cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Effectiveness of Spironolactone in Hospitalized Older Eligible (EF Less Than or Equal to 35% and eGFR Greater Than or Equal to 30 mL/Min/1.73 m2 ) Patients With Heart Failure

Background: Randomized controlled trials have established the efficacy of aldosterone antagonists in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, there is limited evidence of their clinical effectiveness in real-world eligible patients with HFrEF (PMID: 23188026). We
Intraspecies comparative genomics of three strains of Orientia tsutsugamushi with different antibiotic sensitivity.

We recently reported the genome of Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) strain Karp (GenBank Accession #: NZ_LYMA00000000.2, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/NZ_LYMA00000000.2) with > 2 Mb in size through clone-based sequencing and high throughput genomic shotgun sequencing (HTS). The genomes of OT strains AFSC4 and AFSC7 were similarly sequenced by HTS Since strains AFSC4 (GenBank Accession #: NZ_LYMT00000000.1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/1035784408) and AFSC7 (GenBank Accession #: NZ_LYMB00000000.1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/1035854767) were more resistant to antibiotics than strain Karp, we conducted comparative analysis of the three draft genomes annotated by RAST server aimed to identify possible genetic bases of difference in microbial antibiotic sensitivity. Intraspecies comparative genomics analysis of the three OT strains revealed that two ORFs encoding hypothetical proteins in both strains AFSC4 and AFSC7 are absent in strain Karp.
CHAPTER 26 – Diagnosis and Treatment of Poisoning Due to Pesticides

This chapter focuses on the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic pesticide poisoning. Estimation of the severity of poisoning is an important initial step in management of pesticide poisoning. Clinical evaluation includes the use of one of several available clinical scoring systems for coma and hyperactivity. These scoring systems serve as useful monitoring parameters. A major route of exposure to pesticides is by skin exposure and absorption. Due to the lipophilicity of many organophosphates, skin washing with an alcoholic (ethanol) solution is recommended in addition to washing with a detergent solution. Activated charcoal currently is the single most useful agent for prevention of absorption of orally ingested chemicals (including pesticides) and drugs. Gastric lavage should be considered only if a patient has ingested a life-threatening amount of a toxic agent, usually within 1 hour or a very few hours previously. In chronic pesticide poisoning, the physical examination should be done with particular attention toward target organs for toxicity of a particular chemical, if known. The neurological examination and close scrutiny for signs compatible with cancer are important when there is a long history of exposure. Biological monitoring is becoming increasingly sophisticated and helpful in the initial assessment of chronic pesticide exposure and for follow-up.
Variation and Convergence in Nonnative Institutionalized Englishes

The study of language variation within second-language acquisition research generally includes variation across learners as well as within the production of a single learner. An area which is less often addressed is the variation which is found across nonnative institutional varieties. It is important that this be done both because of the huge numbers of people who speak these nonnative varieties and because of the wide-ranging implications that this area of research has for the study of second-language acquisition in general. A number of descriptive studies of nonnative institutionalized varieties of English (NIVEs) have been reported (Bailey & Gorlach, 1982; Gorlach, 1984; Kachru, 1982b; Lowenberg, 1986; Platt, Weber, & Ho, 1984; Smith, 1981; Williams, 1987a).
Quantification of lymph node transit times reveals differences in the trafficking behavior of regulatory versus conventional CD4+ T cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) express the canonical marker Foxp3 and are critical for suppressing the immune response in homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Despite how widely studied CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs are in mice, their physiologic trafficking and scanning behavior of antigen-presenting cells in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) have yet to be quantitatively analyzed in the intravital setting. Our laboratory has previously described the dynamics of T cell trafficking through SLOs and scanning of dendritic cells (DCs), revealing that CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells exhibit different transit kinetics through lymph nodes (LNs). On average, CD4 + T cells spend less time scanning for self-peptide/MHC (self-pMHC), dwell shorter in LNs, and egress faster compared to CD8 + T cells. Here we use flow cytometry and 2-photon laser scanning microscopy (2-PLSM) to quantitate the homeostatic trafficking behavior and surveillance strategy of Tregs in LNs and to compare their behavior to conventional T cells (Tconvs). Our data reveal surprising differences in Treg versus Tconv trafficking in mesenteric versus other peripheral LNs. Furthermore, we find that Treg LN transit time is heavily dependent on recognition of self-pMHC. Finally, we use intravital 2-PLSM to quantify the contribution of self-pMHC recognition to Treg kinetics and scanning of DCs in peripheral and mesenteric LNs. These results add quantitative data to the emerging paradigm that self-pMHC interactions dynamically control homeostatic Treg retainment and localized suppressive function in peripheral LNs.
Peguero Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Criteria and Risk of Mortality

Background: Peguero electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (ECG-LVH) criteria are newly developed criteria that have shown better diagnostic performance than the traditional Cornell-voltage and Sokolow-Lyon criteria. However, prediction of poor outcomes rather than detection of increased left ventricular mass have become the primary use for ECG-LVH criteria which requires investigating any new ECG-LVH criteria in terms of prediction. Aims: To examine the prognostic significance of the newly developed Peguero ECG-LVH criteria Methods: We compared the prognostic significance of Peguero ECG-LVH with Cornell-voltage and Sokolow-Lyon ECG-LVH criteria in 7,825 participants (age 59.8 +13.4years; 52.7% women) from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who were free of major intraventricular conduction defects. ECG-LVH criteria were derived from digital ECG tracings processed at a central core laboratory. Results: At baseline, ECG-LVH was detected in 11.8% by Peguero; 4.3% by Cornell voltage and in 6.4% by Sokolow-Lyon. During a median follow up of 13.8 years, 2796 all-cause mortality events occurred. In multivariable models adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors, presence of Peguero ECG-LVH was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR (95% CI): 1.29(1.16,1.44). This association was not significantly different from the associations of Cornell voltage-LVH or Sokolow-Lyon LVH with all-cause mortality (HR (95%CI): 1.32(1.12, 1.55) and 1.24 (1.07, 1.43) respectively; p-values for comparisons of these HRs with the HR of Peguero ECG-LVH 0.817 and 0.667, respectively). Similar patterns were observed with other modes of mortality such as cardiovascular, ischemic heart disease and heart failure mortalities. Conclusion: Peguero ECG-LVH is predictive of increased risk of death similar to the traditional ECG-LVH criteria.
Contributions from the model systems programs to spinal cord injury research.

OBJECTIVE: To review research developments across the Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems (MSCIS) program. DESIGN: Retrospective review of literature and web-based information. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: MSCIS program in general and its 16 currently funded centers. Results: The MSCIS centers have been funded since 1970 by the US Department of Education to conduct research that contributes to the lives of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). A review of this research suggests changes across time in terms of methods of investigation used to conduct research (eg, from demonstration studies to clinical trials) and selected study focuses, reflecting timely national priorities. Although initial studies were designed to describe medical factors and necessary treatment immediately after injury, most recent studies focus on broader social and environmental issues of living with SCI. In addition, a number of current investigations focus on new advances in medicine and technology geared toward recovery and increase in physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Research by the MSCIS has elevated the standards of care for SCI and inspired other researchers to develop larger and more sophisticated studies bridging the gap between basic and applied sciences and has inspired policy makers to continue to fund such needed research. Language: en
Noise Analysis in Digital Radiography

Noise plays a dominant role in the detection of low-contrast objects in any imaging system. Until the advent of the computed tomography (CT) scanner and more recently digital radiography, noise in an imaging system (typically a screen—film combination) was considered to have two major components: quantum mottle, the statistical fluctuations in the number of detected photons, and structure noise, due to phosphor screen inhom-ogeneities and film grain. The development of electronic X-ray detectors and in particular digital video subtraction systems has added much complexity to noise analysis. Due to the many new noise sources present, noise analysis now requires new evaluation criteria and techniques.
Sympatric Speciation in Phytophagous Parasitic Insects

The appearance of new insect pests on economically important plants is a well-known phenomenon to many applied biologists. In addition, populations of introduced or native insects are frequently encountered which exhibit different host preferences, but which are morphologically indistinguishable from one another (Brues 1924, Simms 1931, Mayr 1942, Andrewartha and Birch 1954, Zwolfer and Harris 1971). These so-called host races sometimes actually represent previously unrecognized reproductively isolated sibling species. Others appear to retain their distinct host preferences and other biological traits in the absence of any observable barriers to gene flow between the races. Two classic examples in North America are the codling moth (Laspeyresia pomonella), introduced from Europe in 1750, which shifted from apples to walnuts about 26 years after it reached California in 1873 (Essig 1931, Foster 1912), and the apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella) which moved from its native host hawthorn to introduced apples in 1864 and cherries less than 20 years ago (Bush 1966, 1969a,b, 1974).
Long-Term Effects of Particulate Air Pollution on Human Health

There is convincing evidence that long-term exposure is bad for health, and that those consequences include shortened life expectancy, reduced lung function, and increased respiratory symptoms. Recent studies have confirmed that lowering air pollution levels results in increased life expectancy and reduced decline in lung function. There is also developing literature indicating that exposure to particles is associated with reduced cognitive function in children, and this appears most strongly for particles from traffic.
Feasibility and acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis use among women in violent relationships

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with a high risk of HIV acquisition. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which does not require partner knowledge or consent, is a promising HIV risk redu...
Modification of the metal endoprosthesis limb-salvage procedure for excision of a large distal radial osteosarcoma in a dog: A case report.

Objective To report modification of the endoprosthesis surgical limb-salvage technique to treat a locally extensive osteosarcoma in a dog and associated functional outcome. Study design Clinical case report. Animals One client-owned dog. Methods A 9-year-old dog was presented for treatment of a locally extensive distal radial osteosarcoma. A limb-salvage surgery was performed with a second-generation Veterinary Orthopedic Implants (VOI) endoprosthesis to reconstruct the radial segmental and carpal osseous defect. The endoprosthesis was stabilized with a 16-mm-wide locking VOI limb-salvage plate. The level of the osteotomy of the radius/ulna was 3 cm proximal to the periosteal reaction seen on radiographs, and the distal osteotomy extended through the proximal metacarpal bones (II-V), 3 cm from the distal extent of the soft tissue component of the tumor. A 3.5-mm SOP (String of Pearls) plate was used as adjunct fixation. Results The postoperative functional outcome was classified as acceptable. Ambulation was normal, with mild subjective lameness on the treated limb at examinations 20, 43, and 63 days after surgery. The dog was euthanized 92 days after surgery because of progressive metastatic disease. Conclusion The modified endoprosthetic technique allowed complete excision of the carpal joint, which resulted in acceptable functional outcomes in the dog described here. Clinical significance Distal ostectomies may include part of the manus during limb salvage surgery of locally extensive distal radial osteosarcoma and using an endoprosthesis implant to reconstruct the defect.
EFFECT OF REAL EXCHANGE RATES ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF NIGERIA (1960-2016)

This study on the effect of real exchange rates on economic growth of Nigeria was conducted for the period 1960 - 2016 to determine the nature of the relationship between real exchange rates and economic growth as well as ascertain the causal relationship between them. Annual time series data sourced from World Development Indicators and Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletins were used in this study. The problem was that the real exchange rate of Naira was far from being competitive and was both unstable and unsustainable to the economic growth of Nigeria as it had neither substantially promoted exports nor reduced imports. Ordinary least squares were employed to estimate the multiple regression models with the aid of Eviews application software for windows version 9, followed by Pairwise Granger causality test and robustness tests. Major findings were that real exchange rates had insignificant relationship with economic growth under the fixed exchange rates regime; but had significant negative effect on economic growth; significant negative relationship with savings and significant positive relationship with real interest rates under the free exchange rates regime. Granger Causality results showed that no causal relationship existed between real exchange rates and economic growth under both fixed and real exchange rates regimes and for the whole period. The conclusion was that real exchange rates had neither a significant effect nor a causal relationship with economic growth. The main recommendations are: to sustain free exchange rates regime as it has been more beneficial to our economic growth; not to reintroduce fixed exchange rates regime again; to maintain competitive real interest rates and continually promote savings to attract investments and promote economic activities.
The Spectrum of Risk Lesions in Breast Pathology: Risk Factors or Cancer Precursors?

Risk lesions of the breast are histologically, biologically, and clinically diverse, with varying associated risks of cancer development. In this chapter, the definitions of risk markers and precursor lesions are defined and explored. We summarize the contemporary paradigm of breast carcinogenesis and how atypical lesions of the breast may fit into the estrogen receptor-positive cancer development pathways. For atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, flat epithelial atypia, radial scar, papilloma, and fibroepithelial lesions, evidence is summarized regarding each lesion’s (1) association with long-term overall risk of developing breast cancer and (2) possible precursor role in cancer development.
An Obsolescing Bargain in a Rentier State: Multinationals, Artisanal Miners, and Cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Drawing from theories on the political-economy of natural resources, this paper broadens the discussion surrounding cobalt sourced from the former Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo; specifically, the use of that cobalt in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as energy storage in electrified transportation and distributed energy systems. Two theories, Rentier State and Obsolescing Bargaining, are applied to the cases of multinational and artisanal cobalt mining operations in the former Katanga region. Risks between the DRC government and multinational cobalt mining companies are compared to the risks present in artisanal cobalt mining. Additionally, this paper explores how the decision to include or exclude Congolese, artisanal cobalt from supply chains involves broader questions of bargaining power, political stability, and resource dependency. Additionally, this paper expands consideration to explore how the inclusion of artisanal cobalt in the supply chain might impact political stability and corruption in the DRC, rather than focusing on how Western or Chinese purchasers of electrified vehicles, for example, might perceive the suitability of the product’s supply chain. By relating artisanal cobalt mining to multinational mining companies and the broader political issues present in the DRC, decision-makers can better consider current and historical outcomes as part of a broader political-economy that includes both artisanal and multinational mining. Furthermore, this paper hopes to provide a robust argument for the transparent and intentional inclusion of artisanal cobalt in electrified vehicle supply chains to make the transition to low-carbon transportation more sustainable through improvements to measures of social sustainability in the DRC.
Image Fusion Based on Gradient Regularized Convolution Sparse Representation

An image fusion method based on gradient regularized convolution sparse representation is proposed, which makes up for the shortcoming of conventional method. Target image is composed of optimal high frequency and low frequency by two scale decomposition of source image with sparse optimization function. The high frequency components are obtained by convolution sparse representation model and alternative direction multiplier method, which could raise ability to maintain image details, and low sensitivity to image registration. Optimal low frequency components are obtained with the strategy of maximum or average. Experimental results demonstrate that proposed method has a great improvement in details preserve of image.
Optoelectronic and Electronic Properties of Tetracyanoindane for Chemical Doping of Organic Semiconductors

Chemical doping of organic semiconductors is a common technique used to increase the performance numerous organic electronic and optoelectronic devices. Tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ) is one of the most widely known p-dopants having the properties necessary to act as a strong electron acceptor. Despite its strong electron accepting abilities, F4-TCNQ is extremely expensive, making it less than ideal for large-area applications. Here, we introduce a small molecule called Tetracyanoindane (TCI) as a potential p-dopant. Widely known for its role in the field of non-linear optics, its high polarizability arises from the addition of four cyano-groups, which are electron withdrawing groups. The four cyano-groups are also seen in the F4-TCNQ molecule and contributes to the withdrawing strength alongside the four fluorine atoms present. We hypothesize that TCI could have similar accepting strength to F4-TCNQ and could potentially replace it as a cheaper alternative. In this study, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), UV-Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (UV/Vis/NIR), Photoluminescence (PL), Current-Voltage (IV) measurements analysis was conducted to compare the accepting strength of TCI and F4-TCNQ. Then, the two molecules were added to Poly-3-hexy-thiophene (P3HT) to observe how readily they dope the organic semiconductor.
The Organizational Ecology of College Affordability: Research Activity, State Grant Aid Policies, and Student Debt at U.S. Public Universities

Sociologists have theorized U.S. universities as a heterogenous organizational ecology. We use this lens to compare student debt and college prices for low-income students across public universitie...
Data Quality Aware Flight Mission Design for Fugitive Methane Sniffing using Fixed Wing sUAS

This paper describes a data quality aware framework for developing a repeatable flight mission design for fugitive methane sniffing missions using fixed wing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) in rural areas. The design outlines general aircraft requirements & performance characteristics as well as overviews required sensors and their performance & data quality considerations. Using Gaussian plume models, atmospheric stability and detection experiments from previous works - we outline a mission design that focuses on detection of downwind plume using a two flux plane flight path. This mission design aims to aid future efforts in improving flux quantification accuracy, uncertainty and comparison between individual experiments.
Thermal stimulation temperature is encoded as a firing rate in a Hydra nerve ring

Abstract Nervous systems are remarkable for supporting stable animal behavior despite dramatic changes to neurons’ number and connectivity. An ideal model organism to study this phenomenon would have: 1) dynamic neural architecture 2) transgenic reporters of neural activity, 3) a small, transparent body, and 4) well-defined sensory-motor behaviors. While Hydra vulgaris possesses the first three advantages, it currently lacks well-characterized sensory-motor responses. Here, we show the first quantitative measurements of Hydra’s behavioral responses to thermal stimulation and associated neural activity. Specifically, we find that Hydra elongate and then contract when heated. This behavior is accompanied by synchronous, periodic activity of neurons in the animal’s peduncle. We find that the frequency of these neural oscillations is nearly the same even if the number of neurons change by a factor of two. These observations suggest that Hydra provides a rich model for studying how animals maintain stable sensory-motor responses within dynamic neural circuit architectures. One sentence summary Here we show that Hydra have a group of thermally responsive neurons that encodes the absolute temperature of a thermal stimulus and that this encoding is independent of the number of neurons in the animal.
Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of structural evolution during anneal of additively manufactured materials

Abstract POur experiments indicated that upon a post-processing anneal, an additively manufactured 316L stainless steel exhibits cubic grains rather than the conventional equiaxed grains. Here, we have used kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to explore the origin of these cubic grains. First, we implemented a new kinetic Monte Carlo model in parallel code SPPARKS to simulate grain growth and recrystallization under a residual energy distribution. Our model incorporates physical properties and real-time, as opposed to generic properties and relative time. We further validated that our SPPARKS simulations reproduced the expected kinetic behavior of single-grain evolution. We then used the validated approach to simulate the anneal of an additively manufactured material under the same conditions used in our experiments. We found that the cubic grains can origin from a periodically varying residual energy that may be present in additively manufactured materials.
Complementary mediation: Exploring mediator composition in civil wars

Mediators improve the chances disputants in civil wars sign a peace agreement by exerting pressure or influence, referred to as leverage. This paper explores how sources of mediator leverage comple...
Survival in hospice patients with dementia: the effect of home hospice and nurse visits.

BACKGROUND Hospice patients with dementia are at increased risk for live discharge and long lengths of stay (>180 days), causing patient and family caregiver stress and burden. The location and timing of clinician visits are important factors influencing whether someone dies as expected, in hospice, or experiences a live discharge or long length of stay. OBJECTIVE Examine how home hospice and nurse visit frequency relate to dying in hospice within the Medicare-intended 6-month period. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Non-profit hospice agency. PARTICIPANTS Three thousand eight hundred and thirty seven patients with dementia who received hospice services from 2013 to 2017. METHODS Multivariable survival analyses examined the effects of receiving home hospice (vs. nursing home) and timing of nurse visits on death within 6 months of hospice enrollment, compared to live discharge or long length of stay. Models adjust for relevant demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS Thirty-nine percent (39%) of patients experienced live discharge or long length of stay. Home hospice patients were more likely to experience live discharge or long length of stays (HR for death: 0.77, 95%CI: 0.69-0.86, p < 0.001). Frequency of nurse visits was inversely associated with live discharge and long lengths of stay (HR for death: 2.87, 95%CI: 2.47-3.33, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Nearly 40% of patients with dementia in our study experienced live discharge or a long length of stay. Additional research is needed to understand why home hospice may result in live discharge or a long length of stay for patients with dementia. Nurse visits were associated with death, suggesting their responsiveness to deteriorating patient health. Hospice guidelines may need to permit longer stays so community-dwelling patients with dementia, a growing segment of hospice patients, can remain continuously enrolled in hospice and avoid burden and costs associated with live discharge.
Rocks, Minerals, & Geology of the Pacific Northwest by Leslie Moclock and Jacob Selander. A Timber Press Field Guide. Timber Press; timberpress.com. 358 pages; 2021; $27.95 plus shipping and handling (softbound).

Of the relatively large number of modern field guides for states and regions, this is one of the best. It is written at the correct level for the interested college student, is well illustrated, an...
Roles for L o microdomains and ESCRT in ER stress-induced lipid droplet microautophagy in budding yeast.

ER stressors induce Lo microdomain formation in the yeast vacuolar membrane. Lo microdomains and ESCRT mediate lipid droplet (LD) uptake into the vacuole during lipid imbalance-induced microlipopha...
Statistical Analysis in RF Engineering

Statistics is the s study of the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. For Radio Frequency (RF) engineering it involves live air data collection as a function of distance. Since multipath propagation is fuzzy owing to numerous RF barriers, uneven terrain, hills, trees, buildings etc., there is a large variation of received signal Level (RSL) at the receiver.
Prevention of parenting alterations for women with low social support.

(1988). Prevention of Parenting Alterations for Women with Low Social Support. Psychiatry: Vol. 51, No. 3, pp. 248-253.
Interfacing Neural Tissue with Microsystems

From an engineering point of view, the nervous system, which is made of neural tissue, is a most complex biological system. All possible instruments or tools for applications related to the nervous system are part of another type of complex systems: biomedical instrument systems. As in any interacting system, “communication” can occur at the interface of these two systems. Depending on the kind of application, this communication can be either unidirectional or bi-directional. The signals found in these two systems are of very different nature:
Evolutionary algorithm for structural optimization

A hybrid rank-based evolutionary algorithm that takes advantage of a-priori problem specific information and operates on a high cardinality heuristic genetic representation is presented in this paper. A rank based fitness statement combined with generationally dependant penalty exponents is proposed to condition the seven components of the fitness statement so they participate fairly during the evolutionary process. Translocation crossover and intelligent mutation were utilized to maintain genetic diversity. A graphical method is proposed to monitor the progress of the components of the fitness function, allowing the user to interact with the evolutionary process. Generationally dependant non-linear rank based selection was used to orchestrate a soft landing near the global optimum for an example problem with 20 discrete design variables.
Effects of Mass Loss on Late Stages of Massive Star Evolution

The current status of mass loss rates of massive stars (M ZAMS ≳ 15 M ⊙) and their effects on stellar evolution is reviewed with emphasis on observable properties of post main sequence stars. The different stages of massive star evolution are discussed, i.e. main sequence stars, supergiants, Luminous Blue Variables, and Wolf-Rayet stars, as well as the supernova explosion. A summary of the conclusions is given in the last section.
An interactive visualization tool to explore the biophysical properties of amino acids and their contribution to substitution matrices

Background Quantitative descriptions of amino acid similarity, expressed as probabilistic models of evolutionary interchangeability, are central to many mainstream bioinformatic procedures such as sequence alignment, homology searching, and protein structural prediction. Here we present a web-based, user-friendly analysis tool that allows any researcher to quickly and easily visualize relationships between these bioinformatic metrics and to explore their relationships to underlying indices of amino acid molecular descriptors.
Effect of phase fluctuations on INS and NMR experiments in the pseudo-gap regime of the underdoped cuprates

We present a theory for inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments in the pseudo-gap regime of the underdoped high-$T_c$ cuprates. We show that superconducting phase fluctuations greatly affect the temperature and frequency dependence of the spin-susceptibility, $\chi''$, probed by both experimental techniques. This result explains the appearance of a {\it resonance peak}, observed in INS experiments, below a temperature $T_0 > T_c$. In the same temperature regime, we find that the $^{63}$Cu spin-lattice relaxation rate, $1/T_1$, measured in NMR experiments, is suppressed. Our results are in qualitative agreement with the available experimental data.
Energy and Water Interdependence, and Their Implications for Urban Areas

There are many definitions for sustainability. Mathis Wackernagel, creator of the ecological footprint concept, defined sustainability as “securing people’s quality of life within the means of nature”. The United Nations’ World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission) defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” . Throughout this report, sustainability will be defined as the development of the anthroposphere within the means of nature.
Changes in drug sensitivity following acute and chronic exercise

A number of factors are known to influence drug sensitivity. These include biological variables such as genetics, age, endocrine status and gender, as well as environmental variables such as operant schedules, ambient temperature and sleep deprivation. Additional factors function as either biological or environmental variables in different situations. For example, chronic drug administration can produce tolerance and cross tolerance and function as a biological variable. Acute administration of the same compound can function as an environmental variable. The present study examined exercise as both a biological and an environmental variable influencing drug sensitivity. Chronic exercise leads to relatively long term changes in physical fitness level, and functions as a biological variable. Fitness level did not influence drug sensitivity when physically conditioned animals and non-exercised control subjects were compared under rested conditions. Mild acute exercise, an environmental variable, increased sensitivity to muscarinic antagonists in the control subjects but not in the exercise trained animals. These results indicate that exercise state should be considered as an environmental variable capable of influencing drug response and that biological fitness level modifies this effect.
Inventory of problematic Internet experiences encountered in clinical practice.

People are bringing a variety of Internet-related problems into consultation with mental health professionals. This exploratory study used a systematic sample of mental health professionals and obtained both structured and open-ended information from 1,504 practitioners who reported having at least 1 client with an Internet-related problem. This article proposes an inventory of 11 types of problematic Internet experiences reported by youth and adult clients: (a) overuse; (b) pornography; (c) infidelity; (d) sexual exploitation and abuse; (e) gaming, gambling, and role-playing; (f) harassment; (g) isolative-avoidant use; (h) fraud, stealing, and deception; (i) failed online relationships; (j) harmful influence websites; and (k) risky or inappropriate use, not otherwise specified. The authors discuss the spectrum of cases within each category and implications for clinical practice.
Bubble growth in the presence of a magnetic field

Abstract The problem of the growth of a bubble in the presence of a magnetic field is examined under the assumption that the process is heat transfer controlled. The work reveals the existence of a new nondimensional number which physically represents the ratio of the ponderomotive forces over pressure forces computed on the basis of length-scale and time related to the coefficient of thermal diffusion. It is found that for a spherical magnetic field, growth of the bubble remains parabolic in time but the rate of growth is slower. Heat-transfer estimates are also made in the fashion of Forster and Zuber indicating that heat transfer in nucleate boiling is reduced in the presence of magnetic fields. In a numerical example, this reduction is more substantial for potassium than it is for mercury.
Infant visual response to gestalt geometric forms

The sensitivity of 1- and 3-month-old infants to relations among visual elements was tested by employing Gestalt principles of good form in stimulus construction. Circles and squares were constructed of 12 dashed elements, and infant scanning of these figures was compared to their scanning of similar figures that differed only in that one of the 12 elements was rotated or displaced. If the infants detected the relations among the nonaltered elements, it was expected that their fixation would be attracted by the altered elements. This experimental strategy avoided the typical requirement in habituation studies that the baby remember a nonpresent stimulus to indicate sensitivity to a change in a present stimulus. The fixation activity of the older infants indicated sensitivity to the altered elements whereas the findings were unclear for the younger group. Eye movement size and fixation dispersion of the older group also increased as stimulus size increased, whereas this was not true for the younger group. At least by three months of age, infants are sensitive to the most powerful Gestalt principles of good form. Additionally, by this age, their fixation activity is attuned to physical characteristics of the visual array.
Environmental Literacy: A System of Best-Fit for Promoting Environmental Awareness in Low Literate Communities

Environmental literacy has been defined in various ways: from acquisition of scientific knowledge to addressing environmental concerns through indigenous knowledge. Program planners and educators need to identify and employ strategies for inclusive program development where all stakeholders are given an equal opportunity to share their opinions as well as constraints. The barriers identified through such a process can then be negotiated in a more meaningful way by all involved. If participants can be encouraged to be actively involved not only in the planning processes but also in the implementation design of environmental programs, then this involvement could lead to better and longer lasting results for sustainable management of resources.
The Influence of Idealized Heterogeneity on Wet and Dry Planetary Boundary Layers Coupled to the Land Surface.

Abstract This manuscript describes numerical experiments investigating the influence of 2–30-km striplike heterogeneity on wet and dry convective boundary layers coupled to the land surface. The striplike heterogeneity is shown to dramatically alter the structure of the convective boundary layer by inducing significant organized circulations that modify turbulent statistics. The impact, strength, and extent of the organized motions depend critically on the scale of the heterogeneity λ relative to the boundary layer height zi. The coupling with the land surface modifies the surface fluxes and hence the circulations resulting in some differences compared to previous studies using fixed surface forcing. Because of the coupling, surface fluxes in the middle of the patches are small compared to the patch edges. At large heterogeneity scales (λ/zi ∼18) horizontal surface-flux gradients within each patch are strong enough to counter the surface-flux gradients between wet and dry patches allowing the formation of...
All-or-none elimination of errors in paired-associate learning

A group of 18 Ss was presented a paired-associate learning task, with 8 nonsense syllables as stimuli, and the numbers 1 through 8 as possible Rs for each stimulus. The Ss were presented the stimuli successively in random cycles. A duoprocess (DP) all-or-none model showed better fits to the data than did a uniprocess (UP) all-or-none model for learning-rate constant, number of correct Rs for non-learned association trials, and proportion of correct Rs to total Rs on non-learned association trials. Stationarity of correct R probability was found to hold for trials until the first trial upon which some wrong alternative occurred for the last time and was found not to hold after this point until the last error. This accorded with DP assumptions. The predicted DP error curve fit the data adequately, but the predicted UP curve departed significantly from the data.
Characterization of the physical and hydraulic properties of the sediment in karst aquifers of the Springfield Plateau, Central Missouri, USA

Physical and hydraulic properties of sediment from two karst aquifers were measured to determine (1) the similarity of sediment between karst aquifer systems and (2) the importance of sediment in modeling flow through karst aquifers. The sediment from the two systems was similar in size and composition. Within both aquifers, the silt-sized sediment was composed primarily of quartz, with minor amounts of plagioclase and clays. Hydraulic conductivity of the sediment measured directly (falling-head test) ranged from 1.61×10−7 to 1.33×10−6 m s–1 and estimated using the Campbell equation ranged from 8.30×10−8 to 8.98×10−7 m s–1. These values of hydraulic conductivity fall within the span of hydraulic conductivities for carbonate rocks, indicating that the sediment and carbonate matrix could be represented as one mathematical unit in modeling flow through karst aquifers. Statistical agreement in the hydraulic conductivity values generated by the two methods indicates that the estimation technique could be used to calculate hydraulic conductivities; thus allowing karst scientist to collect bulk sediment samples instead of having to collect cores from within karst aquifers.
Reoperation for regional enteritis (Crohn's disease)

Twenty-five patients had major operations for regional enteritis between 1969 and 1981. Of these, 12 patients required subsequent major procedures for recurrent disease. This group consisted of three men and nine women who were operated upon a total of 32 times. Their average age at onset of disease was 27.4 years, compared with 40 years for those patients who were operated upon only once. The reoperated group had an average of 3.5 nonoperative hospital admissions, while, patients in the group with one operation were hospitalized 1.8 times for disease during the period studied. Identification of operated patients who will required reoperation would improve counseling of these patients. Earlier age of onset and more frequent nonoperative admissions seem to be associated with need for reoperation. Extent and type of primary resection seem to be of less predictive value.
Geology of the Venus equatorial region from Pioneer Venus radar imaging

Pioneer Venus radar data has provided images (resolution 20- to 40-km) of approximately 50% of the total surface of Venus in a band between 45 ° N to 15 ° S. These data are used to map the broad radar characteristics of the equatorial region on the basis of radar brightness and texture. Seven radar units are defined and are used to assess the geologic character of the equatorial region. These units fall into two distinct classes, those that are radar-bright (35% of the equatorial region) which correspond to highlands and zones of intense tectonic deformation, and radar-dark units, corresponding primarily to plains (65% of the equatorial region). The correspondence between features in the 15 ° region of overlap between the Pioneer Venus and Venera 15/16 images is examined and used to extend units mapped in the northern high latitudes into the equatorial region. On the basis of the distribution of the radar units, properties of RMS slope, reflectivity, the scattering behavior of the surface, and topographic signature, seven physiographic units are mapped in the equatorial region and are identified by increasing complexity as plains (undivided), dark halo plains, upland rises, upland plateaus, interhighland tectonic zones, tectonically segmented linear highlands, and tectonic junctions. The physiographic units are distributed in a nearly continuous interconnecting zone of volcanic rises and tectonic features that extends for nearly 360 ° around the equator of the planet. The distribution of large circular structures interpreted as coronae is also examined and it is concluded that the abundances of the largest structures, diameters greater than 500 km, is less than in the northern high latitudes with a notable absence of smaller coronae. The absence of small coronae may be due to the resolution limit of the Pioneer Venus data since analyses of higher resolution Arecibo and Goldstone imagery suggests that a number of corona-like features not identified in the PV data are present.
Thrombocytopenia and absent radii (TAR) syndrome associated with horseshoe kidney

The TAR syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by limb abnormalities, especially absent radii, and hypomegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia. Previous reports have included two infants with genitourinary abnormalities. We report a newborn with bilaterally absent radii and foreshortened ulnae, hypoplastic humeri, a left clubfoot, a ventricular septum defect, and persistent thrombocytopenia. This constellation of abnormalities is consistent with the TAR syndrome. In addition, he had a horseshoe kidney with parenchyma of normal appearance. This is the first report of horseshoe kidney in association with the TAR syndrome.
Optical Image Correlation Using A Deformable Mirror Device: A Feasibility Study

The use of a deformable mirror device (DMD) as an input spatial light modulator and/or as a phase-only spatial filter in a coherent optical correlator is investigated. Both Vander Lugt and joint transform correlator geometries are analyzed, and the results of computer simulations using a simplified phase device model are presented. Detailed geometrical and diffraction models of Texas Instruments' cantilever beam DMD are developed and used to simulate an input phase device in a Vander Lugt correlator. The results are encouraging for those interested in using the DMD for image correlation applications.
Coordinates of the quantum plane as q-tensor operators in $$(\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{u}(2)*\mathfrak{s}\mathfrak{u}(2))$$

The relation between the set of transformations $$\mathfrak{M}_q (2)$$ of the quantum plane and the quantum universal enveloping algebra U q (u(2)) is investigated by constructing representations of the factor algebra U q (u(2))* $$\mathfrak{u}(2))$$ . The noncommuting coordinates of $$\mathfrak{M}_q (2)$$ , on which U q (2) * U q (2) acts, are realized as q-spinors with respect to each U q (u(2)) algebra. The representation matrices of U q (2) are constructed as polynomials in these spinor components. This construction allows a derivation of the commutation relations of the noncommuting coordinates of $$\mathfrak{M}_q (2)$$ directly from properties of U q (u(2)). The generalization of these results to U q (u(n)) and $$\mathfrak{M}_q (n)$$ is also discussed.
On the Use of Paired Comparisons to Construct Group Preference Scales for Decision Making

Polling opinion is a common group activity. Scaling tools can be used to provide a more precise presentation of opinions than traditional polling/voting. The interval scale of items constructed by scaling tools can aid participants in finding the current disposition of a group. We consider Thurstone’s law of comparative judgment as well as a weighted digraph ranking system for building group scales from pairwise comparisons. Assumptions for computing scales are reviewed together with issues and limitations of applying these scaling methods in groups. Results from a classic experiment and simulations by both methods are compared. We also made recommendations on choosing scaling method based on theoretic and practical consideration.
Inferring latent class lexicographic rules from choice data

Abstract A lexicographic rule orders multi-attribute alternatives in the same way as a dictionary orders words. Although no utility function can represent lexicographic preference over continuous, real-valued attributes, a constrained linear model suffices for representing such preferences over discrete attributes. We present an algorithm for inferring lexicographic structures from choice data. The primary difficulty in using such data is that it is seldom possible to obtain sufficient information to estimate individual-level preference functions. Instead, one needs to pool the data across latent clusters of individuals. We propose a method that identifies latent clusters of subjects, and estimates a lexicographic rule for each cluster. We describe an application of the method using data collected by a manufacturer of television sets. We compare the predictions of the model with those obtained from a finite-mixture, multinomial-logit model.
Scalable visualization using a network-attached video framebuffer

Abstract We present a scalable, commodity-based, parallel rendering system for interactive visualization of large polygonal and volumetric data models. Our system utilizes commodity PCs that have multiple CPUs and high-capacity I/O buses, a fast AGP bus, and a commodity interconnect. Rendering occurs in parallel using the Chromium framework with the resulting images displayed over the network on a remote display. A key component of our system is the Scalable Graphics Engine, a network-attached video framebuffer capable of gathering pixels from up to 16 sources and driving multiple displays. Our experimental results show that recent developments in commodity computers favor parallel architectures designed to use framebuffer readback and pixel transfer over commodity networks versus specialized hardware for acquiring and aggregating pixel data.