cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Double Contacts of Similar Elastic Materials

A fast numerical method based on the Cauchy singular integral equations is presented to determine the contact pressure and extents for the contact of two-dimensional similar isotropic bodies when the contact area consists of two separate regions. The partial-slip problem is then solved to determine shear tractions using an equivalence principle. The extents of the contact are not all independent but related to a compatibility equation constraining the displacements of an elastic body in contact with an equivalent rigid body. A similar equation is found for the extents of the stick zones in partial-slip problems. The effects of load history are incorporated into the shear solution. The method is applicable to a wide range of profiles and it provides significant gains in computational efficiency over the finite element method (FEM) for both the pressure and partial-slip problems. The numerical results obtained are compared with that from the FEM for a biquadratic indenter with a single concavity and showed good agreement. Lastly, the transition behavior from double to single contacts in biquadratic profiles is investigated.
Total sulfur amino acid requirement of juvenile hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis)

Abstract Two separate feeding trials were conducted to determine the total sulfur amino acid requirement of hybrid striped bass. Semipurified diets containing 35% crude protein from fish muscle and crystalline amino acids were supplemented with graded levels of methionine. Each diet was fed to juvenile fish in triplicate aquaria receiving freshwater for 8 weeks. Fish fed the basal diet which contained 0.38% methionine and 0.13% cystine experienced complete mortality within 1 week. Prior to death, some fish fed inadequate methionine were observed to have bilateral cataracts. Weight gain and feed efficiency of fish were significantly ( P
The clinical psychologist as organizational diagnostician.

In recent years there has been considerable concern with organizational change and organizational development. Much of this concern has stemmed from the group dynamics movement, and those who have practiced organizational development have been largely social psychologists, sociologists, and others in a variety of disciplines who have applied variations of group dynamics techniques. A number of clinical psychologists have also been involved in this new direction. Like nondirective therapy, organizational development practices concentrate largely on having people express themselves to each other about their mutual working interests and problems, on working together on the resolution of common problems, and on having people weigh out loud and with each other their organizational aspirations and goals. Often problem-specific and frequently intuitive, these efforts are largely atheoretical. It is presumed that the same general methods will apply to all organizations. The field is presently in a fluid state, marked primarily by ad hoc problemsolving efforts and by a heavy emphasis on expedient techniques, ranging from
Multitemplate Alignment Method for the Development of a Reliable 3D-QSAR Model for the Analysis of MMP3 Inhibitors

A ligand-based 3D-QSAR study for the identification of MMP3 inhibitors was developed by applying an innovative alignment method capable of taking into account information obtained from available X-ray MMP3 structures. Comparison of the obtained model with data recently published using a docking-based alignment method indicated that the ligand-based 3D-QSAR model provided better predictive ability. A second external test set of 106 MMP3 inhibitors further confirmed the predictive ability of the 3D-QSAR model. Finally, certain iminodiacetyl-based hydroxamate-benzenesulfonamide conjugates, which were predicted to be active by the 3D-QSAR model, were tested in vitro for MMP3 inhibition; some provided low nanomolar activity. As such, our results suggest that the multitemplate alignment method is capable of improving the quality of 3D-QSAR models and therefore could be applied to the study of other systems. Furthermore, since MMP3 is an important target toward the treatment of arthritis, this model could be app...
Perceived Risks and Benefits of the Three Gorges Project

Previous studies found that although the designated migrants in China's Three Gorges region showed strong support for the project, they also expressed concerns about the project's likely negative impact on their family life. A psychological explanation is proposed to reconcile these apparent contradictory findings. The empirical validity of the proposed interpretation is evaluated using survey data collected from rural and urban communities in Wanxian Relocation and Development Region in Chongqing Municipality. The findings from our analysis are consistent with the proposed interpretation. The authors found that the designated migrants who anticipate more personal sacrifices are more likely to express concerns about the project's negative micro-impact on their family. Facing the undesirable relocation that is imposed on them, however, these designated migrants rationalize personal sacrifices by affirming the positive macro-impact of the project. The authors see the latter as a psychological coping strateg...
Evaluation of the accuracy of a continuous speech recognition software system in radiology.

ADIOLOGY REPORTS in most medical settings are generally dictated by the radiologists and then transci by a human transcriptionist, resulting in a text report. The radiologist then finalizes the transcribed report after reviewing it and assuring the accuracy of the text. Time delays between the various stages of this process usually mean that the final reports are available only after several hours or more have passed following interpretation of the examination. The emergence of automatic speech recognition software has suggested that all reading rooms operate in the direct dictation mode without involving the human transci When used in conjunction with electronic systems for managing the text information (radiology information system IRIS]) and image information (picture archiving
STATISTICS ON NETWORKS

One-dimensional networks are excellent examples of topological spaces which are not manifolds and which admit interesting quantum physics. They are of importance in the free electron model for molecules and crystals. They also occur as fabricated mesoscopic networks. We review single-particle quantum physics on networks from topological and operator theoretic points of view and then initiate study of identical particles on networks. It is established that the available statistics on networks in its range and complexity rival the richness of statistical options in two dimensions. We treat two-particle statistics on simple networks with detail, taking care to cover operator theoretic issues pertaining to multiple connectivity and also those due to basic topological differences between a generic network and a manifold.
Adaptivity for structured meshfree particle methods in 2D and 3D

The implementation of h-adaptivity for meshfree particle methods within a structured framework is described. In this framework, the initial particle arrangement is structured along with a background mesh, and outside boundaries and interior interfaces are described by implicit functions. The advantage of meshfree approximations in this framework lies in the ease of implementing h-adaptivity and the simplicity of the data structures. Particles can easily be added and removed without complications in the data structure, although there are some issues in the quadrature. An a posteriori error estimation is used for the adaptive refinement. An adaptive refinement strategy is applied to several linear elastic problems with high stress and strain gradients and singularities. Several non-linear examples are also given. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Onset and Duration of Intravenous and Intraosseous Rocuronium in Swine

The intraosseous (IO) route has become a popular method to gain access to the peripheral circulation in emergency situations. Despite little supporting data, it is generally believed that IO absorption is immediate and equivalent to the intravenous (IV) route. It is important to determine if rocuronium can effectively be administered by the IO route. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the onset and duration of rocuronium when administered via the IO and IV routes in a normovolemic pig model.
Soil biota and exotic plant invasion.

Invasive plants are an economic problem and a threat to the conservation of natural systems. Escape from natural enemies might contribute to successful invasion1, with most work emphasizing the role of insect herbivores2,3,4; however, microbial pathogens are attracting increased attention5. Soil biota in some invaded ecosystems may promote ‘exotic’ invasion6,7,8,9, and plant–soil feedback processes are also important. Thus, relatively rare species native to North America consistently demonstrate negative feedbacks with soil microbes that promote biological diversity10, whereas abundant exotic and native species demonstrate positive feedbacks that reduce biological diversity10. Here we report that soil microbes from the home range of the invasive exotic plant Centaurea maculosa L. have stronger inhibitory effects on its growth than soil microbes from where the weed has invaded in North America. Centaurea and soil microbes participate in different plant–soil feedback processes at home compared with outside Centaurea's home range. In native European soils, Centaurea cultivates soil biota with increasingly negative effects on the weed's growth, possibly leading to its control. But in soils from North America, Centaurea cultivates soil biota with increasingly positive effects on itself, which may contribute to the success of this exotic species in North America.
Spinless fermion model with quantum criticality

Abstract A simple model of spinless fermions with nested Fermi surface is considered. A ln ( T ) -dependence of C / T and a linear T-dependence of the quasi-particle linewidth is obtained in the neighborhood of the quantum critical point.
Hardwood Supply Chain and the Role of Log Brokers in 2012

Abstract The recent economic crisis has greatly affected how companies conduct business. To be competitive, companies had to make changes to their product lines, distribution channels, marketing, a...
Modeling and Numerical Simulation of Combustion Process inside a solid‐propellant crack

On a formule et resolu numeriquement des phenomenes de combustion instationnaires a l'interieur d'une fissure dans le propergol solide en mettant en avant le lien entre la dynamique de la combustion, la deformation et la rupture du grain d'explosif
Coronal electron temperature in the protracted solar minimum, the cycle 24 mini maximum, and over centuries

Recent in situ observations of the solar wind show that charge states (e.g., the O7+/O6+and C6+/C5+abundance ratios) evolved through the extended, deep solar minimum between solar cycles 23 and 24 (i.e., from 2006 to 2009) reflecting cooler electron temperatures in the corona. We extend previous analyses to study the evolution of the coronal electron temperature through the protracted solar minimum and observe not only the reduction in coronal temperature in the cycles 23–24 solar minimum but also a small increase in coronal temperature associated with increasing activity during the “mini maximum” in cycle 24. We use a new model of the interplanetary magnetic flux since 1749 to estimate coronal electron temperatures over more than two centuries. The reduction in coronal electron temperature in the cycles 23–24 protracted solar minimum is similar to reductions observed at the beginning of the Dalton Minimum (∼1805–1840). If these trends continue to reflect the evolution of the Dalton Minimum, we will observe further reductions in coronal temperature in the cycles 24–25 solar minimum. Preliminary indications in 2013 do suggest a further post cycle 23 decline in solar activity. Thus, we extend our understanding of coronal electron temperature using the solar wind scaling law and compare recent reductions in coronal electron temperature in the protracted solar minimum to conditions that prevailed in the Dalton Minimum.
Characterization of Bacterionema matruchotii Calcification Nucleator

The nucleator of Bacterionema matruchotii calcification was characterized. Parameters examined were: proteolipid purity and singularity, amino acid composition and relative polarity, phospholipid composition, apoprotein homogeneity, essentiality of the complex for nucleation, and ordered structure. The data fulfill a requirement for comparisons among apatite-nucleating proteolipids.
Acute toxic effects of ionic liquids on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) survival and feeding

Ionic liquids (ILs) are being designed as green alternatives to volatile organic solvents that are currently used in a wide range of industrial processes. While knowledge about the toxicity of various ILs to aquatic organisms has expanded in recent years, toxicity data remains limited to a few animal taxa. Furthermore, few studies have examined the non-lethal effects of ILs on aquatic organisms. We investigated how ILs affect mortality and feeding of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), a sessile bivalve that is invasive in North America and much of Europe. Lethal effects of six ILs (butyl-, hexyl-, or octyl-chains on either a methylpyridinium or methylimidazolium cationic base) were studied with 96 h acute bioassays. Filtering behavior was examined in 2 h feeding trials of individual mussels fed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and exposed to sublethal concentrations of the three imidazolium-based ILs. The ILs tested caused acute mortality over a wide range of concentrations (LC50 = 21.4 to 1290 mg L−1), ILs with longer alkyl chains were more toxic, and pyridinium- and imidazolium-based ILs had similar toxicities. When comparing toxicity to the same IL across organisms, zebra mussels exhibit some of the highest LC50 values and would be among the most resistant aquatic organisms in the event of an IL release. Short-term exposure to any IL reduced zebra mussel feeding. For butyl- and hexyl-chain ILs, feeding was significantly reduced at the acute LC50, whereas the octyl-chain IL reduced feeding at the acute LC5. Reduced survival and feeding by zebra mussels in the presence of ILs could have substantial effects on other trophic levels, which could lead to changes to affected ecosystems that would not have been predicted solely from standard mortality bioassays. Based on our mortality data, ILs are no worse than currently used industrial solvents; however, results from our feeding experiments demonstrate the potential for significant effects at sublethal concentrations. Consequently, we suggest that more ecologically relevant endpoints should be incorporated into a thorough hazard assessment of ILs.
The radiation damage database: Section on helium cross section

Abstract A radiation damage database with emphasis on spallation interactions is described. Currently, the database contains damage energy, displacement, helium, and hydrogen cross sections for 23 elemental targets irradiated by proton and neutron projectiles up to 3.2 GeV. In this paper, the focus is on proton-induced helium cross sections, but it is shown that for high energies (above about 500 MeV) proton- and neutron-induced helium cross sections are almost equal. The cross section calculations were run on the Cascade–Exciton Model code (no options) and also on the Bertini code with three nuclear level-density models and multistage pre-equilibrium model on and off. Calculation and experimental results are compared. For various targets, we tried to determine which code and options give best agreement with experiment. In some cases, such determinations are uncertain, partly because of limited and conflicting experimental information and partly perhaps because of the need for modifications in the codes.
Efficiency Comparisons in Multivariate Multiple Regression with Missing Outcomes

We consider a follow-up study in which an outcome variable is to be measured at fixed time points and covariate values are measured prior to start of follow-up. We assume that the conditional mean of the outcome given the covariates is a linear function of the covariates and is indexed by occasion-specific regression parameters. In this paper we study the asymptotic properties of several frequently used estimators of the regression parameters, namely the ordinary least squares (OLS), the generalized least squares (GLS), and the generalized estimating equation (GEE) estimators when the complete vector of outcomes is not always observed, the missing data patterns are monotone and the data are missing completely at random (MCAR) in the sense defined by Rubin 11]. We show that when the covariance of the outcome given the covariates is constant, as opposed to the nonmissing data case: (a) the GLS estimator is more efficient than the OLS estimator, (b) the GLS estimator is inefficient, and (c) the semiparametric efficient estimator in a model that imposes linear restrictions only on the conditional mean of the last occasion regression can be less efficient than the efficient estimator in a model that imposes linear restrictions on the conditional means of all the outcomes. We provide formulae and calculations of the asymptotic relative efficiencies of the considered estimators in three important cases: (1) for the estimators of the occasion-specific means, (2) for estimators of occasion-specific mean differences, and (3) for estimators of occasion-specific dose-response model parameters.
Enhancement of the electrically induced release of norepinephrine from the rat portal vein: mediation by beta 2-adrenoceptors.

Abstract The effect of β-adrenoceptors agonist ont the electrically induced release of 3 H-NE from the superfused rat portal vein was studied. It was observed that the β-adrenoceptor agonists isoproterenol and terbutaline produced a concentration dependent enhancement of the field-stimulation induced release of NE. In contrast to what was seen with drugs possesing β 2 -activity, the β 1 -agonist, dobutamine, was inactive. The enhancing effect of both isoproterenol and terbutaline was reduced or completely blocked by the β 1 – β 2 -antagonist, propranolol or the β 2 -antagonist butoxamine but not by the β 1 -antagonist, practolol. In the concentration used none of the three β-antagonists had any effect themselved in altering the stimulation induced release of NE. Epinephrine (EPI) at a concentration of 10 −8 M produced an enhancement of the electrically induced release of NE. The effects of EPI and terbutaline were additive with phenoxybenzamine. Higher concentrations (i.e., 10 −7 M) or norepinephrine (10 −8 or 10 −7 M) reduced the enhancement induced by the simultaneous administration of phenoxybenzamine. It is concluded that β-adrenoceptors of the β 2 type are present on adrenergic neurons innervating the rat portal vein. Activation of these receptors results in an enhancement of the electrically induced release of NE. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis of Stjarne and Brundin which suggests that the β-adrenoceptor mediated enhancement of NE release is an example of hormonal modulation of adrenergic transmission mediated by ciculating EPI of adrenal medullary origin.
Formation and applications of stable 10 nm to 500 nm supramolecular porphyrinic materials

Nanoscaled materials of organic dyes are of interest for a variety of potential applications because of the rich photonic properties that this class of molecules can impart. One mode to form such nanoscaled materials is via self-organization and self-assembly, using reasonably well understood methods in supramolecular chemistry. But there are inherent complexities that arise from the use of organic-based supramolecular materials, including stability toward dioxygen, structural stability, and nanoarchitectures that may change with environmental conditions. Porphyrinoids have rich photonic properties yet are remarkably stable, have a rigid core, are readily functionalized, and metalation of the macrocycle can impart a plethora of optical, electronic, and magnetic properties. While there are many <10 nm porphyrinic assemblies, which may or may not self-organize into crystals, there is a paucity of 10-500 nm porphyrinic materials that can be isolated and stored. A variety of strategies towards the latter nanoscopic porphyrinic materials are discussed in terms of design, construction, and nanoarchitecture. The hierarchical structures include colloids, nanorods, nanotubes, nanorings, and nano-crystalline materials. This prolegomenon emphasizes the supramolecular chemistry, structure-stability, and structure-function relationships. The goal herein is to examine general trends and delineate general principles.
Grafting of a liquid crystal polymer on carbon fibers

Covalent grafting of mesogenic chains on carbon fiber surfaces was attempted as part of a study on composite materials containing liquid crystal polymer matrices. Grafting in these composite systems is viewed not only as a mechanism to achieve interfacial bonding but also as an approach to modify the interphase physical structure. The synthetic approach to grafting involved the in-situ polymerization of monomers in the presence of functionalized fibers in order to grow chains covalently attached to the fibers. The chemical mechanism may be viewed as the “transesterification of car boxy lated fibers” with acetylated monomers. The monomers used were pimelic acid, p-acetoxybenzoic acid and diacetoxy hydroquinone which are known to yield upon condensation a chemically aperiodic nematic polymer. Evidence for grafting was obtained from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis on fibers retrieved from composite samples. Interestingly, SEM micrographs of fractured composite specimens containing the mesogen-grafted fibers reveal excellent wetting and interfacial bonding of a liquid crystalline matrix on the carbon surfaces. Based on theoretical considerations for end-adsorbed macromolecules and the nematogenic nature of the grafted chains we infer that dense layers of adsorbed polymer may form at the interfaces studied. From a materials point of view the in situ growth of liquid crystal polymer chains on fibers may offer mechanisms to control composite properties through both bonding and molecular orientation in interfacial regions.
An energy utility company's view of hydrogen energy

Abstract Several areas where the use of hydrogen has been of recent interest to electric and gas utilities are briefly examined. These are electrical peak-leveling systems with hydrogen as a storable medium, the production of hydrogen as a marketable product in either limited or large quantities, and the use of hydrogen for energy transmission. The relationship of these applications to utility operations is discussed generally and some numerical estimates on costs are given. Some research and development needs implied by cost considerations are indicated.
Nipping cat allergy with fusion proteins.

Immunotherapy for allergies can be an imperfect and unpredictable exercise; immunization with allergens can even lead to an acute allergic response. A new approach, involving fusing the allergen to a protein that modulates the immune response, could provide a more effective and safer alternative ( pages 446–449 ).
Hatching and development of rangeland grasshoppers in relation to forage growth, temperature, and precipitation.

Sampling of a grasshopper (Acrididae) population weekly during the summer months of 1975, 1976, and 1977 showed that hatching began when the soil temperature (one cm below the surface) was above 15.6°C for a total of at least 200 h and when the degree hours (number of degrees each hour that the soil temperature exceeded 15.6°C) totaled 2466. Grasshopper density decreased from 1975–77. In 1975 Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) totaled 53% of the number collected; in 1976 and 1977, Amphitornus coloradus (Thomas) was most abundant and comprised 23% and 30%, respectively, of the population. Grasshoppers became active at surface temperatures (5 cm above ground) of 13°–16°C, and feeding began at 21°C. Three-yr averages showed the surface temperatures remained above 21°C for 12 h each day in July, 10 h in August, and 8 h in Sept. Seasonal growth, including seed set, of 3 grass species (western wheatgrass—needleandthread—prairie junegrass) was mostly completed before grasshoppers developed to the damaging stage (4th and 5th instars and adults). Clipping studies showed that grass and forb production decreased from 1473 kg/ha in 1975 to 503 kg/ha in 1977 and was directly correlated with spring and summer precipitation. Forage lost to grasshoppers was estimated at 235 kg/ha in 1975, 226 kg/ha in 1976, and none in 1977.
The haematopoietic response to burning: Studies in an animal model

Abstract Changes in haematopoiesis which occur in humans after burning injury may have important effects on morbidity and mortality. Because of the heterogeneity of burn patients we studied the regulation of blood cell formation which occurs in an animal using an established mouse model. Mice received a 20 per cent third degree scald injury on the back. Serial studies of a variety of haematopoietic parameters including stem cell, bone marrow and peripheral blood findings were done post burn. Although anaemia occurred frequently after injury red blood cell survival studies and examination of the stool for occult blood showed that neither haemolysis nor blood loss were primary causes of the anaemia. Bone marrow erythroid stem cells fell markedly post burn and this was associated with the development of a substance in serum capable of inhibiting red cell colony formation but not white cell colony formation of normal marrow cells. Reticulocytosis occured but was mild and the anaemia was primarily of the aregenerative type. Partial compensation for the depressed marrow erythropoiesis occurred in the spleen with an increase in erythroid colony-forming cells and erythroblasts. Marked granulocytosis occurred in the peripheral blood and bone marrow. There was an increase in splenic granulocytic stem cells post burn. Megakaryocytosis was striking in the bone marrow and spleen and there was an increase in peripheral blood platelet count. Evidence of immune stimulation included an increase in the size of the spleen and an increase in peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes. Correlations of many of these findings suggested that the events were not occurring at random but that the changes in haematopoiesis were linked together. We speculate that the anaemia was the result of the increase in granulopoietic and thrombopoietic effort seen post burn.
A new approach to neural cell culture for long-term studies.

We have developed a new method for culturing cells that maintains their health and sterility for many months. Using conventional techniques, primary neuron cultures seldom survive more than 2 months. Increases in the osmotic strength of media due to evaporation are a large and underappreciated contributor to the gradual decline in the health of these cultures. Because of this and the ever-present likelihood of contamination by airborne pathogens, repeated or extended experiments on any given culture have until now been difficult, if not impossible. We surmounted survival problems by using culture dish lids that form a gas-tight seal, and incorporate a transparent hydrophobic membrane (fluorinated ethylene–propylene) that is selectively permeable to oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), and relatively impermeable to water vapor. This prevents contamination and greatly reduces evaporation, allowing the use of a non-humidified incubator. We have employed this technique to grow dissociated cortical cultures from rat embryos on multi-electrode arrays. After more than a year in culture, the neurons still exhibit robust spontaneous electrical activity. The combination of sealed culture dishes with extracellular multi-electrode recording and stimulation enables study of development, adaptation, and very long-term plasticity, across months, in cultured neuronal networks. Membrane-sealed dishes will also be useful for the culture of many other cell types susceptible to evaporation and contamination. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Correction of spatially dependent phase shifts for partial Fourier imaging.

Abstract Partial Fourier MR images (PFI) are constructed from data that have fewer phase encoding views than are conventionally acquired using direct Fourier transform spin echo acquisition. The PFI data acquisition is structured to obtain the same spatial resolution as conventional acquisition, trading off signal-to-noise reduction for acquisition time improvement. The “missing” views can be zero filled or, if the data are Hermitian, supplied by symmetry (basic algorithm). The effect of spatially dependent phase shifts (SDPS) on PFI constructed with zero-fill or the basic algorithm is illustrated. The causes and typical magnitudes of such SDPS are discussed. In spin echo data only the low order, slowly varying SDPS, is shown to be significant. Through use of simulated and actual data sets these typical SDPS are shown to produce significant artifacts in PFI, when the amount of missing data is close to one-half. The artifacts are reduced when less data are missing. Good images can be generated with the zero-fill algorithm if less than 25% of the data is missing. Several methods of correcting phase shifts in PFI are developed: the basic Hermitian algorithm with frequency (x) direction correction (BAX), basic Fourier correction algorithm (BFC) and an improved iterative Fourier correction algorithm (IFC). The BFC and IFC can produce good images when as much as 46% of the data is missing. Data with rapidly varying SDPS, for example, gradient refocused data, make the phase correction task more difficult. With less than 25% of the data missing, however, accetable gradient refocused PFI images can be created.
Propagation of Energetic Charged Particles in the Solar Wind: Effects of Intermittency in the Medium

We study the temporal evolution of energetic particle beams in an intermittently turbulent solar wind environment using the propagating source method developed by Zank and coworkers, which is based on the separation of the total particle distribution function into a main beam component (unscattered part) and a secondary component (produced by the scattered beam particles). We show here that intermittent changes in the turbulence responsible for scattering particles in the radial direction of the solar wind medium can contribute to the generation of fine-scale structure in the intensity profiles of impulsive events. Our aim in this paper is to simplify the problem to the extent that it allows us to demonstrate the suggested process. Implications of a more complicated transport equation are also discussed. We further address the issue of "dropouts" observed by Mazur and coworkers on the basis of transport in an intermittently turbulent medium.
The Influence of Traits of Disinhibition on the Association Between Alcohol Use and Risky Sexual Behavior

Background: Past research has demonstrated a link between alcohol use and risky sexual behavior; the processes that may underlie this association remain largely unexplored, however. Recent studies suggest that personality traits such as excitement seeking, impulsivity, and social deviance proneness may play an important role in both behaviors. Methods: A structural model of the association between disinhibited personality traits, alcohol use, and risky sexual behavior (sex with stranges/one-night stands) was tested. We recruited a sample of 410 college students that reported a wide range of scores on self-reported measures of disinhibition. We hypothesized that disinhibited personality characteristics would be primarily responsible for the association between risky sexual behavior and alcohol problems. A third-variable model was proposed to demonstrate this association. Results: The results suggested that the relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behavior is best explained by their common association with excitement seeking. There was a significant correlation between alcohol use and risky sexual behavior when considered alone. However, when controlling for the effects of personality, the correlation was nonsignificant. In a final model, both excitement seeking and social deviance proneness were found to be significantly associated with alcohol use, and excitement seeking was significantly related to risky sexual behavior. Conclusions: Results suggest the relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behavior is best characterized by a common association with excitement seeking.
Simulation: Analytic and Algorithmic Analyses of Condorcet's Paradox--Variations on a Classical Theme.

This article compares and contrasts traditional mathematical models with computer simulations. The strengths and flexibility of algorithmic computational simulations are shown by "walking through" ...
A remark on Cauchy-elasticity☆

Abstract In the context of an essentially classical formulation of continuum thermodynamics, it is shown that “Part I” of the Second Law of Thermodynamics—which leads directly to the construction of the entropy function for a thermoelastic material—implies that stress is derivable from a potential function. By specializing the thermodynamical theory to obtain the mechanical theory, one can argue that all Cauchy-elastic materials must be Green-elastic. A natural imbedding of the set of Green-elastic materials in the set of thermoelastic materials is also provided.
Phenomenology of solid solubilities and ion-implantation sites: An orbital-radii approach

The crossing points of the first-principles nonlocal screened atomic pseudopotentials of the elements were shown previously to constitute a sensitive anisotropic atomic-size scale. This scale allows systematization of the crystal structure of as many as 565 binary compounds A. Zunger, [Phys. Rev. B 22, 5839 (1980)]. In this paper we apply the same coordinates for systematizing the trends in the solid solubilities in the divalent solvents Be, Mg, Zn, Cd, Hg, and in the semiconductor solvents Si and Ge (192 data points), as well as the location of the ion-implantation sites in Be and Si (60 data points). We find that these nonempirical and atomic coordinates produce a systematization of the data that overall is equal to or better than that produced by the empirical coordinates of Miedema and Darken-Gurry which are derived from properties of the condensed phases. Furthermore, it is found that the orbital-radii coordinates which incorporate directly the effects of only the $s$ and $p$ atomic orbitals are capable of predicting the solubility trends and ion-implantation sites even for the (nonmagnetic) transition atom impurities.
3-D full-package signal integrity analysis using domain decomposition method

Advances in integrated circuit and package technologies, such as the increase of the number of metal layers and 3-D stacking technique, have paved the way for faster speed and higher performance in today's electronic products. However, whether the high-speed systems preserve signal integrity has become a crucial question for system designers. In this work, we introduce a systematic numerical simulation method for 3-D full package simulation. A non-conformal finite element domain decomposition method with second order transmission condition is proposed to iterative the matrix equation solution. Numerical results verify the analysis and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on a real-life 3-D full package signal integrity analysis.
Efficiency and applicability of comprehensive geriatric assessment in the Emergency Department: a systematic review

Background and aims: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) may benefit frail or chronically ill patients in the emergency department (ED), but take too much time to be performed routinely in ED. An alternative approach is to use first a screening tool to detect high-risk patients and then perform CGA in these patients only. This systematic review focuses on the use and value of CGA in ED for evaluation of older patients and its influence on adverse outcomes. This approach is compared with an alternative one using existing screening tools, validated in ED, to detect high-risk patients needing subsequent CGA. This review ends by suggesting a short assessment of CGA to be used in ED and ways to improve home discharge management from ED. Methods: A systematic English Medline literature search was conducted in December 2009, with no date limit with the following Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms: “Frail Elderly”, “Health Services for Aged”, “Community Health Nursing”, “Emergency Service, Hospital”, “Geriatric Assessment”, “Patient Discharge”, “Risk Assessment” and “Triage”. Results: We selected 8 studies on CGA efficiency and 14 on screening tools. CGA in ED is efficient for decreasing functional decline, ED readmission and possibly nursing home admission in high-risk patients. As CGA takes too much time to be performed routinely in ED, validated screening tools can be applied to detect high-risk patients who will benefit most from CGA. Conclusions: The selected studies demonstrated that screening of high-risk patients is more efficient than age-based screening, and that CGA performed in ED, followed by appropriate interventions, improves outcomes.
INSTABILITY OF ANTIFERROMAGNETIC SCREW-TYPE STRUCTURE OF AN ELECTRON GAS

An analysis of antiferromagnetic screw-type structures in a three-dimensional electron gas is given, using a self-consistent field method. It is shown that a screw-type state appears to be always unstable. The expression for the susceptibility of an electron gas found by Wolff is also obtained with this method.
Towards an understanding of white-light generation in cubic media - Polarization properties across the entire spectral range

An investigation of the polarization properties of a femtosecond laser pulse induced coherent WL continuum generated in a cubic crystal (CaF2) is discussed . For linear input polarization the WL spectrum shows strong depolarization around the input wavelength while the preservation of the input polarization is pronounced towards the blue spectral region. The origin of the observed depolarization effect has been elucidated.
Suppressing aggressive-destructive behavior by delayed overcorrection

Delayed overcorrection reduced the aggressive-destructive behavior of a developmentally delayed adolescent when it was added to previously ineffective procedures of differential reinforcement (tokens and token-removal) of other behavior. The delayed contingency was necessary because target behaviors occurred exclusively in the absence of the only family member who could overpower the subject. A multiple baseline design across two levels of problem-behavior severity indicated that delayed overcorrection effectively suppressed the aggressive-destructive episodes. The results support the notion that delayed contingencies can effectively suppress target behaviors.
Reduced β2-receptor mediated vasodilation in African Americans

It is well recognized that African Americans have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than White Americans although the underlying mechanisms are not entirely understood. This study was perfumed to evaluate racial differences in the chronotropic and vasodilatory effects of the β-receptor agonist, isoproterenol. We compared cardiovascular responses to intravenous infusion of isoproterenol in 27 African Americans and 27 White men and women. African Americans showed significantly smaller β2-receptor mediated falls in diastolic pressure than Whites. In contrast, isoproterenol produced similar increases in heart rate in both races. The findings suggest that African Americans have decreased β2-receptor mediated vasodilatory capacity, and may help explain the higher prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in African Americans compared to Whites.
Lung function and pulmonary regurgitation limit exercise capacity in postoperative tetralogy of Fallot.

Fifty-five patients with repair of tetralogy of Fallot were evaluated with treadmill exercise, pulmonary function testing and rest two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography to determine the relation among cardiopulmonary function, exercise capacity and ventricular arrhythmias. The mean age at repair was 8.1 ± 2.1 years; age at the time of study ranged from 15 to 37 years (mean follow-up time after repair 18 ± 5 years). Exercise duration was 92 ± 17% of predicted. Maximal heart rate was 94 ± 7% of predicted. No exercise test was stopped because of an arrhythmia. Thirty patients had oxygen consumption and ventilation measured during their final minute of exercise. Peak oxygen consumption was 31 ± 8 ml/kg per min (86 ± 18% of predicted). Twenty-five patients (45%) had low vital capacity at rest ( Pulmonary regurgitation was identified in 42 (75%) of the patients and judged to be moderate in 10 (18%). Mild tricuspid valve regurgitation was identified in 64%. Doppler estimated right ventricular outflow gradient was >15 mm Hg in 15% of the patients (mean gradient 24 mm Hg [range 16 to 56]). Age at repair, duration of follow-up and type of repair did not correlate with echocardiographic variables, ventilatory data, exercise performance or arrhythmias. Moderate pulmonary regurgitation was associated with increased right ventricular diastolic area and both were inversely related to exercise duration and vital capacity. Decreased breathing reserve during maximal exercise was associated with moderate pulmonary regurgitation and decreased vital capacity. The results indicate that exercise capacity in these patients is in general good; however, right ventricular volume loading and ventilatory dysfunction may produce exercise limitation.
Adaptation of acrylic photopolymerized resins as model bone cements in total hip arthroplasties

The substitution of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based bone cements with photopolymerized acrylate resins for total hip arthroplasties (THAs) was explored. Using a bis-phenol-A-diglycidylether (bis-GMA)-based resin with a blue photoinitiator, we performed three sets of experiments. Two were parametric studies to evaluate the evolving adhesive strength with both illumination time and inert filler content. The last effort studied typical photocuring exotherms for these resins to compare the risk for thermal necrosis with bone cements. An annular cavity adhesive joint construction was designed between two transparent poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) cylinders, the annular separation distance being preserved by a plug assembly. This cavity was a model for the cavity between the hollowed out femur and a cemented total hip prosthesis. The cavity was filled with resin and cured using a blue-LED light source rotating within the inner ring. For composite cylinders using cured neat resin, shear strengths were measure...
The Effects of Temperature and Osmotic Moisture Stress on the Germination of Lotus corniculatus

Germination was delayed by temperatures lower than 15 °C, and delayed and reduced by temperatures of 30 °C or higher. Germination was buffered against temperature and osmotic moisture stresses in the region 10-25 °C and 0 to —4 bars. But at higher temperatures or ■osmotic moisture stresses, both factors delayed and reduced germination, and one factor intensified the effect of the other. The germination of the Empire variety was reduced less than that of Viking or Mansfield by temperatures of 30 °C or higher. The germination of small seeds was reduced more than that of large seeds by temperatures of 25 °C or higher. There were no significant differences between varieties or seed sizes in their over-all responses to moisture stress, but the times of some of the responses differed according to the variety or seed size.
The TsE loop in congenital atrial septal defect and persistent atrioventricular canal.

Abstract The TsE loops of spatial vectorcardiograms were studied in 23 patients with ostium secundum, and in 7 patients with ostium primum, types of atrial septal defect. In ostium secundum defect, the TsE loop was sometimes oriented normally, sometimes deviated posteriorly. The biggest displacement above the isopotential point was found in the patients with severe right ventricular hypertrophy. Also found in these instances was a big angle between the maximal mean instantaneous vectors of the QRS and TsE loops. The magnitude of the maximal T vector and the length to width ratio of the TsE loop were found to be below normal values in most of the vectorcardiograms. In the ostium primum defect, the TsE loop was always directed below the isopotential point, sometimes posteriorly. It was directed to the right in the patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, in whose spatial vectorcardiograms were also found the biggest values for the angle between the maximal mean instantaneous vectors of the QRS and TsE loops. These values were also big in patients with right ventricular hypertrophy. The diagnostic difference is presented. The magnitude of the maximal mean instantaneous T vectors was found to be slightly below normal. In these patients the lowest length to width ratio was observed. The sJ vector in both groups of patients revealed voltage above normal. This vector was directed above the isopotential point in patients with coexistent right ventricular hypertrophy, and below the isopotential point in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Human Heart Transplantation: Current Status

The overall survival rate for 97 heart transplant recipients operated on from 1968 to 1975 has been 49% at one year and 23% at five years. Progressive improvement in one-year survival has been achieved, from 22% in 1968 to 62% in 1974. The major factors responsible for increasing survival are better understanding and management of acute and chronic rejection. Current results suggest that heart transplantation deserves wider application in the treatment of selected patients with end-stage myocardial insufficiency.
Statistical optimality and canonical variate analysis system identification

Abstract The Kullback information is developed as the natural measure of the error in model approximation for general model selection methods including the selection of model state order in large as well as small samples. It also plays a central role in developing statistical decision procedures for the optimal selection of model order as well as structure based on the observed data. The optimality of the canonical variate analysis (CVA) method is demonstrated for both an open- and closedloop multivariable system with stochastic disturbances. The optimality is shown to hold in quite small samples of 100 time points when estimating the 43 parameters of a six-state, two-input, two-output system assuming that the state order is known. When the state order is estimated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) corrected for small samples, the optimality is achieved if there is sufficient input excitation for reliable order selection, and otherwise there is a modest increase in the error of model approximation when the order is underestimated.
Toxic Effects of Repeated Ethanol Intubations to Chicks

Abstract Dosages of 95% ethanol (0, .5, or 1 ml) with variable quantities of water were administered to mixed sex chicks (263 g initial weight) on each of 7 consecutive days. The 1 ml dosage of ethanol significantly reduced body weight gains and feed consumption and increased liver weight per 100 g of body weight. Gross crop lesions (accumulation of exudates and hemorrhage) were observed for both the .5 and 1 ml dosage level of ethanol. For birds given the .5 ml ethanol dosage, dilution with water tended to reduce the severity of crop lesions but not for birds given 1 ml ethanol. All levels of ethanol produced mild ataxia within 5 to 10 min of dosage. Mild or moderate hepatocellular fatty change was present in livers from 5 of 6 birds given 1 ml ethanol. Crop exudates were composed of necrotic cells, fibrin and bacteria. Crop walls of birds given 1 ml of undiluted ethanol were ulcerated and inflamed. Areas within the crop wall were hemorrhagic, edematous, and infiltrated by heterophils and mononuclear cells.