cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methodologies for Customer Baseline Load Estimation and their Implications

Demand response (DR) has gained increasing importance with the grid modernization and evolution of the smart grid. Customer baseline load (CBL) informs the expected consumption of the consumers and is an important factor in DR management. To develop forecasting methods for CBL that work satisfactorily is a major challenges faced by independent system operators (ISOs) and utilities. Consequently, it is critical that these methods are evaluated based on their performance. The major objective of this paper is to empirically evaluate the performance of CBL estimation from historical observations, for residential customers. In addition to some well established methods, we have used an artificial neural network regression for estimating CBL. We use the CER smart meter data from 6435 residential and small industrial customers collected between July 2009 to Dec 2010, for this evaluation. We performed the error analysis of different methods using both the accuracy and bias metrics.
Mining Your Own Business

Where should the data for operations analysis come from? It can be collected manually, by observations using notepads and stopwatches. However, the digital systems now widely used in radiology departments are a rich trove of useful data. There are many of these, but the two most important for this purpose are the DICOM standard for images (which contains a great deal of information in addition to the image) and the HL7 standard (created to exchange non-imaging information between radiology devices and applications). Data captured by each of these can be used to identify where and when events occurred, and in some cases who was involved. This chapter discusses the principal types of radiology data, their roles in radiology efficiency analyses, the ways of extracting them, and the principal data collection and implementation problems. We also discuss how we can verify data adequacy, and identify the processes behind the data collection.
Patient experiences after implementing lean primary care redesigns.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of Lean primary care redesigns on patient satisfaction with care and timeliness of care received. DATA/SETTING: We used patient surveys and time-stamped electronic health record (EHR) data in a large ambulatory care system. DESIGN: Lean-based changes to clinical spaces and care team workflows were implemented in one pilot site and then scaled to all primary care departments across the system. Redesigns included standardizing equipment and patient education materials in examination rooms, streamlining call management functions, co-locating physician and medical assistant dyads in a shared workspace, and creating new care team workflows. We used a non-randomized stepped-wedge study design and segmented regression with interrupted time series analysis to examine Lean impacts on patient outcomes. DATA COLLECTION: We analyzed patient satisfaction ratings and wait times as documented by the EHR. These longitudinal data were collected for 317 physician-led teams in 46 primary care departments from January 2011 to December 2016. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: After implementation of Lean redesigns, patients reported a 44.8 percent increase in satisfaction with the adequacy of time spent with care providers during office visits (P < .05). They also reported 71.6 percent higher satisfaction with their care provider's ability to listen to their concerns, and a 55.4 percent increase in perceived staff helpfulness at the visit (P < .01). Based on monthly EHR data, the amount of time elapsed between a patient request for a routine appointment and the scheduled visit day decreased from baseline by an average 2 percent per month (P < .01). On the day of the visit, patient wait times to be seen also decreased gradually by an average 1.2 percent per month (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Patient experiences of care after Lean implementations have not been widely studied in primary care settings. We found that Lean redesign yielded improvements that may strengthen clinical operations while enhancing value for patients.
Process improvement strategy to implement an outpatient surgery center efficiency model in an academic inpatient setting.

Abstract Objectives By utilizing process improvement methodology, we aim to: 1) create an ambulatory surgical efficiency model (SEM) confined to an inpatient setting, and 2) reduce patient wait time and improve patient flow within the operating room. Methods A prospective cohort of all otolaryngology cases performed from May 2016 to October 2017 at a tertiary, academic, pediatric hospital. Intraoperative timestamps were collected to determine turnover times. Time to procedure was collected from clinic visit to the day of operation. Results A total of 5955 patients were enrolled. 3393 cases were performed prior to the implementation of SEM and 2562 after. Of the 2562 cases, 819 were deemed appropriate for the SEM. Prior to the SEM, the average number of working days between the clinic visit and operating room (WD) was 31.1 days (95% CI 30.7–31.4). After the SEM, the WD for non-SEM cases was 30.0 days (95% CI 29.7–30.2), and the WD for SEM cases was 14.4 days (95% CI 14.2–14.6). The average turnover time was significantly less for SEM cases at 11.4 min (95% CI 10.7–12.2) vs. non-SEM cases at 24.4 min (95% CI 23.9–25.0) (p Conclusion Process improvement methodology is effective in improving perioperative patient flow. This quality improvement project decreased the average time from diagnosis to surgical procedure, as well as decreased the average turnover time between cases. Patient flow can improve with a high-volume SEM within an inpatient hospital operating room setting. This strategy can be instrumental in improving patient care by providing increased access to the operating room.
HIV and Aging: Double Stigma.

Purpose of review HIV and ageism continue to be key public health challenges in the USA and globally. Older people living with HIV may experience intersectional stigma resulting from HIV and ageism. The current review summarizes the scientific literature and focuses on social isolation and lack of social support as key factors in experiencing HIV-related and aging-related stigma. Recent findings Social isolation and social support are key social determinants of health, which may have a bidirectional relationship with HIV-related stigma and ageism. Stigmatization may also result in health care providers not paying enough attention to the mental health and sexual health needs of older adults. Summary Current research suggests that the intersection of HIV-related stigma and ageism is a complex issue. Future research should focus on the design and feasibility of implementing stigma reduction interventions addressing HIV-related stigma and ageism.
Transcriptional and Non-Transcriptional Activation, Posttranslational Modifications, and Antiviral Functions of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 and Viral Antagonism by the SARS-Coronavirus.

The immune system defends against invading pathogens through the rapid activation of innate immune signaling pathways. Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) is a key transcription factor activated in response to virus infection and is largely responsible for establishing an antiviral state in the infected host. Studies in Irf3−/− mice have demonstrated the absence of IRF3 imparts a high degree of susceptibility to a wide range of viral infections. Virus infection causes the activation of IRF3 to transcribe type-I interferon (e.g., IFNβ), which is responsible for inducing the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which act at specific stages to limit virus replication. In addition to its transcriptional function, IRF3 is also activated to trigger apoptosis of virus-infected cells, as a mechanism to restrict virus spread within the host, in a pathway called RIG-I-like receptor-induced IRF3 mediated pathway of apoptosis (RIPA). These dual functions of IRF3 work in concert to mediate protective immunity against virus infection. These two pathways are activated differentially by the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of IRF3. Moreover, PTMs regulate not only IRF3 activation and function, but also protein stability. Consequently, many viruses utilize viral proteins or hijack cellular enzymes to inhibit IRF3 functions. This review will describe the PTMs that regulate IRF3′s RIPA and transcriptional activities and use coronavirus as a model virus capable of antagonizing IRF3-mediated innate immune responses. A thorough understanding of the cellular control of IRF3 and the mechanisms that viruses use to subvert this system is critical for developing novel therapies for virus-induced pathologies.
Prediction of the Synergistic Glass Transition Temperature of Coamorphous Molecular Glasses Using Activity Coefficient Models.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of a binary miscible mixture of molecular glasses, termed a coamorphous glass, is often synergistically increased over that expected for an athermal mixture due to the strong interactions between the two components. This synergistic interaction is particularly important for the formulation of coamorphous pharmaceuticals since the molecular interactions and resulting Tg strongly impact stability against crystallization, dissolution kinetics, and bioavailability. Current models that describe the composition dependence of Tg for binary systems, including the Gordon-Taylor, Fox, Kwei, and Braun-Kovacs equations, fail to describe the behavior of coamorphous pharmaceuticals using parameters consistent with experimental ΔCP and Δα. Here, we develop a robust thermodynamic approach extending the Couchman and Karasz method through the use of activity coefficient models, including the two-parameter Margules, non-random-two-liquid (NRTL), and three-suffix Redlich-Kister models. We find that the models, using experimental values of ΔCP and fitting parameters related to the binary interactions, successfully describe observed synergistic elevations and inflections in the Tg versus composition response of coamorphous pharmaceuticals. Moreover, the predictions from the NRTL model are improved when the association-NRTL version of that model is used. Results are reported and discussed for four different coamorphous systems: indomethacin-glibenclamide, indomethacin-arginine, acetaminophen-indomethacin, and fenretinide-cholic acid.
Understanding Comorbidities and Their Contribution to Medical Resource Utilization for an Age and Sex Matched Patient Population Living with HIV

Background: Multiple comorbidities are observed in over 60% of people aging with HIV. These outcomes are attributed to biological, genetic, environmental, and socio-behavioral factors, with sex differences observed. Yet, understanding sex-related differences with comorbidities, and their contribution to medical resource utilization, remains challenging. To gain further insight, clinical data was analyzed for HIV patients matched by sex, and age. Methods: Data was obtained for male (N=229), and female (N=229) patients. ICD9/10 diagnostic codes that comprise the factors of individual characteristics, chronic and mental health conditions, treatment, high risk behaviors, and infections, served as predictors. Charlson Comorbidity scores served as the outcome variable for medical resource utilization. Findings: Significant contributors to high Charslon scores in males were age (β=0·290; [95% CI 1·45, 3·29]), length of hospital stay (β=0·138; [95% CI 0·009, 0·083]), malnutrition (β=0·265; [95% CI 1·72, 4·20]) acute kidney failure (β=0·187; [95% CI 0·934, 3·52]); chemotherapy (β= 0·278; [95% CI 2·16, 5·002]), prior tobacco use (β= 0·127; [95% CI 0·200, 2·61]), and chronic Hepatitis C (β= 0·130; [95% CI 0·181, 2·79]). For females, age (β=0·173; [95% CI 0·361, 2·38]), length of hospital stay (β=0·143; [95% CI 0·005, 0·078]), heart failure (β= 0·189; [95% CI 0·833, 3·98]); chemotherapy (β= 0·240; [95% CI 1·626, 45·33]), and substance abuse (β= 0·137; [95% CI 0·180, 3·402]). Interpretation: Differences were observed for medical resource utilization. Results enhance the understanding of sex-based differences with HIV to inform service delivery interventions, and improve aging-related outcomes. Funding: Columbia University's Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, and Inclusion Declaration of Interest: We have no conflict of interest to disclose. Ethical Approval: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained to analyze de-identified patient electronic health record data.
Pain and suicide: the other side of the opioid story.

A former patient whom I'll call Jack came to me for help after three back operations. He was on disability because of his pain. I treated him for about four years, struggling all the while to get his insurance to cover his therapies. I tried to get him to see a psychologist, but his insurance would not pay for the service. He was on what most physicians today would term a high dose of opioids and other medications. I wasn't convinced that the higher dose was any more effective than a lower dose. He was mostly inactive and reported little improvement in pain or function while on his medication. A device was implanted in his abdomen to deliver medication directly to his spinal canal where it could be more effective, allowing me to reduce or eliminate his oral dose of opioids. I began to reduce his opioids per our agreed plan, but as we began the taper he claimed his pain was too severe. He simply could not tolerate the pain. I insisted that we had to reduce his medication, that the medication being delivered to his spine should allow us to provide pain control equal to or better in effectiveness than the oral medications. He had never over used his medications. He had never showed any signs of drug abuse or …
Comparing artificial frustrated magnets by tuning the symmetry of nanoscale permalloy arrays

We study the impact of geometry on magnetostatically frustrated single-domain nanomagnet arrays. We examine square and hexagonal lattice arrays, as well as a brickwork geometry that combines the anisotropy of the square lattice and the topology of the hexagonal lattice. We find that the more highly frustrated hexagonal lattice allows for the most thorough minimization of the magnetostatic energy, and that the pairwise correlations between moments differ qualitatively between hexagonal and brickwork lattices, although they share the same lattice topology. The results indicate that the symmetry of local interaction is more important than overall lattice topology in the accommodation of frustrated interactions.
Working “Over-Time”: Economic Restructuring and Retirement of a Class

This article examines the reasons working-class retirees give for their continued labor activity and discusses these in relation to the present socioeconomic situation. Through the use of primary q...
Implications of Informal Education Experiences for Mathematics Teachers' Ability to Make Connections beyond Formal Classroom.

The Common Core Standard for Mathematical Practice 4: Model with Mathematics specifies that mathematically proficient students are able to make connections between school mathematics and its applications to solving real-world problems. Hence, mathematics teachers are expected to incorporate connections between mathematical concepts they teach and their applications to solving problems arising in real-world situation. Clearly, it is assumed that the teachers themselves are able to make such connections. On the other hand, research shows that mathematics teachers find it difficult to make those connections. In this paper, we present the results of the study that investigated the ways in which exploring mathematics in informal sites, and in particular science museum, assist teachers with making connections between school mathematics and its applications in real world.
Rapid oxidative-elimination of the terminal base from model deoxynucleotide esters☆

Abstract The 5′-isopropyl esters of 2′-deoxycytidylate, 2′-deoxyadenylate, 2′-deoxyguanylate and 2′-deoxythymidylate were synthesized and used as model substrates to demonstrate that the 3′-terminal deoxynucleoside can be rapidly removed by combined 3′-hydroxyl oxidation and betaelimination. Trifluoroacetyloxy-dimethylsulfonium ion oxidation of the free 3′-hydroxyl group gave almost 80% yields of the free purine and pyrimidine bases in less than 5 minutes reaction at −80°C.
Descriptor systems in the 1990s

After briefly summarizing the growth in the theory of descriptors, or differential algebraic equations (DAEs), over the last two decades, the current challenges and potential successes are discussed. Among these major challenges facing DAE theory are: numerical software for index 3 systems; implicit Runge-Kutta code for low index problems; boundary value problem numerical codes; linearization; new numerical techniques; the initialization problem; direct control information computing; parameter identification; noisy systems; utilization of constraints; implementation for time invariant control; extra derivatives; large-scale DAEs; real-time simulation: and new types of systems. >
Elektrochemische Fluorierung. I. Über die elektrochemische Flourierung anorganischer Verbindungen. Anodische Bildung von Sulfurylfluorid

Im Anschlus an eine Erorterung der bei der Elektrolyse von Fluorverbindungen moglichen Anodenprozesse wird aus einzelnen bereits vorliegenden praparativen und elektrochemischen Befunden eine widerspruchsfreie Deutung der Anodenprozesse bei der Elektrolyse im System H2/FF und der elektrochemischen Bildung von Sauerstoffdifluorid gegeben. Bei der Elektrolyse von Fluorsulfonsaure in Fluorwasserstoff an Nickelanoden wird neben OF2 Sulfurylfluorid gebildet; durch eine teilweise quantitative Untersuchung dieses Prozesses wird ein Vergleich mit anderen Darstellungsverfahren ermoglicht.
HEMODYNAMIC AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF VASODILATORS, NITRATES, HYDRALAZINE, PRAZOSIN AND CAPTOPRIL IN CHRONIC ISCHEMIC HEART FAILURE

Vasodilators like nitrates, hydralazine, captopril and prazosin all improve left ventricular function of patients with chronic ischemic heart failure. The influence of these vasodilator agents on coronary hemodynamics and myocardial oxygen consumption, however may not be similar. With nitrates and captopril, improved left ventricular function is associated and with decreased myocardial oxygen consumption; in contrast, with prazosin or hydralazine no consistent or significant change in myocardial oxygen consumption is observed. Thus, the metabolic cost for the improved left ventricular function with these vasodilator agents is not similar.
Breaking down barriers in the study of Renaissance and Baroque dance

Starting in the nineteenth century, the terms "Renaissance" and "Baroque" became used to indicate two distinct and distinguishable periods with characteristic artistic and cultural features.* The terms, however, have different connotations in different fields-art, literature, and music-and, obviously, different meanings in different countries. Because of these and other ambiguities, the designations "Renaissance" and
A Robust Image Watermarking Method Based on Adaptive Feature Points Detection

This paper presents a new image watermarking method that is robust against geometric attacks. The proposed method embeds the imperceptible watermarks in a triangle in the spatial domain. The vertexes of the triangle are found by the modified Harris corner detection. In order to get the most robust points, we use the adaptive threshold to work on various possible attacked images. The points passed all the challenges are chosen to be vertexes of the triangle. Watermark is also used to enhance the strength of vertexes. The embedding strength of the watermark depends on the local variance of each pixel. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme is able to withstand a variety of attacks.
Systematics and identification of larvae and juveniles of the genus Sebastes

Current information on systematics and morphology of larvae and juveniles ofSebastes is reviewed, as are intrageneric relationships among the many species of the genus. Although some subgenera may remain after a cladistic analysis of the genus, others are probably artificial groupings of species that have convergent morphologies because of similar ecology. The relationships ofSebastes to other scorpaeniform fishes as well as the relationships of scorpaeniforms to other fishes are not resolved. Of the 102 species ofSebastes worldwide, 69 species have been illustrated as preflexion larvae, 35 as postflexion larvae and 65 as pelagic juveniles. Morphological characters of each of these stages were used to compare species, group them by similar appearances and then compare these groupings with existing subgenera. Some pigment patterns of preflexion larvae were rather consistent among species within certain subgenera but quite variable among species in other subgenera. Postflexion larvae fell into 11 groups based on pigment, head spines and body shape. These groups were not closely aligned with the subgeneric assignments of the component species. On the basis of pigment patterns of pelagic juveniles, six groups were evident, but the specific composition of these groups bore little resemblance to either the larval or subgeneric groups.
The effect of substrate positions in chemical vapor deposition reactor on the growth of carbon nanotube arrays

The effect of substrate positions inside the chemical vapor deposition reactor on the length and quality of the grown carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays is reported. It was found that longer CNT arrays are grown when located downstream on the platform in the reactor. This effect becomes more pronounced for increased growth time. Related factors such as temperature of the gas mixture and its flow velocity seem to be responsible for the behavior. The quality of the CNTs is not affected by the position of the substrates inside the reactor.
Analyzing Massively Collaborative Mathematics Projects

In the increasingly rare segment, the stage curtain is raised to reveal an individual or team performing an unusual stunt, often accompanied by music from the CBS Orchestra ... after about thirty seconds the curtain is lowered and Letterman discusses with [Paul] Shaffer whether the act was ‘something’ or ‘nothing’ ... it was resurrected on the March 22, 2006, episode. A man balanced himself on a ladder and juggled: Paul voted a clear ‘nothing,’ and Dave was going to vote ‘something’ before henoticed a safetymat.Dave then concurredwithPaul [1].
Large deviation principles for Euclidean functionals and other nearly additive processes

We prove a large deviation principle for a process indexed by cubes of the multidimensional integer lattice or Euclidean space, under approximate additivity and regularity hypotheses. The rate function is the convex dual of the limiting logarithmic moment generating function. In some applications the rate function can be expressed in terms of relative entropy. The general result applies to processes in Euclidean combinatorial optimization, statistical mechanics, and computational geometry. Examples include the length of the minimal tour (the traveling salesman problem), the length of the minimal matching graph, the length of the minimal spanning tree, the length of the k-nearest neighbors graph, and the free energy of a short-range spin glass model.
The Dilemma of Space Strategy: What is the Intent?

The assessments of the intellectual foundations of space strategy, put forward by John Sheldon 1 (see “Towards a National Space Strategy” herein, in particular the section on Strategy for What) and...
THE IN VITRO RESPONSE OF THE PULMONARY ARTERY OF NEONATAL RABBITS BORN IN HYPOBARIC HYPOXIA TO HISTAMINE AND EPINEPHERINE

THE IN VITRO RESPONSE OF THE PULMONARY ARTERY OF NEONATAL RABBITS BORN IN HYPOBARIC HYPOXIA TO HISTAMINE AND EPINEPHERINE
Microstructural mechanical properties and yield point effects in Mo alloys

Abstract The mechanical properties of two phase Mo–Si–B alloys were analyzed with nanoindentation techniques and atomic force microscopy. A nanoindenting atomic force microscope allows local determinations of hardness and modulus of the T2 phase and Mo(ss) phase. The T2 phase and Mo(ss) phase in these alloys show a hardness of 21 and 8.5 GPa, respectively. The modulus of the T2 phase is nearly 10% higher than that for the Mo(ss) phase. Large pop-ins are found during indenting in the T2 phase but not in the Mo(ss) phase which has a higher surface roughness.
Selenium: A Nonprecious Metal Cathode Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction

From voltammetric studies, trigonal phase selenium (t-Se) nanotubes, which are bundles of hexagonally packed helical chains of Se atoms, have been shown by others to be stable in acid and have a double-layer region extending from -0.2 (standard hydrogen electrode) to 0.75 V. This is broader than the ∼0,4 to ∼0.7 V double layer for platinum and presents a potential range that might allow oxygen reduction activity. This paper presents theoretical predictions of oxygen reduction mechanisms on t-Se. Adsorption energies from Gaussian cluster hybrid density functional and Vienna ab initio simulation program density functional calculations are used in the linear Gibbs energy relationship to predict the reversible potentials for the one-electron reduction steps during the four-electron reduction of O 2 to water, which ideally occurs at 1.229 V. Adsorption energies for reduction intermediates are calculated using single-chain models. Calculated reversible potentials for the four reduction steps lead to the prediction that the step with the highest overpotential is the reductive elimination of OH(ads) to form water and occurs at about 0.8 V. The overall behavior predicted for t-Se is similar to that of platinum, and it is suggested that t-Se is worthy of trials as a potential oxygen cathode electrocatalyst.
The Strategic Importance of State-Level Factors in Presidential Elections

While political scientists usually rely on national models of presidential elections, the candidates and their campaign staffs tend to focus on state-by-state strategies. This study tests hypotheses that presidential candidates and their parties can increase their support in specific states through the strategic selection of their national-party convention sites and their vice-presidential running mates. This study also assesses the common assertion that candidates receive an electoral boost in states with incumbent governors from the same party. Utilizing a normed model of the presidential vote in the states that serves as a baseline for assessing the importance of these strategic factors, the study finds that presidential and vice-presidential candidates receive an electoral advantage in their home states and regions. Generally, parties do not derive significant electoral benefits in states selected to host the national convention or those in which they control the governorship. Important differences are found over time and between the two political parties. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Tablet and Inhaled Controller Medication Refill Frequencies in Children With Asthma

Poor medication adherence is an important problem in children with asthma. This study compared prescription refill frequencies between tablet and inhaled medications in children aged 3 to 18 years with mild ( n = 45) and moderate ( n = 52) persistent asthma over 4 months. Refill frequencies were higher for tablet versus inhaled medications in both groups (mild: 69% vs. 31%, p = .02; moderate: 55% vs. 41%, p = .03). Refills peaked at the first month and incrementally declined ( p
UWB versus 802.11 - a Network Perspective

Debate has been raging on the relative merits of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) and 802.11 as the technology of choice to achieve high speed wireless networking. The comparisons have focused on the single-link rate versus range issues. However, in real world applications, these radios will operate in a networking environment with significant interference effects. The interference handling capabilities of these two radios are drastically different due to their dramatically opposite power-bandwidth trade-offs. In this paper, a networking comparison, of UWB and 802.11, is performed through the application of a formal optimization theoretic framework. Simulations are conducted for network topologies typical of WPAN and WLAN scenarios. It is demonstrated that the link range over which UWB outperforms 802.11 is larger than is to be expected from a single-link comparison. Thus, a network-level comparison of different physical layers is shown to be essential in choosing the appropriate wireless technologies. A few possible future variations of 802.11 and UWB are also investigated in this flexible framework.
The reproducibility property of fuzzy control systems

If Y = X . R @e @? for all X @e @? then the fuzzy relation R is said to have the reproducibility property with respect to (@?,@?). The algebraic criteria for reproducibility property with respect to families of normal sets and fuzzy intervals are given. The last property is analogous to the continuity of real functions.
P-T paths from garnet zoning: A new technique for deciphering tectonic processes in crystalline terranes

A procedure to calculate quantitative rock pressure-temperature ( P-T ) paths based on chemical zoning profiles in garnet, combined with mineral chemistry from the other minerals in the assemblage, has been applied to samples from diverse tectonic settings with the result that the calculated P-T path is shown to be a sensitive monitor of tectonic processes. Terranes where metamorphic recrystallization paths are controlled by uplift and erosion show heating during decompression in the “prograde” P-T path and cooling during decompression in the “retrograde” path. In nappe terranes where hot rocks are emplaced over cool rocks, the upper plate shows cooling during decompression, whereas the lower plate shows heating during compression. In nappe terranes where cool rocks are emplaced over hot, the lower plate shows cooling during compression. Calculation of P-T paths from mineral zoning should provide a powerful new tool for deciphering tectonic processes in crystalline terranes.
Domain engineered switchable strain states in ferroelectric (011) [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3](1−x)-[PbTiO3]x (PMN-PT, x≈0.32) single crystals

The ferroelectric properties of (011) [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3](1−x)-[PbTiO3]x (PMN-PT, x≈0.32) single crystals with focus on piezoelectric strain response were reported. Two giant reversible and stable remanent strain states and tunable remanent strain properties are achieved by properly reversing the electric field from the depolarized direction. The unique piezoelectric strain response, especially along the [100] direction, mainly stems from the non-180° ferroelectric polarization reorientation in the rhombohedral phase crystal structure. Such giant strain hysteresis with tunable remanent strain properties may be useful for magnetoelectric based memory devices as well as a potential candidate for other applications.
Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy for Plaque Characterization

A near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy catheter-based system has been developed for intracoronary detection of lipid-rich plaques, capable of scanning an artery through blood and during cardiac motion. The lipid-rich plaque chemometric algorithm was validated in an ex vivo study using coronary artery specimens from autopsy hearts. A parallel clinical study was performed to demonstrate safety of the system in patients and the similarity of spectra acquired in vivo to data from the ex vivo study. Proof of spectral similarity between data obtained in patients and data from autopsy specimens is required to demonstrate the applicability of the algorithm to patients, in whom tissue for analysis is not available. A preliminary analysis in an unblinded cohort of patients from the clinical study reported promising results. The final results of the clinical study will be submitted for publication. The potential clinical value of this NIR spectroscopy device is discussed.
Interpretation of computed tomography does not correlate with laboratory or pathologic findings in surgically confirmed acute appendicitis.

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is used increasingly to diagnose acute appendicitis, despite variable technique and interpretation. We hypothesized that CT interpretation would not reflect actual clinical-pathologic findings in all demographic patient groups. Methods: A prospective university hospital database of 625 consecutive patients (1995-1999), all of whom were operated on for appendicitis (261, or 41.8%, within 24 hours of discretionary CT), was reviewed. CT and pathology data were obtained from final, written reports. CT criteria included free fluid or air, appendiceal visualization, mesenteric fat stranding, and blurred pericecal fat. Appendix pathology included acute, gangrenous, and perforated organs. Statistics were performed with the Fisher exact test (coordinate data) and univariate analysis of variance (continuous data); multivariate analysis of variance for independent effects on dependent variable (positive CT or pathology; P 11K/μL and positive CT, PPV/A was 99.4%/93.3%. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that none of the individual variables used by the radiologist to determine a positive CT scan correlated with outcome determined by surgical pathology. A healthy appendix was predicted by a CT interpreted as negative and younger age (both P <.05), and especially by lower WBC (P <.0001), but not by gender or surgeon. Conclusions: Although the negative appendectomy rate was decreased by CT, there was no correlation between CT findings and pathologically proved disease. Other factors such as more precise patient selection by clinical criteria may also be improving outcome. A positive CT scan in a patient with a normal WBC should be interpreted with caution. (Surgery 2000;128:145-52)
Comparison of HEU and LEU neutron spectra in irradiation facilities at the Oregon State TRIGA® reactor

Abstract In 2008, the Oregon State TRIGA® Reactor (OSTR) was converted from highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel lifetime improvement plan (FLIP) fuel to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. This effort was driven and supported by the Department of Energy's (DoE's) Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors ( RERTR ) program. The basis behind the RERTR program's ongoing conversion effort is to reduce the nuclear proliferation risk of civilian research and test reactors. The original intent of the HEU FLIP fuel was to provide fuel to research reactors that could be utilized for many years before a necessary refueling cycle. As a research reactor, the OSTR provides irradiation facilities for a variety of applications, such as activation analysis, fission-track dating, commercial isotope production, neutron radiography, prompt gamma characterization, and many others. In order to accurately perform these research functions, several studies had been conducted on the HEU FLIP fuel core to characterize the neutron spectra in various experimental facilities of the OSTR ( Tiyapun, 1997 , Ashbaker, 2005 ). As useful as these analyses were, they are no longer valid due to the change in fuel composition and the resulting alteration of core performance characteristics. Additionally, the core configuration (fuel reconfiguration) was altered between the HEU and LEU cores. This study characterizes the neutron spectra in various experimental facilities within and around the current LEU core. It also compares the spectra to that which was yielded in the HEU core through use of Monte Carlo n-Particle 5 (MCNP5) and experimental adjustment via a least-squares technique. The quantification of flux spectra are presented and analyzed so as to provide data that is representative of the OSTR's current state ( Schickler, 2012 ).
Low density lipoprotein retention by aortic tissue: Contribution of extracellular matrix

Abstract We compared in vitro heparin binding activity and in vivo intravascular clearance and aortic uptake in rabbits of native, reductively methylated and heparin-complexed low density lipoprotein (LDL) in order to explore the extracellular matrix binding vs cellular metabolism of LDL. Reductively methylated LDL formed soluble and insoluble complexes with heparin which was comparable to native LDL. Reductive methylation of LDL produced only 30% reduction in aortic uptake vs 60% reduction in plasma clearance, reflecting the relatively smaller contribution of receptor-mediated pathway in aortic tissue vs whole animal. The intravascular clearance of native and heparin-complexed LDL remained essentially the same, indicating similarities in cellular metabolism of LDL in both cases. But the aortic uptake of the heparin bound LDL was 30% less than the native LDL, suggesting an inhibition in binding of heparin-complexed LDL to tissue proteoglycans. Saline extraction accounted for only part (53–66%) of the LDL preparations that were retained by the tissue while subsequent collagenase and elastase treatments extracted 3–5% and 17–22% of the materials respectively. These results favor the contribution of arterial extracellular matrix components to the retention of LDL.
Fetal sacral length in the ultrasonographic assessment of gestational age

Objective: Our purpose was to establish a nomogram of fetal sacral length throughout gestation and to assess its value in cases of abnormal fetal growth. Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional study of 506 singleton fetuses with normal growth between 15 and 41 weeks gestation was performed. Regression analyses were performed on sacral length, gestational age, biparietal diameter, head circumference, and femur length. The sacral length in 80 singleton gestations with abnormal growth (40 >90th percentile and 40 Results: Linear relationships between gestational age and sacral length, biparietal diameter, head circumference, and femur length were demonstrated. Sacral length (centimeters) as a function of gestational age (weeks) was expressed by the regression equation: Sacral length=−0.108 + 0.102 Gestational age, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of R 2 = 0.959. The sacral length of all 80 fetuses with abnormal growth demonstrated the same relationship to gestational age as did the 506 normal controls. Conclusion: This study defines the normal limits of sacral length; demonstrates a high correlation between sacral length, gestational age, and other standard measurements of fetal growth; and indicates that sacral length can predict gestational age, irrespective of fetal nutritional status.
Hydrogen-bonded trimers in 4,4'-dimethylbiphenyl-2,2'-dicarboxylic acid.

The title acid, C16H14O4, crystallized in the centrosymmetric space group C2/c with 1.5 molecules in the asymmetric unit. Each of the three independent carboxylic H atoms is ordered, and each participates in hydrogen bonding. The OD...OA distances in the hydrogen bonds are 2.584 (2), 2.647 (2) and 2.722 (2) A. Three sets of cyclic dimer hydrogen bonds are formed within and between two asymmetric units, linking them into molecular trimers. The trimers lie on twofold axes which bisect the central C-C bond of one molecule and the COOH dimer connecting the other two. The two biphenyl twist angles are 68.1 (1) and 64.6 (1) degrees. The dihedral angles between the benzene-ring planes and the planes of the carboxyl groups attached to them are 0.7 (3), 23.3 (2) and 18.4 (2) degrees. Structural comparisons are made with the 'parent' compound, diphenic acid, and with the isomeric compound, 6,6'-dimethylbiphenyl-2,2'-dicarboxylic acid.
NonHodgkin's lymphoma presenting as bilateral testicular and adrenal masses.

While malignant lymphoma commonly involves genitourinary organs secondarily, primary involvement is rare. We report a case of extranodal lymphoma presenting as bilateral testicular and adrenal masses.
Contrast enhanced cardiac CT reveals coronary artery disease in 45% of asymptomatic allo-SCT long-term survivors.

Contrast enhanced cardiac CT reveals coronary artery disease in 45% of asymptomatic allo-SCT long-term survivors
Testing orthogonal shapes

A testing algorithm takes a model and produces a set of points that can be used to test whether or not an unknown object is sufficiently similar to the model. A testing algorithm performs a complementary task to that performed by a learning algorithm, which takes a set of examples and builds a model that succinctly describes them. Testing can also be viewed as a type of geometric probing that uses point probes (i.e. test points) to verify that an unknown geometric object is similar to a given model. In this paper we examine the problem of verifying orthogonal shapes using test points. In particular, we give testing algorithms for sets of disjoint rectangles in two and higher dimensions and for general orthogonal shapes in 2-D and 3-D. This work is a first step towards developing efficient testing algorithms for objects with more general shapes, including those with non-orthogonal and curved surfaces.
Simple and efficient compilation of list comprehension in common Lisp

List Comprehension is a succinct syntactic form to describe lists in functional languages. It uses nested generators (i.e., iterators) and filters (i.e., Boolean expressions). The former generates lists, whereas the latter restricts the contents of these lists. List Comprehension translation is commonly based on Wadler's rules that emit code based on recursive functions. This code often results either in stack overflow or in inefficient execution for many Common Lisp implementations.We present a very simple technique to compile List Comprehension in the Loop Facility of Common Lisp, resulting in efficient code that avoids stack overflow. Our translation code is also very short, with an emitted code very close to the user-specified list comprehension.We also present a translation into more fundamental constructs of Common Lisp that often results in even more efficient code, although this translation is more complex than using the Loop Facility.The author has used the first translation technique for compiling a new language called Bio Velo, which is part of bioinformatics software called Pathway Tools [2].
Effect of Decadal Kuroshio Extension Jet and Eddy Variability on the Modification of North Pacific Intermediate Water

Abstract Salinity modifications in the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) core layer of 26.7–26.8 σθ in the western North Pacific Ocean are investigated using temperature–salinity data from available profiling float and hydrographic measurements in 2002–09. During 2002–05, when the Kuroshio Extension (KE) jet was intense and zonally elongated, coherent positive salinity anomalies appeared along the inflow KE jet southeast of Japan and in the downstream Mixed Water region east of 152°E. Broad-scale negative salinity anomalies were detected south of the KE jet and in the upstream Mixed Water region west of 152°E. The signs of these observed salinity anomalies were reversed in 2006–09, when the KE jet transitioned to a weakened and zonally contracted dynamic state. By adopting an isopycnal advection–diffusion model and conducting model runs with the time-dependent advective field inferred from the eddy-resolving satellite altimeter sea surface height data, it is found that the observed salinity anomalie...
Domain Decomposition for Stokes-Darcy Flows with Curved Interfaces

Abstract A non-overlapping domain decomposition method is developed for coupled Stokes-Darcy flows in irregular domains. The Stokes region is discretized by standard Stokes finite elements while the Darcy region is discretized by the multipoint flux mixed finite element method. The subdomain grids may not match on the interfaces and mortar finite elements are employed to impose weakly interface continuity conditions. The interfaces can be curved and matching conditions are imposed via appropriate mappings from physical grids to reference grids with flat interfaces. The global problem is reduced to a mortar interface problem, which is solved by the conjugate gradient method. Each iteration involves solving subdomain problems of either Stokes or Darcy type, which is done in parallel. Computational experiments are presented to illustrate the convergence of the discretization and the condition number of the interface operator.
Primary school English-language education in Asia: from policy to practice

For at least 30 years, Braj Kachru, the founding editor of the journal World Englishes, now in its 33rd volume, has been predicting that speakers of English as a second or foreign language would so...
The vanadium-gallium system in the region of V3Ga

Solubility range of 75 atomic percent vanadium- gallium system to determine phases in equilibrium and ascertain presence or absence of superconductivity
Synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers.

Background: Among the novel classes of synthetic “designer” drugs that have become increasingly popular among recreational drug users are synthetic cathinones. There is limited information on exposures to these substances. Objective: The objective of this investigation was to describe the pattern of synthetic cathinone exposures reported to a statewide poison center network. Methods: Synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2010–2011 were identified and the distribution by various demographic and clinical factors determined. Results: Of 362 total calls, 84.5% of the patients were 20 years or older and 74.0% male. The route of exposure was 47.8% by inhalation alone and 28.7% by ingestion alone. Other substances were involved in 19.3% of the exposures. The patient was already at or en route to a health-care facility in 75.1% of the exposures. The outcome was serious (moderate, major, potentially toxic, or death) in 74.0% of the exposures. The most frequently reported clinical ef...
Ending the debate: crisis communication analysis of one university’s American Indian athletic identity

Abstract The use of Native American team identities is at the heart of a growing debate within our culture. More than 600 high schools and colleges have abandoned such identities. The controversy came to national prominence at the University of North Dakota when a wealthy donor threatened to let the North Dakota winter destroy his gift of a $100 million hockey arena if the university abandoned its Fighting Sioux identity. The public record of the university’s experience is robust and colorful. This paper views news coverage of the issue within Steven Fink’s framework of crisis stage analysis [Crisis Management: Planning for the Inevitable, iUniverse, Inc., Lincoln, NE], tracing the evolution of the issue, and supporting the assertion that attempts to reach a concluding stage are difficult when stakeholders have opposing definitions of what constitutes a successful outcome.
Generic maps of the projective plane with a single triple point

Cromwell and Marar present an analysis of semi-regular (generic) surfaces with a single triple point and connected self-intersection set. Six of their surfaces are the projective plane, including Boy's surface and Steiner's surface. We build on their work by incorporating twists similar to that of Apery's immersion of the projective plane and show that with a few additional surfaces, all such generic maps of the projective plane are now identified.
Steroid-protein interactions. XXVII. Progesterone binding to polymers of human serum albumin.

Abstract Human serum albumin was separated by Sephadex gel filtration into monomeric, dimeric, and tr meric-polymeric fractions. Electrophoresis in dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel showed that dimerization was followed by trimer and tetramer formation. Mild reduction with mercaptoethanol did not eliminate the polymerized human serum albumin species. In analytical gel filtration, the fractions were less clearly defined by molecular size, presumably due to protein-protein interaction. The absorbance values, A 1 cm 1% at 278 nm, for the unfractionated, monomeric, and dimeric fractions, after correction for light scattering, were 5.14, 5.17, and 5.38, respectively. Binding of progesterone to the delipidated human serum albumin fractions was determined by equilibrium dialysis at 4°C. Computer analysis of Scatchard plots for two independent sets of binding sites gave n 1 = 1; k 1 = 3.6 · 10 5 M −1 , and n 2 = 8; k 2 = 6 · 10 3 M −1 for the human serum albumin molecule in both the monomeric and dimeric species. The trimer-polymer fraction had a significantly lower binding affinity.