cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Severity of Artifacts in Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiograms

Importance Artifacts can affect optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) images and may be associated with misinterpretation of OCT scans in both clinical trials and clinical settings. Objectives To identify the prevalence and type of artifacts in OCTA images associated with quantitative output and to analyze the role of proprietary quality indices in establishing image reliability. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study evaluated baseline OCTA images acquired in multicenter clinical trials and submitted to the Fundus Photograph Reading Center in Madison, Wisconsin, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. Images were captured using the 3 mm × 3 mm and/or 6 mm × 6 mm scan protocol with commercially available OCTA systems. Artifacts, including decentration, segmentation error, movement, blink, refraction shift, defocus, shadow, Z offset, tilt, and projection, were given a severity grade based on involvement of cross-sectional OCT and area of OCT grid affected. Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence and severity of OCTA artifacts and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of quality indices with image reliability. Results A total of 406 OCTA images from 234 eyes were included in this study, of which 221 (54.4%) were 6 mm × 6 mm scans and 185 (45.6%) were 3 mm × 3 mm scans. At least 1 artifact was documented in 395 images (97.3%). Severe artifacts associated with the reliability of quantitative outputs were found in 217 images (53.5%). Shadow (26.9% [109 images]), defocus (20.9% [85 images]), and movement (16.0% [65 images]) were the 3 most prevalent artifacts. Prevalence of artifacts did not vary with the imaging system used or with the scan protocol; however, the type of artifacts varied. Commercially recommended quality index thresholds had an AUC of 0.80 to 0.83, sensitivity of 97% to 99%, and specificity of 37% to 41% for reliable images. Conclusions and Relevance Findings from this study suggest that artifacts associated with quantitative outputs on commercially available OCTA devices are highly prevalent and that identifying common artifacts may require correlation with the angiogram and cross-sectional OCT scans. Knowledge of these artifacts and their implications for OCTA indices appears to be warranted for more accurate interpretation of OCTA images.
Synthesis of Clock Networks with a Mode Reconfigurable Topology and No Short Circuit Current

Circuits deployed in the Internet of Things operate in low and high performance modes to cater to variable frequency and power requirements. Consequently, the clock networks for such circuits must be synthesized meeting drastically different timing constraints under variations in the different modes. The overall power consumption and robustness to variations of a clock network is determined by the topology. However, state-of-the-art clock networks use the same topology in every mode, despite that the timing constraints in the low and high performance modes are very different. In this paper, we propose a clock network with a mode reconfigurable topology (MRT) for circuits with positive-edge triggered sequential elements. In high performance modes, the required robustness to variations is provided by reconfiguring the MRT structure into a near-tree. In low performance modes, the MRT structure is reconfigured into a tree to save power. Non-tree (or near-tree) structures provide robustness to variations by appropriately constructing multiple alternative paths from the clock source to the clock sinks, which neutralizes the negative impact of variations. In MRT structures, OR-gates are used to join multiple alternative paths into a single path. Consequently, the MRT structures consume no short circuit power because there is only one gate driving each net. Moreover, it is straightforward to reconfigure MRT structures into a tree by gating the clock signal in part of the structure. Compared with state-of-the-art near-tree structures, MRT structures have 8% lower power consumption and similar robustness to variations in high performance modes. In low performance modes, the power consumption is 16% smaller when reconfiguration is used.
Using a coupled dispersion model to estimate depletion of a tritium oxide plume by a forest.

Abstract Tritium processing facilities may release tritium oxide (HTO) to the atmosphere which poses potential health risks to exposed co-located workers and to offsite individuals. Most radiological consequence analyses determine HTO dose by applying Gaussian plume models to simulate the transport of HTO. Within these models, deposition velocity is used to assess the sum of all deposition processes acting on the plume. While this may account for vegetative and soil uptake or respiration processes, it may currently lack inclusion of the complex interactions within heterogeneous forested environments. In this complex morphology, dispersion patterns are significantly altered by changing flow regimes above and below the forest canopy and by the transfer of plume material across the canopy boundary. To determine the effects of a heterogeneous forest canopy on an airborne HTO plume, a Gaussian plume model coupled with an advection-diffusion plume model was applied to estimate transport in the free atmosphere above the forest and within the forest canopy and understory. During 2012, wind speed and wind direction measurements taken at 5 heights, ranging from 2-m to 28-m, on an instrumented meteorological tower located in a loblolly pine forest at the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS), near Aiken, SC. From these measurements, model predictions were made over a full spectrum of meteorological conditions. Deposition and resuspension velocities were calculated based on the model-predicted flux of plume material across the top of the forest canopy. Additionally, net deposition velocity of the plume material was calculated as the difference between the deposition and resuspension velocities. The 1st and 5th percentile net deposition velocities were estimated to be 0.7 cm s−1 and 1.2 cm s−1, respectively.
Incarceration Exposure During Pregnancy and Infant Health: Moderation by Public Assistance.

Objectives To assess the relationship between exposure to incarceration during pregnancy and adverse infant health outcomes: low birth weight ( Study design The current study employs data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2009-2017. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between incarceration of a woman or her partner in the year before birth, the receipt of public assistance during pregnancy, and postpartum infant health. Moderation analyses were conducted by interacting forms of public assistance and incarceration exposure. Results Exposure to incarceration either personally or vicariously through a partner increased all 4 adverse infant health outcomes. However, moderation analyses demonstrated that public assistance benefits and incarceration have a negative interaction, indicating that public assistance might buffer against the harmful effects of incarceration exposure during pregnancy on infant health. Conclusions Incarceration exposure during pregnancy poses a significant risk for adverse infant health outcomes. However, the receipt of public assistance benefits including Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and Medicaid may mitigate this risk. Expanded access to public assistance for women exposed to incarceration during pregnancy holds promise to improve infant health outcomes.
The Impact of Library Instruction on Undergraduate Student Success: A Four-Year Study

During a four-year period, librarians collected student data by card-swiping undergraduate students who attended one of the core English composition class-based one-shot instruction sessions provided at a large state-supported doctoral-granting university. Data for students who attended library instruction was anonymized and compared to the same data points for students who were enrolled in the English class but did not attend library instruction. The authors compared student success indicators for the control and treatment groups (GPA, pass or fail status in course, and retention) and found a positive correlation between attending library instruction and student success.
Modal Validation of Academic Bladed Disk with DIC

This work is supplementary to extending the use of digital image correlation (DIC) to the experimental method of traveling wave excitation (TWE). The current state of the art for measuring the modal response of a component using TWE is with scanning laser vibrometry (SLV). Although SLV is highly accurate, only one point may be measured during a frequency sweep, therefore potentially causing excessively long experimental testing time when measuring the full-field modal response of a component. The replacement of SLV with DIC has the ability to significantly reduce the time to conduct TWE tests as DIC is capable of measuring full-field data during one sweep when compared to SLV which requires one sweep for often many key points on the component identified by the user. Within this work, DIC measurements are compared and validated against SLV for the measurement of the model response of an academic finger disk undergoing frequency sweeps via single point excitation.
Tuning of Drone PD Controller Parameters for Medical Supplies Delivery

During the COVID-19 pandemic and similar outbreaks in the future, drones can be set up to reduce human interaction for medical supplies delivery, which is crucial in times of pandemic. In this short paper, we introduce the use of two evolutionary algorithms for multi-objective optimization (MOO) and tuning the parameters of the PD controller of a drone to follow the 3D desired path.
Trends in Pain Medication Prescriptions and Satisfaction Scores in Spine Surgery Patients at a Single Institution.

ABSTRACT Background: As the opioid crisis has gained national attention, there have been increasing efforts to decrease opioid usage. Simultaneously, patient satisfaction has been a crucial metric in the American health care system and has been closely linked to effective pain management in surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to examine rates of pain medication prescription and concurrent patient satisfaction in spine surgery patients. Methods: A total of 1729 patients undergoing spine surgery between June 25, 2017, and June 30, 2018, at a single institution by surgeons performing ≥20 surgeries per quarter, with medication data during hospitalization available, were assessed. Patients were evaluated for nonopioid pain medication prescription rates and morphine milligram equivalents (MME) of opioids used during hospitalization. Of the total cohort, 198 patients were evaluated for Press Ganey Satisfaction Survey responses. A χ2 test of independence was used to compare percentages, and 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare means across quarters. Results: The mean total MME per patient hospitalization was 574.46, with no difference between quarters. However, mean MME per day decreased over time (P = .048), with highest mean 91.84 in Quarter 2 and lowest 77.50 in Quarter 4. Among all procedures, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroid prescription rates increased, whereas benzodiazepine and γ-aminobutyric acid–analog prescriptions decreased. There were no significant differences between quarters for mean hospital ratings (P = .521) nor for responses to questions from the Press Ganey Satisfaction Survey regarding how often staff talk about pain (P = .164), how often staff talk about pain treatment (P = .595), or whether patients recommended the hospital (P = .096). There were also no differences between quarters for responses in all other patient satisfaction questions (P value range, .359–.988). Conclusions: Over the studied time period, opioid use decreased and nonopioid prescriptions increased during hospitalization, whereas satisfaction scores remained unchanged. These findings indicate an increasing effort in reducing opioid use among providers and suggest the ability to do so without affecting overall satisfaction rates. Level of Evidence: 4. Clinical Relevance: The opioid epidemic has highlighted the need to reduce opioid usage in orthopedic spine surgery. This study reviews the trends for inpatient management of post-op pain in orthopedic spine surgery patients in relation to patient satisfaction. There was a significant increase in non-opioid analgesic pain medications, and a reduction in opioids during the study period. During this time, patient satisfaction as measured by Press-Ganey surveys did not show a decrease. This demonstrates that treatment of post-operative pain in orthopedic spine surgery patients can be managed with less opioids, more multimodal analgesia, and patient satisfaction will not be affected.
Use of guanidine thiocyanate-based nucleic acid extraction buffers to inactivate poliovirus in potentially infectious materials.

Abstract The efforts of the Global Poliovirus Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have brought about the near elimination of poliovirus worldwide. The World Health Organization has issued guidelines for the safe handling and containment of infectious materials (IM) and potentially infectious materials (PIM) following poliovirus eradication. Inactivation of poliovirus in IM and PIM is needed to prevent inadvertent re-introduction of polioviruses post-eradication. In this study, we investigated the use of guanidine thiocyanate-based nucleic acid extraction buffers from commercially available nucleic acid extraction kits to inactivate poliovirus in cell culture isolates and stool suspensions, two common types of poliovirus IM and PIM, respectively. Incubation with selected nucleic acid extraction buffers or extraction buffers supplemented with ethanol reduced the infectivity of high-titer wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3), Sabin 1 (SL1), and Sabin 3 (SL3) cell culture isolates below the limit of detection in CCID50 assays. Stool suspensions containing WPV1, WPV3, SL1, SL2, or SL3 were also inactivated by the extraction buffers tested. Blind passage of WPV1-spiked stool suspensions confirmed complete inactivation of WPV1 after incubation with extraction buffers. Moreover, treatment with a buffer consisting of 4 M guanidine thiocyanate with 30 % ethanol inactivated a high-titer WPV1 culture isolate and a WPV1-spiked stool suspension. Taken together, these results show that guanidine thiocyanate-based nucleic acid extraction buffers are an effective means of inactivating poliovirus IM and PIM, and thus will be instrumental in ensuring containment compliance and preventing potential re-emergence of contained polioviruses.
Parotid Warthin's tumor: novel MR imaging score as diagnostic indicator.

Abstract Objectives Despite known characteristic radiologic and clinical features, differentiation between Warthin's tumor (WT) and other parotid tumors remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to more precisely assess the MR imaging features of WT and to develop a scoring system combining the most specific characteristics. Methods A total of 208 patients with parotid gland tumors and presurgical MRI were included. Tumors were divided into 5 histological subtypes, and different MRI features were compared between groups. An MRI scoring test was developed including MR parameters that contributed significantly in distinguishing WT from other tumors. Results The best MRI features for differentiating between WTs from other tumors included bilaterality (P = 0.002), multifocality (P Conclusions Ill-defined margins, low T1-W signal, and location in the upper 2/3 of the parotid gland excluded WTs in 100% of cases. The proposed scoring method allows WTs to be distinguished from other tumors with high accuracy. Key points • Despite known characteristic radiologic and clinical features, differentiation between Warthin's tumor (WT) and other parotid tumors remains challenging. • The best MRI features for differentiating between WTs from other tumors included bilaterality, multifocality, ADC values • Six or more points on the 14-point scoring MRI scale was associated with an area under the curve of 0.99, while a cut-off value of 7 indicated 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value.
Modeling and querying software repositories

Modeling and querying software repositories is an integral part of reverse engineering legacy software systems. Current data models and query languages for software repositories lack generality, extensibility, and sufficient formalism. In this paper, we propose an algebraic framework that provides both an extensible data model capable of modeling software information at multiple levels of abstraction, as well as an algebraic applicative query language that can be used effectively to express queries on the data model. We demonstrate the power of the algebraic framework by expressing a wide variety of queries drawn from reverse engineering literature. The algebraic approach combines issues of formal elegance, expressive power, and query processing and optimization within a single framework.
Sticky DNA, a Long GAA·GAA·TTC Triplex That Is Formed Intramolecularly, in the Sequence of Intron 1 of the Frataxin Gene

Friedreich's ataxia is caused by the massive expansion of GAA·TTC repeats in intron 1 of the frataxin (X25) gene. Our prior investigations showed that long GAA·TTC repeats formed very stable triplex structures which caused two repeat tracts to adhere to each other (sticky DNA). This process was dependent on negative supercoiling and the presence of divalent metal ions. Herein, we have investigated the formation of sticky DNA from plasmid monomers and dimers; sticky DNA is formed only when two tracts of sufficiently long (GAA·TTC)n (n = 59–270) are present in a single plasmid DNA and are in the direct repeat orientation. If the inserts are in the indirect (inverted) repeat orientation, no sticky DNA was observed. Furthermore, kinetic studies support the intramolecular nature of sticky DNA formation. Electron microscopy investigations also provide strong data for sticky DNA as a single long triplex. Hence, these results give new insights into our understanding of the capacity of sticky DNA to inhibit transcription and thereby reduce the level of frataxin protein as related to the etiology of Friedreich's ataxia.
Inhibition of the Development of the Spore Septum and Membranes in Bacillus cereus by β-Phenethyl Alcohol

Remsen, C. C. (Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y.), D. G. Lundgren, and R. A. Slepecky. Inhibition of the development of the spore septum and membranes in Bacillus cereus by beta-phenethyl alcohol. J. Bacteriol. 91:324-331. 1966.-The effect of phenethyl alcohol (PEA) upon the initial stages of sporulation in Bacillus cereus was studied with an electron microscope. PEA (0.35%) completely inhibited the development of the spore septum and forespore membranes. Some of the treated cells did form the axial filament of chromatin material regarded as the first stage in sporulation, but this was delayed by 4 to 5 hr compared with untreated cells. The definite effect upon these membrane systems lends support to the belief that the primary site of PEA inhibition may be upon the bacterial membrane. The fine-structure details observed during the initial stages of sporulation in untreated cells were in agreement with the structure published for other Bacillus species.
Phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase is activated by association with IRS-1 during insulin stimulation.

Abstract IRS-1 undergoes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation during insulin stimulation and forms a stable complex containing the 85 kDa subunit (p85) of the phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3'-kinase, but p85 is not tyrosyl phosphorylated. IRS-1 contains nine tyrosine phosphorylation sites in YXXM (Tyr-Xxx-Xxx-Met) motifs. Formation of the IRS-1-PtdIns 3'-kinase complex in vitro is inhibited by synthetic peptides containing phosphorylated YXXM motifs, suggesting that the binding of PtdIns 3'-kinase to IRS-1 is mediated through the SH2 (src homology-2) domains of p85. Furthermore, overexpression of IRS-1 potentiates the activation of PtdIns 3-kinase in insulin-stimulated cells, and tyrosyl phosphorylated IRS-1 or peptides containing phosphorylated YXXM motifs activate PtdIns 3'-kinase in vitro. We conclude that the binding of tyrosyl phosphorylated IRS-1 to the SH2 domains of p85 is the critical step that activates PtdIns 3'-kinase during insulin stimulation.
Disordered gambling in adolescents : epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Rapid expansion of legalized gambling has been associated with increased rates of gambling disorders among adults and adolescents worldwide. Epidemiologic studies suggest that, in North America, up to 6% of adults and 20% of adolescents have a gambling problem. Despite increasing prevalence rates of gambling disorders, little research is available on how to treat such disorders in adolescents. Much of what is known about how to treat adolescent problem and pathological gambling comes from research on psychosocial and psychopharmacologic treatments for adult pathological gambling.
How the neural retina regenerates.

The rules that govern cellular behavior during development and regeneration of tissues are complex and enigmatic, but substantial progress is being made toward understanding the molecular basis of proliferation and differentiation. Although most of the recent mechanistic insights have been gained from studies of embryonic development, the capacity of differentiated tissues and organs to regenerate is also an intriguing and important question (Lewis 1991; Brockes 1997; Ferrari et al. 1998). The greatest challenge to understanding how damaged tissues are repaired is to identify the stem cells and to understand the molecular factors that regulate their proliferation and differentiation.
Superconducting Properties of Magnetron Sputtered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O Thin Films

Thin films of high temperature superconducting Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O have been made using multiple source magnetron sputtering. We will discuss preparation and annealing and how they affect the superconducting properties. The Bi-based films form in at least two compounds, a lower Tc phase with a 2212 composition and Tc0 ≈ 80 K and a higher Tc phase with a nominal composition of 2223 and a Tc ≈ 105 K. The higher Tc phase is very difficult to form so that a complete superconducting path exists, requiring long annealing times at temperatures somewhat below the formation temperature. Although superconducting properties are less sensitive to stoichiometry than YBa2Cu3O7-x, annealing temperatures must be held in a narrow range around 865°C to get the best results. Films prefer growing on (100) MgO in a highly textured polycrystalline form, with the c-axis perpendicular to the plane of the film. The Tl-based films form at least three compounds (2212, 1223, 2223) with Tc’s ranging from ≈ 100 K to 114 K and grow best on (100) and polycrystalline Y-ZrO2 substrates. Annealing conditions are particularily difficult because of the volatility of thallium and require samples to be annealed in sealed capsules with a controlled atmosphere of thallium and oxygen. Upper critical field measurements show a large anisotropy (≈15 for Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and ≥70 for T1-Ba-Ca-Cu-O) in the parallel to perpendicular field slope ratio as might be expected from a highly textured anisotropic structure.
Unsteady Axisymmetric Flows of a Liquid Draining from a Circular Tank

The problem of unsteady axisymmetric flows of a liquid draining from a circular cylindrical tank, with a centrally located drain at the flat bottom and nonlinear boundary conditions at the free surface, is studied. The liquid is assumed to be in viscid and incompressible with a constant density. Initially, the liquid is at rest. Subsequently, this is drawn from the drain with a constant discharge. Numerical solutions of the free surface shape and the residual volume are obtained at small time intervals from the initial condition until the inception of dip formation on the free surface. Parametric studies of the geometry, the Froude number and the Weber number were made. Results checked reasonably well with some published experimental data.
Processing and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline 5083 al alloy

Abstract A commercial aluminum alloy, 5083, was processed using a cryomilling synthesis approach to produce nanocrystalline powders. The powders were subsequently degassed, HIPped, and extruded to produce a thermally stable bulk nanocrystalline material. The grain size at each processing step was measured utilizing both X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the n-5083 extruded material were determined utilizing ASTM E8-93, Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials. The nanocrystalline 5083 was found to have a 30% increase in yield strength and ultimate strength over the strongest commercially available form of 5083 with no corresponding decrease in elongation. Grain boundary sliding is proposed as a possible mechanism for the observed enhanced ductility.
Thermal stress control in Cu interconnects

Grain growth of Cu interconnects in a low k dielectric was achieved at an elevated anneal temperature of 250 °C without stress voiding related problems. For this, a TaN metal passivation layer was deposited on the plated Cu overburden surface prior to the thermal annealing process. As compared to the conventional structure annealed at 100 °C, the passivation layer enabled further Cu grain growth at the elevated temperature, which then resulted in an increased Cu grain size and improved electromigration resistance in the resulted Cu interconnects.
Properties of zinc thin film thermometers

Abstract Thin films of aluminum have for many years been used near T∼1.5 K to detect the tiny temperature fluctuations which accompany the propagation of waves of third sound in thin superfluid 4He films. For lower temperatures, zinc thermometers have been used to detect phonon propagation in bulk helium. We have fabricated zinc thermometers having zero-field sensitivities δR/δT∼20000 Ω / K at T c ∼680 mK when operated at a bias current i b =10 μA . We describe here the fabrication techniques and the operating characteristics of thin film zinc thermometers which we have used to detect third sound for 100⩽T⩽680 mK .
Arsenate Adsorption Structures on Aluminum Oxide and Phyllosilicate Mineral Surfaces in Smelter-Impacted Soils

A clearer understanding of arsenic (As) retention and transport in forest soils impacted by copper smelter emissions may reduce risks to human health and provide insight into As behavior in the vadose zone. On Vashon-Maury Island in Puget Sound, As is predominantly associated with the fine (<63 μm) fraction of surficial soils. X-ray diffraction of oriented samples from the <2-μm size fraction indicate that clinochlore is the dominant phyllosilicate. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was employed to examine As oxidation state and local coordination environment in impacted soil samples. Arsenic is present as As(V) in tetrahedral coordination with oxygen, associated with aluminum (Al) octahedra in bidentate binuclear (bridging) structures with As−Al distances of 3.15−3.16 A. Including multiple scattering (MS) paths derived from the arsenate tetrahedron in esperanzaite significantly improved the match between XAS fine structure (EXAFS) data and models generated from theoretical phase and amplitude functions...
Association of folate molecules as determined by proton NMR: implications on enzyme binding.

The self-association in aqueous solution of folic acid (FA), 7,8-dihydrofolic acid (DHFA) and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA) has been studied by the use of proton magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. At concentrations below 10 mM, all three folates exist in (monomer)2 in equilibrium dimer equilibria with association constants (Ka) equal to 400, 66 and 14 M-1 for FA, DHFA and THFA respectively. These values decreased markedly to 157, 18 and 3 M-1, for FA, DHFA and THFA respectively, in the presence of 0.8 M KCl. The high extent of dimerization of FA is believed to impede the interaction with the active site of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) rendering it a poor substrate. In contrast, the DHFA with a much lower Ka is a better substrate. Conditions that lower the Ka of both FA and DHFA, (i.e., 0.8M KCl) turn them into better substrates. Based on the findings of the present study, it is also predicted that dihydro MTX may be a better inhibitor of DHFR than MTX.
The absence of covert verbal mediation in aphasia.

Summary The role of verbal mediation in visual short term memory was compared in aphasics and non-aphasic brain-injured controls, using an adaptation of Conrad's procedure. Subjects were given two sets of pictures to match from memory. One set consisted of objects with acoustically similar names, while the other set had no such similarity in sound. Inferior performance on the acoustically similar set was taken as evidence that there was interference caused by covert verbal mediation in this ostensibly visual memory task. Evidence of verbal mediation was found in the non-aphasic controls, but absent in the aphasics.
Finite deformation formulation for embedded frictional crack with the extended finite element method

We reformulate an extended finite element (FE) framework for embedded frictional cracks in elastoplastic solids to accommodate finite deformation, including finite stretching and rotation. For the FE representation, we consider a Galerkin approximation in which both the trial and weighting functions adapt to the current contact configuration. Contact and frictional constraints employ two Kuhn–Tucker conditions, a contact/separation constraint nesting over a stick/slip constraint for the case when the crack faces are in frictional sliding mode. We integrate finite deformation bulk plasticity into the formulation using the multiplicative decomposition technique of nonlinear continuum mechanics. We then present plane strain simulations demonstrating various aspects of the extended FE solutions. The mechanisms considered include combined opening and frictional sliding in initially straight, curved, and S-shaped cracks, with and without bulk plasticity. To gain further insight into the extended FE solutions, we perform mesh convergence studies focusing on both the global and the local responses of structures with cracks, including the distribution of the normal component of traction on the crack faces. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Continuous Cardiac Output Recorder Employing the Fick Principle

A continuous cardiac output recorder has been developed utilizing an oxygen consumption recorder, an arteriovenous oxygen difference recorder and a computer. The computer continuously derives and records the cardiac output by dividing the rate of oxygen consumption by the A-V oxygen difference. Calibration of the continuous cardiac output recorder against a Ludwig stromuhr showed that under many different conditions and many different levels of cardiac output the 305 individual calibration points had a mean deviation from the regression line of ± 7.7 per cent. This correlation is as satisfactory as previously reported correlations between the intravenous dye method for recording cardiac output and the direct Fick method.
Extinction of Remotely Acquired Fear Depends on an Inhibitory NR2B/PKA Pathway in the Retrosplenial Cortex

As memories age, their processing increasingly relies upon cortical rather than hippocampal circuits, but the adaptive significance and mechanisms of this shift are not fully understood. Here we investigated the behavioral features and cortical mechanisms underlying extinction of remotely versus recently acquired context fear in mice. Behaviorally, extinction and reinstatement were similar, but re-extinction of remote fear was significantly faster, suggesting time-dependent engagement of mechanisms specific for processing remote memory. Using pharmacological manipulations of NMDA receptors and associated signaling pathways in the in the retrosplenial cortex, we demonstrated that extinction of remote fear uniquely required NR2B-mediated downregulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)/cAMP response element-binding protein pathway. Interestingly, NR2B/PKA interactions weakened independently of the age of the memory, but the functional significance of this molecular change was evident only as memory retrieval became PKA-dependent over time. Thus, cortical PKA signaling may provide a molecular signature of when a memory has become “remote,” and inhibition of this pathway may open the door for modulation of remote memories.
Solubility of Anthracene in Ternary Dibutyl Ether + Alcohol + 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane Solvent Mixtures

Experimental solubilities are reported for anthracene dissolved in ternary dibutyl ether + 1-propanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, dibutyl ether + 2-propanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, dibutyl ether + 1-butanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, dibutyl ether + 2-butanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, and dibutyl ether + 2-methyl-1-propanol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane solvent mixtures at 25 °C and atmospheric pressure. Nineteen compositions were studied for each of the five solvent systems. Results of these measurements are used to test the predictive ability of the ternary solvent form of the combined nearly ideal multiple solvent/Redlich−Kister equation. Computations showed that the model predicted the observed solubility behavior to within an overall average absolute deviation of about 1.4%, which is comparable to the experimental uncertainty of ±1.5%.
Rapid detection of influenza-B virus in respiratory secretions by immunofluorescence during an epidemic.

Abstract A commercially available indirect immunofluorescent assay for detection of respiratory viruses in nasal secretions was compared with cell culture during an influenza-B epidemic. This assay had poor sensitivity in the detection of influenza-B virus when used directly on patient specimens.
Seasonal distributions of mountain torques during FGGE

Abstract Based on surface pressure and terrain height analyses from the National Meteorological Center, mountain torques are calculated for January, April, July and October 1979 during the First GARP Global Experiment. The zonally integrated mountain torques are generally in good agreement with previous studies. For all four months, positive torque exists in the tropical latitudes as well as in the polar and subtropical latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere; negative torque exists in northern middle latitudes and most of the Southern Hemisphere. An exception occurs in July when the mountain torque is negative between 5 and 25°N and positive in the Southern Hemisphere subtropics. Over latitudes where large terrain variation exists such as near 20°S due to the Andes, the estimate obtained in this study is larger in magnitude than that from previous work. The difference is due to the differences in both grid resolution and the particular atmospheric data and topography selected. The meridional profiles of ind...
Dilution Rate and pH Effects on the Conversion of Oleic Acid to Trans C18:1 Positional Isomers in Continuous Culture

In a previous in vitro study, mixed ruminal microorganisms converted oleic acid to a variety of trans monenes when grown in batch cultures under constant environmental conditions. To determine whether a similar conversion occurs under environmental conditions more typical of the rumen, conversion of 13C-labeled oleic acid to biohydrogenation intermediates was determined in ruminal microorganisms grown in continuous culture at two pH (5.5 and 6.5) and liquid dilution rates (0.05 and 0.10/h) arranged factorially. After each morning feeding of the dual-flow continuous cultures, 250 mg of oleic acid in 5 mL of ethanol were injected into each culture. On d 10, 250 mg of oleic-1-(13C) replaced the unlabelled oleic acid in ethanol. Trans fatty acids were isolated from culture samples by solid phase extraction, and 13C enrichment and identity of double bond position was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. At pH 6.5 and 0.10/h dilution rate, 13C enrichment was detected in all trans-C18:1 isomers having double bond positions from C6 through C16 in the acyl chain. However, when pH or dilution rate in fermentors was lowered, no 13C enrichment was detected in any trans isomer with a double bond position beyond C10. Enrichment in stearic acid increased by reducing culture pH from 6.5 to 5.5, but decreased when dilution rate dropped from 0.10 to 0.05/h. The stearic acid carbons that originated from oleic acid biohydrogenation increased from 30 to 72% when pH dropped from 6.5 to 5.5. The 13C enrichment of trans-10 was reduced under low pH and dilution rate conditions. The results of this study confirm that ruminal microorganisms are capable of converting oleic acid to a wide variety of trans-C18:1 positional isomers when ruminal conditions are favorable (such as the pH 6.5 and 0.10/h dilution rate treatment). However, at low pH and dilution rate, the conversion of oleic acid to trans-C18:1 still occurs, but positional isomers produced are restricted to double bond positions from C6 to C10. Low pH conditions also increased the conversion of oleic acid to stearic acid.
A Career Research Project for Undergraduate Psychology Students

I describe a career research project designed to increase students' knowledge of careers in psychology. Following a detailed outline, undergraduates enrolled in a senior seminar conducted research on a career of their choice, prepared a written summary of the career information, and presented the summary orally to their classmates. Reactions to the activity were quite positive, and students indicated that the project should be retained for future semesters. I provide an outline of areas I required students to investigate, and I offer recommendations to enhance the activity based on my experiences and students' feedback.
A proposal for an intelligent interface in man-machine systems

This paper addresses the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), to the continuing human factors issue, man-machine interface. A concept of the operator's role in automated systems is presented and used as the context for developing a notional system architecture for an intelligent interface. Some of the human factors and AI research issues are discussed. It should be noted that I presented a similar paper at an AI conference in Rochester, Michigan, April 1983. With the exception of projects within the Army Research Institute and related work in the Applied Psychology Unit, Admiralty Research Establishment, U.K., I have seen no groundswell of research addressing the issues I raised 18 months ago. I am repeating and updating my "proposal" for a new research focus in hopes of stimulating an increasing awareness of critical gaps in our knowledge of how to take advantage of technological advances in man-machine systems.
99mTc-Labeled Duramycin as a Novel Phosphatidylethanolamine-Binding Molecular Probe

With only 19 amino acids, duramycin is the smallest known polypeptide that has a defined 3-dimensional binding structure. Duramycin binds phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdE) at a 1:1 ratio with high affinity and exclusive specificity. As an abundant binding target, PtdE is a major phospholipid and accounts for about 20% of the phospholipid content in mammalian cellular membranes. PtdE is externalized to the surface of apoptotic cells and also becomes accessible in necrotic cells because of compromised plasma membrane integrity. Given the unique physicochemical properties of duramycin and the availability of PtdE in acute cell death, the goal of this study was to develop and evaluate 99mTc-duramycin as a novel molecular probe for imaging PtdE. Methods: Duramycin is covalently modified with succinimidyl 6-hydrazinonicotinate acetone hydrazone (HYNIC) and labeled with 99mTc using a coordination chemistry involving tricine-phosphine coligands. The retention of PtdE-binding activities was confirmed using competition assays with PtdE-containing liposomes. The blood clearance, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of 99mTc-duramycin were measured in rats. Finally, 99mTc-duramycin binding to acute cell death in vivo was demonstrated using a rat model of acute myocardial infarction induced by ischemia and reperfusion and confirmed using autoradiography and histology. Results: HYNIC-derivatized duramycin with 1:1 stoicheometry was synthesized and confirmed by mass spectrometry. The radiolabeling efficiency was 80%–85%, radiochemical purity was 78%–89%, and specific activity was 54 GBq. The radiotracer was purified with high-performance liquid chromatography radiodetection before use. The specific uptake of 99mTc-duramycin in apoptotic cells, compared with that in viable control cells, was enhanced by more than 30-fold. This binding was competitively diminished in the presence of PtdE-containing liposomes but not by liposomes consisting of other phospholipid species. Intravenously injected 99mTc-duramycin has favorable pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles: it quickly clears from the circulation via the renal system, with a blood half-life of less than 4 min in rats. The hepatic and gastrointestinal uptake were very low. 99mTc-duramycin is completely unmetabolized in vivo, and the intact agent is recovered from the urine. Combined with a fast clearance and low hepatic background, the avid binding of 99mTc-duramycin to the infarcted myocardium quickly becomes conspicuous shortly after injection. The uptake of radioactivity in infarcted tissues was confirmed by autoradiography and histology. Conclusion:99mTc-duramycin is a stable, low-molecular-weight PtdE-binding radiopharmaceutical, with favorable in vivo imaging profiles. It is a strong candidate as a molecular probe for PtdE imaging and warrants further development and characterization.
Experimental study of the critical speed response, of a jeffcott rotor with acceleration

Abstract A small, lightly damped rotor (ζ=0.0088) was experimentally tested for a variety of acceleration and deceleration rates. In each case, the amplitude response was plotted as a function of operating speed, with the acceleration rate considered. In each case the results are compared with theoretical predictions. The results agree within 6% at the peak response. The results of the analysis indicate that for high acceleration rates the critical amplitude response may be reduced by a factor of four or more. The frequency of the effective critical speed may be shifted by up to 20%. Furthermore, a beating frequency was observed in the amplitude data after the rotor had passed through the critical speed. This phenomenon is shown to be the vector sum of a synchronous component of amplitude and a nonsynchronous transient component (at the critical speed). The transient nonsynchronous component is shown explicitly via electronic band-pass filtering, as is the forced response component. Finally, spectral analyses were performed over a range of operating speeds, yielding waterfall diagrams and further verification of the existence of the two components.
The Multiplier in a Tri-fiscal Economy

Introduction: interdependence of federal, state, and local revenues and expenditures, 258. — Definitions, 259. — Assumptions, 261. — Multipliers, 263. — Interpretations, 266. — Applications, 268. — Examples, 270. — Conclusions, 272.
Neurotoxic traffic: uncovering the mechanics of amyloid production in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought by many to result from the accumulation of the neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in brain parenchyma. The process by which Aβ is proteolytically derived from the larger amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been the focus of much attention in the AD research field over the past decade. Recently, several of the proteins directly involved in the generation of Aβ have been identified and characterized providing a number of viable therapeutic targets for the treatment of AD. However, the cellular mechanisms by which these proteins interact in the proteolytic processing of APP have not been well defined, nor are they readily apparent when one considers what is known about the intracellular localization and trafficking of the various participants. This article will review the underlying cell biology of Aβ production and discuss the mechanistic options for APP processing given the current knowledge of the proteases involved.
The No Child Left Behind and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Acts: the uneven impact of partially funded federal mandates on education of deaf and hard of hearing children.

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 is having a major impact on the education of deaf and hard of hearing children, and in many ways has taken on an importance far in excess of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which has been evolving since 1975. Congress has appropriated less money for both laws than their authorizations have called for. NCLB has 10 titles, none of which address the education of disabled children, of whom almost 7 million are identified as attending public school. Three components of NCLB have major implications for all children, including deaf and hard of hearing students: assessment; demonstrated annual yearly progress; and the mandate for highly qualified teachers. The implications for deaf and hard of hearing children, many of whom will not be identified in the present statewide assessment system, are mixed but, on balance, negative.
Economic Democracy and the Expediency of Worker Participation

The increased discussion of economic democracy in America in recent years makes sense given the context of crises in Keynesianism, the welfare state, corporate legitimacy and American ‘competitiveness’. Departing from Dahl's recent analysis, this paper argues that one notion of economic democracy - the internal democratization of the firm - can be conceived and plausibly linked to objectives of increased American competitiveness and community stability. The argument rejects purist schemes of universal cooperative ownership as well as so-called shareholder democracy. It proposes a representative system for the firm based on a balance among shareholder, employee and community interests, a separation of powers between boards of directors and management, and a concept of transition based on democratic development of already widespread employee stock-ownership plans.
Refinement of the Kudo-Weill plagioclase thermometer and its application to basaltic rocks

The Kudo-Weill plagioclase thermometer is applied to basaltic rocks. Comparison of measured and calculated crystallization temperatures shows that the latter are generally higher than measured values. The plagioclase thermometer predicts non-ideal behavoir of plagioclase solid solution and is in close agreement with experimental work at lower temperature. New equations are generated that relate plagioclase and melt chemistries to plagioclase crystallization temperatures; and these, combined with activity coefficient corrections, result in a refinement of the plagioclase thermometer.
Activity Therapy as a Vehicle for Resetting the Biological Rhythm in Adults with Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract Caregivers experience problems negotiating behaviors associated with sundowning; interventions are sought to reduce care-giver burden and keep the adult with Alzheimer's disease from being institutionalized. With the apparent neurobiological evidence surrounding this type of agitation, emphasis is placed on treating sundowning as a failure of the brain to self-regulate the sleep-wake cycle due to advanced age and Alzheimer's disease. Behavioral techniques are encouraged due to the negative side-effects of medications on the aging body. Emphasis on treating sundowning and related agitation by either light therapy or environmental cues or a combination of both is provided. The role of activities in facilitating this treatment is elucidated.