cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Familial History of Autoimmune Disorders Among Patients With Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis.

Author(s): Greenberg, Benjamin M; Casper, Theron Charles; Mar, Soe S; Ness, Jayne M; Plumb, Patricia; Liang, Shannon; Goyal, Manu; Weinstock-Guttman, Bianca; Rodriguez, Moses; Aaen, Gregory S; Belman, Anita; Barcellos, Lisa F; Rose, John W; Gorman, Mark P; Benson, Leslie A; Candee, Meghan; Chitnis, Tanuja; Harris, Yolanda C; Kahn, Ilana L; Roalstad, Shelly; Hart, Janace; Lotze, Timothy E; Rensel, Mary; Rubin, Jennifer P; Schreiner, Teri L; Tillema, Jan-Mendelt; Waldman, Amy Tara; Krupp, Lauren; Graves, Jennifer; Drake, Kaylea; Waubant, Emmanuelle | Abstract: Background and objectiveThe objective of this study was to determine whether family members of patients with pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) have an increased prevalence of autoimmune conditions compared with controls.MethodsData collected during a pediatric MS case-control study of risk factors included information about various autoimmune diseases in family members. The frequency of these disorders was compared between cases and controls.ResultsThere was an increased rate of autoimmune diseases among family members of pediatric MS cases compared with controls with first-degree history of MS excluded (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.71-3.01, p l 0.001). There was an increased rate of MS among second-degree relatives of pediatric MS cases compared with controls (OR = 3.47, 95% CI 1.36-8.86, p = 0.009). The OR for MS was 2.64 when restricted to maternal relatives and 6.37 when restricted to paternal relatives.DiscussionThe increased rates of autoimmune disorders, including thyroid disorders and MS among families of patients with pediatric MS, suggest shared genetic factors among families with children diagnosed with pediatric MS.
Image Quality Assessment using Contrastive Learning

We consider the problem of obtaining image quality representations in a self-supervised manner. We use prediction of distortion type and degree as an auxiliary task to learn features from an unlabeled image dataset containing a mixture of synthetic and realistic distortions. We then train a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) using a contrastive pairwise objective to solve the auxiliary problem. We refer to the proposed training framework and resulting deep IQA model as the CONTRastive Image QUality Evaluator (CONTRIQUE). During evaluation, the CNN weights are frozen and a linear regressor maps the learned representations to quality scores in a No-Reference (NR) setting. We show through extensive experiments that CONTRIQUE achieves competitive performance when compared to state-of-the-art NR image quality models, even without any additional fine-tuning of the CNN backbone. The learned representations are highly robust and generalize well across images afflicted by either synthetic or authentic distortions. Our results suggest that powerful quality representations with perceptual relevance can be obtained without requiring large labeled subjective image quality datasets. The implementations used in this paper are available at \url{https://github.com/pavancm/CONTRIQUE}.
Disengagement Cause-and-Effect Relationships Extraction Using an NLP Pipeline.

The advancement in machine learning and artificial intelligence is promoting the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public roads. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA DMV) has launched the Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program, which collects and releases reports related to Autonomous Vehicle Disengagement (AVD) from autonomous driving. Understanding the causes of AVD is critical to improving the safety and stability of the AV system and provide guidance for AV testing and deployment. In this work, a scalable end-to-end pipeline is constructed to collect, process, model, and analyze the disengagement reports released from 2014 to 2020 using natural language processing deep transfer learning. The analysis of disengagement data using taxonomy, visualization and statistical tests revealed the trends of AV testing, categorized cause frequency, and significant relationships between causes and effects of AVD. We found that (1) manufacturers tested AVs intensively during the Spring and/or Winter, (2) test drivers initiated more than 80% of the disengagement while more than 75% of the disengagement were led by errors in perception, localization & mapping, planning and control of the AV system itself, and (3) there was a significant relationship between the initiator of AVD and the cause category. This study serves as a successful practice of deep transfer learning using pre-trained models and generates a consolidated disengagement database allowing further investigation for other researchers.
A logic for feature structures and unification with disjunctive and negative values

This dissertation proposes a unification-based formalism to provide a common basis for a computational realization of different linguistic theories, GPSG, HPSG, and LFG in particular, both as a means of theory testing and for the purpose of developing natural language processing systems. A logical language, called LFD, is proposed to describe feature structures and unification as common components across different theories. The goal of the formalism is to provide an efficient computational solution to the unification problem while allowing enough expressive power for common linguistic concepts, such as disjunctive and negative values, and value sharing. The semantics of disjunctive and negative values is reevaluated as constraints on instantiation of unspecified values, and the semantics of negative values is defined in such a way that the satisfiability is monotonic with respect to the subsumption order. An intuitive correspondence between disjunctive and negative values e.g. 'first- OR second-person' and 'NOT third person', is formally captured as logical equivalence, and further extended to complex values. Underspecification, a central notion in unification-based formalisms and theories, is viewed as a property of the description of feature structures, rather than structures themselves. A special purpose atomic value, called 'unspecified value', is proposed as a primitive expression of LFD. This value plays a crucial role in stating disjunctive values in terms of logically equivalent negative values in the underspecified description of feature structures. Furthermore, this value makes it possible to express obligatory instantiation of values without specifying a particular value, a long-standing problem for which no coherent computational solution has been given. Any formulas of LFD can be converted to a clausal form similar to Horn clauses, called negative definite clauses, whose satisfiability can be computed in polynomial time. A preprocessed form, called a prefix closure, of formulas to specify value sharing is proposed. Although the conversion of formulas into negative definite clauses could expand the size of input formulas exponentially, thus nullifying the computational efficiency of the clauses, the computational advantage of the proposed approach is shown in the context of consecutive unification operations.
Anaerobic Degradation of Lysine III. 15N STUDIES ON THE CONVERSION OF LYSINE TO 3,5-DIAMINOHEXANOATE

Abstract The amino group migration reactions that are involved in the conversion of lysine to 3,6-diaminohexanoate (β-lysine) and of 3,6-diaminohexanoate to 3,5-diaminohexanoate by Clostridium sticklandii occur by mechanisms which do not involve exchange with free ammonia nitrogen. The conversion of β-lysine to 3,5-diaminohexanoate is a cobamide coenzyme-dependent reaction.
Tort, Compensation, and Two Kinds of Justice

Following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress moved swiftly to pass legislation that both protected potential tort defendants against crushing liability and created a fund to compensate those killed or injured by the terrorists. Although the Victim Compensation Fund does not provide the full recovery that a plaintiff might gain through a tort suit, it nonetheless reflects a tort law bent by allowing recovery of full economic loss.This Article argues that the Fund confuses two kinds of justice. Corrective justice (herein, tort law) is concerned with repairing an inequality between parties that wrongful conduct has created. Distributive justice, on the other hand, considers broader questions about the proper and just allocation of goods within a society. Such questions are the province of government, not of individuals. The "Fund" is a fund in name only, because its source is general revenue. Thus, inasmuch as it is taxpayers, and not parties who have acted wrongfully, who are paying for the Fund, government cannot consider the needs of the victims of September 11th in isolation. Instead, it has a responsibility for ensuring that the needs of all citizens are considered. In short, payment should not attempt to substitute for tort law, under which the goal is restoration of the status quo before the harm occurred. The Fund does nod in the right direction, by counting most collateral source payouts against recovery, and limiting recovery for non-economic loss. But these measures do not achieve the broader accounting that distributive justice requires.Once the Fund's confusion between distributive and corrective justice is laid bare, the troubling question remains: How should the victims of this tragedy be compensated? The consequences of a terrorist attack are the realization of a social, or shared, risk. The Article contends that a broad definition of social risk is needed, and that such a comprehensive understanding can help us to understand both the inappropriateness of such measures as the Fund and the strength (and limits) of claims based on the materialization of social risks. To make this point, the Article focuses on a class of injuries that everyone agrees is social - the risk of the spread of infectious disease from an unvaccinated population. It moves out from there to note similarities between this obvious case of social risk and misfortunes that are not usually thought of as shared, and concludes by stating that an expansive definition of social risk might yet emerge from the events of September 11th. Such a definition would underscore the reality that the victims of misfortune - including terrorist attacks - are all of us.
Quantum Entanglement and the Nonexistence of Superluminal Signals

This paper shows that ordinary quantum mechanics is not consistent with the superluminal transmission of classical information.
Hot Deformation of YBa2Cu3O7-δ and Composite YBa2Cu3O7-δ/Ag

The response of ceramic superconductors and ceramic composites to compressive stresses at high temperatures has been examined. Monolithic YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] and composite YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]]/Ag were tested at constant true strain rates from 10[sup [minus]6] to 10[sup [minus]3] s[sup [minus]1] at temperatures from 800 to 950 C. Fine-grained monolithic YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] appears to have a regime of superplastic deformation between temperatures of 850 and 950 C at strain rates from 10[sup [minus]6] to 10[sup [minus]4] s[sup [minus]1]. The addition of 20 vol% Ag to a coarser-grained material enhances the ductility of the ceramic and lowers the flow stress by a factor of 3 to 10. However, there is no evidence of superplasticity in the composite material in the range of temperature and strain rate where it was tested.
In Praise of Martyrdom

I am pleased to welcome Professor Carter to the (unfortunately thin) ranks of skeptics about the entire project of defending the propriety of accommodations of religion.' There are, of course, some skeptics whose concerns arise from a quite general strict separationist view of the Constitution. But Professor Carter joins a different group, those with essentially theological rather than constitutional concerns about accommodations of religion. In this brief Response, I will elaborate somewhat on what I take to be the theological case against accommodation.2 We can begin by distinguishing between two kinds of concerns. The first is that accommodations are bad for religions, the second, that they operate in a domain that religion ought to understand as irrelevant to itself. The concern that accommodations are bad for religion rests largely on historical experience that demonstrates (to those who have this concern) that the State is not religion's friend,3 even when it superficially appears to be.4 I believe that the historical argument underlies much of the
Misconceptions about Value-Added and Retail Sales Taxes: Are They Barriers to Sensible Tax Policy?

Retail sales and value-added taxes both aim to tax consumption, but lawmakers, the public, and academics view them differently. Several American states have sought increased retail sales tax (RST) reliance, some have argued for a national RST, but a value-added tax (VAT) remains anathema. Conversely, international observers strongly reject the RST in favor of the VAT. This paper examines these views from the standpoints of administration, transparency, rate increases, and breadth to see how misconceptions might be involved.
Multicultural Children's Literature and Teacher Candidates' Awareness and Attitudes toward Cultural Diversity.

The purpose of this study was to look at elementary/middle school pre-service teachers’ perceptions of multicultural and diversity issues through multicultural children’s literature. Nineteen pre-service teachers in a foundation of literacy course explored multicultural children’s literature and involved group/class discussions and a project over the semester. Data was collected using the pre- and postCultural Diversity Awareness Inventory (CDAI), open-ended responses, quick writings, projects, and class interactions. The results showed that while they were not familiar with multicultural children’s literature at the beginning of the semester, at the end of the semester they developed positive attitudes toward learning about them, identified them as crucial to foster children’s awareness of diversity, and planned to use them in their future classrooms. They also increased their positive attitudes toward multicultural and diversity issues. In particular, they were most aware of two categories, cultural diversity and multicultural environment, in the CDAI.
The influence of acceleration forces on dendritic growth and grain structure

The results of experiments on the tin-15 wt pct lead system are presented, showing the effects on microstructure of solidification in the presence of acceleration forces from 0.0001 to 5 g for three cooling rates. An increase in the acceleration level is shown to drive fluid flow and cause dendrite remelting, fragmentation, and macrosegregation. The cooling rate impacts the final structure through its control of dendrite arm spacings and permeability to fluid flow. At the low (0.0001 g) acceleration, dendrite arm spacings deviated from the predicted relationship to cooling rate. An explanation for this anomaly is given which considers the temperature and concentration gradients in the low-gravity environment.
The geometric oblateness of Uranus

The paper considers photographs of Uranus obtained by the Stratoscope II balloon-borne telescope in 1970. These data have been redigitized and reanalyzed, and the geometric oblateness of Uranus was determined from the isophotes near the limb using an expression in terms of the equatorial and polar radii.
Problems in understanding the interaction of surfactant, oil and water

The limited partition coefficient data presently available on amphiphilic compounds precludes the serious testing of the HOR concept, especially any correlation that it may have with HLB. The HLB scale, on the other hand, has been evolved for complex amphiphile mixtures rather than pure amphiphiles, further complicating the development of a correlation between HLB and other amphiphile-system properties. The paucity of reliable data, then, on the partition coefficient, EACN concept and HLB, especially with respect to reasonably well defined amphiphiles, greatly impedes progress in the development of a rational basis relating surfactant function to molecular structure. The effect of oil, however, in the oil-water-amphiphile system might be assessed through use of the solubility parameter concept since the original HLB scale was based on the stability of a specific oil-water emulsion. Thus, while the physico-chemical methods exist to quantitatively establish surfactant-wateroil behavior and to test current theories and correlations, progress in this area must await the cataloging of reliable physicochemical data on reasonably well defined amphiphiles.
Review of profile and roughening simulation in microelectronics plasma etching

Plasma etching of thin films is essential for microelectronics manufacturing. With current feature sizes of 35 nm in production and processes for smaller devices being developed, the sidewall roughness is within the order of magnitude of the gate length of the device, and therefore significantly impacts the devices' performance. In this paper we review the modelling of the surface profile evolution in plasma etching. Both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models have been developed using a number of representations and solution algorithms. String algorithms and the method of characteristics use a segmented string which is incrementally advanced. Level-set representations describe the profile evolution as a moving interface in response to a velocity field. Cellular representations in which the area or volume domain is divided into discrete cells have been used with flux and surface kinetics based on Monte Carlo calculations. We discuss our work in the modelling of profile evolution with surface roughening using a 3D cellular Monte Carlo simulation. The formation of perpendicular and parallel ripple formation on planar surfaces as a function of ion bombardment incidence angle and the transformation from perpendicular to parallel as etching progresses has been modelled. The smoothing and/or roughening of resist masks has been demonstrated along with the pattern transfer of roughness into the underlying layers being etched.
The effect of micro-crack systems on the loss of stiffness of brittle solids

Abstract Micro-cracks in a fabricated ceramic reduce stiffness compared with the ideal ceramic. Self-consistent estimates for stiffness reduction are obtained for a variety of crack shapes and orientation distributions. Results are derived in terms of a common measure of crack density which allows different crack systems to be compared. In particular we consider cracking along grain boundaries of a two-dimensional hexagonal array which leads to overall anisotropy of the ceramic. It is found that knowledge of crack number density, orientation distribution, and crack geometry are all needed in order to predict loss of stiffness. Closed form solutions are derived which are entirely adequate for most engineering applications.
Standard duplex criteria overestimate the degree of stenosis after eversion carotid endarterectomy

Objective The eversion technique for carotid endarterectomy (eCEA) offers an alternative to longitudinal arteriotomy and patch closure (pCEA) for open carotid revascularization. In some reports, eCEA has been associated with a higher rate of >50% restenosis of the internal carotid when it is defined as peak systolic velocity (PSV) >125 cm/s by duplex imaging. Because the conformation of the carotid bifurcation may differ after eCEA compared with native carotid arteries, it was hypothesized that standard duplex criteria might not accurately reflect the presence of restenosis after eCEA. Methods In a case-control study, the outcomes of all patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy by one surgeon during the last 10 years were analyzed retrospectively, with a primary end point of PSV >125 cm/s. Duplex flow velocities were compared with luminal diameter measurements for any carotid computed tomography arteriography or magnetic resonance angiography study obtained within 2 months of duplex imaging, with the degree of stenosis calculated by the methodology used in the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) and the European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) as well as cross-sectional area (CSA) reduction. Simulations were generated and analyzed by computational model simulations of the eCEA and pCEA arteries. Results Eversion and longitudinal arteriotomy with patch techniques were used in 118 and 177 carotid arteries, respectively. Duplex follow-up was available in 90 eCEA arteries at a median of 16 (range, 2-136) months and in 150 pCEA arteries at a median of 41 (range, 3-115) months postoperatively. PSV >125 cm/s was present at some time during follow-up in 31% of eCEA and pCEA carotid arteries, each, and in the most recent duplex examination in 7% after eCEA and 21% after pCEA ( P = .003), with no eCEA and two pCEA arteries occluding completely during follow-up ( P = .29). In 19 carotid arteries with PSV >125 cm/s after angle correction (median, 160 cm/s; interquartile range, 146-432 cm/s) after eCEA that were subsequently examined by axial imaging, the mean percentage stenosis was 8% ± 11% by NASCET, 11% ± 5% by ECST, and 20% ± 9% by CSA criteria. For eight pCEA arteries with PSV >125 cm/s (median velocity, 148 cm/s; interquartile range, 139-242 cm/s), the corresponding NASCET, ECST, and CSA stenoses were 8% ± 35%, 26% ± 32%, and 25% ± 33%, respectively. NASCET internal carotid diameter reduction of at least 50% was noted by axial imaging after two of the eight pCEAs, and the PSV exceeded 200 cm/s in each case. Conclusions The presence of hemodynamically significant carotid artery restenosis may be overestimated by standard duplex criteria after eCEA and perhaps after pCEA. Insufficient information currently exists to determine what PSV does correspond to hemodynamically significant restenosis.
The Transient-Energy Method of Calculating Stability

The transient-energy method is a newly developed means of checking and quantitatively evaluating the transient stability of a system of three, or possibly more synchronous machines. Each machine is represented by a constant-magnitude voltage behind a fixed reactance (usually the transient reactance) and all losses and nonsynchronous loads are assumed to be constant throughout the transient. The method is developed in this paper specifically for the 3-machine problem and is demonstrated in two examples. The potential energy required to displace the machine rotors from the relative positions which they would occupy in steady-state after-transient operation is the basic function utilized; it may be expressed as a scalar potential function of two rotor-difference angles. Two critical (zero-slope) points of the potential energy function are located graphically; those points are 1. The minimum, which is the locus of steady-state after-transient operation. 2. The minimax, the rotor-difference-angle combination at which stability may be lost with the smallest amount of transient energy. The potential energy of (2) with respect to (1) is computed and compared with the initial transient energy, calculated with respect to condition 1. If the allowable transient energy (former) exceeds the actual transient energy (latter), the system is stable.
Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characterization of 2-piperazine-α-isopropyl benzylamine derivatives as melanocortin-4 receptor antagonists

A series of 2-piperazine-alpha-isopropylbenzylamine derivatives were synthesized and characterized as melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) antagonists. Attaching an amino acid to benzylamines 7 significantly increased their binding affinity, and the resulting compounds 8-12 bound selectively to MC4R over other melanocortin receptor subtypes and behaved as functional antagonists. These compounds were also studied for their permeability using Caco-2 cell monolayers and metabolic stability in human liver microsomes. Most compounds exhibited low permeability and high efflux ratio possibly due to their high molecular weights. They also showed moderate metabolic stability which might be associated with their moderate to high lipophilicity. Pharmacokinetic properties of these MC4R antagonists, including brain penetration, were studied in mice after oral and intravenous administrations. Two compounds identified to possess high binding affinity and selectivity, 10d and 11d, were studied in a murine cachexia model. After intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 1mg/kg dose, mice treated with 10d had significantly more food intake and weight gain than the control animals, demonstrating efficacy by blocking the MC4 receptor. Similar in vivo effects were also observed when 11d was dosed orally at 20mg/kg. These results provide further evidence that a potent and selective MC4R antagonist has potential in the treatment of cancer cachexia.
Distribution of bile acid absorption and bile acid transporter gene message in the hamster ileum

The apical, Na-dependent, ileal bile acid transporter (IBAT) is critical for the reabsorption of bile acids in the ileum. Bile acid transport capacities as well as the distribution of bile acid transporter messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and transporter protein were studied along the axis of the ileum. Na-dependent and Na-independent taurocholate uptake was measured in the hamster ileum using an everted-sleeve technique. The distribution of IBAT mRNA and protein were mapped by in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Na-dependent and Na-independent bile acid uptake rates were highest 1–4 cm before the ileocecal valve (maxima 780 and 120 pmol/mm2 per min, respectively) and decreased proximally and distally. Na-independent absorption was increased in the last 6 cm of the ileum. IBAT mRNA and protein expression were linked closely to the distribution of uptake capacity. IBAT mRNA was more abundant near the crypt-villus junction whereas the protein was expressed evenly along the villus axis. We conclude that Na-dependent and Na-independent bile acid absorption capacities both have distinct distribution curves in the hamster ileum. All ileocytes on villi in the high-uptake area of the ileum express IBAT mRNA and protein.
Exploiting Amino Acid Composition for Predicting Protein-Protein Interactions

Background Computational prediction of protein interactions typically use protein domains as classifier features because they capture conserved information of interaction surfaces. However, approaches relying on domains as features cannot be applied to proteins without any domain information. In this paper, we explore the contribution of pure amino acid composition (AAC) for protein interaction prediction. This simple feature, which is based on normalized counts of single or pairs of amino acids, is applicable to proteins from any sequenced organism and can be used to compensate for the lack of domain information. Results AAC performed at par with protein interaction prediction based on domains on three yeast protein interaction datasets. Similar behavior was obtained using different classifiers, indicating that our results are a function of features and not of classifiers. In addition to yeast datasets, AAC performed comparably on worm and fly datasets. Prediction of interactions for the entire yeast proteome identified a large number of novel interactions, the majority of which co-localized or participated in the same processes. Our high confidence interaction network included both well-studied and uncharacterized proteins. Proteins with known function were involved in actin assembly and cell budding. Uncharacterized proteins interacted with proteins involved in reproduction and cell budding, thus providing putative biological roles for the uncharacterized proteins. Conclusion AAC is a simple, yet powerful feature for predicting protein interactions, and can be used alone or in conjunction with protein domains to predict new and validate existing interactions. More importantly, AAC alone performs at par with existing, but more complex, features indicating the presence of sequence-level information that is predictive of interaction, but which is not necessarily restricted to domains.
NK-1 receptor blockade decreases amphetamine-induced behavior and neuropeptide mRNA expression in the striatum

The effect of intrastriatal administration of LY306740, a specific NK-1 receptor antagonist, on the behavior and changes in gene expression elicited by the psychomotor stimulant, amphetamine, was studied. Acute administration of amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) caused an increase in behavioral activity and preproenkephalin, preprodynorphin and substance P mRNA expression in the striatum. When amphetamine-treated rats were pretreated with LY306740 (35 and 20 nmoles per side, intrastriatally), there was a significant decrease in amphetamine-induced behavioral activity. Quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that both concentrations of LY306740 significantly decreased amphetamine-induced mRNA expression of all three neuropeptides. These data indicate that striatal NK-1 receptors modulate amphetamine-induced behavior and mRNA expression of neuropeptides in the rat striatum.
Canine Carpal Joint Fusion: A Model for Four-Corner Arthrodesis Using a Porous Tantalum Implant

Purpose Interest has focused on porous materials that promote bony ingrowth. In this study a porous tantalum implant was used as an adjunct to intercarpal stabilization in a canine model of wrist arthrodesis. Methods A defect was created at the junction of the radiocarpal, ulnocarpal, and fourth carpal bones, analogous to a four-corner fusion site in humans. A tantalum cylinder was press-fit and stabilized with K-wires. Controls were represented by creating the defect without implant placement. Animals were killed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results Histology showed bony ingrowth as early as 4 weeks and mechanical testing showed a statistically significant increase in strength of the construct over time. Controls failed to achieve union at any time point. Conclusions The implant served as an adjunct to stabilization of the carpus in this model of four-corner fusion, suggesting a novel application of this material in conditions in which bone graft has been required previously. This study represents a preliminary investigation of the use of a tantalum device for intercarpal stabilization; it does not compare this technique with conventional methods.
Inbreeding and maternal effects in the Japanese.

(1962). Inbreeding and maternal effects in the Japanese. Eugenics Quarterly: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 14-22.
A self-healing 3D woven fabric reinforced shape memory polymer composite for impact mitigation

In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) woven fabric reinforced shape memory polymer composite for impact mitigation was proposed, fabricated, programmed using a three-step strain-controlled thermomechanical cycle at a pre-strain level of 5% and machined to two groups of specimens (G1 and G2) with dimensions 152.4 mm × 101.6 mm × 12.7 mm. The specimens were impact tested, transversely, centrally and repeatedly with 32 and 42 J of energy. G1 specimens were healed after each impact until perforation occurred. G2 specimens were not healed after each impact and served as controls. At 32 J impact energy, G2 specimens were perforated at the 9th impact while G1 specimens lasted until the 15th impact; at 42 J impact energy, G2 specimens were perforated at the 5th impact while G1 specimens were perforated at the 7th impact. Visual inspection, C-scan, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to evaluate damage, failure modes, and healing efficiency.
Are all part-time faculty underemployed? The influence of faculty status preference on satisfaction and commitment

Utilizing a person–job fit perspective, we examined the job satisfaction and affective commitment of three groups of college faculty (N = 167): full-time faculty, part-time faculty preferring a part-time position (voluntary part-time), and part-time faculty preferring a full-time position (involuntary part-time). Involuntary part-time faculty were least satisfied with salient facets of satisfaction (advancement, compensation, and job security), whereas voluntary part-time faculty and full-time faculty reported similar levels of satisfaction on these facets. No consistent differences in satisfaction by faculty status were found for the majority of the other, less salient facets. The three groups of faculty also reported similar levels of perceived overqualification and affective commitment to the organization. Future directions for research and practice are discussed.
Altered patterns of growth, physiology and reproduction in invasive genotypes of Solidago gigantea (Asteraceae)

Introduced plants may leave their specialized herbivores behind when they invade new ranges. The Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) Hypothesis holds that this escape from herbivory could lead to reduced investment in defenses, thereby freeing resources for growth and reproduction. We tested the prediction that introduced genotypes of Solidago gigantea would outperform native genotypes when grown in the absence of herbivores, and examined whether tolerance to insect herbivory has changed in introduced genotypes. S. gigantea is native to North America and an exotic invasive in Europe. Insect damage reduced plant growth and biomass for both native and exotic genotypes. While there was no evidence that continent of origin influenced the degree to which plants compensated for herbivory, the mechanisms contributing to recovery differed for native and exotic plants. Damaged US plants showed enhanced photosynthetic rates to a greater extent than damaged European plants, while damaged European plants carried more leaves than damaged US plants. At the end of the season, leaf mass of European plants was significantly greater than that of US plants. Contrary to the predictions of the EICA hypothesis, US plants were more likely to flower than European plants. European plants invested significantly more of their total reproductive biomass into rhizomes rather than flowers than US plants. While other work with S. gigantea has supported some aspects of the EICA hypothesis, the results reported here generally do not. We conclude that multiple factors influence the success of introduced plants.
Postmodernism and Thinking Quantum Holographically

Postmodern analysis has suggested new directions in critical criminology. We first situate the development of postmodern analysis, particularly chaos, catastrophe, Lacanian psychoanalytic, and edgework theory. One more recent derivative of a postmodern approach, and as of yet undeveloped, is quantum holography. This article develops a process-informational paradigm rooted in quantum holography. We argue that the noosphere we operate within needs to be challenged. We argue, moreover, criminology lacks a subject, a viable agent. We offer Schema QD, an inter- and intra- subjective agent that is neither a transcendental nor passive subject. We provide short examples of applications in this area meant as suggestive not exhaustive, and conclude with future directions.
Multiparameter process metrology using scatterometry

Scatterometry, the analysis of light scaattered by diffraction from periodic structures, is shown to be a versatile metrology technique applicable to a number of processes involved in microelectronic manufacturing. Contemporary inspection technologies such as scanning force microscopy (SFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), apart from being slow and possibly destructive, in general cannot be used in-situ. Scatterometry, on the other hand, is rapid, nondestructive, inexpensive, and has the potential for use in-situ. In the production of a sub-micron microelectronic device, a typical series of process steps could involve the deposition of a poly-Si layer on oxide, followed by the application of an anti-reflection coating (ARC) and resist layer. After the resist is exposed and developed there are four dimensions which will affect further wafer processing: the linewidth of the resist, the resist thickness, and the ARC and poly-Si thicknesses. By varying the angle of incidence and continuously monitoring the diffracted power in any diffraction order, a scatter 'signature' may be obtained. We have demonstrated that there is sufficient information in one signature to determine all these dimensions at once, even when the linewidth dimensions are as small as 0.25 micrometers and the poly-Si thickness is on the order to 2500 angstrom. Results from determining these dimensions on a 25 wafer study show excellent agreement between the scatterometry measurements and measurements made with other metrology instruments (SEM and ellipsometer). For example, there is a 22.6 nm average difference between SEM and scatterometry measurements of 0.25 micrometers nominal linewidths. In addition, the repeatability (1(sigma) ) of this technique is shown to be sub-nanometer for all of the parameters measured (linewidth, resist height, ARC thickness, and poly thickness).
Association of HLA-DR5 with Mycosis Fungoides

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) are uncommon neoplasms of the lymphoreticular system with distinct clinical, histologic, and immunologic features. Based on the thymus-derived nature of the neoplastic cells, MF and SS are both classified as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. While substantially greater understanding of MF and 55 has been made possible, the exact mechanism for the initiation of either disease is still unknown. The possible involvement of environmental factors as well as viral etiology, i.e., retroviruses, has been suggested. In order to investigate the possible role of HLA-associated variations in genetic susceptibility, 74 patients with histologically documented MF were typed for HIS-A, -B, and -C antigens. Half of these patients were also typed for HLA-DR antigens. An increase in DR5 was the only statistically significant deviation in HIS antigen frequencies in these patients (53% in MF as compared with 20% in controls). An increased frequency of HLA-DR5 has also been associated with sclerodenna and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis both of which have immunologic alterations. Also HLA-DR5 has been associated with renal cell carcinoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. The association of MF with DR5 suggests that some individuals with the DR5 antigen may be at higher risk for virally initiated and/or neoplastic diseases possibly through an HIS-linked defect in the immune system.
Interaction between the d -Shells in the Transition Metals. II. Ferromagnetic Compounds of Manganese with Perovskite Structure

Recently, Jonker and Van Santen have found an empirical correlation between electrical conduction and ferromagnetism in certain compounds of manganese with perovskite structure. This observed correlation is herein interpreted in terms of those principles governing the interaction of the $d$-shells of the transition metals which were enunciated in the first paper of this series. Both electrical conduction and ferromagnetic coupling in these compounds are found to arise from a double exchange process, and a quantitative relation is developed between electrical conductivity and the ferromagnetic Curie temperature.
Simultaneous analysis of the (110) and (011) bands of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract Nielsen's modification of the conventional Herman-Shaffer contact transformation was applied to the Goldsmith-Amat-Nielsen Hamiltonian expansion (through second order). The resulting Hamiltonian was used to analyze simultaneously the mutually interacting (110) and (011) bands of H232S at 3779.17 and 3789.28 cm−1, respectively. About 600 transitions were assigned and the molecular parameters, including Gz and Gxy, the terms coupling the two bands, were determined.
Coinhibition of viral interferon induction by benzo[a]pyrene and chrysotile asbestos.

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) and its noncarcinogenic analog, benzo(e)pyrene (B(e)P), each in combination with chrysotile, were studied for their inhibitory effects on interferon (IFN) induction by influenza virus in rhesus monkey kidney (LLC-MK/sub 2/) cell monolayers. B(a)P alone had no adverse effect on IFN induction; however, from 60 to 70% inhibition of IFN production occurred when B(a)P was enzymatically activated by rat liver S9. Chrysotile's inhibitory effect on the IFN process was similar in magnitude to that of activated B(a)P. The combination of activated B(a)P with chrysotile resulted in coinhibition of IFN induction which significantly exceeded the inhibitory activity of the reagents tested alone or in other combinations. B(e)P alone or with S9 neither affected IFN induction nor was it capable of further enhancing chrysotile's inhibition of IFN synthesis. These findings provide further evidence of enhanced deleterious action by the combination of asbestos and activated B(a)P on a biological defense mechanism and further support the discriminatory power and credibility of the inhibition IFN induction assay for evaluating potential carcinogens.
Optimizing Silica Synthesis for the Preparation of Mesoporous Ti-SBA-15 Epoxidation Catalysts

The influence of the synthesis conditions of SBA-15 silica support in the development of Ti-SBA-15 epoxidation catalysts has been studied in detail. In this study, efficient and stable Ti-SBA-15 epoxidation catalysts were prepared using a recently developed postgrafting method based on the insertion of a chelated titanium alkoxide precursor inside the SBA-15 silica mesophase. First, the nature of the SBA-15 supports was analyzed as a function of different synthesis parameters, such as hydrothermal aging temperature and calcination temperature, by solid-state NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and nitrogen physisorption at −196 °C. Subsequently, titanium-substituted SBA-15 materials were characterized by DR UV−vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and nitrogen physisorption. As a catalytic test reaction, the activity, selectivity, and catalyst regenerability were studied in the epoxidation of cyclohexene. Our findings show that the density of silanol groups on the support greatly influences the retention ...
Baby on board: olfactory cues indicate pregnancy and fetal sex in a non-human primate

Olfactory cues play an integral, albeit underappreciated, role in mediating vertebrate social and reproductive behaviour. These cues fluctuate with the signaller's hormonal condition, coincident with and informative about relevant aspects of its reproductive state, such as pubertal onset, change in season and, in females, timing of ovulation. Although pregnancy dramatically alters a female's endocrine profiles, which can be further influenced by fetal sex, the relationship between gestation and olfactory cues is poorly understood. We therefore examined the effects of pregnancy and fetal sex on volatile genital secretions in the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), a strepsirrhine primate possessing complex olfactory mechanisms of reproductive signalling. While pregnant, dams altered and dampened their expression of volatile chemicals, with compound richness being particularly reduced in dams bearing sons. These changes were comparable in magnitude with other, published chemical differences among lemurs that are salient to conspecifics. Such olfactory 'signatures' of pregnancy may help guide social interactions, potentially promoting mother-infant recognition, reducing intragroup conflict or counteracting behavioural mechanisms of paternity confusion; cues that also advertise fetal sex may additionally facilitate differential sex allocation.
CRT-154 Intravascular Ultrasound Guided Left Main Interventions: Meta-analysis

Interventions of the left main coronary artery are complex and require high degree of technical skills. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can aid interventions of the left main coronary artery. We performed this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of use of IVUS compared to angiographic-guided PCI.
Regulation of interactions of Gram-negative bacterial endotoxins with mammalian cells.

Host defense against many invading Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) depends on innate immune recognition of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharides, LPS), unique surface glycolipids of GNB. Host responses to endotoxin must be highly sensitive but self-limited. In mammals, optimal sensitivity is achieved by ordered interactions of endotoxin with several different extracellular and cell surface proteins—the LPS-binding protein (LBP), CD14, MD-2, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4—reflecting the requirement for specific protein–endotoxin and protein–protein interactions. This complex reaction pathway also provides many ways to attenuate endotoxin-driven inflammation and can explain how differences in endotoxin structure, either intrinsic among GNB or induced by metabolic remodeling, can alter host responsiveness and thus the outcome of host-GNB interactions. Major goals of our research are to better understand: (1) the structural bases of specific host-endotoxin interactions; (2) functional diversity among host endotoxin-binding proteins; and (3) how the actions of various endotoxin-binding proteins are regulated to permit optimal host responses to GNB infection. In addition, the identification of a water-soluble endotoxin:MD-2 complex that, depending on the structure of endotoxin or MD-2, has potent TLR4 agonist or antagonist properties suggests novel pharmacologic approaches to immuno-modulation.
Physician shadowing by college students: what do patients think?

The objective of this study is to determine patients’ perceptions of physician shadowing by college students. Thirty-two patients who agreed to have a college student shadow their physician participated in semi-structured interviews during July and August 2013 at two outpatient family medicine centers. Qualitative techniques were utilized to analyze the transcripts of the patient interviews and identify common themes. The majority of patients (78.1%) felt the college student had a neutral effect on their visit and denied having concerns about confidentiality (87.5%). No patient felt that having the college student present affected their ability to maintain a trusting relationship with their physician. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: benefits to students, willing participation and sensitive issues. Most patients (78.5%) recognized that the student was in college or was a premedical student. The overwhelming majority of patients stated that they would have a college student shadow their physician again in the future. Despite concerns raised by other authors about the possible negative effects of physician shadowing by college students, this study shows that patients feel the impact to be primarily neutral and that there are many perceived benefits to both student and patient.
Ultradian characteristics of spontaneous seizures discharges recorded by radio telemetry in man

Abstract Twenty-four hour EEG records were recorded by radiotelemetry during free behavior from five patients with seizures for a total of 18 days and nights. Quantitative measurements of duration of epileptiform bursts, frank seizures and inter-spike and inter-seizure intervals were made from magnetic tape and ink polygraph records. Total consecutive spikes per 4 min over 24 h were enumerated automatically by a specially designed spike recognition unit. Proportional relationships were demonstrated between seizure length and pre- and post-seizure intervals. A broad or quasi normal distribution was found for diurnal seizure and interval durations in contrast to a random (Poisson) distribution for corresponding nocturnal ictal events. A relatively constant inter-ictal spike rate, interrupted every 80 to 120 min was shown for most patients during both day and night. Nocturnally, the period of spike interruption coincided with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and spike recurrence with slow wave sleep. A tendency for clinical ictus to occur in relation to the REM periods was apparent.