpose of this study is first to design and fabricate a dedicated cone-shaped phantom which can be used for measurement of object size dependent SF and noise equivalent count (NEC) rates and second, to evaluate those parameters for two small animal PET scanners, namely the X-PET™ and LabPET™-8 as function of radial offset, object size and lower energy threshold. Both scanners were modeled as realistically as possible using GATE Monte Carlo simulation platform. The simulation models were validated against experimental measurements in terms of sensitivity, SF and noise equivalent count rate (NECR). The dedicated phantom was designed and fabricated in-house using high-density polyethylene. The optimized dimensions of the cone-shaped phantom are 150 mm (length), 20 mm (minimum diameter), 70 mm (maximum diameter) and taper angle of 9°.The relative difference between simulated and experimental results for the LabPET™-8 scanner varied between 0.66% and 10% except for few results where it was below 16%. Depending on the radial offset from the axial centre for a central field of view (3–6 cm diameter), the SF for the cone-shaped phantom varied from 26.3 to 18.2% (X-PET™); 34.4 to 26.9% (LabPET™-8), 18.6 to 13.1% (X-PET™); 19.1 to 17.0% (LabPET™-8); 10.1 to 7.6% (X-PET™) and 9.1 to 7.3% (LabPET™-8) for lower energy thresholds of 250, 350 and 425 keV, respectively. The SF increases as the radial offset decreases, lower energy threshold (LET) decreases and object size increases. The SF values are higher for the LabPET™-8 compared to the X-PET™. The NECR increases as the radial offset increases and object size decreases. Maximum NECR was obtained at a LET of 350 keV for LabPET™-8 whereas 250 keV for X-PET™. High correlation coefficients (R2) for SF and NECR were observed between the cone-shaped phantom and an equivalent volume cylindrical (EVC) phantom for the three considered axial fields-of-view. A single cone-shaped phantom enables the assessment of effects of three factors, namely radial offset, energy threshold and object size on small animal PET imaging characteristics like SF and NECR. Hence, a cone-shaped phantom may be more suited for evaluation of object size-dependent SF and NECR instead of using various discrete phantoms of different size.
S-Nitrosoglutathione Induces Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Astrocytes, Which Has Implications to Protect the Central Nervous System under Pathological Conditions

Accumulating evidence suggests that reactive astrogliosis has beneficial and detrimental outcomes in various CNS disorders, but the mechanism behind this dichotomy is unclear. Recent advances in this direction suggested that NO signaling is critical to regulate the outcomes of reactive astrogliosis in vivo. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, we here investigated the effect of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO; a physiological NO donor) in astrocytes in vitro settings. GSNO enhanced the expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurotrophic factors including ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) in astrocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The enhanced CNTF expression in GSNO-treated astrocytes was ascribed to NO-mediated sGC/cGMP/PKG signaling. It was associated with p38 MAPK-dependent increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ transactivation. In addition, the chromatin accessibility of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ accompanied with ATF2 and CREB (cAMP-response element-binding protein) was enhanced across the CNTF gene promoter in GSNO treated astrocytes. Interestingly, secreted CNTF was responsible for increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in GSNO-treated astrocytes in an autocrine manner via a JAK2- and STAT3-dependent mechanism. In addition, CNTF secreted by GSNO-treated astrocytes enhanced the differentiation of immature oligodendrocytes in vitro. These effects of GSNO were consistent with an endogenously produced NO in astrocytes stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. We conclude that NO signaling induces CNTF expression in astrocytes that favors the beneficial outcomes of reactive astrogliosis in vivo. Our data suggest that the endogenously produced NO or its exogenous source has potential to modulate the outcomes of reactive astrogliosis to protect CNS under pathological conditions.
Spatiotemporal Signal Analysis via the Phase Velocity Transform

The phase velocity transform (PVT) is an integral transform that divides a function of space and time into components that propagate at uniform phase velocities without distortion. This paper examines the PVT as a method to analyze spatiotemporal fluctuation data. The transform is extended to systems with discretely sampled data on a periodic domain, and applied to data from eight azimuthally distributed probes on the Sustained Spheromak Physics Experiment (SSPX). This reveals features not shown by Fourier analysis, particularly regarding nonsinusoidal mode structure. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Time-Dependent Behavior of High-Strength Kevlar and Vectran Webbing

High-strength Kevlar and Vectran webbings are currently being used by both NASA and industry as the primary load-bearing structure in inflatable space habitation modules. The time-dependent behavior of high-strength webbing architectures is a vital area of research that is providing critical material data to guide a more robust design process for this class of structures. This paper details the results of a series of time-dependent tests on 1-inch wide webbing including an initial set of comparative tests between specimens that underwent realtime and accelerated creep at 65 and 70% of their ultimate tensile strength. Variability in the ultimate tensile strength of the webbings is investigated and compared with variability in the creep life response. Additional testing studied the effects of load and displacement rate, specimen length and the time-dependent effects of preconditioning the webbings. The creep test facilities, instrumentation and test procedures are also detailed. The accelerated creep tests display consistently longer times to failure than their real-time counterparts; however, several factors were identified that may contribute to the observed disparity. Test setup and instrumentation, grip type, loading scheme, thermal environment and accelerated test postprocessing along with material variability are among these factors. Their effects are discussed and future work is detailed for the exploration and elimination of some of these factors in order to achieve a higher fidelity comparison.
Conceptual, methodological and ethical issues in genetic engineering (1989)

An introduction to the potential of gene therapy to alleviate illness and death particularly for many rare human genetic disorders and specific forms of cancer is presented. At present, genetic engineering, that is gene therapy to correct some of these disorders based on new molecular biology procedures is a possibility in the near future especially those with single gene mendelian inherited transmission. After a short, comprehensive overview about the molecular biology of genetic engineering, a presentation of many of the ethical issues now under discussion by the international scientific community, world govenmental agencies and concerned laymen about the complex and sensitive ethical issues is provided. A report about a case history of investigators in the United States who disregarded current restrictions emphasized the concern of the scientific community as well as the governmental agencies in maintaining stepwise, careful approach to the introduction of the new, molecular methodologies. The continued maintenance of many of these restrictions, suggested by some ethicists, even after the threat of uncontrolled biological disorder as a result of these new procedures was found to be erroneous is discussed and challenged.
Urodynamics in the Evaluation of Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a clinical syndrome characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia with or without accompanying urinary incontinence. Thus, using this operational definition based on symptoms at presentation, urodynamic testing is not required for an initial diagnosis of OAB. An increasing body of evidence suggests that, although there is a relationship between the urodynamic finding of detrusor overactivity and OAB, these are quite separate findings, and successful response to nonsurgical and surgical interventions for OAB does not depend on finding detrusor overactivity on urodynamic testing. The role of urodynamics in the setting of OAB is not well defined at present, but there are several clinical scenarios where such testing may be useful. However, at this time, the evidence to support their routine use in patients with OAB is limited.
Measuring a multi-dimensional construct: Country image

Abstract This study presents the procedures and results obtained in developing a scale to measure the multi-dimensional construct of country image. This effort intends to serve two purposes. First, it is likely to explicate many aspects of how product evaluations are affected by country image and, therefore, has theoretical as well as managerial implications. Second, a valid operational measure may help resolve some of the methodological and conceptual issues raised in the area of country of origin effects research. Tests of internal reliability and validity were conducted across different countries and samples to assess the strength of the final 14-item scale. The results imply that constructs used in international marketing research are scalable and that they can meet precise measurement criteria.
Calculated ferrite nanocrystal relaxation and its magnetic implications

Electrostatically driven relaxation and resulting strain-induced magnetic anisotropy may contribute significantly to the magnetic properties of colloidal preparations of ferrite nanocrystals. Preliminary molecular dynamic calculations are described which predict an expansion of a few per cent in a nanocrystal relative to the bulk. A linear extrapolation of strain-induced magnetic anisotropy suggests that such an expansion may give rise to a stress-effective field comparable to the magnetic anomalies observed in these systems.
Uncommon sports psychology: Consultation using family therapy theory and techniques

Abstract Coaches and athletes utilize sports psychology as a part of training and preparation for competition. A linear, individualistic epistemology is generally subscribed to by sports psychologists. Marriage and family therapists, with their systems epistemology, can apply their training to working with athletic teams. This article revisits an innovative approach to working with athletic teams from a systems perspective. It presents additional interventions, a focus group interview with a team (postconsultation), and general principles developed in working with several athletic teams using a family systems consultation approach.
Acute and Repeated Systemic Amphetamine Administration: Effects on Extracellular Glutamate, Aspartate, and Serine Levels in Rat Ventral Tegmental Area and Nucleus Accumbens

Recent work indicates an important role for excitatory amino acids in behavioral sensitization to amphetamine. We therefore examined, using in vivo microdialysis in awake rats, the effects of amphetamine on efflux of glutamate, aspartate, and serine in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens, brain regions important for the initiation and expression of amphetamine sensitization, respectively. Water-pretreated and amphetamine-pretreated rats were compared to determine if sensitization altered such effects. In both brain regions, Ca2+-dependent efflux of glutamate accounted for approximately 20% of basal glutamate efflux. A challenge injection of water or 2.5 mg/kg of amphetamine did not significantly alter glutamate, aspartate, or serine efflux in the ventral tegmental area or nucleus accumbens of water- or amphetamine-pretreated rats. However, 5 mg/kg of amphetamine produced a gradual increase in glutamate efflux in both regions that did not reverse, was observed in both water- and amphetamine-pretreated rats, and was prevented by haloperidol. Although increased glutamate efflux occurred with too great a delay to mediate acute behavioral responses to amphetamine, it is possible that repeated augmentation of glutamate efflux during repeated amphetamine administration results in compensatory changes in levels of excitatory amino acid receptors in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens that contribute to development of expression of amphetamine sensitization.
Key Concepts of Clinical Trials: A Narrative Review

The recent focus of federal funding on comparative effectiveness research underscores the importance of clinical trials in the practice of evidence-based medicine and health care reform. The impact of clinical trials not only extends to the individual patient by establishing a broader selection of effective therapies, but also to society as a whole by enhancing the value of health care provided. However, clinical trials also have the potential to pose unknown risks to their participants, and biased knowledge extracted from flawed clinical trials may lead to the inadvertent harm of patients. Although conducting a well-designed clinical trial may appear straightforward, it is founded on rigorous methodology and oversight governed by key ethical principles. In this review, we provide an overview of the ethical foundations of trial design, trial oversight, and the process of obtaining approval of a therapeutic, from its pre-clinical phase to post-marketing surveillance. This narrative review is based on a course in clinical trials developed by one of the authors (DJM), and is supplemented by a PubMed search predating January 2011 using the keywords "randomized controlled trial," "patient/clinical research," "ethics," "phase IV," "data and safety monitoring board," and "surrogate endpoint." With an understanding of the key principles in designing and implementing clinical trials, health care providers can partner with the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory bodies to effectively compare medical therapies and thereby meet one of the essential goals of health care reform.
Delayed failure of myocutaneous flaps in head and neck reconstruction

Since the concept of myocutaneous flap reconstruction of the head and neck region was introduced it has opened a new approach to surgical management in this area. This flap not only reduced the number of operations as compared to “staged procedure,” but also reduced the costs of medical care. We are, however, experiencing significant failures as the applications of this flap are extended. This paper reviews our experience with myocutaneous flaps in 15 partial and total failures. An evaluation of these failures reveals that most occurred 1 1/2 to 3 weeks after reconstruction. The factors predisposing to failure seem related more to technical errors rather than to general factors. Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, malnutrition and low hemoglobin, and low blood pressure were not major contributors to the failures in our series. Local factors predisposing to failure of myocutaneous flaps can be divided into two large categories — arterial failure and venous failure. In our series of unsuccessful myocutaneous flaps, the major factors appeared to be venous stasis leading to arterial insufficiency. All failures had developed after the initial critical period of flap survival (7–10 days). The following techniques showed an especially high rate of failure: 1. SCM — myocutaneous flap to resurface floor of mouth. 2. Tubed pectoralis myocutaneous flap to reconstruct pharynx and esophagus. 3. Flaps developed with very narrow vascular pedicles. Individual cases representing delayed failure are presented.
Research study demonstrates computer simulation can predict warpage and assist in its elimination

Programs for predicting warpage in injection molded parts are relatively new. Commercial software for simulating the flow and cooling stages of injection molding have steadily gained acceptance; however, warpage software is not yet as readily accepted. This study focused on gaining an understanding of the predictive capabilities of the warpage software. The following aspects of this study were unique. (1) Quantitative results were found using a statistically designed set of experiments. (2) Comparisons between experimental and simulation results were made with parts produced in a well-instrumented and controlled injection molding machine. (3) The experimental parts were accurately measured on a coordinate measuring machine with a non-contact laser probe. (4) The effect of part geometry on warpage was investigated.
The interaction between myocardial depressant factors in endotoxemic cardiac dysfunction: Role of TNF-α in TLR4-mediated ICAM-1 expression

Abstract Multiple pro-inflammatory mediators contribute to cardiac dysfunction caused by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The rapid TNF-α response is likely involved in the induction of down-stream myocardial depressant factors. Studies by our laboratory and others indicate an important role for ICAM-1 in endotoxemic cardiac dysfunction through leukocyte-independent mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine: whether ICAM-1 knockout improves cardiac function during endotoxemia and whether TLR4 and TNF-α regulate LPS-induced myocardial ICAM-1 expression. Methods and results. Mice were treated with Escherichia coli LPS (0.5 mg/kg iv). Myocardial ICAM-1 levels were analyzed by immunoblotting and left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) was assessed by the Langendorff technique. In wild-type mice, peak ICAM-1 levels were observed at 4 h when myocardial contractility was depressed. Myocardial contractility was improved following LPS in mice lacking functional TLR4, TNF-α or ICAM-1. TLR4 mutation abolished ICAM-1 expression with abrogation of precedent TNF-α response. Similarly, TNF-α knockout reduced myocardial ICAM-1 level following LPS treatment. Conclusions. ICAM-1 contributes to the mechanism of endotoxemic cardiac dysfunction. TNF-α is involved in the regulation of myocardial ICAM-1 expression by TLR4.
Beyond Legal Crafting High-Quality IEPs for Children With Complex Communication Needs

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document developed for each student with a disability. The IEP outlines the student’s learning needs and associated educational goals, as well ...
Factors influencing maternal mental health and family functioning during the low birthweight infant's first year of life.

The care of the low birthweight (LBW) infant poses a considerable challenge to the entire family, especially to the infant's mother, who is typically the primary caregiver. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the infant's medical vulnerability and the psychosocial context of caregiving on the mental health of mothers who care for these infants and the functioning of their families. Results indicate that the degree to which an infant was unresponsive and the severity of the baby's physical health problems during the first year were associated with more mental health problems for the mother. Lack of infant responsiveness was also related to less cohesion and adaptability for the family as a whole. Family cohesion, presence of a partner, emotional support, and a mother's satisfaction with her family all contributed to her better mental health. In contrast, her life stress and the family's use of internally focused coping strategies contributed to worse mental health outcomes. Findings indicate the need for nursing interventions to support the mother and family in developing effective approaches to care for their LBW infant and for one another.
Hippocampal administration of kappa-opioid receptor antisense exacerbates isolation-induced hypertension

Isolation of young male Sprague Dawley rats for 7 days provoked hypertension which was exacerbated by hippocampal administration of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeted to the kappa-opioid receptor (1 μg/0.5 μL bilaterally, twice daily, during the isolation or grouping period). Systolic blood pressure rose from a mean of 134 to 162 mmHg in isolated rats treated with antisense and only 139 to 151 mmHg in grouped rats treated with antisense. In grouped rats treated with either vehicle or missense, isolation caused a mean increase in systolic blood pressure of only 16 and 14 mmHg respectively. Neither the missense oligodeoxynucleotide nor the vehicle had any significant effects upon systolic pressure in grouped rats, which had not been isolated. Pharmacological studies indicated that rats previously treated with the antisense had no significant depressor response to U62, 066E (a non-peptide kappa agonist known to reduce blood pressure acutely when administered into the hippocampus), however rats previously treated with vehicle or missense exhibited a significant hypotensive response to the drug. This implies that the antisense had reduced the density or activity of the kappa receptors within the hippocampal formation. These data are in accordance with our previous studies, i.e. in several rat models of hypertension, the increase in blood pressure may be modulated via hippocampal kappa opioid receptors.
Getting the word out: Enforcement information dissemination and compliance behavior

The question for the tax authority is how individuals become aware of enforcement effort. To be an effective tool in reducing tax evasion taxpayers must be aware of the current audit and penalty regime. We use laboratory experiments to examine the compliance impact of types of information dissemination regarding audit frequency and results. The information includes “official” information disseminated by the tax authority, and “unofficial”, or informal, communications among taxpayers. Our results indicate that the effect of the type of post-audit information is conditional on whether the taxpayer is well informed of the audit rate prior to filing. We find that the tax authority would be served by pre-announcing audit rates credibly and by emphasizing the previous period audit frequency in annual reporting of enforcement effort.
Irradiation, border location, and the shifted-chessboard pattern.

The position of a black-white border is perceived somewhat towards the black side of its physical location. New measurements were performed of the magnitude of this effect for foveal vision in the normal observer and it was found to be about 0.4 min of arc at medium photopic luminances. The border shift can be accounted for by postulating that the retinal light spread caused by the optics of the eye is subjected to a compressive nonlinearity of light intensity (Naka-Rushton equation). Such irradiation-induced apparent enlargement of the white elements does not fully account for the shifted-chessboard illusion. When an additional stage of center-surround (DoG) transformation is introduced, a hypothetical excitation distribution can be generated, whose contours, at the appropriate scale, can outline quite well the seen shape deviations from rectangularity of the illusion. Contributing to the final percept, in addition to the light-spread, compressive nonlinearity, and center-surround reorganization, which would be retinal in origin, there are some cortical stages: the generation of the experience of sharp, straight borders and pointed corners, the emergence of a monotonic slope of the demarcation lines made of 'saw-tooth' position and angle shifts, and, finally, when all the retinal effects have been nulled out, a Zollner kind of orientation deviation, due to offset pattern elements acting as tilted virtual contours.
Catalytic particle stability studies—II Lumped thermal resistance model☆

Abstract A problem of asymptotic stability of a monomolecular reaction system in a catalyst particle is studied using a mathematical model with lumped thermal resistance on the surface of the particle and with intraparticle diffusion of the chemical species. The possible existence of multiple steady states is demonstrated and a necessary and sufficient condition for stability of a steady state is given. A particular case of a general irreversible consecutive reaction system is treated calculations are made for a reaction A 1 → A 2 → A 3 in a spherical particle.
A kinematic model for deformation within brittle shear zones

Textural analysis of fault gouge indicates that displacement of particles within brittle shear zones occurs by three diAerent modes: synthetic Riedel shears, antithetic Riedel shears, and shearing particulate flow. A kinematic model is developed which incorporates these three slip modes and constrains the combined deformation to be simple shear parallel to the shear zone boundaries. Penetrative fabric (P-foliation and shape preferred orientation of survivor grains) commonly observed in foliated fault gouge is assumed to be a result of the shearing particulate flow only. The model, which relates penetrative fabric orientation to the relative shear rates on Riedel shears and shearing particulate flow, reconciles inclined P-foliation and high (g> 10) shear strain. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.