cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic retrofit of a high-rise steel moment-resisting frame using fluid viscous dampers

Summary The Tall Building Initiative project of Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center has been expanded to investigate the seismic performance and possible retrofit of existing tall buildings. A candidate 35-story steel building with representative details from the early 1970s was analyzed following several guidelines, which revealed a wide range of potential inadequacies. Thus, a two-level retrofit approach was examined that focused on achieving the collapse prevention limit state under the major basic safety earthquake (BSE-2E) hazard level prescribed by ASCE 41. This paper focused on a Level-2 retrofit that used fluid viscous dampers to augment Level-1 retrofits. For this approach, feasible damper locations and overall effective damping ratios were first evaluated through a series of preliminary studies, and then a two-phase design method was used to refine the distribution and mechanical properties of the dampers. Thorough assessments of the refined design were carried out following several design guidelines, including ASCE 41, FEMA 351, and FEMA P-58. The results indicated that the proposed retrofit method of using fluid viscous dampers could achieve the retrofit goal and provide a cost-effective means of improving the structural behavior and reducing economic losses in a major seismic event.
Implementation of a Novel Medical School Multidisciplinary and Interprofessional Oncology Curriculum: a Mixed Method Study.

As the population of patients with cancer and survivors grows, physician knowledge of oncology clinical care and research is increasingly important. Despite this patient population growth, medical students and non-oncology physicians report insufficient oncologic and survivorship care training. First-year students at a single US medical school completing a summer research experience were invited to participate in integrated Scholars in Oncology-Associated Research (SOAR) program. SOAR seeks to broaden students’ understanding of multidisciplinary and interprofessional oncology clinical care and research. SOAR consists of three components: structured didactics, multidisciplinary tumor board attendance, and interprofessional shadowing. A mixed-methods approach investigated whether student knowledge improved after SOAR. Thirty-three students enrolled in SOAR (20 in 2015, 13 in 2016) and completed pre-assessments. Twenty-five (75.8%) students completed SOAR and post-assessments. Self-reported understanding of clinical (2[2, 3] vs. 4[4], p < 0.01) and research oncology (2[2, 3] vs. 4[4], p < 0.01) improved after SOAR. Understanding of individual disciplines also significantly improved. When describing clinical oncology, responses written post-SOAR were more comprehensive, averaging 3.7 themes per response vs. 2.8 on pre-assessments (p = 0.03). There were more references to “survivorship” as a component of oncology on post-assessments (0[0.0%] vs. 7[28.0%], p < 0.01) and “screening/prevention” (2[6.1%] vs. 7[28.0%], p = 0.03). Additionally, students more often described cancer care as a continuum on post-assessments (4[12.1%] vs. 11[44.0%], p = 0.01). A structured didactic and experiential introduction to oncology, SOAR, was successfully piloted. SOAR improved participant understanding of oncology and its distinct clinical and research disciplines. Future work will focus on expanding SOAR into a longitudinal oncology curriculum.
A new data analysis approach for measuring longitudinal changes of metabolism in cognitively normal elderly adults

Introduction Previously, we discussed several critical barriers in including [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) imaging of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects. These factors included the reference region selection and intensity normalization of PET images and the within- and across-subject variability of affected brain regions. In this study, we utilized a novel FDG-PET analysis, the regional FDG time correlation coefficient, rFTC, that can address and resolve these barriers and provide a more sensitive way of monitoring longitudinal changes in metabolism of cognitively normal elderly adults. The rFTC analysis captures the within-subject similarities between baseline and follow-up regional radiotracer distributions. Methods The rFTC trajectories of 27 cognitively normal subjects were calculated to identify 1) trajectories of rFTC decline in individual cognitively normal subjects; 2) how these trajectories correlate with the subjects' cognitive test scores, baseline cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid beta (Aβ), and apolipoprotein E4 (APOE-E4) status; and 3) whether similar trajectories are observed in regional/composite standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) values. Results While some of the subjects maintained a stable rFTC trajectory, other subjects had declining and fluctuating rFTC values. We found that the rFTC decline was significantly higher in APOE-E4 carriers compared to noncarriers (p=0.04). We also found a marginally significant association between rFTC decline and cognitive decline measured by Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - cognitive subscale (ADAS_cog) decline (0.05). In comparison to the rFTC trajectories, the composite region of interest (ROI) SUVR trajectories did not change in any of the subjects. No individual/composite ROI SUVR changes contributed significantly to explaining changes in ADAS_cog, conversion to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or any general changes in clinical symptoms. Conclusion The rFTC decline may serve as a new biomarker of early metabolic changes before the MCI stage.
Event Structure Metaphors through the Body: Translation from English to American Sign Language

How do the experiences of people who have different bodies (deaf versus hearing) shape their thoughts and metaphors? Do different linguistic modes of expression (signed versus spoken) have a shaping force as well? This book investigates the metaphorical production of culturally-Deaf translators who work from English to American Sign Language (ASL). It describes how Event Structure Metaphors are handled across languages of two different modalities. Through the use of corpus-based evidence, several specific questions are addressed: are the main branches of Event Structure Metaphors – the Location and Object branches – exhibited in ASL? Are these two branches adequate to explain the event-related linguistic metaphors identified in the translation corpus? To what extent do translators maintain, shift, add, and omit expressions of these metaphors? While answering these specific questions, this book makes a significant elaboration to the two-branch theory of Event Structure Metaphors. It raises larger questions of how bilinguals handle competing conceptualizations of events and contributes to emerging interest in how body specificity, linguistic modes, and cultural context affect metaphoric variability.
A Pilot Radio Telemetry Field Study of Triatomine Vectors (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) of the Chagas Disease Parasite.

We conducted the first pilot radio telemetry study of hematophagous arthropods by placing transmitters on wild-caught triatomine insects ('kissing bugs'), vectors of the Chagas disease parasite. In Texas-a recognized hotspot for triatomine diversity and locally-acquired human and animal Chagas disease-we tagged five female and four male Triatoma gerstaeckeri (Stal) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), as well as one female and one male Triatoma sanguisuga (Leconte) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in three counties from 2015 to 2017. In comparative trials, placement of the transmitter on the dorsal side of the abdomen underneath the hemelytra wings, with the transmitter antenna shortened to 3 cm, yielded the best results. We tracked the movements of the 11 tagged bugs over an average of 4.8 d (range of 1 to 12 d) and detected 18 movement events with an average distance of 3.8 m (range of 1 to 20 m). This pilot study demonstrates the potential utility for using telemetry as a tool for studying fine-scale non-flight movement of triatomines and the discovery of cryptic resting habitats. Future studies using this or similar technologies to study movement and behavior of triatomines could test for site-fidelity of resting habitats and provide novel insight into aspects of vector biology that could be targeted in disease risk reduction efforts.
Electron Impact Excitation of Astrophysically Important Neutral Atoms

The cosmically abundant carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur elements have their resonance transitions in the ultraviolet (UV) and far ultraviolet (FUV) wavelength domains of the spectrum. These atomic species are detected in a variety of astrophysical objects through emission lines. For example, several strong emission features of atomic oxygen and sulfur have been identified in spectra from Jupiter’s satellite Io and the Io torus and in stellar atmospheres in both ground and space based observations. The plasma diagnostic techniques based on spectroscopic line intensities, profiles and wavelengths are employed to understand and predict physical processes and conditions such as pressure, density, and chemical composition of the emitting plasma. The accuracy and completeness of data for a variety of atomic and molecular processes play a crucial role in these determinations. The non-Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium (NLTE) model calculations require not only complete data for radiative processes such as oscillator strengths and photoionization cross sections and rates, but also for collisional rates between the atomic species and electrons.
Phenotypic Effect of Heterozygous α and β°-Thalassemia Interaction

In this study, we carried out restriction endonuclease mapping in order to characterize the α-globin genotype of 10 Sardinian β°-thalassemia heterozygotes, all of whom presented with normal red blood cell indices and increased HbA2 levels. In 8 of these subjects, we found the deletion of two α-globin genes (-α/-α), and in the remaining two the deletion of a single α-globin gene (-α/αα). In three of these carriers with the (-α/-α) α-globin genotype and in one with the (-α/αα) genotype, we also found the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) defect of the Mediterranean type. On the basis of these findings, we may conclude that the interaction of heterozygous β-thalassemia with α-thalassemia, due to the deletion of either one or two α-globin genes, may lead to the production of red blood cells with normal indices. The association of the G6PD defect with this thalassemia gene complex may eventually contribute to this effect. We suggest, therefore, that screening programs for heterozygous β-thalassemia in populations where α-thalassemia is also prevalent, should incorporate the determination of HbA2 in the first set of tests.
Calibration of a CFD discharge process model of an off-road self-loading concrete mixer

The aim of this paper is to calibrate a Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase CFD model for the discharge process of an off-road self-loading concrete mixer drum, by using the viscosity model applied to fresh concrete. Two different viscosity models for the simulated concrete were studied: the Newtonian fluid model and the Bingham fluid model. The final parameters applied for calibration were defined by means of comparisons between numerical simulations, literature search on concrete rheology, experimental tests of drum discharge process and experimental Abrams’ cone tests applied to concrete. The results show that concrete, simulated as a Bingham fluid, matches with the experimental results for the discharge process. On the other hand, a good fit between numerical and experimental results is not reached with concrete simulated as a Newtonian fluid. The calibration of the material model is essential in further numerical analyses for new mixer drums and concrete machinery production design.
Autonomous Distributed Electronic Warfare System of Systems

There is significant interest in and ongoing development activities related to artificial intelligence. Software systems are now routinely developed and deployed to perform - and make decisions about performing - complicated tasks. Artificial intelligence is being used in systems ranging from search engines to video games to weapon controllers. Cyber and electronic warfare is also in a growth phase and the demand for cyber security professionals is skyrocketing. Even without staffing limitations, humans can't fight a logic war at computers' speed. This paper describes a framework for a system of system for cyber and electronic warfare. This system automatically scans networks, searches for vulnerabilities, exploits these vulnerabilities and utilizes these new hosts as resources for expansion. This system can serve as a countermeasure or deterrent. Alternately, an adversary could develop such a system for offensive purposes. The automated intelligent system described herein is designed to be used to quickly gain control of adversarial infrastructure, which can then be leveraged as necessary.
Outcomes After Arthroscopic Hip Labral Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:The acetabular labrum is critical to maintenance of hip stability and has been found to play a key role in preservation of the hip fluid seal. For irreparable labral damage, arthroscopic...
Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Increased Risk of Immediate Progressive Disease following Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and elevated baseline neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have a significantly greater risk of progressive disease following initial transarterial chemoembolization. Materials and Methods A total of 190 HCC patients (149 male/41 female) treated with transarterial chemoembolization between July 2013 and July 2017 were reviewed. Mean patient age was 62. Child-Pugh grades were 132 A, 61 B, and 4 C. Tracked criteria included etiology of cirrhosis, tumor number, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer score, diameter of the largest 2 tumors, and presence of portal vein thrombosis. Complete blood count with differential before the procedure was used for NLR calculation. Follow-up imaging was performed 2 months after treatment. The modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors were used to assess response. The association between baseline NLR and tumor response (ordinal modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors categories) on 2-month follow-up imaging was evaluated using the proportional odds logistic regression model. Results A total of 194 patients (76.6%) patients had a preprocedural NLR Conclusions Elevated baseline NLR is associated with higher rates of HCC tumor progression at 2-month follow-up imaging after transarterial chemoembolization.
Breast Cancer With Brain Metastases: Perspective From a Long-Term Survivor:

The purpose of this essay is to inform others that it is possible to survive breast cancer with brain metastases. The second author is the subject patient and a long-term survivor of systemic metas...
Preparing African American Males for College: A Group Counseling Approach

In this article, the authors discuss how to prepare African American males for college through group counseling. The authors created, Achieving Excellence: A College Readiness Curriculum for Africa...
Effect of an External Abdominal Compression Device on Polyp Detection during Colonoscopy

Aim: ColoWrap is an external abdominal compression device applied during colonoscopy to reduce looping and procedure time. It is unclear if a shorter procedure duration or increased abdominal pressure impacts polyp detection. We determined if use of ColoWrap affected adenoma detection rate (ADR) or detection of sessile serrated polyps (SSP) compared to sham. Materials and Methods: At a single center, participants aged 40-80 were randomized to have ColoWrap or a sham device applied to the lower abdomen. Baseline characteristics, procedural factors, location of polyps, ADR and SSP detection rate (SSPDR) were compared between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess whether ColoWrap was associated with detection of adenomas and SSP. Results: Of 350 participants, 175 were assigned to each arm. Overall, there were no significant differences in ADR (43% vs. 40%, p=0.52) or SSPDR (8% vs. 6%, p=0.53) between ColoWrap and sham. In sub-group analysis, there were increased odds of adenoma detection with ColoWrap in women (OR: 2.32, 95%CI: 1.21, 4.46), participants >60 years (OR: 2.95, 95%CI: 1.43, 6.07) and those with a BMI 30-40 (OR: 3.50, 95%CI: 1.00, 12.23). Use of ColoWrap also increased ADR in the left colon (splenic flexure to rectum) (29% vs. 22%; p=0.03) and increased SSPDR in the cecum/ascending colon (6% vs. 2%; p=0.02) compared to sham. Conclusion: Use of ColoWrap during colonoscopy did not negatively impact ADR or SSPDR, and while there was possible improvement in ADR in certain sub-groups, the results are inconclusive due to the small sample size.
Perceptions of disaster management knowledge and skills among advanced practice registered nurses.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Disaster management experts around the world agree that nurses play a vital role in disaster preparation, response, and recovery. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health care Organizations requires biannual disaster drills for accredited facilities, and there are numerous training resources and educational materials on disaster management topics. Multiple federal and state laws govern health care provider activities during a disaster. However, there is a lack of guidance and evidence surrounding the specific roles and responsibilities of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in a disaster setting. This project assesses APRNs knowledge of disaster management roles and responsibilities and the training for these roles. METHODS Using a cross-sectional survey research design, a 68-item survey was distributed via e-mail and social media to members of Texas APRN professional organizations. A convenience sample of those responding and meeting inclusion criteria (Texas-licensed APRN) was analyzed using SPSS to perform descriptive and nonparametric statistics. RESULTS Thirty-one percent of responding APRNs considered themselves prepared for the management of disasters. A majority of statements (29/47, 61.7%) evaluating APRN knowledge and skills were significantly different (p < .05) across three training and experience categories: post-APRN program education, workplace/community drills or exercises, and planning or disaster response. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE More clearly defined roles and readily available training and resources will improve APRNs preparation for disaster situations. Recurrent training and professional experience increase knowledge and confidence related to advanced practice disaster management competencies.
High-power pulsed operation of the NH 3 laser on transitions between 100 and 300μm

An NH 3 laser pumped by a single mode, etalontuned TEA CO 2 laser was optimized for operation on the 257 and 281μm transitions at power levels of 430 and 160 kW in 0.8μs pulses, respectively. Also, we report the first observation of 140 GHz laser action in NH 3 at power levels up to 8 kW.
Political Difference in Marriage: Wife’s Gender Linked Fate and Relational Conflict

Increasing political polarization and growing animus toward political outgroup members may strain marriages in which spouses express political differences. For heterosexual married couples, interre...
Building Brand Authenticity on Social Media: The Impact of Instagram Ad Model Genuineness and Trustworthiness on Perceived Brand Authenticity and Consumer Responses

This study builds on the growing literature of social media and brand authenticity literature through an exploration of the impact of Instagram images’ expressive facial and visual aesthetics on co...
Systemic inflammation mediates the negative relationship between visceral adiposity and cognitive control

Abstract Elevated visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been associated with cardiometabolic risk factors including chronic systemic low-grade inflammation. Whereas the cognitive implications of inflammation have been extensively studied in preclinical models, the influence of inflammatory cytokines on cognitive function in humans is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relations among VAT, inflammatory cytokines, and cognitive control. We hypothesized that inflammatory markers would mediate the negative influence of VAT on selective attention. Participants between 25 and 46 years (N = 115, 43 females) underwent a DXA scan to estimate VAT. A modified Eriksen Flanker task was used to assess attentional inhibitory control while event-related potentials were recorded. ELISA was used to quantify plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations. Mediation modeling while controlling for diet quality and education level revealed that CRP concentrations significantly mediated the relationship between VAT and incongruent trial accuracy (indirect effect 95% CI {−0.24, −0.01}). Further, IL-6 concentrations had a significant mediation effect on the relationship between VAT and incongruent P3 peak latency (indirect effect 95% CI {0.05, 1.39}). These results suggest that mechanisms by which visceral adiposity exerts a negative influence on cognitive function includes systemic inflammation.
Helping Students FIG-ure It Out: A Large-Scale Study of Freshmen Interest Groups and Student Success:

Freshman seminars are a ubiquitous offering in higher education, but they have not been evaluated using matched comparisons with data at scale. In this work, we use transcript data on over 76,000 s...
Virtual Augmentation Supported Contrastive Learning of Sentence Representations.

Despite profound successes, contrastive representation learning relies on carefully designed data augmentations using domain specific knowledge. This challenge is magnified in natural language processing where no general rules exist for data augmentation due to the discrete nature of natural language. We tackle this challenge by presenting a Virtual augmentation Supported Contrastive Learning of sentence representations (VaSCL). Originating from the interpretation that data augmentation essentially constructs the neighborhoods of each training instance, we in turn utilize the neighborhood to generate effective data augmentations. Leveraging the large training batch size of contrastive learning, we approximate the neighborhood of an instance via its K-nearest in-batch neighbors in the representation space. We then define an instance discrimination task within this neighborhood, and generate the virtual augmentation in an adversarial training manner. We access the performance of VaSCL on a wide range of downstream tasks, and set a new state-of-the-art for unsupervised sentence representation learning.
Consumer Behavior and Addiction

The present paper argues that, although most people spend only a small portion of their time actively involved in the formal consumption process, in non-trivial ways we literally are consumers at all times throughout our lives. Because humans are consumers, it is suggested that it is quite logical and potentially fruitful for marketers to view human behavior, in general, from a consumption point of view. Insights concerning numerous aspects of consumer behavior are revealed by analogy by making liberal translations from the main constructs of the realm of drug addiction. After defining criteria which determine the addictive potential of drug behaviors it is shown that a large number of our everyday consumer behaviors, especially routine convenience behaviors, are highly addictive and worthy of attention. Insights concerning numerous unconscious consumer addictions are discussed.
Reply to 'LMP2 expression and proteasome activity in NOD mice'

In our paper, we described developmentally expressed defects in splenocytes and macrophages in NF-B activation and LMP2 expression in the NOD mouse4. These defects parallel disease expression, which occurs in 30% of males and 70% of females by 30 weeks of age13, and we emphasized that such abnormalities are never seen early in life. In contrast, we and others have reported normal or augmented proteasome and NF-B activity in target tissue in autoimmune mice4, 14. Thus, phenotypic derangements in proteasome and NF-B depend on gender, age, tissue and disease course in individual NOD mice.
Geodesics on an ellipsoid of revolution

Algorithms for the computation of the forward and inverse geodesic problems for an ellipsoid of revolution are derived. These are accurate to better than 15 nm when applied to the terrestrial ellipsoids. The solutions of other problems involving geodesics (triangulation, projections, maritime boundaries, and polygonal areas) are investigated.
Non-Gaussian source localization via exploitation of higher-order cyclostationarity

Novel direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms which exploits the non-Gaussian and cyclostationary nature of communication signals are explored. The proposed methods employ cyclic higher-order statistics (CHOS) of the array output and suppress additive Gaussian noise of unknown spectral content even when the noise shares common cycle frequencies with the nonGaussian signals of interest. CHOS are tolerant to non-Gaussian interferences with cycle frequencies other than those of the desired signals, and allow one to estimate consistently the DOAs of more sources (per cycle) with fewer sensors. >
Tomographic diagnosis of pituitary microadenomas in Forbes-Albright syndrome (amenorrhea-galactorrhea)

Abstract The present study documents a characteristic tomographic sellar abnormality in five patients with Forbes-Albright syndrome (ammenorrhea-galactorrhea) and surgically proved pituitary microadenomas. This abnormality, noted in patients with normal-sized sellae, consists of asymmetric erosion of the anterior inferior wall of the sella turcica. Utilizing the twin criteria of an elevated serum prolactin and characteristic sella abnormality, herein described, previously unrecognized patients with pituitary microadenomas can be diagnosed and treated effectively.
Review of online educational resources for medical physicists

Medical physicists are often involved in the didactic training of graduate students, residents (both physics and physicians), and technologists. As part of continuing medical education, we are also involved in maintenance of certification projects to assist in the education of our peers. As such, it is imperative that we remain current concerning available educational resources. Medical physics journals offer book reviews, allowing us an opportunity to learn about newly published books in the field. A similar means of communication is not currently available for online educational resources. This information is conveyed through informal means. This review presents a summary of online resources available to the medical physics community that may be useful for educational purposes.
Integrating R&D with company efforts to improve quality

In many American companies, RD and by working with other functions to improve quality in the company. There are also many other things that R&D managers can do together with the managers of other functions to improve quality. R&D and engineering managers should work on exploiting the potential of CAD/CAM more effectively.
Recombination model and multimeson production

The recombination model with Kuti-Weisskopf multiquark structure functions leads to a new power-counting rule for multimeson inclusive spectra in the small-${p}_{T}$ domain. The parameter-free predictions for the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ inclusive spectra are in good agreement with the UCLA-Saclay data.
Dueling Post-Translational Modifications Trigger Folding and Unfolding of a β-Hairpin Peptide

Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) are used in nature as a means of turning on or off a myriad of biological events. Methylation of lysine and phosphorylation of serine are important PTMs in the histone code found to modulate chromatin packing, which in turn affects gene expression. The design of peptides that fold into secondary structures can help to further our understanding of complex protein interactions. Here we report the design of the Trpswitch peptide sequence that folds into a moderately stable β-hairpin structure in aqueous solution and show that the stability of the structure can be tuned by incorporation of dimethyllysine or phosphoserine. Dimethylated Trpswitch results in an increase in β-hairpin stability, while phosphorylated Trpswitch is unstructured at neutral pH. When both modifications are incorporated into Trpswitch, a less stable β-hairpin structure is observed. This system provides a model to demonstrate how multiple PTMs may work in concert or against each other to inf...
250-kW, 33.2-GHz gyroklystron amplifier design

A high performance, three-cavity gyroklystron has been designed for 33.2 GHz and is currently being constructed. It is an extension of Varian Associates' pioneering 28 GHz gyroklystron. Modifications include an additional buncher cavity, lower beam (alpha) , an improved lossy drift tube, and a slight increase in frequency. For an axial velocity spread of 7% and (alpha) equals 1.5, a self-consistent simulation code predicts an output power of 250 kW with an efficiency of 39% and saturated gain of 52 dB. Mistuning of the penultimate cavity was investigated. For the above velocity spread, mistuning did not improve the efficiency and significantly reduced the gain.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Compressive creep of mixed-oxide fuel pellets

Abstract The steady-state compressive creep rates of mechanically mixed UO2-25 wt % PuO2 fuel pellets have been measured between 1300 and 1700 °C, at stresses of 6.9–110 MN/m2 (1–16 ksi) and at oxygen-to-metal ratios of 1.90–2.00. The dependence of the creep rate (e) on stress (σ), temperature (T) and grain size (d) for an O M ratio of 1.97 may be accurately described by the linear superposition of a viscous flow and a power-law creep relation e = ( A d 2 )σ exp ( − Q 1 RT ) + Bσ 4.4 exp ( − Q 2 RT) . The apparent activation energy for creep in the viscous region is a sensitive function of the oxygen-to-metal ratio, with a maximum at ≈ 1.985. This behavior may be explained on the basis of the diffusion of cation vacancies that control the creep deformation in mixed oxides with an oxygen-to-metal ratio > 1.985. However, at low oxygen-to-metal ratios, the creep deformation may be controlled by the diffusion of the cation interstitials.
Concordance of Measures of Left-Ventricular Hypertrophy in Pediatric Hypertension

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that any child diagnosed with hypertension have an echocardiogram to evaluate for the presence of left-ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) and advocates that LVH is an indication to initiate or intensify antihypertensive therapy. However, there is no consensus on the ideal method of defining LVH in the pediatric population. Many pediatric cardiologists rely on wall-thickness z-score of the LV posterior wall and/or interventricular septum to determine LVH. Yet, the AAP advocates using LV mass indexed to 2.7 (LVMI(2.7)) ≥ 51 g/m(2.7) to diagnose LVH. Recently, age-specific reference values for LVMI ≥ 95% were developed. The objective of the study was to determine the concordance between diagnosis of LVH by wall-thickness z-score and diagnosis by LVMI(2.7) criteria. A retrospective chart review was performed for subjects diagnosed with hypertension at a single tertiary care center (2009-2012). Echocardiogram reports were reviewed, and assessment of LVH was recorded. Diagnosis of LVH was assigned to each report reviewed according to three criteria: (1) LV wall-thickness z-score > 2.00; (2) age-specific reference values for LVMI(2.7) > 95th percentile; and (3) LVMI(2.7) > 51 g/m(2.7). Cohen's kappa statistic was used as a measurement of agreement between diagnosis by wall-thickness z-score and diagnosis using LVMI(2.7). A total of 159 echocardiograms in 109 subjects were reviewed. Subjects included 31 females and 77 males, age 13.2 ± 4.4 years, and 39 (42%) with a diagnosis of secondary hypertension. LVH was diagnosed in 31 cases (20%) based on increased wall-thickness z-score. Using LVMI(2.7) > 95%, LVH was found in 75 (47%) cases (mean LVMI(2.7)42.3 ± 17.2 g/m(2.7) [range 11.0-111 g/m(2.7)]). The wall-thickness z-score method agreed with LVMI(2.7) > 95% diagnosis 71% of the time (kappa 0.4). Using LVH criteria of LVMI(2.7) ≥ 51 g/m(2.7), 33 (21%) subjects were diagnosed with LVH. There was 79% agreement in the diagnosis of LVH between the wall-thickness z-score method and LVMI(2.7) > 51 g/m(2.7) (kappa 0.37). There is poor concordance between the diagnosis of LVH on echocardiogram reports using wall-thickness z-score and diagnosis of LVH using LVMI(2.7) criteria. It is important to establish a consensus method for diagnosing LVH because of the high frequency of cardiovascular complications in children with hypertension.
SODIUM PREGNANEDIOL GLUCURONIDE: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ITS EXCRETION IN THE URINE1¹

THERE HAS been need for an accurate clinical test of ovarian function, especially one which yields information in regard to the presence and function of the corpus luteum. Attempts, however, to identify the active principle of the corpus luteum in the tissues and fluids of the human female, generally have been disappointing when various methods of bioassay were employed. Only small amounts of progestin were found by Adler and coworkers (1) and by Ehrhardt(2)in human placentas and in the urines of pregnant women. Clauberg and his associates (3)obtained a questionable progestational reaction with an extract prepared from approximately 50 gm. of human corpora lutea. Pratt and his group (4), however, were able to get positivetests in the immature rabbit with extracts equivalent to 60 gm. of corpora lutea. Loewe and Voss (5) found only one rabbit unit of biologically active progestin in 20 liters of urine from women during the last 5 days of the menstrual cycle.
MINIATURIZED TWO-FOLD DILUTION METHOD FOR ENUMERATING TOTAL MICROBIAL LOAD AND COLIFORMS IN RAW MILK

A rapid and simple method for enumerating total aerobic plate counts (APC) and coliforms in raw milk was developed and compared with conventional plating method. Following two-fold serial dilution of samples in a 96 well microtiter plate, double strength of two different modified media for APC or coliforms was added to each well. The final positive well (purple to yellow color) was determined and converted to dilution factors. The dilution factor of each sample was converted to Log10 DF (Dilution factors) and compared to actual microbial numbers Log10 CFU/mL. The results of 2-fold dilution method (Log10 DF) were strongly correlated to conventional plating method (Log10 CFU/mL) (P < 0.05). The correlation of the scatterplot of spread plating and 2-fold dilution method indicated a high level of agreement between two methods (R2= 0.921 for total counts and R2= 0.916 for forms from raw milk). This 2-fold dilution method is an easy, rapid, and economical method for enumeration of total microbial loads and coliforms in raw milk.
Effects of selective dopamine D1-like and D2-like agonists on prepulse inhibition of startle in inbred C3H/HeJ, SPRET/EiJ, and CAST/EiJ mice.

Rationale Prepulse inhibition (PPI) and locomotor activity have been used to investigate the effects of antipsychotic and stimulant drugs and their underlying dopaminergic mechanisms. Whereas D2-like agonists consistently decreased PPI and increased locomotion in rats in previous studies, we recently reported that these hallmark behavioral effects were not observed in several mouse strains. Nevertheless, we recently identified three mouse strains (C3H/HeJ, SPRET/EiJ, and CAST/EiJ) that exhibited locomotor hyperactivity after administration of a selective D2-like agonist.
Effects of colchicine on milk yield, composition, and cellular differentiation during caprine lactogenesis.

Abstract 1. 1. Intramammary colchicine infusion into goats at parturition reduced milk yield by 20% during the 30 day experimental period. 2. 2. During the first week of lactation, milk composition from colchicine-treated udder halves had elevated somatic cell numbers, serum albumin concentration and pH, while citrate concentration was lower in comparison to uninfused glands. 3. 3. Levels of lactose from both infused and uninfused udder halves were normal during the first week of lactation. 4. 4. No differences were observed in degree of alveolar development in tissue samples collected prior to treatment. 5. 5. Light and electron microscopy suggested that colchicine-treated udder halves consisted predominantly of undifferentiated mammary secretory cells, while uninfused udder halves appeared more cytologically differentiated. 6. 6. Results demonstrated that intramammary colchicine infusion at parturition temporarily altered milk composition and inhibited mammary cellular differentiation.
F Centers in Additively Colored KCl:NaCl Crystals

Two centers have been investigated which, like the ${F}_{A}$ center, are produced by optical conversion from $F$ centers in sodium-doped KCl crystals. They each have one absorption band on the long-wavelength side of the $F$ band, and they each contain one $F$ center. One of these, the ${F}_{B}$ center, absorbs at around 636 nm and luminesces at 1240 nm, while the other, the ${F}_{C}$ center, absorbs at approximately 620 nm and luminesces at around 1310 nm. Like the $F$ and ${F}_{A}$ centers, the ${F}_{B}$ and ${F}_{C}$ centers are each able to trap a second electron, forming a qualitatively similar primed center, and they each have a single ionized form which lacks visible and near-infrared transitions. The dependences of the ${F}_{B}$ and ${F}_{C}$ center on sodium concentration further indicate that the ${F}_{B}$ center contains two ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$ ions and the ${F}_{C}$ center three. From the details of their anisotropic behavior, it is likely that the $F$ center lies between the two ions in the ${F}_{B}$ center and lies in the same (100) plane with the three ions in the ${F}_{C}$ center.
Observations in a fuzzy environment

The idea of fuzzy systems as models for the complex or incomplete processes is not a new idea. The determination of a satisfactory model for an imprecise, complex or incomplete process is basically a matter of approximation. Namely, determining an admissible model best deserving the particular physical phenomena. We suggest that one of the ways to represent imprecise or complex dynamical processes in a fuzzy environment is via fuzzy differential equations and some analysis of their typical solution. In particular, total differential equations of first and second order and partial differential equations of second order are considered. They are unusual in that the coefficients appearing in the equation are "fuzzy".
Conformational studies on pyranoid sugar derivatives by n.m.r. spectroscopy. The conformational equilibria of the 1,2-trans peracetylated aldopentopyranosyl benzoates and perbenzoylated aldopentopyranosyl acetates in solution

Abstract 2,3,4-Tri- O -acetyl- d -aldopentopyranosyl benzoates having the β- ribo ( 1 ), α- arabino ( 2 ), β- xylo ( 3 ), and α- lyxo ( 4 ) configurations, and 2,3,4-tri- O -benzoyl- d -aldopentopyranosyl acetates having the β- ribo ( 5 ), α- arabino ( 6 ), β- xylo ( 7 ), and α- lyxo ( 8 ) configurations have been prepared, and their conformations studied in acetone- d 6 or chloroform- d by n.m.r. spectroscopy at room temperature. Comparison of the results with similar data for the eight d -aldopentopyranose tetraacetates and tetrabenzoates indicates that the axial-directing effects of the OAc and OBz groups at C-1 are not independent of the total stereochemistry, nor are they independent of the nature of the acyloxy groups at C-2, 3, and 4. A concept of attractive interactions between syn -diaxial benzoyloxy groups provides a rationalization of the quantitative trends observed. The signal field-position of an acetyl group at O-1 is not subject to a strong upfield shift by the presence of benzoyloxy groups at C-2,3, and 4, nor does a 1- O -benzoyl group cause specific shielding of acetoxy groups at C-2, 3, and 4.
Bridge Program: An Alternative Curricular Model.

Abstract With the motivation for career advancement, many adult learners have chosen to return to graduate education or professional programs. The bridge program is one relatively new alternative curricular model available for adult learners who wish to build on their education within their chosen profession. Evidence on the effectiveness of such programs for physical therapy is nonexistent. Thus, clinical performance outcomes between a bridge and a traditional physical therapy program were described and compared. The sample consisted of 157 students who completed either physical therapy program from The University of Findlay over a period of four years. Clinical Performance Instrument scores were analyzed to compare the differences between the two groups. While controlling the demographic variables, a significant difference was found with total Clinical Performance Instrument scores between the groups through analysis of covariance (alpha level was set at .05 for all procedures). After grouping the value...
Solid solutions of metal halides under a reactive atmosphere

Abstract The minimum-melting composition of KClNaCl, KBraBr, and MF2-M′F2 (M, M′ = Ca, Sr, and Ba) is examined under a reactive atmosphere. The alkali-metal halide solid solutions exhibit a phase separation just below the freezing point. These phases show very low solid solubility of one component in the other. The alkaline-earth fluorides form two solid solutions; the crystals are optically transparent from 2 to beyond 6 μm.
Genetic testing and Alzheimer disease: recommendations of the Stanford program in genomics, ethics, and society

Several genes associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) have been localized and cloned; two genetic tests are already commercially available, and new tests are being developed. Genetic testing for AD--either for disease prediction or for diagnosis--raises critical ethical concerns. The multidisciplinary Alzheimer Disease Working Group of the Stanford Program in Genomics, Ethics, and Society (PGES) presents comprehensive recommendations on genetic testing for AD. The Group concludes that under current conditions, genetic testing for AD prediction or diagnosis is only rarely appropriate. Criteria for judging the readiness of a test for introduction into routine clinical practice typically rely heavily on evaluation of technical efficacy. PGES recommends a broader and more comprehensive approach, considering: 1) the unique social and historical meanings of AD; 2) the availability of procedures to promote good surrogate decision making for incompetent patients and to safeguard confidentiality; 3) access to sophisticated genetic counselors able to communicate complex risk information and effectively convey the social costs and psychological burdens of testing, such as unintentional disclosure of predictive genetic information to family members; 4) protection from inappropriate advertising and marketing of genetic tests; and 5) recognition of the need for public education about the meaning and usefulness of predictive and diagnostic tests for AD. In this special issue of Genetic Testing, the PGES recommendations are published along with comprehensive background papers authored by Working Group members.
Shift of the Shadow boundary in high frequency scattering

The microlocal theory of diffraction is used to establish the conjecture of Keller and Rubinow relating the shift of the shadow boundary in high frequency scattering to the directional curvatures of a strictly convex obstacle.
Nonlinear solution for optimal shaping of the driving electron beam in the plasma wake-field accelerator.

We report a nonlinear analytical solution for optimal shaping of the driving electron beam in the plasma wake-field accelerator. The upper bound of the transformer ratio is R/sub u/ = (1+(2..pi..L/sub b//lambda/sub p/)/sup 2/)/sup 1/2/, where L/sub b/ is the length of the driving electron beam, lambda/sub p/approx. =2..pi..c/..omega../sub p/, and ..omega../sub p/ is the plasma frequency.
Is the sun shrinking

Observations of 23 transits of Mercury in front of the sun between 1736 and 1973 show no indication of any significant change in the diameter of the sun. Regression analysis yields a decrease of the angular diameter, as viewed from the earth, of under 0.3 arc second per century (> 90 percent confidence limit). This limit is incompatible with the 2 arc seconds per century decrease obtained by Eddy for the equatorial diameter from direct observations made at the Greenwich Observatory and at the U.S. Naval Observatory.
Myocardial injury: The acute phase response and lipoprotein metabolism

Myocardial infarction and other types of tissue injury generate changes in plasma proteins known as the acute phase response. Variations in lipid and lipoprotein levels after acute myocardial infarction are manifest within 24 to 48 h after the onset of chest pain. Maximal postinfarction reductions in total cholesterol occur at days 4 to 5 with levels 47% below baseline; low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol fractions decrease to their nadir on day 7 to concentrations that are 48% and 32% below baseline, respectively. Triglyceride levels increase after acute myocardial infarction to a maximal level that is 58% above baseline on day 7. These alterations in lipid and lipoprotein levels generally stabilize by 2 months after the acute event. Screening for dyslipidemias in survivors of myocardial infarction requires clinical decision-making based on accurate and reliable measurements. The clinician must be familiar with characteristic changes in acute phase lipids and lipoproteins to ensure that patients receive appropriate, potentially life-saving therapy.
Determination of rates of product consumption and soot formation during combustion of solvents commonly carried by rail

Abstract A two-phase study of the combustion of solvents carried in large quantity by rail was performed. The first phase involved development of protocol and apparatus for determining the amounts of soot produced and heats of combustion for several commonly carried commodities under varying conditions of oxygen availability. In the second phase, the rate of product consumption, hereafter referred to as the “burnrate“, was measured for solvents under controlled conditions. This paper presents a description of the combustion apparatus, the protocols used and the burnrate data obtained. The possibility of developing a predictive model for burnrate or amount of soot generated based on physical and chemical properties of the solvent is explored.
Positron emission tomography for preoperative staging of colorectal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Positron emission tomography (PET) is an imaging technique based onin vivo cellular metabolism. Increased glucose metabolism in neoplastic cells is detected by using fluorine-18 deoxyglucose. In an ongoing pilot study to determine the usefulness of this technique, PET is compared with computerized tomography (CT) for the preoperative staging of colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: Sixteen patients were evaluated with both PET and CT of the abdomen and pelvis. Results were compared with operative and histopathologic findings. Fifteen malignant lesions were found in 16 patients by histology. PET had a positive predictive value of 93 percent and a negative predictive value of 50 percent. By comparison CT had a positive predictive value of 100 percent and a negative predictive value of 27 percent. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results indicate that PET has increased sensitivity for staging colorectal carcinoma, whereas CT has higher specificity. The predictive value of a positive PET compares favorably with CT. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy for detection of colorectal carcinoma is 83 percent for PET and 56 percent for CT.