cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequence and Methylome of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Cerro, a Frequent Dairy Cow Serovar

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Cerro is an infrequent pathogen of humans and other mammals but is frequently isolated from the hindgut of asymptomatic cattle in the United States. To further understand the genomic determinants of S. Cerro specificity for the bovine hindgut, the genome of isolate CFSAN001588 was fully sequenced and deposited in the GenBank database.
Characterizing of Tissue by Dispersion Induced Chirping in Optical Coherence Tomography

A grating based delay line is controlled to induce dispersion in optical coherence tomography imaging. The spatial frequency of chirping signal indicates that might provide additional diagnostic information about tissue, presumable through the uncertainty principle.
Effect of sex differences on extrarenal erythropoietin production.

SummaryEvidence is presented to show that extrarenal as well as renal sites of Ep production are more sensitive to hypoxia in male than in female rats. However, on exposure to very intense hypoxia, the peak plasma Ep levels of both anephric and intact female rats are comparable to those of males.
Developing a Community of Inquiry in a Face-to-Face Class: How an Online Learning Framework Can Enrich Traditional Classroom Practice

Traditional classes are typically bound both in the classroom space and scheduled time. In this article, I show how applying an online learning framework called the Community of Inquiry and an orga...
Perceptions of Person-Centered Care Following Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objectives To (1) evaluate perceptions of person-centered care (PCC) in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI); and (2) examine perceived differences in PCC concepts between patients continuing to receive any services from a Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) facility and those who are not. Design We used a cross-sectional design, mailed a paper survey, and followed up with a second mailing to nonrespondents after 4 weeks. Setting Community. Participants Individuals (N=326) who received initial rehabilitation at an SCIMS facility and agreed to participate in this research study. We distinguished respondents who received any SCIMS outpatient services in the past 2 years (SCIMS users, n=137) or longer ago (SCIMS nonusers, n=189). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Participants completed the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care, the Global Practice Experience measure, and 5 Press-Ganey questions that assessed key elements of patient- and family-centered care. Results Patient perspectives of chronic illness care were more positive in the SCIMS users than nonusers (3.15 vs 2.91, P Conclusions SCIMS users and nonusers differed on perceptions of chronic illness care (largely the goal-setting and tailoring component), which were more favorable for Model System users than nonusers. Results can guide strategies to enhance PCC practices after inpatient rehabilitation.
Research progresses of UV-curable UPR system

In this paper,the research progresses of UV-curable unsaturated polyester resin(UPR) in China and its background abroad were reviewed with 38 refs including the synthesis of novel photosensitive pre-polymer,visible light curable UPR resin,UV-curable UPR composite,UV-curable powder coatings,UV-curable gel coating,UV-curable adhesive and so on.
The cellulose method for collecting sweat

Abstract A new method for the collection of sweat in pure form for electrolyte concentration determination has been described together with supporting data. This method is simpler and quicker than the commonly employed method using cotton gauze.
Polymer Gels for Defense Applications

A polymer gel is a physically or chemically cross-linked polymer that is highly swollen by solvent. The gel properties can be tuned by varying the polymer chemistry, solvent type, polymer-solvent architecture and molecular weight, and solvent loading. In addition, small molecule additives and fillers can be incorporated into the gel formulation to enhance the properties further. This tunability offers the potential for gel implementation in an array of Army related technologies ranging from combat casualty care and tissue surrogates, to robotics and electronics devices. Several obstacles hinder widespread deployment of gel-based technologies including: (1) limited operational temperature windows and material lifetimes; (2) poor toughness and durability; (3) unstable performance in extreme mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiation environments; and (4) limited multi-functional capability. We anticipate that a fundamental understanding of how to tailor the gel properties will have a broad impact on various technologies including robotics, smart clothing, armor, tissue simulants, sensors, energy storage, battlefield medicine, etc.
The Marjory Stanway Collection of African Language Materials at Trinity School for Ministry

The Marjory Stanway Collection was established in 2007. The Collection has been developed to honor the efforts of the African church, and to provide a corpus for research in Bible translation. By 2009, the collection had outgrown its original alcove shelving and location, and was moved to its own room. Most of the approximately 650-volume collection is comprised of African language Bibles and prayer books, with other items such as hymnals also present. In the present essay, three complicating factors of funding, acquisition and cataloging are discussed in turn.
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Small T Antigen Promotes Pro-Glycolytic Metabolic Perturbations Required for Transformation

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is an etiological agent of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly aggressive skin cancer. The MCPyV small tumor antigen (ST) is required for maintenance of MCC and can transform normal cells. To gain insight into cellular perturbations induced by MCPyV ST, we performed transcriptome analysis of normal human fibroblasts with inducible expression of ST. MCPyV ST dynamically alters the cellular transcriptome with increased levels of glycolytic genes, including the monocarboxylate lactate transporter SLC16A1 (MCT1). Extracellular flux analysis revealed increased lactate export reflecting elevated aerobic glycolysis in ST expressing cells. Inhibition of MCT1 activity suppressed the growth of MCC cell lines and impaired MCPyV-dependent transformation of IMR90 cells. Both NF-κB and MYC have been shown to regulate MCT1 expression. While MYC was required for MCT1 induction, MCPyV-induced MCT1 levels decreased following knockdown of the NF-κB subunit RelA, supporting a synergistic activity between MCPyV and MYC in regulating MCT1 levels. Several MCC lines had high levels of MYCL and MYCN but not MYC. Increased levels of MYCL was more effective than MYC or MYCN in increasing extracellular acidification in MCC cells. Our results demonstrate the effects of MCPyV ST on the cellular transcriptome and reveal that transformation is dependent, at least in part, on elevated aerobic glycolysis.
Estimation of velocity and pressure profiles to design an optimum Von Karman Viscous Pump

In this work velocity and pressure profiles have been calculated for a generic Von Karman Viscous flow pump using a computer code. Moreover the variation of angular velocities and radii of a flat disc and their effects on velocity and pressure profile have been analyzed. Velocity and pressure plots have been generated for different combinations of radii and angular velocities of the disc in order to design an optimum performance viscous pump using Navier stokes equations in polar coordinates. The effect of viscosity on volume flow rate has also been analysed. Thickness of viscous region and its variation with respect to viscosity of the fluid and angular velocity of the disk have also been analysed. The algorithm developed during the research will facilitate scientific researchers to perform calculations to design an optimum pump. The results achieved will help in designing any generic pump working on Von Karman Viscous Pump principle. Such types of pumps find their application in chemical industries as these pumps are very reliable for highly viscous and abrasive fluids. These pumps are also very steady and exceptionally quiet, finding their usage in air moving applications in interior spaces occupied by humans. In the field of medical these types of pumps have gained attention as lots of research is going on for the treatment of single ventricle heart disease where a single viscous impeller pump, working on the principle of Von Karman Viscous Pump, is used for stabilization and supplements cavopulmonary flow.
Hyperpolarized Sodium [1-13C]-Glycerate as a Probe for Assessing Glycolysis In Vivo

Hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides unprecedented opportunities to obtain clinical diagnostic information through in vivo monitoring of metabolic pathways. The continuing advancement of this field relies on the identification of molecular probes that can effectively interrogate pathways critical to disease. In this report, we describe the synthesis, development, and in vivo application of sodium [1-13C]-glycerate ([13C]-Glyc) as a novel probe for evaluating glycolysis using hyperpolarized 13C MRS. This agent was prepared by a concise synthetic route and formulated for dynamic nuclear polarization. [13C]-Glyc displayed a high level of polarization and long spin–lattice relaxation time—both of which are necessary for future clinical investigations. In vivo spectroscopic studies with hyperpolarized [13C]-Glyc in rat liver furnished metabolic products, [13C]-labeled pyruvate and lactate, originating from glycolysis. The levels of production and relative intensities of these metab...
The expansive role of oxylipins on platelet biology

In mammals, three major oxygenases, cyclooxygenases (COXs), lipoxygenases (LOXs), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450), generate an assortment of unique lipid mediators (oxylipins) from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which exhibit pro- or anti-thrombotic activity. Over the years, novel oxylipins generated from the interplay of theoxygenase activity in various cells, such as the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), have been identified and investigated in inflammatory disease models. Although platelets have been implicated in inflammation, the role and mechanism of these SPMs produced from immune cells on platelet function are still unclear. This review highlights the burgeoning classes of oxylipins that have been found to regulate platelet function; however, their mechanism of action still remains to be elucidated.
DP1 receptor agonist, BW245C inhibits diet-induced obesity in ApoE-/- mice.

Summary Background/objective Lipocalin Prostaglandin D2 synthase (LPGDS) contributes to the production of PGD2, which has been associated with adipogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PGD2 on obesity through its DP1 and DP2 receptor signaling using intraperitoneal injection of their respective agonists and antagonists. Methods ApoE−/− mice were divided into five groups: vehicle control (n = 5), DP1 receptor agonist (n = 5), DP1 receptor antagonist (n = 5), DP2 receptor agonist (n = 5), and DP2 receptor antagonist (n = 5), and the study was carried out for 10 weeks. Results Despite being on high fat diet, mice receiving DP1 receptor agonist sustained a significant inhibition of weight gain throughout the study gaining only 11.4% body weight compared to the controls gaining 61% body weight. Interestingly, parallel to the body weight, the DP1 receptor agonist group showed a significant reduction in food intake throughout the study. Consistently, fasting leptin, insulin and bile acids levels were elevated in the DP1 receptor agonist group compared to controls. As expected, there was a significant reduction in fasting glucose level in DP1 receptor agonist group. At last, as a result of weight gain inhibition, DP1 receptor agonist also imparted cardiovascular benefits showing significant reduction in aortic wall thickness, intima, adventia and lumen size. Conclusion Based on the obtained results, we believe DP1 receptor agonism inhibited diet induced weight gain possibly through controlling appetite which consequently imparted beneficial cardiometabolic effects. DP1 receptor agonism may represent a novel therapeutic target for the management of obesity.
A metadata analysis of oxidative stress etiology in preclinical Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Benefits of antioxidant therapy

Oxidative stress, induced by an imbalance of free radicals, incites neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In fact, a mutation in antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) accounts for 20% of familial ALS cases. However, the variance among individual studies examining ALS oxidative stress clouds corresponding conclusions. Therefore, we construct a comprehensive, temporal view of oxidative stress and corresponding antioxidant therapy in preclinical ALS by mining published quantitative experimental data and performing metadata analysis of 41 studies. In vitro aggregate analysis of innate oxidative stress inducers, glutamate and hydrogen peroxide, revealed 70-90% of cell death coincides to inducer exposure equivalent to 30-50% peak concentration (p 0.05). Thus, innate HSP compensatory responses to oxidative stress are simply insufficient, a result supportive of homeostatic system instability as central to ALS etiology. In vivo aggregate analysis of antioxidant therapy finds SOD1-G93A ALS mouse survival duration significantly increases by 11.2% (p << 0.001) but insignificantly decreases onset age by 2%. Thus, the aggregate antioxidant treatment effect on survival in preclinical ALS is not sufficient to overcome clinical heterogeneity, which explains the literature disparity between preclinical and clinical antioxidant survival benefit. The aggregate effect sizes on preclinical ALS survival and onset illustrate that present antioxidants, alone, are not sufficient to halt ALS, which underscores its multi-factorial nature. Nonetheless, antioxidant-treated SOD1-G93A ALS mice have significantly increased motor performance (p < 0.05) measured via rotarod. With a colossal aggregate preclinical effect size average of 59.6%, antioxidants are promising for increasing function/quality of life in clinical ALS patients, a premise worth exploration via low-risk nutritional supplements. Finally, more direct, quantitative measures of oxidative stress, antioxidant levels and bioavailability are key to developing powerful antioxidant therapeutics that can assert measurable impacts on redox homeostasis in the brain and spinal cord.
Fetomaternal Passage of Leukocytes and Platelets in Erythroblastosis Fetalis

Leukocytes and platelets labeled by the atabrine fluorescent technic have been demonstrated in the maternal circulation from ½ to 4 hours following intraperitoneal transfusion of the fetus in utero. The peak concentration of labeled cells was observed 2 hours after transfusion. The fetomaternal transfer of cells has been demonstrated in cases of erythroblastosis fetalis. It is not known whether this occurs in normal fetuses and the mechanism is not understood.
Association Between Pseudotumor Formation and Patient Factors in Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty Population.

Abstract Background Pseudotumor formation from metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants is associated with implant revision. The relationship between pseudotumor type and patient outcomes is unknown. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with a MoM total hip arthroplasty and metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging. Pseudotumors were graded using a validated classification system by a fellowship-trained radiologist. Patient demographics, metal ion levels, and implant survival were analyzed. Results Pseudotumors were present in 49 hips (53%). Thirty-two (65%) pseudotumors were cystic thin walled, 8 (16%) were cystic thick walled, and 9 (18%) were solid masses. Patients with pseudotumors had high offset stems (P = .030) but not higher metal ion levels. Patients with thick-walled cystic or solid masses were more likely to be symptomatic (P = .025) and were at increased risk for revision (P = .004) compared to patients with cystic lesions. Conclusion Pseudotumor formation is present in 53% of patients with a MoM total hip arthroplasty, of which 40% were asymptomatic. Patients with thick-walled cystic and solid lesions were more likely to be symptomatic and undergo revision.
Quantification of liver function by linearization of a two-compartment model of gadoxetic acid uptake using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows the investigation of liver function through the observation of the perfusion and uptake of contrast agent in the parenchyma. Voxel-by-voxel quantification of the contrast uptake rate (k1 ) from dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI through the standard dual-input, two-compartment model could be susceptible to overfitting of variance in the data. The aim of this study was to develop a linearized, but more robust, model. To evaluate the estimated k1 values using this linearized analysis, high-temporal-resolution gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI scans were obtained in 13 examinations, and k1 maps were created using both models. Comparison of liver k1 values estimated from the two methods produced a median correlation coefficient of 0.91 across the 12 scans that could be used. Temporally sparse clinical MRI data with gadoxetic acid uptake were also employed to create k1 maps of 27 examinations using the linearized model. Of 20 scans, the created k1 maps were compared with overall liver function as measured by indocyanine green (ICG) retention, and yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.72. In the 27 k1 maps created via the linearized model, the mean liver k1 value was 3.93 ± 1.79 mL/100 mL/min, consistent with previous studies. The results indicate that the linearized model provides a simple and robust method for the assessment of the rate of contrast uptake that can be applied to both high-temporal-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and typical clinical multiphase MRI data, and that correlates well with the results of both two-compartment analysis and independent whole liver function measurements.
Examining the Intergenerational Stake Hypothesis in Grandparent-Grandchild Dyads.

The intergenerational stake hypothesis posits that older people tend to feel more positively about their relationships with younger people in their family because they have a greater perceived “sta...
Complex and Chaotic Dynamics in Economics

Like a limit cycle, a chaotic attractor is a locally unstable but globally stable form of dynamic behavior. Examples of chaotic attractors including the Lorenz attractor, the Rossler attractor, and the logistic system are studied. The deterministic unpredictability of chaotic systems is contrasted with their statistical predictability. Chaotic systems are a tempting model for economics, particularly financial economics.
Ambient-Temperature Creep Failure of Silver-Interlayer Diffusion Bonds between Steel

Silver-interlayer diffusion bonds have been fabricated using planar-magnetron sputtering. The bonds exhibit very high tensile strengths, despite the soft interlayer, because of the constraint provided by the base metal. However, these joints undergo delayed failure at relatively low tensile stresses at ambient temperatures, apparently by a ductile microvoidcoalescence mechanism at the bond interfaces. Two classes of delayed tensile failure were investigated. In the first case, the applied stress does not produce any plastic deformation in the base metal, and failure appears to be controlled by time-dependent plasticity within the silver interlayer as a result of the effective stress in the interlayer. The interlayer plasticity causes cavity nucleation and, eventually, interlinkage and failure. In the second case, time- dependent plasticity is observed in the base metals, and concomitant shear occurs within the softer silver under a high triaxial stress state. Here, the time-dependent plasticity of the base metal accelerates plasticity and failure in the interlayer. These models were substantiated by careful analyses of the stress and temperature-dependence of the rupture times, finite-element analysis of the stress state within the interlayer and microscopy of the interfaces loaded to various fractions of the expected rupture times. The findings reported here are applicable to bonds in which the interlayers are prepared by processes other than physical vapor-deposition.
Choline metabolite, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), is associated with inflammation in psoriatic arthritis.

Objectives Dietary intake of choline has been linked to systemic inflammation through the microbial production of two metabolites, trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Herein we explore the association between choline metabolites and inflammation in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients. Methods Thirty-eight patients with PsA, all of whom satisfied the CASPAR classification criteria for PsA, were studied. Outcomes reflecting the activity of peripheral arthritis as well as skin psoriasis, Disease Activity Score (DAS)28, Clinical Disease Index (CDAI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) were assessed. Serum concentration of choline metabolites (choline, TMA, TMAO, betaine and carnitine) were determined by LC-MS, and metabolite levels associated with disease scores. Results Among the 38 PsA patients included, the mean DAS28PCR was 2.74±1.29. Twenty-seven patients had active skin disease, with an average BSA of 7.2±16.22. TMAO, but not TMA or choline, significantly correlated with measures of disease activity for both skin and peripheral joints. Conclusions In our cohort, only TMAO, but not TMA, choline, betaine or carnitine, was associated with inflammation in PsA patients, establishing a mechanistic link between TMAO and PsA phenotypes. Future studies will explore the modulation of TMAO and disease severity in PsA.
Electromechanical modelling of a bistable plate with Macro Fiber Composites under nonlinear vibrations

Abstract Vibrational broadband energy harvesting has been the most focused application of bistable composite plates paired with piezoelectric materials due to their wide array of nonlinear responses at low frequencies. Various cross-well behaviors between the two potential wells allow large amplitudes and broadband characteristics favorable for generating ample power even away from resonance. With most past works being experimental, there are limitations in the available literature for validated model predictions of the electromechanical response resulting from cross-well dynamics under harmonic excitation. This paper presents the formulation, implementation, and experimental validation of the nonlinear analytical model for the rectangular piezoelectrically generated bistable laminate with a fixed center consisting of Macro Fiber Composites (MFC) in a cross-ply layup. The full range of nonlinear responses observed in tests are predicted by the simulated electromechanical equations of motion such as intermittency, limit cycle, chaotic, and subharmonic oscillations. These responses and the corresponding voltage and power outputs are investigated for a range of excitation parameters using both time and frequency domain analysis, and they show good agreement with experimental results.
Longitudinal Modeling of Glaucoma Progression Using 2-Dimensional Continuous-Time Hidden Markov Model

We propose a 2D continuous-time Hidden Markov Model (2D CT-HMM) for glaucoma progression modeling given longitudinal structural and functional measurements. CT-HMM is suitable for modeling longitudinal medical data consisting of visits at arbitrary times, and 2D state structure is more appropriate for glaucoma since the time courses of functional and structural degeneration are usually different. The learned model not only corroborates the clinical findings that structural degeneration is more evident than functional degeneration in early glaucoma and the opposite is observed in more advanced stages, but also reveals the exact stages where the trend reverses. A method to detect time segments of fast progression is also proposed. Our results show that this detector can effectively identify patients with rapid degeneration. The model and the derived detector can be of clinical value for glaucoma monitoring.
Virtual imaging trials: an emerging experimental paradigm in imaging research and practice

As medical imaging technologies continue to accelerate in complexity, application, and multiplicity of design choices and use features, they should ideally be evaluated and optimized through human clinical trials. However, such trials are often impossible and impractical. Virtual imaging trials (VITs) offer a solution allowing scientists to conduct “human” trials of emerging imaging concepts and technologies via quick and cost effective simulations. VIT gives researchers a new experimental paradigm to answer fundamental questions that can only be practically answered using the precise controls and known ground truth afforded in the virtual domain. VIT is possible through realistic and accurate modeling of a) the patient, b) the imaging system, and c) the image interpretation process. This paper discusses these topics and offers demonstration examples of select applications of VIT in CT imaging.
Unresolved Politics: Implicit Ambivalence and Political Cognition:

This paper introduces a novel framework for understanding the relationship between implicit and explicit preferences and political cognition. Existing work in political psychology focuses primarily...
Correction: ACNP efforts toward reducing climate change.

Author(s): Jordan, Chloe J; Palmer, Abraham A | Abstract: An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Enzyme-instructed morphological transition of the supramolecular assemblies of branched peptides.

Here, we report the use of an enzymatic reaction to cleave the branch off branched peptides for inducing the morphological transition of the assemblies of the peptides. The attachment of DEDDDLLI sequences to the e-amine of the lysine residue of a tetrapeptide produces branched peptides that form micelles. Upon the proteolytic cleavage of the branch, catalyzed by proteinase K, the micelles turn into nanofibers. We also found that the acetylation of the N-terminal of the branch increased the stability of the branched peptides. Moreover, these branched peptides facilitate the delivery of the proteins into cells. This work contributes insights for the development of peptide supramolecular assemblies via enzymatic noncovalent synthesis in cellular environment.
Detecting Patterns of Engagement in a Digital Cognitive Skills Training Game

Abstract Indicators of behavioral engagement derived from log data may provide insight about variation in participants' interactions with and the efficacy of digital cognitive skills training games. We first sought to determine whether distinct groups of adolescents (N = 163; Mean age = 14.1 years, SD = 1.3) could be identified based on variables derived from digital log data collected while participants played a game designed to enhance inhibitory control. We then examined whether these data-driven participant groupings were associated with improvement in inhibitory control. Latent class mixture modeling was conducted both with reaction time and a measure of response accuracy (d’) of log data. Results indicated two distinct classes based on reaction time, and four classes based on response accuracy over the course of training. Class membership based on reaction time was associated with differential improvements in performance on a subsequent standardized measure of inhibitory control. The findings point towards the need for formative metrics of progress, as well as the need for more adaptive and user-centered cognitive skills interventions. Our findings suggest that there may be some utility in analyzing log data as an indicator of student engagement, particularly when used in complement with more traditional measures of performance.
Epidemics, Pandemics, and Social Conflict: Lessons from the Past and Possible Scenarios for COVID-19

Abstract Since COVID-19 broke out, there has been renewed interest in understanding the economic and social dynamics of historical and more recent epidemics and pandemics, from the plagues of Antiquity to modern-day outbreaks like Ebola. These events can have significant impacts on the interplay between poverty and social cohesion, i.e. how different groups in society interact and cooperate to survive and prosper. To that effect, this paper provides a theory-driven overview of how social responses to past epidemics and pandemics were determined by the epidemiological and non-epidemiological characteristics of these outbreaks, with a particular focus on the conditions giving rise to scapegoating and persecution of minority groups, including migrants. We discuss existing theories as well as historical and quantitative studies, and highlight the cases where epidemics and pandemics may lead to milder or more severe forms of scapegoating. Finally, we conclude with a summary of priorities for future research on epidemics, pandemics and social conflict and discuss the possible effects and policy implications of COVID-19.
Dante and the Making of a Modern Author

Introduction 1. The author in history Part I. An Author in the Works: Dante Before the Commedia: 2. Definitions: the vowels of authority 3. Language: 'neminem ante nos' 4. Auto-commentary: dividing Dante Part II. Authority in Person: Dante Between the Monarchia and the Commedia: 5. 'No judgment among equals': dividing authority in Monarchia 6. Palinode and history 7. The author of the Commedia Works consulted Index.
Traumatic spinal cord injury in the United States, 1993-2012.

Importance Acute traumatic spinal cord injury results in disability and use of health care resources, yet data on contemporary national trends of traumatic spinal cord injury incidence and etiology are limited. Objective To assess trends in acute traumatic spinal cord injury incidence, etiology, mortality, and associated surgical procedures in the United States from 1993 to 2012. Design, Setting, and Participants Analysis of survey data from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases for 1993-2012, including a total of 63 109 patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury. Main Outcomes and Measures Age- and sex-stratified incidence of acute traumatic spinal cord injury; trends in etiology and in-hospital mortality of acute traumatic spinal cord injury. Results In 1993, the estimated incidence of acute spinal cord injury was 53 cases (95% CI, 52-54 cases) per 1 million persons based on 2659 actual cases. In 2012, the estimated incidence was 54 cases (95% CI, 53-55 cases) per 1 million population based on 3393 cases (average annual percentage change, 0.2%; 95% CI, −0.5% to 0.9%). Incidence rates among the younger male population declined from 1993 to 2012: for age 16 to 24 years, from 144 cases/million (2405 cases) to 87 cases/million (1770 cases) (average annual percentage change, −2.5%; 95% CI, −3.3% to −1.8%); for age 25 to 44 years, from 96 cases/million (3959 cases) to 71 cases/million persons (2930 cases), (average annual percentage change, −1.2%; 95% CI, −2.1% to −0.3%). A high rate of increase was observed in men aged 65 to 74 years (from 84 cases/million in 1993 [695 cases] to 131 cases/million [1465 cases]; average annual percentage change, 2.7%; 95% CI, 2.0%-3.5%). The percentage of spinal cord injury associated with falls increased significantly from 28% (95% CI, 26%-30%) in 1997-2000 to 66% (95% CI, 64%-68%) in 2010-2012 in those aged 65 years or older (P Conclusions and Relevance Between 1993 and 2012, the incidence rate of acute traumatic spinal cord injury remained relatively stable but, reflecting an increasing population, the total number of cases increased. The largest increase in incidence was observed in older patients, largely associated with an increase in falls, and in-hospital mortality remained high, especially among elderly persons. Language: en
Observed Score Equating Using the Random Groups Design

As was stressed in Chapter 1, the same specifications property is an essential property of equating, which means that the forms to be equated must be built to the same content and statistical specifications. We also stressed that the symmetry property is essential for any equating relationship. The focus of the present chapter is on methods that are designed to achieve the observed score equating property, along with the same specifications and symmetry properties. As was described in Chapter 1, these observed score equating methods are developed with the goal that, after equating, converted scores on two forms have at least some of the same score distribution characteristics in a population of examinees.
Inapproximability results for combinatorial auctions with submodular utility functions

We consider the following allocation problem arising in the setting of combinatorial auctions: a set of goods is to be allocated to a set of players so as to maximize the sum of the utilities of the players (i.e., the social welfare). In the case when the utility of each player is a monotone submodular function, we prove that there is no polynomial time approximation algorithm which approximates the maximum social welfare by a factor better than 1–1/e ≃ 0.632, unless P = NP. Our result is based on a reduction from a multi-prover proof system for MAX-3-COLORING.
Language Shift and the Politics of Language: The Case of the Celtic Languages of the British Isles.

RESUMOLa transiro de unu lingvo al alia kaj la politiko de la lingvo: la kazo de la keltaj lingvoj de Brita InsularoLa esplorado pri la transiro de unu lingvo al alia restis iom izolita for de la esplorado pri la politiko de la lingvo, kaj inverse. La jena artikolo argumentas, ke tiu izolo estas bedaǔrinda, car la tipo de la transiro de unu lingvo al alia ŝajne altgrade interrilatas al la disvolviĝo aǔ nedisvolviĝo de politika movado surbaze de lingvaj demandoj. La kazo de la tri cefaj keltaj lingvoj de Brita Insularo (la skotgaela, la irlanda kaj la kimra) estas ilustra. En la nordokcidenta Skotlando, kie la minoritata lingvo suferis streĉan kaj abruptan ŝanĝiĝon de sia statuso kiel reganta lingvo en la epoko 1750-1850, lingvaj demandoj ne igis gravaj elementoj de la ideologio de politika movado. En la centra kaj norda Kimrio, male, kie la transiro de unu lingvo al alia, for de la unulingva regado de la kimra al la dulingveco kun superrego de la angla okazis multe pli malrapide kaj pli poste, la lingvaj demandoj estas centraj al la ideologio de la kimra naciisma movado. La irlanda trovigas meze inter la du ekstremaj situacioj; kvankam la forlaso de tiu lingvo okazis sufiĉe abrupte, pluraj mildigantaj faktoroj kon-dukis al la uzo de la irlanda kiel simbolo, flanke de certaj elementoj de la irlanda nacia movado.RESUMENEl cambio de idioma y la politica idiomatica: El caso de los idiomas celticos de las Islas BritanicasHasta hoy el tema de cambios de idioma ha sido estudiado en aislamiento de las investigaciones sobre la politica de idiomas. En el presente estudio se demuestra que este aislamiento es desafortunado porque parece que los elementos caracteristicos de cambios de idiom a corresponden muy estrechamente al desarrollo o a la falta de desarrollo de los movimientos politicos que esten basados en cuestiones de idioma. Esta correspondencia se ilustra en el caso de los tres principales idiomas celticos de las Islas Britanicas (el gaelico escoces, el gaelico irlandes, y el gales). En el noroeste de Escocia, donde el idioma dominante del periodo 1750-1850 sufrio una decadencia grave y dramatica, las cuestiones de idioma no surgieron como elementos importantes en la ideologia de un movimiento politico. Sin embargo, en el centro y el norte del Pais de Gales, donde la dominacion del idioma gales como unico idioma se convirtio en la dominacion bilingue de ingles en un proceso mas despacio y mas tarde, el idioma es una cuestion principal en la ideologia del movimiento nacionalista gales. El caso del gaelico irlandes se situa entre estos dos ejemplos extremos, porque aunque el cambio de idioma fue dramatico, se llevo por varios factores a servir como simbolo por algunos grupos en el movimiento nacionalista irlandes.
Numerical Investigation of Neutral and Unstable Planetary Boundary Layers

Abstract Results of numerical integrations are presented for a neutrally stratified planetary boundary layer containing a passive scalar, and for three unstable cases with upward heat flux. The air is assumed unsaturated. A total of either 16,000 or 32,000 grid points was used in a three-dimensional region with length and width several times the height of the boundary layer. A key result is the irrelevance of the neutral height scale, u*/f, and its replacement by the height zi of the inversion base which confines the convective mixing when m and only for the two slightly unstable cases were the vertical velocity eddies distinctly elongated as in Ekman-layer theories. At large instabilities it is shown how the friction velocity u/* loses its influence upon the turbulence intensifies and a convective velocity wale becomes important. Vertical profiles of mean wind, potential tempe...
An Evaluation of Wave Impact Indicators

Wave impact on offshore structures has been the focus of several studies, due to its significant effect on offshore operations. We evaluate several parameters (wave impact indicators) which can be adopted to indicate the possibility of wave impact on offshore structures due to extreme waves. The indicators can be estimated quickly with given sea states, and thus may provide useful information to offshore structure designers at early design phases. Definitions of three wave impact indicators are presented and discussed. The first indicator, Ψ, is proposed by Stansberg (2008). The second one considered is a wave breaking parameter, μ, originally presented by Song and Banner (2002) in their construction of a wave breaking criterion. Finally, we propose a more generalized impact indicator, βn . The subscript n indicates its dependence on local wave steepness. Our study demonstrates that the three indicators are analytically related. To evaluate these indicators numerically, 2nd order random surface waves are generated with random phase method and Two-Dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (2D FFT). Hilbert analysis of the wave signal reveals that all indicators are able to identify steep and energetic waves that may potentially cause large wave impact loads. Further numerical study demonstrates that the quantitative correlation of wave impact loads to μ is less promising than that to Ψ and βn ; while βn provides the best relationship to both local wave impact load and global wave load with its dependence on local wave steepness adjusted (i.e. adjusting n). The correlation is independent of sea states. Estimations and recommendations for thresholds of the two impact indicators (i.e. Ψ and βn with n = 1) are made based on model test results. With proper estimation of the thresholds, both indicators can be applied to predict wave impact and wave impact probability in given sea states.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Mixing rules: When to cooperate in a multiple-team competition

Abstract In the study of social dilemmas, there has been a strong divide between empirical studies of how people behave and simulation experiments focusing on how people ought to behave. This study bridges that gap by deducing rules-in-use by participants in a human experiment in a multiple-team social dilemma. It then uses a computer simulation to evaluate which of the identified rules-in-use generates the best performance. The results suggest that participants use either a Win-Stay/Lose-Revert strategy or a Win-Cooperate/Lose-Defect strategy. While a mean-Win-Stay/Lose-Revert strategy dominates most often, the Win-Cooperate/Lose-Defect strategy performs better in a two-team than in a single-team setting.
Magnetic coupled spin-torque devices and magnetic ring oscillator

The magnetic coupled spin-torque device (MCSTD) is a new spintronics device architecture that is free from difficulties in spin transport and detection and uses spin torque transfer and magnetic coupling to modulate its energy barrier. Asymmetric energy barrier height ratios of 7:1 and spin current density reduction up to 40% are achieved. Device switching speed, inversion capability, fanout and new interconnection techniques are presented. NAND, NOR, NOT operations and a three stage MCSTD ring oscillator are demonstrated with micromagnetic simulations to estimate realistic device speed and power consumption.
Temperature Discrimination by Captive Free‐Swimming Tuna, Euthynnus affinis

Abstract Captive kawakawa, Euthynnus affinis, were instrumentally conditioned to respond to an increase in temperature to determine discrimination abilities. Two fish yielded a discrimination threshold of 0.10 to 0.15 C. Thermal sensitivity of this high-seas pelagic fish is thus no more acute than that of inshore fishes and appears inadequate for direct sensing of weak horizontal temperature gradients at sea.
A co-occurrence texture semi-invariance to direction, distance, and patient size

Texture-based models are intensively used in medical image processing to quantify the homogeneity and consistency of soft tissues across different patients. Several research studies have shown that the co-occurrence texture model and its Haralick descriptors can be successfully applied to capture the statistical properties of the soft tissues' patterns. Given that the calculation of the co-occurrence texture model is a computationally-intensive task, in this paper we investigate the usefulness of using all possible angles and all displacements for capturing the texture properties of an organ of interest, specifically, the liver. Based on the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique and multiple pair-wise comparisons, we found that using only the "near" and "far" displacements is enough to capture the spatial properties of the texture for the liver.
Monte Carlo simulations of self-sustained oscillations of CO oxidation over non-isothermal supported catalysts

Abstract A new Monte Carlo simulation of CO oxidation over a non-isothermal supported catalyst is presented. It uses the Monte Carlo method applied to multiple 2D crystallites distributed on a flat support in combination with the partial differential energy balance to simulate the non-isothermal reaction on supported catalysts. The simulation predicts ignition and extinction transitions similar to those observed during a temperature programmed reaction experiment. However, no auto-oscillatory behavior is predicted when the surface is assumed to have constant activity. Stochastic fluctuations at each crystallite cannot be synchronized through the thermal coupling to form global oscillations. The model was extended to include a surface with variable activity. In this case an oxidation/reduction mechanism altering the oxygen sticking coefficient provides a bistable mechanism for auto-oscillations. This variable activity model predicts auto-oscillations and changes in oscillatory behavior with temperature and O 2 /CO ratio similar to those experimentally observed. Simulation results also show that thermal communications among crystallites affect the shape of global oscillations. Irregular and chaotic oscillations are predicted when there are differences in the crystallite size, activity, and distribution of the crystallites on the support.
Text mining for indexing

This paper describes techniques for automatically extracting and classifying maps found within articles. The process uses image analysis to find text in maps, document structure to find captions and titles, and then text mining to assign each map to a subject category, a geographical place, and a time period. The text analysis is based on authority lists taken from gazetteers and from library classifications.
Photopolymer kinetics using light intensity gradients in high-throughput conversion analysis

Abstract Light intensity gradients and light exposure time gradients were combined to produce contours of constant dose on a sample substrate. These polymerized samples were subsequently analyzed using high-throughput Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to measure conversion as a function of both gradients. Three (meth)acrylate monomers were analyzed over light doses ranging from 0 mJ/cm 2 to 920 mJ/cm 2 , demonstrating that in thin films, higher light intensities at a constant light dose produce higher conversion due to a decreased oxygen inhibition time and larger thermal excursions. At a light dose of 75 mJ/cm 2 , the conversion of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate increases from 40 ± 2% at a light intensity of 0.9 mW/cm 2 to 59 ± 3% at 7.2 mW/cm 2 . The two acrylate monomers exhibited rapid photopolymerization up to a specific conversion, after which additional radiation dose produced only marginal increases in overall conversion. For hexanediol diacrylate, a light dose of 300 mJ/cm 2 was the minimum amount required to reach the maximum conversion over the entire range analyzed. For the dimethacrylate system, a similar effect was seen, with a reduced oxygen inhibition time and conversion above 70% showing a similar conversion at a constant light dose of 500 mJ/cm 2 . In all three systems, dose contours were used to determine a range of light intensities at which a statistically similar conversion would occur for a specified light dose.
Influence of fibre on the cutting stress state in machining idealized glass fibre composite

AbstractThe machining of an idealized glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) was examined using photo-elasticity, dynamometry and optical microscopy. Cutting stresses at the glass roving and roving-matrix interface were evaluated using experimental and numerical methods. Experimentally observed isochromatics and measured forces in the orthogonal cutting of GFRP were shown to be affected by the reinforcement and its orientation. Machining stresses and machined surface damage were found to be highest when machining materials with roving oriented 45° towards the cutting edge.
Low-Cost Cryo-Light Microscopy Stage Fabrication for Correlated Light/Electron Microscopy

The coupling of cryo-light microscopy (cryo-LM) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) poses a number of advantages for understanding cellular dynamics and ultrastructure. First, cells can be imaged in a near native environment for both techniques. Second, due to the vitrification process, samples are preserved by rapid physical immobilization rather than slow chemical fixation. Third, imaging the same sample with both cryo-LM and cryo-EM provides correlation of data from a single cell, rather than a comparison of "representative samples". While these benefits are well known from prior studies, the widespread use of correlative cryo-LM and cryo-EM remains limited due to the expense and complexity of buying or building a suitable cryogenic light microscopy stage. Here we demonstrate the assembly, and use of an inexpensive cryogenic stage that can be fabricated in any lab for less than $40 with parts found at local hardware and grocery stores. This cryo-LM stage is designed for use with reflected light microscopes that are fitted with long working distance air objectives. For correlative cryo-LM and cryo-EM studies, we adapt the use of carbon coated standard 3-mm cryo-EM grids as specimen supports. After adsorbing the sample to the grid, previously established protocols for vitrifying the sample and transferring/handling the grid are followed to permit multi-technique imaging. As a result, this setup allows any laboratory with a reflected light microscope to have access to direct correlative imaging of frozen hydrated samples.
Excited state coupling in low order many-body theory

Abstract By using a matrix analogue to the standard summation of diagonal ladder diagrams, it is shown that one can sum an infinite glass of diagrams and obtain excited state coupling in low order diagrams.