cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An energy approach to crack closure

Crack closure is analyzed using an energy approach whereby it is shown that crack closure does not completely shield the input mechanical energy to the crack tip at a load below the crack opening load Pop if the compliance below Pop is non-zero. An equivalent shielding stress intensity range is defined by the energy release rate against crack closure. From this energy standpoint, the true effective stress intensity range should be defined as ΔKeff=Kmax−χKop, where χ is the shielding factor. The conventional definition (ΔKeff=Kmax−Kop) is equivalent to the new definition only when the compliance below Pop is zero such that χ=1, i.e., for a fully closed crack. The corrected ΔKeff is found to be effective in correlating fatigue crack growth rates (FCGRs) generated in 8090-T8771 aluminum-lithium alloy with and without crack closure. In contrast, the conventional ΔKeff fails to reconcile the FCGR data within an acceptable scatter band.
Coordination and learning in multirobot systems

Finding methods for generating coherent, robust, useful and adaptive behavior in groups of autonomous robots is an increasingly active area of research. The incremental approach to robotics-first studying control and learning in a single robot-is not sufficient or even relevant (for some problems) to the multi-robot coordination and learning problem. Instead, the problem requires a general approach-which is fundamentally different from most of today's robot control and learning methods-to make the necessary strides in this challenging domain. Based on our research of situated, embodied systems, we suggest that control and learning in multi-robot systems must be addressed as a separate, novel and unified problem-not an additional "module" in a single-robot approach. We propose a bottom-up methodology to produce the desired system behavior.
The Role of Uncertainty Principles in Inductive Systems Modelling

It is well known that the only way of making complexity in inductive (data‐driven) systems modelling manageable is to be tolerant of predictive (or retrodictive) uncertainty in the resulting models. It is argued that two complementary principles — the principles of maximum and minimum uncertainty — are essential to using uncertainty properly to combat complexity. When uncertainty is conceptualised in terms of probability theory, these principles become the well‐established principles of maximum and minimum entropy. When a more general framework of fuzzy measures is employed, uncertainty becomes a multi‐dimensional entity and the maximum and minimum uncertainty principles lead to optimisation problems with multiple objective criteria. Four distinct types of uncertainty are now recognised and their well‐justified measures determined within fuzzy set theory and one subset of fuzzy measures — the Dempster‐Shafer theory of evidence. The uncertainty types and their measures are briefly described.
The effects of tensile stress on the Raman spectrum of silica glass

Uniaxial tension applied to vitreous silica fibers causes their Raman bands at 440 cm/sup /minus/1/, 800 cm/sup /minus/1/, 1050 cm/sup /minus/1/, and 1190 cm/sup /minus/1/ to decrease in frequency. The minimal effect of tensile stress on the frequency of defect bands at 490 cm/sup /minus/1/ and 605 cm/sup /minus/1/ supports their assignment to small ring structures. 10 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.
Correlating the complexity and reliability of reconfigurable antenna arrays using frequency dependent graphs

This paper presents graphs as modeling tools for reconfigurable antenna arrays. These models are proven to be frequency dependent and represent different antenna configurations that may be equivalent at certain frequencies. The complexity of reconfigurable antenna arrays is formulated using frequency dependent graphs. The complexity is also correlated with the reliability where they are proven to be inversely proportional. Examples are given to validate the formulations and prove the concept.
Inmate Assimilation: A Comparison of Male and Female Delinquents

Several explanatory variables derived from the importation and deprivation models of imprisonment are employed in a multivariate design in an attempt to assess the relative predictive strengths of both perspectives. Data obtained from two juvenile correctional facilities in the Southeast, one male and one female, are used in the analysis. The findings indicate that the deprivation model is the better predictor of prisonization for males. For females, variables from both models appear to have a significant impact. For both males and females, the merger of the two models explains more of the variation in prisonization than any one taken separately. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The RXRα C-terminus T462 is a NMR sensor for coactivator peptide binding

The C-terminal activation function-2 (AF-2) helix plays a crucial role in retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha)-mediated gene expression. Here, we report a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study of the RXRalpha ligand-binding domain complexed with 9-cis-retinoic acid and a glucocorticoid receptor-interacting protein 1 peptide. The AF-2 helix and most of the C-terminal residues were undetectable due to a severe line-broadening effect. Due to its outstanding signal-to-noise ratio, the C-terminus residue, threonine 462 (T462) exhibited two distinct crosspeaks during peptide titration, suggesting that peptide binding was in a slow exchange regime on the chemical shift timescale. Consistently, the K(d) derived from T462 intensity decay agreed with that derived from isothermal titration calorimetry. Furthermore, the exchange contribution to the (15)N transverse relaxation rate was measurable in either T462 or the bound peptide. These results suggest that T462 is a sensor for coactivator binding and is a potential probe for AF-2 helix mobility.
Effects of Music Preference and Selection on Stress Reduction

The use of music for therapeutic value has been documented throughout history. Modern research has identified specific types of music that seem to produce physiological benefits more consistently than others. The purpose of this research was to identify the effects of three types of music on perceived stress levels and to see if a correlation existed between music preference, music played, and stress reduction. Music preference was identified, stress level assessed, music played, and stress level was reassessed with 58 subjects. Paired t tests were statistically significant with two of the three musical styles.
Theoretical and practical considerations for crosswell electromagnetic tomography assuming a cylindrical geometry

An iterative Born imaging scheme is employed to analyze the resolution properties of crosswell electromagnetic tomography. The imaging scheme assumes a cylindrical symmetry about a vertical magnetic dipole source and employs approximate forward modeling at each iteration to update the internal electric fields. Estimation of the anomalous conductivity is accomplished through least-squares inversion. Much of the mathematical formulation of this diffusion process appears similar to the analysis of wavefield solutions, but the attenuation implicit in the complex propagation constant invalidates many of the accepted wavefield criteria for resolution.Images of illustrative models show that vertical resolution improves with increasing frequency and with increased spatial sampling density. In addition, greater conductivity contrasts between the target and the background can result in better resolution. The horizontal resolution depends on the maximum aperture that is employed and with increasing frequency, larger apertures are needed to obtain optimal results. However, the maximum aperture that can be employed, and thus the horizontal resolution, is limited by the rate of attenuation and the noise present in the measurements. Weighting the long-offset data equally with the zero-offset data can improve the resolution if the noise is not a function of the dynamic range of the measurement system. At lower frequencies, the resolution can be improved by measuring both the horizontal and vertical components of the magnetic fields. In addition, multiple frequencies can be employed to improve the resolution for limited aperture measurements.The general applicability of the cylindrically symmetric geometry is examined by comparing the 2-D sensitivity functions to those produced by a 2.5-D model, and by imaging a 3-D body with the 2-D iterative Born scheme. For borehole separations greater than five skin depths it is demonstrated that the measurements, and thus the images, are not affected by the geometry of the conductive zone outside of the interwell plane. Thus the 2-D imaging scheme can be employed in these situations. For borehole separations less than five skin depths, artifacts are produced in the images which will lead to faulty interpretations.
English-as-a-Second-Language Learners’ Cognitive Reading Processes: A Review of Research in the United States:

An integrative review of United States research on English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners’ cognitive reading processes suggested that, on the whole, ESL readers recognized cognate vocabulary fairly well, monitored their comprehension and used many metacognitive strategies, used schema and prior knowledge to affect comprehension and recall, and were affected differently by different types of text structures. In the main, where United States ESL readers’ processes appeared to be used differently from those of native English readers, the differences were in speed and depressed activation of selected processes. Significantly, overall, the findings from the studies suggested a relatively good fit to preexisting reading theories and views generally thought to describe native-language readers. However, the quantitative differences between processes of ESL readers and those of native English readers indicated that the preexisting theories and views might need to be revisited and elaborated to address a subse...
Paying attention to distress: What's wrong with rumination?

We explored the notion—derived from conceptualisations of mindfulness—that what makes attention to distress harmful is negative judgement about it. In Study 1 we examined factors of Nolen-Hoeksema's Ruminative Response Scale (RRS). A “Brooding” scale included items describing negative judgements of experience, and a “Reflection” scale, comprised items describing analysis of thoughts and feelings without obvious judgement. Correlations of Reflection with depression and thought suppression were lower than those for Brooding, but still significant, perhaps because all items implied some judgement. In Study 2, items were reworded to de-emphasise evaluative judgements (RRS-nonjudging) and compared to the original RRS. Although the factor structures of the original and RRS-nonjudging versions were essentially identical, the RRS-nonjudging Reflection scale was uncorrelated with depression and thought suppression, and was more highly correlated with emotional processing than was the original Reflection scale.
Software engineering at a distance

I describe my experiences in teaching a first graduate level software engineering course using distance education. Held during the spring semester of 1997, Software Engineering 1 (SE1) was taught to 20 local students in Hartford Connecticut, and 15 tape-delay students located at eight different sites across the country. The distance learning environment, coupled with the fact that the local and tape-delay students were on a variety of viewing schedules presented a myriad of challenges to effective instruction. This paper details the contents and approach used in SE1, and describes the distance learning experience from both the instructor's perspective and the students' viewpoints. I outline my perceived impact of the course, and summarize student response to the course including verbatim student feedback. Based on the mixed results that both my students and I experienced, I conclude the paper with a discussion of changes I would like to make the next time SE1 is taught via distance education.
Devolatilization of polymer melts: Machine geometry and scale factors

This study was aimed at comparing vented extruder geometries and identifying scale-up parameters for melt devolatilization. Data are presented comparing single- and corotating twin-screw extruders for devolatilization of methyl methacrylate from poly(methyl methacrylate), and parameters are identified which characterize dynamic similarity for potential use in design and scale-up. These parameters include conventional process variables such as temperature, throughput, screw RPM, and degree of fill.
New Roads Paved on Losses: Photovoice Perspectives About Recovery From Mental Illness

People with serious mental illness face stigma that interferes with recovery. Photovoice is a method that integrates photography and writing, providing a valuable means for capturing the narratives of people with mental illness whose voices are often marginalized. The purpose of the present article is to explore the meaning of recovery for individuals with serious mental illness based on a qualitative analysis of a new photovoice-based intervention, Recovery Narrative Photovoice. This intervention focuses on promoting the process of recovery and sense of identity through the creation of empowering visual images and narratives of recovery for individuals with serious mental illness. In this article, we present iconographic and thematic analysis for the 23 photovoice works from two pilots of the Recovery Narrative Photovoice intervention. Results reveal several themes, including metaphors for mental illness, associated losses, recovery strategies, and recovery outcomes. A final theme pertains to recovery messages learned from the recovery process.
Analysis of current-programmed SEPIC DC/DC converter in discontinuous-conduction operating region

A current-programmed single ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) topology DC/DC power converter is studied near the threshold of discontinuous operation. Changes in circuit characteristics such as inner loop transfer function as the converter enters the discontinuous region are calculated using average methods, and are compared to measurements. It is demonstrated that the discontinuous SEPIC can exhibit inner loop stability (that is, even with no feedback of the output voltage). >
Distribution of terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter on the southeastern U.S. continental shelf

Dissolved lignin-derived compounds in seawater indicate the presence of organic matter originating from vascular plants and therefore from terrestrial (upland and coastal marsh) ecosystems. We used a hydrophobic resin to concentrate lignin-rich humic substances and to determine concentrations of lignin oxidation products (vanillyl lignin phenols) for waters of the continental shelf of the southeastern U.S. Lignin phenol concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 4.2 pg liter-’ and accounted for 0.002-O. 13% of the total dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool in continental shelf waters. Dissolved lignin concentrations were generally highest near the shore and in those areas receiving greatest river and marsh discharge. Concentrations varied on both short-term (weekly) and seasonal time scales, however, indicating that the contribution of terrestrially derived dissolved organic matter to the C budget of the shelf is quite variable. Salinity (>~~YcQ) was significantly correlated (negatively) with lignin phenol concentrations during three of four cruises, suggesting largely conservative mixing of lignin-derived material on the shelf. In selected rivers and salt marshes contributing terrestrially derived organic matter to the continental shelf, lignin phenol C accounted for 0.14-l .O% of the DOC. A simple mixing model which assumes no biological or physical sinks oflignin-derived material during transport from terrestrial sources to the shelf predicts that an average of 6-36% of nearshore DOC derives from terrestrial ecosystems, depending on whether the terrestrial end-member (lignin source) is assumed to be a river or a salt marsh. while 5-26% of inner shelf DOC and 3-l 8% of mid- to outer-shelf DOC is of terrestrial origin.
New insights into thiol-mediated regulation of adiponectin secretion

Adiponectin is a protein secreted into the circulation exclusively by adipocytes. It acts as an anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic adipokine. Its plasma level is lowered in conditions of obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Within adipocytes, it is retained in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum by binding to the thiol protein ERp44 and released by another thiol protein, Ero1-Lα. Nuclear receptor PPARγ ligand agonists appear to regulate its retention-release mechanism.
Naltrexone's effect on cue-elicited craving among alcoholics in treatment.

Background: Advancing knowledge of biobehavioral effects of interventions can result in improved treatments. Thus, a standardized laboratory cue reactivity assessment has been developed and validated to assess the cognitive and psychophysiological responses to a simulated high-risk situation: alcohol cues. The present study investigates the effects of a pharmacotherapy (naltrexone) on a laboratory-based, cue-elicited urge to drink among abstinent alcoholics in treatment. Methods: Alcohol-dependent subjects were randomized to 12 weeks of naltrexone or placebo after completing a partial hospital program. After ∼ 1 week on medication, all received cue reactivity assessment. Results: Significantly fewer patients taking naltrexone reported any urge to drink during alcohol exposure than did those on placebo. Those with any urges reported no decrement in level of the urges. Mean arterial pressure decreased significantly for those on placebo, but not for those on naltrexone, whereas cue-elicited decreases in heart rate were not affected by the medication. Conclusions: The results have implications for models of relapse and naltrexone's effects. Cue reactivity methodology has utility for investigating hypothesized mediators of therapeutic effects of pharmacotherapies as well as behavioral treatments.
The role of culture in information technology diffusion in organizations

Internal factors that influence information technology adoption in organizations include organizational size, centralization, formalization, and organizational culture. Organizational culture can play a crucial role in the investment or adoption of information technology and the subsequent diffusion of technology within the organization. This paper investigates the role of organizational culture in information technology diffusion.
Identifying Predation of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Eggs by Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in Cotton by Using ELISA

A prey-specific gut content enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to identify predation of eggs of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), by Orius spp. in commercial cotton fields in Texas. Degradation of the egg protein began immediately after O. insidiosus fed on an egg. However, the protein antigen was detectable in the predator for approximately 10 h after feeding. The antigen retention time provided a conservative estimate of predation and insured that when predation was detected it occurred on the day predators were collected. The percentage of individual of Orius spp. that was positive by ELISA for the egg antigen varied throughout each growing season. The highest frequency of positive responses occurred before cotton bloom and after peak bloom.
The ethnic Rosetta stone: translating risk factors, plaque scores, and mortality.

The discovery of the Rosetta stone in 1799 by Napoleon’s forces digging a fort in el-Rashid (Rosetta) had a profound impact on translating the lost Egyptian language of hieroglyphics into Greek, a more easily comprehended modern-day language. Translating population-based cardiovascular (CV) risk
De geschiedenis van mijn tanden

Wat gebeurt er als een Mexicaanse veilingmeester geobsedeerd raakt door tanden en als gevolg daarvan de elementen van Marilyn Monroe koopt om die in zijn eigen kaken te laten implanteren?
Surveying the Corporate Elite: Theoretical and Practical Guidance on Improving Response Rates and Response Quality in Top Management Survey Questionnaires

Survey research of top managers is critical to addressing many contemporary research questions in the field of strategic management. Yet, the threat of low response rates has discouraged many researchers from attempting this type of work, steering the field of strategic management away from issues related to strategic process. This article provides an empirical examination of factors that determine the likelihood and quality of response to top management surveys. More generally, we advance a theoretical perspective on survey response rooted in social influence theory that should help researchers make better choices about the design of their survey questionnaires.
The Achievement Gaps in Mathematics and Science

In a contemporary society where universal education has become a reality, the focus of attention has shifted from the availability of public education to its quality. There is a widespread perception in the United States that K-12 public education is not at the level it should be. This issue is thought to have a number of negative effects, ranging from the narrowing of career opportunities for students all the way to reducing national competitiveness in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Application of System Optimal Depth Concept

The concept of the system optimal depth (SOD) is applied to a power function cumulative water distribution that represents a wide range of irrigation practices. Either the interval between irrigations (when the application distribution is fixed) or the irrigation time (when the requirement is fixed) can be determined when the relative costs of excess irrigation and deficit irrigation are known along with the mean, maximum, and minimum applications for the water distribution. The SOD method is shown to be applicable to all irrigation methods; however, some current irrigation practices correspond to practices suggested by the SOD method, only when the costs of excess irrigation or deficit irrigation are relatively large. When the costs of excess and deficit irrigations are similar, the SOD method should be used to determine the appropriate operating procedure.
Gallbladder Sludge in Dogs: Ultrasonographic and Clinical Findings in 200 Patients

Echogenic luminal contents are often noted during ultrasonographic examination of the gallbladder (GB) in canine patients, but the significance of biliary sludge is not well understood. GB contents were evaluated during 200 sequential ultrasonographic scans performed at a veterinary school, and sludge was quantified using a 1-5 scale. GB volume was retrospectively estimated from stored images. Medical records were used to determine patient demographics, clinicopathologic findings, and diagnoses/disorders. The majority of dogs (66.5%) had some hyperechoic material within the GB. Four dogs were diagnosed with a mucocele. For statistical purposes, dogs with uniformly nonechogenic bile or minimal sludge (80.5%) were compared to those with >25% sludge (17.5%). Dogs with >25% sludge were significantly older than those with minimal sludge (8 versus 11 yr). Serum cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations and activities of both alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase were not correlated with the presence of GB sludge. Dogs with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism were more likely to have >25% sludge (odds ratio: 5.04). In addition, >25% sludge was associated with increased GB volume, suggesting that changes in GB function or contractility may impact the formation of biliary sludge in dogs.
Quantitative Results in the Prediction of Insect Abundance on the Basis of Biotic Potential and Environmental Resistance

One may not assume that a change in insect population has been caused by a change in some environmental factor unless it is known that when the environment is constant the population is constant. Results from constant population experiments are compared with observations on the European Corn Borer.
An Assessment of Nitrate Occurrence and Transport in Washoe Valley, Nevada

Using an unsewered subdivision in western Nevada as a field site, the occurrence and transport of nitrate from septic tanks was first studied using nitrogen and nitrate mass balance calculations, and was then simulated by using a solute transport model (MT3D) for two different input scenarios. The results from the transport simulations are compared with the results from the mass balance calculations, which predict that average nitrate concentrations are rarely above the federal drinking water standard of 10 mg/l NO 3 -N in the study area. The simulation using a uniform nitrogen-to-nitrate conversion ratio provides greater detail of nitrate behavior, but results are not compatible with observed values in portions of the study area. Hydrogeochemical data suggest that the study area is characterized by zones of contrasting redox conditions and associated contrasts in nitrogen speciation. These variable geochemical conditions provide the basis for regionalizing nitrogen→nitrate conversion ratios in the simulations. Resulting simulations are improved, and agree better with observed field data. We also address the capabilities and limitations of transport simulations. The limitations of simulations originated from the incomplete input information related to field conditions even though the adopted models (MODFLOW and MT3D) are robust themselves.
Kinetic Competition During Duplex Partitionless Solidification in Ni-V Alloys

A structure composed of both partitionless face-centered cubic ({alpha}-fcc) and body-centered cubic ({beta}-bcc) phases has been observed following high undercooling solidification of nickel-vanadium (Ni-V) alloys in the composition range 47--51.7 at.% V. Containerless processing and rapid solidification suppresses the formation of the equilibrium {sigma} phase and results in the simultaneous formation of partitionless fcc and bcc phases. Transmission electron microscopy analysis has identified regions in which 0.1--1 {micro}m {alpha} and {beta} grains co-exist in a duplex structure. A nucleation and growth kinetics analysis has been developed to describe the conditions under which this structure may form. Thermodynamic and kinetic arguments have been used to provide bounds on various kinetic parameters. These bounds indicate that the nucleation rates for {alpha} and {beta} must be larger than about 10{sup 27} m{sup {minus}3}s{sup {minus}1} to account for the number of grains observed in the time available for nucleation, and the growth rates are constrained to be larger than about 1 m/s to account for complete solute trapping.
Epidemiological Surveillance of Salmonellosis in Shanghai

[Objective] To investigate the characteristics of epidemic,the distribution of serotype and drug resistance of Salmonellosis in Shanghai.[Methods]Stool samples from the surveillance cases and non-surveillance cases of diarrhea patients were collected and cultivated for Salmonella bacillus.Serotype of the bacterium was identified and drug resistance was tested. Epidemiological survey for patients and research of disease burden of Salmonellosis were also conducted.[Results]Positive rate of Salmonella bacillus in patients with diarrhea was 3.13% and there was significant difference between surveillance cases and non- surveillance eases(x~2=68.212,P0.001);Epidemic season was in July through October.73.47% of cases were reported having eaten contamination suspected food during the week before onset of illness.S.Enteritidis,S.Senfienberg,S.Typhimurium and S.Aberdeen were main serotypes of Salmonella in Shanghai.Separated strains wrer found resisting one or multiple antibiotics in different degrees.There,may be 13 561 cases of Salmonellosis each year in Shanghai according to the research of disease burden.[Conclusion] The results of this investigation showed that Salmonellosis occured in a higher level in Shanghai.Surveying should be strengthened and more attention should be paid on food safety and health education.
Six-Month Short-Interval Imaging Follow-Up for Benign Concordant Core Needle Biopsy of the Breast: Outcomes in 1444 Cases With Long-Term Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to assess whether 6-month imaging follow-up after benign core needle breast biopsy is important for patient outcomes and whether it depends on nonspecific versus definitive benign biopsy results. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Consecutive breast biopsies from 2003 to 2010 were analyzed. Benign concordant lesions with at least 2 years of follow-up were assessed. Pathologic abnormalities were further characterized as having definitive or nonspecific features. A two-tailed Fisher exact test was used to assess the difference in pathologic features among lesions that had progressed. RESULTS. Of 3256 cases, 1705 biopsies in 1602 women were benign concordant and were recommended for 6-month imaging follow-up; the compliance rate was 94.9%. Of these, 1444 biopsies were confirmed as benign with long-term follow-up or excision. At pathologic analysis, 805 (55.7%) benign lesions had definitive features and 639 (44.3%) had nonspecific features. Thirty-four (2.4%) lesions progressed; th...
Sterically Demanding Aryloxides as Supporting Ligands in Organoactinide Chemistry. Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Reactivity of Th(O-2,6-t-Bu2C6H3)2(CH2SiMe3)2 and Formation of the Trimeric Thorium Hydride Th3H6(O-2,6-t-Bu2C6H3)6

Reaction of ThBr4(THF)4 with 2 equiv of KOAr (Ar = 2,6-t-Bu2C6H3) produces the bis(aryloxide) complex ThBr2(OAr)2(THF)2 (1) in 67% yield. Alkylation of 1 with 2 equiv of Me3SiCH2MgCl allows the iso...
Very Severe Aplastic Anemia Due to Doxycycline Therapy

Abstract Very severe aplastic anemia due to doxycycline therapy A 42 y/o male presented to the emergency department with 3 weeks history of fatigue and epistaxis. On initial blood work he was found to have pancytopenia with hemoglobin of 4.7g/dl, platelet count of 4,000 and absolute neutrophil count of 160. He has no significant family history. His past medical history was only significant for a skin rash, which was biopsied 3 months ago and reported to be follicular dermatitis. The only home medication he has taking was doxycycline 100mg twice a day for the past few weeks before the current hospital admission. He was transfused with packed red blood cells and platelets to maintain hemodynamic stability. His bone marrow biopsy was reported to be hypocellular ( Aplastic anemia is a remarkably rare but serious adverse effect of drug therapy like antimicrobials. We report this as the first case, to the best of our knowledge based on the literature review, of possible doxycycline induced severe aplastic anemia. Our patient had history of skin rash for which he was taking doxycycline for few weeks before he presented with pancytopenia. Acquired aplastic anemia is a rare hematological disorder presenting with pancytopenia and a predominantly empty marrow. It is a fatal disease and irrespective of the etiology, without treatment, patients usually succumb due to infection and bleeding. Cases have been reported with tetracycline as a causative agent of aplastic anemia. We hypothesize doxycycline to be the possible etiology of severe aplastic anemia in this patient. Practitioners need to be aware of this rare but fatal complication of this widely used antibiotic. Download : Download high-res image (280KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Hypo-cellular Bone Marrow Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Zero spin angular momentum control: definition and applicability

In this paper, we seek control strategies for legged robots that produce resulting kinetics and kinematics that are both stable and biologically realistic. Recent biomechanical investigations have found that spin angular momentum is highly regulated in human standing, walking and running. Motivated by these biomechanical findings, we argue that biomimetic control schemes should explicitly control spin angular momentum, minimizing spin and CM torque contributions not only local in time but throughout movement tasks. Assuming a constant and zero spin angular momentum, we define the zero spin center of pressure (ZSCP) point. For human standing control, we show experimentally and by way of numerical simulation that as the ZSCP point moves across the edge of the foot support polygon, spin angular momentum control changes from regulation to non-regulation. However, even when the ZSCP moves beyond the foot support polygon, stability can be achieved through the generation of restoring CM forces that reestablish the CM position over the foot support polygon. These results are interesting because they suggest that different control strategies are utilized depending on the location of the ZSCP point relative to the foot support polygon.
Intelligent mobile messaging for urban networks: Adaptive intelligent mobile messaging based on reinforcement learning

Mobile messaging has become a trend in our daily lives. The current schema for messaging is to route all the messages between mobile users through a centralized server. This scheme, though reliable, creates very heavy load on the server. It is possible for users to communicate through peer-to-peer (P2P) connection, especially over urban networks characterized by heavy user traffic and dense network connectivity. P2P connections however do not provide the best user experience, as they are sometimes unreliable due to network coverage fluctuation. We propose an intelligent messaging framework based on reinforcement learning to strike a balance between reducing server load and improving user experience. The system learns and adapts in real-time to user mobility and messaging patterns. The adaptive system dynamically chooses between routing through the server and routing via P2P connection. As it does not rely on user location information, user privacy is thus preserved. Performance evaluation through simulation of user movement and messaging patterns demonstrates that the system is able to find the best messaging policy for users, achieving a well balance between heavy server load and unreliable communication, and provides a fine user messaging experience while reducing server load. We believe that this work is significant for future smart environments and urban networking where mobile messaging will be prominent among mobile users as well as mobile smart objects.
Reflecting on mathematics and mathematical physics

Let me begin by expressing my appreciation to the Scientific Committee for awarding me the 2016Wigner Medal, and to those on the Organizing Committee who have made it possible for me to be here tonight as well as all of you who are sharing with me in this great honor. The carefully chosen wording on this beautiful medal –“For fundamental work in representation theory that led to new branches of mathematics and physics” – resonates deeply with me, and captures the spirit of Wigner’s phrase, “the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in the physical sciences.”
Impact of Helical Chain Shape in Sequence-Defined Polymers on Polypeptoid Block Copolymer Self-Assembly

Controlling the self-assembly of block copolymers with variable chain shape and stiffness is important for driving the self-assembly of functional materials containing nonideal chains as well as for developing materials with new mesostructures and unique thermodynamic interactions. The polymer helix is a particularly important functional motif. In the helical chain, the traditional scaling relationships between local chain stiffness and space-filling properties are not applicable; this in turn impacts the scaling relationships critical for governing self-assembly. Polypeptoids, a class of sequence-defined peptidomimetic polymers with controlled helical secondary structure, were used to systematically investigate the impact of helical chain shape on block copolymer self-assembly in a series of poly(n-butyl acrylate)-b-polypeptoid block copolymers. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) of the bulk materials shows that block copolymers form hexagonally packed cylinder domains. By leveraging sequence control, t...
Exploring the 3D printing process for young children in curriculum-aligned making in the classroom

With increasing focus on integrating 3D printing in educational settings, more emphasis needs to be placed on how to introduce young students to the complexities of the 3D printing process. Inspired by the patrons of 3D printer services, we engage children in a simplified 3D printing process. We conducted a study with two 3rd grade public school science classes over 4 days, where students were tasked to print 3D designs they find online for use in a class presentation. Initial findings identify challenges within this process, and show indications of emerging interest towards 3D printing.
A planner for exploratory data analysis

Statistical exploratory data analysis (EDA) poses a difficult search problem. The EDA process lends itself however to a planning formulation. We have built a system, called AIDE, to help users explore data. AIDE relies on partial hierarchical planning, a form of planning appropriate for tasks in complex, uncertain environments. Our description of the EDA task and the AIDE system provides a case study of the application of planning to a novel domain.
Individual Psychotherapy for Schizophrenia: An Overview of Its History, Recent Developments and New Directions

Empirical study of long term outcomes for persons with schizophrenia suggests that recovery is often possible. This literature also emphasizes that recovery may involve different kinds of experiences for different people with the same psychiatric condition. For some, recovery may mean symptom remission while for others it may be reflected by the achievement of psychosocial milestones. For yet others, however, to recover can involve subjective changes in how those persons experience themselves as meaningful agents in the world. For some, to recover could be to reclaim a full sense of self, a sense of self that can meaningfully engage others and the rigors of daily life. In this chapter we review the potential of individual psychotherapy to address the more subjective aspects of recovery related to sense of self. We first review literature on the effectiveness of psychotherapy for persons with schizophrenia. We then discuss literature on the larger issue of how decrements in personal narrative and metacognition may underpin some of the disturbance in sense of self observed in schizophrenia. Finally, we focus on how psychotherapy could be conceptualized and adapted to help enrich self-experience by addressing narrative and metacognition. Directions for future research are discussed.
Treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the GOLD guidelines.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common problem in primary care. COPD is diagnosed with spirometry only in clinically stable patients with a postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio of less than 0.70. All patients with COPD who smoke should be counseled about smoking cessation. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are recommended for all patients with COPD. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease assigns patients with COPD into four groups based on the degree of airflow restriction, symptom score, and number of exacerbations in one year. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for patients in groups B, C, and D. Those in group A should receive a short-acting anticholinergic or short-acting beta2 agonist for mild intermittent symptoms. For patients in group B, long-acting anticholinergics or long-acting beta2 agonists should be added. Patients in group C or D are at high risk of exacerbations and should receive a long-acting anticholinergic or a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta2 agonist. For patients whose symptoms are not controlled with one of these regimens, triple therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting beta2 agonist, and anticholinergic should be considered. Prophylactic antibiotics and oral corticosteroids are not recommended for prevention of COPD exacerbations. Continuous oxygen therapy improves mortality rates in patients with severe hypoxemia and COPD. Lung volume reduction surgery can improve survival rates in patients with severe, upper lobe–predominant COPD with heterogeneous emphysema distribution.
16O(n, α)13C reaction at 14.1 MeV

Abstract Natural O 2 gas was bombarded with 14.1 MeV neutrons, and alpha particles from 16 O(n, α) 13 C reactions were observed with a telescope consisting of two proportional counters and a CsI(Tl) scintillator. Absolute differential cross sections were measured for the (n, α) transitions to the ground state of 13 C and to an unresolved triplet of known levels at excitation energies of 3.09, 3.68 and 3.86 MeV. Comparisons with previous observations were made, and the ground-state angular distribution was fitted with curves calculated according to two-mode PWBAE theory.
Conceptual Issues in the Ecology and Evolution of Circadian Rhythms

Many species of Drosophila eclose from their pupal cases at dawn. Does this eclosion occur in response to an environmental stimulus (i.e., a change in humidity, temperature, or light) or in response to an endogenous timing mechanism? A bird may fly in one direction for a few thousand kilometers, then turn and fly in another direction. Is the bird responding to landmarks or magnetic cues, or does a biological clock determine how long the bird flies in a particular direction during migration? These questions and others like them are important if we are to understand how the behavior* of organisms in their natural environment is regulated and why it is regulated as it is.
Overview of Process Economics

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of basic concepts and tools in cost estimation and economics of chemical processes. It focuses on cost estimation, depreciation, break-even analysis, time value of money, and profitability analysis. Two primary costs have been evaluated: capital investment and operating costs. Several approaches for capital cost estimation have been illustrated. A key aspect in most cost estimation studies is the evaluation of the cost of individual pieces of equipment. The process equipment and associated hardware deteriorate and lose value over their useful life period and the annual income tax deduction that is intended to allow the company to recover the cost of property over a certain recovery period is called depreciation. The break-even analysis is intended to determine the conditions under which the total production cost is equal to the process revenues. Profitability criteria deals with the assessment of individual projects, and in many cases, there are several alternatives. These alternatives may involve options for the company to invest in different options, various implementations to deliver the same performance, or modifications of a base-case project to achieve several metrics. In designing a new process or retrofitting an existing one, many of the technical and environmental decisions are strongly impacted by the economic factors. Therefore, it is critical for engineers to study process economics.
Performance Analysis of First Grid Connected PV Power Plant in Subtropical Climate of Pakistan

With the increasing penetration of both grid connected and standalone photovoltaic (PV) systems in Pakistan to cater the shortfall of energy, it is necessary to determine the performance and durability of already installed PV systems in different climates of country. This work aims to analyze the performance of first grid connected PV power plant located in Islamabad, Pakistan. The performance degradation of PV plants primarily depends on PV modules type (technology and design), regional climatic factors and field operating conditions. In this paper, performance ratio (PR) and degradation rate have been calculated from meteorological and performance data of plant to investigate the energy efficiency and modules quality over the course of operational years. Temperature losses due to module operating temperature were also estimated that primarily contribute to overall energy losses. This evaluation is of paramount importance for estimating the cost effect of the performance, identification of the underlying performance degradation and energy losses mechanisms, that help investors to choose climate specific modules technology and design for future plants and also to make efficient scheduling for preventive maintenance.
Low Rate of Cancer Events After Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinicopathologic Analysis of 1994 Cases with Emphasis on Definition of "Recurrence".

Abstract Background Systematic pathology reviews in patients who experienced a clinical “recurrence” after partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are anecdotal; therefore, definitions of “recurrence” varies considerably. We aimed to better define local recurrence by re-evaluation of surgical specimens of patients who experienced “recurrences” after partial nephrectomy at our institution. Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of our institutional partial nephrectomy data set was performed. Patients who were clinically diagnosed with a local recurrence during the oncological follow-up after primary intervention for RCC were considered (January 2007 to December 2017, institutional review board number 5065, 15-1593). Re-evaluation of specimens coming from either primary treatment or management of the diagnosed recurrent disease was performed by 2 dedicated urologic pathologists. According to the findings of the pathology review, patients were assigned to 3 groups of disease event: (1) local recurrence of RCC; (2) new occurrence of RCC; and (3) micrometastatic RCC. Patient demographic characteristics, tumor pathological characteristics, oncological outcomes, disease treatment, and follow-up were reported for each patient. Cancer-specific survival was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results Of 1994 cases recorded in the institutional database, data on 30 patients who were clinically diagnosed with a local recurrence were extracted. After pathology review, 9 patients were found who truly developed a local recurrence (group 1). Positive surgical margin status was poorly related to the likelihood of a true local recurrence as defined herein. Twelve patients were assessed with a new occurrence of RCC (group 2). Nine were diagnosed with micrometastatic RCC (group 3). With comparable follow-up lengths among the groups (39 [interquartile range (IQR), 32-45] versus 51.5 [IQR, 35-90.5] versus 42 [IQR, 13-65], group 1 versus 2 versus 3, respectively; P = .4), patients classified in group 1 and 3 had comparable cancer-specific survival (P = .5). Conversely, patients in group 2 were less likely to die of disease compared with group 1 and 3 patients (P = .02). Conclusion Careful pathologic classification of RCC disease events after partial nephrectomy has important prognostic implications and allows more precise study of the clinical significance of margin status.
Cooking Education Improves Cooking Confidence and Dietary Habits in Veterans.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate a 12-week cooking education class on cooking confidence, dietary habits, weight status, and laboratory data among veterans with prediabetes and diabe...