cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evolutionary condensation sequence revealed by mineralogically-distinct nodules in fine-grained, spinel-rich inclusions from CV3 chondrites: Implications for the genetic links between different types of non-igneous refractory inclusions

Abstract Fine-grained, spinel-rich inclusions (FGIs) are abundant in CV3 chondrites and exhibit textures and compositions that are consistent with a condensation origin. We have conducted a systematic investigation of FGIs from two reduced CV3 chondrites, Leoville and Efremovka, which has revealed a number of microscale variations in the primary mineralogies and textures of nodules, and provided further insights into the origins of FGIs. Nodules in individual FGIs vary in size and exhibit variations in their mineralogical zonation, resulting in significant heterogeneity within each FGI. In individual FGIs, nodules with a small size (typically 20 μm) are either embedded in the mass of small nodules or occur as shells surrounding clusters of small nodules. The size difference is associated with a difference in mineralogy: small nodules typically contain single or a few spinel/melilite grains as cores, while the spinel/melilite cores of large nodules are polycrystalline and more compact. Transmission Electron Microscope observations show that the nodules have complex microstructures, including the presence of fine-grained spinel, the close association of fine-grained Al-Ti-diopside with spinel, and a crystallographic orientation relationship between adjacent clinoenstatite and diopside grains. Our microstructural observations indicate that disequilibrium condensation played an important role in the formation of FGIs, consistent with some previous studies. Specifically, the presence of spinel-cored and melilite-dominant nodules, as well as the different occurrences of spinel (in the cores and on the periphery), suggest that formation of these nodules occurred under disequilibrium conditions, which may be caused by physical isolation of condensates. Nodules in FGIs show textural and compositional similarities with other types of non-igneous CAIs: hibonite-spinel inclusions and fluffy Type A CAIs. We suggest that mineralogically-distinct nodules are micrometer-sized counterparts of different types of non-igneous CAIs and record an evolutionary condensation sequence in the solar nebula. It is likely that different nodules in individual FGIs formed in the same gaseous reservoir, but at different times. The mechanism of physical isolation of condensates probably controlled the accretion behavior of nodules with different mineralogies and sizes, resulting in the observed distribution patterns of nodules. On the other hand, some mineralogically-zoned FGIs, with a Mg-rich core and a Ca-rich mantle, can be better explained by condensation, followed by transport of the inclusions to a different region of the protoplanetary disk.
Review of Lyndon K. Gill, Erotic Islands: Art and Activism in the Queer Caribbean

Review of Lyndon K. Gill, Erotic Islands: Art and Activism in the Queer Caribbean. Duke UP, 2018. 267 pages.
Validity and reliability of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) among adults with autism.

Abstract Background The purpose of the study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12 version 2 (SF-12v2) instrument among adults with autism. Methods Study data was collected using a cross-sectional online survey of adults with autism enrolled with the Interactive Autism Network (N = 291). Factorial validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis technique. Item–scale correlations were examined for convergent validity. Known-groups validity was assessed by examining the variation in Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores by autism severity. Cronbach's alpha was determined for internal consistency reliability. Floor and ceiling effects were also assessed. Results A two-factor model with correlated error terms was found to have a good fit. The PCS scale strongly correlated with the underlying items representing the scale. The MCS scale had strong to moderate correlation with its underlying items. For known-groups validity, the MCS score varied as expected with lower score observed among adults with high severity as compared to low severity; however, PCS score varied inversely. Internal consistent reliability of the SF-12v2 was good, and there were no floor and ceiling effects. Conclusions Except for known-groups validity, all other psychometric indicators performed well for the SF-12v2.
Higher-Level Features in Speaker Recognition

Higher-level features based on linguistic or long-range information have attracted significant attention in automatic speaker recognition. This article briefly summarizes approaches to using higher-level features for text-independent speaker verification over the last decade. To clarify how each approach uses higher-level information, features are described in terms of their type, temporal span, and reliance on automatic speech recognition for both feature extractionand feature conditioning. A subsequent analysis of higher-level features in a state-of-the-art system illustrates that (1) a higher-level cepstral system outperforms standard systems, (2) a prosodic system shows excellent performance individually and in combination, (3) other higher-level systems provide further gains, and (4) higher-level systems provide increasing relative gains as training data increases. Implications for the general field of speaker classification are discussed.
Pioneer growth cone adhesion in vivo to boundary cells and neurons after enzymatic removal of basal lamina in grasshopper embryos

The Ti1 pioneer neurons of embryonic grasshopper limbs extend axons between the limb epithelium and its basal lamina. Their growth cones exhibit high affinity for both limb segment boundaries and immature neurons. We have investigated the role of the basal lamina in growth cone adhesion to neurons and segment boundaries by removing the basal lamina with mild enzymatic digestion when the Ti1 growth cones are in contact with different cellular substrates. If the basal lamina is removed when the Ti1 growth cones are in contact with other neurons, the growth cones remain in contact with the neuronal somata, and the Ti1 cell bodies in contact with the neuronal somata, and the Ti1 cell bodies reposition proximally. This suggests that the basal lamina is involved in the adhesion of the Ti1 somata to the substrate but not in growth cone-neuronal adhesion. This is the first direct evidence that growth cones establish adhesive cell-cell interactions with other neurons in vivo. Enzymatic treatments that remove the basal lamina also cause embryonic limbs to elongate. If the Ti1 axons are strongly apposed to 2 segment boundaries prior to protease treatment, their somata reposition to the nearest segment boundary, yet their axons do not retract off of the segment boundaries, despite severe stretching by the enzyme-induced limb expansion. These results indicate that the affinity of the Ti1 cells for segment boundaries is due at least in part to adhesive cell-cell interactions that are resistant to proteolytic digestion and independent of the basal lamina.
Health information technology and physician-patient interactions: impact of computers on communication during outpatient primary care visits.

As a nurse practitioner student, electronic medical record (EMR) trainer, and future EMR user, I was excited to see the Hsu et al. article, “Health Information Technology and Physician–Patient Interactions: Impact of Computers on Communication During Outpatient Primary Care Visits” in the July/August issue.1 I have not seen very much research about the patient's perception …
How is Consciousness Expressed in the Cerebral Activation Manifold

I dispute that consciousness is generated by “core circuitry”in the forebrain, with predominance of motor areas, as Cotterillproposes in “Enchanted Looms”and other theorists do also. Ipropose instead that conscious contents are the momentary modeof action of the integrated cortical field, expressed as a point vector (“dominant focus”), to which, in varying degree, allsectors of the network contribute. Consciousness is the brain'saccess to its own activity space, and is identical with the moment'sdominant mode of activity. The dominant focus is generally weightedtoward enactively encoded percepts. Anticipation and preparation,perception and action, inextricably interdigitate. I also dispute the view of Cotterill and others that consciousnesshas unique agency, which bestowed adaptive advantage when the brain evolved. Being identical with the activity of the network,consciousness can have no additional agency, and it can offerno adaptive advantages beyond those that characterize the network.
Optical higher-order quaternary signed-digit arithmetic

Higher-order quaternary signed-digit arithmetic using optical symbolic substitution is presented. This technique allows for multi-bit carry-free addition and borrow-free subtraction via a two-step symbolic substitution scheme and leads to a compact design by incorporating more information in fewer digits. Optical implementations based on a contentaddressable memory and on a multichannel correlator are identified.
Famotidine, a new, potent, long-acting histamine H2-receptor antagonist: comparison with cimetidine and ranitidine in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Famotidine, a new, potent, long-acting histamine H 2 -receptor antagonist was compared with cimetidine and ranitidine in 9 patients with ZollingerEllison syndrome. The mean minimum daily requirement of famotidine to control gastric acid hypersecretion was 0.24 g (range 0.08–0.48 g) compared with 2.1 g (range 0.6–3.6 g) for ranitidine and 7.8 g (range 1.2–13.2 g) for cimetidine. Equally potent doses of the three drugs had similar onsets of action, but the duration of action of famotidine was 30% longer than the duration of action of either ranitidine or cimetidine (p
Wave-front reconstruction from defocused images and the testing of ground-based optical telescopes

A new method has been developed for testing the optical quality of ground-based telescopes. Aberrations are estimated from wideband long-exposure defocused stellar images recorded with current astronomical CCD cameras. An iterative algorithm is used that simulates closed-loop wave-front compensation in adaptive optics. Compared with the conventional Hartmann test, the new method is easier to implement, has similar accuracy, and provides a higher spatial resolution on the reconstructed wave front. It has been applied to several astronomical telescopes and has been found to be a powerful diagnostic tool for improving image quality.
Bilateral optic disk edema with macular exudates as the manifesting sign of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Purpose To report that an unruptured arteriovenous malformation without hydrocephalus may manifest with bilateral optic disk edema and macular exudates. Methods We examined an 11-year-old girl with an unruptured frontal lobe arteriovenous malformation who had decreased visual acuity, bilateral optic disk edema, and bilateral macular exudates. Results The arteriovenous malformation was treated with partial embolization. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed, but the patient's visual function did not improve. Conclusions Although optic disk edema with macular exudates may be caused by neuroretinitis, ophthalmologists should consider increased intracranial pressure as a cause of these ophthalmoscopic findings, especially when atypical features are present, such as bilaterality, lack of vitreous cells, lack of infectious risk factors, absent spontaneous venous pulsations, or no significant visual recovery.
Multicolored Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence from Ortho-Metalated Iridium(III) Systems

The electrogenerated chemilumescence (ECL) of F(Ir)pic (bis(3,5-difluoro-2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl-(2-carboxypyridyl))iridium III) and (btp)2Ir(acac) (bis[2,(2‘-benzothienyl)-pyridinato-N,C3‘](acetlyacetonate)Ir(III) has been investigated in acetonitrile (MeCN), mixed MeCN/H2O (50:50, v/v), and aqueous solutions using the oxidative reductive coreactant tri-n-propylamine. ECL was also studied in the presence of the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 (poly-(ethylene glycol) tert-octylphenyl ether). F(Ir)pic is a blue emitter (λECL ∼ 470 nm), and (btp)2Ir(acac) emits in the red (λECL ∼ 600 nm). The ECL spectrum of each compound is identical to its photoluminescence spectrum, indicating the same metal-to-ligand (MLCT) excited states. The ECL emission spectrum of F(Ir)pic can be distinguished from Ru(bpy)32+ when both are present in the same solution, raising the possibility of using these compounds for detection of multiple analytes in the same solution. ECL intensity increased in the presence of surfactant up to 6-f...
Does mode matter? A comparison of telephone, mail, and in-person treatments in contingent valuation surveys

The choice of survey mode in contingent valuation research has long been debated in the literature. However, there is limited evidence as to how mode impacts behavior. Using an identical survey administered with telephone, mail, and in-person interviews, this is the first research to examine mode effects using all three commonly employed modes in contingent valuation research. Results show that there is some evidence of social desirability bias in the telephone survey. In addition, the role of income in the decision-making process is an important consideration.
NGO income generation programmes for Afghan refugees in Pakistan

Non-governmental organization (NGO) income generation programmes for Afghan refugees in Pakistan comprise waged employment such as public works and production of relief goods, provision of income-earning ‘starters’ such as seeds and poultry, microenterprise promotion, production and marketing schemes, environmental conservation and vocational training including apprenticeship. In the early 1980s more attention was given to waged employment. By 1990 the emphasis had changed to promotion of self-employment of vulnerable groups, notably needy female heads-of-household and disabled men. Some activities were reserved for disabled men, mostly war victims, to avoid market saturation. Long-standing international NGO programmes have formed a model for the many Afghan NGOs recently established to rehabilitate Afghanistan after the devastation caused by a decade of war.
A microassay for the quantitative measurement of egg yolk-reactive enzyme activity produced by Pseudomonas cepacia

A newly developed microassay offers a sensitive method for quantitating egg yolk reactivity in culture supernatants and samples prepared during enzyme purification. Equal volumes of supernatant, saline, egg yolk suspended in saline, and buffer were incubated in microtiter wells at 37°C, and the resulting turbidity was measured quantitatively with an ELISA reader at 410 nm. The microassay was used to screen culture supernatants from nine clinical isolates ofPseudomonas cepacia, and the results were compared with those obtained when the isolates were screened on egg yolk agar. The microassay was also used to detect egg yolk reactivity in ammonium sulfate-precipitated fractions of the culture supernatant of one strain, Pc224c, and to determine which fraction of egg yolk contained the substrate for the activity.
Pre-clinical evaluation of a replication-competent recombinant adenovirus serotype 4 vaccine expressing influenza H5 hemagglutinin.

Background Influenza virus remains a significant health and social concern in part because of newly emerging strains, such as avian H5N1 virus. We have developed a prototype H5N1 vaccine using a recombinant, replication-competent Adenovirus serotype 4 (Ad4) vector, derived from the U.S. military Ad4 vaccine strain, to express the hemagglutinin (HA) gene from A/Vietnam/1194/2004 influenza virus (Ad4-H5-Vtn). Our hypothesis is that a mucosally-delivered replicating Ad4-H5-Vtn recombinant vector will be safe and induce protective immunity against H5N1 influenza virus infection and disease pathogenesis. Methodology/Principal Findings The Ad4-H5-Vtn vaccine was designed with a partial deletion of the E3 region of Ad4 to accommodate the influenza HA gene. Replication and growth kinetics of the vaccine virus in multiple human cell lines indicated that the vaccine virus is attenuated relative to the wild type virus. Expression of the HA transgene in infected cells was documented by flow cytometry, western blot analysis and induction of HA-specific antibody and cellular immune responses in mice. Of particular note, mice immunized intranasally with the Ad4-H5-Vtn vaccine were protected against lethal H5N1 reassortant viral challenge even in the presence of pre-existing immunity to the Ad4 wild type virus. Conclusions/Significance Several non-clinical attributes of this vaccine including safety, induction of HA-specific humoral and cellular immunity, and efficacy were demonstrated using an animal model to support Phase 1 clinical trial evaluation of this new vaccine.
Phytoplankton response to low level nutrient enrichment through upwelling in the Columbian Caribbean Basin

Abstract Inorganic nutrient enrichment through upwelling in the eastern Colombian Caribbean Basin stimulates phytoplankton growth. Growth rates, however, are significantly lower than those observed in the upwelling ecosystems in the major eastern boundary currents because of the relatively impoverished nature of the source waters for the Guajira upwelling: the Subtropical Underwater. Initial organic growth factor limitation appears to cause uncoupling of nitrate uptake and phytoplankton biomass increase. Nitrate levels in recently upwelled waters are rapidly reduced to concentrations close to half-saturation constants previously reported for marine phytoplankton.
Delayed coronary blood flow detected by computer analysis of serial scans.

Abstract Myocardial scanning with a number of isotopes was reviewed. A method of mathematical analysis of serial scan data by a small digital computer was described. Photographs with shades of red and green were used to display the computer output. The data obtained from mongrel dogs indicate a possible usefulness of the procedure in man to determine myocardial perfusion and whether a delay in perfusion exists.
Vocational Education Enrollment Patterns of Females with Disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the enrollment of students with and without disabilities in grades 9 through 12 in Illinois in (a) vocational education courses and (b) nontraditional vocational education programs. We sought to confirm prior research on the enrollment patterns of females with disabilities in vocational education (VocEd) and to extend it by examining their participation as nontraditional (NT) enrollees. Findings indicated that females with disabilities represented the smallest proportion of students enrolled in VocEd (2.9%), yet this proportion was slightly larger than their proportion of the general student population in grades 9-12. We also found that over 97% of females with disabilities enrolled in some type of vocational education course. Further, females with disabilities participated as NT enrollees at a slightly higher rate than females without disabilities, but at a lower rate than males with and without disabilities. Three percent or less of each student cohort were i...
High-magnetic-field magnetization and magnetoresistance of some amorphous ferromagnets☆

Abstract Measurements of isothermal magnetization and magnetoresistance at T = 4.0-4.2 K and 15 ⩽ H ⩽ 132 kG on the amorphous ferromagnets Fe80B20, Fe78Mo2B20, Fe40Ni40P14B6, and Fe32Ni36Cr14P12B6 indicate a relatively large H-induced increase (3.6%) in the high-magnetic-field magnetization of the latter alloy, and marked differences in the magnitude and sign of the high-field magnetoresistance of the four alloys. The results are qualitatively interpreted in terms of internal effective field distributions which include a small fraction of atomic spins in negative field sites.
Reversal of surround- into centre-type responses of cat retinal ganglion cells by local darkening of the receptive field centre

Abstract Pure surround-type responses elicited from the receptive field surround region by bright or dark annuli could rapidly be reversed into pure centre-type responses by local darkening of the centre. The transition from surround- into centre-type responses was gradual if centre luminance was reduced stepwise. Pure centre-type responses could only be elicited if the whole centre was black. Selective examination of the inner and outer compartments of the surround region showed that the reversal could be achieved throughout the surround region of the receptive field.
He and Sr isotopes in the Lau Basin mantle: depleted and primitive mantle components

Helium isotope ratios in Lau Basin back-arc basalts range from 7 to 22 times the atmospheric value (RA), i.e. from ratios typical of MORB (Depleted Mantle) helium (R/RA = 8 ± 1) to ratios similar to ‘high-3He’ hotspots as observed in the Hawaiian, Icelandic, and nearby Samoan plume ( R/RA = 24). Along the Central Lau Basin spreading axis and its northward extension in the region around Niuafo'ou Volcano,3He/4He ratios have typical MORB values (range = 7.5–8.6), but on Rochambeau Bank, the southern flank of a large seamount, ratios up to 22 RA occur. These high 3He/4He ratios are extrema of linear arrays (11–22 RA) of He vs. Sr, Nd and Pb isotope ratios, between a Depleted Mantle (MORB) end-member and a Primitive Helium Mantle component (PHEM). PHEM is the Enriched Mantle end-member for the ‘depleted’ array formed with the DM component, and at the same time the Depleted end-member for the ‘enriched’ array formed with ‘EM’ the EM2-type end-member for Masefau Bay, Samoan basalts, as these two binary arrays intersect at its composition. Sr and Nd isotopic arrays vs. each other and vs.3He are consistent with these binary ‘mirror arrays’ for Lau and Masefau basalts. The3He data show unequivocally that deep-mantle plume material is present at Rochambeau Bank, and to some extent in the leaky transform/spreading axis along Peggy Ridge. We suppose that the Samoan plume component regards itself as an ‘off-ridge’ hotspot relative to the nearby Lau spreading axis, and that some of its material is channeled toward Peggy Ridge in a manner similar to the channeling we observe at the Galapagos and Pascua (Easter Island) hotspots.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and the future of phosphorus management.

Purpose of review To present emerging data on the role of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in mineral metabolism and adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent findings FGF23 regulates phosphorus and vitamin D metabolism. Its levels increase progressively beginning in early CKD, presumably as a physiological adaptation to maintain normal serum phosphate levels or normal phosphorus balance. FGF23 promotes phosphaturia and decreases production of calcitriol. Recent studies suggest that increased FGF23 is associated with mortality, left ventricular hypertrophy, endothelial dysfunction and progression of CKD. These results were consistently independent of serum phosphate levels. Summary FGF23 is emerging as a novel and exciting biomarker that may help identify which CKD patients might benefit most from aggressive management of disordered phosphorus metabolism. Future studies should determine whether increased FGF23 levels exert direct end-organ toxicity, such as in the heart, vessels and kidneys.
Sequential prediction of individual sequences in the presence of computational errors

We study the performance of a sequential linear prediction system built on nanoscale beyond-CMOS circuit fabric that may introduce in computation. We propose a new sequential linear prediction algorithm under a mixture-of-experts framework that performs satisfactorily in the presence of computational errors. We introduce a worst-case approach to model the computational errors, where we view erroneous circuit fabric as an adversary that perturbs the prediction algorithm to heavily deteriorate its performance. We demonstrate that our algorithm achieves uniformly good performance under the worst-case error approach in an individual sequence manner.
The effect of aging on hydrogen embrittlement of a nickel alloy

The effect of aging at 500° C on the hydrogen embrittlement tendency of a cold worked Ni-base superalloy was investigated in a series of experiments which included hydrogen charging studies, mechanical tests in hydrogen and in air, and fractographic and slip line investigations. Embrittlement tendency increased (time-to-failure decreased) markedly during the first hour of aging and then remained constant until about 1000 h aging time, whereupon it increased rapidly again. The short-time embrittlement could be accounted for either by a mechanism involving segregation of P to grain boundaries or by one involving planar slip induced by short-range order. The hydrogen charging studies indicated that hydrogen uptake decreases during aging, a result which is not consistent with the P segregation hypothesis. The increase in embrittlement at long aging times is most readily explained in terms of planar slip induced by long range order. Tensile tests over a range of strain rates suggested that accelerated transport of hydrogen by dislocation dragging of hydrogen atmospheres is involved in embrittlement.
Comparison of “inside-out” and “outside-in” interference screw fixation for anterior cruciate ligament surgery in a bovine knee

Despite numerous advances in graft fixation with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, few studies have compared the fixation strength of interference screws placed "outside-in" and from "inside-out" techniques. To compare techniques, a bovine model was designed to fail at the femoral tunnel bone-screw interface. Twenty-four fresh bovine knees were stripped of all soft tissues except the ACL. The native ACL was loaded the failure at a strain rate of 50 cm/min with the knee flexed 45 degrees. One standardized femoral tunnel was created on all specimens. A 3/32-inch guide pin was drilled into the center of the ACL femoral origin and overreamed with an 11-mm reamer from inside-out until the lateral cortex was reamed. Consistently sized patellar bone blocks were created (8 x 5 x 25 mm) with an 8-mm tendon width. The bone blocks were randomized to an "inside-out" (group 1) and "outside-in" (group 2) technique. Bone blocks were secured with a 7 x 25 interference screw. Specimens were mounted with the femoral tunnel and bone block aligned parallel to the tensile force and strained to failure at 50 cm/min. Failure of the native bovine ACL occurred at a mean of 2,304 N (SD +/- 472 N; n = 24). The mode of failure for group 1 was 9 of 13 at the bone-screw interface and 4 of 13 interligamentous failures. The mode of failure for group 2 was 7 of 11 at the bone-screw interface, 3 of 11 interligamentous, and 1 bone block failure. The mean load to failure for group 1 was 1,151 N (SD +/- 320 N, n = 13) including the four ligamentous failures and 1,143 N (SD +/- 306 N, n = 9) excluding the ligamentous failures. The mean load to failure for group 2 was 1,017 N (SD +/- 262 N, n = 11), including all specimens and 843 N (SD +/- 262 N, n = 7) excluding the interligamentous and bone block failure specimens. The "inside-out" technique averaged 100 N greater fixation strength than the "outside-in" technique. Statistical analysis using two-sample Student's t-test showed no statistically significant differences between group 1 and group 2. Both techniques demonstrate comparable maximum load to failure in a bovine model tested at 50 cm/min.
Structural basis for antibody catalysis of a cationic cyclization reaction.

Abstract Antibody 4C6 efficiently catalyzes a cationic cyclization reaction. Crystal structures of the antibody 4C6 Fab in complex with benzoic acid and in complex with its eliciting hapten were determined to 1.30 A and 2.45 A resolution, respectively. These crystal structures, together with computational analysis, have elucidated a possible mechanism for the monocyclization reaction. The hapten complex revealed a combining site pocket with high shape complementarity to the hapten. This active site cleft is dominated by aromatic residues that shield the highly reactive carbocation intermediates from solvent and stabilize the carbocation intermediates through cation–π interactions. Modeling of an acyclic olefinic sulfonate ester substrate and the transition state (TS) structures shows that the chair-like transition state is favored, and trapping by water directly produces trans-2-(dimethylphenylsilyl)-cyclohexanol, whereas the less favored boat-like transition state leads to cyclohexene. The only significant change observed upon hapten binding is a side-chain rotation of TrpL89, which reorients to form the base of the combining site. Intriguingly, a benzoic acid molecule was sequestered in the combining site of the unliganded antibody. The 4C6 active site was compared to that observed in a previously reported tandem cyclization antibody 19A4 hapten complex. These cationic cyclization antibodies exhibit convergent structural features with terpenoid cyclases that appear to be important for catalysis.
Weld Residual Stresses and Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking in Bimetal Nuclear Pipe Welds

There have been incidents recently where cracking has been observed in the bi-metallic welds that join the hot leg to the reactor pressure vessel nozzle. The hot leg pipes are typically large diameter, thick wall pipes. Typically, an inconel weld metal is used to join the ferritic pressure vessel steel to the stainless steel pipe. The cracking, mainly confined to the inconel weld metal, is caused by corrosion mechanisms. Tensile weld residual stresses, in addition to service loads, contribute to PWSCC (Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking) crack growth. In addition to the large diameter hot leg pipe, cracking in other piping components of different sizes has been observed. For instance, surge lines and spray line cracking has been observed that has been attributed to this degradation mechanism. Here we present some models which are used to predict the PWSCC behavior in nuclear piping. This includes weld model solutions of bimetal pipe welds along with an example calculation of PWSCC crack growth in a hot leg. Risk based considerations are also discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The prevalence of caries and tooth loss among participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

ABSTRACT Background. The Hispanic and Latino population is projected to increase from 16.7 percent to 30.0 percent by 2050. Previous U.S. national surveys had minimal representation of Hispanic and Latino participants other than Mexicans, despite evidence suggesting that Hispanic or Latino country of origin and degree of acculturation influence health outcomes in this population. In this article, the authors describe the prevalence and mean number of cavitated, decayed and filled surfaces, missing teeth and edentulism among Hispanics and Latinos of different national origins. Methods. Investigators in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)—a multicenter epidemiologic study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute with funds transferred from six other institutes, including the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research—conducted in-person examinations and interviews with more than 16,000 participants aged 18 to 74 years in four U.S. cities between March 2008 and June 2011. The investigators identified missing, filled and decayed teeth according to a modified version of methods used in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The authors computed prevalence estimates (weighted percentages), weighted means and standard errors for measures. Results. The prevalence of decayed surfaces ranged from 20.2 percent to 35.5 percent, depending on Hispanic or Latino background, whereas the prevalence of decayed and filled surfaces ranged from 82.7 percent to 87.0 percent, indicating substantial amounts of dental treatment. The prevalence of missing teeth ranged from 49.8 percent to 63.8 percent and differed according to Hispanic or Latino background. Significant differences in the mean number of decayed surfaces, decayed or filled surfaces and missing teeth according to Hispanic and Latino background existed within each of the age groups and between women and men. Conclusions. Oral health status differs according to Hispanic or Latino background, even with adjustment for age, sex and other characteristics. Practical Implications. These data indicate that Hispanics and Latinos in the United States receive restorative dental treatment and that practitioners should consider the association between Hispanic or Latino origin and oral health status. This could mean that dental practices in areas dominated by patients from a single Hispanic or Latino background can anticipate a practice based on a specific pattern of treatment needs.
Fossil Horses, Orthogenesis, and Communicating Evolution in Museums

The 55-million-year fossil record of horses (Family Equidae) has been frequently cited as a prime example of long-term macroevolution. In the second half of the nineteenth century, natural history museum exhibits characteristically depicted fossil horses to be a single, straight-line (orthogenetic) progression from ancestor to descendent. By the beginning of the twentieth century, however, paleontologists realized that, rather than representing orthogenesis, the evolutionary pattern of fossil horses was more correctly characterized by a complexly branching phylogenetic tree. We conducted a systematic survey of 20 fossil horse exhibits from natural history museums in the United States. Our resulting data indicate that more than half (55%) of natural history museums today still depict horse evolution as orthogenetic, despite the fact that paleontologists have known for a century that the actual evolutionary pattern of the Family Equidae is branching. Depicting outmoded evolutionary patterns and concepts via museum exhibits, such as fossils horses exemplifying orthogenesis, not only communicates outmoded knowledge but also likely contributes to general misconceptions about evolution for natural history museum visitors.
Robust Adaptive Dynamic Programming for Large-Scale Systems With an Application to Multimachine Power Systems

This brief presents a new approach to decentralized control design of complex systems with unknown parameters and dynamic uncertainties. A key strategy is to use the theory of robust adaptive dynamic programming and the policy iteration technique. An iterative control algorithm is given to devise a decentralized optimal controller that globally asymptotically stabilizes the system in question. Stability analysis is accomplished by means of the small-gain theorem. The effectiveness of the proposed computational control algorithm is demonstrated via the online learning control of multimachine power systems with governor controllers.
On the antioxidant mechanisms of Bcl-2: a retrospective of NF-κB signaling and oxidative stress

Antioxidant and prooxidant signaling pathways are emanating as major players in, and regulators of, cell death and apoptosis. Redox conception of the critical role of oxidative stress in determining cell fate is being established-a foundation that craves deeper than the basic understanding of physiochemical interactions to extend beyond that into the realms of deciphering the molecular codes implicated with apoptosis. The proto-oncogene Bcl-2 is no stranger being a major player and decoder in controlling apoptosis, ostensibly via the regulation of redox equilibrium and disequilibrium. One of those potential mechanisms exhibited by Bcl-2 is its ability to counteract the detrimental effects of cell damage caused by free radicals, thereby gaining its well-known property of being an antioxidant. But the question is: what are the molecular mechanisms involved with the antioxidant role of Bcl-2 in the face of cell damage and apoptosis? Currently, a stance is being upheld in that the Bcl-2 antioxidant efficacy should be weighed against its ability to manipulate transcriptional control, through the regulation of specific transcription factors. NF-kappaB is no doubt one of the best candidates when it comes to the arena of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therein, current themes in the burgeoning antioxidant role of Bcl-2 are exposed within the context of transcriptional control of NF-kappaB, thereby holding potential avenues for alleviating therapeutic approaches in the regulation of apoptosis.
Fluoxetine and Blood Glucose Control in Adolescents with Major Depression and Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Depression is relatively common in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), but its pharmacotherapy is complicated by reports of hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic unawareness, and hypergl...
Familial occurrence of Bell's palsy.

Abstract A case of familial Bell's palsy is presented to further supplement previous limited reports. A genetic predisposition appears to be functioning in some instances of Bell's palsy. The present case suggests an irregular autosomal dominant mode of inheritance.
Determination of trace quantities of selenium and arsenic in canned tuna fish by using electroanalytical techniques

Abstract Fifteen brands and types of tuna fish were analyzed for selenium by using differential-pulse cathodic-stripping voltammetry. The cans with high and low concentrations of selenium were analyzed for arsenic by using differential-pulse polarography. Three samples with different levels of added As and a blank were analyzed for each can of tuna fish. Four sample-digestion methods with several variations of each were tested to determine the most reliable technique. An acid-digestion procedure using HNO3 and Mg(NO3)2, 6H2O with an 18-h predigestion step gave the best results, with an average recovery of 98.2%. The selenium concentration of the cans analyzed ranged from 0·034 to 1·20 μg g−1, with an average concentration of 0·68 ± 0·27 μg g−1. The arsenic concentrations of the two cans analyzed were 1·62 μg g−1 and 2·41 μg g−1 in the low- and high-selenium cans, respectively. The selenium concentrations found in the tuna fish are not excessively high and do not seem to pose a problem. The arsenic concentration of 2·41 μg g−1 does, however, approach the maximum allowable level set by the FDA at 2·6 ppm.
Validation of modern methods in food microbiology by AOAC INTERNATIONAL collaborative study

Abstract There is a common misperception that the validation of a microbiological method by an AOAC collaborative study is an arduous undertaking. This paper attempts to dispel that notion by explaining how the system works, identifying the key players, and delineating their responsibilities. Criteria useful in selecting a procedure to be studied collaboratively and the clearance procedures for proposed study protocols and reports of completed studies are discussed. The author offers his views on the evolving internationality of AOAC and suggests that the harmonization of method validation by AOAC and other international organizations would be to the benefit of all.
Gene expression of fibroblast growth factors 10 and 7 is downregulated in the lung of nitrofen-induced diaphragmatic hernia in rats

Abstract Background/purpose Newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) still have a high mortality rate, which has been attributed to pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are essential components of the gene network that regulates lung development. Recent studies suggest that the new member of FGF family, FGF-10, plays a fundamental role in branching morphogenesis and is essential for lung formation. FGF-10-deficient mice exhibit complete absence of lungs. FGF-7 promotes epithelial proliferation and expansion leading to the formation of cystlike structures. The aim of this study was to determine the gene level expression of FGF-10 and FGF-7 in the lung of nitrofen-induced CDH. Methods Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was induced in pregnant rats after administration of 100 mg of nitrofen on day 9.5 of gestation (term, 22 days). In control animals, the same dose of olive oil was given without nitrofen. Cesarean section was performed on day 21 of gestation. The fetuses were divided into 3 groups: normal controls (n = 16), nitrofen induced without CDH (n = 16), and nitrofen-induced CDH (n = 16). Total RNA and DNA were extracted from the lung in each group and measured. mRNA was extracted from total RNA. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to evaluate mRNA expressions of FGF-10 and FGF-7. Levels of mRNA were expressed as a ratio of the band density divided by that of β-actin, a house-keeping gene. Results FGF-10 mRNA expression was decreased significantly in CDH lung (2.914 ± 0.320) compared with controls (4.062 ± 0.307; P P P Conclusions Decreased gene expression of FGF-10 and FGF-7 in the hypoplastic lung suggests that pulmonary hypoplasia in nitrofen-induced CDH rat may be caused by reduced synthesis of FGF-10 and FGF-7 during lung morphogenesis.
Reconstructing Pragmatism to Address Racial Injustice

Bill Lawson and Donald Koch's book Pragmatism and the Problem of Race offers a range of essays that explore the relation of pragmatic philosophy to race and racial injustice. The authors hope to understand and correct for the systematic ignorance regarding race that characterised the social philosophy of John Dewey. Some of the authors document Dewey's distance from racial matters, while other authors defend particular aspects of Dewey's pragmatic method; and some authors develop reconstructions of Dewey's position to enable it to be sensitive to racial matters and racial inequalities.
Magnetohydrodynamic wave mixing in shear flows: Hamiltonian equations and wave action

Magnetohydrodynamic wave interactions in a linear shear flow are investigated using the Lagrangian fluid displacement ξ and entropy perturbation Δ S, in which a spatial Fourier solution is obtained in the frame of the background shear flow (Kelvin's method). The equations reduce to three coupled oscillator equations, with time-dependent coefficients and with source terms proportional to the entropy perturbation. In the absence of entropy perturbations, the system admits a wave action conservation integral consisting of positive and negative energy waves. Variational and Hamiltonian forms of the equations are obtained. Examples of wave amplification phenomena and sharp resonant-type wave interactions are obtained. Implications for the interaction of magnetohydrodynamic waves in the shear flow between fast, polar coronal-hole solar wind and slow, streamer belt solar wind are discussed.
Intravenous Gentamicin Therapy for Infections in Patients with Cancer

Gentamicin sulfate was administered intravenously to 60 patients during 75 episodes of infection. A dose of 30 mg of gentamicin/m2 was given every 6 hr, after an initial dose of 40 mg/m2. Forty-one of the infections (55%) responded favorably. Only 32% of the infections in patients with an initial neutrophil count of less than 100/mm3 responded favorably, as compared to 60% of the infections in patients with an initial neutrophil count of more than 1,000/mm3. Azotemia occurred in 21 of the 57 patients who had normal initial levels of blood urea nitrogen and who received gentamicin for at least seven days. Gentamicin appears to be an effective antibiotic in cancer patients unless they have severe neutropenia. The drug can be administered safely by the intravenous route. Since effective therapy is now available for some malignant diseases, successful management of infections in patients with cancer has become increasingly important. Although the cancer patient is susceptible to a wide variety of organisms, the majority of infections are caused by gramnegative bacilli. During the three-year period from 1967 to 1969, 85% of the 493 episodes of bacteremia observed at our institution were caused by gram-negative bacilli [1]. The organisms cultured most frequently from specimens of blood
Methodologic Standards for Diagnostic Test Research in Pulmonary Medicine

Study objectives: To determine conformance with methodologic standards in the evaluation of diagnostic tests. Data sources: MEDLINE database search (1992 to 1997) of nine prominent general medicine and six subspecialty journals for articles that report discriminative properties of diagnostic tests in pulmonary medicine. Study selection: Articles were eligible if they reported discriminative properties of diagnostic tests in humans, diagnostic tests were intended for the detection of existing conditions, and the target disorder was relevant to pulmonary medicine. Data extraction: Each study was critically reviewed independently by two observers. Data synthesis: Of the 1,029 retrieved articles, 41 met study inclusion criteria. The median number of the 12 major standards for design fulfilled by study articles was 6 (range, 1 to 12, 25th to 75th percentile, 5.0 to 8.5) and only 2 articles fulfilled all 12 standards. Seven (17%) articles did not report any standard measures of diagnostic accuracy and 7 (17%) provided data only for sensitivity and specificity. Only 4 of 17 articles (24%) that compared different tests used standard statistical methods. Conclusion: These results indicate that greater methodologic rigor is needed for studies that evaluate diagnostic tests in pulmonary medicine. Existing deficiencies in methodology risk the introduction of invalid tests into clinical practice. (CHEST 1998; 114:877–885) Abbreviations: AUC=area under the curve; ROC=receiver operating characteristic
Continuous structures excited by correlated random forces

Summary The problem of determining the response of a continuous structure excited by distributed forces varying randomly with time is one of practical interest. Turbulent aerodynamic loads on aircraft and missiles are examples of such distributed forces. Due to the complex nature of such forces, they must be measured experimentally at a sufficient number of points over the structure, and properly processed for computation. It is the purpose of this paper to outline clearly the basis for a procedure of analysis for the utilization of such data in predicting the response of any continuous structure.
Hydraulic responses to extreme drought conditions in three co-dominant tree species in shallow soil over bedrock

An important component of the hydrological niche involves the partitioning of water sources, but in landscapes characterized by shallow soils over fractured bedrock, root growth is highly constrained. We conducted a study to determine how physical constraints in the root zone affected the water use of three tree species that commonly coexist on the Edwards Plateau of central Texas; cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia), live oak (Quercus fusiformis), and Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei). The year of the study was unusually dry; minimum predawn water potentials measured in August were −8 MPa in juniper, less than −8 MPa in elm, and −5 MPa in oak. All year long, species used nearly identical water sources, based on stable isotope analysis of stem water. Sap flow velocities began to decline simultaneously in May, but the rate of decline was fastest for oak and slowest for juniper. Thus, species partitioned water by time when they could not partition water by source. Juniper lost 15–30 % of its stem hydraulic conductivity, while percent loss for oak was 70–75 %, and 90 % for elm. There was no tree mortality in the year of the study, but 2 years later, after an even more severe drought in 2011, we recorded 34, 14, 6, and 1 % mortality among oak, elm, juniper, and Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana), respectively. Among the study species, mortality rates ranked in the same order as the rate of sap flow decline in 2009. Among the angiosperms, mortality rates correlated with wood density, lending further support to the hypothesis that species with more cavitation-resistant xylem are more susceptible to catastrophic hydraulic failure under acute drought.