cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of using 2.4/2.4 mm and 2.0/2.4 mm dual mini-fragment plate combinations for fixation of displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using lower profile 2.4/2.4 mm and 2.0/2.4 mm dual mini-fragment plate constructs for fixation of diaphyseal clavicle fractures. Methods This was a retrospective case series of all displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures treated with 2.4/2.4 and 2.0/2.4 dual mini-fragment plate constructs at a single level-one trauma center. Postoperative complications and fracture healing rates were recorded. A subset of patients with long-term follow up was used to determine the rate of reoperation for symptomatic implant removal. Results All 36 identified fractures healed without loss of reduction or implant failure. There was one superficial infection and no deep infections or cases of wound dehiscence. Twenty patients from the entire cohort had longer-term follow up available to assess the reoperation rate for symptomatic implant removal. Two patients (10%) underwent symptomatic implant removal, and one patient with retained implants was planning on future removal due to soft-tissue irritation; this combined to a projected reoperation rate of 15% for symptomatic implant removal. Conclusion Dual mini-fragment plating of diaphyseal clavicle fractures, using 2.4/2.4 mm and 2.0/2.4 mm plate combinations, creates a lower profile construct that reliably maintains fracture reduction to healing, and has a low rate of reoperation for symptomatic implant removal.
Understanding and mitigating gradient pathologies in physics-informed neural networks

The widespread use of neural networks across different scientific domains often involves constraining them to satisfy certain symmetries, conservation laws, or other domain knowledge. Such constraints are often imposed as soft penalties during model training and effectively act as domain-specific regularizers of the empirical risk loss. Physics-informed neural networks is an example of this philosophy in which the outputs of deep neural networks are constrained to approximately satisfy a given set of partial differential equations. In this work we review recent advances in scientific machine learning with a specific focus on the effectiveness of physics-informed neural networks in predicting outcomes of physical systems and discovering hidden physics from noisy data. We will also identify and analyze a fundamental mode of failure of such approaches that is related to numerical stiffness leading to unbalanced back-propagated gradients during model training. To address this limitation we present a learning rate annealing algorithm that utilizes gradient statistics during model training to balance the interplay between different terms in composite loss functions. We also propose a novel neural network architecture that is more resilient to such gradient pathologies. Taken together, our developments provide new insights into the training of constrained neural networks and consistently improve the predictive accuracy of physics-informed neural networks by a factor of 50-100x across a range of problems in computational physics. All code and data accompanying this manuscript are publicly available at \url{this https URL}.
School District Formation as an Explanation for Spatial and Temporal Dimensions of Concentrated Poverty in Bexar County, Texas

Recent political debates in Texas have focused on school district consolidation and the economic impacts of this potential change (Boser 2013; Cooley and Floyd 2013; Taylor et al. 2014). Early indications are that such wide-scale consolidations across the state are not economically viable mainly because they do not save school districts money. While financial considerations are important to the discussion, they should not be the sole determining factor. In this chapter I extend the scope of the discussion and consider the social impacts of school district fragmentation. Using a socio-historical analysis of Bexar County, Texas I do the following: (1) consider how school district formation in the county reified persistent concentrated neighborhood poverty; and (2) due to this mechanism, I consider how school district consolidation should be considered within the framework of ending cycles of persistently concentrated neighborhood poverty. Bexar County demonstrates well the importance for considering the social impact of potential school district consolidation. The county has a history of place-based educational and economic disparities found between school districts (Drennon 2006), as evidenced early on in the Supreme Court decision of San Antonio ISD v. Rodriguez (1973).
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Peripheral blood smear for patients with CLL and AIHA usually shows lymphoid cells with scant cytoplasm and small round nuclei with condensed chromatin, smudge cells and spherocytes.
Incidence of Florida Largemouth Bass Alleles in Two Northern Arkansas Populations of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus Salmoides Lacepede

Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) have been intensively stocked throughout the southern United States for the past three to four decades due to perceived superior growth characteristics. As a result, introgression of Florida largemouth bass with native stocks of northern largemouth bass (M. s. salmoides) has been prevalent. Lakes Ashbaugh and SWEPCO, located in northern Arkansas, were both constructed near 1980 and initially stocked with Florida largemouth bass (LMB). Allele frequencies of three discriminant allozyme loci (sAAT-B, sIDH-B, sMDH-B) between Florida and northern largemouth bass were determined for LMB collected between 1994-1996. Florida largemouth bass alleles were common within each reservoir, yet more common in SWEPCO Lake, a cooling pond for a coal powered electric plant. FLMB allele frequencies in Lake Ashbaugh bass were 0.20 for sAAT-B*3-4 alleles, to 0.24 for sIDHP-B*2 and 0.27 for sMDH-B*2; SWEPCO Lake FLMB allele frequencies were highly variable, with 0.58 for s1DHP-B*2 alleles, 0.64 for sAAT-B*3-4 and 0.92 for sMDH-B*2. High incidence of Hardy- Weinberg disequilibrium was observed, indicative of genetic change within both populations. LMB alleles within the sMDH-B locus may be under selective pressure in SWEPCO Lake. Caution should prevail when introducing non- native stock into native gene complexes, as introduced genes persist through many generations.
Chapter 50 – Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Other Defects of Bone Development as Occasional Causes of Adult Osteoporosis

Publisher Summary Osteoporosis is being recognized with increasing frequency in young adult women and men. The clinician is faced with a differential diagnosis that may range from an inherited disorder such as mild osteogenesis imperfecta, to acquired endocrine, gastrointestinal, and renal disorders. Representative of these are hyperparathyroidism, occult malabsorption, and idiopathic hypercalcuria. Osteoporosis associated with malignancy in a young adult is also a factor in differential diagnosis. However, a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic situation confronts the clinician attending a young male or premenopausal female when these disorders are eliminated and the diagnosis is primary idiopathic osteoporosis. A consideration of the etiology of osteoporosis in young adults between the ages of puberty and age 50 years invokes two concerns: the genetic background of the individual and the role of a heritable defect in connective tissue synthesis leading to diminished bone mass. Both factors may underlie the failure to achieve peak young adult bone mass, now recognized as leading to osteoporosis in later life. New developments in the molecular biology of connective tissues, particularly the definition of mutations affecting the synthesis of types I, II, and III collagens, have focused research perspectives on the possibility of mutations affecting other skeletal matrix components besides the collagens. Thus, osteoporosis related to a heritable disorder may present itself at any age.
¡Azúcar!: Celia Cruz and black diasporic feminist interjection

The flamboyant performances of Afro-Cuban singer and pan-Latina icon, Celia Cruz, blurred the lines of latinidad and blackness. Where latinidad often ignores blackness beyond its historical contrib...
Communication challenges in campus emergency planning: the case of Hurricane Dorian in Florida

University populations can sometimes be treated as homogenous by default, in the absence of intentional differentiation and targeted programs and services. Previous research has established this problem in the context of emergency management on US college campuses. The main objective of this research is to improve our understanding of communication challenges at institutions of higher education so that we might enhance communication strategies, with a particular focus on hurricanes. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect and analyze data; 400 subjects, students and employees from University of Florida (UF), were surveyed shortly after Hurricane Dorian. In addition, UF administrative leaders committed to student safety in emergencies were interviewed. The data analysis provided insights into six main challenges with regards to the UF emergency communication system: lack of customized communication, using the wrong communication platforms, over-communication, misleading information from untrusted sources, language barriers, and timing of orientation sessions. The research findings help in developing new knowledge about educational institutions, allowing evidence-based action to inform emergency communication and enhancing overall university disaster risk management.
Disparities in Palliative and Hospice Care and Completion of Advance Care Planning and Directives Among Non-Hispanic Blacks: A Scoping Review of Recent Literature.

Objectives:Published research in disparities in advance care planning, palliative, and end-of-life care is limited. However, available data points to significant barriers to palliative and end-of-l...
Multi-scale temporal variability in biological-physical associations in the NE Chukchi Sea

In high-latitude marine ecosystems, traditional net sampling is constrained to the ice-free season, resulting in an incomplete understanding of ecosystem structure and dynamics. Using 4 years of continuous acoustic and environmental measurements from a NE Chukchi Sea subsurface mooring, we assessed fish and zooplankton abundance and behavior relative to environmental factors over a wide range of temporal scales. We applied wavelet analysis to these high-resolution, multi-year, concurrent, and co-located datasets to identify temporal scales of variability in environmental conditions and density and vertical distribution metrics for pelagic fish and zooplankton. Biological variability occurs mainly at distinct diel (24-h), seasonal (3–6-month), and annual (9–12-month) scales. Diel patterns are present throughout the year but are strongest in autumn when day-night cycles are pronounced. Seasonal variability in zooplankton metrics (3–4 months) is mainly associated with sea ice patterns that may also regulate the onset of primary production. Seasonal variations in fish metrics are associated most closely with salinity patterns (~ 3 months) and slower changes in water temperature (~ 6 months). Annual cycles in biological characteristics are influenced by year-round variations in water temperature, sea ice concentration, light irradiance, and wind. Wind and salinity-associated variability in biological metrics was observed at scales of 6–28 days. Scale-dependent biological and environmental associations vary through time and emphasize the importance of high-resolution long-term studies for comprehensive ecosystem characterizations. Our results identify necessary scales of observation in Arctic monitoring programs for improved prediction and detection of biological responses to rapidly changing environments.
Novel strategies for remyelination: Modifying the way oligodendrocytes translate lysine acetylation to promote myelin repair (P1.399)

Objective: To find new strategies that are able to release the hyperacetylation-induced myelination block that has been observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) and promote myelin repair. Background: Neuropathological studies in humans have identified that the recruited oligodendrocyte progenitors (OPCs) in chronic MS plaques are unable to differentiate, which could be attributed to a deregulated acetylome. Hyperacetylated histones have been detected in MS brains and mouse models of remyelination failure and were associated with increased transcriptional inhibitors of oligodendrocyte differentiation. This deregulated acetylome is translated into different phenotypes by bromodomains, a group of highly conserved protein modules that bind acetylated lysine residues and regulate transcription. The role of a specific group of bromodomain containing proteins, the Bromo- and Extra-Terminal domain (BET) family, as a potential target for myelin repair was recently unveiled by olinone, a novel selective small molecule bromodomain inhibitor that promoted oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro. Design/Methods: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of BET protein modulation as a novel strategy of myelin repair in hyperacetylation-induced myelination block, such as that observed in MS, olinone and trichostatin A (TSA), an HDAC inhibitor, will be utilized in murine oligodendrocyte progenitor cultures in vitro. The cuprizone model in older mice will be used to assess the therapeutic efficacy of BET protein modulation in hyperacetylation-induced remyelination failure in vivo. Oligodendrocyte differentiation will be measured by detecting myelin gene transcripts and immunohistochemistry. Results: Selective bromodomain inhibition by olinone ameliorated the negative effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as TSA, on oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro and increased myelin gene transcription. Moreover, olinone treatment enhanced myelin recovery after cuprizone treatment in older mice, a model of hyperacetylation-induced myelination failure in vivo. Conclusions: Selective bromodomain inhibition could be a potential novel remyelinating strategy for MS, where a hyperacetylation-induced myelination block exists. Disclosure: Dr. Ntranos has nothing to disclose. Dr. Casaccia has nothing to disclose.
A dynamic locomotion strategy for stair walking of a quadruped robot

In unstructured environments, blind walking can easily make the robot lose its balance or collapse due to unstable contact with the ground. One way to solve this problem is to adjust the gait period and the gait pattern. The gait period adjusts the speed of gait so it mitigates the amount of impact when the foot contacts the ground, and the gait pattern plays a role in stabilizing the balance of the base of the robot from external disturbances or impacts from the ground. Therefore, this paper suggests the gait controller using convex Model Predictive Control(MPC) with adjustable gait period and gait pattern. Since the controller uses the single rigid body model, it has a solid advantage that the computation time is relatively short than using the non-linear controller system. The stability of the controller has been verified by experiments that the robot without a vision system climbs and turns on the stairs with obstacles.
The differentiation of synthetic cathinone isomers using GC-EI-MS and multivariate analysis

Abstract The emergence of highly similar compounds, such as synthetic cathinone constitutional and positional isomers, has created a growing need for the expansion of the standard analytical approaches used in forensic laboratories. This research develops a canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) approach for the differentiation of synthetic cathinone isomers using gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS). This study also investigates the use of multiple scans across the chromatographic peak and a reduction in the number of ions used to construct the CDA models to reduce the required number of replicate sample injections. The chloroethcathinone (CEC) and methoxymethcathinone (MeOMC) positional isomers, as well as the constitutional isomers dibutylone, eutylone, pentylone, and the positional isomer 2,3-pentylone were analyzed in this study. The CDA leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) classification rates were 90.2% for the CEC isomers and 100.0% for the MeOMC and constitutional isomer sets when 15 ions and peak apex data were used to construct the CDA models. The reduction strategies resulted in LOOCV classification rates of at least 67.9%, 98.0%, and 98.1%, for the CEC, MeOMC, and constitutional isomers, respectively. The classification rates improved for all three isomer sets to 75.3%, 99.3%, and 99.4%, respectively, when the lowest concentration samples were removed from the reduction strategies dataset. Finally, a comparison of ion selection methods revealed that the CDA classification rates were similar between the most abundant ions and the ions with the highest principal component analysis (PCA) loadings, indicating the applicability of using relative ion abundance as an ion selection method for CDA classification.
Comparison of remifentanil with alfentanil or suxamethonium following propofol anaesthesia for tracheal intubation.

Sixty ASA physical status I and II, premedicated patients were administered propofol 2 mg.kg−1 and remifentanil 2 μg.kg−1 (group R), alfentanil 50 μg.kg−1 (group A) or suxamethonium 1 mg.kg−1 (group S) as a rapid bolus. One minute after study drug administration, tracheal intubation was performed. Intubation conditions were then scored. Excellent or good conditions were observed in only 35% in group R compared with groups S and A (100% and 85%, respectively; p < 0.001). The haemodynamic response to tracheal intubation was blunted in groups R and A compared with group S (p < 0.001). The mean heart rate in groups R and A was significantly lower than group S (p < 0.001). We conclude that remifentanil 2 μg.kg−1 given as a rapid bolus will not produce intubating conditions as good as those obtained with alfentanil 50 μg.kg−1 or suxamethonium 1 mg.kg−1 if administered after propofol 2 mg.kg−1.
The orbitofrontal cortex and response selection

Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) function is often characterized in terms of stimulus-reward mapping; however, more recent evidence suggests that the OFC may play a role in selecting and representing extended actions. First, previously encoded reward associations in the OFC could be used to inform responding in novel but similar situations. Second, when evaluated in tasks requiring the animal to perform extended actions, response selective activity can be recorded in the OFC. Finally, the interaction between the OFC and hippocampus illustrates OFC's role in response selection. The OFC may facilitate reward-guided memory retrieval by selecting the memories most relevant to achieve a goal. This model for OFC function places it within the hierarchy of increasingly complex action representations that support decision making.
Dysfunctional Pro-Ceramide, ER Stress, and Insulin/IGF Signaling Networks with Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), brain insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) resistance and deficiency begin early, and worsen with severity of disease. The factors mediating progression of brain insulin/IGF resistance in AD are not well understood. We hypothesize that AD progression is mediated via negative cross-talk that promotes toxic ceramide generation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The rationale is that insulin resistance dysregulates lipid metabolism and promotes ceramide accumulation, and thereby increases inflammation and stress. Consequences include disruption of cytoskeletal function and AβPP-Aβ secretion. The present study correlates AD stage with activation of pro-ceramide genes, ceramide levels, and molecular indices of ER stress in postmortem human brain tissue. The results demonstrated that in AD, brain insulin/IGF resistance was associated with constitutive activation of multiple pro-ceramide genes, increased ceramide levels, and increased expression of pro-ER stress pathway genes and proteins. Expression of several pro-ceramide and pro-apoptotic ER stress pathway molecules increased with AD severity and brain insulin/IGF resistance. In contrast, ER stress molecules that help maintain homeostasis with respect to unfolded protein responses were mainly upregulated in the intermediate rather than late stage of AD. These findings support our hypothesis that in AD, a triangulated mal-signaling network initiated by brain insulin/IGF resistance is propagated by the dysregulation of ceramide and ER stress homeostasis, which themselves promote insulin resistance. Therefore, once established, this reverberating loop must be targeted using multi-pronged approaches to disrupt the AD neurodegeneration cascade.
A Preprocedural Checklist Improves the Safety of Emergency Department Intubation of Trauma Patients

Objectives Endotracheal intubation of trauma patients is a vital and high-risk procedure in the emergency department (ED). The hypothesis was that implementation of a standardized, preprocedural checklist would improve the safety of this procedure. Methods A preprocedural intubation checklist was developed and then implemented in a prospective pre-/postinterventional study in an academic trauma center ED. The proportions of trauma patients older than 16 years who experienced intubation-related complications during the 6 months before checklist implementation and 6 months after implementation were compared. Intubation-related complications included oxygen desaturation, emesis, esophageal intubation, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Additional outcomes included time from paralysis to intubation and adherence to safety process measures. Results During the study, 141 trauma patients were intubated, including 76 in the prechecklist period and 65 in the postchecklist period. A lower proportion of patients experienced intubation-related complications in the postchecklist period (1.5%) than the prechecklist period (9.2%), representing a 7.7% (95% confidence interval = 0.5% to 14.8%) absolute risk reduction. Paralysis-to-intubation time was also lower in the postchecklist period (median = 82 seconds, interquartile range [IQR] = 68 to 101 seconds) compared to the prechecklist period (median = 94 seconds, IQR = 78 to 115 seconds; p = 0.02). Adherence to safety process measures also improved, with all safety measures performed in 69.2% in the postchecklist period compared to 17.1% before the checklist (p < 0.01). Conclusions Implementation of a preintubation checklist for ED intubation of trauma patients was associated with a reduction in intubation-related complications, decreased paralysis-to-intubation time, and improved adherence to recognized safety measures.
Inducing Flexible Thinking: The Problem of Access

We began by illustrating that the concept of accessibility was central to many theories of psychology from quite disparate domains. A distinction similar to Pylyshyn’s of multiple and reflective access also seems to be, at least implicitly, part of many theories. Given that accessibility is a core concept in so many current disputes, we suggest that no theory of intelligence can be complete unless provision is made for the operation of second-order knowledge, i.e., knowledge about what we know (reflective access) and flexible use of the routines available to the system (multiple access).
Sensory Evaluation in Quality Control

It goes without saying that food and consumer product manufacturers are concerned with ensuring the quality of the products they sell. Lately, quality has become a corporate rallying cry. A whole industry of quality specialists has sprung up to introduce popular quality assurance programs with catchy names like “total quality management” Beyond the cheerleading, corporate buzz-words, and maze of consultants lies an honest concern with the delivery and appeal of finished products that will produce consumer satisfaction, brand loyalty, repurchase, and low incidence of consumer complaints.
Resources, Ethnicity, and Commitment: Central Government Policies Toward Mineral-Rich Ethnoregions

Previous research has found that ethnic minorities concentrated in resource-rich regions are more likely to launch secessionist rebellions, providing one possible explanation for the “resource curse” in development. It is obvious why these minorities would demand more autonomy, particularly in tax powers, but central governments and regional minorities could bargain over tax autonomy as an alternative to war. We argue that such bargains are often unenforceable because of incentives that both sides have to renege. As evidence of this commitment problem, we find that developing-country governments are no more likely to offer autonomy to ethnic minorities concentrated in mineral-rich regions than to other ethnic minorities, no less likely to discriminate against them, and generally unlikely to offer significant tax autonomy.
Opposite end assembly and disassembly of microtubules at steady state in vitro

Abstract Measurements of tubulin exchange into and from bovine brain microtubules at steady state in vitro were made with 3 H-GTP as a marker for tubulin addition to or loss from microtubules. Tubulin has an exchangeable GTP binding site that becomes nonexchangeable in the microtubule. We found that tubulin addition to and loss from microtubules under steady state conditions occurred at equivalent rates, that loss and gain were linear, and that exchange rates (percentage of total tubulin in microtubules lost or gained per hour) were dependent upon microtubule length. Furthermore, we found that podophyllotoxin blocked steady state assembly, but did not alter the rate of steady state tubulin loss. When the assembling microtubule end was pulsed with 3 H-GTP at steady state, the label was almost completely retained during a subsequent chase. We conclude that the microtubule assembly-disassembly "equilibrium" is a steady state summation of two different reactions which occur at opposite ends of the microtubule, and that assembly and disassembly occur predominantly and perhaps exclusively at the opposite ends under steady state conditions in vitro.
Diluent effects on carbonate mobility in bisphenol-A polycarbonate in the solid state

Abstract The effect of miscible low molecular weight additives on the mobility of the carbonate group in bisphenol-A polycarbonate (BPAPC) has been studied using n.m.r. and dielectric relaxation experiments in the solid state. Proton-enhanced dipolar-decoupled carbon-13 n.m.r. spectra of BPAPC, isotopically enriched at the carbonate position, are obtained without magic-angle sample spinning. The resolved chemical shift anisotropy allows study of nuclear spin relaxation for the carbonate groups in the polymer that have different orientations relative to the static magnetic field in the laboratory frame. The spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame ( T 1 ϱ ) is measured at a motional-probe frequency of 50 kHz for the undiluted polymer and for BPAPC-diluent blends containing either dibutylphthalate or dinitrobiphenyl. The T 1 ϱ exhibits some dependence on orientation in all systems studied. In the blend containing dibutylphthalate (DBP), T 1 ϱ is decreased by a factor of two for all orientations of the carbonate group. This implies that DBP substantially increases the spectral density of 50 kHz motions in the carbonate region of the polymer at ambient temperature. In contrast, dinitrobiphenyl does not significantly alter the Fourier component of thermal fluctuations at 50 kHz. Dielectric relaxation measurements at 10 kHz reveal that the primary ( T g ) and secondary (β) motional processes in BPAPC are affected by low molecular weight additives. An intermediate relaxation process appears in the temperature interval between the glass transition temperature ( T g ) and the sub- T g β-relaxation ( T β ) in the polymer-diluent blends. The n.m.r. spin-lattice relaxation rate in the rotating frame, T −1 1 ϱ , correlates well with the relative magnitude of the dielectric dissipation factor (tan δ e ) between T g and T β .
Induced orientational behavior of liquid crystal polymer by carbon fibers

Experimental results are presented that show that the structure of carbon fibers induces molecular orientation of liquid crystal polymers. X-ray diffraction data are used to demonstrate final collinearity of the polymer molecular axis and carbon fiber axis independent of fabrication approaches or prefabrication orientation of the polymer relative to the carbon fiber direction. The final degree of polymer molecular orientation approximately equals the degree of carbon basal plane orientation within the carbon fiber.
Dolomites: A Volume in Honor of Dolomieu

In 1791 the French naturalist Deodat de Dolomieu published a paper in the Journal de Physique with the lengthy title, “On a Type of Calcareous Rock That Reacts Very Slightly With Acid and That Phosphoresces on Being Struck,” giving the scientific community the first comprehensive description of the rock and mineral that would eventually bear his name. In observance of the 200th anniversary of Dolomieu's paper, a conference combining presentations on dolomitization and carbonate platforms was held in 1991, most appropriately, against the spectacular backdrop of the Dolomite Mountains in Ortisei, Italy. Dolomites: A Volume in Honor of Dolomieu is an edited volume of 24 papers taken from the Ortisei conference proceedings, and will be a most welcome addition to the libraries of friends of the mineral. However, this is a volume clearly intended for carbonate sedimentologists and sedimentary petrologists. In this sense, it seems unlikely to attract the broad notice of Earth scientists whose major interests lie elsewhere.
Kidney Arginase Activity in Chicks Fed Diets Containing Deficient or Excessive Concentrations of Lysine, Arginine, Histidine, or Total Nitrogen

Three experiments were conducted with 1 to 2-week-old chicks fed purified crystalline amino acid diets. Kidney arginase activity increased substantially when total dietary nitrogen exceeded the dietary requirement for maximal chick weight gain. Single deficiencies of either histidine or lysine in nitrogen-adequate diets also resulted in marked increases in enzyme level. Arginine deficiency resulted in a slight increase in arginase activity, but the magnitude of the increase appeared to have little effect on efficiency of arginine utilization. Further, the response could be prevented by making lysine and arginine equally limiting. Increasing the lysine:arginine ratio to two in a nitrogen-deficient diet did not increase arginase activity. The same ratio in a arginine- and nitrogen-adequate diet resulted in a twofold increase in arginase activity accompanied by reductions in rate and efficiency of weight gain.
Model based control of a four-tank system

Abstract A multi-disciplinary laboratory for control education has been developed at the University of Delaware to expose students to realistic process system applications and advanced control methods. One of the experiments is level control of a four-tank system. This paper describes two model-based methods students can implement for control of this interacting four-tank system. Sub-space identification is used to develop an empirical state space model of the experimental apparatus. This model is then used for model based control using internal model control (IMC). This represents an application of inner—outer factorization for non-minimum phase multivariable IMC design. Modeling is also performed using step tests and Aspen software for use with dynamic matrix control (DMC).
Prediction of Potential Wrong-Way Entries at Exit Ramps of Signalized Partial Cloverleaf Interchanges

Background: Several previous studies, based upon wrong-way driving (WWD) crash history, have demonstrated that partial cloverleaf (parclo) interchanges are more susceptible to WWD movements than others. Currently, there is not a method available to predict WWD incidents and to prioritize parclo interchanges for implementing safety countermeasures for reducing WWD crashes.Objectives: The focus of this manuscript is to develop a mathematical method to estimate the probability of WWD incidents at exit ramp terminals of this type of interchange.Methods: VISSIM traffic simulation models, calibrated by field data, are utilized to estimate the number of potential WWD maneuvers under various traffic volumes on exit ramps and crossroads. The Poisson distribution model was implemented without field observation and crash data.Results: A comparison between the field data and simulation outputs revealed that the developed model enjoys an acceptable level of accuracy. The proposed model is largely sensitive to left-tur...
The role of packaging film permselectivity in modified atmosphere packaging.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is commercially used to increase the shelf life of packaged produce by reducing the produce respiration rate, delaying senescence, and inhibiting the growth of many spoilage organisms, ultimately increasing product shelf life. MAP systems typically optimize O(2) levels to achieve these effects while preventing anaerobic fermentation but fail to optimize CO(2) concentrations. Altering film permselectivity (i.e., beta, which is the ratio of CO(2)/O(2) permeation coefficients) could be utilized to concurrently optimize levels of both CO(2) and O(2) in MAP systems. We investigated the effect of modifying film permselectivity on the equilibrium gas composition of a model MAP produce system packaged in containers incorporating modified poly(ethylene) ionomer films with CO(2)/O(2) permselectivites between 4-5 and 0.8-1.3. To compare empirical to calculated data of the effect of permselectivity on the equilibrium gas composition of the MAP produce system, a mathematical model commonly used to optimize MAP of respiring produce was applied. The calculated gas composition agreed with observed values, using empirical respiration data from fresh cut apples as a test system and permeability data from tested and theoretical films. The results suggest that packaging films with CO(2)/O(2) permselectivities lower than those commercially available (<3) would further optimize O(2) and CO(2) concentration in MAP of respiring produce, particularly highly respiring and minimally processed produce.
Relativistic density functional investigation of Pu(H2O)n3+ clusters

The solvation of the Pu{sup 3+} ion in water was investigated using relativistic density functional theory including generalized gradient corrections. Binding energies and optimized geometries for different coordination numbers of water molecules [Pu(H{sub 2}O){sub n}{sup 3+}, n=6, 8, 9, 10, 12] around the ion were calculated. The results indicate that the first solvation shell of Pu{sup 3+} is likely to contain eight or possibly nine waters with a Pu-O bond length of 2.51-2.55 {angstrom}. The theoretical results are compared with two recent EXAFS experiments on the Pu{sup 3+} aqueous system.
Some physical and generic aspects of fluctuations in non-marine plankton diatom populations

Physical, i.e., non-chemical, factors may be the greatest in importance in determining the pulses and fluctuations of diatoms as opposed to chemical, this is especially true when the non-physical factors cause a tremendous magnifying or diminishing effect operating in conjunction with nutritional and growth requirements and limitations. To state that any one factor is the most important in influencing diatom or phytoplankton populations, as many workers have done in the past, is incorrect. The situation is so complex that even factors have subfactors. Fluctuations in diatom and other phytoplankton populations are better understood in the light of physical than of biotic or chemical factors. In temperate climates it can be stated thatMelosira is consistently one of the most important members of non-marine plankton diatom populations.Synedra, Cyclotella, Asterionella, Fragilaria, andTabellaria are also of great importance.Stephanodiscus is of major importance also, but its development is often very sporadic and spasmodic. All other genera are of minor significance, with the exception of the rare dominants,Navicula, Rhizosolenia, andNitzschia. Nitzschia is frequently favored by pollution.
An assessment of the dimensionality of moos' social climate scale

A revised form of the Social Climate Scale (SCS) containing nine of the 14 subscales was given to 145 staff and 143 boys at a state training school for delinquents. A first principal factor was extracted from the item-correlation matrices for staff and boys, respectively. This factor was named Value, because of its representation of an evaluative item dimension. A factor model was used to test whether this Value factor might account for the significant subscale intercorrelations found in these samples. Maximum likelihood factor analysis of the subscale correlation matrices for both groups provided the test for this model. Through a least-squares rotation procedure on the maximum likelihood factor loadings, the Value factor was identified as the source of most of the subscale dependence. Implications for validation of the SCS and other related questionnaires by Moos are discussed.
Is Rural School-Aged Children's Quality of Life Affected by Their Responses to Asthma?

The unpredictable nature of asthma makes it stressful for children and can affect their quality of life (QOL). An exploratory analysis of 183 rural school-aged children's data was conducted to determine relationships among demographic factors, children's responses to asthma (coping and asthma self-management), and their QOL. Coping frequency, asthma severity, and race/ethnicity significantly predicted children's asthma-related QOL. Children reported more frequent coping as asthma-related QOL worsened (higher scores). Children with more asthma severity had worse asthma-related QOL. Post hoc analyses showed that racial/ethnic minorities reported worse asthma-related QOL scores than did non-Hispanic Whites.
Molecular dynamics simulation based size and rate dependent constitutive model of polystyrene thin films

Rate and size-dependent properties dominate the mechanical behavior of polymeric thin films used in a variety of applications related to generation, transmission and storage of energy. In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of polystyrene thin films are used to develop a size and rate dependent finite deformation elastic–plastic constitutive relations. Different modes of deformation are considered in the MD model, and results of simulations are homogenized to yield parametric representations of the constitutive model. The hyperelastic behavior is represented by a modified Ogden type model for films of different thicknesses at different strain rates. The MD simulations suggesting a rate-dependent yield strength is developed for a perfect plasticity model with mitigated size effects. The softer material properties of thin films are found to be the consequence of a large surface layer, which has a low density with high local chain mobility.
Consent requirements in compulsory fieldwide unitization

The Rule of Capture, which allows a landowner to drain oil and gas from beneath his neighbor's land without liability, is an incentive for each landowner to drill and produce as rapidly as possible. Recent economic conditions have led to a re-evaluation of this rule because of possible undesirable effects. New restrictions to counter these undesirable effects include well spacing rules, the use of allowables as limits on production, establishment of pooled units, and the recent development of compulsory fieldwide unitization. The latter should prevent unnecessary drilling. There are a number of issues ripe for dispute in the consent requirements of fieldwide unitization statutes. Only the cooperative nature of the oil industry and the recognition of the benefits to be gained have prevented significant litigation. Legislation may be necessary if the consent statutes are inadequate to withstand future challenges.
Charge-transfer forces in the self-assembly of heteromolecular reactive solids: successful design of unique (single-crystal-to-single-crystal) Diels--Alder cycloadditions.

Electron donor/acceptor (EDA) interactions are found to be a versatile methodology for the engineering of reactive heteromolecular crystals. In this way, a series of the charge-transfer π-complexes between bis(alkylimino)-1,4-dithiin acceptors and anthracene donors are shown to form heteromolecular (1:1) crystalline solids that spontaneously undergo stereoselective [2 + 4] Diels−Alder cycloadditions. The flexible nature of the 1,4-dithiin moiety allows this homogeneous topochemical transformation to proceed with minimal distortion of the crystal lattice. As a result, a unique (single) crystal phase of the Diels−Alder adduct can be produced anti-thermodynamically with a molecular arrangement very different from that in solvent-grown crystals. Such a topochemical reaction between bis(methylimino)-1,4-dithiin and anthracene proceeds thermally and homogeneously up to very high conversions without disintegration of the single crystal. This ideal case of the mono-phase topochemical conversion can be continuousl...
Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis.

| Cranial sinovenous disorders comprise a disparate group of illnesses affecting one or more intracranial venous sinuses and cerebral veins, alone or in combination, due to a variety of causes. As medical knowledge advances, fewer and fewer patients have an "idiopathic" diagnosis, with causes clarified in an ever-increasing number of patients. These not only include the long-known puerperal, marantic, infective, and traumatic causes, but in recent years, also a variety of congenital and acquired coagulation disorders, such as protein S, protein C, and antithrombin III deficiency. Certain sinuses are preferentially involved with certain causative entities; for example, cavernous and lateral sinuses are more frequently occluded in relation to infectious processes, either directly or as a parameningeal focus, whereas the superior sagittal sinus is most often occluded by trauma, tumor, or coagulopathy. The optimal treatment of sinovenous occlusion depends on establishing the cause with alacrity, because delays in diagnosis may lead to life-threatening hyperpyrexia, elevations in intracranial pressure, venous infarctions, seizures, coma, and death. However, because up to a third of patients with nonseptic occlusions may survive untreated, with few residua, controversy persists regarding optimal management. There has been a dearth of randomized, prospective treatment trials in this group of disorders. The little data that exist suggest that rapid control of infection, seizure prophylaxis, and anticoagulation must be achieved early so as to prevent progres-sion of thrombosis and intracranial venous hypertension. In recent years, direct retrograde venous thrombolysis has become increasingly available, and has produced such remarkable results that it is likely soon to become the primary treatment of choice for the nontraumatic or nontumoral occlusions.
Half a Century on the Concepts of Innateness and Instinct: Survey, Synthesis and Philosophical Implications

This paper first surveys and criticizes the various attempts by students of behavior to define the concept of innateness. A new definition, based on these (especially that of Lorenz), and reformulable in terms of now classic notions in genetics and evolutionary theory, is then offered: A trait is innate if, and only if, it is canalized and such that any phenotype in the reaction norm which does not possess the trait is a morphose — hence maladapted — and such that all modifications do possess the trait. A narrower definition of innateness, based on the first definition, is suggested to delimit what is called “the Lorenzian notions of innateness” and to provide a framework within which to discuss the notion of a fixed action pattern. Evidence, from the recent literature, is adduced to show the existence and importance of such patterns — even for human behavior. In the final section, it is argued that a paradigm shift has indeed occurred and that although this scientific revolution has been accompanied by many of the irrational elements noted by the Kuhnian school of philosophy of science, the shift has in fact been made upon perfectly rational grounds. That this should be true of so controversial a field is strong evidence against the irrationalist thesis in philosophy of science.
Interaction of the natural antioxidant echinochrome with hydroperoxides under anaerobic conditions

The action of cumene hydroperoxide and oxidized ethyl esters of the fatty acids of linseed oil on echinochrome (2,3,5,7,8-pentahydroxy-6-ethylnaphthalene-1,4-dione), an active scavenger of peroxide radicals, was investigated under anaerobic conditions (argon). The dependence of the rate of consumption of echinochrome on the initial concentrations of the components indicates the occurrence of two competitive reactions: a) with hydroperoxides and b) with the radicals formed in the thermolysis of hydroperoxides. The upper limit of the values of the rate constants of the reaction of echinochrome with cumene hydroperoxide (5·10−7 M−1·sec−1) and with the total hydroperoxides of linseed oil (3·10−6 M−1·sec−1) was determined.
Neural network models and the prediction of bank bankruptcy

Abstract The number of failed banks has reached a high unparalleled since the great Depression. Research in developing predictive models for bank failures is therefore warranted and desirable in this turbulent period. In this paper, we present a neural network approach to bank failures prediction and compare its performance with existing models. Empirical results show that among alternative models, neural networks is a competitive instrument for evaluating the financial condition of a bank. The study concludes with a discussion on the potential and limitations of neural networks as a general modelling tool for financial applications.