cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite-strain elasto-viscoplastic behavior of an epoxy resin: Experiments and modeling in the glassy regime

Abstract The finite deformation response of an epoxy resin is investigated in the glassy regime using a constitutive relation that accounts for thermally activated yielding, pressure-sensitivity, strain softening and molecular chain reorientation. A previous formulation of this macromolecular model is modified so as to decouple the onset of yielding from the peak nominal stress, and enable accurate modeling of temperature and strain-rate effects concurrently. The latter cannot be modeled adequately with existing models when the temperature dependence of elastic moduli is accounted for. Tension and compression experiments are carried out on Epon 862 across a range of temperatures and strain rates. Special care is taken to extract the intrinsic material behavior from the recorded mechanical responses using a new technique of video-based extensometry, which is well adapted to cylindrical geometries. Key features of the data include a temperature dependence of elastic moduli and a tension–compression asymmetry that goes beyond differences in peak yield. The experimental data is divided in two sets for model calibration and assessment. The first set contains sufficient data to identify all model parameters following a procedure outlined in the paper. The second data set is used to assess the predictive capabilities of the model for test conditions not used in the calibration step. It is shown that when the tension and compression cases are treated separately, with respect to post-peak softening, model predictions are excellent over the investigated ranges of temperature and strain rate.
Work Role Identity and Leadership Behavior

Abstract We examined the new Work Role Orientation Scale (WROS) for women (Gurman, Wekselberg, & Long, in press). Specifically, we hypothesized that the WROS would correlate with leadership performance. The WROS and the Bern Sex Role Identity Scale (BSRI; Bem, 1974) were given to 96 female undergraduates, after which they performed three discussion tasks. We found that WROS was significantly related to peer leadership ratings, whereas the BSRI was not, suggesting that the WROS may be useful in predicting successful leadership among women in certain situations.
A study of decomposition burning.

The decomposition burning of liquid hydrazines in the form of small spheres is reported. Some aniline and water were contained in the hydrazine. A theoretical decomposition model is proposed and examined. It shows that the mass burning rate is proportional to the radius only for very low reaction rates or in the evaporative limit. For high reaction rates the mass burning rate is proportional to the square of the radius.
Optimization of layered self-timed interfaces

An approach for designing digital CMOS layered self-timed interfaces is presented. Each layered interface consists of a region containing m optimizable transmitter-receiver pairs such that transmission channel i is characterized by the three-vector attribute x/sub i/=(R/sub o,/ C/sub g,/ 1). A layer is sized by minimizing a hybrid cost function subject to one or more constraint functions selected from a menu. This approach specifically treats two-cycle bundled data protocols but can be generalized to other asynchronous signaling schemes as well as synchronous data transmission. The design paradigm is illustrated by solving a nonlinear constrained optimization problem which adequately accounts for the effect of wire inductance on signal delay. The approach achieves appreciable speedup in the overall design task. >
Fault trees and sequence dependencies

One of the frequency cited shortcomings of fault-tree models, their inability to model so-called sequence dependencies, is discussed. Several sources of such sequence dependencies are discussed, and new fault-tree gates to capture this behavior are defined. These complex behaviors can be included in present fault-tree models because they utilize a Markov solution. The utility of the new gates is demonstrated by presenting several models of the FTPP (fault-tolerant parallel processor), which include both hot and cold spares. >
A rising temperature kinetic model to describe complex reaction kinetics of a drug: procainamide hydrochloride

Abstract The drug, procainamide hydrochloride (NH 2 C 6 H 4 CONHCH 2 CH 2 N(CH 2 CH 3 ) 2 HCl), was studied using a simultaneous thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis unit (TG–DTA) in an atmosphere of nitrogen. The study covered the range of temperature from ambient to 800°C. The DTA showed a melting point at 169°C followed by a two stage endothermic transition. The TG–DTG plots clearly showed this two-stage transition. A kinetic analysis of the two stages was attempted. The best fit appeared to be a first order mechanism for both stages. It also was noted that the values of E act varied as the reaction progressed. Supportive evidence regarding the study was obtained from a range of other physio-chemical measurements.
Factors affecting settlement rate of the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, on eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis

We assessed the importance of several factors potentially affecting the settlement rate of the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) on uninfested foliage of the eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis . We conducted our experiments in Massachusetts (U.S.A.) with overwintering sistens adelgids, and applied standard densities of infested foliage to uninfested branches in a planned multiple-comparison design. 2 Settlement rates of progrediens crawlers produced by the overwintering sistens were highest when adelgid-infested foliage was loosely attached to uninfested foliage and both branches were then enclosed in a mesh sleeve. 3 Early-emerging crawlers settled at a higher rate than did late-emerging crawlers. 4 Increasing the density of infested branches did not affect settlement rates. 5 We also tested whether less severe winter conditions improved settlement, and found that overwintering infested foliage in a refrigerator decreased settlement rate relative to foliage overwintered outdoors. 6 Our results suggest a protocol for adelgid inoculations that could substantially increase the success rate of experimental manipulations and encourage additional research on the population dynamics of this pest.
Optically-actuated translational and rotational motion at the microscale for microfluidic manipulation and characterization

The single beam optical trap (optical tweezers), a highly focused beam, is on its way to revolutionizing not only the fields of colloidal physics and biology, but also materials science and engineering. Recently, spatially-extended three-dimensional light patterns have gained considerable usage for exerting force to alter, manipulate, organize and characterize materials. To advance the degree of manipulation, such as rotation of materials in microfluidic environments along with spatial structuring, other beam parameters such as phase and polarization have to be configured. These advances in optical tweezers’ technology have enabled complex microfluidic actuation and sorting. In addition to remotely (in a non-contact way) applying force and torques in three-dimensions, which can be continuously varied unlike mechanical manipulators, optical tweezers-based methods can be used for sensing the force of interaction between microscopic objects in a microfluidic environment and for the characterization of micro-rheological properties. In this review, we place emphasis on applications of optical actuation based on novel beams in performing special functions such as rotation, transportation, sorting and characterization of the microscopic objects. Further, we have an extended discussion on optical actuation (transport and rotation) with fiber optic microbeams and spectroscopic characterization in the microfluidic environment. All these advancements in optical manipulation would further facilitate the growing use of optical tools for complex microfluidic manipulations.
The effect of modified ultrafiltration on the postoperative course in patients with congenital heart disease.

Abstract Improvements in the technology of cardiopulmonary bypass have significantly reduced morbidity following repair of congenital cardiac defects. However, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass exposes infants to extremes of hemodilution and hyperthermia, often in association with tissue ischemia. Exposure of the blood to surfaces of the bypass circuit initiates a systemic inflammatory response that may result in organ dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass, especially the heart, lungs, and brain. The technique of modified ultrafiltration (MUF) was introduced by Naik and colleagues at the Hospital for Sick Children in London over 10 years ago. Since that time, multiple studies have evaluated the effects of MUF on organ function and postoperative morbidity following repair of congenital heart defects. Use of MUF after cardiopulmonary bypass reverses hemodilution and decreases tissue edema resulting in improved pulmonary function with decreased duration of postoperative ventilation, improved left ventricular function, decreased postoperative bleeding, and a decrease in the incidence and duration of pleural effusions following the Fontan procedure. Despite the increasing evidence that the use of MUF reduces postoperative morbidity, many important questions remain unresolved. The mechanisms by which MUF results in these beneficial effects requires additional investigation. In addition, further studies are necessary to identify patients most likely to benefit from MUF and to define the optimal protocols for its use. In the future, prospective randomized studies incorporating recent advances in the technology of cardiopulmonary bypass will be necessary to define the optimal utilization of ultrafiltration during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Copyright 2003 Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
A Framework for Measuring Fidelity of Implementation: A Foundation for Shared Language and Accumulation of Knowledge:

There is a growing recognition of the value of measuring fidelity of implementation (FOI) as a necessary part of evaluating interventions. However, evaluators do not have a shared conceptual understanding of what FOI is and how to measure it. Thus, the creation of FOI measures is typically a secondary focus and based on specific contexts and programs. This article describes a project that holds the development of FOI measures as its primary goal and has developed a suite of data collection tools designed to be used across multiple programs. It describes the foundation of the suite—a conceptual framework for clearly and specifically describing FOI and the need for the framework. It also describes where the framework resides in existing literature and how it can be used to support measurement of interventions in education and other fields.
Quasi-static analysis of a microstrip via through a hole in a ground plane

The equivalent circuit of a via connecting two semi-infinitely long transmission lines through a circular hole in a ground plane is found. The pi -type equivalent circuit consists of two excess capacitances and an excess inductance. These are quasistatic quantities and thus are computed statically by the method of moments from integral equations. The integral equations are established by introducing a sheet of magnetic current in the electrostatic case and a layer of magnetic charge in the magnetostatic case. Parametric plots of the excess capacitances, the excess inductance, and the characteristic admittance of the via are given. >
Transmission Electron Microscopy Study of Mod Plzt and Pnzt Thin Films

Both La and Nd-doped PZT, i.e., PLZT and PNZT, ferroelectric thin films were prepared by the metalorganic deposition (MOD) process. The precursor solutions used were derived from lead acetate, lanthanum acetylacetonate, neodymium acetate, zirconium n-propoxide, and titanium iso-propoxide. The dopant concentration of the films analyzed by electron microprobe indicated a one-to-one correspondence between film composition and the composition of the precursor from which the film was made. In this study, the effects of Nd and La dopants in PZT films on Curie temperature was determined by in-situ hot-stage TEM and compared with those of bulk materials. Lattice parameter and phase transformation were determined by both X-ray and electron diffraction. Our observations were: (1) Curie temperature decreases with increasing dopant concentration for both thin foils and bulk ceramics, (2) for a given dopant concentration, Curie temperature and crystal tetragonality of PNZT thin foils is lower than those of PLZT samples, (3) Curie temperature of thin foils was found to be less than those of the corresponding bulk materials, and (4) ferroelectric domains is easily observed in both PLZT and PNZT TEM specimens prepared by the spin-coating method.
Synthesis and accumulation of insulin in the fetal rat pancreas.

A micromodification of the double-antibody immunoassay for insulin is presented which can readily detect 106 molecules of standard insulin. The assay also measures proinsulin and related molecules. Insulin and immunologically related molecules are present at the time of the initial appearance of the pancreatic primoridum (11 days). Insulin-specific immunoreactivity in the pancreas rises from an undetectable level (<1 molecule/cell) at 10.5 days (15–17 somites) to a low but significant level at 12 days (35–40 somites) which remains constant until day 14. Specific immunoreactivity then rises 200-fold to the level characteristic of the postnatal pancreas. Normal cytodifferentiation of explanted 12-day pancreatic rudiments was obtained in organ culture, and the biphasic pattern of insulin accumulation seen in vivo was reproduced in vitro. Synthesis of insulin and related molecules was demonstrated during the period between 12 and 14 days.
Hidden in plain sight: design approaches to Midwestern Mexican-American landscapes

While increasing numbers of new immigrants from Mexico, recruited for meatpacking, food-processing, and light-manufacturing jobs, have been joining Mexican-origin people resident in the Midwest since the early twentieth century, both established and new Mexican-American communities remain virtually invisible to those shaping the built environment. To learn to “see” these Latina/o communities and make appropriate decisions regarding them, designers require information. This article provides descriptions of Mexican-American landscape types found in small cities across the region and discusses their landscape characteristics, constraints, and opportunities in various land uses, as well as their implications for work beyond these small Midwestern cities.
Turbulent structure in low-concentration drag-reducing channel flows

A two-component laser-Doppler velocimeter was used to obtain simultaneous measurements of the velocity components parallel and normal to the wall in two fully developed well-mixed low-concentration drag-reducing channel flows and one turbulent channel flow. For the drag-reducing flows, the average time between bursts was found to increase. Although the basic structure of the fundamental momentum transport event is shown to be the same in these drag-reducing flows, the lower-threshold Reynolds-stress-producing motions were found to be damped, while the higher-threshold motions were not. It is suggested that some strong turbulent motions are needed to maintain extended polymer molecules, which produce a solution with properties that can damp lower threshold turbulence and thereby reduce viscous drag.
dSPACE DSP-Based Rapid Prototyping of Fuzzy PID Controls for High Performance Brushless Servo Drives

This paper presents a complete and integrated environment for rapid prototyping of robust proportional-integral-derivative (PID) fuzzy controller that allows rapid realization of novel designs. The architecture of the proposed controller is basically composed of three independent fuzzy sub-controllers. Then, the three sub-controllers are combined together to form the overall fuzzy PID controller. The design strategy incorporates a fuzzy tuner for realizing a guaranteed-PID performance fuzzy controller that can assist practitioner to achieve the best control design for the entire operating envelop. The design, analysis, and implementation stages are carried out entirely using a dSPACE DS1104 digital signal processor (DSP)-based real-time data acquisition control (DAC) system, and MATLAB/Simulink environment. Experimental results show that the proposed fuzzy PID controller produces superior control performance than the conventional PID controllers, particularly in handling nonlinearities and external disturbances
Dynamic localization of G proteins in Dictyostelium discoideum

Extracellular stimuli exert their effects on eukaryotic cells via serpentine G-protein-coupled receptors and mediate a vast number of physiological responses. Activated receptors stimulate heterotrimeric G-proteins, consisting of three subunits, alpha, beta and gamma. In Dictyostelium discoideum, cAMP binds to the cAMP receptor cAR1, which is coupled to the heterotrimer containing the Galpha2 subunit. These studies provide in vivo evidence as to how receptors influence the localization of the G-protein complex prior to and after ligand binding. Previous work has shown that the state of the heterotrimer could be monitored by changes in fluorescence (or Forster) resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the alpha2- and beta-subunits of D. discoideum. We now report the kinetics of G-protein activation as a loss of FRET prior to and after cAMP addition by using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). We also performed photobleaching experiments to measure G-protein recovery times. Our data show that inactive and active G-proteins cycle between the cytosol and plasma membrane. These data suggest that cAR1 activation slows the membrane dissociation ('off') rate of the alpha2 subunit, while simultaneously promoting betagamma-subunit dissociation.
Jack pine foliar δ15N indicates shifts in plant nitrogen acquisition after severe wildfire and through forest stand development

Natural abundance of the stable nitrogen (N) isotope 15N can elucidate shifts in plant N acquisition and ecosystem N cycling following disturbance events. This study examined the potential relationship between foliar δ15N and depth of plant N acquisition (surface organic vs. mineral soil) and nitrification as conifer stands develop following stand-replacing wildfire. We measured foliar δ15N along an 18-site chronosequence of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) stands, 1 to 72 years in age post-wildfire. Foliar δ15N was compared to total δ15N of the organic (Oe + Oa) and mineral (0–15 cm) soil horizons, and organic horizon N mineralization and nitrification as functions of total mineralization. Foliar δ15N declined with stand age, yet wildfire effects were heterogeneous. Jack pine seedlings on burned, mineral soil patches in the youngest stand were significantly more enriched than those on unburned, organic patches (P = 0.007). High foliar values in the youngest stands relative to mineral-horizon δ15N indicate that nitrification also likely contributed to seedling enrichment. Our results suggest jack pine seedlings on burned patches obtain N from the mineral soil with potentially high nitrification rates, whereas seedlings on unburned patches and increasingly N-limited, mature jack pine acquire relatively more N from organic horizons.
Scalar versus vector quantization: worst case analysis

We study the potential merits of vector quantization and show that there can be an arbitrary discrepancy between the worst case rates required for scalar and vector quantization. Specifically, we describe a random variable and a distortion measure where quantization of a single instance to within a given distortion requires an arbitrarily large number of bits in the worst case, but quantization of multiple independent instances to within the same distortion requires an arbitrarily small number of bits per instance in the worst case. We relate this discrepancy to expander graphs, representation- and cover-numbers of set systems, and a problem studied by Slepian, Wolf, and Wyner (1973).
Growth of Fungi in Broiler Houses

Abstract The growth of fungi in broiler houses with and without histories of problems of unknown etiology or of mycotoxicoses was studied. Fungal growth data were obtained by the strip bait method and results expressed as frequency and relative density. The frequency and relative density of fungal growth of several species were higher in problem houses than in those without problems. In problem houses many known toxic fungi and several fungi of unknown toxicity were found growing, increasing in density and frequency during the rearing period. Houses without problems (control houses) were dominated throughout the rearing period by the growth of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. This fungus grew infrequently and in low relative density in problem houses. There was no correlation between species composition and litter removal, pH, and moisture in problem and control houses. Fungi did not grow in inside feed hoppers or in dust on rafters in the broiler houses. One thermotolerant and two thermophilic species of fungi were found growing in outside feed bins. Three generalized fungal growth patterns in litter are described and theoretical consideration of environmental factors on these patterns are discussed.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Pharmacies, and Pharmacogenomic Testing: Prescription for Progress?

Few would argue that the ability to match individual patients with the safest and most effective drugs and doses would be a major advance for clinical medicine. But while clinicians have been reluctant to routinely use pharmacogenomic analyses to guide their prescribing practices, pharmacy benefit managers and drugstores are proceeding with major pharmacogenetic initiatives.
Prior Corneal Scarification and Injection of Immune Serum are Not Required Before Ocular HSV-1 Infection for UV-B-Induced Virus Reactivation and Recurrent Herpetic Corneal Disease in Latently Infected Mice

AbstractPurpose: Blinding ocular herpetic disease in humans is due to spontaneous reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) from latency, rather than to primary acute infection. Mice latently infected with HSV-1 undergo little or no in vivo spontaneous reactivation with accompanying virus shedding in tears. HSV-1 reactivation can be induced in latently infected mice by several in vivo procedures, with UV-B-induced reactivation being one commonly used method. In the UV-B model, corneas are scarified (lightly scratched) just prior to ocular infection to increase efficiency of the primary infection and immune serum containing HSV-1 neutralizing antibodies is injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to increase survival and decrease acute corneal damage. Since scarification can significantly alter host gene transcription in the cornea and in the trigeminal ganglia (TG; the site of HSV-1 latency) and since injection of immune serum likely modulates innate and adaptive herpes immunity, we investigated elimin...
How Russia is Not Ruled: The 1990‘s in Russia: A New Time of Troubles?

Numerous bribe takers are also usually seen as corrupt. [This is wrong because] only those who have links with the organized criminal gangs can be regarded as corrupt officials. Do not mistake bribe-taking for corruption. – Russian Minister of the Interior Vladimir Rushaylo Introduction In the previous chapter, we established that the USSR itself represented a patrimonial society, albeit one that was both more comprehensive and intensive than Tsarist Russia ever was. The distinctive fusion of communist political monopoly and Soviet state monopoly ownership of capital, in the context of a generally hostile international environment, cemented the Soviet party-state system that was to last for the better part of the twentieth century. Given the virtual asphyxiation of organized public life outside the framework of the communist party-state system, down to the apparently most innocuous levels (such as fishing clubs), the sudden collapse of that system could be expected to have the most dramatic consequences for the integrity of the economy and the society, not to mention the country's international standing. The disintegration of the USSR in 1991 thus represented the end of a fixture in Russian life, with only brief interruptions (1917–20 and the early 1600s), since the emergence of Muscovy in the course of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries: the presence of a powerful, highly centralized, militarized, and largely unaccountable patrimonial state. Interestingly, that state disintegrated (1989–91) precisely as the international political system was becoming the least threatening in the millennium of Russian statehood.
Estimation of Changes in Chemoreflex Gain and ‘Wakefulness Drive’ During Abrupt Sleep-Wake Transitions

It is generally accepted that the ventilatory sensitivity to CO2 is decreased during non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep, although the degree of this reduction has varied considerably among studies[1],[2]. In all these studies, the ventilatory response to hypercapnia (HCVR) was measured under steady-state conditions in quiet wakefulness and, subsequently, in one or more stable stages of NREM sleep. In sleep-disordered breathing, however, sleep is constantly punctuated by transient arousals, which are generally associated with brief periods of hyperpnea[3],[4]. Thus, the standard procedures of estimating steady-state chemoresponsiveness may not produce measures that appropriately capture the changes in chemoreflex control that accompany such abrupt state changes. This may partially account for the lack of any consistent relationship between the steady-state HCVR and breathing pattern stability or instability[5].
Dissertation I: Human-Environment Interactions

This proposal focuses on human-environment interactions and the notion of environmental justice. The proposal develops a qualitative GIS methodology to understand the relationship between place attachment and environmental activism in two study areas. By examining the political ecology of environmental hazards, the dissertation proposal nicely positions the research within an existing literature as well as makes explicit (conceptual and methodological) linkages to the field of GIScience and even sociology. Like Lewis’ thesis proposal, the dissertation uses mixed methods to unlock and interpret the everyday realities of urban environmental risk in two demographically distinct Indianapolis neighborhoods.
Northeastern Qatari coast hydrodynamic modeling for assessment of sensitive ecosystems under anthropogenic and natural stressors

من المتوقع أن يخضع الساحل الشمالي الشرقي القطري في المستقبل القريب لتغييرات التي تفرضها الضغوطات البشرية )مشاريع التنمية الساحلية( . يتألف هذا الساحل من النباتات المتنوعة والحيوانات حساسة )مثل الشعاب المرجانية ، ومروج الأعشاب البحرية والسلاحف ( لذلك هناك حاجة ملحة إلى دراسة الآثار المترتبة على مثل هذه الثغيرات على النظم الإيكولوجية. النماذج الإيكولوجية ، هي عبارة عن تمثيلات رياضية و نظرية للنظام الطبيعي، التي أدخلت على فهم الخصائص الوظيفية للنظام البيئي الحقيقي تحت تاثيرات فيزيائية معروفة تمثل النظام المدروس . باستخدام البيانات التي تم جمعها من حقول او من الجمعيات البيئية لبناء نموذج النظام البيئي الوظيفي الذي يحاكي البيئة الحقيقية . ثم يتم استخدام هذه النظم كنموذج من أجل مساعدة تقييم تأثير السيناريوهات المستقبلية على الأنظمة الحقيقية . الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو خلق المحاكاة الهيدروديناميكية جنبا إلى جنب مع نموذج نقل الرواسب لتمتد من الساحل قبالة جبل فويرط . وقد تحقق هذا الهدف باستخدام برنامج GEMSS لصناعة النماذج، و الذي يتطلب البيانات التالية للحصول على نموذج السليم 1( البيانات الفضائيه ) كملفات من نظام ( ArcGIS (، الذي يتضمن الخط الساحلي للمنطقة وقياس الأعماق، بالإضافة إلى المواقع، الارتفاعات، و تشكيلات الهياكل التي من صنع الإنسان . . (2) البيانات التي تستند على الوقت، والتي هي متفاوتة في الوقت المناسب )أي تغيرات المد والجزر، ومعدل التدفق ودرجة الحرارة وبيانات الأرصاد الجوية( . (3) تكوين الرواسب. تم صنع النموذج الهيدروديناميكي لمحاكاة ميكانيكيات المياة والتحقق من صحة البيانات بمقارنتها مع بيانات حقليه . بالإضافة إلى ذلك, تم صنع نموذج نقل الرواسب الذي يحدد مصير الرواسب العالقة في المنطقة وتحديد أحتمل حدوث التعرية اوالترسيب في اي منطقة اخرى . أظهرت النتائج لكل من النموذج الهيدروديناميكي والنموذج نقل الرواسب أن منطقة الدراسة هي منطقة ديناميكية للغاية، يتم التحكم بها بشكل رئيسي من قبل المد والجزر وأن احتمال التعريه للرواسب تتزايد في الحدود الشمالية والشرق والغرب . يوفر هذا العمل ثلاثة سيناريوهات للتنميه المستقبلية التي قد تحدث في هذه المنطقة، ويظهر تغيير ديناميكيات المياه والرواسب وفقا لذلك . وفقا لذلك خرجنا بمجموعة من التوصيات لصناع القرار لتحسين إدارة المنطقة الساحلية . كما أنه يوفر الأدوات التي يمكن تكرارها في الدراسات الهيدروديناميكية في المستقبل على طول المنطقة الساحلية القطرية .
Abstract TP86: Prevalence of Bicuspid Aortic Valves and Thoracic Ascending Aortic Aneurysms in Patients Treated for Intracranial Aneurysms

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies have suggested an increased prevalence of intracranial aneurysms (ICA) in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and thoracic ascending aortic aneurysms (TAA). We tested the hypothesis that if true, conversely, the prevalence of BAV and TAA should be increased in patients with ICA. METHODS: We identified and reviewed the clinical records of patients treated for an ICA at our institution between 2002 and 2011. Only those with an echocardiogram report in their clinical record were included for further analysis. The prevalence of BAV and TAA in this cohort was determined based on the echocardiogram reports, medical records, and, when available, cross-sectional chest imaging. Proportion confidence intervals were calculated and compared to population prevalence estimates. RESULTS: Of 1051 patients with ICA, 321 had available echocardiogram reports that included assessment of the aortic valve. Of these, 85 also had cross-sectional chest imaging. Of the 321 patients, 2 were reported to have a BAV (0.6%, 95% CI 0 - 2.5%), similar to population prevalence estimates for this condition. In this same cohort, there were 15 (4.7%, 95% CI 2.7 - 7.8%) patients with a TAA. Among the 85 patients with cross-sectional chest imaging, the prevalence of TAA exceeded that expected for a community age- and gender-matched population (see Figure, gray lines represent upper and lower limits of normal). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis suggests an increased prevalence of TAA, but not BAV, in patients with ICA.
Structural and Magnetic X-RAY Scattering Measurements of Epitaxial Dy thin Films

We report structural and magnetic X-ray scattering measurements of a 2000A thick Dy film, sandwiched by LaF 3 films on a GaAs( 111 ) substrate. The structure was grow by molecular beam epitaxy with the c-axis of the Dy parallel to the LaF 3 c-axis and GaAs[ 111 ] axis. For the magnetic X-ray scattering, we used a polarization analyzer and an X-ray energy near the Dy L 111 absorption edge. ∆t this energy there is a resonant enhancement in the magnetic scattering intensity, and we obtained ≃-50 counts per second in the magnetic diffraction peaks. Between 85 and 179K, bulk Dy forms a helical antiferromagnetic structure, and below 85K, it transforms into a ferromagnet. We find that the c-axis lattice constant of the Dy film has a similar temperature dependence to bulk Dy from room temperature to about 110K, but below this, the film behaves differently from bulk and is strained. The temperature dependence of the turn-angle in the helical antiferromagnetic state is similar to bulk, although a weaker dependence is observed below ∼1 10K due to magnetoelastic effects. Surprisingly, the magnetic coherence length (≃310A) is significantly shorter than the structural coherence length (≃730A). The transition to ferromagnetic ordering at 86K exhibits temperature hysteresis as is evident in the structural and magnetic X-ray data and in SQUID magnetometry data. We believe this hysteresis arises from a combination of the strain-energy barrier accompanying the transition and magnetic inhomogeneities in the film.
Phase Stability of Sigma + Beta Microstructures in the Ternary Nb-Ti-Al System

An alloy with the nominal composition 42Nb-28Ti-30Al (at.%) was heat treated in the sigma + beta phase region. The evolution of σ phase from the metastable β phase and the stability of the two-phase microstructure at various aging temperatures were evaluated using TEM techniques. The results indicate that the β phase in equilibrium with the σ phase at high temperatures decomposes to the orthorhombic phase at temperatures below 1200°C.
Wavelength- and Polarization-Insensitive Integrated Directional Couplers using Mach-Zehnder Structures

Directional couplers are essential components in a wide variety of important devices, including modulators, switches, and Bragg-grating add/drop filters [1, 2].
A microagglutination test for antibody to a group A streptococcal carbohydrate.

A quantitative microagglutination test for measuring group A streptococcal antibody levels is described and evaluated. The pro­ cedure requires only a patient’s serum and a standardized antigen consisting of pepsin and trypsin treated group A streptococcal cells. The antibody measured appears to be directed mainly at the group A carbohydrate of the cell wall. In “normal” populations, basal titers were found to increase until adolescence, exceeding a titer of 1:340 in less than 10 percent of these individuals. In documented cases of acute group A infections and acute rheumatic fever, titers were distinctly elevated above those found among the “normal” group in a considerable number of patients. Immune re­ sponses were found more frequently by this procedure than by the ASO test. The test shows a strong potential for routine use and large scale screening programs be­ cause it is uncomplicated, reproducible and rapid. The antigen is stable under usual con­ ditions of laboratory use.
Efficient sensory cortical coding optimizes pursuit eye movements.

Efficient coding suggests that adapting gain to match the varying stimulus statistics should help in optimizing behaviour. Here the authors show that adaptation in motion sensitive neurons maximizes information and improves movement accuracy in pursuit eye movements.
Luminescence and Nonlinear Optical Properties in Copper(I) Halide Extended Networks

The syntheses, structures, and luminescence properties of a series of copper(I) halide coordination polymers, prepared with mono- and bidentate N-heteroaromatic ligands, are reported. These metal–organic coordination networks form [Cu2I2L]n for bidentate ligands (where L = pyrazine (1), quinazoline (2)) and [CuIL]n for monodentate ligands (where L = 3-benzoylpyridine (3) and 4-benzoylpyridine(4)). Both sets of compounds exhibit a double-stranded stair—Cu2I2—polymer, or “ladder” structure with the ligand coordinating to the metal in a bidentate (bridging two stairs) or monodentate mode. The copper bromide analogues for the bidentate ligands were also targeted, [Cu2Br2L]n for L = pyrazine (5) with the same stair structure, as well as compositions of [CuBr(L)]n for L = pyrazine (6) and quinazoline (7), which have a different structure type, where the −Cu–Br– forms a single-stranded “zigzag” chain. These copper halide polymers were found to be luminescent at room temperature, with emission peaks ranging from ...
Non-Alignment Networks in the Global South; The Hoover Institute Archive

Research notes on preliminary research conducted at Stanford's Hoover Institute Archive during Summer 2015.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Presenting as Bradycardia

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a disease that typically affects young otherwise healthy women. As PPCM is associated with significant mortality, timely diagnosis is necessary to ensure appropriate care. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of PPCM presenting as symptomatic bradycardia. We describe the patient's clinical presentation and relevant findings and review the potential etiology and ramifications of bradycardia in patients with PPCM.
Health care in high school athletics in West Virginia

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of implementation of emergency preparedness procedures and administrative procedures to provide appropriate medical coverage to high school athletics in the predominantly rural US state of West Virginia. Particular attention was given to determine the extent to which the schools provided the recommendations for best practice in the National Athletic Trainers Association consensus statement outlining appropriate medical coverage for high school athletics. METHODS: A listing of all public schools participating in the state high school athletic association with at least one team participating in interscholastic competition was obtained from the state Department of Education office. An electronic survey was sent to the principal at each high school with instructions that an administrator or sports medicine professional complete the survey. A total of 62 respondents completed the survey (49.6% response rate). Most respondents were principals (92%), followed by athletic administrators (8%). The majority of schools reported a rural zip code at the school level based on the Rural Urban Community Area Codes. Measures assessed the school demographics, including size and rurality. Additional measures assessed the development and implementation of a comprehensive athletic healthcare administrative system, and the development and implementation of a comprehensive emergency action plan. RESULTS: The majority of respondents reported that there was a consent form on file for student athletes (91%) and comprehensive insurance was required for participation (80%). A third of the respondents (33%) reported that all members of the coaching staff were certified in first aid and cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 31% reported 'never' when asked if all coaches were required to be certified in CPR and first aid. When asked if there was a written emergency action plan (EAP) that outlines procedures to follow in emergency situations during athletic participation, 36% responded 'never' and 38% responded 'always'. When asked about specific limitations for health care to athletes the three main themes identified in qualitative analysis were lack of funding, lack of certified medical personnel, and the inability to locate certified medical personnel in a rural area. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed expected barriers to health care for high school athletes in West Virginia, specifically the lack of funding and resources available to rural schools. In order to prevent a life threatening emergency or possibly sudden cardiac death, preparing and planning for emergencies should be an essential part of high school athletic programs. Rural areas face significant challenges in regards to funding and qualified personnel. Requiring first aid and CPR certification for coaches and requiring an EAP are two steps that could improve the health care provided to athletes. These are inexpensive and achievable steps that could be taken to improve the safety for athletes at high schools in both rural and non-rural areas. Language: en
Modeling Highway Stormwater Runoff and Groundwater Table Variations with SWMM and GSSHA

AbstractHydrologic models are widely used to represent and study water flows in various land uses and environments. This paper presents work done to model stormwater runoff from a highway and fores...
Occupational and consumer risks from avian influenza viruses.

Sporadic human infections have been reported with a few select avian influenza (Al) viruses over the past 50 years. Most of the infections resulted from the H7N7 high pathogenicity Al (HPAI) virus from The Netherlands (2003) and H5N1 HPAI viruses from several Asian countries (1997-2005). Epidemiological studies have identified direct exposure to infected poultry as the primary risk factor for human infection. In The Netherlands, veterinarians, cullers and poultry farmers had an occupational risk of infection through exposure to infected commercial poultry, and presented with conjunctivitis and/or influenza-like illnesses. In Asia, most of the clinical infections involved direct exposure to poultry in the smallholder sector or live poultry markets, and not commercial poultry. However, serological data from Hong Kong during 1997 indicated H5N1 infections without clinical disease were associated with occupational exposure. No cases of human Al infection have been linked to consumption of infected or contaminated poultry products. However, HPAI virus can be present in blood, bone and meat of infected poultry, which, if consumed raw, are a potential source of virus for human infections. Cooking and pasteurisation are effective methods of killing Al viruses. Proper vaccination of poultry has been shown to prevent HPAI virus from localising in the meat.
P2Y14 receptor activation decreases interleukin-6 production and glioma GL261 cell proliferation in microglial transwell cultures

Gliomas are rich in extracellular nucleotides that modulate glioma cell production of multiple cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6, which strongly contributes to glioma cell proliferation. However, little is known about how nucleotide signaling modulates microglial/macrophage (MG/MP) cytokine production in the context of gliomas, nor how MG/MP purinergic P2 receptor expression changes in the tumor micro-environment. We hypothesized that: (1) expression of key P2Y receptors will be augmented in glioma-derived MG/MP, and (2) selective activation of these receptors in vitro will regulate microglial production of IL-6 and glioma cell proliferation. We tested these hypotheses using the murine GL261 glioma model. Compared to MG/MP isolated from the normal brain tissue, CD11b+ cells isolated from GL261 tumors expressed higher levels of several P2 receptors, including P2Y14 receptors. To evaluate microglial P2Y14 receptor function in the context of tumor cells, we first cultured N9 microglia in transwells with GL261 cells and found that microglial P2Y14 mRNA levels were similarly increased in transwell cultures. GL261 cells did not express detectable P2Y14 levels either when they were cultured alone or in transwell cultures with N9 cells. Selective P2Y14 receptor activation with UDP-glucose (UDPG) did not affect IL-6 levels in either cell type cultured alone, but in transwell cultures, UDPG decreased IL-6 protein levels in the medium. Application of conditioned medium from UDPG-treated microglia reduced GL261 cell proliferation. Together, these data suggest that P2Y14 receptors may be a key a receptor involved in glioma cell-MG/MP communication in the tumor environment.
DICER1 Syndrome: DICER1 Mutations in Rare Cancers

DICER1 syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to multiple cancer types. Through mutations of the gene encoding the endoribonuclease, Dicer, DICER1 syndrome disrupts the biogenesis and processing of miRNAs with subsequent disruption in control of gene expression. Since the first description of DICER1 syndrome, case reports have documented novel germline mutations of the DICER1 gene in patients with cancers as well as second site mutations that alter the function of the Dicer protein expressed. Here, we present a review of mutations in the DICER1 gene, the respective protein sequence changes, and clinical manifestations of DICER1 syndrome. Directions for future research are discussed.
Serial β-Subunit Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Doubling Time as a Prognosticator of Pregnancy Outcome in an Infertile Population *

Prospective evaluation through the use of radioimmunoassay of the β -subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin ( β -hCG) in blood samples obtained during the first 30days of gestation was performed on an infertile population at high risk for pregnancy loss. Four hundred and fourteen samples in 281 pregnancies were analyzed. On the basis of single, random β -hCG samples in asymptomatic patients, 77% of successful pregnancies and 59% of abortions were correctly identified. On the basis of β -hCG doubling time (mean 2.2days±1.0 [2 SD]) computed from serial sampling, again in asymptomatic patients, 88% of successful pregnancies and 76% of abortions were correctly identified. β -hCG doubling time appears to provide a reliable method of evaluating early pregnancy prognosis with significantly greater ability to identify problem pregnancies within the first 30days of gestation than does single random hCG values.
A rational basis for setting burn-in yield criteria

An analytical method is described whereby a cost effective burn-in yield criterion can be determined for plastic encapsulated integrated circuits. The method assumes a simple approximation for infant mortality during burn-in and predicts the failure rate of the residual parts based on the yield percentage. The conclusions are shown to be consistent with the available data.
Diverse Roles for MAPK Signaling in Circadian Clocks

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family of genes aids cells in sensing both extracellular and intracellular stimuli, and emerging data indicate that MAPKs have fundamental, yet diverse, roles in the circadian biological clock. In the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), MAPK pathways can function as inputs allowing the endogenous clock to entrain to 24h environmental cycles. MAPKs can also interact physically and/or genetically with components of the molecular circadian oscillator, implying that MAPKs can affect the cycling of the clock. Finally, circadian rhythms in MAPK pathway activation exist in many different tissue types and in model organisms, providing a mechanism to coordinately control the expression tissue-specific target genes at the proper time of day. As such, it should probably not come as a surprise that MAPK signaling pathways and circadian clocks affect similar biological processes and defects in either pathway lead to many of the same types of human diseases, highlighting the need to better define the mechanisms that link these two fundamental pathways together.
Axonal Pathfinding: Extracellular Matrix Role

Growth cone adhesion is integral to the mechanism of growth cone migration and pathfinding. Adhesive interactions of growth cones provide stability for lamellipodial and filopodial protrusions of growth cones and also act as signaling centers that regulate actin and microtubule dynamics and organization in a migrating growth cone. The adhesive interactions of growth cones are also a target of guidance cues that determine where growth cones turn, branch, and stop migrating. Migrating growth cones make three kinds of adhesive contacts with extracellular matrix (ECM) and with other cells. These contacts involve integrin receptors, which recognize laminin and other ECM components; cadherins, which form homophilic adhesions; and the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs), which can form homophilic and heterophilic adhesive interactions. Major pathways of growth cone migration during development contain one or, perhaps more typically, multiple adhesive ligands available to growth cones. The navigational decisions of growth cone pathfinding are based on local differences in adhesive stability for growth cone protrusions and in dynamic protrusive activity, as based on adhesive signaling and the integration of signaling triggered from other guidance cues.
DIVISIBILITY OF THE SPECIALIZATION MAP FOR TWISTS OF ABELIAN VARIETIES

Let A/ℚ(T) be a non-trivial ℚ (T)/ℚ cyclic twist of an abelian variety defined over ℚ, and let Γ ⊂ A(ℚ(T)) be an indivisible subgroup of A(ℚ(T)). We show that for almost all (in the sense of density) t ∈ Z, the specialization Γ t ⊂ A t (ℚ)is indivisible in A t (ℚ) and similarly for t ∈ ℚ.