cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Muffin-tin model calculation of the density of states of liquid copper

Abstract The Ishida-Yonezawa approximation to the electronic density of states of liquid transition metals appears to be a viable method for calculations. Using a realistic multi-phase shift muffin-tin model, we obtain a density of states with a band width and shape which compare well with experimental liquid copper results and with fcc copper calculations.
A simplified seismic analysis of rigid base liquid storage tanks under vertical exicitation with soil-structure interaction

Abstract A study is carried out to evaluate dynamic response of an elastic circular cylindrical tank having a rigid base under a vertical excitation taking into consideration the interaction with the foundation soil. At first, the soil is represented by frequency-independent parameters. Two coupled differential equations, governing the motion of the shell and the base, are solved using a step by step integration technique. The hydrodynamic pressures, acting on the shell and on the base, are derived from a velocity potential function which satisfies the Laplace equation and the appropriate boundary conditions. The response of the simplified model of a tank having a rigid base on a stiff foundation soil is compated to that obtained elsewhere to check the accuracy of the present model. Reasonable agreement is found between the maximum wall displacement and the associated stresses with those found by a more elaborate model. The interaction of the tank and the soil reduces the response than that calculated under the assumption of a rigid foundation soil. A parametric study to examine the effects of the height-to-radius ratio of the tank, and the effects of the shear wave velocity of the soil on the response is conducted. Varieties of foundation models are used to assess the sensitivity of the response to the variation in the soil parameters. Finally, a more representative solution for the problem in the frequency domain is obtained where the soil is appropriately modelled by frequency-dependent parameters. The transfer functions of the response of the tank wall and of the relative base motion are evaluated, and a comparison between the frequency-dependent and the frequency-independent solutions is made.
A time-course analysis of chick (Gallus domesticus) response during aflatoxicosis.

Abstract Body weights, packed cell volumes and plasma protein concentrations among nonsurviving chicks receiving 5·0 μg of aflatoxin per g of diet were significantly less than in surviving chicks. Over the last 14 days of life, changes in plasma protein concentrations among nonsurvivors were significantly greater than among surviving chicks.
Structure and Assembly of Escherichia Coli Outer Membrane Protein A

Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of Escherichia coli is a paradigm for the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins; however, the structure and assembly of OmpA remain controversial. Studies to date support the hypothesis that native OmpA is a single-domain large pore, and a two-domain narrow pore conformer is a folding intermediate. The in vitro refolding of OmpA to the large pore conformation requires that the protein be isolated from outer membranes with an intact disulfide bond and then adequately incubated in lipids at temperatures ≥ 26 °C to overcome the energy of activation for refolding. The in vivo maturation of the protein involves covalent modification of serines of the N-terminal domain by oligo-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrates as the protein is escorted across the cytoplasm by SecB for post-translational secretion across the SEC translocase in the inner membrane. After cleavage of the signal sequence, protein chaperones, such a Skp, DegP and SurA, guide OmpA across the periplasm to the BAM complex in the outer membrane. During this passage, a disulfide bond is formed between C290 and C302 by DsbA, and the hydrophobicity of segments of the C-terminal domain which are destined for incorporation as β-barrels in the outer membrane bilayer is increased by covalent attachment of oligo-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrates. With the aid of the BAM complex, OmpA is then assembled into the outer membrane as a single-domain large pore.
Examination of fungal stress response genes using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system: targeting genes affecting aflatoxin biosynthesis by Aspergillus flavus Link

Saccharomyces cerevisiae served as a model fungal system to examine functional genomics of oxidative stress responses and reactions to test antioxidant compounds. Twenty-two strains of S. cerevisiae, including a broad spectrum of singular gene deletion mutants, were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to examine phenotypic response to oxidative stress. Responses of particular mutants treated with gallic, tannic or caffeic acids, or methyl gallate, during H2O2 exposure, indicated that these compounds alleviated oxidative stress. These compounds are also potent inhibitors of aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus. To gain further insights into a potential link between oxidative stress and aflatoxin biosynthesis, 43 orthologs of S. cerevisiae genes involved in gene regulation, signal transduction (e.g., SHO1, HOG1, etc.) and antioxidation (e.g., CTT1, CTA1, etc.) were identified in an A. flavus expressed sequence tag library. A successful exemplary functional complementation of an antioxidative stress gene from A. flavus, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (sodA), in a sod2Δ yeast mutant further supported the potential of S. cerevisiae deletion mutants to serve as a model system to study A. flavus. Use of this system to further examine functional genomics of oxidative stress in aflatoxigenesis and reduction of aflatoxin biosynthesis by antioxidants is discussed.
Human affection exchange: I. Reproductive probability as a predictor of men’s affection with their sons

The present study examines the communication of affection in men's relationships with their fathers and with their sons. Drawing from affection exchange theory and contemporary theorizing about fat...
Periodontal health, quality of life, and smiling patterns--an exploration.

Background: This study explored whether periodontal health/disease affects psychosocial outcomes in smiling patterns of particular subjects and their smile-related quality of life.Methods: We collected data from 21 regularly scheduled patients in a periodontal graduate student clinic (four males and 17 females; average age: 50.38 years; age range: 24 to 82 years). The subjects were videotaped while watching a funny television (TV) program. Two independent raters rated each videotape at 31 predetermined time points to assess four aspects of the objective smiling patterns of the subjects. In addition, the subjects responded to a questionnaire to assess their smile-related quality of life. Provider ratings and chart review data were used to assess the clinically assessed oral health status of the subjects.Results: The smile-related quality of life of the subjects correlated significantly with indicators of the periodontal health of the subjects, such as the number of mobile teeth (r = 0.681; P =0.000), missi...
Effects of core formation

Abstract Two sets of earth models have been generated which simulate the process of core formation in the earth. The results allow the evaluation of the distribution of energy release by core formation and thus an estimate of the early temperature profile following core formation. The process itself is likely to have taken 20 Ma or less, although a longer induction period during which some metal phase exists as a melt is probable. Much of the energy (half or more) ends up in a hot core with the mantle relatively cold. These results suggest the occurrence of mantle wide convection, leading to homogenization and the possible stripping of some elements from the mantle.
Expressive/Exploratory Technical Writing (XTW) in Engineering: Shifting the Technical Writing Curriculum

While the importance of “expressive writing,” or informal, self-directed writing, has been well established, teachers underutilize it, particularly in technical writing courses. We introduce the te...
Discontinuing the LVAD: Ethical considerations

T he deve lopment of implantable left ventr icular assist devices (LVADs) opens new vistas in pat ient care, while s imul taneous ly drawing at tention to ethical problems in the use of such technology. Such ethical questions include when and under what condit ions we ought to start, stop, or refrain from init iat ing t rea tment with such a device. We will briefly review the relevant literature [1, 2] and then consider the issue of when to stop treating, which remains one of the most complex ethical d i lemmas that clinicians face.
Luminescent Solar Concentrators: from optical heat pumps to solar pumped lasers

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) do not need to track the sun. We experimentally demonstrate non-resonant pumping of a high-quality factor lasers, with the promise of dramatic increases in the efficiency of LSCs.
Women’s Precollege Sports Participation, Enjoyment of Sports, and Self-esteem

This study tested a model that specifies that the psychosocial impact of women’s precollege sports participation depends on the quality of their sports experience, that is, on participants’ enjoyment of sports and the benefits derived from athletic pursuits. A sample of 245 college women (mean age = 19.9 years) provided retrospective reports of their precollege sports involvement as well as assessments of their enjoyment of sports, perceived physical competence, body image, gender role orientation, and self-esteem. Consistent with past research, women students’ precollege sport participation was a modest predictor of their self-esteem in bivariate analyses. Follow-up analyses revealed that enjoyment of sports mediated the sports participation/self-esteem relationship and implied that female participants who find sports less enjoyable may be at risk of experiencing declining self-esteem. However, enjoyment of sports explained little unique variance in global self-esteem after we controlled for the influence of other sports-related benefits (e.g., improved physical competence). Implications for those who hope to help more girls reap psychosocial benefits from sporting activities are discussed.
Extensive Antarctic campaign finds cold bias in satellite records

Advances in satellite sensing have now made it possible to track changes in the world's most remote locations. Over the Antarctic continental interior, the vast majority of profiles of atmospheric temperature are provided by satellite remote sensing, making proper calibration of the satellite observational equipment and analysis algorithms particularly important. However, the hostile environmental conditions in regions such as the Antarctic make it difficult or even dangerous to conduct the in-the-field observations needed to calibrate and validate the satellite observations.
Evaluation of the behavior of selenium in silicate slag

The solubility of Se in silica saturated iron silicate slag was examined at 1458 and 1523 K using a static distribution technique. The procedure involved equilibrating slag with a molten Cu-Se alloy. The final Se content of both the slag and metal phases was determined using hydride generation in conjunction with atomic absorption. The slag specimens were also analyzed for their ferrous and ferric ion content. The results of this investigation indicate that the solubility of selenium in slag increases as the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio increases, and that the solubility is constant at lower values of that ratio. These results are consistent with the model proposed by Nagamoriet al.1,2 In that study selenium is postulated to exist in both a neutral state and as an Fe-Se complex. In this work a method is presented whereby one can evaluate the nature of Fe-Se complexes. Analysis of the data obtained in this study, and the data obtained by Nagamori and co-workers, suggests that the Fe-Se complex has an Fe/Se ratio of approximately 1∶2. This study also presents a method, for calculating the fraction of neutral selenium present in slag.
Disability, Age, and Informational Privacy Attitudes in Quality of Life Technology Applications: Results from a National Web Survey

Technology aimed at enhancing function and enabling independent living among older and disabled adults is a growing field of research. Privacy concerns are a potential barrier to adoption of such technology. Using data from a national Web survey (n=1,518), we focus on perceived acceptability of sharing information about toileting, taking medications, moving about the home, cognitive ability, driving behavior, and vital signs with five targets: family, healthcare providers, insurance companies, researchers, and government. We also examine acceptability of recording the behaviors using three methods: video with sound, video without sound, and sensors. Results show that sharing or recording information about toileting behavior; sharing information with the government and insurance companies; and recording the information using video were least acceptable. Respondents who reported current disability were significantly more accepting of sharing and recording of information than nondisabled adults, controlling for demographic variables, general technology attitudes, and assistive device use. Results for age were less consistent, although older respondents tended to be more accepting than younger respondents. The study provides empirical evidence from a large national sample of the implicit trade-offs between privacy and the potential for improved health among older and disabled adults in quality of life technology applications.
Treatment of Cirrhosis-Associated Hyponatremia Refractory to Vasopressin 2-Receptor Antagonist

Hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis is due to impaired water excretion from persistent release of antidiuretic hormone induced by diminished effective circulatory volume (ECV). The treatment of cirrhosis-associated hyponatremia is free water restriction and vasopressin-2-receptor antagonists (V2RAs). We report a cirrhotic patient with hyponatremia who failed to improve with V2RAs but corrected with treatment of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The failure of hyponatremia to improve with V2RAs was likely due to avid renal proximal Na + and H 2 O reabsorption from decreased ECV, resulting in diminished fluid delivery to the collecting tubule. Midodrine and octreotide improved the systemic hemodynamics and increased distal fluid delivery resulting in resolution of hyponatremia. To date, this is the first case report of a cirrhotic patient with hyponatremia refractory to V2RAs that resolved with treatment of HRS. J Med Cases. 2014;5(5):264-266 doi: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.14740 / jmc1745w
Multiple proteins interact with the nuclear inhibitory protein repressor element in the human interleukin-3 promoter.

T cell expression of interleukin 3 (IL-3) is directed by positive and negative cis-acting DNA elements clustered within 300 base pairs of the transcriptional start site. A strong repressor element, termed nuclear inhibitory protein (NIP), was previously mapped to a segment of the IL-3 promoter between nucleotides −271 and −250. Functional characterization of this element demonstrates that it can mediate repression when linked in cis to a heterologous promoter. DNA binding experiments were carried out to characterize the repressor activity. Using varying conditions, three distinct complexes were shown to interact specifically with the NIP region, although only one correlates with repressor activity. Complex 1 results from binding of a ubiquitous polypeptide that recognizes the 3′ portion of this sequence and is not required for repression. Complex 2 corresponds to binding of transcription factor (upstream stimulatory factor) to an E-box motif in the 5′ portion of the NIP region. DNA binding specificity of complex 3 overlaps with that of upstream stimulatory factor but is clearly distinct. To determine which of the latter two complexes represents NIP activity, we incorporated small alterations into the NIP site of an IL-3 promoter-linked reporter construct and examined their effects on NIP-mediated repression. Functional specificity for repression matches the DNA binding specificity of complex 3; both repressor activity and complex 3 binding require the consensus sequence CTCACNTNC.
The effects of micropayments on online news story selection and engagement

This study examines the effects of micropayments on individuals’ selection and engagement with online journalism. Micropayment represent a means of monetizing online content in which the user pays a small amount of money (i.e., pennies to a few dollars) for each story purchased. Realistically, micropayments have not been a viable option until recently. With the introduction of Google Wallet and other payment infrastructures, micropayments are on the tipping point of mainstream acceptance and use. This study utilizes an experimental design (N = 156) in which motivation (low versus high) and cost (no pay versus pay) were manipulated. The findings demonstrate that while individuals are willing to purchase news via micropayment, they become less likely to select news from opinion-challenging sources. In light of the results, the implications discussed include suggestions for media producers on how to create effective micropayment systems.
Occurrence of hexavalent chromium in ground water in the western Mojave Desert, California

Abstract About 200 samples from selected public supply, domestic, and observation wells completed in alluvial aquifers underlying the western Mojave Desert were analyzed for total dissolved Cr and Cr(VI). Because Cr(VI) is difficult to preserve, samples were analyzed by 3 methods. Chromium(VI) was determined in the field using both a direct colorimetric method and EPA method 218.6, and samples were speciated in the field for later analysis in the laboratory using a cation-exchange method developed for the study described in this paper. Comparison of the direct colorimetric method and EPA method 218.6 with the new cation-exchange method yielded r 2 values of 0.9991 and 0.9992, respectively. Total dissolved Cr concentrations ranged from less than the 0.1 μg/l detection limit to 60 μg/l, and almost all the Cr present was Cr(VI). Near recharge areas along the mountain front pH values were near neutral, dissolved O 2 concentrations were near saturation, and Cr(VI) concentrations were less than the 0.1 μg/l detection limit. Chromium(VI) concentrations and pH values increased downgradient as long as dissolved O 2 was present. However, low Cr(VI) concentrations were associated with low dissolved O 2 concentrations near ground-water discharge areas along dry lakes. Chromium(VI) concentrations as high as 60 μg/l occurred in ground water from the Sheep Creek fan alluvial deposits weathered from mafic rock derived from the San Gabriel Mountains, and Cr(VI) concentrations as high as about 36 μg/l were present in ground water from alluvial deposits weathered from less mafic granitic, metamorphic, and volcanic rocks. Chromium(III) was the predominant form of Cr only in areas where dissolved O 2 concentrations were less than 1 mg/l and was detected at a median concentration of 0.1 μg/l, owing to its low solubility in water of near-neutral pH. Depending on local hydrogeologic conditions and the distribution of dissolved O 2 , Cr(VI) concentrations may vary considerably with depth. Samples collected under pumping conditions from different depths within wells show that Cr(VI) concentrations can range from less than the 0.1 μg/l detection limit to 36 μg/l in a single well and that dissolved O 2 concentrations likely control the concentration and redox speciation of Cr in ground water.
Treatment of phenytoin toxicity with repeated doses of activated charcoal.

A 38-year-old woman ingested at least 10 g of phenytoin and was managed using repeated doses of oral activated charcoal. The peak serum concentration of 52 μ g/mL was reached within 42.5 hours of ingestion. Signs and symptoms of phenytoin toxicity had disappeared four days after ingestion. The serum phenytoin concentration was in the therapeutic range six days after ingestion. The clinical course of this patient was shorter than those of other conventionally treated patients with phenytoin overdoses. Multiple-dose activated charcoal may have a role in the treatment of phenytoin overdoses by limiting the amount of gastrointestinal absorption and by enhancing elimination.
Lipolytic Activity in Milk and Cream

Summary 1. Formaldehyde addition to sugar-saturated-cream inoculated with raw cream greatly limited lipolysis. Tributyrin greatly increased lipolysis as here measured. 2. Gravity separated cream was found to show appreciably greater lipolytic activity than separator cream of the same fat content. 3. Shaking increased lipolysis in the case of milk samples held as such, but decreased lipolysis in the case of sugar-saturated-cream inoculated with the same milk samples. The latter effect was also observed where cream was used as the inoculum. 4. In a comparison of 3–4° C, 27° C. and 37° C, lipolysis was most extensive at 37° C, slightly less at 27° C. and decidedly less at 3–4° C. 5. The optimum pH for lipolysis in cream samples at 3–4° C. was found to be pH 8.4 to 8.6. 6. The indications are that lipolysis varies considerably in the milk from the same cow, and differs widely from cow to cow. A study of milks from 18 cows at known stages of lactation failed to indicate a relationship between lipolysis and stage of lactation. 7. Cream separated at 110° F. showed less lipolysis than cream separated at 75° F. both as observed by holding the samples at 3–° C. and by using the cream to inoculate sugar-saturated cream and incubating at 37° C. Similarly the 110° F. skim milk caused less lipolysis than the 75° F. skim milk in sugar-saturated-cream.
No association of the dopamine transporter gene 3' VNTR polymorphism with ADHD subtypes in a population sample of twins.

Dopamine pathway genes have been the subject of a variety of studies testing the association of candidate genes and liability for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Due to the known effects of stimulant medications such as methylphenidate on the dopamine transporter, a variety of case control and family-based transmission distortion genetic studies of ADHD have focused on DAT1 polymorphisms. The most widely reported positive finding has been with a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism of unknown function in the 3' untranslated region of the DAT1 gene. In this report, we test for association of alleles of this polymorphism with ADHD using population-derived samples of twins. We use the transmission disequilibrium test and ADHD subtypes defined by both DSM-IV and latent class criteria. We fail to demonstrate any significant association or trend for association of any of the VNTR alleles with any of the variously defined ADHD subtypes.
Relation of the adrenal cortex to vitamins A, B1 and C.

An early observation which was suggestive of a relationship between the endocrines and vitamins, was the hypertrophy of the adrenal glands in vitamin B and C deficiencies. As chemical knowledge of the vitamins has developed with the isolation of vitamin C (a hexuronic acid) and provitamin A (carotene), the concentration of these substances in the adrenal cortex has been found to be greater per gram of tissue than in any other animal tissue investigated. To a lesser degree, a similarity of symptoms in cortical insufficiency and some vitamin deficiencies is suggestive of a functional relationship; for example, both vitamin A and the adrenal cortex are necessary in resistance to infections. When the vital hormone of the adrenal cortex became available in an extract (Hartman, MacArthur and Hartman, 1927; Pfiffner and Swingle, 1929; Hartman and Brownell, 1930) it was possible to apply new methods to the investigation of the function of this gland. It seemed that a study of the influence of this extract on the ...
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor: Antineoplastic Agent and Radiation Modulator

Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) have emerged as a new class of anticancer agents based on their actions in cancer cell growth and cell cycle arrest, terminal differentiation, and apoptosis. Previously, we rationally designed and developed a new class of hydroxamide- and mercaptoacetamide-bearing HDAC inhibitors. A subset of these inhibitors exhibited chemo-radiation sensitizing properties in various human cancer cells. Furthermore, some HDAC inhibitors protected normal cells from radiation-induced damage and extended the survival of mice following total body exposure to lethal dose radiation. Pathological analyses revealed that intestinal and bone marrow cellularities recovered significantly from radiation-induced damage by structural compartments restoration, suggesting the mechanism of action of these HDAC inhibitors. These findings support the hypothesis that epigenetic regulation may play a crucial role in the functional recovery of normal tissues from radiation injuries.
Introduction to the Session on Antiinflammatory Activities of Copper Complexes

For several decades, reports have been published attesting to the beneficial effects of copper compounds In controlling inflammation in various animal models. The essentiality of copper for normal mammalian metabolism had been established for a somewhat longer period. Wide acceptance of these biochemical, physiologic, pharmacologic, and clinical aspects of copper metabolism has been hampered by our lack of knowledge of specific requirements for copper in controlled biologic processes. Our speakers this morning will present information derived from controlled laboratory experiments. In these controlled biologic processes the effect of specific copper complexes of known composition and dosages will be presented showing control of inflammation In several different animal models. Their discussion will include: relationships of blood levels of copper to inflammation control, the action of synthetic and physiologic copper complexes, and theories to explain the beneficial effects of copper in inflammation.
High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue for atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system

Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) of the central nervous system are rare but aggressive tumors of childhood. Median survival with surgery and standard chemotherapy is less than 12 months. In an attempt to improve outcome, patients were treated with aggressive surgical resection and multi-agent chemotherapy, followed by high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue. Nine consecutive children (median age 21 months) were diagnosed with AT/RT at the University of California San Francisco Childrens Hospital from 1997 to 2007 and treated with this aggressive approach. Diagnosis was confirmed using molecular markers. There are two long-term survivors (78 and 98 months from diagnosis). One additional patient is alive with disease. Three patients died of disease during therapy. Three patients died of disease after therapy was complete. There were no toxic deaths. Two of nine patients treated for AT/RT at our institution with high dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplant are long-term survivors, suggesting that a subset of patients can be cured with this approach.
Dominance of the noxious cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa in low-nutrient lakes is associated with exotic zebra mussels

To examine the hypothesis that invasion by zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) promotes phytoplankton dominance by the noxious cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, 61 Michigan lakes of varying nutrient levels that contain or lack zebra mussels were surveyed during late summer. After accounting for variation in total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, lakes with Dreissena had lower total phytoplankton biomass, as measured by chlorophyll a and algal cell biovolume. Phytoplankton biomass increased with TP in both sets of lakes, although the elevations of the relationship differed. The percentage of the total phytoplankton comprised by cyanobacteria increased with TP in lakes without Dreissena (R 2 5 0.21, P 5 0.025) but not in lakes with Dreissena (P 5 0.79). Surprisingly, there was a positive influence of Dreissena invasion on Microcystis dominance in lakes with TP , 25 m gL 21 (P 5 0.0018) but not in lakes with TP . 25 m gL 21 (P 5 0.86). The finding thatMicrocystis, a relatively grazing-resistant component of the phytoplankton, was favored by Dreissena in low- but not in high-nutrient lakes is somewhat counterintuitive, but predator-prey models make this prediction in certain cases when the cost for the prey of being consumption resistant is a low maximum population growth rate. This Dreissena-cyanobacteria interaction contradicts well-established patterns of increasing cyanobacteria with nutrient enrichment in north-temperate lakes and suggests that the monitoring and abatement of nutrient inputs to lakes may not be sufficient to predict and control cyanobacterial dominance of Dreissena-invaded lakes.
Microplane-Triad Model for Elastic and Fracturing Behavior of Woven Composites

A multiscale model based on the framework of microplane theory is developed to predict the elastic and fracturing behavior of woven composites from the mesoscale properties of the constituents and the weave architecture. The effective yarn properties are obtained by means of a simplified mesomechanical model of the yarn, based on a mixed series and parallel coupling of the fibers and of the polymer within the yarns. As a novel concept, each of the several inclined or aligned segments of an undulating fill and warp yarn is represented by a triad of orthogonal microplanes, one of which is normal to the yarn segment while another is normal to the plane of the laminate. The constitutive law is defined in terms of the microplane stress and strain vectors. The elastic and inelastic constitutive behavior is defined using the microplane strain vectors which are the projections of the continuum strain tensor. Analogous to the principle of virtual work used in previous microplane models, a strain energy density equivalence principle is employed here to obtain the continuum level elastic and inelastic stiffness tensors, which in turn yield the continuum level stress tensor. The use of strain vectors rather than tensors makes the modeling conceptually clearer as it allows capturing the orientation of fiber failures, yarn cracking, matrix microcracking, and interface slip. Application of the new microplane-triad model for a twill woven composite shows that it can realistically predict all the orthotropic elastic constants and the strength limits for various layups. In contrast with the previous (nonmicroplane) models, the formulation can capture the size effect of quasi-brittle fracture with a finite fracture process zone (FPZ). Explicit finite-element analysis gives a realistic picture of progressive axial crushing of a composite tubular crush can initiated by a divergent plug. The formulation is applicable to widely different weaves, including plain, twill, and satin weaves, and is easily extensible to more complex architectures such as hybrid weaves as well as twoand three-dimensional braids. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4032275]
Parenteral Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Carbenicillin as Empiric Therapy for Neutropenic Patients with Cancer

A combination of parenteral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and carbenicillin (TMP-SMZ-C) was compared with a gentamicin and carbenicillin combination (G-C) as empiric therapy for the febrile neutropenic patient with cancer in a prospective double-blind trial. Target plasma levels of TMP were achieved easily. When all trials were considered, TMP-SMZ-C was more effective (P less than or equal to 0.045) than G-C. When only proven infections were considered, the two regimens were equally effective. Adverse effects of both regimens were similar. Experience with infections due to individual organisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, was limited. General recommendations for use of TMP-SMZ-C in this patient population cannot be made until more comprehensive studies are done.
Selection for Surgical Training: An Evidence-Based Review.

Abstract Purpose The predictive relationship between candidate selection criteria for surgical training programs and future performance during and at the completion of training has been investigated for several surgical specialties, however there is no interspecialty agreement regarding which selection criteria should be used. Better understanding the predictive reliability between factors at selection and future performance may help to optimize the process and lead to greater standardization of the surgical selection process. Methods PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE databases were searched. Over 560 potentially relevant publications were identified using the search strategy and screened using the Cochrane Collaboration Data Extraction and Assessment Template. Results 57 studies met the inclusion criteria. Several selection criteria used in the traditional selection demonstrated inconsistent correlation with subsequent performance during and at the end of surgical training. The following selection criteria, however, demonstrated good predictive relationships with subsequent resident performance: USMLE examination scores, Letters of Recommendation (LOR) including the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), academic performance during clinical clerkships, the interview process, displaying excellence in extracurricular activities, and the use of unadjusted rank lists. Conclusions This systematic review supports that the current selection process needs to be further evaluated and improved. Multicenter studies using standardized outcome measures of success are now required to improve the reliability of the selection process to select the best trainees.
Automatic Replenishment Programs: Forging Supply Chain Relationships

Supply chain management has received considerable attention in recent years. The philosophy guiding supply chain management is very much a relationship perspective. By aligning buyers, sellers, and customers to focus on cooperative business processes and freely exchanging information, enhanced competitive positioning can be achieved. Supply chain trading partners such as manufacturers and retailers work together to improve overall channel operations; they attempt to reduce uncertainty through greater sharing of information and collaborative planning.
Research of antepartun use of glucocorticoid in neonatal HMD cases

Objective: To search the relationship between episode of neonatal hyaline membrane disease (HMD) and antepartun use of glucocorticoid (GC). Methods: 101 cases of neonatal HMD in our ward from July 1994 to August 2000 were analyzed with other 111 cases without HMD who were hospitalized during the same period and almost at the same gestational age. Results: In HMD group, only 6 patients (5. 9% ) used GC before born. While 19 cases (17. 1% ) in non-HMD group used GC before born. There was significant difference (x2= 6. 351, P 0. 01). Conclusion: Antepartun use of glucocorticoid can prevent episode of HMD.
Real-time Spectral Attenuation Based Analysis and Resynthesis, Spectral Modification, Spectral Accumulation, and Spectral Evaporation; Theory, Implementation, and Compositional Implications.

Building upon convolution-based EQ (Settel and Lippe 1997 rev. 2001) spectral analysis data is utilized to attenuate FFT bins (derived from an FFT analysis of noise) to create an FFT/IFFT-based subtractive analysis/resynthesis module. Techniques for modification of analysis data prior to resynthesis, producing a variety of effects, are examined and demonstrated. Methods for retaining information from previous analysis (spectral accumulation) and for systematic data attrition (spectral evaporation) are introduced. A MaxMSP graphic user interface, designed by the author for implementation of the techniques, is discussed and described. Compositional implications are examined and musical examples are utilized to illustrate potential musical applications.
Template Aging in Iris Biometrics

Using a data set with approximately 4 years of elapsed time between the earliest and most recent images of an iris (23 subjects, 46 irises, 6,797 images), we investigate template aging for iris biometrics. We compare the match and non-match distributions for short-time-lapse image pairs, acquired with no more than 120 days of time lapse between them, to the distributions for long-time-lapse image pairs, with at least 1,200 days of time lapse. We find no substantial difference in the non-match, or impostor, distribution between the short-time-lapse and the long-time-lapse data. We do find a difference in the match, or authentic, distributions. For the image dataset and iris biometric systems used in this work, the false reject rate increases by about 50 % or greater for the long-time-lapse data relative to the short-time-lapse data. The magnitude of the increase in the false reject rate varies with changes in the decision threshold, and with different matching algorithms. Our results demonstrate that iris biometrics is subject to a template aging effect.
Performance impact of the initialization interval for certain networks employing OSPF routing

Open Shortest Path Routing (OSPF) represents a robust way of creating and maintaining routing tables in a distributed environment. Initially designed to meet the needs of the interact community, it is currently employed in many static corporate networks and its use in more dynamic environments (e.g. cellular and other radio systems) is currently under investigation. At initial configuration, nodes make their neighbors aware of their existence and then broadcast messages describing the state of their links (interfaces) and the cost of using them. It is generally considered advantageous to synchronize all node link status databases as soon as possible so that the least cost paths are available for use. We show that initializing too rapidly can result in an anomalous behavior and lead to unnecessary congestion in the network that can persist indefinitely, but that by appropriately lengthening the initialization interval, these difficulties are alleviated.
A post-accretionary lull in large impacts on early Mars

The timing and number of large impact basins on early Mars are poorly constrained. Gravity and topographic analyses support a lull in basin-forming impacts following the main stage of accretion.
Nanoantenna–Microcavity Hybrids with Highly Cooperative Plasmonic–Photonic Coupling

Nanoantennas offer the ultimate spatial control over light by concentrating optical energy well below the diffraction limit, whereas their quality factor (Q) is constrained by large radiative and dissipative losses. Dielectric microcavities, on the other hand, are capable of generating a high Q-factor through an extended photon storage time but have a diffraction-limited optical mode volume. Here we bridge the two worlds, by studying an exemplary hybrid system integrating plasmonic gold nanorods acting as nanoantennas with an on-resonance dielectric photonic crystal (PC) slab acting as a low-loss microcavity and, more importantly, by synergistically combining their advantages to produce a much stronger local field enhancement than that of the separate entities. To achieve this synergy between the two polar opposite types of nanophotonic resonant elements, we show that it is crucial to coordinate both the dissipative loss of the nanoantenna and the Q-factor of the low-loss cavity. In comparison to the ante...
Trees, Particles, and Boundaries

Tree Codes: A. Hash tables, Morton numbers, Z-order curves. B. How to build a Tree in Python. C.
Family and Environmental Influences on Child Behavioral Health: The Role of Neighborhood Disorder and Adverse Childhood Experiences.

ABSTRACT:Objective:The Adverse Childhood Experiences study suggests childhood adversity is a “root” origin for health and human development. Newer research is examining the more immediate impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on child development and the impact of neighborhood environment o
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) that is seen in both children and adults. Despite being first described more than a century ago, there is a lack of knowledge about CVS amongst the medical community. Further, patients often use marijuana to alleviate symptoms, which has only compounded the problem and has led to a term called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This chapter discusses salient features of both CVS and CHS and also current knowledge about the pathophysiology of CVS. A portion of this chapter is dedicated to discussing the recommended workup and available therapies for managing CVS.
You All Made Dank Memes: Using Internet Memes to Promote Critical Thinking

In the time following the 2016 presidential election, much has been written about the spread of false information on social media websites. Given the potential influence false information has had o...
Factors Affecting Utilization of Steroid Injections in the Treatment of Lumbosacral Degenerative Conditions in the United States.

ABSTRACT Background: Lumbar degenerative conditions are an extremely common set of diagnoses with a large spectrum of treatment options. Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are widely used but have come under increased scrutiny as we move toward a value-based model of health care. We assessed current utilization of epidural steroid injections, changes in utilization over time, and the influence of payer type and geographic region within the United States on their utilization. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between ESIs and surgical rates across states. Methods: The Medicare 5% national sample administrative database (SAF5) and a large national database from a commercial health care company (HORTHO) were used to catalog clinical data for patients with lumbar degenerative conditions. Specific queries into the rate of ESIs and lumbar surgery were also performed within this group. Results: There were 4 108 121 patients found between 2005 and 2015 in the SAF5 and HORTHO databases carrying a diagnosis related to lumbar degenerative conditions. The overall yearly injection rates for patients with lumbar degenerative conditions ranged from 9.84% to 10.18%. In patients older than 65, the rate of ESI was higher for Medicare as compared with private payer insurance (16.27% versus 14.14%, P Conclusions: There is considerable variation in treatment of lumbar degenerative conditions with ESI based on payer type. There was increased utilization of lumbar ESI between 2007 and 2012, although this change was less than 0.5%. The data also suggest a positive correlation between rates of ESIs and surgical intervention across states. This points to areas in the country with high utilization of both ESI and surgery in the treatment of lumbar degenerative conditions. Level of Evidence: III, economic and decision analysis
Measuring the Shadow of the Future: An Introduction to the Game Theory of Customary International Law

This article develops a game-theoretic model of a multilateral prisoner's dilemma in the customary international law context showing that it is plausible that states would comply with customary international law under certain conditions. This model identifies the relevant parameters, which include the value of cooperation and whether the value rises or falls with the number of states involved, the patience of states, the frequency of interaction, and the types of other relationships between the relevant states. Some of these parameters are amenable to empirical observation, or to manipulation through institutional change.
Anarchy and Feminism in Psychology: Widening the Postformal Circle of Criticality

Considering how Kincheloe’s postformal psychology as critical revolutionary practice might be extended and contributed to through the engagement with new, or too often ignored, ways of seeing and constructing the world, what I understand to be the more democratic impulses of the vast, diverse tradition known as anarchism will be explored here.
Neutronic Analysis of Critical Configurations in Geologic Repositories: I - Weapons-Grade Plutonium

Neutronic characteristics of critical configurations, which may be formed if large enough quantities of weapons-grade plutonium that might be stored in a geologic repository are released, transport...
Oral Health Literacy and Outcomes in Rural Wisconsin Adults

PURPOSE Low oral health literacy (OHL) is an emerging risk factor for several oral health outcomes, but there are very few studies of OHL overall and no studies of OHL in the rural United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between OHL and sociodemographic factors, as well as several oral health outcomes, in rural adults served by an integrated medical and dental care system in Wisconsin. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered to a stratified random sample of patients from 2 rural communities. Survey data were linked to local electronic health records. Multivariable regression was used to identify sociodemographic determinants of low OHL, as well as associations between OHL and: oral hygiene, oral health quality of life, dentist visits, and emergency/urgent care visits for nontraumatic dental conditions. FINDINGS Among the 164 respondents, OHL scores were generally high but were significantly lower among nonwhite participants (P < .001), as well as those without a college degree (P < .001) and those with an annual household income under $40,000 (P = .029). Lower OHL scores were significantly associated with lower quality of life scores (P = .005), fewer visits to the dentist (P = .007), and more emergency room visits for nontraumatic dental conditions (P = .021). CONCLUSION In rural Wisconsin, low OHL tracked closely with markers of socioeconomic status and appeared most influential in the context of appropriate dental care utilization. Future research should consider longitudinal explorations of how OHL influences preventive and emergency dental visits over time.