cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morals and Imitation

Plato’s idea of trying to imitate the life of a god: the difficulty then is that you have to exercise your own judgement in deciding what is imitation of a god and what is not. So men have felt the need for a church and for a definition of orthodoxy and heresy.
Reversible Electropolymerization of Nickel Complexes Based on Redox-Mediated Ligand Exchange

Controlled and reversible ligand exchange reactions are useful tools for modulating reactivity of transition metal complexes. Here, we present a reversible electropolymerization of nickel azopyridine (azpy) complexes based on the redox-controlled diimine ligand exchange reaction. Upon a single electron reduction, (azpy)NiBr2 disproportionates to afford (azpy)2Ni and a [NiBr4]2−, while in situ 1e− oxidation of this mixture leads to complete restoration of the original complex. Reversible intermetallic ligand exchange is also demonstrated between nickel and cobalt or iron azopyridine complexes. This facile and quantitative ligand exchange reaction was utilized to develop a reversible electropolymerization strategy to generate nickel metallopolymers containing redox-active azobispyridine ligands.
Can induction chemotherapy improve dysphagia in locally advanced esophageal/GEJ cancer?

148 Background: Dysphagia is one of the most common presenting symptoms in esophageal cancer (EC) and can lead to significant nutritional decline, which is associated with increased toxicity and po...
Energies and widths in Be 13

I have calculated spectroscopic factors connecting three $d$ resonances in $^{13}\mathrm{Be}$ to the three lowest states of $^{12}\mathrm{Be}$. Combined with single-particle widths computed in a potential model, I have estimated the widths expected for the various decays. Comparing measured and calculated widths suggests that the resonance near 1 MeV is not $5/{2}^{+}$ and that the one just above 2 MeV is the lowest $5/{2}^{+}$ resonance.
Reducing unwarranted antibiotic use for pediatric acute otitis media: the influence of physicians' explanation and instruction on parent compliance with ‘watchful waiting’

ABSTRACT‘Watchful waiting’ (WW) involves prescribing antibiotics but advising against use unless the illness fails to improve in a set time. For childhood ear infections, WW can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, but parents do not necessarily comply with WW advice. This study examines how physician explanation and instruction is related to parental compliance. A national sample of parents (N = 134) who received WW advice reported what they remembered physicians saying. These responses were coded for explanatory and instructional elements indicated by relevant clinical guidelines. Parents also reported whether they complied with the WW advice or administered the antibiotic immediately. Parental compliance was predicted by explanation of the nature of ear infections, instruction on monitoring, and instruction on managing pain. Few parents reported any explanation about antibiotics’ adverse effects. Findings suggest physicians can improve parent compliance with WW by improving the quality of the explanation...
Inequality between gravitational and inertial masses: Suggested experiment in the Earth's orbit

Recently, we have theoretically demonstrated that passive gravitational mass of a composite quantum body is not equivalent to its inertial mass due to some quantum effects. As an example, we have considered the simplest composite quantum body — a hydrogen atom. It is important that we have also suggested an idealized experiment in the Earth's orbit to observe the above mentioned phenomenon. Here, we discuss how to perform the corresponding real experiment. In particular, we consider He-4 atoms, solid He-4 under pressure, and crystalline dielectric solids. In the case where spacecraft moves them in the Earth's gravitational field with constant velocity, one can observe a breakdown of the Equivalent Principle by absorbing unusual radiation, emitted by one of the above mentioned macroscopic ensembles of the atoms. In the case of crystalline dielectric, one can observe a finite electric conductivity in the Earth's orbit. If one of such experiments is done, it will be not only the first observation of a breakdown of the Equivalence Principle, but also the first direct observation of quantum effects in General Relativity.
Environmental factors analysis and comparison affecting software reliability in development of multi-release software

Abstract As the application of the principles of agile and lean software development, software multiple release becomes very common in the modern society. Short iteration and short release cycle have driven the significant changes of the development process of multi-release software product, compared with single release software product. Thus, it is time to conduct a new study investigating the impact level of environmental factors on affecting software reliability in the development of multi-release software to provide a sound and concise guidance to software practitioners and researchers. Statistical learning methods, like principle component analysis, stepwise backward elimination, lasso regression, multiple linear regression, and Tukey method, are applied in this study. Comparisons regarding significant environmental factors during the whole development process, principle components, significant environmental factors in each development phase and significance level of each development phase between the development of single release software and multi-release software are also discussed.
Clinical Features, Etiologic Factors, Associated Disorders, and Treatment of Palmoplantar Pustulosis: The Mayo Clinic Experience, 1996-2013.

OBJECTIVE To further characterize clinical characteristics, etiologic factors, associated disorders, and treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of patients with PPP at Mayo Clinic between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2013. RESULTS Of 215 patients with PPP identified, 179 (83%) were female, and the mean age at onset was 45.3 years. Most patients (n=165, 77%) were current or former smokers. At diagnosis, 15 patients (7%) had an anxiety diagnosis and 9 (4%) had an infection. Nineteen cases (9%) were drug induced. Comorbid conditions included thyroid disease in 18 patients (8%), gluten sensitivity in 3 (1%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus in 21 (10%). In all, 194 patients (90%) received topical corticosteroids, 55 (26%) received phototherapy, and 54 (25%) received systemic agents. CONCLUSION More than three-fourths of the patients in this study had a history of smoking, which is considered a triggering or aggravating factor for PPP. Regarding comorbid conditions, gluten sensitivity and thyroid disease were found less frequently than previously reported in the literature. Treatment regimens and responses in this cohort varied considerably.
Picomolar Fingerprinting of Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Using Solid-State Nanopores

Nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) are an emerging class of programmable structures with tunable shape and function. Their promise as tools for fundamental biophysics studies, molecular sensing, and therapeutic applications necessitates methods for their detection and characterization at the single-particle level. In this work, we study electrophoretic transport of individual ring-shaped and cube-shaped NANPs through solid-state nanopores. In the optimal nanopore size range, the particles must deform to pass through, which considerably increases their residence time within the pore. Such anomalously long residence times permit detection of picomolar amounts of NANPs when nanopore measurements are carried out at a high transmembrane bias. In the case of a NANP mixture, the type of individual particle passing through nanopores can be efficiently determined from analysis of a single electrical pulse. Molecular dynamics simulations provide insight into the mechanical barrier to transport of the NANPs and corr...
A literature review: Qualitative studies of women parenting during abuse

Many women worldwide are physically and emotionally abused, and their children are exposed to violence as well, resulting in what has become a worldwide epidemic. The Millennium Development Goals Report 2013 adopted through the United Nations' Development Program recognizes the continued need for global efforts to empower women, reduce child mortality, and improve child health. This literature review of women's experiences while parenting during abuse revealed the utilization of parenting strategies to parent their child(ren) effectively in the most difficult and traumatic of circumstances. Recommendations from all of the articles caution not to remove the child from the mother, but to give both mother and child tailored interventions and a compassionate and empathetic understanding of what these abused mothers' parenting experiences are.
"Regulatory Focus, Top Management Team Retention and Post-Acquisition Innovation"

There is growing recognition that managerial cognition is a critical factor in the post-acquisition integration process. In the past, researchers have studied the effects of the acquiring firm's perception on post-acquisition integration, especially making sense of the integration issues in the acquiring firm. However, prior studies have focused mainly on the attributes of the acquiring firm, and not the target firm or the dyad. Moreover, prior studies have mostly placed emphasis on each construct, as opposed to the interaction effects. Therefore, our primary object in this paper is to evaluate whether the acquiring firm's cognition and the target firm's cognition affect top management team (TMT) retention in the target firm. More specifically, this study was designed to provide an analysis of the interactions between the acquiring firm's regulatory focus and the target firm's regulatory focus in the U.S. high-tech industries. In addition, we investigated their effects on post- acquisition innovation as w...
Keynote: Security and Privacy in the Age of IoT

In this talk I will summarize three papers from our research group [1-3] studying areas where IoT technologies are having profound implications on our expectations of security, safety, and privacy.Sexual preferences are one of our most intimate and private choices, and new IoT devices, while facilitating and expanding how partners can enjoy sexual intimacy can also put at risk their privacy and safety. The first part of the talk will focus on ourwork analyzing three smart vibrators [3]. We found several vulnerabilities that can lead to privacy and even sexual assault. We discuss this work in the context of liberty and morals legislation.
Financial condition of enterprise activities: an exploration of seaports

The purpose of this research is to examine fiscal health of a specific local enterprise operation: seaports. Seaports provide unique local services while spending and borrowing billions of dollars. Decision makers should be aware of the fiscal health of these enterprises in part to assess the potential risks to the fiscal health of the government at large or public authority. Using eight stock and flow fiscal indicators appropriate for enterprise activities, this research examines eight seaports to compare fiscal health by geographic location and governing structure as well as the connection between long-term and short-term fiscal measures. Descriptive measures suggest that western and public authority ports exhibit better fiscal health than southern and departmental ports with some evidence showing a modest link between long-term and short-term fiscal health.
Family Structure and Value Orientation in American Indians

Program planners must be aware of the historical emphasis placed on the extended family, recognize the importance of family structure patterns, and analyze the value orientation and purposeful beha...
CT and MRI/MRCP

The roles of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in the diagnosis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) include the detection, characterization, evaluation of surgical anatomy, and imaging follow-up.
Chemotherapy of ovarian germ cell tumors.

There are many similarities and a few important differences between testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors. Both diseases are very aggressive and affect young adults. The chemotherapy regimens employed are identical to those used in testis cancer. Surgery is an important modality of treatment for both tumors. Currently, virtually all patients with early-stage and 50% to 70% of those with advanced disease will survive. Long-term adverse effects are remarkably infrequent.
Statistical methods for spatial screening

Military bases that have been used for weapon-testing and training usually are con­ taminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO). These sites can be returned to public use only after UXO remediation. The cleaning-up procedure is usually very expensive and time-consuming. This demands statistical tools to provide more effective sampling strat­ egy and to characterize the UXO distribution. Based on the physical characteristics of UXO deposition, we adopt a simplified Neyman-Scott process to model the UXO dis­ tribution. A line transect survey is used to collect data on one coordinate of individual object locations. Two-stage (global and local) sampling strategy is applied to screen the contaminated site. In the global sampling, the estimators of the cluster intensity, mean cluster size and cluster dispersion are provided. The theoretical variance estima­ tors of all the cluster parameters are also given. Simulation studies show that all the parameter estimates perform well and their theoretical variance estimates are reason­ ably close to their corresponding sample variances. In the local sampling, an inclusion region for covering all the unobserved objects in a cluster is proposed. Its asymptotic coverage property is given and proved. Simulation studies show the actual coverage of the inclusion region is very close to the nominal level.
Relationship between out-of-pocket spending and drug value for oral oncolytics reimbursed by commercial insurers: 2007-2014.

6524Background: With total and out-of-pocket (OOP) spending for oral oncolytics rising, there is increased interest in choosing oncology treatments based on their clinical value relative to cost. W...
The Role of the Pharmacist in Family Engagement in the Intensive Care Unit and During Transitions of Care

Utilization of the ABCDEF bundle ((Assess, prevent, and manage pain; Both spontaneous awakening trials (SATs) and spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs); Choice of analgesia and sedation; Delirium – assess, prevent, and mange; Early mobility and exercise; and Family engagement and empowerment) in the intensive care unit (ICU) promotes interprofessional care and improves patient outcomes. The pharmacist has a unique role engaging the family and assisting with implementation of the ABCDEF bundle. Pharmacist-conducted medication histories when compared to other healthcare practitioners have been shown to have a lower rate of errors. Having the family in addition to the patient present during medication reconciliation is key to obtaining the most accurate medication history. Deprescribing of medications utilized temporarily in the ICU such as antipsychotics or stress ulcer prophylaxis is an important role of the pharmacist. The family can serve as resource to clarify home medications and allow clinicians to feel more comfortable with deprescribing medications. Confirmation of a patient’s home medications with the family prior to reinitiation of important home medications is another way that the pharmacist interacts with the family. Having the family in addition to the patient present during discharge counseling by the pharmacist is imperative and has been reported to be helpful by pharmacists. Utilization of a pharmacist in a post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) clinic is key as the medication reconciliation process including the family member can alleviate symptoms of PICS-F. This chapter describes the role of the pharmacist with family engagement and empowerment or post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F).
Impact of gut microbiota on gut‐distal autoimmunity: a focus on T cells

The immune system is essential for maintaining a delicate balance between eliminating pathogens and maintaining tolerance to self-tissues to avoid autoimmunity. An enormous and complex community of gut microbiota provides essential health benefits to the host, particularly by regulating immune homeostasis. Many of the metabolites derived from commensals can impact host health by directly regulating the immune system. Many autoimmune diseases arise from an imbalance between pathogenic effector T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Recent interest has emerged in understanding how cross-talk between gut microbiota and the host immune system promotes autoimmune development by controlling the differentiation and plasticity of T helper and Treg cells. At the molecular level, our recent study, along with others, demonstrates that asymptomatic colonization by commensal bacteria in the gut is capable of triggering autoimmune disease by molecular mimicking self-antigen and skewing the expression of dual T-cell receptors on T cells. Dysbiosis, an imbalance of the gut microbiota, is involved in autoimmune development in both mice and humans. Although it is well known that dysbiosis can impact diseases occurring within the gut, growing literature suggests that dysbiosis also causes the development of gut-distal/non-gut autoimmunity. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the potential molecular mechanisms whereby gut microbiota induces autoimmunity, and the evidence that the gut microbiota triggers gut-distal autoimmune diseases.
Simultaneously Matching a N-Port Network

The concept of simultaneously matching a N-port network is investigated in this letter. Multi-port network impedance matching has been raised in various problems including phased arrays and MIMO antennas. A formulation based on an iterative method is introduced to find the matching impedances to simultaneously match a N-port network. An antenna array is presented as an example to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Adolescents’ responses to gendered harassment and discrimination: Effective strategies within a school context

Abstract Among adolescents, peer gendered harassment is extremely common and negatively affects a large proportion of youth. This chapter describes what is meant by peer gendered harassment in adolescence and what the typical consequences of such harassment are. We then describe youth’s typical responses when they are the target of gendered harassment, and their typical responses when they are the bystander and witness gendered harassment. We also present findings from our own research documenting why adolescents choose to either confront the harassment or not. We end the chapter with recommendations for schools.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Outcomes in a Contemporary Series.

BACKGROUND Evidence on the management of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is limited. This study investigated factors influencing IBC treatment outcomes such as event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected from 173 patients with stage III non-IBC and 17 patients with IBC diagnosed at the Keck Medical Center and Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center. Cox proportional hazard regression evaluated associations between variables significant for EFS and OS. RESULTS On multivariate analysis, negative estrogen receptor (ER)status [hazard ratio (HR)=1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.11-3.18, p<0.06) and lack of postoperative radiation treatment (HR=2.07, 95% CI=1.03-4.15, p<0.04) were significant for poorer EFS. High Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) score (HR=2.24, 95% CI=0.79-6.36, p<0.13) and lack of postoperative radiation treatment to the breast (HR=4.39, 95% CI=0.39-49.55, p<0.23) were associated with lower rates of OS. CONCLUSION The diagnosis of IBC has a significantly worse prognosis. Receipt of post-mastectomy radiation therapy was a significant predictor of better EFS and OS.
The impact of sensory branding (five senses) on consumer: A case study on KFC (Kentucky fried chicken)

Sensory branding is based on the idea that consumers are most likely to form, retain and revisit memory when their all five senses are engaged during the process of buying products or services. By going beyond the traditional marketing media of only sight and sound, brands are now taking advantage of all other senses to establish a stronger and longer-lasting emotional connection with consumers. This marketing strategy appeals to multiple senses and the efforts are multiplied, creating powerful brands with lasting consumer connections. This study reveals the impact of sensory branding on consumers of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). This study analyses all five senses applied to KFC to identify the impact of each sense on consumer. The study was conducted using survey method and respondents were the people who have eaten KFC at least once in one of the thirteen outlets in the city of Hyderabad, India. A sample of 116 respondents was taken for analysis. The study concluded with the impact of sensory branding strategy by KFC and brings out the results, which can be adopted by marketers for the other products of same genre.
LSH mediates gene repression through macroH2A deposition

The human Immunodeficiency Centromeric Instability Facial Anomalies (ICF) 4 syndrome is a severe disease with increased mortality caused by mutation in the LSH gene. Although LSH belongs to a family of chromatin remodeling proteins, it remains unknown how LSH mediates its function on chromatin in vivo. Here, we use chemical-induced proximity to rapidly recruit LSH to an engineered locus and find that LSH specifically induces macroH2A1.2 and macroH2A2 deposition in an ATP-dependent manner. Tethering of LSH induces transcriptional repression and silencing is dependent on macroH2A deposition. Loss of LSH decreases macroH2A enrichment at repeat sequences and results in transcriptional reactivation. Likewise, reduction of macroH2A by siRNA interference mimicks transcriptional reactivation. ChIP-seq analysis confirmed that LSH is a major regulator of genome-wide macroH2A distribution. Tethering of ICF4 mutations fails to induce macroH2A deposition and ICF4 patient cells display reduced macroH2A deposition and transcriptional reactivation supporting a pathogenic role for altered marcoH2A deposition. We propose that LSH is a major chromatin modulator of the histone variant macroH2A and that its ability to insert marcoH2A into chromatin and transcriptionally silence is disturbed in the ICF4 syndrome.
Writing in Psychology

1. The Importance of Writing 2. Some General Advice About How to Write 3. Conducting a Literature Search 4. Sections of an Empirical Report: Title Page, Abstract, Introduction, and Method 5. Sections of an Empirical Report: Results and Discussion 6. Research Proposals 7. Literature Reviews 8. Rules of Writing: APA 9. Rules of Writing: General Appendix A. Table From Reporting Standards for Research in Psychology: Why Do We Need Them? What Might They Be? (APA Publications and Communications Board Working Group on Journal Article Reporting Standards, 2008) Appendix B. Example of Errors in APA Style
Initial Development of the Hybrid Aerial Underwater Robotic System (HAUCS): Internet of Things (IoT) for Aquaculture Farms

Aquaculture, especially fish farming, plays a vital role in ensuring food security in the United States and worldwide. However, for fish farming to be sustainable and economically viable, drastic improvements to the current labor-intensive and resource-inefficient operations are required. The hybrid aerial/underwater robotic system (HAUCS) aims to bring fundamental innovations to how pond-based farms operate. HAUCS is an end-to-end framework that consists of three principal subsystems: 1) a team of collaborative aero-amphibious robotic sensing platforms integrated with water quality sensors; 2) a land-based home station that can provide automated charging and sensor cleaning; and 3) a backend processing center that includes a machine-learning-based water quality prediction model and farm control center. HAUCS will be capable of collaborative monitoring and decision-making on farms of varying scales. The HAUCS platform, payload, and prediction model are discussed. The initial deployment of the HAUCS framework at a land-based aquaculture fish farm is presented.
Preparedness of senior centers for active shooter incidents.

Objective: The main objective was to evaluate the preparedness of senior centers (SCs) for active shooter (AS) events and test the hypothesis that most SCs were not organized to properly handle AS incidents. Design: A cross-sectional study based on questionnaire with quantitative measures. Setting: A questionnaire-based multistate survey of SC Directors (SCDs) of public and private SCs. Participants: SCs were included upon receipt of answers from SCDs to questionnaire-based survey, resulting in 139 SCs from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, Indiana, Illinois, New York, and West Virginia. Main outcome measure: SCs, SCDs, and SCs’ staff preparedness and vulnerability to an AS event. Results: Over half (56 percent) of SCDs replied that their center was not prepared for an AS event. A significant (p < 0.01) association was found between the SCD’s perception of being prepared and the availability of a formal AS preventive policy. The lack of panic buttons and surveillance cameras was significantly (p < 0.01) associated with the feeling of inability by SCDs to respond effectively to an AS event. Those SCDs who were confident about their AS preparedness felt significantly (p < 0.01) better prepared to respond to an AS incident. Personal interviews with content experts agreed that all SCDs should take steps to develop an official AS preparedness policy, but its implementation should be the direct responsibility of local policymakers and legislators. Conclusions: Most SDCs and SCs are unprepared for AS incidents. SCDs should review or develop specific recommendations and implement plans for a better preparedness of SCs and SCDs for AS events. Considering the inherent high vulnerability of older adults, there is an urgent need to have such AS policy in place.
Counter-storytelling, metaphors, and rhetorical questioning: discursive strategies of advocacy toward racial equity in school board meetings

Minoritized communities have long engaged in collective resistance against racism and other forms of injustice in schools. In this article, we highlight the discursive strategies of one such case o...
The effects of scopolamine on proactive interference and spatial delayed matching-to-sample performance in rats

Rats were trained in a three-alternative spatial delayed matching-to-sample task in which the samples were rewarded forced choices of one arm of a three-arm starburst maze and retention was indicated by returning to that arm following a delay or retention interval. If the rat made an error on its first free choice of a trial, the chosen arm was blocked off and the rat was allowed a second choice between the remaining two arms. In two experiments, we investigated rats’ performance following presession treatment with scopolamine hydrobromide or following one of several control treatments presented in a repeated-measures design. In the first experiment, rats were given 0.1-mg/kg scopolamine hydrobromide, 0.1-mg/kg scopolamine methylbromide, or an equal volume of saline vehicle. In the second experiment, we tested new groups of rats under the same drug conditions as in Experiment 1 and in an additional condition without drugs, but with a longer retention interval. Experimental sessions were separated from one another by at least 1 rest day and 1 drug-free short-delay reminder session. Choice accuracy was lower following injections of scopolamine hydrobromide relative to the other conditions. Proactive interference, in the form of intrusions by previous samples or intrusions of the previous choices, however, was unaffected by drug treatment. These results suggest that scopolamine interferes with choice accuracy by decreasing the retention or encoding of information about the location of the sample, rather than by decreasing the animal’s ability to differentiate the responses made on one trial from those made on the previous trial.
X-Ray Spectroscopic Studies of Microbial Transformations of Uranium

The presence of radionuclide and toxic metal contaminants at Department of Energy (DOE) sites is a major environmental concern. Uranium, in particular is of interest due to its presence in soils, sediments, and wastes resulting from nuclear weapons production. Characterization of uranium in these materials is necessary so that appropriate treatment strategies can be developed. Information on X-ray spectroscopic analysis of uranium has been limited to oxides1, intermetallic compounds2, and encapsulated forms3,4. In this study a systematic approach was undertaken to characterize various uranium compounds in order to elucidate the basic mechanisms involved in remediation of contaminated sites. We used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) to determine valence state, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) to determine compound structure
Comparison of machine learning techniques for the classification of echolocation clicks from three species of odontocetes

A species classifier is presented which decides whether or not short groups of clicks are produced by one or more individuals from the following species: Blainville's beaked whales, short-finned pilot whales, and Risso's dolphins. The system locates individual clicks using the Teager energy operator and then constructs feature vectors for these clicks using cepstral analysis. Two different types of detectors confirm or reject the presence of each species. Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are used to model time series independent characteristics of the species feature vector distributions. Support vector machines (SVMs) are used to model the boundaries between each species' feature distribution and that of other species. Detection error tradeoff curves for all three species are shown with the following equal error rates: Blainville's beaked whales (GMM 3.32%/SVM 5.54%), pilot whales (GMM 16.18%/SVM 15.00%), and Risso's dolphins (GMM 0.03%/SVM 0.70%).
An approximate representation of fiber-matrix debonding in nonperiodic metal matrix composites

Abstract This paper presents a fiber-matrix debonding model for metal matrix composites based on a modified Needleman (1987) type cohesive zone model. In this model the fiber-matrix interface is fully described by its strength and ductility under normal and shear loading. Debonding initiates when a quadratic interaction of the interfacial tractions attains a critical value (the interfacial strength). Complete interfacial separation occurs when the magnitude of the resultant interfacial displacement exceeds the ductility of the interface. The debonding model is implemented in the method of cells micromechanical model of Aboudi (1987) . The response of composites having nonperiodic microstructures is predicted by taking an alternate view of the representative volume element. That is, the interface must be representative of the conglomerate of interfaces throughout the composite. Nonperiodicity is described by a single parameter that accounts for the distribution of stress concentrations at various interfaces throughout the composite. The effects of nonperiodicity are illustrated and predictions presented for transverse tensile and axial shear loadings, then compared with experimental results. The model is observed to accurately predict the 3-stage deformation response typical of silicon carbide/titanium composites subjected to transverse tensile loading.
Transoral laser microsurgery for the unknown primary: role for lingual tonsillectomy.

Background We conducted a retrospective review of patients with unknown primary head and neck cancer who underwent a transoral laser microsurgery (TLM)-assisted search for an occult tumor. Methods Fifty-two patients at a single center with unknown primaries of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were treated with a surgical algorithm. Results The overall rate of primary tumor identification was 75% (39 of 52 patients). When selecting those cases in which a TLM algorithm with lingual tonsillectomy was utilized, the detection rate was 86% (31 of 36). Tumors were most commonly found in the lingual (65.0%) and palatine tonsils (27.5%). When directed biopsies did not locate a tumor, a higher yield was obtained with the addition of a lingual tonsillectomy in 8 patients. Conclusion A surgical algorithm for the unknown primary that includes TLM-assisted techniques, including a lingual tonsillectomy, offers the greatest likelihood of successfully detecting the location of occult primary tumors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 942–946, 2014
Cellular proliferation and prevalence of micrometastatic cells in the bone marrow of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

The presence of prostate cancer cells in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with clinically localized disease is associated with an increased chance of disease recurrence; however, not all patients develop recurrence. We therefore sought to determine the phenotype of individual micrometastatic cells as a potential method to better predict disease outcome. Immunostaining was performed on BM cells from 46 patients whose BM RNA fraction had been identified to contain prostate-specific antigen mRNA. The prevalence of micrometastatic cells among BM mononuclear cells was determined using an anticytokeratin antibody. Mib-1 antibody was used to determine the percentage of micrometastatic cells that were proliferating. Micrometastatic cells were found in 96% of patient samples, with a 30-fold variation in prevalence ranging from 0.1–3.26/10 5 BM cells. Prior androgen ablation was associated with a reduced prevalence of micrometastatic cells ( P = 0.010). In 68% of patients, some micrometastatic cells were judged to be proliferating at proportions ranging from 1 of 11 (9%) to 4 of 4 (100%). Higher Gleason score of the primary tumor was associated with a higher proliferative proportion of micrometastatic cells ( P = 0.038). We conclude that, in patients with clinically localized disease, there is wide variability in the prevalence of micrometastatic cells and the proportion which are proliferating. Long-term follow-up will determine whether the development of clinically obvious metastatic disease is related to higher prevalence of micrometastatic cells in the marrow or the proportion that are proliferating.
Female genital tract secretions inhibit herpes simplex virus infection: correlation with soluble mucosal immune mediators and impact of hormonal contraception.

Citation Shust GF Cho S Kim M Madan RP Guzman EM Pollack M Epstein J Cohen HW Keller MJ Herold BC. Female genital tract secretions inhibit herpes simplex virus infection: correlation with soluble mucosal immune mediators and impact of hormonal contraception. Am J Reprod Immunol 2009 Problem Female genital tract secretions inhibit herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection however the intra- and inter-subject variability contribution of specific mediators and impact of reproductive hormones have not been defined. Method of study Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) (n = 89) obtained from nine cyclers and seven women on hormonal contraception (HC) who completed between three and eight weekly visits were examined for anti-herpes simplex virus activity and concentrations of mediators. Results The CVL inhibited HSV infection by a mean value of approximately 57% during the follicular or luteal phase but only by 36% in hormonal contraceptive users. Human neutrophil peptides 1-3 (HNP1-3) (P = 0.03) IL-8(P = 0.003) lactoferrin (P = 0.005) lysozyme (P = 0.003) IgA (P = 0.002) and IgG (P = 0.02) correlated with antiviral activity. Intra-subject and inter-subject variability was observed suggesting that factors other than hormones contribute to innate defense. Conclusion Endogenous antimicrobial activity may provide a biomarker of healthy mucosal immunity and may be reduced in the setting of HC. However larger prospective studies are needed.
Erythropoietins: A common mechanism of action

Clinical development of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) revolutionized the management of anemia. The major clinical benefits of ESAs are effective treatment of anemia and avoidance of blood transfusion risks. Erythropoietin (EPO) interacts directly with the EPO receptor on the red blood cell (RBC) surface, triggering activation of several signal transduction pathways, resulting in the proliferation and terminal differentiation of erythroid precursor cells and providing protection from RBC precursor apoptosis. The magnitude of increase in RBC concentration in response to administration of recombinant human EPO products (rhEPO) is primarily controlled by the length of time EPO concentrations are maintained, not by the EPO concentration level. Subcutaneous (SC) EPO administration results in slower absorption than intravenous (IV) administration, leading to lower peak plasma levels and an apparent extended terminal half-life. However, SC administration requires additional needle-sticks and is associated with an increased risk of immunogenicity compared with IV administration. Multiple pathways may play a role in EPO clearance from the body. Epoetin alfa was the first rhEPO produced and approved for pharmaceutical use, followed by several related products and by newer ESAs with the same mechanism but more prolonged action. Darbepoetin alfa is a hyperglycosylated EPO analog with an extended terminal half-life and a greater relative potency compared with rhEPO at extended dosing intervals. PEGylation of EPO (addition of polyethylene glycol) has been used to further extend the terminal half-life. Also, new strategies are under investigation for stimulating erythropoiesis through activation of the EPO receptor.
Carbon footprint analysis of dairy feed from a mill in Michigan, USA

Abstract A carbon footprint analysis was conducted for a single dairy feed mill located in Michigan, USA with the aim of developing a preliminary assessment of dairy feed mill operations. The goal was to determine the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 1 kg of milled dairy feed. Inputs and activities identified in this analysis included production of feed ingredients, onsite energy, and transportation of feed inputs to the milling site and mill output to dairy farms. Feed mill GHG emissions were calculated to be 0.62 and 0.93 kg CO 2 -eq (equivalent) kg −1 of milled dairy feed for economic and mass allocation, respectively. The highest emissions were due to the feed ingredient inputs that contributed 73–82% toward the carbon footprint, depending on the allocation method. Energy and transportation impacts together contributed between 8 and 12%. Scenarios investigated feed ingredient inputs likely to represent different USA mill locations.
Crystal and molecular structure of L-cis-3,6-dimethyl-2,5-piperazinedione (L-alanyl-L-alanyl-2,5-diketopiperazine)

The crystal structure of L-cis-3, 6-dimethyl-2,5-piperazinedione (L-alanyl-L-alanyl-2,5-diketopinerazine) has been determined. The unit cell is triclinic with a = 8.05, b = 6.08, c = 5.15 A, α = 131.7°, β = 82.4°, γ = 106.6°. The space group is P1 with one molecule per unit cell. The six-membered ring is found to be nonplanar with an angle between the two amide group planes of 26°. One amide group deviates slightly from planarity. The experimental molecular model is discussed in terms of its flexibility.
An unusual case of ovarian resistance syndrome.

Abstract Background Women who present with elevated gonadotropins, primary amenorrhea, and sexual infantilism usually have an abnormal karyotype or premature ovarian failure. We describe a rare case of ovarian resistance secondary to a gonadotropin post-receptor defect. Case An 18-year-old presented with amenorrhea and sexual infantilism. Original workup led physicians to believe the patient had uterine agenesis with premature ovarian failure. Ovarian biopsy proved the presence of follicles. After 48 months on hormone replacement, the patient went through the stages of puberty, including menarche. Re-evaluation proved the presence of a uterus. Conclusion Ovarian resistance is a rare cause of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. With this type of ovarian dysfunction, women present early in life with amenorrhea, elevated gonadotropins, and normal karyotypes.
Modest benefit of total parenteral nutrition and chemotherapy after venting gastrostomy tube placement

Objective The aim of the study is to review a single institution's experience with gastrostomy tubes (GTs) performed for malignant bowel obstruction from gynecologic cancers. Methods Women with gynecologic cancers who underwent venting GT placement from 2000 to 2008 were identified and clinical data were extracted. Logistic regression and spearman correlational coefficients were used to determine relationships between variables. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox proportional hazard model. Results We identified 115 women who underwent GT placement, the majority of whom were diagnosed with ovarian cancer (84%). Median time from cancer diagnosis to GT placement was 2.2 years. Median survival following GT placement was 5.6 weeks. A majority (56%) developed GT complications requiring GT revision. While burden of disease as assessed on CT scan by the validated peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was not associated with survival, low CA-125 within one week of GT placement was associated with improved survival (p Conclusions Women with malignant bowel obstructions from gynecologic cancers requiring palliative GT placement had a guarded prognosis measured in weeks. Gastrostomy tubes near the end of life had a high rate of complications requiring medical intervention. Chemotherapy after GT was associated with TPN administration, and both were associated with a modest extension in survival.
Beitrag zur Untersuchung der thermischen Zersetzung von Kobalt-carbonylwasserstoff

Es wurde die thermische Zersetzung von gasformigen Kobalt-carbonylwasserstoff bei einer Temperatur von 0°C untersucht. Die Untersuchungen ergaben, das die Wasserstoffabspaltung von Kobalt-carbonylwasserstoff im Gaszustand eine Reaktion zweiter Ordnung ist. Es wurde eine mittlere Geschwindigkeitskonstante von 0,75 · 10−1 (Mol/l)−1 · sec−1 gefunden. Hohere Werte, die Versuche mit relativ kurzer Reaktionszeiten ergaben, konnten auf eine zusatzliche katalytische Oberflachenreaktion zuruckgefuhrt werden. Weiterhin wurde festgestellt, das sich bei einer Temperatur von 0°C kein Gleichgewicht einstellt. The thermal decomposition of cobalt hydrogen carbonyl at 0°C has been investigated indicating a second order reaction with a mean rate constant of 0.75 · 10−1 (mol/l)−1 · sec−1. The initial rate of decomposition has a larger rate constant which is due to a surface reaction. The results also indicate that at 0°C this decomposition goes to completion.
LF antenna optimization over high impedance ground plane

This paper discusses the approach to make use of the four towers in the existing Sectionalized Loran Transmitting (SLT) antennas. Various configurations have been investigated to operate at lower frequency with reasonable behavior. Upward radiation is desired so horizontal polarization is used. A High Impedance Surface (HIS) is introduced between the antenna and the ground plane to improve performance at low frequency. The HIS is studied for several different antenna types (smaller than SLT) operated at 100 KHz, Several kinds of modification are made to the HIS to optimize performance. Combined with Electrical Small Antenna (ESA) the HIS with capacitive loading turns out to improve performance, giving wider bandwidth and efficiency enhancement.
DoD microcircuit qualification innovation–QML

The U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) has undertaken the task of modernizing the procedure for qualification of military high-quality/high-reliability microcircuits. This new approach, known as generic qualification, will develop a qualified manufacturers list (QML) which will permit certification of design, fabrication, assembly and packaging using an innovative approach. The objective is to have a single process flow on which both commercial and military product will be indistinguishable and only at qualification testing (which is revolutionary) will the differences be evident. The realization of this change is implementation of statistical process control (SPC) methodologies and total quality management (TQM).
Neutropenia Associated with Vincristine and L‐Asparaginase Induction Chemotherapy for Canine Lymphoma

Vincristine (VCR) and L-asparaginase (L-ASP) are commonly used to treat canine lymphoma. As single agents, these drugs are not myelosuppressive. However, in combination, VCR and L-ASP cause severe neutropenia in some dogs. It has been recommended that L-ASP be administered 12-24 hours after VCR to minimize toxicity. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of neutropenia after VCR/L-ASP induction therapy for canine lymphoma and to evaluate risk factors for myelosuppression, especially the interval between VCR and L-ASP administration. Medical records of 147 dogs were reviewed. L-ASP was given 0 (n = 50), 6 (n = 23), 18 (n = 20), or 24 (n = 54) hours after VCR. Forty percent of the dogs were neutropenic 7 days after VCR/L-ASP, and 18% had neutrophil counts of <1,000 cells/microL. The median neutrophil count was 3,712 cells/microL (range 0-30,968 cells/microL). No correlation was found between administration interval and day 7 neutrophil count (P = .84) or development of gastrointestinal signs, including vomiting (P = .80), diarrhea (P = .52), and decreased appetite (P = .30). No significant predictors of neutropenia were identified. Higher clinical stage and substage b were associated with decreased appetite after treatment (P = .04 and .01, respectively). Sixteen percent of the dogs were hospitalized. This study demonstrates that VCR/L-ASP induction for canine lymphoma may result in neutropenia but that separation of VCR and L-ASP administration may not be necessary to avoid toxicity.
Strategic Thinking and Risk Attitudes in Route Choice: Stated Preference Approach

This research investigates route choice behavior in networks with risky travel times and real-time information. A stated preference survey is conducted. In it subjects use a PC-based interactive map to choose routes link by link in various scenarios. The scenarios include two types of maps: the first map presents a choice between one stochastic route and one deterministic route, and the second contains real-time information and an available detour. The first type of map measures the basic risk attitude of the subject. The second type allows for strategic planning and measures the effect of this opportunity on subjects' choice behavior. Results from each subject are analyzed to determine whether the subject planned strategically for the en route information or simply selected fixed paths from origin to destination. The full data set is used to estimate several choice models with expected travel times and standard deviations as explanatory variables. Estimation results are used to assess whether models that...